Lone Star College-CyFair is commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of free public events, featuring lectures on Latino challenges relative to education and civil rights issues as well as personal stories of challenges, triumphs and success.

"My hope is that students will feel empowered and that there will be enough evidence and testimony that they will feel that, 'You know what? If they can do it, if they can rise from obscurity, then there’s a possibility that I can too,'" LSC-CyFair Professor Raúl R. Reyes said in a press release.

Here is the full lineup of events from LSC-CyFair:

Monday, Sept. 16


Educational Legacy and Challenges of the Latino Community: Historical Background of People of Mexican Heritage—With his more than 20 years of experience in high education, Professor Raúl R. Reyes gives his perspective on Latino challenges relative to education. CASE 114-116, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 17


Success through Education—Dr. Guadalupe Quintanilla discusses the challenges she has faced in her 50 years as a University of Houston professor and offers tips for student success in education. Conference Center, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 18


L.I.F.E.: History of the Piñata—Assistant Library Director for Children’s Services Paula Gonzales shares stories on the origin of the piñata. LRNC 131, 10 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19


The Longoria Affair—Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning Professor John Valádez talks about the racial injustice of Texas soldier Felix Longoria’s funeral arrangements and the Mexican-American Civil Rights movement. Main Stage Theatre, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24


Past, Present, Future Relevance—Author Cecilia Garcia Akers speaks about her late father, civil rights leader Dr. Hector P. Garcia, and her efforts to keep his legacy alive. CASA 110, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 30


El Tiempo Se Pasa—LSC Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Mario Castillo shares his journey and the challenges, triumphs and experiences he had on his rise to success. Venue TBD, 12:30 p.m.