University of Houston-Downtown’s Marilyn Davies College of Business has quite the celebration planned for Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event, which will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at the Shea Street Building, will commemorate the bicentennial independence of Central American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. During the celebration, the College will be dressed in a Central American theme, as Latin American flags from the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs line the first floor foyer and students and guests enjoy Central American food and live music on the Shea Street Building patio by Grammy Award singer Leslie Lugo. Free T-Shirts will also be given away at the celebration.

In addition, College of Business Dean Dr. Charles Gengler will announce the forming of a new partnership with the nonprofit organization, Central American Chamber of Commerce-Camara de Comercio Centroamericana, in an effort to bring opportunities to students and closer ties to the Central American business community of Houston.

Dignitaries from the consulates of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala attending include:

• CAMARA President Percy Pelaez
• CAMARA Vice President Maria Duran
• Consul General de El Salvador Adrian Chicas
• Vice -Consul de El Salvador Alejandra Guevara
• Consul General de Guatemala Jose Barillas

Houston City Council member Karla Cisneros will also present a proclamation from the city at the event.

“Our students are growing their international exposure through working with consulates from other nations,” Gengler said. “UHD is the premier Hispanic serving university in the Houston area. Sharing history and culture with the entire population builds a sense of understanding and inclusion. We invite everyone to attend this event and join in the celebration.”