The altar at the ITEC Center, one of three prepared by the Spanish Club and located around TSC, was dedicated to iconic Hispanic artists who had passed away, such as: Pedro Infante, Cantinflas, Celia Cruz and others. Photographs of the deceased and various items representing their likes and characteristics adorned the altar, along with messages written to the artists.
“I’m very glad that this tradition of ours, which is so lively and representative of our heritage, is maintained and presented to the youth,” said Rodolfo Quilantán, Mexican Consul in Brownsville. “What better way than by having faculty demonstrate these traditions to today’s students.”
During the ceremony held around the altar, representatives of the Mexican Consulate in Brownsville spoke of the deep-rooted traditions the celebration of the DÃa de los Muertos represents, and how it has carried forth over so many generations and the passage of time.
“These are our roots and you can’t go through life without knowing where you came from, so I believe it is the club’s purpose to never forget since we are so close to the border,” said Rebecca Ortiz Escobar, president of the TSC Spanish Club. “We are so close to where we came from, but also so far.”
The TSC Spanish Club also prepared altars located at the Student Services Building and in the lobby of the Science, Engineering and Technology Building (SETB).
About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers 53 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate. TSC became independently operational in the fall of 2013, after engaging in a 20-year contractual arrangement with a public university.