CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Board of Trustees, Executive Session Nov. 3, 2017
Executive Summary – Student Engagement/Day of the Dead Celebration
The Board have requested that each board meeting include opportunities for trustees to engage directly with students—to have the opportunity to meet and speak with them and learn about their experience at Central. On November 3, the Board will meet with students who are preparing for Day of the Dead festivities. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a festive and colorful holiday celebrated in Mexico and most of Latin America to remember those who have passed away. The holiday is a combination of traditions of indigenous peoples and of the Catholic faith. CWU began celebrating Day of the Dead eight years ago . LatinX students had requested this as a way to revive lost traditions and create a sense of community. The event has grown to serve over 400 people, including many Latino residents and their families.
Sugar Skulls and Sand Tapestry: Day of the Dead in the SURC 10:50 Trustees walk or ride a golf cart from the Barge Courtyard to the east side of Student Union and Recreation Center to “The Pit.” 11:00 Meet with students who helped create the sand tapestry and the altar. 11:20 Meet in SURC Ballroom to speak with students leading craft tables and student performers. 11:45 Meet with Veronica Gomez-Vilchis, Asst. Diversity Director
More about Day of the Dead at CWU. On Friday, November 3, celebrations begin with a procession leaving Barge courtyard at 5 p.m. Aztec dancers and the CWU Mariachi Club will lead the way to Dean Hall where one altar will be, and will stop in the SURC Pit to see a second altar and the color sand tapestry. Then the procession will continue to the SURC Ballroom. Participants will carry a candle and an image of the person they want to remember. The festivities will start with Aztec dance performances, followed by CWU Mariachi del Centro, and other entertainment. The event has become a campus-wide collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Social Justice, Education Department, the Art Department, Anthropology, Center for Latino/a Latin American Studies, MEChA Student Organization, community vendors, and special guests and artists from Mexico and Seattle. CWU Latino/a/x students feel pride in sharing their traditions and culture with others.
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