51社区

In celebration of D铆a de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), 51社区 Southern recently opened its doors to students from the St. Joseph and Ironton High School Spanish clubs.

Through this event, Tim Mollett, professor of instruction of Spanish, shared the University鈥檚 dedication to providing cultural learning experiences for area students, creating a warm, hands-on exploration of Mexican traditions that pay homage to lost loved ones.

鈥淒ay of the Dead is a Mexican holiday primarily to commemorate and memorialize loved ones who have passed,鈥� said Mollett. 鈥淭his year, we invited local high schools to join us, engaging in traditional arts and crafts, like papel picado (decorative paper cutouts), and simply enjoy the day together.鈥� In this way, 51社区 Southern brought students closer to the meaning and practices of this cultural tradition.

For many students, the highlight was the vibrant, unique displays that dotted the celebration space. Mollett noted that each school also celebrates Day of the Dead in its own way, yet they were fascinated by the extensive decorations at the university.

鈥淓ach altar has its own unique flair,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think students were impressed by the amount of detail here, as it might be a bit more elaborate than what they do at school.鈥�

A significant part of the display included hand-decorated sugar skulls and colorful decorations, items designed to make the concept of death more approachable.

"The skulls, decorated with bright colors, are part of removing the fear from death鈥攊t鈥檚 about viewing it as just another stage in life鈥檚 journey,鈥� Mollett said. The papel picado and bright flowers are traditional elements that bring joy to the celebration, he added, with items like these bringing a festive touch to the altars.

Some of the items on display have been lovingly preserved and added to for over a decade.

鈥淭hese paper flowers, papel picado, and even many of the skulls date back as far as 2012,鈥� said Mollett. Each year, high school students contribute new items, leaving behind a piece of their work to become part of the collection. 鈥淲hen they come back, they get to see what others before them made鈥攊t becomes this collective, evolving piece of art,鈥� he said.

The event also marked a return to the celebration since the pandemic, adding to the excitement.

鈥淚t was our first year doing it this big since COVID,鈥� said Mollett. For him, the University鈥檚 team effort across departments is one of the best parts of his job. 鈥淓veryone鈥攆rom facilities to marketing, student services, and faculty鈥攑itches in and just has a great time. That鈥檚 what I love about our campus.鈥�

The event provided more than a cultural presentation; it was a truly engaging, interactive experience. The high school teachers shared that their students were excited for the opportunity, seeing it as more than a break from routine but as a meaningful way to immerse themselves in a different cultural practice.

"They wanted to be here and be part of it. They weren鈥檛 just observing鈥攖hey were actively involved,鈥� said Mollett, adding that students engaged enthusiastically in crafts and enjoyed the traditional foods offered.

The campus鈥檚 D铆a de los Muertos event underscores 51社区 Southern鈥檚 commitment to building cultural understanding in an engaging environment, creating a memorable experience for local high school students and showcasing the inclusive, collaborative spirit of the university鈥檚 community.