September 19, 2023, at 11 a.m. • “With GRIT” honors National Hispanic Heritage Month
Inver Hills Community College is proud to welcome Saul Flores, the keynote speaker at a special event honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month. Titled “With GRIT,” Saul’s speaking engagement takes place Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 11 a.m. on Student Success Day (SSD) in the Activities building gymnasium on the college’s campus in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
Join Saul Flores, philanthropist, photojournalist, speaker, and first-generation college student, and spend an hour exploring the power of grit. From getting accepted to college to landing your dream job, grit is what makes us truly great. Regardless of our background, status, or intelligence, grit is the great equalizer.
In his program, Saul explains how students can harness the power of grit to work toward purpose-driven goals. Through storytelling, discussion, and practical exercises, students will feel empowered to develop gritty habits and use grit as a tool for navigating their college journeys.
Students, faculty, staff, and the wider community will also have the enriching opportunity to experience and celebrate the cultural diversity and contributions of our Hispanic communities.
More about Saul Flores…
Saul Flores (pronounced sah–ool), is a philanthropist, photojournalist, and nationally renowned speaker whose compelling journey has touched people’s hearts at more than 250 universities, organizations, and companies. Saul inspires people through his visual presentations while helping them realize the capacity of their immense human potential in times of extreme adversity.
Saul’s social impact projects focus on giving back to his mother’s hometown of Atencingo, Mexico, to ensure the pursuit of education stays viable and strong. Saul’s work has been featured on National Public Radio, MSNBC, and TEDx.
Most notably, Saul walked 5,328 miles through 10 countries and nine border crossings to document how grueling and dangerous the journeys of immigrants to the United States. One goal of the walk was to raise money for an elementary school in Atencingo. Through poignant storytelling and captivating photography, Saul shares the trials and triumphs of his arduous trek across Latin America, motivating others to find hope and strength in their own challenges.
Learn more about Saul Flores and his incredible journey by visiting:
CAMPUSPEAK: Saul Flores
WHAT: Saul Flores: “With GRIT”
WHEN: Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 11 a.m.
Student Success DayWHERE: Activities Building Gym
Inver Hills Community College
2500 80th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
General: 651-450-3000
Maps & Directions
Campus Map
More about National Hispanic Heritage Month…¹
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
LEARN MORE…
Learn more about Student Success Day at Inver Hills by contacting:
Kimberly Swinney
Director of Student Life
Inver Hills Community College
651-450-3544
Office: College Center Room 116c
¹ SOURCE: National Hispanic Heritage Month
More about Student Success Day at Inver Hills…
Inver Hills Community College holds Student Success Day (SSD) each semester on campus. Fall semester’s SSD takes place Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The student-centered event features a keynote speaker, one-on-one faculty time, and information sessions to help students focus on their college goals.
