For Immediate Release
September 7, 2007

Public Information Office
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UNC Asheville Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month



"Pan's Labyrinth"
The Spanish film "Pan's Labyrinth"
will be screened October 10

UNC Asheville joins the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15 with a host of special events. All events are free and open to the public.

Luis Collazo of the Hispanic/Latino Center in Fayetteville, N.C. will discuss "Hispanic Contributions to the Military: Past and Present" at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, in UNC Asheville's Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall. Collazo will examine the Hispanic role in the U.S. military from the Revolutionary War to the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

An open discussion on "Why Are We Laughing? Ethnic Humor and Its Effects on Society" will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union room 104. This dialogue encourages audience participation to take a closer look at how jokes can mean different things to different people in different circumstances. The discussion will also examine how humor can be used to establish rapport, educate and empower.

Community leaders and University faculty will come together to lead a panel discussion on immigration at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at UNC Asheville's Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall. In particular, section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act will be closely examined.

A screening of the recent hit movie "Pan's Labyrinth" will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union room 104. The film, set in post-Civil War Spain, tells the story of a girl named Ofelia who is given three tasks by a mysterious faun. This film, in Spanish with English subtitles, won three Academy Awards last year.

For more information, call UNC Asheville's Office of Multicultural Events and Organizations at 828/232-5110.