An Iowa College in the Liberal Arts Tradition
Tuesday, May 5
TUESDAY 5/5/15
The most recent version of the Tuesday is always available online at: http://www2.luther.edu/tuesday/
Published for faculty and staff by the Luther College Campus News office • Copy deadline: Friday, 3 p.m., 75-word limit • Phone: (563) 387-1865 • Email: <Tuesday>
Note: All campus telephone numbers are in the 563 area code, all campus email addresses end in @luther.edu • ©2015
Submit an item for the Tuesday at: www.luther.edu/tuesday/submit/
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Call for Nominations: College Resource Council Vacancies
The College Resource Council (CRC) includes a faculty or staff member, appointed by the President, who has expertise directly related to matters of diversity. The appointee serves for a three-year term. The CRC appointment by definition also puts the person on the Diversity Council. Novian Whitsitt held this position for 2014-15 but he is stepping down due to his election to the appointment tenure promotion committee.
All faculty and staff are invited to nominate an individual to serve a three-year term. Self-nominations are welcome as well. Please also offer your counsel on the experience or wisdom this nominee would bring to Luther College's national and global engagements with diversity.
Staff representative Paul Mattson is also leaving CRC, having completed his three-year term. Staff are invited to nominate a colleague who has budget center responsibility, from among the hourly and salaried employee cohort, to fill this three-year appointment.
Nominations for both positions may be sent to Marcia Bullerman, <bullerma>, by Friday, May 15. A description of the Council and its duties can be found on KATIE. [Search for "College Resource Council" in the 'search courses' box in the upper-right corner of any KATIE page. If prompted to enroll, accede.]
VP for Finance search update
A report on the progress of the search for Luther's next Vice President for Finance and Administration can be found at "https://www.luther.edu/
Center for Ethics and Public Life
President Carlson and Dean Kraus are pleased to announce the membership of a planning group to re-vision the work and leadership of the Center for Ethics and Public Life. The following faculty and staff have agreed to serve: Terry Sparkes, Chair; Wanda Deifelt; Andrew Last; LaDonna McGohan; Holly Moore; Pedro dos Santos; Lori Stanley; Mike Blair; Karen Martin-Schramm; and Wintlett Taylor-Browne. The work of this group will begin this spring and continue into the fall semester. As part of their charge, the group will provide opportunities for the broader community to share ideas for enhancing the work of the Center.
COLLEGE OPERATIONS
Faculty recognition events
Faculty and staff are invited to attend two faculty recognition events. A reception honoring 10 colleagues marking 25-year anniversaries will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 12. A reception and dinner honoring 13 faculty who are retiring will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Both events will be held in Peace Dining Room. For more information and to RSVP for the reception and/or purchase tickets for the dinner, go to the Ticket Office in the CFL or to tickets.luther.edu.
Attention shuttle riders
After much discussion and consideration, the shuttle will now require that all shuttle tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance of initial departure time for the 2015-16 Academic Year. This information has been posted on the shuttle website along with shuttle schedule for 2015-16. https://tickets.luther.edu/Online/shuttle. This new policy is in effect for all online ticket sales as well as in-person ticket office sales. No exceptions will be made, please plan schedules accordingly. Contact <shuttle> or Kasey Nikkel, <kasey.nikkel>, with questions or concerns.
Luther logos licensing plans canceled
Plans to license use of Luther's logos are canceled. However, new information on logo usage has been added to luther.edu/publications. A navigation button, "Luther logos usage" links to two new pages. "Campus groups" tells which organizations should use which logos and has instructions for student organizations that want to sell fundraising merchandise. "Vendors" tells vendors whether they need approval for designs using the logos, and how to get it. Direct questions to <publications>.
Fiscal year end approaching
The end of the fiscal year is approaching. Remember all supplies, materials, etc., must be received by Sunday, May 31, to be expensed to a fiscal year 2014-15 budget. Outstanding travel expense reports, original invoices, supporting purchase orders and purchase permits or account adjustments should be sent to the Office for Financial Services by Friday, June 12, to be included in FY 2014-15 budget. No faxed copies. Items for deposit must be sent to the Office for Financial Services by Friday, June 5. Thanks for helping OFS close out the year in a timely manner.
Campus programming reminder
All campus events must be scheduled on the campus calendar and have a facility reserved before it can occur. This is true for all academic and staff departments and student organizations. To secure a spot for an event, stop in the Campus Programming office in the CFL or submit the Event Request Form located at: https://www.luther.edu/
Finals Prep Week
A campus programming reminder to all that Tuesday-Sunday, May 12-16 is considered Finals Prep Week and is intended to provide additional space for students to prepare for tests, papers and finals. These six days are set aside for academic preparation for finals and Luther does not schedule public events during this time, including student-led events. All campus events conclude before May 12. Exceptions include athletic events, social gatherings, Cool Aid, student research symposia and Senior Recognition Day and Research Symposium.
New posts to the Ideas and Creations blog
Wondering what your colleagues are pondering? Or what is going on in the minds of Luther students? Get caught up on the Ideas and Creations blog with recent posts by Luther junior Catherine Lewis and La Donna McGohan: https://www.luther.edu/
Disaster relief collection
Nepalese Luther students and College Ministries are collecting funds for those affected by the earthquake in Nepal. Funds will be sent to the ELCA's Lutheran Disaster Response. LDR works in partnership with local leaders and agencies and stays long after a disaster. One hundred percent of funds designated for earthquake relief will be used to assist those directly impacted. See more at http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/Nepal-Earthquake. Checks can be made out to Luther College with "earthquake" in the memo line, and brought or sent to College Ministries.
Staff Day - save the date
Staff Day will be held Tuesday, June 9, beginning with lunch. This year's theme is "A Luther Luau" so dig out those Hawaiian shirts. If anyone knows how to play the ukelele, e-mail Kate Duffert at <trigka01>.
LIS tip
Lynda.com is a provider of web-based software training videos and resources. If you are interested in access to Lynda.com, please contact the Technology Help Desk at <helpdesk> or 387-1000.
Mail Center reminder:
If mailing items to the SPO, please include name/department on the envelope in case the student doesn't pick up the item they can be returned.
Document Center envelope/letterhead orders:
The last order for the fiscal year will be placed on Friday, May 15. Please make sure to have orders emailed or dropped off by noon. A job can be submitted anytime, but for the lowest costs submit with the group. Please email or call with questions: <doccenter> or 382-1631, ask for Vikki or Kim.
Luther students honored during Entrepreneurial Showcase
The 30th annual Luther College Entrepreneurial Showcase was held Tuesday, April 14, in Luther College's Peace Dinning Room. During the program, the Daryl and Audrey Erdman Prizes for Entrepreneurship were awarded to Luther senior Evan Sowder, junior Eric Tiller as well as Luther sophomores Patrick Larson, Gus Nelson and Lars Sorenson. Sowder was the grand prize winner of $5,000 with his company Evan Sowder Photography.
Desserts in Decorah
Looking for faculty and staff members to host our annual Desserts in Decorah event for first-year students from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. Open your home to approximately eight first-year students to be part of this very popular event. If interested, please complete the following form by May 15: http://tinyurl.com/
Sweeten the Deal
Stop by the Book Shop Thursday-Saturday, May 7-9 and draw a "sweet" lollipop to receive an extra discount of 15, 20 or 25 percent off a purchase of sweatpants and hooded sweatshirts.
Recycle, repurpose, reuse
The Book Shop is collecting copies of the 2012 summer reading book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." Copies will be shipped to Gustavus Adolphus College for their faculty/staff summer read. Gustavus is sending their books to Central College. Let's help start this sustainable tradition. Bring copies to the Book Shop no later than Friday, May 22, and receive a coupon for 25 percent off one item, including clearance.
EVENTS
Home sporting events this week
Congratulations to the softball team who will be hosting the NCAA Regional Softball tournament this weekend, May 8-10. Follow the Norse throughout the weekend here: https://www2.luther.edu/sports/women/softball/headlines/?story_id=624287
Chapel
Farewell and Godspeed for faculty and staff.
We will be honoring departing and retiring faculty and staff in chapel during the last week of classes. On Monday, May 11, we will offer prayer of Godspeed and farewell for those departing from Luther and on Wednesday, May 13 for those retiring from Luther. There will be a brief reception in the CFL lobby after chapel for those who are able to stay.
May 6: Ann Highum
May 8: Opening Celebration, Student Research Symposium, 9 a.m. Luther Trumpets, Aurora, Norsemen
May 11: Sean Burke, Farewell and Godspeed for Departing Faculty and Staff
May 12: Ruth Caldwell, Senior Recognition Covocation, 9:40 a.m. Wind and Percussion Ensemble, Marjorie Wharton, Pianist
Chapel is regularly held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; please note the time changes above for special events.
See the College Ministries webpage for the full chapel schedule, along with information on streaming Sunday worship, Holden Evening Prayer and other worship opportunities.
Luther and Climate Change Mini Series
The Center for Sustainable Communities is hosting a series titled, "Luther and Climate Change." The series runs from 9:40-10:30 a.m. Thursday mornings in Valders 367. The presentations will focus on one topic each and will last about 15 minutes, followed by a question and answer session. The last two sessions will focus on Luther's commitments, actions and local food. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments are provided.
Moments of Silence
To raise awareness on campus about issues of race, gender and poverty, and to express solidarity with families and communities suffering as they grieve the untimely deaths of their loved ones after the Ferguson incidents, the Don't Shoot Group is sponsoring Moments of Silence. MOS remembers the victims of police violence and challenges all to speak up. From 10:50 to 10:55 a.m. through May 14, at Bentdahl Commons, a biography of one of the victims will be read before a brief moment of silence. All will then be asked to leave in silence.
Donna Kubesh retirement celebration
Donna Kubesh, associate professor of nursing, will retire after 33 years of service to Luther. During her time at the college, Kubesh served on numerous committees, taught classes throughout all grade levels and was the Department Head for 15 years. All are welcome to wish her well on retirement from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, on the patio located on the south side of Valders. Weather location: Sampson Hoffland atrium.
Faculty and staff pilates at Luther
Pilates classes in the CFA Dance Studio Room 121, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 and May 13. There is no charge and all faculty and staff are welcome. Contact Bridgette Mitchell for more information or with questions, [email protected] or 419-0269.
Economics 490 senior project presentations
Interested in learning more about the role of oil and coffee in third world development, feminist economics, why the younger generation should save, the value of a liberal arts education and more? Join the Economics 490 Senior Project course in Peace Dining at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, to hear about their semester-long research followed by a poster session. Food and refreshments will be provided.
EVENT CANCELED-'From Odin to Christ- How Runes Speak of Religion'
Due to a medical emergency Henrik Williams, Uppsala University professor of Scandinavian Languages, will not be presenting the guest lecture "From Odin to Christ- How Runes Speak of Religion" at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, in Olin 102. The event is canceled, no future date pending.
'Exploring the World and Finding our Place'
After backpacking, rock-climbing, and kayaking his way around the U.S. and Costa Rica, Chuck Stark ('06), will present, "Exploring the World and Finding our Place" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in Valders Room 206. The lecture is open to the public with no charge for admission. Stark will share the explorations he has taken since his time at Luther and discuss where adventures may take others in the audience using the idea that exploration happens any time.
'Pursuing a Meaningful Life: Human Rights and Education in Nepal'
Dorje Gurung will present the guest lecture "Pursuing a Meaningful Life: Human Rights and Education in Nepal" at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, in Valders 206. An informal discussion will occur at 12:45 p.m. May 7, in Valders Room 262. The lecture and discussion are open to the public with no charge for admission.
Luther College Spring Opera 'The Magic Flute'
The Luther College Music Department presents Mozart's "The Magic Flute" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther campus. Arguably one of Mozart's most beloved and frequently performed operas, "The Magic Flute" hails the triumph of courage, virtue and wisdom. Regular tickets for the performance are $15; $8 for children 12 and under.
Luther College Student Research Symposium May 8
The Luther College Student Research Symposium, a full-day event celebrating the vibrant intellectual life and learning at Luther will be held on Friday, May 8. Sessions are open to the public to attend all day, in various locations on the Luther campus, beginning with a plenary session at 9 a.m. in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life. A community dessert gathering will be held at 12:15 p.m. in Bentdahl Commons with complementary desserts and ice cream novelties. The complete program for the Student Research Symposium is now posted at http://www.luther.edu/
Luther College Research and Honors Visit Event
Luther College will host a Research and Honors Visit Event for prospective students Friday, May 8, giving visitors the opportunity to see and celebrate the vibrant intellectual life at Luther. Visitors will participate in portions of the college's Student Research Symposium to see examples of the scholarship, research and creativity of students from a variety of disciplines. Parents are welcome to attend as well.
Student recitals
Jordan Cox, Luther College junior from Baraboo, Wisconsin, will perform an alto saxophone recital at noon Saturday, May 9.
Recitals are held in the Noble Recital Hall of the Jenson-Noble Music Hall with receptions to follow. Recitals and receptions are open to the public with no charge for admission.
Luther College to host trumpeter John Marchiando May 9
Principal trumpeter John Marchiando will present a guest recital at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Noble Recital Hall. The recital is open to the public with no charge for admission. The concert will also feature Du Huang, Luther associate professor of music, piano, and John Cord, Luther assistant professor of music, trumpet.
Mother's Day brunch
Mother's Day brunch will be served in Peace Dining from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, May 10. Reservations are required. Adults, $13.50, Children 5-10, $6.50 and Children under 5 are free. Call 387-1514 for reservations.
Lucille Stansberry Rosholt recital
Luther College will host the Lucille Stransberry Rosholt Distinction in Accompanying and Collaborative Keyboard Performance Scholarship recital at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 10, in the Noble Recital Hall. The recital will be followed by an award ceremony and reception. The program and reception are open to the public with no charge for admission. Finalists include Bryan Banowetz of Robins, Iowa, and Kate Gerike of Chaska, Minnesota.
Luther students to present original pieces May 11
Luther College will host an evening of new music composed by members of Luther's composition studio. Out of the 15 student composers in this year's composition studio, five students have been selected to present their pieces at 9 p.m. Monday, May 11, in the Noble Recital Hall. Works to be performed include solo, chamber and electronic music with video.
Senior Send-Off
The Luther College Student Senate and the Alumni Office cordially invite all to Senior Send-Off at the Hotel Winneshiek Steyer Opera House 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 21. The evening brings graduating seniors, faculty and staff together for a memorable evening of celebration. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided with a cash bar available. Live music will be provided for the evening. Registration information can be found at: https://www2.luther.edu/alumni/events/sendoff/.
Luther Concert Band and Jazz Orchestra perform showcase May 22
The Luther College Concert Band and Jazz Orchestra will perform together for a Music Showcase, part of Luther's Commencement weekend events, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, in the CFL Main Hall. Joan deAlbuquerque, director of bands and associate professor of music, directs the Concert Band and Juan Tony Guzmán, associate professor of music and director of the jazz program, directs the Jazz Orchestra.
Luther College to celebrate Commencement May 24
Luther College will celebrate Commencement at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 24, in Carlson Stadium when President Paula Carlson will confer the Bachelor of Arts degree on Luther's class of 2015. Mike Danforth, a 1995 graduate of Luther and executive producer of National Public Radio's "Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!" will give the commencement speech. Tickets are required for those attending the ceremony. Guests with tickets should be seated by 9:45 a.m
COMMUNITY
Celebrations this week
Birthdays
May 5: Beth Philips, Jeannette Pillsbury, Megan Strom, Lynn Williams
May 6: David Bishop, Karen Kanakis
May 7: Jeff Wilkerson
May 8: Vickie Harper-Halverson
May 9: Robert Ashcraft, Beth Lynch, Tori Troendle
May 10: Sharon Rossing, Laree Schouweiler
May 11: Diane Gossman, Michael Johnson, Gereon Kopf, Renee Lillibridge, Diane Vagts
Anniversaries
May 8: Mary Teslow, 15 years
Sympathy
To Donna Ryant on the April 27 passing of her mother, Catherine Huinker, 84 of Ossian, Iowa.
Job openings
Energy and waste fellow: This is a 10-month, full-time, 40 hour/week, (.83 FTE) position starting Aug. 1 and ending May 31. The Energy and Waste Fellow works with faculty, staff and students to educate the Luther community about the college's energy and waste reduction goals and related initiatives. A bachelor's degree, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of people required.
Admissions full-time coordinator of special events: Responsible for all aspects of on-campus recruiting events including planning, invitation, registration and evaluation. Requirements include a bachelor's degree, with a master's preferred, above average communication skills and three years experience in admissions or a related field.
Luther College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. For full posting and application information on all current openings, please go to the employment website at https://luthercollege.hiretouch.com.
ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS, ETC.
Kate Elliott recently had her article, "Reclaiming the Land, Reclaiming the Indian: The La Salle series of George Catlin," published in the journal American Nineteenth Century History. The article examines a series of paintings by the American artist George Catlin, arguing that Catlin used the series as a sort of reclamation project in which he sought to rescue an imagined "pure" past at contact and preserve it in paint in order to make it available and useful to the present.
Two research studies on forgiveness and health conducted at Luther College were recently cited and discussed in the Huffington Post in the story, "8 Ways Forgiveness Is Good For Your Health." Loren Toussaint authored this research along with student and alumni co-authors including: Alyssa Cheadle (UCLA), Amy Owen '99, and Gabe Dorn '15. The story can be found at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/25/forgiveness-health benefits_n_6029736.html. Toussaint was quoted in the Chilean newspaper, Latercera, in a story on forgiveness. The newspaper can be found online at: http://www.latercera.com/noticia/tendencias/2015/04/659-626979-9-ya-no-hay-como-pedir-perdon.shtml.
Justin Sprung, along with co-author YoungAh Park of Kansas State University, gave a presentation titled "Work-School Conflict, Work-School Supportive Supervisor Behaviors, and Well-being" as part of a symposium at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology's annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 25.
Jim Martin-Schramm presented "Practicing Joyful Stewardship: Sustainability Initiatives at Luther College" April 30 at Loras College.
Sören Steding presented at the annual conference of the American Comparative Literature Association in Seattle on fictional robots and androids as moral agents.
Kari Gronningsaeter's essay on Tex Sordahl was pulished in the Norwegian newspaper "Setesdolen" April 24.
Luther's Todd Green combats Islamophobia in his new book "The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West." The book is available through Fortress Press, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and IndieBound. CNN interviewed Green May 4 about Pam Gellar, president of the American Freedom Defense Initiative and planner of the "Draw Mohammed" event in Garland, Texas, where two gunman were shot and killed after opening fire at the event.
UNCLASSIFIED ADS
House for rent: One block from Luther, 3-4 bedroom, two baths, lower level walkout. Stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer included. Available June 1. Rent is $950/mo. Contact Karen, [email protected] or 380-0612.
Canon cameras for sale: Canon EOS Rebel Ti 35mm SLR kit with 28-90mm lens - autofocus 35mm SLR with full manual options, retractable built-in flash, 11 exposure modes and includes 28-90mm zoom lens. Brand new batteries. In great condition. Asking $175 OBO. Canon PowerShot SX230 HS - HS SYSTEM, 12.1 megapixels, 14x wide-angle optical zoom, 1080p full HD video and GPS technology that automatically tags your photos with time and locations. Great travel camera, perfect for Summer adventures. Excellent condition. Asking $200. Contact Maren <stumma01>.
For rent: Two-bedroom home for rent only two blocks from downtown Decorah. Two blocks from the bike trail, Upper Iowa River and all the other great aspects Decorah has to offer. Newly remodeled kitchen and bath. All major appliances furnished. Washer and dryer are located on the main level. Tenant pays all utilities. Landlord mows the lawn and tenant shovels the sidewalk. $750 month. Contact Tade Kerndt, [email protected] for a rental application.
Housing wanted: Looking for summer housing, from June 1 to the end of August. One or two bedroom and willing to house sit! Clean and low-maintenance. Contact Kelley, <lokema02> or (651) 503-4413.
Housing wanted: Looking for two or three bedroom summer rental, short term. DNR employees in Decorah area. Furnished preferred but not absolutely necessary. Contact Erika, [email protected] or (305) 619-0244.
Free swing set: Metal swing set with monkey bars and slide, free if hauled. Needs paint. Call Loren 419-8357.
For sale: Old Town 17-foot green canoe, trailer with 12-inch wheels, paddles. Whole package for $800, can be seen at 204 Ohio st. Call Dennis, (641) 220-3847, (641) 220-4562 or [email protected].
Looking for house to rent: Two or three professional families, Luther alumni, looking for a house to rent, Thursday through Sunday over Nordic Fest. Decorah native, son of a professor, we'll take care of your home! Downtown or West Side preferred. Contact Hans Sieber, (720) 315-0123 or [email protected].
Storage needed: Student looking for a place to store a large couch in Decorah over the summer. The couch is an L-shape that can be separated in three pieces. Willing to pay a nominal fee for the summer. Help with lifting and transportation of the couch not needed. For further information, or if you have space available, contact Kalla, <galyka01>.
For sale: 2007 Chevy Trailblazer LT, excellent condition, 4WD, leather and heated power driver and passenger seats, sunroof/moonroof, steering wheel stereo controls, cruise, six disc CD changer with Bose sound system, Sirius/XM satellite radio, OnStar, hitch, local vehicle, 106,000 miles. $9,900 OBO located in Decorah. Contact Blake (605) 391-5245 or email <kleinbl01>.
For sale: Craftsman 22-inch 179cc snowblower, electric start; Ryobl compound miter saw; 50cc. Extreme motor scooter; Bissell carpet cleaner; 1971 Honda 350CB Motorcycle, good condition, will run; Sony undercounter nine-inch TV, DVD/CD, radio combo; Samsung Galaxy S4 phone with Otterbox Defender case, holster, charger, mint condition $130; older Yamaha electric golf cart, batteries and tires very good, runs fine, $300 Call Jim, 380-9611.
For sale: 2001 Chrysler Town and Country van, with 115,000 miles. Good shape, power windows and doors, six seats, has served our family well! Blue book is $2,100, will sell for $1,800. Contact Ann, <highuman>or 380-9808.
Free plants: We are looking to thin out our landscaping and have lilies of the valley, day lilies, hastas, and some ferns, hydrangea, and ever-bearing raspberries available for the taking. Please contact Steph <frethams> for more information.
For rent: Condo in residential neighborhood, two bedroom, two bathrooms, open kitchen to dining room, living room, walk out porch, large garage, two blocks from downtown. No pets, no smoking. Contact Kris, <petekr05> or (641) 430-1077.
Housing wanted: Recent Luther graduate seeking housing for July or August through December. Looking for 1-2 bedroom apartment or house/pet sitting. Nonsmoker, no pets of my own. Returning to Luther to work for fall semester. Contact Astri at (630) 631-2072
Home for rent: 3,300 square foot home-built in 2010. Large two-plus stall garage on three acres including beautiful landscaping, deck, patio, campfire area, gardens and woods with a walking path. Moving overseas in late July and won't be back until June 2016. Looking for someone to care for our home as if it were theirs. No pets. Will leave the house furnished, including the grand piano. References required. Call Adrienne 380-6276.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
And finally...
Today is Cinco de Mayo! Spanish for "fifth of May," Cinco de Mayo is a celebrated in the United States and in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla).
The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken to be Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national holiday in Mexico—which is actually Sept. 16.
"For children, diversity needs to be real and not merely relegated to learning the names of the usual suspects during Black History Month or enjoying south-of-the-border cuisine on Cinco de Mayo. It means talking to and spending time with kids not like them so that they may discover those kids are in fact just like them."