As part of Latinx Heritage Month, the University of Northern Iowa will be hosting a reading with Jesus “Chuy” Renteria on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. in Sabin 002. Renteria will read from his coming-of-age memoir, “We Heard It When We Were Young: Tales of Growing Up Mexican American in Small-Town Iowa,” which was released in 2021 by The University of Iowa Press.
From mid-March to July, UNI's Culture and Intensive English Program hosted nine Fulbright scholars from six countries in their immersive education program.
By creating a pathway for language exchange and study abroad opportunities, the partnership between UNI and a university in Yucatán, Mexico, is thriving.
For students who speak the language at home, ordinary Spanish classes aren't the best fit. This is exactly why UNI has a class designed for heritage speakers.
Putting students first is key for Nikki Harken. For nearly 20 years, Nikki has been an advocate, friend and mentor for her students as an instructor of communication studies, and as director of internships for the Department of Communication and Media. “My focus has always been on students,” she said. “I believe we should make all decisions based on what is good for them, which doesn't mean popular or easy, but what will help them in the long run.”
