August 14, 2026
Dear Southern Community,
As we prepare to welcome our community back for the fall semester, you will notice the next phase of our campus signage refresh taking shape across the academic quad.
Over the summer, Integrated Communications & Marketing and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion worked with ALAS (Advancing Latino/a/e/xs at Southern) to develop a new series of lamp post banners that brings together ideas fundamental to who we are: our commitment to social justice, our pursuit of academic excellence, and our acknowledgment and celebration of Southern’s emerging identity as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
During the last academic year, Hispanic and Latino-identifying students surpassed 25% of Southern’s undergraduate enrollment, reaching the enrollment threshold historically associated with federal HSI eligibility. This is an important milestone for Southern and a reflection of the community we serve today.
The new banners feature values developed in partnership with ALAS and are presented in both English and Spanish, an intentional reflection of the community we are today and the one we continue to build.
The installation is especially timely as we approach National HSI Week, September 14–18, and Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15–October 15. The Division of DEI and partners across campus are planning opportunities to recognize this moment and celebrate the many ways our Hispanic and Latino/a/e/xs community has shaped Southern’s culture, scholarship, and identity. More information about those celebrations will be shared in the coming weeks.
As our campus refresh continues, we will look for additional opportunities to ensure our physical environment reflects the people, cultures, ideas, and communities that make Southern distinct.
Sincerely,
Sandra Bulmer, Ph.D.
Interim President
Sergio Perez, Ed.D.
VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion