Under a blanket of gray clouds on May 5, a burst of color could still be found on the campus grounds of Citrus College thanks to the Mi Gente Scholars program, a program designed to support those who have self-identified as Hispanic or Latinx, brought to fruition in fall 2025.
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican-American cultural tradition that was held to publicly celebrate the victory Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza had over French troops when they were the underdogs of the historical event that took place in Puebla, Mexico in 1862. Mi Gente used the colorful occasion to connect students to resources and awareness of their program.
Upon arriving at the event in the outdoor courtyard between the Ross L. Handy Campus Center and Hayden Memorial Library, the sounds of music could be heard from first-year music student Jade Lopez. On theme for the event, Lopez wore a traditional Mexican blouse and skirt embroidered with colorful flowers, as participants were encouraged to wear traditional or cultural attire via a Facebook post promoting the event. The English and Spanish tunes of the singer and the DJ provided additional ambiance to the event.
A group of white pop-up tents decorated with colorful banners of papel picado for the fiesta housed the various groups offering their services and event-related activities for students. Among the tents were Citrus’ counseling, financial aid, Promise Program and the Latinos Unidos Student Association, to name a few.
Check-in was held at the Mi Gente (spelled out in gold mylar balloons) tent situated closest to the Lecture Hall building. Students wanting to participate in the event scanned a QR code that led them to a survey asking basic student ID questions and if they’d like additional information about the program beyond the day’s event. Upon completion, they were provided a free appetizer ticket and allowed to roam the various tables.
The buffet of Mexican food was inside the front room of the Campus Center building. The menu was “thoughtful and inclusive to the various students’ dietary needs with vegetarian and gluten-free options,” said Dr. Betzabel Martinez Bleech, the director of Student Equity and Success Programs and lead organizer at the event. The items served were chicken or potato taquitos, mini cheese quesadillas, chips and salsa, guacamole and sour cream. For dessert, various pan dulces (sweet breads) were an option and pineapple agua frescas were the beverage of choice.
The programs at the event were encouraged to display or provide an activity themed for the Cinco De Mayo celebration. The library’s table had a display of books inspired by Mexican stories, people and foods. Counseling provided a vast selection of Mexican-inspired artwork and Latino Memes cut into a circle to make a button pin of choice.
At another tent, Peter Rodriguez, a Citrus professor of ethnic studies, assisted students in the creation of a screen-printed black and white T-shirt he designed to say “Hecho en Citrus College” with the Citrus’ logo in the center, a popular item among many of the students in attendance.
The Mi Gente program also offered students the opportunity to receive a graduation stole that was on display at the check-in table for those who submitted their graduation application identifying as Latinx. They are expecting 250 guests for their 4:30 p.m., May 14 event again at Campus Center.
Martinez Bleech also said that the Mi Gente Scholars program was designed to improve students’ campus community experience and promote a sense of belonging by embracing their Hispanic identity. The vice president of Student Services funds this program through an annual review process, providing the financial means to put on an event such as this one.
Still in their inaugural year, the pioneers of this new program are making an impact on the students they serve as they are expected to grow from 200 to 250 students on their graduation roster after this event, Martinez Bleech said. The program’s staff, faculty and flock of volunteers came together to organize and facilitate the event.
