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Western Washington University will host a series of Latine-centered events over the next month that celebrate culture, community, and year-end milestones. Events are open to the public and reflect growing efforts to create culturally affirming spaces on campus through La Plaza and student-led leadership by clubs like Latinx Men in Higher Education. 

Low Rider Show Returns to Red Square – Sunday, May 18

The Low Rider Show, a cherished campus tradition first led by M.E.Ch.A. de ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, returns to Red Square on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event is organized by Latinx Men in Higher Education (LMHE) and promises a lively afternoon with classic lowriders, student performances, local vendors, and a hops contest. 

LMHE, an Ethnic Student Center (ESC) club established in 2022, has organized last year’s and this year’s Low Rider Show. Incredible student leaders from LMHE have spent countless hours planning this community celebration. This year, La Plaza — ²ÝÁñÉçÇø’s new Latine Student Center — has provided expanded support to LMHE in their organizing efforts, strengthening the event’s impact and visibility.

M.E.Ch.A. de ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, which originally hosted the Low Rider Show for nearly two decades, will also be present, tabling as they prepare for an official relaunch in fall 2025. The club will share its legacy and invite new members to be part of its next chapter.

These collaborations reflect the strong network of support among ESC organizations, who work closely to uplift the voices of students of color, celebrate cultural heritage, and create welcoming spaces for students and families on campus.

²ÝÁñÉçÇø Low Rider Show

Sunday, May 18
11 AM – 4 PM
Red Square, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø
Performances | Food Vendors | Lowriders + Hops Contest
Free and open to the public

La Plaza Fundraiser & Showcase to Raise $1,000 for Art Piece – Monday, May 19

On Monday, May 19, La Plaza will host its first Fundraiser & Showcase from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) Plaza. The event celebrates La Plaza’s first full year of programming and raises funds for a new art piece that will be installed in the center’s future home—VU 507 (formerly the Viking Union Gallery).

The goal is to raise $1,000 to commission a student- and community-inspired artwork that reflects the spirit of La Plaza and the people who shape it. Visitors can enjoy aguas frescas for sale, student art, and a visual display of La Plaza’s programming throughout the year—from leadership summits and intersectional collaborations to cultural events and support networks.

La Plaza is excited about the move into VU 507 and will celebrate their accomplishments and growth over the last year.

La Plaza Fundraiser & Showcase

Monday, May 19
11 AM – 2 PM
PAC Plaza, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø
Aguas frescas for sale
Student art and year-in-review
All proceeds support a new community art installation in La Plaza’s future home , VU 507 (formally the VU Gallery).

¡Sí Se Pudo! La Plaza’s Celebration of Graduates – Friday, June 13

To close out the quarter, La Plaza will host ¡Sí Se Pudo!, a celebration of graduates on Friday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room (VU MPR). The bilingual event will honor students graduating this year and is open to their families and the broader community. While this event centers Latine students, this celebration is open to all graduating students. 

The evening will feature food, music, keynote speakers, and a chance to recognize the resilience and achievements of graduating students.

This is a space to honor our students’ journeys and celebrate with the families who’ve supported them along the way. For more information and details on how to participate, please visit La Plaza’s instagram page @wwulaplaza. 

¡Sí Se Pudo! La Plaza Celebration of Graduates

Friday, June 13
5:30 PM
Viking Union MPR
Bilingual celebration with food, music, and community

Together, these three events reflect the strength and unity of Latine students at ²ÝÁñÉçÇø, as well as the power of cultural organizing. Whether you’re showing up to support a friend, enjoy the food and art, or learn more about the community’s impact, everyone is welcome.