To the UConn Community:

The Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of December:

Cultural and Federal Holidays:

World AIDS Day (December 1): Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, usually commemorated by wearing a red ribbon. This day reminds us of the ongoing crisis of AIDS: more than 35 million people have died from HIV- or AIDS-related illnesses since the virus was first identified in 1984, and an estimated 38 million people worldwide have the virus today. The day offers an opportunity to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and to support those currently living with HIV, as well as to raise awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education. This year’s theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” This theme highlights the impact of funding cuts from international donors and showcases the resilience of countries and communities stepping up to protect progress and drive the HIV response forward. This year’s theme is a call for sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights centered approaches to end AIDS by 2030.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): First recognized by the United Nations in 1992, International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and raises awareness about the political, economic, social, and cultural barriers to inclusion faced by those impacted by disability. It is important to remember that not all forms of disability are visible from the outside; some physical, mental, or neurological conditions that can challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities are not obvious to others, which can lead to misperceptions, misunderstandings, and judgements. The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” which builds directly on the momentum of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha this past November, where world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a just, inclusive, and equitable world.

UConn has a strong commitment to expanding inclusion for people with disabilities through the Center for Students with Disabilities. UConn also promotes awareness through academic programs like the Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health and the Human Development and Family Sciences concentration in Families and Disabilities, and academic centers like the Center for Excellence in the Study of Developmental Disabilities and the Collaborative on Postsecondary Education and Disability, which offer courses in Disability Studies in Storrs and Waterbury.

Human Rights Day (December 10): Every year, we honor the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, the Declaration establishes equal dignity and worth for every person and proclaims the inalienable rights that every human being is entitled to, regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, national origin, language, political orientation, or any other status. Every December 10, we acknowledge the importance of human rights. This year the campaign is “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials” an initiative created with The Everyday Essentials Film Tour organized in partnership with the International Film Festival and Forum for Human Rights to host public screenings and debates on a variety of human rights topics between November and December 2025 (check out their trailer here).

UConn has a strong legacy of working to advance human rights. The Human Rights Institute serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary educational and research programming. HRI houses an undergraduate major and minor in human rights, a master of arts and graduate certificate in human rights. HRI’s Dodd Human Rights Impact awards the Thomas J. Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights, and programming related to human rights education, democracy and dialogue, business and human rights, and human rights film and digital media.

Innovative research and educational programs centering on human rights take place across campus – including numerous units in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Law, Social Work, and UConn Health. Student-oriented programming in the Human Rights and Action Learning Community, Community Outreach Alternative Breaks, and efforts of student organizations such as the Human Rights Symposium and Huskies for Human Rights deepen the work of human rights at UConn. The reach of human rights extends into our communities and beyond, particularly through the efforts of UConn Law’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic and courses offered on human rights in high schools throughout Connecticut in the Early College ExperienceProgram.

National Homeless Person’s Remembrance Day (December 21): National Homeless Person’s Remembrance Day takes place on the North American winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year and the first day of winter. Recognized since 1990, this day raises awareness about the plight suffered by those who are homeless or housing insecure. Housing insecurity is an issue facing college students across the nation, including students at UConn. Students impacted by housing insecurity are especially vulnerable during long breaks, including Winter and Summer, where they might not have access to either housing or to campus dining facilities, which can also increase their food insecurity. The University has a few resources to assist students impacted by housing and food insecurity, including the Dean of Students Office that offers financial resources for students in crisis, and Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services.

Boxing Day (December 26): Boxing Day is held in many countries associated with the British empire, especially in the Caribbean. Though traditions may vary, typical customs include visiting family, friends, and neighbors with gifts, food, and drinks.

Religious Holidays:

Advent (November 30 through December 24): In Christianity, Advent is a period of preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and preparing for Christ’s second coming. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30. Eastern Churches begin Advent 40 days before Christmas. 

Feast of Saint Francis Xavier (December 3): This day marks the feast day of St. Francis Xavier, one of the Jesuits, who is considered by some to be the greatest missionary since the time of the Apostles. It commemorates and honors the commitment and service he showed through his Roman Catholic missionary activity. 

Saint Nicholas Day (December 6): This day is celebrated by Christians worldwide on the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death. He is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor, dedicating his life to serving the sick and suffering. Some observe this day by slipping a gift or surprise into someone’s shoes.

Bodhi Day (December 8): Bodhi celebrates the day the historic Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, Sakyamuni Buddha, achieved enlightenment. Often a time for quiet and reflection, celebrations can include time spent studying Dharma (the teachings of Buddha), chanting sutras (threads of religious teaching passed down through generations) or holding service to commemorate Buddha’s achievement of enlightenment.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast celebrating Mary’s conception without sin. The Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception asserts that, “from the first moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of Mankind, kept free from all stain of original sin.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Feast Day; December 12): Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Roman Catholic religious festival that commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary, who is Mexico’s patron saint, in Mexico City on December 12, 1531. This feast day is a reminder that Jesus and his mother accept all peoples and have a special heart for the poor and oppressed.

Chanukah or Hanukkah (Sunset December 14 – December 22): Chanukah, which is Hebrew for “Dedication,” is an 8-day Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after Seleucid control. Chanukah is celebrated for 8 days because a single day supply of oil for the Temple menorah miraculously lasted eight full days. Often called the “Festival of Lights,” this holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah – which represents light pushing out darkness – traditional foods, games, and gifts. Please visit the UConn Hillel and Chabad at UConn websites to view upcoming events. 

Las Posadas (December 16 – 24): A Catholic festival traditionally held in parts of Latin America. Translating to ‘The Inns’ in Spanish, Las Posadas is a celebration over nine nights in which parties are held at different people’s homes. Before each gathering, all guests form a procession to mark Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn on the night of Jesus’s birth. The parties are joyous occasions, including prayers, food, music, and fireworks.

Yule (December 21 – January 1): Yule, also known as the winter solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This celestial event has been celebrated for centuries by various cultures and spiritual traditions. For pagans and Wiccans, Yule holds immense significance as a time of transition, rebirth, and renewal. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as the sun begins its ascent, gradually growing stronger and promising the return of spring. The main component of any Yule celebration is the lighting of the Yule log. Symbolizing the light and warmth in the midst of winter’s darkness, a large log is traditionally burned in the hearth or bonfire. 

Christmas (December 25): Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus, though it has also become a widespread secular holiday. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, and sharing meals with family and friends. Christmas was in the first group of federal holidays passed by Congress in 1870, along with New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.  Christians in the Orthodox tradition, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, celebrate Christmas on January 7th. 

Saint Stephen’s Day (December 26 in Western Churches; December 27 in Eastern Churches): This Christian feast day commemorates Christianity’s first martyr. It is also an official public holiday in much of Europe and in countries associated with the British Commonwealth. In some countries, it is known as the second day of Christmas.

Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1): From the Swahili matunda ya kwanza or “first fruits,” Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American cultural festival. Started by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, this festival celebrates family, community, and culture. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa are dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These seven principles are represented by a kinara (candle holder) holding seven candles of red, green, and black, which families light each night before discussing that day’s value. On December 31, families join in karamu, a community feast. Some may wear traditional African clothing during the celebration. This year, the African American Cultural Center at Storrs will be holding its Kwanzaa celebration on Friday, 12/5, at 6:00 p.m. in the SU Ballroom (RM 330/331). The event is free, but please RSVP here.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage. 

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. OICR writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu. 

If you would like to receive our OICR Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe here! 

Sincerely,

Jeff and Pamir

Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D.

Vice President, Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights, UConn and UConn Health

Pamir Alpay, Ph.D.

Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

To the UConn Community:

The Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of November:

Heritage Month Celebrations:

Native and Indigenous Heritage Month: November is Native American Heritage month (also known as “National American Indian Heritage Month” and “Native American and Alaskan Native Heritage Month”). First recognized by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 and commemorated by every president since, this month honors the cultures, histories, and legacies of America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal nations that continue to thrive here today. It celebrates the traditions, languages, and stories of hundreds of Native nations and works to ensure that their histories and contributions endure. This month also acknowledges the painful history Native and Indigenous Peoples in the United States have faced, one marked by unjust federal policies and state-sanctioned campaigns of violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror. 

UConn recognizes Native and Indigenous resilience and strength every day of the year. We acknowledge through the Land Acknowledgement Statement that our university sits on lands taken through violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror. We encourage reading this statement before any event held in UConn’s physical or digital spaces. UConn also serves as a vibrant hub for research, scholarship, and outreach among scholars, students, and Indigenous community members through the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative (NAISI). NAISI aims to become a center for the renewed presences of Indigenous Peoples in Connecticut, New England, and the entire Eastern region of the United States. We also honor the cultures, histories, and legacies of Native and Indigenous peoples through the Native American Cultural Programs (NACP), which provides programming, initiatives, resources, and trainings for the Native and Indigenous Peoples who make a home at UConn. Native and Indigenous students also find community at UConn through the Native American and Indigenous Student Association (NAISA).

We invite the entire UConn community to join us in commemorating Native American Heritage Month through the following events featured on the NACP website.

Awareness Month Celebrations:

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Every November, we observe Lung Cancer Awareness month. The official awareness ribbon is white and this year, add blue or red accents to specifically honor Veterans. Read more on the Lung Cancer Foundation of America website.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: Established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month is observed in November. The main goal is to raise public awareness about the disease and its impact on individuals, families, and caregivers. Read more on the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website.

Epilepsy Awareness Month: Epilepsy Awareness month is observed every November in the United States. During this month, organizations and individuals work to raise public awareness, reduce stigma surrounding epilepsy, and promote understanding of this neurological disorder. To understand and learn more, check out the Epilepsy Foundation website. 

National Diabetes Month: Diabetes affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of serious complications, including kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, adult blindness, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Learn more about diabetes and how to improve your health on the American Diabetes Association website.                

Movember: Movember is an annual global campaign to raise awareness on men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. It aims to challenge the stigma around men’s health issues, spark conversations, and promote early detection and intervention. Find out more on the Movember website.

Cultural and Federal Holidays:

Día de los Muertos “Day of the Dead” (November 1-2): Día de los Muertos remembers ancestors and lost loved ones, through food, music, and gatherings—it is a joyful celebration of their lives, rather than the mourning of their deaths. Originating in Mexico, it is celebrated worldwide by those with Mexican heritage. Traditions vary, but common traditions include “una ofrenda” (an altar) with flowers and food for the dead, individual offerings, and candles lit to help guide spirits back to their families.

National First-Generation Day (November 8): Since 2017, schools and universities across the country have dedicated this day to celebrating first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This day celebrates the accomplishments of students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. November 8th was selected to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, which increased federal funding and resources to help level the playing field for underserved communities. Notably, HEA ushered in the federal TRIO programs that increase access, retention, and completion for low-income, first-generation, and underserved minority populations. UConn has two TRIO Programs: Student Support Services, which supports this mission, and McNair Programs, which prepares first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students for M.S. and Ph.D. studies in STEM disciplines. 

World Freedom Day (November 9): World Freedom Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall. Established in 2001 by President George W. Bush, it celebrates freedom within democracy.

Veterans Day (November 11): Veterans Day pays tribute to all those who served in the United States Armed forces. It is separate from Memorial Day (the last Monday of May), which commemorates those who died while serving in the U.S. military, and Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May), which honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, which celebrated the cessation of hostilities during World War I that went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In 1954, this holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” to include veterans from all American wars. 

UConn honors members of the U.S. military and their families. The Office of Veterans and Military Programs (VAMP) will be holding its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11th at 11am on Founders Green. All are invited and encouraged to join. VAMP also provides student support services specifically for veterans, active service members, and their families who are attending UConn. Their services include certifying VA educational benefits, assisting students in their transition to life at UConn, providing supplemental programs and activities to student veterans, and directing veterans to fully confidential mental and behavioral health assistance. VAMP works closely with the Center for Students with Disabilities which has a wealth of resources for veterans regardless of ability status, and the Center for Career Development.

Native Women’s Equal Pay Day (November 18): In 2023, American Indian and Alaskan Native women earned just 52.4 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men of comparable skills and training. This day marks the day that Native women need to work until they made what White men made in the previous year. On Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, activists, organizers, educators, and community members raise awareness and support causes that address this ongoing inequity.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20): The Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who lost their lives to acts of anti-transgender violence. It raises public awareness about hate crimes directed at transgender and gender-diverse people and ensures that their lives are not forgotten. This is a day for expressing love and respect in the face of hatred or indifference. This day also helps raise awareness about issues the transgender and gender-diverse communities continue to face. UConn supports the transgender communities through the Rainbow Center, which provides spaces of refuge and community-building, as well as resources to help members of the transgender communities navigate life at UConn. Check their website and Instagram account for more.

Holodomor Memorial Day (November 22): Holodomor Memorial Day is commemorated each year on the fourth Saturday of November as a Day of Remembrance to remember the millions of Ukrainians who were starved to death in Ukraine in 1932 and 1933, many of whom were children. Holodomor Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those who died, and, alongside the descendants of survivors, spreading awareness of this chapter in history. For more information, the Holodomor Research and Education Consortium maintains a comprehensive archive of educational materials, which can be found here. 

National Adoption Day (November 22): Launched in 1999, National Adoption Day is a collective, grassroots effort to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. To learn more, check out the National Adoption Day website.

National Day of Mourning (November 27): The National Day of Mourning, which takes place on the fourth Thursday of November every year, was established in 1970 by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE) as a day to honor and mourn Native and Indigenous people lost to genocide and colonialism, as well as to commemorate Native and Indigenous resilience and resistance. Every year, as a part of this commemoration, UAINE holds an outdoor speak-out and march at Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, MA. Many participants also fast from sundown the day prior to the event, and break their fast following the march, as a gesture of both mourning and solidarity. To read more about this event, please visit UAINE’s website.

Thanksgiving (November 27): Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. It is a day for expressing gratitude that, for many, is marked by family traditions, seeing loved ones, and kicking off the holiday season.

Religious Holidays:

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2): All Saints’ Day is observed in the Catholic and other Christian traditions as a solemn feast honoring all the saints, both the well-known and the countless faithful who lived lives of holiness without recognition. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, a similar commemoration of all saints is held on the first Sunday after Pentecost, reflecting their liturgical calendar, but the meaning is much the same: celebrating the great “cloud of witnesses” who inspire us in faith. All Souls’ Day is rooted in Catholic tradition and focused on praying for the departed who may still be on their journey to heaven. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, “Soul Saturdays” are devoted to prayers for the departed. Together, both holidays remind the Christian community worldwide to honor the saints who have gone before us and to pray for those still being perfected in God’s care.

Jain New Year (November 7): Jains mark the New Year on the first day of the Hindu Month of Kartika, following the commencement of their Diwali celebration. This holiday marks the day that their founder, Mahavira, achieved moksha (salvation) in passing from his earthly life. On this day, Jains gather in the temple and perform the Snatra Puja ritual to worship the 24 Tirthankaras who founded their religion (Tirthankara is Sanskrit for “Ford-Maker,” a figure who has succeeded in crossing over life’s streams of rebirths and has made a path for others to follow). Mahavira is the last of the Tirthankaras.

Solemnity of Christ the King (November 23): Celebrated by the Catholic Church and many Christian denominations, this feast day proclaims the authority of Christ over all creation. Instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, it’s meant to remind the faithful that ultimate allegiance belongs not to worldly powers but to Christ’s eternal reign of peace and justice. It falls on the final Sunday of the liturgical year, serving as a fitting close before Advent begins.

Martyrdom of Guru Bahadur (November 24): This Sikh holiday commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life to protect people—including people from faiths other than his own—from religious persecution. Guru Bahadur’s martyrdom reflects two important principles of the Sikh faith: standing up for faith—including faiths one does not agree with—and standing up for others.

Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (November 28): This holy day is observed by members of the Bahá’í Faith in honor of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh (the founder of the Bahá’í Faith), who passed away in 1921. Remembered as a model of service, humility, and compassion, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was instrumental in spreading the Bahá’í teachings worldwide. The day is marked by prayers and gatherings that reflect on his life and his dedication to unity, peace, and the betterment of humanity.

First Day of Advent (November 30): Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and the four-week season of preparation for Christmas. In both Catholic and many Protestant traditions, it is a time of waiting and hope—looking back to Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and looking forward to his promised return. Advent wreaths, candles, and readings all emphasize themes of light breaking into darkness, hope, peace, joy, and love.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage. 

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. OICR writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu. 

If you would like to receive our OICR Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe here! 

 

Sincerely,

Jeff and Pamir

Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D.

Vice President, Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights, UConn | UConn Health

 

Pamir Alpay, Ph.D.

Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

To the UConn Community:

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of October:

Heritage Month Celebrations:

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15): Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the many diverse cultures and histories within Hispanic and Latine communities, as well as members of those culture’s achievements and contributions to the United States. First recognized as Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, it was expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. This month is observed from September 15^th – the anniversary of Guatemalan, Honduran, El Salvadorian, Nicaraguan, and Costa Rican independence – through October 15^th. It also includes Día de la Raza on October 12^th, an alternative holiday to Columbus Day that celebrates and honors the peoples, traditions, and cultures destroyed by European colonization. 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite the entire community to participate in the Puerto Rican / Latin American Cultural Center’s (PRLACC) events. Please follow the PRLACC calendar for a full list of events! Also be sure to check out events held by La Comunidad Intelectual, a learning community that works to create a welcoming space on campus for students who identify as Latina/o/e and/or who are interested in issues that affect the Latin American and Caribbean communities. Check out their Instagram page for upcoming events! 

ODI and the Provost’s Office also believe that UConn is stronger for the inclusion of Hispanic and Latinepeoples, cultures, and traditions. We are also proud that our UConn Stamford and UConn Waterbury campuses are accredited Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). The University has resources to help these communities navigate the unique challenges in higher education settings, including PRLACC, the Association of Latine/a/o Faculty and Staff (ALFAS), and the Center for Career Development. UConn is also proud of El Instituto: Institute of Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American Studies, which supports the developing of hemispheric and Latine-centered perspectives and of La Comunidad Intelectual, a learning community that recognizes and critically examines Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures, customs, and traditions at UConn and beyond. 

Filipino American History Month (October 1 – October 31): Filipino American History Month (FAHM) celebrates Filipino heritage and culture, and recognizes the contributions of Filipino Americans to American history. The Filipino American National Historical Society introduced FAHM in 1992, and Congress officially recognized FAHM in 2009. FAHM is celebrated in October to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos to America (California) on October 18, 1587.

German American Heritage Month (October 1 – October 31): German American Heritage Month honors the contributions made by German Americans, the largest ancestry group in the United States. The first German immigrants came to the United States on October 6, 1683, when thirteen families settled in Pennsylvania. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 6^th as German American Day in 1983 to celebrate the 300^th anniversary and to strengthen the United States’ relationship with Germany.

Italian American Heritage Month (October 1 – October 31): Over five million Italians immigrated to the U.S. between 1820 and 2000, and there are currently over 26 million Americans of Italian descent living in the U.S. Proclaimed in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush and Congress, this month honors the achievements, contributions, and successes of Italian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Each October, millions of Americans of Italian descent come together to reflect on their histories, traditions, and values. Celebrations typically include cultural festivals and parades, the largest of which is held in New York City.

LGBTQIA+ History Month (October 1 – October 31): LGBT History Month was inaugurated in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, to celebrate the national and international contributions made by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Wilson chose October because schools are in session and because October already had National Coming Out Day (10/11). Today, October also hosts International Pronouns Day (10/16), Intersex Awareness Day (10/26), and Asexual Awareness Week (last full week of October 19-25). LGBTQIA+ History Month provides possibility models, builds community, and emphasizes the continued importance of civil rights. To learn more information and to attend events, please visit the Rainbow Center’s website here.

Polish American Heritage Month (October 1 – October 31): Polish American Heritage month celebrates the positive impact Polish Americans have had and continue to have on the United States, as well as Polish history and culture. Originally celebrated in August, Polish American Heritage Month is now observed in October to commemorate the arrival of the first Polish settlers in Jamestown, VA in October 1608 as well as the death of Casimir Pulaski, the father of American cavalry. First celebrated by the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia in 1981 under the leadership of the Center’s President, Michael Blichasz, Polish American Heritage Month is now recognized nationally by the President and Congress.

Awareness Month/Week Celebrations:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM; October 1 – October 31): During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence and connect with others working to create change. DVAM began in 1981 as a “Day of Unity” hosted by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was commemorated in October 1987, and Congress officially recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October of 1989.

UConn’s Violence Against Women Prevention Program (VAWPP) is dedicated to addressing and preventing all forms of sexual violence through education, outreach, and advocacy. VAWPP offers a range of workshops which cover several topics related to the issues of sexual violence. These workshops “emphasize a primary prevention approach that engages all stakeholders in the campus community to examine their role in ending sexual violence by addressing its root causes in oppression.” For more information about VAWPP and to see a full list of its workshops and resources, consult the website here.

UConn’s Office of Institutional Equity offers several resources for anyone who may be experiencing domestic violence, including confidential domestic violence advocacy as well as urgent and medical care. For information about looking for medical or counseling services, academic or work support, assistance with transportation or financial aid, or to learn more about investigations, consult the Title IX office’s website for additional information.

For student-led support, In-Power is a student-led support group dedicated to building a gender-inclusive community that welcomes victim-survivors of sexual assault, stalking, and/or intimate partner violence at any point in their healing process. Through a focus on empowerment, autonomy, and resilience, the group aims to help participants claim agency over their own stories and experiences, as well as the direction of the group. The group works through a variety of discussion topics and self-care methods. If you are interested in joining the group, please reach out to facilitators at in-power@uconn.edu.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month (October 1 – October 31): October was first designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM) in the 1980s and has been recognized ever since. More than 400,000 people are living with Down syndrome in the United States. It is a time to raise awareness, celebrate the abilities and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome, and advocate for their inclusion and support. 

National ADHD Awareness Month (October 1 – October 31): October is National ADHD Awareness Month. It is dedicated to educating the public about ADHD, promoting research about ADHD, and helping to develop communities of support and professional development for those with ADHD. This October, National ADHD Awareness Month is partnering with organizations around the world with the shared global goal of dissemination of reliable information about ADHD and its treatments. The 2025 ADHD Awareness Month theme in the United States is “The Many Faces of ADHD.”

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM; October 1 – October 31): The event began in 1985 as a weeklong awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, in collaboration with Imperial Chemical Industries. It later became a monthlong event. The goal of NBCAM is to promote screening and prevention of the disease that affects one in eight women in the U.S. every year and 2.3 million women worldwide. For information about breast cancer care services, visit the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM; October 1 – October 31): In 1945, Congress designated the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” in part, to help disabled WWII veterans find employment. Since then, the concept of disability has shifted. Congress dropped the word “physically” in the 1970s to provide a more inclusive view. In 1973, Congress passed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act which protects the rights of persons with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 protects the rights not only of individuals with visible disabilities but also those whose disabilities might not be apparent.

Over the next few decades, activists and educators helped shift national understanding of ability, leading to more inclusive views about type of disability, greater recognition of the intersections between identity and ability, and stronger legislation to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. In 1990, the United States passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which made it illegal to discriminate along the basis of identity and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else in the United States. This month celebrates these accomplishments while also raising awareness of barriers that still need to be addressed. Find more about the month at the Department of Labor’s website. 

UConn has a strong commitment to expanding inclusion through the Center for Students with Disabilities. UConn also promotes awareness through academic programs like the Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health and the Human Development and Family Sciences Disabilities concentration, as well as academic centers like the Center for Excellence in the Study of Developmental Disabilities and the Collaborative on Postsecondary Education and Disability, and through courses on Disability Studies at the Storrs and Waterbury campuses.

National Transfer Student Week (NISTS; October 20 – October 24): The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students declares the third week of each October as National Transfer Student Week. NISTS organizes National Transfer Student Week to celebrate transfer students, educate others about the diverse needs of the transfer population, and recognize the professionals who support them on their journeys. This year’s National Transfer Student Week theme is “Unlocking Potential: Keys to the Transfer Journey.” This theme celebrates the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that transfer students bring to campuses. It also recognizes the “keys” that transfer students already possess, such as their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and connections to community.

Cultural and Federal Holidays:

International Day of Older Persons (October 1): The United Nations sets aside October 1 to draw attention to the challenges of population aging in the twenty-first century and to promote societal development for people of all ages. Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, a monumental document in the history of human rights. Written by representatives from around the world with different legal, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, it is the first document articulating the fundamental human rights that are meant to be universally protected. This year’s theme is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights.” 

UConn supports senior citizens through educational initiatives, including Senior Citizen Audits for learners over 62, UConn Extension’s Center for Learning in Retirement (CLIR) for retirees and other adults from all walks of life, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), based at the UConn Waterbury campus, part of a national network where adults over 50 can expand their minds and connect with other learners. In May of 2025, UConn joined the Age-Friendly University Global Network.UConn is now among more than 120 universities globally that are reimagining higher education’s role in an aging society.

German American Heritage Day (October 6): This day honors the contributions German Americans have made to the country. It is recognized on this day to commemorate the October 6, 1683, arrival of the first German immigrants to the United States.

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (October 6): The Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhongqiu Jie (中秋节), also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a Chinese festival to give thanks for the Autumn harvest. This year, the festival falls on October 6th. It is an occasion for families to gather for dinner, celebrate the full moon, share mooncakes, and enjoy a range of festive events like lighting paper lanterns.

Chuseok/Hangawi (October 5-7): This holiday is one of the most significant in South Korea, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving. Chuseok is a major harvest festival celebrated over the course of three days. People celebrate by traveling back to their hometowns to pay respect to the spirit of their ancestors, share a feast of traditional Korean food, wear a formal dress called “hanbok” and exchange gifts.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 13): Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples in the United States and across the world. It honors America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal nations that continue to thrive here today, recognizing their contributions and acknowledging their resilience and strength in the face of a centuries-long campaign of violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror wrought upon Native and Indigenous communities in the United States and beyond. Currently, 14 states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and in 2021, President Biden proclaimed it a national holiday. The State of Connecticut does not currently mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day, though several towns and communities within Connecticut celebrate it, including Mansfield. 

UConn recognizes Native and Indigenous resilience and strength every day of the year. We acknowledge that our university sits on lands taken through the long campaigns of violence, displacement, assimilation, and terror through our Land Acknowledgement Statement. We encourage reading this statement before any event held on UConn’s spaces. We also honor the cultures, histories, and legacies of Native and Indigenous peoples every day, primarily through the Native American Cultural Programs (NACP), which provides programming, initiatives, resources, and trainings for the Native and Indigenous Peoples who make a home at UConn. 

Columbus Day (October 13): Columbus Day was made a federal holiday in the United States in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johson, set to begin in 1971. In 1934, Congress passed a statute requesting an annual proclamation from the President. According to the Congressional Research Service, Congress believed that “by commemorating Columbus’s voyage…the nation would be honoring the courage and determination which enabled generations of immigrants from many nations to find freedom and opportunity in America.” Today, Columbus Day has also become a point of honoring Italian American heritage in the United States. 

Religious Holidays:

Navaratri (September 22 – October 2): Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Northern and Eastern India. This festival symbolizes the nine nights of battle between good and evil, culminating in the victory of good on the tenth day. During this period, Mother Durga is worshipped as the deity of power, energy, and wisdom. 

Yom Kippur (October 2): Yom Kippur begins sunset October 1. It is the Day of Atonement and considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith. Yom Kippur marks the culmination of the Ten Days of Awe, a period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. According to tradition, it is on Yom Kippur that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed with a 25-hour fast and a special religious service. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are known as Judaism’s “High Holy Days.”

Dussehra (October 2): Vijayadashami, more commonly known as Dassahra in Hindi, and also known as Dashāhra or Dashain in Bhojpuri, Maithili and Nepali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Durga Puja and Navarahtri. Dussehra 2025 will be celebrated on the 2^nd of October, marking the victory of good over evil. Celebrations are held by lighting fireworks. In addition, festival preparations for Diwali or Deepavali begin.

Feast of St Francis of Assisi (October 4): The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers. He is remembered for his love for animals and nature. It’s on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi that many pets are blessed in churches. 

Sukkot (October 7 –October 8): Sukkot begins sunset October 6 and is known as one of the most joyful festivals on the Jewish calendar. It is a week-long celebration of the fall harvest. Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters called booths or huts. 

Shemini Atzeret (October 14) begins sunset October 13 and is the Eighth Day of the Assembly. Simchat Torah (October 15) begins sunset October 14 and known as “Rejoicing in Torah”. These two holidays come at the conclusion of Sukkot – in Israel they are combined into one holiday; in the rest of the world, they are celebrated over two consecutive days. These two holidays anticipate the coming year with prayer and engaging with the Torah. Simchat Torah celebrates finishing the yearly cycle of reading the whole Torah and immediately start again at the beginning.

Diwali/Deepavali (October 20): Diwali or Deepawali is a Hindu festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word “Deepawali” refers to rows of diyas, or clay lamps. This is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar. It commemorates Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile.

Birthday of Báb (October 22): The Báb (the title means ‘the Gate’) was born in Shiraz, Persia in 1819. He was the prophet-herald of the Baha’i community and called people to religious renewal and to await the coming of a new messenger from God – ‘the one whom God shall make manifest’. Baha’is believe that this latter figure was Baha’u’llah (the title means ‘Glory of God’). Baha’is observe this holy day by abstaining from work. Gatherings normally involve prayers, devotional readings, music and fellowship.

Birthday of Baha’u’llah (October 23): Baha’u’llah is held by many of his followers to be the founder of the Baha’i faith. For Bahá’ís, this Holy Day is a celebration of the rebirth of the world through the love of God. Bahá’ís observe this holy day with community gatherings where prayers are shared and the birth of Bahá’u’lláh is celebrated. The birthdays of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are now celebrated as the Twin Holy Birthdays on two consecutive days each year. Bahá’ís will typically to be absent from work or school on these days.

Samhain (October 31-November 1): Samhain (a Gaelic word pronounced “sow-win”) is a pagan and wiccan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. This festival traditionally marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, or the “darker half” of the year. While these dates are standard, the celebration of Samhain can extend beyond these times, depending on local customs and personal practices. Many participants choose to engage in festivities that span several days, incorporating both modern Halloween activities and traditional Samhain rituals, which allows for a full and enriched experience of this deeply spiritual time.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage. 

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu. 

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe here! 

 

Sincerely,

Jeff and Pamir 

Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D.

Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, UConn and UConn Health

Pamir Alpay, Ph.D.

Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

To the UConn Community:

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of September:

Heritage Month Celebrations:

National Recovery Month: September is National Recovery Month, which promotes and celebrates the nation’s recovery community, emphasizing that recovery from mental health and substance use disorders is possible. The event, established by SAMHSA in 1989, raises awareness about new recovery practices, supports those in recovery, and encourages more people to seek help by destigmatizing addiction and mental health challenges. Events, including walks, rallies, and seminars, are held to highlight the resilience of those in recovery and the positive impact of treatment.

The goal of this month is to reinforce the message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, that treatment is effective, and that people can and do recover. This month reminds us that no one is alone in the journey through recovery. While every journey is different, we are all in this together. At UConn, we endeavor to ensure that substance use is not a barrier to academic, personal, or professional success. Please visit Student Health and Wellness’s (SHaW) Alcohol and Substance Use Support and UConn’s Recovery Support Services page for resources, trainings, and opportunities for support on your journey. 

Suicide Prevention Month and Week: September is Suicide Prevention Month. Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) host World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 to focus attention on the problem of suicide worldwide. The week leading up to this day is Suicide Prevention Week. Suicide is a particular concern in the United States; it is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 34-year-olds. This month creates awareness about suicide and aims to inspire people to learn how to help save lives in their community, and to learn to have authentic and caring conversations about suicide and mental health.  

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or having suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone. The University has resources to help through times of crisis. The Office for Diversity and Inclusion has also gathered a partial list of mental health resources for students, staff, and faculty at all five UConn campuses, as well as for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and veteran communities. There is also help available whenever you need it and wherever you may be. UConn has several resources for getting immediate support. As of summer 2022, the federal government has also instituted a new national suicide prevention hotline, 988, that can be called for immediate support 24/7. 

Employees seeking mental health care at UCHC can contact the Mood and Anxiety Clinic, provided by the UConn Health Department of Psychiatry. The Clinic provides comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals struggling with mood and anxiety symptoms. 

For medical, dental and graduate students at UConn Health, the Student Behavioral Health Service have a range of useful resources. 

Suicide prevention should not be limited to a single day, week, or month, but should receive attention every day. For those who are struggling, please remember that you matter and that there are resources dedicated to helping you in your time of need. 

Hispanic Heritage Month: (September 15 – October 15): Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the many diverse cultures and histories within Hispanic and Latine communities, as well as members of those culture’s achievements and contributions to the United States. First recognized as Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, it was expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. This month is observed from September 15^th – the anniversary of Guatemalan, Honduran, El Salvadorian, Nicaraguan, and Costa Rican independence – through October 15^th. It also includes Día de la Raza on October 12^th, an alternative holiday to Columbus Day that celebrates and honors the peoples, traditions, and cultures destroyed by European colonization. 

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite the entire community to participate in the Puerto Rican / Latin American Cultural Center’s (PRLACC) events, which will be announced in the near future. Please follow the PRLACC calendar for a full list of events! We look forward to seeing you there. 

Also be sure to check out events held by La Comunidad Intelectual, a learning community that works to create a welcoming space on campus for students who identify as Latina/o/x and/or who are interested in issues that affect the Latin American and Caribbean communities. Check out their Instagram page for upcoming events! 

ODI and the Provost’s Office also believe that UConn is stronger for the inclusion of Hispanic and Latine peoples, cultures, and traditions. We are also proud that our UConn Stamford and UConn Waterbury campuses are accredited Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). The University has resources to help these communities navigate the unique challenges in higher education settings, including PRLACC, the Association of Latine/a/o Faculty and Staff (ALFAS),  and the Center for Career Development. UConn is also proud of El Instituto: Institute of Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American Studies, which supports the developing of hemispheric and Latine-centered perspectives and of La Comunidad Intelectual, a learning community that recognizes and critically examines Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures, customs, and traditions at UConn and beyond. 

 Cultural and Federal Holidays:

Labor Day (September 1): This federal holiday, held on the first Monday of September, celebrates the American labor movement and pays tribute to American workers. This day is set aside to celebrate improvements made to working conditions in the United States.

Patriot Day (September 11): This day honors those who perished in or because of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including first responders and military service members. Flags are flown at half-staff on this day, and Americans are encouraged to honor the victims through acts of service.  

National Trail of Tears Remembrance Day (September 16): On this day, we acknowledge the forced displacement of Native and Indigenous peoples from their lands. September 16^th is the National Day of Commemoration for the Trail of Tears, when citizens of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, Creek, and Chickasaw Nations and other Eastern tribal nations were violently removed from their homelands by the United States government after the passage of the 1830 Indian Removal Act. Relocated citizens suffered from continual violence, disease, and starvation during and after displacement. 

We also recognize that UConn occupies lands taken from Native and Indigenous peoples accounted for in our Land Acknowledgement Statement, and we encourage reading this statement out loud before any event held on University property, incorporating it in UConn websites, and including it in course syllabi. Furthermore, we note that the University continues to profit from the sale of other land taken by violent dispossession under the auspices of the 1862 Morrill Act. To see UConn’s participation in this legacy, visit the Land Grab CT website, a resource put together by UConn’s Greenhouse Studios in conjunction with the Native American Cultural Programs (NACP), the Native American and Indigenous Students Association (NAISA), and the Dodd Impact Initiative at the Human Rights Institute. 

International Equal Pay Day (September 18): This day was first established in 2019 to illuminate persistent pay discrimination and wage gaps that disproportionately affect women and people of color across all occupations. The United Nations celebrated International Equal Pay Day on September 18, 2020, to accelerate the realization of the principle of “equal pay for equal work of equal value” and ensure recognition of women’s major contribution to the economy. 

 Religious Holidays:

Mawlid-al-Nabi (September 4-5): Mawlid al-Nabi, or Milad-un-Nabi, is a significant Islamic religious holiday that marks the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. In 2025, it is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, September 5 and end on the evening of Saturday, September 6th. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet’s life and teachings, express love and admiration, and engage in acts of charity and community service.  

Pitru Paksha (September 6-20): Pitru Paksha is a 15-day lunar period where members of the Hindu faith pay homage to their departed ancestors through food offerings, prayers, and other rituals. It is a time to pay respects, seek blessings, and help their ancestors’ souls attain peace and salvation.

Mabon (September 22): Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, falls on September 22nd, 2025. It’s a time for celebrating the second harvest, giving thanks for the bounty of the earth, and acknowledging the shift towards the darker half of the year. Mabon is a day of balance and harmony, as day and night are of equal length.  

Rosh Hashanah (September 22-24): Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and marks the start of the High Holy Days. It is one of three most observed holidays by all Jewish families. Orthodox and Conservative Jews observe the traditional two-day holiday, while Reform Jews observe only the first day. Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection, prayer, and considering the past year with the hope of a positive new year ahead. The holiday is observed with special meals, synagogue services, and the symbolic blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn).  

Navaratri (September 22-October 2): Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Northern and Eastern India. This festival symbolizes the nine nights of battle between good and evil, culminating in the victory of good on the tenth day. During this period, Mother Durga is worshipped as the deity of power, energy, and wisdom. 

Tzom Gedaliah (September 25): Tzom Gedaliah is a dawn-to-dusk fast observed on the day after Rosh Hashanah (if that day is Shabbat, it is observed on Sunday). Commemorating the tragic death of Gedaliah, governor of Judea, the day begins with special Selichot liturgy.  

 

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage. 

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu. 

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, where you can receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, subscribe here! 

 

Sincerely,

Jeff and Anne

 

Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D.

Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, UConn and UConn Health

 

Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

To the UConn Community:

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of August:

Heritage Month Celebrations:

Purple Heart Month: Observed each August, Purple Heart Month honors U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed in action since April 5, 1917. Purple Heart Day, recognized annually on August 7, marks the date in 1782 when General George Washington established the original Badge of Military Merit, now known as the Purple Heart, to recognize soldiers wounded in combat. This month serves as a time to reflect on the sacrifices and courage of those who have served.

The Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs (VAMP) provides student support services specifically for veterans, active service members, and their families attending UConn. Their services include certifying VA educational benefits, assisting students in their transition to life at UConn, and providing supplemental programs and activities to student veterans. VAMP works closely with the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), which has a wealth of resources for veterans regardless of ability status. VAMP also works closely with state-based Veterans Centers that provide fully confidential mental and behavioral health assistance.

Cultural and Federal Holidays:

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9): The United Nations commemorates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples annually on August 9 to raise awareness about their identities, ways of life, territories, and natural resources, all of which have been violated throughout history. People from around the world are encouraged to spread the UN’s message on the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples. This year’s theme is focused on “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures.” Indigenous youth are actively exercising their right to self-determination by being change agents in key areas like climate action and the green transition, mobilizing for justice, and intergenerational connections. To learn about the advocacy of Native and Indigenous young people at UConn, visit the Native American Cultural Programs website.

National Senior Citizens Day (August 21): Created by Presidential Proclamation in 1988, National Senior Citizens Day honors and shows appreciation to the elders in our communities. It also raises awareness of the need to continue supporting our elders as they face new struggles from aging; senior citizens often face increased health issues and may be economically vulnerable. The best ways to celebrate this day are to visit the elders in your family and community or to volunteer at senior care centers, meal delivery services, and other senior-based programs. The University of Connecticut supports senior citizens through free educational initiatives, including Senior Citizen Audits for learners over 62, UConn Extension’s Center for Learning in Retirement (CLIR) for retirees and other adults from all walks of life, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLII) where learners over 50 can expand their minds and connect with other learners.

National Women’s Equality Day (August 26): Women’s Equality Day commemorates the certification of the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, guaranteeing that every American can vote, regardless of gender. Made into a national holiday in 1971, this day celebrates activists’ achievements in promoting equity and equality for women.  It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to advocate for gender equity and equality, as well as to dedicate resources to promoting and empowering women, including efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence. At UConn, these imperatives are carried out by the Women’s Center, the Rainbow Center, the Title IX Office, the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program, the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, and the UConn Health Women’s Center, among other unit- and department-level resources.

Religious Holidays:

Lughnasadh (August 1): Lughnasadh is a Gaelic harvest festival celebrated on August 1. It is more than just a celebration of the start of the harvest season; it is a profound acknowledgment of the cycle of growth and sacrifice. Situated between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox, Lughnasadh represents the first fruits of labor—honoring both nature’s bounty and the effort required to sustain it.

Traditionally observed with feasting, games, music, and gatherings, Lughnasadh also paid tribute to the Celtic god Lugh and celebrated community, craftsmanship, and remembrance. Today, it offers an opportunity to reconnect with ancestral traditions and the earth’s enduring rhythms through personal reflection, seasonal rituals, and gratitude for abundance.

The Ninth of Av, Tisha B’Av (August 2 – August 3): This is a day of mourning in Judaism, commemorating the destruction of the First Temple (by the Babylonians in 586 BCE) and the Second Temple (by the Romans in 70 CE) in Jerusalem. Over the last 100 years, Tisha B’Av has also become a day of mourning for the lives lost in the massacres of Jewish communities in the Middle East and North Africa, the pogroms of Eastern Europe, and the Holocaust. The traditional practices observed on Tisha B’av make space for mourning, reflection, and a communal expression of grief.

Raksha Bandhan (August 9): Raksha Bandhan, often called Rakhi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in August. It symbolizes the “bond of protection” where sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists. This act signifies their love and prayers for their brothers’ well-being, and in return, brothers promise lifelong protection.

Feast of the Assumption / Dormition of the Mother of God (August 15): This day is widely celebrated among Roman Catholics, Eastern Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox Christians as the day Jesus’s mother, Mary, ascended to heaven in both body and soul. This is a holy day of obligation for Catholics, meaning the faithful are obligated to attend mass. Celebrations might also include festivals, processions, or praying the rosary, especially the Glorious Mysteries.

Krishna Janmashtami (August 16): This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most popular Hindu deities. Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing devotional songs, praying together, preparing special foods, holding night vigils, and visiting temples. Major Krishna temples organize a recitation of “Bhagavata Purana” and “Bhagavad Gita” or drama events “Rasa Lila” and “Krishna Lila.”

Paryushan (August 20 – 27): This Jain observance, also known as Paryushana Parva, is a time of intensive study, reflection, and purification. This major festival lasts eight to ten days and emphasizes introspection, meditation, and austerity to reduce involvement with worldly affairs. The festival culminates in Samvatsari, a day of forgiveness where Jains seek pardon for any offenses committed during the year.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events.  ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu.

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, please subscribe here!

Sincerely,

Jeff and Anne

Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D.
Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, UConn and UConn Health

Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

To the UConn Community:

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of July:

Heritage Month Celebrations:

Disability Pride Day (July 26) and Month: In the United States, Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to commemorate the July 26^th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else in areas like employment, purchasing goods and services, and participating in state and local government programs. In 2008, the ADA was expanded with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), emphasizing that the definition of disability should be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals and not require extensive analysis. Disability Pride Month is a time to recognize the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of people with disabilities. It affirms that disability is a natural and valuable part of human diversity—not a deficit or condition to be fixed.

UConn seeks to ensure that students with disabilities have the same access to programs, opportunities, and activities as all others at UConn. The primary pathway for providing that access comes from the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), which offers a variety of programs and services for students with disabilities, including at UConn Health. Faculty and staff can also request OIE’s training to increase awareness and understanding of disability access and responsibilities at UConn. UConn also offers a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health.

We are excited to announce the new **Disability Affinity Group** at UConn! This group aims to create a supportive community for UConn employees who identify with a disability or as disabled or have an interest in disability-related topics. Their mission is to foster a welcoming environment for folks to share experiences, support one another, and advocate for inclusivity across UConn. For more information about the Disability Affinity Group, please contact Erin Scanlon (erin.scanlon@uconn.edu).

French American Heritage Month: July is designated as French American Heritage Month and is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the influences and contributions that the French have had on the United States in art, culture, language, etiquette, and more. Approximately 25.8 million Americans claim French- or French-Canadian ancestry, including over 1 million Creole peoples. This month also celebrates historical events that cemented the important relationship between the United States and France. One famous example is the Statue of Liberty, made in Paris and gifted to the U.S. in 1881.

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: In 2008, Congress formally recognized Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month as a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health strengths and challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Campbell was a journalist, teacher, author, and mental health advocate.

Cultural and Federal Holidays:

Independence Day (July 4): The 4^th of July is a national holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Though organized around celebrating American independence from England, July 4^th also provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse peoples and cultures who make up our nation.

National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day (July 27): First celebrated by The National Committee on Pay Equity in 1996, this day highlights the impacts of institutional racism in the workplace, especially regarding pay.  On average, Black women make 62 cents for every dollar paid to a White man.  This day also recognizes that inequalities created by pay disparity have generational consequences, a problem that has been exacerbated during the pandemic.

Religious Holidays:

Ashura (July 6): This holy day for Muslims is celebrated on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year it is expected to fall on July 6, though the exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon. Traditions and celebrations vary across regions and between Shia and Sunni communities.  For Shia Muslims, Ashura is the most important day of Muharram and marks the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. It is a day of deep mourning and reflection.  For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates the day God saved Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea.

Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i) (July 9): The Martyrdom of the Bab is a holiday commemorating the July 9, 1850, execution of the co-founder of the Baha’i faith, the Báb, in Persia. On this day, the Báb was charged with apostasy and shot by order of the Prime Minister of the Persian Empire. The Martyrdom is commemorated with prayers and reading of the Baha’i scriptures.

Karka Sankranti (July 16): Karka Sankranti is a Hindu observance that marks the beginning of the monsoon season, which starts the phase of agricultural activities. Agriculture is a significant source of income in India. During the four months of Dakshinayana, people worship Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to perform Pitru Tarpan for their ancestors wait for Karka Sankranti to perform rituals that can offer peace to the departed souls.

Birthday of Haile Selassie (July 23): For the more than a million Rastafarians worldwide, the birthday of Haile Selassie is one of the holiest days in the Rastafarian tradition. It is celebrated with Nyahbinghi drumming, hymns, and prayers as a spiritual celebration of his life and legacy. Haile Selassie’s reign as Emperor of Ethiopia made him a globally prominent figure. His teachings and philosophy became the foundation for the Rastafari movement, which began in Jamaica in the 1930s.

Pioneer Day (July 24): Pioneer Day, a significant holiday in Utah, commemorates the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. It’s a day of celebration, reflecting the bravery and determination of those who settled in the area. Many events and activities throughout the state honor this historical milestone.

Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola (July 31): The Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is celebrated annually on July 31^st. It commemorates St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. The feast day honors his life, his spiritual work, and his lasting impact on the Catholic Church.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu.

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, to receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, please subscribe here!

Sincerely,

Jeff and Anne

Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D.
Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, UConn | UConn Health

Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

To the UConn Community:

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the Provost’s Office would like to remind you of several celebrations, commemorations, and moments of raising awareness for members of our community during the month of June:

Heritage and Awareness Month Celebrations:

Family Reunification Month: This month is dedicated to celebrating the power of family reunification for children in foster care and recognizing its positive impact on both children and their parents. UConn School of Social Work’s Innovations Institute through the National Quality Improvement Center on Family-Centered Reunification has developed a range of resources, including engaging videos featuring family court judges, parent support partners with lived experience, and program directors – all working on creative projects to reunify families.

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month: June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in the United States. Pride affirms the many identities within the LGBTQIA+ community while creating spaces for individuals to show up as their most authentic selves. This month celebrates LGBTQIA+ cultures, achievements, and activism while also remembering violence committed against this community and raising awareness about persistent inequalities facing every community. Pride was first celebrated in 1970 on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment in modern activism in which LGBTQIA+ individuals – many of them Black and Brown – protested police brutality and shifted conversations about human rights in the United States. Instrumental to the Stonewall Uprising were Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, the first trans women of color to lead an organization in the United States of America. Johnson and Rivera dedicated their lives to social justice, amplifying the voices of people of color and low-income trans communities in the struggle for equality.

While the LGBTQIA+ movement is often portrayed as a movement of white gay men, Johnson and Rivera remind us that the movement’s social justice work was driven by Black and Brown activists. Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ activists like Johnson and Rivera have been instrumental in police reform, mental health awareness, advocating for sexual health and healthy attitudes about sexuality, and raising awareness about bodily rights and gendered and sexualized violence. Pride provides an opportunity for greater unity, visibility, and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community and for continuing to advocate for human rights. This month, we celebrate all that has been achieved in advocating for human rights but recognize that much remains to be done.

There is no singular way to celebrate Pride; dates, traditions, and length of celebrations change by location. Typically, celebrations involve marches, speeches, outdoor festivals, concerts, performances, and workshops. The Office for Diversity and Inclusion prefers not to limit celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community to June; rather, we believe in celebrating the community year-round. The Rainbow Center has events, programs, and initiatives to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the year. The UConn Library has put together a Pride Collection and a LGBTQIA+ Community Wellness Guide, as well as UConn Health with a list of LGBTQ+ resources.

UConn School of Social Work’s Innovations Institute supports the LGBTQIA+ community through its National SOGIE Center, as well as its Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity (COE).

Upcoming events include:

• • June 3 – UCPEA & Social Justice Committee Pride Celebration
  • June 11 – LGBTQ+ Employee Pride Lunch
  • June 12 – UConn Health Coffee Break Celebrating Pride Month
  • June 17- Evidence Informed Support Services for LGBTQ+ People, Virtual Training

 

If you are seeking to be in community with other faculty and staff, please join Queer UConn Employees and/or Queer BIPOC Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups.

 

National Cancer Survivors Day: The first Sunday in June brings together people from all backgrounds to celebrate the strength and resilience of over 18 million survivors in the US, their caregivers and support organizations. This day is a reminder that life after cancer is possible, and survivors need to be acknowledged and supported. This year, the National Cancer Survivors Day will be celebrated on June 1 and will serve as a focal point for advocacy on improving the lives of all people that have been affected by cancer.

The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Care Center at UConn Health is at the forefront of the race to discover new ways to treat and beat cancer and offers many resources to survivors and their relatives.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month: This heritage month was established in 2006 to create and disseminate knowledge about the contributions of Caribbean people to the United States. At UConn, we create and disseminate knowledge of Caribbean contributions, customs, and cultures through El Instituto: Institute of Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American Studies; through the Africana Studies Institute; and through UConn Library’s collection on Latin American and Caribbean Studies. UConn students, staff, and faculty can find more programming, resources, and spaces of belonging at the Puerto Rican / Latin American Cultural Center and the African American Cultural Center.

National Immigrant Heritage Month: First launched in 2014 and first recognized by the President in 2022, National Immigrant Heritage Month celebrates immigrants and their countless contributions to the history and culture of the United States. The goal of this month is to provide people across the United States with an opportunity to honor their own heritage while also recognizing the diverse experiences that make the United States unique.

UConn is enriched by the immigrant communities that live, learn, and work across all five campuses, UConn Health, and UConn Law. UConn has several resources available to immigrant communities, including the Human Rights Institute’s partnership with nonprofit services like Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services and the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. UConn Health also provides educational resources about providing care for refugee and immigrants patients.

National Men’s Health Month: This campaign is meant to encourage men to consider three equally important aspects of their health – physical, mental, and social. Like National Men’s Health Week (June 9-15, 2025), which was first established in 1994, National Men’s Health Month began as a special campaign to help educate men, boys, and families about the importance of developing positive health attitudes and practicing preventative health measures. In addition, men and boys are encouraged to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and the early detection and treatment of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and depression.

Cultural and Federal Holidays:

Flag Day (June 14): Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the American Flag in June of 1777 and coincides with the birthdate of the American military in 1775. Though not a federal holiday, June 14^th provides an opportunity to reflect on the ideals the flag stands for, on diversity, one of America’s founding ideals and greatest strengths, as well as on the sacrifices made to preserve those ideals.

The Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs (VAMP) provide student support services specifically for veterans, active service members, and their families attending UConn. Their services include certifying VA educational benefits, assisting students in their transition to life at UConn, and providing supplemental programs and activities to student veterans. VAMP works closely with the Center for Students for Disabilities, which has a wealth of resources for veterans regardless of ability status. VAMP also works closely with state-based Veterans Centers that provide fully confidential mental and behavioral health assistance.

Father’s Day (June 15): In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. While other countries have similar days of commemoration, dates and traditions may vary. In the U.S., Father’s Day was created in 1910 to complement Mother’s Day; its founder, Sonora Smart Dodd, wanted to honor her father, who raised six children as a widower. It was made into a federal holiday in 1972. Father’s Day encourages us to honor all paternal figures, caregivers, and mentors whose contributions enrich our lives.

Juneteenth (June 19): Juneteenth, also known as America’s Second Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It is observed on June 19th, the day in 1865 that Union troops arrived in the last slave-owning community in the country to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation issued more than two years earlier. Though Juneteenth has been celebrated by African American communities since the late 1800s, it only became an official federal holiday in 2021, when President Biden made it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. In 2023, the Connecticut legislature designated Juneteenth as an official state holiday.

Juneteenth celebrates African American achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. Celebrations typically involve guest speakers or lectures to promote education and self-improvement; community elders who recount events in the past; prayer services; barbecues; and parades. More than anything, Juneteenth is about being in a supportive community. The Office for Diversity and Inclusion prefers not to limit celebrations of Black and African American communities to June; rather, we believe in celebrating the community year-round, including through the African American Cultural Center and the Africana Studies Institute, our leading spaces of community building and education about the history, culture, contributions, and experiences of people of African descent in the United States.

Above all, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom. It serves as a reminder of the moral stain of enslavement on our country and raises awareness of the continued legacy of systemic racism and inequality. It provides an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. As a community, we must pledge to continue to lift every voice in support of the abolition of hate and racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression.

This year, no classes or instructional activities should be scheduled on this day.

World Refugee Day (June 20): World Refugee Day honors the strength and courage of refugees. It encourages public awareness and support for people forced to flee their homelands because of war, terror, natural disaster, or other crises. Created by the United Nations in 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Related to the Status of Refugees, World Refugee Day is an opportunity to build empathy and understanding for refugees’ plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees.

UConn continues to be concerned about the refugee crisis. Our institution provides several resources available to help those whose quest for safety led them to Connecticut, including UConn Law’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic and the Human Rights Institute’s partnership with nonprofit services like Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services and the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. The Human Rights Institute leads UConn’s educational resources, including through the Human Rights Major for undergraduates. UConn Health also provides educational resources about providing care for refugee and immigrant patients. Students can get involved through the Huskies for Refugees club.

Religious Holidays:

Shavuot, the “Feast of Weeks” (June 1 – June 3): Although its origins are to be found in an ancient grain harvest festival, Shavuot has long been identified with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Shavuot traditions today include the reading of the Book of Ruth, which perhaps reminds us of the harvest, the eating of dairy foods (without meat, as befits a kosher diet) and the decoration of the home and synagogue with harvest produce.

The Hajj (June 4 – June 9): Hajj, or “pilgrimage” is one of the five pillars of Islam and a mandatory once-in-a-lifetime religious duty for all adult Muslims who are able. During Hajj, millions make the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where they perform rituals to remind them that they are all equal before God and celebrate Islamic unity. Hajj is the most revered spiritual experience for Muslims.

Eid al-Adha (June 6 – June 10, may vary): Eid al-Adha, which translates to the “festival of sacrifice”, is the second and holiest Islamic Eid festival of the year. This holiday honors the sacrifice Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to make in obedience to God’s command. It may also be referred to as “the big Eid,” and notably marks the end of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid al-Adha will likely begin on the evening of Friday June 6 and end on the evening of Tuesday June 10, subject to the moon sighting. It is a time when Muslims dress in their finest clothing, attend prayers at their local Mosque, visit family and friends, and donate to the less fortunate.

Pentecost (June 8): Pentecost is a significant Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. It is often referred to as the “birthday of the Church” because it marks the beginning of the Church’s public mission. Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday. Many churches hold special services, sing hymns related to the Holy Spirit, and reflect on the significance of this event.

Race Unity Day (June 8): Race Unity Day, which is also known as Race Amity Day, is observed annually on the second Sunday of June. This year, it takes place on June 8. It started in 1957 in the United States by the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly. The purpose was to combat racism by focusing attention on racial prejudice. Racism is the belief that humans are divided into exclusive entities called ‘races,’ that there is a link between personality and physical traits, and that some races are superior to others. The Bahá’í understood that racism is a hindrance to peace, so they started this day to promote racial harmony and understanding.

Whit Monday (June 9): Pentecost Monday, also known as Monday of the Holy Spirit, and most commonly as Whit Monday, is a holiday that is celebrated the day after Pentecost, a moveable feast that is determined by the date of Easter. Whit Monday specifically represents the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, also marking the resumption of Ordinary Time after Easter.

Trinity Sunday (June 15): On Trinity Sunday many Christians in the United States remember and honor the belief of an eternal God, consisting of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Many churches have special prayers on Trinity Sunday. The Athanasian Creed, named after St Athanasius, Archbishop of Alexandria, is recited in some churches on Trinity Sunday because of its strong affirmation of the Triune nature of God.

The Martyrdom of Guru Dev Sahib (June 16): This Sikh holiday celebrates the life of Guru Arjan Dev, one of the ten Gurus who pioneered Sikhism and sacrificed his life for the Sikh people. This annual holiday is usually celebrated by reading the Sikh holy book from cover to cover. In some years, processions are held where sweets are distributed to people after a day of worship. It is important to note that this day is not just about sadness or remorse; it’s also about the celebration of his life, as well as the lives that lived because of him.

Feast of Corpus Christi (June 19): Corpus Christi or The Feast of Corpus Christi is a Christian festival that is celebrated annually on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. On this day, devout Christians gather to honor the sacred body of Jesus Christ. The day is also known as Corpus Domini, which translates to ‘body and blood of Christ.’ Corpus Christi celebrates the body of Jesus, which Catholics believe is present in the bread and wine of the Eucharist (also known as Communion). Traditionally Corpus Christi is celebrated by attending Mass. Mass is often followed by a Eucharistic procession, during which the Eucharist is paraded around the church or the local area. Parishes and families will also often have large picnics or feasts with culturally relevant foods and events.  In 2025, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi is on June 19, but it is transferred to Sunday, June 22 in some dioceses.

Summer Solstice & Litha (June 20): The Summer Solstice, occurring on June 20 this year, marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time when communities across traditions celebrate light, growth, and renewal. For many, the Solstice is a moment of reflection—an opportunity to gather, support one another, and reconnect with nature and personal well-being.

In Pagan and Wiccan traditions, this day is also celebrated as Litha, one of the four “lesser sabbats” in the Wheel of the Year. Litha honors the power and fullness of the sun at its peak, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and the vibrant energy of the natural world. Observances may include rituals, bonfires, and offerings to solar deities, emphasizing themes of balance, gratitude, and connection to the Earth.

While both the Summer Solstice and Litha share the same date and solar significance, they are expressed through different cultural and spiritual lenses—each offering meaningful ways to mark this seasonal turning point.

Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24): The celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist is a rare event in the liturgical calendar of the church. John the Baptist was set apart from the womb to prepare the way of the Lord and was a significant figure connected to the Incarnation and the Redemption. The Church honors him because of his role in preparing the way for Christ. In the United States, there isn’t a particular custom for St. John the Baptist’s feast day. Though it isn’t a Holy Day of Obligation, it would always be of merit to attend Holy Mass to honor a saint, especially on their feast days.

Muharram (June 27- July 25): It is known as the “Sacred Month of Allah” and is the first month on the Islamic calendar, Hijri, or lunar calendar. Muharram is expected to start on June 27 but is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon. The Hijri calendar comprises 12 lunar months, with each new month determined by the sighting of a new moon. Approximately two billion Muslims worldwide partake in increased worship, fasting, and general acts of kindness during this holy month to receive multiplied blessings from Allah. This day historically marks the moment the prophet Mohammed fled from Mecca to Yathrib (now called Medina) to escape religious persecution.

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 27): This is a moveable feast that honors the Sacred Heart. In 1675, Jesus told St. Margaret Mary that He wanted the Feast of the Sacred Heart to be celebrated on the Friday after the Corpus Christi octave. In 1856, the Feast of the Sacred Heart became a universal feast. St. John Paul II, a great devotee of the Sacred Heart, said, “This feast reminds us of the mystery of the love of God for the people of all times.”

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29): Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul is observed every year on June 29. The event is the liturgical feast day that honors two martyrs of the Christian faith, St. Peter and St. Paul. Although the church acknowledges they may not have been executed at the same time, both met death at the command of the Roman emperor — Nero. The date chosen is the traditional anniversary of their death and martyrdom. The event is a significant religious occasion in Rome, and the catholic church in England commemorates it with a festival. Parishes around the world hold masses to commemorate the day.

We welcome the celebration of each of these holidays on our campuses and encourage support for those requiring accommodations. You can find information and guidance about academic accommodations for religious observations on the Provost Office’s webpage.

To see more information about resources and events happening this month and throughout the semester, please visit our events page at www.diversity.uconn.edu/events. ODI writes these letters in collaboration with our partners across the UConn system. If we inadvertently omitted a cultural or religious holiday, please let us know by emailing us at diversity@uconn.edu.

If you would like to receive our ODI Weekly Digest, to receive regular updates about upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, please subscribe here!

 

Sincerely,

Jeff and Anne

Jeffrey F. Hines, M.D.
Vice President, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, UConn | UConn Health

Anne D’Alleva, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs