The University of Texas Permian Basin is proud to be both a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Minority Serving Institution. As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting students and sharing what their culture means to them.
Meet Lindsey Ruiz. She is a sophomore at UT Permian Basin majoring in Human Performance.
Lindsey identifies as Hispanic, which is an identity very important to her. This connects her to her roots, family, and values she grew up with.
“It shapes who I am and reminds me of the importance of community, resilience, and culture.”
She celebrates her heritage at family gatherings, sharing traditional foods, and speaking her family’s language at home. This helps her feel closer to her culture and family.
Four years after moving to the United States, Alondra Ortiz has found a home and community at The University of Texas Permian Basin while staying deeply connected to her Hispanic culture and traditions.
“Being Hispanic is a core part of who I am,” Alondra said. “It has shaped my values, my language, and the way I connect with others.”
Alondra is a senior at UTPB studying Finance. She’s a member of the UTPB Swimming Team, works at the Success Center, serves as President of the First-Generation Organization and Theta Eta, and is Treasurer for Student Government. She’s also part of Students in Philanthropy, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
To celebrate her identity, Alondra speaks Spanish with her family, friends, and boyfriend, cooks traditional Mexican food, and supports her boyfriend during his mariachi performances.
“Growing up in Mexico, Spanish was my first language, and the culture was all I knew. So, when I find people or things that remind me of home, it brings me a sense of comfort and belonging,” Alondra said.
Meet Marissa Equiniones, a junior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communication. She is a student worker in Career Services, an orientation leader, a member of the UTPB band, and recently represented the Falcons in the UT System’s Legislative Fellowship Program for the Texas Legislature’s 89th session.
Proud to identify as Latina, Marissa is constantly working to learn more about her heritage.
“I think in today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever to see the beauty in what it means to be a Mexican American.”
Her family celebrates their identity through food, often enjoying dishes like Menudo, Tamales, Caldo de Res, and Fideo y Carnitas.
Meet Janei Gonzalez, a UT Permian Basin freshman studying Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies. This month, she hopes to share the message to always be proud of where you come from.
“I am motivated to carry the pride of being Hispanic wherever I go,” Janei said. “Carrying my culture with me is special because it allows me to honor my roots while also showing others that being Latina is something to celebrate.” 
She has grown up celebrating her identity through traditions such as speaking Spanish at home, playing Lotería with family, and enjoying food, music, and dance.
Meet Suzette Trujillo, who celebrates her Hispanic culture knowing the battles her ancestors fought for.
“It is up to me to keep my culture alive, and to ensure that people see just how beautiful our heritage is and how strong our community is,” Suzette said.
Suzette is earning her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at The University of Texas Permian Basin. She also works as a College and Career Advisor at Permian High School for UTPB, helping seniors with admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.
Outside of this work, Suzette embraces her heritage through music, language, and tradition. She has been part of the Mariachi Halcones Band since 2021 and also performs with an Escaramuza Group, a team of eight women who ride horses side saddle and perform honoring the women who fought in the Mexican Revolution. Suzette grew up speaking Spanish with her grandparents and cousins and continues to celebrate special Mexican holidays. Her passion for celebrating culture is matched by the support she feels at UTPB, where she says she has the freedom to embrace her identity and be herself.
“It has allowed me to feel welcomed and more confident in the community that UTPB has created,” Suzette said. “Falcons up and viva la raza!”
Adrian Ramirez celebrates his Hispanic culture through music. He has been playing the violin since he was 12, performed with the UTPB Mariachi, and now serves as Drum Major of the UTPB Marching Band.
“Seeing music in celebration and in our culture is truly something that brings us together,” Adrian said.
Adrian is a senior majoring in Music Education. Beyond music, he has also served as an orientation leader and student worker. He says UTPB has provided many opportunities to share his heritage, from performing at Dia de los Muertos concerts to Las Posadas events with the mariachi and orchestra.
For Adrian, identity is rooted in tradition.
“It is about continuing the traditions that have been passed down to me,” he said.
