A new Latino organization on campus is excited about the upcoming Latino Heritage and Appreciation month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Jesse Perez, founder of ALMA, the Association for the Latino Movement and Accredidations, said the organization has planned a series of social, educational and cultural events intended to foster awareness.

The first event, hosted by Student Trustee Alex Alaniz, is an open house at the University Resources for Latinos and Center for Latin American Studies scheduled for Tuesday. Board of Trustees chairman Manny Sanchez will be the guest speaker at the event.

Perez said the group has temporary Student Association approval, but is not receiving any funding. All funding for the group comes from sponsors like Believing in Culture, George Gutierrez, the director for URL, Michael Gonzalez, the director for CLAS, Liz Ortiz from Affirmative Action, B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S., Unity in Diversity, the Campus Activities Board and Sigma Lambda Beta.

ALMA also will be hosting events such as Salsa Fever, a Latino Comedy Jam and a folk concert. The events are free and open to all.

For more information, call Jesse Perez at 753-1931.