Mariachis, folklorico, salsa dancing, and more will be featured at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 750 and UALR Council 756 gala from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at UALR’s Donaghey Student Center, Ledbetter Hall.

In addition to honoring 19 Hispanic students for their outstanding academic performances, the councils are announcing the establishment of the Patricia Guardado Endowed Scholarship Fund, in honor of the slain UALR student.

UALR Chancellor Joel E. Anderson will be the keynote speaker for the LULAC banquet, with entertainment by Mariachi Americas and Ballet Folklorico. Tax-deductible tickets are $50 and $25 for students. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund. For more information and tickets, contact Dr. Terry Trevino Richards, professor of sociology and anthropology, at 501-569-3177.

“Due to weather conditions that almost cancelled our Cinco de Mayo fundraiser last spring, we need to double efforts to be able to help as many students for the coming academic year,” Richards said. “Come have fun, enjoy an elegant dinner, and dance to the rhythm of some great Latino music.”

Additionally, Al “Papa Rap”, aka Al Lopez of Springdale, Ark., and his salsa band will play from 8 to 10 p.m. on the DSC upper concourse as part of the Office of Campus Life’s Hispanic Heritage Month activities. The event is free and open to the public.