To the UConn Community:
The Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) 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 May:
Heritage Month Celebrations:
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This national heritage celebration began in 1978 when Congress established a week to honor the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to the United States. Congress selected the first ten days of May for this celebration to commemorate two important milestones in U.S. history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (May 10, 1869), which was built primarily by Chinese workers. This celebration was extended to a full month in 1992. The 2026 theme, announced by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), is "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together," highlighting the importance of collective power, storytelling, and bridge-building within AANHPI communities.
UConn celebrates this heritage month in April so that students, faculty, and staff can participate in events and celebrations before the academic year ends. UConn's Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC) supports AANHPI students year-round through programming, community building, and cultural education. Follow AsACC on Instagram or the AsACC’s website for upcoming events.
Haitian Heritage Month: Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized celebration of Haitian history, culture, and traditions observed each May. The month-long celebration is an expansion of Haitian Flag Day (May 18), which commemorates the creation of Haiti's flag in 1803 and the nation's independence from France in 1804 — making Haiti the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, the first free Black republic, and the only nation in the world established as a result of a successful slave revolt. Haitian Flag Day is honored both in Haiti and by Haitians living in the diaspora, especially in the United States, home to the largest Haitian diaspora in the world. Haitian Heritage Month was first celebrated in Boston in 1998 and became a national celebration after President George W. Bush honored it in 2005. Events across the country include parades, flag raisings, and exhibits honoring Haitian culture, art, food, music, and traditions. UConn has two organizations for Haitian and Haitian American students: Aiding in Haitian Education, Advancement, and Development (AHEAD) and the Haitian Student Association.
Jewish American Heritage Month: Jewish American Heritage Month is a national observance recognizing more than 370 years of Jewish contributions to the United States, paying tribute to generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of American history, culture, and society. The observance has its roots in 1980, when Congress authorized Jewish Heritage Week. In 2006, through bipartisan efforts in Congress, President George W. Bush proclaimed the full month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. May was chosen to honor the first Jewish migrants to North America, a group of 23 refugees who arrived in New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1654 after fleeing persecution in Brazil. Jewish American Heritage Month is organized nationally by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in partnership with more than 200 organizations.
There are several organizations for Jewish students, staff, and faculty at UConn, including Hillel, Chabad, and the Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life (Storrs and Stamford), which sponsors the American Jewish Year Book to provide the most up-to-date information about Jewish life in North America. The Center has several educational resources and lectures that are available for free and sponsors a 1-credit course on Confronting Antisemitism.
Awareness Month/Week/Day Celebrations:
ALS Awareness Month: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS, is a nervous system disease that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. May is designated as ALS awareness month to increase public understanding through storytelling of those impacted by the disease, highlighting the progress made in the race to find a cure, and to raise funds in support of ongoing research endeavors. Researchers at UConn are actively engaged in demystifying ALS and in 2025 showed evidence that linked dysfunction in blood vessels in the brain to the disease. More information on how to get involved in Connecticut can be found on the ALS website
Foster Care Awareness Month: May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. Initiated by the Children's Bureau, National Foster Care Awareness Month honors and recognizes the unique experiences of over 390,000 children and youth in foster care in the United States. This year’s theme is “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” The Child Welfare Information Gateway offers a variety of resources specific to the young people and children in foster care.
At Storrs, Creating Caring Communities (CCC) is a student organization that advocates for and builds community among students with foster care experience, as well as students who identify as independent or who have experienced homelessness or food insecurity. Follow CCC on Instagram at @uconnccc.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May to increase awareness about our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It was first established in 1949 by Mental Health America (then known as the National Committee for Mental Hygiene), which was founded by Clifford Whittingham Beers — a Connecticut native who drew on his own experiences in mental health institutions to advocate for more humane treatment and greater public understanding. Since then, the observance has been a driving force in addressing the challenges impacting millions of Americans living with mental health conditions, working to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support. In 2026, Mental Health America's theme is "More Good Days, Together," reflecting a focus on meeting people where they are and supporting them as whole people, while the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) highlights "Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community." Both themes underscore that mental wellness is shaped not just individually but through connection, conversation, and collective care.
Whatever you may be going through, UConn has tools, resources, and programs to support you: Student Health and Wellness (SHaW)'s resources for mental health at Storrs and SHaW at the regional campuses; student wellness resources at UConn Health (access to UConn Health network required); HR's mental health resources (password required); resources for suicide prevention; the Student Care Team, which responds to concerns about individual student health and wellness; Holistic Huskies, a podcast on student mental health experiences; and UConn's Wellness Coalition, a space for students to come together and develop innovative solutions to health and wellness issues on campus. The Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs (VAMP) also has on-campus and off-campus resources specifically for military veterans.
Military Appreciation Month: Congress began recognizing Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to honor all service members past and present, as well as those associated with them including children of fallen soldiers, spouses, caregivers, and others who served and sacrificed along with military members. Military Appreciation Month includes:
- Month of the Military Caregiver
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day (5/8)
- Children of Fallen Patriots Day (5/13)
- Armed Forces Day (5/16)
- Memorial Day (5/25)
UConn recognizes that veterans and service members face unique challenges in higher education. VAMP 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, 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.
Older Americans Month: Older Americans Month was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of older persons and raise awareness about this population's growing needs and concerns. Ageism is a systemic issue in the United States, despite a rapidly aging population. This year celebrates the 59th anniversary of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, which prohibits discrimination against workers over the age of 40 during all stages of employment. The 2026 theme, "Champion Your Health," focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages taking an active role in managing your own health, advocating for yourself, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence. Learn more about this year's observance and find resources on the ACL Older Americans Month website.
UConn 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 adults from all walks of life, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offering learners 50 and over opportunities to engage socially and intellectually with their peers.
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (May 5): May 5 is recognized as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). The date honors Hanna Harris, a 21-year-old woman of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who went missing and was later found murdered in 2013. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Indigenous women face murder rates more than 10 times the national average in some areas, and an estimated 4 out of 5 Native women experience some form of violence in their lifetime. May is also recognized more broadly as MMIWG2S Awareness Month. Communities across the country observe the day through Red Dress displays, vigils, and educational events to honor those who have been taken, uplift the voices of families and survivors, and call for greater action and accountability. To learn more, visit the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC).
UConn community members looking to engage with this issue and support Native and Indigenous students can connect with Native American Cultural Programs (NACP), which serves Native and Indigenous students as guests on the land of the Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Mohegan, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, Schaghticoke, and Lenape peoples. Additionally, there is the Native American and Indigenous Students Association (NAISA), which works to create representation for Native and Indigenous students on campus through education, advocacy, and community building.
National Nurses Week (May 6 – 12) & International Nurses Day (May 12): International Nurses Day is celebrated globally every May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale. In the United States, the week leading up to International Nurses Day is National Nurses Week. This week aims to celebrate the profession and promote understanding and appreciation of the invaluable contributions nurses make to our society. This year's theme is "Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives," highlighting the vital role of the nursing workforce in improving health outcomes and delivering trusted, person-centered care that can transform health systems and address our world's biggest health challenges. The American Nurses Association also celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2026, underscoring over a century of advocacy for the nursing profession.
We especially appreciate the nurses who work to meet the healthcare needs of the UConn campus communities. We honor the Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses at Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) and UConn Health, who work on the frontlines of advocating for patient and student-centered care. At UConn Health, nurses are an integral part of care, research, and continuing education. We thank you for all you do!
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) (May 17): The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is observed annually on May 17 to raise awareness about the violence, discrimination, and repression faced by LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide. The date commemorates the World Health Organization's 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. First observed in 2005, IDAHOBIT has grown into a global moment of solidarity celebrated in over 150 countries. This year's theme, "At the Heart of Democracy," serves as a reminder that truly democratic societies cannot flourish without equity, safety, and justice for all people, including LGBTQIA+ communities.
At UConn, the Rainbow Center operates in service of a more equitable world for all students, faculty, and staff, centering its work on advocacy, education, identity development, and community-building for queer- and trans-spectrum communities. Follow the Rainbow Center on Instagram for upcoming events and resources and look ahead to Pride Month in June.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 21): Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is observed on the third Thursday of May to promote digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. First held in 2012, GAAD encourages designers, developers, educators, and organizations to think about how people with disabilities interact with digital tools and technologies — from websites and mobile apps to documents and online learning platforms.
At UConn, OICR works year-round to advance accessibility across the university through ADA and Section 504 coordination, accommodation processes, assistive technology, and campus-wide accessibility improvements. GAAD is an opportunity for the entire UConn community to deepen awareness of digital accessibility and its role in ensuring full participation for all.
Cultural and Federal Holidays:
Cinco de Mayo (May 5): Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican military's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While often celebrated in the United States, the holiday is not widely observed in Mexico, and it is frequently confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is too often reduced to a drinking holiday, which can lead to cultural appropriation and reinforce negative stereotypes about Mexicans and Mexican Americans. A more meaningful way to honor the day is reading the real story about the holiday and to support Mexican-owned businesses in your community.
Mother’s Day (May 10): In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The holiday was created in 1908 by Anna Jarvis to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children, and it became a federal holiday in 1914 under President Woodrow Wilson. Although many countries also celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, others observe it on different dates throughout the year.
At UConn, the Moms4Moms affinity group supports mothers who are employed or enrolled at the university while also welcoming those who identify with or support the experience of motherhood and caregiving. The group fosters connection, shares resources, and creates an inclusive space to talk about the joys and challenges of motherhood, while providing opportunities to network and build community.
For all mothers and mothers at heart, thank you for your care and kindness. For those who have lost a child, lost a mother, or are yearning to be a mother, we see you and honor you.
Memorial Day (May 25): Memorial Day originated as a day for families and friends to visit and decorate the graves of loved ones lost during the American Civil War. Congress designated the last Monday in May as an official federal holiday in 1971 to honor all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
UConn honors members of the military and their families. Because Memorial Day falls after the spring semester has ended, the Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs (VAMP) will not be holding a UConn-specific event but encourages everyone to attend an event in their community to remember and mourn the U.S. military members who have died while serving our country. A list of events happening throughout Connecticut can be found here: Memorial Day Weekend 2026 in Connecticut – (May 23–25).
Religious Holidays:
Beltane (May 1): Beltane is one of the eight sabbats in the Pagan and Wiccan Wheel of the Year, marking the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Celebrated on May 1 in the Northern Hemisphere, Beltane honors the arrival of summer and the fullness of life returning to the earth. The festival celebrates fertility, growth, and the renewal of the natural world, and traditionally honors the sacred union of the god and goddess, which brings new life to the land. Observances include lighting bonfires, dancing, and decorating with flowers and greenery to welcome the abundance of the season.
Twelfth Day of Ridván (May 1 – May 2): The Twelfth Day of Ridván marks the final day Bahá'u'lláh spent in the Garden of Ridván (meaning "Paradise" in Arabic) in Baghdad in 1863, before departing for Constantinople. It was during this twelve-day period that Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission as a Messenger of God to His followers. While Ridván is the holiest and most joyous of the Bahá'í Holy Days, the twelfth day carried a note of sadness as it marked the end of Bahá'u'lláh's time in the garden and His departure from Baghdad. The Twelfth Day of Ridván is one of three days during the festival on which work is suspended, and it is observed with gatherings, prayers, and fellowship.
Lag B’Omer (May 4 – May 5): Lag B'Omer falls on the 33rd day of the Omer, the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot in the Jewish calendar. The day celebrates the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the great sage and mystic who authored the Zohar, the foundational text of Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). It is a festive day marked with bonfires, outdoor gatherings, parades, and other joyous events. In many communities, playing with bows and arrows is a traditional custom. Thousands visit the resting place of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on this day.
Feast of the Ascension of Jesus (May 14 [Catholic/Protestant] and May 21 [Eastern Orthodox]): The Feast of the Ascension, also known as Ascension Day, is a Christian holy day commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. According to Christian tradition, this event took place in the presence of His eleven apostles forty days after His resurrection. The observance is rooted in scripture, drawing from both the Gospel of Mark and the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. Churches across Eastern Orthodox and Western traditions mark the day with special services, prayers, and hymns celebrating the completion of Christ's earthly ministry.
Shavuot (May 21 – May 23): Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is one of the three Pilgrimage Festivals in Judaism. Falling exactly seven weeks after Passover, Shavuot commemorates the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai and also marks the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel. Jewish communities observe Shavuot with Tikkun Leil Shavuot, a tradition of staying up through the night to study Torah, as well as the reading of the Ten Commandments and the Book of Ruth during synagogue services. It is also customary to eat dairy foods. Work is restricted on the holiday days.
Declaration of the Báb (May 23 – May 24): The Declaration of the Báb commemorates the evening of May 22, 1844, when the Báb (meaning "the Gate" in Arabic) announced His divine mission in Shiraz, Persia. A young Shí'a Muslim named Mullá Husayn, who had been searching for the Promised One described in Islamic scripture, became the first to recognize and accept the Báb's declaration. This event is considered the founding moment of what would become the Bahá'í Faith, which spread from Shiraz to every country and territory around the world. The observance begins two hours and eleven minutes after sunset on May 22, corresponding to the time the Báb made His announcement. Work is suspended on this holy day, and Bahá'ís gather for prayers and celebration.
Pentecost / Whitsunday (May 24): Pentecost is a major Christian holy day commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The name comes from the Greek Pentecostē, meaning "fiftieth," as the event took place fifty days after Easter. According to scripture, the apostles received the gift of tongues and began spreading the teachings of Jesus to people from across the known world. Often called the "birthday of the Church," Pentecost is observed across Catholic, Protestant, and many other Christian traditions with special worship services.
Eid al-Adha (May 26 – May 30): Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two most important holidays in Islam. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, who, moved by Ibrahim's devotion, provided a ram in his son's place. Eid al-Adha coincides with the culmination of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Observances include a special congregational prayer, the Qurbani (ritual sacrifice) in which meat is shared with family, neighbors, and those in need, and community gatherings marked by festive meals, gift-giving, and acts of charity. Work is restricted, particularly on the first day. Exact dates may vary by a day depending on local moon sighting.
Ascension of Bahá’u’llah (May 28 – May 29): The Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh commemorates the passing of Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, on May 29, 1892. Bahá'u'lláh devoted His life to teaching the spiritual unity of all humankind and endured decades of imprisonment and exile for His beliefs. This solemn occasion is a day of rest and reflection for Bahá'ís around the world. It is traditionally observed in the early hours of the morning, beginning at 3:00 a.m., through the reading or chanting of sacred writings to honor His life, teachings, and enduring spiritual legacy. Work is suspended on this holy day.
Vesak | Buddha Day (May 31): Vesak, also known as Buddha Day or Buddha Purnima, is the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. The festival honors the three major events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism: his birth, his enlightenment (nirvana), and his passing (parinirvana). Vesak falls on the full moon day typically in May, and in 1999, the United Nations officially recognized the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contributions Buddhism has made for over 2,500 years. Buddhists celebrate Vesak by decorating temples with flowers, singing hymns, and performing the ritual "bathing of the Buddha," in which water is poured over small statues of the Buddha to symbolize purification and to reenact the sacred waters said to have showered Him at birth. Communities are encouraged to practice acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.
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 OICR's events page. 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 to the OICR Weekly Digest.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Pamir
Jeffrey F. Hines, MD
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
