Sparta man speaks at Viterbo’s Hispanic heritage

In September, Viterbo University, in La Crosse, held a celebration for Hispanic Heritage month. Professors from Columbia and Spain, an administrator from Ecuador, Cuban musicians, students and visitors from Wisconsin, as well as around the world, attended the celebration.

Edgar Rodriguez, of Sparta, was one of the guest speakers at the celebration. Rodriguez talked about his “Coffee For Hope,” which he roasts in Sparta, by hand. Rodriguez also has a program, where he shares his history with coffee on a Guatemalan farm, as well as the mission of Coffee For Hope. He uses green coffee beans, from small, immigrant farmers and roasts them in Sparta. The money from the sales helps fund schools, clinics and educational programs in Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. Rodriguez also informs people who attend the session on both new and old methods and tools used for roasting.

At the celebration, Hispanic music echoed throughout the festival and visitors were invited to join in, whether they were professionals or amateurs. There was also free Mexican food, which was provided by Señor Villa Restaurant. Guests heard from a range of inclusive organizations, and Hispanic art was featured from Viterbo’s collection.