Ohio University Southern hosts Dia de los Muertos Celebration

In celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Ohio University Southern recently opened its doors to students from the St. Joseph and Ironton High School Spanish clubs.

Through this event, Tim Mollett, professor of instruction of Spanish, shared the University’s dedication to providing cultural learning experiences for area students, creating a warm, hands-on exploration of Mexican traditions that pay homage to lost loved ones.

“Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday primarily to commemorate and memorialize loved ones who have passed,” said Mollett. “This year, we invited local high schools to join us, engaging in traditional arts and crafts, like papel picado (decorative paper cutouts), and simply enjoy the day together.” In this way, Ohio University Southern brought students closer to the meaning and practices of this cultural tradition.

For many students, the highlight was the vibrant, unique displays that dotted the celebration space. Mollett noted that each school also celebrates Day of the Dead in its own way, yet they were fascinated by the extensive decorations at the university.

“Each altar has its own unique flair,” he said. “I think students were impressed by the amount of detail here, as it might be a bit more elaborate than what they do at school.”

A significant part of the display included hand-decorated sugar skulls and colorful decorations, items designed to make the concept of death more approachable.

"The skulls, decorated with bright colors, are part of removing the fear from death—it’s about viewing it as just another stage in life’s journey,” Mollett said. The papel picado and bright flowers are traditional elements that bring joy to the celebration, he added, with items like these bringing a festive touch to the altars.

Some of the items on display have been lovingly preserved and added to for over a decade.

“These paper flowers, papel picado, and even many of the skulls date back as far as 2012,” said Mollett. Each year, high school students contribute new items, leaving behind a piece of their work to become part of the collection. “When they come back, they get to see what others before them made—it becomes this collective, evolving piece of art,” he said.

The event also marked a return to the celebration since the pandemic, adding to the excitement.

“It was our first year doing it this big since COVID,” said Mollett. For him, the University’s team effort across departments is one of the best parts of his job. “Everyone—from facilities to marketing, student services, and faculty—pitches in and just has a great time. That’s what I love about our campus.”

The event provided more than a cultural presentation; it was a truly engaging, interactive experience. The high school teachers shared that their students were excited for the opportunity, seeing it as more than a break from routine but as a meaningful way to immerse themselves in a different cultural practice.

"They wanted to be here and be part of it. They weren’t just observing—they were actively involved,” said Mollett, adding that students engaged enthusiastically in crafts and enjoyed the traditional foods offered.

The campus’s Día de los Muertos event underscores Ohio University Southern’s commitment to building cultural understanding in an engaging environment, creating a memorable experience for local high school students and showcasing the inclusive, collaborative spirit of the university’s community.