America is falling behind in its educational and technological standards and the Latin community needs to raise its ideals, said a speaker during the Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off event Thursday. Peter Mellado, editor-in-chief of REGO magazine, spoke to the TCU students in the Brown-Lupton Student Center about the importance of recognizing the responsibilities and contributions of Hispanics.

Mellado said the United States, once a dominant country in sports and technology, is struggling to make it to the Olympics, and the world’s best scientists are now coming from India and China.

The Latin community is going to be 25 percent of the U.S. population during our lifetime and needs to redefine their ideals because the future of the country depends on them, Mellado said.

“As college students, as Latinos, as members of sororities and fraternities, our ideal can no longer be limited to our small circles or even our organization,” he said.

Mellado said America, which has a rich history and has produced one of the best leaders in the world, is a positive institution that needs to be invested in.

“We can not only embrace it, but we can add to it, enhance it and make it our own while still honoring the tradition of it,” he said. “Respect not just other Latinos or peers in your own circle, but respect the traditions of this country and the future as well.”

Greg Trevino, director of Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services, said the event was a part of the Hispanic Heritage month, which is celebrated nationally. Trevino said the event intends to promote Hispanic culture on campus.

Annabel Alonso, a junior biology major, said students should be aware of the Hispanic culture and presence on campus.

Alonso, the founder of the League of United Latin American Citizens at TCU, said as minorities, Hispanic students should come to these events to show their support.

“We are doing our part at TCU through education, entertainment and awareness,” Trevino said.

Mellado, who has been working as the editor-in-chief of REGO since 2004, said even though much of the magazine content is about Latinos, it is diverse in its offerings.

REGO, which offers news, movie reviews, celebrity interviews, fashion and much more, is aimed at college students because they are going to be shaping the future issues of our country, Mellado said.