With the Same Rhythm (Con el Mismo Ritmo), an art work reflecting elements of the Latino/a cultures, was commissioned by The Canisius College Latino/a Art Committee and the Friends of the Office of Multicultural Programs (Advisory Council). The work is on permanent display in the Canisius College Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library.
Originally from La Havana, Cuba, Agustin Rolando Rojas, the internationally acclaimed and commissioned artist for the project, resided in Toronto, Ontario/Canada from 1997 to 2002.
The unveiling and reception for With the Same Rhythm (Con el Mismo Ritmo) took place on Monday, October 7, 2002 in the Grupp Fireside Lounge, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15). Los Caribes, a Latino/a band, provided a special musical performance at the unveiling, and speeches were given by the Rev. Vincent M. Cooke, S.J., U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott, the artist, Agustin Rolando Rojas, and many others.
Inspired by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. interpretive painting in the lower level of the library, the Latino/a artwork was proposed by Canisius students and other members of the college who wanted to pay tribute to Latino/a cultures.
The student leaders of this important project were Mark Bellini ’03, Roberto Chevez ’03, and Benny Rodriguez ’03. Rev. Jack Ryan, S.J. was an integral part of the organization process. Rev. John Bucki, S.J., Director of Campus Ministry, served as Project Advisor and Sababu Norris, of Multicultural Programs, served as Administrative Assistant.
Funding for the commissioned artwork was made possible by an anonymous donor through the Canisius College Board of Trustees by way of the Division of Student Affairs.
This project sparked interest in obtaining a work of art celebrating Native American art and culture for Canisius College. In November of 2006, From One Dance, Creation, a work of art celebrating the Haudenosaunee creation story was unveiled for the Canisius Community and is now on permanent display in the college's Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library.