To celebrate “30 Years of Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success,” the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) will host its annual conference October 8 through 10 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio in Texas. The HACU is comprised of more than 450 colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, and Spain that are committed to Hispanic higher education success.
The organization plans to recognize 10 honorees that have made notable contributions to increasing opportunities for Hispanic college students. Among the recipients are two individuals to be inducted into HACU’s Hall of Champions, which recognizes those who embody HACU’s mission.
“HACU is honored to highlight those individuals, institutions, and organizations that have played a crucial role in Hispanic higher education,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “The presentation of awards provides an opportunity, not only to highlight the contributions of individuals, but also to inspire students and up-and-coming leaders attending our conference.”
The 2016 honorees include:
HACU Hall of Champions inductees — Max Castillo, EdD, president emeritus of the University of Houston-Downtown and a founding board member of HACU while president at San Antonio College; and Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, who has elevated Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to a position of prominence in higher education
HACU Lifelong Leadership Award — in recognition of lifelong leadership and advocacy for Hispanic higher education success, Sharon Hahs, PhD, president of Northeastern Illinois University
The President’s Award of Excellence — in recognition of outstanding service to Hispanic higher education success, Tomás Morales, PhD, president of California State University, San Bernardino
Special Award for Exemplary Leadership — in recognition of his career in advancing educational access and success for Hispanic students, Ricardo Romo, PhD, president of The University of Texas at San Antonio
Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award — in recognition of exemplary leadership and support of HACU’s policy issues, Congressman Joseph Crowley
Outstanding HACU HSI-Member — in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas
Outstanding HACU Associate Member Institution — in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission, University of Central Florida
Outstanding HACU Public Sector Partner — for outstanding leadership and support of HACU’s mission, National Credit Union Administration
Outstanding HACU Private Sector Partner — for outstanding leadership and support of HACU’s mission, American Student Assistance
For more information or to register to attend the conference, visit hacu.net.
