November 9, 2017
Record attendance at HACU’s 2017 Annual Conference on Hispanic higher education held in San Diego
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 31st Annual Conference "Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Driving America’s Prosperity" drew a record attendance of 2,190, Oct. 28-30, 2017, in San Diego, California. More than 50 workshops under six tracks with topics of interest to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), such as study abroad, STEM, grant writing, federal funding opportunities, and best practices from HSIs, emerging HSIs, and Hispanic-Serving School Districts were among the presentations. Some presentations available here.
Celebrity speakers Cheech Marin and Esai Morales joined David Villarino Gonzalez of FIELD and host Rick Najera to discuss how media and education are changing the narrative and creating opportunities, followed by a book signing.
An International Plenary, “International Education as a Key Driver of Western Hemispheric Prosperity,” featured a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Latin American and Caribbean nations to increase participation in cross-national programs, particularly with the U.S. The panel moderated by Diana Z. Rodriguez, president of San Bernardino Valley College, included speakers: Francisco “Paco” Palmieri, acting assistant secretary for Western Hemispheric Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Roman Macaya Hayes, ambassador of Costa Rica to the United States; and Sue Henderson, president, New Jersey City University.
Among the conference attendees were 717 undergraduate students taking part in a sold out HACU Student Track, which has grown in large popularity. Students participated in a three day career development and networking symposium designed to build their career skills. Several students also were presented with scholarship awards by HACU corporate partners during the conference luncheon and dinner events.
HACU also recognized seven honorees for their contributions, including
The 2017 HACU Hall of Champions, inductees recognized for their work in advancing the mission of the Association, “To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education,” were the late Milton A. Gordon, Ph.D., former president, California State University, Fullerton and Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs, University of New Mexico.
Exemplary Policy Advocacy Leadership Award - The Honorable Susan Davis, United States House of Representatives.
Distinguished Public Service Award - The Honorable Gonzalo P. Curiel, District Judge of the U.S. District Court Southern District of California.
The President's Award of Excellence - William Flores, Ph.D., former chair of HACU’s Governing Board.
Outstanding HACU-Member Institution - New Jersey City University.
Outstanding HACU Public Sector Partner, (federal) - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
HACU ‘s 31st Annual Conference premier sponsors included: U.S. Army, California State University, USDA, American Student Assistance, Deloitte, Farmworker Institute for Education & Leadership Development (FIELD), Southwest Airlines, University of California, Coca Cola, Ford Motor Company Fund, GM, NCAA Inclusion, San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association, Sodexo, TIAA. Special thanks to all of HACU’s 31st Annual Conference sponsors and partners.
HACU will host its 32nd Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on Oct. 6-8, 2018. The theme of the conference is "Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Building America's Future."
