FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2006

HACU CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONING HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION SUCCESS

Corporate and Federal Support Help Ensure Diverse Leadership Skills

San Antonio, TX - The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) hosts its 20th Annual Conference, October 28-31, 2006, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.  HACU’s on-going mission is to help shape the future of higher education policy to better serve the growing Hispanic population.  At this year’s conference, HACU is expecting to reach record numbers in terms of sponsorships and attendance. 

Sustained and participatory partnerships are an integral part of HACU’s annual conference, and each year the association’s corporate and federal partners step-up with higher pledges and active involvement that help make the conference a success.

“Our partners know that HACU needs their support to continue the championing of Hispanic higher education success,” said Dr. Antonio R. Flores, president and CEO.  “Their increased annual support shows their commitment to HACU’s mission and re-enforces our drive to provide an exceptional range of leadership seminars and speakers.”

General Motors, a 2006 Platinum sponsor, has partnered with HACU for many years.  At this year’s conference, GM continues its support with a  $100,000 contribution, devoted primarily to Hispanic scholarships and the educational grant program.  

“We are most proud of the GM/HACU Scholarship Program, one of the highlights of General Motors’ educational initiatives on behalf of Hispanic students. In the past five years – from 2001 to 2005 -- General Motors has awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarships to Hispanic students,” said Katy Barclay, vice president of Global Human Resources.

Ms. Barclay adds, “GM’s continued success in the marketplace will allow us to keep giving back to the communities that make our success possible.”

Every year HACU hosts its annual conference in different cities across the nation.  This year is the association’s 20th anniversary, so it was fitting to celebrate the milestone in its hometown.  HACU was established in 1986 on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University with a founding membership of 18 institutions.  Today, HACU has grown to represent more than 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and Portugal.

For more information on HACU, the conference, or to see a complete list of conference sponsors, please visit us at www.hacu.net.

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