FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2006

HACU’s 20th Annual Conference Partnership Lunch Brings Together Federal and Corporate Support

San Antonio, TX – The Secretary of Agriculture, Michael Johanns accepted the Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award on behalf of the USDA at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ (HACU) Partnership Luncheon today.  The event is part of HACU’s 20th Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison was also on hand to accept the Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of her history as an outstanding leader and supporter of HACU’s legislative and policy agenda.

Ms. Katy Barclay, Vice President of Global Human Resources for General Motors presented a check for $100,000.00 to HACU for continuing support of the scholarship program.  General Motors has been a long standing partner of HACU and their donation will help many deserving students reach their educational goals.

“HACU is honored to have such distinguished guests at this year’s conference,” said Antonio R. Flores, President and CEO of HACU.  “These corporate and federal sponsors have been strong champions of Hispanic higher education success since HACU’s inception and we are proud of our partnerships.”

The chancellor of the California State University System, Dr. Charles Reed, accepted the Outstanding HACU Member Institution Award on behalf of the CSU System.  Mr. P. Gus Cardenas was presented HACU’s Lifelong Leadership Award in recognition of his work as one of the founders of HACU.

For more information about HACU or the conference, please visit http://www.hacu.net/.

###