May 24, 2016
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities founded 30 years ago on May 23-24
On May 23-24, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) marked the 30-year anniversary of the founding of the Association in San Antonio, Texas.
Thirty years ago, a meeting was held on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) to establish a first-ever national association of Hispanic colleges and universities, now known as HACU and recognized as an international force for the success of Hispanic students across the world.
HACU has grown from an initial membership of 18 institutions to more than 400 colleges and universities across 35 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including 46 higher education institutions in Latin America and Spain. HACU’s U.S. members collectively serve two-thirds of the 3 million Hispanic students and one-fourth of all students in U.S. higher education. The Association was essential to establishing the federal designation of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in order to better serve the still-growing, college-bound Hispanic population.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores stressed the need for the continued evolution of the Association's focus on global collaboration.
"In addition to representing a growing number of emerging HSIs and Hispanic-Serving School Districts, HACU continues to add international institutions that serve Spanish-speaking populations," he said. "This ensures that our students become prepared to act and interact with countries that share the goal of success for Hispanic students everywhere."
HACU is marking the 30 year milestone with its 30th Annual Conference to be held in San Antonio, Texas, the hometown of the Association, as the premiere event of the commemorative year. The conference will take place Oct. 8-10, 2016, and includes several pre-and post-conference events.
This year, HACU has also hosted several other educational events including a HACU Student Success Symposium, which brought together approximately 120 participants from institutions across the nation on May 23 on the campus of St. Mary’s University, another HACU charter member institution. Flores has also given keynote presentations at various national and international events, including remarks at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) on May 24, as part of a San Antonio Education USA Advisors Luncheon.
Photo: In observance of the 30 year anniversary, HACU President Antonio R. Flores is presented with a proclamation by Marcheta Evans, vice president for academic affairs and dean, School of Professional Studies at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), during a San Antonio Education USA Advisors Luncheon held at OLLU on May 24.