FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 23, 2006

HACU Elects Chair and Vice Chair for its Corporate and Philanthropic Council

San Antonio, TX – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) announced the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for its Corporate and Philanthropic Council (C&PC). 

Ed Martinez, General Counsel, Secretary and Executive Director of Nelnet, was unanimously confirmed as Chair and Olga Garcia, Corporate Relations Manager of Coors Brewing Company, was unanimously confirmed as Vice Chair.

The Corporate and Philanthropic Council is composed of representatives from corporations and foundation supporting HACU’s work in advancing Hispanic higher education.  It serves as an advisory group to HACU and HACU’s Governing Board.

The Chair of the Council serves a three-year term of office and also serves on HACU’s Governing Board.  The Vice Chair also serves a three-year term of office and acts on behalf of the Chair wherever the latter is unable to fulfill his/her duties, including chairing Council meetings and representing the Council on the HACU Board of Governors.

Edward Martinez is Executive Director, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Nelnet, Inc and is responsible for Corporate Services.  Nelnet is a vertically integrated education finance, servicing and software services company.  Mr. Martinez joined Nelnet in April of 1979 and has served as Chairman of several national trade and professional committees.  “I am personally committed to making the educational dreams of Hispanic students and their families come true.  It is through the excellent work of HACU and the Council that we can best make this happen,” said Martinez.

“I’m proud to represent Coors Brewing Company on HACU’s Corporate and Philanthropic Council.  HACU leads the country in providing Hispanic students with opportunities in higher education that can positively impact our workforce long-term.  I look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with many other corporate leaders on the Council,” said Garcia, who joined the Coors Corporate Relations department in 1991 and previously served in Coors Corporate Communications department.  She develops and implements national and regional cause-related marketing initiatives in the Latino community.

“Mr. Martinez and Ms. Garcia bring years of experience which will greatly benefit the Council and HACU.  Their election will greatly strengthen this group’s involvement with HACU and its future,” said Antonio R. Flores, President and CEO of HACU.

The first Council meeting of 2006 is schedule for Sunday, March 26, in Washington, DC, in conjunction with HACU’s 11^th Annual Capitol Forum.

###