FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2006

HACU Formally Recognized by the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico

San Antonio, TX – Today the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) received a formal resolution of recognition and gratitude from the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico presented by the President of this chamber, the Honorable José F. Aponte Hernández.  HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores accepted the recognition at HACU’s San Antonio headquarters via a videoconference link with HACU’s Washington, D.C., office where Mr. Aponte and other Puerto Rican delegates met with the Association’s DC staff.  The resolution was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives in honor of HACU’s 20^th anniversary this year.

“HACU’s important national and international work deserves to be commended and recognized by people everywhere, but especially by the people of Puerto Rico.  HACU’s exemplary work has benefited countless Puerto Rican students and helped them to realize their dreams of a college education and a professional career,” said Aponte Hernández during the presentation of the resolution.

In accepting the resolution, Flores remarked, “This is truly an historic day for HACU.  The House of Representatives of Puerto Rico is the first government entity to formally recognize HACU’s 20 years of championing Hispanic higher education success.  This important resolution further strengthens HACU’s resolve to continue advocating on behalf of its more than 450 member colleges and universities, including our 33 member institutions in Puerto Rico.  The very future of the nation depends on how well Hispanics are able to excel in higher education.”

A number of other dignitaries attended the presentation of the resolution, including Mr. Gerardo Flores, a former HACU intern and now legal counsel to the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico, who stated, “I will always be grateful to HACU for allowing me to develop professional skills and a commitment to excellence.  As a HACU intern, I was able to achieve my dream of a law career and service to society.”

HACU is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year.  Its Annual Conference, “20 Years of Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success,” will take place in San Antonio, Texas, October 28-31, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

HACU was established in 1986 with a founding membership of eighteen institutions.  Today, HACU represents more than 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and Portugal.  Although member institutions in the U. S. represent less than 7% of all higher education institutions nationwide, together they are home to more than two-thirds of all Hispanic college students.  HACU is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). HACU is a non-profit organization committed to assuring higher education access and success for Hispanic students. For more information, visit www.hacu.net.

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