October 7, 2018
HACU’s Annual Conference "Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Building America’s Future" kicks off in Atlanta, Georgia
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities opened up its 32nd Annual Conference "Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Building America’s Future"on Oct. 6, 2018, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, in Atlanta, Georgia.
The HACU Students in STEM: Youth Leadership Development Forum event held for high schools students kicked off conference events on the campus of Atlanta Metropolitan State College on Oct. 5. Two preconference events: 17th Annual Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute and the Fourth PreK-12/Higher Education Collaboration Symposium were held prior to the conference opening.
The HACU Annual Conference drew nearly 1,800 attendees, including more than 500 undergraduate students taking part in the Student Track: HACU ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, held in conjunction with the Annual Conference Oct. 6-8.
Photo: HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores gives the State of HACU Address during the Opening Plenary
HACU President CEO Antonio R. Flores presented the State of HACU during the Opening Plenary, convened by Félix Matos-Rodríguez, President of Queens College, City University of New York and chair of HACU’s Governing Board.
As part of its conference proceedings, recognitions were made for honorees that have contributed to improving opportunities for college students. A total of nine honorees will be recognized.
During the Opening Plenary the HACU Lifelong Leadership Award was presented to Rev. Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale, president emeritus, St. Thomas University, in recognition of lifelong leadership and advocacy for Hispanic higher education success.
Two honorees were inducted into HACU's Hall of Champions, which recognizes those who have advanced the mission of the Association, “To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education.”
HACU Hall of Champions, inductee, J. Michael Ortiz, Ph.D., president emeritus, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. The award was accepted by: Tomás Morales, Ph.D., president of California State University, San Bernardino, past chair of HACU’s Governing Board.
HACU Hall of Champions, inductee, the late Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, CDP, Ph.D., president emerita of Our Lady of the Lake University. The award was accepted by: Diane Melby, Ph.D., president of Our Lady of the Lake University.
HACU thanked all its conference sponsors and recognized Southwest Airlines, USDA and Eli Lilly for their support and contributions.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores with honorees: Rev. Monsignor Franklyn M Casale, president emeritus St. Thomas University; Diane Melby, president of Our Lady of the Lake University, accepted the HACU Hall of Champions Award on behalf of the late Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, CDP; Tomás D. Morales of California State University, San Bernardino, past chair of HACU Governing Board accepted the HACU Hall of Champions on behalf of J. Michael Ortiz; and Felix Matos-Rodriguez, president of Queens College, City University of New York and convener of the Opening Plenary.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores with honorees: Rev. Monsignor Franklyn M Casale, president emeritus St. Thomas University; Diane Melby, president of Our Lady of the Lake University, accepted the HACU Hall of Champions Award on behalf of the late Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, CDP; Tomás D. Morales of California State University, San Bernardino, past chair of HACU Governing Board accepted the HACU Hall of Champions on behalf of J. Michael Ortiz; and Felix Matos-Rodriguez, president of Queens College, City University of New York and convener of the Opening Plenary.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores with Rev. Monsignor Franklyn M Casale. president emeritus St. Thomas University; Diane Melby, president of Our Lady of the Lake University; Tomás D. Morales, president of California State University, San Bernardin, past chair of HACU Governing Board; and Felix Matos-Rodriguez, president of Queens College, City University of New York, chair of HACU’s Governing Board and convener of the Opening Plenary.