Updated May 15, 2019
HACU chief advocacy officer speaks at UNM-Taos commencement
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities chief advocacy officer Luis Maldonado served as the commencement speaker at the University of New Mexico-Taos Commencement ceremony on May 10, 2019.
More than 150 students graduated with an associate degree or certificate. Among the graduates to cross the stage were thirteen high school students receiving associate degrees through a dual credit program.
Maldonado, who aids the President and CEO of HACU to advance the mission of the association, says he was honored to represent HACU as the commencement speaker of the UNM-Taos commencement celebration. “On behalf of HACU, congratulations to the university community, family and friends and all the graduates - from high school students to college students,” said Maldonado.
Maldonado has served as HACU’s senior official at the Association’s Washington, D.C., office, for more than five years. In this role, he works with government officials, federal agencies and other educational organizations to develop policies and positions that support the educational success of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Hispanic students. He has more than 20 years of experience in government relations and advocacy efforts in the Washington, D.C. region. Maldonado earned a master’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland at College Park.
HACU, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. The mission of HACU is to Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Sacramento, California and Washington D.C.
HACU Advocacy Officer Luis Maldonado with stage party of UNM Taos. Maldonado served as the commencement speaker at the University of New Mexico-Taos Commencement ceremony on May 10, 2019