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HACU NEWS
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities appointed Oralia De los Reyes, Ph.D., assistant vice president for programs and services, overseeing the areas of international affairs, learning collaboratives, professional leadership development, STEM programs, and student & PK-12 services.
De los Reyes previously served as dean for Student Success at Alamo Colleges District-San Antonio College Campus. She has 12 years of experience in the manufacturing sector and 20 in higher education research and administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the Matamoros Institute of Technology; a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, and a doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin.
HACU appointed Paul Machen, Ph.D., executive director of the Institute for Professional Leadership, overseeing HACU’s vision for increasing diversity in leadership roles at colleges and universities and provide strategic direction for the Institute for Professional Leadership. Machen will also provide administrative oversight for the Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, as well as events and grants, workshops, webinars, presentations, and information sessions for conferences and events with a leadership-focus.
Machen has 31 years of higher education faculty, curriculum development, and student affairs experience. He served previously at St. Philip’s College for 12 years in various administrator roles: assistant to the president, director of the Quality Enhancement Plan, dean for student success, and interim vice president for student success. Machen is a decorated retired U.S. Air Force veteran and has served on numerous nonprofit, school board, and city-appointed positions. He earned a doctorate from Kansas State University, a master’s from City University, and a bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
HACUNEWS Bipartisan Senate Resolution recognizes urgent need for Hispanics in STEM support
The bipartisan Senate Resolution 640, introduced by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and co-sponsored by John Cornyn (R-Texas), passing with unanimous consent, addresses the need for substantial support in educating Hispanic students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to provide an educated workforce for the technologies of tomorrow.
“HACU is encouraged to see this commitment to improve and support Latinos in STEM careers. The U.S. has an opportunity to build capacity and invest in critical STEM development that will strengthen our economy. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) have the potential to significantly contribute to STEM teaching, learning, and research, and HSIs are poised to prepare a new contingent of STEM professionals for the nation’s workforce,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores attended the Hispanics in Energy 2022 Energy Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., on May 19, 2022, to participate in the session, “Hispanic Energy Jobs: Increasing Innovation and Employment in the Renewable/ Clean Energy Sector.” Panelists discussed STEM education pathways for Hispanics, as well as their representation in the occupational and technical workforce
The Southern Company Gas Foundation also presented HACU with a $45,000 grant as special recognition. “HACU thanks the Southern Company Gas Foundation for the recognition of our Associations’ work with a grant award,” said Flores. “This donation will help to further advance HACU’s important work to champion Hispanic success in higher education.”
HACU and Ford Motor Company Fund offers webinar series for students
HACU and the Ford Motor Company Fund launched a five-webinar series on topics of interest to college students offered during the summer. The webinars offered as part of the series include: Budgeting for the Modern World; Updating Your Resume; Tips on How to Get a Job During a Pandemic; and Building Credit Post COVID-19.
HACUNEWS
HACU receives grant from
Building Cohort
HACU was awarded a $500,000 community grant from Capital One to support its 2021-22 Transformative Capacity Building Cohort initiatives, including a collaboration with Florida International University and the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, to develop and implement a transformative program to address career pathways and career readiness gaps by developing technology and digital solutions to build university capacity and infrastructure for undergraduate students on the FIU and UPRM campuses.
“We are grateful to Capital One for this grant that will help us expand opportunities to improve career pathways for students, and fellowships for HACU’s Leadership Academy at two of our member institutions: Florida International University and the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “This grant recognizes that support for the needs of our students must be matched by pathways for equitable representation at the highest levels of college and university administration.”
The grant will also support two fellows from UPRM and two from FIU selected to participate in the fourth cohort of HACU’s La Academia de Liderazgo, a one-year program that prepares the next generation of culturally diverse leaders for executive and senior level positions in higher education. Capital One will also provide a workshop for students during the Associations’ Annual Conference, as well as mentorship support to students.
HACU President and CEO gives testimony to House committee
HACU was part of a hearing held by the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on May 26, 2022, for the Fiscal Year 2023 LHHS Public Witness Day Hearing. Flores recommended the U.S. Congress and Biden Administration increase the investment in HSIs. As the nation looks to rebuild the economy after the pandemic, it is critical that federal investments strengthen our workforce by enhancing the educational infrastructure of HSIs to pave the path of success and opportunity for Hispanic Americans for the FY 2023.
HACU announced 13 new members to its Corporate and Philanthropic Council. Luke Visconti, chairman and founder, DiversityInc, was named chair, and Laura Marquez global lead diversity, equity and inclusion policy at Google serves as vice-chair.
New to the council are the following: • Tom Warnock, associate general counsel, Corteva Agriscience • Rosemarie Alvarado, director, program management office,
Jones Lange LaSalle, Inc. • Ryan Orozco, coordinator, digital (sports crossover), WME,
Endeavor • Jenny Araque, director, talent acquisition, Anthem • Erwin Hesse, senior DEI program manager, student programs,
Amazon • Liv Jackson, campus recruiter, Beam Suntory • Paola Marte, senior manager, tax services practice, Deloitte • Maria Tamburri, director, diversity & inclusion, and employee engagement, Dominion Energy, Inc. • Manuel Ramos, emerging talent associate recruiter, PetSmart • Shanique Bonelli-Moore, executive director of inclusion, United
Talent Agency • Caroline Cunningham, director, global university talent acquisition, Workday • Rachel Burrows, senior manager, stakeholder & community partnerships, The Coca-Cola Company • Aaron Almada, senior manager, external affairs, Capital One
CELEBRATE
Stay Connected with @HACUNews National Hispanic-Serving Institutions week will be observed Sept. 12-18, 2022, taking place during National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Each year, HACU government
H I S P A N I C A S S O C I A T I O N O F C O L L E G E S & U N I V E R S I T I E S
relations staff works with members of Congress to recognize the contributions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in their communities. HACU-member HSIs are encouraged to observe the week with campus activities to heighten awareness of the important role HSIs play in improving access to education and advancing equity for traditionally underserved students.
HACU partnered with Miller Lite to award $139,000 in college scholarships and leadership development opportunities through HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, and is the 18th year the company has partnered with the Association on the scholarship program. A total of 29 scholarships between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded to college students enrolled at HACU-member institutions in select cities, in the following states: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. Recipients also receive sponsorship to attend HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, the student track offered in conjunction with HACU’s Annual Conference.
The scholarships are part of the 2022-23 HACU Scholarship Program.
HACUNEWS HACU releases 2021 Annual Report
HACU released its 2021 Annual Report. In the Annual Report letter, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and HACU Governing Board Chair and President of New Jersey City University, Sue Henderson provided an overview of accomplishments by the Association and how it met the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding the effect it had on in-person events as well as celebrating HACU’s 35th Anniversary.
“While we could not gather to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Association due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we wish to acknowledge all the support of the countless individuals, member institutions, partner organizations and supporters who have made it possible to advance educational success for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the students they serve. Even under these rapidly changing conditions during the pandemic, which have often required imagination and ingenuity to conduct our work, we held programs and events successfully.”
The Association persistently advocated for more funding for HSIs in partnership with member institutions, and results have been a substantial start in rectifying long-standing inequities. These include funding increases for HSIs, new HSI-related legislation, enhanced Pell Grant awards, student debt reduction, and other higher education initiatives.
HACU statement on a decade of Deferred Action for Child Arrivals
HACU issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA):
“On the 10th anniversary of Deferred Action for Child Arrivals, there are more than 400,000 undocumented students enrolled in higher education, with approximately half with DACA. They are an essential element to the economy and social fabric of American society who are making significant contributions in and out of the classroom. Yet they are denied the fundamental promise of an affordable education and lack a pathway to citizenship. It is urgent that this federal policy directive expand its scope and provide all the rights, privileges and responsibilities afforded to a permanent resident or U.S. citizen,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.
HACU holds Governing Board strategic planning retreat
HACU held its first in-person retreat since the pandemic with its Governing Board and Corporate and Philanthropic Council on June 23-25, 2022, in Coronado, California.
The purpose of the retreat was to set the stage for new initiatives of the 2023-27 HACU Strategic Plan. Some of the discussions focused on higher education trends and opportunities for the Association. Briefings were held during the retreat to discuss advocacy, collaborations with federal agencies and workforce development in the corporate sector.
Frank G. Scarpaci served as the facilitator and led the collaborative activities to help the Board, C&P Council and HACU staff plan for the Association’s initiatives over the next five years.
“We greatly appreciate the leadership support of our Governing Board and Corporate and Philanthropic Council and are thankful for their commitment to our mission of championing Hispanic success in higher education,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “The retreat was a great success, and the discussions were inspiring and helpful in building the strategic plan for the future of HACU.”
As part of the retreat, HACU’s Governing Board members also attended the graduation ceremony of HACU’s Leadership Academy/ La Academia de Liderazgo 2021-22 Class of Fellows, with the final seminar of the program held on June 21-23, 2022.
HACU’s Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo Class of 2021-22 graduate
HACU held the final seminar and graduation ceremony for its Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo 2021-22 Class of Fellows on June 21-23, 2022, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in California.
The three-day seminar focused on topics related to international collaborations. Fellows participated in a welcome reception, round table discussions and a networking dinner with HACU’s Governing Board. The seminar concluded with a graduation ceremony.
HACU congratulates the 2021-22 Fellows of the Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo:
Alamo Colleges District, Ruth Dalrymple Caldwell University, Crystal López California State University, Bakersfield, James L. Rodríguez, Ph.D. Cañada College, Manuel Alejandro Pérez, Ed.D. Central New Mexico Community College, Philip Lister, Ph.D. Central New Mexico Community College, Melanie D. Viramontes Cypress College, Yanet G. Padilla Cypress College, AnnMarie Ruelas Cypress College, Gisela Verduzco Dallas College Mountain View Campus, Esteban Sosa Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus, Maya Thomas Fernández, Ed.D. Kean University, Carlos L. Nazario Kean University, Carlos E. Rodriguez Loras College, Sergio Pérez Mesa Community College, Nora Amavisca Reyes, Ed.D. New Jersey City University, Andrés Acebo, J.D. Palo Alto College, Erron González Texas A&M University, Luz E. Herrera, J.D. Texas A&M University System, John E. Hurtado, Ph.D. The City College of New York, Vanessa K. Valdés, Ph.D. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Nikolasa Tejero, DMA The University of Texas at San Antonio, Juan Manuel Sánchez, Ph.D. University of California, Davis, Luis Carvajal-Carmona, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh, Ariel Carlos Armony, Ph.D. Utah Valley University, Yudi Lewis
HACU welcomed the 2021-22 Class of Fellows to the final seminar of the Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, June 21-23, 2022, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in California. Pictured in the photo: Fellows, presenters and HACU staff.
