The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education - Winter 2023

OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION

VOLUME 32 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2023

HACU Annual Conference draws record breaking attendance Two Honorees inducted into the Hall of Champions

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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION

VOLUME 32 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2023 The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education is published quarterly by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, 4801 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 701, San Antonio, Texas 78229.

The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education reserves the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. We are not responsible for returning any unsolicited materials such as photos, brochures, etc. We also reserve the right to refuse publication of any unsolicited material.

Publisher Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D. HACU President and CEO

Message from the President

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HACU News

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Member News

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HACU’s Inaugural Enlace Cohort

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HACU 37th Annual Conference held in Chicago, Oct. 28-30, 2023

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HACU announces Call for Presentations for 38th Annual Conference on Hispanic higher education

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2023 HACU Laptop Award presented to UTSA student

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Senior Vice President for Programs and Operations Lisa Alcorta, Ph.D. Editor Norma Jean Revilla-García njgarcia@hacu.net Assistant editor/writer Chris de Hoyos chris.dehoyos@hacu.net

Writer Lupe Flores news@hacu.net

Designer Michael Lopez michael.lopez@hacu.net

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES GOVERNING BOARD 2023-24 Mike Flores, Chair Chancellor Alamo Colleges District San Antonio, Texas Juan S. Muñoz, Vice Chair Chancellor University of California, Merced Merced, California Emma Grace Hernández Flores Secretary President Universidad de Iberoamérica San José, Costa Rica Irma Becerra, Treasurer President Marymount University Arlington, Virginia Federico Zaragoza Substitute for Past-Chair President College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada Ted Alejandre Superintendent San Bernardino County Schools San Bernadino, California Adela de la Torre President San Diego State University San Diego, California Abel Antonio Chávez President Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas Reyes González President St. Augustine College Chicago, Illinois Cynthia Larive Chancellor University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California

Daniel López President Harold Washington College City Colleges of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Gary May Chancellor University of California, Davis Davis, California Margaret McMenamin President Union College Cranford, New Jersey Brad Mortensen President Weber State University Ogden, Utah Greg Peterson President Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chandler, Arizona Frank D. Sánchez President Manhattanville College Purchase, New York Garnett S. Stokes President The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico Luke Visconti Chairman and Founder Fair360, LLC West Palm Beach, Florida Ex-Officio: Antonio R. Flores President and CEO HACU

Subscription Rates: The subscription rate for nonmembers of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is $35 for one year and $50 for two years. For members, the rate is $28 for one year and $40 for two years. Information and subscription available at www.hacu.net.

ABOUT HACU The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, 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 (HSIs).

The Association’s headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

CONTACTING HACU HACU National Headquarters 4801 NW Loop 410, Suite 701 San Antonio, TX 78229 Tel: (210) 692-3805 Fax: (210) 692-0823 Email: hacu@hacu.net

HACU Washington D.C. Office One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 430 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 833-8361 Fax: (202) 261-5082 Email: dcgr@hacu.net

HACU National Internship Program One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 430 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 467-0893 Fax: (202) 496-9177 Email: hnip@hacu.net

HACU Western Regional Office 1107 9th Street, Suite 850 Sacramento, CA 95814 Tel: (916) 442-0392 Fax: (916) 446-4028 Email: wro@hacu.net

Log on to www.hacu.net for the latest up-to-date news and special events.

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THE VOICE OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUC ATION - WINTER 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

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s we approach the end of the calendar year and the midpoint of the academic year, I am optimistic of what the future holds for our country’s students.

There are many daunting challenges facing us as we continue to work for equity in higher education for Hispanics, yet the growing and expanding support, partnerships and alliances that HACU is fortunate to work with demonstrates that we are in excellent company to meet those challenges.

We recently held our 37th Annual Conference “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Diversifying our Workforce and Strengthening America,” with a record-breaking attendance of over 2,500 participants, in the always welcoming city of Chicago. Starting on page 12, you can find the highlights of our premier conference on Hispanic higher education, including awards and recognition of our partners, supporters and champions from across the country.

HACU continues to develop new partnerships to increase the opportunities we offer to Hispanic-Serving Institutions and college students nationwide. We have signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Secret Service and the Environmental Protection Agency that will increase the number of Hispanic professionals in a number of fields related to both offices. Our scholarship program provided funding to deserving students due to the generosity of Café Bustelo, Walmart, the Ford Fund, SiteOne Landscape and Cricket Wireless, and our long-time partner Southwest Airlines provided round trip air travel to help Hispanic college students stay connected to their families for the 19th year in a row.

The number of HSIs in the nation continues to grow, as does the number of HACU-member institutions. This growth reflects the burgeoning demographic we serve and advocate for at the state and federal level. We welcome new member to HACU institutions on page 9, as well as new presidents taking office at member institutions.

We also feature the inaugural cohort of the Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program on page 11, which began this fall with 55 participants. The six-month leadership development program for mid-level college and university professionals is designed to increase the number, variety, and quality of Latino/a talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and in higher education overall. This program marks a new effort in increasing representation in higher education administration, as equity in human capital is as important as equity in funding.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission to champion Hispanic success in higher education and we hope you have a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Cordially,

Antonio R. Flores President and CEO

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HACU NEWS HACU holds Capitol Hill and Cabinet Conversations event in Washington, D.C.

HACU President speaks at State of Latinos discussion in Washington, D.C.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores spoke at the State of Latinos in Washington, D.C., joining other leaders from Hispanic organizations to offer perspectives on the current higher education environment affecting Latinos and Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

The event was hosted by the office of Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, with Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Díaz Barragán in attendance.

HACU held a “Capitol Hill and Cabinet Conversations,” event in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11, 2023, bringing together chancellors and presidents of HSIs and leaders of the Department of Commerce, including United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

The gathering started with a roundtable discussion, with Secretary Raimondo giving the opening remarks, followed by an address from Jon P. Gant, director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Flores provided an overview of HSIs, the HSI designation, and the student demographic they serve. Also discussed was HACU’s perspective on the role of HSIs, particularly in the context of the recent Supreme Court of the United States decision on Affirmative Action within higher education, and the need for increasing federal support for HSIs at an equitable level.

The afternoon session featured a Department of Commerce interactive panel discussion with Jessica G. Cavazos, deputy under secretary of commerce for minority business development and Robert Santos, director of the U.S. Census Bureau and director Gant. The day’s itinerary concluded with a White House Meeting with the Domestic Policy Council.

HACU recognized in California with Resolution Representative Eloise Gómez Reyes of the 50th Assembly District of California led the passage of a resolution on Sept.

15, 2023, recognizing the work of HACU and 170 HSIs in the state, nearly 30 percent of all HSIs in the U.S., to advance the higher education success of Hispanic students and their communities.

The resolution noted that, “For 37 years, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has pioneered the advancement of Hispanic higher education in the Golden State, promoting and advocating a vision of academic excellence and the belief in the transformative power of education.”

California State Representative Eloise Gómez Reyes presents a California Assembly Resolution at California HSI Summit at HACU’s 37th Annual Conference.

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HACU NEWS HACU holds events in Chicago to expand regional collaborations

HACU signs MOU with Secret Service HACU signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Secret Service to encourage collaboration and increase agency outreach, programs, and services for students attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The MOU is intended to increase awareness among students, faculty, and staff at HACU-member institutions about professional and educational opportunities at the Secret Service. The agency will also work to increase student professional development opportunities such as internships and academic programs, form partnerships between school districts, HSIs and the Secret Service to prepare Hispanic students for careers in federal law enforcement.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and senior staff met with area college and university presidents, community leaders, as well as regional legislators, as part of a series of HACU roundtable and conversation sessions on Oct. 3, 2023, in Chicago, Ill. Flores led a morning President’s Roundtable bringing together higher education leadership, followed by an afternoon community leaders’ engagement event, both held at the Arturo Velasquez Institute.

HACU student services staff also met with students from area institutions who participated in Roundtable sessions. The day concluded with an Illinois Legislative Leadership Forum, which brought together higher education leaders and legislators to discuss higher education opportunities and challenges in Illinois.

“HACU is proud to partner with the U.S. Secret Service to increase the number of Hispanics entering the law enforcement field, especially within the branch that protects our nation’s leaders,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Diverse representation in the Secret Service and other agencies that serve the community is necessary to ensure that those communities are served and protected in a fair and just manner. This MOU will be a significant step in providing that diversity.”

College students selected for HACU’s Leader-in-Residence program announced

Manhattanville College joins HACU with signing event after HSI designation

HACU announced the 50 students from HACU-member institutions nationwide selected for the Leader-in-Residence Program. The students attended the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute on Oct. 28-30, 2023, as part of the student track of HACU’s 37th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Diversifying our Workforce and Strengthening America,” in Chicago.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores joined Manhattanville College President Frank Sánchez, Ph.D., for an official signing of membership into the Association on Oct. 12, 2023. The college recently received designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, as well as appointing Sanchez as president in July 2023.

As part of the HACU Leader-in-Residence Program, students participate in HACU leadership development webinars and serve as a resource on their campus to provide information about HACU internships, scholarships, and advocacy efforts and opportunities.

They work with a mentor from their home institution to help guide them on campus outreach efforts. For a complete list of institutions who have students that are participating in the Leader-in-Residence Program, visit hacu.net.

“Manhattanville College has served their students and community with an unwavering focus on ensuring success for all, and their recent designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution highlights the expansion of that focus,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Their membership with HACU will provide new opportunities, tools and a robust network of partners and supporters that will create pathways to brighter futures for all of their students.”

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HACU NEWS HACU announces four new members to its Governing Board for 2023-2024 HACU has announced four new Governing Board members and the re-election of Greg Peterson and Federico Zaragoza to their second twoyear terms. The confirmations took place on Oct. 28, 2023, at HACU’s 37th Annual Conference.

HACU Governing Board members serve two-year terms with the opportunity to be re-elected for a second term. Newly elected board members include:

Abel Antonio Chávez President Our Lady of the Lake University

Cynthia Larive Chancellor University of California, Santa Cruz

Daniel López President Harold Washington College City Colleges of Chicago

Frank D. Sánchez President Manhatanville College

HACU extends its sincere thanks to members completing their terms and their contributions during their service to HACU’s Governing Board: Howard Gillman, chancellor of the University of California, Irvine; Devorah Lieberman, president emerita of the University of La Verne; Cesar Maldonado, former chancellor of Houston Community Colleges; and Margaret Venable, former president of Dalton State College.

Visit hacu.net to see a complete list of HACU Governing Board members.

HACU partners with Amazon for student career enrichment summit HACU partnered with Amazon on Robotics@Amazon Day or R@AD, a one-day career enrichment summit on Sept. 29, 2023, bringing undergraduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in robotics to Amazon’s Seaport Office in Boston. Attendees learned about emergent technologies and explored career opportunities including internships and co-ops at Amazon Fulfillment Technologies and Robotics.

Students learned from science, software development, mechanical, hardware engineering and management leaders, with the goal for students to see themselves represented and discover career opportunities as professionals and industry leaders in robotics. They also viewed demonstrations of Amazon’s latest technical applications, a football game of four teams of Amazon staff and their Lego robots, breakout sessions with featured keynote speakers and panels on employment and internships, workshops for invited university faculty and professors, resume reviews and a professional headshot station. Students and faculty from the following HACU-member institutions attended: Bunker Hill Community College Framingham State University Mount Holyoke College North Shore Community College Northern Essex Community College Salem State University Wellesley College Worcester State University

Send us Your News and Pictures

HACU-member institutions can send news, photos and their logo for publishing consideration in an upcoming magazine edition. Send to news@hacu.net.

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HACU NEWS HACU hosts Emerging Leaders’ Summit with St. Mary’s University

HACU holds Financial Literacy Workshop for Southside ISD families

HACU hosted an Emerging Leaders’ Summit focused on preparing students for internships and career opportunities in various fields.

Held at St. Mary’s University on Sept. 29, 2023, the summit brought more than 100 students from 25 colleges and universities together with professionals and corporate representatives for a one-day event.

HACU held a financial proficiency workshop, Finanzas en Familia, for Southside Independent School District students and their families at the Menchaca Early Childhood Center on Sept.

27, 2023. The event is the first of the Hispanic Financial Education and Competencies USAA Grant Program four-part series, equipping students with the skills and knowledge for a successful and prosperous financial future.

Participating students represented the following majors: STEM (including computer science, information technology, management information systems, engineering, etc.), finance, accounting, business, communications and marketing fields. Corporate partners holding career preparation workshops and panels included Fidelity Investments, Nordstrom, Sixth Street, Southwest Research Institute, USAID and Methodist/HCA.

Attendees learned how to engage their children in age-appropriate conversations about money-related topics while their children participated in various activities including reading, coloring and play money exercises. Future sessions will include parent/family education about building/maintaining good credit, saving/investing, funding college, and other long-term strategies for financial independence.

HACU announces students selected for the Voces Nuevas Program HACU selected 10 students from HACU-member institutions to the inaugural Voces Nuevas Program. The students receive a $2,000 participation stipend and will attend HACU’s 29th National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education on April 9-10, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The Voces Nuevas Program is designed to help students engage in advocacy and develop leadership skills to voice their concerns effectively, as well as develop strategies promoting innovative and socially conscious solutions at the local, state and national levels. Special thanks to Capital One for their support in providing sponsorship for 10 students.

Alondra Algalan Austin Community College

Karina Gutierrez California State University, Los Angeles

Karina Ramirez Gonzales California State University, San Marcos

Efrain Castillo San Jose State University

Gisselle Lopez Southern Methodist University

Vanessa Gonzalez Cejas Texas A&M University, San Antonio

Mia Abonza Texas State University

Brianna Gonzalez Ulloa University of California, Los Angeles

Carlos Hernandez University of Houston

Jessica Robles University of Southern California

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HACU NEWS

HACU Scholarship Program announces 2023-24 recipients Ten students awarded Cricket Wireless Scholarships

Twenty-five students awarded Café Bustelo® El Café Del Futuro Scholarships totaling $125,000

HACU selected 10 students from HACU-member institutions to each receive a $1,000 Cricket Wireless Scholarship. Scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 academic year are full-time graduate or undergraduate students attending a two- or four-year HACUmember institution. For a complete list of students and their institutions, visit hacu.net.

HACU selected 25 students from HACU-member institutions to each receive a Café Bustelo® El Café del Futuro Scholarship of $5,000.

Since 2014, $800,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to 160 Hispanic students nationwide through the partnership. Students submitted essays describing how their Latino heritage, family and the community in which they grew up have impacted their desire and motivation to obtain a college degree. For a complete list of students and their institutions, visit hacu.net.

HACU, Southwest Airlines announce student recipients of ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Travel Award Program

HACU, Walmart announce scholarship recipients

HACU and Southwest Airlines announced 185 college students received round-trip air travel through Southwest Airlines, as part of the SWA ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Program. The program helps Hispanic college students stay connected with their family during the school year.

HACU and Walmart announced ten students from HACUmember institutions received $5,000 scholarships for the 2023-24 school year. The Walmart Scholarships were available to all graduate and undergraduate majors attending a four-year HACU-member institution. For a complete list of students and their institutions, visit hacu.net.

“The students who receive this travel award are pursuing their college degrees hundreds of miles from home, often in an unfamiliar city or state. It can be a stressful time for many of them,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “This partnership with Southwest Airlines that has been in place for nearly two decades helps students stay connected to their families, playing a significant role in their higher education success.”

HACU, Ford Fund announce scholarship recipients HACU announced thirteen students attending HACU-member institutions will receive a $5,000 Ford Fund scholarship for the 202324 school year. Students submitted a 500-word essay describing how this award will allow them to stay in school. For a complete list of students and their institutions, visit hacu.net.

The awardees were selected from students across the nation who submitted essays that described how the travel award would help them achieve their goal to pursue a higher education. The ¡Lánzate!/ Take Off! Higher Education Travel Program, in its 19th year, awarded four round trip tickets to each of the 2023 recipients. For a complete list of all student recipients, visit hacu.net.

Five students awarded SiteOne Landscape Supply Scholarships

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HACU selected five students from HACU-member institutions to each receive a $1,000 SiteOne Landscape Supply Scholarship. For a complete list of students and their institutions, visit hacu.net.

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For rates, visit www.hacu.net/TheVoice or send an email to news@hacu.net Subject: The Voice magazine Ad 7

THE VOICE OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUC ATION - WINTER 2023

HACU NEWS HACU National Internship Program accepting applications for summer session HACU is accepting applications from college students for the summer 2024 session of the HACU National Internship Program.

The summer internship program dates are June 3–Aug. 9, 2024. The online application deadline is Feb. 2, 2024.

The spring internship session is for 10-weeks with placement at federal agencies in Washington, D.C., field offices nationwide or remotely.

Internships are available for currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate and recent graduated students in any major. Students must have completed their first year of undergraduate studies. Many positions require U.S. citizenship, per security clearance requirements but students legally authorized to work in the U.S., DACA recipients and permanent residents are still encouraged to apply.

For more information on internship opportunities visit hacu.net/hnip.

HACU National Internship Program bids farewell to fall interns with virtual ceremony HACU bid farewell to its 2023 fall interns with a virtual ceremony on Dec. 8, 2023. The participants were undergraduate and graduate students who served internships with federal agencies across the country, as part of the HACU National Internship Program.

Executive Director of HNIP Diana Vasquez welcomed and congratulated the interns on completing their internship. A keynote address was given by former HNIP intern Ruth Hurtado, who serves as learning and development program manager for the Federal Aviation Administration.

ProTalento

Remarks were also given by current interns Carlos Fernandez Cruz, Victoria Macali, Jose Calzadilla, Leah Bland, Carolina Porto and Daisy Hernandez, who spoke about their internship experiences this session.

Over 200 students participated in these internships for a total of 15 weeks. The following agencies in the Washington, D.C., metro area and field offices throughout the country provided the internship opportunities:

The Leading Job Board in Hispanic Higher Education

Your Trusted Source for K-12 Job Openings

Bureau of Land Management Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Export-Import Bank of the United States Farm Credit Association Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Food and Drug Administration Library of Congress National Institute of Health National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Science Foundation Small Business Administration U.S. Agency for International Development U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Forest Services U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission H I S PA N I C A S S O C I AT 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

Get up-to-date information on our website jobs.hacu.net.

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MEMBER NEWS Welcome New Members Hispanic-Serving Institutions Front Range Community College (Colo.)

Manhattanville College (N.Y.) Associate Member Institution Eastern Arizona College (Ariz.)

University of Massachusetts Boston (Mass.)

Partner Institution Carleton College (Minn.)

International Member Institutions Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (Mexico) Universidad Hispanamericana (Costa Rica)

Faculty/Staff Affiliates Jamal Epperson, Loyola Marymount University (Calif.)

José Laureano, Ed.D., Middlesex College (N.J.) Jenny Mena, Middlesex College (N.J.) Eve Olvera, Florida Gulf Coast University (Fla.) Yunilka Peguero, Middlesex College (N.J.) Evelyn Rosa, Middlesex College (N.J.) Laura Senio Blair, Ph.D., Southwestern University (Texas) Cynthia Villarreal, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Texas)

New Presidents Alabama Yolanda W. Page, Ph.D. President Stillman College

California Steve Perez, Ph.D. President California State University, Chico Armando Valdez, Ph.D. President Colorado State University Pueblo Jessica Robinson, Ed.D. President Cuyamaca College Tiffany Hernandez, Ph.D., J.D. President Glendale Community College

Oklahoma Marshall T. Fulbright, III, Ph.D. Superintendent/President Monterey Peninsula College

Louisiana

Puerto Rico

Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D. President Loyola University New Orleans

Nebraska

Mario K. Castillo, J.D. Chancellor Lone Star College System

Heather A. Smith President College of Saint Mary

Stacia Haynie, Ph.D. President Midwestern State University

New York Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D. President College of Staten Island, CUNY

Claire Oliveros, Ph.D. President Riverside City College

Lester Edgardo Sandres Rápalo, Ed.D. President Rockland Community College, SUNY

Pardis Mahdavi, Ph.D. President University of La Verne

Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Ed.D. President Inter American University of Puerto Rico System Central Office

Texas

Ron K. Patterson, Ed.D. President Chadron State College

Amanuel Gebru, Ed.D. President Los Angeles City College

Erika A. Endrijonas, Ph.D. Superintendent/President Santa Barbara City College

Todd G. Lamb, J.D. President University of Central Oklahoma

Amy N. Bosley, Ed.D. President Northwest Vista College

Tennessee Robert Pearigen, Ph.D. Vice-Chancellor and President The University of the South

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. President State University of New York College at Oswego

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The selectees and their home institutions are:

HACU’s inaugural Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program cohort convene in Chicago

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ACU's inaugural cohort of the Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program began the program in the fall of 2023 with fifty-five participants. The six-month leadership development program for mid-level college and university professionals is designed to increase the number, variety, and quality of Latino/a talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and in higher education overall.

The inaugural group will participate in programming covering academic and student affairs management, regional institutional accreditation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and higher education advocacy issues. Participants also interact with a professional search firm.

The sessions include a series of online meetings and in-person sessions at key events such as HACU’s Annual Conference held in October 2023 in Chicago, and the National Capitol Forum to take place in Washington, D.C., in April 2024. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony.

Special thanks to Capital One for their support in providing grant funding for 10 participants*.

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Austin Community College, Mirosalva Zuniga Caldwell University, Benahir Crespo California Institute of the Arts, Veronica Alvarez, Ed.D. California Lutheran University, Maria G. Montejano-Thayer California State University, Bakersfield, Jorge Villatoro* California State University, Fresno, Laura Ramos* California State University, Long Beach, Elyzza M. Aparicio, Ph.D. California State University, Long Beach, Manuel Romero California State University, Long Beach, Norma R. Salcedo, Ed.D. California State University, Monterey Bay, Maria A. Gurrola, Ph.D. Central Washington University, Arturo Torres Central Washington University, Verónica Gómez Vilchis Cypress College, Gabriela De La Cruz Cypress College, José I. Sanchez Cypress College, Juan Carlos Garcia, Ed.D. Dominican University, Elizabeth Soto, Ed.D. Estrella Mountain Community College, Isaac Torres GateWay Community College, Leah Smith-Thompson Hudson County Community College, Irma Williams* Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Cindy Gil Laredo College, Julio Reyes Laredo College, Rene J. Montemayor * Milwaukee Area Technical College, Maria Cristina Rodriguez* Montgomery College, Glenda Hernandez Tittle, Ph.D. Montgomery College, Yanira L. Rodriguez Mount Saint Mary’s University, Janet Rosas National Louis University, Lady Gil National University, Sonia Rodriguez, Ph.D. New Jersey City University, Lorena Laverde* North Park University, Evelyn Aponte-Aucutt, Ph.D. North Shore Community College, Natalie Aleman, Ed.D. Northern Arizona University, Vidal Mendoza Our Lady of the Lake University, Michelle Avila* Our Lady of the Lake University, Pedro Tijerina* Palo Alto College, Carmen Velasquez-Avila Paradise Valley Community College, Ivette C. Quintero Phoenix College, Georgina Ruiz Pima Community College, Maira Rodriguez, J.D. Pima Community College, Valerie Vidal-King Rio Salado College, Regina Hernandez-Garcia San Bernardino Valley College, Leticia Hector* St. Augustine College, Alejandro De la Luz St. Augustine College, Karla Martinez Texas A&M University Commerce, Melissa Guerrero Arrambide, Ed.D. The University of Texas at Arlington, Maria Yareli Delgado, Ph.D. University of California, Davis, Lina R. Mendez, Ph.D. University of California, Merced, Ariel Harrison University of California San Diego, Omar Padilla, Ph.D. University of California San Diego, Claudia I. Martinez University of California San Diego, María Luisa Reyes University of San Diego, Lissette Martinez University of Texas at San Antonio, Cynthia Arreola University of Texas at San Antonio, Feiyi Ring University of the Incarnate Word, Monica Ayala Jimenez, Ed.D.* Western Oregon University, Doris I. Cancel-Tirado, Ph.D.

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HACU 37th Annual Conference held in Chicago, Oct. 28-30, 2023

HACU kicked off its 37th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Diversifying our Workforce and Strengthening America” on Oct. 28, 2023, with a record-breaking attendance of over 2,500 participants. At the Opening Plenary, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores welcomed attendees and delivered the State of HACU address.

Among the attendees were over 650 college students participating in the HACU ¡Adelante!

Leadership Institute, the student track held in conjunction with the conference.

HACU inducted two honorees to its Hall of Champions during the Opening Plenary.

Norman Maldonado, M.D., was the president of the University of Puerto Rico for seven years, overseeing management of UPR’s 11 campuses. Prior to that, he served as the director of the Office of Research and Planning for the Senate of Puerto Rico, while concurrently serving as the governor’s advisor for health care reform and liaison to the White House Health Care Reform panel.

From 1988 to 1991, Maldonado managed the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus after teaching in the department of hematology and practicing hematology at the UPR Medical School.

From 1975 to 1985 he served as chancellor of the UPR Medical Sciences Campus.

Devorah Lieberman, Ph.D., the University of La Verne’s 18th and first female president and recent HACU Governing Board member, has more than three decades of higher education experience. Prior to becoming president, Lieberman served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Wagner College in New York. Her awards and recognition include the ACE Bringing the World into the Classroom award, the Washington Center Higher Education Civic Engagement Award, and the TIAA-CREF Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Excellence. Lieberman was named President of the Year by the Association of College Unions International and CEO/President of the Year by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. She has also received the Si Se Puede Award, Amistad Award, and the Las Mujeres de la Raza Award.

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2023 Honorees recognized for their contributions to improving opportunities for college students.

The following awards were presented during the Partnership Lunch:

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT) was the recipient of the Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award.

Hudson County Community College was the recipient of the Outstanding HACU-Member Institution Award with HCCC President Chris Reber accepting on their behalf.

The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) was recognized as the recipient of the Extraordinary Philanthropic Partner Award.

The following awards were presented during the Power Lunch:

Kia was the recipient of the Outstanding Private Sector Partner Award with Regional Retail Marketing Manager Jerry O’Sullivan accepting on their behalf.

The U.S. Department of State was the recipient of the Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for educational and cultural affairs Scott Weinhold accepting on their behalf.

President of Universidad de Iberoamérica Emma Grace Hernández Flores received the President’s Award of Excellence.

The following award was present during the International plenary:

Operations Advisor of Export-Import Bank José Antonio “Tony” Pérez, received the Alicia Casanova Award.

Michael A. Olivas was recognized posthumously with the HACU Lifelong Leadership Award with his wife Augustina Reyes accepting on his behalf.

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The Exemplary International HACU-Member Institution Award was presented to the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain, with USAL Rector Ricardo Rivero Ortega, Ph.D., accepting on their behalf.

THE VOICE OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUC ATION - WINTER 2023

Other events of the conference included pre-conference events: The Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute and PreK-12/Higher Education Collaboration Symposium, and post-conference event Deans’ Forum.

HACU holds inaugural Women’s Symposium

HACU held an inaugural Women’s Symposium on Oct. 27, 2023. More than 75 participants attended the pre-conference event that focused on topics related to navigating career opportunities in higher education and the importance of preparing for executive level positions and building supportive networks in working environments. Liz Alquino, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs, College of Nursing at the University of Illinois, Chicago served as the moderator.

Featured speakers of the event included Devorah Lieberman, Ph.D., president emerita of University of La Verne; Adela de la Torre, Ph.D., president of San Diego State University; Margaret McMenamin, Ed.D., president of Union College; Dania Matos, J.D., vice chancellor for equity and inclusion at the University of California, Berkeley; Garnett Stokes, Ph.D., president of The University of New Mexico; Bea Joseph, Ed.D., vice chancellor of student success, Dallas Colleges and Debi Gaitan, vice president of student success, Northwest Vista College, Alamo Colleges.

HACU holds Illinois Higher Education Convening

HACU held a Illinois Higher Education Convening on Oct. 29, 2023, for conference attendees from the state, addressing topics of “Common Themes Across Latinx Student Needs,” “Building Servingness,” “Leadership, Mentorship for Latinx Higher Education Professionals,” and “Affirmative Action and the Journey Forward.”

Speaking at the convening were Luis Duarte, executive director, Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services, University of Illinois, Chicago; Luis Narváez, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor for adult education, City Colleges of Chicago; Emmanuel López, director of the Latinx Resource Center, Governors State University; David Potash, Ph.D., president, Wilbur Wright College; Roberto C. Valadez, vice president of student development, Joliet Junior College; Oscar Rodriguez, vice president of enrollment management, Chicago State University; Blanca Jara, chief of staff, partnership for college completion; and Moises Orozco Villicaña, Ph.D., director of first year outreach and support, University of Illinois Chicago.

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HACU holds California HSI Summit

HACU held a California Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit on Oct. 29, 2023, for conference attendees from the state, addressing critical issues students face.

The summit featured four panelists from California leading university, college and K-12 education. Speaking at the summit were Juan Sánchez Muñoz Ph.D., chancellor, University of California, Merced; Saúl Jimenez-Sandoval Ph.D., president, California State University, Fresno; Diana Z. Rodriguez, chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District; and Ted Alejandre, superintendent, San Bernardino County of Schools.

HACU Town Hall focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

HACU held its Town Hall, “Embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Catalysts for a Flourishing Workforce,” on Oct. 30, 2023. The panel discussion was moderated by Guillermo Diaz, CEO of Conectado and featured Olivia Jefferson, vice president, philanthropic programs, United Health Foundation; Audrey Stewart, head of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and reporting, Google; and Maria Tamburri, vice president of intergovernmental affairs, Dominion Energy.

HACU International Plenary on partnerships for workforce development

HACU held its International Plenary, “Transnational Educational Partnerships for Workforce Development,” on Oct. 30, 2023.

The plenary’s panel discussion was moderated by Emma Grace Hernández Flores, Ph.D., president of the Universidad de Iberoamérica and featured Devorah Lieberman, Ph.D., president emerita of the University of La Verne; Ricardo Rivero Ortega, Ph.D., rector of the Universidad de Salamanca and Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D, HACU president and CEO. Carmen Estrada Schaye, Ed.D., Fulbright Foreign Scholarship board member announced the U.S. Department of State 43 Hispanic-Serving Institutions 2023 Fulbright HSI Leaders, recognized for their noteworthy engagement with the Fulbright program.

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THE VOICE OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUC ATION - WINTER 2023

HACU announces Call for Presentations for 38th Annual Conference on Hispanic higher education HACU has announced the Call for Presentations for its 38th Annual Conference, Nov. 1-3, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

Speaker proposals under the conference theme, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Reaching New Heights of Excellence and Equity,” can be made in any of the following seven conference tracks: Track 1: Capacity-Building for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Emerging HSIs

HACU’s Annual Conference provides a unique forum for the sharing of information and ideas for the best and most promising practices in the education of Hispanics.

Track 2: Teaching and Learning Track 3: Student Engagement and Success

Presentation proposals must be submitted online and will be accepted through March 8, 2024. Notifications of selection will be made by April 1, 2024.

Track 4: Excellence and Equity in Leadership Track 5: Federal and State Advocacy, Policy and Research Track 6: Global Engagement

Detailed guidelines on the submission process are available online at hacu.net.

Track 7: Preparing the Future Workforce

2023 HACU Laptop Award presented to UTSA student

By Annu Chemata Venkata, Ahavah Kirwan and Hillary Jean-Baptiste

The HACU Laptop Award is an initiative to provide laptops to select undergraduate students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in order to address the digital divide. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of access to technology for educational purposes, as remote learning became part of the new normal. Gabriela Luna Vasquez is the winner of this prestigious award for the 2023 academic year, provided by the University of Texas at San Antonio in partnership with HACU, supporting and empowering underrepresented students in their pursuit of higher education.

From left to right: Recipient of the HACU Laptop Award Gabriela Luna Vasquez, and Ben Garcia, senior director of client experience solutions, university technology solutions at UTSA.

As the 2023 recipient of the award, Vasquez received a new laptop as well as access to valuable resources and opportunities that will greatly enhance her academic experience, and her achievement is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her passion for education and commitment to her studies have played a significant role in her success and serves as an inspiration to others by demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, any goal can be achieved.

“It was an honor to represent both UTSA and our Tech Solutions division at the HACU ACE Scholar Award event,” said Ben Garcia, senior director of client experience solutions, university technology solutions at UTSA. “Having the opportunity to positively impact a student’s academic success is part of our department’s mission, and we look forward to our valued partnership with HACU for years to come.”

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Ben Garcia, senior director of client experience solutions, university technology solutions at UTSA, speaking at the award ceremony.

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HACU 29th ANNUAL NATIONAL CAPITOL FORUM ON HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION

Register for this powerful national platform for garnering public- and private-sector support for Hispanic higher education. Delegation visits to Capitol Hill with key members of the House and Senate are part of the agenda.

APRIL 9-10, 2024

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 5, 2024

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