September 15, 2016
HACU to recognize 10 honorees at its 30th Annual Conference, Oct. 8-10, 2016, San Antonio, Texas
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Annual Conference will celebrate "30 Years of Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success" Oct. 8-10, 2016, at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, in San Antonio, Texas. HACU will recognize ten honorees that have made significant contributions to improving opportunities for college students. Among them are two leading individuals to be inducted into HACU's Hall of Champions, recognizing individuals who embody the mission of the Association through exemplary efforts “To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education.”
The 2016 HACU Hall of Champions honorees are:
HACU Hall of Champions, inductee, Max Castillo, Ed.D., president emeritus, University of Houston-Downtown and a founding board member of HACU while president at San Antonio College.
HACU Hall of Champions, inductee, The Honorable Ruben Hinojosa, United States House of Representatives, who has elevated Hispanic-Serving Institutions to a position of prominence in higher education.
"HACU is honored to highlight those individuals, institutions and organizations that have played a crucial role in Hispanic higher education” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “The presentation of awards provides an opportunity, not only to highlight the contributions of individuals, but also to inspire students and up-and-coming leaders attending our conference.”
The 2016 HACU Awards of Excellence Honorees are: 
HACU Lifelong Leadership Award in recognition of lifelong leadership and advocacy for Hispanic higher education success, Sharon Hahs, Ph.D., president, Northeastern Illinois University.
The President's Award of Excellence in recognition of outstanding service to Hispanic higher education success, Tomás Morales, Ph.D., president, California State University, San Bernardino.
Special Award for Exemplary Leadership in recognition of his career in advancing educational access and success for Hispanic students, Ricardo Romo, Ph.D., president, The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of exemplary leadership and support of HACU’s policy issues, Congressman Joseph Crowley.
Outstanding HACU HSI-Member in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas.
Outstanding HACU Associate Member Institution in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission, University of Central Florida.
Outstanding HACU Public Sector Partner for outstanding leadership and support of HACU’s mission from federal partner, National Credit Union Administration.
Outstanding HACU Private Sector Partner for outstanding leadership and support of HACU’s mission from corporate partner, American Student Assistance.
Click here for a PDF of the honorees.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) represents more than 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain. The association’s headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California. HACU, the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Information is available at www.hacu.net.
Media Contact: Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia