History
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Founding of HACU: A Vision to Elevate Hispanic-Serving Institutions
The idea for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) arose after a fundraising visit to the East Coast of the United States in late 1985. Dr. Antonio Rigual, then vice president for institutional advancement at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) in San Antonio, and Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, OLLU president at the time, visited the Xerox Corporation headquarters to request support establishing a “Center for Hispanic Higher Education.”
After being referred to Gus Cardenas, Xerox national liaison for Hispanic affairs in San Antonio, Rigual met with him in December 1985. In collaboration with others following several meetings, the initial idea of forming an association of colleges and universities with high Hispanic enrollments took shape. A meeting of higher education administrators from various institutions took place in January 1986 to attempt to define the purpose of the unnamed association.
On May 23-24, 1986, HACU was formed at a meeting attended by representatives from 18 institutions in six states and five educational associations. Officers were elected for the Association, becoming the first organization of its kind.
The newly formed group established a set of bylaws and defined its mission to engage in activities that heightened the awareness among corporations, foundations, governmental agencies and individuals of the role that member colleges and universities play in educating the nation’s Hispanic youth.
Future
Building on nearly 40 years of success within the Hispanic higher education community, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities launches a new era by establishing eight strategic Institutes.
Transformational and strategic ideas and initiatives guide these institutes to ensure enduring Hispanic student academic and professional success through strengthening Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
HACU advocated for the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSIs) federal designation at its inception and has worked with Congress to support colleges and universities by increasing and expanding federal funding and programs that benefit all students at these institutions.
HACU’s new institutes will serve as a nexus of collaboration, inclusiveness, and engagement, as well as a national resource for Hispanic-Serving Institutions as they work to increase their capacity to serve Hispanic students.
THE HACU INSTITUTES
- Institute for Advocacy and Policy Analysis
- Institute for Financial Proficiency and Entrepreneurship
- Institute for Global Engagement
- Institute for HSI Capacity Building
- Institute for Learning Collaboratives
- Institute for Professional Development and Leadership
- Institute for STEM Futures
- Institute for Student Leadership and Careers
MISSION:
To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education
HACU fulfills its mission by:
- promoting the development of member colleges and universities;
- improving access to and the quality of post-secondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students; and
- meeting the needs of business, industry and government through the development and sharing of resources, information and expertise.
HACU programs and services are available to all students, faculty, and staff at HACU-Member Institutions.
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GENERAL
For general questions, please contact:
SAN ANTONIO OFFICE
- (210) 692-3805
- [email protected]