The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities presented three awards on Nov. 3, 2025, during the Networking Dinner at its 39th Annual Conference. HACU Interim Chief Executive Officer John Moder served as convener and presented several HACU awards.

Virgilio Barrera was the recipient of the Alicia Casanova Award. Barrera is an alum of the HACU National Internship Program. The award recognizes HACU alumni who distinguish themselves professionally and positively affect the lives of others.

The Jose Ruano – Student Leadership Award was presented to two students from the HACU Leaders In Residence Program who have given back to their communities through civic engagement, advocacy and campus involvement. Recognized with the award and their home institutions were: Angel Avalos-Lagunas of the University of California Los Angeles, and Charielly Mota Rosario of the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

The Networking Dinner was part of HACU’s 39th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Forging Transformational Leaders to Uplift Democracy and Prosperity,” held Nov. 1-3, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado. HACU thanks all its partners and sponsors for their support of its 39th Annual Conference.

Additional photos from the event can be viewed here.