SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has announced the 2026 Awards of Excellence honorees, recognizing individuals, institutions and organizations whose leadership and partnership advance HACU’s mission, and for their contributions to improving opportunities for college students.
“The 2026 HACU Awards of Excellence recipients exemplify the commitment, leadership, and collaborative spirit our award recipients bring to advancing student success in higher education,” said HACU Executive Vice President for Programs and Operations David A. Ortiz.
The nine honorees will be recognized during HACU’s 40th Annual Conference, “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time,” Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2026, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, California.
“These awards express our gratitude for the extraordinary contributions of this year’s honorees. This recognition is especially meaningful as we honor Dr. Flores upon his retirement after 30 years of transformative leadership. His vision and unwavering commitment to Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the students they serve have shaped HACU’s growth, strengthened its national and international voice, and leave an enduring legacy for generations to come,” added Ortiz.
The Honorees for 2026 include:
Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D., president and CEO of the HACU, Hall of Champions inductee for embodying the Association’s mission through exemplary efforts “To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education,” and in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, distinguished service, and enduring contributions to HACU and higher education.
HACU Awards of Excellence:
Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52), recipient of the Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of exemplary leadership and support of HACU’s policy issues.
State Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (CA, SD-29), recipient of the Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of exemplary leadership and support of HACU’s policy issues
Marymount University, recipient of the Outstanding HACU-Member Institution Award in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission.
Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, recipient of the Exemplary International Partner Award in recognition of outstanding support of HACU’s international mission.
The J.M. Smucker Co., recipient of the Outstanding Private Sector Partner Award in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission.
The Coca-Cola Foundation, recipient of the Extraordinary Philanthropic Partner Award in recognition of outstanding support of HACU’s mission.
U.S. Forest Service, recipient of the Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission.
Elizabeth Pastrano, recipient of the Alicia Casanova Award in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission.
The 2026 HACU Awards of Excellence are being presented during HACU’s 40th anniversary year, celebrating four decades of advancing education opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and their students, through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships.
Download a PDF of the HACU 2026 Awardees here.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 400 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU programs and services are available to all students, faculty, and staff at HACU-member institutions. The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California.
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