The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities officially kicked off its 40th Annual Conference, “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time,” with over 1,800 registrants on Oct. 31, 2026. The Opening Plenary was convened by University of Chancellor Juan Sánchez Munoz of California, Merced and HACU Governing Board member.
The Honorable John McCann, Mayor of Chula Vista gave welcome remarks and was presented a token of appreciation. University of California President James B. Milliken also provided welcome remarks, followed by the HACU Hall of Champions induction. The 2026 inductee was HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores (see related news item).
A special panel presentation, “Higher Education in a Changing Landscape,” took place with four HACU-member institution leaders, guided by the conference theme, “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time.” The panel was moderated by Community College of Aurora President Mordecai Brownlee, and featured San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez, Harold Washington College President Daniel López, and Northeastern Illinois University President Katrina Bell-Jordan. Panelists explored the forces shaping higher education, the challenges and opportunities facing institutions, the leadership needed to navigate change, and priorities for advancing student success and preparing graduates for an evolving workforce.
Sponsor acknowledgements and remarks were given by Dominion Energy vice president of intergovernmental affairs Maria Tamburri. Francisca Fajana, Director of Racial Justice Strategy – LatinoJustice accepted special recognition on behalf of the organization for their support of the Association. HACU thanks all its partners and sponsors for their support of its 40th Annual Conference.
Nine honorees total are being recognized for their contributions to improving opportunities for college students during the three-day conference events. The awards will be presented during various events of HACU’s 40th Annual Conference, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, in Chula Vista, California.
Additional photos from the event can be viewed here.
