The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities presented two awards on Nov. 2, 2026, during the Networking Dinner at its 40th Annual Conference, with HACU Executive Vice President of Programs and Operations David Ortiz serving as convener.
Elizabeth Pastrano, founder of Act 2 Venture LLC was the recipient of the Alicia Casanova Award. Pastrano 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.
Newly elected HACU Alumni Network Executive Committee members were also announced, including Chair Yudi Vargas Lewis, Vice Chair Javier Lozano, Treasurer Luis Hernandez, Secretary Lisa Vazquez Vigil, Student Ambassador Angel Avalos-Lagunas, and Professional Leadership Ambassador Sofia Ramos.
The Jose Ruano – Student Leadership Award was presented to two participants of HACU’s Voces Nuevas. Recognized with the award and their home institutions were Montclair State University student Grace Velasquez, and Washington University in St. Louis student Nicole Briceño.
The Networking Dinner was part of HACU’s 40th Annual Conference, “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time,” held Oct. 31- Nov. 2, 2026, in Chula Vista, California. HACU thanks all its partners and sponsors for their support of its 40th Annual Conference.
Additional photos from the event can be viewed here.
