November 1, 2024

HACU kicks off 38th Annual Conference in Colorado

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities officially kicked off its 38th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Reaching New heights of Excellence and Equity,” with over 2,800 registrants on Nov. 1, 2024. The conference taking place November 1-3, in Aurora, Colorado, includes the !Adelante! Leadership Institute for students, and Exhibit Hall and pre-and post-conference events.

The Opening plenary was convened by Juan Muñoz, Ph.D., chancellor of the University of California, Merced, and HACU Governing Board member, with a presentation of colors by the Abraham Lincoln High School Junior ROTC, followed by the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. After HACU president and CEO Antonio R. Flores gave the State of HACU address, one honoree was inducted into HACU’s Hall of Champions and the HACU Lifelong Leadership Award was presented.

Hall of Champions 2024 inductee:

Emma Grace Hernandez, Ph.D., president of the Universidad de Iberoamérica in San José, Costa Rica.

HACU Lifelong Leadership Award:

Jorge Vélez Arocho. Ph.D., most recently serving as president of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico, Ponce.

Sponsor and Partner remarks were given by representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture, Dominion Energy, Capital One, Molson Coors, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Environmental Protection Agency.

A total of 10 honorees will be 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 38th Annual Conference.