December 6, 2024

HACU honors two congressional staffers in Washington, D.C.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities honored two congressional staff members at its Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Winter Appreciation Celebration on December 5, 2024, at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The honorees were recognized in appreciation for their exceptional dedication to Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Approximately 135 guests attended the event.

Lena Rodriguez, Ph.D., senior vice president for policy and government relations gave the opening remarks and presented the awards.

The Outstanding Senate Staffer Award was presented to Alaura Ervin from Senator John Cornyn’s office. Senator Cornyn’s office has supported HSIs since 2004 and he was one the first co-sponsors of the National HSIs Week resolution, now in its 16th year. Ervin develops and executes legislative initiatives and represents the Senator with stakeholders, including as a primary liaison with committee staff, industry leaders, constituents, and the White House.

The Outstanding Congressional House Staffer Award was presented to Nia Thomas from Congressman Adriano Espaillat’s office. Congressman Espaillat’s office has been instrumental in obtaining appropriations for HSIs to expand STEM programs, including almost $50 million for an NSF HSI grant program. Thomas has worked in the House for the past six years and for Rep. Espaillat since 2021 and met with attendees from SUNY Hostos Community College at HACU’s 2024 Capitol Forum.

This is the second year HACU has presented awards to congressional staffers in recognition for their support of HSIs.