The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities joined with Our Lady of the Lake University to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Association’s founding at the OLLU Sueltenfuss Library on October 7, 2026. Forty years after higher education leaders gathered for a meeting at Our Lady of the Lake University to establish a national organization dedicated to advancing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the students they serve, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities returned to the campus where its historic journey began.
OLLU hosted HACU leaders, higher education representatives and community partners on Wednesday for a 40th anniversary celebration recognizing four decades of advocacy, leadership and commitment to advancing educational opportunities and student success. The event included a mariachi serenade, the panel session “The Road to 40 Years: A Conversation,” and recognition of the Association’s anniversary by the City of San Antonio, with a presentation of a Certificate of Recognition by Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones. HACU president and CEO Antonio R. Flores was also recognized for 30 years of service as he prepares for retirement. The anniversary celebration concluded with Mass at OLLU’s historic Sacred Heart Chapel.
“From the beginning, our founders recognized that colleges and universities serving large numbers of Hispanic students needed to unite,” HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores said. “HACU has worked ever since to ensure these institutions have the necessary resources, leadership capacity, partnerships and policy support they need to serve students successfully. Every student at an HSI deserves an education that not only assures their individual future, but the future of our nation as well.”
“OLLU is extraordinarily proud that an organization with such national influence traces its beginnings to our campus,” OLLU President and HACU Governing Board member Abel A. Chávez said. “Forty years ago, leaders here recognized that colleges and universities serving Hispanic students needed a collective voice, one strong enough to advocate for resources, build opportunities and ensure that students could not only enter higher education, but thrive and graduate. That mission remains critically important today. As a founding and continuing member of HACU, OLLU is honored to carry forward that vision and help shape what comes next.”
OLLU’s relationship with HACU has continued through student participation in internships and other student programs, professional development opportunities for university faculty and staff, and initiatives designed to strengthen institutional capacity and expand opportunities for students.
“As we celebrate 40 years, we honor the vision of our founders and the institutions and partners that continue to advance it,” added Flores. “HACU will continue creating opportunities that help students succeed, strengthen our institutions and prepare the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for the workforce.”
