The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Our Lady of the Lake University hosted “The Road to 40 Years: A Conversation,” a panel discussion held Oct. 7, 2026, at OLLU in San Antonio, Texas, as part of HACU’s 40th anniversary celebration.

The panel featured HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores; Alamo Colleges District Chancellor and immediate past chair of the HACU Governing Board Mike Flores; Blandina “Bambi” Cárdenas, former president of the University of Texas-Pan American; and Ana “Cha” Guzman, president emerita of Palo Alto College. OLLU President Abel A. Chávez moderated the discussion.

The conversation brought together higher education leaders who have supported and advanced HACU’s mission over the past four decades. Panelists reflected on the association’s history, accomplishments and advocacy efforts, while discussing current challenges and future opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the students they serve.

HACU was founded in 1986 during a meeting at OLLU in San Antonio with 18 charter member institutions. Over the past four decades, the association has grown to include member institutions across the United States, Latin America and Spain, while advocating for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the students they serve.