The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities kicked off its 30th Annual National Capitol Forum on Higher Education on April 29, 2025, featuring notable speakers. HACU hosted its first Capitol Forum in Washington, D.C. in 1995, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Capitol Forum event bringing delegations to Capitol Hill. Approximately 397 registered participants are expected to be in attendance.
Two free pre-Forum sessions were held on the topic “Federal Funding Opportunities for Hispanic-Serving Institutions,” discussing the potential effects of the new Administration’s Executive Orders on Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Two student track sessions were also held on advocacy techniques and approaches, which included a hands-on practice session.
The event officially launched with the Opening Plenary luncheon, convened by HACU’s Governing Board Chair University of California, Merced Chancellor Juan Muñoz, with welcome remarks from HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. Remarks from other national leaders addressed major legislative, workforce, and immigration topics affecting higher education institutions and students.
The early afternoon Unity Plenary – Building Cross-Sector Collaboration, convened by Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda, Ph.D., University of Illinois Chicago, includes discussions focused on coalition-building, shared priorities, and legislative strategy among Minority-Serving Institutions. The session features an Institutional Leadership & Best Practices panel, exploring how MSIs’ efforts and their collective voice can shape policies that advance their students and communities. For a full list of speaker’s, click here.
The day concludes with HACU’s Legislative Agenda Briefing and breakout sessions by states to prepare participants attending Capitol Hill meetings.
Special thanks to partners and sponsors of HACU’s 30th National Capitol Forum Kaplan North America, National University and Southwest Airlines.
To view images from the event, click here.
