The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Our Lady of the Lake University recently brought together prominent figures in higher education to commemorate a major milestone in the advocacy and advancement of Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Entitled “The Road to 40 Years: A Conversation,” the special panel discussion was held on October 7, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. The event served as a cornerstone of the nationwide celebration leading up to the organization’s landmark 40th anniversary, drawing academic leaders, faculty, students, and community members to reflect on four decades of progress, resilience, and educational equity.
The gathering featured an esteemed lineup of higher education leaders who have dedicated their careers to supporting and expanding HACU’s mission. The distinguished panel included 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. Guiding the conversation was Our Lady of the Lake University President Abel A. Chávez, who moderated the discussion and framed the dialogue around the historical weight and future trajectory of Hispanic higher education.
The conversation provided a collaborative space for leaders who have spent decades defending and advancing HACU’s core mission to share their insights. Throughout the panel, participants reflected deeply on the association’s rich history, its monumental accomplishments, and its relentless advocacy efforts on both regional and national stages. Beyond looking backward at decades of progress, the panelists engaged in a forward-looking dialogue concerning the contemporary challenges facing Hispanic-Serving Institutions, commonly known as HSIs, as well as the emerging opportunities waiting to be seized on behalf of the diverse student populations they serve.
The choice of Our Lady of the Lake University as the venue for this commemorative conversation carries profound historical significance. HACU was originally founded there in 1986 during a pivotal meeting in San Antonio that brought together just 18 charter member institutions. These founding colleges and universities shared a bold vision to address the unique needs of Hispanic students and to secure institutional recognition and resources for campuses serving high concentrations of Hispanic learners. Over the past four decades, what began as a modest gathering of visionary educators in San Antonio has experienced remarkable, exponential growth. The association has expanded its footprint to include member institutions not only across the United States but also throughout Latin America and Spain, evolving into an influential global network and the foremost champion for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the millions of students who walk their halls.
