The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Our Lady of the Lake University recently came together to host a landmark event titled “The Road to 40 Years: A Conversation,” marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the organization’s milestone ruby anniversary. Held on October 7, 2026, the high-profile panel discussion took place at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, serving as an emotional and intellectually rigorous homecoming for an organization that has spent four decades reshaping the landscape of American higher education.
The gathering brought to the stage a distinguished group of educational leaders who have dedicated their careers to supporting, scaling, and advancing HACU’s core mission. 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. Guiding the conversation was Our Lady of the Lake University President Abel A. Chávez, who moderated the wide-ranging dialogue among his esteemed peers.
The conversation served as a bridge between the humble beginnings of the association and the expansive, modern reality of Hispanic-Serving Institutions today. Panelists used the platform to reflect deeply on the rich history of HACU, tracing its trajectory from an idealistic initiative into a formidable national and international advocacy powerhouse. Speakers highlighted the association’s numerous accomplishments over the decades, emphasizing the relentless advocacy efforts that placed the needs of Hispanic students firmly on the national legislative and educational agenda.
Beyond looking backward at historical milestones, the leaders engaged in a forward-looking dialogue addressing the current challenges and future opportunities facing Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the millions of students they serve. The discussion touched upon the evolving demographic shifts in the United States, the ongoing imperative for equitable funding, academic retention, workforce readiness, and the expanding international footprint of higher education institutions that cater to diverse student populations.
The setting of the event held profound historical significance. HACU was originally founded in 1986 during a momentous meeting hosted precisely at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. At that foundational gathering, just 18 charter member institutions came together with a shared vision and a collective determination to champion the educational success of Hispanic youth and secure recognition and resources for the colleges and universities that educated them.
Over the past four decades, that initial spark has blossomed into a sweeping educational movement. The association has grown exponentially from its 18 founding members to include a vast network of member institutions spanning across the United States, Latin America, and Spain. Throughout this remarkable expansion, HACU has remained steadfast in its founding mission: serving as a relentless champion and voice for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and clearing pathways of opportunity for the diverse student bodies walking their campuses.
The commemorative event at OLLU underscored both the journey completed and the immense work still ahead as HACU approaches its official 40th anniversary milestone, reaffirming the commitment of higher education leaders to equity, access, and excellence in learning.
