The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, in a collaborative effort with Our Lady of the Lake University, recently hosted a landmark panel discussion titled “The Road to 40 Years: A Conversation.” Held on October 7, 2026, at the historic OLLU campus in San Antonio, Texas, the event served as a foundational milestone in the lead-up to HACU’s upcoming 40th-anniversary celebration. The gathering brought together prominent voices in higher education to examine four decades of advocacy, academic advancement, and community empowerment on behalf of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the millions of students they educate across the nation and internationally.
The afternoon discussion featured a distinguished panel of veteran educational leaders who have spent decades championing the mission of the association. The participants 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 as moderator was OLLU President Abel A. Chávez, who facilitated a dialogue that bridged the organization’s historic roots with the complex realities of modern higher education.
Bringing together these key figures allowed the academic community to reflect deeply upon the trajectory of an organization that has grown from a localized initiative into a powerful national and international coalition. Panelists explored the foundational history of HACU, tracing its path from a modest gathering of visionary educators to a robust network that continuously shapes federal policy, secures vital funding, and expands educational equity. Alongside these retrospective reflections, the speakers engaged in a forward-looking analysis of contemporary challenges, including shifting demographic trends, evolving student needs, and the expanding horizons of opportunity for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
The choice of Our Lady of the Lake University as the host site for this commemorative event carries profound historical significance. It was precisely on this campus in San Antonio that HACU was originally founded in 1986 during a pivotal meeting convened by eighteen charter member institutions. These founding colleges and universities recognized an urgent need to unite their voices, pool their resources, and advocate for institutions that were enrolling significant numbers of Hispanic students but lacked equitable federal recognition and funding support.
Over the past four decades, that initial cohort of eighteen institutions has blossomed into a sweeping coalition. Today, the association’s reach extends far beyond Texas and the United States, encompassing member institutions across Latin America and Spain. Throughout this remarkable period of growth, HACU has remained steadfast in its core mission: to champion Hispanic-Serving Institutions by promoting institutional excellence, expanding opportunities for higher education access, and advocating for public policies and partnerships that ensure student success.
As the panel discussions unfolded at OLLU, speakers emphasized that the milestones achieved over the last forty years are not merely historical footnotes, but rather the bedrock for future innovation. The dialogue highlighted how Hispanic-Serving Institutions have transformed from serving primarily as access points into dynamic engines of social mobility, economic development, and workforce preparation. Leaders on the stage shared insights into how these institutions continue to adapt to technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing student demographics, ensuring that future generations are equipped to lead in a globalized society.
The event in San Antonio marked the beginning of a broader commemorative period for the association, setting a reflective and determined tone as HACU approaches its official four-decade milestone. By honoring the pioneers who built the organization and engaging current leadership in strategic dialogue, the gathering underscored the enduring importance of collaboration, advocacy, and educational equity. As the higher education community looks toward the future, the reflections shared at Our Lady of the Lake University serve as both a celebration of past triumphs and a strategic roadmap for the decades to come.
