LOS ANGELES — The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) brought its prominent national outreach initiative to Southern California on Sept. 15, 2026, hosting "HACU on the Road: Destination Higher Education Success" at East Los Angeles College. The high-profile gathering convened higher education leaders, chancellors, presidents, and policymakers from across the state to foster deep collaboration, advance strategic advocacy, and explore vital partnership opportunities designed to elevate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the students they serve.
The event, proudly hosted by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) at East Los Angeles College, opened with welcoming remarks from LACCD Chancellor Alberto J. Román, Ph.D. Chancellor Román set a collaborative tone for the day, emphasizing the critical role that California’s community colleges and universities play in shaping the future of higher education and expanding opportunities for underrepresented student populations.
Strengthening Support and Advocacy for California’s HSIs
A central highlight of the day’s programming was a compelling midday luncheon featuring a high-level fireside chat. HACU and LACCD leaders engaged in a robust discussion focused on strengthening support, resources, and advocacy for California’s extensive network of Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
The conversation explored actionable strategies for how individual institutions and broader educational systems can successfully build a unified legislative agenda. Panelists and attendees deliberated on ways to sharpen advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, ensuring that the unique operational, financial, and academic needs of HSIs and their diverse student bodies are consistently heard, understood, and prioritized by policymakers.
The engaging fireside chat featured a distinguished panel of educational leaders, including LACCD Chancellor Alberto J. Román, Ph.D.; East Los Angeles College President Monte E. Perez, Ph.D.; San Bernardino Community College District Associate Vice Chancellor of Government Relations, Strategic Communications, and Grants Angel Rodriguez; and HACU Executive Vice President for Programs and Operations David Ortiz, Ph.D. The comprehensive discussion was immediately followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience, expertly moderated by Loyola Marymount University professor Fernando J. Guerra, Ph.D., who guided the dialogue toward practical implementation and future policy goals.
Showcasing Legislative Advocacy, Programs, and Institutional Resources
Following the luncheon panel, a comprehensive HACU presentation placed a spotlight on the organization’s ongoing state and federal legislative advocacy efforts. The presentation detailed a wide array of programs, services, student-focused initiatives, and institutional resources that HACU provides to member campuses across the country.
Furthermore, the session examined new avenues to deepen institutional collaboration among California’s community colleges, undergraduate institutions, and four-year universities, reinforcing the collective impact of the state’s higher education network.
A particularly momentous portion of the presentation was dedicated to recognizing legislative champions who have championed higher education equity in California. Special awards were proudly presented to state Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes and Assemblymember Mike Fong in recognition of their steadfast partnership and instrumental leadership in advancing Senate Bill 1255 (SB 1255). The landmark legislation establishes a formal, state-level Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, marking a significant milestone for higher education policy in California and providing a formal framework to better recognize and support campuses serving high concentrations of Hispanic students.
Promoting National and International Dialogue on Hispanic Higher Education
The gathering in Los Angeles is part of HACU’s broader, ongoing "HACU on the Road" series. The signature initiative is purposefully designed to promote vital national and international dialogue regarding the current state, challenges, and future of Hispanic higher education.
By bringing together a diverse cross-section of educational stakeholders—including chancellors, university and college presidents, superintendents of Hispanic-Serving School Districts, corporate leaders, and dedicated advocates of Hispanic higher education—the initiative creates a collaborative ecosystem dedicated to student achievement and institutional excellence.
Through events like the Los Angeles forum, HACU continues to build bridges between educational institutions, lawmakers, and community leaders, ensuring that the momentum behind Hispanic higher education advocacy translates into tangible, long-lasting support for students across California and the nation.
Additional photographs capturing moments from the successful event, including panel discussions, award presentations, and attendee networking, can be viewed online through HACU’s official event gallery on Flickr.
