The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) celebrated four decades of advocacy and achievement by honoring key contributors to Hispanic higher education during its landmark 40th Annual Conference. The highlight of the midday celebrations was the Partnership Lunch, held on Nov. 2, 2025, which brought together educational leaders, corporate partners, government officials, and student scholars to recognize exceptional dedication to student success. National University President Mark Milliron served as the convener for the celebratory event, guiding the audience through a program dedicated to collaboration, opportunity, and the future of higher education.
The centerpiece of the Partnership Lunch was the presentation of three major awards, acknowledging excellence across the private sector, the public sector, and among HACU-member academic institutions. These awards underscored the diverse coalition of supporters required to champion higher education success, aligning with the overarching theme of the conference: "40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time."
For its steadfast dedication to creating pathways for emerging talent, The J.M. Smucker Company was honored with the Outstanding Private Sector Partner Award. Hannah Dible, senior specialist for emerging talent at the company, stepped forward to accept the distinction on behalf of the organization. The award highlights the critical role that corporate partners play in bridging the gap between academia and industry, offering students vital experiential learning and career opportunities that help shape the next generation of professionals.
In the public sector category, the U.S. Forest Service received the Outstanding Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award. The agency was recognized for its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation education, and inclusive workforce development. Representing the agency to accept the honor were two rising scholars and recent wildlife interns: Johan Cantu-Garza, a biology student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Sofia Irizarry Negron, an agriculture graduate from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Their presence on stage emphasized the direct, life-changing impact that public sector partnerships have on Hispanic students pursuing specialized scientific and environmental
careers.
Rounding out the institutional honors, Marymount University was presented with the Outstanding HACU-Member Institution Award. Jennifer Scully, interim vice president and provost at Marymount University, accepted the award on behalf of the institution. The recognition celebrated Marymount’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, advancing student success, and actively participating in the broader mission of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic-serving institutions and their students.
The luncheon program also featured remarks from prominent conference sponsors and partners, offering insights into the ongoing collaborative efforts required to support students academically and professionally. Col. Juan M. Mora, chief of staff of the 40th Infantry Division, delivered partner and sponsor remarks on behalf of the U.S. Army Cadet Command. In addition to addressing the gathered audience on the importance of leadership and service, Col. Mora participated in a special scholarship presentation, awarding financial support to two promising students, Sergio Medina Beltran and Carlito Rutledge, to aid them in their academic pursuits.
The Partnership Lunch formed a core component of HACU’s milestone 40th Annual Conference, which ran through Nov. 2, 2025, in Chula Vista, California. Throughout the multi-day event, educators, administrators, policymakers, and students engaged in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions centered around four decades of progress in Hispanic higher education. Association leadership expressed deep gratitude to all of the partners, sponsors, and attendees whose continuous support has fueled HACU’s mission over the past forty years.
Attendees and supporters interested in revisiting the highlights of the celebration can view additional photographs from the event online via HACU’s official photo stream.
