The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) celebrated four decades of advocacy and achievement by honoring key contributors to higher education during its landmark Partnership Lunch. The event, held on November 2, 2025, served as a cornerstone gathering at HACU’s 40th Annual Conference, which ran from October 11 through November 2 in Chula Vista, California. Guided by the milestone conference theme, "40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time," the luncheon brought together academic leaders, corporate partners, public agency representatives, and student scholars to recognize exceptional dedication to Hispanic-serving institutions and the academic advancement of students nationwide.
National University President Mark Milliron presided over the proceedings as convener, guiding an audience of educators, industry professionals, and student delegates through a program dedicated to collaboration and institutional excellence. The Partnership Lunch highlighted the vital synergies between higher education and the broader workforce, spotlighting organizations and individuals whose visionary support continues to open doors for emerging talent across the United States.
Among the afternoon’s primary highlights was the presentation of three prestigious awards celebrating outstanding contributions from the private sector, the public sector, and HACU’s extensive network of member institutions. The J.M. Smucker Company was honored with the Outstanding Private Sector Partner Award in recognition of its sustained commitment to fostering diverse professional pathways and supporting higher education initiatives. Hannah Dible, senior specialist for emerging talent at The J.M. Smucker Company, accepted the award on behalf of the organization, underscoring the vital role corporate partnerships play in equipping students with real-world opportunities and professional readiness.
In the public sector category, the U.S. Forest Service received the Outstanding Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award. The federal agency was recognized for its deep engagement with Hispanic-serving institutions and its dedication to cultivating the next generation of environmental and agricultural leaders. Accepting the honor on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service were two exceptional student interns: Johan Cantu-Garza, a biology student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a 2026 wildlife intern, alongside Sofia Irizarry Negron, an agriculture graduate from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and also a 2026 wildlife intern. Their presence on stage emphasized the direct, life-changing impact that public sector partnerships have on students pursuing specialized scientific and conservation careers.
Rounding out the award presentations, Marymount University was honored with the Outstanding HACU-Member Institution Award. This accolade recognized the institution’s steadfast dedication to the mission and values of HACU, as well as its proactive efforts to champion student success within a diverse academic environment. Jennifer Scully, interim vice provost of Marymount University, accepted the award on behalf of the university community, reflecting the institution’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education and student empowerment.
The afternoon’s program also featured significant partner and sponsor remarks delivered by Colonel Juan M. Mora, chief of staff of the 40th Infantry Division, who spoke on behalf of the U.S. Army Cadet Command. Colonel Mora addressed the audience on the importance of leadership, service, and educational opportunity, reinforcing the shared goals of military and academic institutions in developing principled leaders for the future. As part of the U.S. Army Cadet Command’s ongoing support for student achievement, Colonel Mora also presided over a special scholarship presentation, awarding financial support to two deserving students, Sergio Medina Beltran and Carlito Rutledge, to aid them in their continued academic pursuits.
The Partnership Lunch was an integral component of the historic 40th Annual Conference, commemorating forty years of HACU serving as a tireless advocate for Hispanic higher education success. Throughout the multi-week conference in Chula Vista, participants engaged in dialogue, workshops, and networking sessions designed to address the evolving landscape of higher education and the unique needs of Hispanic-serving institutions. HACU leadership expressed deep gratitude to all of the partners, sponsors, and attendees whose unwavering support made the 40th Annual Conference a resounding success. Additional photographs capturing the memorable moments, honorees, and attendees from the Partnership Lunch and the broader conference have been made available for public viewing through HACU’s official documentation channels.
