The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Our Lady of the Lake University recently welcomed educators, administrators, and community members to a historic gathering commemorating four decades of educational advocacy. Titled “The Road to 40 Years: A Conversation,” the special panel discussion was held on October 7, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. The event served as a cornerstone milestone for the organization’s ongoing 40th-anniversary celebration, drawing attention to the transformative impact of Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the United States and beyond.
The commemorative panel brought together a distinguished group of higher education leaders who have spent decades supporting, shaping, and advancing the mission of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Among the notable speakers was HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores, whose leadership has guided the organization through decades of remarkable growth and legislative advocacy. He was joined by Mike Flores, Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District and immediate past chair of the HACU Governing Board, who brought a regional and institutional perspective on community college leadership and workforce development within Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
The discussion also featured the invaluable insights of Blandina “Bambi” Cárdenas, former president of the University of Texas-Pan American, whose extensive career in education and civil rights advocacy has left an indelible mark on higher education in Texas and the nation. Ana “Cha” Guzman, president emerita of Palo Alto College, rounded out the panel, offering deep historical context and reflections on the grassroots efforts required to build and sustain educational opportunities for Hispanic students. The conversation was expertly moderated by OLLU President Abel A. Chávez, who guided the panelists through a dynamic exploration of past achievements and future aspirations.
Throughout the session, the panelists reflected on the rich history, foundational accomplishments, and tireless advocacy efforts that have defined the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities since its inception. Speakers discussed how the organization has evolved from a visionary concept into a robust, internationally recognized network. Beyond looking backward, the higher education leaders engaged in a forward-looking dialogue, addressing the current challenges and emerging opportunities facing Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the millions of students they serve in an increasingly complex educational landscape.
The choice of Our Lady of the Lake University as the venue for this momentous anniversary event carried deep historical significance. It was at this very institution in San Antonio, Texas, in 1986, that HACU was originally founded during a pivotal meeting involving just 18 charter member institutions. Those founding leaders shared a bold vision to champion the unique needs of colleges and universities that enroll high concentrations of Hispanic students, ensuring they received the recognition, resources, and institutional support necessary to thrive.
Over the past four decades, that small founding group of institutions has expanded exponentially. Today, the association has grown to include a vast network of member institutions spanning the United States, Latin America, and Spain. As HACU has grown, so too has its influence, successfully advocating at the federal and state levels for policies and funding that benefit Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Through professional development programs, student internships, research initiatives, and policy advocacy, the association continues to fulfill its mission of championing Hispanic success in higher education. The event at OLLU underscored not only how far the organization has traveled along its road to 40 years, but also the enduring commitment of its leaders to the next generation of scholars and professionals.
