The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) officially commenced its milestone 40th Annual Conference on October 31, 2026, drawing over 1,800 registered attendees to the vibrant coastal city of Chula Vista, California. Guided by the resonant theme, “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time,” this year’s gathering marks four decades of dedication to expanding educational equity, professional advancement, and academic excellence for Hispanic and minority students across the United States.
The three-day conference, scheduled to run from October 31 through November 2, opened with a high-energy Opening Plenary session convened by University of California, Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz, who also serves as a valued member of the HACU Governing Board. Chancellor Muñoz set an inspiring tone for the weekend, emphasizing the vital role that Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and educational leaders play in shaping the future workforce and ensuring that every individual student is supported on their path to graduation.
Following the opening remarks, the Honorable John McCann, Mayor of Chula Vista, took the stage to officially welcome the thousands of educators, administrators, corporate partners, and student leaders to his city. In recognition of the municipality’s warm hospitality and ongoing partnership, Mayor McCann was presented with a special token of appreciation on behalf of the association.
The welcome ceremonies continued with addresses from prominent higher education leaders, including University of California President James B. Milliken, who underscored the collective responsibility of academic institutions to foster inclusive environments that promote student retention and degree completion.
A central highlight of the opening proceedings was the prestigious HACU Hall of Champions induction ceremony. This year, the association bestowed its highest honor on HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores, celebrating his visionary leadership, steadfast advocacy, and decades of transformative contributions to higher education and the Hispanic community.
Following the morning’s opening milestones, the conference transitioned into a thought-provoking special panel presentation titled “Higher Education in a Changing Landscape.” Guided by the overarching conference theme of championing success one graduate at a time, the panel brought together four distinguished leaders from HACU-member institutions to examine the complex realities facing modern academia.
The engaging session was expertly moderated by Community College of Aurora President Mordecai Brownlee. The panel featured an accomplished lineup of academic executives, including San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez, Harold Washington College President Daniel López, and Northeastern Illinois University President Katrina Bell-Jordan.
Together, the panelists explored the powerful forces currently reshaping the higher education sector, ranging from rapid technological advancements and shifting economic demands to evolving demographic trends. They candidly discussed the unique challenges and opportunities confronting institutions today, highlighting the strategic leadership required to navigate systemic change. Furthermore, the discussion placed a strong emphasis on institutional priorities for advancing student success, ensuring that graduates are thoroughly prepared to enter and thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing workforce.
The opening day also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the vital contributions of HACU’s corporate and community partners, whose generous support makes the association’s mission and annual gathering possible. Sponsor acknowledgements and remarks were delivered by Maria Tamburri, Vice President of Intergovernmental Affairs at Dominion Energy, who highlighted the corporation’s ongoing commitment to educational equity and workforce development.
In addition to corporate backing, HACU recognized key organizational allies dedicated to civil rights and social justice. Francisca Fajana, Director of Racial Justice Strategy at LatinoJustice, accepted a special recognition on behalf of the organization in honor of its steadfast support of the Association and its shared advocacy for marginalized communities. HACU leadership expressed deep gratitude to all partners, sponsors, and supporters whose collaboration fuels the association’s ongoing initiatives.
The 40th Annual Conference serves not only as a platform for strategic dialogue but also as a venue to celebrate excellence across the educational landscape. In total, nine distinguished honorees are being recognized for their exceptional contributions to improving educational opportunities for college students. These prestigious awards are scheduled to be presented during various special events and ceremonies throughout the three-day conference in Chula Vista.
As the conference continues through November 2, attendees will participate in numerous workshops, networking sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to build upon forty years of progress. By uniting educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and students, HACU reaffirms its enduring commitment to opening doors of opportunity and championing higher education success across the nation.
