The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Our Lady of the Lake University recently hosted a landmark panel discussion titled “The Road to 40 Years: A Conversation,” marking a significant milestone in the history of higher education advocacy. Held on October 7, 2026, at the Our Lady of the Lake University campus in San Antonio, Texas, the event served as a central pillar of the broader celebrations commemorating HACU’s upcoming 40th anniversary. The gathering brought together prominent educational leaders, institutional administrators, and community stakeholders to reflect upon four decades of championing educational equity, academic excellence, and systemic support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the United States and beyond.
The distinguished panel featured a lineup of visionary leaders who have dedicated their careers to shaping the landscape of higher education and advancing the core mission of HACU. Among the participants were HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores; Alamo Colleges District Chancellor and immediate past chair of the HACU Governing Board Mike Flores; Blandina “Bambi” Cárdenas, former president of the University of Texas-Pan American; and Ana “Cha” Guzman, president emerita of Palo Alto College. The conversation was skillfully moderated by Our Lady of the Lake University President Abel A. Chávez, who guided the dialogue through historical reflections, contemporary realities, and forward-looking strategic perspectives.
This high-profile conversation convened influential higher education leaders who have not only witnessed but actively supported and accelerated HACU’s mission throughout its four-decade history. As the panel unfolded, these academic veterans engaged in a comprehensive retrospective examining the association’s rich history, its monumental accomplishments in legislative and institutional advocacy, and the enduring resilience required to navigate complex socio-political and economic landscapes. Furthermore, the speakers delved deeply into the current challenges facing modern academic institutions, while boldly mapping out future opportunities to strengthen Hispanic-Serving Institutions and dramatically expand educational access and success for the diverse student populations they proudly serve.
The historical resonance of holding the event at Our Lady of the Lake University cannot be overstated, as OLLU is the very birthplace of the organization. HACU was officially founded there in 1986 during a historic gathering in San Antonio that united just 18 charter member institutions with a shared vision of transforming higher education for Hispanic students. Over the past four decades, what began as a modest coalition of pioneering colleges and universities has experienced exponential growth, evolving into a powerhouse advocacy organization. Today, HACU’s extensive network includes member institutions spanning the entire United States, throughout Latin America, and across Spain, consistently serving as the leading voice and steadfast champion for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the millions of students who walk their halls in pursuit of a better future.
