HACU to Honor Seven Leaders and Institutions for Advancing Hispanic Higher Education
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities will recognize seven honorees at its 39th Annual Conference for their significant contributions to improving educational opportunities for college students, highlighting the ongoing efforts to support Hispanic-serving institutions.
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has announced seven honorees who will be recognized for their contributions to improving opportunities for college students. The awards will be presented during HACU's 39th Annual Conference, taking place November 1-3, 2025, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.
As the nation's leading voice for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, HACU has been instrumental in securing support from federal, corporate and higher education communities for programs advancing higher education. The Association's efforts include the nationally recognized HACU National Internship Program providing college students real world professional experience, along with leadership development programs that prepare aspiring leaders to advance through higher education administration.
One honoree will be inducted into HACU's Hall of Champions, recognizing those who embody the mission of the Association through exemplary efforts and contributions to higher education. Félix V. Matos Rodriguez, Ph.D., the eighth chancellor of The City University of New York, will receive this honor. Matos Rodríguez has focused his tenure on championing student equity, building career opportunities for graduates and creating innovative academic offerings to build on CUNY's role as an engine of economic mobility. His appointment made him the first educator of color and the first Latino to lead the nation's largest urban university.
Six additional honorees will receive HACU Awards of Excellence. Tito Guerrero, Ed.D., will receive the Lifelong Leadership Award for lifelong service to higher education. The Community College of Aurora will be recognized with the Outstanding HACU-Member Institution Award for excellence in supporting HACU's mission. GlobalEdu Consortium will receive the Exemplary International Partner Award for outstanding support of HACU's international mission.
Dominion Energy will be honored with the Outstanding Private Sector Partner Award for excellence in supporting HACU's mission. The New Mexico Higher Education Department, represented by Cabinet Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez, will receive the Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award. Virgilio Barrera will be presented with the Alicia Casanova Award for excellence in supporting HACU's mission. Additional information about the award recipients is available through the HACU 2025 Awardees documentation.
The recognition of these seven honorees underscores the critical importance of partnerships across education, government and private sectors in advancing opportunities for Hispanic students. These awards highlight the ongoing commitment to educational equity and the development of transformational leaders who can uplift both democracy and prosperity through higher education access and success.