The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has announced seven honorees will be recognized for their contributions to improving opportunities for college students. This matters because HACU serves as the nation's leading voice for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and these awards spotlight the collaborative efforts required to advance educational equity and economic mobility for Hispanic communities. The recognition underscores the importance of sustained commitment from diverse sectors—including higher education, government, and private industry—to create pathways for student success.
The awards will be presented during HACU's 39th Annual Conference, taking place November 1-3, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado. One honoree, Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Ph.D., chancellor of The City University of New York, will be inducted into HACU's Hall of Champions. His leadership at CUNY, which serves nearly 240,000 students across 26 New York City campuses, focuses on championing student equity and building career opportunities, reinforcing CUNY's role as an engine of economic mobility. His appointment as the first educator of color and first Latino to lead the nation's largest urban university symbolizes progress in representation at the highest levels of academic administration.
Other honorees receiving HACU Awards of Excellence include Tito Guerrero, Ed.D., recipient of the Lifelong Leadership Award; Community College of Aurora, receiving the Outstanding HACU-Member Institution Award; GlobalEdu Consortium, honored with the Exemplary International Partner Award; Dominion Energy, receiving the Outstanding Private Sector Partner Award; New Mexico Higher Education Department Cabinet Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez, presented with the Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award; and Virgilio Barrera, receiving the Alicia Casanova Award. These awards highlight the multifaceted support system necessary for Hispanic higher education success, from institutional commitment to international and corporate partnerships.
The implications of this announcement are significant for the New York City metro area and beyond. By honoring leaders like Matos Rodríguez and organizations such as Dominion Energy, HACU reinforces the value of cross-sector collaboration in addressing educational disparities. Programs like the HACU National Internship Program and the HACU Leadership Academy, which provide real-world experience and leadership training, are critical for preparing students to thrive in competitive environments. This recognition not only celebrates past achievements but also sets a benchmark for future initiatives, encouraging continued investment in Hispanic-serving educational frameworks. A PDF of the HACU 2025 Awardees is available for further details, offering transparency and resource-sharing within the educational community.
