SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) will present its President's Awards of Excellence during HACU's 28th Annual Conference, "Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Investing in America's Future," Oct. 4-6, 2014, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, Colorado.
"As our nation celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities would also like to pay tribute to those in higher education who play a crucial role in educating and ensuring the future workforce of our nation," said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.
"Each year HACU recognizes individuals and supporters that have made significant contributions to Hispanic higher education success. We wish to congratulate the 2014 honorees of the HACU President's Awards."
Honorees include individuals, institutions and organizations who have contributed in exemplary ways to Hispanic higher education. Two leading educators will be inducted into HACU's Hall of Champions that recognizes individuals who embody the mission of the Association through exemplary efforts "To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education."
The 2014 honorees are:
HACU Hall of Champions:
Agnes Mojica, Chancellor at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus.
Alexander Gonzalez, Ph.D., President of California State University, Sacramento.
Exemplary International HACU-Member Institution in recognition of outstanding support of HACU's International work, Universidad de Iberoamérica (UNIBE).
Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of exemplary leadership and support of HACU's policy issues, The Honorable Michael Bennet, United States Senate.
Extraordinary Philanthropic Partner Award in recognition of extraordinary support of HACU's mission, Ford Motor Company Fund
HACU Lifelong Leadership Award in recognition of lifelong leadership and advocacy for Hispanic higher education success, José Jaime Rivera, Ph.D., former president of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.
Outstanding HACU Private Sector Partner for outstanding leadership and support of HACU's mission, General Motors.
Outstanding HACU Public Sector Partner for outstanding leadership and support of HACU's mission, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Outstanding HACU-Member Institution in recognition of excellence in support of HACU's mission, The University of Texas at Arlington.
President's Award of Excellence in recognition of outstanding service to Hispanic higher education success, J. Michael Ortiz, Ph.D., president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Special Award for Exemplary Service to HACU for outstanding leadership and support of HACU's mission, José Ruano.
HACU's premier Hispanic higher education conference is made possible thanks to the generous support of its 28th Annual Conference Sponsors and Partners. The conference agenda and registration information is available online at www.hacu.net. Onsite registration will be available.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) represents approximately 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain. For more information, visit www.hacu.net.
Editors: Registrations are accepted for media on assignment to cover HACU's 28th Annual Conference. Click here to submit a media pass request.
Media Contact: Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities, (210) 576-3206.