Golden State Today

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has been instrumental in providing opportunities for Hispanic students, faculty, and staff at UC Davis. Through mentoring, tutoring, and participation in HACU conferences, students like Jasmine Diaz have found renewed passion and support for their academic and career goals.

Reflecting on her journey, Diaz expressed, "I’m a stronger person and a strong advocate for people like myself." Diaz's experience at the HACU annual conference in Chicago led to an invitation to work in the cancer lab of Professor Luis Carvajal-Carmona, reigniting her commitment to a career in science.

Rodrigo Bonilla, director of the Chicanx Latinx Retention Initiative at UC Davis, credits HACU for shaping his passion for supporting students from similar backgrounds. Bonilla, who immigrated from Mexico at a young age, participated in a HACU internship that laid the foundation for his career in higher education.

Antonio R. Flores, president and CEO of HACU, highlighted the association's advocacy for grant programs to improve access to higher education for Hispanic students. Flores emphasized, "Part of our job is to increase those pots of money and relay to our institutions that they can use them for the benefit of underserved students."

Lina Mendez, director of UC Davis's HSI initiative, praised HACU for providing leadership academies and mentoring opportunities. Mendez noted how UC Davis benefited from HACU's support in securing grants to enhance outreach, recruitment, and admission efforts, ultimately reducing inequities in higher education.

UC Davis's longstanding partnership with HACU has not only benefited Hispanic students but has also contributed to the institution's recognition as a top university for Hispanic and Latino students. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, UC Davis continues to strive for federal recognition as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, aiming to further support student success and institutional transformation.

Flores commended UC Davis as a progressive university in diversity and inclusion, stating, "We are delighted UC Davis is continuing as a role model for the rest of California and across the nation." The association's ongoing collaboration with UC Davis underscores the commitment to providing ladders of opportunity for Hispanic students and fostering a culture of academic excellence and support.