Higher Education Leaders Meet at BMCC for HACU on the Road Event

On Tuesday, February 25, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) hosted the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) on the Road event, “Destination: Higher Education Success,” in BMCC’s Fiterman Hall Conference Center.

The event brought together over 100 members of the higher education and workforce development community for a presentation from HACU President Antonio R. Flores and a speaker program including BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe.

BMCC has been a member of HACU for over 30 years, and was among 51 U.S. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) recognized by the U.S. State Department Fulbright HSI Leaders in Fall 2024.

Topics discussed at the February 25 HACU on the Road event included the state of higher education, HACU programs and international initiatives, strategies to support student success at HSIs and more.

As the audience settled in for a table service luncheon, a speaker program was introduced by BMCC Vice President of Enrollment Management, Dr. Sanjay Ramdath.

“Now, more than ever, these gatherings are needed,” said Dr. Ramdath, who introduced the first speaker, BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe.

“We are immensely proud to be part of HACU and the HACU family, a connection that dates back an impressive 33 years,” said Dr. Munroe. “BMCC’s commitment to serving our Hispanic students and the broader community is deeply ingrained in our mission.”

Dr. Munroe noted that scholarship funds through HACU have opened doors to opportunities our students might not otherwise have had access to. “These scholarships and internships are life changing, providing invaluable experience and financial support that help students stay on the path to success—and for some, on the path to prosperity, the path out of poverty.”

A video was screened that highlighted the vital role that HACU plays in supporting Hispanic higher education and advancing educational equity.

HACU President and CEO, Dr. Antonio R. Flores, delivered a talk, “HACU’s Impact: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow.”

 Dr. Flores spoke on topics including the importance of connecting with K-12 educational districts, creating internships and college pipelines, and identifying congressional districts most impacted by changes in funding.

“In a very purposeful way, we are working to ensure that they are responsive to their constituents and the communities they serve,” said Dr. Flores.

A highlight of the afternoon was a performance by the BMCC String Chamber Orchestra, the only one in existence at a CUNY community college, introduced by Music and Art Department Chair, Dr. Eugenia Oi Yan Yau.

Directed by BMCC Music Professor, Dr. Robert K. Reed, the student musicians performed on violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, clarinet and keyboard, presenting pieces by Harlem Renaissance composer William Grant Still and Italian Baroque era composer Tomaso Albinoni.

Following the BMCC String Chamber Orchestra performance, HACU on the Road closed with a Q&A session.