CSU-Pueblo well-represented at annual HACU conference

 Pueblo-Faculty, students, and administrators from Colorado State University – Pueblo made their presence known earlier this month as they marked the 20th anniversary of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) at the organization’s annual meeting Oct. 28-31 in San Antonio, Tex.

President Joseph Garcia, faculty member Dora Luz Cobian, and four students – senior history major Angelica Garza (Pueblo), graduate student Rita Jaime (Pueblo), English major Juliana Fatula (Canon City), and Spanish and Mass Communications major Soledad Sandoval (California), all made the trek south to represent the Thunderwolves at the annual convention.

Students distributed resumes to potential employers, learned about opportunities for graduate school, study abroad, and leadership workshops, attended numerous workshops on everything from cultural awareness to negotiating salaries. The students also formed new friendships, made networking contacts for grants agencies and future employment, met world-renowned Latina author Alicia Valez-Rodriguez, and toured the San Jose Mission.

Cobian attended the Latino/a Leadership Institute, where she networked with
administrators, faculty and staff of other Colleges and Universities, including CSU-Fort Collins and was advised by Presidents of Universities on how to go up the pipe line towards administrative positions. She also attended informative sessions on study abroad, grant writing, a writing program for heritage speakers.

“It was satisfying for me to watch how my advice to our student attendees paid off,” Cobian said. “I have watched them develop into formidable, confident, professional people.”

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.