COSTA MESA, Calif. — Showcasing both the ingenuity and struggles of Latinx scholars in the academy, this year’s American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) conference focused on the future.
Dr. Louis Olivas, president of AAHHE said this year’s theme, “Civil Rights and the Latinx Community: Our Social, Economic and Educational Future,” was appropriate given the ongoing efforts to increase the pipeline for Hispanics in higher education.
“The fractious national climate and continued expansion of the Hispanic population in our country dictate the imperative need to find and apply solutions for these issues,” said Olivas, who leads the organization that was created 14 years ago to increase Hispanic representation in higher education. “All of our efforts at this year’s conference have the underlying purpose of upholding, supporting and improving civil rights for the Latinx community.”
Panel and workshop discussions focused on providing tips on how to publish in professional journals, sharing best practices on how best to serve Latinx students in community colleges and creating pathways for Latinx students in the STEM Fields. Panelists at the University of California San Diego, for example, talked about their efforts to transform their school into a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution.
Scholars also honored their elders, like Dr. Mari-Luci Jaramillo, a seasoned college administrator who was appointed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter to serve as the United States Ambassador to Honduras.
Jaramillo, who held several positions at the University of New Mexico including professor, associate dean in the College of Education and vice president for student affairs,was recognized with AAHHE President’s Award for a lifetime spent working to improve the conditions of Latinos pursing a college degree or a career in higher education.
“Dr. Jaramillo is a champion of diplomacy, and advocacy for the education of, and the civil rights for all Hispanics,” said Olivas. “This award recognizes her lifelong dedication to the Latino community; to better their education opportunities and improve the lives of children and families in poverty.”
