The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) kicked off its 36th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Rebuilding a More Resilient and Inclusive America,” on Oct. 8, 2022, with more than 2,500 registrants. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores welcomed participants to its first in-person conference since 2019 and presented a State of HACU Address.

HACU’s Annual Conference provided a unique forum for the sharing of information and ideas for the best and most promising practices in the education of Hispanics.

Bronx Community College (BCC) Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo joined Elizabeth Rodriguez, Director of Global Education, Universidad de Iberoamerica (UNIBE) in Costa Rica in co-presenting on the collaboration between their institutions.

The topic was “Innovations in Educational Technology: Online Learning for Health Students in International Education and Virtual Exchange Programs.”

Through different technological tools, a group of students and faculty members from the USA and Costa Rica made a commitment to participate in weekly discussions on current issues regarding the health and well-being of populations. The program focused on the knowledge, understanding and applications of resilience at the international level during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo said: “What a great experience to lead the networking session on virtual programs with a focus on global programs, global citizenship and virtual immersion at the HACU 2022 Conference. I was honored to represent BCC at the HAUC Commission on International Education focusing on International Collaborations and Programming.”

He added, “I extend my thanks to my colleagues Britt Rios-Ellis, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Joel Edgardo Vélez-Colon and Marta Walliser from Universidad de Iberoamerica for their collaboration along with BCC President Thomas A. Isekenegbe; Dr. Irene R. Delgado, Vice President for Student Success; Dr. Manny Lopez, Associate Dean for Student Development; Dr. Luis Montenegro, Dean of Academic Affairs; Dr. Debra Gonsher, Coordinator of the Liberal Arts & Sciences Program, and the entire BCC student body and faculty for their ongoing support.”