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Highlands students John Ramon Vigil, left, Natasha Lujan, Karla Espinoza, and Katelyn Flores participated in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ annual conference.

Las Vegas, N.M. – A contingent of four students from New Mexico Highlands University learned best practices for career building and networking at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ annual conference.

The students participated in the HACU conference Oct. 28 – 30 in San Diego.

John Ramon Vigil, the student regent on the Highlands University Board of Regents, said the HACU conference had a big impact upon him.

“It was empowering to network with other high-achieving Hispanic students as well as Hispanic Serving Institutions like Highlands that are successful in supporting minority students,” said Vigil, a history/business senior.

Vigil, an Española, New Mexico native, said the conference also helped him build his leadership skills.

“I learned how to be a stronger advocate to voice the concerns of minorities, and all students, to help them overcome obstacles for achieving success,” Vigil said.

Other Highlands students who participated in the HACU conference include Natasha Lujan, student body president and biology senior; Karla Espinoza, student senator and social work sophomore; and Katelyn Flores, health graduate student.

“I learned how to network effectively at the HACU conference,” said Lujan, who is also an Española native. “As a senior, it was very valuable to me to meet with potential future employers and graduate school representatives. Overall, this conference strengthened my career building skills.”

The students also had the opportunity to apply for internships across the United States.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ mission is to improve Latino access to higher education and enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic students. In 1986, Highlands University was one of the founding member institutions to sign the original charter for HACU.