On January 15, 2009, more than 20 college presidents from Puerto Rico and the United States gathered at the Ana G. Mendez University System’s Universidad del Este to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS), the first bilingual consortium of colleges and universities that serves the needs of Hispanic higher education through the promotion of technology innovation. These leaders got together, as well, with outstanding corporate representatives and entrepreneurs supportive of the strategic vision of their institutions to show their interest in collaborating to improve the opportunities of Hispanic college students through the integration of technology initiatives into educational practices and support services.
“This was a very significant occasion for the colleges and universities that have found in this organization a space to propose, promote, and develop technology alternatives to satisfy the needs of their institutions, students, faculty, and personnel”, expressed Yubelkys Montalvo, HETS Executive Director. As she added, “this celebration had further significance for the group of institutions and institutional Presidents who pioneered this project 15 years ago with the vision of collaboratively opening more opportunities for Hispanic students in higher education.”
Special invitees to this event included the CEO of Blackboard North America Corporation and representatives from the office of the Municipal Government of Carolina, the host city to the HETS 15th Anniversary Celebration, among others. These and other invitees joined HETS Board members and representatives to commemorate great years of growth and opportunities.
The activity included an initial cocktail reception, live music, an anniversary dinner, and a special award recognition ceremony to honor the leadership, collaboration, and support of HETS members.