Rubén Hinojosa
Member of Congress

For over 30 years, I have witnessed the positive impact that my friend, Raúl Yzaguirre, has had on our country as CEO and President of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR).  He has served in this capacity with undying commitment and unparalleled integrity, and he has transformed NCLR into the premier national Hispanic advocacy organization in the country.

 Today, I watch with hope tinged with sadness as he passes the torch to the next generation of Hispanic leaders with the creation of the Raúl Yzaguirre Policy Institute.   Over the decades he has given voice to our hopes and dreams.  He has stood tall and defended our rights.  Now he will step back, having groomed the next generation of leaders.  The Raúl Yzaguirre Policy Institute will ensure that the leadership pipeline will continue flowing for generations to come.

 I am pleased that I have received commitment from Congress to provide $640,000 to this very important initiative.  The Institute will focus on the education and development of today’s and tomorrow’s national Hispanic leaders, and will provide a research facility for issues that directly impact the Hispanic population, and increasingly, our country as a whole. 

 The site for the Institute will be The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), located on the United States – Mexico border and often called a hidden jewel by many of our top corporations seeking talented graduates. I am extremely proud of UTPA and its role in educating more Mexican-American students than any other university in the country.  This venture is the ideal partnership of one of our nation’s premier Hispanic-serving institutions and an Institute that will exemplify the high values and commitment to community that typify the life’s work of Raúl Yzaguirre.

Rubén Hinojosa
            Member of Congress