President Brenneman receives national award from American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education

March 10, 2017

Dr. Loui Olivas, President of AAHHE, presents a framed painting to Goshen College president James E. Brenneman. The inscription on the painting reads: “‘The Stringing Ristras’ print represents women working diligently to ensure the poblano peppers are tight knit, ultimately ensuring a beautiful end result. Similar to Dr. Brenneman’s work as President in organizing and assembling the right pieces to influence a prosperous Hispanic student culture.”

Dr. James E. Brenneman, President at Goshen College, has been selected to receive the Alfredo G. de los Santos, Jr. Distinguished Leadership in Higher Education Award, presented by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) at the AAHHE 12th Annual Conference in Irvine, California.

Dr. Brenneman was selected by a panel of experts in higher education. This award is given to an outstanding administrator in the field of higher education who has demonstrated excellence in the profession. The award is named in honor of Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr., a leader, faculty member, mentor, founding AAHHE board member and champion in higher education.

“AAHHE is proud to recognize Dr. James E. Brenneman for his stellar leadership, strength, and sustained dedication to the Higher Education Community,” said Dr. Loui Olivas, AAHHE President.

To celebrate and recognize the work of Hispanics in higher education and other national leaders, the AAHHE awards program was created to honor individuals at a special Awards Luncheon on March 11th at the 12^th National AAHHE Conference at the Hotel Irvine in Irvine, California. Awards are provided in the areas of Leadership in Higher Education, Research/Teaching in Higher Education, Service/Teaching in Higher Education, Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues in Higher Education and Literary Arts or Publications.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this award from AAHHE, especially as it is named for the preeminent scholar, leader, role model, advocate and trailblazer for Hispanics in higher education, Dr. Alfredo de los Santos, Jr.: Brenneman said. “To follow in his footsteps is a high calling, indeed, one which I have fully embraced as if the betterment of the whole world depended on it. Because it does.”

About AAHHE (www.aahhe.org):

The American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) is a national, educational, IRS-approved 501(c)3, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of higher education. AAHHE is primarily focused on the need to develop Latino/a faculty and senior administrators as well as serving as a leading research and advocacy group for Hispanic higher education issues. AAHHE upholds two critical beliefs: 1) That higher education should address the needs of Hispanics, and 2) That institutions of higher education can be more effective in meeting the needs of a changing U.S. demography.

AAHHE works collaboratively with all sectors of education, business, industry, as well as community and professional organizations to enhance the educational aspirations and to meet the professional growth needs of a significantly increasing Hispanic population.

AAHHE is pleased to recognize Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education for their unyielding commitment to higher education and the sponsorship of this significant award.