From the Publisher's Desk

May 5, 2008

Dear Colleagues:

These are not the best of times for the U.S. economy. As we go to press, more and more reports emerge of state cuts in funding of public colleges and universities.

Still, it is a distinct pleasure to present our Top 100 lists — those colleges and universities across the country that are enrolling and graduating the largest numbers of Hispanics.

In total, the Top 100s of 2006/2007 granted Hispanics 59,568 bachelor's degrees, 18,057 master's degrees and 1,365 doctoral degrees. All represent gains over the previous year's Top 100 totals, which were: 59,299 bachelor's, 17,388 master's and 1,342 doctorates.

Recruiting and graduating a critical mass of Hispanic degree earners, especially postbaccalaureate, rarely happens without a specific and high-priority plan, with everyone working hard to connect all the dots. And keeping them connected.

Many of the gains the lists reflect would have been unlikely, even impossible, without your sustained, extra-mile efforts. Administrators, faculty, counselors, alumni and foundations that finance scholarships and support innovations, advocates who press for equal access, we salute you.

To meet a growing demand and need for a college education, you expanded classroom capacity and the reach of your institutions, and quickly, through new buildings and through new technologies that had to be mastered and embraced by faculty.

For these acts and all else that you do, personally and collectively, to help young people prepare for their place in the sun, our thanks and boundless admiration.

Mis mejores dpeseos,

José López-Isa
Publisher