Héctor Garza Cantu

Dr. Héctor Garza Cantu, of Edinburg, Texas passed on February 21, 2023, at the age of 66. A long-time resident of Montgomery County, MD, Dr. Garza was a fierce advocate for Latino educational opportunity and access. He earned undergraduate and advanced degrees from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he resided for 17 years. He began his academic career serving as Assistant Dean of Eastern Michigan University from 1985 until 1993, when he joined the American Council on Education in Washington, DC. Among his numerous accomplishments in service to underrepresented communities, in 1999 he founded the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships in Washington, DC serving as its founding President and CEO.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alejandro and Guadalupe, and brothers Alejandro Jr. and Jose Luis Garza.

Beloved father of Dr. Jennifer M Garza of La Jolla, CA, and Héctor Daniel Garza of Silver Spring, MD, grandfather "Papo" to Emma and Daniel Figueroa, and Mateo Garza, and father-in-law to Dr. César Figueroa, and Jocelyn L. Avila.

Dr. Garza is also survived by his sister Diana Corona of Edinburg, Texas, as well as by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

A memorial in Washington, DC will be announced at a later date.