Albert Armendariz
22st president - elected at the 1953 convention. Served one term.
Armendariz was national president during LULAC's 25th anniversary. His administration devoted much time to organizational work. During his term of office, California, previously independent and with its own shield, came back into the main LULAC organization. Before his administration LULAC had been mostly, a Texas based organization. He initiated the organizing efforts in the Midwest and the reawakening of councils in New Mexico and Colorado. He reorganized the LULAC National Constitution and bylaws into its present form. Housing efforts began and this led to LULAC's first housing development - 200 units built in El Paso, Texas. This housing development provided Mexican Americans a better place to live at a price they could afford. After his term of office, he became the chairperson of first LULAC housing committee. As chairperson of this committee, he went on to create the LULAC housing units in San Antonio, Texas. He accomplishments were many and sometimes risky.
A bold initiative nearly got him impeached even though it enabled LULAC to pursue its most important civil rights case to victory before the United States Supreme Court - Hernandez versus Texas. After the American GI Forum ran out of funds to continue with the case, the attorneys - Gus Garcia, Carlos Cadena and John J. Herrera - asked for $2,000. Armendariz, realizing the importance and significance of the case, diverted $1,000 earmarked for the scholarship fund. Pete Tijerina, president of San Antonio Council #2, did the same thing. "We knew we would caught hell but faced the ire of our constituents," recalled Armendariz, "but this was the first case dealing with the civil rights of Mexican Americans that had an opportunity to reach the United States Supreme Court."
His administration was responsible for organizing the first men and ladies councils. Before this, women had fought and won the right to have their own councils. In the beginning women could only be auxiliaries. Armendariz credits the women of LULAC as very helpful in all aspects of the LULAC movement.
Other positions that Armendariz has held in El Paso include
"I credit LULAC with whatever success I have had," Armendariz said.
- Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission
- Chairperson of the Catholic Welfare Board
- Board Member of the Child Welfare Board
- Board Member of the Catholic Diocesan School
- Member of Advisory Committee on Juvenile Delinquency