The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development (New Jersey), formerly known as the Office of Hispanic Affairs, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. After two decades of service to the Hispanic community of New Jersey, it is appropriate to consider the historical evolution of the Center. This retrospective analysis documents and recognizes the Center's accomplishments and aims to guide the Center's future by analyzing its past. This report documents the evolution of the Center from its inception in 1975 through its current operations and projected challenges. Data were collected through a survey sent to 135 center personnel and Hispanic community leaders, 5 focus groups considering the Center's role, and key informant interviews. The report is organized into three definitive periods that make up four phases: (1) 1975-1979, the beginning; (2) 1980-1989, growth and development; (3) 1990-94, expansion and opportunity; and (4) 1994-1997, collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. Critical to measuring the success of the Center over the next few years will be the extent to which the Center can help Hispanics improve access to the resources that people need to improve the quality of their lives: education, employment, health care, safety, and security. An appendix presents four charts outlining Center functions and organization. (Contains 115 annotated references.) (SLD)