Author: David Daniel Ramirez

UNICDA celebrates its 22nd Ordinary Graduation Ceremony 2025

The Dominican-American University (UNICDA) proudly celebrated its 22nd Ordinary Graduation Ceremony in a heartfelt event held at the Patrick N. Hughson Auditorium of the Dominican-American Cultural Institute (ICDA). The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of dozens of graduates who successfully completed a key stage in their professional development.

The event was led by Eng. Ramón Sosa, Rector of UNICDA, who delivered an inspiring speech urging graduates to embrace their new roles as professionals and global citizens with responsibility. “It’s not just about getting a job, but about making an impact,” Sosa stated, emphasizing the importance of acting with integrity, social commitment, and clear purpose in a constantly evolving world.

Representing the Class of 2025, student Candy Lisbeth Mejía Then—majoring in English Education and recipient of the Highest Academic Honor—delivered a moving speech highlighting the value of perseverance, family support, and the transformative power of education. Quoting Paulo Freire, she affirmed, “Education doesn’t change the world, it changes the people who will change the world,” encouraging her peers to keep dreaming with determination.

One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to graduates with outstanding academic achievements. The honors were presented by Mrs. Mari Carmen Orizondo, member of the Board of Directors of the Dominican-American Cultural Institute (ICDA).

The event was attended by distinguished authorities and institutional collaborators, including:

Dr. José A. Cancel, Deputy Minister of Administration and Finance at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT)

Dr. Josefina Pepín, Academic Vice-Rector of UNICDA

Eng. Edwin Salazar, Director of University Records

Lic. María Alejandra Brunet, MA, Coordinator of the Business Administration and Tourism Department

Lic. Ligia Henríquez, MA, Coordinator of the Education Department

Eng. Paola Martínez, MA, Coordinator of the Engineering Programs

Dr. Alexandra García, Coordinator of the Graduate Unit in Education

The evening concluded with a memorable performance by UNICDA’s Mixed Choir, which offered two musical pieces as an artistic finale to a night of celebration.

With this ceremony, UNICDA reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and the development of ethical professionals prepared to make a positive impact on Dominican society and beyond.

Alliance between the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and Bellas Artes for culture and education

The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA) and the General Directorate of Fine Arts (DGBA) formalized a significant agreement to continue expanding cultural and educational opportunities for society.

The signing of the agreement was attended by Eng. Ramón Antonio Sosa, Executive Director of the ICDA; Rosa Bobea, Finance Director; Robert Valcín, Director of the School of Languages; and Sofía Otero, Director of Culture. Representing the DGBA were Marinella Sallent, General Director of Fine Arts; Elsa Liranzo, Coordinator of Interinstitutional Relations; and Kenia Rondón, Head of the Legal Division.

This alliance strengthens the ties between both institutions through workshops, performances, and joint projects in areas such as art, music, dance, and theater, enriching the cultural life of our community.

As part of the benefits, participants will have facilities to pursue the Artistic Education degree at UNICDA, supporting their academic and professional development.

This agreement constitutes a true bridge of language, culture, and art, promoting mutual support and the development of new opportunities for growth.

UNICDA Sustainable carried out its planting day in La Vega

This year, the Dominican-American University (UNICDA), through its UNICDA Sustainable initiative, extended its environmental commitment to the province of La Vega, where a new ecological volunteer day was held with the active participation of graduating students from undergraduate programs.

The activity brought together dedicated young people who, with enthusiasm and a sense of social responsibility, joined forces to plant trees and contribute to the environmental regeneration of the area. Each tree planted represents a concrete action for the planet’s future and a symbol of our university community’s commitment to sustainable development.

This event not only strengthened the bonds among participants but also promoted values such as teamwork, environmental stewardship, and active citizenship.

We were honored by the presence and support of academic and administrative authorities, including Dr. Martha Campusano – Academic Management Coordinator, and Eng. Paola Martínez – Systems/Software Engineering Coordinator, as well as members of the administrative team, who actively accompanied and supported this meaningful initiative.

From UNICDA, we deeply thank every volunteer who took part in this transformative activity, leaving a green footprint that goes beyond the classroom and reaches toward a more sustainable future.

From the Classroom to the Marketplace: UNICDA Professors Receive Training in Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Technology Transfer

In an atmosphere of collaboration and academic projection, UNICDA faculty members participated in the General Meeting of Teachers, titled “From the Classroom to the Market,” a session designed to strengthen the connection between academic work and market opportunities.

The event featured the valuable participation of Ing. Jofiel Castillo, Head of the Support Center for Technology and Innovation at the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI), who delivered a presentation filled with practical insights on intellectual property, technology transfer, and the role of university educators in innovation and academic entrepreneurship.

During the session, professors shared concerns and meaningful contributions on how to transform their projects into inventions with the potential to be registered or patented, demonstrating a clear interest in applying knowledge beyond the classroom. Their active engagement confirmed the success of the event’s purpose: to revive ideas, stimulate creativity, and promote the vision of an innovative educator.

The meeting also welcomed several academic authorities, including:

Dr. Josefina Pepín – Academic Vice-Rector

Ing. Edwin Salazar – Director of Registry

Lic. Rubí Bretón – Director of Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Lic. María Brunet – Coordinator of the School of Tourism

Ing. Paola Martínez – Coordinator of Systems/Software Engineering

Dr. Vilma Gerardo – Director of Academic and Curricular Management

Dr. Ligia Henríquez – Coordinator of Education Programs

Dr. Alexandra García – Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Dr. Martha Campusano Rojas – Coordinator of Academic Management

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the educators who participated and helped make this session a space for reflection, learning, and projection toward an academy more connected to innovation and national development.

Brenda Ysabel, Education Student at UNICDA, presented her undergraduate thesis project at the CEICYT 2025 Congress

Brenda Verenis Ysabel Guerrero, a student in the Bachelor’s Degree in English Teaching program at UNICDA, proudly represented the institution at the XI Student Congress on Scientific and Technological Research (CEICYT 2025), held on September 12 and 13 at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in Santiago.

During the congress, Brenda presented her undergraduate thesis titled “Impact of Metacognitive Strategies”, a research project focused on strengthening teaching and learning processes through the use of strategies that foster reflection, self-regulation, and effectiveness in educational practice.

This important academic event brought together hundreds of student researchers from across the country, who shared innovative projects and relevant proposals for the scientific, technological, and social development of the Dominican Republic. CEICYT reaffirms the crucial role of higher education as a driver of transformation and sustainable progress.

From UNICDA, we proudly celebrate Brenda’s participation and highlight her commitment to academic excellence and educational research.

Congratulations to Brenda on this great achievement and for raising the name of UNICDA high!

Let me know if you’d like this adapted for a press release, social media post, or formal certificate—happy to tailor it!