Author: David Daniel Ramirez

UNICDA awards scholarships to young people who will begin their studies in technology-related fields

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – July 30, 2025
The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) celebrated the awarding of its UNICDA Excellence 2025 scholarships, recognizing the high academic performance of outstanding high school students. The event took place in the Exhibition Hall of the Earl R. Threan Administrative Building on campus, with the participation of university authorities, the families of the scholarship recipients, and members of the academic community.

This year, the scholarships were awarded to three young women who will begin their university studies in technology and innovation-related fields:

Amy Pérez Mejía, Cybersecurity Engineering

Paula Mabel Martínez Abreu, Data Science Engineering

Katia Nathaly Pujols Almánzar, Software Engineering

These scholarships not only reflect UNICDA’s commitment to academic excellence but also its dedication to preparing professionals in high-demand fields. The new additions of Cybersecurity Engineering and Data Science Engineering, along with the already well-established and highly sought-after Software Engineering program, demonstrate this strategic vision focused on innovation and training in key areas for the country’s development.

During the ceremony, the Academic Vice-Rector, Dr. Josefina Pepín, gave the welcoming remarks, highlighting the merit and dedication of the scholarship recipients. Lisanna E. Montero Montán, a Business Administration student and a 2024 scholarship recipient, also addressed the attendees, sharing her testimony and motivating this year’s recipients to continue pursuing their academic goals.

The closing remarks were delivered by the Rector of UNICDA, Ing. Ramón Sosa, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to educating ethical, competent professionals dedicated to national development. “Through initiatives like UNICDA Excellence, we help pave the way for the country’s young talent, especially in high-impact areas like technology,” he stated.

The awarding of these scholarships strengthens the bond between UNICDA and the student community while fostering the personal and professional growth of high-potential young people. The university continues to position itself as a place of educational excellence, innovation, and comprehensive training, with programs adapted to a globalized environment and the needs of the current job market.

UNICDA’s Volunteer Program visits the San Francisco de Asís Nursing Home in honor of Father’s Day

In commemoration of Father’s Day, the UNICDA Volunteer Group, along with the Department of Social Outreach and Extension of the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), made a heartfelt visit to the San Francisco de Asís Nursing Home. The goal was to spend a morning full of affection, joy, and solidarity with the elderly residents.

The activity, which is part of the university’s social responsibility initiatives and the volunteer group’s promotion of core values, allowed students to genuinely connect with the residents. This was achieved through activities like singing, dancing, and conversations filled with anecdotes and wisdom.

During the visit, there were moments of great emotion and closeness. The smiles and warm hugs reflected the positive impact of the visit on both the residents and the volunteers.

“We are leaving with our hearts full,” several students shared. They valued the experience as an opportunity for personal and human growth, strengthening their commitment to a more inclusive and empathetic society.

Through initiatives like this, UNICDA continues to promote a comprehensive education that goes beyond the classroom, encouraging its students to build a supportive university community that is aware of and committed to its surroundings.

The Dominican American Cultural Institute celebrated the Independence of the United States with a Farmers Market

On Wednesday, July 3rd, we held a Farmers Market to commemorate the Independence Day of the United States. The event was open to our entire educational community and welcomed staff members, students, teachers, and visitors, all of whom enjoyed a unique day in true farmer style.

During the celebration, the main campus of our institution transformed into a vibrant space filled with music, recreational activities, traditional food, vendor stations, and a lively, positive atmosphere. The stars of the day were various local entrepreneurs who joined the event to offer natural, handmade products with an authentic flair that delighted everyone in attendance.

Beyond the shopping and flavors, this initiative fostered integration among our community members, supported entrepreneurial talent, and honored a date that holds great significance in American culture—a core part of our identity as a binational center.

We’re grateful to everyone who made this experience possible, from the organizers to each participant who brought the event to life.

Students from the Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Teaching Focus at UNICDA were recognized at the student merit ceremony organized by INAFOCAM

The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) had the honor of participating in the fifth edition of the Student Merit Recognition Ceremony, organized by the National Institute for Teacher Training and Development (INAFOCAM).

This meaningful event brought together representatives from various higher education institutions across the country with the purpose of recognizing the academic excellence, commitment, and dedication of students pursuing degrees in Education.

The UNICDA students who were recognized were:

Tiara Nataly Encarnación Herrera

Rosalvis Andrea Guerrero Shephard

Lourdes Nathalia Pérez Sosa

On this occasion, UNICDA was represented by Dr. Josefina Pepín Ubrí, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, and Eng. Edwin Salazar, Director of Registration.

The university congratulates these young women for their effort, dedication, and excellence, which have made them inspiring role models for the future generation of educators in the country.

The Domínico Americano Holds Its 2025 General Ordinary Assembly of Associates

Last Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Instituto Cultural Dominico Americano held its General Ordinary Assembly of Associates, a space for dialogue and accountability in which the institutional advances of the year 2024 were presented and new members of the Board of Directors were elected for the period 2025–2027.

The activity was presided over by Mrs. Darys Estrella, president of the Board of Directors, who offered opening remarks highlighting the impact of initiatives developed during the past year and reaffirming the commitment to responsible leadership that guides the mission of Dominico Americano.

During the day, Eng. Ramón Sosa, Executive Director, presented the institutional management report; Mr. Frank Abate, Treasurer, shared financial information based on audited statements; and Mrs. Hilda Patricia Polanco, Secretary of Council, conducted the voting process and validation for the new board composition.

The Executive Committee Board that begins its functions with immediate effect is composed of:

Darys Estrella – President
Lucy Threan de Lamarche – Vice President
Hilda Patricia Polanco – Secretary
Francisco J. Abate Franjul – Treasurer
Darío Lama Reyes – Vice Secretary
Robert Valdez – Vice Treasurer
Additionally forming part are:
Francisco J. Abreu Vitetta, Bassa Isaac Castañeda, Enrique A. Fernández Malla, Marielle Garrido, Jeffrey Johnson, Mari Carmen Orizondo, Leonardo Santoni, Arthur Valdez

We thank all associates who participated actively in this assembly, contributing to strengthening our institution’s mission to promote cultural exchange between the Dominican Republic and the United States.