The ceremony was marked by recognition of academic excellence and a tribute to Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista in the context of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Universidad Domínico Americano.
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) held its XXIII Ordinary Graduation Ceremony, during which it presented society with new undergraduate and graduate professionals, reaffirming its commitment to quality academic training, innovation, and the country’s development.
The ceremony took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Patrick N. Hughson Auditorium, and brought together academic authorities, representatives of the higher education system, faculty members, family members, and special guests in a day dedicated to celebrating the effort, perseverance, and achievement of the graduates’ professional goals.
This event is part of a significant year for the institution, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. UNICDA emerged on March 20, 2001, through Presidential Decree No. 389-01, which authorized the reclassification of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano from a technical institute of higher education to a university, continuing its trajectory in Dominican higher education.
Training oriented toward the needs of today’s world
The graduates come from six academic programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Teaching Orientation, Specialization in Finance, and Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
As a bicultural university community, UNICDA’s purpose is to train competent professionals with a comprehensive and innovative vision, committed to quality and service to society. In line with changes in the environment and the demands of the labor market, the institution has strengthened and diversified its academic offerings to respond to the needs of national and international productive sectors.
During the welcome remarks, UNICDA’s rector, Lic. Enrique Fernández Malla, highlighted the significance of this achievement for the graduates and the importance of continuing to train professionals capable of contributing to the development of society.
Recognition of an exemplary career in higher education
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the tribute to Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista, who was also the guest speaker, in recognition of her valuable contributions, her institutional commitment, and her outstanding collaboration with UNICDA and the strengthening of Dominican higher education.
The recognition plaque was presented by Mrs. Darys Estrella, chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano.
Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista has an outstanding career as an educator, academic administrator, and advisor to higher education institutions. She served as Vice Rector for Planning and Development at UTESA (2001–2016) and as Rector of that university (2016–2022). In addition, she has contributed to the design and strengthening of various academic institutions, including UNICDA.
Academic excellence as a source of pride
The XXIII Ordinary Graduation Ceremony also served as an occasion to recognize the students who achieved the highest academic honors of the 2026 class, as a result of their dedication, discipline, and commitment to their professional education.
The first academic honor went to Tiara Nataly Encarnación Herrera, a graduate of the Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Teaching Orientation, who received the distinction Summa Cum Laude, the highest academic honor of the class.
The second academic honor was awarded to Gilberto Ramírez Suazo, from Software Engineering, also distinguished with Summa Cum Laude. Meanwhile, Magnolia Fernanda Encarnación Emilice, from the Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration, received the third academic honor, Magna Cum Laude.
Representing her classmates, Tiara Nataly Encarnación Herrera delivered an emotional thank-you speech in which she expressed the satisfaction of reaching this goal and recognized the support of those who helped make this achievement possible.
Her remarks represented the voice of a class that is completing one stage of academic preparation and preparing to take on new challenges in the professional field.
Authorities and special guests
The head table was composed of Dr. Carmen Evarista Matías, Vice Minister of Higher Education at MESCyT; Mrs. Darys Estrella, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano; Lic. Enrique Fernández Malla, Rector of UNICDA; and Dr. Josefina Pepín, Academic Vice Rector of the university. They were joined by Engineer Edwin Salazar, Dean of Student Services, Dr. Ángel Puentes, Director of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, and Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista, guest speaker.
The ceremony was also attended by academic authorities and representatives from UNICDA’s various areas, including Lic. Rubi Bretón, Director of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Dr. Alexandra García, coordinator of the master’s programs; Eng. Paola Martínez, coordinator of the engineering programs; Lic. Ligia Henríquez, coordinator of the education programs; Lic. Alejandra Brunet, coordinator of the programs in Tourism and Hospitality; and Lic. Johanna Sánchez, Coordinator of General Studies.
With the celebration of its XXIII Ordinary Graduation Ceremony, the Universidad Domínico Americano reaffirms its mission to contribute to the development of professionals prepared to respond to the challenges of an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.
