Ana G. Mendez University System celebrates its Third Commencement Ceremony in South Florida

Online, June 25, 2010 (Newswire.com) - On Wednesday, June 23, Ana G. Mendez University System - South Florida Campus (SUAGM) celebrated its Third Commencement Ceremony at the Hilton Downtown Miami. Recognizing the academic achievement of 120 graduating students from 14 different Latin American and European countries, they received their professional diplomas for the successful completion of their bachelor's and master's degrees. The event was attended by important community leaders, government and consular officials, SUAGM's advisory board members, deans, professors, as well as proud family members of the graduating students.

Mr. Jose F. Mendez, President of SUAGM, addressed the graduates and congratulated them for their academic development and charged, "Use your talents to make a difference in the community where you work and live. By giving back, you become agents of change for others like you who dreamed of a better life when coming to this great country."

During the ceremony, SUAGM also honored Mr. William A. Ramos, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the U.S. Department of Commerce with the Presidential Medal, who served as the Commencement Speaker. "We are proud to honor Mr. Ramos for his exemplary contribution to Latino communities, especially in South Florida. It is with leadership such as his that we can continue empowering people to prosper and succeed," said Luis J. Zayas, Vice President for National and International Affairs - SUAGM.

Six master's degree and five bachelor's degree graduates received merit recognition for their outstanding academic achievement, community leadership and support in college activities and professional organizations.

"Today we joyously celebrate the academic accomplishments of these bilingual professionals who achieve this important milestone," mentioned Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona, South Florida Campus Director - SUAGM. "Becoming successful bilingual professionals with a college degree will provide the South Florida community with more productive employees, who will earn more money than those who only graduated from high school."

Ana G. Mendez University System (SUAGM the official acronym in Spanish) offers the first and only Accelerated Dual Language Immersion Program for adults in the United States. Established in 1949 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, SUAGM has become an important addition to Florida's higher-education institutions and currently operates three campuses in the state: South Florida, Metro Orlando and Tampa Bay. Together serving over 1,800 Hispanics to achieve their academic goals.

SUAGM's university programs are targeted toward students, ages 23 and up, and are designed to accommodate students who are holding down jobs, raising families, or both. SUAGM has a 60-year history of offering outstanding higher education in Puerto Rico, where more than 42,000 students are currently enrolled in three institutions: Universidad del Turabo, Universidad Metropolitana and the Universidad del Este.

The South Florida Campus, located in the Miramar Park of Commerce, offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in education, business administration, social sciences and tourism, among others. For more information on curriculum and enrollment, call 954.885.5595 or visit www.suagm.edu/southflorida