Two honorary degrees were granted during the ceremony.
By Integrated Communications
Sagrado Corazón University conferred 1,039 academic degrees during its Eighty-third Commencement Ceremony this Sunday, June 12, at the campus’ soccer field.
“This class was named Solidarios 2022, because – during their journey at the university – these graduates achieved their academic goals while growing as supportive leaders,” said Gilberto Marxuach-Torrós, president of Sagrado. “The Class of 2022 is a living example of Sagrado’s mission: to train people who are committed to building a community of solidarity based on justice and peace,” he added.
Graduates of the School of Arts, Design, and Creative Industries; the Department of Business Administration; the School of Health and Sciences; the Ferré Rangel School of Communication; and the General Education Unit entered in procession in front their family, friends, and the university community.
“Showing solidarity is part of the essence of Sagrado students. Since its inception, in 1880, our educational project embraced solidarity as its main value. Its founders – the sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart – showed solidarity by offering education to the neediest girls, voluntarily and free of charge,” added Marxuach-Torrós.
Graduate Isabelle Canals Olivencia, from the School of Health and Sciences, was in charge of an anecdotal and inspiring message on behalf of the Solidarios Class of 2022: “No matter where we are, we will always carry with us the memories of what we learned in this small hill in Santurce.”
Honorary Degrees Granted
During the 2022 Graduation, the university conferred two degrees honoris causa: an honorary doctorate in Arts to saxophonist Miguel Zenón, and the recognition as professor emeritus to Nelson Hernández Román.
“Both have stood out for their commitment to hand down a better society through their actions for the benefit of new generations. Their moral integrity, intellectual contributions, and ability to transcend beyond their performance, have led them to receive the highest honors conferred by Sagrado Corazón University,” Marxuach-Torrós pointed out.
Graduates Speak Out
By Liz Yanira Del Valle, contributor to inSagrado
inSagrado magazine recorded the emotions of six members of the Solidarios Class:
– Ángel Martínez Maldonado, Bachelor’s Degree in of Theater
“In Sagrado, I discovered my potential and maturity. I entered college thinking about partying, and from then to today, I attest to my transformation. I celebrate half of the achievement, because now I will pursue another bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication in Sagrado”, he said.
– Wendy Rivera, Bachelor’s Degree in General Communication
“Sagrado was an ‘impossible’ dream for me, because they told me it was expensive. I got in with three scholarships, and through many sacrifices. I carpooled from Morovis, and little by little I overcame my shyness. Centro Sofía opened its doors for me, helping me in my development. Today, I am their social media manager under an AmeriCorps VISTA contract,” she said.
– Alondra Paola Torres Matos, Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
“I entered Sagrado while residing in a group home under the Department of Family Affairs. I managed to get room and board, and thanks to the Student Support Program (PAE, Spanish acronym), I overcame many complicated issues. I acquired the concept of what a family is here, at Sagrado. The death of my father, in 2014, affected me a lot. A day like today, June 12, would be his birthday. My diploma is dedicated to him,” she said.
– Randall Báez Reyes, Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
“Graduating brings me joy, because studying in times of a pandemic and virtual classrooms is not easy. The academic formation of a nurse requires an approach to a patient. We have a responsibility to life and to our neighbors, and we must provide love and affection as well as care,” he assured.
– María Ruiz Oliveras, Bachelor’s Degree in Education
“Sagrado is my home. My mother works here, and my father is a retired professor from this institution. Here, while pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I went through my pregnancy and two surgeries. My baby is already 3 years old, and I am happy for this achievement. I aspire to establish a preschool and daycare center,” she explained.
– Elsa Iris Lebrón, Master’s Degree in Creative Writing
“I am a teacher and librarian who, when the time for retirement came around, did not give way to stagnation at 60 years of age. This Master’s degree helped me overcome depression due to the deterioration of my mother’s and my health. You see, I use a walker because I am a rheumatoid arthritis patient. My knee joints have been affected, but they didn’t stop me from getting here,” she concluded.