NEW YORK.- The University of Hostos in The Bronx recently held its annual ceremony within the framework of Dominican Heritage Month in this city, recognizing leaders of the Caribbean country and deserving students for academic excellence on campus.
Ana García Reyes, dean of community relations at Hostos and organizer of the event, welcomed nearly a hundred Dominicans, within the framework of the celebration of the Heritage and the commemoration of the 179 years of independence of the Dominican Republic.
For her part, the rector of the high study center, Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, received the guests reminding them of the deed of Juan Pablo Duarte, known as the intellectual and military father of the National Independence movement.
Cocco De Filippis also shared a poem where Duarte celebrates the racial mix that defines Dominican identity, to which the public responded with an ovation.
Among the most significant moments of the ceremony, the delivery of a proclamation presented by Sophia Zayas, director of Latino Affairs of the office of the governor of the state of NY, Kathy Hochul, to commemorate the occasion, was highlighted.
The honored leaders were Eddie Silverio, director of Alianza Dominicana, Inc.; the spouses, Dr. María Molina and Julio Sánchez, from First Step Pediatrics; Dr. Denise Núñez, from the Niño de la Caridad Foundation; Juan Ignacio Rosa, national director of civic affairs for the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials (NALEO); and Nurys De Oleo, an employee of Councilwoman Carmen de la Rosa.
Students Kimberly Bell, Elizabeth Soto, Kacey Witter, Narell Vásquez, Nataliya Dixon, and Rossy Acosta received the Professor Juan Bosch/First Steps Pediatrics Scholarship for their academic achievements.
Each of the recipients received a commemorative plaque along with a special gift.
All were presented by the Executive Vice President of the Fund for the City of NY, Aldrin Bonilla; Hostos Leadership Academy Coordinator Jason Libfeld; the director of the Health & Wellness Center, Fabián Wander; and the businesswoman Cira Ángeles.
After the act, those present were delighted with a cultural presentation and Dominican folk dances, led by Ramona Torres and Ricardo Abreu, at the Longwood Art Gallery of the University, located at 450 Grand Concourse-Bronx
