Ana G. Mendez University was founded by its namesake in Puerto Rico 75 years ago and educates students who mostly have Hispanic backgrounds and are newly arrived to the United States.
One of its three campuses in Florida is in Miami Lakes, said Campus Director Marcela Munera as she addressed the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 8.
Munera spoke about the history of the university, its purpose and community outreach initiatives to over 60 chamber members and guests including Mayor Josh Dieguez; Vice Mayor Bryan Morera and council members Angelo Cuadra Garcia, Juan Carlos Fernandez and Ray Garcia.
“Now 75 years later, Ana G. Méndez University is the biggest private non-profit university on the island of [Puerto Rico],” Munera said.
Its other Florida campuses are in Orlando and Tampa.
“I want to thank the Town of Miami Lakes for being wonderful, being [a] community-driven town,” Munera said.
The campus is in Business Park West, at 15201 NW 79th Court. In September it hosted the Business Boot Camp for new entrepreneurs held by the town’s Economic Development Committee.
The chamber has been a big supporter of the school, Munera said, and thanked those who support school events: the chamber’s President of Public Relations, Tico Casamayor and members Pedro Fiallo, and Ray and Yaimet Palacios of First Origin Mortgage Lenders.
Munera said that the campus welcomes students and follows the founder’s principles.
“… She said education was not something that you just earned, it was something you deserved,” Munera said. “No matter what your financial means are, where you come from, your ethnic background or even your immigration status … our campuses are open to everyone, no matter what.”
Munera said the school awards scholarships and supports the community through charity. And, she said, students are hungry to learn and get ahead in life.
“They don’t have the means, they don’t have the status yet, but they’re here and they want an education,” Munera said.
Courses are open to new high school graduates as well as adults.
Students can earn certificates in one-year programs or post graduate degrees, while attending classes in person or online. The school awards about 15 scholarships each year, Munera said.
“So, through collaborations with other non-profits … we play a vital role in helping the community,” Munera said.