University students join cleanup campaign for World Oceans Day 2025

In commemoration of World Oceans Day, students from our Dominican-American University (UNICDA) participated in a meaningful coastal cleanup campaign, organized in collaboration with the Vida Azul Foundation. The activity, which took place at a local beach, successfully collected over 2,800 pounds of waste, including plastics, foam, and other solid debris that severely impact the health of marine ecosystems.

This year’s theme, “Awaken New Depths: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” invites reflection on the deep connection between the oceans and life on Earth. This initiative not only represented a concrete action in favor of the environment but also served as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among participants about the urgency of protecting our seas.

The organizers emphasized that while these cleanups are valuable, real change begins by preventing pollution at its source. “It’s not just about cleaning up, but about not polluting in the first place. Caring for our oceans is a shared responsibility that starts with our everyday choices,” they stated.

The university thus reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and to shaping responsible citizens who are aware of the impact their actions have on the planet.

The ICDA Language School celebrates its first graduation of the year with more than 220 students

Emotion and pride filled the graduation ceremony of the Language School at the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), where in two separate ceremonies, diplomas were awarded to graduates of the Playful Learning, Juniors, Adults, and Spanish as a Foreign Language programs. In total, more than 220 students participated in a day full of symbolism, art, and academic commitment.

The event was opened by Mrs. Lucy Threan Lamarche, Vice President of the ICDA Board of Directors, and Mr. Robert Valcin, Director of the Language School, who both offered warm words of welcome. Professor Wilson Montilla Kelly, representing the teaching staff, congratulated the students for their perseverance and dedication.

One of the most anticipated moments was the recognition of outstanding students, including Zoe Clauddette Custodio Hernández (Advanced Junior), Farah Isabella Dicent Agüero (Advanced Junior), María José Colás (Advanced Adult), Josué Rafael de los Santos Cruz (Advanced Adult), and Alceni Oliveira Da Silva (Spanish Program), who delivered heartfelt speeches filled with gratitude, fulfilled dreams, and hope for the future.

The ceremony also featured a special artistic performance by the Domínico Americano Mixed Choir, directed by Maestro Viterbo Peña, adding a unique touch to the celebration.

The diploma presentation was a deeply emotional moment, with family and friends proudly applauding each student. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic oath, reaffirming the graduates’ commitment to learning and excellence.

Storytelling workshop with the students of the Tourism Marketing course

The students of the Tourism Marketing course had a meaningful learning experience during a visit from Professor Esmarlin Moreta, a renowned communication strategist and facilitator at our School of Art and Culture, who led a specialized storytelling workshop.

Throughout the session, students explored key tools for creating strategic and emotionally impactful content, gaining insights into persuasive writing, digital narratives, and communication formulas aimed at specific goals such as product sales, increasing engagement, or generating social impact.

The activity was designed to strengthen the communication skills of future marketing professionals, providing them with resources applicable to today’s digital environment and to the demands of the hospitality and tourism sector, helping them face market challenges with creativity and strategic thinking.

Storytelling is not just a creative tool—it is a powerful strategy to connect with people and stir emotions in favor of a brand, cause, or product.

The first group of Kids Academy successfully completes the course Traditional Drawing I

With pencil, paper, and lots of passion, our students marked a milestone by completing the first course offered in our new Kids Academy section: Traditional Drawing I.

Over several weeks, they explored the fundamentals of drawing in a space designed to foster creativity from an early age. Each class was an opportunity to discover the power of lines, shapes, and personal expression.

This course not only strengthened their technical skills but also awakened a new way of observing the world around them.

We are immensely proud to see how this first group paved the way with enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment.

Congratulations to each one of them for their dedication and for taking this first big step in their artistic journey!

UNICDA participates in TESOL 2025 in Long Beach, California

The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) had an outstanding participation in TESOL 2025, one of the most important international events dedicated to innovation and professional development in teaching English as a second language.

This global gathering brought together experts, institutions, and educational leaders committed to the continuous improvement of teaching practices. UNICDA was part of this transformative experience alongside a commission of professionals in the field of education, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and the strengthening of strategic alliances.

Among the attendees were Giseh Cuesta, Director of Foreign Languages at MESCYT; Zomnia Schott, Academic Officer of MESCYT’s Immersion Program; and Ligia Henríquez, Head of Foreign Languages at MINERD, all reaffirming their dedication to academic excellence.

From UNICDA, participants included Professor Solangel Meléndez; Karlans Camacho, Coordinator of Projects and Programs at the Teacher Development Center; Gledis Libert, Academic Coordinator of the School of Languages; Joyce Calderón, Coordinator of Junior Programs; and Mr. Luis Marrero, Evaluation Coordinator of the Directorate of Quality Assurance.

During the event, UNICDA representatives exchanged experiences, knowledge, and best practices with professionals from around the world, thereby strengthening institutional strategies for teacher training and foreign language teaching in the country.

This participation not only reaffirms UNICDA’s leadership in the educational field but also opens new opportunities for international collaboration, methodological updates, and professional growth.