We celebrate Teacher’s Day by recognizing the vocation and commitment of our teachers

Aquí tienes una traducción fluida y natural al inglés, manteniendo el tono institucional y emotivo del mensaje original:

“At the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, we experienced a very special Teacher’s Day celebration, dedicated to recognizing those who, through their vocation and dedication, make our educational mission possible every single day.

Teachers from the university, the Language School, the school, and the preschool shared a moment of gratitude and togetherness, reminding us that teaching goes far beyond imparting knowledge: it is about inspiring, guiding, opening paths, and believing in the potential of every student.

Every class, every piece of advice, every challenge taken on with commitment, and every gesture of support leaves a mark that often transcends the classroom and lasts a lifetime.

Thank you for being a guide, an example, and a driving force for transformation. We celebrate your work, but above all, the human impact you generate every day in our community.

Language School celebrates its first 2026 graduation with two moving ceremonies

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Language School of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano celebrated its first graduation of the year 2026 on June 25th with two consecutive ceremonies, recognizing the effort, dedication, and perseverance of the students who successfully completed their training programs.

Both events brought together graduates, family members, teachers, and institutional authorities to celebrate the conclusion of an important academic stage and the beginning of new personal and professional challenges.

The ceremonies began with welcoming remarks from the executive director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Alberto Fernández Malla, who urged the new graduates to continue building a future full of opportunities through language learning and continuous education.

Following this, faculty representative David Rodríguez delivered a message of congratulations, highlighting the discipline, commitment, and perseverance demonstrated by the graduates throughout their academic journey.

One of the most significant moments of the day was the participation of the honor students, who delivered moving speeches on behalf of their peers.

The presentation of diplomas and awards was the central moment of both graduations, celebrating the academic success of the students and the commitment demonstrated throughout their training.

Subsequently, the director of the Language School, Robert Valcin, led the closing remarks and the graduates’ oath. In the first ceremony, he was accompanied by Valerie Del Villar Mercedes, while in the second, he shared this significant moment with the representative of Juniors Advanced, Wanny Lorena Pujols Pimentel, symbolizing the end of a chapter and the new graduates’ commitment to their personal and professional development.

As a grand finale, both ceremonies featured the participation of the Coro Mixto Domínico Americano, conducted by Viterbo Peña, whose artistic performances filled the closing ceremony with solemnity and emotion.

The American Film Festival opens its lineup with a screening of Back to the Future

With a large turnout and an enthusiastic atmosphere, the American Film Festival opened with a screening of the iconic movie Back to the Future, a cinematic classic that continues to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages across generations.

The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Mr. Enrique Fernández Malla, Executive Director of ICDA and Rector of UNICDA, who highlighted the value of initiatives that promote learning and cultural exchange through cinema. Likewise, Ms. Amy Krusinger, Strategic Projects Coordinator of the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, emphasized the importance of strengthening educational and cultural cooperation ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

The festival is part of the commemorative activities for the 250th anniversary of United States independence and is being held with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to promoting spaces for connection, dialogue, and cultural enrichment.

The evening brought together cinema lovers, students, teachers, and community members, who enjoyed an experience that combined entertainment, history, and culture.

With this successful opening, the American Film Festival kicks off a lineup that will continue to bring the public closer to renowned film productions and strengthen the cultural exchange between both nations.

UNICDA commemorates its 25th anniversary with a keynote lecture by Vice President Raquel Peña

Aquí tienes una traducción profesional y fluida al inglés, ideal para un comunicado de prensa o artículo institucional:

Santo Domingo, D.N., June 26, 2026. The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) commemorated its 25th anniversary with the keynote lecture “Learning to Educate in a Changing World,” delivered by Her Excellency Raquel Peña, Constitutional Vice President of the Dominican Republic. The event brought together representatives from the Dominican government, the diplomatic corps, higher education institutions, as well as students and institutional allies, creating a space for reflection on the challenges facing education in a context of constant transformation.

The lecture was part of the commemorative program for UNICDA’s 25 years, a celebration that reaffirms the university’s commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and training professionals capable of responding to the demands of an ever-evolving world.

During her presentation, the Vice President of the Republic highlighted the importance and the government’s commitment to transforming the Dominican educational system to address the challenges of a constantly changing world, thereby ensuring sustainable development and social equity in the Dominican Republic.

“Education cannot walk with its back to the country. It must respond to the aspirations of its people and to the transformations of a world where technology, creativity, and knowledge are increasingly decisive,” she stated. At the same time, she listed some of the advancements already achieved under the administration of President Luis Abinader, such as: strengthening early childhood care, reducing the illiteracy rate, investing in school infrastructure, improving the School Feeding Program, and the impact of the National Student Transportation System (TRAE), which currently covers more than 94% of public sector enrollment.

Raquel Peña took the opportunity to congratulate the Universidad Domínico Americano for reaching a quarter of a century playing an exceptional role in the training of youth and professionals, and wished them success in the years to come.

At the conclusion of her remarks, Peña called for unity among the State, universities, technical institutes, the productive sector, and families to consolidate educational transformations and ensure that education remains the main driver of social mobility and national development.

For her part, the President of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Darys Estrella, highlighted the significance of this anniversary for the institution and the responsibility to continue promoting a transformative education.

“As we commemorate UNICDA’s 25 years, we look back with gratitude on the path traveled, but we also renew our commitment to continue contributing to an education capable of responding to present challenges and preparing new generations for the future,” Estrella expressed.

In his speech, the Rector of the Universidad Domínico Americano and Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Fernández Malla, emphasized that UNICDA’s 25th anniversary represents an opportunity to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to an education capable of anticipating changes and responding to the country’s needs.

“If there is an institution that has known how to reinvent its way of educating as the world transforms, it is this one,” said Fernández Malla, noting that UNICDA is part of an educational ecosystem that accompanies individuals from early childhood to university and continuing education, with an academic offer that is permanently updated to meet the demands of the national and global environment.

At the conclusion of the event, the Universidad Domínico Americano honored Vice President Raquel Peña as a Distinguished Visitor, in recognition of her career in public service, her commitment to strengthening Dominican education, and her contributions to national development. The distinction was presented by members of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and UNICDA’s academic authorities, along with the ICDA institutional pin and the university’s 25th anniversary commemorative pin.

About UNICDA
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), founded in 2001, is part of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), a binational institution created in 1947 to strengthen the ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States through education and culture. Throughout its 25-year history, UNICDA has established itself as a higher education institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the comprehensive training of professionals with a global vision, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.

UNICDA and ManpowerGroup participated in a reforestation day in San Cristóbal

As part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), in collaboration with ManpowerGroup, carried out a reforestation day at Playa Najayo, in the municipality of Nigua, province of San Cristóbal, specifically at the Nigua Experimental Farm of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU).

During the activity, 500 mahogany trees (Swietenia mahagoni) were planted. This species has been declared the National Tree of the Dominican Republic and is recognized for its ecological importance and its contribution to the conservation of natural resources.

The event featured the active participation of students and collaborators from UNICDA and ManpowerGroup, who joined efforts to contribute to ecosystem restoration and promote greater awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.

Additionally, the initiative was supported by technical representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, who provided specialized guidance to ensure the proper development of the planting and the positive impact of the activity in the area.

This reforestation day is part of the actions promoted by both institutions in favor of sustainable development, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of a culture of social and environmental responsibility.

UNICDA holds conference on the impact of the United States Independence in the Hispanic Caribbean

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. – The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) celebrated the conference “Impact of the Independence of the United States on the Hispanic Caribbean,” an academic space for reflection and historical analysis that brought together academic authorities, teachers, students, and special guests to address one of the most influential events in modern history and its repercussions in our region.

The event began with welcoming remarks from Lic. Enrique A. Fernández Malla, rector of the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA). Subsequently, Amy Krusinger, Strategic Projects Coordinator of the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, offered the introduction to this important academic gathering.

The conference was led by Dr. Javier Alemán Iglesias, a renowned historian and researcher, who shared a profound analysis of the political, economic, and social effects that the Independence of the United States had on the Hispanic Caribbean and on the configuration of hemispheric relations throughout history.

The activity was developed in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo and the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), consolidating itself as a space for academic exchange and intellectual enrichment for all attendees.

The gathering also featured the distinguished presence of the Minister Counselor of the United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic, Prashant Hemady, who accompanied the activity alongside representatives from the academic and diplomatic fields.

This conference was part of the commemorative initiatives linked to the 250th anniversary of the United States, promoting learning spaces that allow for a better understanding of the historical events that have influenced the development of our region and strengthening critical thinking about our shared past.

The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) thanks Dr. Javier Alemán Iglesias for sharing his knowledge and experience, as well as all the participants and institutional allies for being part of this enriching academic event that contributes to the strengthening of historical reflection, critical analysis, and quality higher education.

UNICDA celebrates 25 years of excellence and innovation, reaffirming its commitment to the development of Dominican talent

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, June 2, 2026. – The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) celebrated its 25th anniversary alongside government authorities, representatives from the academic sector, business leaders, alumni, faculty, staff, and institutional allies, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the training of professionals prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly global and interconnected world.

During the ceremony, Darys Estrella, President of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), highlighted that UNICDA embodies the educational vision driven by ICDA since 1947, rooted in the conviction that education and culture are fundamental tools for creating opportunities and transforming lives.

Furthermore, the institution presented a special recognition to Elizabeth de Windt, UNICDA’s first rector, for her leadership, vision, and contributions to the university’s development during a pivotal stage of its growth and consolidation. Her legacy represents the commitment and dedication to service of those who helped lay the foundation for the institution that today celebrates 25 years of history.

For his part, Enrique Fernández Malla, Rector and Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, emphasized UNICDA’s role as an educational and cultural bridge between the Dominican Republic and the United States, as well as its contribution to shaping global citizens through an educational ecosystem that impacts more than 30,000 people each year.

Fernández Malla noted that the university is currently experiencing a period of institutional strengthening, reaching the highest enrollment in its history in 2026. He reaffirmed the commitment to continue enhancing academic quality, innovation, research, and collaboration with productive sectors to meet the needs of the country and the labor market.

“In perspective, twenty-five years are just a beginning,” Fernández Malla expressed at the conclusion of the event, highlighting the forward-looking vision with which UNICDA aims to continue contributing to the development of Dominican talent.

About UNICDA
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), founded in 2001, is part of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), a binational institution established in 1947 to strengthen the ties of friendship between the Dominican Republic and the United States. UNICDA promotes an education of excellence with a global vision, oriented toward the holistic development of professionals and the cultivation of citizens committed to the positive transformation of society.

The Plant Fair brought our community together in a special celebration for Mother’s Day

As part of our Mother’s Day celebrations, our campus was transformed into a space full of life, color, and nature during the Plant Fair held last Thursday.

The event offered students, families, staff, and visitors the opportunity to connect in a welcoming environment, promoting a link to nature and strengthening community bonds. Through a wide variety of plants, products, and ideas centered around well-being and environmental care, attendees enjoyed an enriching and meaningful experience.

The fair also served as a space to highlight values closely tied to this special occasion: love, care, dedication, and growth—qualities that bloom both in our families and in the environment around us.

One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the participation of local entrepreneurs, who enthusiastically shared their products, knowledge, and experiences. Their presence allowed attendees to discover different initiatives related to the world of plants and sustainability, adding educational and community value to the event.

We extend our gratitude to all the entrepreneurs who took part in this initiative, and to every member of our community for joining us and helping make this celebration so special.

The Plant Fair was much more than just an exhibition: it was an opportunity to celebrate life, nature, and the community spirit that unites us.

UNICDA Hospitality and Tourism students presented ‘Mexclao Restaurant,’ an innovative gastronomic experience

UNICDA Hospitality and Tourism students presented ‘Mexclao Restaurant,’ an innovative gastronomic experience The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) once again turned learning into a practical and innovative experience through MEXCLAO RESTAURANT, a gastronomic concept created and executed by students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration. The proposal, developed under the guidance of […]