Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Saturday, May 02, 2009
A Day of Triumph and Disappointment
I have often said that commencement is the most important day of the year at Miami Dade College. This year it carries a special poignancy and I’ve discovered even more deeply why it means so much to me.
Certainly, it’s a day of triumph, marking the achievement of our students. But the meaning goes well beyond that. What we witness at this institution wasn’t supposed to happen. The lives that cross that stage were destined for so much less. We are part of something at MDC that should never be underestimated. It seems hardly possible when you see the students’ faces, full of surprise and delight at what they have accomplished. These are the moments I will always remember.
But this day of joy for our students and our College has been countered by one of the most disappointing days in our history. Despite the efforts of so many people – friends in Tallahassee, in Miami and all of us at MDC – a handful of legislators managed to kill the Local Option bill. Despite passing unanimously through the Senate and several committees in the House, it was not allowed to reach the House floor.
In denying a democratic hearing to the bill, the will of the people of this community was disregarded. Worse, the services that MDC will be able to provide to our residents will be drastically limited.
I want to thank each of you for the effort you have made to support the College. I especially want to thank Victoria Hernandez, the campus presidents, our board members, and all those employees, alumni, community members and students who traveled to Tallahassee in support of the College. Our effort deserved a better result but we will definitely carry on the mission of Miami Dade College.
Thank you.
Eduardo