Miami Dade College (MDC) is set to celebrate its newest class of Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing graduates for their significant professional achievements, leadership, and community service. This prestigious honor underscores the transformative power of an MDC education and its impact on diverse fields.
Key Takeaways
- The MDC Foundation announced its latest cohort of inductees for the Alumni Hall of Fame.
- The honorees represent a wide array of professions, including business, education, public service, and technology.
- The induction ceremony will take place on June 5 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its inception in 2003, the MDC Alumni Hall of Fame has celebrated over 400 graduates who have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments. These individuals span various sectors, including public service, innovation, business leadership, community safety, education, and healthcare, each bringing a unique story of impact.
Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega expressed pride in the new inductees, stating, "Our inductees’ accomplishments demonstrate the power of education to create opportunity and drive positive change. We’re proud to recognize this remarkable group of alumni whose leadership and service continue to inspire our students and strengthen the communities they serve."
The 2024 Inductees
The distinguished individuals joining the Hall of Fame this year are:
- Business: Bernie Navarro, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Peru, U.S. Department of State
- Education – Historian: Dr. Paul S. George, Resident Historian, HistoryMiami Museum
- Entrepreneurship: Joshua Pascual, Owner, Josh’s Premium Meats
- Hospitality: Emilio Cabrera, McDonald’s Franchise Owner, EC Management Corp.
- Law: Beatriz Azcuy, Managing Partner, Miami Office, Sidley Austin LLP
- Non-Profit: Kamila Pritchett, President & CEO, The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.
- Philanthropy: Silvia Rios Fortun, President of Guardian Angels, Jackson Health System Foundation
- Public Safety – Fire: Fernando Gomez, Chief Fire Officer, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
- Public Service: Senator René GarcÃa, County Commissioner District 13, Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners
- Real Estate: Nestor J. Machado, President, Cawy Management Corp.
- Sports: Francisco J. Martin, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Massachusetts
- Technology: Ernesto Arguello, Co-founder and Co-CEO, CanWe app by Social Navigation Society
Celebrating Impact and Opportunity
Jorge Plasencia, Chair of the Miami Dade College Foundation Board, highlighted the significance of the Hall of Fame, noting, "Each year, the Hall of Fame is a powerful reminder of the impact our alumni have across industries and throughout our community. This year’s inductees truly demonstrate how education can open doors, create opportunity and drive change."
The formal induction ceremony is scheduled for June 5 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel. The event will bring together college leadership, alumni, community leaders, and public officials to honor the remarkable achievements of the newest members of the Hall of Fame.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is a globally recognized institution, renowned for its diversity with students from 167 countries and speaking 63 languages. Offering over 305 degree pathways across its eight campuses and outreach centers, MDC is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education. The college is a leading producer of Associate in Arts and Science degrees and awards more degrees to minorities than any other college or university in the country. Since its founding in 1960, MDC has served over 2.5 million students, with approximately 125,000 currently enrolled.
About the Miami Dade College Foundation
Established in 1965, the Miami Dade College Foundation plays a crucial role in securing private funding to support student scholarships, academic programs, and essential wraparound services. The Foundation also champions world-class arts and cultural programming at MDC, enriching the South Florida community. In the 2025-2026 period, the Foundation distributed nearly $35 million to benefit MDC students and programs.
Sources
- Miami Dade College Announces its New Class of Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees, Miami’s Community News.