Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano
United International College celebrated its 19th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 25th at the Auditorium of the Old Davie School Historical Museum 6650 Griffin Rd, Davie, FL 33314 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
City of Miramar’s Commissioner Maxwell Chambers served as Commencement Speaker and addressed the graduates with a heartfelt speech. Commissioner Chambers traced his life story during his speech, by telling the audience about his early life in Jamaican and following a path in his adult life as community leader and entrepreneur, overcoming life challenges. He praised his mother for always believing in him and remembered his son, Maxwell Chambers Jr. who recently passed away in March this year.
Lydia Bautista Möller, UIC’s President, addressed the graduates and reiterated that they would always have a home at UIC. She mentioned the importance of Holistic Education as part of UIC’s curricula and the tenacity of the graduating class to have accomplished their goal of graduation during the pandemic. Most of the program courses were delivered online and students endured the hardship brought by the pandemic while focusing on their education.
Antonio Martinez was the commencement speaker representing the student body. Antonio recognized the administration of UIC for having given courage to the students. Also, he was grateful to his classmates for sharing such an important moment of his lifetime. He also recognized family members for their support during the academic time of the students. Antonio’s speech highlighted lessons lived together regardless of their majors, which were based on limits, courage and risks. “Today, we live in the present building the future” concluded Antonio in his speech.
19 students received their academic degrees. 10 students received bachelor degrees in Business Administration and International Business Management; and 9 students received their associate degrees in Business Administration and Communications and Mass Media. UIC’s Body of Graduate Students represented diverse nations from multiple continents. 6 students were from Vietnam, 6 students were from Venezuela, 3 students were from Colombia; and students also represented India, Russia, Brazil and Romania.
UIC’s Graduates, Faculty, Board of Directors and Commencement Speaker celebrated with a toast with sparkling rose by the graduate Ana Maria Socha, who was receiving her Bachelor Degree in International Business Management.
Some of the graduating students highlighted their most memorable moments at UIC for social media.
Alix Paez is graduating from her A.S. in Communications and Mass Media. She is from Venezuela. Her happiest moments at UIC were the gatherings at the cafeteria during class breaks as traditionally all her classmates and faculty shared typical food from their countries. “It was a perfect moment to talk about our lives, get to know each other much better, help each other, and of course to laugh a lot as well.”
She will obtain her Personal Training Certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Her goal is to work with seniors to help them to improve their health and quality of life based on proven methods of exercise, nutrition, and behavior changes. After that, she plans to start her own business. Studying Communication and Mass Media has given her the necessary tools and knowledge to start promoting her business once she receives her certification.
Tuong Hoang is graduating from her A.S. in Business Administration. She is from Vietnam. “UIC gave me a comfortable environment. I enjoyed every single day studying at UIC. UIC’s team arranged many activities for students such as field trips, a Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Celebration, Bowling Night. One of my happiest memories was a field trip to Oleta River State Park Beach. We played volleyball together, shared food and had a chance to get to know each other. I really enjoyed it.
Tuong has not started her own business yet. Her plan for the future is to earn her bachelor degree and open her own business.
Hong Nguyen is graduating from her A.S. in Business Administration. She is from Vietnam. Her happiest memory at UIC was the opportunity to meet many friends from different countries around the world. She learned about their cultures and languages. Also, she had the chance to witness other students’ business projects. “They do a very good job in advertising, preparing and selling their products.”
Hong hasn’t started her business yet. Dream English Center is her business project, which is about international schools where impoverished children can have the opportunity to learn how to speak English to have a better future. Her plan for the future is to keep studying for a bachelor degree and understand more about business. “My plan for the future is to develop my business project and step by step make it come true. I know that I need to observe and gain more experience in order to be successful in the future.”
Tram Tran is graduating from her A.S. in Business Administration. She is from Vietnam. Her happiest memory at UIC was when she had class discussions with classmates and her wonderful professors. “We had a great time during each semester at UIC.” She has not started her business yet. Upon her graduation, she will take one year for her Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa; then, she will go back to UIC for her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.
Roberto Alimenti is graduating from his B.S. in International Business Management. He is from Venezuela. His happiest moments at UIC were always receiving the love and support from the entire UIC team. “Thank you.” Roberto started Amapon LLC, his own business focused on selling products online in different platforms like Shopify and Amazon. “My life goal is to live my life under my terms and times. My plans for the future are to grow my business exponentially and keep learning about my passion.”
Tuan Nguyen is graduating from his B.S. in Business Administration. He is from Vietnam. His happiest moments in UIC were when his Professors helped him to identify and guided him to the right purpose of his life. “They helped me to dream and how to reach my dream.” Under his Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visa, he is working as the receptionist of his friend’s business. His friend also graduated from UIC and currently owns a nail salon in Miami. “I am here to help her and also to learn more about managing a business. I am planning to open a coffee shop or a restaurant in Florida. I am waiting to get my status in order to start my business.”
Ana Socha is graduating from her B.S. in International Business Management. She is from Colombia. Her happiest memory was to create strong relationships with people from all around the world, to learn and understand about their cultures and beliefs. Now she can call them true friends. Her plans for the future are to find her dream job, to travel around the world and to become a great professional. “Someone once told me that the power is within me, and I completely agree.”
Zamir Pinzon is graduating from his B.S. in International Business Management. He is from Colombia. “My happiest memories were the field trips, sharing moments with his friends, knowing new places, and eating a lot of food together.” He started DCL Professional Cleaning Service, his own cleaning business with his mother. Check out it’s website http://www.dclprofessionalsvcs.com/ His future plans are to earn a Master’s Degree, and “apply the knowledge that I acquired at UIC.”
Maria Alejandra Pineda is graduating from her B.S. in BusinessAdministration. She is from Venezuela. “Her happiest memories at UIC were at the Student Art Night Out of 2020 before the pandemic started, when her brother Jesus Pineda performed playing the electric guitar, and other students performed as well and displayed their photography art work at the art gallery of UIC! “That night was so much fun.”
She is currently working under her Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visa and she will continue pursuing her bachelor degree.