December 4, 2023
Four Students from Dual Diploma Program with Universidad APEC to Walk in Winter Commencement Ceremony in Albany
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- December 4, 2023) Four students from Empire State University’s Center for International and Extended Education dual diploma program are traveling from the Dominican Republic to attend the winter commencement ceremony. Eva Troncoso Ureña, Karla Natalia Pérez Padrón, Chanelle Vargas Vásquez, and Angeli Mariel Rodríguez Ruíz will walk across the stage in Albany on December 9.
Through this program, students from Universidad Accion Pro-Educacion y Cultura (UNAPEC) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, earn degrees from UNAPEC and SUNY Empire. All four students are receiving a bachelor of science in the area of business, management, and economics.
“The participation of these Dominican students in our winter commencement ceremony demonstrates the scholarly accomplishments and commitment of our international student population,” said Assistant Professor and Program Director Luis Camacho. “Their attendance adds a unique dimension to the celebration, creating a genuinely unforgettable and culturally varied occasion, in line with our dedication to offering a comprehensive education that equips students with an interconnected world supported by diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.”
Read more about their experiences below.
Eva Troncoso Ureña
What was your experience like getting your degree?
It was a very fun experience since I was able to interact with different cultures, which I liked because I was able to see in person the real differences between cultures. I loved taking Management as a degree, since I was able to find the space in which I am interested in developing professionally in the future. I thank my teachers Lorette Calix and Connie Rodriguez for their dedication to teaching the subjects of Diversity in the Workplace, International Cross-Cultural Management and Global Strategies classes.
What are your career goals now that you're finished?
- Develop myself professionally in Management.
- Find my passions related to the professional area of Management.
- Create experience that adds to my professional goals of being successful.
What are you most excited for about Commencement?
This will be my first commencement as I graduated from high school during the Covid-19 pandemic, so I’ve been waiting since then to feel the closure of the academic period I lived. I’m also so excited because I’ll make my first plane trip ever to commencement. It will be a great experience with my peers and family.
Karla Natalia Pérez Padrón
What was your experience like getting your degree?
My experience getting my degree has been unique and challenging, but I enjoyed every step of the way. My learning after graduation has helped me professionally and personally. I feel more self-confident, and I thank all the teachers who have helped me to improve every day with their teachings. It wasn't easy, but I worked hard and managed to do it despite having a full-time job and two careers at the same time.
What are your career goals now that you're finished?
My career goals are to be able to work hard until I have my own business. I have many ideas, but I must analyze several factors before I can decide to start my own business. I would also like to pursue a master's degree in "Investment and Finance," to further expand my knowledge and continue to grow professionally.
What are you most excited for about Commencement?
As an international student from the Dominican Republic, I am very excited to be able to graduate in the United States of America. I am very proud and excited to be able to achieve this goal, but I am also very nervous because I still don't believe that I can achieve it. I am looking forward to this great day and to showing that with hard work, we can always achieve what we set out to do.
Chanelle Vargas Vásquez
What was your experience like getting your degree?
This experience was unique, since I was able to live the experience of studying with American professors, and I was able to see the differences between Dominican education and American education. I felt very comfortable with the treatment of the professors and the patience they have when they teach the classes. It was also interesting to share with other colleagues from other nationalities and learn how many aspects make us both unique and similar.
What are your career goals now that you're finished?
- Obtain a job in a business-related field that aligns with my interests and specialization.
- Enhance my skills and marketability by pursuing advanced education or obtaining industry-recognized certifications.
What are you most excited for about Commencement?
I’m so excited that I’ll be going to graduate for the first time since I am a 2020 student, and my high school graduation was cancelled. Graduation and Christmas is a great combination and a dream come true.