MDC Graduates Turn The Tassel At LoanDepot Park

By Nikole Valiente and Juan S. Gomez

Gisela Celis knows a thing or two about the curveballs life tosses.

In the last decade, the Peruvian immigrant has relocated to Canada, Mexico and the United States following the job prospects of her husband, Gonzalo Eyzaguirre, who works as a mining engineer.

Two years ago she revived her educational dreams after a 27-year hiatus, signing up for classes at West Campus to pursue an associate’s degree in pre-occupational therapy.  

But her studies were abruptly halted in October of 2022 after she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Four months later, she underwent surgery to save her life.

“I never gave up on my studies,” said Celis, who aspires to be a recreational therapist. “That was the part that made me feel alive because I’m ready to start my career and be a professional.”

Saturday, the 51-year-old was one of nearly 12,000 Miami Dade College students from more than 107 nationalities to receive their degrees at three graduation ceremonies at Little Havana’s loanDepot Park.

As students prepared for commencement to begin, a DJ sporting a gray sport coat revved up the crowd with remixes from artists like Marc Anthony, Sia and Bruno Mars. Graduates matched the musicians’ energy dancing down the aisles and in their chairs while others took to social media, posting selfies and group photos.

Graduates adorned their caps with roses, the flags of their native countries and glittery inspirational messages like: For With God, Nothing Is Impossible and The Best Things Go To Those Who Don’t Give Up.

Moments before trotting on stage at loanDepot Park, students were greeted by flashing strobe lights, a plume of smoke and a rain of silver and blue confetti that shot into the air as a remix of Pitbull’s Don’t Stop The Party played.

Onstage, students saw members of the College’s Board of Trustees, student government association presidents, administrators, campus presidents and the school’s Vice-Provost Malou C. Harrison and College President Madeline Pumariega. 

“Colleges are the custodians of the enduring tradition of learning,” Pumariega said as she towered over students from the podium. “Commencement welcomes you, our graduates, into the realms of the academy as lifelong learners.”

Each ceremony at loanDepot Park featured keynote speakers that encouraged graduates through their speeches. 

Siemens president Barbara Humpton addressed North, West and Hialeah Campus, Ken Griffin, the founding CEO of Citadel—a financial services company—featured at the Wolfson, Homestead and Medical ceremonies and Alec Ingold, a Miami Dolphins fullback and author of The Seven Crucibles: An Inspirational Game Plan for Overcoming Adversity in Your Life spoke to graduates from Kendall and Eduardo J. Padrón Campus.

Prior to speaking, Griffin was recognized for making a $20 million dollar donation to create the Griffin Scholarship Fund—an initiative to promote educational opportunities for MDC students. A college press release touted the gift as the “largest single philanthropic gift in MDC history.”

Humpton, the first keynote speaker, talked about the importance of technology, the obstacles she has faced during her career and how challenges sharpen you. 

“Look back at the road you’ve traveled to get to this place and know you’ve built the strength to travel the next stretch and the next one,” Humpton said. “You have what it takes.”

Luisana Padrino, a Venezuelan national who arrived in the United States nine years ago, was grateful for having the opportunity to graduate from MDC despite financial struggles. 

“[The U.S] opened doors that Venezuela shut,” said Padrino, who graduated from Hialeah Campus in December with an associate’s degree in biology but walked during today’s ceremony. “But I can never forget my home because I know where I’m from.”

Success stories like Padrino’s were plentiful. 

Twenty-year-old Tykirah Harris, a North Campus Honors College graduate, was one of eight students—each campus had a recipient—to receive the $5,000 Board of Trustees Scholarship.

“Now that I have reached the finish line I am left with conflicting feelings because MDC has become a second home for me,” Harris said. “Yet I am excited to begin my next chapter in life.”

Softball player Vicky Navarro, who won 22 games and struck out 157 batters in two seasons at the College, is also ready to turn the page toward her next challenge.  

“Don’t let things like tests define you,” said Navarro, who plans to continue her softball career and studies at Nova Southeastern University next fall. “Just live your life, try your hardest, and if you don’t succeed, you tried. You can’t succeed without failure.”

Arturo Ortiz, the SGA president at Hialeah Campus, was equally as reflective, addressing his peers one last time, to offer his gratitude. 

“We would be remiss if we did not recognize and acknowledge our support system—your family, your friends, your loved ones, your MDC family,” Ortiz said. “The opportunity to have this support made the difference between success and failure.”

Reporter staff writer Olivia Valkenburg contributed to this story.

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