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
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Freedom Tower at MDC One Step Closer to Designation as National Historic Landmark
This has been a truly historic day for MDC and our community. The National Park System Advisory Board in Washington, D.C., voted unanimously today to recommend the Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College as a National Historic Landmark. This is a designation reserved for those structures deemed to have a significant impact on our nation's history. This recommendation will now make its way to the Secretary of the Interior’s desk for final approval.
On the same day, making all of this possible, the transfer of the Freedom Tower from Pedro Martin and family to MDC has been finalized. The College owes the Martin family and Terra Group a debt of gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime gift, which is one of the most significant donations in the history of Miami. It is certain to be a source of pride and a place of learning for future generations.
The Freedom Tower is on its way to becoming a cultural center, museum and educational space for the College and the community. As one of the last truly historic buildings in Miami, the Freedom Tower will serve not only as a signature building and source of pride for the College, but it will also become a place where people from all over the world can learn about the history of our community and enjoy the cultural treasures that will be on display in the Freedom Tower’s museum space.
Thank you.
Eduardo