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, October 20, 2009
MDC named among nation’s top 25 ‘best neighbor’ colleges and universities
Miami Dade College is the only institution in the state and the only community college in the nation to be named to the recently released list of the top 25 engaged institutions of higher education. Part of the "Saviors of Our Cities: Survey of Best College and University Civic Partnerships" project, the list was generated by Dr. Evan S. Dobelle, President of Westfield State College and former member of the New England Board of Higher Education, and honors institutions that have demonstrated and documented long-standing cooperative efforts with community leaders to rehabilitate the cities around them, to effect community revitalization and cultural renewal, and to encourage expansion of the local economy, urban development and community service.
This is the College's second time receiving the "best neighbor" designation and, this year, MDC shares the recognition with the University of Pennsylvania, Tulane University, George Washington University, the University of Southern California, Emory University and Carnegie-Mellon University, among others.
According to the Saviors of Our Cities Web site, "Access at MDC is augmented and spurred by a broad range of service-learning courses and a well-conceived curriculum. What makes these efforts special is that they are founded upon the institution’s cultural ties to the diverse population of the Miami metropolitan region. Cultural programs serve as the nexus between institution, potential students and the larger community. MDC is a multi-campus institution, which constitutes multi-institutional and positive economic, social and cultural impact upon the many unique neighborhoods throughout Miami."
Participation in civic-engagement initiatives is at the heart of the College's mission as well as an integral aspect of our Learning Outcomes. This national recognition is one more confirmation of the College’s commitment to our community. I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to serve our local community.
Thank you.
Eduardo