On February 5th, the Ana G. Méndez University System (AGMUS) hosted a grand opening event and ribbon-cutting ceremony with community leaders and elected officials to celebrate the opening of its dual-language University, the first to open in Dallas and the state of Texas. Special guests included: State Rep. Roberto Alonzo, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas County Commissioner Elba García, President of the DISD Board of Trustees Miguel Solís and Dallas Deputy Mayor Mónica Alonzo, just to name a few.
Guests gathered for an informative and welcoming program with community leaders and University executives, a tour of the new 39,000 square foot Dallas campus facilities, live music and delicious Latin cuisine. The event continued with an open house and student orientations.
Attendees were excited to learn more about AGMUS, since the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has long embraced dual-language education. According to Miguel Solís, President of the DISD Board of Trustees, “Dual-language education in Dallas is in over 150 elementary schools and the Ana G. Mendez University System now offers tremendous alignment for our community to obtain a college degree that continues this pathway to success for students.”
At AGMUS, accelerated courses are taught by fully bilingual staff with Masters or Doctoral degrees, and are offered once a week during the day, evenings and weekends to help students balance their studies with work and family. AGMUS also evaluates (free of charge) and accepts foreign academic credentials so students can receive credit for courses taken in their country of origin.
“We are confident that our dual-language accelerated programs will open the doors of opportunity to the Hispanic community in Dallas, so they can achieve their dreams of obtaining a university degree and becoming bilingual professionals,” said Dr. Jose F. Méndez, President of the institution. “We want to help them forge a brighter future that makes a real difference in their communities, cities and state.”
“Dual-language is about much more than learning English,” said Luis Zayas, Vice President of National and International Affairs of the Ana G. Mendez University System. “It is about preparing the Hispanic community to enjoy the opportunities that being bilingual offers, such as access to more and better jobs.”
About the Ana G. Méndez University System
Founded in 1949, the Ana G. Méndez University System is the fastest-growing private and non-profit institution of higher education in Puerto Rico with more than 44,000 students enrolled at its three institutions (Universidad del Turabo, Universidad Metropolitana and Universidad de Este) and 18 university centers throughout Puerto Rico and the United States. It is the only institution in Puerto Rico that operates an education television station (Sistema TV), a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) affiliate, and recently established the Ana G. Méndez University - Virtual Campus. For more information, visit www.suagm.edu.