Excelencia in Education Partners' Comments to the Class of 2020 Latino College Graduates View positive, celebratory messages from the heads of national foundations, community advocacy groups, civic organizations, and other Excelencia partners to the Class of 2020 Latino college graduates. Return to Greater Than Graduation Main Page “I am very proud of you. I congratulate all y'all and your families for this great step forward.” - Juan Andrade, President, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) Watch the video "Me siento muy orgulloso por ustedes. Les felicito a todos y sus familias por este gran paso que han logrado juntos.” - Juan Andrade, President, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) Watch the video "Latinas y latinos, graduando de todos los lugares, todas las disciplinas…en hora buena en su graduación. ¡Felicidades! You make us all proud.” - Margarita Benitez, Executive Director, Puerto Rican Foundation for the Humanities Watch the video "We need your leadership. We need your commitment. We need your knowledge and your hard work to help us make this society a more just society.” - Estela Mara Bensimon, Director and Professor of Higher Education, University of Southern California Center for Urban Education Watch the video "Continue your commitment to excellency in all that you do. This graduating class is like no other.” - Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Watch the video "If it's one thing the current state of affairs in our country is making clear, it's that we need your voices and leadership more than ever. What we need and what you're going to accomplish is Greater Than Graduation.” - Marco Davis, President & CEO, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Watch the video "We know that whatever your professional goals, wherever you live, you’re on your way to making an impact in this world in ways big and small.” - Allan Golston, President, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Watch the video "Success does not happen alone, so all of us across the country are here to continue helping you to your many successes.” - Mary Ann Gomez, President and CEO, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Watch the video “I know you will lift up the lives of others that come after you because you stand on very big shoulders of those who came before.” - Martha Kanter, Under Secretary of Education, President Obama; Board of Directors, Excelencia in Education Watch the video “Work hard to make sure that you make it possible for another generation of Latinos and Latinas to complete programs of study and change this world for the better.” - Arturo Madrid, Board of Directors, Excelencia in Education Watch the video “Perhaps, now more than ever, the world needs remarkable people like yourselves; your fortitude and compassion, we need you.” - Frankie Miranda, President & CEO, Hispanic Federation Board Watch the video “I join your family members, your friends, your professors—all of us—so very proud of your having attained this major milestone in your lives.” - Diana Natalicio, President Emerita, University of Texas at El Paso; Senior Fellow, Excelencia in Education Watch the video “Yet even on the darkest days, I feel nothing but a sense of optimism precisely because of the promise of a future shaped by graduates like you.” - Lynn Pasquerella, President, Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) Watch the video “Let your light shine and take this opportunity to discern where there are opportunities for you to contribute in the world.” - Joanne Rodriguez, Executive Director, Hispanic Theological Initiative Watch the video “Your achievements today are the necessary fuel for powering this nation’s continued growth, health and strength for years to come.” - Jonell Sanchez, President, ACT Watch the video “I know that many of you are the first in your families to go to college and graduate from college. And I can tell you it is the best investment you’ll ever make.” - Michele Siqueiros, President, The Campaign for College Opportunity Watch the video “The investment you have made in yourself, in your future and your communities will pay off over a lifetime. We can’t wait to see how you will change the world.” - Peter Taylor, President, ECMC Foundation Watch the video “Always keep in mind that you are going to represent a lot more than yourselves. You’re going to represent all of us.” - Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) Watch the video “From the bottom of my heart let me just say that I look forward to your leadership and guidance of this and future generations.” - Arturo Vargas, CEO of National Association of Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Watch the video “Please know that you’re not alone, that there are a lot of us out here who are thinking about you, rooting for you and doing everything we can to provide the support and resources that you need.” - Fidel Vargas, President & CEO, Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Watch the video “All of us in the great state of Texas are excited. We congratulate you. We’re here with you. We see you. And most important, we’re here to support.” - Daniel Villanueva, President, Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) Watch the video “I know there were days when you thought you wouldn't get to the finish line, but indeed you did make it. I'm sorry if we didn't have a real celebration for you, but know we have been celebrating you for a very long time!” - Belle Wheelan, President, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges & Vice Chair, Excelencia Board of Directors Watch the video
