Farmingdale State to Honor Dominican Republic Educator

An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters will be presented to Dr. Ligia Amada Melo de Cardona, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Dominican Republic at Farmingdale State College’s 94th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.

“We are so pleased that the Minister can join in our commencement celebration this year,” said Farmingdale College President W. Hubert Keen. “We value our friendship with the Dominican Republic and the students from that country who enrich our campus academically, culturally and socially. Minister Melo’s great accomplishments on behalf of the education of the youth of her country are very impressive.”

Dr. Melo will deliver the keynote address at the commencement ceremony on May 19. She is a highly regarded educator who is dedicated to making better lives for the people of the Dominican Republic through educational access and achievement.

In addition, her educational reforms have extended beyond the borders of her country to include humanitarian efforts in Haiti and the fostering of scientific and technology collaboration among institutions in many nations. Furthermore, her efforts have highlighted the benefits of providing higher education access to underserved populations.

Her visionary National Scholars Program has enabled thousands of students to attain college degrees throughout the world. Through participation in this program since 2008, Farmingdale State College has enrolled about 150 students from the Dominican Republic.

The honorary Doctor of Humane Letters is awarded by the State University of New York.