Mathematics Adjunct Professor Dr. Ramón Mejía Sánchez and Hostos Community College Teacher Training Program (PDTTP) Alum Jesús M. González, received the “Excelencia Magisterial 2023" National Award from the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, at a ceremony on the country’s National Teacher's Day on June 30. Both educators were honored by some dignitaries present, such as Vice President Raquel Peña, Minister of Education Ángel Hernández, Minister of Higher Education Franklin García Fermín, Minister of the Presidency Joel Santos, and First Lady Raquel Arbaje Abinader, among other distinguished higher learning education chancellors.

“I am happy and proud of Dr. Ramón Mejía Sánchez and Mr. Jesús M. González for receiving this outstanding recognition. Bravi!” said Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis. 

Mathematics Chair and Professor Nieves Angulo congratulated her colleague Mejía-Sánchez and shared a few remarks to highlight his incomparable commitment to Hostos. 

“Congratulations to Dr. Ramon Mejía-Sánchez for the well-deserved recognition as an outstanding educator and his well-performed teaching career. He has been one of our Adjunct Faculty members in the Mathematics Department for decades. He is always ready to engage and help our students to achieve their dreams."

About this milestone, Mejía-Sánchez said, "There are no specific words that can actually describe the excitement I felt when I heard the President, First Lady, and members of the cabinet express how proud they are of my work in New York.”

Dr. Ramón Mejía Sánchez receives the recognition during the ceremony.

For his part, Jesús M. González was delighted to be recognized in his home country. 

“The ceremony was more than what I expected. The congratulatory remarks of all the educators and administrators made me feel super proud to be a teacher and part of such a privileged event. I never thought that I would be recognized in my own country for my service as a New York City Dominican teacher,” he noted.

Jesús M. González (receiving plaque) was excited about receiving an award in his home country.

“I am so proud of both honorees! Jesús M. González is a very hard-working and disciplined teacher who not only has dedicated more than two decades to his teaching career but has also served his community with pride and distinction. His performance as a former Hostos PDTTP was excellent. Dr. Ramon Mejía-Sánchez is also a highly dedicated educator who has gone beyond the call of duty to serve NYC Department of Education students and colleagues via professional development training and his exemplary service to higher learning institutions in New York,” said Ana García Reyes, Hostos Dean of Community Relations.