William Paterson University has long prided itself in as a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution – one where nearly one in three students is Hispanic.
Last Friday, that richness was rewarded with a visit from Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader.
Abinader, in the region for the United Nations General Assembly, was presented with the school’s highest honor, the President’s Medallion by WPU President Richard Helldobler.
Helldobler recognized Abinader’s leadership and his commitment to serving Dominicans at home and abroad — including dual citizens who remain active in their native country. He also noted how special his visit was to the school.
“William Paterson University is one of the most diverse universities in one of the most diverse states in our nation,” he said. “It is a distinction of which we are very proud. Indeed, we see our diversity as one of our great strengths in educating the students who are changing the social fabric of New Jersey, our nation, and beyond.”
The ceremony drew a roster of state and national officials: U.S. Reps. Nellie Pou and Analillia Mejia, state Sen. Benjie Wimberly, Assemblywoman Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie, Paterson Mayor André Sayegh, Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba and Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, along with representatives of the Dominican Republic’s consular offices in New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia and Toronto.
Abinader said he views the honor as a commitment he shares with Helldobler to keep working under the principles of “efficiency, honesty, and transparency.”
He also spoke about education.
Abinader, who earned an economics degree from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo and pursued postgraduate studies in the U.S., noted his family’s academic background and his administration’s efforts to expand access to public education in the Dominican Republic, including substantial growth in the number of technical institutes. He credited academics he has brought into government with many of his administration’s accomplishments.
After the ceremony, Abinader addressed a large gathering of the Dominican community, including William Paterson students, in the University Commons Ballrooms, where he paid tribute to the late José Francisco Peña Gómez, the influential Dominican political leader.
Abinader made clear what the Dominican community in New Jersey means to him.
“We are also very proud of our community in New Jersey and all over the United States,” he said. “I see here the [Dominican] representatives in the government, in the private sector, and we are very proud of them. I tell them, ‘The best way to show the greatness of where you come from is to be the best citizen where you are right now.'”
Helldobler couldn’t have agreed more.
“Our mission is to educate productive and engaged graduates who will help make their communities and our world a better place,” he said. “So, it is fitting that we are honored with his excellency’s presence while he is in the country for the opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.”
