CIS University once again celebrated its Commencement Ceremony in the gardens of Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, during an afternoon marked by emotion, gratitude, and new beginnings. Surrounded by family members, professors, and friends, the Class of 2026 celebrated the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another filled with new personal and professional opportunities.
The ceremony brought together CIS University President Dr. María Díaz de la Cebosa; Miami Dade College President Dr. Madeline Pumariega; Endicott College Provost Sara Quay, PhD; Dean of Student Affairs Mary McCarthy; Endicott College Dean of International Education Warren Jaferian; as well as faculty members, families, and friends from across the university community.
Following the invocation delivered by University Coach Jesús Díaz, Dr. María Díaz de la Cebosa opened the ceremony with a message that set the tone for the afternoon: “No one graduates alone.” She reminded graduates that behind every diploma stand families, professors, and friends whose support made that achievement possible, encouraging students to measure success not only by what they accomplish, but by what they help others accomplish. She concluded her remarks with an inspiring challenge: “Be the spark that changes humanity.”
The ceremony’s guest of honor, Dr. Madeline Pumariega, President of Miami Dade College, encouraged graduates to keep faith in humanity and in each generation’s ability to build a better world. Before concluding, she reminded students never to forget the love of those who had supported them throughout their journey, because the world needs their talent, their commitment, and their light.
Representing the graduating class, Sandra Torres and Andrés Mayoral thanked their families and professors for their unwavering support and encouraged their classmates to pursue their dreams with determination and never give up in the face of adversity.
One of the ceremony’s most memorable moments was the presentation of the Teaching Excellence Award to Professor Alexandra Ruiz-Gómez, PhD, who spoke about excellence as the result of self-discipline, continuous effort, and a lifelong commitment to personal growth.
The ceremony also recognized several students for their outstanding contributions to campus life. Paula Ruiz received the Standout Athlete of the Class Award; Silvana González received the Student Ambassador Award; and Theo Svistunov and Sebastian Zmuda were honored with the Campus Leadership Awards.
CIS University alumnus Jorge Pardo, a member of the Class of 2000, returned to campus to share his experience with this year’s graduates. In a warm and heartfelt address, he reflected on the importance of hard work, perseverance, and attitude in building a successful career, closing with a message that captured the spirit of the ceremony: although graduation may seem like the end of a journey, it is, in reality, the beginning of the very best that lies ahead.
The ceremony concluded with the official conferral of degrees by Dr. María Díaz de la Cebosa and Sara Quay, PhD, followed by the traditional welcome into the global CIS University Alumni community. Surrounded by hugs, photographs, and celebrations with family members and professors, the Class of 2026 closed an unforgettable chapter and took its first step toward a future full of possibilities.
From everyone at CIS University, we congratulate our graduates on this remarkable achievement and proudly welcome them to our growing global alumni community. Congratulations, Class of 2026!