Blogging Black Miami

Miami Dade College Welcomes New Softball Head Coach

The Miami Dade College (MDC) Department of Athletics has hired Gina De Aguero as head coach of its women’s softball team. An MDC alumna and a former member of the Lady Sharks softball team, De Aguero earned an Associate in Arts degree in Education in 1999 and later transferred to St. Thomas University to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies in Secondary Education in 2003.

As an educator and former athlete, De Aguero understands what it takes to excel in both academics and sports. Presently, she is a Special Education teacher in Miami, and, until recently, served as head coach for the Miami Lady Canes, a traveling softball team. Over the years, her teams have won various district, state and national championships.

“De Aguero’s coaching background both as a softball player and coach of winning teams makes her a formidable new addition to the MDC Athletics family and especially to a team that continuously makes us proud,” said Dr. Lourdes Oroza, president of MDC’s Kendall Campus. “We are sure that her energy and passion will propel the team to new heights.”

MDC’s Department of Athletics prides itself in the sponsorship of academic development and promotion of sports. MDC teams have earned a total of 33 NJCAA titles, including 13 in women’s sports.

The intercollegiate athletic program at MDC works in partnership with its dynamic, multi-cultural community to provide accessible and high quality guidance and direction by keeping the needs of the student-athlete at the center of decision-making.

For more information about MDC athletics, visit http://www.mdc.edu/athletics/ or contact Pía Cruzalegui at 305-237-2753 orpcruzale@mdc.edu.

 

MDC Engineering Student Selected by FAA for Prestigious Job Training Program

Miami, FL – Kedar Souffrant, a stellar student in Miami Dade College’s (MDC) renowned School of Engineering and Technology (EnTec), was recently selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Technical Operations - Collegiate Training Initiative (TO-CTI) program. The prestigious pipeline program will enable Soufrrant to work part time as a technical operations intern at an FAA facility in Miami for the duration of her studies at MDC. Upon successful completion of the TO-CTI program and graduation, Souffrant will be eligible for a non-competitive, full-time entry level position as a technical specialist with the FAA. 

Over the years, MDC has established and maintained valuable partnerships with local and national organizations to help students attain employment and meet the demands of today’s workforce. Other MDC pipeline partnerships with a track record of successful student hires include: the Florida Power & Light (FPL) “Nuclear Maintenance Apprentice Training Program;” the FPL/Nuclear Energy Institute’s “Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program;” the Hospitality Institute’s Job Readiness Training Workshop; and the Disney College Program. 

In addition to the respective academic programs and faculty, the Career and Advisement Services department at MDC also provides students with a quality, learning-centered experience that enables them to establish and fulfill their educational and career goals. The advisors help students make decisions regarding their educational, transfer options, career goals, and assist them with referrals to other resources and opportunities such as the FPL and Disney job training programs.   

MDC’s School of Engineering and Technology programs and degrees are various and are designed to help students enter the workforce almost immediately upon graduation. Some degree programs include the Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology; Associate in Arts degrees in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Biomedical and Civil Engineering; and Associate in Science degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Power Technology.

MDC engineering student Kedar Souffrant (center) on the day she was sworn in at the FAA. She is joined by FAA Technical Operations Manager and MDC alumnus Darrell Roberts (far left), MDC EnTec Engineering Chairperson Dr. Miguel Alonso, and MDC EnTec’s Director of Industry Relations Maria Poviones-Bishop.

 

MDC Hosts Free Concert with Wolfson Latin Jazz Big Band Nov. 1

Miami, FL – The community is invited to attend a free concert featuring Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Wolfson Latin Jazz Big Band at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the Wolfson Campus Auditorium.

MDC North Campus and Hispanic Scholarship Fund Host ‘College is Possible’ Town Hall Meeting and EXPO Nov. 5

A special opportunity for eligible high school seniors to complete and submit online scholarship applications in hi-tech computer courtyard with individualized assistance

 

Miami, FL – For the third consecutive year, Miami Dade College (MDC) and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) will join hands to bring a wealth of scholarship, financial aid and college admission information to middle and high school students and their parents. The College is Possible Scholarship Town Hall and College EXPO will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 from 8 a.m. to noon at MDC’s North Campus. The event will feature special workshops about financial aid and scholarships and a college fair where attendees will learn about career and educational options, including how to apply and pay for college. 

 

MDC Hosts Community Events for Hispanic Heritage Month

Miami, FL – Considering Miami Dade College’s (MDC) track record for enrolling more Hispanic students than any other educational institution in the nation, it is no wonder that the month of October would be any less exciting for the students, faculty, staff and community. This month, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, MDC’s eight campuses will host an exciting array of events including lectures, exhibitions, live performances, food tastings, and more. Most of the events are free unless otherwise noted and are open to the public. Some events may require advanced registration.

Here are some highlights from this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month events:

Mon., Oct. 17 – Noon

Did You Know? Home Remedies, Herbs and Medicinal Practice of Our Culture

Dr. Cindy Cork and Teresita Pedraza will lead a panel discussion on Hispanic culture and the health field. Refreshments will be served.

Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20^th St. – Student Life Lounge, Room 1163 – 305-237-4213

 

MDC Kendall Campus and the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami Host Community Concert Oct. 16

Miami, FL – The Miami Dade College (MDC) and the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami will present a concert featuring the works of 20^th Century American composers at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Palmetto Bay. The Come Home to the Civic Chorale event will feature both current and former singers of the Chorale, MDC’s Chamber Singers and Women’s Choir, along with the College’s Jubilation Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Michelle Grant-Murray. The Chorale will perform works by composers Lloyd Pfautsch, Aaron Copeland and Stephen Paulus.

Civic Chorale alumni interested in participating in the concert should contact Dr. Kenneth Boos, kboos@mdc.edu  or Phee Price, pheeprice@gmail.com, for details about a rehearsal and how to obtain music.

 

The Center for Literature and Theatre @ MDC Schedules Intensive Creative Writing Workshops Nov. 16-18

Register now for workshops and one-on-one consultations taking place during Miami Book Fair International

Miami, FL – This fall, aspiring writers will have the opportunity to learn technique and get publishing advice when The Center of Literature and Theatre @ Miami Dade College (MDC), (formerly known as the Florida Center for the Literary Arts), presents its prestigious Miami Writers Institute for the second time this year. The fall version of this spring staple runs Wednesday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 18 during Miami Book Fair International at the Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami. This three-day conference features comprehensive courses that focus on craft and publishing, additionally, participants may sign up for one-on-one manuscript consultations with industry professionals. All courses are taught by accomplished authors with extensive teaching experience. Since space in most workshops is limited, interested participants are encouraged to register now.

Special prices and registration fees:

• Any Three-day, nine-hour workshop: $225 each
• Secrets of Publishing: (two-day, four hours): $125
• One-day Workshops: $80
• Manuscript Consultations: $80*

 

*Manuscript consultation fees are not reading fees and do not go to the agent. Instead, they support the programs and initiatives of The Center @ MDC.

All Writers Institute courses will be held at MDC’s Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave. Discounted rates are available for MDC staff, as well as students currently enrolled in credit courses.

For a detailed schedule and to register for workshops and manuscript consultations, and for general information about the Miami Writer’s Institute, visit www.flcenterlitarts.com Space in workshops is limited. Register as soon as possible to secure your space. For any registration inquiries, or for more information, contact Nicole Swift at 305-237-3023 or Nicole.Swift@mdc.edu.

 

Miami Dade College’s Jazz at Wolfson Presents Continues Series with Saxophonist Mike Rossi Oct. 5

 
Miami, FL – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Arts and Philosophy Department continues its successful jazz series, Jazz at Wolfson Presents, with saxophonist Mike Rossi, at noon Wednesday, Oct. 5. These monthly concerts that run from September through April are free and open to the public.

Miami Dade College Kicks Off 28th Edition of the Miami Book Fair International with Poster Unveiling

MIAMI, FL – The 28th edition of Miami Book Fair International, presented by The Center at Miami Dade College, officially kicked-off Monday, Sept. 12 at the City Hall Restaurant, with the unveiling of two official Book Fair posters. The official Book Fair poster was created by Ye Hongxing, a native of China whose artwork has earned her a place in the top exhibitions in the world. A second poster, designed by artist Grace Zong, celebrates the many activities the Book Fair puts together for children and families. This year’s Book Fair will celebrate the literature and culture of China and will take place Nov. 13-20, 2011, at the college’s Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami. The popular Street Fair runs Friday through Sunday, Nov. 18-20, with more than 200 exhibitors from around the country selling books in a festive atmosphere.

 

From left, Madeline Pumariega, president of MDC’s Wolfson Campus; Alina Interian, director of The Center @ MDC; poster artist Ye Hongxing; and MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón.

 

Miami Dade College unlikely to lose accreditation

Despite a warning from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, higher education experts say it is almost impossible for Miami Dade College to lose its accreditation. Miami Dade College president, Dr. Eduardo Padron, has already increased the number of full-time faculty. The number of part-time faculty was the basis for the accreditation warning.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/14/2315461/mdc-not-likely-to-lose-accreditation.html