Miami Dade College Announces 2021 Commencement Speakers and Honorees

Miami, April 15, 2021 – For the first time ever, Miami Dade College (MDC) will host three Commencement Ceremonies at the famed Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way in Miami, on Saturday, May 1.  Graduates will hear from top national and local leaders, including City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, CEO, Flagship Pioneering and Co-Founder & Chairman, Moderna Dr. Noubar Afeyan and the Miami Herald’s Executive Editor Monica R. Richardson.  In addition, the College will recognize past chairs of its District Board of Trustees with honorary degrees. The achievements of outstanding MDC alumni will also be celebrated. Working media is welcome.

To ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff, all MDC ceremonies will be held with limited capacity and social distancing. Only students who graduated during the 2020-2021 academic year, College Trustees, and select faculty and administrators will be able to attend. Families and friends of graduates will watch the ceremonies via livestream. In addition, there will be temperature checks in order to enter the ballpark, questions regarding exposure, mandatory face masks at all times, and hand sanitizing stations available throughout. The College also held in-person commencement ceremonies in December with social distancing and limited crowd capacities in place.

Below is the schedule of ceremonies and speakers:  

8:30 a.m.  North, Medical and West Campuses
Speaker: Dr. Noubar Afeyan, CEO, Flagship Pioneering and Co-Founder & Chairman, Moderna
Honorary Degree: Armando Bucelo

1:30 p.m. Kendall, Homestead and Padrón Campuses
Speaker: Francis Suarez, Mayor, City of Miami
Honorary Degree: Bernie Navarro

6:30 p.m. Wolfson and Hialeah Campuses
Speaker: Monica R. Richardson, Miami Herald Executive Editor
Honorary Degree: Roberto Martínez