Hialeah, Florida – July 25, 2012 – Mrs. Maria Cristina Regueiro, Florida National University (FNU) Founder and President, has been awarded the 2012 Administrator of the Year by the prestigious Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC). She received this award at the FAPSC Annual Conference Awards Ceremony at Turnberry Isle Miami on Thursday, July 25, 2012.
The theme of this year’s FAPSC Annual Conference was “going the distance for students” and the awards recognized those individuals who have gone the extra mile for students and education. Mrs. Regueiro was acknowledged for her leadership, knowledge, passion, commitment, and contributions to higher education. Her service and dedication have contributed to educating the community. Mrs. Regueiro, a tenacious educator, has left a permanent footprint in our community. The educational institution that she co-founded thirty years ago has the distinction of being the first and only university in the City of Hialeah!
This year, there was also a new FAPSC award category recognizing community leaders outside the private postsecondary education sector. Former U.S. Congressman, Lincoln Diaz-Balart was the first recipient of the FAPSC José Regueiro Community Service Award. This award is in memory of the late Dr. José Regueiro, a simple, loving, honest, kind, and hardworking gentleman. He was a visionary leader and one of FNU’s founding members.
Accepting this very meaningful award, Mr. Diaz-Balart shared that “public service has been the greatest honor” of his life. He continued by stating, “During my public service, I got to meet many special people, including José “Pepe” Regueiro.” He described Dr. Regueiro as a “caring, devoted, exceptional individual, extraordinary educator, humanitarian, and friend who personified teaching.” He ended by saying, “It is a supreme honor to receive the FASPC José Regueiro Community Service award. I will never forget it. It is very special, especially because it carries the name of José Regueiro!”
Media Contact:
Silvia “Bibi” Borges / sborges@.fnu.edu / 305-821-3333
