Sistema Universitario Ana G.

Méndez
Ana G. Méndez University System
South Florida Campus
3520 Enterprise Way, Miramar, FL 33027 Telephone 954-885-5595 Fax 954-885-5861

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María Alexandra Sánchez
Director of Marketing
marisanchez@suagm.edu
Cell: (954) 707-1286

Local leader receives prestigious Community Service Award

Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona is recognized at PROFESA’s 10th Anniversary Gala

MIRAMAR, FL – October 19, 2009 – PROFESA, the Puerto Rican professional association of South
Florida, recognized Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona, Campus Director for Ana G. Méndez University System –
South Florida Campus, for her long-standing commitment to education and community service. She
received the 2009 PROFESA Community Service Award during PROFESA’s fundraising gala “My Flag: A
Tribute to Excellence” at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on October 17, 2009.

The PROFESA Community Service Award winner is chosen annually to recognize outstanding members
of the South Florida community who demonstrate strong
leadership through education, community service and
commitment to social responsibility.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” quoted

Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona as she accepted her award. “I
am honored to receive this prestigious award and
encourage all of those committed to the community in
South Florida to live by these words,” she claimed after
thanking her daughter and parents for being part of her
inspiration.

Nazario-Cardona’s passion for education has always kept Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona receives 2009
PROFESA Community Service Award with
her close to the academic environment. First as a teacher at a
her daughter Yimalisse Nazario.
pre-school and later on at ASPIRA of Florida, Inc., an
organization dedicated to leadership development through education. Her thirteen years at ASPIRA
afforded her the opportunity to inspire youth to develop as leaders in the community as well as
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motivate them to pursue an education in order to become productive and successful citizens. Her
commitment towards education motivated her to raise thousands of dollars to be given as scholarships
to youth graduating from high school.

In 2006, Nazario-Cardona joined the Ana G. Méndez University Systems team which provided her a new
opportunity to use her talents to open educational doors for Hispanics. She is currently the Director of
the South Florida Campus located in Miramar, Florida. Through the AHORA program the University
provides the first accelerated, dual language program for adults in the nation. She is heading this new
venture which allows adults to continue their post-secondary education while strengthening their
bilingual skills. Nazario-Cardona sees this as one more way that she can continue to promote
educational excellence and serve the Hispanic Community that she holds so dearly.

“PROFESA is honored to recognize Syndia’s contributions to our community over the past fifteen years,”
stated Sandra Rosa, president of PROFESA. “Her committed to the development of the Hispanic
community in South Florida through empowerment, networking and service to the community, make
her an incredible asset in our community.”

Other award recipients included Frank Unanue, president of GOYA; Victor Ortíz, Vice Presidente of El
Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico en el Sur de la Florida; Nestor Torres, Grammy winner and world-renown
flutist; and Joseph Acaba, NASA’s first Puerto Rican austronaut. The talented Puerto Rican actress
Cordelia González served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Established in 1999, PROFESA seeks to establish a platform that unites Puerto Rican professionals
through empowerment, networking and service to the community.

Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez developed the first accelerated discipline-based dual language
immersion model® in higher education in the United States. Founded in Puerto Rico 60 years ago, it
operates two Florida campuses: Metro Orlando and South Florida. The South Florida Campus, located in
the Miramar Park of Commerce, offers bachelor and master degree programs in education, business
administration, social sciences, criminal justice, hotel management, among others. For more information
on curriculum and enrollment call 1-888-ESTUDIA (378-8342) or visit www.suagm.edu/florida.

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