Associate Vice President for Institutional Development and Alumni
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Institutional Development and Alumni - Home
Students come to Universidad Ana G. Méndez (UAGM) to pursue their big ideas. They choose UAGM because It is a place where they can learn from world-class faculty, conduct groundbreaking research, and make lifelong friends. Many of our students depend on scholarship support to help them pursue their educational dreams. And, as the University grows and provides more academic programs to meet student needs, your support is needed now, more than ever.
- The average student family group is 3 members.
- 82% of students are currently Federal Financial Aid (Pell grant) recipients.
- 40% of student families have an annual income below $10,000.
- 63% of students are female.
- 23% of students are first-generation college students.
- 60% of students in the Science and Technology and Allied Health Sciences programs are women.
- The average age of our students: 26
- Average student annual income: $29,224
Alumni Leaders and Changemakers
Alumni leaders in their respective fields, who participated in on-campus and off-campus community service activities, researched business possibilities, gained experience in unique internships and went on to pursue their dreams.
Donors like Fundación José A. Tony Santana who perpetuate the Ana G. Méndez legacy by investing in our deserving and talented students over the years.
Student leaders who learn to serve in their academic programs and go on to serve their communities when they graduate.
Meet Celia Feijo
1999 Graduate
- Celia Feijo earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology at UAGM’s Gurabo Campus. Following her graduation, she obtained a higher ranking in the Fire Department, where she became the first woman Fire Fighter in Puerto Rico. Today she is Captain of the Bayamón Unit.
- Celio credits her degree with preparing her for life. She thanks faculty members, school administrators and students for giving her the tools and strength to be ready to face discrimination in her chosen career. She appreciates the academic social, spiritual and civic factors that enrich her life to this day.
“My studies at UAGM Gurabo prepared me for life. I learned about commitment, hermandad, loyalty and love in serving others. Every good citizen should be empowered and strong to face day-by-day life.”
Meet Fred Berrocales
2014 Graduate
- Fred Berrocales is an accomplished hospitality professional with more than 18 years experience in the hospitality industry. He is currently general manager with Fairfield by Marriott, where he is making a difference in the hospitality profession every day.
- Fred graduated from UAGM with a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Hotel Management in 2011. In 2014 he earned an MBA in Management and Strategic Leadership from the UAGM South Florida campus, followed by an Executive Certification in Human Resources Management & Personnel Administration from Florida Atlantic University in 2019.
- As an undergraduate honors student at UAGM, Fred earned the Fundación José A. Tony Santana Mendoza permanent scholarship fund, which afforded him a variety of opportunities for internships and exchange programs. Fred was the first UAGM student to travel to Peru and participate in our newly signed exchange program at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola in Lima, Peru. He also worked as an intern with Empresas Santana at the Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real and Palmas del Mar where he learned many valuable skills from top industry leaders.
“UAGM opened up so many doors. Having the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while studying sets you apart from all other candidates when the time comes to find the job of your dreams. If I had one piece of advice for all future UAGM students, it is to take full advantage of every opportunity presented. Do not be afraid to knock on doors and ask for additional opportunities. I never imagined what earning the Fundación José A. Tony Santana Permanent Scholarship Fund could mean for me. I will forever be grateful to the Institution and to the donor who led me to growth and success”
Scholarships
Dr. José F. Méndez González Memorial Fund
The Dr. José F. Méndez González Memorial Fund was established in 2024 by President José Méndez Méndez in memory of his father, the President Emeritus. The scholarships will be available to economically challenged, talented students in all academic areas of Universidad Ana G. Méndez at its three main campuses and eleven off campus centers.
Donations to Dr. José F. Méndez González Scholarship Fund may be made to the endowed fund or for immediate use through the Changemaker Annual Fund.
Donor Recognition Opportunities
- $10,000 - $25,000 Changemaker Annual Fund
- $25,000 and up, Endowed
- $50,000
- $100,000
- $250,000
- $500,000
UAGM Changemakers Annual Fund
- Provide partial scholarships to allow students to complete their degrees in these challenging times.
- Support meals, transportation and materials with stipends for students in these challenging times.
- Help students experience different cultures and perspectives by traveling abroad for exchanges, internships and conferences.
Community Engagement
Community service and engaging our local communities are the foundation of our work. Our students gain ‘real-world’ experience, and the communities we serve benefit from our unique and needed programs and services. The University remains committed to community service, serving more than 1500 local citizens annually.
- The Jesus T. Pinero Library and Social Research Center and Pinero House Museum chronicle the life and times of Jesús T. Piñero, the first Puerto Rican governor appointed by President Harry S. Truman in 1946. The UAGM Carolina Campus, through the initiatives of our Jesús T. Piñero Library and Social Research Center and the House Museum, are committed to keeping the legacy of this outstanding figure in Puerto Rican history alive. The Piñero Collection is all digital and available to the public.
- The UAGM Carolina Campus has established the Piñero House Museum Leaders Program, which has a group of students who serve as tour interpreters in the House Museum. The objective of the program is to develop students' customer service, event coordination, and administrative support skills by linking their academic specialties to a real work environment. Additionally, the program provides a financial incentive to selected students with funding for tuition and stipends.
Giving
Why Give to the José F. Méndez González Scholarship Fund?
- To honor the President Emeritus’ vision in supporting our students.
- To provide scholarships for first to fourth-year students studying for a bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
- To support economically challenged students with specific needs.
- To provide assistance for student internships abroad.
- To support students with meals, transportation and lab fees.
- To encourage students to value community service as an important aspect of their education
- As a donor to the Dr. José F. Méndez González Scholarship Fund you will be highlighted in our 75th Anniversary recognition and invited a photo opportunity and gathering with selected Scholarship students.
Why Support the UAGM Veterinary School?
- HIGH DEMAND. The UAGM Veterinary School is the first and only Veterinary School in Puerto Rico. There are 33 Veterinary Schools in the U.S.
- The Veterinary School offers three academic degrees: Doctor in Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology, and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences and Public Health.
- With only 200 or 350 practicing Veterinarians in Puerto Rico, there is a significant need on the Island for Veterinary Services.
Why support the UAGM Dental School
- As of September 30, 2023, Puerto Rico is considered a designated health professional shortage area for dental health professionals. In Puerto Rico, there is one dentist for every 5,000 people, compared to one in the US for every 1,585 people.
- Puerto Rico has 24 health professional shortage areas for dental health (May, 2024).
- Dental school students come from across Puerto Rico and the US. Annual tuition is $72,000.
Why support the UAGM Physical Therapy
Doctoral Program?
- Patients in Puerto Rico can wait up to three months for Physical Therapy services.
- Physical Therapy services have a role to play in a patient’s mental health.
- UAGM Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students learn from instructors who have gained the highest level of Physical Therapy license on the Island.
- Students learn to be movement system experts who offer quality evidence-informed services that optimize the human experience.
- Graduates are empowered to lead, reflect, adapt, and collaborate with ethical and moral courage.
Naming Opportunities
School of Veterinary Medicine Naming Opportunities
Naming an area or laboratory for the School of Veterinary Medicine will give your company or individual name unparalleled visibility to our faculty, students and visitors in perpetuity.
| Naming Oportunity | Investment |
|---|---|
| The School of Veterinary Medicine Building | $3,000,000 |
| Student Center | $51,000,000 |
| The Clinical Center Wing | $1,000,000 |
| The Animal House Wing | $1,000,000 |
| The Central Atrium | $250,000 |
| Multipurpose Laboratory | $250,000 |
| Anatomy and Pathology Laboratory | $75,000 |
| Pathology Lab | $75,000 |
| Clinical Pathology Lab | $75,000 |
| Hands on Laboratory | $75,000 |
| Diagnostic imaging Laboratory | $75,000 |
| An Animal House | $50,000 |
| Food Prep Room | $50,000 |
| Research Area | $25,000 |
| One Feline Ward | $10,000 |
| Four Canine Wards | $10,000 each |
| Endowed Senolarship | |
| Annual Fund Scholarship |
UAGM Dental School Naming Opportunities
Naming an area or laboratory for the Dental School will give your company or individual name unparalleled visibility to our faculty, staff and students in perpetuity.
| Naming Oportunity | Investment |
|---|---|
| Name the Dental School Building | $3000,000 |
| Simulation Lab | $75,000 |
| Design Lab | $75,000 |
| Three Smaller Study Rooms | $50,000 each |
| Lecture Room | $100,000 |
| Annual Fund Scholarship | |
| Endowed Senolarship |
UAGM Physical Therapy Doctoral Program
Naming an area or laboratory for the Physical Therapy Doctoral Programa will give your company or name unparalleled visibility to our faculty, staff and students in perpetuity.
| Naming Oportunity | Investment |
|---|---|
| The Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy Wing | $3000,000 |
| Simulatio n Physical Therapy Gym | $75,000 |
| Van to Transport PT Equipment to the Communit | $75,000 |
| Two classrooms that accommo date 40 students | $50,000 each |
| Research Lab with equipment for new interventions | $75,000 |
| Two smaller classroom s that accommo date 20 students | $50,000 |
| One Kitchenette | $25,000 |
| 10 Faculty Offices | $25,000 each |
| Annual Fund Scholarships | |
| Endowed Senolarship |
Alumni Benefits
- Alumni Career Services: Get support for your job search with career counseling services, job postings and more.
- Alumni Leadership program: Gain leadership skills and networking opportunities by participating as a guest speaker on the UAGM Campuses.
Alumni / Exalumno
Update your profile / Actualiza tu perfil
Contact
Meet the Development and Community Relations team at UAGM.
We look forward to working with you:
- Dr. Juan Ernesto Ayala
Associate Vice President of Development and Community Relations
jayala70@uagm.edu
- Dr. María Isabel De Guzmán
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
ac_mguzman@uagm.edu
- Maricruz Rolón
Annual Fund Director
mrolon@uagm.edu
- Zaida L. Cora
Data Base Official
zcora@uagm.edu