Annual Celebration Raises More Than $1 Million for Student Scholarships
MIAMI, FL — June 11, 2026 – The Miami Dade College (MDC) Foundation (MDCF) welcomed alumni, community leaders, donors, supporters and new board members to the Loews Coral Gables Hotel on June 5 for its annual Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, celebrating 12 MDC graduates who exemplify the power of education through outstanding professional achievement and leadership. The evening also marked a strong milestone for the Foundation as it raised more than $1 million in support of student scholarships.
In addition to honoring its newest Hall of Fame inductees, the Foundation also announced its 2026 Board of Directors leadership team, which will continue to guide the organization’s efforts to support student success and advance Miami Dade College’s mission through philanthropy and community engagement.
Joining the board this year are four new members:
- Frank Codina, founder of inGroup and an entrepreneur who pioneered a membership-based cruise model and has held senior leadership roles across global financial services organizations
- Gloria Ordaz, Emmy award-winning journalist and anchor at Telemundo 51, recognized for her impactful storytelling and coverage of South Florida’s Hispanic community and past Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame inductee
- Antonio Primo, senior partner at DaGrosa Capital Partners with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across healthcare, business operations and global investments
- J. Rodriguez, vice president of Fortune International Realty, a luxury real estate executive and former nonprofit leader with extensive experience in real estate development, philanthropy, and higher education fundraising.
- Sandra York, CEO, principal and founder of York PLLC, a business attorney representing leading entertainment brands and advising on complex corporate and strategic matters
The new members join a returning officer slate led by Jorge Plasencia, Chair; Pablo Pino, Vice Chair; Caroline O’Connor, Secretary; and L.J. Rodriguez, Treasurer, who together bring a diverse range of expertise across industries to guide the Foundation’s strategic vision and philanthropic impact.
“The Miami Dade College Foundation is powered by leaders who are deeply committed to expanding access and creating opportunities for our students,” said Julie Vives, Interim CEO of the Miami Dade College Foundation. “With the continued leadership of our board officers and the addition of these new members, we are well positioned to build on our momentum and further strengthen the impact we have across our community, as we also continue to honor the extraordinary alumni who carry that mission forward.”
The Alumni Hall of Fame induction evening also highlighted the College’s long tradition of recognizing alumni excellence. The MDC Hall of Fame has long been a hallmark for excellence at the College, and more than 400 MDC alumni have been inducted since 2003 in recognition of their accomplishments. Together, the 12 new inductees represent an extraordinary breadth of professions across business, education, entrepreneurship, hospitality, law, nonprofit leadership, public safety and service, real estate, sports and technology.
Founded in 1965, the Miami Dade College Foundation plays a critical role in advancing the College’s mission by raising private support that directly benefits students. In the most recent fiscal year, the Foundation distributed nearly $35 million to support scholarships, academic programs, and student success initiatives, helping thousands of students pursue their educational and career goals.
Working alongside donors, community partners, and college leadership, the Foundation continues to expand access to opportunity and champion economic mobility for students across South Florida.
To learn more about the Miami Dade College Foundation and its impact, visit foundation.mdc.edu.
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About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is the most diverse institution in the nation, with students from 167 countries and 63 languages represented. Its eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 305 pathways, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, certifications, and apprenticeships. MDC is home to nationally recognized programs and centers, such as the Miami Culinary Institute, The Idea Center, AI Centers, and New World School of the Arts. The College’s rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, Freedom Tower, Live Arts Miami, Koubek Center, and MOAD. Since its founding in 1960, MDC has welcomed more than 2.5 million students. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. Visit mdc.edu to learn more.
About the Miami Dade College Foundation
Founded in 1965, Miami Dade College Foundation raises essential private funds to support scholarships, academic programs and support services so MDC students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. MDC Foundation also supports world-class arts and cultural programming at MDC that enriches the community. In 2023-2024, MDC Foundation distributed nearly $25 million to benefits the students and programs of MDC. Known as Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. MDC is the nation’s most diverse institution of higher education with an enrollment of more than 125,000 students and more than two million alumni. It is also the nation’s top producer of Associate in Arts and Science degrees, and awards more degrees to minorities than any other college or university in the country. For more information visit mdcfoundation.com.
