Celebrating Spring 2026 Dual-Degree Graduates and Partnership Renewal with UNAPEC
For 20 years, Empire State University and Universidad APEC (UNAPEC) have worked together to help learners earn two degrees by the time they graduate—one from the Dominican Republic, and the other from the United States. This spring, three dual-degree students walked the stage at the university’s Manhattan commencement ceremony to receive their SUNY Empire degrees. UNAPEC Rector Erik Perez Vega attended the ceremony to commemorate the renewal of the partnership between the universities at the two-decade mark.
Lorette Calix, academic program director of the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic program said this partnership is “an example of SUNY Empire’s commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable.” She also highlighted the experience as a gateway for SUNY Empire and UNAPEC students alike to have meaningful cultural exchanges.
In past years, the dual-degree program was restricted to students earning degrees in the field of business. With the partnership renewal, the opportunity is now accessible to students of all disciples at UNAPEC. Calix describes this change as “a wonderful way to celebrate our 20 years of working together.”
Perez Vega said, “This enduring alliance reflects a shared commitment to preparing ethical, competitive, and globally minded leaders capable of responding to the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.” The rector added: “This cherished partnership remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, promising even greater achievements for future cohorts of talented Dominican leaders.”
Ahead, the spring 2026 dual-degree graduates share their experiences.
Lia Elena Arias de la Cruz, Business Management and Economics Graduate
When Lia Arias hit a wall with her goal of studying abroad, she found a creative way to nourish her desire for international learning experiences—earning an American bachelor’s degree in business management and economics by means of the dual-degree program.
Arias feels confident in her decision to study business, which she arrived at through outside guidance. “Looking back, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I have made, because it led me to a field that I truly enjoy and see myself growing in,” she said.
Two degree programs and a job were not easy to juggle. “It was definitely challenging, but it taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to manage my time effectively,” said Arias, who is already shaping her next stepping stone. The dual graduate shared that a master’s degree in Spain may be in her future, where she hopes to finally fulfill her dream of studying abroad.
“Trust yourself and stay consistent, even when the process feels difficult. Always keep your long-term goals in mind, because every sacrifice will be worth it in the end,” counsels Arias. Following commencement, she plans to continue looking out for new experiences and opportunities to gain more knowledge in her field.
Williangie Dumet, Marketing Graduate
Williangie Dumet from Santo Domingo earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing through the dual-degree program. Driven by her goal of building an international career, she balanced full-time work and coursework from two universities at the same time.
Dumet shared: “Graduating with two degrees means a lot to me because it represents years of sacrifice, discipline, and balance … there were many moments where I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed, but earning both degrees reminds me that consistency, resilience, and determination truly pay off.”
Her initial interest in international business stemmed from the field encompassing many of Dumet’s interests, such as marketing, logistics, supply chain management, and strategic planning. “I love logistics, and what I do, I do it with passion and purpose,” said the graduate.
Dumet’s time in the dual degree program was a balancing act: two institutions and one full-time job requiring international travel all demanded her attention. “Being able to give 100% at work while also giving 100% to both universities was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” she acknowledged.
The diplomas she earned are meaningful to the recent graduate, though Dumet sees even greater value in witnessing herself grow and change. “Looking back and seeing how much I’ve evolved, the knowledge I’ve acquired, and the person I’ve become makes me incredibly proud of myself,” she explained.
Dumet’s plans include even more personal and professional growth— “One of my biggest dreams is to eventually have my own company,” shared the marketer. Her philosophy is simple and has shaped her success thus far: “Do everything with love. Everything done with love eventually flourishes. Never give up on something with great long-term potential just because you cannot handle the stress of the moment.”
Ambar Torres, Accounting Graduate
Ambar Torres has deep roots in Santo Domingo—a street there is named after her great-great-grandfather. This year, she graduated from UNAPEC with an accounting degree, and also earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire.
After a 17-year immigration process, Torres was granted U.S. residency halfway through her undergraduate degree. At the same time, the dual-degree program she had heard of became available for her cohort. “It almost seems like a godsend, because the timing was weird. I’d been pursuing this for three years, and then randomly, [it happened] when I needed it the most,” said the graduate.
She has known accounting is her calling since a challenging four-hour high school exam in that discipline that was satisfying for her to ace. “I finally cracked the thing, and I was like: this is it!” she shared. It comes as no surprise to anyone who knows Torres—a highly motivated student—that she would charge headfirst into working towards her dream and do it twofold.
The twice-graduate embraced the challenge of earning two degrees while balancing extracurriculars, work, and personal life. “Everybody told me, ‘Are you crazy?’ I was doing a lot. It just felt like it was the right thing to do,” she shrugged—a testament to the determination that fueled her efforts. Torres offers hard-won wisdom to future students about keeping their workload manageable: “One [thing] at a time.” The dual-degree graduate is now looking forward to well-deserved rest and leisure time following Manhattan commencement.