Students from Dominican Republic to graduate in Manhattan

(NEW YORK, NY — MAY 10, 2024) Eight students from the Dominican Republic are graduating together in Empire State University’s Manhattan ceremony on May 17, 2024. The cohort is part of SUNY Empire’s program in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in coordination with Universidad APEC.
Through this program, classroom-based and online instruction are combined into an opportunity for students in the Dominican Republic who want to earn a degree from an American university. Students can pursue several degrees, including business administration, management, and finance.
“Students attending Empire State University and UNAPEC are exposed to various cultural perspectives, international business methods, and global trends,” Luis Camacho, program director, said. “The ability to think globally is valuable in the modern interconnected world, where knowledge and understanding of many cultures and awareness of international issues are becoming increasingly crucial. Upon completing this program, graduates are prepared to excel in various endeavors, including further education, professional pursuits, and community engagement. They possess a comprehensive set of skills, extensive knowledge, and a broad global outlook essential for success locally and internationally in the dynamic contemporary society.”
Camacho said providing this program is crucial to promoting accessibility in education.
“This program contributes to the democratization and internationalization of higher education and the promotion of global knowledge exchange by providing an inclusive education to students from many backgrounds, regardless of their location, socioeconomic status, or cultural identity,” Camacho said. “Forming a workforce that can compete worldwide is another advantage of this program. The curriculum equips graduates to make significant contributions to their communities and societies locally and globally by providing them with the necessary information, skills, and cultural competency to flourish in today’s interconnected world.”
Andrés Daniel Patiño Feliz, a student earning a bachelor of science in business, management, and economics with a concentration in economics, said he chose Empire State University because of the program’s flexibility and ability to choose classes that align with his interests, including analyzing the social nature of economics and reasons behind individual decisions. Patiño Feliz said faculty and mentorship opportunities at the university made a significant impact on his academic journey.
“Their expertise and professionalism are something remarkable that we, as international students, don’t tend to find in our home countries,” Patiño Feliz said. “Learning firsthand from professionals in the area, with the majority being already doctors in their field, was an eye-opening experience.”

After graduation, Patiño Feliz said he hopes to use his knowledge for public good, serving in a diplomatic role in the public sector and pursuing a master’s degree.
“I plan on applying all the knowledge I accumulated about economics to be a public servant in the diplomacy and public policy sector of my home country and help the government make informed decisions based on the data that I provide to them,” Patiño Feliz said. “In addition, I plan to continue my education shortly and take a master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy at one of the top universities in the world.”
Carla Jacqueline Rivero Reyes, a student enrolled in the bachelor of science in business, management, and economics with a concentration in finance, said the program at Empire State University offered flexibility and a program focus she saw as key to her work.

“I could continue my education regardless of location or scheduling constraints,” Rivero Reyes said. “SUNY Empire’s dedication to innovation in its curriculum, evident in the US-accredited program, promised to equip me with the skills and knowledge for a successful career path.”
“Living in two different countries exposed me to the universality of financial challenges, impacting individuals regardless of background or location,” Rivero Reyes said. “This experience ignited a passion to be part of the solution, to empower individuals through informed financial decision-making.”
Rivero Reyes said courses that explored beyond economic theory were particularly impactful during her economic journey, providing insights into future career paths and perspectives that help her understand the universal element of financial challenges.
After graduation, Rivero Reyes plans to pursue a master’s degree in finance, specializing in transactional finance and investments, certifications, and practical experience in the investment field.
“My vision is to become a highly qualified Financial Advisor that leverages her knowledge and skills to guide clients towards achieving their financial objectives, contributing meaningfully to their long-term financial success,” Rivero Reyes said.
Congratulations to Carla Jacqueline Rivero Reyes, Andrés Daniel Patiño Feliz, Stacy Matos, Ziquan Wu, Patricia Joselín Osorio Gómez, Kamelin Steicy Báez Peña, Tomas Alexis Tamarez González, and Dairy Mariel Camacho Ventura!