Ana G. Mendez
Ana G. Mendez (January 7, 1908-February 18, 1997) born in Aguada, Puerto Rico, was an educator who founded the Ana G. Mendez University System in Puerto Rico.
Ana was one of eight children born to Francisco Monje and Ana Cofresí. She was a direct descendent of the famous Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí, on her mother's side.
In 1935, she graduated from high school in Santurce. Ana earned her Bachelors Degree in comercial education from the University of Puerto Rico in 1940. It is in the 1940's that she realizes that students should have the option of having a short term college for a comercial or technical career. In 1941, Ana founded the Puerto Rican High School of Comerce with 3 teachers and nine students.
In 1948, Ana graduated from the University of New York where she earned her Masters Degree. In 1948, she founeded the Puerto Rico Junior College in Rio Piedras with 19 students. This became the first educational institution in Puerto Rico to offer an associates degree (2 year college).
An educational visionary, Ana founded universities, television stations, college classes by mail and as mentioned before, introduced the associates degree; thereby opening a new world of educational oportunities to the youth of Puerto Rico.
Among the universities founded by Ana are: The University of Turabo, which is located in Gurabo, Puerto Rico with branches in Cayey, and Naguabo, The University of the East, which is located in Carolina, Puerto Rico with branches in Santa Isabel, Cabo Rojo, Manati, Utuado and in Yabucoa; The Metropolitan University, which is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico with branches in Bayamon, Aguadilla and in Jayuya.
In 1965, Ana became the "first" and only Puerto Rican woman in the Board of Directors of Eastern Airlines. Ana founded the "Ana G. Mendez Foundation" which grants scholarships to outstanding students and she also found T.V. Channel 40 "The Ana G. Mendez Educational Channel".
In 1975, the Catholic University of Puerto Rico bestowed upon Ana an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities.
What today is known as the "Ana G. Mendez University System" and started with only nine students, has over 17 thousand students, 800 professors and 500 administrative employees. Ana has had a positive influence in the lives of hundreds of people, among them Jose Juan Garcia.
Ana G. Mendez died on February 18, 1997 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico honored her memory by naming an avenue in San Juan after her. Her legacy continues to live. On July 10, 2003, Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando, Florida announced the opening of the "Ana G. Mendez Metro Orlando University".
See also
External links
- suagm.edu – official site.
Categories: 1908 births | 1997 deaths | Puerto Rican people