UASD graduates 716 professionals in Restoration anniversary ceremony

The Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) conferred degrees on 716 new graduates in a ceremony held in the Aula Magna on August 13, 2026, coinciding with the 163rd anniversary of the Dominican Restoration War Source: El Caribe. The event was led by rector Jorge Asjana David, who called on the new professionals to become "the new restorers of sustainable development" for the country Source: Diario Libre.

The graduates

Of the 716 graduates, 508 were women and 208 were men Source: Diario Libre. The Faculty of Education produced the largest cohort with 326 graduates, followed by Law and Political Science (106), Humanities (101), Health Sciences (64), Engineering and Architecture (59), Economics and Social Sciences (28), Sciences (18), Arts (9), and Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (5) Source: El Caribe. The highest academic index was achieved by Estarlin Rivas Báez, a law graduate with a 95.5 average, who delivered the valedictory address Source: Listín Diario.

Rector's message

Asjana David drew parallels between the 1863 struggle for sovereignty and today's challenges, urging graduates to strengthen institutions, deepen democracy, and promote technological innovation Source: Hoy. He emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in the face of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change, and reaffirmed the university's commitment to postgraduate education Source: Listín Diario.

Solidarity and context

In a separate ceremony, the UASD also awarded 1,058 postgraduate degrees, during which the rector expressed solidarity with Colombia and Venezuela following recent earthquakes Source: Hoy. The undergraduate ceremony was dedicated to the memory of the Restoration heroes Source: Listín Diario.