MIAMI, FL – 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
- L. 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.
