Briarcliffe College’s Santiago Honored By Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association

September 16, 2011

Santiago Among List of Educators Recognized For Positive Impact on Community

HEMPSTEAD, NY., SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 — On Friday, September 23, the Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association (HHCA), will hold their 33rd anniversary celebration honoring pioneers in education in the Hempstead and Long Island community. Dr. George Santiago, Jr., president of Briarcliffe College, will be among several local educators honored during the gala for their pioneering initiatives in the Long Island community.

Dr. Santiago is a prominent advocate for educational opportunities for Hispanic Americans and launched the Hispanic Scholarship program at Briarcliffe College. He is the recipient of many accolades for his personal and professional achievements and leadership in education, including the 2010 La Fuerza Unida, Inc. Community Leadership Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education; 2010 Theodore Roosevelt Council, Boy Scouts of America, Hispanic Heritage Community Leader Award; and was named the 2009 Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year.

“It is our tradition to honor ‘pioneers’, those individuals and institutions that are at the forefront of the struggle for equality in our communities and this year we are honoring pioneers in education,” said George Siberón, executive director of the Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association. “Since coming to Long Island, Dr. Santiago has been a very positive force in our communities, providing resources and using his prestige and that of the College to further issues and causes of importance to our communities.”

Others honorees include, Dr. Patricia Garcia, superintendant of the Hempstead School District; the Long Island Latino Teachers’ Association; The Long Island Black Educators’ Association; and a lifetime “Pioneer” award will be given to La Fuerza Unida Executive Director Pascual Blanco.

 “It’s an honor to be included on this list of exceptional leaders in education,” said Dr. George Santiago, president of Briarcliffe College. “The Briarcliffe College campuses share a similar pioneering attitude and dedication to giving back to the community where our students and faculty live and work.”

About HHCA:
The Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association (HHCA) is a not for profit, community based organization, incorporated in 1978 to provide services and advocate on behalf of the residents of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead  and surrounding communities. 

About Briarcliffe College
A proprietary institution with locations in Bethpage, Patchogue and Queens NY., Briarcliffe College is a four-year career education college offering degree programs in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, graphic design, healthcare administration, information technology, management, marketing and paralegal studies.  Programs vary by location.  The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000 accredits Briarcliffe College. Briarcliffe College cannot guarantee employment or salary.  Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.briarcliffe.edu/disclosure.  Briarcliffe College is also a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of colleges, universities and schools.  For more information visit www.briarcliffe.edu.