Santo Domingo, Friday, September 26
The Regional System of University Information and Communication -SIREICU- recognizes talent and innovation in university communication in Central America and the Caribbean
The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) hosted the first edition of the SIREICU 2025 Awards, an event that recognized talent, creativity, and innovation in university communication in Central America and the Caribbean. The ceremony brought together academic authorities, communicators, and students, reaffirming communication as a strategic pillar in public higher education, within the framework of the Tenth General Assembly of the Regional System of University Information and Communication (SIREICU).
MSc. Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of the Central American Higher University Council (CSUCA), inaugurated the day highlighting the importance of university communication. “University communication connects our universities with society, disseminates research, and strengthens cultural identity. This event represents much more than the awarding of prizes: it is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together in a coordinated manner.”, he stated.
On behalf of the rector of UASD, Dr. Radhames Silverio González, the vice-rector of Research and Postgraduate Studies highlighted the potential of young communicators and the importance of regional integration. “To communicate is to serve, to build identity, and to pave the way for new generations. This event marks a milestone for university communication in our region,” he stated. He further emphasized that “disseminating valuable work ensures the continued relevance of public universities' contributions to the development of our communities. Academia must offer relevant, truthful, and independent guidelines and knowledge that contribute to regional progress.””.
For his part, Professor Roberto Tejada Muñoz, president of SIREICU, highlighted the work of university communicators. “Each graphic, report, campaign, and piece of digital content recognized here represents a significant contribution to the growth of our institutions and the strengthening of public higher education. For the past 11 months, I have led this organization with the mission of promoting communication, and we have consolidated actions that strengthen regional integration.””,” he said.
The main objectives of SIREICU are to promote inter-university alliances for the dissemination of university activities, contribute to the formulation of communication policies, support networking among academics and researchers, strengthen the capacities of communication teams, and develop products that disseminate research, teaching, culture, and sports.
Awards and recognitions
- Journalism: Kenneth Mora, for Indigenous Empowerment: The Power of Cacao; Irina Grajales, recognition in Video for Preliminary Studies on Plants Near Volcanoes.
- Public Relations: Odiseo A. Armando Palm, for the UASD Contigo campaign; special mentions for Eduard J. Huete Flores (UNAH Postgraduate Campaign Phase I) and Marco Antonio Sánchez (Online Vocational Fair Campaign).
- Advertising and Promotion: Ana Eugenia Tona Castellanos, for EUNED Reading Promotion: A book is a secret to discover; Arístides Acxel Martínez, recognition for UNACHI TV Commercial.
- Graphic Communication: Laura Rodríguez Rodríguez, for the 55th Anniversary of the Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP); Odiseo A. Armando Palm, for a commemorative piece for the 486th Anniversary of the UASD.
- Digital Communication: Pablo Mora, main prize; María Karolina Hernández Cháves and Armando Aguilar Gómez, recognized in subcategories for projects in social networks and video podcast.
Cultural programming
The ceremony featured performances by the UASD Folkloric Ballet, modern dance, and the Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Hipólito Javier, highlighting the artistic richness and cultural identity of the region.
At the end of the awards ceremony, CSUCA recognized the organizers of this first gala for their valuable contribution, presenting awards to Roberto Tejada, for his leadership and conceptualization of the awards; Óscar Arnulfo Romero, for the design of the official award statue; Larissa De Jesús López, for her work in the general organization; Marlon Santana, for the development and setup of the Red Comunica website and the event; and Randy Raposo, for the layout of the graphic design and digital design.
The first edition of the SIREICU 2025 Awards consolidated a space for institutional recognition and projected a legacy aimed at inspiring future generations of university communicators in Central America and the Caribbean.
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