This past July 18, Millennia Atlantic University experienced a moment that will go down in history: the celebration of its 18th Commencement Ceremony and 20th Anniversary. More than just an institutional event, it was a powerful display of fulfilled dreams, collective commitment, and the profound impact that an education centered on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership can have on thousands of lives. Students, alumni, families, faculty, and staff came together to honor two decades of hard work, vision, and global growth.
In the following lines, Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto, President of MAU, shares his heartfelt reflections on this historic milestone and the people who made it possible.
Dear MAU Community,
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s 18th Commencement Ceremony and MAU’s 20th Anniversary celebration such a powerful and unforgettable success.
This year, we did more than confer degrees—we honored two decades of sacrifice, vision, and resilience that began with a dream and a shoebox of hope. What started in 2005 as a bold aspiration has grown into a thriving institution serving students from around the world. On July 18, 2025, we celebrated not just a graduating class, but a living legacy.
None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary teamwork and commitment shown by so many across our university.
I extend special thanks to Jenice Maza Duerto and the entire team from the Office of the Vice President of Operations and Student Affairs, whose dedication ensured every detail of the event was carried out with excellence.
A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to Yazmene Kaylani, our Student Services Manager, who played a central role in organizing both the Commencement Ceremony and the MAU Alumni Gathering & Cocktail—two of the most meaningful events of the year. Her leadership, care for students, and tireless coordination brought these moments to life for our graduates, alumni, families, and guests.
We also proudly recognized employees with 10, 15, and 20 years of service—pillars of our community whose commitment represents the very heart of MAU’s enduring mission. Their work has shaped the foundation on which our students succeed and thrive.
To the Class of 2025, your achievements remind us why we do this work. You are athletes, entrepreneurs, parents, leaders, and scholars who now join the ranks of MAU alumni across the globe. From our first graduates in Athletics to those who balanced work, family, and study, you have written a new chapter in our university’s story. You make us proud.
This year’s celebration was more than a ceremony; it was a tribute to 20 years of transformation, of building not just a school, but a global community centered on access, belonging, and bold opportunity.
Thank you to every student, staff member, faculty member, and guest who helped bring this historic moment to life—before, during, and after the event. You made it all possible.
With deep appreciation and pride,
Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto
