PHOTOS | From Dreams to Reality: Hispanic Students Earn Their Degrees Through Centro San Juan Diego and UPAEP

Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez with graduates and program administrators following Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver. (Photo by Juan Andrés Coriat)

The most recent graduating class from the online degree program offered by Centro San Juan Diego, a ministry of Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), celebrated their graduation on Friday, Nov. 21.

The ceremony reaffirmed the impact of this initiative on Denver’s Hispanic community, particularly for those seeking to pursue higher education in the United States.

The day began with a special Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver. During his homily, Bishop Rodríguez reflected on the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose feast coincided with the graduation, inviting graduates to look to her as an example of complete surrender to God’s will.

“Today, Mary, the woman of God and of his most holy will, invites all of us, but especially you who celebrate your graduation today, to focus your intention, to place this degree in God’s hands, to make it fruitful according to his holy will and to offer it for his greater glory,” Bishop Rodríguez said.

He also encouraged graduates to place their achievements at the service of their faith.

“May the degree you receive today be an instrument in your hands to help you become saints,” he added.

In a spirit of gratitude and hope, graduates offered their thanksgiving for the years of study, sacrifice and perseverance that led them to this moment.

Later, families, friends and representatives from UPAEP who traveled from Mexico gathered at Centro San Juan Diego for the academic ceremony, where diplomas were presented, and a reception was held in honor of each graduate.

This academic program, which currently offers a range of online degree options, has continued to grow and make a profound impact on those seeking accessible, flexible opportunities for higher education. This year’s graduates highlighted not only the academic value of their studies but also the spiritual and personal support that define Centro San Juan Diego.

Bishop Rodríguez invited graduates to place their achievements in the hands of God.

The special day began with Mass with Bishop Jorge Rodriguez at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver.

The special Mass was celebrated by Bishop Jorge Rodríguez at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver.

Together with family and friends, graduates prayed and celebrated the important day.

Representatives from UPAEP were present for the graduation ceremony, honoring the graduates.

The special day began with Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver.

During the graduation ceremony, Bishop Jorge Rodríguez offered his congratulations.

Luis Canela and Rodolfo José Cárdenas, journalists, were among the evening's special guests.

Bishop Jorge Rodríguez together with Centro and UPAEP staff.

Bishop Jorge Rodríguez with graduates and program administrators following Mass at Sacred Heart.

(Photos by Juan Andrés Coriat)

Miguel Ángel Preciado Morquecho shared how meaningful this achievement has been in his life as a migrant.

“The opportunity to earn my degree through the partnership between UPAEP and Centro San Juan Diego has been truly transformative and invaluable,” he said. “As a migrant from Mexico, I had come to believe that continuing my higher education in this country was an unattainable goal. This program not only proved otherwise but completely redefined my professional and personal expectations.”

For Preciado, this milestone marks a new chapter.

“This graduation represents much more than earning a degree. It’s the realization of a dream that once felt distant and impossible, the result of years of effort and sacrifice, and of the unconditional support of my family and friends,” he said.

Looking ahead, he hopes to continue growing professionally and to serve as an example for other migrants facing similar challenges.

Another graduate, Esther, emphasized the program's accessibility and how it fit into her daily life.

“I was able to find time to study while working and caring for my family. It was truly a blessing to find this program,” she said.

She also admitted that the most challenging part was simply starting.

“I had heard so many times that it could be done, but I doubted it for years. Sometimes fear of starting is what holds us back the most, but now I see that it only takes that first step,” she shared.

For Esther, the graduation represents years of searching and renewed hope.

“It inspires me to continue studying so that I can make a meaningful contribution to my community and, for my family, be an example of hard work and perseverance,” she said.

This year’s celebration holds special significance, as Centro San Juan Diego recently became part of Catholic Charities. Both institutions have expressed their commitment to expanding educational, pastoral and community support programs that serve Denver’s Hispanic population.

“We are committed to preserving the spirit, identity and community trust that have made Centro so successful,” said Darren Walsh, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, in a statement about the recent integration.

Through this new alliance, they aim to continue strengthening their mission and serving the Hispanic community, transforming lives and opening doors for those seeking new opportunities.

This year’s graduation ceremony made one thing clear: education, when accompanied by faith and community, remains a powerful path of hope for many migrants striving for a better future.