On Saturday night, Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padrón attained what he considers a career highlight: an induction into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious organizations.
“A truly humbling experience,” Padrón posted on his Facebook page Saturday after induction in the academy, which was founded in 1780 by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and several Founding Fathers. He added that he shares the recognition with all his colleagues, students and the community.
According to its 1780 charter, the academy’s purpose is “to cultivate every art and science which may tend to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent and virtuous people.” The academy’s studies have helped set the direction of research and analysis in science and technology, policy, global security, social policy and the humanities.
Also among this year’s inductees: former President Barack Obama, who in 2016 awarded Padrón the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
