[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MARIA CRISTINA ANDREU REGUEIRO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Maria Cristina Andreu Regueiro, Co-Founder and President of 
Florida National College in Hialeah.
  Maria Cristina Andreu Regueiro was born in Havana, Cuba. After living 
in New York for 10 years, she moved to Palm Springs North in 1973. She 
attended the University of Miami, and after graduating, joined her late 
husband Jose in carrying out his dream of providing educational 
opportunities to the growing Hispanic community in South Florida. In 
1986, they opened Florida National College in Hialeah. Today, the 
College serves more than 3,000 students, has more than 20,000 
graduates, and is spread across Miami-Dade County with three locations 
and a distance learning program online.
  Maria Christina has been instrumental in assisting minority students 
achieve their educational goals. What began as her husband's dream, has 
become a reality and an opportunity for thousands. She currently serves 
on the Mayor's Educational Advisory Board for the city of Hialeah and 
is a member of the Board of the South Florida Workforce. She has also 
been a member of the State of Florida Community Hospital Education 
Council, a commissioner for the Commission for Independent Education of 
the Florida Department of Education, and various other community 
organizations that promote education.
  As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in 
thanking Maria Cristina Regueiro for her commitment to serving others, 
and her determination and hard work, which have allowed her to achieve 
her dreams. I also ask that you join me in remembering her late 
husband, Jose Regueiro, who also made a commitment to our community and 
dedicated his life to making education and opportunity a reality for 
many.

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