WAYNE, N.J. — Carol Cuadrado, Associate Vice President for Government and University Relations at William Paterson University, celebrated her dual nationality in a ceremony held on September 25 at Hobart Manor. The swearing-in was administered by His Excellency Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic.
The ceremony was witnessed by several dignitaries, including First Lady Raquel Arbaje Soneh de Abinader, William Paterson University President Richard J. Helldobler, Congresswomen Nellie Pou and Analilia Mejía, Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, and City of Passaic Mayor Héctor Lora. Many other community leaders and figures were also present.
Cuadrado expressed her gratitude to José Francisco Santana Suriel, the Dominican Republic’s Consul General in New Jersey. She noted that Santana Suriel and Lucilo Santos, the Consul in Canada, played key roles in organizing President Abinader’s visit to New Jersey as part of his trip to the United Nations. She acknowledged their efforts specifically for helping her achieve her dream of obtaining dual citizenship, which holds significant personal meaning and reaffirms her ties to her parents’ homeland.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Dominican immigrants, Cuadrado graduated from William Paterson University under the name Carol Martinez Ortega, honoring her parents. The event represented a harmonious connection between her American upbringing and Dominican heritage at an institution important to her family’s history.
Cuadrado described the occasion as emotionally significant, recalling a photograph of herself taken at Hobart Manor when she was 17. She emphasized her pride in returning as an alumna and university administrator, while honoring her parents’ homeland.
During her time at William Paterson University, Cuadrado was actively involved in various programs, including the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), where she served as a resident assistant and was an executive board member of the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS). Her commitment to campus life continued after graduation; in 2012, she brought notable merengue artist Johnny Ventura to perform at the university.
The relationship between Cuadrado and William Paterson University extends to her entire family, as several of her relatives are alumni. Her role as Associate Vice President further strengthens her ties to the institution.
The location of the ceremony also resonated with Cuadrado, connecting her birthplace, Paterson, with the university named after William Paterson, a historical figure notable in New Jersey’s history.
In addition to the personal significance of the event, President Abinader’s visit paid tribute to José Francisco Peña Gómez, who advocated for dual nationality for Dominicans abroad. This legacy aligns closely with Cuadrado’s own background as the daughter of immigrants, marking her dual nationality in a meaningful context.
As Cuadrado reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the deep connections cultivated during her years at William Paterson University, where she built lasting friendships and professional relationships that continue to influence her work today.
