Adriana Garcia

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Adriana Garcia of Manhattan, NY announces her passing on March 31, 2023 at Calvary Hospital in New York, NY. Dr. Garcia, 82, was born in Puerto Rico to the late Rafael Garcia and Adriana D?vila. She received B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Maryland, and her Ph.D. in Spanish from the University of Illinois.

Adriana was Professor of Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Professor of Spanish at City College, City University of New York. In addition to her 34 years in higher education, she was Acting President of Hostos Community College, CUNY in 1986-87, and was a fierce believer in Hostos and its mission. During her stellar career, she received numerous awards, honors, and publications, including listing in Who's Who of Hispanic Americans, Who's Who of American Women, and the 1985 Chancellor's Faculty Award, CUNY. She also received a Citation of Merit for her exemplary service as Acting President of Hostos. Adriana presented multiple papers at international conferences in Hungary, Mexico, and Taiwan. She was a tremendous advocate for the availability of higher education for all no matter their economic status, and dedicated her professional talents to the betterment of education in the Hispanic community.

Even after retiring from CUNY in 2007, she continued to teach, mentor, and influence others with her vibrant personality, and love for life. She traveled widely, enjoyed numerous international art museums and other cultural venues, was an avid reader, and was fluent in several languages. Her compassion, determination, strength, and love will be sorely missed.

Dr. Garcia is survived by a brother Rafael Garcia (Maria Pag?n) of Ponce, PR, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hostos Community College Foundation.