As part of the celebration, on October 28, more than 10 student government members gathered at the Harvard Street Campus for a conversation with Vilma Rosario, Carlos Manuel Rosario’s daughter and Vice Chair of the School’s Board of Trustees, and Allison R. Kokkoros, CEO. The conversation was moderated by John Marchese, Vice President of Advancement.
Allison and Vilma shared stories about the school’s founding, its challenges, and its achievements. They also presented historical documents, petition signatures, and photographs that highlighted the determination and community support behind the school’s history.
Allison emphasized the values of “love, patience, and determination,” which guided efforts including the original founding in 1970, reopening the school after it closed in 1996, and finding and developing our two campuses. The conversation reminded student leaders of the courage and commitment of our founders and the immigrant community that helped shape our school’s mission.
Honoring Our Founders and Their Legacy
Founders’ Day is a time to recognize Rosario and Gutiérrez for their efforts to better the lives of adult learners through education and to take pride in their achievements.
Our founders represented a woman and man of imagination and courage. They had a great idea to improve the lives and futures of adult immigrants in Washington, D.C. They understood the power of individual action, worked hard beyond the difficulties of their day, and took action to change adult immigrants’ education in Washington, D.C.
Today, more than 80,000 adult learners have received an education at the school.
Learn more about our school founders here.