UPR Carolina awards honorary doctorate to José Vega Santana, known as Remi

According to the University of Puerto Rico in Carolina, the cultural contribution of José Vega Santana, better known as Remi, goes beyond the stage: it is tied to the island’s identity, brings smiles, and has left a lasting bond with the public.

By THE STAR STAFF

The University of Puerto Rico in Carolina has awarded an honorary doctorate degree to José Vega Santana, who is artistically known as Remi.

The award was presented during the 48th Commencement Ceremony, a significant milestone for more than 400 students who completed their university studies and are now beginning their professional lives.

The ceremony, held at the Theater of the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, recognized Vega Santana’s artistic career as one that has enriched Puerto Rican culture across generations.

His contribution goes beyond the stage: it is tied to the island’s identity, brings smiles, and has left a lasting bond with the public, the university noted, adding that the same creative, sensitive and authentic spirit is what inspires a new graduating class as it begins its professional journey.

“Today, we celebrate a deeply meaningful moment for our university. With great joy, we see the dreams and goals of a new class of professionals come to fruition, carrying with them not only the knowledge they have gained but also the responsibility to contribute to the country with integrity and commitment,” said Dr. José I. Meza Pereira, chancellor of the UPR Carolina campus. “At the same time, we recognize the career of Mr. José Vega Santana, who has been a source of joy, learning, and identity for generations of Puerto Ricans, both in the classroom and on the stage. Both moments remind us of the value of educating with purpose and of contributing, each from our own space, to the collective well-being.” 

UPR President Zayira Jordán Conde said the commencement ceremony was a celebration of academic excellence and of the transformative impact that committed individuals can have through education, culture and service to the community.

“Graduation celebrated a new generation of professionals, but it also reminded us of the impact a single person can have on entire generations,” she said. “José ‘Remi’ Vega Santana represents a career that has educated, inspired, and accompanied the people of Puerto Rico through culture, art, and humanity. That combination of excellence and legacy represents the very best of the University of Puerto Rico.”

Dean of Student Affairs Ana Y. Rivera Soto added that the graduating students “are not only completing an academic goal, but also opening the door to new opportunities, paths, and dreams.”

“It fills us with joy to see them take this step and to know that wherever they go, they carry a part of our university with them,” she said.