A celebration of great joy and enthusiasm, thus described the first graduation from Florida Technical College, Kissimmee Campus at The Osceola Performing Arts Center on Friday, August 3rd. Among the 300 students who received their degree, was special guest; philanthropist and Puerto Rican salsa singer, Jerry Rivera.

"I am excited and extremely grateful to Florida Technical College for the recognition that I received today. I've always wanted to give back what was given to me, and through the ROCA Foundation and the Pan American Health and Education Foundation I can. It was here where I found the opportunity to help; I learned to value our youth at an early age, help those who fight the streets against drugs, and live at risk of losing themselves to gangs. I also learned to appreciate women even more, to teach others to respect, and carry a message against domestic violence.",  commented Jerry Rivera.

Rivera was honored to receive the Honorary Doctorate Diploma in Humanities from Florida Technical College in recognition of his social labor with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).  In 2007 he became PAHO's newest Champion of Health, during a celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women at PAHO headquarters. He is partnering with PAHO in a new public service campaign, and is incorporating messages against domestic violence in his recordings and concerts around the world.  He has also partnered with PAHO and the Pan American Health and Education Foundation to establish a new foundation to help put an end to domestic violence.