VIDEOS: David Vargas Tejeda graduated with Honors in Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University.

Pittsburgh, PA: The School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University held its graduation ceremony at the Philip Chosky Theater in the Purnell Center for the Arts. The event was part of the university’s commencement weekend, from May 9 to 11, 2025.

Among the graduates, David Vargas Tejeda stood out. He is the son of Colonel David Vargas, Director of Security at the Dominican Consulate in New York. Vargas Tejeda earned his degree with honors from the School of Architecture at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

David distinguished himself through academic and professional excellence, having already received a job offer from the architectural firm DLR Group, based in Downtown Manhattan. This talented young man expressed his pride in honorably representing the Dominican Republic and using his talent to serve his country.

The ceremony, which took place on May 9 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., included the conferral of diplomas, the traditional hooding of doctoral candidates, speeches by undergraduate and graduate student representatives, and a special guest speaker.

During the event, students were recognized for their academic excellence and contributions to architecture. Some of the awards presented included:

• Alpha Rho Chi Medal: Recognition for leadership and professional ability.
• AIA Medal for Academic Excellence: Awarded by the American Institute of Architects.
• Alumni Design Award: Recognition for outstanding design.
• Master’s Thesis/Final Project Awards: For graduate students.
• ARCC King Medal: For excellence in architectural and environmental research.

Following the ceremony, a reception with light refreshments was held in the Great Hall of the College of Fine Arts from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., where graduates and guests shared a celebratory moment.

The event was live-streamed for those unable to attend in person and recorded for later viewing. Accessible seating was provided for individuals with disabilities and their companions.

This ceremony marked an important milestone in the academic journey of Carnegie Mellon’s architecture graduates, celebrating their achievements and concluding a key stage in their professional development.

El Faro Latino newspaper congratulates the outstanding young David Vargas Tejeda. It acknowledges the great personal effort made by him and his parents, David Vargas and Elina Tejeda de Vargas, who now proudly see the fruit of many years of sacrifice and dedication. Congratulations!