Who/What:
Esperanza College will host a celebration with students, faculty, and stakeholders recognizing 25 years of providing accessible, faith-based higher education to thousands of students in North Philadelphia and beyond. Many of Esperanza College’s students are the first to attend college, Spanish speakers, working adults, traditional college students, dual enrollment, and early college students. Founded out of a commitment to serving the city and to strengthening Hispanic communities, the college is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution that fills a unique niche within Philadelphia and the region’s legacy. Situated within the context of Esperanza’s main multi-services campus, Esperanza College leverages local trust, quality services, K-12 pipelines, including Esperanza Academy Charter School and Esperanza Cyber Charter School, to deliver quality services. Esperanza College offers majors in Business Administration, Media & Technology, Criminal Justice, Community and Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Health Sciences, and Medical Assisting.
The program will highlight student and alumni success, community impact, and the College’s ongoing partnership with Eastern University and Esperanza, one of the nation’s largest Hispanic, faith-based nonprofits.
When:
Thursday, November 20, 2025 |10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET, remarks at 10:45 a.m.
Campus tours at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Where:
Esperanza College of Eastern University
4261 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Parking is available in the lot on Bristol Street and street parking. Entrance on Bristol Street and stop at the security desk for directions. Media check-in on 2nd Floor at Esperanza College entrance.
Program Highlights:
- Welcome and milestone recognition
- Student and alumni spotlights
- Brief remarks from institutional and community leaders
- Photo opportunities, including cake cutting for 25 years, and guided campus moments
Anticipated Speakers (subject to confirmation):
Dr. Nilsa Graciani, Academic Dean, Esperanza College of Eastern University; Rev. Luis Cortes, Founder & CEO, Esperanza; Rev. Jose Carrera, President of Hispanic Clergy & Vicinity Board of Directors; and Dr. Ron Matthews, President or representative, Eastern University.
Visuals:
- Student/alumni testimonials and presentation moments
- 25th cake-cutting moment (B-roll friendly)
Media Opportunities:
- One-on-one interviews with college leadership, faculty, students, alumni, and community partners (English/Español available).
- Select classrooms and labs open for brief B-roll
- On-site parking for media vans (space permitting).
RSVP / Credentials:
Please RSVP by November 20th at 8 a.m. to secure interview windows and parking.
Media Contact:
Esperanza Marketing Team
Email: marketing@esperanza.us
Phone: 2153240746 x410
On-Site Contact (Day Of):
Jael Conde, Vice President of Marketing: jconde@esperanza.us | (609) 706-0818
About Esperanza College of Eastern University
Esperanza College of Eastern University is a branch campus of Eastern University located in North Philadelphia. Established through a partnership with Esperanza and Eastern University in 2000, the College offers affordable, flexible, and culturally relevant education centered on faith, reason, and justice. Programs include multiple associate degrees and certifications designed to prepare students for careers or continued study. Learn more: https://esperanza.eastern.edu/
About Esperanza
Esperanza was founded in 1986 to serve “the least of these” (the underserved and marginalized) and to strengthen Hispanic communities and all who live within them. Over nearly four decades, Esperanza has grown into a $114 million organization with more than 780 employees serving approximately 35,000 people annually through K-14 education, community and economic development, the arts, and social change programs. Esperanza is building an “opportunity community” in Hunting Park – a place marked by decent and affordable housing, increasing prosperity, growing businesses, excellent schools, safe streets, creative spaces, and robust community life, where anyone, regardless of income level, can thrive. For more information, visit www.esperanza.us.