KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 19, 2025 – Former U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited the University of Rhode Island on Sept. 16 to kick off the University’s 62nd annual Honors Colloquium. Cardona recounted his own compelling personal story, from the barrio to the boardroom, and his rise from being a “VoTech” student in the Connecticut projects to becoming a teacher and leading a school, a state, and later national efforts around education.

With a warm, supportive audience of students and Rhode Islanders, and former professional colleagues, Cardona acknowledged the current challenges in education, but counseled students that joining a field when things are hard is the best time to do it.

A t-shirt on one audience attendee exhorted, “Support Public Education,” and Cardona’s energetic talk underscored that message.

In speaking at URI, Cardona returned to his New England roots, recounting his journey from first-generation American in blue-color Connecticut to Washington, D.C., where the challenges were different but no less daunting.

He displayed the quick humor needed to keep the attention of a room full of squirmy fourth-graders, and to navigate political tides, while sharing an appreciation for the benefits education has played in his own life personally. His presentation was warm and upbeat and his gratitude for his family’s story and support, moving from Puerto Rico to New England, was palpable.

Cardona discussed how some see deficits and challenges, but good teachers see possibility, opening his talk with the story of a native Rhode Islander who faced multiple obstacles, before becoming an EGOT, thanks to encouragement from a teacher: Rhode Island’s own Viola Davis, who spoke movingly at URI last year.

Cardona remembered his own “tap on the shoulder” moment when a high school teacher encouraged him to share his artistic vision as a high schooler; that recognition gave him a new way to see himself getting his photo in the school newspaper, years before making news as the nation’s top educator. When he became the U.S. Secretary of Education, he invited that influential teacher to join him at the White House, recognizing how her action put him on his ultimate career path.

“There are students just like me, waiting for that tap on the shoulder, in Central Falls today, and Cranston and Kingston,” he said.

Cardona’s talk resonated with students in the audience.

Katelyn Messier of Attleboro, Mass., a sophomore nursing student, appreciated the personal nature of Cardona’s talk. His gratitude for help along the way and connection to his roots stood out for her.

Messier says, “Teacher support for students sometimes pushes them in the right direction and makes them believe in themselves when they might not have otherwise. I know I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for the amazing educators that believed in me along the way.”

Colloquium coordinators Dan Kelley and Lazaro Camacho said they are grateful to everyone who came to engage with Secretary Cardona, especially the many educators who made the evening so meaningful.

“What stood out most was how personable the Secretary was with the students, taking time to connect with them and listen,” Kelley notes. “We are especially proud of our students who asked thoughtful, tough questions about FAFSA and college affordability. Their voices remind us why these conversations matter and why education remains at the heart of our democracy.”

All Honors Colloquium lectures are free and open to the public, to foster dialogue and bring the larger community into conversation on how schools, colleges, and universities can best serve students and society in today’s world. Sign up here for more information and reminders for colloquium events or by emailing urihonors@etal.uri.edu.