ABOUT

Bio

Mario L. Vazquez was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Cidra, the island’s central region known as the Town of Eternal Spring. After high school, he moved to the United States and worked as a postal worker in Connecticut. He served in the Puerto Rico and Connecticut Army National Guard and the U.S. Army. Mario has pursued art since childhood and developed a keen interest in photography. His late father was an electronics technician and amateur photographer. His mother worked first as a teacher, then as a nurse. He credits both parents for his talents. Mario is an art educator who believes everyone has creative talent to explore. His passion for travel inspires him to incorporate diverse cultural experiences into his storytelling.

Honors & Awards  

Mario has received many honors and awards, including:

Adjunct Professor of the Year Award, 2025 Nominated Unsung Hero Award, 2024 Academic Advising Customer Service Award, 2021, 2022, 2024 & 2025 Dissertation of Distinction Award, 2017 Teacher of the Year Award, 2015 Contributions to the Community, Miami-Dade County, Office of the Mayor, 2013, 2014, & 2015 U.S. Congressional Recognition, Outstanding Public Service, 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015 Ambassador Jean Wilkowski International Fellowship, 2006 Most Dependable Teacher, 2005 Rookie Teacher of the Year, 2003 Army Achievement Medal, 1999

Photo by MLV: Main reading room in the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feeed him for a lifetime.” - Chinese proverb