Mario Baez, who spent 30 years at the United Nations, shared his international experience and his vast knowledge of Latin America with students as the Levermore Global Scholars program's 2025 Spring Fellow.
Adelphi’s Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) program gives students numerous opportunities to build their global leadership skills through experiences at the United Nations, cultural excursions to New York City, and study abroad.
But the program also brings well-known global experts to campus to share their experience with LGS students.
In 2025, Mario Baez, who is from the Dominican Republic and is a former chief accountability officer at the United Nations, came to Garden City to serve as the LGS spring fellow.
“When Mr. Baez first visited campus, it was immediately clear that he would be a great choice for the fellow position,” said Susan Briziarelli, PhD, director of the LGS program and associate provost for faculty support and global affairs. “Along with the expertise gained in his 30 years at the United Nations, Mr. Baez also brought a keen historical perspective, vast knowledge of Latin America and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with Adelphi students.”
A Strong Connection With the Dominican Republic
Baez’s fellowship reflects Adelphi’s global footprint and connection with the Dominican Republic, which includes a partnership with the Pontificia Universidad CatĂ³lica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). Adelphi also has a long-standing relationship with JosĂ© Singer Weisinger ’73, ’20 (Hon.), a member of our board of trustees; Weisinger is adviser on international affairs to the president of the Dominican Republic and, since 2014, has served as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in service to the executive branch.
As LGS program fellow, Baez lectured in several classes and held open office hours for students interested in learning more about the UN, careers in diplomacy, or Latin American politics and economy. He also connected with the Latino Student Association on campus and mentored a number of students in and outside of the LGS program who were working on papers or theses in his areas of expertise.
He pulled from his distinguished career experience to deliver a lecture on the history and governance of the United Nations. The presentation explored the creation of the international organization and the initial vision for lasting peace and global cooperation. Following his talk, Baez invited students to participate in a discussion about the UN’s 80-year history and ongoing role in worldwide affairs.
Leading a Study Tour of His Country
A highlight of his fellowship was a weeklong study tour in the Dominican Republic for six Adelphi students. The trip was held in April and facilitated by Adelphi’s Center for International Education. It included a 1-credit course on the history, economy and culture of the country, along with lectures at the PUCMM and a dinner with Ambassador Weisinger.
Baez also led students on a day trip to Casa Museo Hermanas Mirabal. The museum honors the lives of Patria, Minerva and MarĂa Teresa Mirabal, who were assassinated by the Trujillo military regime, and pays tribute to their fight against repression and terror. More than 65 years after their death, the Mirabal sisters remain global symbols of social justice and feminism. This daylong excursion was sponsored by Adelphi’s BhisĂ© Center for Global Understanding, which creates innovative opportunities for the next generation of global thinkers and leaders.
Bolstered by Baez’s experience and engagement, this year’s LGS program illustrates Adelphi’s commitment to supporting student leaders with immersive opportunities both on campus and across the globe.
“Students sometimes engage more easily when they are outside the classroom and don’t feel that they are being assessed for a grade, and Mr. Baez had the great combination of being particularly approachable and incredibly generous with his time,” Dr. Briziarelli said. “In addition to having meaningful discussions, they also felt free to ask him about career choices and postgraduation steps. His office was right across from mine, and it was rare for me to see him there without a student. He really engaged with them.”