Bio
Mario was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in the island's central region in Cidra. After graduating from high school, he moved to the United States and became a postal worker in the U.S. Postal Service in Stratford, Connecticut. Mario served in the Puerto Rico and Connecticut Army National Guard, and then in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas. He has been interested in art since he was young and developed a passion for photography. His father was an electronics technician and amateur photographer, and his mother was a teacher and nurse, both of whom he inherited his talents from. Mario’s passion for travel and learning led him to study abroad in Italy, where he gained a deeper understanding of the art world. Mario became a teacher and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with students of all ages. Mario has taught art in public schools and to college-level students for over two decades. Among the many things he enjoys, he is passionate about nature, travel, and photography.
Honors and Awards
Mario has received many honors and awards, including:
Adjunct Professor of the Year Award, 2025 Nominated - Unsung Hero Award, 2024 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, 2014 U.S. Congressional Recognition, 2012 Ambassador Jean Wilkowski International Fellowship, 2006 Most Dependable Teacher, 2005 Rookie Teacher of the Year, 2003 Army Achievement Medal, 1999
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Image Credit: Main Reading Room, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. - Photo by Mario L. Vazquez