Menendez Statement on the Passing of Dr. Orlando Edreira

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez released the following statement upon news of the passing of educator and New Jersey Hispanic community leader, Dr. Orlando Edreira:

“Dr. Orlando Edreira made a life-long commitment to education and was a tireless advocate for advancing the causes and interest of the Hispanic community.

“Dr. Edreira has been a symbol of learning since his days as a student in Cuba during the 1950s and 1960s to his study of language and the education of others at Kean University in Elizabeth.  He loved languages and understood the value of bilingual education.  Professor Edreira taught Spanish, held multiple administrative positions, including the director of Kean’s Department of Foreign Languages, and developed and directed in-service Training Programs for Bilingual Teachers in the State of New Jersey, molding generations of bilingual educators.  Above all, Dr. Edreira always offered support and guidance to Hispanic students and was a role model to be cherished and admired.

“Dr. Edreira’s legacy will live on in all the lives he’s touched, in his students and in the Elizabeth Public Schools’ academy that bears his name.  In 2000, it was a privilege to read a dedication to Dr. Edreira life’s work of language and teaching into the Congressional record.  I was proud and honored to call Dr. Edreira a dear friend.  My sincere condolences go out to his family and all those mourning this tremendous loss.”