Republica Havas Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Jorge A. Plasencia Receives Honorary Doctorate, Delivers Commencement Address to New Jersey City University Class of 2026

Milestone honor coincides with Republica Havas’ 20th anniversary and Amigos For Kids’ 35 years of impact
MIAMI, May 21, 2026 — Republica Havas announced today that its Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, and Global Chief Client Officer of the Havas Creative Network, Jorge A. Plasencia, received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from New Jersey City University (NJCU) and delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2026 on May 19 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The honorary degree was conferred by NJCU President Andrés Acebo. The honor comes during a milestone year, as Republica Havas celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 and Amigos For Kids, the Miami-based nonprofit Plasencia co-founded at age 17, marks 35 years of impact on children and families.
Addressing more than 1,500 graduates at NJCU’s final standalone commencement ceremony in the university’s 99-year history before its merger with Kean University, Plasencia delivered a message rooted in gratitude, culture, purpose, and service, honoring his late parents and the many people who shaped his story.
“Your diploma may carry your name, but your story has many authors,” said Dr. Plasencia. “I know that because mine does. Honor them by how you live, and now go become an author in someone else’s story. Work hard. Stay humble. Give back.”
A Miami-born Cuban American entrepreneur, philanthropist and cultural leader whose career has spanned global marketing, music, entertainment and sports, Plasencia co-founded Republica Havas in 2006 and has helped grow it into a leading international creative and communications agency, now celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026.
In addition to co-founding Amigos For Kids, his philanthropic and civic leadership includes currently serving as board chair of the Miami Dade College Foundation; and on the boards of the 4As, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and Facts About Cuban Exiles (FACE).
“New Jersey City University was proud to confer the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, upon my dear friend, Jorge A. Plasencia, an extraordinary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader whose life reflects the values that have sustained this institution for nearly a century: perseverance, sacrifice, service, and love of community. As the sons of Cuban exiles, Jorge and I share a deep understanding of the hopes, hardships, and quiet acts of courage that shape our families and define so many of the communities NJCU was created to serve,” said NJCU President Andrés Acebo.
“There was profound pride in recognizing someone whose life story carries so much of that shared inheritance: faith, resilience, gratitude, and the responsibility to open doors wider for those who follow behind us. As NJCU prepares to close a defining chapter in its history, it felt especially meaningful that one of the final honorary degrees conferred in the name of this university would be bestowed upon someone whose life so powerfully reflects the spirit and mission of this institution. Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Jorge is a man of humility, generosity, decency, and heart. It was both a personal privilege and an institutional honor to recognize him during this historic moment in the life of our university. Congratulations, Doctor Plasencia,” Acebo added.
About Republica Havas
Republica Havas is a global communications company providing culture-forward marketing solutions to Fortune 500 and blue-chip brands through its Creative, Media, Health and Wellness, and Consumer Experiences divisions. The Miami-based agency has earned numerous international awards, including Cannes Lions, Effies, Clios and Ojos. Founded in 2006, Republica Havas is an NMSDC-certified company and serves as the lead multicultural partner of Havas, one of the world’s largest communications groups, with more than 700 agencies in over 100 countries. For more information, visit republicahavas.com and follow @republicahavas on social media.

























