Miguel Hernández Agosto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Miguel Hernández Agosto
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| 9th President of the Senate of Puerto Rico | |
| In office January 2, 1981 – December 31, 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Luis A. Ferré |
| Succeeded by | Roberto Rexach Benítez |
| President pro tempore of the Senate of Puerto Rico | |
| In office 1973–1976 |
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| Preceded by | Juan Cancel Ríos |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Ramos Barroso |
| Member of the Senate of Puerto Rico from At-large district | |
| In office 1970–1997 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 5, 1927 Las Piedras, Puerto Rico |
| Died | March 18, 2016 (aged 88) San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Popular Democratic Party |
| Spouse | María Casanova |
| Alma mater | University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (B.A.) Michigan State (M.S.) University of Michigan |
| Profession | Politician, lawyer |
Miguel Hernández Agosto (born April 5, 1927 – died March 18, 2016) was an important politician from Puerto Rico. He served in the government for many years. He was a member of the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). He started his political journey as a Cabinet member. Later, he became a Senator, representing the entire island. Hernández Agosto was the President of the Senate of Puerto Rico for 12 years, from 1981 to 1993.
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Early Life and School
Miguel Hernández Agosto was born on April 5, 1927. His hometown was Las Piedras, Puerto Rico.
He finished his first college degree in agricultural sciences at age 19. This was at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. The next year, he earned a master's degree from Michigan State University. Later, he got a PhD from the University of Michigan. He was also a member of Phi Iota Alpha. This is a very old group for Latino American college students.
Working Before Politics
When he was younger, Hernández Agosto worked as a teacher. He taught science and math. He taught at high schools in Humacao and Juncos.
Serving the Public
From 1960 to 1965, Hernández Agosto led the Puerto Rico Lands Authority. This was under Governor Luis Muñoz Marín. Governor Muñoz Marín then chose him to be the Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture. He also held this job when Roberto Sánchez Vilella was governor.
In 1970, he started his elected political career. He became a Senator representing the whole island. He took the place of Senator Muñoz Marín, who had resigned. Two years later, he was elected Senator for the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). In 1973, he became the vice-president of the Senate. He was reelected in 1976. After that, he became the leader of the minority party in the Senate.
In 1981, Hernández Agosto was elected again. He then became the ninth president of the Senate of Puerto Rico. He held this powerful position for 12 years. In 1993, his party lost the elections. He then became the Senate Minority Leader for his party until 1996.
Hernández Agosto was also the president of the Popular Democratic Party. This was from 1978 to 1981. He also led a committee for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America and Puerto Rico.
He was also connected to the Democratic Party in the United States. In 1988, he became the State Chair for the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico. He held this role until 1992.
Later Years and Passing
In his last years, Hernández Agosto taught law part-time. He taught at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law. He also worked as a lawyer. In 2008, he helped with Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá's campaign. However, the governor was not reelected.
Miguel Hernández Agosto passed away on March 18, 2016. Governor Alejandro García Padilla ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff for five days. This was done to honor him.
See also
In Spanish: Miguel Hernández Agosto para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
- Senate of Puerto Rico
