CONTACT

HISTORIC EXPANSION

WORLD SERIES SUCCESS

MBA TEAM CHAMPS

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FALL 2015 VOL. 16 N. 1

16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054stu.edu

NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY

Historic Gift Cornerstone of New Building

CONTACT

is published by theOffice of University

Advancement, Marketing & Communications

St. Thomas University16401 NW 37th Avenue

Miami Gardens, FL 33054CONTACT@stu.edu

President Rev. Msgr Franklyn M. Casale

EditorHilda M. Fernandez

VP, Advancement

Art Director/Graphic DesignerRob Fabricio

Contributors

Lorena Hidalgo, Alumni Relations Director

Phil De Montmollin, Athletics Information Officer

Kendra Parker, Law School Communications

Marivi Prado, Chief Marketing OfficerSt. Thomas Welcomes New Provost

A national leader in higher education has tak-en the academic helm at St. Thomas Universi-ty. New Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Irma Becerra is a demonstrated innovator with a broad educational background that spans the fields of engineering, information technol-ogy and business. A published academic, most recently, Dr. Becerra served as the Vice Presi-dent, Office of Engagement at Florida Interna-tional University, following a two-decade ca-reer in academia that has included leadership positions in and out of the classroom. With a reputation for understanding today’s market-place demands, Dr. Becerra has worked with faculty and staff to fast-track the expansion of more than twenty new undergraduate and graduate programs in Business, Science, Theology, the liberal arts and education, as well as expanding Dual Enrollment, and launching an innova-tive partnership with Catholic High Schools to implement career academies.

Dear Alumni and Friends,The excitement of final exams, the pageantry of Com-mencement and the conclusion of an exciting base-ball championship run are behind us. The 2014/15 Academic Year was certainly full of incredible change and many milestones for our growing University. What an amazing and blessed year we had.New faces have taken the helm of key leadership positions, while the team worked together to design new academic degrees to expand our offerings; the first of those degrees rolled out this Fall. Our online programs have also experienced significant growth, meeting market demands across the country. A part-nership with our Catholic high schools is providing for an educational continuum that builds on their foundation of faith and commitment to academic excellence.There were many accolades for our students, faculty and programs – both on and off the field of play –

from Princeton Review, to the Suncoast Conference, to Fullbright Scholars. Bobcats presented cancer research in Athens, won national competitions against other top universities, and helped farmers in Haiti grow their coffee cooperative. Equally exciting is our progress on our Blueprint for Leadership Plan. From building a new home for our School of Business, to bringing in the top academics to lead our exciting new programs, and providing resources for students to enjoy hands-on learning, the Blueprint is our roadmap to cementing our position as the best Catholic university in the southeast. I especially want to thank all of you that supported our Annual Giving Campaign. While our Blueprint helps us build our fu-ture, our Annual Giving Campaign helps us meet today’s needs – from institutional scholarships, to educational programming, and facility improvements. As our campus fills with students and visitors taking advantage of all types of educational pro-grams, we prepare for another year of exciting opportunities. It is an exciting time at St. Thomas University, and we are so pleased that you are a part of it!

Rev. Msgr. Franklyn M. CasalePresident

FALL 2015 VOL. 16 N. 1STAY CONNECTED WITH STU ON:

It is the single-largest gift to St. Thomas University, to-date. On July 1st, the St. Thomas University Board of Trustees and President announced that former Trustee and prominent South Florida businessman, Mr. Gus Machado, pledged $5 million for the Blueprint for Leadership Cam-paign – the University’s ambitious plan to cement its position as the best Catholic university in the Southeast. Mr. Machado’s generous gift provides the cornerstone of the construction funding to provide cur-rent and expanded business programs in a new, state-of-the-art School of Business facility. Alumnus, Trustee and distinguished business ex-ecutive Jorge Rico pledged an additional $1 million, jumpstarting the project. Mr. Machado’s legacy of business leadership and philanthropic support will be recognized through the naming of the Gus Machado School of Business at St. Thomas University.A former member of St. Thomas University’s Board of Trustees, Gus Machado came to the United States from Cuba in 1949 and attended military school in North Carolina. A visionary businessman, he owned a series of car dealerships until he acquired his first franchise in 1982, Gus Machado Buick. Today, he is President of Gus Machado Ford and continues to lead his company to multi-city success. Mr. Machado, and his wife Lilliam, are a major force in Florida philanthropy, supporting many charitable organizations. “Supporting our future business leaders means the world to me,” said Mr. Machado. “Being able to make that happen at St. Thomas University – a University that has a reputation for providing an excellent educational experience and developing the next generation of ethical business leaders – is an opportunity I am very pleased to be a part of.”The twenty-first century facility will house the institutes of Global Entrepreneurship, Cyber Security Management, Trade and Logistics and Sports Administration, as well as other business programs, and have an open architecture, green design that will feature multi-pur-pose spaces and combine robust technology with functionalities that will help students learn real-life business practices. Interactive Smart Classrooms with specialized software, audience response technology, networking and audio/visual capabilities, as well as a Trad-ing Room, a Global Conference Auditorium, the Student Business Incubator, and a Communications and Media Lab, are among other innovative spaces.“Gus Machado is a name well respected in our community. His generosity will allow our institution to offer a first-class business edu-cation in a first-class, values-based, multipurpose environment,” said St. Thomas President Rev. Msgr. Franklyn M. Casale. ”Thanks to Mr. Machado’s gift, as well as the generous donation by Trustee and alumnus Jorge Rico, the new Gus Machado School of Business at St. Thomas University will empower our business students to meet business challenges with free market solutions and excel as ethical leaders in the global marketplace.”

Naming Gift launches exciting new chapter for St. Thomas University

BLUEPRINT FOR LEADERSHIP UPDATEThe exciting news about the Gus Machado School of Business caps a year of incredible generosity and support of St. Thomas University. Last Fall, an anony-mous donor pledged $2 million to fund the new Endowed Distinguished Chair in Cyber Security Management, allowing St. Thomas to hire the top expert in the field to launch this innovative, multi-disciplinary program. A new program within our Sports Administration offerings will be possible thanks to the sup-port of businessman Art Hertz. His $500,000 donation will fund an endowed professorship in Sports Tourism. Soon, the University will break ground on new sand volleyball courts, a dream of donor and trustee Dominic Miniaci, as well as begin improvements to our Library atrium funded through a $100,000 gift from philanthropist Glenn Hubert. Substantial gifts to the Center for Commu-nity Engagement, as well as the generosity of the dozen donors that jointly provided $200,000 this past year as a match to the $200,000 Batchelor Foun-dation Scholarship Endowment, have expanded programs and scholarships identified as priorities in our Blueprint for Leadership.“Every area of our Blueprint for Leadership benefited from the generosity of individuals and organizations this past year,” said Vice President for University Advancement Hilda M. Fernandez. “It is clear that many alumni and friends share our vision for this incredible University, and we are so grateful for their support in making this vision a reality.”

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President’s Message Spotlight

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St. Thomas recently welcomed Miguel “Mike” Benito Fernan-dez and his family to campus for an enlightening and well-attend-ed book-signing event in the Alex Hanna Legal Information Center at the St. Thomas School of Law. The book, titled Humbled by the Jour-ney- Life Lessons for My Family.and Yours, tells the story of Mr. Fernan-dez’s 508-mile pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago, from France through Spain, as well as his life’s

journey that took him from the dirt roads of Cuba to the pinnacles of professional and business success in the United States. During the event, he shared inspirational anecdotes from his life story and travels. Mr. Fernandez is the founder of MBF Healthcare Partners (a private equity firm). His charity work includes a family founda-tion that has raised and donated tens of millions of dollars to chil-dren and educational causes.

A commitment to prepare graduates to meet the workforce of the future is paramount for St. Thomas University. After analy-sis and discernment to define specific career demands, a historic academic expansion has been launched that is designed to meet existing and future marketplace needs. These academic enhance-ments include the addition of 20 new degree programs to St. Thomas University’s already broad and diverse program offerings. Many of the new programs will begin this Fall.Among the expanded course offerings are unique bachelors, mas-ters and MBA programs. The unique Cyber Security Management degree curriculum is interdisciplinary, with course offerings that relate to business, technology, criminal justice and law. The Trade and Logistics degree programs respond to our unique location as the Gateway to the Americas, addressing the need for a special-ized workforce. Our highly regarded Sports Administration pro-gram is also expanding to offer a unique Doctorate of Business Administration in Sports Administration, and Bachelor and Mas-ter Degrees in Nursing address the increasing need for healthcare workers with college degrees as well as the growing demand for Nurse Practitioners. “Typically students go where the jobs are, and we are sensitive to that” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Irma Becerra. “We’re dedicated to seeing every student graduate within four years, with a job waiting at graduation. So when putting these programs together, we look at areas where we know there is a need for people with skills.”

Additional new degrees and enhanced programs include: BBA and MBA in Marketing; MA in Liberal Studies for the 21st Century with four unique concentrations; and an MA in Criminal Justice. New science degrees include an MS in Applied Mathematics; MS in Cell and Molecular Biology; BS in Physics; MS in Applied Physics in Na-noscience; MS in Healthcare Ethics; MS in Data Analytics Engineer-ing; and an MS in Science Teaching. An expansion of programs to meet the needs of teachers also includes an MS in Reading and an MS in Educational Technology. Each new degree program under-goes a rigorous review process, with a prospectus – the equivalent of a business plan – that must be approved internally by the Uni-versity’s Academic Program Committee, and then by the Board of Trustees.

HISTORIC ACADEMIC EXPANSION AT ST. THOMAS

LIFE LESSONS FROM ENTREPRENEUR MIKE FERNANDEZ

CATHOLIC EDUCATION CONTINUUM CONTINUES EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND FAITH FORMATION

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STU Online Last Fall, St. Thomas expanded its online offerings, providing students from more than 20 states, as well as here at home, with an opportunity to receive a masters or doctorate degree in one of our education programs. More than 300 students enrolled within the first five months. New programs will be launched in the new academic year, including degrees in inter-national business and global entrepreneurship.

NEW - AND FAMILIAR - FACES TRANSFORMING OUR CAMPUS• Communications and public affairs veteran Hilda Fernandez is our new Vice President for University Advancement, Marketing and Communications. A former public administrator, assistant city manager and county communications director, Ms. Fernandez oversees Alumni Relations, the Annual Fund, Marketing and Communications, and the implementation of St. Thomas University’s comprehensive Blueprint for Leadership Campaign. • Dr. John Vassiliou is the new Associate Provost for Student Success with responsibilities for the academic advising, career services, institutional research and the S.O.C.R.A.T.E.S. (Student Oriented Center for Retention & Advancement through Technology & Educational Support) Tutoring Labs and Testing Services. Dr. Vassiliou has a PhD in Higher Education and Leadership, and is also an STU alum.• Carmen Brown joined St. Thomas as the new Vice President for Student Enrollment. Ms. Brown held similar positions at the University of New Mexico, Florida International University and, more recently, Cleveland State University.• Law Professor Alfredo Garcia returned as Dean of the School of Law. An eminent scholar and experienced legal administrator, he is well respected in the legal and South Florida community, and served as the first Cuban-born Dean of an ABA approved law school. • STU welcomes new School of Business Dean Somnath Bhattacharya. An experienced administrator, he holds a doctorate in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of South Florida, and an MBA in Management Information Systems from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Bhattacharya served as an Associate Dean and Interim Dean of Florida Atlantic University. • Dr. Darryl Arnold is the newly appointed Interim Dean of Biscayne College. Dr. Arnold, who is also Associate Professor of Philosophy, previously held faculty positions at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and Colorado State University, Pueblo. He has a doc-torate in philosophy from the University of Bielefeld (Germany), an MA from St. Louis University, and a BA from Bellarmine University.

ST. THOMAS LAW SELECTED AS THE REPOSITORY FOR JUDGE WILLIAM HOEVELER’S JUDICIAL PAPERSOn March 18, 2015, St. Thomas University School of Law was selected as the repository for Judge Williams Hoeveler’s judicial papers. The St. Thomas University School of Law’s Alex Hanna Legal Information Center is now home to Judge Hoeveler’s case-related documents and correspondence, distinct from the official Court record of his cases. The collection includes his personal anecdotes, exchanges with attorneys and notes that serve to document Judge Hoeveler’s career and give unique insight into the process of his judicial deliberation through many of the cases over which he presided. “These documents can bring judicial history alive for law students, legal scholars and the general public alike in a way that textbooks may not,” added Law School Dean Al Garcia. In addition to the papers, the Law School will house memorabilia that include courtroom sketches from the Manuel Noriega trial, the Pontifical Medal Benemerenti bestowed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, personal photographs, and even Judge Hoeveler’s famous briefcase.

Around CampusAround Campus

It is a logical partnership, and now it has a name: the Catho-lic Education Continuum (CEC). This new program strength-ens the ties between Catholic high schools in the tri-county area and St. Thomas University, offering distinct benefits to the high schools, their faculty and especially their students. The goal is to provide a seamless transition of educational ex-cellence and faith formation as the students graduate from their Catholic high school. The partnership includes the de-velopment of Career Academies at each Catholic high school, providing students with the possibility of college degree acceleration and early immersion in their career path. The academies allow students to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees sooner by starting their college coursework in high school. Participating students can earn a Bachelors/Master’s degree in four years or a Bachelors and Law degree in five years. Academies in the areas of Pre-Law, Sports Ad-ministration, Hospitality Management, Biology, and Nursing start Fall 2015, with additional academies in the pipeline. The CEC also includes a full-tuition scholarship to St. Thomas Uni-versity for a student from each Catholic high school in the tri-county area. Eight scholarships were awarded this inau-gural year.

A NEW CLASS OF LEADERS FOR LIFE! ST. THOMAS COMMENCEMENT WELCOMES NEW ALUMNIThe 422 members of the St. Thomas University Class of 2015 celebrated com-mencement ceremonies Saturday, May 16, at the Fernandez Family Center for Leadership and Wellness, starting with the School of Law graduation in the morn-ing. Former Florida Governor Bob Martinez served as the School of Law commence-ment speaker, while widely recognized business leader and civic figure, Stanley G. Tate was the keynote speaker for the Main University Commencement exercises that afternoon. The former, long-time member of the St. Thomas University Board of Trustees, who is also a former mayor, city councilman, and President of the Na-tional Advisory Board of the Resolution Trust Corporation, reminded the graduates of the importance of passion and commitment. “St. Thomas University welcomes its newest alumni and looks forward to witnessing them accomplish many great things in our community and society,” said President Rev. Msgr. Franklyn Casale.

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur? Once again, St. Thomas University brought together top impresarios from various business sectors to share their words of wisdom during the 6th Annual Global Entrepreneurship Week. The week of events began with the CEO Roundtable, which included Archbishop Thomas Wenski as key-note speaker, and a panel of outstanding entrepreneurial business leaders. CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings (then Prestige Cruise Holdings), Frank del Rio; STU Trustee and CEO of Murgado Automotive Group, Mario Murgado; and Mike Thomas, CEO of Bioheart spoke to students and guests about how to bring “an idea to life.” Critical industry sectors formed part of the program agenda of the Business Leaders Panel, with Century Bank CEO Carlos Davila; Erich de la Fuente, CEO of EDF Commu-nications; CEO of Simply Healthcare Lourdes Rios; and Frank Unanue, President of Goya Foods providing incredible insight on what you need to succeed. Women lead-ers shared “A View from the Top” – offering recommendations and ideas from trail-blazing women entrepreneurs. The panel included Managing Partner of VS Brooks Advertising Diana Brooks; Hope Calhoun, Partner at Dunay, Miskel & Backman, LLP; All American Containers President Remedios Diaz-Oliver; Vicki Simmons-Hinz, Part-ner at Cherry Baekart; and Victoria Villalba, President of Victoria @ Associates Career Services. An alumni-led panel discussion and networking reception on Social Enter-prise, and a student business plan competition rounded out this year’s program.

STUDENTS HEAR FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS AT 6th GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

Law Professor Roza Pati participated in the 28th Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace that took place at the Vatican on 1-3 October 2014. The Assembly coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Professor Pati is a member of the Pontifical Council.

School of Law Dean Alfredo Garcia was named to the Lawyers of Color’s Fourth Annual Power List, a comprehensive catalog of the nation’s most influential minority lawyers and non-minority diversity advocates.

Law Professor Siegfried Wiessner, taught an intensive course on the “Separation of Powers and Individual Rights under United States Constitutional at Romanian-American University in Bucharest, Romania. He also conducted a workshop on the New Haven School of Jurisprudence, at the invitation of STU Alum Dr. Silvia Martis Tabusca.

Dr. Judith Bachay, professor in the Social Science and Counseling Department, was awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant for Summer 2015. She worked with Almamater Europaea, an international university based in the Austrian City of Salzburg which was founded as an initiative by the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and includes 29 Nobel Laureates. She was based in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Law Professor Patricia Moore Testified before Congress on Friday, February 27, 2015, on the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005: Ten Years Later. Professor Moore was invited by the Chief Counsel of Democratic Staff Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representatives, and was the only law professor to testify before Congress. Professor of History Dr. Francis Sicius’ latest book, The Progressive Era, was released in May.

Law Professor Roy Balleste Published His Latest Book, Internet Governance: Origins, Current Issues, and Future Possibilities. The book explores computer history, internet beginnings, institutions and stakeholders, proposed models of governance, and human rights. Political Science Professor Tom Brezenski was recently published in the JMR in the area of mental health public policy research, as well as serving as the political commentator for Radio 610 WIOD in Miami on matters ranging from the Florida state legislative budget impasse to Jeb Bush’s run for the GOP presidential nomination.

Law Professor Amy Ronner has published her latest literary work, Dostoevsky and the Law. The book is Professor Ronner’s perspec-tive on how Dostoevsky, a Russian writer’s, experience with the legal system in his country influenced his writing and the law.

Anthony Vinciguerra, Coordinator for the Center for Community Engagement, was selected by Florida Campus Compact as the Flor-ida Engaged Educator of the Year, and received the 1st Place - Spirit of Service Learning Award/Higher Education from the Miami-Dade Teacher of the Year Coalition/Returned Peace Corp Volunteers of South Florida in October.

Law Professor and former Law School Dean Doug Ray has published the Fourth Edition of UNDERSTANDING LABOR LAW. The book focuses on the National Labor Relations Act and private sector labor-management relations.

Rev. James MacDougallFor almost 46 years, Rev. James MacDougall – affectionately known as Fr. Mac – was part of our Bobcat family. After joining St. Thomas University in August 1969, Fr. Mac served as Chaplain, Assistant Professor of History and Theology, Tennis Coach and Director of Campus Ministry. Even after his retirement, he remained very involved with student life, often walking over from the Augustinian Monastery to sit in his favorite chair at the library and read the New York Times or talk to students. Father Mac also continued to celebrate mass at the Chapel of Saint Anthony on campus. A farewell mass and reception was held on May 14th for Father Mac, which was attended by alumni, faculty and staff. An Augustinian, Father Mac will be relocating to a parish in his hometown Bronx.

St. Thomas of Villanova Society ($10,000 & Above):Amaturo Family Foundation, Inc.ExxonMobil FoundationHector Family Donor Advised FundJoseph P. LacherPeter H. Prieto, 1982* Rodger D. ShaySandy Hill Foundation St. Augustine Society ($5,000 - $9,999):Alex Penelas, 1981*Anita BrittCamille BuccellatoFranklyn M. CasaleJose F. NavarroMario Trueba, 1980*Paul A. GarciaRudolph A. CecchiSara FultonLourdes RivasVictor H. Mendelson

St. Rita of Cascia Society ($1,000 - $4,999):A. Oliveros TransportationAlfredo Garcia Andrew M. Elisburg, 1989Charles J. Zwick Ciro L. Buttacavoli, 1981*Cyrus M. JollivetteDonald E. Dresback, 1969*Fred W. Federici G4S Secure Solutions USA, Inc.Gary T. Blandino, 1977*GEICO DirectGeorge L. CuestaGloria A. Kotrady Guy ProtanoHarold J. Zabsky Hilda M. Fernandez Irma BecerraJan A. Bell James E. McDonaldJohn J. BrunettiJorge L. Lopez, 1984*Lance A. Bardell, 1990Larry McKinneyLeif G. NovieLoly Espino Marilyn L. Blanchette Maureen SheaMichael S. KellyPaul D. Mainieri, 1982*Paul R. PhilipPeter L. Gerety Richard Raleigh Robert P. Johnson, 1985Terry O’Connor The Miami FoundationVincent C. Hennessy, 1967*

$250 - $999:Academic Insurance SolutionsAndres Marrero, 2002, 2006Angela M. Toth, 2006 Brian F. Groden, 1982*Brian T. Trymbiski, 1980*Charles T. Steinmetz, 1975*Dolores A. De Montmollin, 1991Elvira L. Mountain, 2002, 2004 Fred A. Maas, 1974*Gail Casale Gary Feinberg Gennaro J. Chiocca, 1968*Glenn A. Hubert Gordon T. Butler Hernando E. Brown, Jr., 1977*

James A. Cox, 1968*James W. Conley Janine R. Laudisio John Abdirkin John E. McCann, 1968*John R. Bowen, 1979*Kenneth M. Donohue, 1969*Maria Carmen Torreiro Maria J. Fonte, 2012Maria M. O’Reilly, 1995Nicole Grandmont-Gariboldi Obdulio J. Piedra, 1984*Pamela L. Loconto, 2005, 2010 Peggy NordeenPhilip H. White Raul Cendan, 1980*Richard E. Murray, 1970*Robert A. McGoldrick, 1970*Robert M. Golson, 1998Robin L. Lovett Sean P. Melvin, 1987Sheldon W. McCartney, 1973*Silvia A. RodriguezSomnath Bhattacharya Steven C. Simon, 1993Tamara F. Lawson Unforgettable Memories Corp.Vyacheslav Borshchukov, 2009Yisel Cabrera

$100 - $249:American Insurance Admin.Ana J. Marrero, 2012Ana M. Houston, 1988Andrew C. Platowski, 1969Angela C. Rodriguez, 1976 Archdiocese of Miami Arthur Roberts, 1976Aymara Del AguilaBarbara B. Fisher, 1990Barbara M. Buzzi, 1984 Benjamin Kudary, 1992Best Quality DécorBryan T. Froehle Carmelo Romanello Cristina C. Lopez, 1998, 2000, 2013Deanna M. Christensen, 1989Dennis J. Hartnett, 1979Dennis M. McCarron, 1980Donn J. Taylor, 1985Drew J. Bauman Edward Kelly, 1992Elda D. Gonzalez, 1980Elizabeth V. Donovan Follett Higher Education GroupFrancis J. Sicius Gary L. Richter, 1986Gerald W. McCann, 1969Guerdy R. Abraira, 2000Helen Jacobstein Helen L. Woods, 1980Helen M. Dougherty Ignacio Tamayo Isabel Medina PascuIsis P. Velaso, 2007 Ivelisse R. Martinez Jacqueline A. Ordehi, 2013 James F. McCloud, 1973James P. Whelan, 1968Jerry Weinberg Jimmie L. Brown, 1973, 1979John E. Gilger, 1994John J. Donohue, 1980John T. Glennon, 1970Jose R. Llamazares Joseph A. Freddoso, 1984Joseph T. Cooney, 1968Juan M. Zamora Laura J. Courtley-Todd, 1995Laureano J. Pujol, 1988 Lawrence K. Dooley, 1972

Lenore M. Prado, 1999 LINQ Financial Group, Inc.Lloyd A. Mitchell Lorena M. Hidalgo Louis B. Panza, 1968Luis Andujas, 1971Maria A. Hare, 1984Maria A. Tilson, 2006Maria V. Errickson, 1988Marilynn B. Campanile Marivi V. Prado Mary E. Flannery Mary Jo D. Macro, 1993Michael A. Zoovas, 1977Michael E. Deitche, 1977Michael H. Toomey, 1980Nelson Valentin Nicholas W. Romanello, 1993Pablo A. Tamayo, 2007Patricia Moore Patrick R. Kalahar, 1993Paul A. Lueken, 1985Paul J. Cornely, 1977Paul V. Roddy, 1972Rob S. Castner, 1968Robert E. Constant, 2001Robert F. McQueen, 1985Rodney C. Shaw, 1988Ronald D. Hultquist Ronald J. Ziccardi, 1981Samantha S. Loveland, 2011Shirely E. Key, 2003Susan Massey Susan Warheit Sylvia Rodriguez Thomas P. Casey, 1970Thomas R. Bresnahan, 1980William A. Kirk, 1989William B. Berger, 1976, 1978William E. Dresback William R. Burdette Willy Izquierdo, 1990, 1996

$99 & Below:Adis Padron Agueda Ogazon, 1997 Aileen B. O’Gilvie, 2006Aimee Moran Albrey Grimsley Alexis Tapanes-Castillo Alfred R. Light Alfredo Muente Alicia M. Benesh, 1988Amar Patel, 2010 Ana C. Menoscal Ana R. Rodriguez Andrea Valdez, 2006, 2014 Angelica J. Lopez, 1986Anilda Wright Ann L. House Ann Marie T. Benzinger, 1988Anthony Bonta Anthony Noriega Anthony R. Ciel Barbara E. McCrabb, 1988Bella L. Lopez, 1978*Berardo B. Fuentez, 1985, 1994Bernice N. Minaya, 2013 Berta T. Johnson, 2000 Brian W. Babin, 1991Camilo Hurtado Carla L. Valeriani, 2010 Carlin L. Whitesell, 2007Carlos De Yarza, 2014Carlos M. Sirgo, 1983, 1986Carmen M. Cintron Carmen Quiroga-Barberis, 2011 Carole-Anne P. Chambers, 2008, 2013Carolyn D. Guniss, 1993Carolyn P. Murray, 1979

Celia F. Bermejo, 2007, 2010Celso J. Alvarez Christine J. Reis, 1998 Christopher E. Williams, 2008Christopher M. Rose Christopher S. Keighley, 1996 Connie H. Locke, 1982Constance K. Brannan, 2003Crystal Morvant Cynthia M. Lee, 2003Daniel P. Carlson, 1993Daniella Muente, 2014Dave J. Hilbert, 1989David A. Wyman, 1995David G. Luchetti, 1986Dayra Ortega Deborah M. Rorex, 1992Diana Aliko, 2003 Edward F. Sallie, 1971Edward K. Halsey, 1990Ely M. Dantin, 2014 Esther B. Cintron, 1982Facundo D. Torino, 2014 Farah Hester Feliks Mats, 2004 Frances Peake Francis J. McGarry Genevieve Burke, 1991, 1995George Fernandez Giselle Jamison Gretell Garcia, 2004, 2006 Hagai Gringarten Hans T. Fjellman, 1971Helen E. Rosenthal Iluminada Gil Ira M. Katz, 1987Ira S. Nathenson Jacqueline House Jaimie Williamson James D. Slack, 1980James E. Wimberly, 1997James F. Claffey, 1971James M. Condon, 1973Jeffrey M. Eisen, 1987Joan C. Glenn-Barr, 1985John Kang John M. Guertin, 1979Jordan McCann, 2014 Jorge Perez, 2012 Jorge Rodriguez Jose Rocha Jose V. Salcedo, 2013Josefina Oramas Joseph J. Shantz, 1971Juan C. Gutierrez Juan E. Jimenez, 1974Justin L. Peart Kanishia C. Hill, 2012 Kathleen K. Geanes, 1983Ken Farrington Kevin E. Cudlipp, 2014Kristian A. Guio, 1995Lauren Gilbert Lauren M. Shoemake, 2011Linda M. Jackson, 1983Lizette Muniz-Lantigua, 1987Luis A. Viveros, 2002Lynda S. DiPrima, 1985Macaria Sanchez Mae K. Goins, 1999Maggie E. Colebrook, 1989Manuel Yanez Maria D. Abdel, 2002 Maria Rodriguez Maribel Smith Mariella Muente Marietta C. Cozzi, 1985Marile Lopez

Mario E. Tarradell, 1987Maritza Rivera Marlene T. Chere, 1995Marlene V. Izquierdo, 1997Martin J. Mack, 1985Martin P. Sullivan, 1972Mary C. Waren, 1985 Mary K. Stark Mary M. Cline, 1980Maureen Budlong Melissa A. Giesler, 2007 Mercedes U. Lawler, 2005, 2008Meredith Parry Michael C. Jacobson, 2006Michael E. Cudlipp, 1999Michael J. Kopcha, 1968Michael P. Plummer, 1986, 1997Michelle L. Smith, 2000 Miguel Hernandez Misty R. Mayfield, 1998Monique Brijbasi Monique T. Farach, 1988Muriel Menaged, 1991Nancy J. Olson, 1981Nancy M. Nesselt, 1980, 1983Nelson M. Sanchez. 1979Norma Darias Ofelia L. Sosa, 1982Omaira B. Villavicencio, 1979Omar Duran Ondina A. Cortes, 2013 Orlando R. Barreto Paul D. Maxwell Paul-Michael Klein Pedro A. Figueredo Peter T. Kelly Phil E. DeMontmollin, 1996 Philip E. Cotter, 1990Raul Fernandez-Calienes, 2004 Raul J. Carrillo Raymond Hospitalet, 2000Ricardo Ordehi Richard H. McNab, 2005, 2007 Richard J. Elliston, 1980Richard R. Zientek, 1984Rita Laguna Rob Fabricio Robert A. Nicholas, 1988Robert Jack Robert W. Marco, 1979Rosario A. Infiesta, 1983Rudy Ibarra Ruth B. Esteras, 2005 Shirley McCall Sofia Fillmore Taylor, 1976Srabana Gupta Stanley Flax Stephanie A. Theile, 2010 Stephanie Maynard Patrick Susan C. Keusch, 2013Susana Santana, 2013Tatiana C. Pullen, 2004, 2006 Thomas A. Grey, 1986Thomas A. Moltimore, 1977, 1980Thomas F. Toscani, 1970Timothy W. Dieter, 1997Valinda B. Hayes, 2008Vicia Medal Vivian R. Roca, 2002Wencheng Chang, 2008 Xiomara G. Lee, 1979Yanessy A. Miranda, 2011, 2014 Yasmany Barroso, 2014Yhenis De Royal

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St. Thomas University is grateful to those who donated to the St. Thomas University 2014-2015 Annual Giving Campaign. Your generosity is providing student scholarships, opportunities for research, access to internships, and improvements to our campus, among many other important initiatives. On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, THANK YOU!

DR. JAN BELL INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAMELongtime Director of Sports Administration Retires After 30 YearsDr. Jan Bell retired at the end of this academic year as Professor of Sports Administration following an impactful 30-year tenure at St. Thomas. A sold-out crowd of over 600 attendees honored Dr. Bell when she became the 10th inductee into the Bobcat Sports Hall of Fame at the Sixth Annual Stone Crab Dinner for Athletics. On March, 20, 2015, the Miami Heat hosted a suite at the American Airlines Arena during the Heat-Nuggets game to toast Dr. Bell and thank her for her impact on the three-time NBA Championship organization. Nine alumni who studied under Dr. Bell currently work full-time for the Heat, including Senior Vice President/General Manager Andy Elisburg. The celebra-tion continued on May 22, 2015, as over 125 guests joined Dr. Bell for a retirement party at Marlins Park as the Baltimore Orioles took on the Miami Marlins. Surrounded by the 12 STU Spo-Ad alumni currently working for the Marlins, Dr. Bell threw out the ceremonial first pitch, then enjoyed the matchup between her two favorite MLB teams. Earlier this year Dr. Bell was honored as one of South Florida’s Most Influential Women as part of Miami Dade Parks and Recreation’s 27th annual In the Company of Women Awards Ceremony. Post-retirement, Dr. Bell will continue to have a presence at STU as the NAIA Faculty Athletic Representative for the Department of Athletics. In recognition of Dr. Bell’s enduring impact on STU, the University has established the Dr. Jan Bell Sports Administration Scholarship Fund. The endowed fund will provide scholarship monies to deserving Sports Administration students.

To make a gift to the fund, go to www.stu.edu/onlinegiving.

Faculty News Annual Fund Honor Roll

*Biscayne College Society: Graduates of Biscayne College (1966 - 1984) who donated $250 or more.

Facing stiff competition, St. Thomas University’s School of Business MBA High Perfor-mance Team won first place in the 11th Annual KeyBank Foundation Minority MBA Student Case Competition, held February in Cleveland, Ohio. This was the first time the School of Business Graduate Program competed in this event, presenting against other top-tier business schools and universities in the nation. The three-woman team of Soledad Filgueira, Candy Sicle and Alicia Llamazares – the only team from South Florida invited to compete – made it to the “final five” alongside teams from Yale, USC, Boston College and the University of Chicago. In addition to the first place finish for the St. Thomas University team, Ms. Filgueira, a Global Entrepreneurship major, won the Best Presenter Award during the 1st round of the competition.

School of Law Ranked Top 5 Nationally by Princeton ReviewSt. Thomas University School of Law maintained its Top 5 national ranking in the 2015 edition of the Princeton Review, for having the “Best Environment for Minority Students.” For a law school to be ranked it must meet the Princeton Review’s criteria for academic excellence and be approved by the American Bar Association. Prince-ton Review surveyed almost 20,000 students at 169 law schools and collected data from school administrators, as well as reviewed data on admissions, academics, financial aid, and employment informa-tion, to develop the rankings.

Newman Civic Fellow at STUSt. Thomas University’s June Nzilani Wanbua was selected a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact. The Newman Civic Fellows Award recognizes undergraduate students who are proven leaders with both the motivation and ability to make substantial contribu-tions toward public problem solving. June, a political science and international relations major at St. Thomas University, is one of only 200 Newman Civic Fellows selected nationwide this year for this honor.

St. Thomas Law’s Phi Alpha Delta Chapter Wins National Mock Trial CompetitionThe St. Thomas School of Law’s The PAD Mentschikoff Chapter took top honors at the 2015 Phi Alpha Delta (P.A.D.) National Mock Trial Competition for Law School Chapters, held in Alexandria, VA this past spring. This annual national mock trial competition was limited to 30 law school chapters. Following three rounds of competition, the St. Thomas Law team of Freddy Figueroa, Ileana Garcia, Nata-sha Pargas, and Tayron Lopez advanced to the Final Round against defending champs, Tennessee University. Figueroa and Garcia also earned the award for Best Team Defense.

School of Law Nationally Recognized for Pro Bono ServiceThe 2014 edition of Super Lawyers ranked St. Thomas Law as one of the Top 10 Law Schools for Pro Bono Graduation Requirements. Not only was St. Thomas Law in the top ten nationally, but they were the only law school in South Florida to be ranked in the Top 10. Pro-bono service is a graduation requirement at St Thomas Law, with most students far exceeding the required 40 hours.

Committed and EngagedSt. Thomas has once again been selected as a Lead Institution in Civic Engagement through the NASPA Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Project (NASPA CLDE). Begun in 2012, the NASPA CLDE initiative was founded to highlight, and build collaboration, among universities with a proven commitment to civic engagement. St. Thomas was part of the CLDE’s first cohort of lead institutions in 2012-13 and 2013-14, and was chosen once again for this academic year – our third year in a row.

8 9

A BANNER YEAR FOR BOBCATS ATHLETICS From the courts to the fields, St. Thomas University’s Bobcat Athletics teams and student-athletes enjoyed much success in 2014-15. The STU Women’s Volleyball team won the Sun Conference regular-season championship for the first time since 2001, with two Bobcats (Samantha Garza, Dana Nowaczyk) named first-team All-Conference performers. St. Thomas University Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Callaway Mefford was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Thirty Under 30 list. The award recognizes the nation’s 30 top coaches under 30 years of age. Mefford, who was one of just three coaches from NAIA schools on the list, led the Bobcats to a 23-8 overall record, a 13-1 conference record and the school’s first regular-season Sun Conference championship since 2001. Women’s Basketball swept the regular season and conference tournament championships and advanced to the NAIA National Champi-onships for the third time in five years. STU was led by two-time National Player of the Week Dannisha Pierce, also the Sun Conference Player of the Year and a third-team All-America. The STU Men’s Basketball team, led by first-team All-Conference performers Chuckie Becton and Lorel Beckford, advanced to the NAIA National Championships for the fourth consecutive year and the seventh time overall. Spring sport highlights included the STU softball team and men’s/women’s tennis teams all qualifying for the conference tournament for the seventh straight season.Off the field and courts our sports teams were also champs, with an impressive 11 of 12 STU athletic teams finishing the 2014-15 academic year with a cumulative grade point average of over 3.0, earn-ing the NAIA Scholar Team Athlete Award, while clocking hundreds of hours of community service as part of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program.“From our coaching staff, to our players, this has been a remarkable year for our Bobcat Athletics,” said Athletic Director Laura Courtley-Todd (MS, Sports Administration, ’95). “Our University Com-munity should be immensely proud, as I am, at how our student-athletes performed and conducted themselves. They are champs in every sense of the word.”

HISTORIC PERFORMANCE BY STU BASEBALL The 2015 St. Thomas University baseball team was the most successful in school history, finishing runner up at the NAIA World Series in Lew-iston, Idaho. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jorge Perez (MS, ‘12), the Bobcats advanced to the NAIA World Series Championship Game for the first time in program history, falling just short of the STU’s first national title in any sport. The Bobcats qualified for the NAIA World Se-ries for the fifth time in school history and finished with a no. 2 national ranking in the Postseason NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll. The Bobcats lost in the title game 10-7 to Lewis-Clark State after staving off elimination four times in the ten-team, double-elimination World Series. “They played with heart,” said Bobcat Baseball Coach Jorge Perez (M.S. Educational Administration, ’12). “These young men make all of us proud with their determination and passion. We are already looking forward to returning next year.” Five Bobcats were named to the All-World Series team, including left fielder Jerry Downs, who was drafted in the 15th round by the Boston Red Sox, the first position player from an NAIA school to be selected in the 2015 MLB Draft. The 2015 St. Thomas University Baseball team was honored at the Mar-lins-Cardinals game at Marlins Park on June 23. STU starting pitcher Ben Ancheff threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

STU’S BEN ANCHEFF BECOMES MEDIA SENSATIONIn the days following the NAIA World Series, STU starting pitcher Ben Ancheff became an international media sen-sation with coverage in outlets such as People Magazine, USA Today, the New York Post, ESPN and FOX Sports as well as media outlets in Croatia, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan and the UK. Ancheff, who was coming off Tommy John Surgery, allowed just one run on two hits while striking out five over a season-long 4.1 innings in the championship game on ESPN3. Viewers noticed Ancheff who at 6-2, 300 pounds resembles an NFL offensive lineman and mes-merizes audiences with his prowess on the mound. As the starting pitcher struck out hitters, video began to go viral and within days Ancheff was a household name being called by many as “America’s New Favorite Athlete”.

BOBCAT BASEBALL COACH PEREZ NAMED ABCA/DIAMOND REGIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR St. Thomas University Head Baseball Coach Jorge Perez (M.S. Educational Administration, ‘12) has been named ABCA/Diamond Regional Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Perez won the award after leading St. Thomas to a 48-18 overall record and the first runner-up finish at the NAIA World Series in school history.In seven seasons as the Head Coach at St. Thomas University, Perez has compiled a 240-172 overall record and led the Bobcats to the NAIA World Series Opening Round in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. In 2012, he also led STU to its first Sun Conference Tournament Cham-pionship. “Coach Perez brings to St. Thomas University the kind of passionate leadership that we want to instill in our student-athletes,” said STU Presidents Rev. Msgr. Franklyn Casale. “There is no doubt he deserves this recognition.”Perez, a collegiate and professional baseball player, has been coaching college ball since 1996, and was hired as an Assistant Coach at STU in 1999.

In FocusPoints of PrideSt. Thomas University 1st Place Winner In National MBA Case Competition

Homecoming 2015: Let the Good Times RollHomecoming was a memorable and exciting time for STU students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends. Between the Mardi Gras themed Parade & Celebration, the Bobcats Serve event at Carol City Middle School, an inspiring message from our alumni speaker Dion Welton ’86, and the exciting men’s basketball team win over the Ave Maria Gyrenes, it was a homecoming to remember. Other events included the annual President’s Reception, alumni games, Homecoming Gala, and alumni tailgate party in recognition of Greek alumni. Please visit stu.edu/alumni for the Homecoming 2015 photo gallery.

Alumni Association Chapter NewsSouth FloridaSTU alumni and friends gathered on August 27, 2015 at Yard House in Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach for the annual South Florida Alumni Chapter Happy Hour. Attendees reconnected, networked, and celebrated the end of summer with complimentary cocktails and hours d’ oeuvres.

Houston, TXOn February 18, 2015, STU alumni in Houston enjoyed getting to know each other as well as their city’s history through its charming and unique downtown pubs. The Strolling through Market Square Park, and hearing about the stories behind the bars set in historic Houston buildings, alumni delight-ed in this fun and casual tour of Houston.

Washington, D.C. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, ’85 (PA-08) hosted a reception for the STU National Capital Re-gion (NCR) Alumni Chapter on Capitol Hill on March 23, 2015. University President Monsignor Casale and Law School Dean Al Garcia, alumni and their guests enjoyed an evening of network-ing, hors d’oeuvres and remarks from President Casale, Dean Al Garcia,Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson of Florida. To learn more about the NCR Alumni Chapter, please contact Lorena Hidalgo, director of Alumni Relations at 305-628-6601 or lhidalgo@stu.edu.

Alumni Speakers SeriesHarnessing the Power of Social Media to Get What You WantOn October 22, 2014, STU alumni, students, faculty, staff and guests attended the “Harnessing the Power of Social Media to Get What You Want” panel discussion. Our distinguished alumni speakers included: Guerdy Abraira ‘00, Alvaro De La Cruz‘11, Diego Sanchez ‘13, and Alex Soto ’00. Our moderator was School of Business professor Jose Rocha. The discussion provided insights on how to use social media to increase business, ignite social and political change, build a great brand, and for the job search process. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the future of social media. To learn more about the Alumni Speaker Series, please contact Lorena Hidalgo, director of Alumni Relations at 305-628-6601 or lhidalgo@stu.edu.

Social Enterprise: Start-Ups, Change Makers, and SolutionsThe future of social enterprise was the topic on November 13, 2014 during the Social Enterprise: Start-Ups, Change Makers, and Solu-tions discussion at STU. Speakers included: Haiti Tec board member, Michaelle Auguste Saint-Natus; CEO and president of Charity Ser-vices Centers, William Burdette, Esq.; director of CREATE Accelerator at Miami Dade College, Wifredo Fernandez; coordinator of the STU Center for Community Engagement, Anthony Vinciguerra; and alumnus and social entrepreneur, Neal Waugh ’83. Panelists also shared their favorite collaboration tools and solutions for startups. The discussion was moderated by Entrepreneur Club president, Tony Ma-modaly and treasurer, Youseline Poteau.

Dining with 12 BobcatsAlumna Carol Ellis-Cutler ’84 and her husband Bill hosted our first Dining with 12 Bobcats event at their home in Miami, Fla. on November 4, 2014. The seven STU students that participated had the opportunity to learn from Carol and Bill, as well as the other alumni in attendance (John Baldwin, ’83, Pilar Baldwin, ’85, and Lynda Sult) about their experience as students and graduates entering the workforce. Dining with 12 Strangers is a unique program and growing tradition in colleges and universities across North America that brings alumni hosts together with a group of students to enjoy a good meal, have insightful conversations, and have the opportunity to network and find

10 11

out what life after college is really like. To learn more about Dining with 12 Bobcats or to host an event, contact Lorena Hidalgo, director of Alumni Re-lations at 305-628-6601 or lhidalgo@stu.edu.

ReunionsBiscayne College AlumniA delicious lunch and good conversation was on the menu on January 13, 2015, as Ed Walsh, ’71 and his wife Liz, hosted a group of Biscayne College alumni at their home in Jupiter, FL. Alumni had a wonderful time reconnect-ing with old friends, some they had not seen in over 45 years, reminiscing about days gone by and learning about the University’s progress. Also pres-ent was Coach Stibler, University President Monsignor Casale and Provost Dr. Irma Becerra. If you were not able to make this Biscayne College reunion, we hope to see you at the next one. Visit stu.edu/alumni for the Biscayne College Reunion photo gallery.

International AlumniInternational alumni from the 2005-2008 classes revisted their past, learned about changes on campus and explored the University’s progress during an exclusive campus tour and lunch on May 29, 2015. The group, led by Melissa Gumbs, ’06, reconnected with former classmates, professors and staff, and stocked up on STU memorabilia at the Campus Bookstore during their visit. To plan an alumni re-union and campus tour, contact Lorena Hidalgo, director of Alumni Relations at 305-628-6601 or lhidalgo@stu.edu.

Sports Administration AlumniAn STU Sports Administration alumni reception took place on June 17, 2015 at the Orlando Marriott World Center, during the 2015 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athlet-ics (NACDA) Convention in Orlando, Fla. The event brought together Spo Ad alumni, faculty and staff for an evening of great food and networking.

Alumni Advisory CouncilThe STU Alumni Advisory Council announced new officers on June 26, 2015. The council, which functions in an advisory capacity to the Office of Alumni Relations, has three new officers who will begin their one-year terms on July 1st: Tony Lopez, BBA ’02, Chief of Oper-ations at the Town of Miami Lakes, will serve as Chair. Ben Bobillo, BA ’91, MS ’93, Job Developer at ServiceSource, will become Vice Chair. Renae Martinez, BA ’11, MS ’13, will serve as Secretary. STU Alumni Advisory Council members reflect the diversity of St. Thomas University, and play an integral role in furthering the goals and objectives of the University. To learn more about the STU Alumni Advisory Council, contact Lorena Hidalgo, director of Alumni Relations at 305-628-6601 or lhidalgo@stu.edu.

Did you move, change your phone number or email address? Update your contact information with the Office of Alumni Relations to stay connected. Visit stu.edu/alumni/update or contact us at 305-628-6601.

Alumni News Alumni News

1971

Kenneth Manfredi, B.S. History, and his son

own a real estate/development company

specializing in the construction and sales of

luxury homes in Houston. Ken is semi-retired,

has been married to Kathy for 44 years, and

they have four granddaughters.

1978

William “Bill” Berger, B.A. Public Administration ‘76, M.S. Human Resources ‘78, was appointed as a U.S. Marshal for the

Middle District of Florida by President Barack

Obama. He served as a police chief for 22

years in the City of North Miami Beach and

in Palm Bay, FL

John Mazzola, B.A. Sports Administration, is the general manager for the Eastern

Kentucky Expo Center.

1979

Sylvianne “Ledee” Doucette, B.A. History, served ten years in civil service teaching

hazardous materials packaging and

transportation all over the U.S. and overseas.

She served ten years in the U.S. Coast Guard

in the Port Security Unit, and was the owner

of a company that taught packaging and

transportation of hazardous materials all

over the world. Sylvianne also served as a

North Syracuse, N.Y. volunteer firefighter and

as a member of the Onondaga County (N.Y.)

Hazardous Materials Team. Sylvianne is now

retired, volunteers in her community, and

is a member of the VFW, American Legion,

Paralyzed Veterans of America and the DAV.

1981

Charles Elwood, M.S. Sports Administration, is the deputy director of Intercollegiate

Athletics at Fordham University.

Nancy Olson, M.S. Sports Administration, is an instructor certified by the U.S. Water

Fitness Association at Pine Island Aquatic

Center in Davie, Fla.

1982

Concepcion “Connie” Queralt, B.A., has

been promoted to chief financial officer at

The Kislak Organization in Miami. Concepcion

is a longtime employee of Kislak and has

held numerous senior positions within the

organization. She also worked for several

Kislak affiliates where she was a CFO and a

senior vice president.

1983

Dr. Cedric Alexander, B.A. Sociology, serves

as the deputy chief operating officer of public

safety in DeKalb County, GA. In this position,

he oversees all public safety, police, fire, and

emergency management in the third largest

county in Georgia. Dr. Alexander holds a

doctoral degree in clinical psychology and

a master’s degree in marriage and family

therapy.

1984

Carol Ellis-Cutler, B.A. Travel Tourism, is the

first vice president at CBRE’s office agency

brokerage group in Miami. She focuses on

agency and tenant representation, in addition

to business development for other team

members at CBRE. Carol is the immediate

past chairman of the STU President’s Board

of Advisors.

Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., B.A. International Business ’83 and MBA ‘84, was honored

by United HomeCare, a nonprofit home

and community-based care organization

1968

Joseph T. Cooney, B.A. Liberal Studies, retired from the University of Pennsylvania

after twenty four years working as a human

resources consultant. He is currently an

adjunct professor teaching Performance

Management and Organizational Psychology

& Behavior at Cabrini College and at the

Rosemont College.

1970

Rev. Brian M. Flanagan, B.A. History, who

has served as pastor of the St. Patrick Parish

in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. for 12 years,

retired on July 1, 2015 because of increasing

vision problems. Parishioners organized two

farewell receptions for Father Flanagan,

who is taking some time off to visit family

and contemplate new ministry work for

the future. Father Flanagan held several

leadership roles and served on diocesan

committees and boards in the Dioceses of

Palm Beach. He was one of the diocese’s

most beloved pastors.

Richard E. Murray, B.A. Accounting, who served as president and CEO of the

Kennedy Health System from 1992 to 2009,

was honored when his official portrait was

unveiled and dedicated in the lobby of

Kennedy University Hospital in Stratford,

N.J. Richard devoted nearly 30 years of his

career to Kennedy, leading the healthcare

organization through a period of tremendous

growth and technological advancement, as

he helped merge three individual hospitals

in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington

Township, N.J. into one of the region’s leading

healthcare systems.

12 13

in Florida, with the 2014 Claude Pepper

Memorial Community Advocacy Award. The

award recognizes exceptional contributions

to the welfare of elderly and disabled adults

in the community. He was also honored

with the “Father of the Year” award by the

American Diabetes Association. Produced in

partnership with the Father’s Day Council,

the “Father of the Year” award is given to

fathers who demonstrated the ability to

balance their personal and professional lives

while serving as outstanding role models in

their respective communities.

Robert Monica, B.A. Sports Administration, is the operations specialist at Zebra

MotionWorks Sports Solutions in Delray

Beach, Fla.

1985

Robert P. Johnson, B.A. Psychology, was

presented with his certificate of achievement

for successfully completing the Certified

Florida Community Association Manager

curriculum by the Florida Community

Association Professionals (FCAP) in April

2015.

1986

Ed R. Brown, M.S. Public Management ‘86 and B.A. Public Management ‘78, is

the director for the City of Opa-Locka’s

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in

Florida.

1988

Ken Elder, M.S. Sports Administration, is the senior director of marketing and

strategic partnerships for the College

Football Playoff (CFP).James “Jim” Lake, Jr., B.A. Communication Arts, was promoted

to national sales manager of Guardian

Retirement Solutions at The Guardian Life

Insurance Company of America, one of the

nation’s largest mutual life insurers and a

leading provider of employee benefits.

1989

Mark McCullers, M.S. Sports Administration, is principal at Mark McCullers LLC in

Columbus, OH. He was formerly the president

and general manager of the Columbus Crew,

a professional soccer club in Ohio, which

competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).

1990

Jorge Barbontin, B.A. Business Management, was named general operations manager of

Brickell City Centre in Miami, Fla. by Swire

Properties.

John Dedo, M.S. Sports Administration, is the sales manager and event manager at

Corporate Staging & Events in Sacramento,

Calif. He is also owns JD A-V, an audio visual

equipment company.

1991

Theresa “Teri” Chenot, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy, is an associate professor at

the Jacksonville University School of Nursing.

She has been a full-time faculty member

since 2010.

1992

Madeline Pumariega, B.A. Political Science, was appointed to serve

as the next Florida

College System (FCS)

chancellor by the Florida

Education Commissioner. She is the first

woman and the first person of Hispanic

descent to the hold the job.

Max A. Stempel, B.A. International Business, is the vice president of

international operations at ASSA

Campañia de Seguros in Panama. He was

formerly the chief underwriting officer of

the Consumer Division of AIG in Brazil.

1993

Barbara Ferrer, Esq., B.A. Human Services, is a shareholder in GrayRobinson’s Miami,

Fla. office and a member of the firm’s

Real Estate Practice Group. She was

selected for the 2015 Fellows Program of

the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity

(LCLD).

Vincent “Vinnie” Strumolo, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy, is the chief

executive officer at Addiction Campuses

of America in Texas. Vincent developed

an integrated and systemic approach to

treating trauma and unresolved life issues

framework for therapy called Resolution

Focused Therapy(RFT).

1994

Marvin Julich Jr., M.S. Sports Administration, is the senior associate

athletics director and chief operating

officer at Samford University in

Birmingham, Ala.

Mark A. Romance, Esq., J.D., is a

shareholder at Richman Greer in Miami,

Fla. and was recognized in the 2015

edition of “Best Lawyers in America.” He

maintains a trial and appellate practice

with the firm concentrating in commercial

and complex litigation.

Class NotesClass Notes

14 15

Class NotesClass Notes2004

Alix J. Desulme, B.A. Organizational Leadership ’03 and M.S. Special Education ‘04, was elected to the city

council by the residents of North Miami

Beach, Fla. in a runoff election on June

2, 2015. Councilman Deslume, an

elementary school teacher, will be the

youngest member of the city council.

2005

Alexander L. Soto, MBA, is the new vice

president of private banking and branch

coordinator at International Finance

Bank in Miami, Fla.

2006

R o d o l f o Llanes, B.A. Organizational L e a d e r s h i p ‘06 and M.P.S. P r o f e s s i o n a l

Studies ‘14, was sworn in as the City of

Miami’s 40th Chief of Police on January

18, 2015. Chief Llanes began his career

of service to the people of Miami as a

fourteen year-old City of Miami Police

Explorer in 1981.

2007

Dr. Danielle Boaz, LL.M. Intercultural Human Rights, has accepted a position

in the Department of Africana Studies

at UNC-Charlotte. She was previously an

assistant professor in the Department

of Law, Politics, and Society at Drake

University.

Christopher M. Pardo, Esq., J.D., was

recently honored as a “Rising Star” in

employment litigation defense by Super

Lawyers Magazine. Chris relocated to Boston,

Mass. in 2009 and has been an attorney at

Constangy, Brooks & Smith LLP since.

2008

Jordi De Joseph, M.B.A. Business Administration, is the new vice president of

solutions at Inktel Contact Center Solutions

in Miami.

2009

Julian Casal, Esq., J.D. ‘09 and Alejandra Moreno, Esq., J.D. ‘10 celebrated their two

year anniversary of opening their firm Casal

& Moreno, P.A. Their practice focuses on

estate planning, guardianships, probate,

corporate work and real estate.

2010

Stephen M. Fox, Jr., Esq., J.D., transitioned

from his position with the Eleventh Judicial

Circuit of Florida in late October 2014 to

accept a position as an associate attorney

practicing veteran’s disability law at LaVan &

Neidenberg, P.A. in Plantation, Fla.

2011

Luciano Brilho, B.A. Business, opened OH MY

GOSH BRIGADEIROS, a boutique dedicated

to Brigadeiros in March 2015. Brigadeiros

are a Brazilian delicacy, similar to a truffle,

and its main ingredients include sweetened

condensed milk, butter and chocolate.

Theodore “Teddy” Harrell Jr., B.A. Organizational Leadership ’08 and M.S. Professionals Studies ‘11, was presented

with a 2015 Community Pillar award on

June 20, 2015 by the Miami-Dade County’s

Black Affairs Advisory Board Black Heritage

Planning Committee.

2012

Fatima Roman, M.S. Special Education, is an ESOL teacher at Dr. Robert B. Ingram

Elementary School in Opa-locka, Fla.

Michelle Yong, Esq., J.D., is a consumer

compliance officer and CRA officer at the

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

(ICBC) in New York, N.Y.

2013

Yolene Francois, M.S. Mental Health Counseling, is currently pursuing an Ed.D.

degree at St. Thomas University and is writing

her dissertation.

Aaron Gray, Esq., M.B.A. Sports Administration and J.D., is an assistant

lacrosse coach for the University of Colorado

and a Contract Attorney at Denali Law Firm,

LLC.

2014

Tracy Asencio, B.A. Communication Arts, accepted an assistant account executive

position at Flowers Communications Group

in Chicago, Ill.

Giovanni Mentor, B.A. Criminal Justice, is a program coordinator and scholarship

committee member at the National

Association of Haitian Professionals in

Boston, Mass.

In Memoriam•James W. Curtin, B.A. Political Science ‘73

•George H. Perschbach, B.A. English ‘71

•Alan Richards, B.A. Public Administration ‘73 and M.S. Human Resources ‘75

•Kenneth M. Shepard, B.A. Sports Administration ‘87

•Francisco Vidal, B.A. Business Management ‘74

See a full list of Class Notes on our website at www.stu.edu/alumni.

1995

Santos A. Perez, M.S. Management, was

inducted into the

Florida Boxing Hall

of Fame on June 22,

2014 surrounded by

many of the South Florida personalities he

has written about for more than 30 years.

Santos is part of the 20-member 2014 Hall

of Fame class.

1996

Michael P. Gennett, Esq., J.D., is a partner

at Akerman Senterfitt’s Healthcare Practice

Group in Miami, Fla.

Sean Todd, M.S. Sports Administration, is

the director of operations for the Jason Taylor

Foundation. Sean was previously the director

of football operations at Florida International

University.

1997

David Sobel, M.B.A. Business Administration, is the senior director of

corporate and foundation partnerships at

American Red Cross of Greater New York.

1998

Roberto Alcalde, M.B.A. Business Administration, is a program director

for Broadband and Fixed Line Services

at LIME Caribbean (Cable and Wireless

Communications).

Jason Bulger, M.S. Sports Administration, is the head of marketing, sales & corporate

partnerships at AS Digital in Melbourne,

Australia.

1999

Andres “Andy” Fernandez, Esq., J.D., is a

partner at Holland & Knight’s Miami, Fla.

office and leader of the firm’s Cuba Action

Team. Andres began his legal career as a

public defender in Miami-Dade County.

2000

Diana Vizcaino, Esq., B.A. Criminal Justice ‘96 and J.D. ‘00, was recently

appointed by Florida

Governor Rick Scott to

serve as Miami-Dade County Court Judge.

Judge Vizcaino served as an assistant city

attorney for the City of Miami since 2008.

2001

Karyl Argamasilla, Esq., J.D., is an attorney

for Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP

Real Estate Group. Karyl was inducted into

the 2014 CREWMark Miami (Commercial

Real Estate Women) Board of Directors and

served as CREW’s president in 2014.

2002

Patrick G. Brugger, B.A. Criminal Justice, is a partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP in the

Business Litigation department in Miami.

Antonio “Tony” Lopez, B.B.A. Sports Administration, is the new chief of

operations at the Town of Miami Lakes in

Florida. He also serves as the Chair of the STU

Alumni Advisory Council.

2003

Christopher Francis, M.B.A. Sports Administration, is a business systems analyst

at Cape Bank in Atlantic City, N.J.

KEEP US UPDATED! We would love to hear from you! Please submit your alumni updates (new job, title, location, or import-ant life events) online at www.s tu .edu/a lumn i /classnotes, or email us at alumni@stu.edu or call us at 305-628-6601.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

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Join us as we celebrate two historic milestones in 2016

For information on planned events, please contact alumni@stu.edu

You are invited!

50thBiscayne College

Class of 1966 Reunion

70thAnniversary of the founding of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in

Havana, Cuba

stu.edu

OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT16401 NW 37th Avenue

Miami Gardens, FL 33054

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