CONTACT
FALL 2015 VOL. 16 N. 1
NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY
Historic Gift Cornerstone
of New Building
Inside...
HISTORIC EXPANSION
WORLD SERIES SUCCESS
MBA TEAM CHAMPS
stu.edu
16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Spotlight
President’s Message
Dear Alumni and Friends,
The excitement of final exams, the pageantry of Commencement and the conclusion of an exciting baseball 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 partnership 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 future, 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 programs, 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. Casale
President
St. Thomas Welcomes New Provost
A national leader in higher education has taken the academic helm at St. Thomas University. 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 technology and business. A published academic, most
recently, Dr. Becerra served as the Vice President, Office of Engagement at Florida International University, following a two-decade career in academia that has included leadership
positions in and out of the classroom. With a
reputation for understanding today’s marketplace 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 innovative partnership with Catholic High Schools to implement career academies.
CONTACT
is published by the
Office of University
Advancement,
Marketing & Communications
St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
CONTACT@stu.edu
President
Rev. Msgr Franklyn M. Casale
Editor
Hilda M. Fernandez
VP, Advancement
Art Director/Graphic Designer
Rob Fabricio
Contributors
Lorena Hidalgo,
Alumni Relations Director
Phil De Montmollin,
Athletics Information Officer
Kendra Parker, Law School
Communications
Marivi Prado,
Chief Marketing Officer
FALL 2015 VOL. 16 N. 1
STAY CONNECTED WITH STU ON:
CONTACT
is also available online at:
stu.edu/CONTACTnewsletter
Naming Gift launches exciting new chapter for
St. Thomas University
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 Campaign – 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 current and expanded business programs in a new, state-of-the-art School
of Business facility. Alumnus, Trustee and distinguished business executive 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-purpose 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 Trading 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 education 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.”
BLUEPRINT FOR LEADERSHIP UPDATE
The exciting news about the Gus Machado School of Business caps a year of
incredible generosity and support of St. Thomas University. Last Fall, an anonymous 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 support 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 Community 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 Foundation 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.”
3
Around Campus
HISTORIC ACADEMIC EXPANSION AT ST. THOMAS
A commitment to prepare graduates to meet the workforce of
the future is paramount for St. Thomas University. After analysis 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 enhancements 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, masters 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 specialized workforce. Our highly regarded Sports Administration program is also expanding to offer a unique Doctorate of Business
Administration in Sports Administration, and Bachelor and Master 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 Nanoscience; MS in Healthcare Ethics; MS in Data Analytics Engineering; 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 undergoes a rigorous review process, with a prospectus – the equivalent
of a business plan – that must be approved internally by the University’s Academic Program Committee, and then by the Board of
Trustees.
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 international business and global entrepreneurship.
Around Campus
ST. THOMAS LAW SELECTED AS THE REPOSITORY FOR JUDGE WILLIAM HOEVELER’S JUDICIAL PAPERS
On 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.
STUDENTS HEAR FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS AT 6th GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK
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 keynote 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 Communications; CEO of Simply Healthcare Lourdes Rios; and Frank Unanue, President of
Goya Foods providing incredible insight on what you need to succeed. Women leaders shared “A View from the Top” – offering recommendations and ideas from trailblazing 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, Partner at Cherry Baekart; and Victoria Villalba, President of Victoria @ Associates Career
Services. An alumni-led panel discussion and networking reception on Social Enterprise, and a student business plan competition rounded out this year’s program.
A NEW CLASS OF LEADERS FOR LIFE!
ST. THOMAS COMMENCEMENT WELCOMES NEW ALUMNI
4
LIFE LESSONS FROM ENTREPRENEUR
MIKE FERNANDEZ
CATHOLIC EDUCATION CONTINUUM
CONTINUES EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
AND FAITH FORMATION
St. Thomas recently welcomed
Miguel “Mike” Benito Fernandez and his family to campus for
an enlightening and well-attended book-signing event in the Alex
Hanna Legal Information Center at
the St. Thomas School of Law. The
book, titled Humbled by the Journey- Life Lessons for My Family.and
Yours, tells the story of Mr. Fernandez’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 foundation that has raised and donated tens of millions of dollars to children and educational causes.
It is a logical partnership, and now it has a name: the Catholic Education Continuum (CEC). This new program strengthens 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 excellence and faith formation as the students graduate from
their Catholic high school. The partnership includes the development 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 Administration, 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 University for a student from each Catholic high school in the
tri-county area. Eight scholarships were awarded this inaugural year.
The 422 members of the St. Thomas University Class of 2015 celebrated commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 16, at the Fernandez Family Center for
Leadership and Wellness, starting with the School of Law graduation in the morning. Former Florida Governor Bob Martinez served as the School of Law commencement 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 National 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.
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 doctorate in philosophy from the University of Bielefeld (Germany), an MA from St. Louis University, and a BA from Bellarmine University.
5
Faculty News
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 perspective 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 Florida 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 MacDougall
For 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.
DR. JAN BELL INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
Longtime Director of Sports Administration Retires After 30 Years
Dr. 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 celebration 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.
6
Annual Fund Honor Roll
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!
St. Thomas of Villanova Society ($10,000
& Above):
Amaturo Family Foundation, Inc.
ExxonMobil Foundation
Hector Family Donor Advised Fund
Joseph P. Lacher
Peter H. Prieto, 1982*
Rodger D. Shay
Sandy Hill Foundation
St. Augustine Society ($5,000 - $9,999):
Alex Penelas, 1981*
Anita Britt
Camille Buccellato
Franklyn M. Casale
Jose F. Navarro
Mario Trueba, 1980*
Paul A. Garcia
Rudolph A. Cecchi
Sara Fulton
Lourdes Rivas
Victor H. Mendelson
St. Rita of Cascia Society ($1,000 $4,999):
A. Oliveros Transportation
Alfredo Garcia
Andrew M. Elisburg, 1989
Charles J. Zwick
Ciro L. Buttacavoli, 1981*
Cyrus M. Jollivette
Donald E. Dresback, 1969*
Fred W. Federici
G4S Secure Solutions USA, Inc.
Gary T. Blandino, 1977*
GEICO Direct
George L. Cuesta
Gloria A. Kotrady
Guy Protano
Harold J. Zabsky
Hilda M. Fernandez
Irma Becerra
Jan A. Bell
James E. McDonald
John J. Brunetti
Jorge L. Lopez, 1984*
Lance A. Bardell, 1990
Larry McKinney
Leif G. Novie
Loly Espino
Marilyn L. Blanchette
Maureen Shea
Michael S. Kelly
Paul D. Mainieri, 1982*
Paul R. Philip
Peter L. Gerety
Richard Raleigh
Robert P. Johnson, 1985
Terry O’Connor
The Miami Foundation
Vincent C. Hennessy, 1967*
$250 - $999:
Academic Insurance Solutions
Andres Marrero, 2002, 2006
Angela M. Toth, 2006
Brian F. Groden, 1982*
Brian T. Trymbiski, 1980*
Charles T. Steinmetz, 1975*
Dolores A. De Montmollin, 1991
Elvira 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, 2012
Maria M. O’Reilly, 1995
Nicole Grandmont-Gariboldi
Obdulio J. Piedra, 1984*
Pamela L. Loconto, 2005, 2010
Peggy Nordeen
Philip H. White
Raul Cendan, 1980*
Richard E. Murray, 1970*
Robert A. McGoldrick, 1970*
Robert M. Golson, 1998
Robin L. Lovett
Sean P. Melvin, 1987
Sheldon W. McCartney, 1973*
Silvia A. Rodriguez
Somnath Bhattacharya
Steven C. Simon, 1993
Tamara F. Lawson
Unforgettable Memories Corp.
Vyacheslav Borshchukov, 2009
Yisel Cabrera
$100 - $249:
American Insurance Admin.
Ana J. Marrero, 2012
Ana M. Houston, 1988
Andrew C. Platowski, 1969
Angela C. Rodriguez, 1976
Archdiocese of Miami
Arthur Roberts, 1976
Aymara Del Aguila
Barbara B. Fisher, 1990
Barbara M. Buzzi, 1984
Benjamin Kudary, 1992
Best Quality Décor
Bryan T. Froehle
Carmelo Romanello
Cristina C. Lopez, 1998, 2000, 2013
Deanna M. Christensen, 1989
Dennis J. Hartnett, 1979
Dennis M. McCarron, 1980
Donn J. Taylor, 1985
Drew J. Bauman
Edward Kelly, 1992
Elda D. Gonzalez, 1980
Elizabeth V. Donovan
Follett Higher Education Group
Francis J. Sicius
Gary L. Richter, 1986
Gerald W. McCann, 1969
Guerdy R. Abraira, 2000
Helen Jacobstein
Helen L. Woods, 1980
Helen M. Dougherty
Ignacio Tamayo
Isabel Medina Pascu
Isis P. Velaso, 2007
Ivelisse R. Martinez
Jacqueline A. Ordehi, 2013
James F. McCloud, 1973
James P. Whelan, 1968
Jerry Weinberg
Jimmie L. Brown, 1973, 1979
John E. Gilger, 1994
John J. Donohue, 1980
John T. Glennon, 1970
Jose R. Llamazares
Joseph A. Freddoso, 1984
Joseph T. Cooney, 1968
Juan M. Zamora
Laura J. Courtley-Todd, 1995
Laureano J. Pujol, 1988
Lawrence K. Dooley, 1972
Lenore M. Prado, 1999
LINQ Financial Group, Inc.
Lloyd A. Mitchell
Lorena M. Hidalgo
Louis B. Panza, 1968
Luis Andujas, 1971
Maria A. Hare, 1984
Maria A. Tilson, 2006
Maria V. Errickson, 1988
Marilynn B. Campanile
Marivi V. Prado
Mary E. Flannery
Mary Jo D. Macro, 1993
Michael A. Zoovas, 1977
Michael E. Deitche, 1977
Michael H. Toomey, 1980
Nelson Valentin
Nicholas W. Romanello, 1993
Pablo A. Tamayo, 2007
Patricia Moore
Patrick R. Kalahar, 1993
Paul A. Lueken, 1985
Paul J. Cornely, 1977
Paul V. Roddy, 1972
Rob S. Castner, 1968
Robert E. Constant, 2001
Robert F. McQueen, 1985
Rodney C. Shaw, 1988
Ronald D. Hultquist
Ronald J. Ziccardi, 1981
Samantha S. Loveland, 2011
Shirely E. Key, 2003
Susan Massey
Susan Warheit
Sylvia Rodriguez
Thomas P. Casey, 1970
Thomas R. Bresnahan, 1980
William A. Kirk, 1989
William B. Berger, 1976, 1978
William E. Dresback William R. Burdette
Willy Izquierdo, 1990, 1996
$99 & Below:
Adis Padron
Agueda Ogazon, 1997
Aileen B. O’Gilvie, 2006
Aimee Moran
Albrey Grimsley
Alexis Tapanes-Castillo
Alfred R. Light
Alfredo Muente
Alicia M. Benesh, 1988
Amar Patel, 2010
Ana C. Menoscal
Ana R. Rodriguez
Andrea Valdez, 2006, 2014
Angelica J. Lopez, 1986
Anilda Wright
Ann L. House
Ann Marie T. Benzinger, 1988
Anthony Bonta
Anthony Noriega
Anthony R. Ciel
Barbara E. McCrabb, 1988
Bella L. Lopez, 1978*
Berardo B. Fuentez, 1985, 1994
Bernice N. Minaya, 2013
Berta T. Johnson, 2000
Brian W. Babin, 1991
Camilo Hurtado
Carla L. Valeriani, 2010
Carlin L. Whitesell, 2007
Carlos De Yarza, 2014
Carlos M. Sirgo, 1983, 1986
Carmen M. Cintron
Carmen Quiroga-Barberis, 2011
Carole-Anne P. Chambers, 2008,
2013
Carolyn D. Guniss, 1993
Carolyn P. Murray, 1979
*Biscayne College Society: Graduates of Biscayne College (1966 - 1984) who donated $250 or more.
Celia F. Bermejo, 2007, 2010
Celso J. Alvarez
Christine J. Reis, 1998
Christopher E. Williams, 2008
Christopher M. Rose
Christopher S. Keighley,
1996
Connie H. Locke, 1982
Constance K. Brannan, 2003
Crystal Morvant
Cynthia M. Lee, 2003
Daniel P. Carlson, 1993
Daniella Muente, 2014
Dave J. Hilbert, 1989
David A. Wyman, 1995
David G. Luchetti, 1986
Dayra Ortega
Deborah M. Rorex, 1992
Diana Aliko, 2003
Edward F. Sallie, 1971
Edward K. Halsey, 1990
Ely M. Dantin, 2014
Esther B. Cintron, 1982
Facundo D. Torino,
2014
Farah Hester
Feliks Mats, 2004
Frances Peake
Francis J. McGarry
Genevieve Burke, 1991, 1995
George Fernandez
Giselle Jamison
Gretell Garcia, 2004,
2006
Hagai Gringarten
Hans T. Fjellman, 1971
Helen E. Rosenthal
Iluminada Gil
Ira M. Katz, 1987
Ira S. Nathenson
Jacqueline House
Jaimie Williamson
James D. Slack, 1980
James E. Wimberly, 1997
James F. Claffey, 1971
James M. Condon, 1973
Jeffrey M. Eisen, 1987
Joan C. Glenn-Barr, 1985
John Kang
John M. Guertin, 1979
Jordan McCann, 2014
Jorge Perez, 2012
Jorge Rodriguez
Jose Rocha
Jose V. Salcedo, 2013
Josefina Oramas
Joseph J. Shantz, 1971
Juan C. Gutierrez
Juan E. Jimenez, 1974
Justin L. Peart
Kanishia C. Hill, 2012
Kathleen K. Geanes, 1983
Ken Farrington
Kevin E. Cudlipp, 2014
Kristian A. Guio, 1995
Lauren Gilbert
Lauren M. Shoemake, 2011
Linda M. Jackson, 1983
Lizette Muniz-Lantigua, 1987
Luis A. Viveros, 2002
Lynda S. DiPrima, 1985
Macaria Sanchez
Mae K. Goins, 1999
Maggie E. Colebrook, 1989
Manuel Yanez
Maria D. Abdel, 2002
Maria Rodriguez
Maribel Smith
Mariella Muente
Marietta C. Cozzi, 1985
Marile Lopez
Mario E. Tarradell, 1987
Maritza Rivera
Marlene T. Chere, 1995
Marlene V. Izquierdo, 1997
Martin J. Mack, 1985
Martin P. Sullivan, 1972
Mary C. Waren, 1985
Mary K. Stark
Mary M. Cline, 1980
Maureen Budlong
Melissa A. Giesler, 2007
Mercedes U. Lawler, 2005, 2008
Meredith Parry
Michael C. Jacobson, 2006
Michael E. Cudlipp, 1999
Michael J. Kopcha, 1968
Michael P. Plummer, 1986, 1997
Michelle L. Smith, 2000
Miguel Hernandez
Misty R. Mayfield, 1998
Monique Brijbasi
Monique T. Farach, 1988
Muriel Menaged, 1991
Nancy J. Olson, 1981
Nancy M. Nesselt, 1980, 1983
Nelson M. Sanchez. 1979
Norma Darias
Ofelia L. Sosa, 1982
Omaira B. Villavicencio, 1979
Omar 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, 1990
Raul Fernandez-Calienes, 2004
Raul J. Carrillo
Raymond Hospitalet, 2000
Ricardo Ordehi
Richard H. McNab, 2005, 2007
Richard J. Elliston, 1980
Richard R. Zientek, 1984
Rita Laguna
Rob Fabricio
Robert A. Nicholas, 1988
Robert Jack
Robert W. Marco, 1979
Rosario A. Infiesta, 1983
Rudy Ibarra
Ruth B. Esteras, 2005
Shirley McCall
Sofia Fillmore Taylor, 1976
Srabana Gupta
Stanley Flax
Stephanie A. Theile, 2010
Stephanie Maynard Patrick
Susan C. Keusch, 2013
Susana Santana, 2013
Tatiana C. Pullen, 2004, 2006
Thomas A. Grey, 1986
Thomas A. Moltimore, 1977, 1980
Thomas F. Toscani, 1970
Timothy W. Dieter, 1997
Valinda B. Hayes, 2008
Vicia Medal
Vivian R. Roca, 2002
Wencheng Chang, 2008
Xiomara G. Lee, 1979
Yanessy A. Miranda, 2011, 2014
Yasmany Barroso, 2014
Yhenis De Royal
7
Points of Pride
A BANNER YEAR FOR BOBCATS ATHLETICS
St. Thomas University 1st Place Winner In National MBA Case Competition
Facing stiff competition, St. Thomas University’s School of Business MBA High Performance 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 Review
St. 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. Princeton 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 information, to develop the rankings.
Newman Civic Fellow at STU
St. 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 contributions 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 Competition
The 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, Natasha 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 Service
The 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 Engaged
St. 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 201213 and 2013-14, and was chosen once again for this academic year – our third year in a row.
8
In Focus
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 Championships 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, earning 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 Community 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.”
STU’S BEN ANCHEFF BECOMES MEDIA SENSATION
In the days following the NAIA World Series, STU starting pitcher Ben Ancheff became an international media sensation 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 mesmerizes 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”.
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 Lewiston, 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 Series 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 AllWorld 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 Marlins-Cardinals game at Marlins Park on June 23. STU starting pitcher Ben Ancheff threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
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 Championship. “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.
9
Alumni News
Homecoming 2015: Let the Good Times Roll
Alumni News
Homecoming 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.
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 Relations at 305-628-6601 or lhidalgo@stu.edu.
Alumni Association Chapter News
Biscayne College Alumni
South Florida
STU 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, TX
On 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 delighted 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 Region (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 networking, 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 Series
Harnessing the Power of Social Media to Get What You Want
On 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.
Reunions
A 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 reconnecting 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 present 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 Alumni
International 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 reunion and campus tour, contact Lorena Hidalgo, director of Alumni Relations at 305-628-6601 or lhidalgo@stu.edu.
Sports Administration Alumni
An 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 Athletics (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 Council
The 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 Operations 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.
Social Enterprise: Start-Ups, Change Makers, and Solutions
The future of social enterprise was the topic on November 13, 2014 during the Social Enterprise: Start-Ups, Change Makers, and Solutions discussion at STU. Speakers included: Haiti Tec board member, Michaelle Auguste Saint-Natus; CEO and president of Charity Services 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 Mamodaly and treasurer, Youseline Poteau.
Dining with 12 Bobcats
Alumna 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
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.
11
Class Notes
Class Notes
1968
1 97 1
Joseph T. Cooney, B.A. Liberal Studies,
Kenneth Manfredi, B.S. History, and his son
retired from the University of Pennsylvania
in Florida, with the 2014 Claude Pepper
Retirement Solutions at The Guardian Life
Nancy Olson, M.S. Sports Administration,
Memorial Community Advocacy Award. The
Insurance Company of America, one of the
Max A. Stempel, B.A. International
own a real estate/development company
is an instructor certified by the U.S. Water
award recognizes exceptional contributions
nation’s largest mutual life insurers and a
Business,
after twenty four years working as a human
specializing in the construction and sales of
Fitness Association at Pine Island Aquatic
to the welfare of elderly and disabled adults
leading provider of employee benefits.
international
resources consultant. He is currently an
luxury homes in Houston. Ken is semi-retired,
Center in Davie, Fla.
in the community. He was also honored
adjunct professor teaching Performance
has been married to Kathy for 44 years, and
Management and Organizational Psychology
they have four granddaughters.
is the vice president of
operations
at
ASSA
Campañia de Seguros in Panama. He was
with the “Father of the Year” award by the
1989
formerly the chief underwriting officer of
1982
American Diabetes Association. Produced in
Mark McCullers, M.S. Sports Administration,
the Consumer Division of AIG in Brazil.
Concepcion “Connie” Queralt, B.A., has
partnership with the Father’s Day Council,
is principal at Mark McCullers LLC in
been promoted to chief financial officer at
the “Father of the Year” award is given to
Columbus, OH. He was formerly the president
1993
Public
The Kislak Organization in Miami. Concepcion
fathers who demonstrated the ability to
and general manager of the Columbus Crew,
Barbara Ferrer, Esq., B.A. Human Services,
1970
Administration ‘76, M.S. Human Resources
is a longtime employee of Kislak and has
balance their personal and professional lives
a professional soccer club in Ohio, which
is a shareholder in GrayRobinson’s Miami,
Rev. Brian M. Flanagan, B.A. History, who
‘78, was appointed as a U.S. Marshal for the
held numerous senior positions within the
while serving as outstanding role models in
competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Fla. office and a member of the firm’s
has served as pastor of the St. Patrick Parish
Middle District of Florida by President Barack
organization. She also worked for several
their respective communities.
in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. for 12 years,
Obama. He served as a police chief for 22
Kislak affiliates where she was a CFO and a
retired on July 1, 2015 because of increasing
years in the City of North Miami Beach and
senior vice president.
vision problems. Parishioners organized two
in Palm Bay, FL
& Behavior at Cabrini College and at the
1 97 8
Rosemont College.
William
“Bill”
Berger,
B.A.
farewell receptions for Father Flanagan,
Real Estate Practice Group. She was
1990
selected for the 2015 Fellows Program of
Robert Monica, B.A. Sports Administration,
Jorge Barbontin, B.A. Business Management,
the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
is the operations specialist at Zebra
was named general operations manager of
(LCLD).
1983
MotionWorks Sports Solutions in Delray
Brickell City Centre in Miami, Fla. by Swire
Beach, Fla.
Properties.
who is taking some time off to visit family
John Mazzola, B.A. Sports Administration,
Dr. Cedric Alexander, B.A. Sociology, serves
and contemplate new ministry work for
is the general manager for the Eastern
as the deputy chief operating officer of public
the future. Father Flanagan held several
Kentucky Expo Center.
safety in DeKalb County, GA. In this position,
1985
John Dedo, M.S. Sports Administration,
Marriage & Family Therapy, is the chief
he oversees all public safety, police, fire, and
Robert P. Johnson, B.A. Psychology, was
is the sales manager and event manager at
executive officer at Addiction Campuses
leadership roles and served on diocesan
Vincent
“Vinnie”
Strumolo,
M.S.
committees and boards in the Dioceses of
1979
emergency management in the third largest
presented with his certificate of achievement
Corporate Staging & Events in Sacramento,
of America in Texas. Vincent developed
Palm Beach. He was one of the diocese’s
Sylvianne “Ledee” Doucette, B.A. History,
county in Georgia. Dr. Alexander holds a
for successfully completing the Certified
Calif. He is also owns JD A-V, an audio visual
an integrated and systemic approach to
most beloved pastors.
served ten years in civil service teaching
doctoral degree in clinical psychology and
Florida Community Association Manager
equipment company.
treating trauma and unresolved life issues
hazardous
a master’s degree in marriage and family
curriculum by the Florida Community
therapy.
Association Professionals (FCAP) in April
1991
2015.
Theresa “Teri” Chenot, M.S. Marriage &
materials
packaging
and
Accounting,
transportation all over the U.S. and overseas.
who served as president and CEO of the
She served ten years in the U.S. Coast Guard
Kennedy Health System from 1992 to 2009,
in the Port Security Unit, and was the owner
1984
was honored when his official portrait was
of a company that taught packaging and
Carol Ellis-Cutler, B.A. Travel Tourism, is the
unveiled and dedicated in the lobby of
transportation of hazardous materials all
Kennedy University Hospital in Stratford,
Richard
E.
Murray,
B.A.
framework for therapy called Resolution
Focused Therapy(RFT).
Family Therapy, is an associate professor at
1994
1986
the Jacksonville University School of Nursing.
Marvin
first vice president at CBRE’s office agency
Ed R. Brown, M.S. Public Management
She has been a full-time faculty member
Administration, is the senior associate
over the world. Sylvianne also served as a
brokerage group in Miami. She focuses on
‘86 and B.A. Public Management ‘78, is
since 2010.
athletics director and chief operating
N.J. Richard devoted nearly 30 years of his
North Syracuse, N.Y. volunteer firefighter and
agency and tenant representation, in addition
the director for the City of Opa-Locka’s
career to Kennedy, leading the healthcare
as a member of the Onondaga County (N.Y.)
to business development for other team
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in
1992
organization through a period of tremendous
Hazardous Materials Team. Sylvianne is now
members at CBRE. Carol is the immediate
Florida.
Madeline
growth and technological advancement, as
retired, volunteers in her community, and
past chairman of the STU President’s Board
he helped merge three individual hospitals
is a member of the VFW, American Legion,
of Advisors.
in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington
Paralyzed Veterans of America and the DAV.
12
at
Jr.,
Samford
M.S.
Sports
University
in
Birmingham, Ala.
Pumariega,
B.A. Political Science,
Mark A. Romance, Esq., J.D., is a
1988
was appointed to serve
shareholder at Richman Greer in Miami,
Ken Elder, M.S. Sports Administration,
as
Florida
Fla. and was recognized in the 2015
Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq., B.A. International
is the senior director of marketing and
College
(FCS)
edition of “Best Lawyers in America.” He
1981
Business ’83 and MBA ‘84, was honored
strategic
College
chancellor by the Florida
maintains a trial and appellate practice
Charles Elwood, M.S. Sports Administration,
by United HomeCare, a nonprofit home
Football Playoff (CFP).James “Jim” Lake, Jr.,
Education Commissioner. She is the first
with the firm concentrating in commercial
is the deputy director of Intercollegiate
and community-based care organization
B.A. Communication Arts, was promoted
woman and the first person of Hispanic
and complex litigation.
to national sales manager of Guardian
descent to the hold the job.
Township, N.J. into one of the region’s leading
healthcare systems.
officer
Julich
Athletics at Fordham University.
partnerships
for
the
the
next
System
13
Class Notes
Class Notes
1 9 95
1 99 9
2004
employment litigation defense by Super
2012
Santos A. Perez, M.S.
Andres “Andy” Fernandez, Esq., J.D., is a
Alix J. Desulme, B.A. Organizational
Lawyers Magazine. Chris relocated to Boston,
Management,
was
partner at Holland & Knight’s Miami, Fla.
Leadership
Mass. in 2009 and has been an attorney at
Fatima Roman, M.S. Special Education, In Memoriam
•James W. Curtin, B.A. Political Science ‘73
is an ESOL teacher at Dr. Robert B. Ingram
inducted
the
office and leader of the firm’s Cuba Action
Education ‘04, was elected to the city
Constangy, Brooks & Smith LLP since.
Elementary School in Opa-locka, Fla.
•George H. Perschbach, B.A. English ‘71
Florida Boxing Hall
Team. Andres began his legal career as a
council by the residents of North Miami
of Fame on June 22,
public defender in Miami-Dade County.
Beach, Fla. in a runoff election on June
2008
Michelle Yong, Esq., J.D., is a consumer
•Alan Richards, B.A. Public Administration
‘73 and M.S. Human Resources ‘75
2, 2015. Councilman Deslume, an
Jordi
Business
compliance officer and CRA officer at the
elementary school teacher, will be the
Administration, is the new vice president of
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
youngest member of the city council.
solutions at Inktel Contact Center Solutions
(ICBC) in New York, N.Y.
into
2014 surrounded by
’03
and
M.S.
Special
De
Joseph,
M.B.A.
•Kenneth M. Shepard, B.A. Sports
Administration ‘87
many of the South Florida personalities he
2000
has written about for more than 30 years.
Diana
Santos is part of the 20-member 2014 Hall
B.A. Criminal Justice ‘96
of Fame class.
and J.D. ‘00, was recently
2005
appointed
Florida
Alexander L. Soto, MBA, is the new vice
Governor Rick Scott to
president of private banking and branch
Julian Casal, Esq., J.D. ‘09 and Alejandra
Michael P. Gennett, Esq., J.D., is a partner
serve as Miami-Dade County Court Judge.
coordinator at International Finance
Moreno, Esq., J.D. ‘10 celebrated their two
Counseling, is currently pursuing an Ed.D. See a full list of Class Notes on our website at
degree at St. Thomas University and is writing www.stu.edu/alumni.
at Akerman Senterfitt’s Healthcare Practice
Judge Vizcaino served as an assistant city
Bank in Miami, Fla.
year anniversary of opening their firm Casal
her dissertation.
Group in Miami, Fla.
attorney for the City of Miami since 2008.
1996
Vizcaino,
by
Esq.,
•Francisco Vidal, B.A. Business Management ‘74
in Miami.
2013
2009
Yolene Francois, M.S. Mental Health
& Moreno, P.A. Their practice focuses on
2006
estate planning, guardianships, probate,
Aaron
corporate work and real estate.
Administration and J.D., is an assistant
Sean Todd, M.S. Sports Administration, is
2 00 1
R o d o l f o
the director of operations for the Jason Taylor
Karyl Argamasilla, Esq., J.D., is an attorney
Llanes,
Foundation. Sean was previously the director
for Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP
Organizational
of football operations at Florida International
Real Estate Group. Karyl was inducted into
University.
B.A.
Gray,
Esq.,
M.B.A.
Sports
lacrosse coach for the University of Colorado
2010
and a Contract Attorney at Denali Law Firm,
Leadership
Stephen M. Fox, Jr., Esq., J.D., transitioned
LLC.
the 2014 CREWMark Miami (Commercial
‘06 and M.P.S.
from his position with the Eleventh Judicial
Real Estate Women) Board of Directors and
Professional
Circuit of Florida in late October 2014 to
2014
Studies ‘14, was sworn in as the City of
accept a position as an associate attorney
Tracy Asencio, B.A. Communication Arts,
Miami’s 40th Chief of Police on January
practicing veteran’s disability law at LaVan &
accepted an assistant account executive
2 00 2
18, 2015. Chief Llanes began his career
Neidenberg, P.A. in Plantation, Fla.
position at Flowers Communications Group
corporate and foundation partnerships at
Patrick G. Brugger, B.A. Criminal Justice,
of service to the people of Miami as a
American Red Cross of Greater New York.
is a partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP in the
fourteen year-old City of Miami Police
2011
Business Litigation department in Miami.
Explorer in 1981.
Luciano Brilho, B.A. Business, opened OH MY
Giovanni Mentor, B.A. Criminal Justice,
GOSH BRIGADEIROS, a boutique dedicated
is a program coordinator and scholarship
served as CREW’s president in 2014.
1997
David
Sobel,
Administration,
M.B.A.
Business
is the senior director of
1998
in Chicago, Ill.
Antonio “Tony” Lopez, B.B.A. Sports
2007
to Brigadeiros in March 2015. Brigadeiros
committee
Administration, is a program director
Administration,
of
Dr. Danielle Boaz, LL.M. Intercultural
are a Brazilian delicacy, similar to a truffle,
Association of Haitian Professionals in
for Broadband and Fixed Line Services
operations at the Town of Miami Lakes in
Human Rights, has accepted a position
and its main ingredients include sweetened
Boston, Mass.
at LIME Caribbean (Cable and Wireless
Florida. He also serves as the Chair of the STU
in the Department of Africana Studies
condensed milk, butter and chocolate.
Communications).
Alumni Advisory Council.
at UNC-Charlotte. She was previously an
Roberto
Alcalde,
M.B.A.
Business
is
the
new
chief
Jason Bulger, M.S. Sports Administration,
2 00 3
is the head of marketing, sales & corporate
Christopher
partnerships at AS Digital in Melbourne,
Administration, is a business systems analyst
Australia.
at Cape Bank in Atlantic City, N.J.
14
Francis,
M.B.A.
Sports
KEEP US UPDATED! We
would love to hear from
you! Please submit your
alumni updates (new job,
title, location, or important life events) online at
www.stu.edu/alumni/
classnotes, or email us at
alumni@stu.edu or call us
at 305-628-6601.
assistant professor in the Department
Theodore
“Teddy”
Harrell
Jr.,
of Law, Politics, and Society at Drake
Organizational Leadership ’08 and M.S.
University.
Professionals Studies ‘11, was presented
member
at
the
National
B.A.
with a 2015 Community Pillar award on
Christopher M. Pardo, Esq., J.D., was
June 20, 2015 by the Miami-Dade County’s
recently honored as a “Rising Star” in
Black Affairs Advisory Board Black Heritage
Planning Committee.
15
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U.S. POSTAGE
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PERMIT NO. 1259
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33310-9998
OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
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stu.edu
You are invited!
Join us as we celebrate two historic
milestones in 2016
70
th
Anniversary of the founding of
Santo Tomas de Villanueva in
Havana, Cuba
50
th
Biscayne College
Class of 1966 Reunion
For information on planned events, please contact alumni@stu.edu