Archbishop Curley Notre Dame, Miami Inducts 7 Alums into 11th Hall of Fame

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Lisa Morales, news@acnd.net, 305.751.8367 *22

11th Annual Hall of Fame Celebrates Community Builders

Miami, FL…May 5, 2014…Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep’s 11th Hall of Fame Gala was a night to reunite with cherished high school friends, but most importantly an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of seven distinguished individuals who have made an impact on the community.

On Saturday, April 12, 2014, Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep (a 6 to 12 college preparatory school of the Archdiocese of Miami) inaugurated seven alums into its 2014 Hall of Fame. The Gala, that took place at La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach, was the pinnacle of the school’s 60th Anniversary year of special events.

The Honorees and about 200 guests were welcomed by Honorary Chairwoman, Swanee DiMare, a graduate of Notre Dame Academy, and Masters of Ceremony were, Helen Aguirre-Ferre (NDA) and Spero Canton. Miami Archbishop, Thomas Wenski was the special guest speaker.

“It was proud moment in our school’s history to hear our Honorees speak about the importance of a faith based education, academic rigor, friendship, and family ties” commented Douglas Romanik, ACND’s Principal and alumnus. “Our commitment to Faith, Family, and Excellence has never wavered since opening in 1953. I feel that it’s these core principles that have encouraged our graduates to become outstanding leaders in our community.”

The 2014 Inductees are: Larry Wilson '58 - Inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1973, Wilson worked for many years as a UM Coach and eventually formed Larry Wilson Contractors.

James Kushlan '65 - A scientist and published author specializing in wetlands and waterbird biology and conservation. He serves on the boards of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, American Ornithologists’ Union, Everglades Foundation, Zoological Society of Florida/ Zoo Miami, HistoryMiami, and Waterbird Conservation for the Americas.

Camille Martone Geraldi '66 – Co-founded with her husband Michael the Possible Dream Foundation (formally Up With Down Syndrome Foundation). In addition to running the Foundation and caring for her 40+ (adopted) children, Camille travels around the world, training both renowned medical specialists and affected families in the areas of nursing, rehabilitation and special education.

Tom Laubenthal '68 - President of Landscape Architect Consultants Inc. and Landscape Architect for over 30 years. He has worked on notable projects including: the first modernization efforts of the Miami International Airport; the first phase of construction for the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport; the Miami Dolphins Training Facility; and is the lead Landscape Architect for Nova Southeastern University.

Mark Hurd '75 - President of Oracle Corporation and a member of the company's Board of Directors.

Before joining Oracle, Hurd served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President of HP, and 25 years at NCR Corporation ending his tenure as the company's Chief Executive Officer and President.

David Gerrits '78 – President of Gerrits Construction. He is a third generation construction president with over thirty-five years of experience in the industry. Gerrit's history includes managing projects in sixteen states domestically, in addition South America, the Middle East, Canada, and including most of the counties in Florida.

Merrill Romanik '83 – Architect and Principal of Synalovski Romanik Saye. Romanik brings to the firm a multitude of talents and significant expertise in architecture, building construction, and interior design.

Proceeds from the Gala support the school’s development projects and Sponsor a Knight Scholarship fund. ACND Prep proudly recognizes its key sponsors and contributors: Dr. James Kushlan, Diamond Sponsor; Synalovski Romanik Saye, Silver Sponsor; Herff Jones, Silver Sponsor; Barry University, Bronze Sponsor. Underwriting Sponsors: Ms. Rosemarie Banich, Dr. Ali Bazzi, Ms. Rebecca Schulze, Mr. Anthony Zibelli, Antares, Inc., Gardens America, KAMM Consulting. Past Honorees Tables: Jon Batchelor, Swanee DiMare, Dr. Paul George, Marc and Diane Stead, Guy Brickman, William Brickman, Charlie Diamond, Frederick Zorovich, Helen Aguirre-Ferre, Francine and Sam Holland, and Thomas Romanik.

To attend, contribute, or sponsor any of ACND Prep’s upcoming events, visit www.acnd.net.

Photos: ACND’s 2014 Hall of Fame Inductees are: (l to r) James Kushlan ’65; Larry Wilson ’58; Tom Laubenthal ’68; Camille Martone Geraldi ’66; Merrill Romanik ’83; David Gerrits ’78; Douglas Romanik ‘84 (ACND Principal); (not pictured Mark Hurd ’75) Swanee DiMare ‘65 who serves as Honorary Chairperson of the ACND Hall of Fame has also been inducted in ACND’s Hall of Fame. Pictured (l to r): Nancy Batchelor, Jon Batchelor ‘71 ; Swanee DiMare’65; Gene Sevilla-Sacasa and his wife Frances. (l to r) Diane Stead ‘70 chairs the ACND Hall of Fame. Diane and her husband Marc ‘69 are also members of the school’s Advisory Council and were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

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