2022-2023 Our Year In Review

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

WORKING AS A COMMUNITY

MISSION STATEMENT

The Association shall act to promote unity and maintain a spirit of fellowship among the Alumni of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami, and serve as an ambassador to the community in an effort to advance the interests of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. The Association shall also foster and facilitate the involvement of its members in the various missions of the Society of Jesus, including spiritual, educational, and community service activities, to advance the credo “Men for Others.” Finally, the Association shall encourage fellow Alumni support of annual giving and other development programs of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

BELEN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF JESUIT SCHOOLS FROM CUBA AND MIAMI

We are excited to release the first annual “Our Year in Review” publication to give you an inside view of events and initiatives spearheaded by the Alumni Association. Our Year in Review is based on the fiscal year from August 2022 to July 2023.

The Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami strives to serve Belen Jesuit and our alumni through meaningful engagement and lifelong learning opportunities to foster connections among alumni and the school.

Objectives

1

Celebrate Achievements & Milestones: to inspire and motivate current and future alumni, reinforcing the value and significance of the association in supporting personal and professional development.

Cura Personalis

Latin phrase meaning “care for the person,” cura personalis is having concern and care for the personal development of the whole person. This implies a dedication to promoting human dignity and care for the mind, body and spirit of the person.

Foster Engagement & Connection: to stay connected, network, and collaborate with one another, ultimately fostering a vibrant and supportive alumni community. 2

Promote Initiatives & Benefits: to engage with the association and take advantage of the resources and opportunities it provides. 3

4

A CENTURY OF UNITY AND DEDICATION

The start of 2023 was remarkable, as we kicked off our centennial celebration. The outpouring of positive feedback from our alumni has been deeply gratifying, fueling our excitement for the upcoming year as we eagerly anticipate a series of more exceptional events. These will continue to deliver on the Beyond Belen pillar of our strategic plan.

JOSÉ LÓ PEZ-VARELA ‘87

Celebrating 100 Years: A Century of Endurance and Thriving Community

The Belen Jesuit Alumni Association marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated its centennial anniversary, reflecting on a significant century marked with resilience and unwavering commitment to the school and its community. Throughout the years, the Alumni Association has played a pivotal role in preserving the school's legacy, fostering strong bonds among its graduates, and contributing to the institution's growth and success.

Since its inception, the Alumni Association has proven to be a pillar of strength for the school, providing ongoing support and resources that have helped shape the lives of many students. Countless efforts have been made to fund scholarships, sponsor extracurricular activities, and support faculty development, all of which have enriched the educational experience for present and future generations of Belen Jesuit students.

Looking back with pride on its 100 years of accomplishments, the Alumni Association is filled with excitement as it continues to celebrate the centennial anniversary through the end of the calendar year. As we commemorate this milestone, we look forward to the next 100 years reaffirming its profound commitment to the school's values and mission. It stands as a living testament to the transformative power of education, friendship, and the enduring legacy that alumni leave behind for future generations. Now, we embark on the next century with the same spirit of unity and dedication that has defined our remarkable journey thus far.

José López-Varela '87 is on his second year of his first term as Alumni Board President.

THE TEAM

The Alumni Association team is comprised of individuals who are dedicated to supporting and engaging with all Belen alumni including the alumni from the Jesuit schools from Cuba. Each team member plays a vital role in facilitating meaningful connections, fostering a sense of community, and promoting the association's mission and goals.

Responsible for overseeing alumni engagement, developing strategies to strengthen connections between alumni and the institution, and managing events and programs to foster a vibrant alumni community.

Responsible for managing and maintaining accurate alumni records, databases, and technology systems within the Alumni Association. Also, assists in planning, coordinating, and executing various events.

SUPPORT STAFF

CARLOS BRAVO ‘86 Executive Director

ROBERTO BORBOLLA '56 Content Editor LUIS FERNÁNDEZ DE CASTRO '54 Volunteer

REINALDO RAMOS '58 Volunteer

JOSHUA RUIZ '24 Alumni Data Intern

CARLOS JIMÉNEZ ‘15 Data & Support Administrator

ALUMNI BOARD

A group of distinguished alumni elected by their fellow class delegates, who serve as the leadership of the Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami. They provide strategic guidance, counsel, and support to the association's members, offering valuable insights and perspectives based on their professional expertise and experiences. The board plays a crucial role in shaping alumni engagement strategies, developing programs, and fostering a strong alumni community, ultimately contributing to the overall success and growth of the association.

JOSÉ LÓPEZ-VARELA ‘87 President

ALBERT PARADELA ‘11 Vice President

EDUARDO MACÍAS ‘02 Secretary

THOMAS PLA ‘00 Treasurer

RAMÓN BRANGER ‘92 Board Member

VICENTE COSSÍO ‘72 Board Member

JOSÉ GÓMEZ ‘08 Board Member

ALEJANDRO GÓMEZ-PINA ‘93 Board Member

CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ ‘88 Board Member DEREK LEÓN ‘00 Board Member

XABIER MARTÍNEZ-CID ‘11 Board Member

LUIS PÉREZ-CODINA ‘01 Board Member

ROGELIO RIBAS ‘83 Board Member

FRANCISCO “PACO” RUIZ ‘73 Board Member

CARLOS SUÁREZ ‘00 Board Member

STAY CONNECTED

REGISTER TODAY

1. Visit www.belenalumni.org

2. Log in using your LinkedIn OR register with email.

3. Complete the registration process and check out the AMAZING functions.

YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO:

An alumni directory that can filter searches by categories such as graduation year, university attended, industry, profession, and more.

The ability to post and seek networking opportunities as well as search for openings on a job board.

Alumni groups dedicated to mutual interests like graduating class, alumni professional sections, sports and more.

Mentoring pages used to find and offer alumni mentoring opportunities.

ANNUAL STATISTICS

By measuring alumni engagement, the association can assess its impact, plan meaningful initiatives, and cultivate a strong network, thereby enhancing the association's overall success and long-term sustainability.

7,989

4,567

57% BCONNECTED Network Size Registered Users

ACRES

Architecture, Construction, Real Estate, & Engineering Section

2,155 Network Size

Belen Alumni Section of Healthcare BASH

629 Network Size

Belen Innovation Technology Section BITS

739 Network Size

Belen Alumni Lawyers Section BALS

550 Network Size

BEAMS

Belen Entertainment Arts & Media Section

849 Network Size

SAFE

Section of Accounting, Finance, & Enterprise

1,434 Network Size

For more information on professional sections, visit www.belenjesuit.org/alumni

TIME, TALENT, & TREASURE

Giving back to the alumni association involves more than just financial contributions. Alumni can also contribute their time and talent, which can be equally valuable in supporting the association’s mission and goals. Here are some ways alumni can give back:

TREASURE TALENT TIME

• Maintaining up-to-date contact information current

• Volunteering at various association initiatives, events, or committees

• Participating in alumni events & reunions

• Sharing and contributing to alumni publications or newsletter

• Sharing professional knowledge and experience

• Becoming a mentor

• Offering internships and/or job opportunities

REVENUE INCOME

Giving back to the alumni association not only benefits the association and its current members, but also provides a sense of fulfillment and connection for the alumni themselves, as they contribute to the growth and success of their alma mater.

Carlos Bravo ‘86 Executive Director

• Participating and contributing to Fund for Belen

• Dedication opportunities

• Planned giving (wills & living trusts and real estate)

• Business Partners Program

Over the past five years, the Fund for Belen, through the generous support of alumni, has experienced steady growth in revenue. The unwavering commitment of the alumni community has allowed the Fund for Belen to flourish, making a lasting impact on the educational experience of current students and contributing to the continued success and legacy of the school.

The professional networking aspect is incredibly important for these young men. They not only need to hear the phrase often, they also need to experience and embrace it.

Claudia Basso Career Development & Internship Coordinator

BEYOND BELEN

Beyond Belen is a program offered to current juniors and seniors where students are paired with an alumni mentor based on career interests. Students are given the opportunity to ask questions at our annual meet and greet breakfast on campus and gain a deeper understanding of a career they would like to explore in the future.

EXPECTATIONS OF INVOLVEMENT

1. Alumni & students sign up to be part of Beyond Belen

2. The Beyond Belen Committee pairs each student with an alumnus

3. Students reach out to their mentors via email to introduce themselves

4. Mentors and mentees meet each other on campus

5. Mentors leave their doors open to allow their mentees to reach out to them when they are ready or need advice

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

FALL: TOGETHER AGAIN

• We welcomed 44 new students to Belen Jesuit who are the sons of alumni.

• We relaunched the Monthly Alumni Luncheon for the academic school year of 2022-2023.

• Hosted an away Alumni Tailgate with parents at Fairfield Prep in Connecticut.

• Alumni Tour in Boston College Prep High School in Massachusetts.

• Belen alumni united to support the Belen Financial Assistance Program at Cerveceria La Tropical for Oktoberfest & Hispanic Heritage Month. Thank you Manny Portuondo '85 for hosting.

• The Olga and Carlos Saladrigas Gallery presented, “Concerning the Spiritual: Selections from the Mosquera Collection,” culled from the extensive collection of Liza and Dr. Arturo F. Mosquera '71.

• Alumni Luncheon - September

• The Rick Raimúndez '90 Alumni Tailgate was held at the Garrido Family Plaza before the Homecoming game.

• The 2022 #BJesuitEducated social media campaign featured 12 alumni to help promote the Open House.

• BEAMS Month

• Ace of Swords

• Music Night

• Poetry Reading by Ricardo Pau-Llosa '71

• The class of 2023 received their class rings at the Senior

Ring Mass held at the Our Lady of Belen Chapel.

• Hosted our Fall Delegate Happy Hour event at The Tank Brewing, Co.

• Sagua Reunion

• Belen Alumni Lawyers Section (BALS) celebrated Javier Perez-Abreu '78 seven year tenure as the Executive Chairman at Bayshore Club Bar & Grill.

• The Belen Gala was held at the Watsco Center and was well attended by alumni.

WINTER: GIVING BACK

• Reyes Magis committee hosted its annual Thanksgiving Drive at Gesu Catholic Church in downtown Miami. Belen alumni, students, and parents with the help of your generous donations to the Fund for Belen, worked side by side to feed 350 senior citizens, donated 125 turkeys, and handed out over $3,000 in gift cards.

• Alumni Luncheon - November

• Happy Hour and Toy Drive hosted by Our Lady of Lourdes Academy FAB and Belen SAFE.

• Hosted a Multi-Section Happy Hour & Toy Drive at John Martin's Irish Pub & Restaurant, in an effort to increase the number of toys for the Reyes Magis Toy Drive.

• The Beyond Belen Mentorship Program was a tremendous success, thanks to the 90 alumni who came out to mentor 170 juniors and seniors.

• In preparation for the centennial anniversary of the Alumni Association (2023), an alumnus generously offered to sponsor the first 100 alumni to register for each monthly luncheon in 2023.

• The Reyes Magis Toy Drive was a huge success as hundreds of toys were distributed at Gesu Catholic Church in downtown Miami. Thank you to all the alumni and students who so generously donated toys and gave their time.

• Special thanks to Jonathan Hermida '05, who worked with the Alumni Office in producing a series of legacy videos to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the Alumni Association.

• The Annual Tombola Challenge was a great success - thank you donors!

SPRING: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

• In commemoration of the first Alumni Association meeting 100 years ago, a special Mass was held in the Our Lady of Belen Chapel to launch the centennial year.

• New signage was unveiled to commemorate the name of the main building - José Milton Foundation Main Building. Thank you to the Milton family for their generosity.

• Thousands attended the Annual Tombola festival on campus which helped to raise $1.2 million for the Financial Assistance Program.

• Held our annual delegate meeting & board elections. Thank you Juan Luis Flores '70, Alberto "Tico" Gutiérrez '88, and Peter Montadas '76 for your years of service to the Alumni Association Board!

• Taiwanese Exchange Program - Thank you Jose Cil '87 and John Erik Alvarez '06 for hosting our exchange students at their businesses.

• Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87 and Dr. de Quesada ‘94 visited Belen Alumni in Dallas, TX.

• Black History Month - Alumni Campaign

• Fr. Willie, S.J. '87 presented Alfredo Borrás '61, Humberto Martínez de Llano '62, and William Guillermo Muir Celorio '62 with their graduation diplomas. They were unable to graduate with their class because they were part of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Brigade 2506.

• Thank you for the Alumni Support at the historic Basketball State Championship!

• 18 individuals and 2 couples where inducted into the Belen Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Eduardo J. García '87 who was named Alumnus of the Year.

• Northern Trust Luncheon

• Return of Belen AVE (Alumni Virtual Event)

• Alumni Tour - New York and Philadelphia

• Our Alumni Association was presented the Gravity Impactful Constituent Development Award.

• Alumni Director Carlos Bravo '86 presented at the GForce23 Annual Conference “To Affinity and Beyond”.

• The Communication Arts and Multimedia Center, which houses WBLN, ECHOES Yearbook, and film classes, was renamed the Conde Media Center, in honor of Drs. Maria and César Conde, parents of César R. Conde '91.

• Night of Gratitude

• Seven individuals and one team were inducted into the Belen Sports Hall of Fame.

• ACRES Happy Hour

• Day of Giving - Thank you donors!

• Alumni Pin Mass

• Carlos Curbelo ‘98 was the commencement speaker at the graduation ceremony and Kevin García '23 was named Brigadier.

SUMMER: FIN DEL AÑO

• 100 Year Celebration

• Fr. Izquierdo, S.J. Memorial Golf Tournament

• Grand Reunion Weekend

• Happy Hour - Bar Crawl

• Senior Bricklaying Ceremony

• Individual Class Events

• Sunday at Belen

• Fr. Sardiña, S.J. Memorial Fishing Tournament and Dock Party

• Young Alumni Challenge

• Dolores Reunion

GUEST SPEAKERS

• Richard De Aguiar '85

• José Cil '87

• Carlos Cepero ‘94

• Pablo Cartaya ‘96

• Raúl Duarte ‘09

• George Arango '11

• Adrián Fraga '22

ATHLETIC REUNIONS

• Cross Country (Glory Mile) - December

• Lacrosse - December

• Water Polo - December

• Basketball - January

SAVE THE DATE (2023-2024)

• 10/20 - The Rick Raimúndez '90 Alumni Tailgate & Homecoming Game

• 1/27 - Culinary Extravaganza

• 2/2-4 - Fr. Dorta-Duque, S.J. Memorial Tombola

• 5/20 - Father Izquierdo, S.J. Golf Tournament

• 5/23 - Alumni Pin Mass

• 5/24 - Commencement Exercises

• 6/1 - Bricklaying Ceremony (Class of 2023)

• 6/2 - Grand Reunion Celebration (4's and 9's)

• 6/8 - Father Sardiña, S.J. Fishing Tournament