Letter from the Alumni Association Director

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Alumni Association, La Asociación de los Antiguos Alumnos del Colegio de Belén. As its director, I not only feel an immense sense of pride for our growth, but I also have such optimism for its future. Looking back at pictures from our 100 years, I have felt nostalgic and reflective about the time I spent at Belen Jesuit as a student. This year marked the 37th anniversary of my graduation, I can’t believe how fast time flies. When I think about my eighteen-year-old self walking across the stage to receive my diploma, I remember feeling I had just completed something special. However, what I did not know then was how much my experience at Belen would continue to shape me until this day.

Belen gave me an incredible Catholic, Jesuit formation and a well-rounded education. It taught me what it means to be a man for others. Here at Belen, we hear this phrase often, but may not always see it in action. I have always believed it to show up in a multitude of ways, but for me personally, it has meant being there for others, the simple act of showing up when needed.

In my role at the Alumni Office, I have been able to help alumni make life-changing connections and help to reunite old friends. It has been a privilege to connect former students with alumni that can guide them in their studies or professional careers. Similarly, seeing our Jesuit education in action and our core values igniting many different areas of our society has been a great honor. This year, we saw the retirement announcement of three significant Belen professors, but there is one, in particular, who was a key component of my career path. As a student discerning my interests and strengths, I had Dr. Pedro “PA” Hernández as a biology teacher. In his 41 years at Belen, 21 of those as the head of the Science Department, he has taught practically every science class at the school. He inspired me to pursue a career in the sciences and, years later, hired me as a physical science teacher. I am grateful for his confidence in me from such a young age, and for the many years I have been able to enjoy at Belen, first as a teacher, and now as a “broker of Belen brotherhood and connections” through my work as the Director of the Alumni Association.

A great part of the work we do in the Alumni Office involves reconnecting and nurturing relationships for the greater good of our school and God. Each relationship takes work and great care, and whether it be a lunch or a phone call, we make sure to be there for our alumni and invite them to engage in their community and help to reignite their sense of service to others.

In this magazine, we featured many events hosted by our office. Through each event, our brotherhood has grown stronger. It has been a pleasure seeing so many friendships develop through our common Belen experience. The increased participation amongst our younger alumni has also given us hope for the continued growth of the association.

As we close the book on this school year, we look ahead to 2023-2024. In the fall, we will gather for the annual Rick Raimúndez ‘90 Homecoming Tailgate, which will be bigger than ever. Stay tuned for details.

Thank you for your continued support. In particular, thank you to the alumni who stepped up and had a greater engagement with our office and provided mentorship for either students or fellow alums.

AMDG!

Un Abrazo Fuerte!

Carlos Bravo ‘86 Alumni Director