Belen Jesuit Alumni
SUMMER • 2012
FROM THE DESK OF THE
SCHOOL PRESIDENT
What a busy and blessed year! The school’s Golden Jubilee was full of great memories including the addition of seven full-time teachers, the launch of the Inaugural Season of the Belen Cultural Series, a Jubilee Gala featuring Willy Chirino and his orchestra, Alumni Day and so much more.
The jubilee events kicked off in October 2011 and included the unveiling of a work of art by Cuban-American artist, Humberto Calzada entitled “Reminiscences of the Old Belen” that adorns a wall in the Administration Building lobby. The central patio was renovated and renamed the “Garrido Family Plaza” and was blessed by Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
The first concert of the Cultural Series featured the Belen Jazz Band, conducted by Marlene Urbay with Cuban singer Lucrecia. Other performers included gifted guitarist, Rafael Padron, British pianist prodigy Benjamin Grosvenor and a Flamenco show from Seville, Spain.
The annual musical this year was The Sound of Music acted and played by students from Belen and other schools. A second presentation of Lucrecia and the showing of the documentary “Celia: The Queen” took place in April. Finally, the Florida Chamber Orchestra with Musical Director Marlene Urbay delighted the audience in May. Thank you to all the alumni and friends who contributed so much to the success of these events that marked our 50th anniversary in Miami.
All the proceeds of the Cultural Series and the Gala benefited the Belen Scholarship Program.
In sports, the 40th Anniversary of Belen’s Football Program was celebrated with a victory over the highly rated team of Northwestern High School and many of Belen’s football players of 40 years ago were on hand to celebrate Belen’s spectacular victory. Our varsity baseball team took part in a historic game against Christopher Columbus High School
playing the first game ever at the new Miami Marlins stadium. We also had triumphant victories in golf, baseball, swimming, cross-country and crew plus celebrated over ten students signing letters of intent to play their sport at the University level.
This year’s Graduation Mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and was concelebrated by all Belen priests and presided over by Msgr. Tomas Marin, Pastor at St. Timothy Church. The May 30 Commencement speaker was State Representative Mr. Carlos Trujillo ‘01, who sponsored House bill HR 9021, recognizing Belen Jesuit Preparatory School’s 50th anniversary in Miami.
“Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Florida: That the members of the Florida House of Representatives recognize the invaluable contributions that Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami has made to the South Florida community and extend congratulations to its students, faculty, administration, staff, and alumni on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.”
We are proud to send our students to seven of the eight Ivy League schools and we are equally proud to have so many graduating seniors play their sport at the college level.
Mr. Fernando Arán ‘75, Esq. was elected new Chair of the Belen Board of Advisors. We thank Mr. Jorge Bosch, who retired as Chair after many years of devoted and faithful service, but will continue serving as a Board member.
Belen faculty have been preparing for the introduction of iPads as teaching tools in the classroom during the Fall 2012. Thus, Belen will be placed at the head of the technological revolution during the 2012-2013 academic year for the benefit of its 1,500 students.
Wishing you an abundance of God’s blessings, gratefully yours,
Pedro A. Suárez, SJ ‘ 58 Belen School President
ALUMNI MAGAZINEbelen jesuit
Fr. Pedro Suárez, SJ ‘58
Belen Jesuit School President
Fr. Ernesto Fernández-Travieso, SJ
Vice-President and Editor-in-Chief
Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón SJ ‘87
Belen Jesuit School Principal
Mariano Loret de Mola ‘58
Alumni Association Director
Roberto Borbolla ’56
Alumni Content Editor
Teresa Martinez
Belen Jesuit Director of Communications
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jorge Hernández-Toraño ’75 – President
Carlos Battle ’80 – Vice President
L.J. Rodríguez ’93 – Treasurer
Julio C. Bertemati ’99 – Secretary
Father Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, SJ ‘40 - Spiritual Director
Antonio Abella ‘59
Raúl Cardona ‘85
Antonio Castro ‘86
Alvaro Cosculluela ‘61
Héctor Formoso-Murias ‘82
Jose A. Garrido ‘46
Jose A. Garrido Jr. ‘72
Jose A. Garrido III ’99
Jordi Guso ‘83
Crescencio Ruiz ‘76
Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ‘73
BELEN JESUIT ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published biannually.
Circulation: 6,000
Please address all correspondence to the Alumni Office. Periodicals postage paid at Miami, Fl and additional mailing points.
Postmaster: Send address changes to:
Belen Alumni Office
500 Southwest 127 Avenue
Miami, Fl 33184
Phone: 786.621.4674 Fax: 786.621.4662
E-mail: alumni@belenjesuit.org
YEAR XLVIII - No. 1
On the cover: Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ‘73 and Elliot Clemente ‘12
Photo by: Johnny Calderín
community
By: Nestor Montoya, ‘12
Vincam Editor in Chief
• On February 24th, the entire community came together to kick-off and enjoy the festivities at Tombola. This yearly event benefits the school’s scholarship fund and brings joy in the community that participates in family fun.
• On Sunday, February 26th the Belen Alumni Association held one of their biannual delegate meetings during Tombola weekend. During this meeting they elected new members of the Alumni Association Board as well as their new president, Carlos Batlle '80.
•The entire community got together for the first ever game played at the brand new Marlins Stadium on the evening of March 5th. Over 3000 members of the
Belen family attended the event. The ceremonial pitch was thrown by former city of Miami mayor Manny Diaz ‘73 and the invocation was given by Archbishop Thomas Wenski. Regardless of the outcome of the game, everyone who attended had a fabulous time, and the baseball team had the opportunity to play in a brand new professional stadium.
• Each year the 10th grade class enjoys a fun-filled day with their mothers. This year Mother and Son Day took place Saturday, April 21st. The memorable day began with a mass and incorporated a variety of other activities. The highlight of the evening was the salsa lessons followed by the students dancing with their mothers.
• The Pin Ceremony marks a special milestone for all the eighth grade students at Belen. The ceremony took
place in the school gym on May 10th and began a new chapter for the eighth grade students as they received a pin symbolizing their initiation into high school.
• Each year, the junior and senior classes celebrate the end of the year by attending the junior and senior proms. This year the junior prom took place at the Hyatt Regency on March 30th and the senior prom took place at the Doral Hotel & Country Club on May 19th. Both events were a success and gave students the opportunity to celebrate with their classmates during an unforgettable night.
Mr. Tony Castro ‘85, Mr. Iván Cabrera, Spanish teacher Mrs. Marlisa Sanchez, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Escarra working hard at the ribs booth during Tombola.
Freshman Joey Garcia shows off his home made poster to promote the hamburger booth during Tombola.
NEWS
• The Father Izquierdo Memorial Golf Tournament was held on Friday, April 20th at the International Links Miami Melreese Country Club. The tournament was an overall success as proceeds of the event went to the Belen Scholarship Program.
• On Thursday, April 26th the seniors along with their families gathered together for a final time as a class to worship and celebrate the Eucharist at the Baccalaureate Mass. The mass took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.
• Graduation is a bittersweet event in which the Belen community celebrates the achievements of the senior class and bids them farewell and good luck in
their future endeavors. This year, the class of 2012’s commencement ceremony took place on May 30th at the James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami. Mr. Eugenio Santiago '62 received the class banner at the event from president Oliver Hyne '12.
• From March 21st through March 31st, members of the student body put together and showcased the musical The Sound of Music in the Roca Theater. The show was deemed a success among all who attended.
• During Belen’s Golden Jubilee, the school showcased various cultural events. Some highlights of the cultural series included the performances of Flamenco Puro, a second concert by Lucrecia featuring the Celia
Archbishop Thomas Wenski throws the first pitch of the Belen versus Columbus baseball game in Marlins Park.
Cruz documentary, and the musical talents of pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. All the proceeds from these and other events in the cultural series benefitted the Belen Scholarship Fund.
•The Ramon Guiteras Library celebrated its 40-year anniversary with a large gathering on the evening of May 2nd. Members of the alumni association, faculty, staff, library board of governors and the Guiteras family attended this event. The occassion included the unveiling of a new portrait of the late Jack Guiteras and his wife. The paiting is now hanging at the entrance of the school library. Additionally, Mrs. Maria Eireos received an award for her lifetime dedication to the library.
Members of the Belen community cheer on the Wolverine varsity baseball team at the new Marlins
Stadium.
community
Ceremonyattheschoolcampuson8thStreet. 2. Classesof1968,1969 and 1970. 3. Classes of 1976 and 1977.
1. FatherEddieAlvarez,SJgivestheinvocationoutsideofGesuChurch.
2. Classesof 1961,1962and1963beforethetorchrelaybegan. 3. Firstlegofthetorchrelaywith membersofseveralclasses. 4.Classof1965aftercrossingSouthMiamiAvenue.
1. RicardoRaimúndez‘90receivesthetorchfromamemberoftheclassof1989. 2. Classesof1993through1998. 3. Classesof200and2001. 4. Membersoftheclasses ofthenewmilleniumbeforeenteringthecurrentcampus. Morepicturesavailableathttp://belenjesuitphotos.smugmug.com.
1.
4. Classes of 1979 and 1980.
NEWS Passing on the torch
By: Nestor Montoya, ‘12 Vincam Editor in Chief
During the 2011-12 academic year, Belen has been celebrating its Golden Jubilee here in Miami. As a result many great cultural events were showcased to help celebrate this special occasion and milestone for the school. The culmination of this yearlong celebration took place on Saturday, May 5th with “Alumni Day”.
The day’s main event was a 14.25 mile torch relay following Belen’s historic route. Before the relay, Alumni Day was kicked off with a prayer service/ invocation at Gesu Catholic Church. Following this, the relay began at Belen’s original campus in Downtown Miami located next to Gesu, then continued to the school’s second site on SW 8th street and 7th avenue, and finished at the current campus on 127th avenue. Over one-hundred alumni representing each year of the school in Miami, participated in the run/jog.
Once the torch arrived at the current campus, the fun-filled day continued with field activities, a family-style BBQ lunch, and the burial of a time capsule filled with campus memorabilia to commemorate the culmination of the Golden Jubilee.
O verall, the celebration of Alumni Day was a success. It gave the Belen Community a chance to enjoy with each other the festivities and create memories for future generations.
Vertical: 1. The 50th anniversary relay torch that was passed down from class to class. 2. Frankie Ruiz ‘96, on the segway, was the relay coordinator. 3. Mauricio Lopez ‘74 accompanied by his son who ran alogside him. Horizontal: 1. Band members of the Belen drum band perform at the event. 2. Alumni and current seniors run the last leg of the torch relay. 3. School President Father Pedro Suárez, SJ ‘58 welcomes the alumni to the current campus. 4. Father Pedro Cartaya, SJ ‘54 speaks before burying the time capsule.
ACADEMICS
GRADUATION AWARDS
Ander Iruretagoyena Valedictorian
Nestor Montoya
Pedro Hurtado, SJ Communications Arts
Jonathan Calles
Christopher Clavius, SJ Mathematics
Henry Sosa Salutatorian
Peter Ramon
Matteo Ricci, SJ Computer Science
Rene Negron
Jose Rubinos, SJ Modern Languages
Tomas Cacicedo JSEA
Gabriel Jimenez Garcia
Gerard M. Hopkins, SJ English
Peter Jude
Francis Xavier, SJ Scholar Athlete
Luis Arguelles Catholic Leadership
Jeremy Martinez
Andrea Pozzo, SJ Humanities
Alberto Perez
Pierre T. de Chardin, SJ Science
Samuel Wallace-Perdomo
John Carroll, SJ Social Studies
NEWS Where Are They Going
Daniel Admire, Case Western Reserve University
Adrian Alonso, Wake Forest University
Jorge Alvarez, George Washington University
Mitchell Alvarez, Santa Fe College
William Alvarez, Miami Dade Honors College
Roberto Anton, Florida State University
Eduardo Arazoza, Florida State University
Ulises Arbelo, Kenyon College
Nikolas Arenas, Florida International University
Luis Arguelles, Tallahassee Community College
Ales Arriola, Miami Dade College
Juan Avila, Mercyhurst College
Julio Ayala, Case Western Reserve University
Anthony Baldaccini, Tallahassee Community College
David Barquin, University of Miami
Jon-Michael Barquin, Florida International University
Gerard Beauchamp, Florida International University
Michael Betancourt, Florida State University
Matthew Bill, University of Florida, Honors College
John Billoch, University of Alabama
Jose Blanco, Florida International University
Henry Brimo, Florida International University
John Butchko, Georgia Institute of Technology
Tomas Cacicedo, University of Miami
Jonathan Calles, University of Pennsylvania
Richard Cambo, Brown University
Alejandro Carr, Georgia Institute of Technology
Xristian Carvajal, Florida International University
Alexander Chica, Baldwin-Wallace College
Pedro Cirera, Florida International University
Elliot Clemente, University of Florida
Juan Cobian, Florida International University
Rodrigo Coll, Miami Dade College
Enrique Collera, Miami Dade College
George Cortina, Boston College
Eduardo Cosio, Florida State University
Leonardo Costa, Florida International University, Honors College
Hunter Cowley, Florida International University
Frank Crawley, Florida International University
Louis Curbelo, Florida International University
Imani Davis, University of Akron
Fernando de Caralt, Georgia Institute of Technology
Alvaro de Castro, Florida International University
Nicolas de Cordoba, Spring Hill College
Alexander De Goti, California State University, Long Beach
Ernesto De la Fe, Texas Christian University
Gilberto Delgado, Jr., Florida State University
Jorge Deshon, Florida International University
Christopher Diaz, Miami Dade College
David Diaz-Fernandez, Marshall University
Daniel Oscar Dockerty, Georgetown University
Matias Dorta, American University
University
Michael Espinel, Santa Fe College
Matthew Espinosa, University of Florida
Alexander Esquivel, University of Miami
Jordan Esteban, Case Western Reserve University
Anthony Fernandez, Florida International University
Jordan Fernandez, University of Alabama
Ricardo Fernandez, Florida International University
Luis Fernandez-Rocha, Georgia Institute of Technology
Jorge Fernandez-Siman, Loyola University, New Orleans
Ricardo Fonseca, Union College
Christopher Fontela, Florida International
University
Antonio Forte, Florida International University
Jorge Forte, Florida International University
Eric Franca, Union College
Daniel Fuenmayor, Boston College
Michael Fuentes, Florida State University
Rafael Garcia-Delprado, Florida International
University
Adam Gimbel, University of South Florida
Christian Gomez, American University
Esteban Gomez-Rivera, American University
Axel Gonzalez, Ursinus College
Daniel Gonzalez, Florida International
University
Jose Gonzalez, Jr., Miami Dade College
Fernando Guardazzi, Babson College
Daniel Guevara, Barry University
Francisco Hernandez, Dartmouth College
Nicholas Hernandez, University of Florida
Pedro Hernandez, Florida International
University
Guillermo Herrera, Miami Dade Honors College
Juan-Carlos Hervis, Florida International University
Dominick Hidalgo, Southern Methodist University
Alfonso Horner, University of Akron
Alejandro Huamani, Boston College
Oliver Hyne, Miami Dade Honors College
Michael Iglesia, Loyola University, New
Orleans
Adam Incera, Columbia University
Ander Iruretagoyena, University of Chicago
Joseph Isenberg, University of Florida
Daniel Jaramillo, Florida International
University
Gabriel Jimenez Garcia, University of Miami
Cristian Jimenez, University of Florida
Peter John Jude, University of Florida
Salvador Juncadella, Boston College
Alejandro Lavandero, Florida Atlantic University
Julian Legido, Spring Hill College
Manuel Leon, Pennsylvania State University
Frank Leyva, Trinity College
Michael Lopez, University of Florida
Jesse Lorenzo, Florida International University
Kevin Lowenhaupt, University of Florida
Alejandro Machado, University of Alabama
Alec Macias, Tulane University
Christian Marrero, Florida International University
Branden Martinez, Lehigh University
Djan Martinez, Miami Dade College
Fernando Martinez, Loyola University, Maryland
Jeremy Martinez, University of Florida
Julian Mazaira, University of Pennsylvania
Kyle Merino, University of Miami
Gabriel Mesa, Miami Dade Honors College
Randy Mompremier, Catholic University
Nestor Montoya, Miami Dade Honors College
Anthony Monzon, Emerson College
Nicolas Moreiras, Florida State University
Juan Carlos Morfin, Seattle University
Pedro Morfin, Indiana University at Bloomington
Matthew Moro, Florida International University
Adrian Moya, Miami Dade Honors College
George Mulet, Florida International University
Nicholas Munarriz, University of Florida
Julian Munilla, Tulane University
Joshua Muñoz, New College of Florida
Augusto Naccarato, Florida International University
Angelo Navarro, Florida International University
Rene Negron, New York University
Nicholas Nisenbaum, Florida International University
Andres Nodarse, Florida State University
Alexander Novo, University of South Florida in St. Petersburg
Nicolas Novoa, Tallahassee Community College
Emmanuel Noya, Hiram College
Javier Obregon, Florida International University
Andres Osorio, University of San Francisco
Edwin Pagan, University of Miami
Carlos Parra, University of Miami
David Paula, Tallahassee Community College
Joshua Penn, University of Alabama
Christian Perea, University of Florida
Alberto Perez, Vanderbilt University
Carlos Perez, Georgia Institute of Technology
Carlos Perez, Florida International University
Christian Perez, University of Miami
Daniel Perez, Miami Dade Honors College
Kevin Perez, Tallahassee Community College
Andres Perez-Monzon, Florida International University
Ruben Perez-Sanchez, Florida International University
Gabriel Pertierra, University of Connecticut
John Pessoa, New York University, Stern School of Business
Alejandro Pis-Dudot, Tallahassee Community College
Peter Ramon, University of Florida
Luis Restrepo, Cornell University
Jacob Riesgo, Florida International University
Frank Rigueiro, University of Miami
Andres Rivas, American University
Juan Robledo, Drexel University
Jesse Rodriguez, Williams College
Joey Rodriguez, Wake Forest University
John-Paul Rodriguez, Loyola University, Chicago
Michael Rodriguez, Florida International University
Ricardo Rodriguez, Miami Dade Honors
College
James Roen, Florida International University
Daniel Rojo, Case Western Reserve University
Michael Romero, Miami Dade College
Luis Rondon, Florida International University
Ignacio Ruberte, Florida International
University
Daniel Ruiz, Florida State University
Eduardo Ruiz, Loyola University, New Orleans
Fernando Ruiz, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Angel Saavedra, Dartmouth College
Andres Sacasa, Miami Dade College
Jorge Salazar, Loyola University, Chicago
Paul Salinas, Florida International University
Brandon San Juan, Florida State University
Andres Sanchez, Florida International University
Cesar Sanchez, Auburn University
Lucas Sanchez, University of Miami
Thorvald Sanchez, Youth for Understanding
Gap Program in South Africa
Gregory Santos, Emory University
Jose Scheuren Franco, Spring Hill College
Brien Shellen, Florida International University
Matthew Sierra, Florida State University
Joshua Silva, Tallahassee Community College
Krischan Singh, Miami Dade Honors College
Daniel Sojo, Florida International University
Christian Solis, Florida International University
Ernesto Sosa, Florida International University
Henry Sosa, Duke University
Christoph Sproul, Vanderbilt University
Sergio Sroka, Florida International University
Javier Tato, University of Miami
Francisco Tejidor, College of the Holy Cross
Mauricio Teran, Oxford College of Emory
Alejandro Trujillo, Catholic University
Michael Ugarte, Tallahassee Community College
Kevin Valiente, Florida State University
Bryan Valladares, University of Alabama
Daniel Valverde, Pennsylvania State University
Nicholas Vazquez, Tallahassee Community College
Jose Vega, University of Miami
Pablo Velasquez, Florida International University
Francisco Verdecia, Tallahassee Community College
Michael Joseph Verdeja, St. Louis University
Alexander Durant, Florida International University
Nikolas Echeverria, Catholic University
Jonas Egusquiza, University of Miami
Carlos Enriquez, Florida International
Amadeo Lopez-Castro, Clemson University
Roberto Lopez-Ibanez, Clemson University
Mark Lopez-Trigo, Florida International
University
Jorge Lorente, Florida International University
Anthony Placeres, Florida International University, Honors College
Gerardo Portela, Spring Hill College
Carlos Prio, Boston College
Sergio Purrinos, Florida International University
Kevin Viera, Florida International University
Brandon Villena, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Samuel Wallace-Perdomo, Harvard University
Robert Weller, University of Miami
ATHLETICS
By: Ricardo Fonseca, ‘12 Vincam Editor
• Middle School Tennis: These youngsters had a productive year going 1-2 while improving their game against tough opponents.
• Varsity Tennis: The varsity tennis team finished 8-3, and also captured a district title. The team fell just short losing in regionals, but once again these young men had a very productive and successful season.
• Sixth Grade Baseball: finished 12-6, and had another solid year with big wins over Epiphany, St.Agatha, and St. Brendan.
• Middle School Blue Baseball: The middle school, blue baseball team finished 13-7-1, and had a great growing year for the young players.
• Junior Varsity Baseball: The junior varsity baseball team struggled this year, but had the opportunity to grow by finishing their season 12-11-1.
• Varsity Baseball: The team came back this season and won the District Championship under new coach Jerry Albert. They finished the season 20-9.
• Middle School Blue Basketball team: The Wolverines middle school blue basketball team finished 13-4, and had huge wins over major rivals such as Epiphany and St. Agatha.
• Middle School Gold Basketball team: The middle school gold basketball team had an amazing year finishing 22-0. They faced tough opponents all year, and came through with winning efforts every time.
• Freshman Basketball: The freshman basketball season culminated with a 7-6 record, and had a great learning year with skills that improved throughout the season.
• Junior Varsity Basketball: The Wolverines junior varsity basketball team finished 16-5 with key wins over Miami Northwestern and Homestead.
• Varsity Basketball: The Wolverines varsity basketball team finished 12-14 this past year. They struggled through a tough schedule, but they have a promising future with plenty of underclassmen returning.
• Junior Varsity Water Polo: The school’s junior varsity water polo team had a phenomenal year finishing 8-1. The future looks bright for these individuals as they move on to the varsity level.
• Varsity Water Polo: The varsity water polo team finished 15-4 as their season ended falling to rival Gulliver Prep. in the district tournament.
• Sixth Grade Track and Field: The sixth grade track team had a great year finishing first in five meets and ultimately finishing second in the Tri-County Championships.
• Middle School Track and Field: The school’s middle school track squad finished first in six different meets and showed a powerhouse of young talent.
• Varsity Track and Field: The track and field team finished very strong this past year by coming in fourth place at the State Championship. The 4x8 came in second place with a time of 7:54.9.
• Junior Varsity Lacrosse: The JV lacrosse team finished 2-3 this past season and showed strong signs of improvement.
• Varsity Lacrosse: The varsity lacrosse team finished 5-6 this past season with big wins over Coral Reef and Palmer Trinity.
• Middle School Volleyball: The young Wolverines volleyball team had a great year finishing 6-0, and proved that they have amazing potential for the years to come.
• Varsity Volleyball: The Wolverines varsity volleyball team culminated the year with a 13-5 record with huge wins over Pace, Florida, and Westminster Christian.
New members honored in Hall of Fame NEWS
By: Nestor Montoya, ‘12 Vincam Editor
On Saturday May 12th at 9 a.m. in the school’s Roca Theatre, the Alumni Association inducted five former athletes into the Belen Sports Hall of Fame. The inductees were Frank Quesada ‘98, Ignacio Garcia ‘93, Cesar Conde ‘91, Carlos Morales ‘54, and Erik Montalvo ‘97.
“ These men all represented Belen as stellar athletes,” said Mariano Loret de Mola, Executive Director of the Belen Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami. “We are grateful that they have accepted this honor and we congratulate them.”
Induc tees began the event with a small reception in the gym lobby where the plaques were unveiled. All five new members were escorted into the Roca Theater where the Varsity Sports Banquet was also being held. After a brief montage highlighting the school’s athletics department, the inductees were presented with their plaques by the school President Father Suarez, SJ ‘58.
Including 2012, 39 athletes, 4 coaches, and three entire teams have been named to the Belen Sports of Hall of Fame since the Inaugural Class was inducted in 2007. The Belen Sports Hall of Fame took a one-year hiatus in 2011 before re-introducing it this year.
Carlos Morales ‘54
Track and Field
› Member of the 4x100 Relay Team, Pole Vault, and Triple Jump (19501954)
› Member of the 1954 Inter Collegiate Championship team.
› Set Pole Vault Record at Inter Collegiate Games (1954)
Basketball
› Starter in the under 15 Year Team
› Starter in the under 18 Year Team Soccer
› Varsity Soccer team (1950-1954)
Volleyball
› Varsity volleyball team (1950-1954)
César Conde ‘91
Tennis
› Athlete of the Year (1991)
› Sportsman of the Year (1990)
› 3-time Most Valuable Player (1989, 1990, & 1991)
› 3-time District Champion (1989, 1990, & 1991)
› 6-year Varsity Letterman (1986-1991)
› Represented the US at the TACA 1988 Third International Tennis Tournament in El Salvador
› USTA Junior Ranking Top 5 in Florida, Top 12 In the Nation (1990-1991)
Harvard University
› 4-year Letterman
› Team Ranked #14 in the Nation, Division I
› Top 50 Singles Amateur National Ranking
Ignacio Garcia ‘93
Track and Field
› 2-time MVP Field Events (1992 & 1993)
› 3-time County Champion in Pole Vault (1991, 1992 & 1993)
› 2-time District Champion in Pole Vault (1992 & 1993)
› State Champion For Pole Vault (1993)
› Still Holds School Record in Pole Vault
Football
› 3-year letterman in Football (1990-1992)
› Played Wide Receiver and Safety
Erik Montalvo ‘97 Frank Quesada ‘98
Cross Country
› State Champion Team (1995)
› MVP (1994, 1995, & 1996)
› Second Team All South Region (1996)
› All State (1995 & 1996)
› Second Team All State (1994)
› All County (1994, 1995 & 1996)
› County Runner of the Year (96)
Track & Field
› State Champion 1600m (1996)
› MVPlayer (1995/1996/1997)
› All County Track & Field (96/97)
› Athlete of the Year (1995/1996) F.I.U.
› Cross Country 1997-2001
› Track & Field 1997-2000
› TAAC All Conference Track & Field in the 1600m (1998)
› Sun Belt All Conference Track & Field in the 800m (2000)
› Outdoor Sprint Medley Relay Record of 3:25.48 (1998)
Cross Country
› All American, First Team in 100 yard freestyle (1997)
› All American, Honorable Mention in 200 yard freestyle (1997)
› Miami Dade County Swimmer of the Year (1997) ›First Team All Dade (1995, 1996, and 1997)
› Belen MVP (1996 & 1997)
› 5-year Varsity Letterman (1993-1997)
› La Copa Dorada Award Winner (1997)
› Former Belen Swimming Record Holder – 100 Freestyle
› Former Belen Swimming Record Holder – 200 Individual Medley
› Athletic Scholarship from Villanova University for Swimming
Standing: Frankie Tejidor ‘12 (Sportsman of the Year) and Esteban López-Rivera ‘12 (Athlete of the Year). Sitting: Frank Quesada, Erik Montalvo, Ignacio Garcia, César Conde, and Carlos Morales.
MAGIS
BRINGING HAPPINESS ONE AT A TIME SMILE
By: Ricardo Fonseca, ‘12 Vincam Editor
For many graduates of Belen their time here is well spent, but once they leave the walls of this institution some of the things they learn may be forgotten or lost. This is due to influences in college and beyond, but it is refreshing to see someone who has not only learned about morals and values at Belen, but has also applied them in his daily life. Dr. Jorge Blanco ‘81 has used his dental profession as a tool to do more for God and the community. By helping those who are less fortunate with dental assistance, he has truly lived the ideals of MAGIS and A.M.D.G. which he learned right here at Belen.
“ The work ethic and the discipline instilled in us, had the biggest impact on me while I was in Belen and it continues to do so today,” said Dr. Blanco.
Dr. Blanco learned from many different people during his time at the school in the likes of Mr. Patrick Collins, Mrs. Carol Vila, Father Izquierdo SJ, and Father Cartaya SJ. He was inspired by their continuous dedication and loyalty to the student body. Their influence, along with countless others in Belen, live on through him in the way he approaches his daily life.
“I learned in Belen that the Jesuit Ideals are not something that you apply once in a while or when it is convenient; it is a lifestyle,” said Dr. Blanco.
His pursuit of excellence in the field of cosmetic dentistry dates back to the demand for excellence which was expected of him at Belen. Dr. Blanco was a part of the last graduating class in the old campus on 8th street and 7th avenue. After graduating Belen, he attended Loyola University in New Orleans for his
undergraduate studies. From there he went on to the University of Tennessee for dental school. When he returned to Miami after graduating, he completed a one year residency at Mount Sinai Medical center. He has had a private practice for the last 23 years, but still enjoys lecturing and spreading knowledge throughout the community. He also taught in the General Residency Program at Mount Sinai for five years, and is an instructor at the Rosenthal Dental Aesthetic Continuum based in New York University. He has also lectured to groups of dentists at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
“Dentistry is a beautiful profession in that it allows me contact with people from all walks of life. I have structured my practice in such a way that I have the time to get to know my patients better and understand the world that they are a part of,” said Dr. Blanco.
Dr. Blanco has never forgotten about the ideals that were instilled in him about being a ‘man for others’ and serving the community for the greater glory of God. He has been involved with two projects in the past couple of years. The first is Project: Dentists Care (PDC) which is a statewide dental access to care network overseen and supported by the Florida Dental Health Foundation, Inc. Under the PDC banner, clinics and referral programs are organized by local dentists who volunteer their time and services to offer preventive and restorative dental care to Floridians.
The second project is, Project: Give Back a Smile which is a national organization started by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The participants of this project are volunteer dentists who provide pro bono dental work to help victims of domestic violence, also referred to as survivors. Survivors who have either lost or fractured teeth or neglected their mouths as a direct result of a violent relationship are treated by volunteer dentists.
“I honestly feel like I have been able to make a difference in people’s lives and in doing so do more to get closer to Christ,” said Dr. Blanco.
Dr. Blanco has made a conscious effort to implement many of the ideals that were instilled in him at Belen. He continues to strive for excellence in his profession while at the same time not forgetting about those who are less fortunate than him. He truly has strived for the MAGIS throughout his life.
In the mid 90’s he was involved in implementing a PDC clinic in a Overtown, and volunteered in this facility.
He married his wife Cristina in 1999, and they now have three children; Lucas (11), Marcos (10), and Paola(8). His oldest son Lucas will be continuing the legacy as he enters the sixth grade at Belen next year. Dr. Blanco hopes that the influence he received at his alma mater will definitely and infinitely pass on to his children.
In commemoration of the Golden Jubilee, all current students were asked to write an essay dealing with the topic of legacy. There were two categories: legacy and non-legacy. English teachers and the Faculty Jubilee Committee read all the essays and chose four winners -two from the middle school and two from the high school. The following are copies of the legacy winners.
Eloy Fernandez
6th Grade
My 100 Year Legacy
By the time I graduate from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in 2018, the school will have been in my family for over 100 years. Not only am I a name legacy, but I am also a Belen legacy. My greatgrandfather, Eloy Angel Fernandez, graduated from Colegio de Belen en Compostela in Habana, Cuba in 1919. My grandfather, Eloy Angel Fernandez, graduated from Colegio de Belen en Marianao in Habana, Cuba in 1951. Because he lived in Virginia, my dad, Eloy Angel Fernandez, was not able to attend Belen; but I, Eloy Angel Fernandez, hope to continue these legacies. Other “Belemitas” in my family include my great-uncle, Emilio Fernandez, who graduated in the 1930’s, and my great-uncle, Albert Beguiristain Sampedro, who graduated in 1950.
When I asked my grandfather what Belen means to him, he said the people, the education (both academic and religious) and the overall experience that you only understand if you are a part of it. In reading my grandfather’s issue of Vincam from 1951, one of his classmates said it best when he was asked his opinion of Belen. Fernando Alvarez said, “We will only comprehend what it (Belen) will mean to us when we are no longer in it.” My grandfather, who is a retired attorney, has great memories of his years at Belen, and to this day still holds close those friendships he started at Belen a long time ago. There are many differences between my grandfather’s Belen from the 1940’s and 1950’s and today’s Belen. Back then, the school had an elementary program. My grandfather started in first grade, and his tuition was $10 a month. Classes started with a daily mass at 8:30 A.M. There was an option to go home for lunch, and dismissal was at 4:45 P.M. The gala uniform was either a white suit or a black suit depending on the season. In your last year of high school, you were either in the science track known as “Ciencia” or in the language track known as “Letra.” English was taught as a foreign language. The school even offered a boarding option, and the boarders, known as “pupilos,” would live on campus but were given a free weekend every three weeks.
While many years and differences separate the Classes of 1919, 1951 and 2018, one thing does not change, and that is why we choose Belen. In 1951, my grandfather’s classmate, Francisco Alvarez, said, “In addition to giving us a first class intellectual and physical education, it (Belen) gives us the best moral education.” In 2012, I could not agree more.
Mitchell Alvarez Senior
My name is Mitchell Alvarez; I entered Belen in seventh grade back in 2006, and my legacy begins with my grandfather, Rolando Camargo. My grandfather was born in Havana, Cuba in 1941, and he attended El Colegio de Belen in Cuba until he graduated in 1959. Back in those days, Belen ran from kindergarten all the way through twelfth grade, and it allowed students from all over Cuba to live permanently in the dorms of the school for however long they attended the school. Belen was established in Havana, Cuba in 1854 by Queen Isabel II of Spain, and existed until 1961 when the school was confiscated by the Castro regime and turned into a military base due to its immense size. That same year, it was moved to the United States, setting up its first location inside the Gesu Church in downtown Miami, Florida. In 198I, after being moved from the downtown area to S.W. 8th street and 7th avenue, it was moved to its current location in West Miami-Dade. Over the years, my grandfather and I have grown closer and closer, not only because he’s my grandfather, but because we attend many Belen events together and are able to relate to many of the similar experiences throughout our days of attending Belen.
O ver the years, Belen has been nothing less than a family to me. Every day as I step through the school gates, I feel comforted and right at home. Obviously, this second home has different rules and all, but it’s through these strict rules that I am able to grow and become a better person. This school teaches you not only academics, but also moral and ethical values that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. It forms you to be a true man for others, as well as an honest and caring human being. From talking with my grandfather, the one thing he always tells me is that the friends you make now will be the friends you will have forever, and I couldn’t agree more; I wouldn’t want any other group of men as my friends. I am currently a Senior, part of the Class of 2012, and I know that I can always count on my classmates, and that they will always have my back. In a couple of months, we will all be graduating and going off to college, but we will always be known as the Class of 2012 and as graduates of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.
O ver the years my grandfather has shared numerous stories with me from when he was a student at Belen back in Cuba. He told me that back when Belen was in Cuba, you were able to sleep at school in dorms provided for you. He said that the one year he stayed in the dorms, and once the night guard had fallen asleep, kids would sneak out in the middle of the night into the kitchen to get food. The staff would refer to the children who stayed in the school overnight as pupilos or internos. Today in Belen, we wear our Gala uniform for mass, which is our blue blazer and khaki pants. Back in Cuba, the students would attend mass every day before school started, and they would wear their uniforms as well a particular hat that they were required to wear.
Another relative of mine who attended Belen in Cuba is my grandfather’s older brother, Manuel Camargo Saavedra. Manolo, as they referred to him back in Belen, graduated in 1954. When he visits from his home in Mexico, we all get together and share stories about our fondest memories of Belen. The one thing I always feel when I hear these stories and the way they talk about Belen is their love and passion for the school. They always mention how thankful they are for having attended Belen, and how great it feels to be known as a Belen graduate. Both my grandfather and his brother have very close ties to the school today, having gone to school with some of the current faculty, such as our current President Fr. Pedro Suarez, S.J. and our 12th grade spiritual counselor, Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J.
Therefore, after attending Belen now for six years, I can definitely say that Belen has been like a second family to me - always treating me with the utmost love and respect. Graduating from Belen, as I hope to do in a couple of months, will be a great feeling of accomplishment, because Belen is known for its excellent academics and its preparation not only for college, but for life. As a graduate of Belen Jesuit, you are not only known as an alumnus from Belen, but as a Man for Others.
Cover Story
BSo, after all of the paella, churrasco and lechón; the galas, functions and tombola dinners; the alumni gatherings, fundraisers and tournaments; after all of these celebrations the question remains, what are we left with?
We are left with the same traditional core values Belen has been instilling in the young men who stroll through its campus, the faculty is largely unaltered and the central religious component is, as always, an integral part of the school. Despite these consistent pieces of the jigsaw puzzle, there are a slew of changes that will unquestionably alter the fabric of how Belen is seen and perceived.
Undoubtedly, the largest of these updates is the highly publicized and anticipated switch over to the iPad as the main modem for education. Starting next school year, every student will no longer tote around copious pounds of books, notebooks, binders, etc.. It will all be neatly compacted into these sleek new tablets.
A great deal of research went into going forward with the iPad concept. Many educational applications have been developed to be used in conjunction with this device. In fact, Apple Inc. has been
Moving Forward
After 50 years in Miami, what does the future hold for the school?
By: Joseph Isenberg, ‘12 Vincam Editor
elen’s Golden Jubilee has come and gone. The year-long celebration, filled with a mantra of change and commemoration of excellence, has left in its wake some definite plans for future improvements. Although the celebrations may be over, the school now looks forward to what the future holds, and to the many alterations that will change its current canvas.
praised, as of late, for its innovation in the education field with apps spanning from kindle-like book-storing possibilities to interactive agenda products.
One such application, titled ‘dropbox’ has already found use in the classroom. Dropbox, a webbased storage program allows teachers to post up documents and assignments as well as create folders for student assignment submissions. Teachers such as Dean of Students Mr. Thomas de Quesada ‘94 and Dr. John Gustavsen have made extensive use of integrating dropbox in their daily curriculum.
“I am extremely excited about the potential rewards that are sure to come with the iPad here in Belen,” said Principal Father Willie García-Tuñón, SJ ‘87.
In addition to the dropbox application, the school intends to make use of Apple’s cloud technology to bypass the iPad’s lack of a USB port. The cloud effectively acts as a mass storage system that can be wirelessly activated and tapped into directly through the students’ and teachers’ iPads. Essentially, it is likened to a great big USB in the sky which requires no port and is used via internet access such as the campus-wide system of wireless routers that currently provides wi-fi to nearly every sector of the school.
“ “
- Seventh Grader Jandrice Nacier IT SEEMS SO MUCH EASIER TO USE IPADS INSTEAD OF BOOKS AND PAPERS.
The switch has not been an easy one. Teachers began training for this curriculum overhaul during last school year and continued their work throughout the summer in anticipation of the start of the new school year.
“Key to the success of Belen’s one-to-one iPad initiative is ongoing professional development for the faculty in how to best integrate mobile learning into the curriculum,” said Director of Technology Mrs. Carol Vila.
Despite the difficult task of revamping everything involved with the academic curriculum of the school, the faculty and students are more than ready to face this new and exciting challenge which has the potential of making leaps and gains in the field of education.
I t’s not just all about the massive academic switch; the athletics department has several exciting improvements of its own. First of all, the football field is getting a new turf field. The new field allows for easier maintenance and better play.
That maintenance factor played a big role in this acquisition as unlike the previous grass fields, the turf will not be repeatedly battered after every home game allowing it to last longer for the football, track and field, and soccer teams.
The cross country team will be getting an upgrade this coming year as the new Nike Hill, complete with a tunnel, will enhance the existing loop. Construction has already begun and it is scheduled to be completed before the school year begins.
An additional 3.2 acres of already purchased land on the northwest lot will add close to a quarter of a mile to the current cross country loop making it a one mile and a quarter longer. This area also adds much needed space as practice fields for football, lacrosse, and soccer.
The graphic renderings of the new football field and the olympic-sized pool.
Additionally, a new Olympic sized swimming pool will be built. To build the replacement to the current pool, the school will be knocking out two tennis courts behind the administration building to create enough space. After a plethora of extremely successful seasons, the swimming and water polo teams definitely deserve to house their practices and games in this new pool.
Indeed the school has all sorts of new and exciting improvements and changes coming its way, however the athletic and academic sides of this are not the only facets that will be seeing a new leaf. The Alumni Association also has a slew of new board members, including a new leader.
The new head of the Board of Directors, Carlos Batlle ‘80 will replace Jorge Hernández-Toraño ’75. He is joined by new members René Medina ’05 and Roberto Colón ’04 who will be replacing Jordi Guso ’83 and Antonio Abella ’59. The entire community wishes these individuals the best in their new roles as alumni leaders.
“Carlos, Rene and Roberto are all very good alumni who I am confident will be good for this board or directors,” said Mariano Loret de Mola (’58), Executive Director of the Alumni Association.
The new board has already met numerous times since its formation, as they get ready to tackle the issues that may come their way.
Belen has one more important change headed its way next year as Principal Father Willie García-Tuñón, SJ '87 will be leaving the school to further the cause of missionary work in the Dominican Republic. In his absence, the current school president Father Pedro Suárez SJ '58 will take on the responsibilities of school principal.
Father Willie will be the Director of the Instituto Tecnológico San Ignacio de Loyola (ITESIL) in Dajabón. The entire community is grateful for Father Willie’s years of service as teacher, counselor and principal, and wishes him the best of luck in his new endeavors.
There are certainly numerous new facets of the school beginning to take root. From a major shift in the mode of teaching with the much awaited integration of the iPad, to the exciting prospects of an updated athletics department. The torch will continue to pass from the older members of the alumni association to the new light of a younger generation, as Belen continues to move towards bigger and better things.
Amid all of these new aspects, it is the strive towards constant improvement which has remained through the years, and defines the drive that so aptly characterizes the school.
Carlos Batlle ‘80 Alumni President
Rene Medina ‘05 Director
Roberto Colon ‘04 Director
ClassNotes
’54
• Emilio Martínez, Alejandro Borbolla, Francisco Roca, Carlos Balerdi, Jorge Porta, Manuel del Rio, Julián Pérez Corzo, Luis Menéndez Aponte, Manuel Delgado, Eduardo García, Orlando Fernández and Carlos Morales in the November 2011 Alumni luncheon honoring Father Pedro Cartaya ’54
• Manuel Comella, Jorge Dominicis, Luis FernándezRocha, Roberto Borbolla, Enrique Sabater, Félix Quintana and Manuel García Lavaniegos at the Belen/ Columbus baseball game inaugurating Marlins Park.
• Manuel Ramil visits Frs. Juan M. Dorta-Duque SJ ’40 and Pedro González-Llorente SJ '58 at Villa Javier.
• Marisol Ponce de León, granddaughter of Adolfo Ponce de León, finished in fourth place in the Math Olympiad of Notre Dame Academy feeder School of Marist.
’59 ’78
• Fr. Jorge Cela S.J. has been named President of the Jesuit Provincials of Latin America.
• Happy Hour at Ignacio Zulueta’s residence with Eddie Muñiz, Carlos Arriaga, Francisco Plantada, Enrique Jáuregui, Javier Pérez-Abreu, Carlos Arazoza, Guillermo García, Roberto Nuño and Carlos Verdeja.
’84
• Jorge I. G. del Valle has accepted the position of legal counsel with FCA Group, the North and Central American real estate investment and management arm of Libra Group, a global conglomerate.
• Dr. Eduardo D. Rodríguez M.D. D.D.S made national headlines by leading a University of Maryland surgical team to the most extensive full-face transplant to date. ’56 ’58
• Otto Boudet participated in the Miami International Marathon.
• Carlos Rafael Rivera is a Composer-in-Residence with the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
’88 ’89 ’90
• Nativity School of Worcester has been named the 2012 recipient of the New England Regional Assembly Recognition Award by the College Board. Alex Zequeira is School President.
• Guillermo de Angulo M.D, oncologist at Miami Children’s Hospital, enrolled Natalie Thompson, then 2 years old, in an FDA Phase II study of a monoclonal antibody that killed her tumor cells. Now 4, she is cancer free.
• César Conde, President of Univisión Networks, was named one of The 25 Most Influential Latinos by the Brooklyn Museum. César is the Chairman and cofounder of “Futuro Program”, a non-profit organization that provides role models and educational workshops to Hispanic high school students.
• Ernesto Aviñó was named one of the Top 50 Entrepreneurs by Business Leader magazine.
• Gabriel Gutiérrez is joining NBC News as a network correspondent based in Atlanta. He was named Best Reporter in 2009 by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
• Carlos Gaviria was named an Associate in Transwestern’s South Florida Industrial Team.
’91 ’92 ’01 ’05 ’08
• Nick Martínez, who played baseball in Fordham University, is playing professional baseball with the Crawdads in Hickory, NC, a Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
’09
• Benjamin Otero was elected President of the Student Government Association at Barry University.
10 QUESTIONS FOR 1 ALUMNUS
By: Nicholas Munarriz, ‘12 Vincam Editor
Luis Fernández-Rocha ‘82
serves as the senior vice president of the Telefutura Network, a division of Univision Communications, Inc. He is responsible for everything from sales to operations and programming. With over 25 years experience in the Spanish-language broadcasting industry Mr. FernándezRocha has maintained a long standing commitment to community endeavors and civic organizations, particularly for the advancement of Hispanics.
Q. What do you remember most about Belen?
“Belen, the building, was this little place on SW 8th street with no windows. For 5 years we heard how the school was moving from 8th street. To be the first senior class in the new school felt great. It was new and it felt like it was ours. We had a basketball court and the dust bowl. My senior year we moved into the new Belen thinking we were at the end of the world. The friendships I made there are definitely what I remember the most.”
Q. How did this school prepare you to take on a world that is constantly transforming?
“Belen prepared me to not only be successful in my professional and personal life but it also taught me that we are able to do it in a fair, honest, and positive way.”
Q. How important is it for you to continue your legacy at the school?
“I am extremely proud that my father gave me the opportunity to go to Belen. I am also extremely proud of all four of my sons who are currently attending. I hope one day I will have grand children carry on the tradition.”
Q. Did your sons want to go to Belen on their own or did you need to encourage them?
“I never gave them an option. As a matter of fact, in 2002 my employment contract with Univision had a clause that if for any reason I was living outside Miami when my oldest son was entering the sixth grade, I would be transferred to Miami in an executive capacity so that he could attend Belen. I want my four boys to develop the friends and the brotherhood that only Belen can offer for the rest of their lives.”
Q. What is it that makes this school so special and unique for you?
“Belen is a family, and I feel at home there. It is
Mr. Luis Fernández-Rocha ‘82 was recently promoted to senior vice president of the Telefutura Network.
great to see so many of my professors still actively teaching at the school.”
Q. How did you get from your high school graduation to where you are now?
“Hard work, good luck and surrounding myself with good positive people is what got me here.”
Q. What career did you want to go into while you were in high school or college?
“I always liked the sales marketing and advertising field. My jobs were all in Spanish language media, I started in an advertising agency here as a courier, moved into sales at a Spanish language radio station, moved into television living in Houston Texas and running television stations since I was 29 years old.”
Q. What is the most exciting part of your job?
“As Senior Vice president of the Telefutura Network, I am responsible for everything from sales to operations and programming. The best part of my job is that it changes on a daily basis. One day I may be focused on the sales side of the business and another moment on programming. It is an exciting job.”
Q. How do you give back in your current position?
“I serve on many boards: United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Cancer Society, etc. At work we try to do as much as possible to serve our community.”
Q. What are your career and personal aspirations?
“Stay happy. It is very important to love what you do. We spend too much time at work not to have fun.”
Sons Levi and Luis, Luis Sr., wife Lisette, sons Lucas and Liam.
Fernández-Rocha played the position of offensive center for the Wolverines. He played football through his senior year at the school and made All - County Football in 1981 and 1982.
Graduation picture
Why do we give back?
Forty years ago the first member of the Arazoza family, Charlie rode the Number 5 bus from Westchester for his first day at Belen. Our parents Carlin and Gloria decided that even though it was a sacrifice, it was the best place for their three boys. Little did they know that they had made one of the best decisions of their lives, one that would impact the future of our family forever.
The example of the dedicated priests and teachers working in the old Belen with such limited facilities and resources showed how much could be done with the belief that anything could be accomplished. The “Jesuit Giants” (Arroyo, Ripoll and Izquierdo), were true men for others and were a great inspiration to all. We don’t know what the staff did or how they did it, but every boy loved Belen and the experiences. We never imagined that our humble school on 8th street would become the beautiful, state of the art campus that is the home of the Belen today.
How did this happen? Well, the courage and vision of the Jesuit priests, the teachers, the parents and students of the school who knew that Belen was a special place with a mission and they all gave their time, their talents and their treasures big or small to achieve the dream.
Our parents set a lifelong example for us with their involvement and support in causes they believed in, including our alma mater. Throughout the years supporting Belen has been our privilege. As a family, how can we not give to those that have influenced us so. Our hope is that the next generation, including the four attending the school, will follow in the tradition of living their lives as “Men for Others” .
Aaaoaa aaml
Mr. Alberto Arazoza ‘84 with son Carlos ‘17.
Mr. Eduardo Arazoza ‘82 with sons Eduardo ‘12 and Javier ‘18.
TAKE TIME FOR TEE
By: Nestor Montoya, ‘12 Vincam Editor
On Friday, April 20th, the Father Izquierdo Memorial Golf Tournament was held at the International Links Melreese Country Club. The event began with lunch, followed by the golf tournament and ended with a cocktail reception. All proceeds of the tournament went to the Belen Scholarship Program. The event held a special place in the community as it provided financial aid to over 300 students. The Belen Scholarship Program collects in excess of $1.8 million annually.
“ Thanks to the cooperation of past participants, this tournament has funded over 100 scholarships providing young men in our community a chance to attend Belen,” said Mariano Loret de Mola, Executive Director, Belen Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami.
The first place winners were Edwin Pagan, David Diaz, Eddy Vega, and Jim Gimble. Second place went to the team of Victor A. Alvarez, Michael Berkley, Daniel Espinosa ’00, and Rene Espinosa. Third place was given to the foursome of Carlos Pérez-Abreu ’88, Roberto Pérez-Abreu, Ricardo Escobar, and Carlos Ortega. Overall, the event was a success and gave alumni a chance to sharpen their golf skills and share together in a day of fun all for a good cause.
From top to bottom:
1. Guillermo García-Tuñón ’66, Father Willie García-Tuñón, SJ ’87, Jorge Saladrigas ’99 and José Roca ‘84.
2. Mariano Loret de Mola ’58, Donato Argüelles Jr. ’05, J. C. Alexander ’99, George Powell ‘81, Manny Díaz ’73, José Garrido III ’99, José Garrido Jr. ’72 and Donato Argüelles ‘73.
3. Steve Vega, Steve Vega Jr. ’13, Armando Márquez ’15, Luis A. Márquez, Jorge Iglesias, Jorge A. Iglesias ’18, Héctor Lastre and Kristian Lastre ‘16.
4. Alberto Gutiérrez ’88, René Espinosa, Michael Berkley and Danny Espinosa ‘00.
GALLERY OF REUNIONS sagua
Members of the Colegio del Sagrado Corazón de Sagua with Father Marcelino García, SJ.
Juan Manuel and Marta Salvat celebrate.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Fernández with Alfredo Ramos.
Mr. and Mrs. Juan Madariaga with Belen professor Maria Elena Cartaya.
Mr. and Mrs. Félix Mon, Mrs. Manuel del Río.
1971
Members of Colegio de Sagua with Father Marcelino García, SJ and Father Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, SJ Belen ‘40.
Luis Leorza celebrating at the reunion.
Left to Right: Julio M. Gómez, Felipe Martínez, Ana Martínez, Arturo Mosquera.
Class Picture with faculty, Left to Right: Al Ovies, Juan Mendoza, Ricardo Pau-Llosa, Julio M. Gómez, Antonio Abella, Jorge Caridad, Felipe Martínez, Mariano Loret de Mola, Gines Lleonart, Rafael Eguilior, Jorge Busse, Juan García, Arturo Mosquera, Rubén Hernández, Oscar Gómez.
The wives of the class of 71, Left to Right: Ana Busse, Madeleine Mendoza, Ana Martinez, Liza Mosquera, Zoraida Caridad, Carmen Gómez, Adela Eguilior, Jeanette Gómez, Patricia García, Judith Hernández.
Left to Right: Al Ovies, Ricardo Pau-Llosa, Julio M. Gómez, Jorge Busse, Rubén Hernández.
GALLERY OF REUNIONS
Class of 1976 35-year reunion banner.
Father Pedro Cartaya, SJ ‘54 shows visiting members of the class of 1976 the school observatory.
Class delegate Crescencio Ruiz addresses his classmates.
Luncheon in the Cosculluela Hall with family and friends.
Class delegate and President of the BITS professional section Peter Montadas addresses his classmates. Alumni Association Executive Director Mariano Loret de Mola ‘58 welcomes members of the class of 1976 and their guests of honor: their parents.
Robert Orta, Alvaro Fernández Carol, Jorge Blanco, and Jorge Powell. (Picture taken at Ocean Reef).
Group Picture (taken at Ocean Reef).
Group picture (taken at Town Bar).
Eduardo Hernández, Damián Pardo, Carlos de la Cruz, Alvaro FernándezCarol, and David Cabarrocas (Picture taken at Ocean Reef).
Ricardo Juncadella, Eusebio García, José Casal, Ricardo Martínez, Sergio González, and Adolfo Jiménez (Picture taken at Town Bar).
Robert Orta, José Casal, Fausto Alvarez, David Cabarrocas, Raul Vergara, and Jorge Blanco (Picture taken at Ocean Reef).
Vocation to Marriage
• Manny Coroalles ’90 and Ily Larrieu
• Santiago Iturralde ’04 and Rachael Casey
• Néstor F. Machado ’91 and Antonella Bonvecchio.
• Luis Patiño ’97 and Mariana Kleweno
• Víctor León ’02 and Erika Moro
• Mariano Mallol ’03 and Michelle Collins
• Kevin Pardiñas ’02 and Maritza García
• Eric M. Fresco ’05 and Julieth Andrea
• Danny Monzón ’07 and Brittany Borrego
Vocation
to aamly
• Nicolás Norman Ruiz-Castañeda, born to Norman ’03 and Christine Ruiz-Castañeda , grandson of Carlos Valdés-Lora ’73, nephew of Carlos Valdés-Lora ’06 and grand-nephew of Emilio Roldán ’85.
• Twins Reese and Alex Bustamante Rasco, born to Richard ’99 and Lucy Rasco.
• Carolina Moreno, to Lily Mary & Niberto Moreno ‘96.• Aleco Cosío, grandson of Juan Santalla ’61.
• Victoria Olaniel, to Víctor ’88 and Patty Olaniel.
• Hunter Robert Albury, great-grandson of Jorge Andino ‘59.
• Pedro Alberto Raimúndez, to Ricardo ’90 and Belkys Raimúndez.
• Alicia Cristina Burgos, to Alex ’98 and Joanna Burgos.
• Lorenzo Lucas Pérez Lubián, grandson of Manolo Lubián ’62.
• Ana García-Tuñón, to Alicia Marie and Roberto García-Tuñón ‘97.
• Erik Daniel Rodriguez, great-grandson of Jose Luis Borbolla ’60, nephew of Daniel J. Rodriguez ’05 and cousin of Francisco Javier Borbolla ’92.
• Julián Alexander Jacomino, to Belen Professor Jenny Jacomino and husband Alex.
• Ignacio Scull IV, to Kimberly and Belen
Professor Ignacio Scull III.
Isabella Trujillo, born to Carmen and Rep. Carlos Trujillo ‘01.
• Twins Carlos and Carolina Rodríguez, born to Xiomy and Carlos F. Rodríguez ‘96
• Lucía Hernández, born to Silvia and Armando Hernández Rey ’89 and niece of Jorge Mestre ‘89.
• Marcelo Vich, Born to Ana and Iván Vich ’98 and nephew of Robert Vich ‘94.
In MeaoAmaa
In loving memory of our alumni friends
• Rafael Carsi ’35 Dolores
• Enrique Rubio ‘39
• Héctor Recio ‘42
• Lucilo Palacio ‘47
• Antonio Jorge ‘49
• Juan Leal ’52 Dolores
• Manuel Balbona ’53 brother of Domingo ’39, Eduardo ’46 and José Luis ’49 Balbona.
• Pedro Blanco ’56 uncle of Dr. Frank Blanco ‘83.
• Enrique Mirambell ’59 father of Alejandro Mirambell ‘99.
• Fernando Alvarez ’61, father of Fernando J. Alvarez ‘87.
• Melchor Batista ‘62
• Jeremy Longo ’88 brother of Angelo Longo ‘86
• Anwar Janania ‘04
Family and friends of the alumni association
• Seida Carbonell, grandmother of Mike Wood S.J. ‘04.
• Emilia Lanuza, mother of Belen Library Director Mrs. Marta Cosculluela and mother-in-law of Alvaro Cosculluela ‘61.
• Carmita Riera, wife of José Riera ’55, mother of Jorge ’82, Joaquín ’84 and Javier Riera ’91.
• Antonina Alonso, mother of Arturo ’65, Alfredo ’70 and Carlos ’75 McDonald and sister of Oscar ’36, Carlos ’42 and Miguel Alonso ’50.
• Jorge J. Domínguez, brother of Manuel A. Domínguez ’48 and uncle of Manuel G. Domínguez ‘75.
• Matilde Morejón, mother-in-law of Fernando Arán ’75 and grandmother of Fernando ’06 and Roberto Arán ’08.
• Gladys Cosío, wife of Raúl Cosío ’53 and
grandmother of Alex ’11, Eddy ’12 and Robert Cosío ’13 .
• Gladys Vara, mother of Adalberto Jr. ’76 and Carlos Vara ’80 and grandmother of Carlos Vara Jr. ‘10.
• María Adolfina Gelats, mother of José ’58 and Juan Rionda ’59 .
• Elena Morales Ortiz, mother of Carlos E. Espinosa ‘66.
• Margarita Arruza, widow of Guillermo Arruza ‘42.
• Ramón Martínez, father of Ramón Martínez ‘78
Carmen Herminia Carranza, mother of Alfredo Maruri ‘50.
• Consuelo Trabanco, grandmother of Alex Cosío ‘11.
• José Juara, father of José Juara ‘90.
• Jaime Batlle, uncle of Alumni President Carlos Batlle ’80 and brother of José Batlle, Dolores ‘52.
• Caridad Consuelo, mother of Luis Fuentes ‘73.
• Jorge Zaragozi, father of Jorge ’75, Henry ’78 and Richard Zaragozi ‘82.
• Angela Curbelo Pedré, mother of Vincent Pedré ‘91.
• Rolando Vázquez Milla, grandfather of Rocky Vázquez ‘10.
• Daniel Heidel, father-in-law of Rolando Díaz ‘87.
• Victoria Falcón, mother of Juan Falcón ‘56.
• José García, father of Joe García ’81 and grandfather of Joey García ‘15.
• Laura Flor, mother of David Flor ‘89.
• Josie Campa, mother of Julio Campa ‘71.
• Lolita Alonso, sister of Luis Iglesias ’61 and mother-in-law of Carlos García ‘92.
• Raúl Alvarez, father-in-law of Carlos Salvat ‘89.
• Alicia Rodríguez, mother of Belen Director of Development Néstor Rodríguez.
• Bertha Martínez de López, grandmother of Belen Disciplinarian Fabio Ortega.
• Conchita Bustamante, mother of School Counselor Jorge Muñoz-Bustamante.
• Esther A. Rodríguez, aunt of Josefina Chirino, Director of Belen Jesuit Campus Ministry.
• Most Reverend Agustín Román, retired Auxiliary Bishop of Miami.
Aluanm GatheAmngs
Belen Alumni at the Belen/Columbus basketball game. Paco Ruiz ’73, Mariano Loret de Mola ’58 (Executive Director), Manny Díaz ’73 and Orlando Puente M.D. ’71.
Branger and Paul Briz ’92, Carlos López ’08, Diego Juncadella ’10, Javier Riera ’91, Roberto Borbolla ’56, Marcos Calderón ’10, Lucas Calderón, Eduardo Robayna, Guillermo de la Puente and Sebastián Juncadella ‘08 celebrate Christmas 2011 at Lucas ’08 and Marcos ’10 Calderon’s residence.
Friendly softball game between alumni and the varsity baseball team during Baseball Day.
The 2012-2013 Board of Directors of the Alumni Association
Ramón
SAFE networking event at Hooters. Luis Machado ’80, Roberto Colón ’04 (Chairman), Gabriel Dieppa ’96, Thomas Pla ’00, Marcos Segrera ’06 and Aldo Cardona ’90.
Standing: Julio C. Bertemati ’99 (Secretary), Héctor Formoso-Murias ’82, Antonio Castro ’86, Jorge Hernández-Toraño ’75, Carlos Batlle ’80 (incoming President), Alvaro Cosculluela ’61, José A. Garrido III ’99, José A. Garrido Jr. ’72 and Mariano Loret de Mola ’58 (Executive Director)
Sitting: Roberto Colón ’04, Fernando Arán ’75 (Past President), Crescencio Ruiz ’76, L. J. Rodríguez ’93 (Treasurer), Raúl Cardona ’85, Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ’73 and José A. Garrido ‘46. Not pictured: René Medina ‘05.
Calendar of events
June
Jun 1-3 Class of 1957: 55-Year Reunion
Jun 8 Last Day of School
Jun 8-10 Class of 1962: 50-Year Reunion
Jun 12-22 19th annual Overseas Study Program
Jun 14 Class of 2007: 5-Year Reunion
Jun 18 Belen Summer Camp begins
Jun 22-24 Class of 1987: 25-Year Reunion
Jun 22-Jul 8 Youth Mission trip to Dominican Republic
Jun 30 Class of 1972: 40-Year Reunion
July
Jul 12-14 President’s Day: School and office closed
Jul 21 Colegio Dolores annual meeting
Jul 14-15 Class of 1952: 60-Year Reunion
September
Sep 3 Labor Day: School and office closed
Sep 14-16 Class of 2002: 10-Year Reunion
Sep 27 Middle School Academic Awards
Sep 28 High School cademic Awards
October
Oct 12-14 Class of 1982: 30-Year Runion
Oct 18 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Oct 19 School and office closed
August
Aug 3 Belen Summer Camp ends
Aug 13 Teachers’ work day
Aug 17-19 Class of 1992: 20-Year Reunion
Aug 20 First full day of school
Aug 28 Back to school night - Middle School
Aug 30 Back to school night - High School
November
Nov 21 School and office closed
Nov 22 Thanksgiving: School and office closed
Nov 23 School and office closed
Nov 26 School and office closed
* Alumni luncheons take place the last Friday of every month at 12 noon in the Cosculluela Dining Hall.
OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
One of the greatest compliments I have ever been paid came from longtime teacher and social studies department chairperson Patrick Collins. After a presentation I made several years ago to the Belen faculty on Ignatian pedagogy Mr. Collins handed me a note where he had written a quote attributed to the great Leonardo da Vinci. It read: “Wretched is the student who does not surpass his teacher.” These words were then followed by his own: “you are not a wretched student Willie.”
I cherish those words. The handwritten note is framed and sits in my office as a constant reminder that I owe it to Mr. Collins and others like him to live up to the expectations of those who came before me and even surpass them. This is the spirit of our jubilee year. While we pause to applaud the accomplishments of the fifty years that have preceded us through cultural events and articles in the paper, our eyes are squarely fixed on the years to come.
There is still much to be done. The continuous development of our school’s curriculum, the introduction of the communication arts and multimedia department, the construction of the WBLN Studio, the refurbishing of the central patio, the launching of the iPad program in August, and the
resurfacing of our football field are all examples of our tireless effort and commitment to build upon and even surpass what has preceded us.
The driving force behind all this of course is the Jesuit magis. Responding to the call of our founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Belen continuously strives to do more for the sake of our students, community, and ultimately the world. It is clear that the call to the magis is not restricted to the hallowed halls of our beloved school. Every man and woman associated to the Society of Jesus responds to a vocation to give more whether it is in Miami, Dominican Republic, or half way around the world.
After reading the pages found here in our alumni magazine we can feel a sense of holy pride that what was started in Havana, Cuba in 1854 and what persists today remains the same. Belen’s incessant desire to educate men for the greater glory of God and the service of others continues to be at the heart of what we do.
Unques tionably, those who came before us expect their achievements to be surpassed. Our continued success is ultimately the fruit of their labor and a testament of their life’s work. This commitment is our obligation to the great Jesuits, teachers, parents, and alumni who set the bar high for our school in Miami and testimony to the fact that at Belen there is not a wretch to be found.
God bless,
Fr. Willie ‘87
MESSAGE FROM THE
ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
The end of this academic year will also bring to a conclusion my tenure as President of our beloved Alumni Association. In this, my last President’s Alumni Magazine message, I would like to thank you and reflect.
Thank you, fellow Alumni, for giving me the privilege and honor to have served as your President. You trusted me with an enormous responsibility that I hope you know I did not take lightly.
Thank you Fathers García, Suárez, García-Tuñón and Fernández-Travieso and Carola Calderín for your support and confidence in and respect for the Alumni Association. Your leadership has permitted the Association’s alliance and relationship with the School to flourish and strengthen. You and all current and since-departed Jesuits, faculty members and administrators who so richly influenced the formation, character and integrity of our Alumni brotherhood should frequently be remembered and thanked by all of us.
Pablo Carreño and Roberto Borbolla . . . Thank you. As volunteers, you exemplify the “men for others” credo that is so effectively taught at Belen. Mariano Loret de Mola and Rick Raimúndez . . . Thank you. All who have worked with you know how much you love this Association and Belen and how much you want to continue to serve.
Our Association’s state and condition is excellent. We have lots to be proud of, but cannot rest on our laurels. We must push to do better and improve. We are a great and impressive group . . . and as a result, great and impressive things are expected from us. We need to be so good we cannot be imitated. Already we are quite unique:
• We are probably the only high school in the country whose Alumni is as organized and together as ours (par ticularly when you take into account our professional sections);
• We enjoy a membership of over 5,000;
• We collectively share unique experiences and histories that are colorful, historic, dramatic and meaningful; and
• We are the product of the Jesuit upbringing, which inspires us to give, serve and excel.
I will very much miss my annual message to the Senior Class, when I formally welcome them to the Alumni Association at the last Mass they attend as Seniors and remind them of the enormous responsibility they take on as Men of Belen. I remind them that common themes in St Ignatius’ letters and teaching include that we: be humble and deferential in all our dealings; listen much and say little; adapt and win affection; gain the confidence of others so we may persuade; be generous of our time and praise; and let our actions and deeds, not our words or self proclamations, be our legacies.
I tell them to be guided by the positive and inspirational things they learned and experienced in Belen so they may be blessed with much health, happiness and peace in their lives because, with these, success and all other things to which they aspire will follow.
As I close this message, I would like to extend this annual reminder to all Alumni.
As for me, I will now be directing my efforts, on a more concentrated basis, to help Belen with development. The Alumni will be a major factor in those efforts. Many of our Alumni have been very generous. We need to collectively do better, though, and look for ways to give to the institution that gave us so much in so many different ways. I hope to count on your help and generosity.
Finally, I want to congratulate Carlos Batlle, our incoming President. I pledge to Carlos and to you my continued support and dedication. Under Carlos’ leadership our Association will continue the trajectory started by my predecessor Fernando Arán and will continue to rise in prominence and influence.
May our Good Lord continue to bless and watch over Belen and the entire Belen Community.
Jorge Hernández-Toraño ’75 President of the Alumni Association
