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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 second annual "Our Year in Review" publication, providing you with an inside view of events and initiatives spearheaded by the Alumni Association. This edition covers the fiscal year from August 2023 to July 2024.

The Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami remains dedicated to serving Belen Jesuit and our alumni through meaningful engagement and lifelong learning opportunities, fostering connections among alumni and the school.

Objectives

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.

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

Promote Spiritual and Social Welfare: to encourage initiatives that nurture personal and collective spiritual growth, while also fostering a sense of social responsibility, empathy, and compassion among members.

A CENTURY OF UNITY AND DEDICATION

JOSÉ

LÓ PEZ-VARELA ‘87

Another successful year for our Association with remarkable achievements by our extraordinary alumni. Celebrating our shared legacy, we reflect on a year of growth, gratitude, and giving back, while looking forward to even greater accomplishments in the future. Together, we have strengthened our community and fostered a spirit of collaboration and support that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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

Celebrating Unity and Legacy: A New Century of Alumni Achievements

As we close another year, we celebrate our growth and memorable achievements at the Alumni Office, entering a new century with a spirit of unity and dedication. The level of engagement and fundraising this year has been incredible, with each event bringing more alumni together and strengthening our bonds.

We kicked off the year with our 3rd annual Rick Raimúndez '90 Alumni Tailgate , with over 500 guests. Our Beyond Belen initiative saw enhanced collaboration between alumni and students, pairing over 200 juniors and seniors with more than 100 alumni for professional mentorships. We welcomed our new graduates into the Belen Jesuit Alumni network by assisting them with their LinkedIn profiles and updating their profiles on BConnected. Our seniors were inducted into the Alumni Association with a beautiful Belen Pin Prayer Service held for the first time in Our Lady of Belen Chapel. We held our Grand Reunion for alumni classes from the 4’s and 9’s, featuring the traditional Bricklaying Ceremony for the Class of 2023, a mass, lunch, and campus tours. Over 600 alumni and their families attended. The year concluded with the Father Sardiña Memorial Fishing Tournament, raising over $75,000 for our Scholarship Fund.

Next year, Belen Jesuit will celebrate its 170th anniversary. This milestone, achieved despite political upheaval and exile, is a testament to our enduring Jesuit values. To commemorate this, we are planning an “Over the Top Gala” on November 2nd at the JW Marriott Marquis. We look forward to seeing all of you there and at our events throughout the year.

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

EVAN TORRES '24 Alumni Support Intern

CARLOS JIMÉNEZ ‘15 Data & Support Administrator

ALUMNI BOARD

A group of distinguished alumni who serve in a leadership capacity to the Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami. They provide strategic guidance, counsel, and support to the association, 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

CARLOS PÉREZ-ABREU ‘88 Board Member

CARLOS SUÁREZ ‘00 Board Member

ROGELIO RIBAS ‘83 Board Member

STAYING CONNECTED

Staying connected to the Belen Alumni Association and keeping your contact information current is crucial for maintaining a strong and engaged community. We use various methods to keep you informed about what's happening at the school and upcoming events, including email, text, mail, and our social media pages. If you haven't received any communication from us recently, it's likely because we don't have your current information.

To ensure you stay in the loop, please consider calling our office or sending an email to alumni@belenjesuit.org with your updated contact details. Additionally, we have BConnected (www.belenalumni.org), our alumni platform, which offers several valuable features:

Alumni Directory : Filter searches by categories such as graduation year, university attended, industry, profession, and more.

Networking Opportunities : Post and seek networking opportunities and search for job openings on our job board.

Alumni Groups : Join groups dedicated to mutual interests like graduating class, professional sectors, sports, and more.

Mentoring Pages : Find and offer mentoring opportunities to fellow alumni.

This platform is vital for the Belen Community, not just the alumni. Keeping your profile up-to-date ensures that we can reference you when a request comes in, making it easier to connect and support each other.

For additional resources, we also offer the ARK (Alumni Resource Kit), which provides tools and resources you can access on the fly. Bookmark www.belenjesuit.org/ark on your phone or computer for easy access.

By staying connected and keeping your information current, you help strengthen our community, support the growth and success of Belen Jesuit, and foster meaningful connections with fellow alumni.

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.

BCONNECTED

8,016

4,845

Network Size Registered Users

2,235

Network Size Architecture, Construction, Real Estate, & Engineering Section ACRES

Belen Alumni Section of Healthcare BASH

643

Network Size

60%

Belen Alumni Lawyers Section BALS

575

Network Size

Belen Entertainment Arts & Media Section BEAMS

883

Network Size

BITS

Belen Innovation Technology Section

766

Network Size

1,460

Network Size Section of Accounting, Finance, & Enterprise

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

GIVING BACK

Giving back to Belen Jesuit through time , talent , and treasure is a holistic approach that emphasizes the diverse ways alumni can support their alma mater. While financial contributions are crucial, your time and talent are just as important in advancing the association’s mission and goals.

Time : Volunteering your time to mentor students, organize events, or participate in community service projects helps strengthen the bonds within our alumni network and positively impacts current students.

Talent : Sharing your expertise and skills can make a significant difference. Whether you lead a workshop, offer professional advice, or help with strategic planning, your unique abilities contribute to the growth and success of the Belen community.

Treasure : Financial contributions, no matter the size, provide critical support for scholarships, facility improvements, and innovative programs. Your generosity ensures that Belen Jesuit continues to thrive and provide exceptional opportunities for future generations.

By giving back through time, talent, and treasure, you help create a vibrant, supportive environment that benefits both the alumni and the current students. Your involvement is a testament to the enduring legacy and shared commitment to excellence that defines Belen Jesuit.

REVENUE INCOME

"Our Year in Review reminds us that giving back is more than a gesture—it's a vital investment in our community's future. Every contribution, whether through time, talent, or treasure, strengthens our shared legacy and drives the continued success of Belen Jesuit.

Carlos Bravo ‘86 Executive Director

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.

www.belenjesuit.org/alumnigiving

EXPANDING HORIZONS FOR STUDENTS & ALUMNI

"This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work with my Beyond Belen mentor Alfred Consuegra '86. I spent four weeks at VilarHoynack learning firsthand about project management, site operations, and estimating. From observing high-end residential and healthcare projects to assisting on-site and in the office, I gained invaluable insights into the field and confirmed my passion for pursuing a degree in construction management. I am deeply grateful to Mr. Consuegra for this transformative experience and look forward to future collaborations."

Nicolás Smith '24

Beyond Belen is much more than just a mentorship program for current juniors and seniors—it's a testament to the enduring support and involvement of our alumni network. This initiative pairs students with alumni mentors who share their career interests, providing invaluable guidance and support as they navigate their professional paths.

But it goes beyond the mentorship program. It plays a crucial role in connecting students and young alumni with real-world opportunities.

In addition to mentorship, our office, in collaboration with the Office of Career Development, has been dedicated to expanding life beyond campus. We facilitated internship and externship opportunities with 26 companies, all of which are either alumniowned or employ alumni. These experiences provide our students with practical skills and networking opportunities that are vital for their career development.

The success of Beyond Belen underscores the profound impact that alumni involvement has on our community. If you’re interested in supporting this initiative and contributing to the continued success and growth of our students, please reach out to Claudia Basso at careerdevelopment@belenjesuit.org. Your engagement helps build on our achievements and shapes a brighter future for all.

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

FALL: TOGETHER AGAIN

• We welcomed 25 new students to Belen Jesuit who are the sons of alumni.

• BEAMS Baseball Bash - Miami Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays

• Dr. Matthew Jordan ‘08 honored with Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award.

• Alumni Tour at The Dubliner Pub & Restaurant before the football game at Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C.

• Sagua Reunion

• BEAMS - Hosted a Whiskey, Cigars, and Art Night at the Saladrigas Gallery during the Faith, Beauty, and Devotion exhibition.

• Guest Speaker: Fernando Zulueta '77, founder and CEO of Academica, spoke to students in the Catholic Entrepreneurship Program.

• The class of 2024 received their class rings at the Senior Ring Mass held at the Our Lady of Belen Chapel.

• The Rick Raimúndez '90 Alumni Tailgate was held at the Garrido Family Plaza before the Homecoming game. Thank you to all the sponsors who made this event possible!

• SAFE - Lunch Happy Hour Event at John Martin's Restaurant. The event was sponsored by Evensky & Katz/Foldes.

• Alumni Tour at Juan '86 and Zoe Barinaga home in Houston, Texas.

• ACRES - Hosted a Happy Hour event at Grove Central (Residences) with David Martin of TERRA Group, who

discussed the evolution of transit-oriented development in Miami.

• Hosted our Delegate Appreciation Happy Hour event at Bayshore Club Bar & Grill

• Guest Speaker: Richard Laviña '05, CEO and Co-Founder of TaxFyle, spoke to business classes and DECA about his entrepreneurship journey.

WINTER: GIVING BACK

• Reyes Magis committee hosted its annual Thanksgiving Drive at Gesu Catholic Church in downtown Miami. Special thanks to Jorge '05 and Mike Ríos '08 from Señor Cafe for donating all of the turkeys.

• BEAMS - Ricardo Pau-Llosa '71 inaugural reading of "Fleeing Actium."

• BALS - Networking Happy Hour at John Martin's Irish Pub & Restaurant

• "Leyva Court" dedication at the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center. Jonathan Leyva '01 has left his mark on the hardwood, but this honor represents the ongoing legacy of gratitude from the Leyva family.

• Beyond Belen Mentorship Program with over 100 alumni mentoring over 200 juniors and seniors.

• Multi-Section Happy Hour & Toy Drive at The Tank Brewing, Co.

• The Reyes Magis Toy Drive was a huge success as hundreds of toys were distributed at Gesu Catholic Church in downtown Miami.

• The cross country alumni came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2023 season.

• The soccer alumni competed in an 8v8 tournament.

• The lacrosse alumni competed in a friendly game against current students.

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

• Peter Montadas '76 and his family have pledged a major gift towards fulfilling the goals in the 2022 Strategic Plan.

• We launched an initiative that aims to preserve the rich history and legacy of our beloved alma mater—the Belen Jesuit Alumni Oral History Project.

• Alumni Tour in Orlando, Gainesville, and Tallahassee

• José M. González '91 and his family have pledged a major gift for the Roberto Suris Athletic Center as well as an endowed scholarship dedicated to former Belen teacher and spiritual director Fr. Oscar Méndez, S.J.

• SAFE & ACRES - Co-hosted a networking happy hour at Empire Social in Dadeland.

• Alumni Basketball Reunion celebrating Rubén Marrero '75

SPRING: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

• Annual Tombola festival raised $1.5 million for the Financial Assistance Program.

• Held our annual delegate meeting & board elections. Thank you Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ‘73 for your years of service!

• Guest Speaker: Ramón Branger '92, one of the founders of Branger_Briz, spoke to the Entrepreneurship class about what his company does and the steps he took to become an entrepreneur.

• Guest Speaker: Alex Adams '14, Associate of JP Morgan Private Bank, spoke to our freshman Intro to Business students to teach them about personal finance and different characteristics of business etiquette.

• Guest Speaker: Raúl Duarte '09, Managing Partner of RTD Talent, together with the Career Development Office, was welcomed back to teach our junior class how to build a high school resume.

• Guest Speaker: Zoe and Juan Barinaga '86 spoke to our students about their experience in the engineering field, the importance of understanding different cultures, and how it can take you further as a professional.

• 12 individuals and 3 couples where inducted into the Belen Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to Roberto Surís ‘79 who was named Alumnus of the Year.

• Guest Speaker: Dr. Gabriel Suárez '04 gave a presentation to parents about raising children in the digital age.

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

• BITS - Networking Happy Hour at John Martin's Irish Pub & Restaurant.

• BEAMS - Artist Ismael Gómez Peralta and Ricardo Pau-Llosa '71 panel at Saladrigas Gallery.

• Miguel Ángel Ferrer '03 discussed the process of making a film with our film class. He also presented his film, "The Shadow of the Sun," at the Roca Theater the day before to the Belen Community.

• Northern Trust Luncheon with over 100 alumni attending.

• Alumni worked with students and families to pack 40,000 meals for the people of Haiti, joining forces with Rise Against Hunger.

• Fr. Cartaya, S.J. '54 accepted the donation of a Meade 14" f/8 LX850 ACF Telescope from Carlos Ortega, Jr. '05 and his mother, Lilia, in loving memory of Carlos, Sr.

• We partnered again with the Career Development Office for the first-ever Dress for Success Day! Over 60 seniors took their professional headshots by the talented Carlos Barquin '90.

• SAFE - Joint Happy Hour event with Our Lady of Lourdes Academy and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.

• BEAMS - Estación Memoria exhibition tour led by Ricardo Pau-Llosa '71.

• Day of Giving - Thank you donors!

• BEAMS - Piano duo concert by Mirta Gómez and Sahily Cánovas.

• BITS - Belen AVE event with Cam Heightland from Google.