Hall of Fame 2023

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS

CHAIRMAN OF THE BELEN HALL OF FAME

Peter Montadas '76

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Roberto Borbolla '56

Carlos Bravo '86

Jorge Muñoz-Bustamante '69

Felipe Fernández '94

Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J. '87

José Garrido III '99

José López-Varela '87

Mariano Loret de Mola, DVM '58

Alberto Paradela '11

Francisco "Paco" Ruiz '73

BEHIND THE SCENES

Roberto Borbolla '56

Johnny Calderín '92

Carlos Cristóbal '16

Tommy de Quesada '94

Luis Fernández de Castro '54

Aida Fernández-Magariño

Carlos Jiménez '15

Rebeca Lowell

SELECTION COMMITTEE

Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J. '87

Felipe Fernández '94

Peter Montadas '76

Crescencio Ruiz '76

Eddie Macías '02

Teresa Martínez

Mirna Menéndez

Jorge Pérez-Alvarez '76

Ronnie Ramos '58

Yvonne von der Osten

Leo Williams

PROGRAM

Invocation

Fr. Alberto García, S.J.

Dinner Service

Presentation of Inductees

Tommy de Quesada '94

Alumnus of the Year

Eduardo J. García '87

Closing Remarks

Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J., ‘87

INAUGURAL CLASS

Inducted April 9, 2022

Fr. Juan M. Dorta-Duque, S.J. '40

Fr. Jorge Sardiña, S.J. '45

Fr. Luis Ripoll Galán, S.J. '36

Fr. Felipe Arroyo Villar, S.J.

Fr. José M. Izquierdo, S.J.

Fr. Daniel Baldor de la Vega, S.J. 1919

Fr. Marcelino García Pérez, S.J.

Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J. '54

Roberto C. Goizueta '49

José Antonio "Tony" Garrido '46

Jorge J. Bosch

John R. Guiteras '48

Dr. Carlos J. Finlay

Tony Abella '59

Mariano Loret de Mola, DVM '58

José E. Cil '87

César R. Conde '91

Fernando S. Arán '75

Dr. José (Pepe) Armas '77

Don Antonio Sánchez de Bustamante y Sirvén 1880

HALL OF FAME

The 20 individuals being inducted into the class of 2023 represent the Jesuit values and traditions that have been the foundation of our school since 1854.

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize members of the community who participated, excelled, developed, or supported the Belen community. Through their life endeavors, they have exemplified the Catholic-Jesuit values of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, El Colegio de Belén, and Jesuit schools of Cuba. The inaugural ceremony was held in 2022.

These individuals represent our core values - Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, Magis, and Cura Personalis. Throughout our extraordinary history, there have been so many that have helped shape the school into what it is today. Belen was built on the shoulders of giants, and through the Hall of Fame, we hope to highlight those individuals who have truly left their mark on the school.

For more information on all inductees, including tribute videos, visit www.belenjesuit.org/HoF.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Fr. Eduardo J. Alvarez, S.J. ‘63

Fr. Eddy, S.J. was born on August 29, 1945, in Havana, Cuba. In 1958, he started at El Colegio de Belén, and embarked on a spiritual transformation that would last the rest of his life. Eddy graduated from Belen Jesuit in 1963. He taught at Belen Jesuit from 1975 to 2004. Fr. Eddy has been the pastor at Gesu Catholic Church since 2004.

Gloria Arazoza

Gloria was born in Havana, Cuba, on August 10, 1937. In 1958, she married Carlos Arazoza and fled Cuba to Miami in 1960. Gloria served on the Belen Board of Advisors (first female member) for over 30 years, helped to establish the first gala, is a generous benefactor, and has assisted the administration whenever needed.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Brother José Arrieta, S.J.

Br. Arrieta, S.J. was born in 1906 in Spain and entered the novitiate in 1924. He taught at El Colegio de Belén in Cuba from 1942 until 1961. In Miami, he served the Jesuits as an infirmarian and was in charge of the day-to-day activities of running the residence. His dedication to his duties, sense of responsibility, religious fervor, and personality personified the magis.

Roberto Borbolla '56

Roberto was born on September 30, 1938, in Havana, Cuba, and graduated from El Colegio de Belén in 1956. He was captured and spent nine years in prison for his involvement in the aborted uprising of the Directorio Revolucionario Estudiantil. In 1978, he arrived in Miami and, in 1979, married Carmen Rosa. From organizing games to reunions and serving as the alumni content editor of the magazine, Roberto is very involved at Belen.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Luis

J. Botifoll '1925

Luis was born June 27, 1908, in Havana and graduated from El Colegio de Belén in Cuba in 1925. He served as director and chairman of Republic National Bank from 1978 to 1993 and turned the institution into the largest Hispanicowned business in the United States. Luis was a founder of the Cuban American National Foundation in 1981. In 1984, he founded the Editorial Cubana and was a tireless supporter of Belen Jesuit.

Otilio "Cappy" Campuzano

Cappy was born in Coralillo, Cuba, on January 23, 1900. Cappy is considered a Cuban sports legend as one of the best all-around athletes ever born in the country. From 1926 to 1961, he coached basketball and track and field at El Colegio de Belén. His leadership led to 21 conference championships in basketball and 20 conference championships in track and field.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Eugenio "Chino" Cosculluela '79

Chino was born in Miami, FL, on May 28, 1961, graduated from Belen Jesuit in 1979, and married Zady Garrido in 1986. He has been a titan in residential and commercial construction management since the 1980s. For nearly three decades, Chino has advised the Belen administration as it has grown, served as an unofficial construction advisor, and was a member of the Board of Advisors for close to 10 years.

Manuel Carbonell '36

Manuel was born in Cuba on October 25, 1918, and graduated from El Colegio de Belén in 1936. Manuel is considered among the greatest Cuban sculptors of his generation. In 1983, because of his love for the Jesuits and his alma mater, Manuel sculpted four unique bronze pieces for the Belen Jesuit Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Armando Codina '65

Armando was born in 1946 in Havana, Cuba, and attended El Colegio de Belén. He is a member of the class of 1965. Armando has been married to Margarita for more than 50 years. He founded Codina Partners, considered one of South Florida’s most successful privately held companies. At Belen Jesuit, he's been a generous benefactor and guest speaker over the years.

Gastón Comas '75

Gastón was born on January 4, 1957, in Havana, Cuba, and emigrated from Cuba to Miami in 1960. He graduated in 1975 and was his class valedictorian. He served for many years on the Belen Board of Advisors, as a class representative on the Belen Alumni Association, and on the Board of Directors of the Ramón Guiteras Memorial Library.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

José Garrido Jr. '72

Junior was born on October 4, 1953, in Havana, Cuba, graduated from Belen Jesuit in 1972, and married Aurora in 1975. Junior has remained extremely involved with his alma mater. From helping to organize his class reunions and events to leading the charge and raising the money to build the Fr. Benito Viñes, S.J. Observatory, he never hesitates to help Belen.

Olga Goizueta

Olga was born on April 18, 1934, in Havana, Cuba. and married Roberto C. Goizueta in 1953. In 1997, after he passed away, she became the trustee and chairman of The Goizueta Foundation. She deeply valued the Society of Jesus, and the education Belen Jesuit gave to students. This led to her establishing the Roberto C. Goizueta Symposium, and after her passing, Belen received a significant gift to establish the Olga and Roberto C. Goizueta Scholarship Fund.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Jorge Hernández-Toraño '75

Jorge was born on April 4, 1957, in Cuba, arrived in the U.S. in 1959, and graduated from Belen in 1975. Jorge has been a great example of a “Man for Others” giving back to Belen and the community. Jorge was a member of the Belen Advisory Board from 2005 to 2021 and served as Belen Alumni Association President in 2008 for four years.

José Ignacio Rasco '45

José Ignacio was born in Havana on September 1, 1925. He graduated from El Colegio de Belén in Cuba in 1945 and was named Brigadier of his class. In 1950, he married Estela. José Ignacio worked tirelessly during his entire life towards a just, free, and democratic Cuba. He was a member of the Belen Jesuit Board of Advisors, founder of La Editorial Cubana, and founding president of the Belen Jesuit Alumni Association.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Jorge Padrón '86

Jorge was born on March 17, 1968, in Miami and is a member of the class of 1986. Working in the business since he was a teenager, Jorge entered the family company, Padrón Cigars, full-time in 1992. Along with his wife Beba, they have been very dedicated members of the Belen community. Their support of time, treasure, and talent is spread over decades.

Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca

Juan Jesús and Ophelia were both born in Cuba and emigrated to the United States in the mid1960s and married in 1966. Juan Jesús worked tirelessly in the aviation catering business to provide in-flight food services to airlines. These local philanthropists have given generously to promote the arts and education in Miami and abroad. Their generosity to Belen Jesuit led to the construction of the Roca Theater.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Carlos '67 and Olga Saladrigas

Carlos and Olga were born in Cuba and left their country in 1961 to escape the communist regime. Carlos is a member of the Belen Jesuit class of 1967 and married Olguita in 1968. He is currently Chairman of Regis HR Group and Simplex Transportation Group. They contributed to the expansion of the campus by funding the Saladrigas Art Gallery and the Vincam Group Wing.

Gerardo Simms '69

Gerardo Simms was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1950, fled Cuba as part of Operation Pedro Pan, and graduated from Belen Jesuit in 1969.

Gerardo was a trailblazer and broke barriers, becoming one of the very first black Cuban prosecutors for the Dade County State Attorney’s Office. Gerardo also served on Belen's Advisory Board and remains engaged with the school.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Carlos Prío Socarras 1920

Carlos was born in Bahía Honda, Cuba, on July 14, 1903, and graduated from El Colegio de Belén in 1920. In 1940 he became the leader of The Authentic Party and, in 1948, became the last constitutionally elected President of Cuba. He served for four years and established the Cuban National Bank, civil service, labor courts, increased foreign trade, and made advances in public works.

Fr. Benito Viñes, S.J.

Fr. Viñes was born September 19, 1837, in Spain and was ordained a priest in 1869. In 1870, he was sent to Havana, Cuba, where he directed the Observatory at El Colegio de Belén for 24 years. On September 11, 1875, Fr. Viñes was the first person to predict the arrival of a hurricane and became known as "Father Hurricane." The Belen Observatory in Miami is named in his honor.

Submit a Nomination

The formal nomination process is now open for consideration for the class of 2024 Hall of Fame. We ask our community to collaborate with us by nominating people that correspond with one of the following five categories:

Alumni

Clergy and Religious Faculty and Staff

Alumni Parents

Friends of Belen

The Belen Alumni Office will assist you in the nomination process or put you in contact with the corresponding decade representative of the nomination committee. The nomination form can be accessed online at www.belenjesuit.org/HOFNomination.

This award is given to the alumnus who best demonstrates dedicated service to Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, lives a life of moral virtue, and is a leader spiritually, ethically, and financially for the betterment of his Alma Mater and community.

Eduardo J. García, known as Eddie, is a member of the Belen Jesuit class of 1987 and has served as a Parent Advisor for the class of 2023 for seven years. He has been a member of the Belen Board of Advisors since 2022 and will serve in that capacity for five years. Additionally, he has generously supported the Fund for Belen and various capital projects. Eddie also was a chaperone on the Belen Youth Mission trip to the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2022. He is the son of an alumnus, and his younger brother is also a graduate. Eddie continues to serve his alma mater as a mentor to students and young professionals.

“Not only is Eddie a great example of a man for others, but he is also a wonderful role model for the young men at Belen Jesuit,” said Father Willie, S.J. ‘87. “I look forward to celebrating him at the Belen Hall of Fame on April 1st. Eddie, thank you for being a pillar in our community.”

“I’m humbled to receive this recognition from my alma mater,” said Eddie Garcia. “I’ve loved Belen since my first day as a student. It’s a big part of my life and that of my family. I consider it an honor to be able to give back in any way and I’m very proud of all the work that is being done at the school to shape the men who will become the leaders of tomorrow.

Eddie is a partner and co-founder of TREO Group, LLC, a privately held real estate investment and development firm based in Miami. He founded TREO Group after practicing real estate law for ten years. He is also a partner at Grove Bay Hospitality Group, owners and operators of multiple restaurants in South Florida. Eddie and his family are also owners of Everglades Steel, Medley Steel, and Metallic Products, a family of companies that have been a leader in the steel distribution business since 1976.

In addition, Eddie has served on the board of Rebuilding Together MiamiDade for over ten years. This organization preserves homeownership and revitalizes neighborhoods by providing critical home repairs for low-income homeowners who are elderly, veterans, and/or have disabilities. He is also chairman of the board of F.A.C.E., Facts About Cuban Exiles, an organization that fosters and improves the image of persons of Cuban origin and their descendants in the United States.

He attended Tulane University for undergraduate studies and earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 1994. Eduardo is married to Aradelys Garcia, they have two children: Paola Garcia, 17, and Eduardo “Tito” Garcia, 17.

In honor of this recognition, a digital billboard will be on display showcasing Eddie on the 836 westbound on 27th Avenue from April 3 to April 24, 2023.