Hall of Fame 2024

Manny Díaz ‘73

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., Ed.D. ‘87

José Garrido III '99

José López-Varela '87

Mariano Loret de Mola, DVM '58

Alberto Paradela '11

Francisco "Paco" Ruiz '73

SELECTION COMMITTEE

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

Felipe Fernández '94

Peter Montadas '76

Crescencio Ruiz '76

BEHIND THE SCENES

Roberto Borbolla '56

Johnny Calderín '92

Carlos Cristóbal '16

Tommy de Quesada, Ed.D. '94

Luis Fernández de Castro '54

Aida Fernández-Magariño

Carlos Jiménez '15

Rebeca Lowell

Eddie Macías '02

Teresa Martínez

Mirna Menéndez

Jorge Pérez-Alvarez '76

Ronnie Ramos '58

Leo Williams

PROGRAM

Invocation

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

Dinner Service

Presentation of Inductees

Tommy de Quesada, Ed.D. '94

Alumnus of the Year

Roberto Surís ‘79

Closing Remarks

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

INDUCTED MEMBERS

Class of 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

INDUCTED MEMBERS

Class of 2023

Fr. Eduardo Álvarez, S.J. '63

Gloria Arazoza

Brother José Arrieta, S.J.

Roberto Borbolla '56

Luis J. Botifoll '1925

Otilio Campuzano

Eugenio Cosculluela '79

Manuel Carbonell '36

Armando Codina '65

Gastón Comas '75

José Garrido Jr. '72

Olga Goizueta

Jorge Hernández-Toraño '75

José Ignacio Rasco '45

Jorge Padrón '86

Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca

Carlos '67 and Olga Saladrigas

Gerardo Simms '69

Carlos Prío Socarras 1920

Fr. Benito Viñes, S.J.

The 18 individuals being inducted into the class of 2024 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 in, excelled in, 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 who 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 aim to highlight those individuals who have genuinely left their mark on the school.

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

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Carlos “Barq” Barquín

Carlos was born in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, on June 14, 1948, and came to the U.S. in 1962 as part of Operation Pedro Pan. On August 15, 1969, Barq was hired as a Physical Education teacher and he has been a faithful, dedicated and passionate teacher, coach, mentor and colleague for over 55 years. His legacy will be spoken about for years to come and his role in Belen’s history is cemented as a true BeLegend.

Carlos Batlle '80

Carlos was born in Santiago de Cuba on January 9, 1962, and moved to the U.S. the following year. Carlos began at Belen as a 7th grader and quickly became involved in all aspects of the school. Engrained with the values learned at Belen, Carlos has been active in the community professionally, philanthropically, and civically. He is an involved alumnus and served on the Alumni Board from 2012 to 2016.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Pablo Carreño '42

Pablo was born in Havana, Cuba, on April 14, 1925. A skilled athlete, he was a proud member of the class of 1942 and was inducted into the Belen Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. For decades, Pablo volunteered regularly in the Alumni Office and was instrumental, along with Fr. DortaDuque, S.J., in starting the alumni association in Miami. He was also a proud supporter of Regis House.

Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll

Coleman was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on February 9, 1905. In 1958, the Diocese of Miami was created, and Bishop Carroll was installed as Miami’s first bishop on October 7, 1958. Bishop Carroll provided guidance and support during the early years of Belen Jesuit. His leadership was pivotal to the success of the Jesuits, and his admiration of the Society of Jesus and their educational service was unwavering.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Fr. Richard Chisholm, S.J. '25

Richard was born in Havana, Cuba, on December 2, 1908, and graduated from El Colegio de Belén in 1925. He was ordained in Spain on July 29, 1943. He was instrumental in getting the Jesuit provinces in North America to donate funds to reestablish Belen in the United States. Fr. Chisholm, S.J. also served in Rome for nearly a decade until returning to Belen as the development director from 1978 to 1992.

Carlos M. and Rosa de la Cruz

Carlos and Rosa were born in Havana, Cuba, and were married in 1962. Their passion for art contributed to the Miami cultural scene. As proud parents of an alumnus, they never hesitated to support Belen. Their generosity helped build the campus stadium in 2003. Carlos also served Belen as a longtime member of the Board of Advisors, and together with Rosa, contributed significantly over the decades to assist the school's growth.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Manuel “Manny” Díaz '73

Manny was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 5, 1954, and came to the U.S. in 1961. As a Belen student, Manny was skilled in and out of the classroom. He made Belen history by scoring the first-ever touchdown in 1971. He was Student Council President and voted Mr. Belen in 1973. Manny became Mayor of the City of Miami in 2001 and, in 2022, was named Chairman of The Florida Democratic Party. He has remained engaged in the Belen community for decades.

Miguel “Mike” B. Fernández

Mike was born in Manzanillo, Cuba, on July 24, 1952, and fled to the U.S. in 1964. He received a Jesuit education at Xavier High School in NY. Mike is considered a pillar in the business world. His success in the boardroom and his Catholic roots have led to a very charitable way of life. The financial support that Mike and his family have given Belen over the years is a testament to the Jesuit values and principles that were instilled in him as a young man.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Andrés '60 and Lucila Jiménez

Andrés and Lucila Jiménez were born in Cuba and left their country in the early 60s. In 1976, they got married and had three children. From active parents to grandparents, they have always had a presence on campus and have been generous supporters of the vision and mission of the school. Andrés has also served as a class delegate and member of the alumni board.

Fr. Francisco Pérez-Lerena, S.J. '44

Francisco was born in Havana, Cuba, on December 27, 1924. He graduated from El Colegio de Belén in 1944 and was ordained on July 26, 1958. He was among the first Jesuits to serve at Belen Jesuit and was instrumental in helping the school get established. He served as Provincial of the Jesuit Province of the Antilles from 1974-79. Among his greatest achievements was establishing Regis House in 1984. His remarkable life was dedicated to living the gospel, educating the future and helping others.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Raúl and Nidia Rodríguez

Raúl and Nidia Rodríguez were born in Cuba and got married in 1976. Raúl already was a successful businessman, when he arrived in Miami. He then delved into real estate and thrived. Their passion for helping others led Raúl to establish the Rayni Foundation, which has awarded over 1,000 scholarships. They have generously supported Belen for decades, supporting the visions and mission of the school.

Dr. Eduardo Rodríguez '84

Eduardo was born on October 13, 1966. Dr. Rodríguez is a world-renowned surgeon. His innovation in the operating room led him to complete the First Face and Double Hand Transplant in 2020 and the First Face and Whole Eye Transplant in 2023. He lives the magis every day through his work and gives generously of his time to medical missions. Over the years, he has supported Belen passionately and serves as a mentor to alumni.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Francisco “Paco” Ruiz '73

Francisco was born in Havana, Cuba, on July 10, 1955, and is a proud member of the class of 1973. In 1976, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara and they had three children. His dedication to Belen and the Alumni Association, as well as his charitable work, embody what it means to be a man for others. As a former Belen teacher and coach he has been a mentor to many.

Bishop Enrique San Pedro, S.J. '41

Enrique was born in Havana, Cuba, on March 9, 1926, and a member of the class of 1941. He was ordained a priest in 1957. San Pedro spoke seven languages and worked as a missionary in the Philippines, Vietnam, China, and the Dominican Republic. For years, he served the parish of St. Raymond and taught at Belen Jesuit. He was the first appointed Hispanic Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston in 1986.

MEET THE INDUCTEES

Roberto Suárez '46

Roberto was born in Havana, Cuba, on March 5, 1928. He attended El Colegio de Belén, played on the basketball team, and graduated in 1946. In 1950, Roberto married Miriam and they had twelve children. Roberto began his career in journalism in the mailroom of The Miami Herald. He rose the ranks and became president of the company and the founder and publisher of El Nuevo Herald.

Submit a Nomination

The formal nomination process is now open for consideration for the class of 2025 Hall of Fame. We ask our community to collaborate with us by nominating people who correspond with one of the following five categories:

Alumni

ClergyandReligious FacultyandStaff

AlumniParents

FriendsofBelen

The Belen Alumni Office will be able to help in the nominationprocess.

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.

Roberto Surís is a member of the Belen Jesuit class of 1979. In 2019, the vision for a new athletic center on campus led to a conversation with Roberto and from that moment, a passion to see the project come to fruition was ignited. In 2022, the groundbreaking was held for the Roberto Surís Athletic Center and the dream started to form into reality. Now, weeks away from the completion of the athletic center, we are excited to announce that Roberto Surís is the 2024 Alumnus of the Year.

“In the tapestry of my life, Belen stands as the sacred thread, woven with the bonds of friendship and brotherhood,” said Surís. “Together, we were held in the embrace of love and compassion, guided not only by earthly mentors but also by the presence of Jesus, whose teachings echoed through the halls. Through their spiritual guidance and unwavering support, our priests and teachers became pillars of strength, shaping our academic years and the rest of our lives, imbuing us with the values we now impart to our families.”

Roberto’s story begins like many of his Belen brothers. Born in Cuba to a successful publishing family, his parents' and siblings' lives were uprooted when Fidel Castro took power, and the family business was confiscated. The family arrived in Miami in the early 1960s. Faith in the Lord kept his parents focused. In 1974, Roberto started in the 9th grade at Belen’s “East” Campus, then located on “Calle Ocho” and 7th Avenue. He made many lifelong friendships there with whom he still shares his life today. He succeeded in his studies, lettered in his sports and, his senior year, was named “King of the Dust Bowl.”

After college, Roberto’s thirst for success led him to expand into the multifamily development market. By 2005 and 2006, he had purchased, designed and either built or sold over 27 multifamily projects, always drawing on the deep relationships and inspirations he acquired during high school. In 2011, Roberto created The Estate Companies, a vertically integrated real estate development and general contracting operation with a focus on the institutional, highly amenitized multifamily rental market. Roberto has achieved great success and has built close to 9,000 units in more than 35 uniquely exquisite projects throughout the tri-county area. Remembering his roots, The Estate Companies’ management team is highly composed of other Belen graduates.

Roberto’s biggest influence and best friend has always been his father, from whom he learned to be faithful, committed and ethical. All these life-shaping qualities of faith, honesty, integrity and respect were reinforced by his mentors and peers during his Belen years.

“What began as a conversation with a Belen alumnus about helping his alma mater with the athletic project, has flourished into a friendship fueled by a common love of God and Belen Jesuit,” said Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J. ‘87. “In the years I have gotten to know Roberto, he has demonstrated his commitment to the place he recognizes had such a strong impact on his life. He is a true example of what it is to be a Belen alumnus.”

In honor of this recognition, a digital billboard will be on display showcasing Roberto on the Palmetto & Coral Way from April 1 to April 21, 2024.

DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES

Your support makes an immediate impact, changing the lives of Men for Others and their families.

Paco Ruiz

Manny Díaz

To My Belen Brothers

Paco has been the glue that has kept our class together to make sure we are all updated on all that happens and is also a key player in making sure we get to celebrate every five years with a renewed sense of pride. He also serves on the Board of Belen Alumni with Carlos Penín, ensuring we are always well represented.

Manny has dedicated his life to being a good, decent and effective public servant. As Mayor of Miami for eight years, he made huge strides in cleaning our city of corruption while coming up with many innovative ideas as a progressive thinker in making Miami the best City in America.

CLASS OF 1973