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OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

CONNECTED BY BELEN. CALLED TO MORE.

2025 2026

WORKING AS A COMMUNITY MISSION STATEMENT

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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.

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

SECTION

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Objectives

There's a Place for You Here

The Team

Alumni Board

SECTION

THE BOND OF BELEN

Stay Connected

Why We Give Back

The Privilege of Serving

A Legacy of Leadership

SECTION

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

Fall: Coming Home

Winter: Men for Others

Spring: The Power of Community

Summer: Siempre Belen

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BELEN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF JESUIT SCHOOLS FROM CUBA AND MIAMI

We are proud to present the fourth annual Our Year in Review, a look back at the moments, people, and experiences that shaped the Belen Alumni Association from August 2025 through July 2026. This year reminded us that Belen is more than a shared past. It is a community that continues to grow with us. Through fellowship, service, faith, mentorship, and giving, our alumni continue to strengthen the bonds between generations while carrying the Belen tradition forward.

Objectives MEN FOR OTHERS

Strengthen the Brotherhood: Build lifelong connections among alumni through fellowship, networking, reunions, and shared experiences that keep the Belen community connected across generations.

Engage the Next Generation: Connect alumni with students through career development, education, and experiences that help prepare the next generation of Belen men.

Live Our Jesuit Mission: Put our Catholic and Jesuit identity into action through faith, service, and a shared commitment to being Men for Others.

Sustain the Belen Legacy: Inspire alumni to give their time, talent, and treasure while preserving the traditions and opportunities that make the Belen experience possible for generations to come.

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A guiding Jesuit principle that calls us to live with compassion, humility, and service. Being a man for others means using our gifts and talents to uplift those in need, striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE The Belen experience does not end at graduation. In many ways, it simply changes. As our alumni community continues to grow, one of our greatest responsibilities is making sure every alumnus has an opportunity to remain connected to Belen and, just as importantly, to one another.

CARLOS BRAVO ’86 ALUMNI DIRECTOR

There is no single way to be an engaged alumnus. For some, it means returning to campus for the Tailgate or Grand Reunion. For others, it may be joining a professional section, attending an Alumni Luncheon, mentoring a student, serving alongside fellow alumni, reconnecting with classmates, or sharing an interest or hobby with other Wolverines. What matters is that you find the connection that is meaningful to you.

This year, we continued to expand those opportunities. Alumni shared their experience with our students, gathered through professional and social events, celebrated our faith together, served our community, supported Belen, and continued traditions that have connected generations of Wolverines. The variety of these experiences reflects what our Alumni Association has become: a community with many different ways to participate, but one shared identity. Our work in the Alumni Office is ultimately about relationships. We want to create the opportunities, open the doors, and make the introductions that keep those relationships growing long after our years as students have ended. As you look through this edition of Our Year in Review, I hope you see more than a collection of events. I hope you see an invitation. There is a place for you here, and we hope you will find yours.

Our Alumni Association is strongest when we remain present in one another’s lives. Through shared traditions, new connections, service, and fellowship, we continue to build a brotherhood that reaches far beyond our years at Belen. Our greatest tradition may simply be continuing to show up for one another.

Un Abrazo.

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

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THE TEAM The Alumni Office is the heart of our alumni network, devoted to supporting and engaging Belen graduates from Miami and the Jesuit schools of Cuba. More than just organizers, they are bridge-builders—connecting generations, nurturing relationships, and creating opportunities for alumni to remain an active part of the Belen story. Each team member brings unique skills and passion to advancing our mission, ensuring that the bonds formed at Belen continue to grow long after graduation.

CARLOS BRAVO ’86

CARLOS JIMÉNEZ ’15

Director

Data & Support Administrator

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

ROBERTO BORBOLLA ’56 Content Editor

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LUIS FERNÁNDEZ DE CASTRO ’54 Volunteer

REINALDO RAMOS ’58 Volunteer

VICTORIA TRUJILLO (OLLA '24) Data & Support Intern

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

ALUMNI BOARD A group of distinguished alumni who provide visionary leadership to the Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami. Drawing on their professional expertise and diverse experiences, board members offer strategic guidance, thoughtful counsel, and steadfast support to advance the association’s mission. Their role is pivotal in shaping engagement strategies, developing impactful programs, and fostering a vibrant, connected alumni community, ensuring the continued success and growth of both the association and Belen Jesuit.

CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ ‘88 President

EDUARDO MACÍAS ‘02 Vice President

ANTHONY FERNÁNDEZ ‘06 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

STEVEN HENRIQUES ‘99 Board Member

ALBERT PARADELA Board Member

CARLOS PÉREZ-ABREU ‘88 Board Member

LUIS PÉREZ-CODINA ‘01 Board Member

ROGELIO RIBAS ‘83 Board Member

CARLOS SUÁREZ ’00 Board Member

JUAN TEJERA ’21 Board Member

JOSÉ LÓPEZ-VARELA ’87 Immediate Past President

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

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STAY CONNECTED

ARE YOU CONNECTED?

If you are not hearing from us, we may have outdated information. Use this quick checklist to make sure you're in the loop.

BCONNECTED Register or update your profile and contact information. www.belenalumni.org

YOUR CONNECTION STARTS HERE.

WEEKLY eNEWS Not receiving it? Check spam, then confirm your preferred email with the Alumni Office. alumni@belenjesuit.org

Keeping your information current helps us keep the Belen brotherhood connected.

ALUMNI MAGAZINE Make sure we have your current home address.

SOCIAL MEDIA Follow Belen Alumni on Instagram (@belenalumni), Facebook (/belenalumni) and YouTube (Belen Alumni Association).

ONCE YOU'RE CONNECTED,

BCONNECTED FEATURES Access the directory, professional networking, groups, mentoring and career opportunities.

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ALUMNI RESOURCE KIT (ARK) Bookmark the ARK for alumni tools and resources on the go. www.belenjesuit.org/ark

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Find fellow alumni Discover jobs and opportunities

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Join classes and interest groups

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Mentor or be mentored

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Stay informed about events and news OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

WHY WE GIVE BACK Belen gave us more than an education. It gave us a foundation. The friendships, faith, values, opportunities, and experiences formed here remain with us long after graduation. Giving back is one way we ensure those same opportunities remain available to the generations that follow. TIME | Showing up matters. Whether mentoring a student, volunteering, serving on a committee, attending an event, or helping a fellow alumnus, our time strengthens the relationships that make Belen a community for life. TALENT | Our alumni represent an extraordinary network of experience and expertise. Sharing that knowledge creates opportunities for students and fellow alumni while strengthening the community we all share. TREASURE | Every gift is an investment in Belen's mission. Alumni support helps provide financial assistance, strengthen programs, enhance the student experience, and ensure that a Belen education remains accessible for future generations.

GIVING The Fund for Belen has grown stronger over the past five years thanks to the consistent generosity of our alumni. This support fuels scholarships, strengthens facilities, and enriches the student experience. Just as important as the size of a gift is the act of participation, each alumnus who contributes helps preserve our Jesuit mission and ensures future generations benefit from the same tradition of excellence, faith, and service.

We give because someone invested in us. We give because we believe in what Belen continues to form. And we give so the next generation can one day do the same. Carlos Jiménez ’15 Alumni Data & Support Administrator

www.belenjesuit.org/alumnigiving OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

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THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING As I end the final chapter of my time as President of the Alumni Association, I find myself reflecting less on the events we have held or the milestones we have reached and more on the people who made them possible.

JOSÉ LÓPEZ-VARELA ’87

Serving this Association has been one of the great privileges of my life. Belen has given so much to each of us, and throughout my tenure, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand how deeply our alumni care about this school and about one another. Whether returning to campus for the tailgate, mentoring a student, participating in a service project, supporting the Fund for Belen, or simply answering the call when Belen needs you, our alumni continue to demonstrate what it means to be Men for Others.

This year was another powerful example of that spirit. We strengthened opportunities for alumni to connect professionally through BConnected Events, welcomed alumni into the lives of our students through mentorship and career programs, and continued traditions that bring generations of Wolverines together. Perhaps most meaningful was seeing our Jesuit mission extend beyond campus through the inaugural Alumni Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic, where 30 alumni from different generations came together to build six homes for families in need. None of this happens because of one person. I am incredibly grateful to my fellow Board members, Carlos Bravo ’86 and the Alumni Office, Fr. Willie, S.J. ’87, and every alumnus who has given his time, talent, and treasure to strengthen our brotherhood. As I pass the responsibility of President to my friend and fellow alumnus Carlos Hernández ’88, I do so with tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. Carlos understands what makes this Association special, and I know he will bring his own energy, ideas, and commitment to serving our alumni. Titles and terms eventually come to an end. Brotherhood does not. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside all of you and watching the next chapter of our Alumni Association unfold. Always Belen!

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OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP HONORING JOSÉ “PEP” LÓPEZ-VARELA ’87 & WELCOMING CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ ’88 For José “Pep” López-Varela ’87, the strength of the Belen Alumni Association has always been found in its people. Throughout his tenure as President, he has championed one important idea: give alumni meaningful ways to stay connected to one another and to Belen.

As I begin my time as President, I hope to build upon the strong foundation created by Pep and those who came before us. My goal is to strengthen the connections that make our brotherhood so special, bring generations of alumni together, and create even more opportunities to serve, mentor, and support one another. Belen has given each of us so much, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back in this role. I look forward to working alongside our alumni and seeing what we can accomplish together in this next chapter. Carlos "H" Hernández ’88 Alumni President

That passion has helped strengthen a brotherhood that extends far beyond campus. Through graduating classes, professional sections, shared hobbies and interests, athletic traditions, faith, and fellowship, Pep encouraged alumni of every generation to find their place within the Belen community. His commitment helped create opportunities for old friendships to be renewed, new relationships to be formed, and alumni to remain connected long after graduation. As Pep concludes his tenure, we celebrate his years of dedicated service and thank him for his leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the Alumni Association. His impact can be seen not only in the programs and traditions strengthened during his presidency, but in the relationships that continue to bring our alumni together. As one chapter ends, another begins. Carlos Hernández ’88 steps into the presidency ready to build upon that foundation while bringing his own vision and energy to the Association. Having served alongside Pep as Vice President and as a member of the Board of Directors, Carlos understands the traditions that have shaped our alumni community and the opportunities that lie ahead. While leadership changes, the mission remains constant: to strengthen the bonds between Belen and its alumni and ensure that the brotherhood we share continues for generations to come. Thank you, Pep, for your years of service. Welcome, Carlos. The next chapter begins.

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

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OUR YEAR IN

REVIEW COMING HOME

Reconnecting with Belen, with one another, and with the traditions that bring us home.

• The Rick Raimúndez ’90 Tailgate brought the Belen community together for an unforgettable celebration of brotherhood, school spirit, and the enduring legacy of a beloved Wolverine. • BConnected Events launched, creating new opportunities for alumni to reconnect, build relationships, and grow their professional networks through lunches, breakfasts, and other gatherings. • Faith was put into action as members of the Catholic Jesuit Identity group served meals monthly alongside the Missionaries of Charity. • The inaugural Belen Alumni Mission Trip united 30 alumni across generations in the Dominican Republic, where they built and furnished six homes for families in need. • Alumni returned to inspire the next generation, including Rafael Portuondo ’76 sharing his expertise with aspiring architects and Dave Caballero ’03 and Javier Chang ’09 speaking with the football team about the lasting lessons of the sport. • Traditions and milestones brought generations PAGE 12

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

together, from the Class of 2026 Ring Ceremony and the 2005 Football Team reunion to the annual gathering of El Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de Sagua la Grande. • The Because Belen Podcast returned with a new format, creating another way to share the stories and experiences of the Belen community. • New ways to support Belen emerged with the introduction of The Mariana Society, expanding opportunities to give through cryptocurrency. • Alumni Luncheons, the Golf Tournament, the 1854 Edition Bottle release, and Open House provided additional opportunities to gather, celebrate, and strengthen connections throughout the fall.

MEN FOR OTHERS Living our Jesuit mission through faith, service, mentorship, and generosity.

• Reyes Magis served our neighbors in need, providing Thanksgiving meals, groceries, turkeys, and gift cards to more than 150 individuals at Gesu Catholic Church, followed by the annual Christmas Toy Drive for local children. • Beyond Belen connected generations, pairing 105 alumni mentors with 135 juniors and seniors to share professional experience, guidance, and encouragement as students consider their futures. • Alumni deepened their faith together through Marian Consecration at Our Lady of Belen Chapel and continued opportunities to live our Catholic and Jesuit identity. • The Alumni Tombola Challenge rallied graduates around a shared commitment to supporting Belen and its mission. • The Annual Alumni College Fair brought alumni currently in college back to campus to offer students firsthand insight into college life and the opportunities ahead. • The Sports Hall of Fame celebrated excellence, honoring Wolverines whose accomplishments and character have left a lasting mark on Belen athletics. OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

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• Alumni found new ways to gather around shared interests, including the BEAMS Holiday Kickoff, BConnected Networking Happy Hour, A.M.D.G. Pickleball Tournament, Glory Mile, Copa Wolverine, lacrosse, and volleyball.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY Bringing together faith, fellowship, service, professional connections, and the traditions we share.

• Faith remained at the heart of our alumni community through the Eucharistic Procession, monthly Alumni Masses, and opportunities to experience Our Lady of Belen Chapel alongside fellow Wolverines. • The Belen Alumni Tour hit the road, reconnecting with Wolverines in Orlando, Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C. • Tómbola and the Culinary Extravaganza once again brought together alumni, families, and friends in support of Belen and the traditions that unite our community. • BEAMS showcased alumni creativity, filling the Saladrigas Art Gallery with works from 20 talented alumni. • Professional connections expanded beyond Belen, including a SAFE gathering with alumni from Belen Jesuit, Lourdes, Carrollton, and Columbus, as well as networking opportunities through Northern Trust and IFB International Finance Bank. • Service continued beyond the holiday season as alumni joined Rise Against Hunger to support communities facing food insecurity. • The Belen Jesuit Hall of Fame celebrated alumni whose lives and accomplishments exemplify the values and legacy of Belen. • Tradition remained part of the fun, from the Basketball Alumni Reunion and Alumni Luncheons to the Rick Raimúndez ’90 March Madness Bracket. • The dedication of Maury Park celebrated a new chapter for Belen athletics with the opening of a state-of-the-art baseball complex. PAGE 14

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

• The Day of Giving once again demonstrated what is possible when the Belen community comes together in support of our mission.

SIEMPRE BELEN Celebrating new beginnings, lifelong friendships, and a brotherhood that never graduates.

• The Alumni Pin Ceremony welcomed the Class of 2026 into the Alumni Association, marking the beginning of their lifelong relationship with the Belen brotherhood. • Marco Alberni ’26 was honored as Brigadier and class speaker, representing the newest generation preparing to carry the Belen tradition forward. • Alumni fathers proudly welcomed their graduating sons into the brotherhood, celebrating a Belen legacy shared across generations. • Grand Reunion Weekend brought generations home for Friday night Happy Hours and the Alumni Office Bar Crawl, the Class of 2025 Bricklaying Ceremony, individual class celebrations, and the culminating Sunday at Belen. • Alumni continued sharing their expertise with the next generation, including Antonio “Tony” Rivas ’96 speaking with student entrepreneurs and Jesus “JD” Moises ’04 leading a Belen AVE conversation on artificial intelligence and the modern attorney. • The Fr. Izquierdo Memorial Golf Tournament and Fr. Sardiña Memorial Fishing Tournament & Dock Party brought alumni and friends together through fellowship while supporting Belen. • BEAMS continued building community through its Spring Social, bringing together alumni through shared interests and experiences. • Alumni Luncheons continued throughout the summer, providing a familiar place for Wolverines to reconnect and enjoy the brotherhood. • The Dolores Reunion celebrated another treasured piece of our history, reminding us that the Belen story extends across generations, countries, and decades. Photo Albums: https://belenalumni.smugmug.com/ OUR YEAR IN REVIEW 2026

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SAVE THE DATE

2026 - 2027

alumni@belenjesuit.org