PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
In1983, when I first made my way onto the campus of Belen Jesuit to begin my first day of class, little did I know the impact it would have on my life. While I had been slated to attend Belen since the moment of my conception, various factors important to me, but insignificant to my parents, tried to dissuade me from heading out west for my high school career. Fortunately, my parents at the time cared little about my thoughts on where I should attend high school, and forced the Jesuit education on me. I was too young to fully appreciate that walking into that central patio meant continuing a family tradition that began in 1884 when my great-grandfather first tethered his horse to the front post of El Colegio de Belén on Compostela Street in Havana, Cuba. Since then, thanks to the commitment and generosity of many, the legacy has continued. There is little I appreciate more.
There is no doubt Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is a renowned institution with a rich history rooted in the Jesuit tradition of education. As we celebrate our 170th anniversary, we reflect on over a century and a half of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and service to the community. Since our foundation in 1854 by the Queen of Spain and the Society of Jesus, we have grown from a small mission school into a prestigious educational institution. Over the years, we have provided a holistic education to thousands of young men, combining rigorous academics with a commitment to developing moral character and social responsibility.
The Jesuit philosophy of “cura personalis” (care for the whole person) has been one of our guiding principles since the very beginning. This approach emphasizes intellectual growth and the cultivation of values such as empathy, justice, and integrity. Through a combination of challenging coursework, extracurricular activities, and community service, our students are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility to others and to seek ways to
contribute positively to the world. This mission has shaped the lives of many Belen alumni, who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields, from business and politics to science and the arts.
Belen’s 170 years of history also reflect our enduring commitment to adaptation and innovation. Throughout our existence, the school has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the world around them. Whether through the expansion of its facilities, the introduction of new technologies in the classroom, or the creation of specialized academic programs, Belen has remained at the forefront of educational excellence. The school’s commitment to maintaining a Jesuit education in the modern era has allowed it to stay relevant while staying true to its foundational values.
As Belen Jesuit Preparatory School celebrates its 170th anniversary, it is not only a moment to look back with pride on our long and distinguished history, but also a time to look forward to the future. The school’s vision remains focused on strengthening its Catholic identity by nurturing young men who are intellectually capable, spiritually grounded, and ready to serve others. With its strong academic tradition and dedication to developing men for others, Belen Jesuit will undoubtedly continue to impact future generations, upholding its legacy of excellence and service for many years to come.
Auspice Maria, Fr.
Willie, S.J. ‘87
Roberto Borbolla ‘56 Alumni Content
Ramón Branger ‘92 Alumni Board Member
Carlos Bravo ‘86 Alumni Association Executive Director
Carlos Cristóbal ‘16 Communications Specialist
Carlos Jiménez ‘15 Alumni Data & Support Administrator
Teresa Martínez Director of Communications
Mirna Menéndez Copy Editor
Alumni Association Board of Directors
José “Pep” López Varela ‘87 - President
Alberto Paradela ‘11 - Vice President
Eduardo “Eddie” Macías ‘02 - Secretary
Thomas Pla ‘00 - Treasurer
Ramón Branger ‘92
Vicente Cossío ‘72
José “Joey” Gómez ‘08
Alejandro “Alex” Gómez-Pina ‘93
Carlos Hernández ‘88
Derek León ‘00
Xabier Martínez-Cid ‘11
Carlos Pérez-Abreu ‘88
Luis Pérez-Codina ‘01
Rogelio Ribas ‘83
Carlos Suárez ‘00
COMMUNITY NEWS
BEATRIZ JIMÉNEZ IGNATIAN
EDUC ATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
María Inés Leáñez has been chosen by her colleagues as the third recipient of the prestigious Beatriz Jiménez Ignatian Educator of the Year Award. The recipient of this award will be selected annually and given to a member of the faculty or staff who exemplifies the profile of an Ignatian Educator.
CLASS OF 2025 RIN G MASS
The senior class received their class ring during the Eucharistic Celebration on October 8 in the Our Lady of Belen Chapel. Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87 presided.
SIXTH GRADE LOCK-IN
The class of 2031 took part in the annual Sixth Grade Lock-In on September 13. This event is an exciting and memorable tradition for the youngest Wolverines in the Belen community.
TRUNK OR TREAT
Members of the class of 2026 participated in the annual Trunk or Treat on October 31. Special needs students from area schools visited campus to collect treats from our Wolverines, who decorated their cars, for a fun-filled event.
FALL PLAY THE ODD COUPLE
Our thespians took the stage from November 13-15 and performed The Odd Couple. This comedic show took place in the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Theater.
FOUNDING OF NATION
Members of the class of 2029 traveled to Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., as part of the Founding of a Nation program. This patriotic learning experience enhances the lessons learned in the classroom and includes various museum visits and daily workshop sessions.
EIGHTH GRADE FAMILY DAY
The class of 2029 celebrated Family Day on September 28. These Wolverines made new memories with their family that will last a lifetime. From attending Mass to playing games to making sandwiches for those who may not know where their next meal is coming from, these moments brought the family together.
FERIA DE LA HISPANIDAD
The World Languages Department hosted the annual Feria de la Hispanidad for the school community. This event highlights the richness of the Hispanic culture and includes traditional foods from Spanish-speaking countries and live music.
WOLVERINE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
On December 10, the class of 2025 hosted the Wolverine Christmas Village. The students welcomed the school communities of Our Pride Academy, the Wow Center and Great Heights Academy for a morning of Christmas fun.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION PROGRAM AWARDS
Congratulations to the eight students named Semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program: Adrián
Noah
and Gabriel Sintas. We are also proud to announce that 18 students received Commended status in the National Merit Scholarship Program, and 114 have also earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs
KINO BORDER INITIATIVE
Seven students participated in the Kino Border Initiative mission trip to Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, for four days from November 9 to 12. Through Kino, the students were exposed to the harsh realities of those living on the border between Mexico and America.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The bands and ensembles presented the annual concert on December 12 in the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Theater.
Bodero, Zachary García,
Levy, Santiago Martínez-Cid, Emerson Patmore, Vicent Pérez Ramos, Matías Rosado,
ATHLETICS NEWS
The Varsity Football team finished their season 2-8. The Junior Varsity Football team finished their season 0-4.
The Varsity Swim team capped off a successful season that included an undefeated regular season where the team went 7-0. The team earned 1st place finishes in the Belen Invitational and the District Championships before finishing 2nd at the Regional Championships. The Wolverines finished the year with a great showing at the 2A State Championships with an 8th place finish. Chris De Angulo won the State Championship in the 100m Breaststroke.
The Varsity Cross Country team captured their eighth consecutive State Title. Belen’s win marks the 16th team title in school history, the most of any team in any class in the State of Florida. The team won the Nike NXR Southeast Regional Championship in Cary, North Carolina and finished 12th at the Nike NXN Nationals in Portland, Oregon. Marcelo Mantecón ‘27 was the Individual State Champion and earned All American honors as the top sophomore in the country.
The Crew team represented Belen at the Royal Canadian Henley, winning the Efficiency Trophy and three gold medals. The team won six gold, four silver, and two Bronze medals at the Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The team closed out the fall season at the Plant High Winter Sprints and brought home 10 Gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.
The Middle School Cross Country team captured the FLYRA State Championship for the 6th Consecutive year and 9th overall title. The top ten runners for Belen at the State Championship were Andrew Lima (3rd), Daniel Garmendia (5th), Dominic de Armas (8th), Adrian Diverio (17th), Jake Rubiera (18th), Antonio Hernandez (19th), Joaquin Alemany (22nd), David Jaramillo (23rd), Michelangelo Durante (35th) and Mateo Cardenal (72nd).
The Sixth Grade Basketball team finished with a record of 110. The Middle School Basketball team finished the season as ACC Champions.
The Varsity Golf team finished the season as District Champions and 8th in the State Tournament. Lorenzo Rodriguez was the 3rd place individual finisher out of 96 golfers.
The Varsity Bowling team finished the season as District Champions with a record of 8-1.
The Middle School Football team finished their season with a record of 4-3. The 6th Grade Football team finished their season 2-3-1.
The Middle School Golf team wrapped up a successful season with an impressive 5-1 record. The team demonstrated great consistency and skill throughout the season, finishing strong with a team scoring average of 161.
The Middle School Volleyball Gold team finished with a record of 12-0. The Middle School Volleyball Blue team finished with a record of 0-12.
Five students committed to playing their sport at the next level. Congratulations to Francisco Alemán (Baseball) Saint Peter’s University, Jeffrey Brunner (Track and Field) Emory University, Marcus Mantecón (Crew) Northeastern University, Lorenzo Rodríguez (Golf) Wake Forest University, and Arturo Castelo (Crew) University of Pennsylvania.
a PlaCe to Call Home José Andión ‘00
As an alumnus of the Class of 2000, I can confidently say that Belen Jesuit is more than a school—it’s a brotherhood, a community, and, most importantly, a home. Returning to Belen as both a faculty member and the Dean of Student Life is an experience deeply rooted in my journey as an educator, a father, and a man of faith.
After graduating from Belen, I embarked on a path that allowed me to serve in education. I spent 18 years as a public school teacher, honing my craft, working with diverse student populations, and gaining invaluable insights into what it means to guide young minds. It was fulfilling work, but there was always a sense that something was missing. I realized I was preparing for a greater purpose—a role where my experiences and passions could come together in a place that shaped me so profoundly.
In God’s perfect timing, I returned to Belen Jesuit. It was His time, and it was the right time for me to come back “home.” Teaching at my alma mater and serving as Dean of Student Life is more than a job—it’s a calling. I see it as a responsibility and a privilege to give back to the community that formed me into the person I am today.
One of the great joys of this role is sharing the Belen experience with my son, who is now a sixth grader. Watching him walk these same halls, play on the fields, and form lifelong friendships fills me with pride and gratitude. It’s a reminder that the values of brotherhood, faith, and academic excellence we hold dear are alive and well—and something I want to nurture for future generations.
As the Dean of Student Life, my mission is to enhance the brotherhood that already exists at Belen and take it to new heights. This brotherhood, forged through shared experiences and Jesuit values, is the foundation of what makes Belen unique. I want to build on this foundation by fostering meaningful relationships not just within grade levels but across them. There is something powerful about an eighth-grader feeling connected to a senior, or a sophomore learning from an alumnus who walked the same halls. This sense of unity is what transforms a school into a lifelong community.
Every day at Belen is a dance of “controlled chaos,” a term I’ve come to love and embrace. The hallways are alive with energy—students rushing from one activity to another, friendships forming, and ideas blossoming. My goal is to channel this energy into opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. I want every student to feel seen, heard, and valued through retreats, athletics, service projects, extracurriculars, and everyday interactions.
My time in public schools taught me the importance
of structure and intentionality and the value of letting students explore their potential within that structure. At Belen, I see this as creating an environment where students are challenged to step outside their comfort zones but are supported every step of the way. It’s about guiding them to become “Men for Others” in every sense of the phrase—men who lead with integrity, act with compassion, and serve with humility.
Being back at Belen has also deepened my appreciation for the Jesuit principles that shaped me as a student and continue to guide me today. The emphasis on cura personalis, or care for the whole person, is something I strive to embody in my interactions with students. Whether it’s addressing a matter, celebrating a student’s achievement, or simply listening, I see every moment as an opportunity to model the values that define our community.
Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting impact, not just on individual students but on the culture of Belen as a whole. I want students to look back on their time here and remember the bonds they formed, the lessons they learned, and the ways they grew into the best versions of themselves. I want them to feel the same sense of belonging that brought me back home.
Working at Belen Jesuit isn’t just a career—it’s a full-circle moment. It’s an opportunity to give back to the school that gave me so much, to serve God’s purpose, and to ensure that the brotherhood that has always defined Belen continues to thrive for generations to come. As an alumnus, a father, and a faculty member, I am honored to be part of this journey. It’s good to be home.
The Rick Raimúndez ‘90 alumni tailgate
President’s Circle Reception
Celso González-Falla Crescencio Ruiz
Daniel Baldor
Carlos Penín
Louis Aguirre
Patrick Collins Educator Honorary Alumnus
170 Years of Continuous Education
Our Roots
It all started with a royal decree by Queen Isabel II of Spain, who tasked the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) with establishing the Colegio de Belén in Havana, Cuba, in 1854. The school began its educational work in the building formerly occupied by a convent and convalescent hospital of Our Lady of Belen, hence the school’s name.
It wasn’t long before the school grew, and what had started small grew into a prestigious school where notable scientists, such as Dr. Carlos J. Finlay, who discovered the vaccine for yellow fever, and politicians, such as Antonio Sánchez de Bustamante y Sirvén, who served as the Cuban delegate to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, which ended World War I, and Cuba’s representative at the World Court in The Hague taught.
In 1925, the school acquired 60 acres of land, and several buildings were donated to Belen. This complex would become known as “El Palacio de la Educación” (The Palace of Education) and was regarded as the best school in the country. Many Jesuit vocations were fostered from here, including Fr. Richard Chisolm ‘25, Fr. Luis Ripoll ‘36, Fr. Juan Maria Dorta-Duque ‘40, Fr. Francisco Pérez-Llerena ‘44, Fr. Pedro Cartaya ‘54, and Fr. Pedro Suárez ‘58 among others.
Our Exile
In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the school property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. Armed militia escorted the Jesuits to the port and forced them to board the Covadonga. Unknowing what the future would hold, they held firm to their faith and never wavered from their beliefs. Not allowed to take anything with them, the ship sailed to Spain, where they regrouped and resigned their members. By the grace of God, the Jesuits saw the upheaval in Cuba and started to plot their next steps. A few priests went to Miami before the exile and started establishing connections with the diocese and Bishop Coleman Carroll. By the time the Jesuits who had been sent to Spain made their way to Miami, the support of the Catholic community was awaiting them. Within three months of being exiled, Belen Jesuit in Miami was re-established at Centro Hispano Catolico in downtown Miami with 172 students. This was Belen’s first campus in the United States.
When the Cuban government chose to shut down the Colegio de Belén, nationalize its holdings, and expel the members of the Jesuit religious order, it ignored the school’s faithful contribution to Cuba, which by 1961 surpassed more than a century of dedicated educational and religious service. Undoubtedly, the relentless dedication and foresight of the
Jesuits were not to be underestimated. During the Colegio de Belén’s tenure in Cuba, the Jesuits worked to establish the educational structure and traditions, which solidified the school as an exemplary institution and represented much more than just a compilation of buildings, land, and physical property.
-Excerpt from Men for Others: The Belen Jesuit Story
Little Havana Campus
After only a year in the U.S. and thanks to the generosity and support of many, the school relocated to a building in Little Havana. From 1962 to 1981, hundreds of young men attended Belen. The modest, one-story building included four classrooms that could each hold thirtyfive students. A multi-purpose hall was also remodeled and, for quite some time, functioned as an administrative office, cafeteria, faculty lounge, and school chapel, where masses were held daily.
That first year, 166 students were enrolled in grades 7-12. In a testament to the Jesuits’ dedication, 60% of the student body attended the school at no charge, and another 15% were on partial scholarship, which meant their families were making only minimal contributions in place of tuition. As the enrollment grew, so
did the financial challenges. The continuous generosity of the North American Jesuit provinces helped greatly, but more was needed. Fundraising campaigns and events helped propel the campus forward and led to more services being offered, additional faculty and staff, and, ultimately, the expansion of the campus. In 1968, Tombola was reintroduced to the Belen community. Having started initially at el Colegio de Belén, Tombola united the
community and helped raise much-needed funds. Another successful endeavor was the establishment of the Ramón Guiteras Memorial Library in 1972 - a partnership that continues to this day.
Although the nearly two decades at this location had its obstacles, incredible memories were made, such as the Dust Bowl, where PE classes were held and the neighboring Chinese restaurant, where students enjoyed spending their time. Alumni from this era in Belen’s history have gone on to great success, such as Carlos Saladrigas ‘67, José Garrido ‘72, Roberto Surís ‘79, and many others. The fruits of their generosity can be seen across our current campus.
West Miami-Dade Campus
Efforts to raise funds to move the school a third time got underway in the early 1970s. In fact, by 1971, the school had acquired ten acres of land in West Miami-Dade, thanks to the generosity of Colegio de Nuestra Señora de Dolores alumnus and president of Bacardi & Company Limited, Jorge Bosch. It took nearly a decade to raise funds and build the main school building, chapel, library, and cafeteria. However, the persistence and dedication of the Jesuits, Board of Directors, and Alumni fueled the Intercultural Center Campaign and excited the community. From Miami’s Archbishop McCarthy to the City of Miami and County Mayors to the legendary Dolphins Head Coach Don Shula, the excitement to help expand the opportunity for a CatholicJesuit education was felt.
On September 14, 1981, students entered the newly constructed campus and attended class for the first time. “This new building, the fifth for Belen, is not a mere gift that we receive,” said Belen Jesuit President Fr. Pérez-Llerena at the inauguration. “It also includes the great responsibility of nurturing the school’s growth so that it can bear fruit within the
abundance of the Lord’s grace. In the 1980s, we, the administration, faculty, and all those at the school, have a great challenge before us: educating youth who are already at the door of the 21st century. It is a challenge that we must avoid going backward. Rather, we must continue forward planting the Word of God in a society that seems deaf to the Words of Eternal Life.”
The new campus ignited the school community and began a new era of vision and growth for Belen. Never forgetting its humble beginnings or the generosity of so many, the school administration has always maintained its determination to provide the best education and one grounded in faith, where boys are taught to become men for others and Christian leaders. Keeping families involved, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and interjecting Ignatian values has led to our campus’s evolution and our students’ success.
Today, Belen’s campus stretches 34 acres, has 1,366 students, and offers state-of-the-art facilities, a top-tier education led by wonderful faculty and staff, exceptional resources, activities and athletics, none of which would be possible without the support of thousands.
“Belen Jesuit is a testament to what can be accomplished when you roll up your sleeves and stay the course knowing that you are fulfilling your obligation to God and His Church,” said School President Fr. Willie García-Tuñón, S.J.’87.
“When Fr. Arroyo dreamt of this school long ago and this campus, he envisioned a center of learning that would form young men from all over the world. That dream is a reality with students from various backgrounds, and the opportunity to grow further is exciting. There is no question in my mind that St. Ignatius is proud of the Jesuit Priests and Brothers who made this school possible. Their resilience and passion, hard work and dedication can’t be undervalued. Thousands of young men in Miami have been and will continue to be educated thanks to their efforts. They are the true giants on whose shoulders we stand.”
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offiCe of international studies establisHed
By Teresa Martínez
Belen
Jesuit Preparatory School is excited to announce the establishment of the Office of International Studies. This new initiative will be under the direction of LuisAlejandro Dinnella-Borrego, Ph.D., a member of the Social Studies Department since 2018. The first program will be a Catholic pilgrimage to Portugal, Spain, and France in June 2025, where we will visit Marian and Jesuit sites.
Establishing the Office of International Studies fulfills one of the objectives in the school’s Strategic Plan. In the third pillar, Formation and Care of the Whole Person, the directive to explore greater global experiences for our students is laid out.
“Over the last six years, I have enjoyed teaching and connecting our students with the love of God in various U.S. History courses,” said Dr. Dinnella-Borrego. “I am humbled to have been chosen to serve as the Director of the Office of International Studies. I plan to carry over my work in teaching and evangelization in the classroom through the trips, student exchanges, and pilgrimages we undertake. Learning about history and God’s role in our lives in the classroom is vitally important, but living it by visiting sacred and historically relevant sites is an incomparable experience from which our students would benefit immensely.”
Dr. Dinnella-Borrego graduated from Dartmouth College in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Theater. He has a Master of Arts in History from the University of Virginia (2008) and a Ph.D. in History from Rutgers University (2013). He received a bachelor’s in philosophy from Saint John’s Seminary in 2014 and a Master’s in Theology from Saint Leo University in 2022. He is currently on track to complete a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Catholic University of America in the Spring of 2025.
“We are very excited to offer our students this exciting new opportunity. It will allow them to not simply travel, but expose them to a rich Catholic tradition found literally all over the world,” said school president Fr. Willie GarcíaTuñón, S.J. ‘87. “Our young men will learn not only in the classroom, but will also experience how their Catholic faith is intertwined in all things.
From art to science to culture, our students will expand their horizons and explore beyond our campus and city. This program will expose them to life beyond Belen Jesuit and help widen the possibilities for their future.”
The mission of the Office of International Studies is to engage students in their faith through experiencing Catholic culture worldwide. The goal is to create unique cultural excursions for Belen Jesuit students to engage in an unparalleled experience of Catholic cultural immersion. Traveling to other countries, learning new languages, and appreciating unique cultures is critical to our students. Yet, all of this would be less meaningful without the students gaining a rich appreciation for the treasury of their Catholic faith. The programs created by the Office of International Studies seek to provide insights into other cultures while firmly rooting students with families and institutions that grow and cultivate their faith as Catholic men for others.
The Office of International Studies will make opportunities available to students in grades 6-12. Different programs will be offered for middle and high school students. The program will incorporate student exchange programs (domestically and abroad) with immersive Catholic pilgrimages. In essence, these Catholic pilgrimages will replace what used to be Overseas Study Program trips in the summer.
“The establishment of this office perfectly aligns with our Catholic values, Strategic Plan, and the importance of preparing our students for a global marketplace,” said school principal José E. Roca ‘84. “Being able to demonstrate to our young men that you travel, explore, and remain faithful to the Catholic Church teachings is essential. I’m excited to see how this program will grow and flourish.”
MAGIS GABBY DIEPPA ‘96
Walking in through the doors of Belen in sixth grade came as no surprise to Gabby, who came from a long line of alumni that included his father Eduardo E. Dieppa Jr. ‘70, brothers Eduardo E. Dieppa III ‘91 and Andres I. Dieppa ‘92, uncles Jesus Delgado ‘70, Eduardo Luaces ‘71, Jorge Dieppa ‘74, Arturo Silva ‘77 and Juan C. Dieppa ‘78, and way too many cousins to name. He quickly embraced the academics and athletic cultures of the school, but mostly, the religious presence that permeated through the halls and classes of this institution.
A very close relationship with Father Jorge Sardiñas, S.J., impacted him immediately, and even as a young adolescent, he could see that this Jesuit exemplar had a completely different way of looking at the world and God. Specifically, it was the way he taught all students to take note of the abundance of gifts that they had been given, and to use them willfully to help others. Other members of the faculty, such as Dr. Josefina Chirino and Brother Jerry García demonstrated a deeper meaning of what it meant to serve. It was evident that they did not just teach the MAGIS; they actually lived it.
In addition to the memorable faculty, the homeroom masses quickly became a compelling event offering a greater level of intimacy with God and a venue to nurture his own spiritual needs. It was always very clear to him that the school was filled with religious ambassadors, and that struck a chord. At a very early age, he volunteered to be a peer minister and became a leader among his classmates. He helped to lead Senior Encounter, and several spiritual retreats in his time as a student. The goal was always to help spread the message of giving and caring for others; a message that in itself became a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.
By Sujayla Collins
In addition to the religious classes, Dieppa saw the MAGIS in teachers such as Mr. Jorge Martínez, Mr. Pat Collins and Mr. Eugene Zoller, who took the lessons in their classrooms outside into the world to teach students about impacting events such as the plight of Cuban balseros coming to Miami, the conditions of the Haitian immigrants, and even the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew. It wasn’t just about the political aspects or the logistics of the events, but rather the humanitarian components and the possibilities of helping those in dire need. Dieppa remembers heading out to Homestead after Hurricane Andrew to help with the clean-up efforts and witnessing firsthand a large number of people from all over the country getting together to help this community come back from the catastrophic result of the category 5 hurricane that ravaged the area.
“It was an amazing moment for me to see how people could just come together to clean up and help,” said Dieppa. “It was very touching and humbling to see the gratitude in the people we helped.”
In addition to peer ministry, Dieppa was also a journalism student who became managing editor for the Vincam. He played basketball for the Wolverines, and as a senior was the recipient of the JSEA (Jesuit Secondary Education Association) Award, which is now known as the Jesuit Schools Network of North America.
“It was a huge honor for me and one that was completely unexpected,” said Dieppa. “It was a humbling moment to be identified as that which resembled the Jesuit ideal.”
Dieppa has been his class delegate since the inception of the delegate program in 2004, something he is very proud of. In 2001, he met Crescencio Ruiz ‘76 and Tony Castro ‘86, who immediately became mentors and close friends with Dieppa. Ruiz and Castro were taking on additional responsibilities in the growing alumni association, and in 2014, Dieppa accepted the baton from Ruiz to join the Magis Committee. In a most symbolic manner, the class of ‘76 passed on the torch to the class of ‘96. Dieppa became the chair of this committee in 2019, fully aware that the best way to continue with the established tradition was by serving others.
His first year as chair of the committee was a challenging one, with the onset of COVID. Volunteers were unable to serve and sit with the community due to established mandates. Dieppa worked arduously to ensure they continued the tradition of serving with boxed lunches, social distancing, masks, and even temperature checks. Regardless of the obstacles they faced during this time
period, they managed to feed the community and serve those in need, carrying on the legacy established by the Magis committee.
In his role as Committee Chair, Dieppa spearheads the Magis Thanksgiving Lunch and Food Drive. This project aims to feed about 300 seniors from the downtown community and surrounding areas, such as Allapatah, Little Haiti, and the congregants of Gesu. Students, their parents, and alumni, donate food and secure financial donations to provide a full Thanksgiving meal, including turkey and all the trimmings. The volunteers, composed of students, parents, and alumni, welcome the community to the halls of Gesu and serve the catered lunch. Additionally, they give the attendees a box of raw ingredients to take home and cook for themselves through the holidays.
“When you do this event enough times, you see people return and you get to know them,” said Dieppa. “They are so thankful and they feel blessed to be a part of that community.
The greatest reward, as Dieppa sees it, is anytime a student is clearly moved by this event and the people involved, and they make plans to return. This event is open to the entire school, and anyone who wants to participate can donate or simply sign up to serve.
Another event led by the Magis Committee is the Reyes Magis Christmas toy drive. This service opportunity includes providing toys to the children of the surrounding community of Gesu and their CCD kids. In the past, the committee has secured donations from toy companies such as Hasbro, but most of the toys are donated and collected by the alumni. In addition to the traditional children’s toys such as dolls and basketballs, Dieppa is able to procure gift cards and bicycles that are a better fit for the older kids. At this event, volunteer students accompany the children to a table and help them choose a toy that is age-appropriate. On that day, all the attending children get to go home with a bag full of toys. At the end of the day, they hold a raffle for the high-end items, and that’s always a highlight. Reyes Magis is held a week or two before Christmas, and many times it is the only opportunity the participating children will have to receive a toy.
“The look of joy on the children’s faces is priceless,” said Dieppa. “Those children are always very excited and
grateful.”
During the Lenten season, the Magis Committee undertakes the collection and packing of food for the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) through the project “Helping Hands”. This project is the result of several alumni who were on the board and became aware of a dire need for packaged food to be distributed among specific populations around the world. Although in the past they worked with populations in Africa, they are now focused on more locally centered areas such as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This year alone, they collected and shipped over 20,000 meals. Students from all local parochial schools, as well as their families and alumni are invited to participate in this project by either donating funds to purchase the food and/or packing the food in containers to be shipped.
Being familiar with the feeling of giving and sacrificing for others, Dieppa has been bringing his own family to these events over the years, even before his own son Sebastian ‘28 joined the Belen community as a student. His wife, Cristina, son and daughter, Zoelle, have attended every single event that Dieppa led and organized.
“Having my son there is surreal just because he is living the same experiences that I did but in a different day and age,” said Dieppa. “My son tells me how much he appreciates me and the work that I do. It is a lifelong dream and extremely rewarding to know he is there, following in his own way.”
The theme of gratitude is prominent with Dieppa in his personal and professional life as well. He is the managing partner for Hotaling Insurance Services. Through his work, he is able to help others protect their most valuable assets, whether it is their homes, employees, families, etc. He feels that in his job, he is called upon when people are experiencing loss and need the most amount of support. In his line of work, he is able to offer the needed support and walk the clients through the emotional challenges that come with loss. In addition, he and his closest friends have a 27-year tradition of taking out their moms for lunch the Friday after Thanksgiving. He feels blessed and privileged, with the complete understanding that as God’s children, we are all called to care for each other.
Dieppa exemplifies the Magis, the concept of striving for excellence and doing more for others in order to glorify God. His limitless desire to help those in need definitely stem from his Jesuit education at Belen, but also from one specific Bible verse that has always resonated with him: “And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’” -Matthew 25:40.
10 Questions 1 Alumnus
Roland Sánchez-Medina ‘83 Head of Florida Bar
What was your experience like at Belen?
My experience at Belen was exceptional The education was rigorous, the teachers were inspiring, and many of my classmates remain my closest friends to this day. Beyond academics, Belen provided a profound religious foundation that has had a lasting impact on my life (although I was not aware of it at the time). It was a truly special and transformative time—something I believe most Belen graduates would wholeheartedly agree with.
What type of student were you?
I was a good student, though not a great one then. I was still maturing academically and developing my work ethic, and my intellectual curiosity had not fully blossomed yet. Interestingly, I became a much better student after leaving Belen, but the strong foundation for that growth was undoubtedly laid there.
Can you describe one funny moment while you were a student?
We were the second class to graduate from the “new school,” so many of the facilities that exist today were not there yet. I fondly remember how, during PE, we would throw rocks at the main building, and there was no grass; the field was full of dirt and rocks. Another memory that always makes me laugh is Father Izquierdo throwing books at students (including me) for not being in class. That would not happen in today’s world. He used to call me “Narciso,” which I find hilarious now, considering how lost I was as a teenager.
What is one thing you will never forget you learned in school?
Mr. Collins instilled in me a strong civics education and a love for reading—two lessons that left a lasting impact. The civics education
sparked my interest in law and deepened my respect for the Rule of Law, a principle that truly sets this country apart from others. Meanwhile, the love of reading helped me continue learning beyond the walls of the classroom. It is a powerful reminder of a talented teacher’s profound influence.
Who had an impact on your life?
My parents, both of whom are now deceased, had the greatest impact on my life. My father passed away just last year, and as I grew from a boy into a man, I came to truly understand and appreciate the power of their unconditional love. They showed me the virtue of hard work— my mother within the home and my father out in the world. In every important way, I am a reflection of them; I am, at my core, nothing more and nothing less than my parents’ child.
What do you hold most dear?
What I hold most dear is my family—my wife Johanna, my children Mariana, Alessandra, and Christian, my sister Annie, and my nieces. My cup truly runneth over in so many beautiful ways, but family always comes first. Close behind are the profound, long-term relationships I have been fortunate to build over the years, many of which began during my time at Belen.
How has your Jesuit education shaped you and helped you in your life?
My Jesuit education emphasized academic excellence, ethical values, service, social justice, and a global perspective—all of which I have tried to incorporate into my life. While these are noble virtues, as I have grown older—and perhaps a bit wiser—I have come to deeply appreciate the spiritual guidance that Belen provided. Now, in my 50s, that spiritual foundation resonates more than ever, and I am eternally grateful for it.
What
prompted
you to go into law?
My father was an orthopedic surgeon, and while I was interested in medicine, I realized it was not my calling. Seeing my daughter Mariana graduating from medical school next year makes me incredibly proud that she is following that path. A love of civics and reading naturally led me to the law—it felt like the logical choice. Looking back, I may not have realized it then, but there was a method to my madness.
How do you make a difference in your profession?
First and foremost, being president of The Florida Bar is the coolest thing ever—especially for someone like me, who was born in Cuba. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Belen Alumni Lawyers Section. The legal field is full of challenges, and part of making a meaningful impact is helping fellow attorneys streamline/improve their practices, deepen their expertise, and help them manage the stress that often accompanies the profession. While it may sound banal, I believe the difference I make comes from genuinely caring about their success and well-being.
What
advice would you give students interested in becoming attorneys?
Getting into law school and securing a job after graduation can be incredibly competitive. Your grades and LSAT scores play a significant role, so you have to be prepared to put in the work academically—there is no way around it. That being said, once you surpass a certain minimum level of intellectual capability, the best attorneys are often those with the highest emotional intelligence. In the legal field, emotional intelligence is crucial for building strong relationships, managing client needs/ expectations, and navigating high-pressure situations effectively.
Announcements
Sacrament of Marriage
Valentina Madinabeitía & Gabriel Marrero '06
Fátima Pina & Thomas Brown '08
Melissa Ruiz & Andrew Regueyra '08
Ashly Sobrado & Christian González '11
Alexandra Sheehy & Alexander Pañeda '13
Carolina Pérez & Julián Guerra '14
Nicole Pérez & Jorge Paoli '14
Danielle Rodríguez & Alfredo Consuegra ‘16
Emily Packert & José "Joey" García '15
Jennifer Tamayo & Xabier Martínez-Cid '11
Jessica Grenvik & Esteban Parada ‘11
Jacqueline Castellanos & Rafael Restrepo '11
Alexa María Marrero & Gabriel Rigueiro ’16
María Inés Muñiz & Nicolás Roca '16
Carenza Williams & Daniel Brennan ‘16
Vocation to Family
Inés Sofia, daughter of Francisco Hernández '12
Alejandro José, son of Peter Cirera ’12
In Memoriam
Please remember in your prayers these members of the Belen Jesuit community who have passed away recently.
Alumni
• Enrique Alvarado-Comesaña '47
• Enrique J. Maciá '48
• Dr. Miguel Suárez ‘52
• Joaquín Pérez Rodríguez '57
• Omar Santamarina Dorta ‘59
• Alberto González Del Valle '60
• Mauricio Astorga Planas ‘61
• Joaquín Rionda García-Tuñón ‘61
• Alejandro Maderal '62
• José Rodríguez-Dod '69
• Ramón Collado ‘72
• Daniel Bravo ‘04
• Ernesto Gutiérrez (Dolores)
• Felipe Valls (Dolores)
• Juan Manuel Salvat (Sagua)
Family & Friends
• Alina, wife of Gabriel Durán '55
• Chlara González-Llanes, mother of Stephan GonzálezLlanes '92
• Vivian Lucila Fernández, mother of Daniel '96 and Edward Fernández '11
• Gloria Otero, mother of Raúl Cardona '85, Aldo Cardona '90, and Alex Cardona '90
• Myrthea Caballero, mother of Roberto Caballero '92, and grandmother of Robert Caballero '25 and Alexander Caballero '27
• Elaine Wentzel, mother of Belen professor Dr. Brian Wentzel
• Carlos "Carlitón" Bravo, father of Carlos '86 and Pedro '87, and grandfather of Matthew Bravo '17
• Julio Ruiz, father of Julio P. Ruiz ‘76
• Dr. Juan J. Vidal, father of Gabriel '89 and Michael Vidal '92, and grandfather of Javier Fernández '24, Adrián Vidal '25, and Sebastián Fernández '28
• Pedro F. Martell, father of Peter Martell '94 and grandfather of Mark López-Trigo '12
• Domingo Zoilo Alfonso and Martha Alfonso, parents of Gustavo Z. Alfonso '77
• Yolanda Madruga, grandmother of Ernesto '92 and Carlos Aviño '95, and great-grandmother of Ernesto "EJ" '25, Lucas '25, and Nicolás Aviño '28
• George Castro, grandfather of Ernesto "EJ" Aviño '25
• Jacobo Gabriel Henríquez, father of Belen teacher
Debbie Henríquez and grandfather of Philip Pereira ’25
Avila Marie, daughter of Asís López '07
Matteo Javier, son of Carlos Manuel Basnuevo ’09
Gabriella Grisell "Gigi", daughter of Belen teacher Luis Dinnella-Borrego and former employee Maria Virginia Dinnella-Borrego
Joseph, son of Belen employee David Pernia
Class notes
1950s
Class of 1954 Roberto Beguiristain , Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J. , Ramón Alonso and Luis Fernández de Castro celebrating 70 years of graduation.
1970s
Ricardo Pau-Llosa '71 released three poems as part of his new series on Gauguin paintings on Plume Poetry.
Carlos R. Fernández-Guzmán '74 was featured in South Florida Business Journal as a Power Leader in Banking & Finance.
Members of the class of 1979 in the 1854 Club in the Roberto Surís Athletic Center to watch the Varsity Football game against the Carol City Chiefs.
1980s
Michelle and Albert Lucas ’84 at the “Bull Run” Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain.
Richard De Aguiar '85 , Head Attorney for the Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Prisons, spoke to students about the federal government's role in protecting and preserving the dignity of inmates and ensuring equal protection under the law.
Calixto "Cali" García-Vélez '85 was featured in South Florida Business Journal as a Power Leader in Banking & Finance.
Members from the class of 1986 at the Gators vs. Canes football game.
Jorge Domínguez and Henry Landa '87 on Belen Street in Altea, Spain.
Carlos Pérez-Abreu '88 (left) was appointed to the Belen Alumni Board of Directors.
Carlos Rafael Rivera '89 (right) discussed his life as a composer at a BEAMS cultural series.
1990s
Alex Zequeira '90 was named an honorary alumnus of Saint John's High School where he was the headmaster.
Ramón Branger , Paul Briz and Thomas Mauri '92 at Yosemite National Park.
Fernando Rivas '92 (left) joined Wells Fargo as Co-CEO of Corporate & Investment Banking.
Manuel Menéndez '97 (right) and son Santiago '28 competed as a duo in the 2024 National Spearfishing Championships in Islamorada, the largest most prestigious U.S. spearfishing tournament.
2000s
Felice Gorordo '01 , World Bank Group Alternate Executive Director for the US, and NBC White House Correspondent Gabe Gutierrez '01 in the West Wing press alley in D.C.
Richard Bruguera '02 (left) was appointed as the Ernst & Young Miami Office Managing Partner.
Kris García '06 (Deputy U.S. Marshal) and Victor White '01
(Miami Beach Fire Department Training Division Chief) hosted a joint training exercise.
Nick Martínez '08 was named a National League Pitcher of the Month.
2010s
Alex De Goti '12 and Alejandro Torres '19 played against each other in a baseball game.
Mateo Buraglia , Bernie Manrique , Daniel Perdomo , Oscar Cabanas , Víctor Pérez-Abreu , Mateo Wiegering and Alejo Pérez ‘13 , golfing at Golden Palm course at Trump National Doral.
Lucas Cabrera , Rafael Pérez Blanco and Stéfano Santamaría ‘17 graduated from UM LAW.
Gabriel von der Osten '13 , Albert Pérez-Abreu '17 , and Francisco Melo'17 passed their Florida Bar Exam.
Belen teacher
Isidora Ulloa and Beltrán Ulloa '19 supporting Máximo Ulloa '17 at his U.S. State Department Flag Day Ceremony for his first tour at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania.
Julián Zulueta '19 wrote and published a study guide to prepare aspiring citizens for the U.S. Citizenship Exam. As a senior at MIT, he volunteered to be a tutor for the ESOL.
Michael Rodríguez and Robert Curbelo '19 held their new pickleball company’s launch party in Miami Beach. Tickle My Pickle sells equipment and apparel at community events.
2020s
Luis González '20 was accepted to the Jesuit novitiate in the Dominican Republic.
Jack Sampedro '21 (Amherst College) was selected to the baseball AllNESCAC First Team for the 2nd year in a row.
Manolis Tsavaris '21 spoke to interested students about life at the Naval Academy and his experiences and how the Naval Academy differs from your traditional college or university.
Class Notes Guidelines:
Class notes are a popular feature of the Alumni Magazine. Here are the guidelines: Submissions from family or friends are not accepted. Submit notes in writing via email to alumni@belenjesuit.org , including your name and phone number.
If your note isn't published right away, it may appear in a future issue. Belen Jesuit reserves the right to edit all submissions.
Jesuit Educated
The #BJesuitEducated campaign highlights prominent alumni on our social media pages to reinforce the Ignatian tradition of excellence in education, leadership, and service. These alumni only represent a small fraction of the thousands of young men educated at Belen in Cuba and in
that
Miami
exemplify the Magis.
George Arango '11 Founder, Mr.Eats305 Ramón Branger '92 Partner, Branger–Briz
Alejandro Brito '89 Managing Partner, Brito PLLC
José E. Cueto '88 CEO, Grove Bank & Trust
Carlos R. FernándezGuzmán '74 President, C.E.O. and Board Member, Pacific National Bank
Calixto García-Vélez '85 President & CEO, Banesco USA
Fr. Michael A. Martínez, S.J. '09 Newly Ordained Priest of the Caribbean Province
Daniel J. Méndez '07 Managing Partner, Law Offices of Méndez & Méndez, P.A.
Capt. Sebastián Wermuth '13 U.S. Air Force
Alumni Gatherings
Class of 2016 Claudio Laratelli, Patricio Garzón, Giancarlo Mesa, Joseph Fuentes, Joshua Sliva, Benjamín Cárdenas, José Jiménez, Alfredo Cepero and Renato Scerpella in Washington. D.C.
Alumni at the Belen Youth Mission in the Dominican Republic helped build an aqueduct and repaired a chapel.
Manny García-Linares '87, Julio Torrente '16, and Eugenio “Gene” Hernández '84 at a Cuban American Bar Association event in Coral Gables.
Luis Dulzaides and Dr. Roly Díaz '87 attended the installation and missioning ceremony for Alex Zequeira '90, the new president of St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, in Baltimore, MD.
El Colegio de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, a school of the Belen Alumni Association, held its reunion by celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception and having lunch in the Cosculluela Hall.
Jonathan Lucas, D.M.D. '13, Albert Lucas, D.M.D. '84, and Albert Lucas, Jr. D.M.D. '11 at their family practice - Lucas Orthodontics.
Alumni Gatherings
The Section of Accounting, Finance and Entrepreneurship (SAFE) members met for lunch and happy hour at John Martin's Restaurant.
Raúl Sague '19, Ehren Fernández '18, and Edward "Eddie" Briscoe '17 at the Indianapolis 500.
Matthew Díaz '21, Alejandro González '21 and Johnny Cosio '20 attended Marcello Hernández's '15 show at the Improv Comedy Club.
Sebastián Arrizurieta '21, Sebastián Rigueiro '21, Belen teacher Annette Antón, Michael Iglesia '12 and Matthew Díaz '21 celebrating the wedding of Gabriel Rigueiro '16 in Punta Cana Resort.
El Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Jesús de Sagua la Grande, a school of the Belen Alumni Association, held its reunion by celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception and having lunch in the Cosculluela Hall.
Matthew Díaz '21, Alejandro González '21, Joseph Díaz '27, and Mateo Mota '41 in Key Largo.
Alumni Gatherings
Basketball alumni in a Happy Hour event at John Martin's Irish Pub & Restaurant celebrating the retirement of coach Rubén Marrero '75.
Belen alumni at Gabriel Marrero’s '06 wedding in Madrid, Spain.
Alumni from the Belen Alumni Lawyers Section (BALS) networking at City National Bank with guest Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Juan Fernández-Barquín '01.
Belen alumni with Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martínez '08 at a Marlins game.
Belen alumni and friends at the 4th Annual Fr. Willie, S.J. Cup in Bright’s Creek, North Carolina.
Belen alumni at the UM vs. UF football game.
Members from the class of 1989 meeting for lunch at Casa Juancho.
Belen alumni and current and future students, at Siesta Key.
Alumni Gatherings
Members from the class of 1978 at a dinner in Casa Cuba.
Belen students, alumni and parents at a Knights of Columbus #3274 Respect Life Breakfast to raise funds for the South Dade Pregnancy Center and awareness to vote NO on Amendment 4.
Alumni at the annual 1987 reunion at Rose Key. Fr. Willie, S.J. '87, Carlos Bravo '86, and Phil Fernández '94 visited alumni in the NYC area at Regis High School. After, alumni enjoyed a reception, and Fr. Willie gave an update Belen Jesuit.
The Architecture, Construction and Real Estate Section (ACRES) discussed development opportunities with affordable housing.
Members from the class of 1989 with Fr. Willie, S.J. '87.
Alumni attending I Am Not A Poet—A Composer's Labyrinth, a Belen Entertainment, Arts and Media (BEAMS) event.
Alumni at the North Carolina wedding of Alex Romero ’13.
REYES MAGIS Thanksgiving Food Drive
Christmas Toy Drive
President of the Association
Ihope you had a blessed Christmas season, and have started the new year well. As we look back upon this past year, we truly have to be thankful to God for all the great things we accomplished for Belen Jesuit and our Alumni Association. Many of the things that we did throughout the year were centered around Pillar IV of the Strategic Plan—Beyond Belen, which is about communication, networking, mentoring, and building the brotherhood. We continue to leverage technology to make these efforts even more effective. Today, I want to focus on a new tool that we launched towards the end of last year. I’m talking about the Belen Alumni WhatsApp community. We launched this new effort last October and brought all of the alumni WhatsApp chats under one.
So what’s the difference? We have all had alumni chats for years; however, the key difference is that now all our chats are in one place. Gone are the days of waiting to hear about a new alumni group chat at one of our events. Instead, you can discover a chat that may interest you directly from the Belen Alumni WhatsApp community. This community puts all chats front and center and allows you to discover ones that you may want to join and, more importantly, participate in.
You will find groups for most of our professional sections, and the discussions and interactions are very lively. We also can communicate with the entire community via announcements, which are seen by all members, regardless of what groups you choose to participate in. In three short months, we have 23 groups quickly approaching 1,000 members.
Other than the professional sections, we have special interest sections such as the Belen Baseball Alumni, the Fútbol/Soccer Chat and the newly formed Belen Veterans Chat. If you have a group currently living outside of the alumni community or you have an idea for a group, you can submit it, and it will be reviewed and, if it makes sense, approved. We have decided to keep the class chats outside of the community because of the number of them.
It goes without saying that your interactions in this community need to be respectful and meaningful. Undoubtedly, our identity is that of a Catholic Jesuit institution, which should govern the interactions and posts you choose to share within the community. I want to shout out two groups that we believe will be extremely popular and crucial for our Alumni Association—the job chats. We created two chats, a “Looking for Work” chat and a “Job Postings” chat. If you want to hire an alumni for your company, we encourage you to post a job on Bconnected and then post the link in the job posting group in the community. If you are looking for work, post your resume in the “Looking for Work” chat. We think this could be an excellent benefit for the entire community. As many business owners can attest, the biggest challenge is finding quality candidates to fill open positions.
Please join us in the Belen Alumni community and make this new centralized location for all our chats a huge success! Additional information on how to join the community will be shared by your class delegates at the beginning of the year. As always, wishing you and your families the very best for 2025 and may God continue to protect us and guide us always.
AMDG
José
“Pep” López-Varela ‘87
