St. Thomas is a Catholic university with rich cultural and international diversity committed to the academic and professional success of its students who become ethical leaders in our global community.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY
The seeds of St. Thomas University were planted on August 15, 1946 in Havana, Cuba, when a group of Augustinian priests from Philadelphia, led by Italian-born Fr. Lorenzo Spirale, founded the Universidad de Villanueva, Cuba’s first private Catholic university.
Lorenzo Spirale was a poor immigrant from the Abruzzi mountain region of Rapino, Italy. He arrived in the U.S. with three years of primary schooling and subsequently worked as a street sweeper in Philadelphia. There he was befriended by Augustinian priests. He entered the seminary, was ordained a priest, and developed an illustrious career, which included the founding of the Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Havana.
At the height of its success, the Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva housed renowned Schools of Education, Business, Law, Liberal Arts, Engineering, Architecture, Economics, Psychology, and Art. By 1961 however, Fidel Castro’s militia had confiscated the school’s land and expelled the Augustinian Fathers.
At approximately the same time, Bishop Coleman F. Carroll, the first Catholic prelate to lead south Florida’s Archdiocese of Miami, embarked on a journey to build a Catholic men’s college for the region. Archbishop Carroll invited the Augustinian founders of the Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva to establish the college he envisioned. With a vacant lot, limited resources, and working out of their living room with a portable typewriter, Fr. Edward J. McCarthy and Fr. Robert M. Sullivan began recruiting students and faculty. With the assistance of Judge C. Clyde Atkins, Biscayne college was fully incorporated in Miami.
Biscayne College was founded through the willingness of faculty, many of whom taught at the Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Havana, to work for small salaries and teach multiple subjects. In 1984, Biscayne College changed its name to reflect its history and pay homage to the patron Saint of the Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva. In 1988, the university came under the sponsorship of the Archidiocese of Miami, conferring upon St. Thomas the distinction of being the only Catholic Archdiocesan sponsored university in the state of Florida.
St. Thomas University has just completed a multi-year commemoration of its 60th Anniversary, and it is well positioned for its next decade of impact.
THE TRADITION OF ACADEMIC REGALIA
The caps, gowns, and hoods worn at university functions date back to the middle ages, when Monks and students of those days wore them to keep warm in the damp, draft twelfth-century castles and halls of learning. In 1894, the design was standardized by the American Intercollegiate Commission, at which time it was decided that all robes would be black. Each college degree has a distinctive gown and hood. If more than one degree is held, the gown and hood of the highest degree are worn. Doctor’s gowns carry three velvet bars on full bell-shaped sleeves. The velvet trim may either be black or the color of the field of learning in which the doctorate was earned. Master’s gowns have long oblong sleeves that are open at the wrist. Bachelor’s gowns are distinguished by their full, open sleeve. Both master’s and bachelor’s wear mortar boards accompanied by a tassel. The black tassel is worn by master’s students; the bachelor’s tassel is in the color signifying the academic program, and the silver tassel is reserved for doctorate degrees. The hood worn by both doctorate and master’s professors and students is a black shell that is lined in silk with the colors of the institution conferring the degree; it is bordered with velvet of the color signifying the academic discipline in which the degree is earned.
ACADEMIC COLORS
Citron: counseling, marriage and family therapy
Drab: accounting, business, international business, finance, health management, marketing, sports administration, executive management, organizational leadership, travel/hospitality management
Gold: human resources, psychology, sociology, health care services, human services, computer science, computer information systems, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, political science
Light Blue: education
Midnight Blue: criminal justice
Purple: law, justice administration
Red: religious studies
White: english, history, liberal studies
Apricot: nursing
Crimson: communication arts
THE MACE
Since the earliest times, the mace has served as a symbol of power, and authority and was carried for protection. During the Middle Ages, European Universities adopted use of the mace to symbolize the authority of the faculty over academic programs. The mace serves as a symbol of growth and prosperity of the university and the incorporation of former practices with new traditions.
The St. Thomas University Mace is crowned with the crucifix, which symbolizes our faith and servitude to God as a Catholic community. The sphere along with the carved map is a representation of the world, which further signifies the rich cultural and international diversity of our campus. Hearts are subtly positioned on the rod which reveals to the external community our tireless service. Much like the traditional mace, this mahogany staff embodies the strength of our institution, while personifying the life and continuous expansion of our academic traditions. The St. Thomas University Mace is carried by the leader of the Faculty Senate.
Jake Scicluna
Jake Scicluna serves as the lead for analytics and opponent scouting for STU Bobcat Baseball, playing a pivotal role in the team’s competitive strategy and performance. He also works as the Player Analytics and Development Coordinator for the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League, collaborating with some of the top players in collegiate baseball. During his tenure, the Loggers captured the 2024 Great Plains Division Championship.
Previously, Jake was the MLB Scout Liaison for the Bourne Braves of the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, serving as the primary contact for Major League Baseball scouts. He was part of the Braves’ 2022 Cape Cod Championship team, which produced more than 30 players who went on to MLB organizations.
A native of Shelby Township, Michigan, Jake is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Administration and a Minor in Leadership. He is continuing his academic journey by pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Data Science.
Rick-Chakendly R. Daniel
Rick-Chakendly R. Daniel stands out as an accomplished athlete, scholar, and campus leader whose journey exemplifies excellence and service. A proud first-generation college student and immigrant, Rick is earning his Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics, having previously graduated with honors in Accounting and Finance from St. Thomas University.
Professionally, Rick has interned at PayPal, where his data insights influenced $100 million in executive decisions, and worked at KPMG, auditing billion-dollar portfolios and identifying $90 million in cost savings. On campus, he founded and led several student organizations, including the Accounting Club, the STU Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), and the Investments Club, growing membership and empowering students through mentorship, networking, and professional development. He also served as treasurer of the Student Government Association, managing funding for more than 20 campus organizations.
As an athlete, Rick is a six-time All-Conference hurdler, a school record-holder, a conference champion, and a member of STU’s inaugural football team. A CPA candidate, public speaker, and multi-time scholarship recipient, he has served on STU’s strategic planning committee and was featured on the cover of a national accounting publication. At just 24 years old, Rick continues to inspire through his leadership, service, and commitment to excellence.
Wini Amaturo
Victor Benitez
Rev. John T. Butler, S.J. ‘85
Marc Cannon
Bishop Enrique E. Delgado, ‘15
Bob Dickinson
Donald Dresback ‘69
Michael T. Fay
Bernie Fernandez, M.D.
Paul A. Garcia, CPA.
Richard Garcia
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami
David A. Armstrong J.D., President
John J. Dooner Jr., ’70 Chair
Jorge Rico, ’86 Vice Chair
Maureen Shea, Secretary
Gary Goldbloom, ESQ.
William A. Kent
Jorge Luis Lopez, ESQ.
Victor H. Mendelson
Dominick F. Miniaci, ESQ.
Mario Murgado
Marcos A. Perez
Lenore P. Rodicio, Ph.D.
Frances Aldrich Sevilla-Sacasa
Mario Trueba ‘80
Herbert Yardley
Matthew Whelan, Ed.D.
Michelle Johnson Garcia, Ed.D.
Tarlika Nunez-Navarro, J.D.
Steven Birmingham
Diego Britto
Janet Brewer
Rev. Rafael Capó, Ph.D.
Carlos de Yarza
Eric Godin, Ph.D.
John Jackson
Henry Mack, Ed.D.
John Michalenko, M.Ed.
William E. Rychel
Christopher Tarrant
Dionne N. Veitch
Linda L. Wagner
Jameka A. Windham, Ph.D.
PRESIDENT’S CABINET
Executive Vice President
Provost & Chief Academic Officer
Dean and Professor of Law
Chief Information Officer
VP for Administration & Chief Financial Officer
Interim Director of Human Resources
VP for Mission and Ministry
VP for Marketing & Communications
VP for Strategic Planning and Effectiveness
Executive Director of Student Affairs
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Executive Director, Institute for Ethical Leadership
Senior Advisor to the President
Associate Vice President for Athletics & Head
Football Coach
Executive Director of Physical Plant
VP for Enrollment
Treasurer
VP for Student Success
DURING THE CEREMONY
To ensure respect for the solemnity of this ceremony for our graduates, we ask all those who have cellular phones, or other electronic devices to please turn them off until the end of this ceremony.
AWARDING OF DEGREES
We ask members of the audience to respect others while taking photographs during the ceremony and to hold your applause until all the candidates for a given school and degree level have received their degrees.
DURANTE LA CEREMONIA
Para garantizar respeto ante la solemnidad de la ceremonia de graduación, pedimos a todos los que tengan celulares, localizadores (beepers) y otros aparatos electrónicos, que por favor los apaguen hasta que termine la ceremonia.
ENTREGA DE DIPLOMAS
Les pedimos que sean respetuosos con las otras familias que también deseen tomar fotografías y les rogamos que contengan sus aplausos hasta que todos los graduados hayan recibido sus diplomas.
Dr. Janae La’beth Eaddy-Robbins Honors Distinction
Dr. Harold Windell Edwards *
Dr. Bianca Gutierrez * Honors Distinction
Dr. Tendai Gutu *
Honors Distinction
Dr. Keausha Haynes * Honors Distinction
Dr. Janna Hoglund * Honors Distinction
Dr. Christine C. Kalogris * Honors Distinction
Dr. Myshia L Leboss **
Dr. Kionnie Monique Maura *
Dr. Victor Mbaba
Dr. Saran Savage McDuffie * Honors Distinction
Dr. Ashley Nixon ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Jeffrey Owens ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Francesca Parker * Honors Distinction
Dr. Tyecia Powell *
Dr. Patricia Joyce Prince *
Dr. Monika Jacqueline Rivera *
Dr. Sonya Teresa Rivers-Cason **
Dr. Brianna Robinson * Honors Distinction
Dr. Cesar Alberto Santalo **
Dr. Chakesha Scott ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Ruchama Son
Dr. Kathryn Swadgelo * Honors Distinction
Dr. Tonya Thomas * Honors Distinction
Dr. Arleen Anais Valdes-Gonzalez * Honors Distinction
Dr. Kiymara Van Duyne **
Dr. Angela K Vasilopoulos
Dr. Ana Maria Young Honors Distinction
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Dr. Nicolo Alaimo * Honors Distinction
Dr. Tricia Angela -Simone Ankle ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Rosemica Damier Bonhomme * Honors Distinction
Dr. Chad Carey Honors Distinction
Dr. Philondria Credit Honors Distinction
Dr. Daphne I Divers ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Valecia Fane Honors Distinction
Dr. Khalid Siddique Gajraj * Honors Distinction
Dr. Lunique Jerome
Dr. Sherice Nicole Johns Honors Distinction
Dr. Kendra Johnson Honors Distinction
Dr. Bagnama Virginia King Honors Distinction
Dr. Patricia Latoya Lane * Honors Distinction
Dr. Shedric McGauley Honors Distinction
Dr. Amber Renee McGuire ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Sherine Elizabeth Metayer Honors Distinction
Dr. Selisa Mitchell
Dr. Terrell Nelson Honors Distinction
DOCTORAL DEGREE RECIPIENTS
Dr. Marcos Alfonso Perez Honors Distinction
Dr. Phillip Joseph Pillin Honors Distinction
Dr. Mathew E Virden ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Karah Annabelle Whitter Honors Distinction
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Dr. Yimy Carlos Puerto Turcas ** Honors Distinction
GUS MACHADO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Chad M Altieri
Honors Distinction
Dr. Lex Barker
Dr. Alexandra Ellen MacAskill Honors Distinction
Dr. Gabriela Deyanira Martinez Garcia Honors Distinction
Dr. Carolyn Moodie ** Honors Distinction
Dr. Julian C Sandoval
Dr. Jose Ignacio Yanes * Honors Distinction
EXECUTIVE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Stephanie A Thomaston Honors Distinction
*August 2024 ** December 2024
Alumni ALUMNI
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!
You did it! After years of hard work and dedication, you have earned your St. Thomas University degree. On behalf of the STU Alumni Association and the nearly 30,000 Bobcat Alumni around the world, we applaud you for reaching this important milestone.
As you begin the next phase of your life, we welcome you into the STU Alumni family worldwide. Being a STU graduate comes with many privileges and benefits that you will find valuable and helpful if you take advantage of them! Being an STU graduate also carries the responsibility to always represent your alma mater well, to show the world that STU Alumni can do anything, and to stay connected to us throughout your life.
Your career as an STU student is short, but you will carry the title of STU Alumnus for the rest of your life! There are lots of reasons to stay connected to your alma mater and your fellow alumni by participating in the STU Alumni Association. You’re automatically a member, and if we have good contact information for you, you’ll be able to take advantage of ALL your Alumni perks, such as:
• Career Services: Access to online and in-person career advising, job fair expos, and job search help.
• STU Events: Invitations to attend all events, including alumni receptions, Homecoming, galas, games, lectures, networking functions, and other campus activities and major events.
• Special Savings and Discounts: Why pay more? Save on insurance, travel, hotel, sporting events, theme parks, concerts, and more.
• On-Campus Resources: Full privileges at the STU Library, free admission to the Archbishop John C. Favalora Archive and Museum, athletic events, and alumni ID card.
Use Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with STU’s networks and remain involved and connected with the University as well as your fellow Bobcat Alumni! We look forward to your involvement and participation in our local and regional events, our professional development activities, and leadership opportunities. As ambassadors of STU, you can help maintain and build upon our proud legacy of preparing ethical leaders for the global community.
Visit our website (stu.edu/alumni) to learn more various Alumni Association membership benefits; subscribe to the Bobcat Brief monthly e-newsletter, and keep us posted of your personal and professional achievements by submitting “Class Notes” online so we can proudly share your successes and updates.
