President’s Message
You may not have noticed the changes that have marked recent University publications and notices, including this issue of CONTACT. This summer we underwent a process that resulted in a modification – more like a streamlining –of our logo and tagline. The result is the further highlighting of our historical triangle and cross, and the shortening of our tagline to “Leaders for Life.” While going through the different permutations of a look and tag that a brand review process involves, we had an excellent opportunity to revisit what Leaders for Life means to us.
No doubt our University develops, enables, nurtures, prepares and produces Leaders for Life. It is certainly evident in our alumni who are CEOs of major banks and corporations; Chiefs of Police and Fire Departments; principals and teachers; successful law practitioners; doctors and researchers; and pastoral ministers tending to their flock in these often complicated times. We are proud of the ethical, confident and knowledgeable leaders they have become, and how they proudly represent STU.
But Leaders for Life isn’t just a tagline – it is our promise. We ensure that each of our students has an excellent academic foundation for whatever their major may be, and instill a passion for lifelong learning. At St. Thomas you don’t have to be a Catholic to understand the values we teach; it is about ethics and service to others. And we are always expanding the opportunities for our students to obtain the confidence required to be a leader through our many campus clubs, organizations and activities.
As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” At St. Thomas, graduating Leaders for Life is essential to what we do and who we are.
New Vice President for Mission
Appointed
In a continuing effort to better align the university’s mission with its diverse programs, STU has appointed Monsignor Terence Hogan, S.L.D., as Vice President for Mission. In this position he will help integrate the university’s mission elements into all segments of the institution. He will also continue in his role as Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry.
“Our Catholic identity and religious heritage distinguish us from other universities, and provide benchmarks for understanding our mission,” said Msgr. Hogan. “Our goal is to offer challenging undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to academically ambitious students who are committed to lives of meaning and purpose, and who are preparing to be leaders in an intercultural community that promotes ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue.”
is published by the Office of University Advancement
St. Thomas University 16401 NW 37th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33054
STUCommunications@stu.edu
President
Rev. Msgr Franklyn M. Casale
Editor
Hilda M. Fernandez VP, Advancement
Marlen Mursuli Director of Communications
Art Director/Graphic Designer Hernan Pettinaroli
Contributors
Hilda M. Fernandez VP, Advancement
Marlen Mursuli Director of Communications
Lorena Hidalgo Alumni Relations Director
Phil De MontmollinAthletics Information Officer
Carlos de Yarza Manager Digital Media Services SPRING 2016 VOL. 16 N. 2 STAY CONNECTED WITH STU ON:
STU’s Summer Research Institute Sizzles with Undergrads in Lab Coats
They traded bathing suits for lab coats and beach towels for beakers. This summer, 64 STU and Miami Dade College students dove into research projects that may eventually lead to breakthroughs in spinal cord injury, autism, and other areas. The students – all undergraduates – participated in St. Thomas University’s Eighth Annual Summer Research Institute (SRI), an eight-week program that provides undergrad students with the opportunity to conduct scientific research with faculty members in STU’s science labs.
“This program caters to students of all levels, and we’re really pleased in the interest of potential and new students getting involved in research at St. Thomas,” said Dr. David Quesada, associate professor of physics, who coordinated the program this summer. “The students gain lab experience, and build relationships with faculty working in fields they are interested in.”
In addition to fostering collaborative learning between students and researchers, the SRI exposes students to hands-on lab research. Students have several projects to choose from in the areas of life sciences, chemistry, mathematics, physics and engineering. Projects include spinal cord injury research, brain network analysis of epilepsy, molecular biology of autism, drought tolerance of plants, microbiome analysis of soils, studying the impact of weather conditions on human respiratory health and the response of plants and soils, photovoltaic cells optimizations, and robotics. Many of the students continue the projects beyond the summer, including serving as co-authors in published papers and presenting at scientific conferences. The program also allows for networking opportunities with guest lecturers invited to campus via the STU Science Lecture Series, “Moving into the Future.”
The year-long and summer hands-on undergraduate research experience – a hallmark of STU’s unique focus on undergraduate science research – also builds great resumes for students pursuing graduate science degrees, and applying for medical, dental and veterinary schools. SRI graduates are experiencing many successes, including internships and fellowships at highly competitive institutes like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and NASA.
Looking toward the future of the program, Quesada says, he’d like to expand the institute and integrate business, liberal arts and humanities. He calls this expansion, R.I.D.E (Research, Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurship), something he hopes to implement at STU.
“I came to St. Thomas as a result of the Summer Research Institute,” said STEM student Andrea Solano. “I originally thought that I would go on to medical school, but after working with STU’s professors doing hands-on research, not only did I decide to come to St. Thomas, but I also decided to pursue a masters and PhD and continue doing research.”
The program is made possible through a STEM-track grant with Miami Dade College, and provides a $2,400 stipend for each participant.
around campus STU Near You: New Downtown Location
President Msgr. Casale and Provost Dr. Becerra present Rev. John T. Butler with an honorary degree.
May Commencement Welcomes STU’s Newest Alumni
More than 500 undergraduate, graduate, doctorate and law students received their degrees during the May 14 commencement ceremony. The Honorable Marcia Cooke, a U.S. district judge; Rev. John T. Butler, a proud St. Thomas University alumnus and a leader in Catholic education; and Emilio Cueto, a Santo Tomas de Villanueva alumnus known for his preservation of all things Cuban, were presented with honorary degrees. Cooke and Butler were also the commencement speakers for the law and main university commencement, respectively. The ceremony also included the University’s first graduating class of fully-online students.
In our latest effort to make higher learning more accessible, we have expanded with a new downtown location at the Bayfront Executive Center, 100 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 3180. The new location houses the Gus Machado School of Business’ cybersecurity management and trade and logistics management graduate programs - two of the most in-demand fields in South Florida. Additional programs, like our new Executive MBA, are planned for the downtown location.
The trade and logistics management program is a specialized degree that includes coursework in managerial decision making; demand planning; purchasing; strategic supply chain management; and supply, inventory, and transportation management. For more information, visit www.stu.edu/trade.
The cybersecurity management program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity management and the major functional activities related to the protection of information and technology assets of an organization. For more information, visit www.stu.edu/cyber.
A Summer in Israel
As part of the School of Business’ efforts to integrate international experiences into academic curricula, its 2016 Summer Study Abroad Program took 17 students to Israel for an academically rich and intensive 13-day program. Now in its second year, this dynamic program, led by Dr. Hagai Gringarten and Associate Dean Lloyd Mitchell, included meetings with CEOs and officers of major Israel-based companies and leaders in technology and food manufacturing. In addition to visits religious sites, swimming in the Dead Sea, and “walking the bible,” students also visited the globally renowned Weizmann Institute, and attended lectures by vice presidents of successful businesses. STU also offers study aboard programs that take students to Spain, Italy and India.
World Netball Championship Comes to STU
The second annual World University Netball Championship, held in the Fernandez Family Center July 13 – 17, was considered a tremendous success by all of those involved. The event organizers, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and Netball America, praised the accommodations provided by STU.
The organizing committee was impressed by the energetic atmosphere at the Fernandez Family Center. In particular, they were pleased by the sunken Netball posts which were the first of its kind to be used in the United States. Crystal Morvant, the facility manager of the Fernandez Family Center, led the preparations as the event host.
Seven countries and one university from England made up the field for the 2016 World University Netball Championship. The most experienced teams proved to be South Africa, Jamaica, and Australia, which took home the gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Photographic Exhibition on Pope Francis’ Trip to Israel
In April, the Consulate General of Israel to Florida and STU marked the opening of an exclusive photo exhibit of Pope Francis’ May 2014 visit to Israel. In attendance to introduce and open the exhibition was STU President Monsignor Franklyn Casale, Consul General of Israel Lior Haiat, Rabbi Solomon Schiff, and Auxiliary Bishop Peter Baldacchino. The images, which were on display through July, were captured by an official photographer of the Israeli government who had unrestricted access to Pope Francis.
STU Receives $1.5 Million in Grants
STU was awarded a $325,000 grant from USA Funds to help fund its D.R.I.V.E. program (Developing Relevant Indices for Viable Employment). The program will provide a cohort of entering students with four years of career-oriented education and training, an individualized plan to foster college completion and career readiness, and the support of a professional coach and mentor.
In addition, the university was also awarded a five-year, $1.17 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to start a TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at STU. The EOC grant will help young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds – low-income individuals, first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, and veterans – pursue a higher education.
From left to right: Rabbi Solomon Schiff, Msgr. Franklyn Casale, Auxiliary Bishop Peter Baldacchino, and Consul General of Israel Lior Haiat.
Einstein Bros Bagels is now on campus! Located in the Main Library.
around campus
Olympics
Developing Young Leaders Across
Miami-Dade
This summer, young emerging leaders made their mark on St. Thomas. During the Miniaci Family LEAD Now Summer Institute, an on-going STU program that has been changing young lives since 2008, high school students from across South Florida earned college credits, developed leadership skills, and simultaneously experienced a taste of college life.
The 2016 MetroTown Summer Camp also brought junior leaders to campus over the summer. In collaboration with Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews (MCCJ), STU hosted an intensive, six-day residential camp focused on developing young leaders in Miami-Dade County. Fifty high school students converged on campus to talk about race, diversity, and to learn skills for cross-cultural teamwork. In addition, STU IMPACT launched this summer, and attracted 50 high schoolers from throughout Florida for an eight-day experience in Catholic theological education.
New Master’s Degree in Bioethics
This fall, STU launched a master’s degree program in bioethics, an innovative, interdisciplinary program combining science, ethics and human behavior – the only program of its kind in South Florida. This program is a fully accredited masters of science consisting of eight courses totaling 30 graduate credits. Graduates will not only be improving the progress of healthcare, but will be equipped to engage in deep analysis of the bioethical issues of our contemporary society. For more information, please contact Father Alfred Cioffi, acioffi@stu.edu.
Msgr. Casale Delivers ACS Athens Commencement Speech
STU President Msgr. Franklyn Casale was the 2016 commencement speaker of the American Community Schools Athens (ACS Athens) graduating class, which included four new STU-bound students. Msgr. Casale was joined by John Vassiliou, associate provost for student success, who was a guest speaker during the ACS Athens Athletic Banquet on June 14. Earlier this year STU celebrated a new partnership with ACS Athens, an articulation agreement that provides opportunities for Greek students to come and study at St. Thomas University.
“Ancient Vessels of Love,” an art exhibit by Sheila E. Lichacz, a Panamanian artist, is now on display through Dec. 13, in the Archbishop John C. Favalora Archive & Museum at STU.
The Rio
was the graduation theme for the Miniaci LEAD Now Summer Institute graduates.
2016 MetroTown Summer Camp students participating in a teambuilding activity.
STU Welcomes Veteran Educator
Gloria Pelaez
as School of Arts and Education Dean
After an extensive search, STU selected Dr. Gloria Pelaez as the new dean for the School of Arts and Education. Pelaez will oversee the school’s undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in education, as well as its programs in communication arts. Most recently, Pelaez served as the director of the Office of Teacher Education Accreditation at the University of Miami.
Dr. Pelaez holds a doctorate’s degree in curriculum and instruction from FAU and a master’s degree in TESOL from the University of Miami. She completed her undergraduate studies at Bryn Mawr College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Comparative Literature/Spanish/English from Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Adreinne Vynne, School of Science; Larry Treadwell, Main Library; and Dr. Pam Cingel, Biscayne College have been appointed as interim deans of their respective units.
has been appointed as STU’s new university chaplain. He is also the chaplain to the City of Miami Fire Department, pastor at St. Philip Neri Church, and serves on the Marriage Tribunal at the Archdiocese of Miami.
New Interim Deans: Father Craig Malzacher Jonathan Best,
adjunct instructor for the School of Theology and Ministry, successfully defended his dissertation for a doctorate’s degree in practical theology at STU.
Dr. Darrell Arnold,
philosophy professor, delivered two lectures onboard the Fathom Cruise Line’s Impact cruise to the Dominican Republic as part of the “Mindful Living Lecture Series.”
associate professor of business, has a forthcoming publication “Publication Talks and Book Review Workshops: Spotlighting Faculty Publication, Emerging Authors, and Book Reviews as an Effective Personal Branding Strategy.”
director of Campus Ministry, was the Hispanic impact speaker and plenary roundtable speaker during this summer’s New Evangelization and Higher Education: The Vision of Pope Francis Conference at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. She also contributed to a chapter in the book “The Meaning of Motherhood: Biblical and Theological Perspectives.”
Dr. Hagai Gringarten, Claudia Herrera, Dr. Xuan Jiang,
assistant professor of TESOL, presented at the 2016 OTEL Meeting 61st Annual International Literacy Association Convention; 2016 Annual Scholarly Forum; and the 28th Annual Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference. She also contributed to the creation of a series of educational children’s books by translating them from English to Mandarin Chinese.
Law Professor Alfred Light
was a participant at the Law and Economics Center’s 32nd Economics Institute for Law Professors. He has an article appearing in the 46 Environmental Law Reporter 10791 in September 2016.
Law Professor Patricia W. Moore
spoke at the 2016 Pound Civil Justice Institute 24th Annual Forum for State Court Judges in Los Angeles. The topic was “Who Will Write Your Rules: Your State Court or the Federal Judiciary?”
Dr. Josie Oramas,
director of the Student Health Center, became certified as a clinical trauma professional, and completed a literature review on Haitian immigrant children and youth for an ethnography research study.
ANNUAL FUND HONOR ROLL
St. Thomas University is grateful to those who have donated to the university’s 2015-2016 Annual Giving Campaign. Your generosity is providing student scholarships, opportunities for research, access to internships, and improvements to our campus, among many other important initiatives. On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, THANK YOU!
St. Thomas of Villanova Society ($10,000 & Above):
Amaturo Family Foundation, Inc.
American Airlines - Caribbean and Latin America
Bob and Jodi Dickinson
Sara Fulton
Joseph and Suzanne Lacher
Victor and Lisa Mendelson
Perry Ellis International, Inc.
Guy Protano, Protano Bakery
Lourdes T. Rivas, Simply Healthcare Plans
Ryder Charitable Foundation
Robert Sanchez
SunTrust Foundation
Texas Instruments Foundation
The Sandy Hill Foundation
St. Augustine Society ($5,000 - $9,999):
AMGEN Foundation
AvMed Health Plan
Anita Britt
Rudy A. Cecchi
George L. Cuesta, Cuesta Construction, Inc.
Donald E. Dresback ‘69, Beacon Group, Inc.
Florida Community Bank
Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
Paul A. Garcia, C.P.A.
Debbie J. Goodman Lerner
Jos L. Muscarelle Foundation, Inc.
Dominick F. Miniaci, Esq.
Mario Murgado
Jose F. Navarro, MMG Equity Partners, Inc.
Maureen Paparella ‘79
Alex Penelas ‘81
Marcos A. Perez
Peter H. Prieto ‘82
Rodger* and Grace Shay
Mario Trueba ‘80
Edward T. Walsh, Sr. ‘71
St. Anthony of Padua Society ($1,000$4,999):
Irma Becerra
Bermello Ajamil & Partners
Marilyn L. Blanchette
Gary T. Blandino ‘77
Carmen A. Brown
Brunetti Foundation
Rev. Msgr. Franklyn M. Casale
Kerry E. Cassidy ‘10
Barbara C. Del Castillo, Esq.
Carol A. Ellis-Cutler ‘84
Fred W. Federici, Jr.
Hilda M. Fernandez
Florida Power & Light Company
Follett Higher Education Group
G4S Secure Solutions USA, Inc.
Jose I. Garcia, All-Go Construction, Inc.
GEICO Direct
Peter L. Gerety
David P. Gerrits ‘98
Goldman Sachs & Co. Matching
Gift Program
Gray Robinson, P.A.
HotChalk
Jeffrey-Allen, Inc.
Robert P. Johnson, Jr. ‘85
Daniel W. Katz ‘93
Michael S. Kelly ‘94
Gloria A. Kotrady
Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq. ‘84
Paul D. Mainieri ‘82
James E. McDonald, Esq.
Larry & Harriet McKinney
Todd Mestepey
Metz Culinary Management
Domingo R. Moreira, Maya Sales, LLC
Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra LLP
Rafael M. Olloqui ‘90
J. Michael Pennekamp, Kamp Partners, L.P.
Paul & Sharon Philip
Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.
Alejandro C. Puente ‘10
Gary C. Pyott ‘79
Jose Ramon & Silvia Rodriguez
Sabadell United Bank
South Florida Council Firefighters Charities, Inc.
John R. Steinbauer
SunTrust Bank, NA
Stanley G. Tate
The de Moya Group Inc.
The Miami Foundation for a Greater Miami ThyssenKrupp Elevator Americas
University of Nebraska-Women’s Basketball Camp
World of America Global Partners LLC
$250 - $999:
DeAnna Arana
Drew J. Bauman
Fred Bean
John R. Bowen ‘79
Hernando E. Brown, Jr. ‘77
Russell T. Bundy
Marilynn B. Campanile
Gail Casale & John Priber
James W. Conley, Ph.D.
Robert E. Constant ‘01
Joseph T. Cooney ‘68
Kenneth M. Donohue, Sr. ‘69
William F. Donovan ‘68
Lawrence K. Dooley ‘72
Helen M. Dougherty
Oscar A. Echevarria
Andy M. Elisburg ‘89
Richard J. Ellis ‘68
Edward P. Fenlon, C.P.A. ‘68
Carlos R. Fernandez-Guzman
Maria J. Fonte ‘12
Raymond T. Gillick, Jr. ‘68
Brian F. Groden, M.D. ‘82
Maria ‘84 & Richard ‘84 Hare
Ronald D. Hultquist
Cyrus M. Jollivette
Henrick Jose
George J. Karr
Bryan C.S. Knowles, C.P.A. ‘77
Lizette Lantigua ‘87
Janine R. Laudisio
Pam L. Loconto ‘10
Antonio M. Lopez, Jr. ‘02
Ann P. Machado, Creative Staffing
Mary Jo D. Macro ‘93
John E. McCann ‘68
Richard J. McCarthy ‘77
Sheldon W. McCartney ‘73
Robert A. McGoldrick ‘70
Sean P. Melvin, III ‘87
Jorge R. Mesa, C.P.A.
Erik Millon
Richard E. Murray ‘70
Zuvarashe Judith Mushipe
Peggy Nordeen
Leif G. Novie, C.P.A.
Terry O’Connor
Agueda Ogazon ‘97
Stephen A. Perry, Sr.
Obdulio J. Piedra, 84
Randolph Pierce
Richard Raleigh
Julio & Miriam Ramirez
Rodney C. Shaw ‘88
Maureen Shea
Merrett R. Stierheim
Maria A. Tilson ‘06
Maria Carmen Torreiro Veritiv Corporation
Charles E. VonBrecht, III ‘13
Butch Williamson
Eli Wolfson
Herbert & Catherine Yardley
$100 - $249:
Alta Vista Sports
Celso J. Alvarez
Mark N. Arata ‘87
Darrell P. Arnold, Ph.D.
Roberto Beaz, C.P.A. ‘88
Jan A. Bell
William B. Berger, Sr. ‘78
Somnath Bhattacharya
Neil K. Borden ‘68
Jack Brill
Jimmie L. Brown ‘79
William R. Burdette, Esq.
Chester Butler, Jr. ‘93
Yisel Cabrera
Nicolas P. Cardenas ‘79
Alfred H. Cardet ‘71
Thomas P. Casey, Sr. ‘70
Rob Smith Castner ‘68
Walter Cegelka
Ana C. Cervetta ‘95
Nann N. Chavalitanonda
Albert P. Childress ‘77
Jay R. Coleman ‘88
Paul J. Cornely ‘77
Ondina A Cortes ‘13
James A. Cox, Jr. ‘68
Herbert E. Cox, Jr. 84
Luis de Armas, Esq.
Michael E. Deitche ‘77
Michael DeLucca ‘88
Dolores Ann DeMontmollin ‘91
John J. Donohue, Jr. ‘80
Elizabeth V. Donovan
William & Judy Dresback
Maria V. Errickson ‘88
Loly Espino
Gary Feinberg ‘68
Eugene W. Fitzpatrick
Mary E Flannery
Teresita C. Garcia
John T. Glennon ‘70
Joseph E. Gulino ‘82
H. Dennis Harrison ‘86
Dennis J. Hartnett ‘79
Richard J. Hauswirth ‘73
Lorena M. Hidalgo
Willy ‘96 & Marlene ‘97 Izquierdo
Gary F. Jackson ‘16
Helen L. Jacobstein
Gordon Johnson
Patrick R. Kalahar ‘93
Arthur W. Kane
James L. Keenan ‘89
Edward Kelly ‘92
Shirley E. Key ‘03
Paul A. Lueken ‘85
Joan Ruth Lyons ‘95
Michael E. Madden ‘70
Ana J Marrero ‘12
Arturo J. Martinez, Jr. ‘13
Carolina Mata
James F. McCloud ‘73
Eugene J. McKeown ‘71
Isabel Medina Pascu ‘15
Joseph & Linda V. Melchiorre
Lloyd A. Mitchell
Igbelokotor K. Onoabhagbe, C.P.A. ‘86
Jacqueline A Ordehi ‘13
David F. Penksa ‘79
Virgil R. Priestly, Jr. ‘78
Gary L. Richter ‘86
Ana Gloria Rivas-Vazquez & Juan Carlos Gomez
Erica Sawyer ‘11
Sandy Secord ‘05
Raquel M. Smith ‘77
Dorothy M. St. Jean
Ignacio Tamayo
Eugene F. Taylor ‘85
Tommy Thomas
Arturo R. Tigera ‘80
Laura ‘96 & Sean ‘96 Todd
Michael H. Toomey ‘80
Thomas F. Toscani ‘70
Neal Vaidya
Adrienne Vynne
George M. Walish, Jr., ‘71
James P. Whelan, ‘68
Rufus L. Williams ‘09
Helen Louise Woods ‘80
Juan M. Zamora
David Zinn
Michael A. Zoovas ‘77
$99 & Below:
Samson A. Adedoyin ‘04
Alex Alcarae
Kevin Allen ‘81
Alessandra Alvarez ‘08
Josefa Alvarez ‘76
American Insurance Administrators, Inc.
William S. Amoroso ‘74
Jessica Antelo ‘08
Maureen Ann Arago ‘81
Angie Ardiles ‘13
Michael R Arena ‘14
Matheus Ayrolla
Richard Bair
John P. Bannon
Edward D Barnett ‘14
James L. Barnick, Jr.
Melissa J. Bassett
Michelle J. Bassett-Ruben ‘11
Alberto V. Batista, Esq. ‘84
Lorel A. Beckford ‘15
James Benoit
Ben M. Bobillo ‘93
Robert L. Boyle
Camille Buccellato
Barbara Buzzi ‘84
Maria H. Cabada ‘82
Gary E. Cardenas ‘95
Laura C. Carlos ‘91
Daniel P. Carlson ‘93
Raul J. Carrillo
Primitivo M. Castillo ‘82
Bruno J. Catrambone, Jr. ‘77
James F. Claffey, Jr. ‘71
Mary M. Cline ‘80
James M. Condon, Jr. ‘73
Yhenis De Royal
Phil E. DeMontmollin, III ‘96
David R. DeProspero ‘91
Leon M. Dixon ‘08
Erica Dixon-Billups ‘16
Christian Luis Diz ‘05
Nora Duran
Margaret L. Elliston
Richard J. Elliston ‘80
Grace Mary Ezeimo ‘11
Ken Farrington
Davide Favaro
Lorraine M. Fenton ‘96
George L. Fernandez
Gladys Ferrer de Rua
Tomas A. Finol ‘09
Hans T. Fjellman ‘71
Stanley Flax
Bryan T. Froehle
Berardo B. Fuentez ‘94
Monica Fuste ‘04
Catherine Gallant
S. Charles Gary Garofalo ‘04
Braulio A. Garro
Patrick Gayle
Kathleen K. Geanes ‘83
James E. Gelbert, Jr. ‘81
Melissa A. Giesler-Hassel ‘15
John E. Gilger ‘94
Joel H. Goldsmith
Ines Gomes
Pedro J Gomez ‘11
Dion D. Gonsalves ‘02
Thomas A. Grey ‘86
Albrey Grimsley
Hagai Gringarten
John M. Guertin ‘79
Juan Carlos Gutierrez
Thomas E. Harvey ‘92
Miguel Hernandez ‘15
Cheryl D. Herrera ‘80
Leslee N. Higgins
Dave J. Hilbert ‘89
Kanishia C. Hill ‘12
Lakisha Hills Williams ‘02
Raymond Hospitalet, Jr. ‘00
Glenn A. Hubert
Rudy Ibarra
Jorge Iber ‘84
Rosario A. Infiesta ‘83
Carlos A. Insignares, Ph.D ‘98
Linda M. Jackson ‘83
Marsha W. James ‘81
Yaxley C Jamison ‘14
Edilia L. Jimenez ‘80
Wenisha S. Jones ‘10
Melissa L King ‘12
Estella King-Bryant ‘07
Paul-Michael Klein
Michael Klim
Michael J. Kopcha ‘68
Nicolas Kossenko ‘82
Tetiana Kovalska ‘16
Edna H. Kyles ‘81
Noralis M Lambert ‘12
Vincent J. Laricci ‘05
Mercedes U. Lawler ‘08
Robert & Patricia Lawless
Robert G. LeBarron ‘89
Bryan Licona ‘13
Craig S. Litt ‘83
Jose R. Llamazares
Bella L Lopez ‘78
Angelica J. Lopez ‘86
Orestes Luis Lugo ‘79
Alan J Lundeen ‘15
Leonardo Manon ‘14
Renae E. Martinez ‘13
Susan Massey
Feliks Mats ‘04
Paul D. Maxwell
Stephanie Maynard-Patrick
Shirley McCall
Dennis M. McCarron ‘80
William C. McFarland, Sr. ‘80
Francis J. McGarry
Virginia L. McGinnity ‘79
Thomas A. Moltimore ‘80
Crystal Morvant
Robert Mufson
Carolyn P. Murray ‘79
Marlen Mursuli
Nancy M. Nesselt ‘83
Robert A. Newkirk ‘93
Robert A. Nicholas ‘88
Aundria T. Nickles ‘14
Clela Niclasse
Jeff G. Norman
Ashley Nugent
Aileen B. O’Gilvie ‘06
Nancy Jane Olson ‘81
Ricardo Ordehi
Dylan M. Osullivan ‘13
Hans Ottinot, Jr. ‘14
Louis B. Panza ‘68
Meredith Parry
Albertha W. Patterson ‘05
Carl P. Patton ‘87
Frances Peake
Dr Justin L. Peart
Kayla Pedraza ‘16
Jorge Perez ‘12
Alicia M Perez ‘80
Jean M. Pierre ‘94
Nadly Pierre-Louis ‘14
Doris Y. Pitts ‘79
Angel F. Prada ‘07
Lenore M. Prado ‘02
Carmen Quiroga-Barberis ‘15
Ronald G. Radloff ‘68
Andrea M. Rambana ‘97
Michelle A.E. Reynoso ‘12
Max Ricardo ‘06
John Louis Rich ‘67
Jonathan Roach ‘12
Jose G. Rocha
Angela C Rodriguez ‘76
Sylvia Rodriguez
Adriana M. Rodriguez ‘11
Rosanna Rodriguez ‘13
Carlos M. Rodriguez, Esq.
Cory Rollins
Nicole Roman ‘07
Monica Rosas ‘15
Cynthia M. Rose-McIntyre ‘93
Helen E. Rosenthal
David K. Ross
Antoine B Sada
Edward F. Sallie, Jr. ‘71
Marlene Chere T. Sampson ‘95
J. Michael Samway
Nelson M. Sanchez ‘79
Macaria Sanchez
Steven D. Saxon ‘85
Leonor M. Serrano ‘84
Joseph J. Shantz, Sr. ‘71
Francis J. Sicius, Ph.D
Linda A. Simunek
James D. Slack ‘80
Michelle L. Smith ‘00
Conrad M. Stonich ‘15
Ayda R. Talavera ‘85
Ashley D Taylor ‘15
Roslyn Tompkins ‘15
Robert & Lilia Torres
Larry Treadwell
Miriam J. Trespalacios ‘79
Ann Y. Turk-Bryant ‘91
Eliot Tuya, Jr. ‘80
Majorie Ann Upson ‘02
Marisol Del Carmen Valdes ‘08
Carla L. Valeriani ‘10
Dianelys F. Valladares ‘13
John Vassiliou, Ph.D ‘01
Gertrudis R. Vazquez ‘87
Nilo Ventura, Jr. ‘88
Rosa L Viera ‘13
Huaqing Wang
Mary C. Waren ‘85
Alice Wassey Durand ‘01
Christopher Williams ‘08
Glory Ann Winters ‘01
Antishia M. Wright ‘15
Stephen E. Wulf ‘71
Manuel Yanez, Jr.
Richard R. Zientek ‘84
Law School Donors
St. Thomas of Villanova Society ($10,000 & Above): Tony ‘89 and Virginia Soto, Esq.
St. Augustine Society ($5,000$9,999):
Patrick L. Cordero, Esq. ‘87
Michael P. Cudlipp, Esq. ‘99
St. Anthony of Padua Society($1,000 - $4,999):
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Concord Films, LLC
William D. Dickey, Esq. ‘91
Hon. Peter T. Fay
Larry S. Forman, Esq.
Alfredo Garcia
Philip M. Gerson, Esq.
John Charles & Kathryn S. Redmond Foundation
Frank Perez-Siam, Esq. ‘88
$200 - $999:
Hon. John B. Bowman ‘87
Gordon T. Butler
Jude ‘04 & Frances ‘03 Faccidomo, Esq.
William McDonald Gladson ‘97
Kansas R. Gooden ‘08
Tamara F. Lawson
Kathleen Mahoney
Andy Marrero ‘06
William C. Mitchell ‘96
Leonard D. Pertnoy
Jason K. Psaltides, Esq. ‘87
Nicholas W. Romanello, Esq. ‘93
Suzanne A. Singer, Esq. ‘92
Siegfried Wiessner
Mark J. Wolff
$50 - $199: Ariel Alvarez, Esq. ‘11
Vincent R. Capasso, Jr., Esq. ‘11
Francis A. Carbone, II, Esq. ‘13
Attilio M. Costabel
Al DiCalvo, Esq. ‘95
Andrew L. Dixon, Esq. ‘99
Scarlet A. Dyson’04
James E. Evans ’03
Leonard Feldman
Thomas J. Giblin, III, Esq. ‘07
Abby Jill Goldman, Esq. ‘93
Kelly D. Hancock, Esq. ‘13
David M. Harvan, J.D. ‘96
Robert W. Hawley Esq. ‘03
David Jun, Esq. ‘06
Neal B. Lechtner, Esq. ‘93
Juan M. Matos
Daniel P. McCabe, Esq. ‘02
Jonathan W. McConnell, Esq. ‘10
Christopher M. Pardo, Esq. ‘07 Roza ‘02 & Sander ‘10 Pati
Marta R. Perez, Esq. ‘13
Oliver A. Ruiz, Esq. ‘01
Vincent J. Sanzone, Jr., Esq. ‘90
Orin S. Shakerdge, Esq. ‘96
Edward Lee Smith, II, Esq., ‘02
Isis Pacheco Velasco, Esq. ‘07
Paul J. Walsh, Esq. ‘09
Rosanna M. Weber, Esq. ‘96
$49 & Below:
Adam M. Geller, Esq. ‘10
The Florida Bar
Joseph D. Copeland, Esq. ‘98
Victoria M. Llerena, Esq. ‘13
Christopher T. Thomas, Esq. ‘06
William S. Hunter, Esq. ‘94
Jason S. Vida, Esq. ‘00
Paulo A. Moura, Esq. ‘08
Leon ‘13 & Elena ‘13 Mindin, Esq.
*Deceased
Blueprint For Leadership updates
On Sept. 6, STU and Miami FC “turned
WHY WE GIVE
If you ask John Dooner, recently retired chairman and CEO of McCann Worldgroup, a leading global marketing firm, his journey as a leader can be traced back to August 31, 1966 and St. Thomas University. His uncle, Brother Leo, at that time was the director of Christopher Columbus High School, and convinced the Mount Vernon, New York native to come to Miami and attend an all-men’s Catholic university then called Biscayne College.
STU
Scholarship Honors Man’s Passion to
Learn
There is no doubt that Thomas Hargis Anderson led a distinguished life and a remarkable legal career. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1925, he practiced law in Florida, mostly in Miami-Dade County, for 50 years. He served as the Dade County Bar Library president for most of his 40-year membership, had the first class action lawsuit in the county, and his firm (where he was a principal) had more appellate cases than the rest of the Dade Bar. He also presented two cases to the United States Supreme Court. But perhaps his greatest achievement is that he accomplished all this without the benefit of a college or formal legal education, but with a passion and will to succeed.
“As I sat in my Freshman Convocation 50 years ago I knew I had the desire to be a Leader. I realize now I was clueless as to what it took to be a true Leader,” explains John. “At STU I was taught the essentials required to be a successful Leader.”
Anderson was born in Pensacola, Fla., in 1900 to what would become a family of 11 children. He was 11 years old when tragedy struck and his father died. During his freshman year at the University of Virginia, Thomas left school to work and help support his family. While working at a bank, he studied law at night and passed the Bar examination.
John confesses that his first academic semester was less than stellar, with a GPA that hovered around a 2.0. However, when his passion for learning kicked in, his grades did as well; from his second semester onward it was Dean’s list. He also found his confidence, serving three years as President of the Political Science Club. It served him well a few years later as a newbie at a Madison Avenue ad agency, surrounded by Ivy League grads – many of whom he would later supervise.
“Not having a formal education, he was a student for the rest of his life,” said son-in-law Herbert Yardley. “Mr. Anderson was the most educated man I have known.”
Today, John’s leadership continues as chair of St. Thomas’ Board of Trustees, and through his active participation on many national and international boards, including the United Way. And his leadership extends to giving back to the university where he obtained the knowledge, confidence and moral compass that has guided him throughout his successful professional career.
Mr. Yardley and his wife Catherine, Thomas Anderson’s daughter, created the Thomas Hargis Anderson Scholarship at the St. Thomas University School of Law this past spring. The endowed scholarship has been matched by the Batchelor Foundation and will benefit deserving students with financial need.
In 2014, Mary Kennedy Hall was re-christened and re-dedicated as Mimi Dooner Hall at Biscayne College. The generous naming gift from John and his family has been used to fund student success initiatives and community engagement programs, while helping commemorate the life of John’s daughter, Mimi, who died at the early age of 26.
“Winston Churchill once said ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,’” said John. “I have been very blessed and am very grateful for the incredible foundation I received at St. Thomas. It wasn’t and isn’t only about giving back; it’s about investing in the next generation of leaders being developed at St. Thomas University.”
“Mr. Anderson, without any financial support, worked during the day and studied law at night,” added Mr. Yardley. “We are confident he would want to support those in financial need.”
on the lights” at the
Bobcat Soccer Field for the men’s soccer home opener. The lights were a donation from Miami FC.
POINTS OF PRIDE
Nationally Ranked By Two Prestigious Organizations
“The Economist” ranked STU fifth in Florida, and 220 in the nation for economic value, in the publication’s first-ever college ranking. The publication measured the economic value of a university based upon the gap between how much money its graduates earn, and how much they might have made had they studied elsewhere. In addition, the Brookings Institute ranked STU in the top four non-profit universities in the state of Florida, and number one in South Florida.
Far East Articulation Agreement
This past May, STU and Harbin Finance University (HFU) in China signed an articulation agreement to provide mutual educational benefits to international students. The universities will work together to provide HFU students advice and encouragement in continuing their studies at STU after completing their bachelor’s degree in finance at HFU.
Alum Selected in MLB Draft
For the fifth consecutive season, a student athlete from STU has been selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. Jose Gomez, a junior centerfielder from Hialeah, Fla., was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
nAIA Names STU Bronze Champions of Character
For the eighth year in a row, STU was recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character (COC) Institution. The Bobcats were among 80 institutions earning the bronze award this year. Our athletic programs make a
conscious effort to demonstrate the COC’s five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.
STU Sports Earn NAIA Scholar-Team Honors
Eight STU varsity sports teams were named Scholar-Teams by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). For a team to qualify for the NAIA Scholar-team award, it must meet the minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale as defined by the institution.
Award recipients included: Men’s Cross Country (3.42); Men’s Golf team (3.42); Volleyball (3.40); Women’s Soccer (3.29); Softball (3.21); Men’s Tennis (3.19); Men’s Soccer (3.18); and Women’s Cross Country (3.08).
STU Receives Generous Gifts From American Airlines and SunTrust
The SunTrust Foundation donated $100,000 to fund scholarships for first-generation students. This endowed scholarship will be matched through a challenge grant from the Batchelor Foundation. In addition, American Airlines gifted $40,000 to STU in honor of Marilyn DeVoe, who is retiring after 39 years with AA.
STU Students, Alumni Training at the National Institutes of Health
•Recent graduate, Abdiel Badillo, was awarded a competitive research training award with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH Postbaccalaureate Intermural Research Training Award (Postbac IRTA) program provides recent college graduates the opportunity to spend one or two years performing full-time research.
•Isaiah Rogers, biology major and STU basketball player, participated in the NIH Medical and Dental Education Summer 2016 Program. He interned in the laboratory of Dr. Kenneth Yamada, NIH distinguished investigator, head of cell biology section, who has over 400 publications.
•Senior Leana Ramos, was recently selected as a NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program Scholar. She will receive a scholarship for qualified educational and living expenses up to $20,000; be a paid research trainee at the NIH next summer; and be employed for one additional year by the NIH as a research trainee.
Helping Asylum Seekers and Refugees Prepare for Court IN FOCUS
A 29-year-old Cuban immigrant suffering from early-onset Parkinson’s was on the brink of ending his life when he walked into STU’s Human Rights Institute. He had lost his job because of symptoms related to his disease, and was living in his car. He hit rock bottom when the car’s tires blew out and the car was towed.
“He walked into our office with two pieces of paper – one with his parent’s address, who live in Cuba, and a letter, essentially his suicide letter. He came to us in this moment of desperation because the institute was all he had,” said Christine Reis, a lawyer and director of STU’s Human Rights Institute.
Within hours, the paralegal working his case had her husband buy him new tires, get his car out of the towing yard, and colleagues helped her raise money for him. Within days the institute found him a place to live – special housing for people with his condition – and worked with Jackson Memorial Hospital to get him the attention and medications he needed to lead a better life. And within six months, he was on his way to becoming a citizen, and most importantly, he was a completely different, happier person.
“The office [Human Rights Institute] is a great example of what STU is – a family always willing to help one another and others,” Reis said.
Since its inception in 1992, STU’s Human Rights Institute has been helping people who have refugee or asylum status become permanent residents, as well as guiding them through complicated legal processes. Over the years, the institute has seen several cases like the one mentioned above ranging from people in the final stages of cancer, to those with Alzheimer’s disease.
“We deal with so many individuals all with a unique, sometimes heart-wrenching story to tell, and we do our best to help them in any way we can,” said Reis. “Our ultimate goal is for these individuals (and sometimes families) to acclimate and become United States citizens with all of its rights and privileges.”
There are similar organizations in South Florida, but STU’s Human Rights Institute is the only one that offers its services completely free of charge – there are no hidden fees or additional charges. STU law students also assist by completing their pro bono hours at the institute, while some are hired as law clerks.
If other services are needed – psychological, special needs, housing – the institute has strong professional relationships with other service providers in the community, and helps guide individuals in the right direction.
“The institute takes care of the legal aspects of their situation, but it has tentacles that reach out to different services,” said Reis.
With offices located in Miami, Broward and West Palm Beach, the institute helps about 200 people a month. Reis says, she hopes to continue to carry out the institute’s mission for many years to come.
“The Human Rights Institute is a great example of what STU is – a family always willing to help one another and others.”
Shedding Light on the Dark World of Human Trafficking
Florida has seen an 11.5 percent increase in reported human trafficking cases, according to data released by the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC). The report stated that there were 407 Florida human trafficking cases reported in 2015, which includes 302 cases of sex trafficking and 68 cases of labor trafficking. In 2014, 364 cases were reported.
Across the U.S. and overseas, cases of human trafficking have been on the rise. To address this growing problem STU hosted the Human Trafficking Academy, Aug. 1 – 5. The academy offered intensive and interactive courses aimed to empower attendees with valuable knowledge, effective skills and tools to address the many aspects of human trafficking.
Participants hailed from across the country and across the globe. They represented various professional groups: attorneys, law enforcement, social service providers, child protection investigators, health care providers, academics, students and faithbased organizations, including a few human trafficking survivors.
ALUMNI NEWS
This past June, STU alumna Julie Downey ’06, made history. Downey, who has served more than three decades as a firefighter, was promoted by the town of Davie as fire chief - becoming the first female fire rescue chief in Broward County history. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational leadership from STU, and thanks the university for its leadership-focused courses, accessibility and flexibility.
Downey, born and raised in Broward County, recently discussed with STU the importance of education, and why she choose to get her bachelor’s degree at STU. For the video, visit: www.bit.ly/ChiefDowney
Move-in Day Brings Alumni
Back to Campus
From Bobcat to Olympian Honoring Barbara Buzzi STU Alumna Named Davie’s First Female Fire Chief
With boxes, bins and dollies in tow, Bobcats returned to campus on a hot and humid Friday morning in August. Hundreds of new and returning students converged at Cascia Hall to check in and settle in before fall semester classes began Monday, Aug. 22. Students and their parents were greeted by our amazing Alumni Volunteers: Nyahna Bailey ’06 & ’16; Yolene Francois ’13; Conrad Stonich, Jr. ’15; Liz Lantigua ’87; Jose Saurez ’97; and Maggie Colebrook ’89.
STU women’s soccer alumna Melony Poviones ‘14 played as a member of USA footvolley team during a demonstration event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The emerging sport of footvolley combines elements of beach volleyball and soccer. The competition, featuring 24 nations, was played at the Olympic Beach Stadium on Brazil’s famous Copacabana Beach. A native of Miami Lakes, Poviones cherishes her time as a student athlete and credits STU for developing her into a “Leader for Life.”
“St. Thomas University helped me in so many ways, and gave me so many opportunities,” she said. “The leadership focus at St. Thomas and the small school environment was really beneficial. I wouldn’t be where I am today without St. Thomas.”
Alumni, faculty, staff, and students came together during the Counseling Alumni Reception held in April to honor professor Dr. Barbara Buzzi, who retired from STU after 30 years. At the event we officially announced the launch of the Counseling Alumni Group, and the Dr. Barbara Buzzi Graduate Counseling Student Scholarship. For photos of the reception, visit www.facebook.com/stualumniassociation. For more information about getting involved in the Counseling Alumni Group, or to donate to the Dr. Barbara Buzzi Graduate Counseling Student Scholarship, please contact Lorena Hidalgo, director of alumni relations at alumni@stu.edu.
Are you interested in contributing in a meaningful way to St. Thomas University? If so, we invite you to learn more about joining the Alumni Advisory Council. The council plays an exciting role in the future of the University through its mission to support the STU Alumni Association programs and services, and connect alumni worldwide. We’re looking for proven leaders in their careers, communities, and their alma mater whose expertise will help the University achieve its mission. To learn more, please contact Lorena Hidalgo, Director of Alumni Relations, at lhidalgo@stu.edu or 305-628-6601.
Jose Saurez ’97; Nyahna Bailey ’06 & ’16; Yolene Francois ’13; and Conrad Stonich, Jr. ’15
CLASS NOtES
Ervin Gonzalez, Esq., B.A. Political Science, was named Top 10 Florida Lawyers by Super Lawyers. His attorney profile is described as top-rated personal injury attorney in Coral Gables, Fla.
Lester Fernandez, B.A. English, has been promoted to inspector general with the Florida Department of Corrections enabling him to work with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice. 1984
Paul Henson, M.S. Special Education, retired from Miami-Dade County Public Schools after 35 years of service. 1988
1990
James “Jimmy” Garrity, M.S. Sports Administration, was named head coach of the women’s basketball team at Wofford College in South Carolina.
Robert Eschenfelder, Esq., J.D. Law, was appointed chief assistant for the Manatee County Attorney’s Office. Additionally, he has been re-appointed to The Florida Bar’s Rules of Judicial Administration Committee serving as subcommittee chair; and its Labor & Employment Law Section’s Executive Council, serving as The Florida Bar Journal articles editor. 1994
1996
Francis Farberoff, B.A. Communication Arts, is an assistant head coach for the USA beach soccer team. He is preparing the team for competition at the 2016 Beach Soccer Worldwide Mundialito Tournament.
Mayra Joli, Esq., B.A. Political Science, is chair of the immigration law committee for the Dade County Bar Association.
2006
Chief Julie Downey, B.A. Organizational Leadership, was named Fire Rescue Chief for the Town of Davie. Chief Downey is the first female fire chief to be appointed in Broward County.
Chief Dexter Williams, M.S. Management/Justice Administration Certificate ’05 and Public Administration Certificate ’06, was appointed Chief of Police for the Miramar Police Department. Chief Williams has served in the law enforcement industry for 25 years.
2007
Gisela Torres Kato, B.A. Communication Arts, is an admissions and recruitment coordinator at Barry University’s School of Law.
Guadalupe Merlos, B.B.A. Accounting ’04 and M.B.A. Accounting ’07, took first place in the women’s championship 2016 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run event held in Downtown Miami.
1999
Michelle Hollister, Esq., J.D. Law, is an attorney specializing in elder law for the counties of Broward and Palm Beach. She was past president of the National Guardianship Association, currently sits on its board, and serves as vice president of its Palm Beach County chapter.
Shirley Plantin, B.A. History, was named one of 2016 “Top 20 Under 40” Haitian Young Professionals (YoPros) by the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida.
2008
2009
2004
Alix Desulme, B.A. Organizational Leadership ’03 and M.S. Special Education ’04, was awarded by the Association of Haitian Educators of Dade the “Movers and Shakers Award in the Field of Education.” He is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in educational leadership.
Dr. Sherry Andre, M.S. Management, was promoted to college chair of the School of Business at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Fla. 2005
2010
Eugene Canal, B.A. Communication Arts, was named director of athletics communications at Kent State University. He will be the primary sports information director for men’s basketball at the university.
Tanya Young McDowell, M.S. Educational Administration, moved to Palm Beach County where she serves the Belle Glade and Pahokee community. She is the assistant principal at LC Swain Middle School in Greenacres, Fla.
Andrew M. Gordon, J.D. Law, was appointed by the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale to the city’s Board of Adjustment for a three-year term. He was also appointed as an Advisory Board Member of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale.
Karline (Altemar) Lee, J.D. Law, was selected by The Florida Bar as a 2015-2016 Academy Fellow in its Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy.
Ricky K. Patel, J.D. Law, was appointed in January 2016 to the Miami Children’s Health Foundation’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at STU School of Law.
Dr. Michelle Garcia, B.A. Communication Arts ’89, M.B.A. International Business ’92, Ph.D. Educational Leadership ’10, was appointed as dean of academic affairs at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Fla.
Viviana Arango Loshak, J.D. Law, bacame shareholder in the insurance practice group at Fowler White Burnett in Fort Lauderdale.
2011
2012
Adriana Rodriguez, B.B.A. Management, is a firefighter for Palm Beach Fire Rescue.
Lillian Dubon, Guidance and Counseling Certificate, was promoted to Dean of Faculty at Monsignor Pace High School in Miami, Fla.
Carole-Anne Chambers, B.A. Communication Arts ’08 and M.P.S. Executive Management ’13, moved back to her hometown of Jamaica and is a registrar at St. Michael’s Theological College in St. Andrew Parish.
Luisa De Souza, B.S. Chemistry & Biology, began Penn State Medical School in the fall. Luisa received a total of six medical school acceptance letters.
Precious Symonette, M.S. Educational Leadership, was one of the five finalists chosen from 200,000 public school teachers in Florida to compete for the “Florida Teacher of the Year” award in Orlando, Fla.
Omar Tejeira, B.B.A. Management, won at the PGA Tour Latinoamérica Qualifying Tournament held at TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, Fla.
Edwin Meza, B.B.A. Management, opened a uBreakiFix store in Seal Beach, Calif. This is the first of three locations he and his business partner plan to open in California.
Tatiana Leon, B.A. Pschology, was hired as manager and schoolbased therapy program coordinator for Emotional, a mental health facility center in North Carolina.
Jordan McCann, M.S. Sports Administration, was promoted to women’s basketball assistant head coach at Colorado College.
2016
Andrew Mich, J.D. Law, accepted a position as an Assistant Public Defender at the Public Defender’s Office in the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Melony Poviones, B.A. Psychology, competed at a demonstration event with the USA Footvolley team at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was one of the few women that qualified for the female team.
Lorel Beckford, B.A. Criminal Justice, was sworn in as a Miramar police officer.
Natasha Amortegui, B.A. Psychology, will be returning to STU to pursue a master’s degree.
Abdiel Badillo, B.S. Biology, was awarded a competitive research training opportunity with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Maricarmen Diaz, M.S. Elementary Education, currently works at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Miami, Fla.
Kristen Jiosi, M.S. Special Education, is currently the director of Felician 21 & Over Program, a Saturday program for adults with special needs in Lynhurst, N.J.
Dr. Dillon M. Williams, M.B.A. Accounting ‘09, M.S. Educational Leadership ‘10, and Ed.D. Leadership and Management ‘16, was promoted to assistant principal at Miami Central Senior High School. In addition, he is an adjunct professor of business administration at Brown Mackie College-Miami.
Amy Francis, J.D. Law, accepted a position as an Attorney at Legal Aid of Palm Beach County in their Family Law division.
Alejandra Oraa, B.A. Organizational Leadership, was named Ambassador of Good Will for Latin America and the Caribbean by UNAIDS – a United Nation Program on HIV and AIDS. She is a renowned news anchor for CNN en Español in Atlanta, Ga.
