lluminate, The Wrap-up: Stories of Inspiration and Impact at the University of Miami

Hundreds of Reasons. 100 Years.

The Ever Brighter campaign was more than a fundraising effort—it was a bold affirmation of our collective belief in the University of Miami’s extraordinary potential.

Hundreds of Reasons. 100 Years.

$2.66 BILLION

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED

Rooted in a strong and hopeful institutional vision, the campaign united our community together in record-breaking ways. Thousands of first-time donors joined longtime supporters; each of those gifts demonstrated a collective commitment to forge a brighter, bolder future for the University. From labs and classrooms to facilities and programs devoted to medicine, athletics, and the arts, your generosity impacted every corner of the University through investments that will benefit future generations of Canes for many years to come.

PERCENT OVER GOAL

113

TOTAL NUMBER OF CENTENNIAL TALENTS 6.3%

472,793

TOTAL NUMBER OF GIFTS

160,000+

TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS

107,255 FIRST-TIME DONORS

443

NUMBER OF GIFTS OVER $1 MILLION

$757 M

TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT OF ALUMNI GIVING $50

MEDIAN GIFT SIZE

398,570

NUMBER OF GIFTS UNDER $500

LARGEST GIFT TO THE CAMPAIGN

$126 M FOR CANCER IN HONOR OF DR. STEPHEN NIMER

$689 M NEW ENDOWMENT COMMITMENTS

$280 M TOTAL RAISED FOR STUDENT SUPPORT

NUMBER OF STATES AND COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

50 U.S. STATES & TERRITORIES

98 COUNTRIES

564,512 SQUARE FEET OF NEW SPACE ADDED TO CAMPUS DURING EVER BRIGHTER

A MESSAGE

FROM JOSHUA M. FRIEDMAN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

A Historic Campaign. A Bold New Future.

Every great institution is shaped by the people who believe in its future. Ever Brighter: The Campaign for our Next Century proved just how deeply our alumni, families, and friends believe in the University of Miami—and the extraordinary impact that belief can have. As we close this historic chapter on our most ambitious and successful campaign, raising nearly $2.7 billion, we do so with deep gratitude and renewed energy.

Throughout this magazine, we celebrate just a few individuals and families whose vision and generosity are shaping our future. Yet what truly defines this campaign is the collective spirit behind it. With a median gift of just $50, our community came together, more than 160,000 strong, in a powerful demonstration of shared purpose—proof that every gift, at every level, matters.

Because of this remarkable effort, more students will have access to life-changing educational opportunities. More patients will benefit from groundbreaking medical research and compassionate care. More scholars, athletes, and innovators will rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow, right here at the U.

As our next century dawns, it’s worth reflecting on the remarkable progress we’ve made since 1925. A year after the University’s founding, the Great Miami Hurricane struck, threatening to shutter the University for good. It was our students, knocking on doors in Coral Gables to collect donations, who helped keep our dream alive.

Hundred years later, that same spirit of determination and generosity lives on. With Ever Brighter, our goal was to build the foundation for our next 100 years. Together, we did just that. We surpassed expectations and ignited a future filled with promise and possibility.

Thank you for your belief, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the U. We are forever grateful.

Joshua M. Friedman, CFRE Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

President and CEO, University of Miami, and President, University of Miami Health System

Joseph J. Echevarria

Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

Joshua M. Friedman

Managing Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Strategic Philanthropy

Claudia Grillo

Managing Executive Director, Development Communications

Tamara Klingler

Managing Senior Director, Development Communications

Maria Aizcorbe

Julie Levin

Director, Development Communications

Pamela Edward Anki Sinha

Senior Art Director

Sau Ping Choi

Editor

Pamela Edward

Contributors

Jenny Abreu

Photography

Steve Boxall

Photography

Clutch Content Partners

The Goizueta Foundation

Libretto: Neal Kane and Ian Sutherland

Joshua Prezant

Matthew Rembold

Illuminate

6200

Sonya Revell

Matt Rice

Photography

University of Miami Athletics

University Communications

Cuban Heritage Collection, University of Miami Libraries

University of Miami Rosenstiel School

Education

Health

Transforming the Future of Health Care in South Florida and Beyond

Brighter World. Brilliant Minds.

Arts Boundless Creativity

Students

Empowering the Next Generation

Athletics Changing the Game

Ever Brighter raised the bar for the University as never before, dramatically enhancing our capabilities and impact as an institution.

We funded more than 100 endowed positions through the Centennial Talents initiative, significantly expanding the scope and reach of our research. We secured funding for leading-edge technologies that will advance the pace of discovery in our classrooms and labs. Our campus has been greatly enhanced by new buildings that include the 25,000-square-foot Knight Center for Music Innovation, the

12-story Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, and the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility.

This wrap-up edition of Illuminate showcases how donor generosity through Ever Brighter is shaping future leaders, driving breakthroughs in medicine, advancing scientific discovery, and fueling innovation and creativity.

Health

Transforming the Future of Health Care in South Florida and Beyond

Shaping a healthier, stronger, and safer future for South Florida was a key priority of Ever Brighter . Gifts to the campaign have dramatically bolstered the work of the University of Miami Health System, an international leader in worldclass patient care, groundbreaking research, holistic medical training, and community health programming. Donors have endowed centers and institutes that will save and improve thousands of lives in areas ranging from oncology to ophthalmology, funded research endeavors that will transform community health in the region, and supported investments in leading-edge technology that will shape the health care practices of tomorrow.

Since the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine admitted its first class of medical students in 1952, we’ve trained rising generations of physicians and researchers to deliver cutting-edge discoveries and bench-to-bedside innovation—something no other system in the region can offer. Here are a few examples of how gifts to Ever Brighter will fuel our work in the years to come.

A healthier alternative

While radiation is a crucial treatment method for many types of cancer, it often causes debilitating side effects because of its impact on healthy cells. Proton therapy offers a viable alternative by targeting tumors with extreme precision—destroying deadly cancer cells while sparing adjacent healthy tissues and organs. Thanks to a generous gift from Steven Dwoskin—a decades-long supporter of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center—UHealth now offers this leading-edge capability. The Dwoskin Proton Therapy Center opened in 2020, providing exceptional care to patients who experience far fewer side effects of radiation during and after their treatment. These sophisticated capabilities empower physician-researchers to use proton therapy for clinical research initiatives that advance efforts to conquer and prevent cancer. He also established the Dwoskin Children’s Cancer

Research Fund, which is accelerating research into the molecular and genetic features of pediatric brain tumors–the foremost cause of cancer death in children–identifying novel therapeutic opportunities and developing new platforms for delivering precision medicine treatments.

Four times the impact

Approximately eight percent of Miami-Dade residents 18 and younger don’t have access to health care; at UHealth, we’re working to bring that percentage to zero. Thanks to a significant philanthropic donation from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation School Health Initiative (SHI) and an award from The Children’s Trust, our pediatrics team has significantly expanded their efforts to deliver essential health services to young and vulnerable populations. Dr. Lisa Gwynn, medical director of the Pediatric Mobile Clinic and the Dr. John T. Macdonald School Health Initiative, is the lead investigator for the grant. Thanks to that funding, her team is bringing health services and wellness programs to nearly four times as many children and adolescents across South Florida.

Promise in every discovery

Thanks in large part to donor-funded research, UHealth’s neuroscience program climbed to No. 23 in national rankings during Ever Brighter, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Among the many diseases that the team at UHealth is on a mission to find the cause (and possibly the cure) is Parkinson’s disease. Toward that end, Stephen Bittel gave a gift to create the Movement Disorders Clinical and Research Support Fund. Judith and Robert Cornfeld, along with their family, endowed the

Cornfeld-Hurowitz chair at the Miller School before Judith’s passing in 2023. Together, their generosity is supporting the work of Dr. Ihtsham Haq and his team to pursue bold new experimentation focused on the causes of Parkinson’s disease and potential cures. In addition, the Lewy body Dementia research of Dr. James Galvin and his blood-based biomarker-discovery efforts, funded by the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation, is making breakthroughs in the detection, treatment, and prevention of other neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s.

Debbie Mays, Steven Dwoskin, Lisa Dwoskin

Dr. Lisa Gwynn

Dr. Ihtsham Haq, the Cornfeld-Hurowitz Endowed Chair in Movement Disorders

Paths to prevention

Jon Diamond and his three children, who are all BRCA2 positive, have an inherited genetic mutation that puts them at greater risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and skin cancers. Concerned about his family’s future health and for other families dealing with this mutation, Diamond provided funding to establish the Diamond Hereditary Cancer Prevention Initiative. The initiative strengthens UHealth’s efforts around prevention, risk reduction, and early diagnosis among populations at high risk for hereditary cancers, including families of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, who have a higher incidence of inheriting the BRCA gene mutation. In working to establish the center, Diamond partnered with Dr. Daniel Sussman, a Sylvester researcher who specializes in colorectal cancer and inherited cancers affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Leading from the heart

Arthur H. Hertz was one of the University of Miami’s proudest and most active alumni. One of his connections to the Miller School of Medicine was his decades-long friendship with Dr. Eugene Schiff, director of the Schiff Center for Liver Diseases. Although Arthur passed away in 2017, his legacy lives on through the Arthur H. Hertz Endowed Chair in Liver Diseases, made possible by gifts from his estate, the Gabelli Foundation and the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation. As the inaugural chairholder, Dr. Cynthia Levy, an associate professor in the Division of Hepatology at the Miller School, is advancing her

groundbreaking research focused on identifying how different populations are affected by liver disease.

A healthy collaboration

For more than 40 years, the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation has been the driving force behind the Miller School’s mission to care for South Florida’s most vulnerable communities and shape the next generation of physicians. At the heart of this enduring partnership is the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (Wolfson DOCS)—a nationally recognized, student-run program that delivers free health care screenings to thousands of residents across South Florida. For medical students, it’s a transformative, hands-on experience in compassionate, community-based care. A generous endowment through Ever Brighter ensures Wolfson DOCS will continue providing essential care and training future physicians for years to come.

Jon and Susie Diamond (center) surrounded by family

Dr. Cynthia Levy, the Arthur Hertz Endowed Chair in Liver Diseases, with Dr. Eugene Schiff

Wolfson DOCS

Fueling Hope: The Sylvester Family’s Unwavering Fight Against Cancer

Harcourt M. Sylvester Jr. was a humanitarian and visionary. In 1980, he, along with his father and mother, established the Harcourt M. and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation. In 1992, his keen insight and generous philanthropy launched the world-renowned cancer center that bears the family name—Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. More than 30 years later, that same passion lives on through his daughters and granddaughters.

Sisters Jayne S. Malfitano and Laura Sylvester now lead the Foundation with the same compassion and drive that guided their father. They are joined by their daughters, Clare Malfitano and Jena Smith, forming a dynamic four-woman team dedicated to shaping the future of cancer care.

“It’s not just about carrying on our father’s work,” says Malfitano, who serves as president of the Foundation. “It’s about building on it—reaching further, doing more, and helping people access the care they deserve.”

During Ever Brighter, the Foundation partnered with The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research to launch Sylvester’s Game Changer vehicles, which deliver mobile cancer screenings to communities in need. The Foundation also helped open 10 regional satellite centers, bringing Sylvester’s expertise closer to home for thousands of patients.

In collaboration with the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, the Foundation funded the Sylvester Dolphins Challenge Cancer Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship—a major step forward in helping survivors thrive after the conclusion of their treatment. Their gift also supports survivorship research and clinical services. In addition, the Foundation also created the W. Jarrard Goodwin, Jr., M.D. Endowed Chair in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, to create a lasting resource for research into head and neck cancers.

And the family’s generosity extends beyond cancer care. A gift to the School of Nursing and Health Studies is helping to advance training and research to prevent human trafficking— another example of the Foundation’s deep commitment to addressing complex health and social issues.

Through every life changed, every community served, and every clinical breakthrough, the Sylvester family continues to shape a healthier, more hopeful future—one defined by an unwavering belief in the power of compassion and care.

Jayne S. Malfitano and Laura Sylvester

Health Partnerships: A Healthier Miami, A Healthier World

As home to one of the nation’s most diverse populations, South Florida provides a unique window into the future of U.S. health care; the work we do here reverberates far beyond our region. These partners, and many others, have advanced the world-changing and life-saving efforts of

our

physicians, researchers, and health teams through their contributions to Ever Brighter .

“This campaign has reimagined what we can achieve and charted a new bold course. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of medicine, accelerating discovery, and transforming health for the people we serve and the world beyond.”

Dr. Dipen J. Parekh CEO, UHealth - University of Miami Health System Dr. Victor Politano Endowed Chair in Clinical Urology

A team effort

The Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC) was founded in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins as one of its signature health initiatives. Every year, the DCC brings the South Florida community together to ride, walk, or run in support of innovative research projects at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Today, it is the No. 1 team-related fundraising event in the NFL, having raised more than $90 million. As part of Ever Brighter, the Dolphins made a

transformational $75 million commitment to Sylvester. The DCC was also instrumental in securing a $30 million partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Together, these funds are accelerating efforts underway at Sylvester to bring promising discoveries to patients—both here in South Florida and beyond.

Out-of-the-box research

With a $50 million commitment from the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) has achieved several breakthroughs in advancing the treatment and prevention of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This includes the first-in-

Jaelan Phillips, Harrison Garfinkel, Tom Garfinkel, Elizabeth Jenkins, Allison Garfinkel, Stuart Miller, Dr. Stephen Nimer

human clinical trials for VX-880, a novel cell therapy that has the potential to restore normal glucose control in people with T1D, and the development of teplizumab, the first FDAapproved drug to delay the onset of T1D in at-risk individuals by nearly three years.

Translational impact

For more than 72 years, The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research has been a proud partner of Sylvester, raising more than $110 million to advance cancer research. Its landmark $50 million pledge in 2016 named Sylvester at Deerfield Beach as The Pap Corps Campus and continues to fuel groundbreaking discoveries. In recognition of this commitment, Dr. Sanoj Punnen was named the Pap Corps Endowed Chair in Solid Tumor Research in 2021, followed by Dr. Daniel Isom in 2025 for his work in molecular and cellular pharmacology. Most recently, Dr. Justin Taylor was appointed The Pap Corps Endowed Professor in Leukemia.

Hope and healing

For more than 100 years, the Shriners Hospitals for Children have delivered expert care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. As part of Ever Brighter, the Shriners Hospitals partnered with UHealth and the Jackson Health System to create the Shriners Children’s Orthopedics Center at UHealth Jackson Children’s Care. This state-of-the-art facility will offer a breadth of programs and treatments for pediatric orthopedic patients

under one roof. The enhanced orthopedic program is one of several signature pediatric services offered at UHealth Jackson Children’s Care. Dr. Brian Grottkau, a renowned pediatric orthopedist, was recruited to join the program in 2024 and was named the inaugural holder of the Shriners Children’s Endowed Chair in Pediatric Orthopedics.

Paying it forward

Dr. Robert Starke, associate professor of clinical neurosurgery and neuroradiology at the Miller School of Medicine, is one of a select group of neurosurgeons in the country dual-trained in both open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular techniques. This allows him to treat complex cerebrovascular conditions using approaches that often require no incisions to the head— offering patients safer, more effective options and better outcomes.

In recognition and appreciation of Dr. Starke’s extraordinary talents and the impact of his work, Armando Codina and his business partner, Manny Kadre, established the Codina Kadre Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery. Dr. Starke was named the inaugural chair. Their generous gift is accelerating

Dr. Starke’s pioneering research and clinical innovation, advancing the future of neurosurgery and making life-saving care possible for countless patients.

The human touch

Through Ever Brighter, the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis has made transformative investments fueling research at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis–located within the Lois Pope LIFE Center and the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center–and accelerating groundbreaking advancements. At the forefront is the Human Clinical Trials Initiative, where patients are already benefiting from therapies ranging from therapeutic hypothermia that improves recovery after spinal cord injury, to regenerative treatments using Schwann cells, to brain–machine interface studies— including a partnership with Neuralink that allows paralyzed individuals to control external devices with their thoughts. These impacts extend beyond paralysis, advancing understanding and treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and MS—bringing hope to countless patients and families worldwide.

Inside a UHealth research lab

Pap Corps’ Susan Dinter and Sally Berenzweig (front center) surrounded by Dr. Stephen Nimer, Jayne Malfitano, Dr. W. Jarrard Goodwin, and other volunteers

A Legacy of Generosity: One Family’s Enduring Impact Across the University

Sebastian and Stuart Miller

When the Miller family made their landmark $100 million gift in 2004 to name the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine in honor of their father, it marked a defining moment--not just for the school, but for the entire University. That transformative act of philanthropy—the largest gift in the University’s history at the time—wasn’t an endpoint, but a beginning. Since then, the three Miller siblings—Stuart, Leslie, and Jeffrey—have continued to shape the University’s future through their extraordinary generosity and sustained leadership.

Their giving reaches across every corner of the University’s three campuses. Their many significant gifts to the health system and the academy include plans for a new, trailblazing Miller Medical Education Center; the establishment of the Miller Centennial Chair, the University’s most prestigious endowed position; increased support for athletics, including women’s sports; and the continued advancement of the Frost School of Music’s stature and impact. And yet, what distinguishes the Miller family is not only the scale of their giving, but the spirit behind it. Every gift—and leadership role— reflects their shared values: community, opportunity, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of education.

As chair of Ever Brighter: The Campaign for our Next Century, Stuart spearheaded the most ambitious and successful

Three generations of the Miller family

fundraising effort in the University’s 100-year history. That is only the most recent example of his leadership at the University, which has spanned nearly three decades. Chairman and co-CEO of Lennar Corporation—a Fortune 500 company ranked among the top 150—Stuart joined the Board of Trustees in 2002 and has since served in several key leadership roles, including as chair from 2014-2016. Bringing the same strategic vision and business discipline that have made Lennar one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, he has helped guide the University through transformative growth, including advancing its standing as a toptier research powerhouse, fostering a culture of excellence, and strengthening its financial foundation.

In 2018, Stuart was pivotal in the launch of the UHealth Board of Directors and now serves as its chair, advancing the University’s vision for world-class health care, research, and medical education. He continues to sit on the University’s Executive Committee, where he remains an influential voice and was instrumental in securing Joe Echevarria as the current president of the University.

Stuart’s continued leadership—including serving as its chair in 2013—and support of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge have helped make it the NFL’s top charity fundraiser. A 100-mile rider, he is the event’s leading fundraiser, which benefits Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Each year, he is joined by his

siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and even grandchildren in this fight against cancer.

Leslie, an education activist, impact investor, and founder and president of Achieve, helped launch the Teacher Accelerator Program at the School of Education and Human Development to address Florida’s teacher shortage.

Jeffrey, honoring his mother Sue’s love of music, has elevated the Frost School’s prominence as chair of its board of advisors and, with his wife Tina, strengthened the school’s ties to Festival Napa Valley, showcasing Frost students and faculty on a global stage.

“Our family has always believed that strong communities are built on exceptional education and health care,” Stuart says. “That belief—and this tradition of giving—began with our parents, whose love for Miami and its people continues to inspire us. This University serves as a pillar of education and health care, and supporting its growth is a responsibility we feel deeply. As the University of Miami enters its second century, we’re honored to help carry that legacy forward and be part of its continued rise in excellence.”

Guided to this day by one of their mother’s favorite quotes, “give until it hurts ... and then give more,” the Miller family stands as a beacon of generosity, leadership, and vision. Their legacy lives on in the lives they’ve impacted and the discoveries and care they’ve helped make possible.

Education

A New Era of Excellence

A lifelong love affair

In 1954, Allan Herbert met his future wife Patti at the University student union, marking the beginning of a lifelong love affair with each other and their alma mater. Over the years, their philanthropy has touched virtually every corner of the University, culminating in a transformative legacy gift during Ever Brighter. Although Patti passed away in 2020, and Allan passed in 2025, the beloved couple’s phenomenal impact on the University of Miami will be felt for decades to come.

The language of generosity

Michele Bowman Underwood’s lifelong appreciation for languages was rooted in a childhood shaped by constant movement and change. Her family lived in several countries, including Algeria during World War II, where they endured nightly bombings and life under Nazi occupation. In those formative years, Michele discovered that language was more than a means of communication—it was a key to adapting, connecting, and surviving. That belief, forged through personal experience, is reflected in her transformational $25 million estate gift to the University of Miami, a portion of which is already supporting the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. Her extraordinary generosity will also Ever Brighter has played a pivotal role in helping the University of Miami deliver on its mission of transforming lives through classroom instruction, research, innovation, and service. Gifts to the campaign have strengthened every dimension of our academic enterprise. These range from flexible endowment funds that bring a University of Miami education within reach for future generations of students, to named scholarships that unlock opportunities for emerging scholars in specific disciplines. Our educational reputation has also been significantly enhanced through the success of our Centennial Talents effort, which resulted in 113 new endowed positions that enable us to bring even more distinguished, world-class scholars to our campuses.

advance women’s health research at the Miller School of Medicine and expand opportunities for student-athletes on the women’s golf team through scholarships and program support.

A teacher of teachers

Eveleen Lorton was a beloved mentor and pedagogical pioneer in the School of Education and Human Development. She co-founded the Glazer & Lorton Writing Institute, a collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where fledgling writing teachers learn how to encourage curiosity and nurture critical thinking skills in students. Though Lorton passed away in 2021, her commitment to educators continues through a bequest establishing a scholarship fund for aspiring teachers, an endowed honorarium to be awarded annually to a faculty member, and an additional gift in support of the Writing Institute.

Rooted in purpose

The Chaplins’ story began in the classrooms of Miami Beach and blossomed at the University of Miami, where their shared values of creativity, hard work, and community took root. As part of Ever Brighter, Arlene and Wayne, CEO of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, gave back in a way that reflects both their personal journeys and their vision for the future. Their gift to the Miami Herbert Business School established the Arlene J. Chaplin Endowed Marketing Chair, a tribute to Arlene’s early passion for storytelling and her belief in preparing students for a fastevolving digital world. At the School of Law, Wayne’s transformative experience in moot court inspired the creation of The Chaplin

Courtroom, a state-of-the-art space that now gives students hands-on trial experience in a real-world setting.

Powerful advocacy

David Humphreys was a student at Miami Law when he first encountered Bob Josefsberg, a highly respected attorney known for his effective, compassionate advocacy, who passed away in 2025. Humphreys and his wife, Debra, chose to honor Josefsberg by establishing an endowed chair in criminal justice advocacy. Scott Sundby, a professor of law and Dean’s Distinguished Scholar at the School of Law, is the inaugural chairholder.

Faith in the future

Richard Fain, chairman and former CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and his wife Colleen are dedicated philanthropists who support many charitable causes, including the Sylvester Comprehensive Care Center. The Fains’ generous gifts to the University include establishing the Fain Family Endowed Chair in Judaic Studies, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, which supports a deeper understanding of the Jewish faith through scholarly research.

A running start

As any entrepreneur knows, the first investment is the most critical for getting an idea off the ground. Through a generous gift to establish the University Student Startup Accelerator (USTAAR), Angel Alvarez, a proud University of Miami alumnus and founder of ABB Optical Group, and his family provide seed funding that helps students bring their

ideas from concept to the marketplace—and makes the University a destination for the next generation of inventors.

Finding common ground

Financier, entrepreneur, and philanthropist George P. Hanley believes strongly in investing in young people—and helping them bridge societal differences. The College of Arts and Sciences’ George P. Hanley Center for Democracy, launched with a gift to the campaign, focuses on promoting civil discourse through the study of politics. His gift included funding for an endowed chair at the center.

Innovation in education

In celebration of the life of Ilene M. Dresner, a University of Miami alumna and dedicated elementary school teacher, the Sherman Fairchild Foundation established the Ilene M. Dresner Endowed Fund for Educational Innovation in the School of Education and Human Development, supporting programming to improve teaching and learning across the University.

Preserving Cuban history

For brothers Reggie and Richard de Villiers, the Richter Library was a childhood sanctuary. It was where their mother, Mercedes, worked for over 40 years after arriving from Cuba. In her honor, Reggie established the University Libraries Archives Management Endowment to support the preservation of Cuban heritage and recognize the vital contributions of a generation of Cuban women.

Dean Leonidas Bachas and Michele Bowman Underwood with students

Aspiring entrepreneurs present at the USTAAR pitch competition

Flying High: Philanthropy that Soars Across Generations

George E. Batchelor held many titles during his lifetime—aviator, World War II veteran, entrepreneur—but perhaps the most enduring was that of philanthropist. Guided by an unwavering belief in giving back, especially when it came to improving the lives of children, George established The Batchelor Foundation in 1990. In doing so, he set in motion a legacy of giving that would ripple across generations and touch every corner of the University of Miami.

Today, that spirit of giving lives on through his son, Jon, and

daughter-in-law, Sandy, who serve as trustees of the Foundation. They, along with general counsel and trustee Jack Falk, continue to honor George Batchelor’s vision while expanding his mission to meet the evolving needs of science, medicine, and education.

At the heart of their giving is a commitment to children’s health, and during Ever Brighter, the Foundation made a major gift to accelerate breakthrough treatments—and potential cures—for children with cancer, offering renewed hope to families through innovative research and comprehensive survivorship programs.

The Micah Batchelor Award for Excellence in Children’s Health Research, named in memory of George’s grandson, continues to recognize trailblazing physician-researchers and fund the bold ideas of young researchers in the Miller School Department of Pediatrics.

Beyond health care, the Foundation’s investments in the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science are fueling research that protects our oceans and deepens our understanding of climate. Alongside the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation, The Batchelor Foundation helped establish the Vetlesen Chair in Earth Sciences, held by Ved Chirayath, and launch the cuttingedge Aircraft Center for Earth Studies—a flying lab collecting vital data from air and sea.

From championing autism research and advancing children’s hearing programs to inspiring the next generation of musicians through the Frost School’s MusicReach program, The Batchelor Foundation remains a powerful force for good—investing in a future where children thrive, communities flourish, and knowledge lights the way forward.

Standing alongside a bronze plaque inside the Batchelor Children’s Research Institute honoring George Batchelor are Jon Batchelor, alumna Carolyn Batchelor, Nancy Batchelor, and Christopher Batchelor.

The Goizueta Family: Preserving Cuba’s Story, Advancing Its Study

The Goizueta name has long stood for visionary leadership and lasting generosity. Born in Cuba, Roberto C. Goizueta began his career with The Coca-Cola Company as an entry-level chemist in its Havana subsidiary— never imagining how answering a simple helpwanted ad would transform his life. Six years later, when Fidel Castro came to power, he and his wife, Olga, fled their homeland with their three young children, his position at CocaCola, and the determination to rebuild their lives in their new country.

In the United States, Roberto rose through the ranks to become chairman and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Company, earning recognition as one of the most respected business leaders of his time.

Yet, even at the height of global success, he remained grounded in the values that defined his life—integrity, education, and gratitude for the opportunities his adoptive country made possible. His journey as an immigrant inspired a lifelong commitment to preserving history and culture, which found a lasting home at the University of Miami.

In 1992, he established The Goizueta Foundation, whose generosity has been central to the growth of the Cuban Heritage Collection (CHC)—the largest repository of Cuban and Cuban-exile materials outside the island. Through decades of support, the Foundation has funded graduate fellowships, lecture series, research, and the creation of the Roberto C. Goizueta

Pavilion at the Otto G. Richter Library.

That impact grew deeper during Ever Brighter with the launch of the Roberto C. Goizueta Distinguished Presidential Fellows program, bringing leading scholars from around the world to advance research on Cuba and the Cuban diaspora. To date, three fellows have enriched the University and South Florida community through this initiative.

Today, the Foundation remains guided by the values and legacies of Olga and Roberto Goizueta. Under the leadership of their children—Javier, Olga, and Roberto— and grandchildren, their enduring vision ensures that future generations will continue to explore, preserve, and learn from the Cuban experience.

Roberto C. Goizueta

Science & Research

Bold

Ambitions,

New Discoveries

Investments in scientific research play a pivotal role in unlocking innovation and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. University of Miami professors have been widely recognized for their groundbreaking research efforts in areas ranging from the effects of African dust on Caribbean ecosystems to the potential of AI-based personalized health care. In 2023, the University was invited to join the prestigious Association of American Universities, an esteemed group of 71 leading research institutions. From new state-of-the-art labs to endowed chairs for world-class investigators, gifts to Ever Brighter helped to strengthen the University’s standing as a top-tier research institution.

The best of the best

The Desai Sethi Urology Institute is advancing the field of urology through the powerful combination of exemplary clinical care, breakthrough research, and educational excellence. This highly acclaimed center of excellence is led by Dr. Dipen J. Parekh, an internationally recognized leader in robotic surgery and urologic oncology and CEO of the UHealth System. In just a few short years, the institute has emerged as a leader in the field, rising to No. 14 in NIH rankings for urology research, thanks largely to a generous

Stuart Miller, Laurie Silvers, Dr. Dipen Parekh, Bharat Desai, Saahill Desai, Dr. Henri Ford, Julio Frenk, and Joe Echevarria

grant from the Desai Sethi Family Foundation as well as supporting gifts from Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse, the Sundheim Foundation, and Terry and Carla Taylor, among many others.

Building a more resilient community

With South Florida serving as a living laboratory for a range of environmental challenges, the new Climate Resilience Institute couldn’t be timelier. Made possible through a major gift by Eric Levin, a local business leader and loyal supporter, the institute houses more than 80 institution-wide research projects aimed at addressing issues from protecting coral reefs to mitigating the climate’s impact on vulnerable populations. Leading the institute is Michael Berkowitz, the Eric T. Levin Endowed Chair in Climate Resilience, who founded and built the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities.

Visionary healing

Mark J. Daily, a renowned ophthalmologist and retina specialist, made a gift to his alma mater to establish the Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Center, focused on researching and treating inherited retinal diseases. The center at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which hosts one of the nation’s largest gene therapy programs, serves as a collaborative hub where physician-scientists are working to transform leading-edge research into novel therapies—giving new hope to patients facing the prospect of irreversible vision loss.

A data powerhouse

The Institute for Data Science and Computing powers data-informed practices and solutions to real-world problems across disciplines ranging from medicine and earth sciences to urban planning, business, and the humanities. Through Ever Brighter, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Phillip and Patricia Frost made generous endowed gifts that are funding new faculty positions—helping to ensure that the University remains at the forefront of data science innovation.

Multiplier effect

Often regarded as a kind of international language, math has long inspired collaboration among scholars from different countries. Through the campaign, the University has strengthened its leadership in STEM through the launch of the Institute of the Mathematical Sciences of the Americas. Established with generous support from the Simons Foundation, the center focuses on fostering collaborative research projects throughout the Americas and sharing those results with the global mathematical and scientific community.

A deeper understanding

To honor Robert K. Johnson’s love of the water and marine conservation, his family foundation established the Center for Marine Conservation in his name. This interdisciplinary hub at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science is poised to shape solutions for the health of our seas and planet through collaborative efforts to advance marine conservation research, education, and outreach. Also included in the gift was funding of an endowed chair for the center’s director, awarded to Rebecca Gruby, an ocean conservation expert.

A material difference

For Alan Sirkin, an alumnus of the College of Engineering, the hands-on experience he gained in lab experiments played a critical role in his training as a civil engineer. Those memories inspired Alan and his wife, Alicia, to make an exceptionally generous

gift to establish a Chemical and Materials Characterization Facility. The state-of-the-art lab includes advanced instrumentation for analyzing the composition and properties of various substances, helping to facilitate research and innovation in fields such as materials science, chemistry, and engineering.

Driven by gratitude

Ever since Peggy Katz was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, she has been a passionate champion for research aimed at finding better treatments, and ultimately a cure. After seeking care at the Miller School in 2000, Peggy received a life-saving kidney transplant three years later. Grateful for the care she received, she and her family made a $10 million commitment during Ever Brighter to propel innovation in research, clinical care, and education—establishing an endowed chair, two professorships, and the naming of the Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. Previously, the family established the Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center, which continues to lead groundbreaking research to improve outcomes for patients with kidney disease.

Yelena Yesha, the Knight Foundation Endowed Chair of Data Science and AI

Rosenstiel researcher at work

Arts Boundless Creativity

The arts are a vibrant, essential part of the student experience at the University of Miami—from musical performances and theatrical productions to thought-provoking lectures and art exhibitions. Donor Ever Brighter fueled the creation of inspiring new spaces, the expansion of opportunities for student artists, and a richer cultural life for our campus and the region.

Heartstrings

Charles Castleman, professor at the Frost School of Music and one of the world’s foremost performers and teachers of the violin, is passionate about giving talented students the space and opportunity to flourish. Through the campaign, he has made a planned bequest to fund a scholarship for future generations of promising violinists. He previously donated an exceptionally rare 1748 Joannes Baptista Guadagnini violin to the University, a centerpiece of the Frost School’s distinguished collection of musical instruments.

Center stage

As a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, Jayne Baron Sherman has combined her love of storytelling with a keen understanding of how to create a commercially successful production. Her commitment to excellence in theater is embodied by a major gift to the University’s Theatre Arts Department that will support productions, programming, and technology

Charles Castleman

enhancements for the Jerry Herman Theatre and black box theatre in the University’s new theatre arts building.

A maestro’s extraordinary legacy

During his stellar conducting career, Gerard Schwarz, distinguished professor of music, conducting, and orchestral studies at the Frost School of Music, amassed a large, artistically significant collection of printed music encompassing the pantheon of 18th and 19th century European composers, all

Gerard Schwarz, the Schwarz-Benaroya Endowed Chair in Conducting and Orchestral Activities

bearing his performance notations. Now, Schwarz, who is the inaugural holder of the Schwarz-Benaroya Endowed Chair in Conducting and Orchestral Activities, has given that collection, which conveys his artistic vision and interpretation of the music, to the Frost School for the benefit of future generations of music students and scholars.

Elevating the visual arts

In 2008, the late Myrna and Sheldon Palley’s world-class collection of art glass found a permanent home in the Myrna and Sheldon Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass and Studio Arts at the Lowe Art Museum. Ten years later, the alumni couple established the Myrna and Sheldon Palley Glass Artist Lecture Series and were instrumental in developing the art glass program in the College of Arts and Sciences. In 2025, their children honored the Palleys’ memory with the donation of “Lady,” a monumental abstract sculpture that stands sentinel opposite the Lowe, a striking symbol of the Palleys’ lifelong passion for art, the University, and its students.

Peak performance

After attending the University of Miami as a scholarship student, Judi Prokop Newman went on to a distinguished career at United Airlines. Judi, who serves as a trustee, and her husband Robert, a successful software entrepreneur, are passionate supporters of the University, its students, and faculty. Through the campaign, the couple funded a state-of-the-art recital hall within the Knight Center for Music Innovation, ushering in a new era of music performance, instruction, and innovation at the Frost School of Music.

A fine tradition

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Beaux Arts continues its proud tradition of championing the arts and supporting the Lowe Art Museum. Thanks to the group’s dedicated fundraising, the museum has been free to the public since 2021, ensuring access to world-class art for the entire community. Led entirely by volunteers, Beaux Arts reflects the power of community coming together to make the arts accessible and meaningful for all.

Dean Shelly Berg, Julia Berg, Judi Newman, Bob Newman

“Summer Zenith Kimono” from the Florence and Robert Werner Collection at the Lowe

A University of Miami theater production

Pride in Every Brick: The Hecht Family’s Generations of Giving

President Joe Echevarria, Patricia Whitely, Barbara Hecht Havenick, Manny Kadre

Before the first brick was laid for Centennial Village, Florence Hecht Residential College stood as a beloved home to generations of University of Miami students. Opened in 1968 and cherished until its farewell in 2022, the residence hall was more than a building—it was a place of warmth, community, and care.

At the heart of that legacy was Florence Hecht. A passionate supporter of the University and a longtime trustee, she had a remarkable gift for turning philanthropy into personal connection. During finals in the ’80s and ’90s, she would arrive at midnight breakfasts in Hecht, wearing orange and green, serving her signature English muffin toast, and offering encouragement to weary students. For Florence, giving wasn’t about recognition—it was about being present.

Today, her spirit lives on in the Florence Hecht Great Room, nestled in the heart of Centennial Village. The space—made

possible by a gift from her daughter, Barbara Hecht Havenick during Ever Brighter—is a tribute not only to Florence’s legacy, but to the Hecht family’s long tradition of giving back to the U.

“My mother believed deeply in showing up with your time, your heart, and your support. Giving to the University wasn’t just something she did. It was who she was,” Barbara, who now serves as a trustee of the University, said. “And our family is proud to carry that forward.”

That tradition spans three generations. From scholarships in the arts to medical research, from student-athlete support to academic innovation, the Hecht and Havenick families have shaped nearly every part of campus life.

The Florence R. Hecht Endowed Scholarship fuels students in music, drama, and visual arts, while the Fred Havenick Memorial Fund strengthens intensive care at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Their generosity also reaches the School of Law, the School of Education and Human Development, and the Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies.

Always, they’ve stood proudly with the Hurricanes. The Isadore Hecht Athletics Center and the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence remain cornerstones of Miami Athletics. Barbara and her family—who together have earned 10 U degrees— carry that legacy forward through support for student-athletes, facility enhancements, and the Hurricane Club.

Three generations. Countless lives touched. The Hecht family’s story is one of enduring commitment to students, to excellence, and to a university they’ve helped build with care, presence, and love.

From Kingston to Coral Gables: A Family’s Journey of Giving Back

Growing up between Kingston, Jamaica, and Miami, David and Robert Mullings were raised to act with generosity and integrity. Their parents, Dorothy and Robert Mullings, believed in doing the right thing and helping those around them, and they passed these values on to their sons.

During Ever Brighter, the Mullings family reaffirmed that philosophy with a commitment to establish the Mullings Family Endowed Business Scholarship at Miami Herbert Business School, alma mater to David and Robert.

Ambitious and academically precocious, the Mullings brothers each graduated with a bachelor’s degree at the age of 19, and each went on to earn an M.B.A. at Miami Herbert. David, the elder by a year, received scholarship support at the University, which in turn eased the financial burden on his family when it was Robert’s turn.

Now, David is chairman and CEO of Blue Mahoe Holdings,

Inc., a Miami-based private investment firm, and works tirelessly to cultivate long-term prosperity for people across the Caribbean. He is also president-elect of the University’s Alumni Board of Directors and sits on Miami Herbert’s Latin America and the Caribbean Initiatives Advisory Board.

Robert, who sits on Blue Mahoe’s board, leads a highly rated nonprofit preschool in Hollywood, Florida, that works to ensure every child has a strong foundation to achieve future academic success.

The education and connections the Mullings brothers gained at Miami Herbert propelled them to professional success and reinforced the values expressed through the family’s gift to Ever Brighter: gratitude for opportunities that led to their success, a strong focus on empowering others, and a passion for paying their own good fortune forward.

Sebastian, Anthony Mullings, Robert Mullings, David Mullings

Arts Students

Empowering the Next Generation

Ever Brighter reaffirmed the University of Miami’s commitment to ensure that every student has access to all the opportunities our institution has to offer, regardless of where they begin in life. Thanks to the generous support of our donor community, we were able to achieve unprecedented levels of scholarship support through the campaign.

Financial aid plays a pivotal role in our academic enterprise—from putting the dream of an education at the University within reach for families with limited resources, to helping promising students reduce their debt burden upon graduation. Much of the support for financial aid came from gifts to our endowment, which means that future generations will benefit from the generosity of our supporters in perpetuity.

Stamps of success

Through Ever Brighter, we continued to welcome a group of Stamps Scholars to campus each year, recipients of the University’s most prestigious merit award. Offered to exceptionally promising students, these highly coveted scholarships encompass both full tuition plus additional funding to support students’ research efforts, internships, study abroad, and leadership development. The University of Miami is one of 36 institutions that participate in the prestigious Stamps Scholars Program, established by Roe Stamps, a University of Miami trustee, and his late wife, Penny.

Against the odds

Richard Margolius wasn’t sure he belonged at Miami Law. But the compassion and encouragement he found there changed everything—guiding him not only through graduation but all the way to the bench as a circuit court judge. After retiring from the judiciary, he followed a new passion, becoming a singer/songwriter known as Ric Zweig. In gratitude for the support that shaped his journey, Richard created an endowed scholarship to help law students with limited means—especially those drawn to music or entertainment law—find their own path forward.

Empowering artists

The late Marta Weeks Wulf, a trustee emerita, had a transformational impact on the Frost School of Music and the students who benefited from her exceptional generosity. Recipients of the endowed scholarship established in honor of her and her late husband have included a singer-songwriter from

Puerto Rico, a young singer from southern Africa, an accomplished cellist, and a budding film composer. Before her passing, Marta also provided funding for multiple facilities and programs at the University, as well as generous gifts to programs ranging from child development and Latin American studies to urology.

Expanding opportunity in tech

As Miami’s tech sector continues to thrive, the Steven B. Schonfeld Foundation is investing in the future of computer science and engineering through a robust scholarship program. During Ever Brighter, the Schonfeld Foundation created 16 new scholarships that cover full tuition, provide research and project stipends, and offer access to mentorship and professional development—helping highpotential students build the skills and networks they need to succeed in a competitive, fastmoving industry.

Getting down to business

Powered by bold generosity during Ever Brighter—and a shared belief in the potential of every student—Miami Herbert has become a launchpad for the next generation of business leaders. These gifts are transforming

the student experience, opening doors to opportunity, connection, and success.

Graduate students gained a powerful new resource in the Joseph and Carmen Unanue Graduate Career Advancement Center, created through the support of the Carmen and Joe Unanue Family Foundation and led by alumnus Andy Unanue. The center equips students to pursue high-impact careers with confidence, guided by expert mentorship and real-world networks.

At the undergraduate level, students are finding their footing through the Jaffee Center for Undergraduate Business

Academic and Professional Success, established by Amy and Scott Jaffee and inspired by the transformative experience their sons had at Miami Herbert.

Scholarships are fueling this momentum, ensuring access for exceptional students. George I. Stoeckert’s gift attracts top talent to the classroom. Mark E. Carbone’s support removes financial barriers for promising students ready to lead. A bequest from the Lucotti-Roberts family broadens opportunity across disciplines—from business to criminology—while a planned gift from Lloyd and Ruth Straits is paving the way for debtfree education for future Canes.

Foote Fellow and Weeks scholarship recipient, Brian Bros

Stamps Scholars

Students

Feeding futures

“Thanks to the campaign, many students have received support to pursue their dreams without financial constraints. The generous support from donors and alumni benefits scholarships, student organization engagements, and the enhancement of resources to ensure our students graduate with strong skills to be successful for their entire lives.”

Patricia A. Whitely

Senior Vice President for Student

Affairs and Alumni Engagement

The George W. Jenkins Scholarship, made possible by Publix Super Markets Charities, continues to empower students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and extraordinary resilience. Named for trustee emeritus and Publix founder George W. Jenkins— who rose from pushing a broom to founding the largest employeeowned supermarket chain in the U.S.—this prestigious four-year scholarship covers full tuition, on-campus housing, meals, University health insurance, and a laptop allowance. During Ever Brighter, it helped transform bold academic aspirations into real opportunities for 39 exceptional Jenkins Scholars.

Lawyers for others

Scott Kornspan and Susan Fleischner Kornspan met as students at Miami Law. Having built successful legal careers in South Florida, the couple have a profound commitment to give back to the school that brought them together. In conjunction with the Ever Brighter campaign, the couple made a major gift to establish three endowed scholarships in perpetuity. They include an Opportunity Scholarship for first-generation students; a Merit Scholarship for students considering other top-tier law schools; and a Law Scholarship for enrolled students who need additional funding to complete their legal studies.

Building success

Alumnus Bob Miller and his wife, Cathy, are among the School of Architecture’s most generous and loyal supporters. Through the Ever Brighter campaign, the couple provided funding for the B.E. and W.R. Miller BuildLab, where students and faculty members use digital and analog tools to create design prototypes. Their lasting legacy also includes estate gifts that will advance the school’s vision

Jenkins Scholars with Barney Barnett of Publix Charities

of building urban resilience through cross-disciplinary engagement and experiential learning.

Four families, one shared purpose

Generous gifts made during Ever Brighter are empowering talented students with a passion for healing to pursue their educational dreams.

Vahan and Danielle Gureghian, leaders in home health care, contributed a generous gift supporting the School of Nursing and Health Studies, the Miller School, and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Their donation established endowed scholarships for both medical and nursing students—reinforcing their belief in the vital role of well-trained, empathetic caregivers.

For brothers Eric and Lanny Grossman, endowing a scholarship at the Miller School was a personal tribute to their father, Dr. Philip Grossman—a respected gastroenterologist and voluntary faculty member for nearly 50 years. His legacy lives on through students who share his patient-centered, compassionate approach to medicine.

A longtime philanthropist and volunteer, Betty Siegel Reader believed deeply in education’s power to transform lives. Following her passing, her longtime friends and families created The Mrs. Betty Siegel Reader Scholarship Fund in her honor. The scholarship provides full-tuition scholarships to deserving Miller School medical students.

Dr. Tatiana Lawer-Garcia and Dr. Nelson Garcia, both graduates of the Miller School Class of 1996, were able to start their professional careers without the financial burden of debt thanks to the generous scholarships they received. In return, they endowed a scholarship so that future medical students have that same opportunity.

Students from the BuildLab

Mrs. Betty Siegel Reader Scholarship recipient Ethan Adre

A Vision of Opportunity: Paul J. DiMare’s Transformative Legacy

Before he became one of South Florida’s most prominent business leaders and philanthropists, Paul J. DiMare was a young man helping his father sell produce to local markets. From those humble roots, he grew a small family business into the nation’s largest fresh tomato operation—guided by grit, vision, and an unwavering belief in giving back.

That same spirit and generosity shaped Paul’s deep connection with the University of Miami. Serving more than 18 years on the Board of Trustees until his death in 2022, Paul saw the University and UHealth—the University of Miami Health System—as powerful engines of possibility, places where bold ideas could transform lives. Together with his wife Swanee and family, he championed athletics, the arts, education, and medicine. Their landmark $6 million gift to endow medical education scholarships remains the largest gift for student support in the Miller School of Medicine’s history. With an audacious dream of “curing the incurable,” Paul and Swanee endowed two chairs in immunotherapy at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center during Ever Brighter. In 2021, world-renowned multiple myeloma expert Dr. C. Ola Landgren was named the inaugural Paul J. DiMare Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy. And, in 2023, Dr. Jashodeep Datta was named the DiMare Family Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy to support translational research that brings new hope to patients with complex cancers. The Paul J. DiMare Foundation also created the Paul J. DiMare Endowed Chair in ALS Research.

The DiMare Champions Plaza at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, named in Paul’s honor, reflects the family’s longtime support for Miami Hurricanes Baseball and the studentathlete experience. Gino, a proud alumnus, former player, and former Miami Hurricanes baseball head coach, joined his father in generously supporting baseball and other athletics initiatives.

The seeds the DiMare family planted at the University grow with every new generation of physicians, researchers, students, and student-athletes, carrying forward a legacy of hope, health, and opportunity.

Paul and Swanee DiMare

Where Their Story Began: A Cane Family United in Service

For Ana VeigaMilton, giving back to the University of Miami is deeply personal. Her relationship with the U began as a high school senior when she received a full merit scholarship–the Isaac Bashevis Singer Merit Scholarship–to study electrical engineering, an opportunity that opened doors to new possibilities. Years later, Ana returned to earn her law degree—again on scholarship—solidifying her bond with the institution that helped launch her future. Along the way, she met and married fellow Cane Cecil Milton, and together they began building not only a family, but a shared purpose grounded in service and gratitude.

Today, Ana leads the José Milton Foundation as president and CEO, championing causes that uplift lives throughout South Florida—from housing and health care to education and community resilience. During Ever Brighter, the Milton family supported initiatives across multiple schools, especially in engineering and law. Their contributions include the reimagining of José Milton Leadership Hall into a dynamic, state-of-the-art learning environment; the creation of the José Milton Foundation Digital Tech Initiative, which supports software engineering fellowships and an endowed lecture series; and the establishment

of a scholarship in Ana’s and her daughter Diana’s names to support future leaders in tech law.

The family’s commitment goes far beyond philanthropy. Ana is a University trustee who has also served as president of the Citizens Board and actively contributes to the College of Engineering’s Dean’s Advisory Council, the Library Dean’s Advisory Committee, and the School of Law’s Dean’s Circle. She and Cecil have opened their home countless times for receptions, welcoming alumni and volunteer leaders with warmth and pride. Their children—Diana, Alec, and Eric—are all proud alumni, and Eric, who received the same full merit scholarship as his mother, now serves as immediate past president of the Miami Canes Community. Even Cecil’s brothers, Joseph and Frank, along with Alec’s wife, Jessica, are graduates— deepening the family’s multigenerational ties to the University.

“We give where we’re involved, and we stay involved where we give,” Ana says, reflecting the family’s hands-on approach to philanthropy and volunteerism. For the Milton family, the University of Miami isn’t just a place of learning—it’s where their story began, where it continues, and where they’re helping shape the future for generations to come.

The Milton family: Eric, Diana, Cecil, Ana, Jessica, and Alec

Athletics Changing the Game

Celebrating our Champions: Supporting Student-Athletes

Whether it’s making tackles at Hard Rock Stadium, nabbing rebounds at Watsco Center, or endowing a scholarship for promising athletes, philanthropy at the University is a team sport. Thanks to our exceptionally generous supporters, Ever Brighter raised $225.5 million for our athletics enterprise, with $36 million raised in the final year of the campaign—making it the second-best fundraising year in athletics history. With numbers like these, no wonder our scoreboards look so good.

In the stadium, the lab, and the library, our talented student-athletes are committed to going the distance. Donor support for Ever Brighter secured the resources needed to ensure that future Canes continue to succeed at the University and beyond. Below are a few examples of how our donors have uplifted our champions.

For the love of women’s hoops

As women’s basketball has soared in popularity, so has support for its players. BJ Abolt, a member of the Golden Cane Society for more than two decades, pledged an estate gift to establish a women’s basketball scholarship endowment—the largest gift commitment in the history of the women’s basketball program. Named after former head coach Katie Meier at Abolt’s request, it is the first fully endowed women’s athletics scholarship at Miami. Sandra Schultz made a first-time gift to the University in honor of her late partner, Georgia Tasker. The planned gift establishes, in their names, a second endowed scholarship for women’s basketball.

The best and brightest

Alumnus Jeff Brown and his wife, Tracy—proud parents of two Canes—believe strongly in the value of a University of Miami education and support multiple athletics fundraising initiatives. Their gift will directly support student scholarships at Miami Herbert Business School and Miami Athletics—enabling the University to attract the best and brightest students looking to excel in the classroom, on the field, and in life.

Home run funds

A bequest from longtime University of Miami supporter Charles M. Durham, Jr. created the Charles M. Durham, Jr. Endowed Business Scholarship Fund and the Charles M. Durham, Jr. Endowed Hurricanes Baseball Scholarship Fund. Durham, who would not have been able to attend the University without the Stanford scholarship, was inspired to make a gift that would have a direct impact on future generations of baseball student-athletes.

Team players

Alumni Jonathan Leyva and his wife, Christina, are longtime Canes fans who believe in the power of community and teamwork to bring people together. That spirit motivated them to establish the Jonathan and Christina Leyva Endowed Football Scholarship

through a planned gift. Their support ensures student-athletes have the support they need to reach their full potential.

A bequest for the best

For alumni Jeff Kinkead and his wife, Mimi Ragolta Kinkead, the Canes are a source of pride that have inspired them to maintain close ties with their alma mater through the decades. To help secure stable financial futures for the University’s student-athletes, the Kinkeads made a planned bequest in support of scholarships and career development for outstanding student-athletes.

Two families, one big impact

For the Cleves and Martin families, recent transplants to Miami, putting down roots meant more than finding a home—it meant pledging their support to their new community by establishing two $2.5 million endowments. The Cleves and Kathleen Delp Endowed Fund for Coaching Excellence helps ensure the University continues to attract and retain top coaching talent, while the Rod and Deborah Martin Champions for Life Endowment supports student-athletes balancing academics and athletics. These two planned gifts—totaling $5 million—will empower students during their time as Canes and support them long after their playing days are over.

Home Field Advantage: Facilities Athletics

Support for Ever Brighter has enabled the University to build facilities and fund recurring events that will endure well into our next century.

A field of dreams

Baseball scored some big home runs when longtime Canes supporters Jimmy and Kim Klotz made the lead gift towards the new 6,800-square-foot baseball practice facility—named in their honor. It features batting cages, three pitchers’ mounds, and a multi-purpose area, along with state-of-the-art technology. This gift from the Klotz family was one of several during Ever Brighter, which also included support for football. Miami baseball alumnus Tommy Adams and his wife, Mayumi, provided a generous gift to enhance Mark Light Field, resulting in the renaming of the home plate entrance to Alex Rodriguez Park in his honor. Mayra Ruiz and family made a gift to enhance the weight room at the stadium while the DiMare family, longtime University of Miami supporters, funded the new stateof-the-art DiMare Family Scoreboard.

Built by women, backed by many

It began as a simple idea 11 years ago: to celebrate the trailblazing women athletes at the University who broke barriers and redefined excellence. University trustees Hilarie Bass, Barbara Hecht Havenick, and Laurie Silvers championed the vision, turning it into reality. The result was the Celebration of Women’s Athletics—now an annual cornerstone event that honors outstanding athletes past and present, not only for their achievements in sport, but also in the classroom and community. Today, it stands as the University’s leading force for raising awareness, funding—more than $5 million since its inception— and pride in women’s athletics.

Built to last

Miami Athletics dedicated the Boich Family Scoreboard at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center in honor of former men’s tennis student-

athlete and philanthropist Wayne M. Boich and his family, whose major gift commitment funded the state-of-the-art videoboard.

A slam dunk training facility

Miami alumnus Stephen Symons and his wife, Susan, made a $1 million gift to renovate the Watsco Center Multi-Purpose Room into a state-of-the-art training facility for men’s and women’s basketball. The facility covers more than 7,500 square feet and includes a strength and conditioning room, recovery area, nutrition bar, and office space for support and medical staff.

A victorious legacy

Richard Souviron cherishes the time he spent with his son, Grant, cheering his Canes on to victory. Now in his 80s, he, along with his wife Barbara, has turned that passion into something permanent—a $5 million endowed bequest to support the priorities of the Athletics Department as determined by the athletic director.

An ace shot for women’s golf

With a generous gift to modernize the women’s golf facility at the Biltmore Golf Course and equip it with the cutting-edge technology

needed to compete at the highest level, Randall and Barbara Smith became the largest donors to a University of Miami Olympic sport.

Cases for the Canes

Alumni Wayne and Patricia Case have been avid Canes fans since their student days and loyal donors for more than 30 years. So, when they contemplated a more substantial legacy, they decided to make an estate gift to Hurricane Athletics. The Cases’ bequest will support the areas of greatest need in athletics, be they scholarships, programs for student-athletes, facilities improvements, or other vital areas.

Better U Building a

Ever Brighter has reshaped the University of Miami from the ground up— literally. Across our campuses, bold new architecture and revitalized spaces stand as symbols of a future defined by innovation, access, and impact. These state-of-the-art facilities aren’t just enhancing the student experience: they are accelerating our scholars’ groundbreaking research, expanding our capacity to deliver world-class clinical care, and creating vibrant spaces where creativity and community thrive.

AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL

With soaring glass walls and open, collaborative labs, the six-story Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, made possible by a landmark $100 million gift from the Frosts, embodies a bold vision for interdisciplinary investigation and discovery. Strategically located at the heart of campus, the 94,000-square-foot facility houses sophisticated imaging technology and other cutting-edge tools and technologies with which scientists explore biological and biochemical problems that can yield insight into various human afflictions—and potential treatment breakthroughs.

LEGACY IN DESIGN, LEADERSHIP IN CONSTRUCTION

With its distinctive curved roof, the award-winning, 20,000-square-foot Murphy Design Studio has been a campus landmark since its dedication in 2018 in honor of the father of Thomas P. Murphy, Jr., founder, chairman, and CEO of Miami-based Coastal Construction Group. From a state-of-the-art fabrication lab to digital production facilities and collaborative work spaces, the Murphy Design Studio gives today’s School of Architecture students the platform on which they can develop solutions to the real-world challenges in tomorrow’s built environment. The University also recently named the Murphy Construction Management Program in honor of Murphy’s generosity.

Kenneth C. Griffin

Phillip and Patricia Frost

Bernardo Fort-Brescia, Thomas P. Murphy, Jr., Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury

WHERE SCIENCE MEETS HOPE

With a landmark $50 million naming gift, philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin is helping Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center fast-track its mission to cure cancer. The Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, a state-of-the-art, 12-story, 244,000-square-foot facility, marks a new chapter for South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, allowing Sylvester to double its research footprint, expand access to clinical trials, and bring lifesaving treatments directly to patients in the same building where breakthroughs are discovered. For the first time, laboratory science and patient care will coexist under one roof—ensuring a seamless bench-to-bedside-to-community approach. The facility will house worldclass equipment and the latest technologies, accelerating the pace of discovery and translating them into innovative therapies for even the most aggressive cancers. Joining Griffin in supporting this effort are: The Batchelor Foundation, Adam and Chanin Carlin, the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, Steven Dwoskin, the Barry Farber estate, The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research, Flora Schnall, the John K. and Judy H. Schulte estate, and the Sylvester Foundation, among many others. Beyond science, this building stands as a powerful symbol—of community, innovation, and an unshakable commitment to curing cancer—where discovery, brilliance, hope, and healing come together in one extraordinary place.

Sebastian, Carol Soffer, and grandson Jacob Perez

THE FUTURE OF MUSIC

A BUILDING FOR CHAMPIONS

Before Ever Brighter, the University of Miami was one of a handful of major college athletics programs with no dedicated indoor practice facility for outdoor team sports—a major hindrance given the South Florida climate. Thanks to the generosity of the Soffer family, along with many loyal Hurricane supporters, including Robert and Kyle Finizio and Gerard and Sharron Putnam, the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility opened in 2018. Now, Miami Athletics can pursue its mission of building champions—whatever the weather.

With its supreme sound and extraordinary fusion of design and technology, the Knight Center for Music Innovation has ushered in a thrilling new era of music performance and instruction at the Frost School of Music and in the wider community. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation made the generous lead gift. Many principal gift donors, including the Thomas D. Hormel Trust; the Philecology Foundation; C and A Family Foundation; the David and Dorothy Weaver Foundation; James M. Collins Foundation; Jim and Dee Collins; the Christian Family Fellowship Foundation; Arthur, Melba and Bruce Weaver; Hennelly Family Enterprise, and Sally Albrecht, helped make the Knight Center a reality.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Inspired by her mother’s loss of sight due to macular degeneration, philanthropist Lois Pope made a transformational gift to establish the Lois Pope Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration Research at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. This 21,000-square-foot facility— equipped with advanced diagnostic and imaging technology—is dedicated to finding a cure for blinding retinal diseases. Located on the Palm Beach Gardens campus, the center enables University of Miami researchers and students to conduct clinical trials and explore promising therapies in areas such as gene therapy and regenerative medicine.

UNLOCKING HISTORY

The University’s new Kislak Center, part of the Otto G. Richter Library’s Special Collections, houses an extraordinary collection of over 2,300 rare books, maps, manuscripts, and artifacts from the Jay I. Kislak Foundation that offers invaluable insights into Florida, the Caribbean, and early American history. The center includes a dynamic space for exhibitions, research, and educational programs that link past, present, and future.

A SPACE TO CREATE

Located the heart of the Coral Gables campus, the new theatre arts building gives University of Miami students a purpose-built space to explore, rehearse, and create. With its state-of-the-art black box theater and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood studios with natural light, the 15,000-square-foot facility supports every step of the artistic process—from preparation to performance. The building reflects the energy and ambition of our students, offering the tools they need— from airy dance studios to soundproof practice rooms—to grow as artists and collaborators. Thanks to the support of award-winning producer and alumna Jayne Baron Sherman, alumnus and Broadway producer Kenneth Greenblatt, and others, students now have a home where their imaginations and talents can take flight.

Lois Pope and Dr. Eduardo Alfonso

REDEFINING THE RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE

During Ever Brighter, the University sought to bring 21st-century amenities and technology to the on-campus student residential experience—an ambition realized with the opening of Lakeside Village in 2020 and the initial phase of Centennial Village in 2024. Barbara Hecht Havenick, Darren and Noreen Dupriest, and Marlen and Rimma Galitsky are among the donors whose generosity is helping us redefine what it means to live, learn, and build community at the U.

A VOICE FOR HEALING

With precision acoustics, sound-dampening architecture, and advanced diagnostic technology, the new Estefan Voice Studio at the Miller School of Medicine is setting a new standard for voice care. Built through a generous gift from world-renowned musical talent and alumna Gloria Estefan, and her husband, Emilio, the firstof-its-kind clinical studio in Florida allows patients to sing, speak, and perform at full volume—making accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments possible. In partnership with the Frost School of Music, the space is also a hub for cutting-edge vocal research. Purpose-built for healing and discovery, the studio ensures that every voice has the space—and support—to be fully heard.

MAKING A SPLASH

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School’s new scientific dive training facility—known as “The Splash”—represents a bold step forward in underwater research and education. Anchored on the edge of Biscayne Bay, the 15-foot-deep tank is designed for students and scientists to master the sophisticated diving techniques used in marine science. The facility is one of the few of its kind in the country, and the first to offer scientific freediving under new standards set by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Made possible by generous support from the Miller and Saiontz families, Colleen and Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Diane and Chris Towle, The Splash symbolizes the future of ocean discovery.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Tony Goldman was a visionary developer who transformed neighborhoods like Wynwood into vibrant destinations. The Goldman family established the Tony Goldman Endowed Director of Real Estate Development and Urbanism to honor Tony’s legacy and inspire future leaders to shape more livable communities. Professor Charles Bohl is the inaugural chairholder.

Arquitectonica and the University share a rich history, shaped by iconic architectural contributions to the Coral Gables campus and the personal engagement of the firm’s co-founders. During Ever Brighter, the firm deepened its commitment through a meaningful gift from its foundation to support the school.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Sue and Chuck Cobb hold the distinction as the only couple in U.S. history to both serve as non-career ambassadors and the ambassador’s spouse at their respective embassies. To help educate and inspire the next generation of public servants, the Cobbs have established the Ambassadors Sue and Charles Cobb Endowed Distinguished Professor of Practice in Diplomacy. Their generous

gift enables the college to hire former ambassadors and other renowned experts in diplomacy to teach students and engage with members of the community.

From high school internships to summer science camps to a physics scholarship, the U shaped Charles Ehrlich’s journey from student to scientist. Grateful for those life-changing opportunities, he and his wife, Susan, created the Ehrlich Morris Family Endowed Physics Fund to help today’s physics students enrich their education through experiences beyond the classroom.

MIAMI HERBERT BUSINESS SCHOOL

Just months after graduating from the University in 2023, social media influencer Alix Earle created a scholarship to support and mentor business students. Grateful for the education that fueled her entrepreneurial journey, she established the scholarship as a way to give back and help future students pursue their dreams.

With a desire to make entrepreneurship more accessible than it was during his time as a student more than 50 years ago, alumnus Dean M. Fogel made a landmark gift to create the Dean M. Fogel Entrepreneurs Hub. A

successful entrepreneur, Fogel’s vision brings students a dedicated space to collaborate, pitch ideas, and engage with business leaders—equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and confidence to launch and grow their ideas.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

Thanks to a generous gift from alumnus Marvin Shanken, founder of M. Shanken Communications, 10–12 communication students each year take part in the New York Shanken Experience, a hands-on program that connects them with top industries and University of Miami alumni in New York City. Select students also earn summer internships at Shanken’s company, contributing in areas like social media, copywriting, and public relations.

The Peace Sullivan/James Ansin High School Workshop in Journalism and New Media— made possible through generous donations from James Ansin, general manager of WSVNChannel 7, and Peace Sullivan, a former journalist—brings 16–20 high school students to campus for a three-week newsroom experience to gain hands-on video, photography, and writing opportunities and a glimpse into college life and the media industry.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Inspired by their son Owen, a double Cane in sport administration, Sean and Stacey Simon established the Simon Sport Administration Professional Development Program, which equips undergraduates with pre-career learning and internship opportunities, preparing them to excel in the competitive sports industry. Through their generosity, the Simons are opening doors for the next generation of sports leaders.

The School of Education and Human Development received a $3.3 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to lead a two-year project exploring innovative approaches to housing and neighborhood development. By studying successful community ownership models, the initiative provides practical insights that support long-term housing stability and affordability.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

University trustee and alumnus Robert Sanchez made a gift, which was matched by the Knight Foundation, to establish an endowed department chair in electrical and computer

engineering—the first of the college’s six departments to receive an endowed department chair. This strategic investment will enhance the college’s impact in one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving fields of study.

An alumnus and loyal supporter made a $5 million anonymous bequest to provide scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in biomedical or electrical engineering. This commitment—the largest single contribution for scholarship support at the college—will open doors for countless aspiring engineers to pursue bold ideas.

SCHOOL OF LAW

A proud double alumnus, member of the University’s Iron Arrow Honor Society, and original bat boy for the Miami Marlins, Tim Anagnost continues to build a powerful legacy rooted in generosity and school spirit. His most recent gift supports scholarships for law students who embody academic excellence and face financial challenges.

Joe Bogosian, a 1992 graduate of the School of Law, is deepening his commitment to future legal leaders through a meaningful legacy gift. By enhancing the Joseph H. Bogosian Endowed Leadership

Award Fund, he is ensuring ongoing support for third-year law students who embody the values of leadership and service.

ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE, ATMOSPHERIC, AND EARTH SCIENCE

The Glassell Family Foundation, a longtime supporter of the Rosenstiel School, endowed a center and chair in marine biomedicine to propel groundbreaking research at the intersection of ocean science and human health. As the inaugural chairholder and director of the center, Professor M. Danielle McDonald is exploring marine life to unlock insights into strokes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and cancer—discoveries that could change lives for patients and their families.

Inspired by their love of snorkeling and concern for the coral reefs, Lou and Chosun Mastriani created an endowed scholarship fund in their name to support undergraduates studying marine biology, ecology, and coral reefs—and have included the fund in their estate plans to ensure lasting impact.

MILLER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

In memory of her father, renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ronald B.

Hinds, Julie Franklin and her husband, Martin, created an endowed chair in his name at the Miller School of Medicine. This tribute celebrates Dr. Hinds’ love for medicine and Miami while advancing research and elevating patient care for generations to come.

To honor the legacy of surgeon and educator Dr. Ira Karmin, his wife, Dr. Randye Karmin, and colleague Dr. Kenneth Konsker established the Ira S. Karmin, M.D. Endowed OB/ GYN Award Fund for Excellence in Education. The gift supports future OB/GYN students and residents, reflecting his lifelong dedication to teaching and women’s health.

FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Carmine Parente believes the time he spent as a member of the Frost School of Music’s Band of the Hour prepared him for his future as well as anything else he did in college. In that spirit, he and his wife Eileen made a gift to support endowed scholarships for band members. The Parente gift inspired many matching gifts, including a major gift from an anonymous donor.

Martin Messinger understands the profound impact that the arts have on campuses and in communities. His passion for fostering creativity and excellence led him to establish the Messinger

Symphony Orchestra Fund and the Messinger Symphony Orchestra Endowment Fund, ensuring Frost students have lasting access to exceptional music education, world-class performances, and unique professional opportunities that inspire and elevate their artistic journeys.

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES

With support from the Helene Fuld Health Trust, nursing students have greater access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. The gift established the Helene Fuld Skills Resource Center on the fifth floor of the Simulation Hospital and provides scholarships for students pursuing nursing as a second career. This investment is expanding training opportunities and helping prepare the next generation of skilled nurses.

The Hugoton Foundation’s gift to fund six cutting-edge ultrasound machines marked another milestone in its long-standing support of the School of Nursing and Health Studies. This new equipment, integrated with advanced simulation-based learning, expands hands-on training in diagnostic and procedural skills, positioning the School at the forefront of point-ofcare ultrasound education.

Every Gift Shines Bright

At the heart of Ever Brighter were the countless acts of generosity from loyal supporters who gave year after year. Eightyfour percent of campaign gifts—tens of thousands in all—were less than $500, many from donors whose annual giving added up to extraordinary impact. Collectively, the generosity of these unsung benefactors made a powerful difference across our campuses and community through these and many more programs and appeals.

This wrap-up edition of Illuminate is filled with stories of people who gave generously and graciously, yet countless others remain untold. Not for lack of meaning, but because their abundance exceeds the space we have. To all who gave: Your compassion and commitment echo far beyond these pages, and we are deeply grateful.

Giving Day: Six years of success

Once a year, for 24 hours straight, our University community comes alive for Giving Day, a high-energy celebration of philanthropy. Since its debut in 2019, Giving Day has stood as a powerful example of how collective giving—no matter the size of gift—can fuel lasting impact. The most recent edition, held in April 2025 during the University’s centennial, raised more than $6.6 million, bringing the six-year total to more than $19 million and touching every corner of the University.

UCARE: Passion projects

What began as a way to rally support for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has grown into UCARE Community Fundraising, empowering supporters to champion the causes closest to their hearts. Donor-led events span Cancer Link’s annual breast cancer luncheon, the Keymorada Invitational Fishing Tournament benefiting the University of Miami’s Crohn’s and Colitis Center, and newer efforts like the Moonlight Open padel tournament and the Forever Jilly 5K. Since its launch in 2022, UCARE has helped Miami and UHealth supporters collectively raise more than $5 million. With simple toolkits and hands-on guidance, UCARE is making philanthropy accessible, turning grassroots generosity into lasting impact, and driving real outcomes across our campuses and community.

Honor Your Doctor: Expressing profound gratitude

Every March, in honor of National Doctors’ Day, patients have a special way to say thank you for the exemplary care they received.

Through the Honor Your Doctor program, they share heartfelt messages and make donations—each recognizing the positive impact UHealth physicians have on their lives and the wider South Florida community.

Student Support: Instant impact

Canes Care for Canes has been a way of life at the U since the beginning. Generous support of the Patricia A. Whitely Student Emergency Fund, the Support Our Students Fund, and the student-run Food Pantry ensured that when students face unexpected challenges they feel supported and that no Cane is left behind.

Citizen Science: Playing a vital role

Two hands-on programs at the Rosenstiel School that are helping to restore the ocean’s health generated widespread support—both financial and volunteer— during Ever Brighter. Through the Shark Conservation Program, students, along with everyday ocean lovers, joined tagging expeditions that track migration patterns and protect these sea creatures. The Rescue a Reef program invited students, veterans,

and members of the public to “dive in” and replant nursery-grown corals onto the Florida Reef.

Canes Communities Scholarships: Strengthening engagement, fueling opportunities

During Ever Brighter, the Alumni Association revamped and expanded the scope of its Canes Communities program, transforming these grassroots alumni groups into engagement powerhouses with full boards, working committees, and yearround programming, designed to connect local alumni, parents, and friends of the University while deepening their connection with the institution. In major markets, the Canes Communities launched successful annual scholarship fundraising campaigns to benefit students with financial needs from their specific regions. This year alone, 44 scholarships were awarded, adding to the dozens of students supported since the scholarship program’s inception in 2018. Led by dedicated alumni volunteers, Canes Communities serve as official ambassadors of the University in nearly 30 regions around the country and abroad.

Citizens Board: Investing in the future

Nearly 80 years after it was first established, the Citizens Board, a group of more than 270 South Florida business and civic leaders, remains one of the University’s most consistent and generous supporters, having raised more than $450 million for numerous projects, ranging from student scholarships to faculty endowments to campus enhancements. Among the Board’s signature initiatives is Changemakers. During Ever Brighter, the Changemakers fund awarded nearly $400,000 in grants to projects developed and run by students and faculty.

Recent recipients include the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (Wolfson DOCS), which is staffed primarily by Miller School of Medicine student volunteers and operates health fairs in many South Florida neighborhoods, and First Star Academy UM, a collaboration between local foster care programs, the School of Law, and the School of Education and Human Development, where University students mentor teens in the foster system, helping them stay on track for graduation and pursue a path to college.

Looking back with gratitude. Moving forward with purpose.

Over 160,000 donors contributed to Ever Brighter.

To all those who supported the campaign at every level, thank you.

Your investment in the University of Miami affirms our accomplishments over the past 100 years , and opens the door to a new century that promises even greater achievements .

Through the campaign, our entire community of Hurricanes stepped up as never before; we deeply appreciate your belief in the University .

Our brightest days are still ahead of us.

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