Belen Jesuit Magazine | Summer 2009

ALUMNI ALUMNI

Alumni at Belen Jesuit

Men for others and with others

Magazine of the Belen Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami

Welcome Bienvenidos

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Welcome to the latest issue of the Alumni Magazine of the Belen Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami. On our cover, we display photographs of alumni who attended either the Colegio de Belén or Belen Jesuit Prep in order of their class year, starting with Father Juan Manuel DortaDuque, S.J. ’40, Alumni Association Director for nearly 40 years and constant source of strength and inspiration within our offices, and ending with Mr. Lazaro Fields ’09, Assistant Coach to the Belen Cross Country Program. These Jesuit Fathers, administrators, teachers, counselors, coaches, and staff members are men who are living the mission of Belen’s motto: “Men for others”.

As alumni, we often remember and reminisce those who influenced us while at our Alma Mater, whether they be classmates, priests, educators, family members or friends. Those recollections naturally evoke feelings of nostalgia and help us nourish our internal desire to commit ourselves to Belen and its Alumni Association. There are many different ways for alumni to satisfy that desire, for instance: attending our monthly alumni luncheons, participating in numerous school events and activities, getting involved in community service programs sponsored by the School and/or the Alumni Association, helping with your support of Belen’s tuition assistance programs, and keeping current with the annual Alumni Dues Drive. Your financial support directly helps the production of the Alumni Magazine and the day-to-day operations of the Alumni Office.

Queridos Antiguos Alumnos y Amigos,

Special thanks to Belen’s New President, Father Pedro A. Suarez, S.J. ’58, who contributed articles for this edition of Alumni Magazine, our feature article highlighting the importance of being a “Man for others and with others” and the inauguration of the Wall of Martyrs. The Wall of Martyrs is a work in progress which is currently displayed on the second floor of Belen’s New Administration Building and honors alumni, Jesuits, and employees who gave up their lives for a higher cause.

Congratulations to Mr. Thomas de Quesada ’94, recently appointed Dean of Students. We thank him for a very interesting and enlightening interview included in this magazine.

The publication of the Alumni Magazine is truly a team effort. There are no words to describe how lucky we are to have the help of alumni Pablo Carreño ’42 and Roberto Borbolla ’56, as well as Mrs. Raquel Raimúndez-Spellacy (yes... my sister) at my side on a weekly basis to make sure the work being done measures up to the lifelong dedication given by our most esteemed and revered Fr. Dorta-Duque. With your help and that of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and Class Delegates, this publication continues to be the primary source of alumni news.

As Alumni Director, I hope you continue to do your part as we move forward. Please, update your contact information with the Alumni Office, come and participate in alumni and school functions and commit yourself to the ongoing development of Belen Jesuit and the Belen Alumni Association. As Jesuit-educated men, let us continue to lead by example being “Men for others and with others”, remembering that all we do should be done “to the greater glory of God.”

Sincerely,

Ricardo R. Raimúndez ‘90 Executive Director, Belen Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami

Bienvenidos a esta nueva edición de la Revista de la Asociación de Antiguos Alumnos de los Colegios Jesuitas de Cuba y Miami. En la portada, mostramos las fotos de Antiguos Alumnos que asistieron al Colegio de Belen o a Belen Jesuit, en el orden del año del Curso al que pertenecen, empezando por el Padre Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, S.J. ’40 Director de la Asociación por más de 40 años, fuente constante de fuerza e inspiración en nuestras oficinas, hasta Lázaro Fields ’09, asistente del entrenador del Programa de Cross Country de Belen. Estos Padres Jesuitas, administradores, profesores, consejeros, entrenadores y empleados del Colegio están viviendo la misión del lema de Belen: “Hombres para los demás”. Como Antiguos Alumnos, a menudo recordamos a aquellos que nos influenciaron mientras estábamos en nuestra alma mater, ya fueran compañeros de clase, sacerdotes, educadores, miembros de nuestras familias o amistades. Estos recuerdos nos traen sentimientos de nostalgia y nos ayudan a alimentar nuestras necesidades o deseos de comprometernos con Belen y con la Asociación. Hay muchas formas distintas para que los Antiguos Alumnos puedan satisfacer esas necesidades o deseos, por ejemplo: asistiendo a nuestros almuerzos mensuales, participando en numerosos eventos y actividades del Colegio y en los programas de servicio a la Comunidad patrocinados por el Colegio y/o la Asociación, ayudando con su apoyo a los programas de asistencia para pagar la matrícula del Colegio y manteniéndose al corriente en el pago de la cuota anual de la Asociación, que ayuda a pagar la producción y distribución de esta Revista y las operaciones diarias de la Oficina de Antiguos Alumnos. Damos las gracias al nuevo Presidente del Colegio, Padre Pedro A. Suárez, S.J ’58 que contribuyó a esta edición de la Revista con un artículo que enfatiza la importancia de ser un “Hombre para los demás y con los demás”, y otro artículo sobre la inauguración de la Pared de Mártires. La Pared de Mártires es una obra en progreso que se encuentra expuesta en el segundo piso del nuevo Edificio de Administración, y honra a antiguos alumnos, sacerdotes Jesuitas y empleados del Colegio que ofrecieron sus vidas por una causa superior. Felicitaciones a Thomas de Quesada ’94 por haber sido nombrado recientemente Decano de Estudiantes del Colegio. Le damos las gracias por la interesante e informativa entrevista que nos concedió, y que publicamos en esta Revista. La publicación de la Revista es verdaderamente un trabajo de equipo. No hay palabras para describir la suerte de poder contar con la ayuda de los antiguos alumnos Pablo Carreño ’42 y Roberto Borbolla ’56, así como de la señora Raquel Raimúndez-Spellacy (si…. mi hermana) todas las semanas para asegurarnos de que lo que hacemos mantiene la calidad de la obra de toda una vida de nuestro querido Padre Dorta-Duque. Con la ayuda de ustedes, de la Junta de Directores de la Asociación y de los Delegados de Curso, esta publicación sigue siendo la fuente principal de noticias de los Antiguos Alumnos. Como Director de la Asociación, yo espero que ustedes continúen aportando su ayuda mientras seguimos mejorando. Por favor, actualicen sus datos con la Oficina, vengan y participen en los eventos de la Asociación y del Colegio y comprométanse con el desarrollo de Belen y de la Asociación. Como hombres con una educación jesuita, seamos líderes con nuestro ejemplo, siendo “Hombres para los demás y con los demás”, recordando que todo lo que hacemos debe ser “para la mayor gloria de Dios”.

Sincereamente,

Ricardo R. Raimúndez ‘90

Director Ejecutivo, Associacion de Antiguos Alumnos de Colegios Jesuitas de Cuba y Miami

ALUMNI TRADITIONS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ricardo Raimúndez ‘90

DESIGNER

Raquel Raimúndez-Spellacy

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Roberto Borbolla ‘56

Pablo Carreño ‘42

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Victor Arrieta ‘95

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jorge Hernández-Toraño ‘75 - President

Jordi Guso ‘83 - Vice President

Ricardo Martínez-Cid ‘94 - Secretary

Alex Sueiro ‘85 - Treasurer

Antonio Abella ‘59

Carlos Batlle ‘80

Raul Cardona ‘85

Andrés Jimenez ‘60

Hector Formoso-Murias ‘82

Jose A. Garrido ‘46

Jose A. Garrido, Jr. ‘72

Xavier Martinez ‘88

L.J. Rodriguez ‘93

Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ‘73

Carlos Trujillo ‘01

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Fr. Pedro A. Suarez, S.J. ‘58 - President Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñon, S.J. ‘87 - Principal Fr. Juan M. Dorta-Duque, S.J. ‘40 - Spiritual Director

Fr. Ernesto Fernández-Travieso, S.J.Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs

ALUMNI TRADITIONS MAGAZINE is published bianually. Please address all correspondence to the Alumni Office.

Periodicals postage paid at Miami, FL and additional mailing points.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Belen Alumni Office 500 Southwest 127 Avenue Miami, FL 33184

Phone: 786.621.4667 Fax: 786.621.4662

E-mail: alumni@belenjesuit.org

Circulation: 6,000

On July 31, 1973 Father Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Superior General of the Jesuits, addressed the “Tenth International Congress of Jesuit Alumni of Europe,” in Valencia, Spain on St. Ignatius’ day.

His words have been etched in the minds of educators in Jesuit schools worldwide ever since:

“Today our prime educational objective must be to form men and women for others… who will live not for themselves but for God and his Christ, for the God-man who lived and died for all the world; men and women who cannot even conceive of love of God which does not include love for the least of their neighbors; men and women completely convinced that love of God which does not issue in justice for others is a farce…”

“Just as love of God, in the Christian view, fuses with love of neighbor, to the point that they cannot possibly be separated, so, too, charity and justice meet together and in practice are identical… Take justice away from love and you destroy love. You do not have love if the beloved is not seen as a person whose dignity must be respected, with all that implies.”

What should the motto “men for others” mean to the average Belen student? To the Belen Jesuit alumni? First, let us consider its opposite, “man for himself.”

A “man for himself” is someone who has focused his life on his own interest, with little or no regard for anyone else’s interest. He is ambitious for himself and wishes to accumulate wealth. He feels being above everybody else and cares about his own interests first and foremost. Unfortunately, this species of man is found very frequently in today’s society.

A young man can become a “man for himself” if his life has one goal: his own benefit, pleasure, success and social status. He dreams of getting rich sooner rather than later, and will place his ambition above the legitimate needs of others. He may resort to tricks and deception to get what he wants. If necessary, he may trample upon the rights of others to have things his way.

Men for others and with others: an ideal for life

By: Pedro A. Suarez, S.J. ‘58

In choosing a career, a “man for himself” will selfishly focus on himself without regard for the needs around him. He may try to get into an Ivy League or some famous school, not because they may be fine schools that will prepare him to serve better, but because he sees an opportunity for self-aggrandizement. In his professional life, he will feel that he deserves everything and should be handsomely paid for whatever he does -and the higher the pay, the better- not think of working “pro bono” so as to benefit the poor. People for him will not be ends in themselves, but means in order to make a profit.

On the other end of the spectrum, a “man for others and with others” is grounded on faith in God, source of good and justice. His faith will find its expression in respect and love for the others. He has made his own Christ’s own words: “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the

first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Mt 22: 36-40.)

For a “man for others”, love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable, and this love leads to doing justice. He has learned to be generous, especially to those in need, and will consider every man or woman as his “neighbor”, whom he must love and respect.

A “man for others” will treat all men and women equally with reverence and respect without regard to their social, ethnic or economic status. “If you show favoritism, you sin, and you are convicted by the law as lawbreakers” (Letter of St. James 2: 9)

In facing career choices, a young “man for others” will feel inclined to choose a field of study for which he has a talent, but with the needs of others in mind. For instance, if he decides to become a lawyer, he will do so, not because he wishes to become wealthy in record time, but because being an attorney will allow him the opportunity to serve people in need. He will readily undertake long and hard years of study not as a ladder to climb to a higher social status, but in order to better become a servant of others.

such as teacher, social worker, scientist, humanist, psychologist, priest, etc. will be readily embraced by a true “man for others.”

Being humble means recognizing that everything good comes from God. He sees the talents he may have as gifts from God received for the benefit of all.

A “man for others and with others” will recognize that he has received from God a vocation to make this a better world: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt 6: 33.) He will not think of himself as unique, but as one among many, called to bring justice and mercy to a world in need, ready to roll up his sleeves and work side by side with those who struggle for justice in our society. The “others” are not competitors, enemies or objects to be used as means to achieve personal gain, but as brothers and sisters created by the same God to share the same vocation to serve.

A “man for others” will be a humble man, for Jesus said: “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23: 11-12.) He will see himself as an announcer of a greater voice, that of Christ. He will make his own John the Baptist’s statement: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3: 30.) By serving other people he will find joy and peace in his heart instead of sadness and frustration, because he will consider his work as being similar to Christ’s own work: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mt 20: 28.) Fields that in the eyes of society may not be lucrative, but carry a role to serve others unselfishly,

Just as Christ showed His love for the world, the “man for others” will feel called by the Spirit to overcome selfishness and self-centeredness through self-sacrifice and love: “Although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2: 6-8.)

St. Ignatius Loyola experienced a conversion to serve mankind, the Church and the world. This is the same ideal that in 1973 Father Pedro Arrupe spelled out as the core of Jesuit education for the 20th and 21st century. Belen’s motto is an ideal to be planted as a seed in the heart of every student. It is hoped that this seed will blossom in Belen alumni during their adult years, for the service of God and of the world.

By: Enrique Sosa ‘57

Reflections of an

My 70th birthday is rapidly approaching and with it comes an opportunity to reflect on the past. I have been blessed with a truly rewarding life, not only in my career but in my personal life as well. While luck no doubt has played a big role in my first 70 years, there is truth to those who claim luck is opportunity meeting preparation. Indeed, part of my preparation were my six years in Belen. While my parents and grandparents were and continue to be of great impact on my life, I also have to include my Belen experience as a decisive influence. The family alone could not have made my luck without my learning at Belen.

Mi proximo cumpleaños número 70 me da la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre el pasado. He sido bendecido con una vida verdaderamente llena de satisfacción, no tan solo en mi carrera profesional sino tambien en mi vida personal. Indiscutiblemente la suerte ha sido un factor importante en mis logros. Sin embargo, tambien hay quienes dicen que la suerte se logra cuando las oportunidades y la preparación se encuentran. Parte de esa preparación fueron mis seis años en Belen. No hay duda que las influencias de mis padres y abuelos fueron y continuan siendo de gran impacto en mi vida. Sin embargo, tengo que añadir tambien mis años belemitas como factor decisivo. La influencia de mi familia por sí sola no hubiera definido mi suerte sin mis aprendizajes en Belen.

On May 4, 2009, Mr. Thomas de Quesada’s, Class of 1994, life changed. Fr. Pedro Suarez, S.J. ‘58, President of Belen Jesuit appointed Mr. DQ, as he is known on campus, Belen’s Dean of Students. The announcement to the entire Belen Community stated de Quesada’s new job responsibilities ‘will require assisting the Principal and the two Assistant Principals in administrative responsibilities that include the organization and supervision of extracurricular student activities and the enforcement of the Student Code of Conduct, according to the principles of Jesuit education.’ As the newest member of the School’s administration, the Alumni Office was curious to know what makes this former Student Council School President and current Alumni Delegate tick. Therefore, here is our.....

Q & A with DQ

Alumni Office: DQ Thank you for spending time with us. Education is very important to you, share with us your educational background.

de Quesada: I started my educational career at St. Theresa Catholic School and I spent my kindergarten through fifth grade years there and I came to Belen with a very large group from St. Theresa and I ended up graduating from here in 1994. I spent seven incredible years here. I grew to love this place more than I ever imagined I would and ever since I was a ninth or tenth grader I pretty much knew that I wanted to come back here and teach in some capacity. I went on to four years at Florida International University where I graduated with a degree in Political Science that was my major, my minor was

in Latin American Studies and I started teaching here as early as January, 1998. I later went on to receive my Masters in School Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and I’m currently working on a Doctoral degree in Instructional Technology and Distance Education at Nova Southeastern University as well.

AO: After being hired by Belen, outside from the aspect of being a teacher, tell me some of the positions in a faculty advisory capacity that you’ve held and what other outside extracurricular activities while still a member of the Belen Faculty have you held?

DQ: Well, I started as the World History and Latin American History teacher in January of 1998. I was teaching Seniors at the age of twenty-one, which was a unique situation and it was an awesome experience for me professionally and personally because I was

Alumnus ...................

By: Eric Donado ‘08

Belen meant so much more than what I learned in a classroom--it was about taking in the diverse lessons received from teachers, priests, coaches and friends and adopting them within a Christian world view.

I am most grateful, not only for the knowledge obtained from textbooks or lectures, but rather for that unique type of knowledge that has stressed in me the importance of social consciousness and civic responsibility, that ‘Men for Others’ motto that we strive to embody daily to the greater glory of God.

Para mí, Belén fue mucho más que lo aprendido en las aulas. Fue la experiencia de las diversas lecciones recibidas de maestros, sacerdotes, entrenadores deportivos y amigos, y enmarcarlas dentro de un punto de vista cristiano.

Estoy muy agradecido no solo por el conocimiento obtenido en los libros o en las clases, sino por ese tipo especial de conocimiento que arraigó en mí la importancia de una conciencia social y una responsabilidad cívica. El sentido pleno de la frase “Hombres para los demás” me impulsa a encarnar ese ideal diariamente, para la mayor gloria de Dios.-

teaching students that were here when I was a student. In addition, I also went on to assist with the Student Council for a number of years before I became the full time moderator. I also coached the Junior High Basketball team for three very successful seasons. I really enjoyed my time and working with the students in that capacity. I’ve also served as a delegate in the Alumni Association. So, my goal has always been to be very involved in the Belen community. I helped to moderate the ninth grade activities along with Ms. Suarez when I was a ninth grade faculty member and for about four or five years I was the coordinator for the Senior activities and the Senior class and I really enjoyed my time doing that.

AO: What has motivated you during your time here and in turn what has kept you here for so long?

DQ: This place feels so much like home. It’s always been home to me and it’s never really been work. It’s just been a place where I’ve been able to live out my vocation and work hard to help these students in any capacity that I can, in any way that I can. My intention all along was to give my life to the school, put my heart and soul into it, so that the students could see what a special place this can truly be. One of the biggest motivators that I have is the faculty. The faculty has always inspired me to be better. I’m constantly surrounded by people who are outstanding at what they do and we’re lucky to have them here.

AO: You mentioned that at a young age, either your freshman or sophomore year, you already had an intent to want to return back as being an educator. What individual had that impact on you, if there was one? Or what set of individuals was it that planted that seed in your head?

DQ: You know I had different experiences with different people during my time at Belen that it was incredible that every step of the way there was somebody who provided me with some sort of inspiration and motivation that gave me a real sense of the true Belen experience. You know, it started when I was very young with Angel Aparicio. He was the first face I saw; he was the disciplinarian; he was an outstanding disciplinarian, an outstanding football coach, a great mentor. Then when I got into the High School ranks I came across people like Jose Roca who was my basketball coach and mentor, a gentleman, a guy who was a silent leader - led through his example and was a great teacher in the classroom. People like Leo Nuñez who in the classroom was a superstar. The guy was just one of the best teachers I had ever seen. People like

Eugene Zoller who taught me how to be organized, taught me to love Social Studies. People like Pat Collins who you know; after thirty years you’d think the guy would be complacent, but the guy remains one of Belen’s strongest teachers. He helped us to love the subject because of his passion and what he put into the course, and finally, Dr. Armando Rodriguez who pushed me to become more than I was and really helped me to develop into a leader and a better speaker, a harder worker. He really taught me that I had a lot of potential; he just helped me to unleash it late in my Belen career.

AO: During your career here at Belen, what have you seen as being the biggest change? Not necessarily as your current in the change of administration or with your new profession or your new title, but what have you seen has been the greatest change as you entered here in January ’98 and up to now-biggest change atmosphere wise, structurally in the school in its growth?

DQ: The community has gotten a lot bigger, and therefore some of the dynamics have changed, but the traditions have remained and therefore, essentially at its core, Belen is very much the same. But we’re bigger and therefore classes aren’t as tight as they once were. Classes are just far larger and it’s created a different dynamic.

have spare time, what are the things that you can isolate yourself and say ‘it’s DQ time’? What is it that you enjoy doing?

DQ: I love the short period of time that I have on a daily basis inside the classroom. I love that time. I love going to games after school because it helps me to appreciate the kids and connect with them in a different way. And the most important thing that I enjoy doing is just basically being home with my family and finding time to spend with them and enjoy their company.

AO: Now we’re gonna get a bit personal, one last question and then it’s gonna be a sort of rapid fire just first thing.

AO: Okay, several different, just quick background and stuff, obviously you have an admiration, you are a great family man, you have an admiration towards your own family, to your dad, to your mom, although they weren’t together during the main course of your upbringing, they still formed who you were and your sisters as well, and you respect both of them and stuff.

AO: You’ve obviously influenced a lot of Belen Students, past Alumni. Looking back, what was your fondest memory, what was your fondest lesson, specifically as a Latin American History teacher?

DQ: I always emphasized values and I always made sure that I helped the students to realize that they have incredible talents, incredible gifts, and they have a responsibility to use them. My goal was to always challenge them within the context of the lessons that were being taught.

AO: With all your work here at the school, what are some of the things you enjoy doing to relax, spend time – although obviously I know you –when you do

AO: Three words that describe, your mother

DQ: Selfless, loving, and supportive

AO: And your father, Raul

DQ: Motivator, spiritual, and brutally honest

AO: Your sisters

DQ: Stubborn, talented, supportive, and outstanding aunts to my son

AO: Margie

DQ: Mentally tough, phenomenal mother, and brutally honest

AO: Branden

DQ: Fearless, social, and happy

AO: Alfonso Duran

DQ: Charismatic

AO: Your thoughts, fifteen years removed. It is your fifteen-year reunion; he was your right-hand man as your vice-president when you were president. Have you kept in touch with him during these times?

DQ: Very little, I regret that because he’s a guy that I always enjoyed spending a lot of time with because he was about as warm a guy and as good a friend as you would’ve found.

AO: So during the course in time, as stressful as it may be being, student council president and vicepresident during the course and time in school...

DQ: He was a great partner, a great wing-man to have and we really enjoyed our year together.

AO: Rudy Lopez

DQ: Rudy Lopez, uh, how’d you get these names?

AO: Brother, I do my research.

DQ: Rudy Lopez, one of these guys, it seemed like every time we were having a tough stretch, he was rarely fazed. He seemed very motivated, always very intelligent, hard working guy. He was the company man. Always pushed forward, did the work that was asked of him, just a great guy to have around. Also very funny to have around.

AO: Now going into research with you towards your dotdots. First of all in your dotdots as well as in others, not necessarily your page, or dotdot. The aspect of the personality known as ‘mamerto’.

DQ: Mamerto Martinez was a fictional member of our Senior class that the yearbook guys decided to create…and he’s actually in the index in the yearbook.

AO: Okay. Reverse monster.

DQ: Bags used to be reversed, as they are now, unfortunately, and the reverse monster would leave a note stating his intentions and why he had reversed your bag.

AO: So, this was a calling card?

DQ: This was a calling card and there were a number of reverse monsters in circulation.

AO: So there was not just one, there were copy cat

reverse monsters?

DQ: Yes

AO: Estebanico?

Dr. Rodriguez’s class

AO: And November Papa Charlie?

DQ: That was Leo Nuñez on the loud-speaker one day. He came out and said ‘there’s a car, illegally parked, NPC, November Papa Charlie seven Romeo’ and everyone kind of stopped and said, ‘what in the world was that?’

AO: You miss those days?

DQ: Yes. The one thing that people don’t know…I wish I could’ve played sports competitively, in college, and I would have done it more here at Belen, that’s one of the greatest regrets that I have.

AO: Final question: If there is something that you could mention to a general Alumni base to let them know, ‘come back to Belen’, ‘get engaged’, etc. what would it be?

DQ: My message is very simple. Everything that we are doing here right now, not just right now, but everything that we do here is always about the kids first. The students are the focal point of every single aspect of what Belen is. That’s the key and even when the changes were made the focus was always the students and everything that I do, the focus has to be the student. If the student is not the focus, then I’m not doing my job.

AO: Thank you very much!

By: Rev. Pedro A. Suarez, S.J. ‘58

On May 20, 2009, anniversary of Cuba’s Independence, a Wall of Martyrs to honor all those Jesuit alumni who gave up their lives for a higher cause was dedicated on the second floor of the Administrative Building at Belen. The Wall was conceived by several alumni, spearheaded and carefully executed by Mr. Alejandro Maderal ‘60. Several alumni read their narratives about the martyrs, many of them their Belen classmates: Byron Miguel, Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J., Dr. Lino Fernández, José Miguel González Llorente and Fr. Pedro Suárez, S.J. Fr. Francisco Pérez Lerena, S.J., Superior of the Miami Jesuit community, gave the blessing.

Two of the seven medical students unjustly executed in Havana in 1871 are among the honored alumni. A number of Jesuits and Belen employees also died as martyrs of science in the early 20th century when they let themselves be bitten by a mosquito (Aedes Aegypti) suspected of being the carrier of yellow fever. The Wall also remembers the 1958 martyrs of Guajaibón, Pinar del Rio, and others who died in the fight against communism in the 1960s and 70s. A martyr of charity was the 22-year old Jesuit seminarian Eugenio Batista, who gave up his life trying to save a companion during a fire in the woods adjacent to the Jesuit seminary in Los Teques, Venezuela.

Wall of Martyrs

The Wall is considered a “work in progress”, since we may discover more martyrs than we now know. A list of those who are honored at the Wall includes the following:

Carlos de la Torre, 1870

Eladio González, 1870

Jorge Fundora Hernández ’45

José Luis Carballo ‘48

Rogelio González Corzo ’51

Antonino Díaz Pou ’54

Jorge Jones ’54

Javier Calvo Formoso ’55

Pedro Hoyos DuBouchet ‘55

José Ignacio (Nacho) Martí -Dolores’56, Miguel Díaz Infante - Dolores’56

Julián Martínez Inclán ’57

Ramon Cubeñas Conde, ’58

Eugenio Batista Gastón S.J. ‘60

Roberto Anta Hernández ’61 / ’62

Juan Felipe de la Cruz ’62

Association News

2009 Spring Delegates Meeting

On Sunday, March 1, 2009, the Alumni Association held its 4th Annual Delegate Meeting and Election. Fr. Pedro Suarez, SJ ‘58 spoke to the Alumni Delegates on the “State of the School”. Andres Jimenez ‘60, Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ‘73, Carlos Batlle ‘80, Hector FormosoMurias ‘82, Raul Cardona ‘85, Ricardo Martinez-Cid ‘94, and Carlos Trujillo ‘01 were elected to the Alumni Board of Directors for two-year terms.

Pictured clockwise starting from top left:

Alumni President Jorge Hernandez-Toraño ‘75 administers the oath of office to the newly elected board member - Ricardo Martinez-Cid ‘94, Carlos Batlle ‘80, Carlos Trujillo ‘01, Hector Formoso-Murias ‘82, and Andres Jimenez ‘60. Jorge HernandezToraño. The alumni delegates vote to approve a motion on the floor.

Election & Meetings

The Belen Alumni Lawyers’ Section held it’s 2nd Annual General Meeting on February 26, 2009. Mr. Tony Castro ‘86, BALS Executive Committee Chair, presided over the meeting, in which nearly 70 BALS members were in attendance. Mr. Braulio Baez ‘82 and Mr. Demetrio Perez ‘94 were elected to the Section’s Executive Committee.

Pictured clockwise starting from top left:

Henry Bell ‘87, Manny Garcia-Linares ‘87, and Demetrio Perez ‘94. Jorge Lopez ‘91, Carlos Batlle ‘80, and Robert Perez ‘91. Jorge Hernandez-Toraño ‘75 and Frank Quintero ‘76. Jorge Riera ‘82, Braulio Baez ‘82, and Hector Formoso-Murias ‘82.

Association News

The Belen Tombola, benefiting Belen’s Scholarship Fund was attended by over 5,000 people on February 27th, 28th, and March 1st, 2009. The Annual festival included rides, game booths, an arts and crafts bazaar, and tons of food, from fritas cubanas to hotdogs. The 2010 Tombola is scheduled for February 26th through the 28th. Hope to see you there!

Pictured clockwise starting from top left:

Mr. Eugene Zoller with parent volunteers at his classroom’s “Pan Con Lechon” booth, Belen students enjoying themselves at the Tombola, Mr. Juan Luis Flores ‘70, making another batch of his frozen mojitos.

Mr. Tom Gjelten, a veteran correspondent for National Public Radio, kicked off his South Florida book tour, promoting his newest work, “Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba”: The Biography of a Cause, at Belen’s Roca Theater on September 15, 2008. The event, co-presented by Friends of WLRN and Books and Books, was taped by C-SPAN 2’s Book TV.

Pictured clockwise starting from top left:

Fr. Marcelino Garcia SJ, Author Tom Gjelten, Rick Raimúndez ‘90, Tom Gjelten discussing his book with Hector and Lupe Ortiz. Mr. Tom Gjelten.

On Saturday, May 30, 2009, 10 different teams, made up of Belen Alumni and Friends, competed in the Fourth Annual “Rip it Up” 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. The annual competition benefits the Father Ripoll Scholarship Fund, originally created by the Class of 1985.

Pictured clockwise starting from top left:

JC Daire ‘91, Jorge Lopez ‘91, Albert Daire ‘85, and Alex Daire ‘86. Members of the Class of 1989 catching a breather in between games. Jose Roca ‘84 keeps his eye on the ball while on defense.

2009 Belen Sports Hall of Fame

2009 Belen Sports Hall of Fame

Curso de 1954 55 Aniversario

Curso de 1954 55

Curso de 1959 50 Aniversario

Curso de 1959 50 Aniversario

Curso de 1959 50 Aniversario

Curso de 1959 50 Aniversario

Curso de 1959 50 Aniversario

Susan

Curso de 1959 50 Aniversario

Colegio Dolores Reunion Anual

Colegio Dolores Reunion Anual

Colegio Dolores Reunion Anual

Class of 1989 20-Year Reunion

Class of 1989 20-Year Reunion

Members of the Class of 1989

Class of 1999 10-Year Reunion

Calamari - August 15, 2009

Belen Jesuit - August 16, 2009

Class of 2008 1-Year Reunion

Class of 2008 1-Year Reunion

Commencement 2009

Taken from Echos 2009 : By Gregory Jalil & Victor Velazquez

All of the hard work and dedication finally paid off. With a grand total of 166 seniors, the 2009 graduating class made their way to the James L. Knight Center to receive what they had been waiting for: their diploma. For the past seven years, the faculty and staff of the school has worked hard to teach them all about being men for others, and from that day forward, it was up to the graduates to take the motto with them.

Father Pedro Cartaya, SJ started off the commencement exercises with a very emotional prayer. Immediately after, the class salutatorian Eric Donado gave the first speech in which he talked about how the school had changed him over the years. Donado mentioned his most memorable experiences and pointed out the most impressionable sights, sounds, and smells throughout the school.

School Principal Father Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon, SJ presided as Master of Ceremony, while President Father Pedro Suarez, SJ handed diplomas.

“I think it’s a wonderful experience to hand the graduated seniors their diplomas and to watch them make their departure,” said Father Suarez.

Later, guest speaker Dr. Modesto Maidique, President of FIU, talked about education as the most important gift a student could receive. He also mentioned examples of memorable commencement speeches and some not so memorable.

“Graduation was an unforgettable experience that I’ll carry for the rest of my life, said senior Roberto Grimal.

After the diplomas were handed out, it was time to present the special awards. Father Willie presented the Senior of the Year award to Eric Donado. Father Cartaya, the school Chaplain, presented the Archbishop Award to Fernando Machado. Michael Martinez received the prestigious JSEA Award.

Just in time for the closing, Valedictorian David Busse gave a speech in which he briefly explained the privilege of graduating from this institution.

After the ceremony ended, all the seniors, faculty, family and friends headed out to the celebration dinner.

“I will never forget what happened here, but I still look forward to the future,” said senior Alexandre Villanueva.

Belen Jesuit’s Newest State Champions

WATER POLO

Team Record: 28-0, State Champions, District Champions, 1st Place - Gulliver, Winter Park, and DeSmet Tournaments

Coaches: Osvaldo Garcia and Luis Martinez

Individual Highlights: 1st Team AllCounty - Julio Lopez ‘09, Juan Lopez ‘09, Jake Bakas ‘09, and Anthony Lopez ‘10

Program Highlights: Junior Varsity 5-1

The Belen Varsity Water Polo team started the year with the goal of winning a State Championship and going undefeated. After five years of hard work, the Wolverines combined a group of experienced players with other younger players to achieve the goal of becoming State Champs and going undefeated 28-0. The Belen Team was led by the charge of Team Captain J.C Lopez, and the starters Jake Bakas, Juan Lopez, Anthony Lopez, Gaspar Barreto, Will Johnson, Mario Carcamo and goalies Carlos Basnuevo and Caki Padron.

The players Herzen Cortes, Jake Guso, Anthony Kanelidis, John Amy, Matias Galliano, Rick Herrera, and Jonathan Perez when called upon were there to play and help the team reach its goal of continuing to win with no losses.

The Belen Water Polo Team played as a team and everyone helped and contributed. Belen went to Missouri to compete in the DeSmet Jesuit Water Polo Invitational before Districts. The finals could not ask for a better game for the state of Missouri matching Belen vs St. Louis University High School with a 76 game winning streak and no losses in 4 years. Considered by many in Missouri as the best game in 10 years. Belen ended SLU High School’s streak with a 14-10 Victory.

The team had some setbacks having lost its starting goalie 4 days prior to the District Tournament, not to worry as Caki Padron answered the call and helped Belen defeat Ransom 16-4. Next came the Regional game vs Columbus which proved to be a tough game, as luck would have it our second goalie dislocated his thumb during the game, but the Wolverines prevailed to secure the win and their first trip to the State Tournament. In the State quarter-final game Caki had his hand all taped up and after falling behind early in the game, a staunch defense helped Belen defeat Gulliver 19-9. Next came Hialeah in the semi-finals which Belen went on to win. The final match was set and it was Belen vs Winter Park, who had been to the State Finals for two consecutive years, only to lose to Ransom and Gulliver. This time it was Belen. The game was close at one point by 2 goals but Belen was too much for the Wildcats and went on to win 13-10.

The future of Belen Water Polo looks very good and a group of young talent remains along with some veteran players. The outlook looks promising as Water Polo looks to be a premier sport at Belen.

Scorebook

Belen Jesuit Athletics Spring 2009

BASEBALL

Team Record: 20-10-1, District Champions

Coaches: Tony Meilian, Andy Blanco, Gil Meilian, Pepe Santamarina, Gabriel Hernandez, Enrique Hernandez ‘05, Matthew Maranges ‘04, and Daniel Rojas ‘03

CROSS COUNTRY

Program Highlights: Junior Varsity 7-11, Junior High Gold 17-0-1 (ACC Champions), Junior High Blue 8-5-1, 6th Grade 14-3-1 (ACC Champions)

CREW

Coaches: Dawn Scott-Viyella, Edgardo Carranza, and Roberto Ruiz

Program Highlights: Freshmen Eight, Undefeated Season - State Gold Medalists (Third Consecutive Championship) and Freshmen Four - State Silver Medalists

LACROSSE

Team Record: 0-5, Inaugural Year

Coaches: John Okunski, Peter Cabrera, Alex Estevan, and Roger Lara

ROLLER HOCKEY

Team Record: 6-5

Coaches: Ski Aguad, Frank Diaz, and Gilbert Ocampo

Program Highlights: Junior High 9-2, Division 1 Runner-Up

VOLLEYBALL

Team Record: 12-7

Coaches: Juan David Zapata, Christopher Cruz ‘08, and Giovanni Rodriguez ‘08

Program Highlights: Junior Varsity 9-8, Jr. High 8-2

Belen Jesuit Athletics Spring 2009

TRACK AND FIELD

Team Record: 18-0, District Champions

Coaches: Victor Arrieta ‘95, Carlos Barquin, Joey Scott, Tammy Foster, Tina King, and Frankie Ruiz ‘96

Individual Highlights: Brix Gomez ‘10 3rd Place in States in the 300 M Hurdles

New School Records: Discus - Andy Rodriguez ‘09 (154-8), Long Jump - Javier Rodriguez ‘11 (22-10) and 4x100 Meters - Javier Ayo ‘10, Pablo Alvarez ‘10, Javier Rodriguez, and Nic Platt ‘10 (42.26)

Alejandro Chediak ‘22

Jaime Parladé ‘31

Raúl Rosell ‘32

Jose L. Hernández-Gelpi ‘33

Jorge Galbán ‘35

Jose Artime ‘36

Milestones

In Memoriam - Alumni

Adolfo Ponce de León ‘39

Luis Montes ‘40

Jorge Wejebe ‘41

Manuel Diaz ‘44

Jorge Sarallegui ‘44

Santos Bernal ‘45

Jose A. Ortega ‘47

Fermin Seijido ‘48

Florentino Dominguez ‘49

Jorge Descamps ‘55

Miguel Figueroa ‘57

Pedro Alvarez Tabio ‘58

Ricardo J. Nieva ‘58

Pedro Fariñas ‘59

Rene Gutiérrez ‘59

Guillermo Sowers ‘60

León Argamasilla ‘62

David Jongh (Dolores)

In Memoriam - Family and Friends of Alumni & the Association

Ana Fernández-Rocha, mother of Luis ‘56, Carlos ‘64 and grandmother of Luis ‘82 Fernández-Rocha

Tina Suarez, sister of Father Pedro Suárez, SJ ‘58

Segunda Fernández, mother of Fernando Fernández León ‘58

Births

Henry Triana III, born to Henry ‘90 and Lula Triana

Alexa, born to Alejandro and Jennifer Jacomino, Belen Teacher

Matthew Guillermo, born to Javier G. ‘94 and Lourdes González

Rafael, born to Rafael ‘87 and Barbara Anrrich

Quinn Thomas, born to Thomas ‘84 and Daisy González-Diego

Bennett Hartley Cuesta, born to Roberto ‘87 and Julie Cuesta

Baptisms

Rafael Anrrich, son of Rafael ‘87 and Barbara Anrrich

Bennett Hartley Cuesta, son of Roberto ‘87 and Julie Cuesta

Trevor Jimenez, son of Gabriel ‘91 and Theresa Jimenez, grandson of Beatriz Jimenez Belen Assistant Principal

Sebastian Caraballo, son of Leonardo ‘93 and Teresita Caraballo

Dominic and Daniel Espinosa, sons of Daniel ‘00 and Davilé Espinosa

Weddings

Rick Carmona ‘92 and Tomasita D. Crowell

Gabriel Morán ‘95 and Rocio Illescas

Jose I. Fernández ‘99 and Martha Mora

Roberto Colón ‘04 and Jacqueline Diaz

Jan Paul Erkelens ‘04 and Alexis Mercado

Alumni News & Notes

¡ Congratulations - Felicidades !

• Manny Lamarre ‘05 was featured in the Wittenberg University magazine. He graduated cum laude with a degree in political science.

• Jorge Cela, S.J. ‘59 has been named Superior of the Jesuits in Cuba. He recently celebrated his 50 years as a Jesuit priest.

• Santiago Tefel ‘03 was named “Nashville’s top 30 under 30” best young professionals by the city of Nashville and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

• Rick Carmona ‘92 opened the Carmona Law Firm P.A.

• Mark Rosenberg, president of FIU, mentioned Anthony Figueroa ‘09 as an exemplary freshman.

• Cesar Conde ‘91 was named Univision’s Network President and Chief Operating Officer.

• Raul E. Ordoñez ‘05 graduated from Swarthmore College and received the Tim Berman Award, presented annually to the senior who best combines qualities of scholarship, athletic skill, artistic sensitivity, respect from and influence on peers, courage and sustained commitment to excellence. Por favor pongan al dia a la oficina de Antiguos Alumnos con noticias de Uds. y de sus familias.

Please make sure to update the Alumni Office with news from you and your family.

Contact: via Phone: 786.621.4667 or via E-mail: alumni@belenjesuit.org

Contactar: por Teléfono: 786.621.4667 o por Correo Electrónico: alumni@belenjesuit.org

Belen Alumni Association of Jesuit Schools from Cuba and Miami Alumni Office

500 Southwest 127 Avenue

Miami, Florida 33184

The Alumni Association congratulates the Class of 1959 on their 50th Anniversary

¿Tienes algún Ecos o Vincam de Belén? Do you have an old Echoes or Vincam from Belen?

La Oficina de Antiguos Alumnos necesita aumentar nuestros archivos de material de Belen de Cuba y de Miami. Por favor ponte en contacto con nosotros si quieres donar o prestar algo que podamos usar y despues devolverte.

Telefono: 786.621.4667 o Correo Electrónico: alumni@belenjesuit.org

The Alumni Office needs your help to continue to grow our archives of Belen material from Cuba and Miami. Please contact us with anything you would be willing to donate or lend to the Association to reproduce and return.

Phone: 786.621.4667 or E-mail: alumni@belenjesuit.org