Belen Jesuit Magazine | Summer 2014

Belen Jesuit

Alumni mAgAzine

Basketball Legacy

MESSAGE FROM THE

DIRECTOR OF THE ASSOCIATION

Dear Alumni,

As the 2013-2014 school year has ended we welcome into our Alumni family 222 recently graduated young men. I congratulate them on this accomplishment and wish them well as they represent our Alma Mater at the collegiate level. Looking back over the years, I remember my time as a student, administrator, coach and now director of the Alumni Association and I am proud of the evolution and growth of this Alumni Magazine. This year we celebrate a milestone, 50 years in publication! In 2011, we updated the format and joined efforts with the communication & multimedia classes to include student reporters working with alumni. This joint effort has led to a fruitful and positive relationship between students and the Alumni Association.

Every year we strive to be better than the last and this year was certainly no exception. In January, we celebrated the basketball legacy of our school tracing its roots back to the 1920’s with a special Basketball Legacy Reunion. More than 250 players, coaches and friends of the program came to the campus to support our JV and Varsity teams’ games against Westminster Christian and then enjoyed a delicious dinner.

Also in January, after 10 months of construction, the northwest lot of Belen Jesuit was transformed into a beautiful new practice field featuring an artificial turf. The 3-acre practice field was named the Hernandez Family Field after the donors whose great generosity helped finance the construction of the new athletic facility. The Hernandez family, made up of three alumni, Rudy Hernandez ‘93, Danny Hernandez ‘97, and Greg Hernandez ‘04, maintain the legacy of other alumni by giving back to our school.

In a beautiful representation of our school motto, “men for others” members of the class of 1987 traveled to Dajabon, Dominican Republic to build an outdoor basketball court and athletic facility for the local community. Stories like this make me proud and hope that they inspire others to do similar acts of kindness.

As a sign of growth from within our Association we have expanded our sections by adding BASH, (Belen Alumni Section of Health Care), and ACRES, (Architecture, Construction, Real Estate, Engineering Section). With the inclusion of these two sections, we now have five specialized areas for professionals to get involved in and network. I encourage you to get involved if you haven’t already and get to know your Belen colleagues.

In the last 3 years, the Alumni Association contributions have steadily grown. This growth can be attributed to the work of the class delegates. But more can be done! For those who haven’t had a chance to renew their membership please take a moment to complete the enclosed Alumni Association form and mail it with the provided envelope. Make sure to update your information if necessary. Together we can accomplish much for our community and school, but it can only be done if we work as one.

A shining light in the Alumni Association has been the wonderful work of Pablo Carreño ’42 as the comptroller. After decades of service, he is passing on the torch to Ronnie Ramos ’58. I personally would like to thank Pablo for his infinite wisdom and passion for Belen.

As I conclude this message, I leave you with a wonderful announcement. Fr. Pedro Cartaya, SJ ’ 54 was named chaplain of the Alumni Association after being recommended by the Alumni Association Board of Directors and approved by the local superior of the Jesuits, Fr. Pedro Suarez, SJ’ 58.

May Our Lady of Belen always watch over us,

Mariano Loret de Mola '58 Director of the Belen Alumni Association

ALUMNI MAGAZINE belen jesuit

Fr. Pedro Suarez, SJ ‘58 Belen Jesuit School President

Fr. Ernesto Fernandez-Travieso, SJ Vice-President and Editor-in-Chief

Mariano Loret de Mola ‘58 Alumni Association

Roberto Borbolla ’56 Alumni Content Editor

Martinez

of Communications

Collins

Jesuit

Carlos Batlle ’80 – President Antonio Castro ’86 – Vice President

L. J. Rodriguez ’93 – Treasurer

Jose A. Garrido III ’99 – Secretary

Antonio Abella ’59 Tomas Pla ’00

Rober to Colon ’04 Alvaro Cosculluela ’61

Hector Formoso-Murias ’82 Jose A. Garrido, Jr. ’72

Alberto Gutierrez ’88 Reinaldo Ramos ’58

Peter Montadas ’76 Crescencio Ruiz ’76

Francisco "Paco" Ruiz ’73

Fr. Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, SJ ‘40 - Spiritual Director

Fr. Pedro Cartaya, SJ ‘54 - Alumni Association Chaplain

BELEN JESUIT ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published biannually. Circulation: 6,000

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: 786.621.4674 Fax: 786.621.4662 E-mail: alumni@belenjesuit.org

L – NO. 1

On the cover: Nicholas Iparraguirre '14 playing at the University of Miami Bank United Center.

Photo credits: Carlos Jimenez '15 (Echoes Editor)

community

By: Michael Chang ‘14 Echoes Editor

• Mother and son day took place February 22nd. On this day, the sophomores and their mothers had the chance to get closer to each other through a night of fun. The event consisted of dinner and dancing in the school gym.

• On March 22nd and 23rd, the seniors came together as a class and had a bonding experience in the annual senior encounter. During senior encounter, students spent the night in school building relationships, getting closer to each other, and getting closer to God. The experience was like no other, and will be ingrained in the minds of all the seniors who attended.

• During the school's Easter break, members of the senior class went on a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru. The trip lasted from April 21st through April 25th and served as an experience for the students to witness the culture of the people of Peru up close. The trip was led by Latin American History teachers Dr. John Gustavsen , Thomas de Quesada '94 and Dr. Roberto Artiz.

• On April 11th the seniors attended Grad Bash in Universal Studios, Orlando. Grad Bash is an event for seniors all around the nation to enjoy themselves at this thrill park that opened only for the upcoming graduates.

• Gradventure occurred May 9th at Universal Studios in Orlando. Gradventure, much like Grad Bash, catered to the class of 2018 which is considered the senior class of the middle school.

• The eighth graders received their pins May 8th in the school gym. The pin ceremony marks the end of their time as eighth graders and the beginning of their high school career.

• The eighth grade dance took place May 2nd in the school gym. The eighth grade dance was a night of fun, music, and dancing for the incoming high schoolers and their dates.

• A reunion of the participants of the AGAPE program took place in mid December in the home of Tony Cabrera. Previous and current participants, as well as their sponsors, got together to celebrate the success of this program.

Students, alumni, and teachers gather for a reunion of the participants of the

• In preparation for the Holy Week, a group of students came together and performed the living stations of the cross in the central patio April 15th. Under the direct supervision of theology teacher Ms. Sylvia Davalos, members of the community were able to relive the last moments in the life of Our Savior.

• Ignatian Week took place from March 10th through March 14th. During Ignatian Week, the school reflected on the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Society of Jesus by decorating the school with posters and having presentations in all the classes. The culminating event took place the evening of March 12 when the community gathered in the central patio to commemorate the life and legacy of St. Ignatius.

• On March 15th the Jazz band took part in the annual trip to Disney World, Orlando for The Festival Disney Music Competition. This competition included bands from all around the nation. The jazz band, under the guidance of Ms. Marlene Urbay, finished with the score of 89.8, which is equivalent to a rating of excellent.

Senior Prom was held in the Trump Doral Hotel on the evening of May 17th. Over 200 seniors escorted their dates to this event which started at 8 pm and ended at midnight. The theme of this unforgettable night was Music Festival.

• On May 21st the seniors had their final mass as a class at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. At the beginning of the mass the seniors walked in with their mothers. The baccalaureate mass was the last event for the seniors before their graduation.

Father Izquierdo Golf Tournament

For the last 15 years we have assembled on the green to remember and honor our beloved Father Jose Maria Izquierdo, SJ by participating in this annual gathering. This year was no exception, the Fr. Izquierdo Memorial Golf Tournament was held on January 24, 2014 at the International Links Miami Melreese Country Club with 136 golfers participating.

The mission of this tournament is clear, to raise funds for the Belen Scholarship Program. Every year the scholarship fund provides financial aid to over 300 students; distributing in excess of $1.8 million annually. Thanks to your past cooperation, this tournament has funded over 100 scholarships providing young men in our community a chance to attend Belen Jesuit.

We thank our presenting sponsor AA Uniform and all our sponsors for their support!

ACADEMICS

GRADUATION AW ARDS

MarlonSeijo

Valedictorian

Diego Guimaraes-Blandon

Salutatorian

Peter Kiliddjian

Gerard M. Hopkins, SJ English

Maxwell Goldberg

St. Francis Xavier, SJ Scholar Athlete

Jonathan Alvarez outstanding Senior of the year

Jonathan Amaro-Barron

Andrea Pozzo, SJ Humanities

Anthony Defurio

Pierre T. de Chardin, SJ Science

Alexander Cabrera JSEA

Lorenzo Guio

Christopher Clavius, SJ Mathematics

John Ukenye

John Carroll, SJ Social Studies

Javier Herrera archbishop award

Cabrera

Jose Rubinos, SJ Modern Languages

Oscar Martinez

Karl Rahner, SJ Theology

Andres Abate: University of Central Florida

Carlos Acevedo: Tulane University

NEWS Where Are They Going

Alexander Adams: Tallahassee Community College

Thomas Ahearn: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Andrew Ahrens: Loyola University New Orleans

Adrian Alepuz: Cornell University

Andreas Alvarez: Florida State University

David Alvarez: Wake Forest University

Henry Alvarez: Santa Fe College

Jonathan Alvarez: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Honors College

Jonathan Amaro-Barron: Vanderbilt University

Bryant Aristy: Boston University

Patrick Arrojo: Miami Dade College

Eric Artigues: Florida Gulf Coast University

Christian Ayala: Butler University

Julian Balboa: Florida International University

Christian Barrial: Santa Fe College

Andres Barrios: Wake Forest University

Ethan Bauer: University of Florida

Joseph Beguiristain: Rollins College

Henry Benitez: Miami Dade College

Nicholas Berenguer: Loyola University New Orleans

Andrew Bernal: Florida International University Honors College

Ivan Botero: Florida International University

Robert Brown: Miami Dade College

Esteban Bruna: Florida International University

Matias Buedo: University of Miami

Nicholas Bustamante: Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Adrian Cabrera: University of Maryland, College Park

Alexander Cabrera: University of Maine

Gabriel Cabrera: Florida International University

Daniel Cairo: Florida State University

Anthony Calvo: University of Notre Dame

Nicholas Cambo: University of Miami

Juan Carlos Campuzano II: New York University

William Candela: Wake Forest University

Eric Castellanos: University of Notre Dame

Michael Castellanos: University of Miami

Daniel Cendan: Florida International University

Vincent Cendan: University of Miami Honors Program

Michael Chang: Miami Dade College

Giovanni Cintron: Florida Gulf Coast University

Eduardo Coloma: Auburn University

Daniel Concepcion: Santa Fe College

Alejandro Cortes: Santa Fe College

Eugenio Cosculluela: Tulane University

Leonardo Cosio: Florida International University Honors College

Jessie Cotton: Miami Dade Honors College

Raul Cruz: Miami Dade College

Kevin Cuellar: Florida International University

Alexander Davila-Wollheim: University of Central Florida

Peter De Armas: Loyola University New Orleans Honors Program

Agustin de la Guardia: Marquette University

Robert De la Hoz: The University of Alabama

Tao de Landaburu: Miami Dade College

Boleck De Pawlikowski: East Carolina University

Andres de Varona: Indiana University at Bloomington

Anthony DeFurio: Johns Hopkins University

Andre Deshon: Miami Dade College

John Diaz-Silveira: Wake Forest University

Michael Diaz-Silveira: Lees-McRae College

Santiago Dipilla: Northeastern University

Eliah Dominguez: Loyola University Maryland

David Dukenik: Loyola University Maryland

Dylan Echevarria: University of Miami

Derek Escarra: Tallahassee Community College

Andres Fernandez: American University

Andres Fernandez: Washington University in St. Louis

Eddy Fernandez: Florida Polytechnic University

Jorge Fleites: Florida International University

Jack Flood: Coastal Carolina University

Carlos Frisbee: Florida International University

Roberto Gallinar: The Ohio State University

James Garcia: Florida International University

Juan Garcia: Dartmouth College

Alejandro Gaston: Loyola University New Orleans

Gabriel Gaviria: Florida International University

Maxwell Goldberg: Cornell University

Pedro Gomez-Faccio: St. Andrews University

Alejandro Gonzalez: DePaul University

Diego Gonzalez: Florida State University

Javier Gonzalez: University of Miami

Jorge Gonzalez: Johns Hopkins University

Osiel Gonzalez: Miami Dade College

Adrian Gonzalez-Camps: Florida International University

Marcus Gonzalez-Jacobo: Florida International University

Julian Guerra: Auburn University

David Guevara: Florida International University

Diego Guimaraes-Blandon: Williams College

Lorenzo Guio: University of Chicago

Armando Hassun: University of Miami

Albert Hermida: Villanova University

Alejandro Hernandez-Cabal: Florida International University Honors College

Javier Herrera: Marymount University

Jonathan Herrera: The Ohio State University

Brandon Hevia: Florida International University

David Hondal: Florida International University

Alistair Humphreys: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Benjamin Incera: Williams College

Nicolas Iparraguirre: Washington University in St. Louis

Alexander Isaac: Florida International University

Michael Jasman: Florida International University

Sebastian Jimenez: New York University

Peter Kiliddjian: Miami Dade Honors College

Mark Lagunas: University of Florida

Rene Lamar: Florida State University

Kevin Lastres: Miami Dade College

Domingo Leos: University of Dallas

Antonio Linares: University of Miami

Marcos Llobell: Florida International University

Simon Londono: Florida International University Honors College

Gabriel Lopez: Spring Hill College

Manuel Lopez: The University of Tampa

Guillermo Lopez-Castro: Southern Methodist University

Nicholas Lorenzo: University of Miami Frost School of Music

William Lorenzo: Santa Fe College

Andres Loret de Mola: Wake Forest University

Michael Loven: New York University Stern School of Business

Reynaldo Madiedo: New York University

Michael Magoulas: Florida State University

Michael Marina: University of Florida

Cristian Marquez: Florida International University

Anthony Martin: Florida International University

Christopher Martin: University of Pennsylvania

Lantz Martin: Florida International University

Oscar Martinez: University of Chicago

Paul Martinez: Florida State University

Gabriel Martinez-Varela: University of Dallas

Omar Masri: Georgia Institute of Technology

Samuel Maya: Miami Dade College

John Medina: Trinity College

Alvaro Mejer: University of Florida

Carlos Mencio: University of Miami

Alexander Mertz: University of Florida

George Michel: University of Miami

Xavier Michelena: University of Central Florida

Jason Miranda: Loyola University New Orleans

Daniel Neptune: Bentley University

Nicholas Novo: Tallahassee Community College

Alejandro Novoa: Florida State University

Gabriel Nunez: University of Miami

Christian Ortega: Florida International University

Pedro Ortega: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

William Pallissery: University of Florida

Julio Palomera: Florida State University

Jorge Paoli-Torres: Florida International University

Gabriel Parada: Santa Fe College

Kevin Pascual: University of Florida

Jordi Fernandez: Santa Fe College

Matthew Fernandez: Wake Forest University

Nicholas Fernandez: University of Maryland, College Park

Justin Ferrer: Dartmouth College

Jorge Figueras: University of Florida

Richard Moncada: Florida International University

Ricardo Montalvan: Florida International University

Kevin Montiel: Florida State University

Sebastian Munoz: University of Central Florida

Juan Naranjo: Florida State University

Alexander Navarro: Florida International University

Matthew Pastor: Florida International University Honors College

Jonathan Pereyra: University of Florida

Andres Perez: Case Western Reserve University

Christian Perez: Florida International University Honors College

Daniel Perez: Florida International University

Michael Perez: University of Southern California

Nicolas Perez: Miami Dade Honors College

Pablo Perez: Florida State University

Juan Perez-Costa: West Virginia University

Antonio Permuy: The Catholic University of America

Jorge Pola: The Catholic University of America

Alejandro Portela: Spring Hill College

Genaro Poulat: Boston College

Jorge Powell: University of Florida

David Prida: University of Florida Honors Program

Alfredo Quiroga: University of Central Florida

Daniel Ramirez: Syracuse University

Carlos Ramos: Emmanuel College

Jorge Reyes: The Catholic University of America

Christian Roatta: The George Washington University

Adolfo Rodriguez: Miami Dade College

Bryan Rodriguez: Wake Forest University

Hector Rodriguez: Florida State University

Juan Rodriguez: Florida Polytechnic University

Ryan Rodriguez-Mena: University of Miami

Christian Rondon: Florida Atlantic University

Ralph Rosa: Miami Dade College

Carlos Rosell: Loyola University New Orleans

Omar Rosete: University of Florida

Michael Ruiz: Florida International University

Guillermo Saade: Florida International University

Mark Saavedra: Florida International University

Carlos Salazar: Florida International University

Christian Salinas: Miami Dade Honors College

Richard Salinas: Florida International University

Sergio Sanchez: Florida State University

JoseVicente Sanchis: Spring Hill College

Michael Sayman: University of Rochester

Jonathan Schultz: Davidson College

Marlon Seijo: Harvard College

Kristopher Serrate: Miami Dade College

Ryan Sigler: Miami Dade College

Jose Sirven: University of Miami

Patrick Siu: Florida Gulf Coast University

Jose Smith: Florida State University

Steven Solis: University of Central Florida

Richard Sotolongo: Florida International University

Andre Suarez: Florida Gulf Coast University

Eduardo Tamborrel: University of Miami

Fabian Tomas: University of Portland

Miguel Torres de Navarra: The Catholic University of America

Daniel Ugas: Florida Institute of Technology

John Ukenye: Florida International University

Brian Valiente: Tallahassee Community College

Robert VanScoy: Florida International University

Ignacio Vargas: Miami Dade College

Santiago Vidal: Boston University

Oscar Vila: Boston College

David Villa: Florida International University

Alejandro Villasmil: University of Pennsylvania

James Williams: University of Miami

Lucas-Paulo Yubero: Florida Atlantic University

Miguel Zaldivar-Giuffredi: University of Pennsylvania Huntsman Program

By: Carlos Jimenez ‘15 Echoes Editor

ATHLETICS

• The Varsity basketball team had a strong season with a 15-13 record. They are going to work hard in the offseason to be ready for next year's team.

• The Junior Varsity basketball team only lost one game during the regular season. Their hard-work and dedication gave them the results they wanted. Hopefully some of their talent will make it to varsity next year.

• The Freshman (19-4), Middle School Gold (28-1), Middle School Blue (17-10), and undefeated sixth grade teams showed their promise this year. They practiced daily and will continue to do better in the future as they move on to new levels.

• The Varsity tennis team had a tough season, but will continue to work hard for next year. There was a lot of growth individually.

• The Middle School tennis' short season led them to win two tournaments, tie one, and lose one.

• The Varsity soccer team had a strong season with a 17-2-3 record. They lost against Ft. Lauderdale in the Regional Championship Finals.

• The JV soccer team had some tough opponents this season, but put some wins on the board. They will continue to practice in the offseason to get better and reinforce the Varsity team with some new players.

• Both Middle School Gold and Blue teams won most of their games this season losing only a total of three games. Many individuals stepped up on each team and helped the team make some goals needed to win.

• The Varsity volleyball team had a great season, winning some important tournaments needed to make it to districts. They finished the season on a good note and soon after began to get ready for next year.

• The JV volleyball team had a strong season with a 12-2 record. They showed their hard work to possibly make it to the varsity team next season.

• The Varsity baseball team had a surprising season, as they made it to the Regionals as a dominating team. They unfortunately lost at the regional level.

• The JV baseball team had an okay season beating some great opponents. They ended the season with a 12-9 record, demonstrating their hard work and dedication.

• The Freshman baseball team had a strange year only playing nine games and winning six of them. Though they had a short season, they played well and will move up next year to either junior varsity or the varsity team.

• The Middle School Gold (16-2) and Blue (12-6) baseball teams had an intense season. They played well and will continue to work hard for the next season.

• The sixth grade baseball team had an amazing season with a record of 17-2. Being the youngest team in the school, they showed they were strong and a force to reckon with in the near future.

• The Varsity Track and Field team had a good season overall, with a dual meet record of 19-0 . Six of the runners made it to the State Championship where the Wolverines came in 28th place.

• The Middle School Track and Field Team did not have an easy season this year, as they had to battle some strong Catholic schools. Eight team members attended the State Competition in Bradenton Florida.

• The competitive sixth grade track and field team showed that they too could run with the big boys. They had to work diligently in order to beat some of the older kids in the ACC.

• The Varsity lacrosse team had an amazing season with a 12-5 record. They competed in the District Playoffs where they lost.

• The Junior Varsity lacrosse team had an 8-3 season record. They showed their potential for next year 's Varsity level and will continue to practice for next year.

• The Varsity Water Polo team only lost two games this season as they attempted to make another appearance at States. They made it to States, but unfortunately lost at this high level.

• The Crew team received their first medal in the Head of the Charles Regatta, which is the largest high school regatta in the world. They went on to the States competition where they accrued the largest number of gold medals at the event. The team also won overall points in the Men's Scholastic category in Florida.

Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

Javier Garcia-Tuñon, '04

Belen Athlete of the Year (2004), Scholar Athlete of the Year (2004), All-Dade Miami Herald Scholar Athlete (2004)

Track and Field: (1999-2004), 3-Time Captain (2002-2004), 3-Time Team MVP (2002-2004), 2-Time State Champion (110 Hurdles & 300 Hurdles - 2004), Regional Champion (110 Hurdles - 2004), 10 School Records Held At Time of Graduation, All-Dade First Team (110 Hurdles & 300 Hurdles - 2004).

Florida State University, Member of 7 Indoor & Outdoor ACC Championship Teams, Member of 3 NCAA Outdoor Championheip Teams (2006, 2007, & 2008), Individual ACC Champion (2009 – 400mH), 4-time NCAA East Regional Qualifier, 3-time NCAA Outdoor Championship Qualifier, NCAA finalist and All-American (2009 – 400mH), Currently holds 10th fastest time in FSU history (110mH - 13.88) Currently holds 4th fastest time in FSU history (400mH – 49.99), FSU’s first 4-time Academic All-American, 2008-2009 ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Track & Field, FSU Golden Torch Award for varsity athlete with the highest GPA – 20052009, ACC Outdoor Track Co-Performer of the Week (2009 – Week 2), ACC Honor Roll – 2005-2009, FSU President’s List for Academic Achievement for a GPA of 4.00, Fall 2004 - Summer 2008, Outdoor Track & Field All-ACC Team, 2006, 2007 & 2009, Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar Award First Team, 20062009, USA World Championship Trials Qualifier (2009 – 400mH)

Oliver A. Benitez, '96 Football, Track and Field, and Baseball

Football: 3-Year Varsity Letterman (1993-1995) - Quarterback and Defensive Back, Captain (1994 & 1995), 2-Time All-Dade County Team (1994 & 1995), All-State 3rd Team (1995), Team MVP (1995)

Track and Field: 3-Year Varsity Letterman (1994-1996) - Sprinter and Long Jumper, Captain (1996), 2-Time All-Dade County Honorable Mention (1995 & 1996), Graduated with school records in 100M, 200M, and 4x100M, accumulated 10 Career District Championships (7 Individual and 3 Team), Team MVP (1996)

Baseball: 2-Year Varsity Letterman (1995 -1996) - Second Baseman Captain (1996)

Wagner College Varsity Football - Division 1AA (1998-2000) - Wide Receiver / Punt Returner

Track and Field - Division 1 (1998-200) - Sprinter (60M & 200M-Indoor)

Mikel Llanes, '98

Cross Country, Track and Field, and Basketball

Belen Sportsman of the Year (1998),

Cross Country: 6-Year Member of the Cross Country Team, Member of Belen's First State Championship Team (1995), First Team All-Country (1996 & 1997), First Team All-State (1997), Captain (1997)

Track and Field: 7-Year Member of the Track and Field Team

Basketball: 3-Year Letterman (199596, 1996-97, and 1997-98), Captain (1998), Team MVP (1998)

University of Miami Track and Field (1999-2000)

Omelio Sosa Jr., '58

Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, and Track and Field

Belen Athlete of the Year (1958)

Basketball: Starter 1957 & 1958 Team Captain 1958 Leading Scorer 1958

Volleyball: Starter 1956-1958 Undefeated Conference Champion 1958

Swimming: Gold Medalist in 50M Freestyle, 100M Freestyle, 4X50M Medley, 4X50M Freestyle Relay, 4X50M Medley Relay, Track and Field Participant in the Long, Triple, and High Jumps 1956-1958

Camaguey Tennis Club Swim Team Participant 1956-1958 National Champion of the "Union Atletica Amateur"

Oklahoma State University Intramural Swimming and Volleyball

Jeffrey Allan Vivo, '04 Swimming

Belen Athlete of the Year (2003)

Swimming: 6-Time Varsity Letterman (1998-2003), State Champion 100 Freestyle (2003), State Champion 50 Freestyle (2002) School Records held Until 2012, 2-Time High School All-American (2002 and 2003), 2-Time Team MVP (2002 and 2003), 2-Time District Champion 50 Free (2002-2003), 4-Time All-Dade Team Selection (2000-2003), Miami Herald All Dade Swim Team Swimmer Of the Year (2003), Captain (2003)

Louisiana State University (2004-05) Florida State University (2005-06)

If you build it, they will come

By: Jonathan Garcia ‘16 Echoes Editor

Located towards the northwest of the school, a new field now graces the backyard of the campus. The intention of the field was to serve as a practice facility for both the soccer and lacrosse teams, which have expanded tremendously in the past few years.

I t took approximately 10 months to clear the land, get the right permits, and cover it with a state of the art new turf. With time, the area was transformed from an old rundown, empty lot to a brand new sports field. Aside from its official use for the lacrosse and soccer teams, the field also includes a special area for the track and field shot put and discus events, as well as an extension of the cross country course. This means that with this new field, a significantly larger number of students can now practice and train for different sports simultaneously. It also means that the school can host more events throughout the year.

"I t's a blessing for the Athletics Department to have a new field enabled for the lacrosse team. Also for the soccer team to blossom more and adding more green areas where other teams can work out and grow. Needless to say it has been a great addition to the school by turning an area of trash and dump to a beautiful new field. Thanks to the Hernandez Family, alumni Carlos Penin, the Sosa brothers, administration, and many others this field has been made possible," said Athletics Director Carlos Barquin.

The Hernandez Family Field was financed by the generosity of this family that has been a part of the school history for over 20 years. The Hernandez family has had numerous men attend the school including Rudy Hernandez '93, Danny Hernandez '97, Greg Hernandez '04, and current student Adrian Hernandez, who will be graduating in 2017. The family's contribution was based on their wish to help the school community grow, and give the students more resources to improve and work hard for a goal.

"Our family is eternally grateful to Belen and the community it has created. In the effort to show our gratitude, we would like to help with the addition of the Hernandez field. We have created the Hernandez Family Foundation with the intention of giving back to organizations making a difference, and Belen could not be a better place to start," said Rudy Hernandez, '93.

Although the lot is new, the idea of expanding it is not. The lot was acquired by the school back in 2006, but nothing was able to be done to it until the plans for construction were approved by the Miami-Dade County Commission. After the county approval, the neighbors surrounding the area had to approve the project and its use. After numerous meetings and permits, it was just a matter of clearing the land, and laying down the turf for the field. The ground, much like the football field, is made of artificial turf. This not only means that students can practice in a top of the line field, but it also requires minimal maintenance

" This field allows the students to play in a more relaxed and professional environment. The turf is perfect, which means better control and better playing," said Head Coach of soccer Tanger Mendoca. "In eight months we have already developed so much, that we are all bound to see the fruit when these players get to the varsity level."

MAGIS

A FACE

to remember

By: Michael Perez ‘14 Vincam Editor in Chief

Before every surgery, Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez '84 washes his hands slowly and thoroughly. As the water runs over his palm and fingers, he takes a moment of silence and prays. For clarity. For strength. For his team members. And for the ability to treat his patient without hiccups.

“I may not be the most responsible Church-goer, but I call upon my faith every day. My life is a constant Church, a constant prayer, because I always have times of introspection, times to be thankful, times where I’m in need of God and all of the angels and saints,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

Dr. Rodriguez is one of few doctors in the world to have performed a full facial transplant. A graduate of the Belen class of 1984, he first dabbled in the medical field during the summer between his sophomore and junior years of high school, when he worked with his uncle who was a primary care physician in an urgent care center. Strangely enough, before then, he had been

fascinated by the idea of being a doctor but never thought he had the right skill set or commitment necessary to be one.

Dr. Rodriguez was a fairly good student. During his time at Belen, he was a member of the school’s basketball team, and on weekends, he worked a job at a Key Biscayne hotel. He also performed service at Camillus House under the guidance of Father Pedro Cartaya, SJ '54 and Father Eddie Alvarez, SJ '63. He remembers his time at Belen fondly and some of his best friends are those he made while in school.

“I’ve never been around such a unified group of individuals. My class was so cohesive and collaborative. The Jesuit education teaches a certain way of life that you can’t get in other places. It teaches you the ability to work hard and to play hard and to always pay it forward,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

After graduating, Dr. Rodriguez studied at the University of Florida, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in

"By their fruits you will recognize them..." -Matthew 7:16

Neurobiology in 1988. It didn’t stop there, however. He went on to receive a DDS degree from New York University in 1992, and then he earned his MD degree at the Medical College of Virginia in 1999.

He received extensive training in 1997 through his residency at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York , where he pursued oral and maxillofacial surgery. He also completed a general surgery residency in 2001 and a plastic surgery residency in 2003 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In addition, he also completed an International Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship in Taipei, Taiwan in 2004.

“I’ve made a big impact in my field by being able to tie together a number of professions. The fact that I’m a dentist and a physician; an oral surgeon, a plastic surgeon and a microsurgeon. It’s like I’m part of a new field, and it all fits in nicely with the treatment of civilian and war-fighter disfigurement and ultimately facial transplantation," said Dr. Rodriguez.

His goal is to train individuals who can perform these operations without the need for this lengthy training and help establish centers of excellence throughout our nation.

Dr. Rodriguez embraces the Ignatian value of magis every day. In addition to being a professional in numerous fields of medicine, he also serves on several medical boards, writes many articles and books, and he is professor and chair of the department of plastic surgery and director of the institute of reconstructive plastic surgery at the NYU Langone Medical Center. Moreover, he has also participated in a number of medical missions throughout the world, often teaching foreign surgeons how to treat patients from their homeland who have suffered from injuries such as industrial burns or deformities caused by cancer.

Having so many responsibilities, Dr. Rodriguez has learned to be a great manager of time. His mornings start early, and his days end late, with little down time in between waking and sleeping. He works from about 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, performing operations twice a week, evaluating patients once a week and administrating a department twice a week. His weekends are dedicated to catching up on e-mails, writing, making presentations, attending social events, etc.

“Everyday life is about five things that need to occur,

usually all at once. Sometimes, things need to take a backseat, but you always have to go back to them to complete the task,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

Despite being so busy, however, Dr. Rodriguez still takes the time to study each of his cases methodically. As a surgeon, he needs to practice over and over again to make sure he gets it right. When asked about his recent full facial transplant, Dr. Rodriguez was eager to share some of his experience.

“ This kind of surgery is difficult because someone needs to give up their life so another individual can receive one and you also have to make the recipient patient worse before you make them better. It’s something you have to keep in mind when you’re removing the face before putting a new one on because failure is literally not an option… When I realized we had done it, I was gratified, but at the same time, I was also faced with bigger challenges. Would the face survive? Would it reject its new owner?” said Dr. Rodriguez.

Dr. Rodriguez does more than simply answer his call as a doctor. He goes beyond the definition of his job, establishing what he calls a ‘symbiotic’ relationship with his patient. He feels that he receives more from his patients than he gives. He contributes his time not only as a physician but also as a caring human being. He is always looking long term at the future of his patients to make sure that their quality of life is restored.

Truly a prime example of a ‘man for others,’ Dr. Rodriguez is constantly doing the more, that magis that is called for by the Jesuits and instilled in the minds of Belen students throughout their middle and high school careers. His is a path to follow and replicate as his accomplishments and service as a doctor have certainly raised the bar.

Belen Basketball

The Legacy Continues

At Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, basketball is much more than a sport. At Belen, basketball is a microcosm of our daily lives. The practices represent the relentless and continuous effort that is used in improving the human conscience. The games are the challenges that test our dedication and efforts. A victory in the game symbolizes the successful days of life, and a loss refers to our failures. There is never enough time to ponder about the successes or failures, because before long, the next game has arrived. The coaches represent the guardians of our lives; people like our parents who constantly try to steer their children in the right direction. The locker-room represents a home in which the players meet to bond tightly as a family. The fans are there to support us every step of the way; those people who are there for us, even in the worst of days. Each basketball season, new life lessons are learned, new bonds are forged, and lasting memories are made.

Basketball at Belen is the ultimate life experience that remains with its players for eternity. Generation after generation of players, take what they have learned

throughout their basketball careers and apply it to their everyday life. These players know that their coaches can relate, after all, their coaches once walked in their same shoes. Over the years, a certain inadvertent lineage was created comprised of former basketball players who later became Belen basketball coaches themselves. This lineage that was created at this school has a very rich and prosperous legacy, that is still in motion today.

The basketball program dates back to 1926, when Dr. Otilio (Cappy) Campuzano started the basketball legacy at Belen in Havana, Cuba. After the school moved to Miami, basketball became the first sport to be played in the school in its new home in South Florida. Without a gymnasium of their own, the Belen Jesuit Wolverines practiced and actually played their home games in St. Patrick's Gym in Miami Beach. After a rough start in Miami, the Wolverines won their first District Championship in 1967, under the coaching talent of Father Jose Cruz, SJ. After a successful year, in 1967, Father Cruz passed the torch to alumnus Mariano Loret de Mola '58 who coached the team until the end of the 1972 season.

Loret de Mola continued the success sparked by his predecessor, by winning the District Championship in 1968 and also winning the Gulfstream Conference Championship in 1971 and 1972.

" The grounds of the school on 8th street were dominated by a single basketball court with 2 rusted out rims. Most of the time the courts were full. Boys at recess and lunch looking for an opportunity to play. We often played in our school shoes with worn out basketballs that could still bounce on weathered asphalt, ” said John Medina '77.

After the 1972 season, Mr. Bill Woods took over as head coach of the Wolverines, and he coached until 1975. Woods' coaching helped Belen basketball grow a victorious legacy as he led the Wolverines to four winning seasons and victories in the Gulfstream Athletic Conference in the years of 1973 and 1975. After the 1975 season, the coaching title was passed to alumnus Eugenio Ferreiro '68 who took the Wolverines to the next level. Ferreiro was already an experienced coach, as he trained the brand new junior high team from 1967 to 1972. Ferreiro was no stranger to success, as he won 40 games and lost only one in his three-year tenure as the junior high basketball coach. Ferreiro brought this prosperity to the varsity team by winning three District Championships (1977, 1978, and 1982). He also led the team to winning four Gulfstream Conference Championships (19761979) and two Regional Championships (1977 & 1978). In the mid to late 70's, the Wolverines began to really exert their dominance as it kicked off the 1975-1976 season and became the Champions of the LaSalle Christmas Tournament along with the Gulfstream Athletic Conference. The team claimed District runner-ups, and ranked fifth in the State of Florida for the first time in school history.

The following season the Wolverines made more school history by posting an impressive 26-3 record, winning the District Championship, and winning the Regional Championship. All of a sudden, winning became the norm for the Wolverines, as they won the District and Regional Championship the following year. The 1979 season was a rewarding one, as Ferreiro received the Coach of the Year award after leading the Wolverines to district runners-up and another Gulfstream Conference Championship.

“ The dribbling of basketballs created a beat of a culture

at Belen in the 70’s that was unique. The sound of our game could be heard all over Miami. We created a culture of basketball that was unique. We were successful, talented, worked hard and more importantly, we were proud of our heritage. Our teams exceeded the expectations of the humble school that was located on 8th Street,” said Medina '77.

In 1982, Ferreiro passed the coaching torch to one of his own players, alumnus Ruben Marrero '75. Marrero had previously been the head coach of the junior varsity team since 1975. Marrero maintained the level of winning excellence, as he was very successful in his six-year coaching tenure (1982-1988). In 1983, the team won a District Championship, and the Gulfstream Conference Championship. In the 1985-1986 season, the Wolverines finished as runners-up in their district. Three years later, current history teacher Mr. Jorge Martinez, who had previously been coaching the junior varsity team and assisted the varsity team, became the new varsity basketball coach for the Wolverines. Martinez served as varsity coach from 1988 to 1993, winning four district runners-up titles in a row.

"I was very fortunate to have been coached by Mariano Loret de Mola who taught me a lot about the game. In addition, I will be forever grateful to Eugenio Ferreiro who first gave me the opportunity to coach and who became my friend and mentor for so many years. I was able to in turn pass my experience and knowledge to our varsity coach, Jose Roca who played for me for four years," said Ruben Marrero.

In 1993, one of Marrero’s own players, alumnus Jose E. Roca '84 was handed the torch, as he became the new varsity basketball coach after coaching the junior varsity team since 1988 and assisting Martinez in coaching since 1989. Roca was accompanied by two very experienced assistant coaches: Steve Holland (1993-1995) and his former high school basketball coach Ruben Marrero '75 (19951998). With this help, Roca coached the Wolverines to win two district runners-up in 1995 and in 1998. During the 1995-1996 season, the Roberto C. Goizueta Athletic Center was built for the Wolverines to practice and play their home games. Their first game in the new Athletic Center was in front of 1,100 fans against St. Brendan,

November 20, 1996. With their new athletic center, the Wolverines were able to host their first ever District Championship Tournament in the 1997-1998 season. After a stellar 20-10 record, Roca stepped down from varsity head coach to freshman head coach from 1988 to -2000.

After two years of coaching freshman basketball, Roca began coaching middle school basketball in 2000. In the year of 1998, coach Ruben Marrero began his second tenure as head varsity coach at Belen. Marrero was assisted by a fantastic supporting cast of coaches, including Jerry Jones (1998-2002), Eduardo Delgado '91 (1998-2000), and Thomas De Quesada '94 (2001-2002). The Wolverines finished as runners-up in their district in 1998-1999 and posted an impressive 20-8 record the following year.

“Tradition in passing down a legacy from Cuba to present. Carrying the rich tradition of excellence and perseverance from Coach Campuzano to Jose Cruz to Mariano Loret de Mola to Bill Woods to Eugenio Ferreiro to Ruben Marrero to Jorge Martinez and finally to me. A legacy that has amassed more than 900 victories on the court and countless more off the court. A Tradition that has made a tight knit family of basketball players over the years,” said Jose E. Roca ’84.

In 2002 Roca made a return to coaching the varsity basketball team, serving his second tenure, where he has held the torch high for the last 12 years. Assisted by alumni Carlos Bravo '86, and Ruben Marrero '75, the Wolverines won District Championships two years in a row (2004 & 2005), and consecutive district runners-up from 2006 to 2011. One of the most exhilarating years during Roca's current tenure was the 2002-2003 season in which the Wolverines battled in five overtime games, winning four of them. The following year, the Wolverines defeated arch rival Christopher Columbus High School in front of a sold-out crowd of 1,500 at the Roberto C. Goizueta Athletic Center, an attendance record at the time for the Wolverines. This attendance record was broken the following year in the 2004-2005 season when the Wolverines beat Columbus once again, only this time the game was held at the FIU Golden Panther Arena in front of 5,000 fans. The Wolverines posted a 25-4 record, becoming the second best record in school history as they also went on to win their second District Championship.

"I think the athletes that have come out of the program have had the ability to play with the best of them. Every year or two there's been a player who encompasses the best attitude, the most commitment, and the highest of class along with an amazing ability on the court,” said Michael Fernandez ’13.

In the next three seasons, the Wolverines beat their rivals consecutively in record-breaking crowds at the FIU Golden Panther Arena. In the 2013-2014 season, the Wolverines beat Columbus Explorers again, but this time in the University of Miami Bank United Center.

“Belen Basketball can be summarized for me in two words: Pride and Tradition. Pride in doing your best within the rules and the moral standard I believe in. Pride in developing young boys into young men who will strive to achieve for the Greater Glory of God,” said Coach Roca.

Today the basketball program includes a 6th grade team coached by Pat Houlihan, a 7th grade team coached by Christian Marrero '12, an 8th grade team also coached by Pat Houlihan, a freshman team coached by Jean Paul Mendez '04, a JV team coached by Ruben Marrero '75 and the varsity team coached by Jose E. Roca '84. Mr. Vicente Fernandez, whose son Anthony Fernandez played for the team and graduated in 2006, is the team manager and facilitator.

As it can clearly be seen, the legacy of this program has been very much alive since its inception. It is also evident by the current coaches, that the legacy has a bright future ahead.

(Top to bottom) Mariano Loret de Mola '58 , Jorge Martinez, Jose E. Roca '84, Eugenio Ferreiro '68, and Ruben Marrero '75 at the Basketball Legacy Event. Ruben Marrero '75 coaches his players during a game in the 99-00 season. Jose E. Roca '84 coaches his players during a game in 2004-05.

(Opposite page) Cappy Campuzano in 1956 featuring Mariano Loret de Mola '58 as a player. Eugenio Ferreiro '68 during the 81-82 season. Rene Campas '71 during the 70-71 season. Rene Walker '69 playing during the 68-69 season. Ricardo Gonzalez '68 during the 68-69 season. Jorge Cabrera '72 during the 71-72 season. Coach Jorge Martinez, currently a U.S. History teacher at Belen, during the 1988-89 season.

By: Rubern Marrero ‘75

Basketball Coach

I would have never imagined my freshman year at Belen, back in the 1971-72 school-year, when I was playing forward on the basketball team that I would go on someday to coach basketball for this same school for 35 years of my life. My coach back then was none other than Mariano Loret de Mola, who was also an alumnus. Among the many basketball skills, he also taught me a lot about discipline and the importance of hard work and dedication. While under the coaching supervision of Mariano, I learned everything about the game. He instilled in me an ardent passion for the game, knowledge of the strategies and complexities of each play, and a sense of pride for what I worked so hard to accomplish.

Although I played under the guidance of Bill Woods in the last three years of high school, it was Coach Eugenio Ferreiro, who was the varsity head coach at the time, who convinced me to come back after graduation and coach the junior varsity team. I was only 19 years old and I thought I knew what I wanted to do; it was more along the lines of our family insurance business. The opportunity seemed tempting, as I did not wish to leave the game just yet. I started coaching the JV team officially in October of 1975. The opportunity that Eugenio Ferreiro gave me has lasted undoubtedly a lifetime. He taught me so much more than just the game of basketball. He taught me about patience, friendship, trust, and family. There was the game, but then there were all the other things that came with it, and were an intricate and important part of the success stories behind each play. None of this would have been possible, if not for Father Felipe Arroyo, S.J. and David Hewett who hired me as a 19 year old Junior Varsity Basketball Coach.

What started out as a season, transformed into the next 35 years of my life. We started practice at the outdoor concrete courts of the old Belen, and continued here until the construction of the Roberto Goizueta Athletic Center with new floors, fresh paint, and a functional scoreboard. Most importantly, I have had the opportunity to coach and mentor over 500 young men in the span of my career at Belen, including coaching three generations of family. This is where things really matter. This is how I learned that basketball is not just about coaching, but the relationships that you build with each player that will hopefully last a lifetime. Although Eugenio is no longer with me physically, his spirit and wisdom will be with me for the rest of my life, and hopefully in the life of the students whom I have coached.

One of the highlights of my basketball career was coaching my brother Emilio ’85 who went on to be the only player from Belen that year to make first team All County in March of 1985. Additionally, the coaching position allowed me to get to know many amazing individuals such as the 1984 team, simply because I ended up coaching some of them for 4 consecutive years. This was a very special group for me. Some of the team members were Floriberto Puente, Jorge Lopez-Garcia, Orlando Roche, Thomas GonzalezDiego and Jose E. Roca. Jose E. Roca in particular, came back after graduation to coach the middle school team in 1987. He is the Head Coach of the Varsity Team and has just finished his 27th year of coaching. Jose still comes to me for advice and is one of my best personal friends.

Sometimes it is hard for me to believe that he is the same young man I taught 30 years ago; especially when I saw him coach his own son Jose Roca ‘13. I, myself, had the same experience coaching my son Christian Marrero ’12 on the JV team. It truly was a moving experience to be able to mentor your own children in a setting other than the one of being a father. Of course, I will never forget those years. But it’s not just about being a father. The relationships that I built with my players over the years surpass the basketball game. Players often come to me for advice on personal issues, or sometimes just to catch up on old times. Reliving the memories that transpired over a span of 35 years can really bring meaning to life, and it all came back overwhelmingly in the Basketball Legacy event. It was at this event that I saw many of my former players, and I was able to see the impact that we have made in each others’ lives. I met their children, their spouses, and had the opportunity to hear their stories of successes and failures. It made me think of how much it resembled the game; some ups, some downs, but bonds that last forever. I have coached the JV team for 25 years now, and the varsity team for 10. Every player who knows me will remember me telling them that, “The journey is the prize.”

10 QUESTIONS FOR 1 ALUMNUS

By: Juan Carlos Campuzano ‘14 Echoes Editor

Jorge Hernandez-Toraño ‘75

is a transactional attorney who has practiced in the areas of domestic and international corporate and mergers and acquisitions for more than 25 years. A partner in the law firm Holland and Knight in Miami, Florida, HernandezToraño also graciously served as the president of the alumni association (2007-2011) where his passion and dedication towards the school and its community became abundantly evident.

Q. What are some important values that you learned at Belen as a student?

"I have learned the importance of commitment and the responsibility behind it. I have also learned to live my faith, let my deeds speak over my words, and to be generous of my time and resources. Most importantly, the friends that I have today were my friends when I was in Belen, so I have learned the values of friendship and brotherhood."

Q. Which teachers influenced you most and how?

"The teacher that influenced me the most was undoubtedly Pat Collins, and I know I’m not alone when I say that. When I took US History with Pat, he taught me how to study for excellence. He is the one who turned on the light in me, to aim for the bleachers and not just go for the single."

Q. During high school, did you participate in any extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs?

"My father passed away at the beginning of tenth grade so I had to work, and couldn’t really participate in sports. I was part of the first Forensics team in the fall of 1973 that our English

teacher Mrs. Bango created. She got us all interested, and we even went to the National Championships that summer. I remained active in Student Government, where I can say that at the time we had better parties than any other high school. This was a time when students had keys to the school, and the students were so close to the administration because it was such a small school. Tombola was also very small at the time because we were at the Belen on SW 8th Street and 7th Avenue. But really, what the school lacked in facilities, we, the students, made up for in personality."

Q. When did you decide that you wanted to become a lawyer, and what influenced you to make this career choice?

"A combination of factors led me into the career that I have now. I saw how the disregard for the law hurts families. My parents who studied law, but never really practiced it, and the suffering we experienced when we lost everything as a result of the disregard for the law influenced me. It really was a profession that I thought I would be good at, and it certainly is an honorable career. My greatest interest in law is having the opportunity to bring about structure and order to the world. I’m a business lawyer, not a courtroom lawyer, but it is still important to me to be in the process to make things happen. I like that people come to me for advice, and that I am able to help them out."

Q. Have you dealt with any cases that changed your perspective on life or somehow moved you?

"The most rewarding matter that I have dealt with was in 1994 or 1995 involving a wave of Cuban rafters. In 1994, the Clinton administration changed the status of Cuban rafters from refugees to migrants. That way they had to reach dry land in order to stay in the United States. Eventually, the government started to ship the rafters back to Guantanamo Bay. I was with a group of lawyers who worked for free or just a nickel to help these rafters out. We tried to get the president to change the law back to the way it was, and we even visited the White House and met with Secretary of State Janet Reno. Certainly, it was a moving experience and because we did it for free, it showed that we were just doing the right thing. We went to Guantanamo to meet with our 33,000 clients, who I am proud to say, came to the U.S. less than a year later. I am happy to say that some of the other lawyers involved were Belen alumni."

Q. Do you have children who attended Belen? If so, what advice do you give them?

"My stepson Anthony Martin is a member of the Class of 2010. He is studying at the University of Pennsylvania where he will stay for medical school. I give him the same advice I would give to his friends or anyone else. Always think in terms of moderation. I would remind him of the words of St. Ignatius, to let deeds talk not your proclamations. Human nature is that you always want more, but it is better to enjoy where you are. If you are seventeen, enjoy seventeen. Being twenty or twenty-one will come later. Live the moment you are in, not the one you don’t have."

Q. What is your definition of success?

"Success to me is not measured by what you have, but by your experiences with peace, health, and happiness. If you have those three, the rest will follow. Peace comes from faith and family, and it has been important for me to come over a lot of things. Health is God-given, and I am blessed to say that I have health. Also, I am blessed by my friends. That is success."

Q. How do you give back to the community and/or to the school?

"I regularly feel indebted to Belen for everything that I have become. Because of this, I was on the Board for the Alumni Association for many years in addition to being President of the Alumni Association for four years. Now, I serve on the Board of Advisors for the school. It has been my task to try and get others involved with Belen. Aside from that, I was President of the Cuban-American Bar Association, and for twenty years now, I have been very involved with the United Way. This organization works very hard in Miami-Dade County to promote health, financial stability, and education, which I believe is the core for a civil society.."

Q. What goals did you accomplish in your tenure as alumni president?

"At the time, I was the second president in today’s generation of the alumni organization. The association was definitely in its formative years. My task was demonstrating relativeness to the parents, and we are still doing that. My goal was to always make Belen stand out. When people who have no connection to Belen see alumni in action, it is then that they want their sons to go to Belen, or their daughters to meet a Belen boy. Having Columbus dads send their boys to Belen is something I take great pride in."

Q. What is the one thing you received at Belen that you will take with you for the rest of your life?

"My friends for sure. They are the same people who were with me at Belen."

Basketblegacyeventll

On Saturday, January 25, 2014, over 250 members of the Belen community gathered at the first-ever Basketball Legacy Event. The night began with victories over the Westminster Christian teams with a halftime acknowledgement of Belen Alumni basketball players spanning over six decades. A dinner and a special presentation of the school's basketball program throughout the years inside the school’s Cosculluela Dining Hall capped off the evening. Special thanks to the members of the Basketball Legacy Committee, Carlos Barquin, Boli Consuegra, Vince Fernandez, Johnny Calderin ‘92, Rick Raimundez ’90, Paco Ruiz ’73, John Medina ’77, and coaches Jose E. Roca’84, Ruben Marrero ‘75 and Victor Arrieta ’95 for their work in making this inaugural event a reality.

Magazine celebrates 50 years in miami

By: Roberto Borbolla ‘56 Alumni Content Editor

This year we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Alumni Magazine in Miami. For me, it is the glue that has united and kept the thousands of Alumni from all over the world in contact with their fellow alumni and the School. It started in Cuba, titled Boletin Informativo, and has evolved into an artistic magazine that covers subjects of importance to all graduates, photos of reunions and news about the alumni, their families, and our school. Its main objective is to maintain the spirit, motivation, and unity of all the alumni by informing, revitalizing and planning the future of the educational Jesuit tradition, using the present Belen in Miami as its center.

La Asociacion de Antiguos Alumnos del Colegio de Belen exists since 1923 in Cuba, and has always been the heart of the alumni. Father Francisco Barbeito, SJ started it again in 1962 in Miami, after the communist government confiscated the school, and the priests were forced to leave Cuba. Father Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, SJ, ’40 became its Director in 1967. Together, they contacted and organized the alumni scattered all over the world. Father DortaDuque became the ambassador and photographer of the association, travelling everywhere there was a group of alumni to officiate weddings, baptisms, retreats, organize reunions and transmit all these events through the pages of the Boletines Informativos with the help of Guillermo Arruza ‘42, Alberto Camacho ‘40, Jose Ignacio Rasco ’45, Luis Deschapelles Sr., Emiliano Prats ‘46, Pablo Carreño ’42, Jose “Tony” Garrido ’46, and other alumni.

When I arrived from Cuba in 1978, thirsty to connect to Belen and my classmates, Father Dorta-Duque organized a reunion in the restaurant Centro Vasco in Calle Ocho to welcome Enrique Casuso, Jose Fernandez-Planas and myself after we had been held as political prisoners in Cuba.

I was so amazed at Father Dorta-Duque’s work to keep all the alumni connected, that I started contributing with the Boletin work, and promised him that when I retired, I would come to help him in the Alumni Office. I retired in 2005, and started coming to the Alumni Office in 2006. The office had been first on NW 27th avenue, later on Bird Road, and is now located in the Belen campus. Although the office is no longer on campus (it was relocated to its present location, 12805 SW 6th Street) we still manage to walk over and visit the school as often as we can. The office houses old yearbooks, as well as old Boletines and magazines. The Director of the Office was Alex Zequeira ’90 when I first got here. He left and Ricardo Raimundez ’90 took over. Now, Mariano Loret-de-Mola ’58 oversees the office and the activities of the association.

It was recently in 2010, with the birth of the Communication Arts and Multimedia Department, that Father Willie Garcia-Tunon, SJ ’87 and Father Pedro Suarez, SJ ’58 decided to allow students in the print classes to put together the magazine and contribute with pictures, articles, and design. The purpose of this concept was to bridge the gap between the generations of alumni and current students, and ensure the future of the association. The Magazine changed its name to Belen Jesuit Alumni Magazine in the Winter 2011 issue, which was the first issue created by the students.

It has been very rewarding to work in the magazine and watch the involvement of these young students with the alumni that span as far back as 80 years. I hope that you have enjoyed the past issues, and continue to contribute to the improvement of the upcoming ones by sending us your information and input as to what you want to see published.

Vocation to Family Vocation to Marriage announcements

• Alejandra Orellana and Henry Louis Gomez ’87

• Yelena Rodriguez Trujillo and Enrique Fortun ‘89

• Ashley Taylor and Carlos Garcia ’90

• Michelle Alicia Quintana and Eduardo Gomez ’95

• Johanna Diaz and Alvaro Miñoso ‘99

• Rachelle Galindo and George Metcalfe Jr. ’04

• Lisi Martinez and Juan Lopez ‘09

• Irma and Francisco de la Camara ’80 celebrated their 25-year Wedding Anniversary

• Gianna Carina, born to Vanessa and Richard Santamaria ‘88

• Amanda Nicole, born to Nicole and Lazaro Marcos ‘92

• Alexander, born to Renata and Victor Sallick ‘92

• Isabel Charlize, born to Krista and Albert Acuña ‘93

• William James, born to Amanda and Eduardo Alleyn ‘94

• Andrew Xavier, born to Gloria and Francis Suarez ‘95

• Benjamin Michael, born to Leeann and Oliver Benitez ‘96

• Cooper, born to Kellee and Blas Cueto ’96

• Catalina, born to Suzy and Daniel Sanchez-Galarraga '96

• Olivia Sofia, born to Maritza and Miguel Salvat ‘97

• Luciana Maria, born to Stephanie and Jose I. Fernandez ‘99

• Allie, born to Jennifer and Erimar von der Osten ’99

• Sienna Lydia, born to Stephanie and Jeff Jauregui ‘04

• Riley M. Pipkin, grandson of Beatriz and Manuel Morales '72

• Brooklyn Violet, born to Joey and Claudia Basso, Belen Jesuit College Counselor

• Cristina Maria, born to Adriana and German Delgado '90, Belen Jesuit Math and Computer teachers

announcements

In Memoriam

In loving memory of our alumni friends

• Jose M. Mariña ‘30

• Gustavo de los Reyes ‘31

• Jose Rovira ’40

• Juan Ignacio Tapia y Tamayo ‘41

• Pedro Saenz ‘46

• Efren Diaz Muñoz ‘47

• Daniel Mendez Dorado ’47

• Manuel Lopez-Chavez ‘49

• Ramon J. Balboa ’51 grandfather of Julian Balboa ‘14

• Francisco Gonzalez-Tellechea ‘53

• Jorge A. Grau ’54 Dolores

• Julio del Campo '57 Dolores

• Raul Godoy '57

• Jose M. Gutierrez ‘57

• Jose Ignacio Lamas ‘58

• Ramon Fuentevilla ‘58

• Segundo Casteleiro '59

• Jose Luis Alvarez ’67

• Raul Mederos ’71, father of Jonathan Mederos ‘04

• Angel Concepcion-Azze ‘76

• Daniel Pelaez ’94, brother of Pedro ’92, Gabriel ’97 and Robert ‘99

• Manuel Longo Blanco, Dolores

• Fr. Oscar Mendez, SJ, Dolores

In Memoriam

Family and friends

• Marcelina Estrada, wife of Manuel Estrada ‘45

• Glenda Martinez, wife of Jorge Martinez ‘48

• Violeta Moreno, sister of Luis J. Moreno ‘57

• Vivian Sanchez, wife of Teodoro Almasque ’58

• Robert Navarrete, son of Carlos Navarrete ‘59

• Eugenia Balsinde, mother of Manuel Lubian ’62, sister of Ramon Balsinde ‘44 and aunt of Juan Luis Flores ‘70

• Alicia Marrero, mother of Juan Marrero ‘73

• Matthew James Ibarria, son of Ricardo Ibarria ‘75

• Leopoldo Formoso, father of Hector FormosoMurias ’82 and grandfather of Alexander ’05 and Christopher Formoso ’07 and Hector ’15 and Harry Formoso-Murias ‘16

• Allison Claire Friedman, mother of Sean Lynch ‘86

• Raimundo Castellanos, father of Ray ’90 and Alexander Castellanos ‘95

• Kristine Zayas, mother of Juan Bruno Zayas ‘16

• Olga M. Domenech, mother of Lucas Vigil ‘15

• Jose Raul Simpson, father of Daniel Simpson '17

• Carmen Urdanivia, mother-in-law of Bernd Von Reitzenstein ‘60.

• Alfonso Lopez, grandfather of Fernando Alonso ’89 and JJ Rodriguez ‘92

• Arturo Diaz, grandfather of Enrique ’91, Ernesto ’94 and Eduardo Cepero ‘97

• Ramon Llovet, father of John Llovet ’93

• Dulce Garcia, grandmother of L.J. Rodriguez ’93, Daniel Rodriguez ’97 and Andrew J. Garcia ‘06

• Jose Paredes, grandfather of Alejandro Perez ‘10

• Alberto Paradela, grandfather of Alberto Paradela ’11 and Andrew ’15 and Aaron Muriedas ‘17

• Kingsley Cash, grandfather of Keonte Cash ’13 and Mark Trapp ‘20

• Jose Antonio Fraga, father of Belen Professor and Coach Eduardo Fraga

• Rigoberto Lesteiro, uncle of Belen Professor Marlene Urbay

•Jose Olavarrieta, father in law of Ramon Barcia '60

Class Notes

Omelio Sosa celebrated his 101st. birthday.

Jose “Tony” Garrido ’46 received the “Father Juan M. Dorta-Duque SJ Award" at the 2013 Delegates Meeting on October 30, 2013.

Celso M. Gonzalez-Falla published a book entitled “My Lost Cuba”.

Monthly luncheon at Casa Paco

Members of the Class of 1959 at the December Alumni luncheon in the Belen Cafeteria.

(Dolores) Marilu and Silvestre Aguilar celebrated Christmas with their grandchildren.

Jorge FernandezCeballos ‘93 & Elena, Mark Carreras & Ana, Frankie ‘13, Amanda, Frank Sr. & Maria Elena, Jorge ‘61 & Elena, Melina and Gianna celebrating Christmas.

Eugenio Santiago was the structural engineer for the new Cuban Memorial Monument at Tamiami Park.

Ricardo Pau-Llosa published a book entitled “Man”.

Manny Diaz has been named to Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Institute of Politics’ Senior Advisory Committee Board.

Class of 1973 members in their Dominoes tournament.

John R. Medina’s daughter, Sarah, took top honors in the Gold Cup awards as high school female athlete of the year.

Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr. was named a 2014 Top Lawyer by the South Florida Legal Guide and elected for a two-year term to the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors, 11th Circuit, Seat 1.

Calixto Garcia-Velez was named Banking and Finance Executive of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal.

Manuel L. Crespo Jr. was elected the 2014 Cuban-American Bar Association PresidentElect.

Ralph Fernandez de Castro and Team FDC were the Cover Story of Run South Florida Magazine.

Members of the Class of 1987 and their family members traveled to the Dominican Republic to work on a multi-purpose

Class Notes

court at the Colegio de Fe y Alegria in Dajabon in memory of one of their fallen classmates, Luis "Yoyo" Espino.

Jose Cueto was named Lending Officer of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal.

Rick Raimundez completed his first Half Marathon in 2014. Photo Courtesy of Salvador Garcia and Team FDC.

Alex Zequeira has been named chair of the board of advisors for the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University.

Alexander Almazan was appointed to the board of directors and named National Diversity Leadership Chair for the American Heart Association.

USA Today Latin America Reporter Alan Gomez spoke to the Honors Latin American History Class.

Thomas Pla was promoted to Vice President of Private Client Services for BankUnited.

Felice Gorordo was named CEO of Clearpath, a venture-backed technology company that has moved its headquarters to Miami.

Richard Puerto was promoted to Partner in the Tax Department at Verdeja & De Armas LLP in Coral Gables.

'88 '90 '91 '95 '00 '01 '02 '03 '07 '08 '11 '12 '13

Derek Varona was appointed the Executive Chairman of the Architecture, Construction, Real State & Engineering Section (ACRES).

Rafael Yaniz was elected the Student Bar Association Treasurer at the University of Miami School of Law.

Nick Martinez was the starter for the Texas Rangers at Tampa against the Rays. Martinez is the first Belen Jesuit Alumnus to play in the Major Leagues.

Michael Rios was signed by the Miami Dolphins.

Ricardo Pita is a two-term Student Government President at Spring Hill College.

Sheehan Planas-Arteaga, playing baseball in Barry College, was named the NCBWA National Hitter of the Week in April.

Nicholas Hernandez, currently at Princeton University, was named Ivy League Baseball Rookie of the Week in March.

Carlos M. Prio, attending Boston College, was one of 5 students on a team awarded a $10,000 prize to produce a film on loyalty.

Nestor Montoya was awarded an internship in the newsroom of WOFL Fox 35 in Orlando, Florida.

Roberto ’56 and Carmen Rosa Borbolla and Alicia and Luis Fernandez-Rocha ’56 attend a baseball game of Lucas FernandezRocha playing for Swarthmore College.

GALLERY OF REUNIONS

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1968

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

≠ Delegates' Meeting

OF THE SCHOOL PRESIDENT

Dear Alumni,

On March 2, 1854, Belen School began its educational work in Havana, Cuba, with six Jesuits and about 40 students, in a large building formerly occupied by the convent and hospital formerly run by Bethlehemite Brothers of Our Lady of Belen, hence the name of the school.

With only a handful of Jesuits, Belen began its productive life through good and bad times, experiencing several moves, until we are today part of that dream that began 160 years ago and continues. Today we rejoice and thank the Lord for our school’s long life and for the challenges that lie ahead for each of us today.

So, why did Jesuits open schools? First, they formally designated the staffing and management of schools a true apostolic ministry of the order. Second, they created schools with the purpose to continue their operation for a long time. Third, these schools were not primarily intended for the training of the clergy, but for the education of young men who wished to study a profession and live their secular lives in the world. No group in the church, or in society at large, had previously undertaken the enterprise of founding schools on such a grand scale as Jesuits did throughout the XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries.

The goal of Jesuit schools followed Ignatius’ own priorities: first, it is important to have a personal spiritual experience. Jesuit schools intend to provoke just that in young men: to experience a spiritual call, a transformation that changes our inward-looking gaze out to a serviceoriented existence because of an inner spiritual experience. Therefore, it is important for Ignatius to give God the central place of the educational experience, because it is through faith in God that we can transform our lives and exert any influence on the transformation of the lives of others.

Secondly, young men should excel in academic pursuits, to do the most, the “magis”, because God does not deserve anything less.

Thirdly, all of the effort must be motivated by a sincere and conscious desire to do everything to the greater glory of God.

If we accept St. Irenaeus’ definition, “Gloria Dei vivens homo” (the glory of God is man fully alive), to search for the greatest glory of God means to dedicate ourselves with all our mind and heart to bring about the greatest benefit for mankind, to help others as much as we can, so

that men and women may become fully developed, happy and productive human beings.

In our day, Fr. Pedro Arrupe translated this ideal into a new language: to become “Men for others”, where the “others” are especially those who suffer injustice, poverty or marginalization from society.

Here are the challenges for us today: how to go beyond selfish interest and live committed to what is good and just, to live Christian values in a world that proclaims wealth as the only goal in life, that fosters fleeting pleasures over hard work, superficiality over commitment and callous indifference to a strong devotion to an ideal.

This year we celebrate multiple gifts - the anniversary of our school’s foundation, the 200th anniversary of the restoration of the Jesuit Order, the canonization of our founder Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Peter Faber, St Teresa of Avila and other saints –and as such it is an invitation to show gratitude to God for so much good received. However, it is also a call to rise above ourselves and face the questions that Ignatius Loyola proposes in the Spiritual Exercises: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do for Christ?

We are privileged to be part of the Jesuit story. Let us respond with generosity to the call that the Lord issues to us today. As Ignatius himself told us in his beautiful prayer for generosity:

Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.

Wishing you many blessings and the Lord’s peace, sincerely yours,

Pedro A. Suárez, SJ ‘ 58 Belen Jesuit School President

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

500 Southwest 127 Avenue

Miami, Florida 33184

PAID Miami, Florida Permit No. 1277

August Calendar of events

July

Jul 5

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu

Jul 18 Summer school ends

Jul 19 Colegio Dolores annual reunion

September

Sep 1 Labor Day - School closed

Sep 5 Monthly alumni mass at Gesu

Sep 12 Belen vs Columbus game & alumni tailgate

Sep 26 Monthly alumni luncheon

Sep 26-28 Class of 2004 10-year reunion

November

Nov 1 Annual Gala

Nov 7 Monthly alumni mass at Gesu

Nov 8 Colegio Sagua annual reunion

Nov 11 Veteran's Day - School closed

Nov 21 Monthly alumni luncheon

Nov 26-Dec 2 Thankgiving break - School closed

Aug 1

Aug 1-3

Aug 19

Aug 22-24

Aug 29

October

Oct 3

Oct 17

Oct 17-18

Oct 24-26

Oct 31

Oct 31

December

Dec 5

Dec 10

Dec 12

Dec 11-18

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu

Class of 1959 50-year reunion

First official day of school

Class of 1994 20-year reunion

Monthly alumni luncheon

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu

School closed

Class of 1999 15-year reunion

Class of 1989 25-year reunion

Belen President's Day - school closed

Monthly alumni luncheon

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu

Study day - School closed

Monthly alumni luncheon

Semester exams

Dec 19 Christmas vacation begins

* All other activities will be announced in the weekly eNews bulletin.