Belen Jesuit Magazine | Summer 2016

SUMMER • 2016

Belen Jesuit Alumni

MESSAGE FROM THE

DIRECTOR OF THE ASSOCIATION

With great pride, I congratulate the School’s Athletic Department on a tremendously successful 2015-2016 academic year. Under the leadership of Athletic Director Carlos Barquin, our Wolverines earned 9 District, 3 Regional, and 2 State Championships. Thank you to all the athletes and coaches that worked tirelessly to ensure that Belen Jesuit’s legacy of excellence in all things continues.

In February, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, in consultation with the school’s administration, honored the late Father Juan M. Dorta-Duque, S.J. by naming our annual festival – The Father Dorta-Duque Belen Tombola. The Association is grateful for the name designation of this traditional and iconic yearly activity, in honor of our former director and alumnus from the Class of 1940.

In April, alumni, parents, and students worked side-by-side to create meals for 30,000 people living in hunger. This Reyes Magis initiative called Helping Hands was done in conjunction with the school’s Key Club and the cooperation of Catholic Relief Services, Knights of Columbus and Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart. In all, $19,000 were raised to help prepare, package, and ship the meals to Burkina Faso in Africa. Thank you to everyone that participated in this joint venture, especially to our Reyes Magis Chairman and member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors Crescencio Ruiz from the Class of 1976 and to the CRS Coordinator Ana Gloria Rivas-Vazquez for her assistance.

We began 2016 by welcoming the new School President Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón, S.J. from the Class of 1987 to his new position. We wish him all the best in the coming academic year as he directs the future of our alma mater. Also, returning to the school administration is Mr. Jose E. Roca, Sr. from the Class of 1984. Mr. Roca will be Principal and we wish him all the best in this new endeavor. Joining the administration as its new Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations is Felipe Fernandez from the Class of 1994.

As we prepare for the 2016-2017 academic year, we wish to welcome the new Alumni Association President Mr. Antonio (Tony) Castro from the Class of 1986 and the new elected Officers of the Board, L.J. Rodriguez ’93, Vice-President, Thomas Pla ’00, Treasurer, and Gabriel Dieppa

’96, Secretary. The new Board members are Manuel Garcia Linares ’87, Javier Mariscal ’86, and Orlando Puente ’71.

Special thanks to Mr. Carlos Batlle ’80 for his leadership and hard work as President the last four years. The members of the Alumni Association have appreciated his commitment, patience, and dedication to our organization.

On June 1, 227 seniors graduated from Belen Jesuit. On behalf of the Alumni Association congratulations to the Class of 2016 and welcome! We look forward to their involvement in the coming years and encourage them to reach out to our office if there’s anything we can help them with.

This summer, the offices of the Alumni Association will move from the house located on the corner of 128 Avenue and 6 Street to the 1st floor of the Administration building. This move will better facilitate the interaction and cooperation between the school and our association.

As per an agreement with the School’s Administration, this issue will mark an increase in our circulation to 10,000 copies. This magazine will now be distributed to the parents of current students, in addition to alumni, faculty, staff, and other Jesuit Institutions, as well as friends of the School and Alumni Association. Additionally, a third issue of this magazine will be added in September to include the School President’s Report.

We are excited to announce that the Alumni Board of Directors approved a new professional section called the Belen Entertainment, Arts, Media Section (BEAMS). Any members of the association that work in these industries should consider joining BEAMS. Dr. Arturo Mosquera from the Class of 1971 was appointed by the Board to serve as the Chairman of the BEAMS Executive Committee.

After 41 years of serving the Belen Jesuit community, Mr. Leo Nuñez, long time professor and administrator, retired in June. On behalf of the alumni association, we want to wish him a very happy retirement with a lot of peace and health. Thank you for all your years of forming “Men for Others”. Finally, we need your support! The association initiated a Dues Drive Campaign in January 2016 and set a goal to raise $100,000 this calendar year. We are half way thru the campaign and have only raised $48,430. Don’t forget that your contribution helps support the Alumni Office. If you have not yet contributed, please do so today by paying online at https://www. belenjesuit.org/AlumniDuesDrive or by mailing your check to the Belen Alumni Association.

Yours truly,

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

belen jesuit

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Mariano Loret de Mola ‘58

Borbolla ’56

Felipe Fernandez '94

Director for Advancement & Alumni Relations

Martinez

Sujayla Collins

Antonio Castro ’86 – President L. J. Rodriguez ’93 – Vice President

Tomas Pla '00 – Treasurer

Gabriel Dieppa ’96 – Secretary

Antonio Abella ’59

Orlando Puente '71

Jose A. Garrido III '99 Javier Mariscal '86

Hector Formoso-Murias ’82

Manuel Garcia Linares '87

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: 10,000

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

On the cover: School president Father Guillermo García-Tuñón, SJ '87 with students Javier Hernandez '17, David Fager '16, Gabriel Abril '16, and Daniel Chavez '17.

by : Juan Bruno Zayas '16, Echoes Editor in Chief

community

By: Lucas Cabrera-Ramon ‘17

Echoes Staff

• Alumni and their family members contributed and assisted with the gift distribution to over 300 members of the Gesu Parish who received food, gifts and toys for Thanksgiving and Christmas

• 84 students and 7 teachers arrived in Washington, D.C. to participate in the Close Up Program in late January. What may have seemed like a simple trip to the nation’s capital, turned out to be unforgettable with visits to museums, monuments, real life experiences, and a one on one with some of the nation’s top men including alumni Dr. Rolando Diaz ’87, Special Agent Manuel Vazquez ’90, Colonel (retired) Guillermo Carranza ’82, John Barsa ’84, Colonel Armando Fiterre ’86, Staff Director Eddy Acevedo ’01, and George Washington University freshman Eduardo Abascal ’15. The trip took an unexpected turn when a blizzard rolled in leaving students and teachers stranded in the nation's capital.

• Tombola has always been the highlight of the school year, with hundreds of students, teachers, staff, parents, alumni and neighbors visiting the school and helping to raise money for the scholarship fund that allows so many students to receive a Jesuit education. As always, the alumni booth was on hand to welcome everyone to this annual event. As always, the annual delegates meeting took place Sunday in the Cosculluela Hall.

• During Lent, members of our community take time to reflect on their personal life and their relationship with God. Students and faculty came together Ash Wednesday and officially kicked off the Lenten season by receiving ashes on their foreheads. After school, students and teachers carried out the Stations of the Cross, and prayed for those in need.

• Belen Alumni volunteers spoke to students throughout the day during Theology classes to share how Jesuit values and their experiences at their alma mater helped shape their lives.

• Ignatian Week was a celebration to commemorate one of the most well known saints as well as the founder of the Society of Jesus, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. During this week, the students participated in special events such as Ignite the Night, Magis Walk, and the Ignatian Bash. President Fr. Willie Garcia-Tuñon, SJ '87 and Alumni Director Mariano Loret de Mola '58, with Belen Alumni, attended the Ignatian Week Faculty/Staff Kick-Off Outing at Crandon Park.

• Derek Varona '03, Juan Carlos Robaina '04, Dr. Orlando Puente '71, Demetrio Perez '94, Tony Castro '86, Peter Montadas '76, and Mariano Loret de Mola '58 participated in the 2016 Alumni Career Day. In this event, the alumni spoke to students about possible careers.

• Students from the Astronomy Club presented Fr Pedro Cartaya, SJ '54 with a County Proclamation on behalf of Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz and Mayor Carlos Gimenez, declaring April 19, 2016 "Father Pedro Cartaya, SJ Day" for his years of service to the Astronomy Club and Belen Jesuit.

• Students from Key Club and members of the Alumni Association took part in this year's Helping Hands Event at Belen Jesuit. This year students and alumni joined forces to feed the poor in Burkina Faso, in Africa.

• The 2016 Senior Encounter stood out from previous years and followed the new theme of Crossroads. Seniors gathered as a class and disconnected from the outside world for one night while locked in the school. The theme Crossroads represented the class of 2016 and was symbolic of their graduation and their future paths unraveling as they near the end of their high school careers.

• When it comes to theater productions at the school, the community is never disappointed. Last year, the group of young actors put on a production of the Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors. This play, along with many others, was directed by the school’s drama teacher Mr. Francisco Padura.

• The Junior Prom was definitely a night to remember for the class of 2017. The dance was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Coral Gables. The night included an inspirational talk from Father Willie Garcia-Tuñon, SJ, a steak dinner, and plenty of music and dancing that lasted through midnight.

• The Senior Prom was a night that will stay with the senior class for the rest of their life. The senior class gathered for their last social event at the Biltmore Hotel. The theme of the night was black and white, and the ball room was decorated with bowties and stripes.

• The seniors of middle school, the eighth graders, celebrated their own passage into high school with their very own prom. The week after, the school marked the promotion of students from middle school to high school with the eighth grade pin ceremony.

• On the evening of May 25th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Father Willie Garcia-Tuñon, SJ celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for the seniors and their families During this very special mass, seniors escorted their mothers into the church and sat beside them.

• The alumni pin ceremony took place in the Roca Theater just before graduation. College bound seniors received their official pins from current school alumni. The pins were blessed by school president Father Willie Garcia-Tuñon, SJ, who officiated the mass that kicked off the event.

• Graduation was held June 1st at the James L. Knight Center. This year's keynote speaker was Cesar Conde '91. This year, the alumni banner was passed on to Mr. Eduardo Aleman '66 from class president Daniel Dager '16.

Father Izquierdo Golf Tournament

For the last 17 years, we have honored and remembered Father Jose Maria Izquierdo SJ with a Golf Tournament at the International Links Miami Melreese Country Club.

The mission of this event, to raise funds for the Belen Scholarship Program, provides financial aid to over 300 students. With your cooperation, we have funded over 100 scholarships to give young men the opportunity to attend Belen Jesuit.

We would like to thank our sponsors, AA Uniforms, Psychcare, Baptist Health South Florida, Coca Cola, Leon Medical Centers, TD Bank, Catholic Hospice, Dr. Gaston Lacayo, Jose Milton & Associates, Land Rover South Dade Certified Pre-owned, Law Office of David Fernandez, MBAF Certified Public Accountants & Advisors, Mercedes Benz Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, Northern Trust, Sabadell Bank & Trust, United Data Technologies, BSN Sports and La Esquina del Lechon for their participation and support.

ACADEMICS

GRADUATION AW ARDS

David Fager

Valedictorian

Daniel Portuondo

Alberto Hurtado, SJ Communications

Marcelo Mion

Jose Rubinos, SJ Modern Languages

Garcia

Salutatorian

Daniel Silva

Matteo Ricci, SJ Computer Science

Adrian Hernandez

St. Francis Xavier, SJ Scholar Athlete

Senior of the year

Daniel Romeu

Gerard M. Hopkins, SJ English

Alejandro Concepcion

Pierre T. de Chardin, SJ Science

Rodrigo Bustamante JSEA Award

Jaime Lopez archbishop award

Daniel Tejada

Andrea Pozzo, SJ Humanities

Daniel Brennan

John Carroll, SJ Social Studies

David Fager

Christopher Clavius, SJ Mathematics

Kevin Lemos

Karl Rahner, SJ Theology

NEWS Where Are They Going

Abad, Edel: Anna Maria College

Abril, Alexis : Miami Dade College

Acosta, Dorian: Miami Dade College

Aguilar, Erich: Florida International University

Aira, Julio: Pennsylvania State University in Abington

Alepuz, Alexander: Cornell University

Allen, Wilfredo: University of Florida

Alvarez, Victor: Southern Methodist University

Andreu, David: The George Washington University

Arean, Patrick: Miami Dade College

Arevalo, Pablo: Barry University

Arias, Nicholas: Florida International University

Artime, Andres: Cornell University

Avila, Jonathan: Miami Dade College

Batista, Kristian: The University of Alabama

Belisario, Jason: Florida International University

Bello, Tomas: Florida International University

Beovides, Michael: Florida International University

Billoch, Christopher: Florida International University

Bogardus, Daniel: Florida International University

Bonnet, Arturo: Marquette University

Borell, Thomas: Miami Dade College

Borges, Alessandro: Florida International University

Borroto, Andres: Florida State University

Boza, Alexander: Purdue University

Brennan, Daniel: University of Pennsylvania

Bustamante, Rodrigo: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Morehead Cain Scholar

Cabrera, Gabriel: Louisiana State University

Cairo, Michael: College of William and Mary

Calas, Orlando: University of Florida

Candela, Mark: Miami Dade College

Carabeo-Nieva, Juan: Florida International University

Cardenal, Emilio: Florida State University

Cardenas, Benjamin: University of Illinois at Urbana:Champaign

Castillo, Alec: Miami Dade College

Castro, Anthony: University of Florida

Cecol, Andrew: University of Central Florida

Cepero, Alfredo: Florida State University

Cesin, Andres: Central College

Chamorro, Sebastian: Loyola University New Orleans

Collazo, Christian: University of Florida

Concepcion, Andres: Vanderbilt University

Consuegra, Alfredo: Marquette University

Coronado, Nicholas: Santa Fe College

Corps, Luis: Oglethorpe University

Cristobal, Carlos: Florida International University

Cruz, Eric: Florida International University

Dager, Daniel: Yale University

de Goytisolo, Joaquin: Florida State University

De la Camara, Francisco: Pennsylvania State University

De Zayas, Alfredo: University of South Florida

Del Castillo, Christian: Seton Hall University

Diaz, Gabriel: Florida International University

Diaz-Garza, Ignacio : Boston University

Echeverria, Andres: Loyola University New Orleans

Egusquiza, Jason: Florida International University

Egusquiza, John: Florida State University

Escobar Mata, Jorge: University of Florida

Espinosa Marazita, Robert : University of Michigan

Fager, David: California Institute of Technology

Falla, Alexander: Florida International University

Fals, Alexander: Florida State University

Fernandez, Alexander: University of Florida

Fernandez, Kevin: Miami Dade College

Fernandez, Max: The University of Alabama

Fonseca, Javier: Florida International University Honors College

Font, Christopher: Miami Dade College

Formoso-Murias, Harry: Rhode Island School of Design

Frisbee, Benjamin: Florida International University

Garcia, Nicolas: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business

Garcia-Tuñon, Daniel: Miami Dade College

Garzon, Patricio: Embry:Riddle Aeronautical University

Gilbert, Benjamin: University of Delaware

Gomez, Jorge: Florida State University

Gonzalez, Alejandro: Wake Forest University

Gonzalez, Christian: Florida International University

Gonzalez, David: Harvard University

Gonzalez, Gabriel: University of Florida

Gonzalez, Kevin: Rice University

Gonzalez, Michael: Florida Polytechnic University

Gonzalez, Ricardo: The University of Alabama

Gonzalez, Tomas: Fordham University

Gonzalez del Valle, Alberto : University of Miami

Groblacher, Dary: Florida International University

Guerra, Pablo: The University of Alabama

Guerrero, Alejandro: Miami Dade Honors College

Guisasola, Andres: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Guruceaga, Fernando: Purdue University

Gutierrez, Albert: Brandeis University

Halphen, Daniel: Florida International University

Hermida, John: Miami Dade College

Hernandez, Adrian: Cornell University

Hernandez, Alexander: Miami University in Ohio

Hernandez, Alexander: Florida State University

Hernandez, Christopher: University of Miami

Hernandez, Justin: Loyola University Chicago

Hernandez, Luke: University of Miami

Hernandez, Rafael: Florida International University

Hillman, Alejandro: Miami Dade College

Hondal, Daniel: Pennsylvania State University

Huertas, Ted: The Catholic University of America

Hyland, John: University of Michigan

Iriarte, Manrique: Fordham University

Jauregui, Christopher: Florida State University

Jimenez, Ariel: John Carroll University

Jimenez, Gabriel: North Carolina State University Scholars Program

Jimenez, Jose: University of Florida

Kindelan, William: The University of Texas, Austin

Laratelli, Claudio: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business

Lastre, Kristian: Florida State University

Lazo, Adrian: Loyola University Chicago

Leiter, Sebastian: Florida Gulf Coast University

Lemos, Kevin: University of Florida

Lopez, Jaime: Florida State University Presidential Scholars Program

Lopez, Michael: Miami Dade College

Lopez-Cabrera, Luis: Cornell University

Lopez-Sotillo, Alfredo: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lorenzo, Lucas: Saint Joseph’s University

Lugo, Daniel: University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Marcos, Francisco: Babson College

Marmol, Rafael: Carnegie Mellon University

Marquez, Andres: Georgetown University

Marquez, Luis: Rice University

Marrero, Humberto: Florida International University

Martell III, Roberto: University of Miami

Martinez, Alfonso: Texas Christian University

Martinez, Daniel: University of South Florida

Mas, Thomas: The University of Alabama

Masis, Erik: Florida International University

Maury, Albert: Tulane University

Meagher, Conor: Wake Forest University

Mejer, Luis: The University of Texas, Austin

Mejia, Daniel: Florida International University

Mendia, Enrique: Bowdoin College

Menendez, Christopher: University of Florida

Menocal, Giovanni: Florida International University

Mesa, Giancarlo: Florida International University

Orta, Jonathan: Miami Dade College

Ortega, Oscar: Wheeling Jesuit University

Ortiz, Christian: Florida International University

Osorio, Lucas: Florida State University

Pacios, Daniel: Saint Joseph’s University

Padron, Jorge: Babson College

Palacios, Francisco: Southern Methodist University

Paoli-Torres, Sebastian: Florida International University

Fuentes, Joseph: Cornell University

Garcia, Basilio: Florida International University

Garcia, Gabriel: Dowling College Honors Program

Garcia, Jonathan: Florida State University

Garcia, Joseph Aaron : Florida State University

Garcia, Joseph Arthur : Indiana University at Bloomington

Mion, Marcelo: Florida International University

Molero, Santiago: University of Florida

Mullin-Garcia, Liam: Saint Louis University

Muñoz, Joshua: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Navarro, Ryan: University of Florida

Norniella-Burke, Christian: University of Delaware

Odon, Francisco Jose: University of Central Florida

Ordieres, Nicholas: Florida State University

Pareja, Dylan: Miami Dade College

Parekh, Alexander: Florida State University

Pascual, Brian: University of Florida

Perez, Christian: Florida State University

Perez, Richard: Florida State University

Perez, Ryan: Florida State University

Piccolo, Alexander: University of Miami

Pinera, Fernando: Babson College

Pinto, Giancarlo: Florida State University

Pombo, Adrian: Florida International University

Portuondo, Daniel: University of Florida

Powell, John: University of Florida

Powell, Matthew: Florida International University Honors College

Prieto, Peter: University of Dallas

Puente, Daniel: Miami Dade College

Puig-Corve, Diego: Suffolk University

Pujals, Fernando: University of West Florida

Quintero, Christopher: Florida International University

Ramos, Ghulian: Florida International University

Resiere, Dajour: Morehouse College

Rey, Adrian: University of Michigan

Rice, Tavish: Princeton University

Rigueiro, Gabriel: University of Miami

Rivera, Diego: Marquette University

Robaina, Mario: Case Western Reserve University

Roca, Nicolas: Florida State University

Rodriguez, Carlos: Florida State University

Rodriguez, Francisco: Emerson College

Rodriguez, Justin: Beloit College

Rodriguez, Ryan: University of Central Florida

Romeu, Daniel: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business

Rubio, Jose: Loyola University Maryland

Ruiz, Alejandro: University of Miami

Ruiz-Sierra, Ernesto: Clarkson University

Salas, Matthew: Guilford College

Salazar, David: Holy Cross College Gateway to Notre Dame

Santos, Steven: Florida International University

Sapetnitzky, Ignacio: Babson College

Scerpella, Renato: Johns Hopkins University

Schaeppi Souza, Kyle: Carnegie Mellon University

Signoret, Andres: University of Michigan

Silva, Daniel: University of Florida

Silva, Daniel Arturo: University of Florida

Sixto, Daniel: Florida State University

Sliva, Joshua: Miami Dade College

Somarriba, Carlos: Florida International University

Suarez, Carlos: Miami Dade College

Tamborrel, Nicolas: Northwestern University

Tejada, Daniel: Loyola University New Orleans

Thompson, Nicolas: The University of Texas, Austin

Todywala, Zane: Columbia College Chicago

Tootle, Nicholas: University of Florida

Torrente, Julio: St. Thomas University

Torres, Ryan: Miami Dade College

Tozo, Gabriel: Miami Dade College

Trujillo, Jerry: Florida State University

Valdes, Kevin: Florida State University

Valencia, Antonio: Florida State University

Vega, Nicolas: Marquette University

Venegas, Pablo: Claremont McKenna College

Vila, Andres: The University of Alabama

Vivacqua, Frederico: University of Virginia

Waterhouse, Nicolas: University of California in Los Angeles

Wermuth, Dominic: University of Florida

Yanes, Julio: University of Miami

Yanez, Joel: The University of Alabama

Zayas, Juan Bruno: Florida International University

Zuñiga, Manuel: Florida International University

By: Gabriel Abril ‘16 Echoes Senior Editor

ATHLETICS

• The varsity basketball team included a season record of 21-4, which was the best in school history. The end of the season marked the retirement of Coach Jose E. Roca '84 from the head coach position, which he retained for 19 years with a total 341 wins. New head coach Gaston "Chachi" Rodriguez will take over the 2016-17 season.

• The junior varsity basketball team only lost three games during the regular season. They averaged 65 points per game.

• The freshman basketball team ended their season with a 12-8 record. The team averaged 56 points per game.

• The middle school basketball teams also had a great season. The Gold Team went undefeated 22-0 and the Blue Team ended 20-7.

• The wrestling team was small, but they certainly were mighty. A new pinning record was set at 3.5 seconds during the season and one of the members of the team qualified for states.

• The varsity water polo team had a very successful season by going completely undefeated and defending the state championship title. The team finished the season strong by defeating St. Thomas Aquinas at the state competition.

• The middle school water polo team had a balanced season winning some games and losing others. The young players now

look to fill the big shoes left behind by the varsity team.

• The crew team had a successful season which included a victory in the lightweight 8+ at the San Diego crew classic ranking them the number one seat in the nation.

• The varsity tennis team had a great season going all the way to districts where they came in second place. The number one doubles went all the way to States coming in second place as well.

• Middle school tennis had a short season with a new coach. They continue to train and improve to take the team to the next level.

• The varsity volleyball team had a positive winning season going all the way strong to Regionals where they fell short to Killian. The team was comprised of many seniors who moved on to play other sports at the collegiate level.

• The JV volleyball team had a challenging season but they managed to win a few matches. They ended with a 5-4 record for the season and look forward to playing at the varsity level next year.

• The varsity lacrosse team went strong with a 20-2 season until the regional qualifiers where they lost to Gulliver. This was the first time this team had gone this far in the post season.

• The JV lacrosse team had its ups and downs ending the season with a 4-8. They will return next year at the varsity level to continue the legacy.

• The middle school lacrosse team did not have a very long season due to the fact that there aren't too many middle school lacrosse teams. However, the season helped to train the athletes for upcoming JV and Varsity teams.

• The varsity baseball team had a successful season by winning the district title after trying for six years. Despite early season setbacks, the team made a good playoff push and made it all the way to the state semifinals.

• The 2016 season was a very successful season for JV team, only losing six games. The season showed that there is much potential for next year's varsity team.

• The Middle School baseball season was a promising one showing many signs of young talent.

• The sixth grade baseball season went perfectly as they did not lose a single game. They show great promise for the future of the school's baseball program.

• Varsity Track- The varsity track team had a very exciting season with new talent stepping up to the plate. They were the district champions and a total of 3 athletes went on to compete in the state competition bringing home 4 medals for the discus, the 3200, and the 1600.

NEWS

Soccer Team Wins State Title

By: Victor Arrieta '95 Athletics Department

On a cold February night in Melbourne High School the soccer team made history by capturing the State Championship. Behind a hat trick from Francisco de la Camara ’16 and goals by Joseph Fuentes ’16 and Tavish Rice ’16 the Wolverines defeated Gulf Coast 5-2.

After a tense first half that ended in a 1-1 tie, the team came all out to score four goals in the second half. The road to the championship included wins against Reagan (2-1) in the District Final, St. Thomas Aquinas (6-0), South Broward (3-1), South Fork (2-1) in the Regional Final that had a last minute goal by Tavish Rice ’16, and Auburndale (4-0) in the State Semifinal. The team finished the season with 27 wins, 2 ties and 0 losses.

“Everything came together at the right time. We were able to build on the accomplishments of previous teams. This team had it all, great forwards, amazing midfielders and a wall for a defense,” said Coach Tanger Mendonça, who is on his ninth year at the helm of the team.

The ball began rolling for the Soccer program in Cuba in 1920. As with everything else the school was forced to put a stop to all it’s athletics in 1961 when they were forced to leave Cuba. Belen would not play soccer again until 1976-1977 when it was re-established.

“It is a dream which we have finally been able to realize,” said first season coach Jorge Dieppa ’74 back in 1976.

The team played an exhibition season having only 6 games mostly against Junior Varsity Squads. The team won its first game against Loyola 1-0 and finished the

season 5-1. The program would eventually play for real and capture their first District Championship in 1980. That team included Francisco de la Camara ’80, who was one of their top players. Another milestone was set in 2011 when Belen won the Regional Championship for the first time, paving the way for what was to come.

This season of firsts included some amazing feats by the team and individuals. The team finished nationally ranked #7 by the US Soccer Coaches Association; they also received proclamations by Miami-Dade County and the Florida State Senate. Frankie de la Camara ’16 set new school records for goals in a season with 59 and a career 100, he came within two goals of the County record of 61 goals in a season. He played in the Miami-Dade and Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star games. He also

won the Florida Dairy Farmers Association Mr. Soccer Award, the Copa Dorada Atleta Masculino del Año, Copa Dorada Futbolista del Año and was in the running for Dade County Soccer Athlete of the Year.

“We as parents are incredibly proud of Frankie and the maturity he has shown, when asked by a reporter if he wished he had broken the County record for goals, Frankie said that winning the State Championship with his teammates was more important,” said Francisco de la Camara ’80.

Tavish Rice ’16 finished the year with 14 goals and a school record 29 assists for a season. Defender Anthony Castro ’16 also made the Miami-Dade and Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star games. All three Frankie, Tavish and Anthony made the Miami Herald All-County First team. And finally the Florida Dairy Farmers Association selected Coach Tanger Mendonça as the Class 4A Coach of the Year.

When asked about their reactions to the season, Francisco de la Camara ’80 said “I feel like things have come full circle and the team that my son is a part of completed the goal we set out to achieve 37 years earlier.”

As the season comes to a close, the focus is now on the JV and Middle School teams who will reap the benefits of this great legacy. For the 2016 varsity soccer team, it was definitely a memorable experience. The community at large will always be proud of their hard work and dedication. As Coach Jorge Dieppa ’74 stated after the State Competition, “I felt like a dad whose child had just achieved a great accomplishment.”

WHY I GIVE BACK

Jorge Hernandez '74 Architect Professor of Architecture, UM

Structural failure was imminent and I knew it! The trembling tower of seventh grade textbooks was about to give way, and every move to rescue my anonymity from the inevitable embarrassment of the collapse was only tightening the hangman’s noose of this new tie around my neck. My need to focus on an upcoming bus stop where I was to transfer to another “not” air-conditioned bus towards my destination was a complicit distraction. “Hey, are you going to Belen?” Before I could answer, another set of hands helped buttress the leaning edifice of learning I had foolishly attempted to deliver to my new school on that first day. The upperclassman introduced himself and helped me make the transfer, which was part of his daily routine to Belen Jesuit Preparatory School “en la Ocho”. In August of 1968, like a host of other young sons of Cuban immigrant families, my parents sent me to Belen. They sought for me the best education they could afford. I was on scholarship – the only means possible for them and for me.

That first day the premises seemed incongruous and confusing. The building was a rambling landscape of stacked concrete nearly windowless boxes. The grounds were asphalt and our fields the Dust Bowl. The only aula magna, which I would eventually discover, was Little Havana itself. In spite of this, there was there, the presence of a sure and wondrous Spirit, whose pillars were the priestselders ever present among us. They had witnessed the cause of the move. They were the architects of the move that salvaged the rhythm of the scholastic clock from ceasing during Castro’s revolution in mid century Cuba. Their valiant efforts insured the continuance of a tradition of learning that commenced in 1854 with the founding of Belen in Havana and passed uninterrupted to Miami and today. Father Baldor and Father Ripoll are two names that echo in my memory for their firm yet gentle guidance. There were many others and I was not the lone beneficiary of their love of education, ability to inspire, and willingness to serve.

After graduation, like my fellow classmates, I went on to college, career and family. My connection to Belen became more profound later during the years when my two sons, Alex '02 and Chris '10, attended the school. The catalyst for this reengagement was my wife Alina, who was moved by the manner and integrity of the young students who hosted her visit for prospective parents. I am thankful for her insight. During those years, our family engaged in Tombola, science fairs, masses, concerts, sporting events, parents’ days, bridge building mission trips to the DR, crew and all the special ceremonies traditional to the life of the school. Our sons’ journeys of paths both straight and curving brought joy, challenges and graces that strengthened all bonds between us. At Belen, they encountered new and familiar faces. Pat Collins, my government teacher, was their government teacher. Father Ernesto Fernandez Travieso, SJ, my seventh grade teacher, impossibly youthful as ever, returned to the school after many years away. There is a spiritual gravity that pulls towards Belen, a phenomena difficult to explain yet effortless to succumb to… a mystery.

One new face for me was a young and more than charismatic priest whose natural leadership, superior oratorical skill and Ignatian DNA were infectious: Father Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon, SJ. His warmth and enthusiasm drew us together and over the years a friendship grew. On the 50th anniversary year of the move

from Havana to Miami, he tapped me to re-design the central patio of the school. This was to be the beginning of the way he wanted to commemorate that anniversary: establishing a program to fashion sacred space throughout the campus. By moving the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus before the Chapel, a processional line was established across the space of the central patio, now the Garrido Family Plaza, which is the daily and ceremonial heart of the school. In an early planning meeting with my friend Jose Garrido Jr. '72 and his family, I learned that his father, Jose Garrido Sr. '46, had established the scholarship fund that gave me access to a Belen education years ago…. no coincidences.

This summer, the Garrido family will fund the renovation to Belen’s Chapel of Our Lady. Worship will be reoriented towards the painting of the Immaculate Conception as the altarpiece and focus of the space. Mary Immaculate and her Son, the Sacred Heart, will define the processional axis through plaza and chapel. Back to back, across the chapel wall, the sacred couple will watch over our school and protect us. Another patio dedicated to St. Joseph as Redemptoris Custos will be inaugurated as a sacred space resulting from the new dining hall construction. The most significant project is the construction of the Chapel of St Ignatius for over 600 to gather, worship and celebrate. Within the chapel, above the entry, a true and faithful copy of Our Lady of Belen will bless us as we enter the nave. Like the original image in Cuba, she presents her Son who looks forward towards his mission. Across the arc of the nave, that mission is fulfilled by the altarpiece of Christ Redeemer before a luminous cross. We will gather in prayer between them.

As I was finishing the construction of the Garrido Family Plaza in August 2011, my daughter gave birth to our first and as of yet only grandson, Nico. From the moment he touched the earth, it was clear he would not remain for long, and three months later, he returned to God. During that time, a tsunami of support enveloped my family. Initiated by our Belen Emmaus community, the loving touch of many from the school sustained us. Belen’s priests were especially present in this. It was Father Willie who in the NICU gave Nico his last rites, counseled his mother, accompanied us when he returned to God, and celebrated his funeral mass and burial. At the graveside he sang Nico’s goodbye. With hands upon the little white casket, he sang a haunting Salve Regina, a sound that will forever resonate in my heart.

Shor tly after, Father Willie departed for three years to a special assignment in the DR. Now back as President of Belen, he has re-energized the program for the construction of Sacred Space throughout the school Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. It is our prayer that the Belen community will respond to the call to build St. Ignatius’ Chapel. Its realization is the keystone of the program for Sacred Space at Belen.

Why do I give back? Because I have received so much. We must realize that whatever the form of our giving, at Belen we know that talents are not created to be buried.

Our Lady of Belen, pray for us!

MAGIS

Building lives, Giving hope

ABy: Daniel Chavez ‘17 Echoes Staff

lfred Consuegra '84 was born in Miami, Florida November 28, 1966. His parents enrolled him in Belen in 1978 for the seventh grade. Although he had no family history affiliated with the school, Consuegra and his parents knew well of the school and thought Belen would be a great place for him to grow. While at Belen, he excelled in baseball and basketball, although he confesses that baseball was his favorite. His fondest memories of the school include playing sports, and simply hanging out with friends after practice. One fact that few people know about him is that while he was at the school he was the first person to step into the Waldo costume and take over the serious responsibilities that come with being the official school mascot. He was elected for this position by the student council because they thought Consuegra was "a spirit freak in hiding".

Despite the good times at the school, there was one specific activity that made a tremendous impact in his life and transformed him completely. In the summer of 1983, Consuegra travelled to the small town of La Cejita in the Dominican Republic as part of the Belen Youth Mission Program. He had

just completed his junior year and was about to begin his senior year when he went on this trip. It was precisely at La Cejita where he understood what true poverty really was, and the extreme conditions under which many humans live around the world. His eyes were opened as he witnessed first hand how ninety percent of the world was living. What impacted him the most was the outstanding faith in God the locals had, despite the fact that they lacked the basic necessities such as running water or electricity. Their unending faith propelled them to work every day and endure the difficulties they encountered on a daily basis.

Upon his return to the United States, something inside of him changed. He could not stop telling people about his amazing experience and he felt an overwhelming desire to do more for Christ by becoming a man for others. His desire grew so strong that in 1985, along with friend Albert Perez , Consuegra founded the organization Living Instruments For Others (LIFO).

LIFO is an organization based on helping the poor in the Dominican Republic. It consists of college students who use their free time in the summer to work in the poverty stricken areas of the Dominican Republic known as campos. While in the DR, they build bathrooms, school buildings, and

aqueducts for the locals. At this point in time, many of the college students who already participated years ago are now returning with their own high school children to relive the experience.

Every work day begins with a morning prayer where Consuegra says, "We have an opportunity to meet God through the people we interact with or the nature we encounter; Make the decision to meet God today in everything you do." Those words lead the volunteers to a full day of brick laying, cement mixing, dirt digging, and much more accompanied by tons of sweat and hard work.

Graduation picture 1984

"Belen was an extension of my home and it cemented the values that my parents taught me as a child," said Consuegra.

After graduating from Belen in 1984, Consuegra attended the University of Miami for a year and a half before transferring to Florida International University to complete his undergraduate degree. During his college years, he continued to serve by revisiting the places he had helped to build and making sure that the basic needs of the people were met. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management and Architectural Studies. He later received an Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) from FIU as well.

Today Consuegra works as the Director of Operations for Adler Companies, LLC. Adler is a construction firm specializing in high-end residential construction and development as well as commercial construction. His wife Maria "Boli" Consuegra of 22 years works at Belen Jesuit as an Assistant to the Athletics Department. His oldest son AJ '16 recently graduated and their other son Luis will begin in the seventh grade next year. He is scheduled to graduate in 2022.

With a deep understanding of humanity, and the faith that moves and sustains those who believe, over the past 30 years Consuegra has worked in 30 communities, built 25 aqueducts, and helped 6,750 families (that is 33,750 people) to improve their quality of life .

His family has accompanied him on many occasions and helped him to restore, revitalize, and simply bring hope back to those who are truly in need. His objective has always been one thing and one thing only: to serve the poor. 32 years after graduating from Belen, Consuegra explains that the only important things in life are family and service.

Furthermore, there is no greater joy or sense of accomplishment than giving to those who do not have, and especially being able to do this with his own children. It is something that he hopes to pass down to future generations, so that they too may continue to build for others.

Cover Story

Welcome home H

By: Jonathan Garcia ‘16 Echoes Staff

Home is where the heart is... as the saying goes. Although by definition a home is a place where one lives, often described as a dwelling surrounded by four walls, every person who has come in contact with Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, whether in Cuba or in the United States, knows that the definition of a home can be much more than the words found in the pages of Merriam Webster's dictionary. A home, as the Belen community of students, teachers, staff, and alumni perceive it, has more to do with family, gratitude, friendships, perseverance, forgiveness, service, and faith. The school that was established on the street of Compostela in Havana, Cuba in 1854, has been a home to thousands of students, teachers, and Jesuits who believe in the power of education in conjunction with a solid Catholic faith. Although the school has gone through many changes, including the move from one country to another, and a number of rectors, it is still a home to many. This concept is most evident in the school's massive alumni association that boasts over 7,000 members, and in the

"In the life of certain men there are definitely extraordinary particulars that help define them more than others. For me, one of those is Belen Jesuit. It has been as much a part of me as anything else and maybe more." " "

number of men who return every year to this institution to give back in one way or another. Among the many men who return to give back to this community, there is one tireless Jesuit, known to most as simply Father Willie.

In 2009, rector Father Pedro Suarez, SJ '58 named Father Guillermo García-Tuñón, SJ '87 (Fr. Willie) principal. In the spring of 2012, Father Willie was appointed by the Provincial of the Antilles Province to be the director of a school in a small town in the Dominican Republic called Dajabon. Dajabon is a tiny rural community that lies on the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This small town is home to the Instituto Tecnologico San Ignacio de Loyola, where Father Willie was asked to serve as director for one year. One year turned into three.

As director of the Instituto Tecnologico San Ignacio de Loyola, Father Willie applied the skills he had used earlier in Belen to improve this small facility. The school was a vocational technical school comprised of a coed student body with a little over 500 children.

As director he was in charge of the administration of

Father Pedro Suarez, SJ congratulates Father Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon, SJ on his new appointment as president of the school during a school wide mass in January, 2016.

the entire school; very similar to being the President of Belen. The role also required that he administer the farm on which the school was located. This was a full working farm with all kinds of animals and crops that needed tending. The farm also served as the practice facility for the kids who were studying agriculture. The goods that the farm produced were used to feed the students and staff, and anything left over was sold to the public. This was, in fact, a whole new experience for Father Willie who had to adapt to the new culture and job requirements; but he took the challenge head on. He carried out the position and fulfilled it with so much pride that he often referred to his departure from Dajabon as "bittersweet", as he quickly developed a bond with the humble people of this town.

Far from the place he calls home, Father Willie admits there wasn't a single day that he wasn't thinking about Belen. It was in May of 2015, that Father Javier Vidal, SJ, Provincial of the Antilles Province, announced Father Willie's return to Miami as the new president of Belen Jesuit. “Back at the right time and place,” was Father Willie's response to his new assignment.

From the moment he was informed of his new position, he began to evaluate the school and started planning several projects to improve it. Using all he had learned in the Dominican Republic, he planned to use his administrative skills to improve this school and make it the home that it had been to him for so many years. One of the most valuable lessons he learned in his previous administrative job was identifying talent

Cover Story

and putting them in positions of leadership so they can flourish and excel.

“My father had long ago told me that you are only as good as the people who surround you. So I worked hard to make sure that was the case,” said Father Willie. With that, Father Willie announced the new school administration earlier this year. The new principal of Belen Jesuit is now Mr. Jose E. Roca '84, who has also been calling Belen his home for the past 29 years as a math teacher, department chair, and assistant principal. Mrs. Patricia Bustamante will now be the new Assistant Principal to the middle school and Mr. Ramon Nicosia the new Assistant Principal to the high school. Mr. Thomas de Quesada '94 will be taking over the supervision of student discipline and activities as the Dean of Men.

Father Willie also learned through his experience that there is nothing wrong with not knowing the answer to something or not being an expert on everything. As director, that just meant that he had to understand his limitations and then find the right people who were the experts and could serve best. That is why he hired Felipe "Phil" Fernandez '94 as the new director of development.

“ When it comes to choosing between the director’s (president’s) pride or the good of the school, the school should always win,” added Father Willie.

Taking everything into consideration with careful planning, he decided to take Belen to the next level by not only remodeling certain facilities, but also building new ones. Father Willie started setting short term and long term goals by planning all the projects that he will be doing at the school. Some of the short term goals that have already been accomplished include moving the counselors to the old CRC structure where they can now provide more privacy to their students, and of course, better service. The old counseling offices in the main office building will now become the new offices for the school administration such as the principal and the assistant principals. The process of remodeling these offices has already begun, and the newly appointed administrators should be able to move in during the summer.

Another short term goal is the moving of the office of the Dean of Men to the ground floor overlooking the central patio so that all students have more access to this facility and the services offered. The Campus Store will also have a new home in the very entrance of the school where the main office is located. This gives visitors the opportunity to browse through the merchandise and make purchases without entering the actual school.

Father Willie started his term as president by adopting the complete renovation of the cafeteria that will be expanded to fit more students and include a bigger, more functional kitchen. The Dining Hall project, which started back in 2015, is projected to be completed by December 2016. The new cafeteria will also allow for better productivity during major school events such as Tombola.

Another long term project that was recently kicked off was the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center & the Peter John and Gabriel Jimenez Pool, which will contain an Olympic sized pool where the tennis courts used to be. Due to the pool's dimensions, the school will now be able to host swimming and water polo tournaments, as well as district and regional meets.

“I t is the leadership, vision, and financial support of

the Zumpano Family, which has steered this incredibly important project through a series of challenges and delays over the years that has led us to this moment,” said Father Willie, referring to the generous project donors Joey ’87, Danny '91, Carlos '92, Lucas ’18 and Noah Zumpano ’23 and the Jimenez family. The Aquatic Center is being named after Gian Zumpano, from the class of 1986 who passed away in 1990. The ground breaking ceremony took place May 3rd. Once the aquatic center is completed, the old pool will be filled in and that space will become a garden area used mainly for reflection and fully dedicated to former Jesuits.

Not to be outdone, one of the most anticipated projects has to be the remodeling of the school’s chapel. With the generous donation of Mr. Jose Antonio "Junior" Garrido '72 and the architectural skills of Jorge Hernandez '74, the chapel will receive a much needed face lift. Most importantly, the current problem with acoustics will be fixed, and the new design will allow for people to enter the chapel without causing any disruption. The chapel project began the last official day of school in June, and is projected to be completed during the summer.

Further along in the future, Father Willie hopes to break ground on what will be a much larger chapel located in the very front of the school (in front of the library). The future St. Ignatius Chapel will have more room to accommodate twice as many people as the current chapel, and may be used for alumni masses and other religious events. The date for the beginning of this project has yet to be announced.

Besides his construction goals, Father Willie is also planning a few academic changes. For instance, he wants to create a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Program to move beyond the STEM fair that Belen now hosts every year. Father Willie also hopes to strengthen the ties between the alumni and the school, reaching out to those who have not visited before, and also create a greater awareness of the availability of the alumni association to help students with career choices or other type of counseling. The alumni office has been moved to the current administration building so that the members of the alumni association who visit can walk throughout the school and meet the current students. The alumni association is an integral part of this school and the formation of the young men as they grow to join this powerful body of Belen graduates.

As far as the number of ambitious projects lined up for the next couple of years, Father Willie clarifies that the objective of his plans is always to impact and improve the educational system in Belen Jesuit. His goal is to get Belen back on the list of top private schools in Florida, and possibly the nation. His ultimate objective is to assure that the student body can get the best possible experience at Belen, and graduate as Jesuit men educated with Jesuit values by the Jesuits, with first and foremost, a deep understanding and nurturing of the faith.

I t is without a doubt that Father Willie is ecstatic over his return, and his passion and enthusiasm show more than ever. His love and strong ties, as one part of four generations to attend Belen, propel him to work hard to create a most impacting and meaningful experience for the students. From the day he started school back in 1980 until the present day, this has been his home. As a man, as a Jesuit, as an alumnus, he hopes those who have left will return, and those who are here will remain, because Belen is so much more than just four walls. It has been, and forever will be, your home.

10 QUESTIONS FOR 1 ALUMNUS

By: Javier Hernandez '17 Echoes Staff

Fernando Aran '75

Mr. Aran is a personal attorney at the law firm of Aran, Correa, and Guarch, which he founded with his partners approximately 26 years ago. The passion for service and citizenship instilled in him at the school has propelled him to become a leader in the community and a role model for other men through the Boy Scouts of America Organization.

Q. What is your fondest memory from when you attended school at Belen?

"I have many fond memories of Belen but the fondest memories are of when I would get together at school at night to plan camp-outs with Belen’s Boy Scout Troop 43 as well as Student Council Meetings. The brotherhood while at school at night working together with a common goal and then seeing the fruits of our planning come true at the event is fondly remembered and with much affection."

Q. What extracurricular activities/sports did you participate in during your school years?

"During my six years at Belen I was involved with the Boy Scouts, Troop 43 where I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was the Senior Patrol Leader of the Troop. Later I transferred from the Boy Scout Troop to the Explorer Post where we continued to participate in high adventure camping. I also participated in Student Council from the 7th grade through my senior year and I was president of the Student Council my senior year. While serving in Student Council, I founded the Small School Coalition of Student Councils bringing together the small private schools in Broward and Miami-Dade County. I did this with the assistance and hard work of classmates such as Max Belin '75, Percy Aguila '75, Raul Mas '75, Crescencio Ruiz '76, Oscar Rivera '75, and Jorge Hernandez-Toraño '75. With the assistance of these and other classmates, we were also able to have Belen’s Student Council selected to a position of leadership within the Florida High School Association of

Student Councils for the first time in school’s history. I was also part of the Vincam Staff throughout my years at Belen. With respect to sports, I was the first and only 9th grader on Belen’s first football team ever. I remember trying out that summer with about 4 or 5 rising freshmen who after one day of 2 a day practices quit. I had invested real money in my cleats so I decided to hang in there and stayed on the team as the only 9th grader and therefore the first four-year letterman of Belen’s football team. During the off-season Coach Hargrove and Coach Mays insisted that I be on the Track and Field team. I competed the best I could, but frankly I was not very good. I did have a lot of style according to Coach Barquin when throwing the Shot Put. That good style at times got me to place 3rd and that was about it. I also participated for a short period of time on a wrestling team that we put together one season."

Q. Who do you feel impacted you the most and how?

"There were many people that impacted my life during my six years at Belen. It’s hard to mention just one. The Jesuits, the dedicated teachers and coaches. Whether it was the saintly 'way' of Father Baldor, the spiritual guidance with a bit of humor by Father Ripoll, the encouragement and guidance of Armando Rodriguez with Student Council, the dedication and push that I saw from coaches such as Carlos Barquin and Mariano Loret de Mola, or the interest in government and the law inspired by Patrick Collins, all impacted my life in a significant way."

Q. Is there one funny Belen moment that still makes you laugh?

"As silly as it may sound, it was hearing then principal Antonio Abella come on to the public address system of the school and say with a slight accent words to this effect 'do not be afraid, do not be alarmed, but there is a bomb in the school'. Then he proceeded to ask everyone to please leave their rooms in an orderly fashion. It still makes me laugh. There was a time in Miami when Alpha 66 and other political groups were planting bombs, but in this case it was a prank to avoid taking an exam."

Q. What did someone say to you while you were here at school that you will never forget?

"One thing that I find myself repeating time and time again is the words “compromise, compromise, compromise”. Written on the blackboard by Mr. Collins one day and it stuck along with 'there is no free lunch'. The other was a question asked and which I didn’t have an answer for that day. Mr. Gabino Diaz '56 in Science class asked, 'Aran! Mitochondria (phonetics)…what is…I do not know."

Q. What is a day in your life like?

"Wake up slow and as late as possible, but then I take off and don’t stop until late. A typical day could include an 8am breakfast Board Meeting with the Boy Scouts in Miami Lakes, followed by an afternoon real estate closing or hearing in Court and ending at Belen with either an Alumni or Advisory Board Meeting. When that is my day, I could not ask for a better one."

Q.

How do

you give back to society?

"I try to keep myself involved serving Belen and the Boy Scouts which were instrumental in my upbringing. I have served the Boy Scouts of America by being the Scoutmaster of Belen’s Troop 43, President and Chairman of the Board of the South Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Vice President of Marketing for the Southern Region of the Boy Scouts of America and I have served on committees on the National Board. I am currently Chair of Diversity for the Southern Region of the United States on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America. With respect to Belen, I along with other alumni came together to create the New Alumni Association and

was honored by being chosen to be its first President. I also served as the Chairman of Belen School’s Board of Advisors and I still serve on that Board as a Member. I give back to my church, Church of Epiphany, by serving in different ministries at different times. Marianela and I have taught baptism classes and we are currently ushers at the 6pm mass. With respect to professional activities, I served as President of the Southeast Region of the Hispanic National Bar Association, President of the Cuban American Bar Association, and Chairman of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. I am still active with these Associations and serve as an Emeritus Member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners."

Q. What is your definition of morality and values?

"If I can define it by giving an example I would say that morality and values are best defined by the Scout Oath and the twelve points of the Scout Law which are to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent."

Q. What are the most important things in your life?

"My relationship with my family and my Belen Friends. My best friends to date are Belemitas and they are the ones that I confide in times of trouble or share my successes.”

Q. How have the Ignatian values that you learned in Belen shaped your life?

"I would simply state that I strive to live my life in accordance with Ignatian values and the simple teachings of the Scout’s Oath and Law."

Vocation to Family Vocation to Marriage announcements

• Esther Paradelo and Jerry Alonso '98

• Brittany Gonzalez and Jeremiah White '00

• Carolina Portuondo and Ruben Moreno '02

• Inelis Garcia-Peña and Juan Carlos Robaina '04

• Vanessa De La Ossa and Freddy Elorza '05

• Alexandra Reboso and Manuel Andres Fernandez '06

• Stephanie Hernandez and Javier Chang '09

• Carolina Rojas and Cesar Ferreiro '09

• Lisamarie Garcia and Jorge Ignacio Portuondo '09

• Juliette Elizabeth, daughter of Tom Llamas '97

• Colin Bartholomew, son of Colin Bowe '98

• Daniella Emilia, daughter of Jorge Saladrigas '99

• Erimar James, son of Erimar von der Osten '99

• Theo Jose, son of Richard Rodriguez-Mahe ‘00

• Cecilia Michelle, daughter of Jean-Paul Chavez '01

• Mariana, daughter of Juan Bruno de la Fuente '02

• Lucy Jane, daughter of Javi Garcia-Tuñon '04

• Matthew James, son of Matthew Maranges '04

• The Fernandez-Ceballos Family with 3 generations of alumni: Jorge '61, Jorge Jr. '93 and Frankie Gonzalez '13.

• Jorge D. Fraga, Sr. '57 at the First Holy Communion of his granddaughter, Daniella. Jorge D. Fraga, Jr. 91 his wife, Rochelle and eldest daughter Olivia are also pictured.

In Memoriam

In loving memory of our alumni friends

Family and Friends announcements

• Rafael Font ‘36

• Ceferino Cata ‘44

• Miguel Fernandez Loza ‘48

• Humberto Medina ‘50

• Justo Soler ‘50

• Heriberto Hernandez Risech ‘54

• Jose Lombillo ‘55

• Jose Luis Gonzalez Hermilla '56

• Felix Quintana '56

• Jose Rodriguez Beruff '56

• Alberto Garcia-Tuñon Gelats '60

• Alfredo Rubiera '61

• Jorge Lopez '73

• Alex Sosa ‘05

• Luis Felipe Rodriguez Peña - Dolores

• Maria del Carmen de Quesada, wife of Omelio Sosa ‘58

• Elsa Martinez de Llano, wife of Eduardo Martinez de Llano ‘59

• Silvia San Pedro Camacho, widow of Alberto Camacho '40, mother of Ignacio '69, Enrique '72 and Luis Camacho '76, and sister of Francisco '59 and Former Belen Professor Bishop Enrique San Pedro, SJ

• Olga Casteleiro de Goizueta, widow of Roberto C. Goizueta ‘49

• Susan Argamasilla Nieto, widow of Jose Argamasilla ‘62 and mother of Jose, Francisco '85, Alejandro and Javier Argamasilla '92

• Martha Serra Mohr, mother of Felice Gorordo '01

• Carmina Aguilera, mother of George Aguilera '73 and grandmother of Jorge Aguilera '15

• Ana Lucia Villamil, mother of Alberto Villamil ‘56

• Esther B. Irigoyen, mother of Kenneth Irigoyen ‘80

• Edgard Noguera, father of Edgard Perez ‘92

• Oscar Fumagali, father of Oscar '72 and Carlos Fumagali '73

• Joaquin Ramon Ruhi, father of Joaquin Ruhi '73

• Jose J. Cil, father of Jose E. Cil '87

• Jaime Lopez, father of Jaime '89 and Jorge Lopez '91, father-In-Law of Jose Lopez '86, and grandfather of Jaime Luis '16 and Alejandro Lopez '23

• Manuel Coroalles, father of Manuel Coroalles '90

• Ignacio Saez, father of Michael Saez '96

• Marilupe Ortiz Travieso, mother of Andy de Varona '14, daughter of Hector Ortiz, Dolores, and sister of Hector Ortiz '86

• Maria Cristina Suarez-Carreño, sister of Raul Suarez-Carreño '56

• Eris LaJonchere Garrido, sister of Tony Garrido '46

• Jacinta Garrido de Cuadrado, sister of Angel ‘44 and Tony Garrido ’46, grandmother of Arturo Ferreira ’01, and aunt of Angel Garrido ‘68, Jorge Garrido ‘71, Jose Garrido ‘72, Jose “Jr.” Garrido ‘72, Jose Garrido III ‘99, George and Justin Metcalfe ‘04, Andrew Metcalfe ’08 and E. J. Cosculluela ‘14

• Zachary Tyler Paula '19, brother of David Paula '12

• Fred Suarez Gaston, brother of Jorge Suarez Gaston '56, uncle of Manny '87 and Patrick Hidalgo '97, and brother-in-law of Manolo Hidalgo '57

• Alvaro Garcia Menocal, brother of Father Jorge Sardiña SJ ‘45

• Eduardo Tarafa, brother of Antonio Tarafa '57, uncle of Antonio Tarafa '79, and granduncle of Tony Tarafa '03

• Martha Pardiño, grandmother of Juan '10, Osiel '14, and Cesar Gonzalez '15

• Carmen Fiol Borges, grandmother of Ricky Perez '87

• Maria Josefa Vazquez, grandmother of Juan A. Fernandez-Barquin '01

• Alberto Gutierrez, grandfather of Luis '02, Robert Velasco '04, Andres '04 and Carlos Manrara '05

• Reinerio Piñero, grandfather of Danny '02 and Adrian Torrent '07

• Gonzalo Romero Gattorno, grandfather of Enrique Zamora '06

• Hank Dombrowski, grandfather of Guillermo '08 and Max Echarte '10

• Fernando Sanchez, grandfather of Jorge Menocal '09 and father of Belen Professor Ana Sanchez-Menocal

• Nicolas Alvarez Camp, grandfather of Nicolas Alvarez '11, uncle of Pedro Alvarez '70 and Paco Ruiz '73, granduncle of Frankie Ruiz '96, Jorge Salum '98, Pedro Alvarez '99, Juan Carlos Alam '02, and Jonathan Salum '02

• Mercedes Cosio, mother-in-law of Deacon Jorge Prieto '70

• Teresa Jacomino, mother-in-law of Belen English Professor Jennifer Jacomino and Jorge Vasseur '86, and grandmother of Daniel Vasseur '19

• Luz Gonzalez, aunt of Fr. Pedro A. Suarez, SJ ‘58

• Dionisio Perkins, uncle of Manuel Lubian '62

• Rafael Ledesma, father of Belen Jesuit Counselor Rafael Ledesma

• Barbara Rosa de Mendonça, mother of Belen Soccer Coach Tanger Mendonça

• Frank E. Mackle IV, brother-in-law of Belen Professor Kathleen Mackle

Class Notes

1950s

Oscar Echevarria ‘53 has co-written a book entitled "Transformacion II: 5 Paises ... sigue el enigma".

Classmates visit Piquin Gutierrez ’54

1960s

Fr. Pedro Suarez, SJ ’58 with his brother, Luis Suarez '63 and Caridad and Jose M. Sentmanat ‘58 in Conroe, Texas.

Eva and Jorge Andino ‘59 with Marissa and Jose Lopez-Mera ‘59 in Spain.

Emilio Cueto '60 received a doctoral degree in Humane Letters from St. Thomas University.

1970s

’61 California alumni and their wives gather near Los Angeles.

1980s

Members of the Class of ‘78 at their FIVE-YEARSRUNNING Christmas Happy Hour at the Allen Residence.

Ricardo Pau-Llosa ‘71 was featured on the French News Network, France 24, focusing on his work as a writer and art collector.

Dr. Orlando Puente '71 was recently named into the Miami Dade College Hall of Fame in the category of Medicine.

Members of the Class of 1973 gathered at Belen Jesuit for a Mass to honor their classmate Jorge Lopez, who passed away.

Javier Perez-Abreu ‘78 has been recently selected as one of the "10 Best" Attorneys for Florida by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.

Jose Pañeda ‘82 (right), with Miami Heat President Pat Riley, was honored, along with fellow broadcaster Eric Reid, to commemorate their 2,000-gamescalled milestones. (Photo courtesy of David Alvarez)

Jose Roca ’84 was named Principal of Belen Jesuit

Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez ‘84 successfully completed the world’s most extensive face transplant at the New York University Langone Medical Centre.

The Class of 1984 got together with George Hernandez to celebrate his recovery from a life threatening motorcycle accident.

Alberto Cardelle ‘86 was named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fitchburg State in Massachusetts.

Fernando Aran '75 swears in new President Tony Castro '86, who was elected President of the Alumni Association and will serve a two year term.

Dr. Roly Diaz ‘87 and Col. Armando Fiterre '86 completed last year's Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC.

Victor Olaniel, Tico Gut ierrez, Nick Lopez-Jenkins, Carlos Mastrapa, and Ray Lanza ‘88 at the Alumni Luncheon at Piripi in Coral Gables.

Alex Prado, Otto Travieso, Fausto Borges, Manny Feijoo, Tony Gonzalez, Carlos Alvarez, Frank Guerra, Alex Brito, Juan Cueto, Carlos Lamela, and Juan Lucas Cardenas ‘88 at the Brito Family Compound

Rob Suarez ‘89 has merged his law firm with the Intellectual Property Law Firm of Espinosa Trueba Martinez, PL and joins as a Partner.

1990s

Alex Zequeira ’90 was named the new headmaster at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

Nelson Tarke ‘92 is president of CAMACOL (Latin Chamber of Commerce of the U.S.) for 2015-2017.

Ernesto Aviño ‘92 has joined the board of directors for CAMACOL

2000s

Jesus Suarez ‘02 was promoted to partner at the law firm of Genovese Joblove & Battista, P.A.

Kyle Aguilar '07, pictured with his parents

Liliana and Enrique Aguilar ’75 and his sister Lauren, graduated from the University of Miami with an MBA Degree.

Robbie Smith ‘07 starred in the role of 'Baby John' in the Actors' Playhouse production of West Side Story.

MLB Pitcher for the Texas Rangers

Nick Martinez ‘08, with wife

Kimberly and Belen Jesuit Varsity Baseball Head Coach Jerry Albert, at his Uniform Retirement Ceremony.

Robert Grimal ‘09 was promoted to Senior Procurement Systems Analyst at McKinsey & Company.

2010s

Vicente Fernandez ‘10, cofounder of Sportsmania, was named to Forbes “30 Under 30” for 2016.

Carlos Omaña ‘11 won 3 Silver Medals at the 2016 South American Swimming Championships.

Nicholas Alvarez '11 with parents, Mary and Jorge E. Alvarez '81, graduated with a Bachelors of Liberal Arts - English degree at the University of Florida.

Imani Davis and Alfonso Horner ‘12 played for the University of Akron in the 2015 Idaho Potato Bowl.

Christian Marrero ’12, pictured with his parents Aida and Ruben Marrero ’75 and brothers

Matthew ’13 and Gabriel ’22, graduated Magna Cum Laude from FIU with a Degree in Health Services Administration.

Ricardo Fonseca '12 and Eric Franca '12, both currently attending Union College, were selected to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society.

Matthew Sierra ‘12, pictured with his parents and brother Brandon Sierra ‘15, graduated from FSU's School of Accounting.

Christoph Sproul '12, was selected to participate in the Fulbright Program after graduating from Vanderbilt University, and will continue his academic work in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.

Jose E. Roca Jr. '13 with parents

Teri and Jose E. Roca Sr. '84, sister Melanie and brother Nicolas '16 graduated from FSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Production with a Spanish Minor.

David Fager ‘16 received an Engineering Scholarship at the Association of Cuban-American Engineers Gala, presented by its President, Mr. Peter Montadas '76. He was selected to the FHSAA Academic All-State Team.

GALLERY OF REUNIONS

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1990

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 2005

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

OF THE SCHOOL PRESIDENT

In 1896, just 42 years after its founding in Cuba, my great grandfather, Guillermo Garcia-Tuñón, became the first member of my family to graduate from Belen. Five continuous generations later, his greatgreat grandson, Danny, my nephew, will graduate from the same historic institution. I can’t think of too many schools, especially in this country, that can boast the same kind of legacy.

Belen is an extraordinary place. Its story is one of lore. It has existed in two different countries with four different flags having flown on its masts. It has survived several wars, dictators and, of course, exile to a foreign land. All the while, it continued to provide excellent, uninterrupted education to tens of thousands of men. It is a privilege to be a part of it.

But let me make something abundantly clear, for as rich as my past may be with Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, my loyalty does not lie first and foremost with her. As hallowed as her traditions and history may be, for as successful and tenacious, graced and blessed Belen may be, my loyalty first and foremost is to Jesus Christ and his Church. First and foremost because He, and exclusively He, is the reason why we are here. Jesus Christ is the reason why 162 years ago Belen was founded. He is the reason why we survived wars and persecutions, the reason why we have survived dictators and exile, the reason why we were able to face apparent extinction and rise from the ashes to become the thriving, vivacious community we are today. Let me be abundantly clear, Willie Garcia-Tuñón is today a Jesuit priest and the new president of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School not for any reason other than Jesus Christ.

To my brother alumni who make up one of the most prolific associations of any Jesuit school in the world, I thank you for the support that you have always shown Belen. It is a support that you have expressed faithfully because you have recognized that the years you spent walking these hallways, playing on these fields, and sitting in these classrooms, were some of the most formative of your life. It was here at Belen that you forged the greatest friendships of your life. As a priest I am blessed with the opportunity to celebrate hundreds of weddings and baptisms, mostly for our alumni and their families, and I can tell you that it is impressive when I see that the best men, groomsmen and godfathers are fellow Belen alumni. It is a testament to our brotherhood.

To the faculty, staff and administration, I encourage us to live our lives with a healthy dose of dissatisfaction. Until every son of Belen graduates with a passion for Jesus Christ, until every son of Belen leaves our school with at least planted in their souls the seeds of discipleship, a willingness to think of others before thinking of themselves, a groaning to fight unceasingly for justice, an abhorrence of violence and apathy, we will not be satisfied. We pledge again our lives and our professions to improving every year, evaluating what we have done, examine carefully where we have succeeded. Not so much to take pride in it, but so we can repeat it. But we pledge in particular to examine where we have failed so we can change it.

I encourage you, my sisters and brothers in arms, to actually thrive in that dissatisfaction because we know that there is always something more we can do, something better we can achieve. To the

members of Belen's faculty, staff and administration I know we can all agree that the moment in our careers when we finish an academic year completely satisfied with our work, is the moment we should retire and move on to something else.

As for our students, I ask them to never take for granted the gift their parents have given them. Wanting only what is best for them and their future they have sacrificed and struggled to make Belen a reality for them. Here they will become men. But not men as the world understands it. Not men who obsess about the way they look, the car they drive, the clothes they wear, or the money they make. No, they should strive to be men of faith, understanding that above all things is God and that He and only He should be first in their lives. Our students should strive to understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ should be the rulebook by which they live their lives and truly measure their successes and failures. They should strive to be men of hope, living each day with the conviction of knowing that the world can be better, more peaceful, more just, and godlier because they are in it and strive every day to make it so. They should strive to be men of love, who live to serve and are ready to be the first to respond to those most in need. They should be men who live not for themselves but for others.

Now, I’m not naïve. I know this extraordinary endeavor will not be without its moments of failure. I assure you that we will make mistakes. I am sure that on occasion we will fumble the ball. But even those failures will be for the glory of God because from them we will learn and in them we will experience His grace and be constantly reminded that we depend on Him. My brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to occasionally fail in this great task because it is there that often times the greatest lessons are learned.

This is the Ignatian magis! This is the spirit of St. Ignatius that necessarily permeates our life at Belen. Our hallways, our classrooms, our history resound with his spirit that has for centuries set the world on fire. It is the essence of being a man for others. It is at the core of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is what defines Belen Jesuit.

This great responsibility is not mine alone, but ours. The challenge is not to maintain, but to surpass. Our reach should far exceed our grasp. We will work, fight, and serve with a fervor that will not simply match that of those that came before us, but will go beyond it and pay proper tribute to them, our predecessors, and give to God and His Son Jesus Christ all the glory.

Our Lady of Belen... pray for us, Fr.

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

500 Southwest 127 Avenue

Miami, Florida 33184

U.S.

PAID Miami, Florida Permit No. 1277

Calendar of events

July

July 9

Class of 1957 - Annual reunion

July 16 Colegio Dolores - Annual reunion

July 31 Feast of St. Ignatius Mass at Gesu 12 noon

September

Sep. 9-11

Class of 1996 - 20 year reunion

Sep. 16-18 Class of 2001 - 15 year reunion

Sep. 23 Belen vs Columbus Tailgate and Game

Sep. 30 Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

Sep. 30-Oct. 2 Class of 1991 - 25 year reunion

November

Nov. 11 Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

Nov. 19 Annual Belen Gala

August

Aug. 13

Class of 2015 - One year reunion

Aug. 8 Class of 2006 - 10 year reunion

Aug. 26 Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

October

Oct. 15 Annual Alumni Night

Oct. 21-23

Class of 1986 - 30 year reunion

Oct. 28 Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

December