Belen Jesuit Magazine | Summer 2017

Belen Jesuit Alumni

SUMMER • 2017

MESSAGE FROM THE

DIRECTOR OF THE ASSOCIATION

Dear members of the Belen Jesuit community,

Since 1958, when I graduated from Belen in Cuba, I have been involved with the school in one way or another.

Now, after much thought and reflection, I am stepping away from the position as the Alumni Association (AA) Executive Director and with the publication of this edition of the Belen Jesuit Alumni Magazine I end my 7-year term proudly.

This magazine is a very important communication tool for the Alumni Association and the School. In September of 2011, Father Pedro Suarez SJ ‘58, President of the School, Jorge Hernandez Toraño, President of the AA at the time and myself, coordinated, developed and agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding for the managing and production of this twice-a-year publication (Summer and Winter). A joint Executive Committee was created for this purpose and the group, with only minor changes in their composition, has worked tirelessly in the planning, editing and production of this quality and informative magazine.

I am proud and honored for being a member of this Committee. We worked on an equal basis and in a very open manner discussed issues, articles, and final edits. In our meetings, all opinions were accepted and a consensus was always reached. It has been a sincere pleasure to have worked with the committee and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for their ideas, work and dedication in making this magazine second to none: Roberto Borbolla ’56, our Alumni Content Editor, Teresa Martinez, Director of Communications, and Sujayla Collins, Belen’s Journalism Teacher.

I would also like to thank the two School presidents that I have worked with during my time as Executive Director - Father Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon, SJ ’87 and Father Pedro Suarez, SJ ’58 - for being very actively involved with the magazine for the last five years.

Additionally, I want to thank all the collaborators, like Victor Arrieta ’95, Ricky Raimundez ’90 and Carlos Jimenez ’15. Of course, the authors of so many outstanding articles have been students and I am grateful to them for giving of their time and creativity.

It is my wish that this publication continues as a beacon of pride for the School and the AA and that our Belen legacy is shared with the Belen community and continues to serve and inform all of you, our Jesuit family.

Yours truly,

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

ALUMNI MAGAZINE belen jesuit

García-Tuñon,

Mariano Loret de Mola ‘58

Alumni Association Director

Roberto Borbolla ’56 Alumni Content Editor

Felipe Fernandez '94 Executive Director for Advancement & Alumni Relations

Teresa Martinez Belen Jesuit Director

Sujayla Collins Belen Jesuit Journalism

Antonio Castro ’86 – President Crescencio Ruiz ’76 – Vice President

Tomas Pla '00 – Treasurer

Gabriel Dieppa ’96 – Secretary

Antonio Abella ’59

Orlando Puente '71

Jose A. Garrido III '99 Javier Mariscal '86

Peter Piderman '06

Manuel Garcia Linares '87

Alberto Gutierrez ’88 Reinaldo Ramos ’58

Peter Montadas ’76

L. J. Rodriguez ’93

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

community

By: Javier Arazoza ‘18 Echoes Editor

• Students from Taiwan attended Belen during the second semester as part of the foreign exchange program. Eleven Belen students travelled to Taiwan during the Easter break to attend classes in St. Ignatius High School in Taipei. They learned about each other's culture as they interacted with their counterparts.

• During the second semester, the thespians put on the musical production A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum for the entire community.

• Alumni of 16-17 Faculty and Staff: Heriberto Cabada '99, Jorge Muñoz-Bustamante '69, Augusto Venegas '85, Juan Vazquez '92, Mario Martinez '89, Gerardo Portela '70, Felipe Fernandez '94, Fr. Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon SJ '87, Matthew Jordan '08, Barney Flores '97, Johnny Calderin '92, Thomas de Quesada '94, Ricardo Raimundez '90, Mariano Loret de Mola '58, Jose Roca '84, Ruben Marrero '75, Bryan Lorenzo '03, Victor Arrieta '95, German Delgado '90, Francisco Tudela '96, Ricardo Echeverria '84, Andres Jimenez '87, Eduardo Delgado '91, Deacon Jorge Prieto '70, Fr. Francisco Permuy SJ '85 and Fr. Pedro Cartaya SJ '54 (pictured below).

• The Senior Encounter took place on April 7th. The class of 2017 took this opportunity to get closer to God and all the brothers they've come to know over the years since they started school. The event was known as Senior Gradtitude.

• The class of 2021's pin ceremony took place May 12 in the school gym. This event gave the students the opportunity to acknowledge the completion of a major milestone.

• The Class of 2017 participated in the annual Senior Prom May 19th at Marlins Park. The students and their dates were greeted by none other than Billie the Marlin upon arrival.

• Belen Jesuit Professor Mr. Patrick Collins, Roy Schultheis ’02, Manuel Vázquez ’90, Eduardo Abascal ’15, John Barsa '84, Eddy Acevedo '01, Cpt. James Burrows ’01, Alex Burgos '98, Dr. Rolando Diaz '87 and Alberto Martinez '97 attended the 42nd. Belen Jesuit Close Up on Capitol Hill along with 76 Belen students.

• Mr. Andres Ballerino, President of the Latin American Confederation of Jesuit Alumni, visiting the Belen Alumni Office, was greeted by Alumni Director Mariano Loret de Mola '58.

• Father Christian Saenz SJ '95 led a group of members of the Belen Community during a Camino Ignaciano. The group is pictured below in Manresa.

• Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, SJ, Director of the Vatican Observatory and President of the Vatican Observatory Foundation visited Belen Jesuit and was given a tour of the campus which includes the only observatory owned and operated by a Catholic school in Florida, donated by the Class of 1972.

• Fr. Alberto Garcia SJ, Fr. Pedro Cartaya SJ '54 and Fr. Willie Garcia-Tuñon SJ '87 with Tony Garrido '46 and his children and grandchildren at the Blessing of the Chapel of Our Lady.

• Members of the class of 2017 received their alumni pins May 31st at Gesu. The 2017 delegates are Oscar Berlanga and Daniel de la Fe (pictured below Francisco J. Menendez '79 and his son Francisco J. Menendez, Jr. '17).

• Alumni from different classes spoke to current students about their professions during Career

• Fr. Pedro Cartaya, SJ '54, presented his new book, 25 Jesuit Knights of God to the members of the Astronomy Club in the Belen Observatory. The book was published early in the year and included biographical details of 25 Jesuits who made an impact in the world through their talents.

• A mass was held March 19, the Feast Day of St. Joseph, to commemorate and bless the new St. Joseph's Patio. The patio, which includes a number of benches and a statue of St. Joseph holding the baby Jesus, was donated by the Garrido Family.

• The class of 2017 participated in their Commencement Excercises June 1st at the James L. Knight Center. The keynote speaker for the event was Senator Marco Rubio, who spoke about the importance of learning from mistakes.

• During the graduation ceremony, Student Council President Alejandro Smith '17 passes the class banner on to alumni board member Manuel Garcia-Linares '87 (pictured below).

ACADEMICS

GRADUATION AW ARDS

Gerard M. Hopkins, SJ English

St. Francis Xavier, SJ Scholar Athlete

Andrea Pozzo, SJ Humanities

Esteban Guio

Pierre T. de Chardin, SJ Science

Christopher Clavius, SJ Mathematics

Juan J. Fernandez de Castro

John Carroll, SJ Social Studies

Agustin Leos

Karl Rahner, SJ Theology

NEWS Where Are They Going

Aguilar, Nicolas: Northwestern University

Ahearn, Michael: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Alonso, Cristian: Florida International University

Arazoza, Carlos: Southern Methodist University

Arenas Grayeb, Andres: University of Miami

Arevalo, Jose: Florida State University

Armstrong, Francesco: University of Florida

Avallone, Christopher: Wake Forest University

Balbuena, Michael: University of Florida

Balcazar, Andres: Northwestern University

Balepogi, Jerry: Not attending college

Baloyra, Kevin: University of Florida

Barnola, Alejandro: Northeastern University

Barreto, Manuel: Loyola Marymount University

Bec, Matthew: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Berlanga, Oscar: College of William and Mary

Blanco, Francisco: Florida State University

Bonvecchio, Alain: Southern Methodist University

Borell, Michael: University of Miami Foote Fellow Honors Program

Brandt, Antoine: Savannah College of Art and Design

Bravo, Matthew: Florida State University

Briscoe, Edward: Purdue University

Brown, Daniel: Florida International University Honors College

Bruna, Adrian: Florida International University

Caballero, Christopher: Florida State University Honors Program

Cabeza, Michael: Florida International University

Cabrera-Ramon, Lucas: Florida State University

Caicedo, Lucas: New York University

Calles, Steven: University of Miami

Carriazo, Alejandro: United States Naval Academy

Carrillo, Juan Carlos: Florida International University

Carvajal, Nicholas: Florida International University

Chalela, Alejandro: Florida State University

Chan, Bill Zhen Yang: University of Miami

Chavez, Daniel: Florida International University

Cho, Jun Hyung: Syracuse University

Cicero, Alejandro: Florida International University

Cognigni, Christian: New York University

Cozier, Andre: University of South Florida

Crespo, Mathew: Florida State University

Curry, Nicholas: Drexel University

De Aguiar, Richard: Florida State University

de la Fe, Daniel: University of Notre Dame

de la Nuez, Carlos: Florida State University

Delgado, Christian: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Honors Program

Diaz, Jared: Florida International University

Diaz, Marcus: Tulane University

Diaz, Richard: University of Florida

Dominguez, Austin: University of Central Florida

Dominguez, Carlos: Florida International University Honors College

Duarte, Anthony: Florida State University

Elias, Jossan: Florida International University

Escarras-Lola, Leunam: Florida International University

Falcon, Alejandro: Florida International University Honors College

Gallo, Carlos: Santa Barbara City College

Galvez, Jordan: Florida International University

Garcia, Orestes: Florida International University Honors College

Garcia, Pedro: The Catholic University of America

Garcia del Pozo, Maximiliano: Marist College

Garrastazu, Daniel: Georgetown University

Gomez, Luis: University of Central Florida

Gonzalez, Gustavo: Hamilton College

Guinot, Sebastian: Florida State University

Guio, Esteban: University of Chicago

Hernandez, Adrian: University of Miami

Hernandez, Javier: Tulane University

Hernandez, Justin: Florida International University

Hernandez, Miguel: University of Michigan

Hernandez, Nicolas: Florida State University

Hunter, Alejandro: University of Colorado at Boulder

Iduate, Alexander: Florida State University

Jimenez, Jovier: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kasabdji, Gabriel: Florida International University

Labrada, Ricardo: Marquette University

Labrador, Erick: Boston College

Lara, Carlos: Palm Beach Atlantic University

Lara, Joshua: The Catholic University of America

Lemus, Kevin: Georgetown University

Leos, Agustin: University of Notre Dame

Lopez de Mendoza, Victor: Santa Fe College Honors Program

Machado, Carlos: University of Miami

Maduro, Alejandro: Florida International University

Maher, Patrick: Dartmouth College

Marin, Carlos: Georgetown University

Marin, Tristen: New York University

Martin, Peter: Louisiana State University

Martinez, Daniel Alejandro: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Martinez, Daniel Alexander: Villanova University

Martinez, David: Florida State University

Martinez-Varela, Rafael: Florida International University

Mathison, Luis: Fordham University

Mederos, Javier: Loyola University New Orleans

Melendez, Sebastian: Florida International University

Melo, Francisco: Florida State University

Menendez, Carlos: Florida International University Honors College

Menendez, Francisco: Georgetown University

Menendez, Jonathan: Georgetown University

Menendez, Manuel: Florida International University

Menendez, Norberto: Pennsylvania State University

Milton, Maurice: University of Florida

Milton, Nicholas: Tulane University

Miro-Quesada, Jorge: IE University in Spain

Moreno, Carlos: New York University

Moreno, Michael: University of Notre Dame

Motola, Michael: Miami Dade College

Munoz, Nicolas: Florida State University

Munoz, Richard: Florida International University

Munoz, Santiago: Florida State University

Muriedas, Aaron: Regis University

Peralta, Carlos: Miami Dade College

Perez, Andres: University of South Florida

Perez, Daniel: Florida International University

Perez, Patrick: Florida State University

Perez-Abreu, Albert: Florida International University

Perez-Blanco, Raphael: Florida International University Honors College

Perez-Erminy, Cesar: Florida International University Honors College

Perosch, Marco: American University

Pinate, Andres: University of Miami

Pita, Javier: Florida International University

Pola, Lucas: Florida State University

Poveda, Andres: Florida State University

Prado, Michael: University of Florida

Pupo, Roberto: University of Chicago

Pusch, Alexander: New York University

Ramirez, Juan: Canisius College

Rivera, Franco: Florida International University Honors College

Riveron, Daniel: University of Florida

Rodriguez, Alfonso: Florida International University

Rodriguez, Christian: Florida International University

Rodriguez Verde, Juan: Florida State University

Roig, Gustavo: Miami Dade Honors College

Romero, Daniel: University of Florida

Rosell, Teobaldo: University of Florida

San Martin, Juan: University of Florida

Sanchez, Nicholas: Florida International University

Santamaria, Stefano: Florida State University

Sarmiento, Daniel: New York University

Scheuren, Eduardo: New York University

Seda, Gabriel: The Catholic University of America

Sempere, Sean: Pennsylvania State University

Senior, Nicholas: Florida State University

Farach, John: University of Miami

Fernandez, Guillermo: University of Florida

Fernandez de Castro, Juan: Georgetown University

Ferrer Simo, Manuel: Marquette University

Gallardo, Rafael: Florida International University Honors College

Obeso, Nicolas: University of Pittsburgh

Ortega, Diego: American University

Otero-Pfaeffle, Daniel: University of Florida

Pardinas, Alejandro: Pennsylvania State University

Parlade, Joseph: Tallahassee Community College

Pena, Andres: New York University

Sequeira, Felipe: Florida International University Honors College

Silva, Nicholas: Florida State University

Simauchi, Kevin: Harvard University

Simpson, Daniel: Marist College

Siu, Christopher: University of Central Florida

Smith, Alejandro: Vanderbilt University

Solares, Andres: University of Miami

Somarriba, Diego: Florida International University

Suarez, Sebastian: Case Western Reserve University

Sueiro, Michael: University of Florida

Tamborrel, Federico: Northwestern University

Taquechel, Andres: University of Florida

Tordin, Mateus: University of Florida

Torres de Navarra, Javier: University of Southern California

Torricella, Brandon: Wake Forest University

Trastoy, Gabriel: Loyola University New Orleans

Ugas, Santiago: University of Delaware

Ulloa, Maximo: Florida International University Honors College

Valdes, Jorge: The Catholic University of America Honors Program

Vazquez, Carlos: Fordham University

Vazquez, Gabriel: University of Central Florida

Velasquez Neira, Daniel: New York University

Venegas, Lucas: University of Florida

Ventura, Kristian: University of Miami

Vila, Nicolas: New York University

Wilson, Erick: Fordham University

Winch, Christian: Florida International University

By: Gabriel Aparicio ‘18 Echoes Editor

ATHLETICS

• Wrestling had a few wrestlers reach the regional level and one qualify for the State Championship.

• The varsity water polo team had to fight hard for every victory during the season. With a very competitive schedule, they made it all the way to Districts.

• Varsity volleyball worked hard on conditioning this year. They

finished their season strong with a record of 14-7. They were also SLAM Tournament Copper Champions. The JV volleyball team ended their season 11-5.

• The varsity crew team had a great season with the Men's Varsity Lightweight 8+ winning gold at the San Diego Crew Classic. The middle school won all its events, and the 8+ boat went undefeated (pictured below).

• Basketball had a good season under first-year head coach Gastón "Chachi" Rodriguez. The varsity team were District Runner-Up against Doral. The JV team had a great season with 19 wins beating top rivals in their division. Freshman basketball ended their season with a record 19-9. Middle school gold went undefeated, while blue finished 6-3.

• The baseball season started off slow but the varsity team picked up the pace mid way through the season and never looked back going on a win streak towards the end of the regular season. They finished the year 21-7-1, at the regional finals. The JV team finished 10-7, while middle school had 16-7-3 and sixth grade ended with 6-2.

• For the first time in the history of the school, the varsity tennis team captured the much coveted State Championship Title in their division. The final match was played in late April in Altamonte Springs against Niceville High School, where Belen defeated them 4-2. The team was led by coach J.D. Barbosa. The team members were honored by the school during a schoolwide assembly (pictured below).

• Varsity soccer had a rough season, mostly due to injuries plaguing the core of the team. However, the team was comprised of mostly younger talent that will be back next year to regain the title. JV ended their season with 6-5 and 4 ties. The middle school gold team won the ACC Tournament with 9-1, and the blue finished 8-3.

• Even though the lacrosse season started off with two losses, the varsity team held their heads high. Finishing the season 18-5 and losing in the Regional Semifinal game in overtime. A total of four players made First Team All Region. The JV lacrosse team showed much promise finishing .500 on the season. Middle school Gold finished undefeated while Blue ended with a 2-5 on the season.

• Varsity track and field involved the tough competition commonly found in the 3A division. The team placed top ten in most of their meets, and came in second at the District Championship. Eight athletes moved on to Regionals where they placed fifth. Three athletes went on to compete at the State Championship, where they medaled in the high jump, 3200m and 1600m. Middle school placed 8th at States and sixth grade track went undefeated in the ACC division (pictured below).

By: Gabriel Aparicio ‘18 Echoes Editor

NEWS

Match Point For Tennis

It was in 1975 when student Max Belin, a senior at the time, approached government teacher Mr. Patrick Collins and said "I heard you are a tennis player?" At the time, Belin was a member of the Student Council, and he was simply looking for a way to improve his school.

Indeed, Mr. Collins had played tennis before, and he soon approached the administration about getting a tennis program started, fully aware that he was competing with the larger established sports such as baseball and basketball. It wasn't long before he got the green light and a team was put together. At the time, Mr. Collins thought this would be a one or two year stint that would fade rather quickly.

There were a few players who immediately answered the call, but without home courts or practice space, it was difficult to muster more bodies. The first tennis team was led by Rolando "Rocky" Vazquez, a freshman at the time, who went on to become a starter player for Pepperdine University. His son, Rolando Vazquez, Jr. '10, also played for Belen and went on to play at the collegiate level.

It was obvious from that first year that the Wolverines were looking at a David and Goliath situation. They played against schools that had long-standing tennis traditions, top-grade home courts, private coaches, and many more amenities. Then, along come the boys from Southwest Eighth Street who did not even have uniforms, and were out there just for the love of the game. Despite the fact that every match was an away game, that practices as a team were rare, and that there were no courts in the school, the 1975 varsity tennis team finished its first season with 4 wins and 3 losses. David wins again.

"Through determination and sheer will power, the boys found a way to prevail," said Mr. Collins. "They simply refused to be deterred by adversities."

Over time the team grew by word of mouth and its

success stories. Other students who had played a little in their clubs or neighborhoods decided to join. Before long, the team developed a momentum of its own.

By 1985, the tennis program had expanded to include a Junior High team, which is equivalent to today's middle school team. This much younger team was led by Jorge Mestre '89, who went on to play tennis for Catholic University. With all the success associated with the tennis program, Mr. Collins credits one person in particular.

"In all the years that Coach Barquin has been athletics director, he never questioned the losses. He was not interested in that. He was more interested in knowing if the boys had been conducting themselves as gentlemen and sportsmen on the courts," said Mr. Collins. "I felt that there was harmony with Barquin and the mission of the sport that focused on the formation of gentlemen, and a commitment to becoming a man."

In the many years since inception, the program has had its share of success stories. One is that of Hector Ortiz '86, who was a

five-time MVP, and played for the University of Illinois. Ortiz was also the first inductee into the Belen Sports Hall of Fame. There was also Cesar Conde ' 91, who was a three-time MVP, and went on to play tennis for Harvard University. Recently, Juan Lorido '13 was named athlete of Landmark Conference All-Decade Team by Catholic University. Lorido led the team to a conference championship in 2014, while earning a spot in the university's academic honor roll.

Brothers Rolando Martinez '08 and Daniel Martinez '17, who excelled in the sport, were both All County and MVPs. Daniel is also a part of the current State Championship team. This year's team was not predicted to win the State Championship; after all, they had never won a state title before. Much like the team from 1975, it was David and Goliath all over again. Just as in the past, the team did not have a home court (due to the construction of the Aquatic Center presently), and much like that first team, practices were a challenge. Once again, the boys prevailed, and they now have the first State Championship trophy to prove that hard work and perseverance pays off.

Under the leadership of Mr. Collins, who was head coach from 1975 until 2007, the team had a record of 317-126. In 2009, Mr. Timothy VanScoy took over as coach and held this position until 2014. The current coach, Juan Diego Barbosa, has been guiding the team for the past two years. Upon the completion of the Aquatic Center, four new courts will be built between the new pool and the de la Cruz Stadium.

In the words of Rudyard Kipling, as they appear above the entrance to Wimbledon’s Centre Court, "If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same," and the tennis team did exactly just that. Forty-two years after that first team set foot on the court, a group of young men achieved the seemingly unachievable.

Father Izquierdo Golf Tournament

For the last 18 years, we have honored and remembered Fr. 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 Financial Assistance Program, provides aid to over 300 students, to give young men the opportunity to attend Belen Jesuit.

We would like to thank our sponsors, AA Uniforms, Baptist Health South Florida, Coca Cola, Capillus, Libby’s, Dr. Miguel Lanz, Alexis Gonzalez, Leon Medical Centers, TD Bank, Dr. Gaston Lacayo, J Milton & Associates, Law Office of David Fernandez, MBAF Certified Public Accountants & Advisors, Mercedes Benz Coral Gables, Northern Trust, Sabadell Bank & Trust, Orlando Garcia (Everglades Steel), Braman Miami, Demetrio Perez, Raul Cardona (BLN Networking), National Security and Detective Services, National Legal Consultants and La Esquina del Lechon for their participation and support.

WHY I GIVE BACK

By: Leopoldo Nunez Ignatian Center Director (2003-2016)

Donors of the Roca Theater Patrons of the Arts

On rare occasions, there are people who gather in their being, very unique qualities which can only be described as God-given gifts. Such is the case of Juan Jesus Roca and his wife, Ophelia. Some years ago, I had the opportunity to talk with them and to discover their extraordinary motivations in life.

A Cuban writer once said that every Cuban exile can write a novel about leaving his homeland and facing the struggle to make a living in a new country. The story of Juan Jesus Roca is definitely worth telling. As so many Cubans have, he arrived in the Dominican Republic with a strong character and little else. As a young man, he obtained a job in a company based in Santo Domingo, that supplied meals to the airlines making international flights. The large corporation had offices in various countries in the world.

Juan Jesus Roca worked hard and showed capabilities which were soon noticed by management. He became a supervisor and later, a manager. And then, the key moment arrived. The owners of the corporation decided to sell, but they wanted the company to remain in Santo Domingo and continue doing successfully what it did best. They approached a man who they knew had the capacity and the drive to fulfill their aims; he also had their trust, Mr. Roca.

To Juan Jesus Roca, this seemed an absurdity; he did not have the money, nor could he dream of raising it. A most unusual offer followed: the owners of the company were willing to help him finance the purchase. And so it was, that the lives of Juan Jesus Roca and his wife, Ophelia, took a turn that would result in great financial success and in they becoming ongoing benefactors of the Catholic Church, both in the Dominican Republic and in Miami-Dade, as well as of the performing arts in our community.

Juan Jesus Roca and Ophelia are persons of faith, and strong Catholics. They are committed to religious values that are consequential with obligations that are very much part of the example of Christ in the gospels. The Rocas believe that much is expected from those to whom much is given; something that is easily said, but rarely done. They were close to the Society of Jesus in the Dominican Republic, and for thirty years, great friends of that extraordinary, charismatic Jesuit, the late Father Jose Antonio Esquivel, SJ. Father Esquivel was the spiritual counselor of the Senior Division at Belen in the mid 1970s and returned in the early 90s to direct our Middle School for two years.

As previously stated, the Rocas believe that they have the duty to share the wealth they acquired as owners of the company. Thus, for more than 25 years, they have helped sustain the Jesuit infirmary in Manresa Retreat House, as well as other institutions of the Society of Jesus and of the Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic. In Miami, they have been major contributors to the Greater Miami Opera and more specifically, to the Miami City Ballet, whose well-designed home (building) in Miami Beach bears their names. It is not, therefore, surprising, that when Father Marcelino Garcia, SJ, then President of Belen Jesuit, approached them with the project of the Ignatian Center for the Arts, their response was overwhelmingly positive.

And so, our own magnificent theater at Belen is the result of a major gift made by this outstanding couple and that it, too, was named after the Rocas. It must be stated that their gift to build the Ignatian Center for the Arts in 2003 was not a single contribution; Juan Jesus and Ophelia Roca continue to give financial support to Belen, even today.

However, is it not true that families of wealth all over the world support charitable institutions, artistic endeavors, church projects? Of course they do. Then, what makes the Rocas so unique? A humble attitude about their wealth and about their consistent financial support to so many good causes: they do not like to show off.

In fact, they do not like receptions in their honor, nor receiving public accolades, nor having their photographs appearing frequently in the social pages of the media. Juan Jesus and Ophelia Roca are extremely modest, private people. In them, the dictum of the gospel remains alive, “When giving alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew, 6:3). Arrogance has no place in the lives of this philanthropic couple.

Belen Jesuit, indeed Miami-Dade, is grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Roca. In the busy world of big business and financial success, they have proven to be great benefactors who lead a Christ-centered life of faith and humble generosity. God bless them.

A.M.D.G.

MAGIS

is the key DUCATION

By: Andres Maza ‘18 Echoes Editor

As far back as his memory will take him, Father Marcelino Garcia, SJ knew that he wanted to be teacher. As a young teacher of catechism in his neighborhood parish of Sagua La Grande, Cuba, he enjoyed the passing on of information, the influence that he had on his students, and the impact he made as their teacher. Furthermore, he was most interested in the combination of education and spirituality. It seemed natural to him that both concepts should go hand in hand. Thus, it was no surprise when his superior told him during his preparation for priesthood, that he should become a teacher.

Father Marcelino went on to get his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Fordham University, a Masters Degree in Theology from the University of Granada, Spain, and later another Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. He was ordained a priest in 1971 in Spain.

With a clear understanding of the human psyche and a strong spiritual background as a Jesuit priest, Father Marcelino was sent to the Dominican Republic in 1971, where he served as a teacher and administrator of the Instituto Politecnico de Loyola in the town of San Cristobal. He worked there for five years until the need for a rector came up in the City of Santo Domingo at Colegio Loyola. He was the president of this high school from 1976 through 1983, when he was asked to move to Miami to be the president of a small school known as Belen.

As a graduate of the Jesuit school in Sagua, Father Marcelino jumped at the

was

At the time, the school only went from seventh grade through twelfth and there were about 700 students on campus. The sixth grade was added in 1985. They worked together until 1989, when Father Izquierdo took over the position of school principal.

"Teaching to serve others humbly is the true value of service. That is what I have been trying to demonstrate most of my life," said Father Marcelino.

It was not until 1992, that Father Izquierdo left the position, and Father Marcelino took over as both the president and principal of Belen. For 25 years as president, Father Marcelino guided the school through many changes including the addition of a middle school grade, the exponential growth of the campus and its buildings, and one major accreditation that changed the school forever.

In 1992, Father Marcelino hired a team of psychologists to help develop the school's curriculum, financial program, and set them on a path for growth. This team prepared the school, its faculty and staff for the first ever school accreditation. Upon passing the national accreditation, there was a sense of professionalism and prestige that permeated on campus.

"Accreditation was very important because it made us a serious institution," said Father Marcelino. "There was a distinct difference before and after the process."

Father Marcelino wanted to make sure that Belen could compete and outperform the other Jesuit schools in the United States. For 25 years he placed his focus on working with the teachers and staff to make the Jesuit education not just affordable to all, but academically superior for the students.

With the help of donors such as Raul Rodriguez, he was able to erect in 1995 the current science wing known as The Raul and Nidia Rodriguez Science Pavillion, a project which was very dear to him. This, in turn, led to the creation of academic tracks such as engineering and medicine. For a school that was relatively young, Belen students could easily compete with students from more established schools across the nation. One other project that he oversaw was the building of the Ignatian Arts Center that houses the Roca Theater and Saladrigas Gallery. Thanks to the kindness of many donors, students could now study the arts in an environment that paled most art schools around the nation.

Athletics was also very important to Father Marcelino, who understood that the body had to be nourished as much as the mind and spirit. Under his leadership and with the help of Athletics Director Carlos Barquin, Father Marcelino oversaw the construction of a full court gym, a pool, six tennis courts, a football field with home and visitor bleachers, two baseball fields, two outdoor basketball courts, and a 400 meter track. This put the school on a national level of competition where students could seek athletic scholarships at the collegiate

level, and represent Belen at multiple stages of sports. In the 25 years that he served as school president, hundreds of trophies ranging from local competitions to national events were earned by Belen athletes.

For all the knowledge and expertise that Father Marcelino had in and outside of the classrooms, as a teacher, principal, and president, the one thing he loved the most was working with lay people.

"I love empowering the lay people to do their best. I always tried to give them the freedom and resources that they needed to do their job correctly and to the best of their abilities," said Father Marcelino. "I like to encourage collaboration with teachers, administrators, and other departments while having the freedom to do what we do."

Father Marcelino handed over the reins of the school in 2009 to Father Pedro Suarez, SJ '58 who became the president, but his service and commitment did not end there. He is now the director of Manresa retreat house. He also offers Ignatian retreats, seminars in family affairs, and therapy for family and individuals, while helping organizations of Catholic movements around the country.

If you happen to see Father Marcelino walking around the school campus, take a moment and thank him. The buildings, fields, academic programs, and many of the faculty and staff members you now see, are all a product of one man's vision.

Cover Story

EmphasisontheARTS

By: Javier Arazoza '18 and Jose Toledo '18 Echoes Editors

"All the world is a stage!" said Shakespeare in his comedy As You Like It. Although theater was already around Belen during the 1980s, the arts were not an official part of the school's curriculum. Under the guidance of the then English Department Chair Ms. Sigrid Bango, students performed plays in what used to be the Kohly Auditorium in the second floor of the main building. This space is the current home of the new Center for Communications Arts and Multimedia. Some of the productions that the students put on back then included the highly controversial Amadeus (1992), which was very ambitious for the small space available, and Black Elk Speaks (1980s), which was a formidable undertaking . There was also the A.L.P.H.A. Club, which provided a creative outlet for students interested in the arts. At the time, Mr. Leopoldo Nunez was the Executive Assistant Principal of the school under the leadership of President and Principal Father Marcelino Garcia, SJ. (Sagua).

A number of Spanish productions were also held in the Kohly Theater directed by former assistant principal to the middle school Mrs. Beatriz Jimenez. In 1988, Mr. Leo Nunez performed in the school's rendition of the Christmas classic It's A Wonderful Life starring alongside a young Raul Esparza '88, who is currently acting in the TV show Law and Order: SVU and is a Tony Award nominee for his role in the plays Taboo, Company, and the Homecoming . He was the first Belen student to receive a Silver Knight Award in the category of Drama. This was also the first time that the school's drama program was recognized at a higher level.

The major thrust towards an official arts program, however, resulted from the accreditation of the school in 1992, which found that the school was sadly lacking in the field of the arts. Therefore, the president and principal at the time, Father Marcelino Garcia, SJ, (Sagua) set off to develop a curriculum, which included a variety of artistic classes.

"Father Marcelino insisted that the humanities were an absolute part of the Jesuit education and Belen had to make this happen," said Mr. Nunez. "He was adamant about promoting all of the arts, not just theater."

Mr. Ignacio Font was hired to teach art in the middle school as one of the electives, and Mr. Leo Williams, who had been hired to teach English in the middle school, began to take the lead in the school's productions. Mr. Williams was not only a professional actor himself, but also an active member of the Actors' Guild. With his help, the school was putting on one show a year.

"I feel that art is an academic endeavor that offers us the ability to speak our voice," said Mr. Font. "We know it helps to raise test scores, but it also allows us to

speak our opinions to the world."

The program really rose to the top in 2003 with the completion of the Ignatian Center for the Arts (ICA). The space included the Saladrigas Art Gallery, a stagecraft workshop, an art studio, a band hall, and of course, the 665 seat, state-of-the-art Roca Theater. With facilities and resources that even some art schools do not have, the students were now able to put on large-scale productions including musicals, as well as concerts, and exhibits.

The first play performed in the Roca Theater was Death of a Salesman (2003) starring Mr. Williams. Mr. Font also had a role, and of course, any student who showed interest in performing or directing the play. Students did not have to be a part of the drama classes to have a role in the play. The following year, the first musical, The Fantastiks (2005), made its debut to a full house. This was also a student/teacher co-production. There were also a series of world renown Spanish plays shown at the theater, which included professional spanish-speaking actors from the Miami community, as well as Belen students and faculty members. These plays included Fuente Ovejuna (2006), Los Intereses Creados (2007), and Dialogo de Carmelitas (2008). With the exponential growth of the drama program, Mr. Francisco "Pancho" Padura was hired in 2006 to teach the drama classes in middle school, as well as direct one of the two plays the school was putting on every year. The latest play to hit the stage was A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which was the spring musical's second time in the Roca Theater.

"The drama program is so important for all students because research confirms that drama education develops self-confidence, imagination, empathy, cooperation/collaboration, concentration, communication skills, problem solving, self-discipline, trust, physical fitness, memory, and social awareness, while providing an emotional outlet," said Mr. Williams. "The arts program at Belen is why I am still here after 24 years."

With art and theater in full gear, Father Marcelino focused on one of the arts that the school had been missing. He had always wanted a band in the school, and in January of 2005 he approached Mr. Nunez and asked him to create a band in Belen, and to have a performance by June of the same year. With the challenge at hand, Mr. Nunez contacted Ms. Marlene Urbay and offered her a position in the school. With a mere 18 students who volunteered to practice during their lunch periods, the music program began. The students did not know how to play instruments or perform, but they showed a passion and dedication for the art. Sure enough, in May of 2005, a small concert including only three to four pieces took place in the school gym. By September of that same year, music was officially added to the school curriculum.

" It is a great opportunity to share my passion with many students who become part of the band family at Belen," said Ms. Urbay. "It gives me great joy to share my experience with a new generation of musicians."

Currently, there are close to 500 students in the music program, which includes eight different musical ensembles that range from beginning to advanced performance levels. The

Cover Story

bands have participated in numerous competitions winning a myriad of gold and silver medals, as well as superior ratings, and Best in Class awards.

Since its inception, the fine arts program has expanded to include three years of Studio Art, including the AP component, throughout the high school, in addition to Art History, Drama, Music, Music History, and Stagecraft, as well as the courses offered in the middle school.

The Saladrigas Gallery has also hosted a plethora of talent ranging from student works to professional exhibits. Renown artists such as Rafael Soriano, Sebastian Trujillo '53, Roberto Catasus '72, Victor Alarcon '06, and sculptor Tony Lopez (Dolores) have all featured their works at the gallery. The first Archdiocesan Invitational Annual Art Exhibition was held in 2011. The exhibit is curated by art teacher Mr. Font, who works with the other Catholic schools to bring a unique art show that showcases the talent of students from all over South Florida alongside Belen's very own.

"As a student, it is a great opportunity to put your name and work out there and make connections with students from other schools," said Antoine Brandt '17, who is heading to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to pursue a career in fashion design.

One of the most popular events held in the Saladrigas Art Gallery was the recent photo exhibit "He Shot It", which showcased the photographic talents of Mr. Victor Arrieta '95, Assistant to the Athletic Director and Head Coach of varsity track and field and middle school cross country. The exhibit included 106 pictures chosen by Mr. Arrieta, as well as current art history teachers Ms. Maria Inez Leanez and Ms. Sylvie San Juan. The photos were divided into seven main themes: Journey, Sun Spots, 305, Moments in Time, Contemplations, Canvas, Stages of Dreams. The pictures were enlarged, printed, and properly framed with the help of the ICA crew, including maintenance worker Raulito Castro, who dressed the walls of the gallery.

"Although my pictures are always posted and available to the community, this was a very humbling experience for me," said Coach Arrieta.

"It was also nice seeing my family and friends there. It was a great moment in my life."

The exhibit ran for two weeks including a meet the artist evening and a closing night reception. Out of 106 pictures, 43 of them were sold to the public, with the proceeds going back to the school.

With the enormous growth and success of the fine arts program at Belen, it is no wonder that Mr. Nunez best describes it as "overwhelming." Theater made a significant impact in his life when he was a child, and it is very rewarding to know that the same can happen to the students of the school today. When Father Marcelino asked him to lead the arts program and direct the ICA back in 2003, he did not just ask, but rather give Mr. Nunez the opportunity of a lifetime.

"The highlight of my career as director of the ICA was playing the role of Doc in West Side Story (2010) because I had seen the play on Broadway in 1959, and I had always wanted to do something with it," said Mr. Nunez. "It was a huge challenge, but by far the most expensive and profitable play, and of course, a check off from my personal bucket list."

Plans for the fine arts program include a refurbishing of the theater, and possibly adding music classes to support the school choir. In addition, students who excel in these programs can continue to participate in them as part of their daily curriculum.

Today, the sounds of music permeate through the hallways of the ICA, student works are showcased in the walls of the building, and monologues and dialogues echo through the theater. With thousands of curtain calls, hundreds of paintings and sculptures, and the cadence of musical rhythm playing in the background, "All the world‘s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts."

10 QUESTIONS FOR 1 ALUMNUS

By: Daniel Chavez '17 Echoes Staff

Peter Montadas '76

Mr. Montadas is the Co-founder and President of Momentum Consulting Corporation, a Miami-based Information Technology professional services and consulting firm serving many of South Florida’s Fortune 500 companies. Montadas is an active member of numerous charitable organizations yet, his heart, soul, and passion always remain with Belen.

Q. What do you remember most about the school?

"Belen as we know it today has changed a great deal since I attended. The school was in Downtown Miami off Eighth Street and Seventh Avenue. It was small, and most of the classrooms didn’t have windows. A few years later, the school acquired a warehouse, known then as the West Campus or what students called the Barn. During lunch, we would play basketball in a converted parking lot, and we played football in a dirt field called the dust bowl. One of my fondest memories of the school was watching the Belen basketball team play at the St. Patrick’s gym in Miami Beach. I remember being in the eighth grade watching Paco Ruiz '73 play basketball at full-court defense and being inspired to learn how to play. There was also a very strong religious connection because of our amazing Jesuit priests. I remember how close I was (and still am) with my friends, and how much fun we had making fun of each other and just about anybody and everything. It was a wonderful time!"

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

"The priests influenced me tremendously at Belen including Father Ripoll, Father Izquierdo, Father Cartaya, Father Eddy and many others.

My most influential teachers were Pat Collins, Eugene Ferrero and Carlos Barquin. I also looked up to the student council president, Manny Diaz, and many of the older Belen guys from the Class of 1975 like Gaston, Aran and Hernandez-Torano to name a few."

Q. Name one Belen moment that still makes you laugh?

"I always laugh when I think about how my friends and I would take over the Barn during lunch. We would throw game shows like the Price is Right and do skits in front of an audience. My friends at Belen would remember me as a good friend, but also as a comedian!"

Q. Which Ignatian values have shaped your life?

"The Ignatian value that I pursue most in my life is the unity of heart, mind and soul. I believe in developing as a well-rounded person and integrating all aspects of my life around Jesuit values. I believe that a great leader exemplifies Christian values in the way you treat others, friends, clients, employees and people you meet in everyday life. The most important aspect of a Jesuit education, is that it is centered on Jesus. It prioritizes developing the individual while giving importance to the values of community."

Q. What is a day in your life like?

"Today, I am the President and Co-founder of an information technology consulting firm in Miami that has been in business for 23 years. My day usually consists of meeting with clients, talking with employees, and attending board meetings. At my company, Momentum Consulting, we look for two important qualities: a set of core values and technical capabilities. At Momentum, maintaining an innovative and familiar environment by hiring people that fit the company culture is vital to the company’s success."

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

"At Belen, I am an active board member of the Alumni Association and of the Belen Information Technology Section (BITS), where I serve as the Founder/Past Executive Chair. I also participate in the Association of Cuban American Engineers (ACAE), where I am a Past-President and founder/sponsor of the ACAE Scholarship Award for Belen Students that are studying Engineering in college. I am also the Co-Chair of the United Way Tocqueville Society, and serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board for the FIU Center for Leadership. Giving back to Belen is my passion and it is like a personal vocation. The Alumni Association allows me to spend time with my many amazing alumni brothers."

Q. Which person(s) influenced you to become the man you are today?

"There are many people that I can say guided me to be who I am today. Growing up, my parents were very influential in showing me the importance of faith and family. All the friends, teachers, coaches, and priests that I had at Belen made a positive and lasting impression. There is not one day that goes by, that I don’t speak to a friend from Belen or Columbus. Yes, many of my best friends that have helped influence my life are from Columbus! Today, my business partner has had a great influence on how we envision our company, maintain our values, and manage our employees."

Q. What is your role in the Alumni Association?

"I serve on the board of the Alumni Association, and as the Executive Past Chair on the board for the Belen Information Technology Section (BITS). The Alumni Association are the 'Keepers of the Brotherhood'. As a close friend said, 'you can get an education anywhere, but you can only get the Belen experience at Belen'. "

Q. What words of wisdom would you like to pass on to current Belen students?

"I would like to tell the current students to always maintain the faith in God, stay close to your parents, stay close to Belen, and stay close to your friends."

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

"The most important things in my life are God, family, country, loyalty, friends, my work family, and the Jesuit Ignatian values. I aspire to be remembered as being a 'man for others'. Success to me means being a great friend and helping anyone in need whom I have the ability to help. I want to look back and know that I always did the best I could and that I did right to others."

Vocation to Family Vocation to Marriage announcements

• Annette Parlade and Andres de Cardenas '91

• Lizanne Ortiz and Robert Lloveras '03

• Elsie Morales and Nicolas Jimenez ‘05

• Judith Rivas and Miguel Marmol ‘05

• Monica Jimenez and Mario Murgado ‘06

• Kristian Quiñones and Carlos Diaz ’07

• Bianca Perez and Matthew Hanlon '08

• Alexandra Bru and Javier Verdeja '09

• Catherine Scher and Javier Ayo '10

• Gabriel Alejandro, son of Alejandro Gravier '88

• Corey Alexander, son of Domingo Moreira ‘91

• Gabriel, son of Felipe Aspillaga '94

• Luca Daniel, son of Roberto Pelaez ‘99

• Santiago Edward, son of Santiago Iturralde '04

• Julio Andres, son of Julio Jimenez ‘06

• Oliver Stephen, son of Alex Peña '06

• James Luis Duffy, great-grandson of Luis Fernandez-Rocha '56 and grandnephew of Luis Fernandez-Rocha '82

Please update the Alumni Office with any news about you and/or your family.

Contact us by e-mail at alumni@belenjesuit.org or by phone at 786-621-4667

In Memoriam

In loving memory of our alumni friends

Family and Friends announcements

• Cesareo Vigil '44

• Luis Parajon '45

• Oscar de Tuya ‘47

• Guillermo Golik ‘47

• Ramon Luzarraga ‘47

• Juan Figueras ‘55

• Angel (Farruco) Gonzalez Perez '56

• Eduardo Sowers ‘56

• Rolando Castañeda '57

• Fernando Fernandez Leon ‘58

• Wilfredo Figueras '59

• Juan Romagosa ‘60

• Raul Valdes-Hurtado ‘60

• Hary Puente-Duany '61

• Mario Ramos ‘71

• Raul Fernandez-Silva '78

• Antonio Muñiz ‘82

• Edward Fuller '83

• Ralph Matheu ‘07

• William Mayol '07

• Maria del Carmen Jimenez De Toro, wife of Lorenzo de Toro '48 and mother of Lorenzo de Toro '91

• Delfa Jardon, mother of Jesus Jardon ‘54

• Aida Piñeyro, mother of Roberto Piñeyro '66 and aunt of Reinaldo Ramos '58

• Berta Kindelan, mother of Juan Kindelan ‘67

• Teresita Casajuana, mother of Joaquin Casajuana '76

• Maria C. Vallina, mother of Jorge Vallina '78

• Juana Maria Hernandez Mesa, mother of Miguel Mesa '78

• Martha Yanez, mother of Carlos '80 and Victor Yanez '83

• Ana Rodriguez, mother of Claudio '80 and Eric Rodriguez '82

• Nieves Cannata, mother of Christopher '07 and Danny Cannata '11

• Magali Vazquez, mother of Belen Jesuit's Community Service and Outreach Coordinator Francisco Javier Vazquez

• Maria del Carmen Rivas, mother of Belen Professor Alicia Fariñas

• Carlos Perez-Heydrich, father of Carlos '72 and Eduardo PerezHeydrich '75 and grandfather of Frank Quesada '98, Eduardo '10 and Carlos Perez-Heydrich '15.

• Jose "Pepin" Casal, father of Jose Casal '81

• Jorge Ramirez, grandfather of Michael '02 and James Fenton '05

• Rosalina Sackstein, grandmother of Louis Aguirre '84 and greatgrandmother of Mario Cobo '20

• Yayi Miranda, grandmother of Belen Professor Maria Morera

• Miguel De Lasa, brother of Jose Maria de Lasa '59

• Lourdes Solis Jarval, sister of José Antonio Solis Silva '61

Class Notes

1940s, 1950s, 1960s

Fr. Francisco Perez-Lerena, SJ ’44, founder of Regis House, was honored with a retirement celebration at Belen Jesuit.

The Law Firm Morgan Lewis renamed their In-house Counsel the Juncadella Corporate Counsel Group in honor of Salvador Juncadella '47.

Fr. Pedro Cartaya, SJ '54 and Fr. Nelson Garcia SJ (pictured with Archbishop Thomas Wenski) celebrated their 50th Anniversary as priests at this year's Chrism Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral.

Members of the Class of 1956 at a monthly luncheon, celebrated the second Tuesday of every month in Casa Paco.

1970s

Andre Rodz '19, Dr. Donato Arguelles ’73, and Jose Cil ’19, at a medical mission in the Dominican Republic.

Paul Rodriguez '73 was promoted to Sergeant in the City of South Miami Police Department.

1980s

Juan Aleman, Jose Fernandez Padial, Ricardo Van der Water, Antonio Terrada, Andres Triay, Cristobal Martinez Llano and Francisco Vidal ‘57 attend the Alumni Monthly Luncheon at Belen.

Julian Vazquez, Eduardo Menendez, Manolo Bermudez, Omelio Sosa, Mariano Loret de Mola, Mario Cobas, Rene de Armas, Fr. Pedro A. Suarez, SJ, and Humberto Perez Egozcue ‘58 at a Memorial Mass in the Our Lady of Belen Chapel for their classmate Fernando Fernandez.

Jorge Andino '59 and his family visited Fr. Jorge Cela, SJ '59 at la Iglesia de Reina in Havana.

Peter Montadas ’76 was named co-chair of the United Way’s Tocqueville Society.

Carlos Garcia-Velez '83 received the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award.

John Barsa '84 was appointed to the Department of Homeland Security.

Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez '84 spoke to members of the Future Doctors of America and the Science National Honor Society.

Several members of the Class of 1986 enjoying lunch with former Belen Professor Sigrid Bango.

Alex Muñoz-Suarez '86 was named President of the Momofuku Holdings.

Cesar Lago '87 was named President of Camanchaca, Inc.

Juan Delgado, Carlos PerezAbreu, Michael Gomez, Orlando Garcia and Jorge Azcue ‘88 at Ball and Chain.

1990s

Fr. Christian Saenz, SJ '95 gave a tour of Gesu and St. Ignatius churches in Rome to film director Martin Scorsese who presented his film "Silence", about Jesuit missionaries in Japan, to the Jesuits and the Vatican.

2000s

Michael Mena '98 was elected Commissioner of the City of Coral Gables. Pictured in the swearing-in ceremony with wife Lisa Marie.

2010s

Alex Gimenez '11 was named Assistant, Baseball Operations by the Boston Red Sox.

Julian Rey '11, currently a PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering at UF, received a Navigant Scholarship and was recognized by the Association of Cuban American Engineers.

Lt. Giancarlo Bertaina ’01 returned to his alma mater to speak about his decision to attend the U. S. Naval Academy. Pictured with Alejandro Carriazo ’17 who will be attending Annapolis.

Eugene Ramirez '01 was named the morning anchor at WFOR-CBS 4.

Manoach Lamarre ’05 gave a personal testimonial to students about his love for Belen, the challenges he faced when he was here as a minority, and the very strong bond he forged with his classmates.

Adrian Lorenzo '07 was promoted by the Boston Red Sox to Assistant Director, International Scouting.

Andres Pumariega ’08 participated in the Career day at Belen Jesuit.

Francisco Hernandez, Alec Macias, Amadeo Lopez Castro, Nicolas Moreiras, Eduardo Arazoza, Julio Ayala, Eric Franca, and Kevin Valiente ’12 in New York City.

Frankie Gonzalez ’13 performed in the NYU Musical “The Molly House”. Pictured with grandparents Elena and Jorge Fernandez Ceballos ‘61

Matthew Marrero ’13 graduated from FIU with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Cum Laude). In the picture with Ruben ‘75, Aida, Gabriel ‘22 and Christian ‘12

Kenji Martinez ’13 participated in the Career day at Belen Jesuit.

Leo Cosio '14 was elected president of the student government at the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus.

Jovier Jimenez ‘17 was recognized by the Association of Cuban American Engineers with a scholarship sponsored by the Belen Information Technology Section (BITS) and Momentum Consulting.

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1971

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1981

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1991

GALLERY OF REUNIONS Sagua

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

OF THE SCHOOL PRESIDENT

When I was a senior at Belen Jesuit, my Latin American History teacher, Dr. Armando Rodríguez, took us to the movies. We saw Robert Bolt’s classic story of the Jesuit reductions in South America stunningly portrayed in the film The Mission (1986). It stars acting legends Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, and Liam Neeson, portraying Jesuit missionaries who go to Paraguay to evangelize the natives and create communes that help protect them from European slave traders.

There is one scene in particular that has always impressed me.

A debate is being held in one of the courtyards of the governor’s palace in the presence of the visiting papal nuncio who has to determine if the Society of Jesus continues their work in the region. One of the powerful slave owners is arguing that the native Indians do not have souls, that they are animals, and should thus be treated accordingly. The Jesuit superior of the mission, Fr. Gabriel, counters the argument. He takes one of the little Guaraní children and stands him in the center of the group. As an organ plays in the background, the child begins to sing a beautiful Latin hymn. When the song is done, the stunned bishop turns to the slave owner and asks, “How can you possibly refer to this child as an animal?” It was the beautiful music that emanated from the child that proved an extraordinary point. It helped prove his humanity.

Music and the arts have always been an integral part of Jesuit education. Realizing that the arts were an expression of our ability to share in God’s divine attribute of creator, the Jesuits expected that all their students at one point in their formation develop their artistic side. For this reason, from the very beginning, when St. Ignatius of Loyola accepted the challenge of operating the first Jesuit school in southern Italy, the arts formed part of the pedagogy that was instituted.

The Ratio Studiorum (1599), the document that served as recently as the 1980s as the roadmap for the pedagogical system that was expected of every Jesuit institution of learning around the world, refers on numerous occasions to the study of art in its various forms. In addition to math, science, philosophy, and rhetoric, students were required to take an equal dosage of music, art, and drama. It is no wonder that Jesuit schools throughout history have produced creative geniuses such as Miguel de Cervantes, Peter Paul Rubens, and even Harry Connick Jr.

A quick look at our history demonstrates that Belen Jesuit is no exception. Many are the photographs in black and white taken in the early days of our school in Cuba that depict our boys with musical instruments

or adorned in elaborate dramatic costumes. One photo in particular dated 1936 shows a group of students dressed in Chinese costumes and Fu Man Chu moustaches. In the middle of the theatrical group you can clearly identify Fr. Juan Manuel Dorta Duque, SJ, ’40 and Fr. Jorge Sardiña, SJ, ’45 wearing silk robes and skull caps.

Belen Jesuit today has remained faithful to that rich tradition. Because of the vision of former president Fr. Marcelino García, SJ and benefactors like Ophelia and Juan Jesus Roca and Olga and Carlos Saladrigas, the Ignatian Center for the Arts was built and has housed the artistic program of our school. The theater, gallery, classrooms, and rehearsal room create a formidable space that has not only benefited our school, but the community at large. Under the leadership of its first director, Mr. Leopoldo Nuñez, the art program at Belen Jesuit saw the creation of a musical and theatrical program that has won countless awards.

Now, under the direction of Mr. Luis Dulzaides, the Ignatian Center for the Arts is beginning to expand its programs. A greater use of the Saladrigas Gallery, the expansion of the music program to include strings and choir, and the preparation for the spring musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, never before performed at the high school level, are great examples of how far our reach will be. And we are only scratching the surface.

If the English playwright and poet William Congreve (16701729) was right when he stated that, “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,” then soothed are the breasts of our school community. We are grateful to so many alumni who have supported the arts at their alma mater throughout the years and look forward to even greater things to come.

Auspice Maria, Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón, SJ '87

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 7 Monthly alumni mass at Gesu (Noon)

July 7-9

Class of 1987 - 30 year reunion

July 15 Colegio Dolores - Reunion anual

July 21-23

Class of 1957 - 60 year reunion

July 31 Feast of St. Ignatius Mass at Gesu

September

Sep. 1

Sep. 15-17

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu (Noon)

Class of 1992 - 25 year reunion

Sep. 29 Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

November

Nov. 3

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu (Noon)

Nov. 17 Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

Nov. 18 Annual Belen Gala

August

Aug. 4

Aug. 11-13

Aug. 12

Aug. 25

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu (Noon)

Class of 2007 - 10 year reunion

Class of 2016 - 1 year reunion

Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

October

Oct. 6

Oct. 13-15

Oct. 22

Oct. 27

Monthly alumni mass at Gesu (Noon)

Class of 1997 - 20 year reunion

Colegio Sagua - Reunion anual

Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)

December

Dec. 1 Monthly alumni mass at Gesu (Noon)

Dec. 15 Monthly alumni luncheon (Noon)