Belen Jesuit Magazine | Summer 2021

Belen Jesuit

President of the School

On the 20th of May, Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, declared an Ignatian Year. The purpose is to mark the 500th anniversary of the injury to St. Ignatius of Loyola in the Battle of Pamplona that led to his eventual conversion. This “cannonball moment” was significant because it set in motion the process that eventually led our founder to do extraordinary things for the greater glory of God.

Ignatius, as a young soldier, always had visions of grandeur. His lofty dreams were focused on defending the Spanish realm and her king, winning the love of a beautiful maiden, and spreading the name of Loyola far and wide. Little did he know at the time that grandeur would surely come, but it would be in defending a heavenly realm and Jesus her King, winning the love of the Blessed Mother, and spreading the Catholic faith far and wide.

Isn’t this how it usually happens? It was once said that if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. God must have had a field day with us this year. As we slowly, but surely, pull out of the grips of this horrible pandemic, the various plans and visions of grandeur we had for the school year were definitely blown up with the strike of a cannonball.

The pandemic helped to bring about incredible opportunities that we never before would have noticed. The faculty and staff of our school rose to the occasion. They transitioned to virtual learning, then to hybrid, then to full return with ease and grace. Academically and athletically, we had a year like no other. Our graduates got into extraordinary colleges and universities, we won two Silver Knight Awards, three state championships, and so much more.

But adversity would not simply descend upon our school in the form of a pandemic. This was the year we lost our brother in arms Anthony Parodi ’23. After a long and valiant battle with his illness, Anthony passed on to his heavenly repose. It was this battle and the response of our students, his classmates, that inspired the year’s theme: Band of Brothers. More difficult than dealing with the pandemic, Anthony’s death was in a mysterious way also an experience of grace that is still felt today.

The future is bright. The completion of our chapel in the fall, the future groundbreaking of our new athletic facility, and the return of Dr. Thomas de Quesada ’94 as the Director of Enrollment and Community Outreach, will all contribute to moving forward with stronger conviction as a Catholic-Jesuit school committed to the values of Jesus Christ.

For as challenging as the past year has been, we are better and stronger and more committed than ever. The cannonball that blindsided humanity back in March of 2020 was no match for the gumption of Belen. If its purpose was to defeat, its effect was completely the opposite.

Auspice Maria,

Fr. Willie ‘87

BELEN JESUIT

Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J., Ed.D., '87 President

Roberto Borbolla ‘56 Alumni Content Editor

Carlos Bravo '86 Alumni Association Executive Director

María Virginia Dinnella-Borrego Communications Specialist

Felipe "Phil" Fernández '94

Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations

Teresa Martínez Director of Communications

Mirna Menéndez Copy Editor

ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Crescencio Ruiz ’76 - President José López-Varela ’87 - Vice President Eduardo “Eddie” Macías ’02 - Secretary

Thomas Pla ’00 - Treasurer

Ramón Branger ’92

Vicente Cossío ’72

José Fernández ’99

Alberto Gutiérrez ’88

Juan Luis Flores ’70

Carlos Hernández ’88

Javier Mariscal ’86

Peter Montadas ’76

Alberto Paradela ’11

Orlando Puente ’71

Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ’73

Fr. Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, S.J., ’40 + Emeritus Spiritual Director

Fr. Christian Sáenz, S.J., Ph.D., ’95 Alumni Association Chaplain

BELEN JESUIT ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published biannually. Circulation: 12,250

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Belen Alumni Office

500 Southwest 127 Avenue Miami, FL 33184

Phone: 786.621.4674 Fax: 786.621.4662 alumni@belenjesuit.org www.belenalumni.org

YEAR LVII - NO. 2

COMMUNITY NEWS

CONFIRMATION

Sacrament of Confirmation Masses were celebrated by Bishop Fernando Isern and concelebrated by Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón, S.J., ’87, Fr. Julio Minsal-Ruiz, S.J., ’05, Fr. Lionel López, Fr. Eduardo Barrios, S.J., '60 Fr. Eddy Álvarez, S.J., '62, and several guest priests.

BACCALAUREATE MASS

The Class of 2021 celebrated their Baccalaureate Mass with their mothers at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

MOTHER & SON DAY

The Class of 2023 celebrated a very special and virtual Mother & Son Day. This day provides the opportunity to have fun and create special memories for our young men and their mothers.

LECHON LUNCH & POOL JUMP

The Class of 2021 enjoyed the traditional Lechon lunch and pool jump in celebration of their last day of school.

GRANDPARENTS' DAY

The Class of 2026 celebrated Grandparents' Day with a virtual event! Students played games and completed fun tasks with their grandparents that fostered bonding and created priceless memories.

CLASS OF 2021 ALUMNI PIN MASS

The induction cremony to the Alumni Association was held at Gesu. Class delegates are Richard Fernández, John Broe, Ricardo Blanco, Christian Fernández, Nickolas Choquette, Nicolás Hidalgo, Pablo Carreño, Michael Sánchez, Juan Tejera and Manuel Rodríguez-Lapido.

8TH GRADE PIN MASS

The Class of 2025 celebrated the rite of passage into high school. We are excited for what the next four years have in store for them. The Mass was held in the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center.

GRADUATION

The Class of 2021's graduation ceremony was held at the James L. Knight Center. Parents and faculty cheered on the graduates. Tom Llamas '97 gave the commencement speech and Brigadier Juan Tejera '21 gave the class speech.

ATHLETIC NEWS

ACADEMIC AWARDS

JUAN IGNACIO TEJERA

NICOLÁS ALARCÓN BRIGADIER

VALEDICTORIAN

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. Science Award

MANUEL ANDRÉS RODRÍGUEZ -LAPIDO AUSTIN PETER SAN JUAN

Archbishop’s Leadership Award

MATTHEW WADE TORRES, II

Christopher Clavius, S.J. Mathematics Award

Gerard Manly Hopkins, S.J. English Award

ALEC JOSEPH VIZOSO

John Carroll, S.J. Social Studies Award

SALUTATORIAN

José Rubinos, S.J.

World Languages Award

St. Francis Xavier, S.J. Scholar-Athlete Award

DANIEL ANTHONY OLIVA

Andrea Pozo, S.J. Humanities Award

MICHAEL ALEXANDER MESTRE

St. Robert Bellarmine Theology Award

ACADEMICS WHERE ARE THEY GOING?

ANDRÉS ABILAHOUD | University of Florida

ALEJANDRO ACOSTA | Santa Fe College

MARK ADAMS | University of Michigan

DAVID ALARCÓ N | Columbia University

NICOLÁS ALARCÓ N | Columbia University

ALEXANDRO AMPUDIA | Loyola University Chicago

FELIPE ARENAS | University of Miami

ADRIANO ARIAS | University of Florida Honors Program

SEBASTIÁN ARRIOLA-ALBERTI | University of Central Florida

SEBASTI Á N ARRIZURIETA | Tallahassee Community College

AHRIEL ARTAZA ROCA |Florida International University

CARLOS BARQUÍN | University of Florida

ANDRÉS BELLO | Florida International University

RYAN BERTRAN | Florida State University

RICARDO BLANCO | Miami Dade College

MARIANO BRITO | Indiana University, Bloomington

JOHN BROE | University of Florida

LUCAS BROUCEK | Santa Fe College

Á NGEL CABALLERO | Florida State University

MIGUEL CAMACHO | Bucknell University

DANIEL CAMPUZANO | Johns Hopkins University

NICHOLAS CANINO | University of Florida Honors Program

FERNANDO CANTENS | Florida State University

DIEGO CANTO | Northeastern University

ADRIÁN CARBAJALES | Florida International Univ. Honors College

LUCAS CARDONA | Florida State University

PABLO CARREÑO | The Catholic University of America

CARLOS CARTA | Santa Clara University

DANIEL CASARIEGO | Louisiana State University

ANDRÉS CASTILLO | Miami Dade College

SEBASTIÁN CASTILLO | Miami Dade College

JULIÁN CASTRO | Boston College

MARTIN CHANG | University of Miami

NICKOLAS CHOQUETTE | University of Florida

ADRIÁN CÍCERO | University of Florida

SAMUEL CLARK | University of Florida Honors Program

VÍCTOR COBAS | Oxford College of Emory University

LUCAS CONSUEGRA | Tallahassee Community College

ANTONIO CORTABARRÍA | Brown University

SANTIAGO CORTABARRÍA | Brown University

FRANCIS CRUZ | University of Miami

FELIPE CUETO | Santa Fe College

GIOVANNY CUETO | Wake Forest University

JORGE DE GOTI | University of Florida

LUCAS DE LA GUARDIA | Indiana University, B.H. Honors College

JAVIER DE LA LAMA GUZMÁN | Boston College

JULIAN DECOLLIBUS | University of Michigan

LUCAS DEEB | Northeastern University

BRANDON DEEB | Tallahassee Community College

DANIEL DEL RIESGO | Florida International University

DANIEL DELGADO | University of Miami

EDWARD DELGADO | Florida State University

ANDRÉS DIAGO | Purdue University

MATTHEW DÍAZ | University of Miami

RAFAEL ESPARRAGOZA | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ROBERTO ESPÍN | Loyola University New Orleans

DANIEL FEAL | University of Miami

ALEXANDER FERNÁNDEZ | Washington University in St. Louis

CHRISTIAN FERNÁNDEZ | Flagler College

OSCAR FERNÁNDEZ | Florida State University

RICHARD FERNÁNDEZ | Florida State University

ROBERTO FERNÁNDEZ | Miami Dade Honors College

THIAGO FERRAZ | Florida State University

ALEXANDER FERREIRO | Florida International Univ. Honors College

GABRIEL FORTUNY | University of Michigan

ALEXANDER FOX | United States Military Academy (West Point)

EDUARDO FRANCIA | New York University

VINCENZO FUENTES | Bentley University

ISAIAH FULLER | Miami Dade College

MATEO GARCÍA | University of Southern California

NICKOLAS GARCÍA -AMANDI | Syracuse University

JAIME GARCÍA -OLIVER | Florida State University

DANIEL GARMENDIA | Florida State University

DIEGO GARMENDIA | Vanderbilt University

PHILLIPE GASCON | University of Florida

JULIÁN GODOY | Santa Fe College

CHRISTIAN GÓMEZ | Florida State University

DIEGO GÓMEZ | University of Florida

JONATHAN GÓMEZ | Florida State University

NICHOLAS GÓMEZ -BELLO | American University

ALEJANDRO GONZÁLEZ | University of Miami

CHRISTIAN GONZÁLEZ | Florida International University

DORIAN GONZÁLEZ | University of Miami

EVAN GONZÁLEZ | Miami Dade College

JOSE GONZÁLEZ | University of Miami

SIMON GONZÁLEZ | Santa Fe College

EDUARDO GONZÁLEZ DEL VALLE | George Washington University

ANDRÉS GRANDE | Boston College

CARLOS GRUNDLER | Florida State University

KYLE GUSO |Southern Methodist University

ANDRÉS GUTIÉRREZ | University of Miami

LUIS HALVORSSEN | Yale University

DANIEL HERNÁNDEZ | Santa Fe College

JOHN HERNÁNDEZ | University of Central Florida

JULIÁN HERNÁNDEZ | Columbia University

NICOLÁS HIDALGO | University of Florida

CARLOS IGLESIAS | University of Rochester

ANDRÉS INCERA | University of Notre Dame

JUSTIN JARRO | University of Miami

DANIEL JIMÉNEZ | Florida International University

MATTHEW JOHNSON | Babson College

CHRISTIAN KASABDJI | Florida International University

RAJIV KHEMLANI | University of Florida

NATHANIEL KIM | University of Southern California

MATTHEW KUFFO | University of South Carolina

JESÚS LABRADOR | University of Miami

ANDREW LAMAZARES | University of Miami

JACOB LAZO | University of Florida

SEBASTIÁN LAZO | Florida International University

JULIO LEÁÑEZ | Cornell University

RYAN LINARES | University of Florida

NICHOLAS LLANES | University of Miami

SEBASTIÁN LLANES | University of Michigan

WILLIAM LLEONART | Florida State Univ. Honors Program

ALEJANDRO LLORENTE | Florida International University

JOS É CARLOS LÓPEZ-DE CÉSPEDES | University of Florida

ARSHIS MARFATIA | Boston University

NICOLÁS MÁRQUEZ | University of Southern California

CHRISTOPHER MARTEL | Florida State University

VÍCTOR MEJER | University of Florida

GIANLUCA MEJÍA | Emerson College

ALEJANDRO MELO | University of Florida

ANDRÉS MESA | Santa Fe College

MICHAEL MESTRE | University of Central Florida

THOMAS MOJENA | University of Notre Dame

CARLOS MONGE | University of Colorado, Boulder

GIAN-MARCO MONTERO | Florida International Univ. Honors College

NIKOLAS MORA | Florida State University

AUGUSTO MORENO | Florida State University

MANUEL MORÍN | Florida International University

DANE MORRISSEY | University of Florida

KYLE NEWLIN | Florida State University

GABRIEL NGUYEN | United States Naval Academy

ROBERTO OCHOA | Florida State University

DANIEL OLIU | Purdue University

DANIEL OLIVA | Florida International University

GILBERTO OLIVA | University of Miami

NOEL OROZCO | University of Florida

ALEXANDER ORTIZ | University of Rochester

ANDRÉS PACIOS | Indiana University, Bloomington

COLLIN PALLISSERY | University of Notre Dame

PHILLIP PALMA | Florida International University

JUAN PABLO PALOMERA | University of Florida

MATTHEW PANCORBO | University of Florida Honors Program

RAÚL PANELLAS | University of Florida

SEBASTIAN PARADA | University of Miami

MARCOS PASTOR | Florida International University

ANTHONY PATRICIOS | Florida State University

HÉCTOR PAZ | University of Tampa

WADIH PAZOS | Carnegie Mellon University

LUCAS PENTENERO | University of Florida

JOSÉ PEREIRA | Florida State University

NICOLÁS PEREIRA | University of Pennsylvania

ALEXANDER PÉREZ | University of Florida

BRANDON PÉREZ | Purdue University

DANIEL PÉREZ | Eastern Connecticut State University

DYLAN PÉREZ | Northeastern University

NICOL Á S PÉREZ -ABREU | Sante Fe College

AIDAN PEVIDA | Carnegie Mellon University

JACK POWELL | Indiana University, Bloomington

JASON PROENZA | Florida International Univ. Honors College

HAYDEN PUENTE | Louisiana State University

DANIEL RÁEZ | University of Miami

EDUARDO RAMÍREZ | Washington University in St. Louis

JULIÁN RAMOS | University of Miami

PATRICK RATHBUN | Florida International University

CHRISTOPHER RESTREPO | Florida State Univ. Honors Program

SEBASTIÁN RESTREPO | Northeastern University

ROLAND REYES | American University

JULIÁN RIERA | University of Florida

SEBASTIÁN RIGUEIRO | University of Miami

MANUEL RINCÓN | Amherst College

GABRIEL RIVERA | Miami Dade College

ADRIÁN RODRÍGUEZ | Florida State University

ESTEBAN RODRÍGUEZ | University of Richmond

JESSE RODRÍGUEZ | University of Miami

KYLE RODRÍGUEZ | Ohio State University

MIGUEL RODRÍGUEZ | University of Miami

RICARDO RODRÍGUEZ | Tallahassee Community College

MANUEL RODRÍGUEZ -LAPIDO | University of Florida

MAXIMO ROMÁN | Florida International University

OLIVER ROMANACH | Florida State University

VÍCTOR ROSADO | The Catholic University of America

GABRIEL ROSELL | Florida State University

NICOLAS RUIZ | Indiana University B.H. Honors College

JACK SAMPEDRO | Amherst College

AUSTIN SAN JUAN | University of Chicago

DANIEL SÁNCHEZ | University of Florida

MICHAEL SÁNCHEZ | University of Florida

ANDRÉS SENDRA | Purdue University

RICARDO SILVEIRA | Florida State Univ. Honors Program

THOMAS SOCORRO | George Washington University

EMILIANO SOSA | University of Miami

ZACHARY SOTOMAYOR | Santa Fe College

ALEXANDER SUÁREZ | University of Florida

ROBERT SUÁREZ | Culinary Institute of America

JUAN TEJERA | University of Pennsylvania

ERICK TORRES | Florida International University

JOSÉ TORRES | Boston College

MATTHEW TORRES | California Institute of Technology

EMMANOUIL TSAVARIS | United States Naval Academy

RICARDO VALDÉS | Florida International University

ADOLFO VALENCIA | University of California, San Diego

SEBASTIÁN VÉLEZ | Marist College

MATEO VENEGAS | Florida International University

JAVIER VENTO | University of Florida

MARTÍN VICTORIA | University of Miami

JORGE VIGIL | Georgia Institute of Technology

ANDRÉS VILA | Southern Methodist University

AIDEN VILLASUSO | University of Florida

ALEC VIZOSO | University of Chicago

GEORGE WILTZ | Loyola University Chicago

There are two things that I have always admired about the Belen Jesuit community: 1) the way in which a student, alumnus, or faculty member’s productivity increases a thousandfold when they’re against the clock for a deadline and 2) the way in which our Band of Brothers always finds some amusing and captivating way to bring our community together. In this case, it’s the story of how a group of Belen students worked together to recreate our campus on Minecraft -- the world’s best-selling video game which allows users to create and explore their own world in a 3D “Lego-esque” universe.

It all started during Labor Day weekend of 2019, when Hurricane Dorian was headed straight for Miami (or so we thought), and many were forced to stay home for the weekend. Adrián Cícero ‘21 and Eduardo González del Valle ‘21 found themselves playing Minecraft during this time, and spontaneously created a mini-model of the Saladrigas Art Gallery in the game. “Haha, this is awesome. What if we actually built this?”, said Eduardo jokingly. To which Adrián replied, “wait that is actually a great idea.” And without hesitation, Adrián decided to reach out to Adriano Arias ‘21, the President of the D20 club, and asked for support in hosting a server to start this project.

Initially, Adrián says the team of about 20 students got off to a hot start. Within the first week, the team had built the outer parts of the school -- including our athletic facilities

Unlocking A NEW WAY to view our campus

BELEN IN MINECRAFT

By Juan Tejera '21

such as the de la Cruz Stadium, Hernández Field, baseball fields, gym, and the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center, as well as our parking lot and entrance to the Roca Theater. However, it was during this process that Matthew Torres ‘21 caught a small error in the measurements. Given the strict geometric nature of Minecraft, the build consisted mainly of perfect cubes. Here, Matthew realized that the crew had been miscalculating measurements of diagonals in the outline. What did he do? What any 7th grade Pre-Algebra teacher would expect you to do: use the Pythagorean Theorem. Who knew it would come in handy outside the classroom? From that point forward, Matthew spent the remainder of the build with a calculator in hand, dividing block counts by the square root of two and using Google Earth as his visual aid.

Unfortunately, the crew became discouraged when the school year began to pick up towards the end of the 1st semester and into the 2nd, while the intricacies of the school’s structure became a challenge for these Minecraft architects. This led to what the builders called a hiatus on the project, which would not be picked up again until October of 2020 when students were finally able to return to campus for the first time since March. I like to believe that it was this crucial moment of seeing each other again that motivated the team to pick up the project once again and finish it for good.

And from there, they went full throttle until the end of this January. Adrián and Matthew worked tirelessly perfecting all the little details of our school, from the Dining Hall, to the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center, to the Arroyo Quad. It was all lining up. While they did this, Adriano worked with Manuel Morín ‘21 on “texture packages.” These packages are essentially custom-made colors and textures for the different building blocks that Manny and Adriano would create on the Procreate app, since Minecraft only had a limited number on their game. This was a tedious, pixel-by-pixel editing process.

Now, the guys joke that the Minecraft version of Belen is “more complete” than the current version, as it already has the Our Lady of Belen Chapel and the Gonzaga Pit fully installed.

This crew of “Minecraft architects” pulled off an incredible feat in recreating Belen -- a perfect example of what our brotherhood can accomplish when we put our heads together. The project files to access Belen in Minecraft are available at belenjesuit.org/minecraft.

To view a short video flyover, visit belenjesuit.org/minecraft

Fr. Izquierdo Memorial GOLF TOURNAMENT

Alumni Sports Hall of Fame

CLASS OF 2021

Why WE Give Back

ALBERTO ARÁN '72

Where do I start? The story is long and it pains me to put it into words, but the reason I give back to Belen is to honor the sacrifice my parents, Armando and Lidia Arán, made to give my two brothers and me a Jesuit education.

In 1961, when I was just 6 years old, my parents made the heart-wrenching decision to send me to the United States alone from Cuba as part of Operation Peter Pan, especially after losing my older brother who died of leukemia two years earlier. Fortunately, my parents and younger brother Fernando joined me 6 months after I arrived and my youngest brother Mandy was born in the U.S.

At the time, I attended Southside Elementary and excelled in school. My mother’s childhood friend, who was also our neighbor, had a son who was a Jesuit seminarian. Through them, we were able to make the connection and I was able to make the switch and attend Belen Jesuit. Thanks to the generosity of the Jesuits we received a 50% scholarship ($200 scholarship of the $400 tuition).

My parents worked hard to pay the remainder of the tuition. Although a lawyer in Cuba, in the United States my father parked cars for a living, in addition to having other jobs. We used to roll coins from his tips in order to make due. Eventually, my younger brothers, Fernando and Mandy, followed in my footsteps and also attended Belen. We were all invested in the school. I remember fondly the many Belen basketball games and Boy Scout events my family attended.

Upon graduation, I attended Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama with a Jesuit Honors scholarship. After graduating from college, I married my high school sweetheart, Luci, and I went on to attend medical school at Tulane University. Luci and I have two children, Alexis and Tico ‘04.

I’ve always been a believer in Belen. Fathers Cartaya, Ripoll, García, Travieso, Baldor, Coach Mariano, and the class of 1972 all hold a special place in my heart. With the help of the Jesuits, my parents were able to make sure we had a good education. I give back to Belen to honor my parents’ memory and know that the contributions we have made will help in countless ways. For me, it’s not only about giving back to Belen but giving back to others just as the Jesuits taught us.

Future generations of the Arán family will roam the halls of Belen, as did my son and three of my nephews. I want the memory of my parents to hold strong because, without their sacrifices, none of us would have had any of the opportunities we have been blessed with throughout our lifetime. Belen will live in the Arán family forever; and with three grandsons and two grand-nephews on deck, we look forward to continuing the Belen tradition of ‘Men for Others’ with the generations to come.

FERNANDO ARÁN '75

Igive back to Belen Jesuit because Belen has given so much to my family and me. The three Arán boys were recipients of scholarships that allowed us the privilege of a Belen education, one I am so grateful for. It wasn’t until I was an upperclassman that I realized that while we were students, Belen often didn’t have enough money to even run the school. That was the kind and generous heart of the Jesuit priests that lives on today.

I remember when I was in high school, the student council organized high school dances that were very well attended. We gave out flyers at Assumption, Carrollton, Lourdes, and Notre Dame. We charged $2.00 for the pre-sale tickets, $2.50 at the door, and $3.00 for chaperones. We also raised the air conditioner’s temperature at the dance hall to sell more sodas with lots of ice at 25 cents each. We had great margins! After paying all the expenses, the dances would clear as much as $1,000 each, which was a lot of money at the time. When a dance was coming up, Mr. Camacho’s assistant, Pedro, would come up to me and ask, “Fernando, is the dance this weekend or next?” He was not planning to attend but asked because he needed to budget for the upcoming payroll. It was obvious the school needed the cash flow from our dances to make ends meet. So even when Belen struggled with its finances, the Jesuit priests were generously giving scholarships to us and many others.

My brothers, Albert and Mandy, and I gave to Belen’s effort to build the Our Lady of Belen Chapel in honor of the sacrifices that our parents, Armando and Lidia, made for us to attend Belen. Along with financial sacrifices, they also sacrificed so much of their time, even as they were working multiple jobs. Our parents were especially involved in the Boy Scouts. They organized meetings, volunteered to clean the school on Saturday mornings after the meetings, hosted

spaghetti and meatball dinner fundraising events, and planned campouts for Belen’s Troop.

We urge the alumni whose parents sacrificed so much for their children to receive a Belen education, to consider giving back to Belen with their time and treasure. Let’s make sure that Belen will live forever to ensure a Jesuit education, and a moral and spiritual formation for our children, grandchildren, and beyond.

ARMANDO ARÁN '80

Belen Jesuit has been a part of my life since my earliest memories. I was the third Arán to roam the halls in Little Havana. We were a family of ten living happily in a onebedroom apartment. Mom worked days and dad worked nights back then so someone would always be around for us. Our parents, Armando and Lidia, worked hard their entire lives to provide us with a Catholic education and it’s because of them that our Belen journey began.

When my oldest brother Albert ‘72 started at Belen, we had only been in the country for less than 5 years. Belen was our second home. It was the only point of reference for our spirituality, education, and social life. My older brother, Fernando ’75, soon followed at Belen. Being the youngest of the three, I didn’t realize the sacrifice my parents endured to make our education at Belen possible until it was my turn to attend Belen (Class of ’80).

Some of my fondest early childhood memories revolve around Belen. For instance, I remember watching my brother Albert’s basketball games versus LaSalle at St. Patrick’s gym on Miami Beach (our home court). Also, those early football games versus Miami Military Academy for Fernando, in the first years of our football program were very exciting. My favorite and most memorable memory, on my 17th birthday, was the classic football win over LaSalle at their field 3-0. Frank de la Cámara scored the only points of the game. Vince García, Henry Avila, and Alfredo Berard lead the defensive battle. The game came down to a goal-line stand with seconds left on the clock by yours truly and the late Carlos “Yanon” Yañez to cement the win.

Belen has been a gift and I am forever grateful, not only to my parents for their foresight, but also to my brothers who attended before me and paved the way, and to the educators who taught me so much. My years at Belen were truly transformative. My son Brendan ’23 and my nephews, Tico ’04, Ferny ’06, and Robert ’08 also experienced the gift that my parents gave us.

I give back because Belen has given so much to me. They gave my family and me the opportunity to better ourselves. I want to pay forward that same opportunity to today’s generation so they too can continue the legacy of Belen. Please consider doing the same and give back to the school that gives so much.

MAGIS

In the twilight of this academic year, the trials and tribulations that we have faced as a community have made the desperate need for leaders who embody the principle of MAGIS starkly apparent. In order to sustain and uplift a community, leaders with the drive to do more than what’s expected of them have to rally others, both by example and instruction, to adopt this principle and become the true best versions of themselves. A glowing example of someone like this is Colonel Armando Fiterre, a Belen alumnus from the class of 1986. Col. Fiterre has strived to be what he calls a “servant leader” throughout his adult life”. Years of army service have taught him the essence of family; as in trusting and serving those in his unit regardless of race, nationality, creed, or color. Fiterre understands that a true leader is humble and that with every increase in rank and power must come an increase in responsibility and the commitment to serve those under his charge.

In maintaining this humility and respect for his brothers in arms, he goes above and beyond his calling and is a model for Jesuit leadership. This humanistic and Christian approach to leadership has made him highly revered and beloved by people from all walks of life. In his own words, Fiterre describes the perspective that drives this form of leadership and service, “Our nation is not a flag, it’s not an anthem, it’s not a monument. Our nation’s essence is people.” He also makes it clear that the mark of a good leader is the ability to produce more leaders, rather than more followers.

One of the things that has shaped Col. Fiterre into the honorable leader he is today is his illustrious career. After having spent his teenage years under the wise tutelage of the Belen faculty at the time, Fiterre attended the prestigious United States Air Force Academy. There, he studied intensively and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Political Science.

He then went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from TUI and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies at Air Force’s Air University, Air War College. After an intensive year of Undergraduate Pilot Training, Fiterre earned his Air Force Pilot Wings and then attended a variety of aviation technical schools, each between three and nine months long, to become qualified in various aircraft.

Today, the esteemed colonel is working in the industry he knows like the back of his hand: the aviation industry. He manages a plethora of different programs at the headquarters level for a government contractor that provides worldwide aviation services to the U.S. State Department Air Wing. Despite this formidable resume, however, Fiterre affirms that the greatest source of pride and joy in his life is his beautiful family. As a proud Belen alumnus, he has fortunately managed to stay in contact with many of his Belen classmates, even though he graduated 35 years ago.

With decades of hard work and life-shaking experiences under his belt, Col. Fiterre has many sage bits of advice that he would like to impart to the Belen community, students, parents, and alumni alike. He encourages us to not take the easy road and instead look for harder problems, or as he puts it, “Train your brain just as hard as you would train your body.” Two other ideas he proposes are to value and nurture friendships, and to practice public speaking. Finally, Fiterre suggests reading and writing more; “The goal is to help you communicate the depth of your thoughts logically,” he states, “with clarity, accuracy, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives.”

The Future Is Bright ATHLETIC CENTER COMING SOON

By Austin San Juan ‘21

Cura Personalis means to care for the entire person. Though the new Athletic Facility will most directly impact the athletic life of students, cura personalis dictates that by improving, or caring for the athletic life of students, their spiritual and academic spheres will be enriched as well. This powerfully simple Jesuit motto encapsulates the spirit of not only the upcoming Athletic Facility, but also the five-year “Strategic Plan” that led to its conception. Consequently, this Athletic Center will

serve as a summit to, and bridge from, the last five years of rapid progress around the school; it signals the completion of the “Strategic Plan,” as well as the inauguration of the next five years of innovation.

President Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón, S.J., ‘87 outlines that half of his two-fold duty as president is to propagate the development of the school in terms of its campus, educational offerings, and funding—secondary only to his role as “Guardian of

the Catholic, Jesuit identity of the school.” For the first five years of his tenure as President, Fr. Willie '87 carried out this mission through the “Strategic Plan” which led to a plethora of projects such as the Our Lady of Belen Chapel, the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center, the Arroyo Quad and the Dining Hall. Each of these year-long projects has already made a palpable impact on the school; students can be seen in the quad photographing plants for art projects, studying after school, or filming video projects; the aquatic center allowed Belen to host district, regional, and state championships for the first time in the school’s recent history; the innovation center has hosted teachers in various departments, from humanities to science to social studies, to aid them in the explanation of concepts. These are ways that new innovations have, in their own way, revolutionized the student experience at Belen, but what of the new athletic facility?

„ The three-story, 52,000 square foot building will feature two workout rooms, a dozen treadmills a fencing strip, dozens of ERG machines, two golf simulators, and even an altitude/ temperature-controlled room."

To be clear, the new complex will be more than “that new weight room” as a student called it following its announcement. No, instead it will be a state-of-the-art facility with spaces tailored to the needs of each of Belen’s fifteen athletic teams. "We called all the coaches together and asked them what their sports needed. The architects took these requests and returned with these plans,” said Athletic Director Carlos Barquín. The threestory, 52,000 square foot building will feature two workout rooms, a dozen treadmills, a fencing strip, dozens of ERG machines, two golf simulators, and even an altitude/temperature-controlled room. This project will truly fulfill all the needs of every sport offered at Belen. After all, it was designed with each student-athlete, faculty member, and alumnus in mind.

Robert Surís ‘79 is the major benefactor and overseer of the facility’s production sees his own personal Belen student-athlete experience as the reason why

he took on that role. He was a two-sport studentathlete, excelling in both football and track, and observed the necessary link between academics and athletics. He spoke about how his involvement was spurred by Francisco “Paco” Ruiz ‘73, who was Surís’ track coach back in high school, and who is

now on the Alumni Board of Directors. However, Paco had originally only asked Surís to produce a small cross-country locker room, for which funding had been collected as early as 2015.

The decision to take on such a massive project as this one was actually an easy decision for Surís, who had been itching to contribute to his alma mater. He deeply knew that the best way to give back was through the athletic department which had such a massive role in his formation—this was the perfect opportunity to do so. This mentality of his stems from the Cura Personalis , knowing that the athletic betterment of the school will undoubtedly increase the academic success of students. Accordingly, he and his office worked efficiently to maximize the plans, and to ensure their survival through the county hearing.

You see, until April 21, 2021, the athletic facility

was nothing more than brilliant ideas contained within renderings, plans, and conversations. These ephemeral plans, which had been in development for over a year and a half, could just have easily been fruitless because the scrolls of plans and the physical construction were at a stand-still with the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners.

As with any major construction project on campus, the athletic facility needed to be brought before the county commissioners. In many ways, the persistence of the project banked on the county’s approval. Despite this, no one was particularly nervous—the architects, working in consultation with Ben Fernández ‘82 and José González ‘91, made sure to cover their proverbial bases.

The proposal to the commissioners included not only the Athletic Center but also other campus improvements. In addition to the Athletic Center and parking, a covered walkway over the bridge connecting the second floor of the main building to The Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center was approved. The plan also included a request to construct a three-story parking garage, much further into the future. This emphasis on parking was in response to a stipulation from the commission’s approval of the near-completed chapel. They had demanded that Belen find a solution to the shortage of parking, especially for the massive events the new facilities would support. Addressing this problem helped the case for the Athletic Center and reinforced the due confidence on the part of the administration.

The official county hearing was scheduled for April 21st, and in true Belen fashion, we showed up in full force. In addition to administrators, coaches, and the architects, eleven Belen student-athletes, looking pristine in their gala jackets, entered the Stephen P. Clark Center ready to encourage the passage of something that would undoubtedly improve their student-athlete experience. The group waited in anticipation of the hearing, reviewing their speeches in case they were asked to defend the project for the commissioners.

Eventually, all were called in front of the county commission, with the line of students standing alongside the back wall, in full view of the board.

On April 21, 2021, Belen Jesuit students and staff attended a hearing where the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved Belen's proposal to build a new athletic center and additional parking on campus.

Only two student-athletes actually spoke to the commission: Isaiah Fuller ‘21 and Maxton Torres ‘23. They bravely faced the county commissioners and expressed their support, on behalf of the entire student body. The commissioners could instantly see the widespread support from the community, especially the student body, and hurried the proceedings. County Commissioner Raquel Regalado of District 7, finalized the approval with an emphatic “Go Wolverines!”. The new facility will be fully operational in 2023, where it will be the proper bridge between the über successful Strategic Plan, and all of the improvements to come.

“We are very excited to be able to move forward with this project,” said Father Willie. “We wouldn’t have been able to get this Athletic Center off the ground had it not been for the work of Carlos Huembes, Ben Fernández ‘82, and José González ‘91 who worked tirelessly to get the county to approve our proposal. Not to mention, the support of Robert Surís ‘79 whose dedication to ensuring that this facility gets built is a testament to his love for Belen. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the future is bright.”

Next up, the school will have a groundbreaking ceremony in the fall. In the meantime, we continue to strive for greatness and need your help in achieving our goal. Visit www.belenjesuit.org/dedicationopportunities , to learn about the various dedication opportunities available. If you would like to contribute to the vision of the school, please contact Felipe "Phil" Fernandez ’94 at ffernandez@ belenjesuit.org or call him at 305.804.7683.

Pardon Our Dust

The 2020-2021 school year marked the completion of the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center and kicked into high gear the construction of the Our Lady of Belen Chapel.

The 8,000 square foot facility was completed at the beginning of the academic year and the facility has been in use since early October. “The Innovation Center includes spaces specifically designed for each state of creation: inspiration, experimentation, and synthesis,” said STEAM Director Adriana Da Silva, Ph.D. “This space will help usher our students into a different way of thinking and solving problems which will, in turn, prepare them for the future.”

Construction has maintained at a steady pace on the Our Lady of Belen Chapel. The metal roof joists and steel decking have been installed. All windows have been installed and the building is watertight. Plumbing and electrical work continue in both the Chapel and sacristy buildings. The concrete structure of the Chapel is 90% complete! The chapel is slated to be completed in early winter.

Additional campus improvement projects:

• Five classrooms were completely renovated, and ten are currently being updated. These classrooms feature modern designs and furniture.

• The tile on the first floor of the main building was removed and replaced with finished concrete.

• A new clinic was added adjacent to the Dining Hall. This new facility houses our school nurse and includes 545 square feet with its own ADA restroom.

• New trees and plants were added throughout the campus, most notably in the Arroyo Quad and St. Joseph’s Patio.

• An area between the Administration Building and the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center named the Gonzaga Pit is under construction. This area will be an added space for reflection.

• A lifetime giving plaque was added in the lobby of the Administration building. The Ignatian Society acknowledges those who have given lifetime gifts of $100,000 and more to Belen Jesuit.

• All air conditioners on campus were outfitted with UV light filters, which reduce allergens, mold, bacteria, and viruses in the air.

Looking ahead, the future is bright. We are always striving to do more and to continue to make improvements on campus for the well-being of ours students.

10 QUESTIONS FOR 1 ALUMNUS

Remembering a true Man for Others

MARCO BOTERO '97

Managing Director, Twitter Miami

Connect with Marco on Twitter @mabot

What was your experience like at Belen?

Life-changing. I arrived at Belen Jesuit in 6th grade, two weeks after the school year had started. My family had just moved from Houston, Texas and my father’s first item on the agenda when we arrived in Miami was to find the local Jesuit school. Jesuit education was the cornerstone of my father’s upbringing in Colombia and his hope was for me to achieve a similar experience. I still remember the day when I knocked on the door to Mrs. Gillman’s 6C classroom which was my homeroom and a place where I met lifelong friends. It was difficult at first because I had a strange accent, no friends and academically I was playing catch up. I remember the first six months were challenging. If it weren’t for the patience and kindness of Father Sardiñas and some of my teachers, I’m not sure I would have made it. My particular turning point was junior high soccer tryouts. I immediately felt like I found my team, literally and figuratively. I was very fortunate to learn so many life lessons throughout my years in soccer and other sports. Lessons such as knowing when to lead are just as important as knowing when to follow. Nothing comes without hard work. We all win or will all learn, but we’re not losing. These are just a few that come to mind. For me, someone who came to Belen a bit lost, without any friends nor a community, lacking confidence, I’m eternally grateful to the Belen experience for turning that around.

What did you learn that you'll never forget?

Come prepared to work because nothing will be handed to you.

What type of student were you?

I was an average student. I had to work hard in order to keep up. Like many of my peers, I remember having to practice for either soccer, track, or volleyball after school until the late afternoon. In addition to my Belen sports, I also played on an outside soccer team so I wouldn’t get home until after 8 p.m. By the time I took a shower, had dinner, and a little downtime, I would begin studying around 10 p.m. or later. I definitely developed the invaluable “all-nighter” skills at Belen which would turn out to be an asset throughout my schooling and career. Even with all the effort I put on the academic side, I would not have achieved the results I did without the generosity of so many of my classmates who spent extra hours with me so I could better understand the material. I sometimes still think about their selflessness and look back at that as an example of not leaving your brothers behind and paying it forward to others.

Can you describe one funny moment while you were a student?

Rather than a specific moment, I still laugh out loud when I think back on Father Eddy’s 12th grade philosophy pop quizzes. Father Eddy’s class was notoriously difficult, but what added more pressure is that you had to come to his class always prepared and updated on his material. In the first part of the class, he would call on 2 or 3 students to stand up in front of their classmates and answer pop quiz questions. It was this awkward, nervous tension for an entire year. People were not only intimidated by the questions, but also in Father Eddy’s entertaining delivery. Throughout my senior year, this was a continuous moment of humor (if you were not called upon that day) as the reactions of many of my classmates, including myself are quite memorable.

Who made an impact in your life?

Both my parents definitely impacted my life. Now being a father of two boys, I can really appreciate the life lessons that my mother and father instilled in me. While very different, I’ve learned to appreciate how each one has impacted me in a positive way. My mother has always been someone that treats people with kindness, loving all of God’s creations including animals and nature. I’ve learned from her to always be generous and kind while holding God’s teachings close to my heart.

My father, like many, came to this country at a young age with very little in his pocket. Through hard work and a relentless desire to achieve success in life, he earned a Ph.D. in petroleum engineering and was an accomplished executive within the oil industry. Despite these accomplishments, my father was handicapped later in life, forcing him to retire early. It wasn’t until much later in my life that I realized this “disability” was a blessing for both him and I. I grew up for most of my life with my father always present. I was his only child, so he dedicated all his time and energy to being there for me. My father helped with homework, coaching and never missed a soccer game. He was always available to listen and guide me through good and challenging times. He was intellectually curious, extremely affectionate and loving and taught me that no matter what happens in life the only thing you can control is how you respond, nothing else. My father passed away in 2010, and as many in the Belen community know he was my best friend, always cheering from the stands at the soccer games.

What do you hold most dear?

I definitely hold my wife, children, all my family, and God most dear. As far as what I hold most dear at Belen, it’s the memories and the friendships I created in my 7 years there. By far, the experiences I went through helped shape who I am today and gifted me some of my most memorable life moments. From my first teenage parties, to my first formal dance (8th-grade prom) to my first “serious” girlfriend. Then there were the countless wins and losses during friendly basketball or volleyball games during lunch, to being fortunate enough to learn valuable lessons from my teammates and coaches across so many competitive sports, especially soccer. Experiences such as Close-up inspired me to attend college in the Washington D.C. area and go on to live there for nearly seven years. It’s the friendships I made during Belen who continue to be my brothers despite busy schedules and with some the distance between us. Whenever we get the chance to connect, it’s as if time had stood still. And I know if I ever need any of them, no matter what, like a brotherhood, they will be there. It’s my Belen brother that has been my confidant, best man at my wedding, godfather to my son, and the first person who showed up when my father passed. Although I grew up an only child, I never felt like one, thanks to my brothers at Belen.

How has your Jesuit education shaped you and helped you in your life?

I wholeheartedly believe that the spiritual foundation that my Jesuit education gave me has helped me to ensure that God is at the center of my life. I witnessed so many examples of the Jesuit community not only teaching the lessons of St. Ignatius but putting them into real-world action. The community doesn’t just say “men for others,” it lives it. Seeing so much generosity and kindness for others at such a young age for so many years, influenced me to always keep these values close to my heart and mind.

What prompted you to go into the tech industry?

I’ve always had an interest in technology. Arguably our generation was the first to have consumer technology introduced into our everyday lives. From Apple II to Commodore 64 to Atari, Sony Walkman, Beepers, Nokia’s, Napster, MySpace, etc...It wasn’t until my graduate work at Johns Hopkins where I had the opportunity to focus on studying technology and how it was going to shape and define our lives forever. When I returned to Miami I knew two things, one I wanted to work with international markets (particularly LATAM), and second I wanted to work within media and technology. Throughout the years I was building a relationship with Alfonso Cueto ‘94 who gave me a shot to lead the digital business for ESPN throughout Latin America. For me, this was a dream come true combining sports, international markets, and digital media. For nearly five years I worked on driving digital adoption and revenue across ESPN platforms such as their website, mobile applications, and streaming services. This experience set me up to lead the opening of the Twitter Miami office nearly 6 years ago. So I would say I was attracted to the space because of my desire to always be around the intersection of media and technology and how consumer behaviors change throughout time.

How

do you

make a difference in that industry?

Humbly speaking, I would say that my contributions thus far could be applied across three different areas; my everyday work, the local Miami tech scene as well as our Belen community. My professional work in tech for over ten years has been dedicated to helping global organizations such as Disney/ESPN and Twitter navigate the challenges while embracing the opportunities such as revenue and user growth that exist throughout Latin America. In so far as the local tech scene, I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved and support local organizations such as eMerge, Miami Angels, The Lab, and FIU who are focused on accelerating the growth of the Miami tech industry. I’ve also really enjoyed being an advisor for local start-ups such as WhereBy.Us (The New Tropic) and SportsManias, which was founded by Vicente Fernandez ’10. Within our Belen community, I’m excited to see every year more and more interest in tech. Being part of the Beyond Belen Mentorship program for several years, it has been extremely rewarding to connect and learn from various students that are interested in pursuing an educational and professional career path within this industry.

Miami is becoming a tech hub. What advice would you have to students interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?

For those students interested in pursuing a career in tech, I would say technology nowadays impacts all industries, so the choices today are much greater than in the past. Where traditionally working in tech often translated to a career in computer engineering or software/hardware sales for companies like Microsoft, HP, IBM, or Dell, tech is no longer being limited to those career choices. Technology can be seen impacting industries such as media, retail, travel, dining, and many others. Exciting times lie ahead for rapid change across “traditional” fields such as finance, real estate, legal, medical, and education. So today I don’t think of tech as an isolated field, but rather a discipline that requires a skill set that can be applied horizontally across any industry. For me, the most important skills to develop in order to succeed in tech are analytical reasoning (knowing what to do with the data is invaluable), intellectual curiosity (no one knows everything), adaptability (change is constant), the ability to collaborate with others (nothing is done alone) and lots of grit.

Three of our very own alumni Raul Moas ‘06 at the Knight Foundation, Felice Gorordo ’01 at eMerge, and Jose “Hutch” Rasco ’97 at Building.Co and Founder of .health, are some of the local forces driving the growth of the #MiamiTech scene. Students no longer need to only consider working in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, or Boston. None other than our very own Miami now offers world-class career opportunities within the tech space.

Challenges Support THE FUND FOR BELEN

Sparked by a desire to garner support for The Fund for Belen and to grow alumni and parent participation, three challenges were held during the 2020-2021 school year. The Tombola and the May Mania Decades Challenges were geared towards alumni and the Tombola Parent Challenge focused on current parents.

The Alumni Tombola Challenge kicked off on December 2, 2020, and came to a close on December 31st. “We know that our alumni are all in and bleed blue and gold,” said Director of Giving Jorge Pérez-Alvarez ‘76. “But, given that we are in the midst of a pandemic, our expectations were tempered. I’m happy to report that, not only did our alumni participate in droves, they also gave generously.”

The friendly gift-giving competition received nearly 400 more gifts than last year representing a 62% increase in participation over the 2019 Tombola Challenge. The winners by category are:

This challenge saw an overall improvement in participation by classes in every decade. Last year we had 16 classes with over 10% participation and this year we had 30. Last year we only had three classes above 40% and this year we had 9.

On April 18, Fr. Willie ‘87 announced the launch of the firstever Tombola Parent Challenge. This initiative came together as a result of the annual Tombola being canceled in 2021. “Normally, Tombola helps us raise the much-needed funds for the Financial Assistance Program,” said Executive Director

of Advancement and Alumni Relations Felipe "Phil" Fernández ‘94. “Since we couldn’t have it, we needed to think of a way to engage our parents and inspire them to give to the school, starting with what they would normally have spent at the festival.”

The Parent Challenge was a tremendous success. Five hundred and seventy-four families participated and raised over $165,000 dollars in 7 days. Together with our presenting Tombola sponsor, the Sarría Family and our other sponsors, the grand total was just over $190,000 for the Fund for Belen. “The winners of the Parent Challenge were the class of 2027 but the real winner was Belen Jesuit,” said Fr. Willie ‘87.

Ending the school year, the Alumni Association rallied the classes and held the May Mania Decades Challenge. The goal was to pin classes from within each decade against one another in competition to see which class had the highest level of giving and participation. The May Mania Decades Challenge ran from May 20 to June 6. The winners of the challenge are the classes of 1956, 1969, 1976, 1987, 1991, 2000, and 2012. Collectively over half a million was donated to The Fund for Belen by alumni this school year.

“It’s been a challenging year but the community has rallied together to support Belen Jesuit,” said Fr. Willie ‘87. “I couldn’t be more proud of our parents and alumni who answered the call and participated in these events to raise much-needed funds for the school.”

Afew years ago, we made the decision to create a Scholarship Endowment Fund at Belen. Making that decision was a rather easy one, being that our three sons, Michael ‘20, Andrew ‘23, and Adrian ‘26, have had such impactful experiences at the school. Belen has been and continues to be a fundamental piece of the puzzle of formation, instilling in our boys the core values of leadership, faith, a brotherhood like no other, and the belief that they are truly men for others.

On the day of Michael’s graduation from Belen in 2020, I remember sitting there and reflecting on how the young boy I dropped off on that first day of 6th grade had become a man. We realized then, the impact Belen had had on him. Belen helped us create a strong, independent man for the world, whose core values, confidence, and desire to succeed gave him the tools needed to achieve great success at Tulane, where he is now a student in the Honors program. He changed dramatically over the course of those seven years at Belen, formed lifelong friendships, and is a better person because of that formation.

We also witnessed the tremendous brotherhood on which Belen prides itself. When Andrew’s classmate, Anthony Parodi, became very sick earlier this year, we saw his sophomore class truly come together to rally for their friend. The class came together to pray the rosary for Anthony, every single night, for over a year. When he sadly passed away, we witnessed his classmates come together to honor his life at his funeral mass, which was held at Belen. Those boys grew up that day and did so together united like I had not witnessed before. Brotherhood is something that is an integral part of the

Scholarship FOCUS

CLAUDIA & GABRIEL NAVARRO

ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP

By Claudia Navarro

culture and everyday life at Belen. It’s woven into what the boys see and learn every day. The brotherhood formed at Belen is a blessing that lasts a lifetime.

Belen also creates in their students a drive to be the best versions of themselves. It is based on the fundamental core value of Magis , which means to strive to do more. While Adrian is still early in his Belen journey, we are seeing the fruits of this already. In the two short years since he has been a Wolverine, we have seen the shift from a child who loved the competition in sports, to one who also thrives in the academic competition in the classroom. Belen creates that environment and it creates success.

Seeing the positive influence Belen has had on our boys, we strongly feel everyone should have the opportunity for a Jesuit-Catholic education, regardless of financial resources. What better way to honor what this school has given to us than to give back? It is a blessing to know that creating this scholarship fund will allow other boys to enjoy the gift of Belen Jesuit for years to come.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sacrament of Marriage

Maripili Rodríguez and CARLOS NICOLÁS GARCÍA ’11

Carolina Menéndez and FRANCISCO HERNÁNDEZ ‘12

Cabrera and ALEXANDER IPARRAGUIRRE ’08

Sophia Pines and GABRIEL MIÓN ’11

Kayleen Amarante and MARK LÓPEZ-TRIGO '12

Not Pictured: Bianca Barrios and RAUL LOYS ‘09 | Christina Soiliakos and PAUL MARTIN ‘11 | Elizabeth Sotolongo and JAVIER ORTIZ ‘11

Vocation to Family

Luisa María, daughter of ANDRÉS JAVIER DE CÁRDENAS ‘91

In Memoriam

GUILLERMO GARCÍA-TUÑÓN, SR. '40

RAUL ESTRADA '44

MIGUEL A. TOMÉ BIOSCA '47

ÁNGEL RAMOS ‘48

ALBERTO ARMAS-PÉREZ ‘49

CARLOS J. BRAVO ‘49

EDUARDO SALVADÓ '51

EDUARDO BERMÚDEZ PARR ‘52

FERNANDO GARCÍA TELLECHEA ‘53

JUAN A. TURRÓ ‘53

FELIPE GARCÍA ‘54

MIGUEL FONT ‘55

MARIO MARTÍNEZ-MALO ‘55

AGUSTÍN CANTENS ‘56

LUIS FERNÁNDEZ-ROCHA ‘56

JOSÉ MANUEL PÉREZ-CLAVIJO ‘56

LUIS BERMÚDEZ ‘57

GONZALO GUARTON ‘57

SANTIAGO VALDÉS-ANDRACA ‘58

JOSEÍTO CRUZ ‘59

JORGE DESCHAPELLES MENDOZA '61

JORGE SOWERS '62

RAFAEL CUTIÉ '64

ARTURO MCDONALD ‘65

JUAN FRANCISCO "PANCHO" NAVARRETE '71

JOSÉ PORTELA '77

ALBERTO DAIRE ’85

JOSÉ “POCHO” RODRÍGUEZ ‘85

ANTHONY PARODI ‘23

OFELIA MITIDIERI, wife of José Bertrán ‘46

MAXIMILIANO ANDRÉS, son of Oscar López '02

CORALIA DIEPPA , mother of Eduardo E. '70, Jorge '74 and Juan Carlos '78, and grandmother of Eduardo '91, Gabriel Dieppa ‘96, and Humberto Guida '97

MARÍA ÁVILA , mother of Belen Jesuit teacher

Jenny Jacomino

ESTHER FERNÁNDEZ, mother of Florentino Fernández ‘78 and Carlos Fernández '79, and grandmother of Michael S. Fernández ‘05 and Matthew S. Fernández ‘10

ELENA UCHA , mother of George Ucha '76 and grandmother of Julian Ucha '09

OFELIA L. SOTOMAYOR, mother of Carlos '77 and Salvador Sotomayor '86, grandmother of Zachary '21 and Matthew Sotomayor '25, and aunt of Juan '86 and Miguel Massens '04

MAGALI FRAGA , mother of Coach Eddie Fraga and grandmother of Javier ’18 and Christopher Fraga-Vázquez ‘20

MARÍA ELENA DE ARMAS, mother of Belen teacher Mario de Armas

MARÍA DEL CARMEN MARTÍNEZ, mother of Belen teacher Mario Martínez '89

ADA MOONEY, mother of Mark Mooney ‘01

ISIDRO MUÑOZ, father of Alejandro J. '86 and José A. '90 Muñoz, and grandfather of Alejandro U. Muñoz '26.

JOSÉ "PEPÍN" PAÑEDA , father of José '82 and Carlos '84 and grandfather of Alex '13 and José Pañeda '13

ROBERTO DE LEÓN, father of Roberto '78 and Alejandro '80, and grandfather of Roberto de León '13, John Costello ’23 and Alexander ’25 and Andrés Tirse ’26

RICARDO LUDERT, father of Andrés Ludert '20

EDUARDO HILLMAN-WALLER, father of Manny '78 and Dr. Eddy Hillman '84 and grandfather of Daniel '13 and Alexander Hillman '16

JOSÉ GARRIDO, father of Daniel Garrido ‘85

ALBERTO E. ACUÑA SR., father of Albert E. Acuña '93

ARTURO FERNÁNDEZ DE CASTRO, brother of Luis Fernández de Castro ‘54

CARIDAD PARADELA , grandmother of Albert Paradela '11 and Andrew Muriedas '15

ZENAIDA MANTILLA SANTIZ, grandmother of Omar Masri '14

JOSÉ VEGA , grandfather of Ruben Chávez '90 and great-grandfather of Ruben Chávez '22

GUSTAVO VALDEZ, former Belen Jesuit Disciplinarian

RAMÓN SIERRA , former Belen Jesuit Director of Maintenance

EMIGDIO “OLIVA” GONZÁLEZ, former maintenance department employee and grandfather of José Viña ‘15

JOSÉ DEL DAGO, Belen Jesuit teacher

If you would like to submit an announcement for consideration, please send it to alumni@belenjesuit.org.

CLASS NOTES

1930s, 1940s, 1950s

The Alumni Association organized a drive-by for JORGE “YOYI” BETANCOURT ’38 to celebrate his 100th birthday. Pictured below, left.

JOSÉ ANTONIO BALBONA '56 received a Lifetime Achievement Award, AIA SFV, for a career that has spanned 50 years. He was one of the first architects to consider the total environment—lighting, color, space, ergonomics, and technology—in designing specialized medical facilities. Pictured above, right.

Carmenchú and JORGE DOMINICIS ’56 celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Pictured below, left.

ALBERTO MULLER '58 released a book called "Todos heridos por el norte y por el sur" which is a collection of stories that narrate his life and thoughts of his life in Cuba. Pictured above, right.

1960s, 1970s

JAVIER LLORÉNS, D.D.S. ’69, published “The Lost Boys – A Memoir of Operation Pedro Pan”, about the coming-toAmerica of unaccompanied Cuban boys and girls that went on to live in the Miami area Catholic refugee camps. The exiled Jesuit priests that founded Belen Jesuit were in charge of one refugee camp and one group home, like Fr. Luis Ripoll, a giant in this school's history, whom the author considered like a second father. Pictured at top left of next column.

CARLOS A. PENÍN '73 was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority Governing Board. Pictured at top right of next column.

1980s

Florida Bar of Governors member ROLAND SÁNCHEZMEDINA JR. '83 was interviewed by Florida Bar President Dori Foster-Morales, about his community service and the significant impact that Belen Jesuit Preparatory School has had on his leadership journey. Roland was appointed as Board Chairman of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Pictured below, left.

WPLG Anchor LOUIS AGUIRRE '84 was recognized by the Miami-Dade County Commission for his environmental advocacy and reporting on the ongoing efforts to save Biscayne Bay. Pictured below, center.

DR. EDUARDO RODRÍGUEZ '84 was featured on Good Morning America and in USA Today regarding the first successful face and double hand transplant. He is the chair of the Hansjörg Wyss department of plastic surgery at NYU Langone Health. Pictured below, right.

1990s

DR. EDUARDO MARTÍNEZ-DUBOUCHET '90, Baptist’s Medical Director of Telehealth Services, was mentioned in a Miami Herald article explaining the success of this technology, allowing doctors to communicate and monitor patients at a distance.

Co-founders CARLOS DE SOLO '96 (CEO) and ALBERT DE SOLO '95 (CFO) and their company, CareMax Medical Group, LLC, have combined with Deerfield Healthcare

Acquisitions Corp. to form CareMax, Inc. JOSEPH DE VERA '96 serves as the Chief Compliance Officer.

FRANKIE RUIZ ’96 was appointed as the Chief Wellness Officer for the City of Miami. He was also named the 2020 Cross Country Coach of the year by the Florida Dairy Farmers. Pictured below, left.

TOM LLAMAS ’97, NBC News Anchor and Senior National Correspondent, was the speaker at the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021. Pictured above, right.

Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo, LLP CPA Firm was ranked in the Top 25 Accounting Firms in South Florida and recognized as one of the Top 500 Hispanic companies in the U.S. by Hispanic Magazine. The firm is celebrating its 50th anniversary and proudly employs nine Belen alumni: Managing Partner OCTAVIO A. VERDEJA '77, Partners TAB VERDEJA '99 and ALEX TRUJILLO '98, as well as FRANKIE ROMERO '10, JAVIER VERDEJA '09, ALEX FORNINO '10 and ANDY PORTUONDO '02.

2000s

The Florida Academy of Family Physicians recognized Dr. GABRIEL SUÁREZ '04, Family Medicine Residency Associate Program Director at West Kendall Baptist Hospital, to receive the 2020 Young Leader Award for his dedication to the profession and service to patients. Pictured below, left.

PATRICIO GONZÁLEZ '05 was added to the Senate Finance Committee Majority staff as a Senior Investigator on the oversight team.

ERIC BUSTOS '09, MARIO ROJAS '09, and PABLO MOREJÓN '09, and their sons enjoy a picnic together. Pictured below, center.

MARCOS SEGRERA '06 was featured in VoyageMIA Magazine. Pictured below, right.

2010s

NICK ÁLVAREZ ’10 was named one of the Florida Politics INFLUENCE Magazine 30 under 30. Pictured below, left.

BENJAMIN TYLER '10 was hired as general counsel for the Florida Democratic Party.

FR. NICHOLAS TOLEDO '12 was ordained to the priesthood at St. Thomas University. He has been assigned as the parochial vicar at St. Gregory the Great in Plantation. Pictured below, center.

CLASS

of ’13: JUAN ÁGUILA, FRANCO ARAUJO, ERIK GARRIGÓ, VÍCTOR PÉREZ-ABREU and JORGE TRELLES-CABARROCAS on the slopes in Vail, CO. Pictured below, right.

JORGE FLEITES, JR. '14, created the JF Medical Test Fund, which assists Miami-Dade County underserved premedical and medical students in pursuing higher education. Pictured below, left.

PABLO ARÉVALO '16 recently set four records for the Keiser University baseball team: 14 strikeouts in a game, 114 strikeouts in a season, four shutouts in a career, and nine complete games in a career.

CHRISTIAN DEL CASTILLO '16 earned ACC player of the week for the Miami Hurricanes baseball.

We are very happy to announce that ERIC LASTRES '18 has been accepted into the novitiate in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and will begin his journey into the Society of Jesus in August.. Pictured below, center left.

2020s

DON CHANEY, JR. '20 was named the Hurricanes Rookie of the Year for 2020. Pictured above, center right.

NICOLÁS HIDALGO '21 was presented with the SebastianStrong Foundation Scholarship. Pictured above, right.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

Fr. Willie ‘87 and members of the class of 2015 gather for Mass to send off their brother Calixto García-Vélez ‘15, son of Calixto ‘85, who will be joining the U.S. Navy in Newport, RI.

Members of the class of 1956 Carlos Busot, Manolo GarcíaLavaniegos, Jorge Dominicis, Roberto Borbolla, Raúl Villaverde and César Incera restart their monthly luncheons in Casa Paco.

Belen teacher Javier Cruz '04, Director of Plant Operations Rick Echeverria '84, Alumni Executive Director Carlos Bravo '86 and Principal José E. Roca '84 represented Team Alumni in a cookout that included a Tomahawk Challenge for the 2021 seniors.

Belen alumni from the classes of 2016, 2019, and 2020 toured the construction site of the Our Lady of Belen Chapel with Fr. Willie '87.

Class of 1973 members Mike Crudele, René Lamar, Mickey Miñagorri, Jorge Smith, Carlos Penin, Donato Arguelles, Jorge Aguilera, Henry Pfister and Carlos Reyes enjoy wine and tapas at Madrid restaurant.

Members of the class of 1955 Cándido Fernández, Porfirio Fuentes, Ramón Diago, Enrique Planas, Alberto Sowers, Ramón R. Rodríguez-López, Orlando Álvarez (new class delegate) and Gabriel Durán get together for lunch.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

David Cruz '00, Michael Cantens '01, Nick Álvarez '10, Carlos Bravo '86, Juan Fernández Barquín '01, and Lázaro Fields '09 catch up over lunch at Il Lusso Restaurant in Tallahassee, FL.

Members from the class of 2000 gather for a golf tournament at the Melreese Golf Course.

Members of the class of 1958 Jesús Fernández-Izquierdo, Mariano Loret-de-Mola, Alberto Menéndez, Julián Vázquez, Mario Cobas, Fr. Pedro Suárez. S.J., José Valdés-Leal, and José Bermúdez enjoy lunch at Casa Cuba restaurant.

Members from the class of 1960, Los Cadetes de la Reina, had their annual lunch at Casa Cuba restaurant.

The class of 1975 reunited with Belen legend Mr. Patrick Collins in celebration of his 50 years of teaching at Belen Jesuit.

Alumni former soccer players attended the game Belen won against Lely High School (Naples) to advance to the State Finals supporting Coach Tanger and the team.

GRAND REUNION

JUNE 5, 2021

JUNE 6, 2021

PROFESSIONAL SECTIONS

By José “Pep” Lopez-Varela ‘87

The Professional Sections of the Belen Alumni Association were formed to promote further connections among alumni across industry-specific groups. These sections develop industry-specific programming, events, and other networking activities to promote further interaction, share industry knowledge and business referrals among its members. They also provide expertise in various professions to support the school and alumni association in these areas.

The Belen Alumni Architecture Construction Real Estate Engineering Section, better known as ACRES, is dedicated to bringing professionals in these fields together for networking, education, and service. We aim to provide opportunities for our members to come together through networking events to share ideas and projects. ACRES also provides opportunities for our members to learn about the ever-evolving fields of work. We also strive to be men for others by

The BITS Professional Section stands for Belen Innovation & Technology Section, and that's what we are: a group of people passionate about technology and innovation. We bring together alumni with diverse tech backgrounds: from programmers and IT folks to founders and CIOs/CTOs/ CEOs. Following the mantra of Men for Others, we aim to be of service to 1) the Belen student community by assisting in Belen's STEAM's initiatives in any way we can, 2) the alumni association by volunteering to provide technical

The section for Accounting, Finance, and Enterprise (and Entrepreneurship/Economics) seeks to grow the fraternity of alumni who are in the business community. We showcase successful alumni through SAFE Speaks, allowing brothers young and old to see examples of achievement. We seek to create professional connections by hosting networking events both within our association and with our sister alumnae of Carrollton and Lourdes.

serving the Belen community through service and sharing our expertise.

Why you should join us?

You do not have to necessarily be in the professional fields of architecture, construction, real estate, or engineering to be a member of ACRES. If you have any interest in these occupations or just wish to learn more you are more than welcome to join. We are also open to current Belen students who are looking to find out more about

expertise/assistance for projects to advance the alumni association's mission, and 3) our fellow BITS alumni by hosting events to learn more about and celebrate the achievements of fellow alumni, as well as provide networking opportunities and promote general camaraderie.

Why you should join us?

If you identify as a passionate technologist and/or innovator and want to connect with other like-minded individuals to share ideas and give back

We foster career opportunities through mentorship, job postings, and career fairs. We are Men for Others by collecting donations and volunteering when service is needed. We're looking to grow our ranks so that we can grow as alumni.

Why you should join us?

SAFE is the home for alumni who are in the business community. We organize happy hours, invite successful alumni to speak, get involved in service

our professions and are seeking mentorship opportunities.

Board Members:

Derek Varona '03 - Chairman

Ian Coutts '01

Albert Paradela '11

Luis Pérez-Codina '01

Carlos Díaz '08

Jordan Casañas '99

Juan P. San Martín '91

to the Alumni Association and/or current Belen students then you will feel right at home with BITS.

Board Members:

Rolando “Roly” Vicaría '03 - Chairman

Ramón Branger '92

José "Pep" López-Varela '87

Borja Sagarduy '10

Richard Blanco '91

Lorenzo De Toro III '91

opportunities, and strive to help members develop professionally. Come for the networking, stay for the brotherhood.

Board Members:

Juan Carlos “Juanky” Robaina ‘04 - Chairman

Emilio Rangel, Jr. ‘86

Robert Fernández ‘96

Aldo Cardona ‘90

Thomas Pla ‘00

Víctor Pérez-Abreu ‘13

Kristian Sedeño ‘03

The Belen Alumni Section of Healthcare (BASH) aims to provide opportunities for alumni who work in the medical field to engage and interact with its alma mater. We do so in a variety of ways, including but not limited to mentorship programs with the student body, coordination of medical mission trips to Latin America, social events with other professional sections, organization of health fairs for our community, and educational events for all the Belen community to participate in. Whether you're a clinician, an executive, or one of a multitude of healthcare professions that exist, BASH provides its members an opportunity to network with like-minded alumni, engage the Belen community at large,

The BALS or the Belen Alumni Lawyers Section is proud to claim that it was the original professional section of the alumni association and to this day is likely the most active professional section in terms of daily or weekly traffic via our email list. BALS members refer cases to each other, post job opportunities for BALS members, look for co-counsel for their cases, ask about potential experts, pose questions to the other members, and the section has become a priceless vehicle for the Belen legal community to network with other alumni, get a job, hire a Belen brother, and otherwise get

BEAMS provides a variety of stages--live and virtual--for artistic and cultural events to flourish in our Miami community, such as BEAMS Month and other events, as well as impacting communities internationally with exhibits and presentations in South America and Europe. BEAMS also engages thoughtful, spirited conversations regarding media and journalism, the state of the arts and artists, and how the arts and media contribute to the cultural landscape of Miami--a new world capital.

BEAMS considers 'artist' is a broad term that includes culinary arts, comedic

and give thanks for our common Jesuit education.

Why you should join us?

Join BASH to participate in the mentorship programs we facilitate with current Belen students or participate in community service events like health fairs and medical mission trips organized by BASH members. Join BASH to network with alumni in the other professional sections via the happy hours we organize with other professional sections and alumni groups from Lourdes and Carrolton. But most importantly, join BASH to connect with other Belen alumni in the healthcare industry. Whether you are a doctor, pharmaceutical representative,

help with any difficult legal issues for themselves and their clients, etc.

Why you should join us?

Membership is open to existing Belen students and alumni interested in or pursuing a career in the law whether currently in college, law school, or already in the actual practice of law. Law school students and graduates looking for employment send their resumes, writing samples, and what type of legal position they are looking for to the section chair, and same is forwarded to all BALS members. Anyone interested in joining BALS needs to email the BALS

and acting careers, collectors, authors, composers. In combination with news and media producers, our section covers the widest range of talents and industries. It can generate excitement and interest with charismatic leaders on the board. As one board member put it, “When I first heard of BEAMS, it was like someone was flashing the lights on an awesome stage, signaling that the show was ready and good to go!”

Why you should join us?

You should join us to further enrich your life and cultural knowledge, and to form part of the advancement of

administrator, entrepreneur, or any member of the healthcare field, BASH is a welcoming section that encourages all alumni that work in healthcare to join.

Board Members:

Dr. Niberto Moreno ‘96- Chairman

Dr. Orlando Puente ‘71 - Alumni Board

Liaison, Medical missions

Carlos Hernández ‘88 - Alumni Board Liaison, Business Outreach

Dr. José J. Armas ‘77 - Events

Javier Gutiérrez ‘00 - BASH directory

Javier “Kenji” Martínez ‘13, Medical Student - Social media

Dr. Gabriel Suárez ‘04 - Mentorship, Student Interaction

chair, Javier Pérez-Abreu, Esq., at javipa@pamllaw.com.

Board Members:

Javier Pérez-Abreu '78 - Chairman

Carlos Macías '05

Javier Basnuevo '05

Daniel "Danny" Méndez '07

Kevin Deeb '86

George Metcalfe '84

Jose "Joey" Gómez '08

Matthew Maranges '04

Lucas Fernández-Rocha '13

our school and alumni's talents in the arts, entertainment, and media.

Board Members:

Oscar Bustillo ‘86 - Chairman

Luis Zabala '89 - Mentorship Committee

Alberto Flamini '05 - Operations Committee

Nicholas Peterson ‘15 - Faculty and Campus Affairs Committee

Marco Botero '97 - Secretary & Communications Committee

Federico Bregni ‘09Programming Committee

Vicente Fernández '10Membership & Treasury Committee

Ignatian Year 2021-2022

An opportunity to learn, share and grow in our life with Christ

From May 2021 until July 2022, the Society of Jesus is celebrating an Ignatian Year. What is an Ignatian Year? May 20, 2021, marked the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius’ conversion — that fateful day when Ignatius the soldier, struck by a cannonball, began his transformation into Ignatius the pilgrim.

“It is my desire that at the heart of this Ignatian year we will hear the Lord calling us, and we will allow him to work our conversion inspired by the personal experience of Ignatius,” wrote the Superior General of the Jesuits, Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J. in his letter to the whole Society on September 27, 2019. The celebration is themed, “To see all things new in Christ'' and is an invitation to the whole Society to “‘be renewed’ by the Lord himself” and “an opportunity to know, to love, and to follow the Lord of all things,” wrote Fr. Sosa.

The peak of the celebration will fall on March 12, 2022, the fourth centenary of the canonization of St Ignatius with St. Francis Xavier, St. Teresa of Jesus, St. Isidore Labrador, and St Philip Neri. The Ignatian year is a call to allow the Lord to work on our conversion. “We ask for the grace to be renewed by the Lord and

wish to discover a new apostolic enthusiasm inside ourselves, a new life, new ways to follow the Lord,” said Fr. Sosa.

The whole year will be guided by the Universal Apostolic Preferences which were announced in 2019 and continue until 2029. We know that assimilating them means conversion for each one of us, for our communities, our institutions, and our apostolic works.

“The Universal Apostolic Preferences (2019-2029) have confirmed the call to our personal, community, and institutional conversion, which is necessary for our greater spiritual and apostolic freedom and adaptability,” said Fr. Sosa. “Let us take this opportunity to let God transform our life-mission, according to his will.”

God continues to invite each of us into a deepening relationship, to ongoing conversion. We believe that by embracing this invitation, we embrace our God who calls us to act in new, bold ways that reconcile our world, bringing about justice, peace, and compassion.

Read more about the Ignatian Year by visiting www.jesuits.org/ignatianyear

Director of the Association

Dear Belen Alumni, As we re-embrace our mask-less lives, I keep thinking of Gloria Estefan’s, “Coming Out of the Dark”, a song she wrote after her horrifying and lifechanging tour bus accident in 1991. It became her comeback anthem and the name of her tour that year. Without a doubt, the 2020-2021 academic year is one we will remember for all its challenges. As the song reminds us, “life is not easy” and “starting again is part of the plan”. As we “come out of COVID”, we are all finally seeing the light shining on us! It is an oldie but a good one for the year we all just had. If the increased traffic on 8th street is not proof enough, we are eager to “come out of the dark” (COVID days), considering all the excitement we have shared for recent in-person activities such as graduation, pin ceremony, and the Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The Alumni Office did not let a little thing like a pandemic stop us. This year also saw the launch of many successful initiatives, such as the “Because Belen Podcast” and the successful reimagining of some signature events such as our virtual gala, golf tournament at Top Golf, and our very first Grand Reunion in June. Thanks to the relaxation of the CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and gatherings, we were finally able to welcome all reunion year classes back

“home” to our campus, and also invite family members! For two eventful days, we were able to celebrate together with our loved ones, sharing all the memories that shaped us and made us the men we are today.

Without a doubt, our alumni involvement has grown and strengthened our bonds as brothers, furthering Jesuit education and service to our community. In fact, we are celebrating the 500th anniversary of St, Ignatius’ conversion, and in the fall, we will celebrate the completion of Our Lady of Belen Chapel. As we drove to campus throughout this past year, we saw this beautiful chapel become a reality and a lasting testament to our fervent faith. Father Willie has mentioned it often, but it is worth repeating that we all join in his vision of this chapel being at the center of our hearts, where many important Masses and celebrations will be celebrated for generations of Belemitas, such as alumni weddings and baptisms. I can definitely see many future Instagram posts from those impressive archways as you stand beside each other as a witness to your lasting brotherhood. All these stories have yet to unfold, and to think it all started amid the challenges of this pandemic!

Further proof that the light will always win over the dark. As your Alumni Director, I am privileged to witness that and the strength of our faith and commitment to each other, and alongside our Alumni Office and Board of Directors, we continue to invite you to come back, give back, and share your experiences “for the Greater Glory of God”.

As we close this chapter and prepare to enjoy the sun on our faces, we also prepare to bring back our alumni tours, which will kick off by visiting San Francisco and the northern California bay area in October. The Florida universities (UF, FSU, UCF, and USF) will be visited in January and then onward to NYC, Boston, and Philadelphia. These tours are a fun way to reconnect and check in with each other, while also introducing younger alumni to important career network opportunities, so make sure to check out the tour calendar for an event in your area. We are also excited to bring back our tailgate event and celebrate Belegend and teacher Pat Collins’ 50th anniversary at Belen, as well as our 60th anniversary in Miami or “el exilio”, as the older alumni will recall. As we can all attest, in our long history at Belen, we have definitely perfected “Coming Out of the Dark'', embracing the Magis and seeing the light, and I look forward to making even better memories with all of you.

¡Un abrazo fuerte!

Carlos Bravo ‚86