Belen Jesuit Magazine | Winter 2010

A L U M N I

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

ACES SAFE

Professional Sections Men At Work

Message froM the aluMni President

The Professional Sections … Engines of the Alumni Association

The focus of this edition of the Alumni Magazine is our Association’s Professional Sections, an engaging, enthusiastic and active component of our Association. Traditionally, high school alumni associations are organized by class year, and as those classes get older and naturally smaller, by decades.

College and graduate school alumni associations are traditionally organized by “schools” (i.e. School of Business Administration, School of Nursing, etc.) in addition to being organized by class year. Belen is unique in many ways. The Professional Sections of the Belen Alumni Association are among the many unique characteristics of Belen.

The vision behind the creation of the Professional Sections of the Belen Alumni Association had as much to do with networking and mentoring, as reflected by Tony Castro in his piece about Professional Sections “enhancing” the Mission of the Alumni Association, as it did with creating another vehicle to stimulate alumni participation and engagement. One of the remarks I have had the privilege as President to share with three separate senior classes at the celebration of their last Masses as Belen Seniors, is that as we get older, the identification by class year becomes somewhat secondary to the identification as Belen Alumni. The Professional Sections foster the bonding experiences and friendships that help the evolution and development of that identification. They are also another common denominator that helps bring fellow Alumni together for causes and events that are and can be more engaging and active than periodic class reunions.

Belen Alumni should enthusiastically seize upon the existence of the Professional Sections of the Alumni Association, join them and utilize them to bring their plans, objectives and programs to fruition. The common interests and elements of the particular profession, particularly as they mature in their respective professions, is where Alumni should naturally gravitate and where they will always be the most effective in getting things done for themselves as a group, for the Alumni as a whole and for the School we all so love. Indeed, the Alumni Association and the School will benefit greatly from the collective expertise, experiences and resources of all the Professional Sections. As Alumni, your alumni experience will be enriched by participating in your Professional Association.

Some Professional Sections have already been organized. Others are in different stages of organization and many more still need to get organized. Please join or help organize your profession’s Professional Section. Read more about the Professional Sections of the Alumni Association in this edition of the Alumni Magazine. If you are reading this in time to attend this year ’s Tombola, stop by the Alumni Association’s table at the Tombola and meet Professional Sections representatives so you can learn more about your Professional Section if it is already organized or organizing or how to start the organization process. I look forward to seeing you soon and the continued development of our Professional Sections.

AMDG

Jorge

Hernandez-Torano '75

froM the editors’ desk

During our t ime at school, we’ve made a lot of f riends. After g raduation, we focus on college and close contacts start fading out. We concentrate on a career and then possibly a family and that’s when the Alumni magazine becomes the most important cohesive means for i nformation among our alumni. This publication has become the canvas to display the 'good old times': class reunions, events with spouses and family, and news of our school.

The Alumni Magazine provides all of the above and more: news about family and classmates, marriages, births,

baptisms, etc., and meaningful a rticles on various i nterests. It has been formatted to accomplish this purpose. However, it cannot be done without the f ull cooperation of all our alumni. So, we ask you to send us your updated i nformation, i ncluding your address and other means of contacting you, whenever there are changes. Keep us i nformed of personal and professional t riumphs, making us a part of your life.

Our plans a re to publish t wo magazines per year and we count on your help to successfully accomplish this goal.

God bless you all.

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

YEAR XLVI • No. 2

Professional Sections

Reunions

6-11 Class of 1960 - 50 Year

12-15 Class of 1985 - 25 Year

16-17 Classes of 1940, 1941, & 1942

18-19 Class of 1950

20-21 Class of 1955

22-23 Class of 1965

24 Class of 1947

25 Class of 1970

26-27 Class of 1975

28-31 Class of 1990

32-33 Class of 2000

34-35 Class of 2009

36-39 Colegio Dolores

EDITORS

Pablo Carreño '42

Roberto Borbolla '56

Ricardo Raimundez '90

DESIGNERS

Yvonne von der Osten

Francisco Malvar III '10

Augusto Venegas '10

CONTRIBUTORS

Victor Arrieta '95

German Delgado ‘90

Sujayla Collins

Bryan Lorenzo ‘03

Raquel Raimundez-Spellacy Augusto Venegas '85

Carol Vila

Elizabeth Vila

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jorge Hernandez-Toraño '75 - President

Carlos Batlle '80 - Vice President

L.J. Rodriguez '93 - Treasurer

Julio C. Bertemati '99 - Secretary

Antonio Abella '59

Raul Cardona '85

Antonio Castro '86

Jordi Guso '83

Andres Jimenez '60

Hector Formoso-Murias '82

Jose A. Garrido '46

Jose A. Garrido, Jr. '72

Ricardo Martinez-Cid '94

Francisco “Paco” Ruiz '73

Carlos Trujillo '01

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

Fr. Pedro A. Suarez, S.J. '58 - President, Belen Jesuit Fr. Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon, S.J. '87 - Principal

Fr. Juan M. Dorta-Duque, S.J. '40 - Spiritual Director

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

Nestor Rodriguez - Director of Development

Carola Calderin - Administrator

Fernando Aran '75 - Immediate Past President

Ricardo Raimundez '90 - Executive Director

Professional Sections Enhance the Mission of the Belen Alumni Association

By Tony Castro '86

There has always been a strong (although informal) network of professionals among the Belen alumni. If you’ve ever needed a lawyer, doctor, contractor, financial advisor, engineer, or other professional, chances are that you probably first looked for a fellow Belen grad (or at least consulted with one). This is because you know the caliber of the person. You know that in a Belen grad, you get a consummate professional who shares your educational foundation and work ethic, and who is going to take a particular interest in your matter because of that special commitment to a fellow Belen graduate. After all, you would do exactly the same for your fellow Wolverine!

So when the by-laws of the Alumni Association were drafted in 2005, it was altogether fitting to formalize the network of professionals among Belen grads, and to organize our members not only according to class year, or geographic location, but also according to professions and trades. In the first five years, four professional sections have been established, and two others are in formation. The lawyers were the first of the professional sections, called the Belen Alumni Lawyers Section (BALS, headed by Robert Perez '91). Then the Architecture/Construction/Engineering Section was formed (ACES, headed by Albert Malats '99), followed by the Section of Accounting, Finance, and Enterprise (SAFE, headed by Roberto Colon '04), and the Belen Information Technology Section (BITS, headed by Peter Montadas '76). The professional sections for the medical field and the entertainment field are currently in formation. As the liaison between the Alumni Association and each of these sections, I have witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm, energy and intrinsic value that each one of these sections adds to our Alumni Association, and I thank their leaders and members for their contributions to the Association. Indeed, I know of no other high school alumni association in the country that offers Professional Sections to its alumni.

The professional sections have had a natural emphasis on mentoring and serving as a resource for current Belen students, as well as recent grads who are commencing their professions and careers. We also continue to answer the call to be “Men for Others” through community service. And with the assistance and leadership of BITS, we are enhancing the Belen website to include searchable directories by professions and specific practice areas to continue to serve as a resource to the school and community.

In sum, the professional sections enhance the Alumni Association’s mission of serving the school, serving the community at large, and assisting one another professionally. Now is your chance to get involved with the professional sections! If you are interested in mentoring, in community service, or in taking advantage of the networking opportunities, I invite you to contact the Alumni Association today, activate your membership, and join one of the existing professional sections. And if there isn’t a section for your profession yet, feel free to contact me and I will help you to create one. As Belen celebrates its semi centennial in Miami, we look forward to the next 50 years and the role that the Professional Sections of the Alumni Association will play in that promising future with your participation.

BALS

The Belen Alumni Lawyers Section (BALS) is proud to have been the first Professional Section formed under the by-laws of the Belen Alumni Association.

In the five years since its formation, BALS has taken an active role in the Belen community. One central role of BALS is to serve as a networking resource for Belen lawyers. To that end, BALS has organized numerous networking events, and for the last four years has hosted the Belen-Columbus Football Game Networking Social on the eve of each game. BALS also participated in Belen’s Career Day, offering practical guidance and real-life experiences regarding the practice of law. And in conjunction with the other professional sections, BALS is working to create a searchable, on-line directory of Belen professionals.

But our service is not limited only to Belen. BALS has also fulfilled its mission of serving the community at large. BALS has partnered with the Dade County Bar Association’s Legal Line, a free legal advice call-in program, and was a sponsor and participant in the annual Minority Mentoring Picnic to promote a more diverse bar that reflects the diversity of our community. BALS has also hosted dozens of state and federal judges at its judicial receptions. In 2008, we had the special privilege of recognizing the Honorable Roberto Pineiro '72, who recently passed away, and who was the only Belen alumnus to serve on the judiciary in South Florida, and indeed, in the entire State of Florida. With more than 300 members, BALS looks forward to continuing to serve as a resource to the school and the community. - Robert Perez '91, BALS Chairman

BITS

The Information Technology Section of the Belen Alumni Association (BITS) is organized to advance the Belen Jesuit Credo of “Men for Others”. The key objective is to give back our resources to the school that has given us so much in our specific areas of IT knowledge and experience. To that end, BITS is established to serve as a consultative resource for the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School IT Department; Alumni Association; and to support one another in the practice of providing information technology products and services. As a consultative resource, Belen Information Technology Section brings to the Belen School and Alumni Association the intellectual capital, knowledge base, and collective experiences of the alumni members in their particular technology fields of expertise. - Peter Montadas '76, BITS Chairman

The Belen Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Section (ACES) was established to develop a community of Belen Alumni in the construction and design trades focused on developing our industry, business, and the future leaders of our community Our group has three main goals: business development, mentorship, and community service. These goals are achieved through active networking events, internship / workshop opportunities, and philanthropic ventures within our community. The Belen ACES shall act to maintain a means of fellowship to support the members and community by providing professional and spiritual mentoring, community service, and events for a good cause to abide by the Belen Jesuit Credo of “Men for Others”. - Albert Malats '99, ACES Chairman

SAFE ACES

The Belen Section for Accounting, Finance, & Enterprise (SAFE), a professional section dedicated to our alumni involved in all facets of the business world, has had a great year. We have put together multiple networking events, connected alumni with job openings, helped several alumni companies in recruiting top talent, and hosted the first of our Speaker Series presentations with famed economist Dr. Ken Thomas from the Wharton School of Business. We are very excited and optimistic about our ability to create attractive value to gain high levels of participation from our fellow alumni. In an effort to meet our goals of helping our alumni through job seeking/ hiring, networking, mentoring/college preparation (for current students), and community service we have identified numerous activities that we will be implementing in the coming year: host new key note speakers (areas of interest: healthcare, insurance, and auto industries), Business Launch Pad – veteran Belen business alumni help young Belen alumni entrepreneurs develop their businesses, get funding, etc., SAFE dedicated webpage could contact fellow brothers no matter what state or country they may be in, tangible business communication network, build a one-on-one networking referral system, community service in partnership with other Sections, MAGIS or other community organizations (e.g. Junior Achievement); and these are just a few If you have not already done so, please update your information on the Belen Website and reach out to me directly (rcolon@alvarezandmarsal.com) or any of us on the SAFE executive committee if you would like to join SAFE. - Robert Colon '04, SAFE Chairman

Class of 1960 - 50 Year Reunion

Friday, June 11, 2010

- Belen Jesuit

Friday, June 11, 2010 - Santa Maria

Saturday, June 12, 2010 -

Sunday, June 13, 2010 - Belen Jesuit

Members of the class of 1960 with Fr. Dorta-Duque S.J.

Ladies of the Class of 1960 with Fr. Dorta-Duque S.J.

Families of the graduates of 1960 with Fr. Dorta-Duque S.J.

History of the Banner of the Class of 1960

By Emilio Cueto Translated by Julio Lago

It was a tradition at the Belen Jesuit School in Havana, Cuba, for each graduating class to design and present a new banner to the school. Every time there was a graduation or an Alumni reunion, all the graduating class banners were put on display. In 1960, our graduating class was the last one to have its banner displayed in Cuba. While this makes our banner unique, the facts below also make our banner very special and impacted all future graduating classes at Belen Jesuit School in Miami.

In January of 1960, Enrique R. Bocanegra, Eugenio Batista and others from our graduating class decided that our banner should have the same image of the Virgin of Charity that was used during the Catholic Congress in Havana, held in November of 1959.

In June of 1960, our graduation took place. For the first time, our banner was introduced to the public and to the Alumni. It was a marvelous evening never to be forgotten; people were moved by the image of the Virgin of Charity displayed on the banner. Our banner was presented among all the previous banners from older graduating classes at Belen. Who would have predicted that our class would be the last one to graduate in Belen and our banner would be the last one from Cuba?

In January of 1961, all private schools in Cuba were to be seized by the Revolutionary Government. Our classmate, Emilio Cueto, went to the Belen School administration and asked the Rector, Fr, Calvo S.J., if he could take custody of our class banner. Fr. Calvo agreed and Emilio took the banner home and put it away in a closet at his home.

In April of 1961, Emilio Cueto leaves Cuba for exile while our banner remains hidden in the closet of his house.

Later, in May of 1961, Belen finally falls under the control of the Communist Government. The only class banner that was not confiscated was our banner of 1960. The banner remained hidden in Emilio’s closet at his house.

In June of 1961, a year after graduating from Belen, very few of the Alumni of the class of 1960 remained in Cuba. Our classmates left to the USA and other countries throughout the world. Some were imprisoned, others were exiled in several embassies in Cuba, yet the banner remained hidden in Emilio’s closet in Cuba.

A decade later, in September of 1970, our first class reunion (10 years) took place in Miami in a place called “Pizza Palace” on SW 8th St and 30th Ave. Most of the Alumni had

not seen each other since June 16th, 1960, our graduation date. It was a very emotional reunion. There we met many of the wives and children of those already married. Meanwhile our banner remains hidden in Emilio’s closet in Cuba.

On September of 1977, Emilio Cueto returns to Cuba for the first time. He goes to his home’s closet and collects the 1960 class banner, after more than 16 years of hiding, and takes it with him back to the USA. The class banner was finally free and exiled like the class of 1960. We called ourselves, “Los Cadetes de la Reina”, Cadetes of the Queen, after our Lady of Charity.

On July 5, 1980, during the 20th class reunion in Miami, Emilio Cueto hands over the class banner to the class of 1960 under the custody of Andres and Lucila Jimenez. Before the Mass, Emilio takes the banner around the Belen Jesuit School, followed by all the classmates (Cadetes), their wives and children. (Our banner is the only original banner from Cuba at Belen Jesuit School of Miami today and is presently displayed in the school library along with the more recent class banners). The Cuban tradition to present a new class banner was lost when the school was closed in Cuba. No new banners were presented since the school started in Miami in 1961. Andres and Lucila Jimenez decided to keep the 1960 class banner for safekeeping and brought it to their home. From that moment, the Cadetes de la Reina reunited with their class banner every five years and including the grand 25year reunion in Key Biscayne (1985).

In 1987, Lucila Jimenez had the great idea of bringing the banner tradition back to Belen Jesuit and asked Fr. Marcelino Garcia S.J. if a banner could be presented for the graduating class of 1987. Both Andres and Lucila Jimenez’s son (Andres) and Julio and Josefina Lago’s son (Cesar) were graduating together that year. For 27 years, the banner tradition was lost and now it was re-established. From 1987 on, all classes have presented their class banners to Belen thanks to the class of 1960, Los Cadetes de La Reina. Some of the older classes are also making a duplicate of their Cuban school banner and donating it to the school library.

On June 12, 2010, los Cadetes de la Reina reunited in the Biltmore Hotel for dinner to celebrate their 50th anniversary. During the dinner, Juan Junco, our class historian, surprised everyone by reading the history of the 1960 class banner. At the end of his reading, the graduation music from 1960 was played and both banners (1960 and 1987) were presented to the Cadetes. There were tears of rejoice in the symbolism that the banner had survived just like the determination and will of the class of 1960.

Post Reunion Cruise - The Grandeur of the Seas

Class of 1985 - 25 Year Reunion

- Transit

Saturday, June 5, 2010 - Doral Spa

Sunday, June 6, 2010 -

Classes of 1940, 1941 & 1942 Reunion Sunday, August

22, 2010 - Belen Jesuit

Class of 1950 - 60 Year Reunion

Sunday, July 11, 2010 - Belen Jesuit

Class of 1955 - 55 Year Reunion

August 7, 2010 -

Class of 1965 - 45 Year Reunion

Friday, August 11, 2010 - Cutie Residence

Saturday, August 12, 2010 - Casa

Sunday, August 13, 2010 -

Class of 1947 - Annual Reunion

Alberto Arango, Miguel Garces, Jorge Arango, Raul Rodriguez Sora

Raoul Garcia Vidal, Jose Sanchez Villalba, Manuel Oliver, Rene Bolivar

Guillermo and Georgina Golik, Jose C. Dominguez, Ramon Fernandez Urizar with Fr. Juan Manuel Dorta Duque, S.J. '40

Raoul and Lourdes Garcia Vidal, Maria Manuela Maseda, Carlos Acosta, Miguel Garces, Pablo Concepcion, Ada and Roberto Bandin, Guillermo and Georgina Golik

Manuel Oliver Jr., Ricardo Juncadella, Salvador Juncadella, Alberto Arango, Jorge Arango

Oscar C. De Tuya with Fr. Francisco Perez Lerena, S.J. '44

Saturday, October 31, 2009 -

Sunday, November 1, 2009 -

Class of 1970 - 40 Year Reunion

Class

Class of 1990 - 20 Year Reunion

Saturday, June 24, 2010 - Village Tavern

Saturday, June 24, 2010 - Da Vittorio

Class of 2000 - 10 Year Reunion

Class of 2009 - One Year Reunion

Saturday, August 14, 2010 -

Colegio Dolores - Annual Reunion

Sunday, July 18, 2010 - Belen Jesuit

Reflections

By Silvestre Aguilar - Dolores Alumnus '60

I do not want to delay too much my impressions of our yearly reunion. I have always considered it a privilege and by the Grace of God to be able to reunite with our friends f rom childhood for a few hours to renew our relationship forever. This time it was I, with a g roup of nine from my class, that organized the 50th anniversary of our graduation. Our hearts get saddened when we remember that u nforgettable occasion, so long ago, when we had the sad experience of our forced exile f rom Cuba with the suffering that comes with it. Notwithstanding, there have been moments of happiness and success during this period. It was very emotional for us when we had our 50th anniversary reunion here in Miami on July 17, 2010, remembering that our class was the last to g raduate f rom Cuba in June of 1960. T he graduation took place in the social hall of the Colonia Española in Santiago de Cuba. Later on, in April 1961, I witnessed when our dear school was confiscated by the “militia” of the so called “revolution” that took away our freedom.

It was too sad to see the Jesuit Community of the school leaving everything behind with no defined future.

Those were moments engraved in our souls for the rest of our lives.

However, the happiness we feel when we reunite again has dissipated our sadness as if we were again back in our school.

Father Dorta-Duque’s life and his presence in our reunions have been an inspiration and example to us all up to this date. With the teachings f rom our parents and the school, we are doing our best to work in evangelizing u ntil we are called by Our Lord.

Pedro (Pedro Haber - Dolores Delegate), we must thank you and your wife for all the effort in making our reunion possible. Also thanks to our “compañero de curso” Eduardo Barrios, S.J. for celebrating Mass and to Juan Casas who made it possible, through the internet, to increase the attendance to the Dolores’ reunions. Carola Calderin and Ricardo Raimundez have made

possible the success of this enterprise, and for that our thanks go also to them

To all, in my wife Marilu’s and my own name, our “abrazos” until we meet again.

School NEWS

Once again, we are thankful to God for many blessings bestowed on us this year. For the fifth year in a row, Belen was recognized as one of the top 50 Catholic schools in the USA, of which only four were chosen in Florida and only one in Miami-Dade County. A new Department of Communication Arts and Multimedia was added to Belen’s academic structure. Its Chairperson is Ms. Sujayla Collins, who came to Belen with lots of experience in the media. Courses such as Film and TV Production, Introduction to Media, Public Speaking, Broadcast Journalism and Photography are taught by an expert faculty team made up of Ms. Maria de Aguiar, Mr. Johnny Calderin, Mr. Luis Dulzaides and Mr. Leo Williams. The Department’s goal is to help students learn the tools to become good communicators in the contemporary world, so much dominated by technology and communication.

The Guidance Counseling Department was split into two offices: College Counseling and School Counseling. College Counseling, under the direction of Ms. Lisa Peterson will focus on helping students choose a university to attend after graduation, fill out the application forms and complete the required paperwork. The office of School Counseling will continue doing its useful task of helping students in their personal and academic development. Its new Director is Ms. Teresa Gutierrez.

By Fr. Pedro A. Suarez, S.J. '58

A new Multimedia Studio was inaugurated in the former Kohly Auditorum at a ribbon cutting ceremony in which Ms. Nidia Rodrguez, a good and generous friend of Belen for many years, together with Belen’s President, did the honors and cut the red ribbon.

In preparation for Belen’s celebration of its 50th anniversary in Miami next year, a new Director of Development came on board last July. His name is Mr. Nestor Rodriguez and he comes to us with a long experience as a fund-raiser in the private non-profit sector. Mr. Rodriguez works under the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Father Ernesto Fernandez-Travieso, SJ, whose experience before coming to Belen two years ago includes being Director of the Latin American Office for Vatican Radio in Rome and a long tenure as Director of the Institute of Latin American Concern in Santiago, Dominican Republic, a medical institution sponsored by Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Seniors Antonio Acosta, Alexander Cosio, Jorge Ginory-Perez, Joseph Lindsay, John O’Sullivan and Julian Rey were declared semifinalists as National Merit Scholars, based on their 2009 SAT scores. Regrettably, at the beginning of the academic year a tragic accident took Tony Acosta’s life. The concelebrated Mass at St. Kevin’s Parish united the Belen community. Virtually every student, teacher, staff member and worker at Belen was in prayerful attendance. May the Lord keep Tony, who was an excellent student and a caring young man, in his eternal Kingdom. Tony’s parents have collected funds to establish a memorial scholarship in his name.

Some 15 students in the drama club, the Thespian Society, under the guidance of Mr Leo Williams, participated in a State-wide competition in Orlando and received Excellent, Superior and Critics’ Choice awards.

The Belen Band under the baton of Maestra Ms. Marlene Urbay delighted the audience by executing parts of the Broadway musical “The Phantom of the Opera.” A startling surprise came when, after playing music, band members disguised with white masks and black capes came out and distributed red roses to all the ladies in attendance.

The “Model United Nations” club participated in the Vanderbilt Model United Nations Conference at the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, under the guidance of club moderator Ms. Ann Kenna. Students Sebastian Munoz and Eduardo Velez achieved awards for “best position papers.” Dominic Chinigo was the “outstanding delegate” and Belen’s team was chosen as the “Best Small Delegation.” Other students who received awards were George Cortina, Javier Martinez and Michael Sayman.

Future scientists and inventors in 6th grade had their “Invention Convention” in the classrooms and labs of the Science Building on December 2. Many parents, relatives and friends packed the facilities. Dr. Lucila Espinosa (Department Chair) and all Science teachers were on hand to guide and illustrate the visitors.

The 2010 Gala Dinner ’s theme was “A Tribute to the Arts at Belen.” Gala Chairwoman this year was Yamile Jimenez, a Belen mother, and all decorations and the program were designed and directed by Mrs. Laura Munilla, Gala Co-Chair, also a Belen mother, who led a large group of volunteers. Gala proceeds help the scholarship program at Belen. Thanks to the generosity of many people, this year ’s net profit is $166,000, about 2% more than last year. With the financial crisis hitting many homes, Belen has topped its financial aid package in 2010-2011, granting almost 1.9 million dollars to a record 26% of its student body The present crisis calls for renewed generosity from friends and alumni who can help Belen surmount this serious financial situation. Please, help us if you can so that Belen may continue offering quality education to many deserving students, as our school motto “Docete omnes gentes” (Teach all peoples) invites us to do. God bless all our alumni and their families!

By: Ricardo Fonseca '12

SWIMMING

Throughout the many years of Miami-Dade athletics, no swimming team had been able to win five consecutive state titles at the FHSAA swim meet. T his illustrious milestone was achieved this year by our Wolverines. T he team found a way to build on their remarkable winning t radition, and once again shock the entire state by their performance. T he team battled through tough competition the whole season like, Gulliver, Columbus, and Ransom. Seniors A ndy Vazquez and Carlos Omana, were on the cover of ESPN R ise, which spotlights upcoming, elite high school t alent. Even with all the distractions, those t wo swimmers found ways to lead the squad with their performance in the water. T he Wolverines ended up beating second place Gainesville 244 to 174. Between Omana and Vazquez, they combined for seven titles. Omana won the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:47.61. T his time was an All A merican Automatic Time. Omana also won in the 500 meter f reestyle with a time of 4:24.82. Vazquez was able to reach an All A merican Automatic Time in the 100 butterfly with a time of 49.49. T he team as a whole really performed at an u nbelievable level. T he team’s depth really showed in many events including the 400 f ree relay when they came up just short of setting the state record with a time of 3:03.86.

FOOTBALL

By: Nicholas Munarriz '12

The football team went 8-2 in the regular season and 4 -0 in the district to clinch the fi rst ever back to back district titles in the sport in school history. T he team’s only losses came to archrival, Columbus, and University School. T hroughout the regular season, however, the team continued to su rprise critics, defeating g reat football programs

like Norland, Glades Day, and A merican Heritage Plantation on the way to the playoffs. T he team was led by a Wing-T offense. T his rare t ype of offense puts r unning backs in g reat positions to make blocks when they have to and favors a heavy r unning game. T he Wolverines began their playoff r un with a bang, defeating the Jackson Generals 42-13. In the second round of the playoffs the Wolverines would face the winner of the matchup between Booker T Washington and Norland. Norland pulled out an upset and defeated Booker T Washington 19-16, earning a second round playoff spot and a rematch with the Wolverines. Unfortunately, the Wolverines were defeated by the Norland Vikings in the second round of the playoffs, 21-7.

By: Ricardo Fonseca '12

CROSS COUNTRY

The Wolverines cross-country team has once again built on their successful tradition. They won their fourth state title in five years with another great showing at the state championship race at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City The team was led by junior Elliot Clemente and senior Joseph Lindsay. They showed poise and determination down the stretch to pull out another big victory for the program. This year ’s team was an underdog going into the race, but made believers out of many doubters once again. The team beat second place Charlotte by 42 points which tied their largest margin of victory since 2007. The Wolverines had many ups and downs throughout their season, but showed everyone that hard work and dedication could prove to overcome many obstacles. Clemente finished in second place behind Creeksides’ William Clark who set a state record. With Clemente finishing so high he gave the Wolverines a good chance of winning the team title. Even with that great finish though, it was a total team effort. The team had five runners finish in the top 25. This impressive showcase gave way for a large margin of victory. The Wolverine cross country team proves year after year that they are a force to be reckoned with, in the state of Florida. Their success has kept them thirsty for even more championships. Only time will tell how long this dynasty will keep up their remarkable pace.

By: Ricardo Fonseca '12

GOLF

The school’s golf team has found itself in the middle of another successful season once again. T hey are coming off of a third place finish in their district tournament, and are looking to make some noise once regionals rolls around. T his young team has found ways to pull out wins and keep on improving their skills on the course over time. The team’s schedule has proven to be a tough one with opponents such as Gulliver, Columbus, and Palmer Trinity. T he team has t wo senior players in Guillermo Quirch and Juan Carlos Alvarez. The Wolverines racked up some big wins over opponents like Gulliver and La Salle. They also pulled off a tie with Columbus later on in the season. T he team has seemed to g row stronger within their t alents as the season has progressed. T he young players have g rown substantially u nder the leadership and g uidance of their t wo senior captians. Coach Mario Avello has instilled a hard working nature within his players, bringing them in for workouts since last spring. T he team’s continuous strive for getting better, led them to their fi rst everstate appearance. Even with a young roster, they continue to exemplify hard work and dedication.

Juan Loumiet '37

Leonardo L. Bravo '38

Federico Macia '42

Antonio G. Mora '42

Andres R. Arango '45

Federico Lindner '45

Ramon Rodriguez '45

Roberto Suarez '46

Milestones

In Memoriam - Alumni

Francisco Vidal '47

Rafael Codinach '48

Jorge Campo '53

Reinaldo Porta '53

Sidney S. Batista '54

Francisco Rabassa '54

Francisco Roza '54

Manuel H. Reyes Garcia '55

Father Florentino Azcoitia, S.J. Sagua

By Fr. Pedro A. Suarez, S.J. '58

Raul Baguer '57

Juan Cao Varela '57

Leopoldo Cifuentes '57

Rodrigo Vigil Escalera '57

Pedro Fariñas Torres '59

Severino Caso '60

Judge Robert M. Pineiro '72

On Tuesday, October 19, 2010, Father Florentino Azcoitia, S.J., former teacher and Spiritual Counselor at Belen, died peacefully at Villa Javier, the Belen Jesuit residence, after a long illness. He was born on November 19, 1924, entered the Society of Jesus on August 31, 1940, and was ordained a priest on June 11, 1955. He was 85 years old and spent 70 years as a Jesuit. Over 40 years ago, Fr Tino founded the apostolic movement “Encuentros Familiares” and was Director of Casa Manresa and the Ignatian Spirituality Center He labored tirelessly until he was no longer able to work in the area of family counseling, spiritual direction and retreats. Good-humored, always smiling, hardworking, beloved by thousands, last year the County Commission dedicated a portion of SW 117th Avenue to his name. Fr Tino finally went to meet the Lord to whom he had dedicated his life on the feast of St John de Brebeuf and companions, martyrs for the Catholic faith in North America. Perhaps a passage from that’s very Tuesday’s Gospel sums up Fr Tino’s life better than any other eulogy: “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.” (Lk 12: 36-38)

Antonio Acosta '11

By Bryan Almeida '11 and Jonathan Godoy '11

On Friday, October 1, 2010, the community mourned the loss of one of the beloved seniors, Antonio Acosta. Tony was born on July 30, 1993 in Miami, Florida. He was the baby of his family, three older sisters welcoming him into the world when he was born: this is where his affectionate nickname of “baby boy” or “boy” comes from. Tony’s older sisters, Deborah, Janet, and Alexandra loved him deeply and the experiences they shared with Tony were unique for one reason: they were all joyous moments. One senior described Tony as a “hidden genius”. But this senior ’s analysis of Tony does not only encompass the academia. Tony was a genius because he had the innate ability to inspire anyone who crossed his path. But Tony’s charm extended beyond his daily interactions with others. He excelled in many demanding courses, maintaining an A+ average throughout his years and winning various gold and silver medals. But perhaps his most notable academic achievement came during his senior year when he was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. This distinction is awarded to 16,000 students from around the country who score highly on their PSAT and strive to be successful and well-rounded. “Only 210 students in Florida were nominated and Tony was one of them,” said college counselor Ms. Claudia Basso. “Semifinalists show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in the most rigorous college studies at any top university Tony had a huge smile on his face the day he came by my office to receive his National Merit packet. We are and will always be very proud of him.” Besides being an exceptional student, Tony also dedicated much of his time to the Key Club. He organized and participated in many projects. One in particular entitled “Grassroots Soccer”, is a program where on a select day students will accompany Autistic children in playing soccer. This was planned by Tony for the upcoming year and will now be a dedication to his legacy His hard work and dedication paid off when he was named Key Club Member of the Year in 2009, among the highest honors bestowed on members. The Service Award is now named after him in honor of his dedication to the club. Needless to say, Tony Acosta left a lasting impact on the school community With his witty humor and hard work ethic, he inspired many of his peers and teachers and set a high benchmark. Tony Acosta will forever be remembered as an excellent and integral member of the school. His legacy will live on through the influence he left in others.

Milestones

In Memoriam - Family and Friends of the Alumni

Association

Raul Rodriguez, father of Raul '98

Jorge Lostal, stepfather to Michel Rodriguez '11

Felipe J. Montes De Oca, father of Felipe '15

Births

Mariano Francisco Lago, born to Cesar '87 and Tanny Lago

Marley Mendieta, born to Juan '87 and Nancy Mendieta

Rafael Manuel Zequeira, born to Otto '87 and Milagros Zequeira

Luis J. Zabala III, born to Luis '89 and Zhandra Zabala

Mariano Francisco Lago

Alex Aldo Cardona, born to Alex '90 and Jennifer Cardona

Ricardo Luis Carmona II, born to Ricardo '92 and Tomasita Carmona

Carlos Manuel Trujillo, born to Carlos '01 and Carmen Trujillo

Alex Aldo Cardona

Baptisms

Anton Andres Beltran, son of Luis '84 and Dulce Beltran

Alexo Gonzalez, son of Alexis '92 and Stacy Gonzalez

Evan Gonzalez, son of Eric '92 and Ana Gonzalez

Lucia I. Saladrigas, daughter of Luis '93 and Lucy Saladrigas

Ema Isabel de Quesada, daughter of Thomas '94 and Margie de Quesada

Micaela Lucia Vadia, daughter of Ricky Vadia '94

Sebastian Andres Dieppa, son of Gabriel '96 and Yania Dieppa

Lucas Toledo, son of Jose '96 and Loly Toledo

Isabella Virginia Marquez, daughter of Richard '98 and Laura Marquez

Fernando Rivera, son of Luis '98 and Amanda Rivera

Demi Samantha Espinosa, daughter of Danny '00 and Davile Espinosa

Ralph Alexis Matheu, son of Ralph '07 and Monica Matheu

Nicholas Gabriel and Michael Alexander, grandsons of Charles Danger '64

Lucas Alejandro Miranda, grandson of Manuel Morales '72

Gianni Gustavo Marcy, grandson of Chris Besil

Elena Albelo, daughter of Wrestling Coach Fidel Albelo

Weddings

Alexis Zequeira '90 and Jessika Russow-Lowe

John Paul Salas '93 and Lauren Vaguedes

Carlos Carrillo '95 and Natalie Quiles

Benny Gonzalez '96 and Melissa Puente

Niberto Moreno '96 and Lilimary Allen

Gabriel Costa '99 and Jo-Ellen Martinez

Brian Costa '02 and Nicole Roque

Alexander Hernandez '02 and Melissa Ramos

Steven Iglesias '02 and Melissa Maguregui

Luis Velasco '02 and Helen Hernandez

Daniel G. Enriquez '03 and Yenerys Leon

Carlos Rovira '04 and Isabel Kilzi

Alumni News & Notes

Alumni News & Notes

Administration.

Alumni with their families

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

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

Alumni News & Notes

• Burger King has named Jose Cil '87 as President of their Europe, Middle East and Africa Division.

• An article by Salvador Juncadella '47 about “Democracy in the Americas in the 21st Century” was published in The Latin Lawyer in London, England.

• Javier Perez-Abreu '78 was recognized for the 6th consecutive year by South Florida Legal Guide and Super Lawyers as one of the Top Lawyers in Marital and Family Law.

• The father of Oswaldo Hernandez Campos '58 turned 107 in September. Congratulations!!

• Alexander Hernandez '02 received his degree from UF Lavin College of Law.

• Jose Miguel Gonzalez Llorente '57 was the editor of the book “Martir de Guajaibon” honoring classmate Julian Martinez Inclan.

• Miguel Diaz de la Portilla ‘81 was elected in November 2010 to the Florida Senate representing District 36.

• Carlos Trujillo '01 was elected in November 2010 to the Florida State House representing District 116.

• Carlos Curbelo '98 was elected in November 2010 to the School Board of Miami-Dade County representing District 7.

A JESUIT FOR ALL SEASONS: FATHER MATTEO RICCI, S.J.

Written by Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J. '54

Translated by Fr. Pedro Suarez, S.J. '58

Father Matteo Ricci, S.J. was a gifted mathematician, astronomer and cartographer who was sent to Imperial China as a missionary in the XVI century, and died 400 years ago. Born in 1552 in Macerata, Italy, Ricci entered the Society of Jesus in 1571 and studied mathematics and astronomy under Christopher Clavius, a Jesuit professor at the Roman College. He arrived in India in 1578 and was ordained in Goa in 1580. Sent to China in 1583, he worked there for 27 years until his death in Beijing on May 11, 1611 at the age of 58. Ricci learned both the Chinese language and culture and is reputed to be one of the first Westerners to reach mastery of the Classical Chinese language. He adopted the Chinese name Li-ma-teu (Ricci Matteo). The Governor of Zhaoqing, named Wang Pan, impressed by Fr. Ricci’s widespread knowledge, granted him permission to remain in the city, where Ricci drafted the first map of the world and illustrated it with Chinese characters. Today, a memorial plaque in Zaoqing commemorates the six years that Fr. Ricci resided in the city. In 1601 Fr. Ricci became an advisor to the Emperor Wan Li, and was the first Westerner to set foot into the Imperial Court in the Forbidden City. Ricci discovered that Chinese culture was strongly intertwined with Confucian values

and therefore decided to use familiar Chinese concepts to explain the Christian faith, not as something foreign or new, but as compatible with Chinese traditions. Ricci published The Secure Treatise on God (1603), The Twenty-five Words (1605), The First Six Books of Euclid (1607), The Ten Paradoxes (1608) and some geometrical works on the astrolabe, the sphere, measures and the isoperimetric problem, all in Chinese. His Chinese version of the first six books of Euclid’s Elements assures Ricci an important place in the history of mathematics. After his death in Beijing, he was granted the privilege to be buried in an exclusive Chinese cemetery. The Communist regime issued a postage stamp bearing his image and commemorating the 400 years since Ricci’s arrival in China (1583-1983). Other postal tributes have been issued by Italy, Malta, Macao, Spain and Vatican City. The cause of beatification of Father Matteo Ricci, S.J., originally begun in 1984, was reopened on January 24, 2010. In his May 29, 2010 address, Pope Benedict XVI praised Ricci’s dedication to the Gospel while respecting Chinese cultural values. Father Matteo Ricci

S.J. can serve today as a model for those who strive to preach the Gospel while respecting the culture of nations. He truly was “a Jesuit for all seasons.”

Fr. Ernesto Fernandez-Travieso, S.J. VP, Development and Alumni Relations

Mr. Nestor A. Rodriguez

Director Of Development

Mr. Miguel Tomasino

Director of Annual Giving

Belen Development Office

For almost 500 years, Jesuit education has been a model of rigorous, academic excellence. Jesuit schools have attracted and nurtured some of the best and brightest students in the world, committed to their mission of educating Men for Others intellectually, spiritually, and socially.

The Development Department at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is entrusted with raising millions of dollars to address the institution’s operational, capital, and endowment needs and objectives. We have been busy working on the Annual Fund, raising much-needed scholarship dollars, planning and executing special events, cultivating major donors, and laying the groundwork for the Golden Jubilee, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Belen in Miami in 2011. A comprehensive Capital Campaign will be part of the Golden Jubilee.

The Annual Fund helps us bridge the gap between tuition revenues and operating expenses. The annual gap represents close to $2M to cover Belen’s day-to-day operations. Without the Annual Fund support, Belen’s tuition would have to be raised considerably. When compared to other area’s schools, our tuition is one of the lowest considering the high quality education we afford our students. This year, we launched a year-end appeal to the Alumni Association. To date, we are pleased to report that the campaign has raised $22,455. We thank all those who generously and graciously contributed to this effort!

The Scholarship Program at Belen is central to the Ignatian mission to provide deserving students with access to a Jesuit education. Like many other schools and nonprofit organizations, Belen has been impacted by the recent economic crisis. In spite of this, we are presently able to provide scholarships to approximately 26% of the student body. The Alumni Association has member classes and individuals who are truly committed to the Scholarship Program. Examples include the Class of 1960 Cadetes de la Reina and the Class of 1985 Fr. Luis Ripoll scholarship funds which have raised $97,450 and $72,018 respectively to-date.

We encourage other classes to be “Men for Others” and emulate these efforts to continue our long-standing tradition of affordability and opportunity to deserving students.

This year Belen will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in Miami, where a year-long Golden Jubilee will take place. The Golden Jubilee will serve as a platform to honor distinguished Alumni, launch and develop performing and cultural arts series, enhance academic and athletic programs, and address endowment and capital needs. We will achieve our objectives by strengthening existing, loyal, and committed relationships while developing a new cadre of Belen friends and supporters. We have already begun to develop strategies to address the School’s capital needs and objectives and have held meetings with prospective Capital Campaign donors and leadership.

As a Belen alumnus, you have experience first-hand the type of education and experiences that shaped your professional and social development. These past fifty years are a testament to your successes. We encourage you to continue supporting Belen so that we can continue to build for the next fifty years and beyond. One way of doing that is through Estate Planning and Life Insurance. If you haven’t already done so, please discuss these opportunities with your financial and legal advisors and communicate your decisions to the School. We are happy to meet with you at any time to discuss it.

Thank you and God bless you!

Fr. Ernesto Fernandez-Travieso, S.J. Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations

Nestor A. Rodriguez Director of Development

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