Belen Jesuit Magazine | Winter 2019

Belen Jesuit Alumni

PRESIDENT

OF THE ASSOCIATION

One of the greatest gifts I have received from the Alumni Association is the many friendships that I have formed beyond the members of my graduating class. And one of the greatest friendships that I am most grateful for is the friendship with Crescencio Ruiz. I had heard about Crescencio since I was in high school. The Student Council moderator would often refer to him as an example of what it means to be a leader and a true Man for Others, even a decade after Crescencio had graduated. Crescencio still is an example to me. He is not only our Alumni Association vice-president; he is a mentor, confidant and friend. It was Crescencio who wisely discerned that our ultimate mission as an Alumni Association is to always remain relevant to our alma mater, to each other, and to our community. And that is what we continue to do.

Our Professional Sections and Class Reunions remain the gold standard: often imitated, never duplicated. But we haven’t stopped there. This year, we launched the “Beyond Belen” mentoring program to be relevant to upperclassmen as they prepare for life after graduation. And we have created a fullyendowed scholarship fund (only the second time in Belen history), and named it, appropriately, after Fr. Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, S.J., to be relevant to deserving students in need. But, still, we are called to strive to do more—the magis.

This year, we continue to grow and evolve, to be even more relevant. I am pleased to announce the creation of Social Clubs, to complement our Classes and Professional Sections. So whether you are into smoking cigars, running,

playing dominoes, golf, soccer, fishing, basketball, or anything else, we can come together and strengthen the bonds that unite us.

Coming soon is the most critical tool for our Association: the new and improved Alumni Website, powered by Graduway. This new website will be critical to maximizing our Association’s relevance to our alumni, school and community! For instance, if you are searching for colleges for your child, the Alumni Website database can help you identify Belen alumni who are currently attending those universities for a real-life account of the college experience there. If you are looking for a doctor or lawyer or other professional who is a Belen brother, the Alumni Website can help search among alumni by profession and specialty. If you are looking for a job or internship, or if you are looking to fill a position, the Belen Alumni Website can help with job postings on-line. If you are traveling and want to know if there is a Belen brother in the area, the Alumni Website can help locate alumni by geographic location. If you want to learn more about Belen gatherings, community service, sporting events or other activities, or just browse through old yearbooks on-line, the Belen Website can help with that, too.

A tremendous amount of effort has been put into making this new website a reality. Peter Montadas B’76, Javier Mariscal B’86, and Jose “Peps” Lopez-Varela B’87 deserve special recognition for all their work and expertise. But now the important task of collecting information begins. The real value of the Alumni Website depends on you! When the website is launched, it will be up to you to log on, register and create a complete profile with the information that makes the website truly relevant.

A half century after Fr. Dorta-Duque was named Alumni Director, our Alumni Association is stronger and better than ever, and the best is yet to come.

Antonio Castro '86 AMDG

Fr. Guillermo Garcia-Tuñon, SJ ‘87 Belen

Carlos Bravo ‘86

Alumni Association Director

Roberto Borbolla ’56 Alumni Content

Felipe 'Phil' Fernandez '94

Director for Advancement and Alumni

Martinez

Sujayla Collins Belen Jesuit Journalism

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

Thomas Pla '00 – Treasurer

Alberto Paradela '11 – Secretary

Antonio Abella '59

Gabriel Dieppa '96

Manuel Garcia-Linares '87

Jose A. Garrido III '99

Alberto "Tico" Gutierrez '88

Javier Mariscal '86

Peter Montadas '76

Peter Pidermann '06

Orlando Puente '71

L.J. Rodriguez '93

Francisco "Paco" Ruiz ’73

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

Fr. Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque, SJ ‘40 - In Memoriam

BELEN JESUIT ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published biannually.

Circulation: 10,000

Please address all correspondence to the Alumni Office.

Periodicals postage paid at Miami, FL and additional mailing points.

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Belen Alumni Office

500 Southwest 127 Avenue Miami, Fl 33184

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

community

By: Anthony Abinader ‘19

Echoes Editor

• Co-Chairman Juan Rodriguez '79, Scholar Athlete Charlie Grande '18, Sportsman of the Year Humberto Torres '18, Belen Sports Hall of Famer Carlos Barquin, Co-Athletes of the Year Aitor Fungairino '18 and Donald Chaney '20, and Richard Stuart, with the Induction Class of 2018 Anthony Fernandez '06 representing his father Vince Fernandez, Jose E. Roca '84, Guillermo Echarte '08, Gabriel Hernandez '04 and Andres De Angulo '94.

• Nicolas Sosa '18 was awarded the Sebastian Strong Science and Technology Scholarship by Founders Oscar and Rose Ortiz.

• Fr. Richard Hermes, SJ, President of Jesuit High School in Tampa and a group of juniors and seniors

• Dean of Men Andy De Angulo '93, Alumni Board Vice President Crescencio Ruiz '76, Alumni Board President Tony Castro '86, Director of Alumni Services Rick Raimundez '90 and Executive Director Carlos Bravo '86 at the Alumni Association table during this year's Open House.

• Tony Moreno de Ayala '61, Jorge Fernandez-Ceballos '61, USAF Lt. Colonel Rafael Andino '83, Carlos Bravo '86 and Mariano Loret de Mola '58 visit the Wall of Martyrs in the Administration Building.

• Alumni from Cuba and Miami with their grandsons from the Class of 2024 at this year's grandparents day.

NEWS

2018 GALA

ATHLETICS

By: Christopher Maza ‘19 Echoes Editor

• The Varsity Football team ended the regular season 8-2. They won the last game against rival Pace to win the Platter Trophy given to the winner of the game.

• The Junior Varsity Football team had an amazing undefeated season. They ended the season strong beating Key West 20-6.

• The Middle School Football team had a good season going 5-4. A big win for the middle school was during their rival game against Gulliver.

• The Sixth Grade football team had a perfect season without a single loss. With unending strength and perseverance they proved to everyone that they are the future of wolverine football.

• The Varsity Cross Country team had a very successful season defending their state title. There was only one meet during the season where they did not place first.

• The Middle School Cross Country team had a magnificent season placing first in every race. They showed the strength to back up for the seniors who will be graduating.

• The Sixth Grade Cross Country team went undefeated throughout the season. The young team went on to win the All-Catholic Conference showing bright things for the program.

• The Varsity Golf team had a solid season placing first in six out of ten matches. The team went on to beat Columbus by four strokes.

• The Junior Varsity Golf team ended the season with a major win against Archbishop McCarthy. They endured a tough season finishing 6-2.

• The Middle School Golf team went undefeated throughout their season. The team looks forward to moving up to the next level and replacing the graduating seniors.

• The Varsity Swimming team had a successful season placing high in numerous meets. Individual swimmer junior Andres Wong won states in the 200 yard freestyle event.

• The Middle School Swimming team went on to compete in a tough season finishing well in most meets. The team is now looking forward to swimming at the varsity level.

NEWS

Celebrating 50 Years of Service

By: Giancarlo Benitez ‘19 Echoes Editor

In 1948, Carlos Barquin was born to Carmen and Cayetano Barquin in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. That is where Barq, as he is known, grew up with his family until he was 13 years old. When the government began to change in Cuba, his parents decided they would send him to the United States with his younger brother. Barquin arrived in Miami, Florida through Operation Pedro Pan, a mass exodus of over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors to the United States between 1960 and 1962. When he arrived in Miami on September 12, 1962, Barquin and his brother stayed at the Catholic Welfare Bureau. He was in a completely new country with no parents.

Back in Cuba, Barquin played both baseball and basketball. In Miami, Barquin also participated in football and wrestling. “The one thing that kept me from not getting in trouble was sports,” said Barquin. "Other kids got in trouble all the time, but I tried to keep myself busy."

During his time at the Catholic Welfare Bureau in Opa-Locka, Barquin was often placed in different camps. One such place was Camp Matecumbe near the Tamiami Airport. Barquin was there for almost a year. Shortly after, he was at San Rafael with Monsignor Brian O’Walsh, director of the Catholic Welfare Bureau who developed Operation Pedro Pan. Ultimately, he went back to Opa-Locka. It was there that Barquin met Jesuit Father Ripoll who was in charge of the camp at that time. It was also at that time that Barquin’s parents fled from Cuba to reunite with their children in the United States. Upon their arrival, Barquin’s father was very ill, and later diagnosed with cancer. This meant Barquin had to not only go to school, but also look for a job to help his family. He asked Father Ripoll if he knew of anything that he could do to earn money. Ripoll suggested that Barquin become a counselor for the Catholic Welfare Bureau in Sweet Dreams, a little motel near Brickell Avenue on Southwest Eighth Street in Miami. Barquin became a counselor for the younger kids in the same program that he was in when he arrived in Miami. He continued attending school, and studying Health Physical Education and Recreation.

In 1969, Father Ripoll mentioned to Barquin that there was an opening at Belen

Jesuit. They were looking for a Physical Education teacher. Barquin immediately applied and was interviewed by Mariano Loret de Mola '58, the assistant principal and athletic director at the time. Barquin was offered a part time position to teach Physical Education to students ranging from seventh to tenth grade. He was the only physical educational teacher in Belen at the time. After his first year, Barquin wanted to expand the athletic department beyond the two sports they offered (baseball and basketball). In 1970, Loret de Mola asked Barquin to start a cross country program for the school. Having never been a runner, Barquin began to study the sport in depth. Shortly thereafter, he formed an official school team. The next year Barquin established the track team, and in 1971, he kicked off the football program. By this time, Barquin was coaching cross country, track and field, football, baseball, and basketball.

In 1983 the previous athletic director, Dave Hewett, left Belen for another school. Then President Jesuit Father Perez-Lerena offered the position to Barquin. Now in his 36th year as athletic director at Belen, Barquin has been instrumental in growing the athletic department from two teams to forty-eight teams. Under his leadership, Belen has had one of the top boys athletic programs in the state for the last eight to ten years. The first program he established and coached, the cross country team, was the first team to win a State Championship for the school. That program has now won ten State Championships. Other programs have also won state championships such as soccer, tennis, water polo, swimming, and track and field.

This year Barq celebrates his 50th anniversary at Belen, and he has no plans to slow down. He wants to continue building on the programs to truly have an impact on all the young men here. Barquin is currently working on opening a new sports complex at the school that will house locker rooms for all the teams, weight rooms, bigger equipment, and lights for the football stadium. According to Barquin, there is still room to grow. In his honor, the school has established an endowment scholarship . To make your contribution online, visit www. belenjesuit.org/barquinscholarship or contact the Advancement Office at 305-804-7683.

“You can’t stop or the train will run you over,” said Barquin in his usual tone.

A place to call home

By: Heriberto Cabada ‘99 Social Studies Teacher

Had you asked me during the summer of 1999 what I would most likely be doing twenty years from then, I can undoubtedly say that teaching at Belen was the last thing I would have mentioned. I probably would have said that I would end up becoming a doctor, a lawyer, a businessman, anything but being back at Belen. I must admit that for a good portion of my Belen career, I was a young man who did not like to be at school very much and longed to be able to be “free” in college. I was immature and unappreciative of all the things I had at my disposal and unfortunately I would not be able to realize that until many years later.

As far as academics go, I was nowhere near the top of my graduating class. I was much closer to being in the middle tier of Belen students. At times, I would show my capabilities to excel, but more often than not, my lack of maturity kept me from being in that upper level of Belen students. In my eyes, I saw myself as an average to above average student and often times I would sell myself short. I would even venture to say that some of the students currently in Belen could probably relate to these sentiments.

It is funny to consider these things as it serves as an ironic reminder to why I chose teaching. Rather, why teaching chose me. In retrospect, I had no real idea of what I wanted to do in my life once I left Belen. I knew I wanted to go to college but beyond that was a mystery to me. It took me many years of life’s experiences to come to the realization that there was no other career other than education that brought me fulfillment. From that moment on, my path forward was never any clearer. It became obvious that teaching was my vocation. It was at this pivotal point in my life that I discovered that I wanted to help others realize the things that I did not realize when I was in school, to appreciate the things that I did not appreciate, to seize the opportunities that I never seized. Quite simply, at the heart of my efforts was to teach my students to take advantage of all the chances they have in Belen and to not let these opportunities slip through their fingers.

I would have never reached this point in my life had I not realized the impact that teachers have on the lives of their students just as they influenced mine. Memories of my teachers at Belen often come to my mind. When I look back at my days at Belen, one thing that always stuck out was the way that the teachers always pushed me to excel. They were always there for me if I needed them. The influence they had on me will never cease from my memory. I will never forget the clarity and love for history that Jorge Martinez

showed in his instruction, the patience and enthusiasm given by Mrs. Busquet, or the encouragement and passion of Mr. Leo Williams. These values, along with a number of others expressed by my teachers on a daily basis, are the ones that I wish to replicate here in my Belen. The common thread in all the teachers was that they all wanted me to succeed. I will never forget the support and encouragement that my teachers gave me.

As I am now in my seventh year as a teacher at Belen, I realize that there is no other place I would rather be. There are few other places in the world that I feel more comfortable in than inside a Belen classroom. I am constantly pushing myself to try to model the teachers that left a lasting impact on me. Although being a teacher of Civics and AP World History naturally makes me a fan of politics, government, and history, the most thrilling part of my job is to be able to connect with my students on an individual basis. It is through these relationships that we then manage to plant the seeds that will eventually bear fruits of success. Many teachers have often told me that many times you will not see the fruits of your labor until many years down the road. It is a statement that rings true for me as I, too, did not truly realize how good I had it in Belen until many years after my graduation. I am eternally grateful to my teachers for this. It is often said that “God works in mysterious ways”. My vocation serves as testimony to this assertion as my life has come around full circle.

New look for WBLN Studio

By: Andres Leiva Marketing Specialist

Students stepping into the WBLN studio in 2019 and beyond can look forward to working in a modern, professional news set featuring hi-definition television monitors, an enormous anchor desk, wood panelling, and more. Constructed during the 2017-2018 school year and debuting in the Fall 2018 semester, the WBLN studio renovation exemplifies the impact Belen alums have on the school when they get involved in the community. It all started with a table. When JIS Construction Management Inc. President Javier Cantens ‘95 acquired a large broadcast desk, his first thought was how the WBLN studio at Belen might be the perfect new home for it. “Every time I do something, Belen pops into my mind,” Cantens said. Desk in hand, Cantens immediately called Belen teacher and WBLN coordinator Johnny Calderin, ‘92, and proposed installing it in the studio. At the time WBLN only had a small anchor desk and a green screen virtual set. Coincidentally, broadcast students were also interested in expanding beyond the virtual set. “As the kids progress, they want to move around physically,” Calderin said. “A virtual set limits movements.”

When Cantens stepped into the studio to deliver the desk, he immediately realized the space had immense potential. Together with Calderin, the two drew a back-of-the-napkin sketch that would ultimately become the sleek studio that is now in the Multimedia Wing. After the go-ahead from Cantens’ business partner, JIS Construction Management Founder Jorge Rodriguez-Ojea, the renovation was on. With the desk came a stage, customizable LEDs, a touchscreen monitor for weather and sports segments, and separate areas for stand-up and sit-down interviews. WBLN was looking better than ever before.

Before the renovation, students broadcast production at Belen took place in front of a green screen. The system worked well, but there

were some limitations in the camera angles and movements students could achieve. Current junior Michael Fresco, who was a sophomore the year before WBLN’s renovation, said that the moment he walked into the new studio it hit him that the possibilities were endless. “Now we’re professionals. Now we can do this with no limitations.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Calderin, who has plans for expanding WBLN programming in the years to come. With the new WBLN set come more opportunities for broadcast students to get involved and learn to use industry-standard equipment. “My hope is that when the students leave Belen they are equipped with the abilities to work in any studio,” he said. For Cantens, involvement in the project represents the natural conclusion to his education at Belen Jesuit. “The project is important because it’s giving back to the school who made me the man I am today,” he said. “If we can make something better for someone else, why not? It’s part of what the “Men for Others” motto stands for.” Cantens said even his wife, Barbara, who he met when he was a Belen student, was excited about the project. “When I told my wife what I wanted to do she said ‘Absolutely. Let’s do it.’”

The future has never looked brighter for WBLN. Upcoming projects include WBLN in Spanish, podcasts by underclassmen and middleschoolers, and an interview show called “Out to Lunch.” While the renovation was a collaborative effort, it was the passion of a generous alum that got the ball rolling. That passion is what makes Belen the school it is today, and it’s what makes the school Belen will be tomorrow. “It’s important for the alums to give back and for the school to sow everything that’s been planted,” Cantens said. “It’s going to make the school better for the future.”

Tailgate Party 2018

We would like to thank all of our Tailgate Sponsors:

BLN Networking Group

International Finance Bank

AA Uniform

BankUnited

Franyie Engineers Inc.

Professional Bank

Crescencio Ruiz '76 and Family

OneMiami Financial Group

Momentum Consulting

Hancock Askew & Co., LLP

Perez-Abreu, Aguerrebere, Sueiro & Torres, PL

Libby's FirstBank

FPG Home Design Center

Coca-Cola

Tank Brewing Co.

Baptist Health South Florida

Crown Wine & Spirits

Meat N' Bone

Sedano's

Doink Design

WHY I GIVE BACK

Alberto "Tico" Gutierrez

Class of 1988

Recently, my daughter Natalia called me from New York University. She told me that she met a boy from Belen, and after introducing each other, he asked, “Is your Dad the Belen guy?” She started to laugh and called to tell me about it. It wasn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened. By chance, we tend to run into either current students or alumni whenever we are out. I don’t pretend to be “The Belen Guy”, but I wear the badge of alumnus very proudly.

I have been blessed with a great life. I have a beautiful wife and healthy children. My parents were able to afford to send me to Belen so that I could get a great Jesuit education. They made a financial sacrifice but knew their sacrifice would pay off. What they didn’t know was that I was entering into a brotherhood that would change and shape my life. Today, I am still friends with those that I met as a seventh grader in Mr. Blanco’s Geography class in 1982. It didn’t matter if it was in class, in-between classes or on the athletic fields, the memories I have of my time at Belen are vivid. The essence of Belen remains true until this day. We are a family; we are a brotherhood.

I often wish I could go back to my years at Belen. Lucky for me, my son Luis is a member of the class of 2020 and I’ve been able to enjoy Belen all over again – albeit this time as a father. In fact, I find myself having to hold back on advice or pushing him to do something because I want him to have the same experiences that I had. My wife, at times, has to remind me that his experience is unique just as my experience was unique. I compare it to that little league baseball father that is living vicariously through his son. She’s right, but in my heart I feel that if anyone can leave Belen with 1/10th of the memories and experience that I walked away with, then they too will be blessed. When I began my professional career, the first thing on my mind was how I could give back. That really shouldn’t be a surprise to alumni because service for others was instilled in us early on as students. I remember a seventh grade field trip to the Coral Gables Convalescent Home on 8th Street and what it meant to those residents. That trip helped set the foundation of what I wanted

to do with my family, which is show them how to give back through service.

Over the years, giving back to my alma mater has taken on many different forms. I’ve enjoyed being present with my family during countless service events with the Alumni Association and with the school.

Community service and outreach have been great examples for me to use with my children. It is important for them to know that we can share our blessings with others, and in doing so fill the cup of joy that I have in my heart.

Helping to organize Belen’s annual Fr. Izquierdo Memorial Golf Tournament and other alumni events gives me great pleasure because it unites a large group of alumni. Financial donations are an important component of giving. We give what we can, and when possible, we give more. One way in which I decided to give was to enter into the Belen Legacy Society. This allows me to maximize the gift that I made to Belen and ensure a significant impact. Many people think that planned giving is for the wealthy, but in actuality, it is available to anyone at any income level and can be done in a number of ways. For me, as someone that bleeds blue and gold, this made sense and I hope you consider it as part of your estate planning.

I can see how my passion for Ignatian tradition and Jesuit education has trickled down to my children. So much so, that my daughter – who is still a student at NYU – is already thinking of the ways in which she too will give back once she’s a professional. In fact, her college essay was entitled “Go forth and set the world on fire,” and as a “Belemita” I couldn’t have been more proud. She and my son understand that we are all challenged to go and serve and be the best versions of ourselves. We don’t view it as an obligation, it’s a part of who we are, thanks to the values instilled in me at Belen. I want Belen to continue to make a difference in many generations to come just as it did for me. Even though Belen is the best “bargain” in town, there are still many families that cannot afford tuition. I feel that it’s my duty to give some of what I’ve taken back so that there will be many “Belen guys” to make this world a better place.

MAGIS

evangelize future

the

By: Xavier Cerrate ‘19 Echoes Editor

Father Jose Luis Menendez was born in Havana, Cuba. He attended Belen in elementary school where his second grade teacher was Brother Arrieta. He was a major influence for young Menendez, who to this date, can still recall how impressed he was with the large classes, and the different grade levels. Another major influence throughout his life at Belen was Father Oraa, who helped Menendez figure out his true vocation in his life.

Unfortunately, Father Menendez never finished his schooling at Belen. Along with his family, he left Cuba in September of 1960 and travelled to Spain, where he attended another Catholic school. In Father Menendez's eyes, Belen has always been a gift given to him in order to teach him how to develop his personal ideas, how to help others, and most importantly, how to discover his purpose and mission in life.

It was during those brief years in Belen that he became acquainted with God and developed a relationship with Him. He attended retreats and avidly participated in the spiritual life that the

school offered in its daily curriculum. After years of study, he became a priest in Madrid in September of 1977.

“Evangelize was the most important word to my faith. It helped me find what I really wanted to do and grow stronger with God,” said Father Menendez.

Around 1980, he travelled to Miami where he took over as one of the priests at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (La Ermita de la Caridad del Cobre) and also a Spiritual Director in the school of Immaculata LaSalle. He was later assigned to be the priest at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Miami. Here, he took over the youth ministry group and encouraged the young people to get involved with God and their community. He believed that it was important for the people in the parish to participate and grow as human beings, both culturally and religiously.

“The youth love to work in the area I’m working in now, many people are shy and scared to help but many of them are very good people,” said Father Menendez.

It was at Corpus Christi that he developed a program to help the community. His goal was to engage the community and create a place where many of the youth could develop culturally and learn more about God. He welcomed the neighboring homeless population and provided meals for them. He opened the doors of the church to educate the youth on issues of morality and faith, which they often lacked.

Most importantly, his desire to bring others closer to God and His church prompted him to build a chapel on the grounds of Corpus Christi Catholic Church that is a replica of a church in Peru. Using authentic pieces and period decor, Father Menendez created a small museum of Peruvian art and history. The project, funded by donations, has attracted many people to the church. They go to see this amazing room and appreciate the beauty and unique aspects of the Peruvian culture. The small church has been a huge hit among the parishioners, making its purpose to bring the people closer to God a reality.

On any given day, you can find Father Menendez tending to his flock at Corpus Christi or helping those in need. Aware of the lack of faith and charity that looms over modern society, he is always on hand to bring people one step closer to God.

“I want to leave people with the want to fight for the kingdom of God and to live and learn under God," said Father Menendez.

Anyone can help and follow along with him if he’s approached at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Father Menendez's goal is to help as many people as he can to establish strong bonds with God. He has evangelized many and has turned shy people into productive, hardworking people. He has taught his parishioners how to help others in need and how to make an impact on their lives. Father Menendez is a hero to many and he will continue to work on his projects to help others, until his last breath. That is his mission.

Cover Story

Enhancing Our Brotherhood Welcome to BConnected

By: Leo Cosio '14

Former Belen teacher Carlos Bravo ’86 had certain goals in mind when applying to be the Belen Alumni Association’s next executive director, a position formerly held by Mariano Loret de Mola ‘58 for six years. Bravo knew the only way to take the Association to the next level was to work towards a revamped alumni website, where the main priority is building meaningful connection with the school and the brotherhood. The wait is over.

The new BConnected alumni website will debut in the first quarter of 2019. The URL will remain www.belenalumni. org but the overall look and functionality of the website is completely new. This evolution of belenalumni.org was put in motion by a committee created by the alumni board consisting of IT professionals like Javier Mariscal ‘86, Peter Montadas ‘76 and Jose “Pep” Lopez-Varela ‘87, BITS (Belen IT Section) chairman, working in conjunction with Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Phil Fernandez ‘94, Director of Technology Carol Vila, Director of Communications Teresa Martinez and Bravo.

"I came full circle when I was asked to assist the Alumni Association in their selection of software to further enhance the brotherhood and to strengthen the connection to their beloved alma mater," said Vila. "I say this because most of the Association’s leaders had been my students and now I am honored to be working with the fine men who are assisting the school to better serve our alumni."

STAYING CONNECTED

Both Montadas and Mariscal are optimistic that this new site will satisfy the individual needs of our alumni, past and

present, to get the most out of what the Association offers all on one platform.

“With the new platform, Belen alumni with businesses or in large corporations can provide job opportunities specifically to Belen alumni,” said Montadas. It is also good for “college-bound students interested in searching the alumni database to see which alumni attended different schools.”

“Our alumni association was in need of a social meeting place online that was dedicated just for us,” said Mariscal. “We were looking for an online software…that included a feature set that is similar to common social platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter but dedicated to our association.”

Antonio “Tony” Castro ’86, president of the Belen Alumni Association, says connections between members of the Association are what will make the new alumni social platform relevant. He is leading the Board in making a strategic effort to increase communication and involvement from members.

“A couple of years ago we amended the by-laws to do away with the [alumni] dues… [because] the most valuable thing…, more than just a hundred bucks which we did before, [is] to stay connected,” he said. “After much thought, we replaced that measure of a member in good standing with a new one: ‘Members in good standing are responsible for maintaining and annually updating their contact information and profile with the alumni office.’”

The new website will make that process easier and more efficient, says Castro. He wants to encourage all alumni to keep their information as current as possible as a way to pay back the great effort that the committee and the board have made to create the new site.

Teresa Martinez, Belen’s Director of Communications,

says the timing of the new alumni platform launch could not be better because she’s seen a huge increase in alumni and community member interactions on the Association’s social media accounts.

“The reaction by us reinvigorating the alumni social media has been tremendous,” said Martinez. “Just with that alone you can see there was a thirst for information; there were people that wanted to tap into what we’re doing.”

said in the report.

Lopez-Varela believes this new site is the answer to that 4th pillar—Enhancing Our Brotherhood—and will boost the Association’s efforts to pair alumni to each other in different ways.

“The site has a very robust mentoring engine that will serve as a great way to match mentors to mentees. It is woven into the platform from registration to ensure we capture those

MENTORING

The Alumni Association 2017-2022 Strategic Plan, which seeks to seize “opportunities to improve and promote our brotherhood,” listed “communicate more effectively” as a principal goal. Father Willie made this idea of “Enhancing our Brotherhood” one of the four pillars in his 2017-2018 President’s Report.

“Belen Jesuit recognizes that its greatest resource are the alumni. The Association has worked tirelessly to launch a mentoring program where older alumni are paired with younger alumni. Helping promulgate these relationships and introducing alumni to each other in places far away from Miami will not only benefit Belen Jesuit in the long run, but will also have a more immediate benefit for the alumni themselves,” he

that need help…” he said. “The other enhancements are to connect Alumni by interest, both those related to Belen, like affinity for specific sports like football or cross country, and those unrelated, like folks interested in playing golf, fishing or dominoes.”

It is particularly important for the Association to not lose contact with young alumni and make sure they remain active. In addition to spearheading the creation of the BConnected website, Montadas has led the effort to create LinkedIn profiles for juniors and seniors since 2015, which he views as the best way for current students and alumni to network outside the Belen community.

“Classes of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been enrolled and with the approval and help of Principal Jose E. Roca ‘84, we now have a repeatable process in place and are

Cover Story

getting ready for the class of 2019,” he said. “We currently have over 1700 Belen Alumni on LinkedIn, over two times as many as we did before in just the last four years. We had predicted that we could be at over 2000 in five years after rollout so we are still on target.”

Montadas implied that being on one social networking site is not enough nowadays. While LinkedIn is a great platform for growing an external network, it doesn’t check off all the boxes for the Association to stay connected to a rapidly growing membership.

BConnected will help the Association to better address the needs of younger alumni, now the largest demographic of our membership.

“This is a great way to engage since over half our alumni consist now of classes from 2001 on up, which means

we have to move forward,” said Bravo. “The site will allow you to play a meaningful role in helping younger alumni with career readiness.”

Castro believes that mentorship is a key way for all alumni to benefit from the Association.

“For the younger alumni, there’s a benefit to share in the experience and professional development the older alumni have, whether it’s mentorship or an internship or lo que sea,” he said. “And there’s a tremendous value for the older alumni as well because [of the] satisfaction in being able to pay it forward [when] so many of us have gotten so much from those that came before us whether it be our parents, classmates or older Belen alumni.”

Alumni Delegate Rafael Cariello ’15 is hopeful that the new social platform will allow younger alumni to better engage

with established alumni in their fields for career advancement. He believes the platform will also help keep his classmates connected to Belen after graduating from college.

“The class of 2015 is a digital class; our communication happens through social media and group chats with our friends, especially since we’re now in our fourth year of college and still all over the country,” he said.

Alumni Delegate Eric Diaz Padron ’13 also agrees that the new site will help alumni stay in contact with each other.

“[It] will be a vehicle to make the whole alumni base stronger and more tightly knit by making it easier to group people together by interests regardless of their class,” he said.

INSIGHTFUL AND INTUITIVE

Bravo, Castro and some committee members highlighted some of the innovative features alumni can expect after registering on BConnected, which is powered by Graduway.

“From job postings, [interest] groups, to mentoring features, event information, and on and on, the BelenAlumni. org site will deliver a truly enhanced online experience for all alumni,” said Mariscal.

“The new name, BConnected, is meant to inspire Belen grads to get connected with the alumni association and strengthen the connections for those already in the network,” said Bravo. Bravo explained that it will be user-friendly and

simple to navigate and find specific alumni. He said alumni will also be able to create events on their own and invite members of their class and members of the different groups they are a part of on the platform.

“If you’re looking for a college for your kids, you can search who went there or who’s there right now so they can tell you about it and help your kid with the application process,” said Castro.

The recurring theme here is staying connected— connected to the school and to each other—and the most effective way of doing that is through a social platform just for Belen where we can stay up to date and interact with members of our Belen community.

Father Willie believes technology plays a key role in enhancing our brotherhood. It allows him to stay in contact with all the alumni the Association recently visited around the country as part of the Alumni Tour to inform them about how much the school has progressed in recent years, create a stronger network, and remind alumni how important it is to give back to their alma mater.

“In the old days, when Fr. Dorta-Duque started the Alumni Association, he did it all with index cards and a land line. Now we have access to digitizing everything, posting things on social media, and spreading the word on events and reunions at the click of a button,” said Fr. Willie. “As an alumnus, I am aware of the guys who graduated with me and maybe a couple of years ahead and a couple of years behind. A program like the new belenalumni.org website will help me know alumni who graduated decades before me or decades after. It completely opens our scope of accessibility to people who share at least one common, unifying factor… Belen.”

Graduway Committee

Carlos Bravo '86

Felipe Fernandez '94

Jose Lopez-Varela '87

Bryan Lorenzo '03

Javier Mariscal '86

Teresa Martinez

Peter Montadas '76

Ricardo Raimundez '90

Carol Vila

10 QUESTIONS FOR 1 ALUMNUS

By: Roberto Gonzalez '19 Echoes Editor in Chief

Guillermo R. Garcia-Tuñon

Mr. Garcia-Tuñon is the patriarch of four generations of Jesuit-educated men including Belen's own president. His wisdom and commitment are a true testament to the hardships he endured as a Cuban exile, and the sacrifices he made for his family over the years to secure their education and religious freedom. A true survivor from a different era, gives an interesting insight as to what it truly means to be Jesuit educated.

Q. What is your fondest memory of Belen?

"The school was such a beautiful place. The building was extraordinary. I remember going to Mass in the beautiful chapel. That is the same chapel that I got married in. It was important to go back to Belen for the important moments of my life. My children did their first communion there, we would meet there for reunions. I also remember the friendships I made. My brother was also a student at Belen, he graduated in 1946. We had very good friends there."

Q. Why was a Jesuit education so important to your family?

"A Jesuit education was always a big part of my family. My father went to Belen, he graduated in 1896. He always wanted his sons to attend a Jesuit school. When I was younger, I was sent to live for several years in Spain with my aunt and uncle. I was enrolled in the Jesuit school of Valladolid (Colegio San Jose) because they wanted me to get a Jesuit education. My family understood that the Jesuits had the strongest and best schools. That they were educators of men. That they had a very strong impact on society throughout their history. They also were very fond of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his spirituality."

Q. Did you play any sports or belong to any clubs at Belen?

"I was on the soccer team and also the track team. When I graduated from Belen and enrolled at the University of Havana, I was on the track team there as well. I also belonged to the Marian Sodality and participated in many of the different events and outings."

Q. What one funny moment do you still remember that makes you laugh?

"I played on the soccer team at school. To intimidate the opposing team, I use to sing when I played. I always sang, “Que lindos ojos tienes, debajo de esas dos cejas, debajo de esas dos cejas.” It would frustrate the other team. But then Jesuit Father Barbeito, who was one of our coaches, heard me and he pulled me off the field. He asked me why I would sing a love song to the other team. He was puzzled. I was embarrassed but laugh now every time I think of it."

Q. Who made a significant impact in your life at school?

"I remember most the young Jesuit seminarians who worked at the school. They would also come out and talk with us, eat with us, and especially play soccer with us. They wore these long white cassocks that they would lift and tuck under their belts so they could play soccer. They didn’t want to trip in them or get them very dirty. There were a lot of very good Jesuits who were always with us."

Q. How did it feel to pull your sons out of Belen and leave Cuba?

"It was the most difficult decision of my life. It was very difficult to think that we were leaving absolutely everything behind. We had just built a new house that we had moved into and shortly afterwards, we left. We didn’t take pictures, we didn’t take any possessions, just one suitcase. We left telling the government we were only visiting the United States for a medical appointment. My sons were very happy at Belen, the house we built was nearby. We had to pull them out and I knew we were never going back. My sons had to leave behind all their classmates and friends. It was also difficult because we didn’t know what to expect or what we were going to do. God has His plans and we have been blessed."

Q. What important lessons did you learn at school and pass onto your kids?

"Be a person of faith. Faith is very important. Our devotion to Mary, going to mass, these are important things that help us in our life. You can overcome all kinds of adversity if you have faith. Work hard. You are not entitled to anything. What you have, you have because you earned it. You have to work hard and not expect anyone to hand it to you. The Jesuits always held us accountable and we were expected to work hard."

Q. How does it feel to have so many grandchildren and great grandchildren follow in your footsteps as Belen students?

"It is a blessing. I have eight grandsons and one great-grandson who graduated from Belen and there are three great-grandchildren there now. We have five generations invested in that school. I want them to also receive a Jesuit education and to be men of faith. I am not supposed to say that Father Willie is my “favorite,” but it is a blessing for our family to have a grandson who is a priest, and it is a blessing to have a grandson who is a Jesuit. Now that he is the President of

my alma mater, the blessings are even greater. He will do a great job at Belen because he understands how important Belen and Jesuit education is. He lived it. Both his grandmother and I are very proud of him."

Q. What do you feel are the most important things in life?

"God and family. If you have those two things, you have the most important things in life. I left everything behind in Cuba. The only things I brought with me from Cuba were my faith and my family. With that I knew I could rebuild and do anything."

Q. What would you like people to remember about you?

"I would like people to remember my family. My wife and I worked very hard to make sure that we raised nine good children and they, in turn, would raise our grandchildren and then come our greatgrandchildren. The most important thing is my marriage. I was married for 68 years to my wife and we had a beautiful marriage. Everything we went through, we went through together."

Vocation to Family Vocation to Marriage announcements

• Amy Saumell and Javier Correoso '04

• Surabhi Dosi and David C. Sotto '06

• Marina Fernandez and Matthew Rad '07

• Julia Garcia and Adrian Zubillaga '08

• Alicia Figueroa y Derek Varona ’03

• Bernadette, granddaughter of Tony Arvesu ’71

• Zoe, daughter of Tony Silva '83

• Gala Valentina, daughter of Alejandro Gravier '88

• Madeleine, daughter of Xavier Martinez '88

• Elizabeth Bruna and Iñigo Abaroa ’08

• Julia Rose, daughter of Nick Lopez-Jenkins '88

• Adrian, son of Charles Castillo '96

• Adriana Maria, daughter of Roberto GarciaTuñon '97

• Gloria and Jose Rionda '58 celebrated their 55-Year Wedding Anniversary with their family

• Alex Morales and Melanie Roca, daughter of Jose Roca ’84 and Teresita Roca. Sister of Jose Roca Jr. 13 and Nicolas Roca ’16

• Alexa Paloma, daughter of Mario Quintero '99

• James Alexander, son of Jorge Garcia ‘03

• Luke, son of Javier Garcia-Tuñon '04

• Eva Mirels and Mateo Agustin, daughter and son of Jorge Perez '04

• Ezra William, son of Daniel Monzon '07

• Mikaela Massiel, daughter of Javier Chang ’09

• Khali Marie, granddaughter of Jose Gonzalez '87

• Olivia Rose Socorro, granddaughter of Belen's Director of Technology Carol Vila.

announcements

In loving memory of our alumni friends In Memoriam

• Pedro Portela '46

• Lorenzo de Toro '48

• Jose R. (Piquin) Gutierrez ‘54

• Jose Landa Gutierrez '55

• Salvador Subira '55

• Fr. Ignacio "Chuco" Villar, S.J. '56

• Gustavo Saliva Taboada '58

• Antonio Alonso ‘60

• Luis Jane Argudin '61

• Carlos Diaz Albertini '82

Please update the Alumni Office with any news about you and/or your family. Contact us by email at alumni@belenjesuit.org or by phone at 786.621.4674

Family and Friends

• Eloisa Hidalgo, wife of Manolo Hidalgo '57 and mother of Manny '87 and Patrick Hidalgo '97

• Irma Martinez Blanco, wife of Vicente Blanco ‘60

• Maria de Lourdes Gonzalez del Valle, wife of Alberto Gonzalez del Valle ‘60

• Emma Mirta Rios, mother of Neil Vazquez '08

• Ildefonso R. Mas, father of Ildefonso J. Mas '74 and grandfather of Ildefonso '03, Robert '05, and Thomas Mas '16

• Manuel Muñiz, father of Eddy '78 and Daniel Muñiz '89

• Albert Saladin, father of Victor Saladin '13

• Mary Louise Adams, grandmother of Guillermo 90, Andres '93 and Eric de Angulo '97

• Lucilo Corzo, grandfather of Joshua Silva '12, Alejandro '18, Daniel '19 and Carlos Corzo '23

• Margarita Suarez, sister of Jorge Suarez '56

• Edsela Cobas, sister of Mario Cobas '59

• Silvia Rodriguez Soria, sister of Jose Rodriguez Soria ‘60

• Fr. Luis Morin Moro, S.J. Former Colegio de Belen Professor

• Fr. Mariano Tome, S.J., Former Colegio de Belen Professor

• Luis Arteaga, husband of former Belen Professor Lourdes Arteaga

Class Notes

1940s, 50s, 60s

Salvador Juncadella '47 was named the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award winner for the Latin American Corporate Counsel Association.

1970s

Members of the Class of 1956 at their monthly luncheon in Casa Paco.

Manuel Garcia-Linares '87 was honored in Best Lawyers ‘19, Chambers USA ‘18, and Super Lawyers ‘18.

Emilio Cueto '60 and several of his classmates and their wives at an event at La Ermita De La Caridad featuring his latest book, "Cien Barcos En La Historia De Cuba".

Juan Zorrilla '76 was elected equity shareholder at the law firm of Fowler White Burnett, P.A.

1980s

Willy Sanchez '84 with Belen students during a day of service at the Miami Learning Experience School, a school for special needs children.

Jorge Cos '86 was named Assistant Dean of Alumni Affairs & Development for St. Thomas University School of Law.

William D. Muir '86 was named Chief Executive Officer of Electronics for Imaging, a world leader in digital printing innovation.

1990s

David de Celis '89 was selected to join the newly formed City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mayor's Arts Task Force.

Carlos Rafael Rivera ‘89 won the 2018 Emmy in the category of ‘Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music’ for Netflix’s “Godless”.

Tony Muñoz '90 was accepted into Brown University's Master Program in Healthcare Leadership.

Ignacio Segurola '92 won a seat on the Key Biscayne Village Council.

Richard Gomez and Alex Gomez-Pina '93 completed the 2018 Ironman in Augusta, Georgia

Dr. Tommy de Quesada '94 receives his "letter" as a token of appreciation for his 21 years of service at Belen Jesuit.

Victor Arrieta '95 was inducted into the 2018 All Catholic Conference Sports Hall of Fame.

Tony Garcia '98 was named Cintas Foundation Architecture & Design Fellow for 2017-2018.

Dolphins fans in Green Bay, Wisconsin to see Miami take on the Packers: Juan Delgado '88 and Gustavo Lopez '91.

Class of 99ers Joseph R. Fernandez, Jorge Saladrigas and Julio C. Bertemati in Green Bay.

2000s

JJ Rodriguez '92, Eduardo Martinez '92, Jose More '92, Alexis Gonzalez '92 and Robert Perez '91 in Green Bay.

Ramiro Areces ‘01 (in the photo with Father Willie) was sworn in as a judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Juan Fernandez-Barquin '01 was elected to the Florida House representing District 119.

David C. Sotto '06 was hired as a strategy officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Alex Trueba '06 joined Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami as the Director of Philanthropy.

Adrian Lorenzo '07 was hired by the Miami Marlins as a special assistant in scouting and baseball operations.

Roberto J. Smith '07 performed in "Havana Music Hall The Musical" at the Actor's Playhouse in Coral Gables.

2010s

Alex Gimenez '11, Assistant, Pro Scouting for the Boston Red Sox with the Commissioner's Trophy after the MLB team won the 2018 World Series

Henry Brimo '12 is the Lead Sommelier and Wine Buyer for Abaco Wines & Wine Bar, recognized as the best Wine Bar in Miami for 2018 by the Miami New Times.

Christoph Sproul, Daniel Valverde and Angel Saavedra, of the Class of 2012, at a wedding in Italy.

Michael Sayman '14 was featured in an article in BusinessInsider.com.

Manuel Fernandez '15 co-wrote a paper entitled "Maximal Planar Subgraphs of Fixed Girth in Random Graphs", published in The Electronic Journal of Combinatorics.

Hector Formoso-Murias ’15, was part of the Georgetown University crew that won the Men’s Lightweight Four at the 54th Head of the Charles Regatta.

Hector Formoso-Murias '15 and Jonathan Menendez '17 were on Georgetown Lightweight Varsity 4+ team that won the '18 Intercollegiate Racing Association National Regatta.

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1948

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1963

GALLERY OF REUNIONS 1993

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

OF THE SCHOOL PRESIDENT

If we had a nickel for every time we hear a story of an alumnus who was hired, not only for what he knew, but also for his connection to the Belen alumni network, we would be building a cathedral and not a chapel on campus. It seems that time and time again one story or another of alumni helping alumni get interviews, jobs, or promotions reach our ears. A brother helping out a brother. If Cain were to ask us the question he posed to God long ago, “Am I my brother’s keeper” (Gn. 4:9), the answer would be a resounding “absolutely.”

One of Belen’s greatest resources is its alumni. Their commitment to their alma mater and their desire to give back, not only with their treasure but with their time, is a true testament to the extraordinary experience they had while students at Belen. They are grateful and love their school. How can we not focus our efforts on discovering new and innovative ways of strengthening that bond, improving our network, and simply being more present to the men who are out in the field promoting Belen Jesuit by what they say, what they do, and who they are?

There is no promotional video we can produce, laminated pamphlet we can write, or open house we can host that places Belen on people’s radar as well as the alumni. We speak with prospective parents all the time who tell us they want their son to attend Belen because they know or work with an alumnus. You can’t buy that kind of service and, frankly, the alumnus wouldn’t charge.

It is for this very reason that our strategic plan includes “enhancing our brotherhood” as its fourth foundational pillar. It is for this reason that the last two years have seen an increase in the number of visits we have made to graduates around the country. Last semester alone we have been to Atlanta, Chicago, and Ann Arbor. We made a stop in South Bend to visit the young men furthering their Catholic education as Fighting Irishmen at Notre Dame. In each of these places, we met engaged alumni who needed to be thanked personally for always supporting our work. Just as important, we also met alumni who were “off the grid” and reconnected with them to assure they understood that they are part of the Belen family.

We never grow tired of hearing alumni tell stories of Jesuit priests and brothers who impacted their lives, teachers and counselors

who opened their minds, and successes and failures that defined their character. Just as extraordinary, is hearing them speak about what they are doing now and how their lives and service impact so many in a positive way. Several relive stories of having the doors of their school closed in Cuba, to having doors opened on foreign soil. Many relive stories of humble beginnings in the Little Havana campus, to powerful futures in boardrooms on Park Avenue.

Thousands relive stories of being on financial assistance as a student, to now endowing scholarships at Belen Jesuit and universities. These alumni are branded by their Jesuit identity and have discovered how to live our motto of being “men for others” in ways that lift the spirit. Yet, we have only scratched the surface. In February we will kick off a Florida tour visiting alumni in Orlando, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. In March we will be in New York, not only gathering the alumni who live and work in the Big Apple, but have opened up the invitation to alumni around the globe to spend the weekend with us. And in just a few months, we will be ready to launch a new networking website that will open the doors to exciting possibilities for connectivity. We are convinced that by strengthening our brotherhood, we will not only make our alumni base stronger, but enrich the lives of our current and future students.

A special thanks to the Alumni Association and its commitment to the cause. Though many years have passed since they walked the hallways of Belen Jesuit as students, they continue to support their alma mater with great passion and fervor. No task is too small, no ask too big. They are at the heart of the alumni base that pumps the blood of enthusiasm that courses through our veins. A thank you to the Alumni Association office for putting in motion so many of the initiatives that have brought back our brothers to school.

Auspice Maria, Fr. Willie '87

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

500 Southwest 127 Avenue Miami, Florida 33184

Miami, Florida Permit No. 1277

Calendar of events

February

Feb 1 Monthly Alumni Mass - Gesu (Noon)

Feb 8-10 Fr. Juan Manuel Dorta-Duque Tombola

Feb 21 Alumni Tour - Orlando, FL

Feb 22 Monthly Alumni Luncheon (Noon)

Feb 22 Alumni Tour - Gainesville, FL

Feb 23 Alumni Tour - Tallahassee, FL

Feb 24

April

Alumni Tour - Tampa, FL

Apr 5 Monthly Alumni Mass - Gesu (Noon)

Apr 17 Monthly Alumni Luncheon (Noon)

June

Jun 1 Class of 2018 Brick Laying Ceremony

Jun 21-23 Class of 1954 65-Year Reunion

Jun 28 Monthly Alumni Luncheon (Noon)

Jun 28-30 Class of 1959 60-Year Reunion

March

Mar 1

Monthly Alumni Mass - Gesu (Noon)

Mar 9 Alumni Tour - New York City, NY

Mar 29 Monthly Alumni Luncheon (Noon)

May

May 3 Monthly Alumni Mass - Gesu (Noon)

May 20 Wall of Martyrs Ceremony

May 21 Alumni Pin Ceremony and Mass

May 22 Commencement Exercises

May 24-26 Class of 1984 35-Year Reunion

May 30 Monthly Alumni Luncheon (Noon)

July

Jul 20 Colegio Dolores Annual Reunion

Jul 31 Feast of St. Ignatius

* All other activities will be announced in the