“Thanks to the generous support of the Goizueta Foundation, my dream of 20 years has become a reality that all who wish to learn about Cuban history and culture may do so in a beautiful and modern environment,” says Professor Esperanza De Varona of the Cuban Heritage Collection. “I am grateful to Mrs. Olga Goizueta for her great foresight and enthusiasm with the design of the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion for the Cuban Heritage Collection. It truly is the home of my dreams.”

From its new location, the Cuban Heritage Collection is able to continue to carry out its mission of collecting, preserving, and making accessible materials related to Cuban, Cuban exile, and Cuban American history and culture. It is a privilege for the collection to be doing so in the name of a man whose life, mission, and presence so influenced this community, this nation, and our world: Roberto C. Goizueta.

“My story boils down to a single, inspiring reality ... the reality that a young immigrant could come to this country, be given a chance to work hard and apply his skills, and ultimately earn the opportunity to lead not only a large corporation, but an institution that actually symbolizes the very essence of America and American ideals.”

Roberto C. Goizueta in a speech given at Independence Day ceremonies at Monticello, Virginia, 1995

A Cuban refugee who lived, relished, and, indeed, embodied the American dream, Roberto C. Goizueta served as chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Company from March 1, 1981 until his death on October 18, 1997. Born in 1931 in Cuba, Mr. Goizueta attended the Colegio de Belén in Havana and later Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, where he learned English. Majoring in chemical engineering, he graduated from Yale University in 1953, and one year later joined the technical department of the Coca-Cola Company in Havana. In 1960, after the Communist regime of Fidel Castro assumed power in Cuba and nationalized all private businesses, Mr. Goizueta made a momentous decision. With his wife, Olga, and their children, he left Cuba for Miami. This experience changed his life and his outlook forever.

Within 30 years of leaving Cuba, Mr. Goizueta was leading an American company that symbolizes freedom around the world – the Coca-Cola Company. Throughout his career, the creation of value for the company’s share owners was his passion. During his 16 years as chairman and chief executive officer, the company’s value increased from $4 billion to $145 billion.

Roberto C. Goizueta was more than a business leader. He believed that every person who enjoys freedom and opportunity has a duty to cherish, protect, and nurture it. He strived to make America stronger, not only through his inspirational leadership but also through his generous educational and philanthropic contributions.

In creating The Goizueta Foundation in 1992, he sought to acknowledge his indebtedness to this country and to continue the commitment to philanthropic endeavors that has symbolized the leadership of the Coca-Cola Company for more than a century. Based in Atlanta, the foundation aims to support educational programs that have a long-term impact in the community.

The Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion, and the Cuban Heritage Collection, will most certainly provide a positive and enduring influence on the University, our students and the community. We are most grateful not only to The Goizueta Foundation, but also the late Elena Díaz-Versón Amos and the Fanjul family, for their generosity, leadership and support for the Cuban Heritage Collection’s Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion.

“The University of Miami Cuban Heritage Collection now is in its permanent home,” says Professor De Varona, “so that the hopes and aspirations of the Cuban people and their struggle to maintain a unity of purpose may be recorded, preserved and transmitted to future generations of students, scholars and researchers.”

- Arlene Adams Easley