STUDENT ALUMNI PROGRAM DRAWS NEW RECRUITS

Getting a Head Start

hen is the best time to encourage participation in the University of Miami Alumni Association (UMAA)—the first year, five years, or ten years after graduation? The answer is long before: during the student years.

Students who participate in UMAA activities are more likely to remain active in the association as alumni. In addition, as students, they have much to offer the UMAA and the University. Their youthful dedication and spirit, combined with their wealth of on-campus support, greatly expand the UMAA’s effectiveness and outreach.

Recognizing the important contributions that students have to offer, the UMAA is developing new student advancement programs, or “student alumni programs,” to link undergraduates to the alumni experience. These programs are designed to involve students in the UMAA as early as their freshmen days. One example is the UM Ambassadors, formed by the UMAA in January 2001. The group is comprised of 50 outstanding student leaders who serve as liaisons on campus for the Alumni Association. Interviewed by alumni volunteers, the UM Ambassadors are selected based on leadership qualities, campus involvement, and their ability to relate the UM experience to alumni, prospective students, and other members of the University community.

“As a member of the UM Ambassadors, I have been provided the opportunity to effectively engage an extremely important segment of the UM community: our alumni,” says Kristofer Clark, president of the UM Ambassadors. “The relationships I have been able to develop with UM alumni have been fulfilling and gregarious, and I believe their influential community standing adds value to my own status as a UM student and soon-to-be graduate.”

The spring semester was filled with activity for the new UM Ambassadors as they elected group leaders and helped introduce several new programs and events for the UMAA. In March, the UM Ambassadors elected four officers: Clark (senior), president; David Ramos (junior), vice president; Laura Ketcham (junior), treasurer; and Cristina Castillo (senior), secretary. In April, the UM Ambassadors joined the UMAA in launching the University of Miami’s first annual Alumni Appreciation Week to increase the UMAA’s presence on campus and to distinguish alumni as important partners in the University community.

More than 400 students and 300 alumni participated in events throughout the week, including the “UMAA: Your UM Connection” lunch on the Whitten University Center patio, the ’Cane Connections Workshop cosponsored by Toppel Career Center, the annual Alumni Awards and Recognition Reception, and the inaugural Annual Fund Scholarship Luncheon, which honored 32 students who received scholarships through UMAA programs.

The UM Ambassadors will have a full slate of events throughout the academic year, including the second annual Alumni Appreciation Week, which is scheduled for the week of April 15, 2002.

STELLAR LEADERS HONORED FOR SERVICE

any graduates help ensure excellence at the University of Miami, and each year the Alumni Association is proud to recognize their achievements. The recipients of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards were honored at a reception last spring at the home of former UM President Edward T. Foote II. As part of the association’s tribute to President Foote, the Distinguished Alumni Award was renamed the Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award in honor of his 20 years of service.

“It’s always an honor for UM to recognize its alumni and the outstanding work they do,” says Donna Arbide, assistant vice president of Alumni Relations.

The inaugural recipient of the Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award was the Honorable Lenore Nesbitt (J.D. ’57), who recorded many firsts in her distinguished career. Nesbitt, who passed away in October, graduated first in her class, of which she was the only woman, from the University of Miami School of Law. She also was the first woman appointed circuit judge in Miami-Dade County in 1975, and the first woman appointed United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida in 1983.

The Henry King Stanford Award was bestowed on Cyrus M. Jollivette (J.D. ’80), former University vice president for government relations and executive assistant to the president. Jollivette was honored for his continuous exemplary service to his alma mater.

Roberta “Bosey” Foote received the Inside-Out Award for her gracious service as the University’s first lady for 20 years, hosting more than 100,000 guests at numerous events and representing the spirit of the Inside-Out Award, a form of recognition unique to UM. The definition of the Inside-Out award is a bit of a riddle. It is presented “to a member of the University of Miami administrators, faculty, or staff who is working on the inside helping bring those who were once on the inside but are now on the outside back inside.”

Another much-deserving honoree was Hunting F. Deutsch (M.B.A. ’82), who was the recipient of the William R. Butler Community Service Award. A UM trustee, Deutsch has been a model for volunteerism, leading the United Arts of Central Florida and the Community Foundation of Central Florida—just two examples of his community service activities in Orlando, Florida. He recently relocated back to Miami and has been named managing director of Citicorp North America in Miami. Tod Roy (B.B.A. ’83) of Florida Team Golf in Miami received the Orange: Outstanding Service Award for having provided outstanding leadership and involvement with the ’Canes Alumni Golf Tour, now in its third year. Roy, who developed the operations and marketing for the tour, also has handled all of the event operations for the Miami Golf Classic for the past two years.

For her enthusiastic leadership and involvement with the President’s Circle and the Annual Fund, Kathy Heinly (B.B.A. ’69, M.B.A. ’79) received the Green: Outstanding Fund-Raiser Award. As a member of the President’s Circle she asks fellow alumni to join her in the giving society with an annual leadership gift of $1,000 or more.

Presented with the White: Outstanding Affiliate Group Award were two groups recognized for their efforts on behalf of the University of Miami in geographic areas outside of Florida. The Atlanta Hurricane and Alumni Club was represented by honorary alumnus, the Honorable Richard McCully, president of the club. The Chicago Alumni Club was represented by Dennis Lingle (B.B.A. ’73), vice president of the Alumni Association.

Elizabeth Davis (B.S.C. ’91), president of the Broward Alumni Club, received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award for her leadership in Broward and participation in Alumni Association task forces, committees, and events.

NEW TRADITION HONORS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AND DONORS

he first Annual Fund Scholarship Luncheon established a new tradition for alumni to publicly recognize deserving students. Hosted by Betty Amos (B.B.A. ’73, M.B.A. ’76), immediate past president of the University of Miami Alumni Association (UMAA), the luncheon took place last April at the School of Business Administration’s executive dining room and honored 32 undergraduate students who received scholarships through the Alumni Association.

The need-based scholarships were funded through UMAA programs such as the ’Canes Alumni Golf Tour, Legacy, regional alumni clubs, and the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund.

More than 100 alumni leadership donors, volunteers, parents, and students enjoyed a keynote address by Audrey Finkelstein (A.B. ’38), who spoke on the importance of volunteer leadership. Everyone agreed the most important aspect of the luncheon was that it provided the opportunity for alumni donors to personally meet and chat with their scholarship winners.

“I really enjoyed talking to the students at the luncheon and learning what concerns them,” says alumnus and donor Warren C. Johnson (B.B.A. ’50). “I found the students to be exceptionally bright and well-prepared for the business world. I am glad to give annually to the Annual Fund, and I have a living trust. I wish I could give more.”

Scholarship recipient Amy Miyake, a sophomore from Morton Grove, Illinois, who is majoring in marine science and biology, adds, “I felt honored to receive the alumni scholarship, which will be a tremendous help in completing my education. I enjoyed meeting the alumni donors who make the scholarships possible. It is nice to know that we students have the support of University of Miami alumni.”

MEET THE PRESIDENT AT UMAA RECEPTIONS

he University of Miami Alumni Association (UMAA) is hosting a series of receptions across the country this year to introduce the new president of the University of Miami, Donna E. Shalala, to University of Miami alumni, parents, and friends.

“We have many reasons for our alumni to celebrate, with this year being the 75th Anniversary of the University of Miami, and marking the arrival of a leader with tremendous stature and recognition as President Shalala,” says Alumni Association President Gino Torretta (B.B.A. ’91).

Receptions have already taken place in Tampa, Florida, and in New York City, with future receptions planned in Los Angeles, California; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, Illinois; New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; and additional locations throughout South Florida.

For details about the 75th Anniversary receptions, please call the University of Miami Office of Alumni Relations at 305-284-2872 or visit the UMAA Web site at www.miami.edu/alumni.

DISCOVER THE OLD WORLD WITH OLD FRIENDS

ave you ever wanted to comb the Colosseum, indulge in Ireland, travel to Tuscany, or look in the Louvre? The University of Miami Alumni Association’s newly expanded Alumni Travel program may be your best opportunity to do so.

The UMAA’s 2002 itinerary features four travel packages designed specifically with the UM alumni community in mind:
Rome Escapade, February 12-19, 2002 You’ll spend eight days and seven nights in the Eternal City—Rome—with its palaces, piazzas, and pervasive antiquity.
Alumni College in Ireland—Kinsale, May 12-20, 2002 The gourmet capital of Ireland, Kinsale is a picturesque harbor town made up of crooked streets, bow-fronted shops, and slate-hung houses.
Alumni College in Tuscany—Pienza, June 18-26, 2002 From the innovations of the Etruscans to the artistic endeavors of the Renaissance, the Tuscany region of Italy has both inspired and borne witness to feats that cover the entire spectrum of human achievement. You’ll visit the 15th-century town of Pienza, with its breathtaking views of the Orcia Valley, as well as Siena, Florence, Castelnuovo, and Montepulciano.
Paris Escapade, November 1-8, 2002 Venture to Paris—the fabulous “City of Light!” From the soaring Eiffel Tower to the awe-inspiring Notre Dame, Paris is an enticing and intriguing city of romance, elegance, fashion, and culture. Whether it is your first visit or your 50th, Paris is sure to capture your heart.

Don’t miss these adventures with University of Miami alumni and friends. For prices and additional details about the travel packages, contact Lana T. Monchek (M.Ed. ’69, J.D. ’81) in the Office of Alumni Relations at 305-284-2872, online at lmonchek@miami.edu, or visit the UMAA Web site at: www.miami.edu/alumni.

’Canes Capture Fourth College World Series

hile the state of Nebraska might bleed the favorite red and white of its Cornhusker sports teams, its city of Omaha belongs to the green and orange of Miami.

For the fourth time in its storied history, the University of Miami baseball team traveled to that Midwestern city and returned as champions. Led by Kevin Brown’s home run and five RBIs, Miami captured its fourth overall College World Series (CWS) championship with a 12-1 rout of Stanford.

The win was the team’s 17th straight, and the 11-run margin of victory tied a 45-year College World Series record. The Hurricanes (53-12) became the 18th team to go undefeated in the CWS. The squad also swept through the regional and super regional undefeated, completing a perfect postseason. Coach Jim Morris and his players returned to a heroes’ welcome in Coral Gables as about 3,500 fans celebrated the team’s CWS victory at a special ceremony at Mark Light Stadium.

“We sent these young men to Omaha as our favorite sons, and they came back as national champions,” said University President Donna Shalala, who presented the team with the national championship trophy. “They’re a credit to themselves, to their team, to their communities, and to this University.”

Morris, who was named National Coach of the Year by Collegiate Baseball for the second time, thanked the many fans in attendance.

“Without your support, nothing happens,” he said. “Everything starts and everything ends with our fans.”

In Remembrance: Alumni Leader George Braithwaite

eorge Braithwaite (Ed.D. ’72), a former president and longtime active member of the University of Miami Alumni Association (UMAA), passed away July 18. He was 68.

Braithwaite moved to Miami in 1965 and was an educator in the Miami-Dade Public School system for almost 30 years, serving as a high school American History teacher and a junior high school activities director, assistant principal for administration, and assistant principal for curriculum. After earning a doctorate in education from the University in 1972, he became actively involved as an alumnus, founding the School of Education Alumni Association.

He met his wife, Helen Tallman-Braithwaite (M.S.Ed. ’77), through their shared interest in education and involvement with the UMAA. George Braithwaite served as president of the University of Miami Alumni Association in 1987, while his wife served as president in 1991. They attended UM football games nationwide.

“He was someone who could be counted on,” says Donna Arbide (M.B.A. ’95), assistant vice president for Alumni Relations. “George personified service and dedication to the University of Miami. His spirit and love for the University will guide us in the future. He will be missed.”