illuminate SPRING 2022
ST O R I E S O F I N S P I R AT I O N A N D I M PAC T AT T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M I A M I
Rising to Meet
the climate challenge New Climate Resilience Academy announced on Earth Day 2022 at the Hug the Lake event.
A beacon of hope and opportunity, sparked by philanthropy
SPRING 2022
CONTENTS
After a profoundly challenging time for so many of us, the University of Miami looks ahead with confidence and gratitude— confidence in the strength, resilience, and dynamism of our institution as we reimagine higher education for the 21st century, and gratitude for the philanthropy of our donors. Your generosity has powered life-changing research breakthroughs, advanced innovations in teaching and patient care, sustained excellence in the arts and athletics, opened doors to brighter opportunities for our students, and helped transform our communities. With your support, the dreamers and doers who work and learn at the U make great things happen across our campuses, throughout South Florida, and far beyond. Ever Brighter is a distillation of our vision for our second century – to aim higher than ever before as we dedicate ourselves to becoming an even greater force for good. This vision is reflected in these stories that spotlight the ways ’Canes alumni and friends are inspired to elevate and advance our mission. Thank you for being a part of our brighter future, and for all you do for the U.
02 Preparing tomorrow’s leaders
03 Inspired by gratitude 04 What’s next in music 05 Building life skills 06 Bold ambition, realized 08 A profoundly personal legacy
10 A new era of climate
research and solutions
12 Saving lives, kindling hope 13 Sweet treats to fight cancer 14 The power of giving 15 Accelerating interdisciplinary
Joshua M. Friedman, CFRE Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
discovery
16 100 talents for our next 100 years
18 Honoring UTrailblazers
TAG YOU’RE IT. MIAMI.EDU/UPLATE 2
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
19 Why I give 20 Innovation and impact Cover Photo: University of Miami students, leadership, donors, and friends gather at Lake Osceola for Hug the Lake, April 22, 2022.
Welcome to our Ever Brighter future
There was palpable excitement in the air as attendees at Homecoming 2021 added sticky notes to a temporary art installation on display on the Edward T. Foote II University Green, sharing what it means to be part of the ever stronger, ever bolder, ever brighter University of Miami. After making the formal announcement a few days before Homecoming, the University of Miami publicly celebrated the launch of the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the school’s history—Ever Brighter: The University of Miami’s Campaign for Our Next Century. Through the generosity of more than 120,000 donors to date, Ever Brighter has already raised nearly three-quarters of its $2.5 billion goal. During the traditional Hurricane Howl festivities that feature the boat burning on Lake Osceola and the fireworks display over the Donna E. Shalala Student Center and
the residential colleges surrounding the lake,“Ever Brighter,” the original campaign song written by Rey Sanchez, B.M. ’80, M.M. ’82, a professor in the Frost School of Music, was performed on the Lakeside Patio Stage by Jon Secada, B.M. ’83, M.M. ’86, multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist. He was joined by students from the Frost School. “For almost a century, the University of Miami has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for South Florida, the nation, and the world,” said Stuart Miller, J.D. ’82, Lennar Corporation executive chairman, University trustee, and chair of the UHealth Board of Directors, who is serving as chair of the Ever Brighter campaign. “As we approach our centennial, we stand ready to be an ever-greater force for good to leverage our invincible spirit in pursuit of new horizons,” he said, adding that the campaign “is an investment in our future—in the success of our students, the talent of our faculty, the boldness of our research, the excellence of our patient care, and our service to the community.” “We honor the past that brought the U to this point and look forward with great excitement and anticipation toward our bright future,” President Julio Frenk said at the festival.“This is our moment, as we look toward our second 100 years, to empower the University to be better, stronger, and bolder.”
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Andy and Marie Unanue
Preparing
tomorrow’s leaders Miami Herbert Business School prepares principled leaders to succeed in a rapidly changing business world. A commitment from the Carmen and Joe Unanue Family Foundation will help strengthen those efforts.
rapidly changing hiring climate fueled by technology and a trend toward work-life integration. For Unanue, who is president of the Carmen and Joe Unanue Foundation, the goals align with his parents’—and now his own— dedication to elevate job opportunities for students. “My parents always wanted to help educate people and prepare them for the real world so that they could get good jobs with which to provide for their families,” he said. “The gift will hopefully help prepare the students to get the jobs that they want and that they will be happy in, whether entering the workforce or creating their own businesses.” The New Jersey native recently established the headquarters of his firm AUA Private Equity Partners in West Palm Beach, bringing him back to South Florida after living in several cities around the country and abroad since graduating from Miami
The business world of the future will be driven by those who
Herbert in 1991. Unanue also serves as a member of the dean’s
excel at innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, principled
advisory committee at Miami Herbert and as the Miami Herbert
leadership, and marketing insights. The Miami Herbert Business
chair of the University’s Ever Brighter campaign.
School prepares this next generation of business leaders to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Carmen and Joe Unanue
Unanue said that he “learned from my parents that we should never forget where we came from, that there are always people who help us along the way, and that we need to help and give back
Family Foundation, Miami Herbert will strengthen the career
in return. The University of Miami helped me with my education,
support it provides its M.B.A. graduates. Led by Andy Unanue,
along with my niece and nephew, and was one of the building
B.B.A. ’91, the Foundation has pledged $3.3 million to Miami
blocks to make me who I am. And I am now in a position to help
Herbert in honor of Unanue’s late parents, who led philanthropic
the students at the University through a helpful hand up, not a
initiatives in education and health care through the foundation that
handout.”
carries their names. The commitment, matched by the Herbert Challenge
Miami Herbert Dean John Quelch acknowledges Unanue’s growing impact on the University and Miami Herbert, especially as
Endowment Gift Match for a total of $5 million, will strengthen the
his pledge to the Ever Brighter campaign will fund an endowment,
school’s capabilities to prepare graduate students to successfully
which enables its charitable objectives in perpetuity.
enter the workforce or advance their careers upon graduation. Funds will be used to increase networking opportunities,
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resources will also enable continued innovative responses to a
“We cherish the generosity of the Unanue family,” Quelch said. “Andy Unanue is continuing his parents’ legacy graciously, and we
specialized training, and participation in more national and
honor his contributions to help develop the next generation of
international case competitions and student conferences. Added
principled leaders.”
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Inspired by
gratitude
Double alumna Laurie Silvers says the University of Miami has had “a profound influence” on her life. She and her husband are paying it forward with a pledge to Miami Law.
Laurie Silvers, B.A. ’74, J.D. ’77,
Channel 2 and co-chair of
learned the art of analysis in law
South Florida PBS, Silvers also
school. Her favorite activity during
accomplished what others had
her three-year legal education?
failed to do for 20 years: She
Reading Supreme Court briefs and
oversaw the merger of Miami and
deconstructing the arguments.
Palm Beach County’s PBS stations,
After she graduated, Silvers
creating South Florida PBS, the
parlayed her knack for detailed
seventh largest PBS station in the
examination into a brilliant career
country.
in communications law, then went
“Indeed, I credit a lot of what
on to become a savvy entrepreneur,
I’ve been able to accomplish in my
building a media conglomerate of
professional career to the education
radio, TV, cable, and internet and
that I received at the University of
founding what would become one
Miami, both as an undergraduate
of cable television’s most popular
and as a law school student,”
networks: the SyFy Channel.
Silvers pointed out. “It is out of an
Along the way, she never
abundance of appreciation for and
forgot to pay it forward, giving
a recognition of the importance
generously to the university she
of that education that I make this
describes as having a “profound
gift. It’s part of strengthening and
influence” on her life.
supporting the goals of the law
Silvers, currently chair of the
school so that our students have
University’s board of trustees, has
Laurie Silvers, shown at 2021 Homecoming with husband Mitchell Rubenstein,
the best opportunities and the
once again made a substantial
said she is delighted that her latest pledge will help push the University closer
best education possible with the
contribution to her alma mater.
to its Ever Brighter goal.
greatest faculty, scholarships, and
Along with her husband, Mitchell
programs all combined.”
Rubenstein, she has committed $2.5 million to
political science, and philosophy as an
the University’s School of Law.
undergraduate at the University, of her latest
critical, Silvers said, for the field of law is “the
contribution.
foundation for society, touching virtually
The commitment is an example of Silvers’ and Rubenstein’s largesse to the University
Silvers is co-CEO of Hollywood.com,
Supporting the School of Law is
every aspect of life. From innovation to
over the years. Their generosity created an
the majority owner of four Florida FM radio
technology to business to health care, law
endowed distinguished professorship and
stations, and a co-founder and the majority
has an impact over just about everything.
created student scholarships, including one
owner of the global esports organization
It’s truly overarching.”
for students committed to public service. The
Misfits Gaming Group (MGG)—which also
Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein Hall,
includes the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic,
pledge will help push the University closer to its
which houses the school’s award-winning
and Cleveland Browns as minority owners.
Ever Brighter goal.
clinics, is named in their honor.
Based in South Florida, MGG competes in
“This is my way of giving back and saying
Silvers said she is delighted that her latest
“Ever Brighter will ensure the University’s
some of the most successful video game titles
growth—that we’ll be able to attract the best
thanks for the education I received at Miami
worldwide and is a permanent partner in three
and brightest faculty and students and build
Law, which has helped me achieve so much,”
franchised esports leagues.
facilities where cutting-edge research will be
said Silvers, who also studied psychology,
The former chair of Miami PBS station
conducted. It’ll be a quantum leap forward.” ILLUMINATE
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What’s next in music The Knight Center for Music Innovation, currently under construction along Lake Osceola, will transform music education through musical performance and experimentation. A ceremonial signing of a steel beam marked a major milestone in the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art performance and technology center at the
Signing the steel beam to mark the naming of the Knight Center for Music Innovation, from left,
University of Miami Phillip and Patricia Frost
Shelton G. Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music; Alberto Ibargüen, D.H.L. ’13 (Hon.), president
School of Music and moved the school ever
and CEO of the Knight Foundation; and President Julio Frenk.
closer to its vision of transforming music education in the 21st century. Members of the Board of Trustees, Frost School of Music benefactors, and University leaders gathered for the occasion which also included the unveiling of the center’s new name—the
strengthen connections between the Coral Gables campus and the Greater Miami community. The beautifully landscaped Newman Plaza will serve as a
Knight Center for Music Innovation—in recognition of the generous
vibrant gathering point with live music and other presentations
commitment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
streamed on a 20-foot-by-40-foot LED “window cast” system on
“As innovators, musicians across the globe use technology to
a near nightly basis. A giant external wall facing the intramural fields
create works that push the boundaries of creativity,” said Victoria
will enable the University to “wall cast” headline performances and
Rogers, vice president of Knight’s arts program. “We are honored
international artists for broad viewership.
to support the Knight Center for Music Innovation, which will serve
“The Knight Center for Music Innovation will remake the
as a hub for experimentation around music making, expanding the
Frost School for generations to come. It will enhance our ability to
imaginations of musicians as well as their audiences.”
leverage new and emerging technologies to deliver groundbreaking
Designed by H3, an Arquitectonica Company, the Knight
experiences to some of the world’s most gifted and rising talent,”
Center for Music Innovation, scheduled for completion in spring
said Shelly Berg, dean of the Frost School. “It will secure our stature
2023, is an extraordinary fusion of architecture and technology.
among the best music schools in the country and bring people
With a stunning facade overlooking Lake Osceola, the cutting-
together through the power of music.”
edge structure will encompass an array of next-generation features
Joining the Knight Foundation as lead donors to the new
and facilities that will enable Frost students, faculty members, and
center are: the Miller Family, Robert and Judi Newman Family
visiting artists to embrace new modalities of musical performance
Foundation (outdoor plaza), Thomas D. Hormel Trust (black-box
and experimentation. A glass lobby will bring the lake views indoors,
innovation stage), Paul J. DiMare Foundation (first floor lobby),
creating a striking backdrop and silhouette.
James M. Collins Foundation and Christian Family Fellowship
Housing a world-class, acoustically superior 200-seat recital
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spaces. Outdoor performance spaces are designed to further
Foundation (auditorium), C and A Johnson Family Foundation, H.
hall and a large black-box innovation space, the center is equipped
David Garrity Trust, Rita A. Wallach Estate, Tommy and Mayumi
with the most advanced recording, lighting, and broadcast
Adams (first floor box office), Wilbur Coolidge Keeney Estate, and
technology, elevating Frost’s performance, rehearsal, and teaching
Sally Albrecht (second floor dressing room).
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
For University of Miami alumni Jeff Kinkead, M.B.A. ’85, and his wife, Mimi Ragolta Kinkead, M.B.A. ’92, Hurricane athletics are a source of pride and joy that have inspired them to maintain close ties with their alma mater through the decades. For this reason, the Kinkeads have planned a bequest of $1 million in support of scholarships and career development for student-athletes. Dan Radakovich, vice president and director of athletics, said that the Kinkeads’ commitment will add an important dimension to the support the University provides to student-athletes. “We are always striving to give our student-athletes the tools and resources to reach their full potential. This generous gift from Jeff and Mimi will not only provide vital scholarship assistance, but it will also help instill valuable life skills and create strong foundations for brighter futures,” Radakovich said. Jeff Kinkead is the president and CEO of Advanced Systems
Resources, Inc., a company specializing in mobile technology solutions. He is a passionate Hurricanes fan who has attended games with his wife for nearly 40 years, and now he and his wife are making this commitment to support the financial literacy of ’Canes student-athletes. As Kinkead recalls,“I ended up choosing [to apply to] Miami [after] watching the football team play at the Orange Bowl [in 1984]. It was hot, sunny, and I thought to myself,‘that’s not a bad place to go to school.’ That’s pretty much how I made my decision to go to Miami.” Although the athletics drew him in, Kinkead credits the University with shaping him into the man he is today:“I feel like the University gave me something so much greater than what I’m giving back . . . it helped me to mature, to become a man, to get educated, and to get started in the business world. I think I got much more from the University of Miami than I could have imagined.”
Building life skills
Hurricane student-athletes will graduate with enhanced financial literacy, thanks to a planned bequest from alumni Jeff and Mimi Kinkead. Kinkead views his time at the University as a springboard for his business success, saying:“I’ve had a lot of success in my career, but whenever we sell one of our companies, I always think back to my training at the U. I think back to where I developed as a person and [learned] to be able to do these deals.” As the Kinkeads contemplated their gift, Jeff Kinkead thought about the financial futures of all the student-athletes whom he had seen at games over the years. “I just hate hearing stories about people [who] are finishing their athletic careers, having made tens of millions of dollars, and then ending up with nothing,” he said.“I thought it’d be a good idea to set some money aside to educate athletes on how to invest their money.” To those considering making their own gifts to the University of Miami, Kinkead said:“Giving to the University is certainly a worthy cause. I think that most people probably feel as I do, that the education they received at the University was foundational in different components of their life.” And as he noted, alumni contributing to the University of Miami elevates the University’s reputation in the real world, which in turn benefits alumni by association. “The better the University looks going forward, the better the University of Miami is going to look on a resume,” Kinkead said.“If we win another championship, people are more likely to notice that University of Miami diploma hanging on your wall.” ILLUMINATE
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Impact Emboldening the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine in its
and Brett Sundheim committed $5 million to an innovation and
quest to position itself as a global leader in the field of urology,
technology fund.
the Desai Sethi Family Foundation made an extraordinary
“The Desai Sethi Family Foundation’s generosity propels the
commitment of $20 million to the Miller School’s renowned
University into the upper echelon of institutes dedicated to the
Department of Urology.
discovery and treatment of urologic disease—not just in South Florida,
The Foundation’s generosity helped to establish the Desai
but worldwide,” said University President Julio Frenk. “We are grateful
Sethi Urology Institute, which was dedicated, along with the Desai
for their commitment, and for the generosity of the Culverhouses,
Sethi Medical Center, in February 2022 on the University’s medical
Taylors, and Sundheims, in supporting the types of advances in health
campus, near downtown Miami.
care that are only possible at an academic health system.”
The Desai Sethi Urology Institute will attract the brightest
“We are dedicated to exploring the latest discoveries in the
minds and recruit the most talented physician-scientists dedicated
laboratory and accelerating the most promising therapies from the
to the study and treatment of urologic disorders and to accelerate
lab into our clinics for the best possible treatment for patients,”
breakthrough advances in research. The Institute will also expand
said Parekh. “These generous gifts will transform our ability to
clinical care and train future generations of urologists.
expand the scope and influence of our work, creating a thriving
The institute’s founding director is Dr. Dipen J. Parekh, the chief operating officer and director of robotic surgery at the University of Miami Health System, professor and chair of the
environment for new discoveries in the field that will benefit patients here in South Florida and worldwide.” The Desai Sethi Urology Institute is conducting research
Department of Urology, executive dean for clinical affairs, the Dr.
that is advancing the science of urology, publishing seminal work
Victor Politano Endowed Chair in Clinical Urology at the Miller
on the efficacy of robotic surgery, urologic cancers, men’s health,
School, and one of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons
endourology, male infertility, and in treating various urologic diseases.
in urologic oncology. In the latter capacity, he works closely with the NCI-designated Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. On the heels of the Foundation’s pledge, the Urology Institute
With its location in South Florida, the Institute will provide access to a multitude of patients from various backgrounds and cultures and serve as an international destination for care. Institute
received three more significant donations. First, in an expression of
researchers will study health disparities in the treatment of both
immense gratitude for the urological care provided by Dr. Parekh,
men and women with urological issues.
Hugh Culverhouse, Jr., a successful South Florida attorney, and his wife, Eliza, made a $1 million gift to the Institute. Shortly thereafter, prominent South Florida philanthropists, Terry and Carla Taylor, pledged $3 million to the Institute, and Dan
“The creation of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute will be a new crown jewel for our health system,” said Stuart Miller, chair of the UHealth Board of Directors, chair of Ever Brighter, and a University of Miami trustee. “This commitment demonstrates that
Bold Ambition, Realized
Extraordinary philanthropy, led by a commitment from the Desai Sethi Family Foundation, has affirmed the Department of Urology as a global leader in its field.
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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
University Trustee Stuart Miller; Laurie Silvers, chair of the University Board of Trustees; Dr. Dipen J. Parekh, director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute; Bharat Desai, co-founder of the Desai Sethi Family Foundation; Saahil Desai; Dr. Henri R. Ford, dean of the Miller School; President Julio Frenk; and Joe Echevarria, CEO of UHealth.
UHealth and the Miller School of Medicine are at the forefront of patient care, research, and innovation and the leading health care system in our community.” Dr. Henri R. Ford, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, described the creation of the Institute as “transformative.” He added, “This is a defining moment that will distinctly elevate the level of groundbreaking research in urologic diseases, ultimately benefiting patients and impacting how we share that knowledge with the next generation of physician-researchers.” Hugh Culverhouse witnessed Dr. Parekh’s
“The creation of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute will be a new crown jewel for our health system.”
Parekh. “Donor support significantly expands
–Stuart Miller, Chair of the UHealth Board of Directors, Chair of Ever Brighter, and a University of Miami Trustee
skills, and a fierce determination to contribute
expertise firsthand in March of 2020. “My prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level
the scope of our work and allows us to push forward with new discoveries that will lead to the best possible treatments for patients.” Leaders in the field of urology across the country affirm that countless lives will be saved through the Desai Sethi Urology Institute’s research, scientific investigation, and innovation under Parekh’s expertise and guidance. “With his singular vision for excellence, superb administrative and organizational to global health, Dr. Parekh has built a stellar career spanning academic medicine, clinical practice, and institutional leadership,” said
[to the Institute], you can see the potential,”
Dr. Joel Sheinfeld, Florence and Theodore
started skyrocketing and I have a family history
said Culverhouse. “Soon it will be known
Baumritter/Enid Ancell Chair of Urologic
of prostate cancer,” he said. “Dr. Parekh was
around the country that if you want a recovery
Cancer, deputy chief of urology services, and
extremely sensitive in explaining to me why my
like mine, you come to the Desai Sethi Urology
director of the urology fellowship program
prostate needed to be removed.”
Institute at the University of Miami Health
at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
After a successful surgery and an ideal
System, under the leadership of Dr. Parekh. I
“In leading the Desai Sethi Urology Institute,
recovery, “the outcome has been nothing short
encourage others to match or exceed my gift
Dr. Parekh has a well-deserved opportunity
of incredible. Everything I was afraid I would lose,
so we can advance the field quickly.”
to assemble the resources to further enhance
I did not,” said Culverhouse. “I live without the
“It’s an honor to receive support from
innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.
fear of dying in the same manner as my father and
partners of the University like the Desai Sethi
This will allow the Institute to fulfill its mission
grandfather. A life without fear is precious.”
family, Mr. and Mrs. Culverhouse, Mr. and Mrs.
of advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and
Taylor, and Mr. and Mrs. Sundheim,” said Dr.
treatment of urologic diseases.”
“If you look at what has already been given
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Inspiration
A profoundly personal legacy
Michele Bowman Underwood is shining a light on her lifelong passions with a transformational bequest to the University. An avid golfer and multilingual traveler, Michele Bowman
generosity, which will advance key priorities at the University of
Underwood has woven the strands of her life into a permanent
Miami,” said President Julio Frenk. “Her support will embolden our
legacy with a gift to the University’s Ever Brighter campaign that
pursuit of discovery in modern languages and women’s health and
supports modern languages, women’s health, and women’s golf.
open doors to brighter opportunities for our student-athletes in golf.”
Her life has been well-travelled, sporting, and adventurous. Listen to her reminisce and a more profound story emerges, as
of the institution. Her initial gifts, to the Rosenstiel School of Marine
does a keen understanding of how opportunities denied can leave
and Atmospheric Science and the Department of Chemistry, were
potential wasted.
made in 1997 in memory of her late first husband, Philip Bowman.
Having had no children of her own, Bowman Underwood said
A distinguished research chemist who served as president and
that “the University of Miami is my child.” In that spirit, she has made a
chairman of Bristol Laboratories, Bowman pursued the study of
commitment to bequeath a share of her estate to the University.
marine biology and biochemistry.
Valued at more than $25 million, her bequest will benefit the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, which was named in her honor at a reception in the College of Arts and
With this bequest, Bowman Underwood has designated areas of support that are all deeply personal. As a young girl growing up in a French Jewish-Catholic family
Sciences in February 2022. The gift will also fund research focused
in wartime Algiers, she endured frequent bombing raids. Later, as
on women’s health at the Miller School of Medicine and provide
immigrants, first to Brazil and then to Chile, the family waited years
scholarships and program support for the women’s golf team.
for the opportunity to come to the United States.
“We are grateful to Michele Bowman Underwood for her 8
Bowman Underwood has previously supported various areas
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
“I am a World War II survivor—we were bombed on a nightly
basis,” she recalled. “We could not come to the
more research, and I want to invest in that
taken up the game in her late 40s. “I took
U.S. right away because there were quotas [on
research,” she said.
lessons from a pro,” she said. “I wanted to
European immigrants] at the time. Brazil was
The avid golfer frames her support of
learn properly. I spent six months on a range
accepting French people, so we went there. We
the Hurricanes women’s golf team in similar
just hitting irons.” The approach paid off—
waited 10 years in Brazil.”
fashion. Not having had the opportunity
Bowman Underwood reached a five handicap.
In Brazil, Bowman Underwood learned
for higher education herself, she is eager to
She and her second husband, retired
Portuguese, attended high school, and began
bring that same opportunity within reach for
Marine Col. Joseph Underwood, have traveled
to appreciate the importance of languages in
talented young female golfers.
all over Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa,
facilitating understanding between people.
She knows about golfing talent, having
Eventually, Bowman Underwood’s father
They recently played their 1,000th different
took a job in Chile, a move that forestalled the possibility of her going to university. “I had just finished high school, and I had to learn another language, Spanish, and go to work,” she said. “I could have been a contender, as they say, but when you’re not afforded the opportunities in the first place, it’s hard.” Her father’s job did, however, result in the family obtaining visas to come to the U.S., where she met Philip Bowman and worked as a translator. She strongly believes that languages hold the keys to avoiding the kind of conflict her family escaped, hence her investment in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. “Many Americans don’t put enough effort into learning other languages,” she said. “Speaking English [only] is taken for
Australia, and the Mediterranean to play golf. course, in Hobe Sound, Florida.
“This gift has the potential to help people better understand each other and lead to a better future for our children.” –Leonidas G. Bachas Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
When asked why she gives, Bowman Underwood pointed to the missions of the organizations she supports, which include the U.S. Olympic Team and the Salvation Army, as well as the University of Miami. “I want my money and property to go causes that are important to me.” “With this gift to the University, Michele Bowman Underwood is bringing her passions to life at the U,” said Josh Friedman, senior vice president for development and alumni relations. “She is making this extraordinary commitment to the programs and disciplines that matter most to her, and her legacy will help the University make great things happen in these areas in perpetuity.”
granted. And you lose a lot—it’s worth making that effort.” Leonidas G. Bachas, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, echoed Bowman Underwood’s sentiments. “The study of modern languages, literatures, and cultures opens doors to careers in education, business, law, politics, medicine, the arts, and more. Mrs. Bowman Underwood’s gift has the potential to help people better understand each other— and lead to a better future for our children.” Bowman Underwood’s support of women’s health and women’s golf arose from her conviction that when women don’t have access to appropriate health care or educational opportunities, societies suffer. In health care, for example, Bowman Underwood said that she believes that established medicine is still too focused on men.
Michele Bowman Underwood, center, and Leonidas G, Bachas, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, are
“Women’s physiology is different and diseases
joined by faculty and students of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at the celebration of
affect women differently. There needs to be
the department’s naming in Bowman Underwood’s honor. ILLUMINATE
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Impact
A new era of
climate research and solutions Propelled by a $5 million commitment from former trustee Eric Levin, the interdisciplinary Climate Resilience Academy will link with private and public partners to solve impacts of climate change and other complex global issues.
business, government, nonprofits, and other universities involved in
As one of the nation’s top research institutions located in a
element of change.”
community considered “ground zero” for experiencing serious
this endeavor. “Our Climate Resilience Academy will educate the next generation of scientists and advocates as we help deliver solutions to climate change, its impacts, and related stressors in partnership with industry, government, universities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders,” said President Julio Frenk. “The concept of ‘resilience’ is foundational to the history and mission of the University,” Frenk added. “Far from just a byword, resilience is first and foremost how our people face the inevitable “We are very grateful to Eric, who saw what was possible when
impacts from climate change, the University of Miami is uniquely
the University works with partners in the public and private sectors,
situated to be a driver for solutions that will benefit society.
and whose generosity will drive this vision of the academy forward,”
The launch of the Climate Resilience Academy on Earth Day, April 22, 2022, established the University as a lodestar for leading positive hemispheric and global change to address issues of the climate crisis, sustainability, and resilience. The formation of the new academy was made possible by a $5 million commitment from Eric T. Levin, a former University
said Josh Friedman, senior vice president of development and alumni relations. Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, highlighted the academy’s unique design and its timeliness and value for the University and the South Florida community. “The academy—our first at the University—is best described
trustee and the former president of the University’s Citizens Board,
as an interdisciplinary functional structure that will bring together
which represents business leaders throughout South Florida.
experts both from within the University and others through
Levin has leveraged his experience as a financial strategist,
partnerships and relationships to ensure the necessary expertise
investor, and consultant to offer his thoughts on establishing the
to solve challenges that are by their very nature interdisciplinary,”
academy and sharing information on what areas of focus and
Duerk said.
expertise potential partners in the private sector are hoping the University can address. “Climate change is a big problem—the challenge of our
“If you look across our units, schools, colleges, and programs, there is a consistent theme of being at ground zero for climate change and the impacts of that—from the Rosenstiel School’s
lifetime—and it’s imperative to get others involved and be
incredible expertise in terms of climate change, weather, and
collaborative to tackle these big problems,” Levin said.
hurricanes to the College of Engineering’s expertise in civil
According to Levin, the University wanted to “put its stake in the ground in terms of being a leader in this area.” The academy will not only focus the University’s efforts in this area, but get
engineering and new technologies to the School of Architecture’s knowledge of building environments,” Duerk pointed out. The provost said the new academy aligns seamlessly with
Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, speaks at the inaugural symposium of the new Climate Resilience Academy. The Academy was made possible by a commitment from Eric T. Levin, lower right.
the University’s aspirations to be hemispheric, excellent, relevant, and exemplary, and will deepen its dedication to support the local community.
The academy also is
“This new academy will increase the awareness
meant to identify areas of
that the University not only harbors extensive
potential growth and support
expertise but also the profound desire to assist
academic units in mounting
South Florida in finding solutions to pressing
searches for joint faculty
problems.”
appointments that defy
Rodolphe el-Khoury, dean of the School
conventional disciplinary and
of Architecture, and Sharan Majumdar,
departmental boundaries.
professor in the Rosenstiel School’s
“Figuratively speaking, it
Department of Atmospheric Sciences, led
is a United Nations for interdisciplinary
in the fall that will empower students to
the planning process that established the
and interinstitutional efforts, facilitating
become resilient themselves and enable them
foundations of the academy and defined its
appointments, brokering deals, mounting big
to spark change in society.
mission while building a team of collaborators
proposals, and shepherding complex projects
within and beyond the University.
that break the silos,” remarked el-Khoury.
“South Florida is particularly stressed
Amy Clement, a professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the
David Kelly, academic director of the
Rosenstiel School, serves on the advisory
by climate change, and we are a ‘living lab’
sustainable business master’s degree program
board for the academy and is one of a large
even if we don’t want to be,” Majumdar noted.
and co-chair of the Sustainable Business
cohort of faculty members who will collaborate
“Rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns,
Research Cluster, noted the economic
to teach the fall class.
and extreme heat, are affecting the health of
benefits the academy’s efforts will yield.
humans and society, our living environment, and the economy. “Building resilience to tackle these
“Companies are increasingly focused
“Universities are recognizing that there are problems that are immediate and can’t
on adaptation and resilience to climate
be solved by looking through the lens of
change, and the academy will work together
any one discipline,” Clement said. “Climate
large and difficult problems needs experts
with companies and municipalities to ensure
is one of those, and Miami is one of those
across many disciplines to develop a unified,
that the most evidence-based adaptation
cities where there’s no more delaying with the
collaborative approach, and the Climate
and resilience strategies are implemented,”
impacts of climate that are already here … the
Resilience Academy will do this by bringing
said Kelly.
University has an important role in figuring
together the diverse talents of our students,
Kelly is also one of the principal
this out because there’s no playbook for
researchers, and faculty across our schools
instructors for the innovative, problem-based,
it—this is an unprecedented change that we’re
and colleges,” he added.
multidisciplinary first-year course to be offered
experiencing in an unprecedented time.”
Susan Dinter, president of The Pap Corps, and Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, cut the ribbon to open the Garden of Hope, a place of peaceful reflection for cancer patients and their families.
Saving lives, kindling hope Philanthropy’s impact at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
chair of The Pap Corps, cut a purple ribbon as part of a
For seven decades, The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer
Goodwin, former director of Sylvester and emeritus professor of
Research has been dedicated to saving lives by funding cancer
otolaryngology at the Miller School; Dr. David Lessen, medical
research at the University of Miami.
director at Sylvester Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale, and
Their landmark $50 million pledge, made in 2016 to support
by University of Miami Trustee Jayne Malfitano; Dr. W. Jarrard
many others whose dedication and generosity have allowed the
cutting-edge research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center,
garden to blossom into a quiet place for cancer patients, staff
was recognized with the naming of Sylvester’s Deerfield Beach
and visitors.
location as The Pap Corps Campus. Since its founding in 1952,
“On behalf of everyone at Sylvester, we are extraordinarily
The Pap Corps has donated more than $110 million to Sylvester,
grateful to The Pap Corps for their continued support, as well as
the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida, and one
their dedication to Sylvester, to our mission and to our community,”
of only two in the state.
said Dr. Nimer, who is also the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair
Now The Pap Corps Campus in Deerfield Beach has a Garden
in Cancer Research and professor of medicine, biochemistry,
of Hope, a serene courtyard with a fountain at its center and
and molecular biology. “It is a great partnership that will endure
benches shaded by lush foliage. Dedicated in the fall of 2021, the
forever, and the Garden of Hope will be here as a symbol of what
garden is the realization of a long-standing vision to create a place
we do together.”
of peaceful reflection for patients fighting cancer and those who care for them. The garden helps raise funds for Sylvester’s research, through
“I can’t imagine anyone not being in awe of the beauty that has been created here,” Susan Dinter said. “It is a safe and serene environment that will provide hope for the patients being treated
the sale of brick pavers inscribed with the names of survivors and
here and for the doctors and staff that work here. Both The Pap
loved ones, and inspirational messages.
Corps and Sylvester have created a legacy that will be shared and
Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, director of Sylvester, and Susan Dinter, 12
celebration that included a champagne toast. They were joined
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
enjoyed for many years to come.”
Sweet treats to
fight cancer
Her family touched by cancer, this young baker is making a difference for others.
proceeds to Sylvester because my aunt was
She is only 12 years old, but Dagny Jerles
Instagram page that accepts orders for specific
has already founded DagnysCakePlace,
holiday events, such as Rosh Hashanah, for
an Instagram-based baking venture that
which she created a honey cake with apples.
it inspired me to help,” Dagny said. “My
donates all its proceeds to help Sylvester
Dagny then bakes the orders, and her parents
grandparents, Amy Dean and Alan Kluger, and
Comprehensive Cancer Center fight cancer.
deliver the baked goods.
my uncle Jesse all love my cake business and
“I’ve always loved baking,” Dagny said. “It
treated there.” Dagny’s aunt, Stephanie Dean-Kluger, lost a battle with neuroendocrine cancer in April 2020. DagnysCakePlace is run through an
“I’ve been so proud and impressed with
Dagny Jerles
even help me sell cakes to their friends.”
became a passion for me when the pandemic
how she has run with this,” said Lisa Jerles,
hit because I was stuck in the house.”
Dagny’s mom and delivery driver. “We deliver
on a project like this and sticking with it,”
the cakes, but every other part of this project is
said Alan Kluger, founding partner at Kluger,
fully run by her.”
Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine, P.L.,
DagnysCakePlace began last year as her sixth-grade project at Miami Country Day School. Although the school project ended,
In its first year, DagnysCakePlace made
“I’m extremely proud of Dagny for taking
co-founder of the Dean-Kluger Charitable
Dagny has continued to run the charity as her
$350 in sales, and this year, Dagny’s baking
Foundation and a member of the Sylvester
own passion project.
has led to more than $3,000 being donated to
Board of Overseers. “My wife and I have
Sylvester. She has also set up a UCare page so
always tried to model the importance of
which is basically a passion project that helps
the proceeds from the orders can go directly
philanthropy and generosity to our children
people,” Dagny said. “Since I like to bake,
to the cancer center.
and grandchildren. It is wonderful to see
“My school assigned a Genius Project,
I decided to start a bakery and donate the
“My family is always volunteering, and
Dagny giving back at such a young age.”
DCC XII sets new records Nearly 4,500 cyclists, runners, and walkers participated in the 12th annual Dolphins Challenge Cancer (DCC XII), raising more than $8 million for cancer research at Sylvester. ILLUMINATE
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The power of giving Alumni gifts make an impact in every corner of the University When Damian Braga, B.A. ’77, was an undergraduate, he had peers who didn’t make it to graduation due to drug and alcohol issues. Witnessing that prompted Braga to give $6,500 to fund two student peer educator positions in the University’s Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education. For Adam Apatoff, B.B.A. ’93, who currently serves on the University’s President’s Council, his own experience as a leader in Greek life at the U motivated him to pledge $25,000 to establish a fund in the Division of Student Life. The Apatoff Family Fund will support Greek Leadership Day, which enables students to develop their leadership skills through engagement with University Greek life chapter presidents and council officers. The Young Alumni Leaders Council, relaunched in 2021, has kickstarted a range of fundraising initiatives on the ’Canefunder
Peer educators from the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education
platform, supporting programs and areas across the University,
promote healthy lifestyles through outreach, training, and related programs.
from school and college general funds to scholarships and These are a few of the multitude of ways alumni giving makes
emergency assistance for students. This past year, the Council has achieved a six-fold increase in fundraising, through member
an impact for future generations of ’Canes. And whether the gift
donations and the creation of a vibrant culture of giving among
is $25 or $25,000, or more, each helps the University and its
young alumni.
students take another step toward a brighter tomorrow.
A new kind of clinical space
From left: Laurie Silvers; Dr. Henri R. Ford, dean of the Miller School; Gloria Estefan; Emilio Estefan; President Julio Frenk; Dr. Fred F. Telischi, chair of otolaryngology; and Dr. David E. Rosow,
14
director of the division of laryngology and voice disorders. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Made possible by a generous commitment from University trustee Gloria Estefan, B.A. ’78, D.Mu. ’93 (Hon.), and her husband, Emilio, D.Mu. ’01 (Hon.), the Estefan Voice Studio will advance cutting-edge vocal research in the Miller School’s Department of Otolaryngology, working in collaboration with the Frost School of Music.
Accelerating
interdisciplinary discovery As construction of the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science nears completion, the University is poised to take a leading role in advancing scientific research that changes lives. In 2016, Phillip and Patricia Frost, pictured at left, made a landmark $100 million commitment to create the Frost Institutes for Science and Engineering. The first of these interdisciplinary research hubs, the Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, is set to open its doors in the summer of 2022. Patterned after the National Institutes of Health and its network of affiliated institutes, the Frost Institutes will elevate the University’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) endeavors to address some of the most pressing and complex problems confronting the world.
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100 talents for our next Endowed academic chairs help the University of Miami attract, retain, and recognize excellence in research, scholarship, policy, practice, and artistic creation. Thanks to donor generosity, we are nearly three-quarters of the way to our goal of funding 100 new endowed chairs by 2025. • An endowed chair is one of the highest academic honors an institution can bestow. Endowed chairs enable scholars to advance groundbreaking research, make life-changing discoveries, and contribute innovative solutions to society’s most daunting challenges—now and in the future. • Featured are five distinguished faculty members named to endowed chairs in the 2021-22 academic year.
16 16
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Ved Chirayath, the G. Unger Vetlesen Professor of Earth Sciences
Gregor Eberli, the Robert N. Ginsburg Endowed Chair in Marine Geosciences
Ved Chirayath, an award-winning researcher and associate professor in the department of ocean sciences, was named the G. Unger Vetlesen Professor of Earth Sciences at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
Professor Robert Nathan Ginsburg devoted nearly half a century to teaching marine geology at the Rosenstiel School. Before he passed away in 2017, Ginsburg honored his life’s work by establishing an endowment to enable future scientists and researchers to illuminate discoveries in marine geology.
Chirayath works at the intersection of earth sciences, astrophysics, aeronautics, engineering, and optics. His research focuses on inventing, developing, and testing sensing technologies for studying the natural world. The G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation is a longtime benefactor of the Rosenstiel School, having also supported the Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Research building, the Helicopter Observation Platform, and various other climate-related research projects.
Gregor Eberli, the director of the Rosenstiel School’s Comparative Sedimentology Laboratory and professor in the department of marine geosciences, will further his mentor’s legacy as the Robert N. Ginsburg Endowed Chair in Marine Geosciences. “With this endowment, [Ginsburg] sort of looks after me in his afterlife, and I’m so grateful to him for that,” Eberli said.
100 years
C. Ola Landgren, the Paul J. DiMare Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy
Erin Kobetz, the John K. and Judy H. Schulte Senior Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
C. Ola Landgren is a world-renowned multiple myeloma researcher who also serves as chief of the Myeloma Program and Riney Family Multiple Myeloma Research Program, leader of the Experimental Therapies Program, and co-leader of the Tumor Biology Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Miller School of Medicine.
John K. Schulte, B.A. ’54, and his wife, Judy, arranged to give much of their estate to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Miller School of Medicine in support of research and education after their passing. John passed away in 2018 and Judy in 2016.
Dr. Landgren was recently named the Paul J. DiMare Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy to advance his groundbreaking research integrating immunotherapy into the development of curative treatment strategies for multiple myeloma and other cancers. Philanthropists Paul and Swanee DiMare are longtime supporters of the University, giving generously to athletics, the arts, business, scientific research, and medical education over the years.
Part of their generous gift established the John K. and Judy H. Schulte Senior Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. The chair was recently awarded to Erin Kobetz, vice provost for research and scholarship; professor in the departments of medicine, public health sciences, and obstetrics and gynecology; program leader for the Cancer Control Research Program; director of the Jay Weiss Institute for Health Equity; senior associate dean for Health Disparity; and Sylvester’s associate director for population science and cancer disparity.
Gerard Schwarz, the SchwarzBenaroya Endowed Chair in Conducting and Orchestral Activities Internationally recognized for his moving performances, innovative programming, and extensive catalog of recordings, Gerard Schwarz is distinguished professor of music, conducting, and orchestral studies at the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music, and music director of the Frost Symphony Orchestra. Schwarz also serves as music director of the All-Star Orchestra, Eastern Music Festival, Palm Beach Symphony, and Mozart Orchestra of New York, and is conductor laureate of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and conductor emeritus of the Mostly Mozart Festival. His accolades include Emmy® Awards, GRAMMY® nominations, ASCAP Awards, and the Ditson Conductor’s Award, as well as numerous honorary doctorates.
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Honoring UTrailblazers The interactive Taylor Family/UTrailblazers experience honors those pioneers who blazed the trail for later generations of Black students at the U. University alumnus and trustee Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., center right, made the gift that brought the experience to life.
the University’s Board of Trustees voted in 1961 to admit qualified students without regard to race or color beginning in the summer of that year. The idea for the exhibit was first conceived by the Black Alumni Society in 2012, following the University’s 50-year anniversary marking desegregation. A group of alumni volunteers, including Denise Mincey-Mills, B.B.A. ’79, Phyllis E. Tyler, B.B.A. ’79, and Antonio Junior, B.A. ’79, began to unearth the stories and struggles of the first Black students. Their efforts evolved into the First Black Graduates Project which later became known as UTrailblazers.
The Taylor Family/ UTrailblazers Experience spotlights the stories and honors the courage of the University’s first Black graduates.
When Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., B.S.C. ‘89, vice chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, learned about the UTrailblazers project, he stepped forward with a generous donation to turn the dream of a permanent memorial into a reality. The exhibit has a two-pronged purpose, said Taylor, who is president
A one-minute video clip of Martin Luther King Jr. speaking on the
and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Society for Human
University of Miami’s Coral Gables Campus in 1966.
Resource Management. “The first Black graduates of this
News clippings of a student-led sit-in staged in University
institution probably didn’t consider themselves pioneers, but they
President Henry King Stanford’s office to demand the enrollment
were. This exhibit is a way to show appreciation for the path they
of more Black students, the creation of African American history
ultimately paved for not only people like me but also current and
courses, and the hiring of Black professors to teach them.
future generations of students,” Taylor explained.
Pages from the Malaika handbooks, guides produced by
demonstrates to all segments of society that this University is truly
underrepresented students navigate college life during the early
capable of practicing true diversity and inclusion without sacrificing
years of desegregation at the University.
quality and competitiveness.”
These are just a sample of the trove of items now featured in a
Located in the Dooly Memorial Classroom Building
new University of Miami Libraries exhibit that chronicles the history
breezeway, which is now known as the Johnny C. Taylor Jr.
of the institution’s first Black graduates.
Breezeway, the exhibit is divided into three time periods, allowing
The Taylor Family/UTrailblazers Experience features an
18
“Equally as important,” he continued, “is that the exhibit
the United Black Students organization during the 1970s to help
users “to experience the arc of the experiences of the Black
interactive kiosk with three touchscreens that allow users to
community at the University,” said Roxane Pickens, librarian
scroll through hundreds of photographs, documents, newspaper
assistant professor and director of the Learning Commons at
articles, and other historical artifacts related to the years just after
University Libraries, who led the exhibit’s curation.
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
“ An amazing beacon of what is possible in higher education.” Clint Bridges, chief executive officer of Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ever Brighter co-chair for the College of Arts and Sciences, shares his perspective on the University and its future.
WHY I GIVE What does Ever Brighter mean to you?
and Sciences, the possibilities are endless for all students.
A N S W E R —Throughout the last century, the University of
Whether through expression in the arts and humanities
Miami has been an amazing beacon of what is possible
or through cutting-edge research and scholarship
in higher education. The much-anticipated Ever Brighter
happening in the areas of chemistry, mathematics, or
campaign will not only highlight where the University is
health, the College plays a vital role in fostering a
heading in the future but showcase its relevance in the
passion for learning, experimentation, and creativity at
community and beyond. For me, the new campaign is
the University.
a guide to show where the U has come from and more
hy should alumni, friends, and donors support W the campaign?
We know you are passionate about the Everglades. What could our students learn about the environment and sustainability by engaging with this precious resource?
A N S W E R —I was always taught that it is better to
A N S W E R —There is only one Everglades. It is vital that
give than to receive. For those of us who have been
we protect the Everglades for not only future generations
fortunate in our personal or professional lives, it’s always
to enjoy and witness its natural beauty, but for the
beneficial to give back to our community and support
much-needed water source to remain clean for all South
what we know is an important and vital component to
Floridians to drink.
importantly where it’s going.
South Florida, and it’s evident that the University’s mission statement will lead our community into the next 100 years.
W hat excites you most about the future of the College of Arts and Sciences?
What motivated you to become a donor and why is philanthropy and giving back so important? A N S W E R —God has blessed me beyond what I deserve, and this is one of many ways that I am able to show my gratitude for a life I could not possibly have
A N S W E R —We are truly in a golden age of exponential
imagined when I was growing up. I can only hope that
growth with artificial intelligence and genomics research.
my philanthropy will not only help those in need but also
With the guidance of the faculty at the College of Arts
inspire others to do the same. ILLUMINATE
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Innovation and impact The Changemakers Student Fund, created by the University of Miami Citizens Board, helps bring innovative, impactful student projects to light each year.
A trio of different student projects, each with the
Children’s Hospital, aims both to provide telehealth nursing care to
potential to generate change
caregivers of infants recently discharged from the neonatal intensive
in its area and benefit the
care unit at Nicklaus and to give undergraduate nursing students
community, has been selected
the opportunity to learn actively about telehealth nursing. The
for support by the University
Changemaker grant will allow the project to expand its telehealth
of Miami Citizens Board.
simulation education, offering students much-needed experience.
Together, the projects will
The Polyneering project is a unique, curated entrepreneurship
develop a pipeline of future
dictionary with a new glossary of terms and search algorithms that
medical professionals from
produces not only definitions but also links to TED Talk videos and
underserved communities;
even hashtags.
provide telehealth nursing
“Sponsoring the Changemakers Student Fund is a highlight
care to caregivers of vulnerable newborns; and offer a novel
for the Citizens Board,” said Roberta Jacoby, chair of the
interactive dictionary to teach the language of entrepreneurship.
Changemakers Committee, immediate past president of the
For 24 years, the Changemakers Student Fund, created by
Citizens Board, and member of the University’s Board of Trustees.
the Citizens Board, has supported innovative projects across
“It gives community members a chance to hear directly from
the University that propel change, enhance learning, and expand
students on projects that make a difference. It also showcases the
meaningful engagement with the wider community.
students’ abilities to communicate what they’re passionate about,
Individual Citizens Board members make donations to the fund each year. The Citizens Board Changemakers Committee
think outside the box, and utilize what they’re learning at the U.” Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Citizens Board
reviews applications from students, faculty, and staff, and narrows
is a select group of more than 230 South Florida business and
the field to the top three finalists.
civic leaders who actively support the University’s philanthropic
Of the three finalists selected for fiscal year 2022, Future Docs, a project of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement at the Miller School of Medicine, won the $25,000 Citizens Board Sebastian Hero Award. Future Docs aims to reduce racial disparities and improve health equity by developing a next generation of physicians that is representative of the diverse communities it serves. To spark interest in medical professions among traditionally underrepresented students, the project will provide support, encouragement, and education about health careers to local sixthand seventh-graders. The two winners of the $10,000 Citizens Board ’Cane Crusader Awards were “Taking Baby Steps into the Future: Training Students to Provide Telehealth Nursing Care for Vulnerable Infants and Families,” a project of the School of Nursing and Health Studies; and “Polyneering: Yuiwe Lab Innovation and Entrepreneurship Dictionary for Teaching and Sharing,” from Miami Herbert Business School. 20
The Baby Steps project, an existing collaboration with Nicklaus
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
and programmatic priorities while also serving as its ambassadors to the community. Since its inception, the Citizens Board has raised an estimated $454 million for the University of Miami.
Ever Brighter Volunteer Leaders
Unit Volunteer Chairs
CHAIR, EVER BRIGHTER
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
SCHOOL OF LAW
Stuart A. Miller, J.D. ’82
Bernardo M. Fort-Brescia
CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Laurie S. Silvers, B.A. ’74, J.D. ’77
Tracey Berkowitz Clint Bridges
Aaron S. Podhurst Carolyn Lamm, J.D. ’73 Peter Prieto, J.D. ’85 Harley Tropin, J.D. ’77
ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Devang B. Desai, B.A. ’97, J.D. ’03
LOWE ART MUSEUM ATHLETICS
Jeff Brown, B.B.A. ’81 CITIZENS BOARD
Ana VeigaMilton, B.S.E.E. ’87, J.D. ’93
MILLER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE MIAMI HERBERT BUSINESS SCHOOL
Andrew Unanue, B.B.A. ’91
Louise O’Brien Cathy Siegel Weiss
SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
Daniel R. Smith, B.B.A. ’89
Peter Zubizarreta, ’93
Kim Manna, B.B.A. ’88 Bill O’Dowd SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Richard Kurtz, B.Ed. ’62 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Ed Williamson FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Jeffrey Miller, B.A. ’84
Oscar R. Morales, B.S. ’75, M.D. ’79 ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
Paola Saiontz Steve Saiontz, M.B.A. ’83, M.P.S. ’13 Wanda Zaiser SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
Adam E. Carlin, M.B.A. ’94 Miguel G. Farra, J.D. ’79 Jayne S. Malfitano UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Margarita Tonkinson, M.P.A. ’86
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D PERMIT NO. 438 MIAMI, FL
Division of Development and Alumni Relations P.O. Box 248073 Coral Gables, Florida 33124-1530
GRATITUDE for
Brighter Opportunities
University of Miami students and donors gathered for the Scholarship Donor Recognition and Medical Education Donors and Scholars Celebrations to spotlight the power of scholarships to change lives.
everbr ighter.miami.edu/interests/students