The 2023 edition of the Summer Send-Off program welcomed new students into the Hurricane family at receptions throughout July and August. More than 1,000 guests, including nearly 300 incoming first-year and transfer students, were hosted by University of Miami alumni, parents, and friends in 18 locations across the country, as well as in London, England. The 19 events represented a significant increase in attendance from 2022, when 12 locations hosted Send-Offs.
Send-Off hosts welcomed the newest ’Canes into their homes or at local venues. There, incoming students and their families got a chance to meet and network with local alumni, new classmates, and University staff before their arrival on campus.
Fritz Reme, B.S.E.E. ’95, attended the Orlando Send-Off with his daughter Joaddan, who is starting at the U in the fall. He praised the event’s hosts, saying they did “a fantastic job” in welcoming parents and students.
“It was so refreshing to see all students gathering together in one area with no prompting. It was interesting to see students rearrange their initial seating—engineering students grouped together, pre-med grouped together—while enjoying lively conversations. I believe that meaningful connections were made on the students’ side as well as the parents’,” he continued.
Joaddan Reme echoed her father’s comments. “The ’Cane For Life Summer Send Off event held in my hometown was truly an amazing experience,” she said. “The atmosphere was electric with a sense of anticipation and belonging. I gained valuable insights and advice from alumni who had walked the same path before. The enduring spirit of the ‘Cane Community’ left me inspired and beyond excited for the journey ahead.”
Bill Fisse, B.B.A. ’75, M.B.A. ’77, a member of the University’s President’s Council, helped to plan the New York Send-Off, which he called “very successful with more than 100 students and parents in attendance, [plus] alumni volunteers who engaged students and parents throughout the evening.”
Paul and Jaclyn Chernawsky hosted the Chicago Send-Off with their daughter Molly, an incoming first year student at Miami Herbert Business School and the third Chernawsky sibling to attend the U.
“It was so great to see the kids meeting each other and knowing that they will see familiar faces when they step foot on campus,” Paul said. “So many parents came up to Jaclyn and me saying how thankful they were for the Send-Off—it is so wonderful that the U does this for it not only helps their kids, but it alleviates the parents’ anxiety too!”
“Molly met a number of new students and exchanged contacts – she can’t wait to start school!”
Browse the slideshow for scenes from the 2023 Summer Send-Offs.
