When Alumni and Friends Step Up, The U Shines Brighter

There is a vibrant spirit of volunteerism at the University of Miami—one that lights up every corner of our institution. Our 4,000-plus volunteers serve in a wide range of capacities, from lending their expertise to diverse boards and organizing national outreach initiatives to providing our students with mentoring and career guidance, plus much more. Through their generous commitments of time and talents, our volunteers exemplify what it means to serve others as they help empower the University community and inspire future generations of ’Canes.

To celebrate National Volunteer Week, below are examples of how our volunteers are making an impact. In spotlighting these few volunteers, we honor them all.

Getting involved is my small way of helping keep the people and places that make [the community] vital and vibrant.

Carlos Lowell, B.S.M.E. ’94

Mike Abrams, B.A. ’69

Mike Abrams served in the Florida House of Representatives for 12 years, after which he began a career in the private sector. He is an emeritus member of the University’s Board of Trustees and a former member of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Advisory Committee. A true champion of his alma mater, Mike has been instrumental in encouraging major support through planned gifts.

Alfred Bunge, M.B.A. ’97

Alfred Bunge, a prominent figure in the South Florida finance industry, founded the Miami ’Canes Community, which connects the U with alumni and supporters in the area. He was tapped for Iron Arrow, the University’s most prestigious honor society, in 2022. As a Citizens Board member, Alfred helps advance our mission and programs. He also serves on the boards of various area nonprofits.
man sitting on desk

Adam E. Carlin, M.B.A. ’94

Adam Carlin chairs Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center's Board of Governors and serves on the Citizens Board as well as the boards of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Dolphins Challenge Cancer, and other South Florida non-profits. His passion for volunteering derives from gratitude for the opportunities he received and a profound desire to try to make a difference in the lives of others.
man at podium

Devang Desai, B.A. ’97, J.D. ’03

Devang Desai, a partner at the law firm of Gaebe, Mullen, Antonelli & DiMatteo, has been a leader at the U since his days as president of the Student Bar Association. He was inducted into Iron Arrow and now is president of the Alumni Association, serves on the Board of Trustees and President’s Council, and is a past president of the Law Alumni Association.
sandy goldstein

Sandy Goldstein, B.B.A. ’81, M.B.A. ’84

Samuel H. (Sandy) Goldstein, founder and CEO of Capsicum Group, LLC, is a devoted 'Cane. A member of the President's Council and the Miami Herbert Business School Dean's Advisory Committee, he was instrumental in launching the annual Business Plan Competition. He mentors students, connects fellow alumni with the U, and actively participates in University events.
man with football

Carlos G. Guzman, B.B.A. ’84

Carlos Guzman is recognized for his marketing, relationship-building, entrepreneurial, and organizational transformation proficiency—skills he brings to the U as president of the Citizens Board and member of the Board of Trustees. Apart from being a significant contributor to the University, Carlos also serves as a business commentator on “Mercado y Más” and co-host of “The American Dream Show.”

Brianna Hathaway, B.A. ’16

Brianna Hathaway is a rising star in the legal world, experienced in complex commercial litigation and pro bono work, and a dedicated University of Miami volunteer. She was student government president and was inducted into Iron Arrow. She is helping shape the young alumni engagement experience at the U as vice president of the Young Alumni Leaders Council.
woman in dark jacket

Jennifer Kaplan

As the head of campus and diversity recruiting at Schonfeld Strategic Advisors, Jennifer provides direction and thought leadership to attract an inclusive talent base. And as a new member of the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Committee, she partners with the Toppel Career Center, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering to recruit student engineers and computer scientists.
smiling man throwing u

Carlos Lowell, B.S.M.E. ’94

Carlos Lowell, who has held high-level positions at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and UBS, is committed to making a difference at the U and the wider community. His dedication to community engagement and service shines through his board involvement at the University and as president of the Miami ’Canes Community.
man at podium

Max Myers, B.B.A. ’11

Max Myers, a financial and senior portfolio advisor at Merrill Lynch, is president of the University of Miami Young Alumni Leaders Council. He was instrumental in relaunching the council and elevating its 30 Under 30 Program, which honors outstanding young alumni who have made impressive strides in their professions and communities. Max is also an active volunteer and fundraiser in his community.

Dan Newman, J.D. ’91

Dan Newman is a dedicated supporter of the School of Law. As president of the Law Alumni Association in 2022, Dan played a crucial role in transitioning events to virtual gatherings during the pandemic. He has worked closely with the Student Bar Association to help students network to secure jobs after graduation. Dan serves on Miami Law’s Dean’s Advisory Committee and is a regular contributor to the law alumni e-newsletter.
couple with sebastian

Alan Sirkin, B.S.C.E. ’67, and Alicia Sirkin

Alan Sirkin chairs the College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Committee. Alicia Sirkin, a longtime personal life coach and advocate for healthy eating, is responsible for the universal meals program within the Division of Student Affairs, providing students with healthy food options and helping them learn how to cook meals. Alan and Alicia are also long-standing Citizens Board members.

Dan R. Smith, B.B.A. ’89

Dan Smith, a mortgage industry leader and serial entrepreneur, has demonstrated his commitment to the University through his involvement in the advisory board for The Launch Pad, a collaborative initiative promoting entrepreneurship for students and alumni. As a strategic and strong consensus builder, Dan has played a crucial role as chair of the President's Council.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., B.S.C. ’89

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., is a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion at the U. The Taylor Family UTrailblazers Experience, highlighting Black students’ contributions, serves as a testament to his philanthropy, as does his service on the Board of Trustees and two dean’s advisory committees. As CEO of SHRM, Johnny is a sought-after voice on all matters affecting the workplace.

Ana VeigaMilton, B.S.E.E. ’87, J.D. ’93

Ana VeigaMilton has dedicated her life to service and philanthropy. She leads the José Milton Foundation, co-founded the Cecil and Ana Milton Family Foundation, and directs social responsibility initiatives for United Property Management. As the immediate past president of the Citizens Board, Ana has been a driving force behind the board’s efforts in support of Ever Brighter: the University’s Campaign for Our Next Century.

Alice Vilma, B.B.A. ’99

Alice Vilma, a leader in the finance industry, has remained devoted to the University of Miami’s mission. She is chair-elect of the President’s Council and serves on the Board of Trustees and the Miami Herbert Dean’s Advisory Committee. By generously donating her time and resources, she leads by example, participating in numerous speaking programs for the University.

No matter your age, location, skill set, or affiliation with the University of Miami, we welcome all volunteers and are grateful for your engagement with the ’Canes community.

Interested? Click to get started