University of Miami alumni live in all 50 states and 148 different countries. In recognizing their outstanding accomplishments, the UM Alumni Association will be hosting their Alumni Awards Ceremony for 2011 on April 14th at the state-of-the-art Newman Alumni Center in Coral Gables to honor exemplary graduates. The awards program seeks out alumni who have been successful in their field or have made a significant impact through community service. The annual alumni awards also recognize individuals and groups who have been actively involved with the University or Alumni Association during the year.
2011 Award Recipients include:
Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction
Cristina Saralegui, ’71
Cristina is a 30+ year veteran journalist recognized as one of the most influential role models for today’s Hispanic women. During her successful television career, she had one of the highest rated programs on Spanish-language television, The Cristina Show, with more than 4,000 episodes aired, and 12 Emmys won. She is the first Spanish-language television personality to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the first Latina to be inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.
Henry King Stanford Alumnus of the Year
Gregory Cesarano, J.D. ’76
The UM Alumni Association holds in high esteem Greg Cesarano’s many years of service as Alumni Board of Directors President (2005-2007), President-Elect (2003-2005), and Vice President (2000-2003). Greg is a longtime volunteer who has served as an alumni representative at various receptions and events including the annual alumni Class Ring Ceremony, Alumni Awards Ceremony, and Commencement. Greg continues his family’s legacy and involvement at the University which dates back to the 1930s. An Iron Arrow member, Greg is also very involved with the School of Law, serving as a visiting committee member and has consistently given back to his alma mater since 1978.
William R. Butler Community Service Award
Rudy Moise, M.B.A. ’94, J.D. ’97
Rudy has selflessly dedicated his life to help those in need as demonstrated through his work: in Haiti’s earthquake relief efforts as a member of the Florida Urban Task Force 1; as a founding member of the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians; as president and founder of the Operation Kimbe Foundation, which provides assistance to medical organizations in Haiti; as co-owner of Access Health Solutions, a minority healthcare network dedicated to treating underserved populations, and one of the largest providers of Medicaid services in Florida; and as Chairman of Haitian Affairs for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.
Inside Out Award
Shelly Berg, Dean, Frost School of Music
The UM Alumni Association is proud of Dean Shelly Berg’s exceptional support of alumni advancement dating to his arrival at the University in June 2007. In the past few years, Dean Berg has been on the road with the UM Alumni Association visiting alumni in five key markets including Chicago, Greater New York, Washington, D.C., Long Island, and Philadelphia, sharing with them his vision and goals for the Frost School of Music. In 2008, Dean Berg partnered with the alumni office to coordinate the Bruce Hornsby concert with Alumni Weekend activities to help bring alumni back to campus; and, in 2009 he performed during the Alumni Weekend Old Timers event that was attended by more than 200 graduates from the classes of 1926-1958.
Outstanding Fundraiser
John K. Schulte, A.B. ’54
John has demonstrated great leadership and support of University of Miami development activities for more than two decades, as shown through his continued contributions to the Miller School of Medicine for cancer research, the Ear Institute’s deafness research project, and a cardiovascular research project. Further, he has garnered much appreciation for his tremendous efforts in purchasing and distributing teddy bears across the Miller School of Medicine campus each year to pediatric patients.
Outstanding Service
Todd Payne, A.B. ’84, J.D. ’89
Todd has demonstrated continued leadership and involvement over the years through service as Past President of the School of Law Alumni Association, Chair of the School of Law Alumnus of Distinction Committee, and member of the Broward Alumni Club. Further, his establishment of a regional network for the School of Law Alumni Association reflects his longtime dedication and loyalty to our alma mater.
Outstanding Affiliate Group
Beaux Arts
The Beaux Arts group has donated more than $5 million to the University of Miami Lowe Art Museum for nearly 60 years, and has contributed to the museum’s art collection by making significant purchases. The Beaux Arts Festival of Art, located at the Lowe Art Museum, brings more than 100,000 patrons to the UM Coral Gables campus annually.
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Jennifer Phillips, B.B.A. ’06
As a UM student, Jennifer served as president of the Peer Counseling Program at the School of Business Administration. Following graduation, she continued her involvement with the program serving as the UM Campus Coordinator for Ernst and Young, as well as a School of Business Administration alumni mentor. Because of her efforts, the University has increased the number of students securing full time and internship positions with Ernst and Young, including 17 in 2009 and 22 in 2010.
Students of Distinction
Elizabeth Greig, M.D. ’10
Elizabeth is being recognized for her role as site director at the UM field hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and for her role in the creation of a plan (that has now been implemented) to get doctors into Haiti in the event of a natural disaster.
Kristina Rosales, A.B. ’10
Kristina is being recognized for her exceptional achievements including past Goldman Sachs Global Leader, David Boren Scholar, Thomas Pickering Fellow, and Fulbright recipient. Further, she is being honored for her work in establishing project Soley Ini in Haiti which aids in the development of youth community centers.
Distinction of Honorary Alumnus
Richard B. Bermont (Senior Vice President, The Bermont/Carlin Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney)
Richard’s service includes leadership on the University’s Citizen’s Board, service as President of The Friends of Art of the Lowe Art Museum, and membership on the School of Business Administration’s Advisory Committee. Over the years, he has continually made contributions to various University areas, including The Bermont/Carlin Scholars program for undergraduate business school students, which he generously co-founded in 2008.
Nicholas A. Buoniconti (Co-Founder, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis; Founder, The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis)
Nick’s longtime dedication to the University of Miami is demonstrated through his leadership on the University’s Board of Trustees, his great involvement with the Buoniconti Fund, and his leadership with The Miami Project, a University center of excellence at the Miller School of Medicine, which has raised more than $150 million in support of research. Through his efforts, The Miami Project has grown to become internationally recognized as the leading research center for spinal cord injuries in the world.