October 31, 2005

St. Thomas University Announces $3 Million Gift to Fund Innovative Programs and New Building

Miami, FL - St.Thomas University today announced the receipt of its largest ever single donation - a $3 million dollar gift from Miguel (Mike) Fernandez, Chairman of Coral Gables based MBF Healthcare Partners and one of Florida's leading healthcare entrepreneurs - for the creation of the Fernandez Programs for High Potential Students and the Fernandez Leadership and Wellness Center.

"This unique opportunity allows me to assist promising young adults who have not previously had cultural, economic, or educational advantages," said Mike Fernandez. "There are a lot of kids out there who are growing up like I did, working hard through neccesity and making average grades, but who have a real ambition to succeed. I want to help make a difference in their lives."


"The Fernandez Programs will be the University's premier early student intervention and development programs and will be housed in the Fernandez Center - the University's premier building," said Rev. Msgr. Franklyn Casale, President, St. Thomas University. "This tremendous gift will not only honor Mr. Fernandez's entreprenurial spirit by promoting leadership throughout the entire community, but also further the University's commitment to 'Developing Leaders for Life'." 


The Fernandez Leadership and Wellness Center


The Fernandez Center will serve university students, high school students, and the community at large, by providing a place for them to gather and engage in activities meant to enrich the body, mind, and spirit.  The Center will house the University's wellness and athletic activities, as well as a number of high-tech classrooms. The Center will also be the site for a series of unique leadership opportunities, including the Fernandez Programs for High Potential Students.


The Fernandez Programs for High Potential Students


The Fernandez Programs were created to reach out to youth who are typically overlooked: not the straight A student and not the would-be dropout, but rather the average student still searching for the right path but knowing that a self-made, remarkable future awaits. The programs include:


The Lead Now Experience - a six-week summer program for high potential high school students aimed at developing the academic, entreprenurial, ethical, and physical qualities neccessary for success. Students who participate in the Lead Now program for two summers will be eligible to enroll at St. Thomas as a Fernandez Fellow.


The Fernandez Fellowship - is open to all successful graduates of the Lead Now Experience. Fellows will receive enterance into St. Thomas University, individual support, engage in future focused and real world activities and be eligible for scholarships, mentor relationships with exceptional leaders, high profile internships, travel, distinct first-year courses, and a special senior seminar.


Msgr. Casale and Mr. Fernadez will officially announce the gift at a ceremony to be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, November 3, 2005 at St. Thomas University's Evelyn & George Goldbloom Convocation Hall. The ceremony will include speeches from Miami Archbishop John C. Favalora, and Serenity actor Ron Glass. Guest will include students, members of the media and community leaders, including Former Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Panelas and Gus Machado, President and Owner of Gus Machado Ford.


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 St. Thomas University is a private, Catholic university located in Miami, the U.S. gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. The mission focuses on excellence in teaching and encouraging service and research. The university has earned an international reputation for academic excellence and offers programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate level.  Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, the School of Law is continously ranked in the top five schools for diversity. St. Thomas is renowned as a leader in human rights, science, technology, teaching, and criminal justice studies. For more information visit www.stu.edu.


 

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