Counting down to the centennial

People and Community University

By News@TheU 10-31-2024

Let the countdown begin.

Beginning in January 2025 and continuing throughout the year, the University of Miami will host a series of festivities to celebrate its 100-year ascent from its founders' vision of "a Pan-American university in Miami" to a global force for breakthrough research and educational excellence.

Earlier this year, the University announced the creation of a Centennial Honorary Committee composed of alumni, students, faculty and staff members, and trustees. Chaired by University trustee Laurie Silvers, the committee has been meeting for several months to strategize marquis events that will commemorate this landmark in the University's history.

"We are thrilled to celebrate our centennial anniversary in 2025," said Silvers, who is also the immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees and a double alumna. "As we reach this significant milestone in our history, our celebration will shine a light on the amazing upward trajectory of our beloved U-one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking comprehensive research universities in the world."

The committee also was charged with selecting a centennial logo, which will appear on celebratory materials throughout 2025. As revealed here, the centennial logo includes the University's beloved split-U mark positioned next to a green 100 filled with a distinctive sunburst pattern.

The centennial logo will unite the University community through a visual identity that honors the strength, tenacity, and spirit that paved the way to our second century. Centennial brand guidelines and items containing the centennial logo will be available in January. A centennial website will launch later this year.

The committee's efforts have been supported by a staff Centennial Working Group led by Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement.

"I am truly excited and honored to lead the Centennial Working Group as we prepare to celebrate the University's milestone birthday in April," Whitely said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to unite our community and showcase the remarkable achievements of our institution, while looking ahead to a bright future. We are hard at work to create an unforgettable celebration for our University community," she added.

A detailed events calendar is forthcoming, Whitely shared, with plans for local and regional events on April 8, 2025, to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the University's charter. As the University continues the countdown to 2025, alumni and members of the community are encouraged to attend the University of Miami Alumni Association's Sprint to Our Centennial event series taking place throughout the country.

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For questions or suggestions regarding the centennial, email [email protected].

Centennial Honorary Committee:

• Laurie Silvers, Centennial Honorary Committee Chair; immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees
• Manny Kadre, chair of the Board of Trustees
• Stuart Miller, chair of the UHealth Board of Directors, former chair of the Board of Trustees, and Ever Brighter campaign chair
• Andrew Baker, professor at the Rosenstiel School for Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Shelly Berg, dean of the Frost School of Music
• JoNel Newman, chair of the Faculty Senate and professor at the School of Law
• Stephen Nimer, executive dean for research at the Miller School of Medicine and director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Rudy Fernandez, executive vice president for operations and external affairs and chief of staff to the president
• Alison Mincey, senior vice president and chief human resources officer
• Dan Radakovich, vice president and director of athletics
• Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement
• Giselle De La Rua, M.D./M.B.A. candidate at the Miller School of Medicine
• Allegra Garcia, J.D. candidate at the School of Law
• Judy Greengold, Ph.D. candidate and president of the Graduate Student Association
• Jayvaun Hill, undergraduate student
• Jaret Davis, Iron Arrow Honor Society representative and co-managing director at Greenberg Traurig
• Devang Desai, trustee ex-officio and immediate past president of the Alumni Association
• Alice Vilma, chair of President's Council
• Staff to the Committee: Frances Marine Davis, board secretary and associate vice president

Centennial Working Group:

• Patricia A. Whitely, Centennial Working Group Chair and senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement
• Erica Arroyo, associate vice president of engagement
• Alba Carreras-Vazquez, managing executive director for development events
• Carter Toole, executive associate athletic director of strategic communications
• Marlon Clarke, director of athletics marketing and event experience
• Maryann Tobin, secretary of the Faculty Senate
• Nicole Gange, director of department planning and operations at UHealth
• Adrian Nuñez, director, government relations
• Iva Nichols, director of presidential events and engagement
• Marianne Mijares, executive director for commencement and special projects
• Josh Brandfon, senior director of student activities and student organizations
• Renee Dickens-Callan, assistant vice president for student life
• Joanna Palmer, executive director for media relations and medical communications
• Amanda Torres, director of marketing brand activation for UHealth
• Nick Iwanicki, University archivist
• Jenny Hudak, director of strategic communications