For nearly 30 years, Patricia Broadhurst welcomed students into her office at the McArthur Engineering Building. Her words and guidance launched careers and propelled the dreams of hundreds of undergraduates at the University of Miami. Those students have since excelled in diverse engineering fields, from a Disney Imagineer creating magic on the big screen to a civil engineer constructing bridges in New York City.
Ahead of her retirement at the end of July, Rancell Gonzalez Sanchez, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and College of Engineering student, honored Broadhurst by presenting her with the U.S. flag. It was a token of gratitude for her guidance in helping him navigate the higher education system and launch a college career he had dreamed about in his native country.
In pursuit of the American dream
Born in Cuba, Gonzalez Sanchez immigrated to the United States in 2015. He was quick to learn English in high school and upon graduating, wanted to give back to the country that welcomed him. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as a mechanic for over four years, honing his leadership skills and growing a passion for fixing and building things.
Following his military service, Gonzalez Sanchez pursued higher education.
“The University of Miami has a great program for veterans," said Gonzalez Sanchez. “I know this is the place that will help my dreams of building skyscrapers come true.”
Three decades of guidance
Before students owned cell phones or learned about artificial intelligence, Broadhurst advised students who were learning to build the inner workings of a computer, the foundations of buildings, and the rockets taking astronauts to space.
Her favorite moments were watching students discover what careers they wanted to have for the rest of their lives. “A field trip to the Kennedy Space Center with mechanical engineering students was special,” she said. But the best part of the job was, “the conversations I had about how they want to use their degree to make a positive impact in our world.”
When reflecting on Gonzalez Sanchez going to her office, not for an advising appointment, but to show his appreciation for the impact she had on him, Broadhurst said she was moved to tears. As the daughter of a Korean War veteran, receiving the American flag was a symbolic gesture.
“It is very important to be acknowledged and made to feel you've made a positive impact through your work.”
