Alumni Stories
Illuminating downtown Miami with an orange and green glow
Daniel Kodsi, B.B.A. '91, redefines Miami’s skyline with a radiant display of University of Miami pride.
Frost School alumna crowned Miss Virginia, prepares for 2025 Miss America competition
Carlehr Swanson, M.M. ’21, leverages her education, vocal talent, and platform to create community and make her grandmother proud.
Distinguished alumni to deliver commencement keynotes
Michael Irvin and Alina T. Hudak will address the more than 1,000 fall graduates of the Class of 2024 during commencement ceremonies at the Watsco Center on Dec. 12.
Alumna's journey of reinvention
Gabrielle Argimon, J.D. '24, Bachelor of Music '19, writes about switching career paths during the pandemic and how Miami Law’s trial advocacy programs helped her find her voice and passion.
Home brewed success
Miami Herbert Business School alumni Paul Massard, Chris Nolte, and Vanessa Valera Nolte blended their talents to create Per’La Specialty Roasters, revolutionizing the speciality coffee industry.
An immigrant’s life of service to the United States
Eva Strelka Jenkins, B.S. ’88, Ph.D. ’03, and her parents fled the Soviet invasion of their homeland, and ultimately found a home and opportunities in the U.S. Her gratitude to this country and a passionate desire to serve led to a career in the Air Force, from which she retired in 2017 with the rank of colonel.
Soldier, scientist, physician, filmmaker
José A. Stoute, M.D. ’85, M.F.A. ’23, has served on the frontlines of Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, the AIDS epidemic in Miami, and the malaria crisis in Kenya. Today, he uses film shine a light on the underdogs of society.
‘I grew up fast in the Army’
John Gale—veteran, judge, and University of Miami alumnus—credits his Army experience with shaping his decades-long career as a reform-minded administrative law judge.
School of Law alumna named a Hollywood New Leader
Sophia Sofferman, LL.M. ’21, is a graduate of the School of Law's Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law postgraduate program, and is now being recognized for her contributions and leadership across the entertainment industry.
Jose Mas headlines, engineering alumni honored at homecoming celebration
The College of Engineering celebrated alumni achievements, faculty excellence, and student success at the annual alumni homecoming breakfast.
Architecture alumna working to elevate Trinidad’s built environment
With a foundation rooted in classical methods and a vision for culturally resonant spaces, Laura Narayansingh, B.Arch. ’14, works to elevate Trinidad’s architectural identity, blending tradition with contemporary solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive built environment.
Q&A: Lessons from an alum turned cookie entrepreneur and cooking show contestant
Blake Warman, B.S.C. ’21, began The Blakery from Walsh Tower. Now, he’s building a business empire and baking treats for celebrities like Gordon Ramsay and Lisa Vanderpump. Learn how he evolved his business to international acclaim with the help of his alma mater.
Father and son double ’Canes are committed to alma mater
Wayne Chaplin, B.B.A. ’79, J.D. ’82, and his son, David, B.B.A. ’10, J.D. ’13, work together at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirit and continue to support their community and the University of Miami.
Miami Herbert alumnus fuels startup growth and career opportunities
Aaron Sperber leverages his role at NO DAYS OFF Premium Water to create jobs and experiential learning opportunities for Miami Herbert students while driving the company’s expansion in Miami.
One Book, One U shares poignant stories
Daisy Hernández, M.F.A. ’13, is the author of the book “The Kissing Bug: A True Story of a Family, an Insect, and a Nation’s Neglect of a Deadly Disease.”
