Alumni Stories
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.”
Miami Law alumni are toymakers extraordinaire
Judd and Laura Zebersky, both J.D. ’93, took an untraditional path to leading one of the biggest toy manufacturing companies in the world.
Gale force twins
Twins Amanda, B.S. ’17, and Emily Gale, B.S. ’17, have turned their enthusiasm for the outdoors into a captivating and growing multimedia enterprise.
Frost School alumna wins John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Stephania Martinez, B.S. ’13, who built a deep bank of skills as both an audio engineer and a songwriter at the Frost School of Music, just won a top prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
Wanderlust leads alumna to new adventure
Linde Barrett, M.B.A. ’86, M.S.Ed. ’05, whose University of Miami degrees spurred a successful career in education, is heading to North Africa for a U.S. Department of State post as a cultural ambassador.
Frost School alumni and faculty garner Latin Grammy nominations
Four Frost School alumni and one faculty member were nominated for the 25th annual Latin Grammy awards, which will be presented in Miami this fall.
