Amplifying alumni voices

With new speakers and timely topics, the Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series highlights alumni voices and fosters intellectual dialogue. 
DALS graphic

This October 8, when four alumni from the communications industry come together to discuss the role of media in an election year, they will join a group of accomplished alumni who, over the years, have shared their knowledge, professional experience and success as part of the Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series (DALS).

The lecture series was first established in 1995 through the support of Stu Bloch, A.B. ’64, and Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch to highlight University of Miami alumni who have distinguished themselves and their alma mater. 

Now, the University plans to improve and expand on the series, continuing to showcase talented members of the alumni community while also bringing the program to a wider community of students, alumni, and friends.

Desiree Rodriguez, assistant vice president of lifelong engagement at the University of Miami, said the upcoming series will feature dynamic, engaging speakers who will discuss topics relevant to our times. “Highlighting these changemakers will showcase the depth of intellectual knowledge at the institution and offer a deeper connection to the University of Miami,” she said. “In brief, DALS will give a stage and a voice to today’s alumni making a difference in their respective fields.” 

Past DALS speakers have included Joseph J. Echevarria Jr., B.B.A. '78, former CEO of Deloitte LLP and current interim CEO for UHealth; singer, songwriter, and lecturer Lari White, B.M. '88; best-selling author Barbara Milo Ohrbach; and Jack Creighton, M.B.A. '66, former CEO for United Airlines, as well as many others who have excelled in the fields of literature, law, healthcare, business, and more.

Speakers for the next event include: The Honorable Alex Ferrer, J.D. ’86, attorney, retired Florida Circuit Court judge, and former host of the nationally syndicated court show Judge Alex, Cynthia Hudson, A.B. ’85, M.A. ’97, senior vice president and managing director, CNN en Español and Hispanic strategy for CNN/U.S., Chuck Todd, Hon. ’14, political director, NBC News, moderator, NBC’s Meet the Press, and host, MSNBC’s MTP Daily, and Maribel Perez Wadsworth, B.S.C. ’93, president, News at Gannett Media, and publisher, USA TODAY.

DALS is an integral component of the University of Miami’s Education for Life lifelong learning initiative, which calls for the continuation of alumni education after they have graduated from the University. Other initiatives include Massive Open Online Courses, available at no cost to alumni, and an extensive library of digital resources.

With new speakers and relevant topics, DALS will continue to foster intellectual dialogue and encourage the lifelong pursuit of learning. 

Stu and Julia Chang Bloch have supported numerous alumni causes across campus. "With this endowment," they said, "we created an ongoing and lasting legacy for the University."