Alián Martínez Rives, a Master of Fine Arts student in the Department of Art & Art History, designed a commemorative coin honoring the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences’ past 100 years of innovation and academic excellence.
“It is an honor to be the student who designed this important centennial symbol,” said Martínez Rives, who is in his final semester of the Master of Fine Arts program. “The design symbolizes the college’s rich history over the past 100 years.”
Specializing in digital imaging, Martínez Rives is a multi-talented artist who works in several mediums including graphic design, interactive media, and photography. He was born in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the New World School of the Arts and the University of Florida in 2021. His thesis exhibition at the University of Miami, “Transcoding the Museum,” was displayed in the University of Miami Gallery, Wynwood Building from Feb. 19 to March 16, 2025.
Nathan Timpano, chair of the Department of Art & Art History, shared his excitement over Martínez Rives’ success. “The department faculty and I are overjoyed that the College of Arts & Sciences commissioned Alián to employ his artistic talents to celebrate the college’s centenary with this collectible, commemorative coin,” he said.
The college will celebrate its centennial on April 8, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event is open to alumni, faculty, staff, students, and other members of the college community. The commemorative centennial coin will be available as a souvenir at the event and throughout the year-long celebration, along with copies of the centennial issue of the college’s magazine.
This event is part of the larger University-wide celebration commemorating 100 years since the University was chartered in 1925. The college was one of only three academic units when the University first opened, and it has remained at the heart of the institution.
“Our students are central to the college’s success over the past 100 years,” said Leonidas Bachas, dean of the college. “It’s wonderful that one of our own designed this coin to commemorate 100 years of excellence in scholarship, creative endeavors, and innovation.”
To learn more about the college’s history, please visit the college’s centennial website. To request a commemorative coin, please fill out this form.
