For the Gari family, the University has been a place of learning and almost a second home. Gloria Gari, a project manager at the Office of Research Administration, has been a proud member of the University community for more than 40 years and could not be more proud to share that with her children. Gari’s daughter, Gloria “Gigi” Campos, director of quality in the University’s department of pathology and lab medicine, and son, Ponciano Gari, director of production at Florida Extracts, began visiting the Coral Gables Campus with their mom before they could walk.
“They really grew up on this campus, the U is just in their blood,” said Gloria Gari. “I used to bring them here as children. If I ever had to be on campus over time or on the weekend, they would always come along.”
Both Gari children have received their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University and are established in their careers. But as Ponciano Gari found himself taking on more project management in his roles, he began looking for ways to refine his skills and learned about the Project Management Professional Certificate Program offered through the Division of Continuing and International Education (DCIE). It wasn’t long before both his mother and sister were roped into the class as well. In the summer of 2019, the Gari family earned their certificates together.
“Project management as a practice really is agnostic to your role or industry,” said Ponciano Gari. “Even though we were all in different fields, we could apply the skills we learned to any aspect of our lives, from work to managing family vacation.”
The non-credit certificate program focuses on the core competencies of project management. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with the Project Management Institute (PMI), of which DCIE is an educational partner. Students learn the framework and fundamentals of initiating and planning and use those skills to execute projects effectively and efficiently. The knowledge and skills acquired prepare the learners for all facets of the project management process across a broad spectrum of disciplines.
While Gloria Gari is extremely proud of her children and what they have accomplished, it’s the esteem that they have for her that is worth noting. “We’re starting our careers, but mom is close to retirement,” said Campos. “The fact that someone at the end of their career is not passing up this opportunity to grow shows the kind of person she is.” The family admitted that it grew and learned together through this class. They pointed out that the skills they took away from it could help anyone, and that anyone can benefit from continuing to learn.
Register to attend an information session on Sept. 29, at 12 p.m. to learn about the Project Management Professional Certificate Program offered through DCIE. Individuals who attend an information session will receive a 10 percent tuition fee waiver toward the cost of the program.
About the University of Miami Division of Continuing and International Education
The Division of Continuing and International Education at the University of Miami aims to empower people to reach their full potential through lifelong and lifewide learning. With more than 70 credit and non-credit programs available, the division focuses on creating continuous learning experiences that transform individuals, organizations, and entire communities. For more information, visit dcie.miami.edu or call 305-284-4000. You also can connect with the team on Facebook and Twitter.
