Events celebrating the University of Miami’s 100th birthday on April 8—the day in 1925 when the charter was signed establishing the U—were held at many venues throughout the University Community, and especially on the Coral Gables Campus. Students, alumni, and faculty and staff members shared some thoughts, some memories, and what it means to be part of the U.
Sara Weich, a senior majoring in Criminology, said she has enjoyed her time at the University of Miami tremendously. From everlasting friendships to meaningful professional relationships with faculty, the University has played a major role in shaping the person she is today. She said she is incredibly grateful to be a part of the centennial celebration and the lasting legacy of the university. “What stands out most to me is the community. I’ve built a strong set of friendships that I know will last a lifetime," she said.
For Liam Harrison, a senior majoring in Marine Affairs, said that being part of the graduating class during such a significant milestone is something he truly values. "The campus itself stands out to me. It’s one of the few places where you can just walk around and completely clear your mind," he said. "The nature, the atmosphere—it really adds to the experience." Harrison fully sees the University “continuing to grow into an even more significant, well-known, and well-regarded institution—both academically and athletically. It’s already on that path, and I believe the future looks incredibly bright.”
Andrea Assantes, B.S. '97, M.D. '02, a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, reflected on the role the University has played in her life while she attended a Centennial event at the College of Arts and Sciences. "The University has had a significant impact on my life to the point that I haven't even left Miami, and I've stayed here at the University trying to give back," said Assantes, who majored in biology, speaking at the College of Arts and Sciences' centennial event. "It's given me so much, and I hope I can contribute as much as the University has given me."
Erik Evian, a senior majoring in Entrepreneurship, sees the University of Miami’s Centennial as a powerful reflection of change and progress. “It’s 100 years of evolving,” he said. Looking ahead, he envisions a future of continued growth and success for the University.
Alex Price-Hanson, a senior studying Creative Advertising, shared his excitement about graduating during the University’s Centennial Celebration, calling it a full-circle moment that connects the past with his own future. Reflecting on the University's legacy, he said, “It’s inspiring to think about how I can contribute to the impact alumni have made over the past century.”
Looking ahead, Price-Hanson believes the University is poised to lead in innovation, technology, and collaboration. “UM has always produced bold, forward-thinking individuals,” he said. “I see that continuing well into the future.”
View this post on Instagram
Craig J. Trocino, associate professor of Clinical Legal Education and director of the Innocence Clinic at the School of Law, said that the last 13 years at the school “have been the most professionally meaningful years of my career, where I have been able to facilitate and witness justice come alive.” In his role as director of the Innocence Clinic, he said he has seen “the remarkable transformation when dedicated advocacy meets determination—our students becoming champions of truth while innocent lives are restored to freedom. From the bright student minds who question conventional thinking to the supportive administration that enables our aspirations, this community has become a source of hope in the legal landscape.”
As he reflected on the University’s Centennial, Trocino said, “I appreciate our collective achievements and am inspired by the possibilities ahead—where each case we take, each student we mentor, and each life we touch contributes to a more just world that Miami Law will continue to help create in the years to come.”
Sophia Lobkowitz, a psychology student, said she is immensely proud to be part of the University’s centennial celebration. During her time here, she has fully embraced the vibrant sense of community and dynamic energy on campus. Looking ahead, Lobkowitz envisions the University continuing to rise as a global leader in education, research, and community engagement. “I see ‘The U’ fostering stronger global connections, increasing diversity, and nurturing leaders who will make meaningful contributions worldwide,” Lobkowitz said.
Kylie Cutler, a senior majoring in Marketing and Management, said she feels thankful to attend the University of Miami during such a momentous time in its history. From classmates who come from all corners of the world to professors who bring diverse experiences and perspectives into the classroom, she’s been able to grow both personally and professionally throughout her time at the U.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a historic and iconic milestone," said Cutler. "To me, the Centennial is a reflection of how far our University has come and a symbol of the continued growth and success I believe lies ahead, she said.”
Brendan Nicholes, a senior majoring in Political Science, said that to him, “the Centennial represents the remarkable evolution of the University. It’s a celebration of growth, resilience, and the legacy built by generations of students, faculty, and alumni.”
Reflecting on his time at the U, Nicholes added, “What truly stands out is the quality of education and the investment of the professors. They go beyond teaching, they mentor and support us in ways that really make a difference.”
At the College of Arts and Sciences Centennial event, alumna Corinne Rutzke, B.A. '85, who majored in English and went on to become an attorney, noted that she “came here for an excellent education to prepare and pave the way for me to be successful in my three years at American University Law School. I was impressed with the quality of the faculty while I was here, the friendliness of all the students, and the commitment the faculty made to the students to help them excel not only in academics but also in character as people."
Christina Randazzo, senior majoring in Political Science noted that "the friendships I’ve made and the professors who’ve become lifelong mentors are what stand out the most during my time at the U. Looking ahead, I see the University becoming even more competitive—Miami is booming, and it’s the best place to be."
Hilit Mechaber, B.S. '92, M.D. '95, and her husband, Alex Mechaber, B.S. '90, M.D. '94, M.B.A. '24, reflected on their time at the College of Arts and Sciences and the Miller School of Medicine. “It started my career in life sciences and medicine and allowed me to spend three decades of my career at Miller,” said Hilit, who is now the senior associate dean of student affairs at the Miller School. She described the University's role in her life as “a life-changing impact.”
Isa Barty-King, a senior majoring in Public Relations, said she is very grateful for her time at the University. Since arriving in 2022, she has witnessed the University’s continued rise in both popularity and prestige, not only within the U.S. but also on a global scale. As an international student, she’s been proud to be part of such a welcoming community.
"Graduating during the university’s 100th year is truly amazing. Honestly, choosing to come to the University of Miami has been the best decision I've ever made, and this milestone is not just significant for the University, but also for the entire Coral Gables community."
She noted that, "What stands out the most about my time here are the people I've met. As an international student coming from the U.K., moving to a new city where I hardly knew anyone was a big leap. But everyone has been so welcoming—I couldn’t have asked for a better experience."
Kat Morgan, a senior majoring in Marine Science, reflected on the significance of the occasion, saying, “It’s about celebrating both the history and the future of the University.” Looking ahead, Morgan envisions the University strengthening its impact by “enhancing research endeavors and expanding knowledge within the research community.”
At the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, with its campus located on nearby Virginia Key, several alumni and faculty shared some reflections on their time at the U. John (Jack) Meeder, who received a Ph.D. degree in 1980 in Marine Geology and Geosciences, recalled, “We had a soccer team. A good time had by all after a day’s hard work.” Alumnus Andrew Baker, who is also a professor in the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, shared a few highlights from his time here, recalling the visit of former Vice President Kamala Harris, and giving actor Leonardo DiCaprio a tour of his lab. And then there was this: “Watching my three kids grow up on the Rosenstiel beach, catching isopods on the dock pilings, and playing with marine life.”
Eric Barron, who received master’s and doctorate degrees from the school in 1976 and 1980, and is a Centennial Medal recipient, noted that, “Today, if I have done something, hopefully it’s not telling you about my career; it’s telling you about how this institution was, and helped me do things that opened doors and gave me the opportunity to follow dreams, take risks, and move forward.”
Kyra Gurney, Catharine Skipp, and Diana Udel also contributed to this story.
