Roadmap to the Future: Campus Improvements and Updates

This President’s Report affords us the opportunity to not only look back at the prior year’s accomplishments, but also look toward the future at all the incredible things planned. Together, our Wolverines are making great strides in the classroom, in sports, in service to the community and in preparing for the future. From campus improvements to professional development to innovation in teaching and learning, Belen Jesuit has grown by leaps and bounds since it was re-established in Miami 62 years ago. 

 

“I couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished this last school year and excited for what’s to come,” said Fr. Willie García-Tuñón, S.J. ’87, President. “Our success cannot be reduced to any single person or accolade, but to the many members of our community who express their love and dedication for Belen and all it stands for. Together we are not only achieving greatness, but we are soaring to new heights. Let’s keep the momentum going!”

 

Read ahead for a retrospective on what was accomplished last academic year and what’s to come. 

 

In the 2022-2023 academic year, we had 1,359 students enrolled, of which 198 were members of the class of 2023. Basketball, Crew and Cross Country each earned state championships. Members of the Belen Jazz and Concert Band, Speech and Debate, Model United Nations, and Chess are among the academic teams and clubs that won accolades throughout the year. Over one-hundred students were recognized as National Hispanic Scholars, and five as National African American Scholars. Eighteen students were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Award as commended, and six as semifinalists. Six students were nominated for the prestigious Silver Knight award, one winning and two receiving honorable mentions. 

 

After one year of construction, significant progress has been made to the building. The base structure is complete and the vision for what’s to come is taking shape. As excitement grows on campus for this new state-of-the-art athletic center, so does the pace of the build. The three-story, nearly 60,000-square-foot building will feature workout rooms, a gym, 12 double-sided racks, two dozen treadmills, ERG machines, two golf simulators, locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and much more! The anticipated completion date is 2024. 

 

“The speed at which this project is progressing is a testament to the heartfelt dedication of Roberto Surís ‘79 and his team at The Estate Companies,” said Carlos Barquín, Special Assistant to the President. “There isn’t a section in this building that hasn’t been meticulously thought out, from the decor to the equipment. We’ve considered not only what will be utilized by our students today but how it will continue to be used in the years to come.”

On May 4th, the Communications and Multimedia Center was renamed the Conde Media Center thanks to a generous donation made by César R. Conde ‘91. The center is named in honor of Conde’s parents, Drs. María and César Conde. The unveiling ceremony included members of the class of 1991 and students who are part of WBLN and film classes.

 

This donation will advance the vision and direction of the school with an emphasis on the communications and media program, which includes WBLN, ECHOES Yearbook, and film classes.

 

“As a Belen alumnus, I am extremely proud and humbled to be able to give back to my alma mater in this way,” said César Conde, Chairman of NBCUniversal News Group. “Belen’s relentless commitment to excellence and serving others makes it one of the finest educational institutions in our country. The students, led by excellent teachers, produce quality and award-winning media. I am honored to support their talents and abilities as they grow to new heights.”

 

Throughout the summer of 2023, the classroom renovation project continued. In all, 36 classrooms have been completely gutted, renovated and modernized. Each classroom is complete with enhanced technology, functionality, and new furniture. Additionally, space in the Raúl and Nidia Rodríguez Science Pavilion was repurposed to create two new classrooms. The classroom renovation does not include the F section (see the section regarding the Student Center for more information).

 

Construction was completed on the new parking lot behind the middle school baseball field. This new lot will be utilized by students throughout the academic year and will increase the number of parking spaces by 95. With additional parking, we can now offer seniors and juniors a parking spot on campus. 

 

Construction began on the new baseball fields at the end of the 2023 baseball season. Demolition of both baseball fields and the bleachers took place in the spring and preparations for the new synthetic turf began in June. The complex will include a new dugout, covered and elevated spectator areas, a digital wide-screen scoreboard, and much more. The intention is to have the baseball fields available for this upcoming season and the rest completed by the start of the 2024-25 academic year.

 

The construction of Maury Park leads to the reimagining of the other athletic field spaces. The area, which includes De La Cruz Stadium, Café Belen, Nike Hill, and Maury Park, will be revamped to include a central grand entrance to the athletic fields, a paved walkway, Game Day Plaza, new eating areas, and more. 

“This redesigned space will improve not only the fan experience but also give our student-athletes an enhanced experience,” said Athletic Director Lázaro Fernández. “With this addition, we will be able to state with confidence that Belen Jesuit has one of the best campuses in the state and easily rivals many universities.”

 

Game Day Plaza will pay homage to our state championship teams and create a space to help inspire the next generation of Wolverines. It will be a place where we will continue to add the names of the student-athletes who achieve the highest level in their sport. 

 

In the not-so-distant future, a major renovation and expansion is set to begin. The area that includes the Ramón Guiteras Memorial Library, F section, School and College Counselors offices will be completely gutted and redesigned to a more functional and modern area that will become the hub for our students. The concept will be a fusion of functional instructional space and a modernized multifunction area that will serve our clubs, academic teams and counselors. The library footprint will shift to accommodate the new area while still paying homage to Ramón Guiteras and the foundation that has supported it for decades. 

 

“This project is very exciting because it is an opportunity to merge the new with the old, functionality with style,” said Fr. Willie, S.J. ‘87. “The architecture firm that worked on the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Center - Zyscovich - has taken on this endeavor with the same fervor as that project. This improvement to the campus will be exciting to witness and even better to enjoy once it’s completed.”

 

None of this is possible without the extraordinary support the community has given Belen over the past several years. Every gift received helps us fulfill the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan. We continue striving for greatness and need your help in achieving our goal. If you want to contribute to the school’s vision, please contact Phil Fernández ’94 at ffernandez@belenjesuit.org or 305-804-7683.