The power of giving

Alumni gifts make an impact in every corner of the University

When Damian Braga, B.A. ’77, was an undergraduate, he had peers who didn’t make it to graduation due to drug and alcohol issues. Witnessing that prompted Braga to give $6,500 to fund two student peer educator positions in the University’s Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education.

For Adam Apatoff, B.B.A. ’93, who currently serves on the University’s President’s Council, his own experience as a leader in Greek life at the U motivated him to pledge $25,000 to establish a fund in the Division of Student Life. The Apatoff Family Fund will support Greek Leadership Day, which enables students to develop their leadership skills through engagement with University Greek life chapter presidents and council officers.

The Young Alumni Leaders Council, relaunched in 2021, has kickstarted a range of fundraising initiatives on the ’Canefunder platform, supporting programs and areas across the University, from school and college general funds to scholarships and emergency assistance for students. This past year, the Council has achieved a six-fold increase in fundraising, through member donations and the creation of a vibrant culture of giving among young alumni.

Peer educators from the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education promote healthy lifestyles through outreach, training, and related programs.

These are a few of the multitude of ways alumni giving makes an impact for future generations of ’Canes. And whether the gift is $25 or $25,000, or more, each helps the University and its students take another step toward a brighter tomorrow.

From left: Laurie Silvers; Dr. Henri R. Ford, dean of the Miller School; Gloria Estefan; Emilio Estefan; President Julio Frenk; Dr. Fred F. Telischi, chair of otolaryngology; and Dr. David E. Rosow, director of the division of laryngology and voice disorders.

A new kind of clinical space

Made possible by a generous commitment from University trustee Gloria Estefan, B.A. ’78, D.Mu. ’93 (Hon.), and her husband, Emilio, D.Mu. ’01 (Hon.), the Estefan Voice Studio will advance cutting-edge vocal research in the Miller School’s Department of Otolaryngology, working in collaboration with the Frost School of Music.