I have spent more time than most people on the beautiful campus of the University of Miami. Here is the detailed story behind my experience.
Between 1981 and 1986 I attended UM and graduated with honors with a degree in Psychology and Communications. After graduating, I spent four years working in the facilities maintenance department as a Supervisor for academic facilities and then as a Manager in the residence halls area of campus.
As a result of these many unique and rewarding experiences I have been in, around and through practically every building on the UM campus.
As a fan of Hurricane athletics I have regularly returned to the lovely Coral Gables campus to attend the many UM sports events held on campus.
While attending UM baseball and basketball games I have often admired the many new and/or upgraded facilities and the incredible lush, tropical landscaping that makes the University of Miami campus so special.
Several years ago I once again had the opportunity to be on campus to attend the UM vs FSU baseball game.
I took advantage of the opportunity to attend the UMAA "Burgers and Baseball" event at the the new Newman Alumni Center which is located directly across the street from the recently and completely renovated Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
The new Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center is top shelf in every aspect and is truly nothing short of spectacular. The 72,000 square foot facility that opened in October of 2010 is an attractive, well designed and highly functional building that is packed full of comfortable spaces.
Built at a cost of $25.2 million the Newman Alumni Center was constructed completely from the generous donations of UM alumni and supporters.
With more than 9,500 square feet of indoor event space and over 4,000 square feet of outdoor event space the Center is the ideal location for all kinds of events both large and small.
There is a spacious living room that is comfortably furnished and has a large wall mural (seen above) reflecting the history of the University, a lushly landscaped courtyard area, a large multi-purpose room, a cozy library complete with fireplace, a smaller formal executive conference room and a business center with six computers for alumni to use when they visit (seen below).
The appropriately named Sebastian's Cafe is a small, casual eatery at the front of the facility for those looking to grab a quick bite before, during or after events at the Center.
I had the chance to speak briefly with the always friendly and energetic Tricia Brodeur, the Executive Director of Alumni Programs at UM, and also managed to catch up with Andy Vittor, a friend and fan of Canespace who also works for the UMAA at the sparkling new Newman Center.
"We love our new home!" Brodeur was eager to say about the new UMAA facility.
"It is a wonderful place for UM alumni to visit, work, celebrate and remember. We have already hosted numerous special events at the Newman Alumni Center which has so many great spaces to utilize. This outstanding facility gives us the opportunity to host several different events at the same time."
Brodeur was also confident that the UMAA mission would be enhanced by the new facility.
"We see the Newman Alumni Center as a great place for UM alumni to reconnect to the University in a very positive way. Our goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment that will encourage all of our 156,000 alumni to visit our constantly growing and incredibly beautiful campus."
Brodeur continued by stating, "This new facility and really the entire campus is one that all UM students, alumni, employees and fans can be very proud of."
And I couldn't agree more.
In fact, if you have a chance, I recommend that you visit the Newman Alumni Center as soon as possible. Having been in and around every building on campus I can tell you from experience that it is a very special place on a very unique and beautiful campus.
What more could a University of Miami Alumni and Hurricane fan ask for?