Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series

The Distinguished Alumni Endowed Lecture Series was established in 1995 through the generous support of Stu Bloch, A.B. ’64, and Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch. The series recognizes and celebrates University of Miami alumni who have distinguished themselves and their alma mater through lifetime achievement and professional accomplishments. It also serves to foster intellectual dialogue among the University of Miami community and encourage the lifelong pursuit of learning.


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  • 2021 Lecture

    The Future of the Supreme Court

    The appointment of a new justice to the U.S. Supreme Court in the fall created a conservative 6-3 majority that could affect American law for decades. Join us for a panel discussion on the future of the Court, the Constitution, and the potential impact on our democracy.

    WATCH THE LECTURE

    • Henry N. Butler, J.D. ’82
      Professor of law and executive director of the Law & Economics Center, George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School. Read full bio.

    • Deborah Enix-Ross, J.D. ’81
      Senior advisor, International Dispute Resolution Group, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. Read full bio.

    • Neal R. Sonnett, A.B. ’64, J.D. ’67
      Founder and managing partner, Neal R. Sonnett, P.A. Read full bio.

    • Raquel A. Rodriguez, A.B. ’82, J.D. ’85
      Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. Read full bio.


    Moderator:     Anthony E. Varona Dean and M. Minnette Massey Professor of Law, School of Law. Read full bio.

    Event Host: Devang B. Desai,A.B. ’97, J.D. ’03 Member, University of Miami Board of Trustees; President-elect, University of Miami Alumni Association; partner. Read full bio.

  • 2020 Lecture

    The Role of the Media in an Election Year

    Whether reporting on candidates and campaigns, providing a platform for debate and discussion, or educating voters, the media has a profound effect on public opinion in an election year. On Thursday, October 8, the Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series brought together notable alumni experts spanning the communications industry to share their perspectives on the media's role and responsibility covering political campaigns and elections.

    WATCH THE LECTURE

    • Alex Ferrer, J.D. ’86 Attorney
      Retired Florida Circuit Court judge, former host of the nationally syndicated court show Judge Alex, and legal commentator on Fox News, CNN, Headline News, and MSNBC. Read full bio.

    • Cynthia Hudson, A.B. ’85, M.A. ’97
      Senior vice president and managing director, CNN en Español and Hispanic strategy for CNN/U.S. Read full bio.

    • Chuck Todd, HON. ’14
      Political director, NBC News, moderator, NBC’s Meet the Press, and host, MSNBC’s MTP Daily. Read full bio.

    • Maribel Perez Wadsworth, B.S.C. ’93
      President, News at Gannett Media, and publisher, USA TODAY. Read full bio.

    Moderator:     Jackie Nespral, A.B. '89 Emmy Award-winning journalist. Co-anchor of NBC 6 News and hosts Impact, a locally produced, half-hour show dedicated to politics and current events. Read full bio.

  • Previous Speakers

    • 2015 – Neri Karra, B.B.A. ’99, Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Neri Karra, Inc.
    • 2015 – Sam Daley-Harris, BM '69, MM '75    
    • 2014 – Herbert Rosenfeld, B.Ed. '62 
    • 2010 - Joseph J. Echevarria Jr., B.B.A. '78, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Services, LP
    • 2008 - T. Kendall "Ken" Hunt, B.B.A. '65; Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, VASCO Data Security International, Inc.
    • 2008 - Matt Rubel, M.B.A. '80; Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Collective Brands, Incorporated
    • 2006 - Hal Rosenbluth, B.G.S. '74; Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board Take Care Health Systems
    • 2005 - Jack Creighton, M.B.A. '66; former Chief Executive Officer for Weyerhaeuser Company and United Airlines
    • 2002 - Barry Richard, A.B. '64, J.D. '67; Litigation Partner, Greenberg Traurig, P.A.           
    • 2000 - Barbara Milo Ohrbach; '61, Author
    • 1998 - Lari White, B.M. '88; Singer, Songwriter & Lecturer
    • 1997 - Stephen J. Dresnick, M.D. '75; President, C.E.O. & Chairman of the Board, Sterling Healthcare Group, Inc.
    • 1997 - Dawnn Lewis, B.M. '82; Actress, Singer, & Lecturer
    • 1995 - Michael R. Klein, Esq., B.B.A. '63, J.D. '66; Partner, Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering