Every year around the country, thousands of alumni and friends of the University of Miami step up to serve others, help empower the University community, and inspire future generations of ’Canes. Our volunteers serve in a wide range of capacities, from lending their expertise to diverse boards and organizing national outreach initiatives to providing our students with mentoring and career guidance, plus much more.
Joshua Gray, B.S.E.E. ’12, president of the Atlanta ’Canes Community, spoke of the deep satisfaction he has found in volunteering for the U: “Revitalizing the Atlanta ’Canes Community post-pandemic is one of my most significant achievements as a volunteer leader. Working alongside my fellow board members, each a rock star in their own right, has been truly rewarding. Best group project ever!”
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week starting April 21, we spotlight some of our brilliant volunteers and honor all those who have given of their time and talent to make a difference at the U.
– Maribel Perez Wadsworth, B.S.C. ’93, president, University of Miami Alumni Association and member, University of Miami Board of Trustees
Joshua Gray serves as the President of the Atlanta ’Canes Community. At work, he is a versatile entrepreneur, driving positive change and innovation across diverse industries. He applies this same dedication to the U, fostering a thriving ’Canes Community and leading them toward remarkable growth. Under his guidance, Atlanta ’Canes have strengthened engagement and fundraising initiatives, boasting 17 successful events.
A cherished alumna and senior trustee since 2010, Rose Ellen Greene brings her warmth and dedication to every role. She is chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean Advisory Committee and the President’s Commission on Mental Health, Alcohol, and Other Substances, and also serves on the Lowe Advisory and Academic Affairs Committees. Her commitment to arts, education, and community service shines through her leadership.
Astin Hayes is a dynamic sales and marketing specialist whose energy and passion are inspiring and contagious. An avid University of Miami Hurricanes fan and alum, she’s deeply committed to the Chicago ’Canes community. Astin recently hosted the Black Alumni Society Reunion, partnering with UMTV's The Culture for “Empower U: Securing the Black Vote in 2024,” showcasing her dedication to empowerment and engagement.
Rebecca Hoffman, a proud double ’Cane and former resident assistant, leads as president of the Chicago ’Canes Community. She is a proud mom of two (future ’Canes, she hopes!), an Iron Arrow member, and a strategic communications and marketing expert. Rebecca's leadership has revitalized the community, overseeing 31 diverse events, from community service projects to game watches and Pancakes with Pat gatherings.
Dr. Maria C. Iparraguirre is a proud double ’Cane and a distinguished member of the Medical Alumni Association board of directors, on which she has served for over 10 years, including chairing the John K. Robinson Travel Grant Committee. Through her exceptional dedication and leadership, she has set a remarkable example of professionalism, integrity, and passion for supporting the next generation of medical professionals.
As president of the Miami ’Canes Community, Eric hosts dynamic events, engaging alumni and friends in the Miami-Dade community. A mentor to students, he recently became a ’Canes Career Coach at the Toppel Career Center. Eric is a passionate learner and community advocate. He is joining the Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Board, received the 30 Under 30 award, and participates in the Dolphins Challenge Cancer.
Javier Morgado has served on the Dean’s Advisory Committee of the School of Communication since 2010 and offers valuable guidance to students for success in the news business. He lives, loves, and breathes news and, in 2023, established the Javier Morgado UMTV Fund to support the expansion of programming for UMTV. Javier's leadership extends to numerous boards, advocating for social causes and the arts.
Rose M. Petrillo, president of the New York ’Canes Community, leads with warmth, charisma, and passion. In tandem with the NY Canes Board, Rose orchestrates events that consistently attract hundreds of alumni. Last fall, more than 350 people attended ’Canes Take Over NYC, an event that featured Coach Jim Larrañaga and retiring Coach Katie Meier and showcased the strong bond and bright spirit of the U in the New York tri-state area.
Ray Zomerfeld, president of the Citizens Board and a member since 2005, emphasizes the importance of engaging with the U in ways that are personally meaningful. A dedicated supporter of education and community engagement, he established an endowed scholarship in honor of his mother, a beloved nurse at the School of Nursing and Health Studies. He also started a Dolphins Challenge Cancer team at his firm.
No matter your age, location, skill set, or affiliation with the University of Miami, we welcome all volunteers and are grateful for your engagement with the ’Canes community.
