A new avenue for local engagement

As University of Miami fans gathered for the UM vs FSU game watch party in early November, they had several reasons to cheer. Not only did the 'Canes pull off a big win against the Seminoles, attendees also got a sneak peek into a new Miami 'Canes Community—a local network for alumni, families, and friends of the U to connect and engage with one another and the University. 

In announcing the Miami ‘Canes Community, Alfred Bunge, M.B.A. ’97, president of the newly formed group, noted: “We have so many supporters in our community. There’s a desire for people in the Greater Miami area to remain connected to the U, whether they went to school here or not and the Miami ‘Canes Community is the perfect vehicle for that.”

To join the Miami ‘Canes Community, interested members make a contribution to the Miami ‘Canes Scholarship Fund, which will provide support to students from the Miami area. Members will also enjoy invitations to signature ‘Canes Communities events in Miami, online and in-person networking opportunities, educational opportunities and preferred access to select University of Miami events.

Most importantly, the new community offers a meaningful connection point between the University, its more than 50,000 local alumni and many other supporters who live in the area.

“Alumni are the people who know the University best,” University of Miami President Julio Frenk said. “They're out in the world doing wonderful things. We really want them to feel connected and engaged with their alma mater. They are the best ambassadors for the University in the larger world."

Several University leaders attended the Miami Game Watch and Miami ‘Canes Community launch party including Board of Trustee Chair Hilarie Bass, J.D. '81, Alumni Board President-Elect Devang Desai, A.B. '97, J.D. '03, and Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs Josh Friedman.

In addition to watching the game from the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, guests enjoyed food as well as specialty craft beers sponsored by, alumni-owned breweries: Beat Culture Brewery & Kitchen, Nightlife Brewing Company, and The Tank Brewery. They were also treated to exclusive tours of the Paul J. DiMare Gallery of Champions and the Sports Hall of Fame, and learned more about the type of experiences that will be available to Miami ‘Canes Community members.

There are more than 30 volunteer-led ‘Canes Communities nationally and internationally. They support the University’s mission to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service, by providing alumni, families, and friends with opportunities for engagement, service, networking and personal and professional development.