The spotlight shone on two College of Business Administration alumni during the recent Florida International University (FIU) 10th Annual Torch Awards Gala held at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami.
The Torch Awards recognize selected individuals for the positive impact they make on their profession, the community and the university. They were created to honor the memory of Senator Ernest R. Graham, who helped create FIU 44 years ago.
Awards accepted with pride, humility and an eye to the future.
Alfredo Cepero, (MACC ’90, BACC ’88), assurance partner, BDO, was humbled to receive one of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards.
“There are many very well-respected, successful alumni who are deserving of this award,” he said. “I greatly appreciate the college recognizing me for this award, which serves as validation for the hard work I do every day for my clients, business colleagues and the organizations I serve.”
Monique Hamaty-Simmonds (BBA, ’96), chief executive officer and president of Tortuga Rum Cake Company/Tortuga Imports, Inc., was equally honored to receive this recognition.
“I am very grateful to FIU for honoring me with The Charles Perry Young Alumni Visionary Award,” she said. “I also want to thank my family, friends and staff for all their support.”
Cepero sees his ongoing involvement with the college as a way to carry the value of an FIU education forward—and outward into the community.
“I believe we all have a responsibility to ensure that our future generations are well educated and prepared to make an impact in our communities,” he said. “As I work alongside administrators, educators and other business leaders, my involvement with the college serves as a vehicle to achieve this objective.”
The business school nominated both Cepero and Hamaty-Simmonds for their respective awards.
