It was a night to network, celebrate achievement, and honor five outstanding members of the Florida International University (FIU) community who have helped propel South Florida’s economy.
FIU’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame inducted Cesar L. Alvarez, FIU Board of Trustees member and co-chairman, Greenberg Traurig P.A., and four FIU College of Business alumni at its annual ceremony on May 23. Jose Manuel Diaz (BBA ’86) received the Founder award, and Thomas Cornish (BBA ’85), president & CEO, Seitlin, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, was honored as Builder. In addition, Nicholas Alexander (BBA ’07), vice president, Tierra Nueva and Camrose Trading Wine and Spirits, received the Family Business award, and Louis Toledo (BBA ’10), president and CEO, T&S Roofing Systems, was honored as the Young Alum.
At the ceremony, FIU President Mark Rosenberg introduced the 2013 winners of the Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge, which is co-presented by the Eugenio Pino and Family Global Entrepreneurship Center, which recently relocated to FIU Downtown on Brickell.
Celebrating the growth of Miami’s entrepreneurial community.
“It is gratifying to see the depth of entrepreneurial ventures receiving honors,” said David R. Klock, dean of the College of Business. “It is a privilege to join with many exceptional business leaders and prominent FIU supporters in recognizing the impressive accomplishments of the honorees.”
Alvarez, 2013 South Florida CEO of the Year, is widely recognized for his leadership in growing Greenberg Traurig from its Miami roots into a major global law firm with 36 offices and approximately 1,750 attorneys on five continents.
“I am pleased to be involved with the FIU College of Business Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame,” Alvarez said. “The freedom we have in our country gives entrepreneurs the ability to use their creativity and determination to fuel the unique engine that makes our economy number one in the world.”
The venue for the event, which was presented MBAF Certified Public Accountants, was a basketball practice court at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami, elegantly transformed to reflect the theme, “Celebrating Brilliance in Business.” After dinner, guests stayed into the night to enjoy billiards, virtual bowling and live music at a Havana-style after-party.
Cesar Alvarez, 2013 South Florida CEO of the Year
Thomas Cornish, BBA ’85, 2013 Builder Award
Jose Manuel Diaz, BBA ’86, 2013 Founder Award
Louis Toledo, BBA ’10, 2013 Young Alum Award
Nicholas Alexander, BBA ’07, 2013 Family Business Award
