St. Thomas University Unveils Institute for Global Entrepreneurship

South Florida Leaders to be Presented Entrepreneur Awards

MIAMI, Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 15-21) will be celebrated simultaneously in more than 100 countries this year. Miami's St. Thomas University School of Business will host various events that same week culminating Thursday, November 18 with its first Entrepreneur Awards Reception, to be hosted by Dean J. Antonio (Tony) Villamil, veteran economist who, among numerous other posts, was U.S. Under-Secretary of Commerce.

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"The International Leader Award" recipient is Founder, Chairman and CEO of Terremark Worldwide Inc, Manny Medina. Terremark is a leading global provider of IT infrastructure services delivered in the industry's most robust and advanced operations platform. A global business leader, Medina played a major role in the reconstruction of Kuwait after its liberation and has vast experience in doing business in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America. He was the first Chairman of the State of Florida's Digital Divide Council and has continuously received prestigious community, business, political and civic organizations' awards.

Two Hispanic entrepreneurs share "The Community Leader Entrepreneur Award" - David Hernandez, CEO and Alberto Daire, President, Liberty Power Company.  Liberty Power is the fastest growing energy retailer focused on business consumers in the United States. With more than 75,000 clients in 13 states, Liberty provides reasonably priced electricity to companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100s. By helping businesses control a variable cost, Liberty seeks to foster entrepreneurs and emerging businesses.  

That evening, four outstanding STU alumni will also be recognized: Mario Melton, MBA Class of 2011, President of Dolce Shot as "Student Entrepreneur," Lilliam Lopez, BA 1988, CEO of South Florida Hispanic Chamber as "Alumni Entrepreneur Small Business," Donald Dresback, BA 1969, Senior VP of Beacon Insurance Group as "Alumni Entrepreneur Medium-Sized Business," and Rafael Olloqui, two BAs in 1990, CEO of Business Telecommunications Services as "Alumni Entrepreneur Large Business."

Dean Villamil leads the School of Business, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business subjects with a heavy international orientation, nationally acclaimed programs in Sports Administration and the new global entrepreneurship program. His leadership activities in international affairs span more than three decades. "I am honored to unveil our new Institute," says Dean Villamil. "It contributes to our institution's growing international presence and we will continue developing leadership for our next generation of business leaders in The Americas. Housed in our School of Business, our programs meet the needs of our community for the multilingual and global skills required to compete effectively in the 21st century." For information on the awards reception, please email [email protected].

SOURCE St. Thomas University