Successful Healthcare Businessman And Investor Mike Fernandez To Address Students At St. Thomas University Commencement

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MIAMI, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Thomas University (www.stu.edu) will hold its commencement ceremonies Saturday, December 15 at the Fernandez Family Center for Leadership and Wellness, 16401 NW 37 Avenue in Miami Gardens starting at 9:00 a.m. Chairman of MBF Healthcare Partners and one of Florida's most successful healthcare private equity investors and businessmen, Miguel B. 'Mike' Fernandez, will be the keynote speaker at the event and will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa degree. St. Thomas and Fernandez are a perfect match for the Class of 2012 commencement as they share the pursuit of ethical standards, business leadership and social justice. The ceremonies will be held at the Fernandez Family Center for Leadership and Wellness, named for his family.

\Most recently, the South Florida community was intensely moved upon learning of Mr. Fernandez' outstanding gift of love and solidarity to a former Cuban political prisoner whose arms were amputated in an island prison. Jorge Alvart had managed to buy an orchid shop and was facing financial difficulties in selling his Christmas trees, affected by road construction on Red Road.  When learning about the disabled small business owner's hardship and aspirations to succeed, Fernandez bought the entire 600 tree inventory through one of his portfolio companies – Simply Healthcare Plans – where he sits as Chairman of the Board, to give them out to Hispanic and African American families in need. Learning then about Alvart's liver failure, Fernandez diligently got him on his way to seek a liver transplant. Saturday, December 15 during commencement, 351 Doctoral, Masters and Bachelors graduates, faculty and the South Florida community will be able to meet both Mike Fernandez and Jorge Alvart. 

"The St. Thomas University values-driven community is committed to the spirit of compassion and service," says Monsignor Casale. "When we refer to those who transform our regions and the world through care, service and leadership, Mike Fernandez reinforces our vision of graduating ethical and compassionate future leaders. We are proud to honor Mike in our Class of 2012 ceremony." In Mike Fernandez' words – "Every adversity brings a seed of an equivalent advantage".

WHO :    ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY
KEYNOTE SPEAKER MIGUEL B. 'MIKE' FERNANDEZ

WHAT:    CLASS OF 2012 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

WHEN:    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2012, 10:00 AM

WHERE:  FERNANDEZ FAMILY CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP AND WELLNESS
16401 NW 37 Avenue, Miami Gardens

About St. Thomas University
Miami's St. Thomas University is dedicated to its mission of "Developing Leaders for Life." An urban, student-centered, Catholic university with rich cultural and international diversity, St. Thomas University has been developing leaders who contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the regions they serve for fifty years.  The University has earned a reputation for academic excellence and is renowned in justice and as an international leader in human rights; international business; science; and ministry. It is one of the few US universities to offer undergraduate scientific research. Programs of study are offered at the undergraduate, graduate and law school levels. For more information, visit www.stu.edu or contact Chief Marketing Officer Marivi Prado, [email protected].

SOURCE St. Thomas University