St. Thomas University College of Law was honored to attend Christian Family Coalition Florida’s Miami Freedom & Awards Gala, joining members of the South Florida community for an evening recognizing public service and supporting the organization’s Faith First initiatives.

Our STU Law community was proud to see alumna Nicole Reinoso (’18), Director of Alumni Relations and City of Doral Councilwoman, deliver opening remarks during the program. Also in attendance was 3L Juliette Ashley Valle, who serves as Deputy Press Secretary to Congressman Byron Donalds.

The evening recognized public servants and community leaders, including Congressman Byron Donalds, who received the CFC Congressional Award.

During the evening, Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro connected with members of Florida’s civic and community leadership, including State Representatives Tom Fabricio, Omar Blanco, Juan Carlos Porras, and Alex Rizo; Christian Family Coalition Founder and Executive Director Anthony Verdugo; and Juan D’Arce and Madelin D’Arce.

Congratulations to all those honored. It was a meaningful evening celebrating the values that guide our community and the leaders who put them into action.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #STUAlumni // #PublicService

On September 29th, St. Thomas University College of Law hosted the United States Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals (NMCCA) for oral arguments in United States v. Blevins.

The appellate panel included Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Harris, U.S. Marine Corps; Commander Bryan Davis, JAG Corps, U.S. Navy; and Commander Mishonda Mosley, JAG Corps, U.S. Navy. Lieutenant Regina DiMaggio, JAG Corps, U.S. Navy Chief Commissioner, presided over the proceedings. Lieutenant Colonel Albert Evans, U.S. Marine Corps, and Commander J.T. Cole, JAG Corps, U.S. Navy, argued on behalf of the government, while Captain Rachel Trest, JAG Corps, U.S. Navy, and Captain Kyle Rodewald, U.S. Marine Corps, argued on behalf of the appellee.

The experience was unique and invaluable for the students in attendance, as the proceedings concluded with an engaging Q&A session where the judges and counsel candidly answered students’ questions. Students learned how the Court of Criminal Appeals hears and assigns cases, while also gaining insight into career paths within the different branches represented.

We are grateful to have hosted the NMCCA on campus and to have provided our students with this unique opportunity to experience the military justice system firsthand.

#STUMiami // #STULaw // #MilitaryLaw // #MilitaryJustice // #JAGCorps

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, STU College of Law Appellate Litigation Clinic students, led by Professor Leticia Mora, partnered with CABA Pro Bono to assist survivors of domestic violence in preparing their divorce packets, providing individualized guidance and support as they took important steps toward greater safety and stability. 💜⚖️

We are proud of our 3L students Maria Duarte Matute, Sharilyne Etienne, Manuel Garcia, Antoinette Gonzalez-Hurtado, Elizabeth Ruiz, and Antonio Soza for using their developing legal skills to serve members of our community.

Thank you to the CABA Pro Bono team, including Carolina Pelleya-White, Sofia Henshaw, Diana Pacheco, Blanca Montano, and Frank Gonzalez, for their continued partnership and commitment to expanding access to legal services.

Experiences like these give our students the opportunity to strengthen their practical legal skills while making a meaningful impact through service.

#STULaw // #DVAM2026 // #WithSurvivors // #DVActionMonth // #ProBono