On Wednesday, Jan. 24, St. Thomas University (STU) broke ground on a brand new business school—The Gus Machado School of Business—thanks to the generous $5 million gift from South Florida business leader Gus Machado.
The ceremonial first shovel signified a major step in future of the state-of-the-art-complex, which will foster the growth of current and future St. Thomas business students.
“It is an honor to have The Machados be part of this transformative project,” said Monsignor Franklyn Casale, St. Thomas University president. “Our business programs have expanded to meet market demand, including new degree programs in Cyber Security Management and Trade and Logistics. This complex meets an important need of the growing business school, and with its many multipurpose uses it will make it be a hub where all students meet and exchange ideas.”
In her speech to the audience, Lilliam Machado stressed the importance of education.
“We wanted to give back, to invest in the future, in education because like Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ My husband and I are very positive that this will make a difference in the lives of many, many students and future generations here in Miami,” said Lilliam Machado.
Cuba native Gus Machado also stressed the importance of a good education and hard work.
“When students walk through the doors of the Gus Machado School of Business, I want them to feel inspired to be innovators in whatever they study; to be leaders for life,” said Gus Machado.
The new complex will include a trading room and a global conference auditorium. Housed in it will be the Institute for Cybersecurity; the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; the Institute for Sports Administration; and the Institute for Trade and Logistics. The Gus Machado School of Business offers 21 different undergraduate degrees and 27 different graduate degrees.
The new building is targeted to open fall2019.
