By: Isabella Gaviria Naranjo
The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly luncheon at the Miami Lakes Hotel on Wednesday, September 13th with guest speaker David Armstrong, president of Saint Thomas University. As local businessmen and women arrived, they were greeted with Voli Vodka, Pitbull’s very own brand, as well as delicious mini boats served by «Creations in Bloom,» a local luxury charcuterie company owned by one of the chamber members in attendance, Alicia Bloom. As guests filled the room, a delicious full-course lunch was served, and everyone was given time to formally introduce themselves and their businesses. Following President Armstrong’s speech, all participants had the chance to network and create long-lasting professional relationships in their community.
Afterward, all attendees were introduced to David Armstrong, the president of Saint Thomas University and this month’s guest speaker at the Luncheon. President Armstrong, who has dedicated his life to faith-based institutions like Saint Thomas University, spoke on the importance of leadership and education in our community, even referring to education as the «great equalizer.» Under President Armstrong’s leadership, Saint Thomas University has achieved remarkable success in recent years. They have come a long way and have shown huge amounts of growth at a rapid rate. In the last few years alone, STU has initiated the first ethical leadership program in the country and experienced a significant rise in both size and enrollment. As part of their strategic 2020-2025 plan, named by its students «STU Limitless”, Saint Thomas University expanded its enrollment from just over 3,000 students to over 7,000 students. They also went as far as to add more than 400,000 square feet of building and field space on their campus, including new residence halls with amenities such as a bowling alley and even a bar. However, they’re not stopping there; STU plans to construct an additional admission building as well as a new academic building for their student body.
Not only did President Armstrong share the impressive growth of STU but also passionately emphasized the value of education and its transformative impact on society, naming education as the «greatest investment anyone can make in their life.» President Armstrong’s moving speech served as a reminder of the importance of education and the difference it can make in a young person’s life.
The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce will host its next membership luncheon on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Miami Lakes Hotel; with guest speaker Juan Fernandez-Barquin the clerk of the circuit court and comptroller for Miami-Dade County. If you’re interested, please register online via the Chamber’s website: miamilakeschamber.com.
