STU President Honored as “Art Hero”
On May 11, 2010 Monsignor Franklyn Casale, President of St. Thomas University will be honored with the Gold Arts Hero Award during the "Serving the Arts Luncheon" hosted by the Art and Business Council of Miami. The luncheon, which will be in the Hyatt Regency Miami located at 400 SE Second Avenue, honors corporations and individuals that keep the arts vibrant and thriving in Miami-Dade. Over 600 corporate leaders, arts executives, and elected officials participate each year.
Msgr. Casale has shown a particular interest and dedication to all aspects of the arts and in particular the visual arts. As president of St. Thomas University he has created an environment that fosters creativity, encourages individuality and supports and recognizes the unique abilities of its students, faculty and staff.
Through his leadership the University has established a strong art presence in South Florida with the newly re-established Sardiñas Gallery located in the main library of the campus. Twice annually the gallery host exhibitions by not only established local artists, but also internationally recognized painters, photographers, and sculptors.
One of the main architectural features of the campus is the Chapel of Saint Anthony that was designed by the late Rev. Jorge Sardiñas former art professor at St. Thomas University in collaboration with Msgr. Casale. This contemporary structure is a featured building on the campus and shows a level of concept and design worthy of artistic status.
With the unwavering support of Msgr. Casale St. Thomas University has supported an arts curriculum in its Communication Arts program. This program includes various courses that focus on a wide range of studies from classical to contemporary art and encourages students to actively participate in the arts. As a result, students have been enthusiastically creating new artworks in the recently refurbished art studio.
Through the efforts of Msgr. Casale and his faculty, a new and innovative graduate program in Art Management has been established. The degree titled MA Communication Arts with an Art Management Specialization is unique only to South Florida. The program addresses the pressing need for specialized managers in the rapidly growing arts and culture industry. Arts professionals are given the opportunity to develop the competitive edge needed to succeed in the industry.
Join us in honoring Msgr. Casale for his resolve to promote the arts through educational programs and enhance the cultural experience of all that come to St. Thomas University.
For more information on the MA Communication Arts - Art Management program please contact mclarke@stu.edu or 305.628-6508 or visit our website www.stu.edu/leadership