Media Contact:
Carlos de Yarza
(O) 305.474.6849
(C) 786.897.1107
cdeyarza@stu.edu
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla.; January 21, 2021 – St. Thomas University congratulates Oliver G. Gilbert III on his appointment as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Gilbert, former Mayor of Miami Gardens, currently serves as Executive Director of the St. Thomas University Center for Pandemic, Disaster, and Quarantine Research (PDQ). The Center measures, tracks, and analyzes the influence of disasters and pandemics on business practices, ethical decision-making, health, government, and the economy. Under Commissioner Gilbert’s leadership, in December of 2020 the newly established PDQ redistributed over $450,000.00 stemming from a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) allocation made to the county. The recipients of the distribution were small businesses and local aid organizations in Miami Gardens, and adjacent communities.
“We congratulate Commissioner Gilbert on his appointment as Vice-Chair,” said St. Thomas University President David A. Armstrong, J.D. “Oliver’s focus on community and attitude of gratitude is a shining example to our STU students. Our Center for Pandemic, Disaster, and Quarantine Research now pivots to boosting public confidence in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in Hispanic and Black communities. Commissioner Gilbert’s leadership will be instrumental as we continue to actively combat misinformation with science and education.”
Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Oliver G. Gilbert III were sworn in respectively as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners on January 6, 2021, in an outdoor ceremony at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Speaking in front of friends, family and local officials, Vice-Chairman Gilbert highlighted opportunities inherent in the American system, which the County Commission can continue to foster for Miami-Dade County’s 2.8 million residents. “That’s the beauty of the place we live, that’s the beauty of America, that’s the beauty of Miami-Dade County, and that’s the beauty of our collective togetherness; we just have to embrace it,” said Vice-Chairman Gilbert in closing.
About: St. Thomas University (STU) is a private, non-profit Catholic institution committed to the academic and professional success of its students who become ethical leaders in our global community. Rich with cultural and international diversity, STU is the only Catholic archdiocesan-sponsored university in Florida. On our beautiful campus and online, the university’s College of Science, College of Law, College of Business and Biscayne College offer 46 undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs. In 2020, STU launched our Limitless five-year strategic plan, based on the pillars of limitless Devotion, limitless Opportunities, and limitless Results. The plan was conceived to provide students with a magical collegiate experience which incorporates mentoring faculty, character formation activities outside the classroom, and required real-world experience before graduation. Explore stu.edu or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn more.
