By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: Jonathan Martinez | FC
The 6th Annual Stone Crab Dinner for Athletics took place November 2, 2014 at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens. Over 500 people attended the event in support of the St. Thomas Athletics Department. Amongst the guest were Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
MIAMI | St. Thomas University (www.stu.edu) recently recognized two individuals who have helped change the sports industry: Arthur Hertz, Chairman and CEO of Wometco Enterprises; and Jan Bell, who has led St. Thomas’ Sports Administration Program for 30 years.
The two were honored Nov. 2 at the Bobcat Athletics Stone Crab Dinner at the university, the annual fundraiser for the school's athletics department.
Photographer: Jonathan Martinez | FC
To the right, Johan Mejia and left, Devon Stubbings, student athletes at St. Thomas University, serve stone crabs to Melissa Hassell and her husband Johnny Hassell at the 6th Annual Stone Crab Dinner for Athletics.
Hertz has also served as president of the Orange Bowl Committee, chair of Visit Florida and chairman of the Dade County Public Health Trust.
“I am very pleased to help St. Thomas University reach another level in their expertise in the field of sports administration,” he said in a statement.
Photographer: Jonathan Martinez | FC
Dr. Jan Bell, Faculty Athletics Representative and longtime Director of Sports Administration Programs at St. Thomas University received a Miami Dolphins jersey with her name in commemoration of becoming the University's 10th inductee into the Bobcat Sports Hall of Fame.
St. Thomas University pioneered the first undergraduate Sports Administration (Spo Ad) Program back in 1973. Developed by a group of sports executives, the program blends liberal arts, business and sports administration courses. Alumni include top executives in professional and college sports, stadium operations, sports marketing, sports journalism and athlete representation.
Currently, St. Thomas is developing the program into the Institute for Sports Administration. IFSA will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificate and non-credit courses. It will also expand to meet the continuing instructional needs of sports industry professionals. There will be a strong research component and ongoing educational forums with national experts in the field.
Photographer: Jonathan Martinez | FC
To the right, Archbishop Thomas Wenski receives a check with a 500,000 dollar donation from businessman Arthur H. Hertz during the 6th Annual Stone Crab Dinner for Athletics. The event took place November 2nd at St. Thomas University. The donation will help establish the Arthur H. Hertz Endowed Professorship in Sports Tourism.
