RE Log - Fall 2021

FALL 2021 Ransom Everglades LOG 63 Important Alumni Links Visit for updated information RE Alumni Webpage: www.ransomeverglades.org/alumni REconnect: www.realumniconnect.org Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ ransomevergladesalumni Instagram: www.instagram.com/ ransomevergladesalumni LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/59316 Submit Class Notes for Spring 2022 at: bit.ly/2KX4qX6 2002 REUNION YEAR Class Agents: Christian Fong (christian@cfonglaw.com ), Christopher Malek (cmmalek@gmail.com) , Cory Needle (cory.needle@gmail.com ), Billie Schwartz (billie.schwartz@gmail.com ), Danielle Marks Williamson (marks.danielle@gmail.com ) Peter DeMaria writes, “Hello Ransom Everglades Alumni: This is my first update to the RE universe and I am trying to think of what to write that you couldn’t learn by a Google search or some good old LinkedIn stalking. I guess we can start with the basics. I am 36 and gray, but at least not balding. I tried to grow a COVID beard but never made it past three weeks... too itchy. Never married, no kids, no pets, no plants. My driver’s license says I live in Maryland, I rent an apartment in Virginia, and I couch surf at a friend’s place in Brickell. Yes, this is pandemic living at its finest. So a bit of backstory... I left Miami in 2017 to go to the National Institutes of Health as a fellow in oncology and hema- tology with the National Cancer Institute. The NIH is really the most wonderful place ... all of the patients are on a phase 1/2 clinical trial, the care is all free and paid for with your tax dollars, and it is as close to a cancer Disneyland that exists. I worked in therapeutic cancer vaccines in rare cancers (yes, there are cancer vaccines) which despite being an early skeptic, I found to be actually quite cool and worked every so often! I graduated into the pandemic and switched agencies to the FDA, which I really must say is a great organization. The people there are smart, dedicated and really believe in the mission. I have nothing but positive things to say about the past four years, but at some point would like to come home and rejoin the Miami community. Remote work as a COVID nomad has allowed me to reconnect with many relationships, especially with RE friends. Despite getting older, the friendships that I made at RE remain my closest, and I will always love that time and place in my life. I hope that you all feel the same. If you are ever in the D.C. area, reach out and let’s visit. With love, Peter.” Marcel Laniado was highlighted in Brickell Magazine this past spring as a person that has “inspired impact.” He was described as a dynamic professional that has dedicated his life to giving back and changing lives. “Marcel Laniado is a superstar banker by day and a hero in every other aspect of his life. Through his work with United Way of Miami-Dade and the Volunteer Leadership Group at JPMorgan Chase, he helps build stronger community ties through the programs and assistance offered in the areas of education, financial stability, health and volunteer opportunities. ‘An ambition to be involved has always been very strong within me,’ he says. For the past several years, his volunteerism has been focused on helping others get engaged. His many milestones include coordinating more than 42 events with 1,200+ volunteers since 2019, including meal services for Chapman Partnership; food sorting for Feeding South Florida; back-to-school supply drives for Overtown Youth Center, Branches and Coconut Grove Cares; and holiday toy drives for Easter Seals and Centro Campesino. ‘It’s inspir- ing to witness how powerful a group of volunteers can be and what a lasting im- pact they can have on the community!’” 2003 Class Agents: Lauren Miller (laurenrachelmiller@gmail.com ), Annie Stamps (annie.stamps@me.com ) Tom Buchanan , see Katie Buchanan Reynolds ’01 2004 Class Agents: Alex Markel (Alex. markel13@gmail.com) , Natalie Skaf (Njskaf@gmail.com ), Thomas Willis (twillis110@gmail.com )