Paul Lowenthal is President and co-owner of Southern Audio Visual, an outsourced provider of audio visual equipment and comprehensive support services and technicians, focused primarily within the hospitality industry ensuring successful meetings, conferences and events. Paul has been with the Company since 1987. 

Born and raised in Miami and Hollywood, Florida, Paul obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and political science from Florida State University. After graduating from FSU in 1983, he pursued additional graduate course work at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida.

 

A Coral Gables resident, Paul is an active member of the Florida State University Platinum Chiefs, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Seminole Boosters, Inc., the national fundraising arm of Florida State University. In addition, Paul is involved as a contributor and supporter of organizations such as Camillus House, Sunil's Home Orphanage in India, Archdiocese of Miami, Children's Bereavement Center, as well as the Institute of American Polish Culture.

 

Andria Hanley joins Board of Directors

Andria Hanley stepped down as the Coral Gables Community Foundation's Executive Director last December after five great years. However, she will still be actively involved as one the Foundation's newest Board members. 

Andria is now the Vice President of Development & Grants at Camillus House.

"When the opportunity to work at Camillus House presented itself, I knew it was the right move for me professionally.  After five years as an actively involved member of the Gables community, I was ready for new challenges but didn't want to fully let go," said Andria. 

In addition to her role as a Board member, Andria also serves on the Community Giving Committee. Participating in the Foundation's efforts any way she can is still a high priority for her.

"The idea of a board position came to me as a way to move on yet stay involved at the same time. I was honored when Chairman Carlos Garcia agreed it was a good idea. I have met so many wonderful people through the Foundation and I am fortunate that I can continue to be involved in their success," added Andria.

 

Andria resides in Coral Gables with her husband and two daughters. Prior to her time with the Foundation and Camillus House, she worked for the University of Miami - from where she earned a master's degree - for ten years. Community involvement is important to Andria, as she also serves on the City of Coral Gables School and Community Relations Committee (Commissioner Quesada appointee) as well as the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

Michael Hammond is the recipient of this year's $1,000 Ralph V. Moore Scholarship. Michael is the epitome of what the Ralph V. Moore scholarship represents. Highly involved with the Coral Gables Senior High School community, he also holds an excellent academic record. Throughout his high school career, Michael has been Team Captain of the Varsity Golf team and a member of the Florida Business Leaders of America, International Baccalaureate Honor Society, Key Club, Italian Club, Mathematics Honors Society and a number of other organizations. He plans to study at The University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

 

Patricia Passwaters is the recipient of the $1,000 Lady Suzanna B. Tweed Scholarship. Not only is Patricia a talented writer, having been involved with Coral Gables Senior High School's online newspaper CavsConnect, journalism society, yearbook and other literary endeavors, she has also served as Student Council President. In addition, she has received numerous honors for her writing and academics. She plans to attend The University of Florida.

 

Gema Baltodano is the recipient of the $1,000 Grant & Bridget Daugherty Scholarship. Created to assist Coral Gables Senior High School students who intend to study nursing, Gema is the perfect recipient for this scholarship. She plans to become a neonatologist and care for infants in poor health. She has previously volunteered at Miami Children's Hospital and with an outstanding academic resume, she is well on her way to a successful career. She will be studying nursing at Florida State University later this year.

 

Because the selection committee was so impressed with two Gables High seniors this year, the Foundation's Board of Directors decided to award a special scholarship to those two students: Michael Hammond and Patricia Passwaters. These students will receive a one-time $2,000 scholarship from the Coral Gables Community Foundation Scholarship Fund to use at their colleges in the fall.

 

Two local high school seniors received scholarships from the Kerdyk Family Trust Music Scholarship:

Kerdyk Family Trust Music Scholarship award recipients Daniela Rodriguez-Firmani (above) and Bryan Medina.

 

Daniela Rodriguez-Firmani, a student at Gulliver Preparatory Academy, received a $3,000 scholarship through the Kerdyk Family Trust Music Scholarship. Tracy Kerdyk presented her with the scholarship during a ceremony at her school on May 9, 2014. Daniela is a diverse student with many talents. She has won numerous awards and competitions as a vocalist, pianist and percussionist. In addition, she is a member of various academic honors societies at Gulliver Preparatory Academy. She plans to study at Northwestern University, where she will double-major in biology and vocal performance.

 

Bryan Medina of Coral Gables Senior High School is a recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Kerdyk Family Trust Music Scholarship. Bryan is a talented musician, having served as Captain of the Coral Gables Senior High School Cavalier Chorus. He is an honors student and also plays guitar for school functions and events around the community. He plans to pursue music as a career and study at Florida International University. He stopped by the Foundation offices on May 8, 2014 to receive his award from Marlene and Tracy Kerdyk.