An Investment in the Future
Jan. 14, 2011
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Few individuals have invested as much time, effort and financial support to the University of Miami athletic department than Paul DiMare. His dedication to the program – and the well being of its student-athletes – is paramount to the past, current and future success of the ‘Canes.
It goes without saying that the athletic department would not be where it is today without his leadership and contributions. So when the University breaks ground on the Theodore G. Schwartz and Todd G. Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence later this year, it’s only fitting that DiMare will play a crucial role in the construction of the new facility.
A Gallery of Champions, a sports museum dedicated to Hurricane Football, will be housed on the first floor of the building and home to national championship and Heisman trophies, a ring of honor, championship rings, and plenty of other showcase items to recognize the many accomplishments of the program and its student-athletes. This visually spectacular area will be a defining feature of the new facility, serving as a recruiting showcase and an attraction for all Hurricane fans.
It will come thanks to Paul DiMare.
“It is always great for the alumni to come in and see the accomplishments of the athletic department and the student-athletes,” DiMare said. “There is nothing better than to come back and see that. I think this is a return to the people who have given something – which is the student-athletes – to the University. This is a show of appreciation to build a facility that is respectful and an upgrade.”
DiMare’s contribution, one of the largest that will go into the construction of the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence, couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I know what the Hecht Center is and it needs to be upgraded to another level,” DiMare said. “The student-athletes need a better place to call home. I know they needed to raise the money and thought it would be a good idea right now to help them do that. UM has got to upgrade itself to stay in competition with other universities that we are competing against.”
DiMare has continually answered the call for the University of Miami. This past spring, the DiMare Family Champions Plaza was unveiled at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field. DiMare, whose son Gino served as an assistant baseball coach for the ‘Canes for 12 seasons under Jim Morris, played an important role in the construction of Alex Rodriguez Park, both financially and in a leadership capacity.
Paul is a member of the University of Miami’s board of trustees, while he also serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees Athletic Advisory Committee, a group of leaders who meet regularly in an effort to improve the lives of Miami’s student-athletes.
The DiMare’s generous support does not end with UM. Paul, who is the president of seven family corporations, is involved in numerous civic and charitable efforts along with his wife Swanee. He is the Founder and Chairman of Florida Famers, Inc., Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Miami & the Keys, Director of the 1st National Bank of South Florida and President of the Florida Tomato Committee, among several other leadership roles he currently holds. Swanee’s community involvement includes countless hours spent with the Dade County Youth Fair, the March of Dimes and the Special Olympics.
The DiMare’s are also major donors to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the Miami Museum of Science, the Gables Society (a philanthropic group of donors who supports the University of Miami), the Archdiocese of Miami and the Miami’s Children’s Hospital.
The list goes on and on, and thankfully the ‘Canes are a big part of the DiMare’s generosity.
“Paul DiMare is a visionary leader and champion for our athletics program,” University of Miami Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt said. “The University of Miami Athletic Department is very fortunate to have his steady counsel as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Athletic Advisory Committee. Paul’s expertise and friendship position our program for continued greatness.”
