Dedication and back-to-school celebration held to honor the occasion
With college football season about to kick off, St. Thomas University (STU) in Miami Gardens unveiled a new turf field, massive state-of-the-art DRVPNK score board and team uniforms thanks to an investment from AutoNation, America’s most admired automotive retailer.
STU is a federally designated minority-serving institution (MSI) and nearly half of the incoming first-year students this year will be first-generation college students. AutoNation’s significant donation will go a long way to support student success in the classroom and on the field.
Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer at AutoNation; Mayor Rodney Harris, Mayor of the City of Miami Gardens; Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 1; President David A. Armstrong, J.D.; 10th President of St. Thomas University; and William “Bill” Rychel, St. Thomas University Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach
“AutoNation is proud to support the STU community with this investment, which we believe will make a significant impact on the students who attend the university,” said Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer at AutoNation. “Our headquarters are here in South Florida, so opportunities to give back at the local level are incredibly important to us.”
Mayor Rodney Harris, Mayor of the City of Miami Gardens; Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer at AutoNation; President David A. Armstrong, J.D.; 10th President of St. Thomas University; and Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 1
University leaders were joined by AutoNation executives and elected officials at the dedication ceremony to name the new facility “AutoNation Field.” The giant 50 by 32-foot scoreboard is framed by AutoNation’s iconic DRVPNK license plate, which is a testament to the company’s philanthropic commitment to drive out cancer. AutoNation is driving towards $35 million to fight cancer through its DRVPNK initiative.
President David A. Armstrong, J.D.; 10th President of St. Thomas University and STU students
Following the field and scoreboard dedication and ribbon-cutting, more than 1,800 STU students enjoyed a welcome back party and celebrated the beginning of the new school year filled with promises for a bright future ahead.
President David A. Armstrong, J.D.; 10th President of St. Thomas University and STU student athletes
Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer at AutoNation; STU Football Players and President David A. Armstrong, J.D.; 10th President of St. Thomas University
About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, a provider of personalized transportation services, is driven by innovation and transformation. As one of America’s most admired companies, AutoNation delivers a peerless Customer experience recognized by data-driven consumer insight leaders, Reputation and J.D. Power. Through its bold leadership and brand affinity, the AutoNation Brand is synonymous with “DRVPNK” and “What Drives You, Drives Us.” AutoNation has a singular focus on personalized transportation services that are easy, transparent, and Customer-centric.
Please visit www.autonation.com, www.
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong and STU cheerleaders
About St. Thomas University
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, Gus Machado College of Business and Biscayne College offer 61 undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs.
(Photo courtesy of AutoNation and St. Thomas University)
