Miami, Dec. 5, 2024 – At a distinguished event aligned with the vibrancy of Miami Art Week, Miami Dade College (MDC) officially launched the philanthropic campaign for its National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower, in celebration of its centennial anniversary in 2025. Held at the iconic Cardozo Hotel and hosted by Emilio and Gloria Estefan, MDC unveiled detailed renderings of future exhibitions and introduced the esteemed members of the Freedom Tower Centennial Committee who are dedicated to preserving this cherished treasure in South Florida.
“The Freedom Tower means so much to this community as a symbol of hope, freedom and opportunity. It tells the story of Miami, of those who came to this country seeking the American Dream and worked hard to create a brighter future,” said Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. “Tonight, we proudly celebrate the launch of the Centennial Committee and pledge to honor and preserve its legacy for many more years to come.”
With a $25 million investment from the State of Florida, the Freedom Tower is currently undergoing a significant renovation. It will reopen to the public with a grand centennial celebration in 2025.
The Freedom Tower campaign seeks to raise philanthropic funds within the next six months to ensure a world-class exhibit that preserves the history of the building, including its role welcoming over 500,000 Cuban refugees in the 1960s and 70s, and educate visitors about the broader story of the search for freedom and opportunity among our diverse Miami communities. It will also house the first-ever FIFA exhibition in the U.S., the Kislak Center and art galleries curated by the Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at MDC. To learn more and support the campaign, please visit www.mdc.edu/freedomtower.
Centennial Committee members include:
Máximo Álvarez
Tony Argiz
Thomas Bartelmo
Miguel Bezos
Michael Bileca
Vivian Bileca
David Castillo
Willy Chirino
Christina Crespi
Heide Dans
Jose Dans
Emilio Estefan
Gloria Estefan
Marcell Felipe
Kimberly Green
Gianni Infantino
Benjamín León
Jorge Luis López
Marile López
David Martin
Jorge Mas
Alex Mena
Omer Pardillo
Rafael Peñalver
Jorge Plasencia
Claudia Puig
Doug Roberts
Angelica Santibanez
Franklin Sirmans
Alfred Sánchez
Mayi de la Vega
Maribel Pérez Wadsworth
Johann Zietsman
View photos from the launch event here.
View Freedom Tower’s Legacy video.