American Airlines donated $40,000 to St. Thomas University in honor of American Airlines vice president Marilyn DeVoe, who is retiring after 39 years with the airline.
DeVoe, a lifelong advocate for education, has served as vice president since 2010.
Her relationship with STU started 17 years ago, when she worked with the school’s president Monsignor Franklyn Casale to build a vocational school in Haiti called Haiti Tec.
It was built by an alliance of South Florida businesses, which included The Miami Herald, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, The Children’s Trust and six Haitian business associations, as well as American Airlines.
DeVoe was recently named a member of St. Thomas University’s President’s Board of Advisors.
“We believe education lays a foundation for excellence, and American Airline’ generous gift in honor of Marilyn tells us they feel the same,” said Casale. “This is a fitting way to honor someone that values the power of a good education.”
STU will use the donation to continue developing leaders for life, and to provide scholarships to its students.
"Marilyn is a homegrown hero at American, having begun her career in the finance department in 1977,” said Robert Isom, chief operating officer of American Airlines. “She is a passionate advocate for her employees and for Miami-Dade County and we are thrilled to make this donation to St. Thomas University in her honor."