Fordham’s Global Outreach program (GO!), which runs projects centered on social justice and community engagement in the U.S. and abroad, isn’t just for students.

In early August, a group of seven alumni traveled to Puerto Rico to support the nonprofit Alliance for Economic Development of Ceiba (APRODEC) in its efforts to turn a former U.S. naval station into a multiuse space for the community. Originally commissioned as a naval base in 1943 and named for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the base was upgraded to a naval station in the 1950s and closed in 2004.

Vanessa Rotondo, FCRH ‘17, GSE ‘19, associate director of campus engagement and senior advisor for Ignatian leadership at the Center for Community Engaged Learning, led the project with Matt Burns, FCRH ‘13, senior associate director for young alumni and student engagement in Fordham’s Office of Alumni Relations.

During the five-day project, alumni learned about the complex history of relations between Puerto Rico and the U.S., visited the capitol building in San Juan, and worked with another nonprofit partner, Para la Naturaleza, to plant mangrove trees in Manatí. A few walking tours and a visit to Casa Bacardí—plus a tasting—were on the itinerary, too.

The group also included Frank Antwi, PCS ’19; Reece Brosco, FCRH ’21; Tylar Havens, FCLC ’20; Michelle Nista, FCRH ’18; Annabelle Soto, FCRH ’22; and Nicolette Velasquez, GSS ’18.

View a selection of photos below for a glimpse of this GO! alumni experience. All photos by Matt Burns, unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, August 11

After arriving in Old San Juan early Thursday afternoon, the group enjoyed lunch before embarking on a walking tour of the city with Jorge Montalvo, founder of Patria Tours. Later that evening, they headed to APRODEC to settle in and have a brief orientation.

Photo by Annabelle Soto

Friday, August 12

On Friday, the group teamed up with Para la Naturaleza to plant mangrove trees at Hacienda La Esperanza in Manatí. Now the largest nature reserve in northwest Puerto Rico, it was once a sugar estate. The day also included a visit to Casa Bacardí and Isla de Cabras, a park and beach not far from Bacardí.

Saturday, August 13

Saturday was a day of service, reflection, and fellowship, with the team enjoying meals together and completing a service project at APRODEC.

Sunday, August 14

On Sunday, alumni headed out on a local kayaking excursion and later headed to a jazz concert.

Monday, August 15

On their last full day in Puerto Rico, the group traveled to Old San Juan, toured the capitol building, and had the afternoon free.

Tuesday, August 16

Before leaving to return to New York City, the group watched the sunrise from the roof of APRODEC and toured part of the facilities under renovation (or slated for future renovation) with Manuel José Martínez, president of APRODEC.