Alumni in Residence

The Alumni in Residence Program provides an opportunity for a distinguished alumnus/a to return to campus for a visit and to share their talent with students, alumni, faculty and administrators through a variety of activities related to their field or industry. Alumni who are honored in this way serve as examples of the dedication and hard work it takes to succeed and have the opportunity to give back to the University of Miami community, enriching the UM educational experience.

Marvin R. Shanken, B.B.A. ’65

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Owner, M. Shanken Communications, Inc.

In February 2009, students heard from Marvin Shanken, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of M. Shanken Communications, Inc. “It was a trip back in time just coming here,” said Shanken, who addressed students during two classroom sessions in the School of Business Administration and School of Communication. He was back in class to share lessons from his 30-plus years at the forefront of magazine publishing. Topics ranged from strategic brand management to entrepreneurship. At one point, Shanken said a key to his success had been following his passions. “Don’t let anybody ever tell you you can’t do what you want to do,” he told his student audiences, who actively participated and asked questions throughout the sessions. Alumni honored in this way serve as examples of the dedication and hard work it takes to succeed and have the opportunity to give back to the University of Miami community, enriching the UM educational experience. Shanken said both education and giving back through philanthropy and events like this have been cornerstones of his life. Shanken started his publishing career in 1973, when he purchased the small wine and spirits newsletter called Impact, and six years later, Wine Spectator. In the 1990s, Shanken founded Cigar Aficionado, helping ignite the largest cigar boom in history. Today, M. Shanken Communications hosts more than a dozen major events annually, including Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smokes and Wine Spectator’s Wine Experiences and Grand Tours, which are attended by thousands of cigar and wine lovers from around the world.

Previous Alumni in Residence

2006 - Suzy Kolber, A.B. '86
2004 - Roselee Roberts, A.B. '64
2003 - Michael Klein, B.B.A. '63, J.D. '66