Country Club Living - Palm Beach North - December 2025

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 | C O U N T R Y C L U B L I V I N G - PA L M B E A C H N O R T H 1 5 K eiser University’s Flagship Campus recently welcomed members of the Orange Bowl Committee (OBC) for a special “Lunch & Learn” event hosted by the Sport Management Club and Professor Hilliard, JD. It was great to see what we learn in class applied in real life and to meet professionals working in the sports industry. The Orange Bowl Committee, established in 1935, is known for far more than its iconic college football game — though that’s often the first thing people think of. Behind the game is a powerhouse of purpose. The organization focuses its work around four main pillars: youth sports, education, community engagement, and legacy programs. Orange Bowl Cares is one of the community service-based projects managed by the OBC. Through this initiative, Orange Bowl Cares provides numerous educational opportunities and community engagement activities in each of the major counties in South Florida. Learning about Orange Bowl Cares was very intriguing. This foundation is all about supporting and uplifting the community, built around its four core pillars. Some of the foundation’s events include organizing youth football leagues, hosting sailing events, coordinating the annual beach run, offering leadership programs for students, and putting on the popular food and wine festival. Orange Bowl Cares is deeply committed to making a real difference across South Florida. For students like me who dream of building a career in sports, the Orange Bowl offers something truly invaluable. It provides opportunities to volunteer, gain hands-on experience, and start building connections in the industry. The Sport Management Club at Keiser University’s Flagship campus is in the process of producing a new, student-led podcast that features both industry leaders and students, providing an inside look into the sports industry. Amalia Vamvakitis, a third-year Sport Management student, had the opportunity to interview Isabella Leventhal, Event and Operations Manager at the Orange Bowl, and Leslie Del Toro, a member of the Miami 2026 Host Committee, where she organizes volunteer and host committee events. Both shared their career journeys, giving us a better understanding of what it really takes to grow and succeed in the sports industry. For Isabella Leventhal, working at the Orange Bowl is “overwhelming in the best way possible.” As a nonprofit and private membership organization, the OBC works with many people and partners, creating a challenging but deeply rewarding environment. “The best part is meeting people and hearing their stories — that’s what keeps me inspired,” she said. Leslie Del Toro shared that her inspiration began when she noticed something powerful entering the sports business world: “a lot of women were in leadership positions.” That realization fueled her ambition. “Speaking with people in the positions you aspire to be in is so encouraging,” she said. Both emphasized that beyond major sporting events, the Orange Bowl’s true impact lies in the community. “It’s all about giving back,” Leslie said. “Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces — it’s beautiful. All the hard work each employee puts in becomes so fulfilling when you see that joy.” When asked about their favorite events, Isabella admitted it was hard to choose: “All of them mean something, but the youth programs, especially the girls’ cheerleading initiatives, are very special. During the interview, Amalia asked a fun question: “If you could pick a hype song to play every time you walked into a meeting, what would it be?” Isabella didn’t hesitate. Her choice was “Fireball,” perfectly matching her fiery energy and passion. Leslie laughed and chose “Breaking Dishes,” joking that it fits since she’s always bumping into things on the go. The podcast wrapped with valuable advice for students dreaming of a career in sports. “Trust yourself and don’t be afraid to speak up,” Isabella shared. “Know when to listen and when to speak. Be patient — the right moment will come.” Leslie added, “When you’re in a room with important people, listen. That’s how you learn and grow.” The Orange Bowl Committee visiting Keiser University’s Flagship Campus and sharing insights from two accomplished women in sports was an incredible learning experience for students. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that sports can have. The Committee’s focus on youth programs, education, community engagement, and creating a legacy mirrors the lessons we study in Sport Management every day: leadership, teamwork, and creating meaningful experiences for all. Demi van Stappershoef is a Sport Management student and President of the Sport Management Club at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus. Keiser University – Flagship Campus Building Connections Through Sport: ORANGE BOWL COMMITTEE VISITS KEISER UNIVERSITY FLAGSHIP CAMPUS - By Demi van Stappershoef - Photos courtesy of Anthony Hilliard