Prio Touzet '76 named 2018 Commencement speaker

4/16/2018

Rudy Prio Touzet '76, the chair of the Ransom Everglades Board of Trustees who has guided the school to the doorstep of an exciting reinvention, has been named 2018 Commencement speaker and recipient of the Founders' Alumni Award for Distinguished Service to the Community.

Prio Touzet, the founder and chief executive officer of Banyan Street Capital, has served on RE's board for nine years and been actively involved in the Miami community for decades. His two-year tenure as chair of the board has been characterized by decisive and visionary leadership. He has worked tirelessly to secure the future of Ransom Everglades, sharing his passion for his alma mater at events on campus or at meetings, hearings and functions across the city.

“It has been an honor and joy to work with Rudy Prio Touzet,” Head of School Penny Townsend said. “His love for our school, his aspirational thinking, and his determination and dedication have inspired me and benefited Ransom Everglades beyond measure. I cannot thank him enough. His contributions will be remembered for decades.”

Prior to serving as board chair, Prio Touzet chaired the RE board’s Building and Grounds Committee, leading the charge for a new STEM Center on the Upper School campus – a dream that will soon be realized. He orchestrated the acquisition of the La Brisa property that will nearly double the size of the Upper School when it is fully incorporated, offering more waterfront, spacious lawns, tree canopies and natural beauty. He united the board behind the school's $75 million REinventing Excellence campaign, which was launched last fall with more than $30 million in commitments from trustees. He also backed the construction of the Ansin Aquatic Center – he was among the top donors to that project – and he’s provided generous support to RE’s endowment.

The Founders’ Award is presented annually at commencement to an alum who has helped to fulfill the vision of the founders of the Ransom and Everglades Schools. It is awarded to individuals who have been deeply concerned about their communities and have demonstrated honor, courage and leadership. Through their loyal attitude, inspired spirit and unselfish action, they have fulfilled the mission of the Ransom Everglades School.

Prio Touzet and his wife Lydia Touzet, who served as co-chair of the annual Ransom Everglades Parents’ Association auction in 2017-18, have contributed to a vast range of causes in Miami. They have shown particular devotion to charities that benefit children with intellectual disabilities, including the The Learning Experience and Best Buddies. They have also supported the United Way for three decades, as well as Women of Tomorrow, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the Parrish Art Museum, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the University of Miami, St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School and The Underline.

After graduating from RE, Prio Touzet received his bachelor’s degree in International Finance and Marketing from the University of Miami. Prior to founding Banyan Street Capital in 2007, Touzet co-founded America’s Capital Partners in 1998. Prio Touzet has been involved in the sale of two related companies and portfolios to publicly traded companies, once in 1997 and again in 2011. Since 2012, he has rebuilt Banyan Street into one of the largest private office investors in the Eastern United States, with 15 million square feet in more than 10 cities. His career started in 1981 at Cushman & Wakefield, where he spent 16 years.

Prio Touzet and his wife are proud parents of Rudy Prio Touzet '18 and Jack Prio Touzet '20.

The 2018 Commencement will take place on May 25, 2018.

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RE founder Paul Ransom, circa 1903

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Prio Touzet '76 named 2018 Commencement speaker

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