It’s been so long since last we met in Puerto Rico

 

¡Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico! On behalf of the Georgetown Club of Puerto Rico, GUAA’s Club of the Year 2025, it is my great pleasure and honor to welcome you to San Juan for the John Carroll Weekend 2026! Having proudly hosted this treasured alumni celebration in 1985 and 2003, we are thrilled to bring the 74th Annual John Carroll Awards to our beautiful, historic, and diverse paradise. This weekend is more than just an event—it’s a joyful reunion in a setting that perfectly reflects the passion, tradition, and global spirit of the Hoya family.

Puerto Rico, affectionately known as La Isla del Encanto (The Island of Enchantment), invites you to experience 500 years of Spanish and U.S. history blended with the rhythms of the modern Caribbean. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, with its colorful colonial architecture and iconic landmarks like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. Discover the lush beauty of El Yunque National Forest—the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System—or seek adventure on the longest zip line in the Americas, a round of golf at a TPC course, deep-sea fishing for marlin and dorado, or kayaking and paddleboarding in the Condado Lagoon near our JCW hotel hubs. When it’s time to unwind, our pristine beaches await with the promise of relaxation and connection amid breathtaking Caribbean scenery.

No visit to Puerto Rico is complete without savoring its irresistible sabor—a fusion of Taíno, Spanish, and global culinary influences that create one unforgettable dish after another. Enjoy our world-famous rums in handcrafted cocktails or try Coquito, the island’s beloved coconut holiday drink. Taste Puerto Rico’s renowned coffee—once enjoyed by kings and popes—for a velvety, aromatic experience unlike any other. And don’t miss our traditional dishes such as lechón asado, arroz con gandules, bacalaítos, and mofongo (and yes, the Piña Colada was born here!). Beyond the plate, immerse yourself in the arts and music that define our culture—from the storytelling rhythms of bomba and plena to the irresistible beats of salsa and reggaetón that pulse through our streets.

Most of all, the true spirit of Puerto Rico lies in its people. Warm, joyful, and welcoming, Puerto Ricans—proudly known as Boricuas—embrace every guest with open arms and contagious enthusiasm, making you feel not just welcomed but part of the Island’s heartbeat.

Finally, we invite you to extend your stay before or after the John Carroll Awards Weekend to fully experience the magic of Puerto Rico. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, our island’s beauty, music, and hospitality will make this celebration an unforgettable Hoya experience. We know you will fall in love with Puerto Rico and leave with cherished memories, new friendships, and renewed pride in being part of the Georgetown family.

¡Hoya Saxa!

Francisco Andreu (B’91)
President, Georgetown Club of Puerto Rico
2025 Club of the Year