About Us*
The Acorn to Oak project was officially launched in March of 2006 after several years of quiet organization. We have long felt that Latter-day Saint youth and young adults in Latin America would greatly benefit from a university promoting the LDS standards and providing the seeds for a more tightly-knit community.
Founding members:
Sebastian Madariaga spent most of his childhood in Argentina and Venezuela, except for a two-year period in Provo while his father pursued a graduate degree at BYU. After high-school and a year of college, Sebastian was called to serve in the California, San Fernando Mission (Spanish Speaking). Having seen the contrast in the opportunities available to Saints in different countries, Sebastian had the desire to contribute in any way possible to improving the opportunities of those in his home land. Sebastian graduated from BYU in 2005 and he works for KPMG LLP. He currently resides with his wife and two daughters in Silicon Valley, California.
Rafael Hazembuller spent his growing up years in Bahía Blanca, Capital Federal, and several cities in Patagonia until being called to the Argentina-Rosario Mission. He later attended Brigham Young University-Provo where he received a degree in Economics and spent considerable time learning Portuguese. Rafael and his wife Amberly reside in the Washington DC area where he works for the World Bank & International Monetary Fund Credit Union.
Adam Wride was raised in Peru, Venezuela, Chile, and the Dominican Republic. After graduating from high school in Virginia, he served a mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was while working with the wonderful people of that city and reflecting on his previous experiences in South America that he saw the need for an LDS university. Adam recently graduated from Brigham Young University – Provo and now works at Deloitte & Touche LLP. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and son.
bellotaaroble@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: Although the members of Bellota A Roble (Acorn to Oak) are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this is not an initiative of the Church.