Manuel “Manny” Miranda ’78

FIU has graduated thousands of Worlds Ahead alumni since opening for classes in 1972. Successful business owner, entrepreneur and financial expert Manny Miranda ’78 is one of them. His ongoing advocacy and involvement with FIU has been a vital part of the university’s sustained growth.
Most recently, Miranda supported the First Generation Scholarship Fund with a gift of $15,000 over five years. Matched 100% both by State Farm Insurance Company and the State of Florida, the gift will result in a total impact of $60,000.

“I was attracted to the First Generation Scholarship program because every dollar is matched. You can maximize your contribution,” Miranda said.

“It is important to give back to an institution that has done so much for me. FIU is … is central to the development of our economy. As a business owner, I want to support and engage in that,” he said.
“I’m fortunate to be associated with State Farm, which has a matching program,” he added. “State Farm is also very interested in recruiting FIU students because they are bright and hardworking.”
A first generation student himself and one of the youngest students in his graduating class, Miranda remembers when FIU had only a few buildings and lots of open space in its early years. Although he had no scholarship support at the time, he was grateful that FIU was a school which catered to his needs as a working student and made a degree attainable. Many of his accomplishments resulted from the training and education he received at FIU.
“Their programs were practical,” he said. “It allowed me to go to school during the day and work at night.”

Passion in Action

Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Project Management and Cost Control from FIU, Miranda has more than 23 years of experience in insurance and financial services – all with State Farm Insurance Companies. He has devoted 10 years to developing his management skills in complex projects such as petrochemical refineries and nuclear power plant construction.
Miranda’s passion for helping others achieve their maximum potential is evident in his many roles at the university. He is an FIU Alumni Association Lifetime Member and a member of the FIU President’s Council, serving on the First Generation Taskforce and as a liaison to the FIU Board of Trustees Athletics Committee. He is also on the Deering Estate Foundation Board of Directors and a member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Miami Women Chamber of Commerce, Palmetto Bay Business Association, and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.