Originally published on September 27, 2023 on news.fiu.edu.
Written by Cynthia Corzo
Freight payment platform PayCargo has awarded Florida International University’s College of Business (FIU Business) a $1.25 million gift to create the PayCargo Supply Chain and Logistics Program.
FIU Business was the first business school in Florida to launch a Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management program in fall 2018. In 2022, the program was ranked No. 7 in the U.S. in the QS World University Rankings. The college introduced a Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in 2018.
“On behalf of the PayCargo family that includes over 30 FIU graduates, we are delighted to provide the gift to support FIU’s College of Business and the newly named PayCargo Supply Chain and Logistics Program.” said Eduardo del Riego, CEO of PayCargo, and FIU Business alumnus with a BBA in Finance. “Our partnership will allow FIU to create more connections to key businesses driving the growth of our industry as well as educate the students on leading edge technologies and concepts that will help solidify South Florida as a center of excellence for logistics and supply chain.”
PayCargo’s gift will help build the program’s infrastructure and faculty expertise. It will help expand FIU Business’s student recruitment and career readiness, including fellowships and internships, develop a speaker series with high-level industry executives and organize company visits. Faculty-focused efforts include adding connections with logistics and supply chain researchers and increasing participation in international conferences.
“The gift is a recognition of what we have accomplished and what we can have,” said William Hardin, dean of FIU Business, whose undergraduate international business program is currently ranked No. 2 by U.S. News & World Report. “It allows us to dedicate resources year-round, attend events all over the U.S., elevate our progress and be out in the industry. The International Air Transport Association conference, for example, is important but it takes resources for faculty and students to attend.”
Founded in 2005, PayCargo’s cloud-based technology enables virtual payments for air and ocean carriers, maritime ports, ground handlers, freight forwarders and customs brokers, resulting in quicker cargo release for businesses.