To promote greater understanding of the global Muslim community, Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer, longtime supporters of Middle East studies and other programs at FIU, have donated $2 million to create a Center for Muslim World Studies at the university. The first-of-its-kind in South Florida, the center will be named the Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Center for Muslim […]
Remembering Harry B. Smith
On February 3, 2018, the FIU family lost a committed community leader, philanthropist, and advocate for the arts, Harry B. Smith. For 31 years, he was the husband of Joan Smith, a FIU Foundation BOD Emirata. Joan served on the FIU Foundation’s BOD for 14 years (1994-2008), and she is well known to many of […]
Major gift by late philanthropist caps 18-year legacy of Wolfsonian support
Palm Beach philanthropist Jean S. Sharf and her late husband, collector and scholar Frederic A. Sharf, have gifted more than 650 items to The Wolfsonian–FIU. A longtime trustee and benefactor of museums across the United States, Fred Sharf initiated the donation in early fall 2017, just a few months before his death in late November. His final […]
In gratitude: Hats off to those who support FIU in crisis and year-round
“Unprecedented destruction.” These two words have been spoken frequently by government officials, aide workers and news anchors during the past couple of months. Between hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as the earthquake in Mexico and wildfires on the Pacific Coast, natural disasters have created great need for aid in the United States and […]
The FIU Community Gives Thanks
It’s that time of year again! Like the rest of the U.S., the FIU community takes time each November to reflect on what it is thankful for and to celebrate the importance of philanthropy. Started in 2012 and now in its sixth year, the annual Thanks Day at FIU doesn’t involve turkey or stuffing, but […]
Third Annual Donor Panel Provides Valuable Insight for University Advancement Team
At FIU, students aren’t the only ones learning. Just like the rest of FIU, University Advancement spends time studying, too. And while the University Advancement team uses a number of different methods to learn, it has discovered that one of the most beneficial ways is to speak directly with donors about their experience and hear […]
Two decades later, Chaplins continue to serve, support students
What happens when you put hospitality management students in a room with their benefactors? A candid, insightful conversation covering everything from advice on building a successful career from the ground up to how new innovations are changing the wine and spirits industry. Harvey and Wayne Chaplin, for whom the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is […]
Genovese Joblove & Battista commissions heroic soldier statue for Felsberg Veterans Plaza at FIU
Plaza will Serve as Gathering Place for Community to Pay Tribute to FIU Veterans FIU to Host Unveiling Ceremony on Veterans Day To honor the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Miami-based law firm Genovese Joblove & Battista (GJB) has teamed up with Florida International University to provide the lead gift for a sculpture of […]
Knight Foundation grant to support Puerto Rican students at FIU
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has awarded FIU a $350,000 grant to support Puerto Rican students affected by Hurricane Maria. The grant will fund living expenses, tuition, and other costs associated with relocation for students who have come to South Florida to continue their studies at FIU, while universities on the island […]
CyberCorps pays for students’ education, gives them job opportunities
Leonardo Babun can’t wait to face challenging cybersecurity projects once he graduates. And thanks to a new scholarship-for-service program that gives him the necessary tools and training to be successful, he’ll have multiple opportunities to work for the U.S. government. Ten years ago, Babun — a doctoral student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering […]