Young alum joins Pathway to Philanthropist program with gift to establish scholarship for first-generation students

With a recent gift to establish the Ruth Andrade – Jose Alberto Maldonado Zavala Scholarship Endowment, computer science alumnus and first-generation college graduate Jose Maldonado ’17 has become one of the first members of FIU’s Pathway to Philanthropist program. The scholarship will benefit first-generation students in the Honors College, of which Maldonado is a graduate, […]

Donors inspired by a campus experience that continues to enrich their lives: Meet Herb Gruber and Donna Steffens ’06

The BBC Student Food Pantry upgraded to a new space this year, and a group of highly motivated students in the College of Arts, Sciences & Education are getting a well-earned boost toward graduation, thanks to the support of a lifelong learning student named Herb Gruber and his partner, FIU alumna Donna Lee Steffens ’06. […]

With gift to establish scholarship endowment in honor of her teenage daughters, FIU employee joins new Pathway to Philanthropist program

Inspired to set an example for her two teenage daughters about the positive impact women can make in the world, Smilka Melgoza recently made a gift to establish the Vivian and Vanessa Melgoza Scholarship Endowment at FIU. The scholarship is named for her 13- and 15-year-old daughters and will support students in the Honors College, […]

Maurice A. Ferré Foundation gift to establish Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership at FIU

–By Amy Ellis for FIU News The Maurice A. Ferré Foundation has announced a $2 million gift to Florida International University and pledged to raise additional funds, totaling $5.55 million, for the university to establish the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs. The new […]

BankUnited iCare Scholarship targets students engaged in diversity

–By Ellen Forman for BizNews In the summer of 2020, BankUnited launched its iCARETM program. The mission of iCARETM, which stands for Inclusive Community of Advocacy, Respect and Equality, is to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals are valued for their talents, feel free to express themselves and are empowered to achieve their […]

W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports StartUP FIU Food program to help entrepreneurs of color digitally transform their businesses

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation recently granted FIU $400,000 to launch the StartUP FIU Food Digital Transformation Program. Launched in 2017 as a collaboration between StartUP FIU and the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, StartUP FIU Food helps local food entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their businesses. The StartUP FIU Food Digital Transformation Program is designed for low-moderate income entrepreneurs […]

REAL Panthers Making a REAL Impact: Meet Cesar Villa Garcia ’18 and Jose Maldonado ’17

On February 24, the College of Engineering & Computing (CEC) announced its newly named Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences (KFSCIS), in recognition of a $10 million gift from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to enhance FIU’s role in technology, create new, cutting-edge programs, attract top talent, and graduate more […]

Dean John Volakis and Dr. Jason Liu discuss impact of Knight Foundation’s recent investment in computing and information sciences education at FIU

Knight School students
Last week, the College of Engineering & Computing (CEC) announced its newly named Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences (KFSCIS), in recognition of a $10 million investment by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in the school and FIU’s tech ecosystem. The Knight Foundation’s gift, which is accompanied by an additional […]

Faculty and staff giving reaches $30 million over 10 years

On the heels of an auspicious fundraising year, during which FIU faculty and staff stepped up to support students and each other through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ignite Campaign 2021 launched on February 25 with a virtual celebration honoring the start of its tenth anniversary year.  The fiscal year 2020-2021 marks “A Decade of Giving” […]

Student Food Pantry at BBC upgrades to new space thanks to generous donation amid pandemic

The BBC Student Food Pantry upgraded to a new space this year, thanks to the support of a lifelong learning student named Herb Gruber and his partner, FIU alumna Donna Steffens ’06. The new pantry, already open for business, is located at Wolfe University Center 256 and, like its MMC counterpart, is open to all […]