The family of FIU visionary Albert Dotson Sr. has donated $1 million to FIU to commemorate his legacy at the university. The gift supports athletics, scholarships for minority students, and the Management and Advanced Research Center (MARC building) at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. In recognition of this gift, the university renamed the International Pavilion […]
Donations to First Generation Scholarship Program now matched 2-for-1 by state
International business senior Alberto Garcia Marrero hopes to go to law school after graduating. To get there, the Honors College student spends his time attending conferences in his field of study and leading a number of campus organizations, including Golden Key International Honour Society, for which he serves as president. Garcia Marrero was born in […]
Scholarship recipients meet their benefactors for breakfast
When longtime professor of architecture Nicolas Quintana passed away in 2011, his wife, Isabel Quintana, knew she must do something to commemorate his dedication to the university and to his profession. In honor of their mutual love for FIU, she set up a scholarship in his name for students studying architecture in the College of […]
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 […]
Celebrating first-generation students
If you meet a student from FIU, there’s a good chance that he or she is a first-generation student. Panthers come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and many of these students come from households where neither parent completed a four-year degree. These students face a unique set of challenges that can range from a lack […]
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 […]
CEO of Gates Foundation says FIU health grads inspire her
During the recent winter commencement ceremonies, graduates of the College of Medicine, College of Nursing and College of Public Health & Social Work were inspired by Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann, the CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Although some in the audience may have been expecting a typical commencement speech, Dr. Desmond-Hellmann flipped the […]
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 […]