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 […]
University Advancement & FIU Foundation, Inc. Tool Up for Success
University Advancement and the FIU Foundation, Inc. are tooling up to better position FIU for the future. After a period of analysis and benchmarking, changes have been implemented to ensure that FIU’s fundraising structure supports frontline fundraisers as they seek to increase and accelerate principal and major gift fundraising, and improve constituent relations and communications. […]
Corporate Fundraising Sets Record for FIU
FIU University Advancement’s Corporate Relations team raised more than $25 million in Fiscal Year 2017, doubling the record for corporate giving to FIU in a single year and exceeding their goal by $11 million. While the number is of great historic significance, the impact the funds raised will have on FIU is the true value: […]
Alumnus ignites social entrepreneurism
Startup fever is in the air and growing in Miami. The 2017 Kauffman Index of Startup Activity named it the top city in the country for new companies, outpacing hotbeds such as Austin, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. And FIU, for years, has contributed to preparing South Florida entrepreneurs for success, even formally […]