14548 FIU Summer Magazine 2015

50th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL ISSUE

Historic visit Historic year FIU welcomes President Obama

Read more legacy stories FIUalumni.com/legacy

Building an FIU Legacy. As FIU celebrates its 50th anniversary and looks to the future, the university will see more and more “legacy families” that boast generations of FIU graduates. This spring the Cancio family assembled on campus to show its Panther Pride. From left are Giselle Marie Cancio ’14; Grethel Lucia Curbelo ’90, MS ’96; current nursing and psychology student Melissa Marie Cancio; Claudia Abohasen Cancio ’91; Janet Abohasen Galdamez ’87; Nemer Alfredo Abohasen MBA ’01; Desiree Abohasen Zeledon MS ’99; Bernardo Antonio Rojas ’98; Patricia Abohasen Rojas ’92; and current biomedical engineering student Eduardo Ivan Galdamez.

Photo by Doug Garland ’10

4

8

9

A VIEW FROM THE TOP President Mark B. Rosenberg shares his vision for FIU’s second half-century.

MAPPING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

FIU’s new strategic plan lays the groundwork for continued, highquality expansion in educational programs, research and more.

NEXT-GEN FIU

For FIU’s 50th anniversary, we look ahead to coming trends in research, academics, arts, engagement and higher education.

21

SNAPSHOTS

Three important stories, captured in brief and told in full online – about an alumnus, an innovative program and a transformational gift – reveal the spirit of FIU at 50.

24 26

ON THE COVER OBAMA AT FIU

The university revels in the presidential spotlight during a campus visit. Cover photo by Doug Garland ’10

TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY

The personal futures of two undocumented brothers shine brightly thanks to changes in immigration policy and their FIU educations.

ONLINE AT MAGAZINE.FIU.EDU • • •

Federal agencies recognize FIU’s academic offerings in cyber security Student writers embrace the Everglades in a series of essays The Center for Leadership & Service wishes its retiring founder farewell

Information about additional online stories can be found throughout this issue; just look for

SUMMER 2015 | 1

What a difference four decades make! Just as South Florida has grown – compare the development back in 1976, above, with what exists today, below – so have FIU and its Modesto A. Maidique Campus. With just five new buildings (plus office space in the original air traffic control tower) and a sixth under construction at the time, FIU served some 12,000 students. Flash forward to 2015, and the campus is home to more than 60 buildings, among them five new academic health-science centers, five residence halls, a sports arena, a performing arts center and a glorious art museum. With the names of benefactors now gracing many of its edifices, the university reflects the generosity and embrace of the community. Turn to the inside back cover to see an old photo of the Biscayne Bay Campus, which opened in 1977. The two campuses, along with several satellite locations, together now welcome more than 50,000 students.

FROM THE EDITOR I was searching for a graduate school in late 2001

lushness and the sounds of Caribbean and Latin

Amy Ellis Assistant Director of PR and Marketing Office of Engagement

fountain staring up at the stunning bronze artwork on the PC building, “Las Cuatro Razas,” the four races.

Stephen Fain Professor Emeritus College of Education

The message of unity in diversity spoke to me. The people and the opportunities made the decision easy.

Eduardo Gamarra, for whom I eventually served as Associate Dean for Arts & Sciences Gisela Casines, right, who is retiring, was honored at a recent FIU Magazine editorial board meeting. She is pictured with the outgoing editor, Deborah O’Neil.

I finished my master’s degree and stayed. I became a writer, speechwriter to the president, and a journalism instructor. And, for more than a decade I’ve had the privilege of telling the story of this special place as editor of FIU Magazine. Like Rilke says, I believed with my feelings and my work that I was “taking part in the greatest,” and the more I believed in my purpose at the university, the more it was rewarded.

What a joy it has been, at every step telling the story of this university. Our professors have wowed and inspired me. Our alumni have helped me to understand that a university is a network of hope that extends far beyond a campus. My colleagues have helped me learn and grow.

Above all, FIU’s brave, mostly first-generation students have always given me a deep sense of purpose. Their dedication, their hard work, their struggles and triumphs on the path of realizing their own potential. I know their story because it was mine. I was in and

Mark B. Rosenberg Albert Maury ’96, ’02 (Chair) Michael M. Adler (Vice chair) Sukrit Agrawal Cesar L. Alvarez Jose J. Armas Jorge L. Arrizurieta Robert T. Barlick Jr. Alexis Calatayud Marcelo Claure Mayi de la Vega ’81 Gerald C. Grant Jr. ’78, MBA ’89 Claudia Puig Kathleen Wilson

FIU MAGAZINE Division of External Relations

Lazaro Gonzalez Marketing and Branding Strategist Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Then Latin American and Caribbean Center Director

Yes. I chose FIU and it chose me.

FIU Board of Trustees

Paul Dodson Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations

music pouring out into the quad. I stood in front of the

recruiting me to apply sealed it.

Heather Bermudez ’06, MS ’12 Marketing Manager South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Lori-Ann Cox Director of Alumni Advocacy​ University Advancement

falling in love with this university. First, it was the tropical

vibrant community full of possibilities. His enthusiasm in

FIU President

Gisela Casines ’73 Associate Dean College of Arts & Sciences

when I visited FIU for the first time. It happened fast,

a graduate teaching assistant, told me of FIU as a

FIU MAGAZINE Editorial Advisory Board

Sandra B. Gonzalez-Levy Senior Vice President

Terry Witherell

Vice President Susan Jay Assistant Vice President of Development Karen Cochrane Director and Assistant Dean for Medical News and Communications Advancement Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Deborah O’Neil MA ’09

Nicole Kaufman Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Editor

Alexandra Pecharich

Andra Parrish Liwag Campaign Communications Director University Advancement Larry Lunsford Vice President for Student Affairs University Ombudsman Maureen Pelham Director of Clinical Trials Division of Research Duane Wiles Executive Director Alumni Association Mark Williams Interim Dean, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work

Managing Editor

Aileen Solá-Trautmann Art Director

Doug Garland ’10

Senior Multimedia Producer

Writers

JoAnn C. Adkins Ayleen Barbel Fattal ’06 Joel Delgado ’12 Amy Ellis Sissi Garland, ’99, MA ’08 ​Evelyn S. Perez

Magazine Intern

Clara-Meretan Kiah

Photographers

Miguel Asencio ’12, MS ’14 Chris Granger Eduardo Merille ’97, MBA ’00 Roldan Torres ’85

out of college between full-time and part-time jobs — then a stint in the Army — all so I could finally get an undergrad degree at age 26. Later, FIU made it possible for me to go to graduate school.

This commemorative FIU@50 magazine is my final issue as editor. I could not be more grateful to all the people — my team, the FIU Magazine Editorial Board, Alumni Relations, my colleagues in External Relations — who have dedicated themselves to this honored undertaking of giving voice to a community. I am especially grateful to all the readers whose constant feedback and support have helped this publication grow and thrive.

I look forward to opening these pages for many more years and celebrating the greatest that is FIU. Cheers,

Deborah O’Neil MA ’09

Copyright 2015, Florida International University. FIU Magazine is published by the Florida International University Division of External Relations and distributed free of charge to alumni, faculty and friends of the university. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. To reach us, call 305-348-7235.

Alumni Office: Write to Office of Alumni Relations at MMC MARC 510, Miami, FL 33199, or call 305-348-3334 or toll-free at 800-FIU-ALUM. Visit FIUalumni.com.

Change of Address: Please send updated address information to FIU Office of Alumni Relations, MARC 510, Miami, FL 33199 or by email to alumni@FIU.edu.

Letters to the Editor: FIU Magazine welcomes letters to the editor regarding magazine content. Send your letters via e-mail to alumni@FIU.edu; by fax to 305-348-3247 or mail to FIU Magazine, Division of External Relations, MMC PC 515, Miami, FL 33199.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity. All letters should include the writer’s full name and daytime phone number.

Alumni, please include your degree and year of graduation.

14548_06/15 FIU Magazine is printed on 10 percent PCW recycled paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council ®

SUMMER 2015 | 3

“Today it’s clear that FIU’s youthfulness is an advantage. It gives us the opportunity to extend ourselves in ways that are consistent with our mission, in ways that many older universities might be reluctant to embrace because their value propositions are based on exclusivity.

Our value proposition is based on engagement and inclusivity. Finding ways to build bridges is who we are and what we do.”

4 | SUMMER 2015

President Rosenberg envisions

FIU of the FUTURE To mark FIU’s 50-year anniversary, FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg shared his vision for the next generation in a wide-ranging conversation with FIU Magazine Editor Deborah O’Neil.

Photo by Doug Garland ’10

Q. You started your teaching career in 1976

become a lot more complex and diverse and

at FIU and have been president for nearly

fragmented. Financial and economic power is

six years. What does this anniversary

shifting away from the U.S. gradually.

mean to you?

Nationally we are reflecting that

performance is almost exponential.

And a fourth trend that I think is very, very important is China and the willingness of China and the Chinese people to go beyond

A. It symbolizes a coming of age. It’s a

fragmentation. The country is far more

their boundaries and to extend their culture

marker in the evolution of the university and

dependent upon new skills and competencies

and extend their economic and financial and

the community. I was used to being around

that, for the most part, can only be taught and

technical wherewithal. That will be a major

universities that were created in the 1700s

learned through a higher education context,

driver of 21st century movements.

and the 1800s in this country. It’s unique

a university context. It’s a country where

to have such a large and impactful public

natural resources are less and less central to

disruption and the growing power of

university that is so young. In those early

competitiveness and human talent is more

disruptive forces, whether they are

days, when I started at the university, we

central. The university in that context is very,

technological or religious or racial. I see that

more often than not cursed our youthfulness

very well situated to thrive.

as a very powerful social element in

and fundamentally saw it as a disadvantage.

At the local level, the community is far more

The other element is the trend toward

the change.

Across time, you will see us moving

Today it’s clear to me our youthfulness is

diversified and complex than it was when the

an advantage. It gives us the opportunity to

university was opened. The community is far

away from discipline-based education and

extend ourselves in ways that are consistent

more conscious of its potential and its reach,

opportunities for people to more cause-based

with our mission, in ways that many older

and it has become mainstream nationally and

or mission-based. Whether it’s health and

universities are reluctant to do because

globally in its identity. So that carries with it

wellness, or life extension or related to those,

their value propositions are based on

some opportunities and some obligation and

the university will have to respond. It will

exclusivity. Our value proposition is based

some challenges that reflect squarely on the

be more cause-based and problem-based

on engagement and inclusivity. Those are

university and how it evolves over the next

education and certification.

elements of our rootedness and organic

few years.

Q. What does that mean for the academic

culture that we need to celebrate and be proud of. Finding ways to build bridges is

Q. What academic trends are on the

experience of tomorrow’s students?

who we are and what we do.

horizon that will be influential for FIU’s

A. Academic experience will become far more

future direction?

tailored to individual interests and cognitive

Q. A lot has shifted in higher education

A. First, universities have lost their monopoly

capabilities and mission orientations.

during that time. What changes have had

on learning. Second, the “massification” of

We will move to more personalized

the biggest impact on FIU?

high-speed digital technologies has had a

education. Traditionally, we have addressed

A. I don’t really look at the university without

major impact upon us. Third, the growing

massification and expansion of higher

understanding the broader global and

opportunity that comes about in human

education wholesale, but I think as we move

national context. So, I think the world has

potential as it relates to wellness, health and

to greater technological sophistication, we Continues SUMMER 2015 | 5

Continued

will have much more specialized modules

know where the traditional human being

understanding a country, a formation of that

and modalities that will fit specific interests

ends and life forms that are manufactured

magnitude demographically, economically,

in a more personal fashion. Education will

or fabricated begin. You are already seeing

financially, technologically. The estimate

become far more fragmented based on

that with artificial limbs and the whole

is, that by the year 2040, China’s GDP will

technical competencies, based on personal

debate over whether people with artificial

be $123 trillion. The European Community

mission orientations and interests and far

limbs have an advantage. You are seeing

and the U.S. combined will be $30-35

more normalized within the life span of the

it with cataract removal and lenses that

trillion. Let’s assume we’re off by even 40

human being.

are manmade and are very effective. I see

percent. You are still dealing with an entity

Our university in particular is moving into

that is on the order of three times the size

partnership-solution logic to bring value to our community, to bring value globally as well. That increasingly will be the wave of the future.

Q. How about trends in research?

Where are we going?

A. The research will be far more solutionsoriented, far more applied, far more driven by team-based multidisciplinary groups and far more data driven as a consequence of large data sets and big data. You will see not just classic researchers. You will see also individuals with specific competencies, in terms of experience, solutions and applications.

of the United States and Europe in terms of

“Where we are growing globally relates to the life of the mind. International understanding was one of the original university goals. We start by making sure our students interact more with students from others countries and with other perspectives.”

You also will have research teams that

production. That is something we need to come to grips with.

Where we are growing globally relates to the life of the mind. It is critically important that we do a better job; and we have staked out this ground on the Global Learning initiative. International understanding was one of the original university goals. We start with doing a better job of making sure our students interact more with students from other countries and with other perspectives.

We also have to find ways to replicate the look and feel of the world of work that students are going into by ensuring our students have important opportunities to experience different cultures and different

include people with anthropological and

ways of doing things. That can be through

sociological competency. So, I’m not

incredible things happening there. That will

study abroad or cross-national collaborative

worried about the humanities disappearing

involve, as well, emphasis and people who

design simulations or research projects.

or the social sciences disappearing.

are more skilled in dealing with normative

The more we aggregate data, the more

sociology issues.

we will need the involvement of those

Obviously environment, the enhanced

Q. So, let’s talk about engagement. In a broad sense, what will the “public’ of

who understand family matters, family

skills to maintain environmental

public higher education mean for FIU

organization, community organization,

reconstruction and the whole issue of

going forward?

sociological and political dynamics.

sustainability are major. Water and energy

A. “Public” will connote a certain value

increasingly will be even more major. We

proposition that the public university is the

have to do a lot more work in those areas.

platform for addressing the challenges and

The areas we have aligned around in generic terms include arts and entertainment from a consumer orientation, which is going

opportunities that come about through

to require serious research. In terms of

Q. Let’s talk global. What are the major

social change. Public universities have the

health, we’ll have significant moves forward

international and global trends that

obligation to make sure there is broader

in life extension and quality of life. You

matter to FIU?

awareness of those challenges and

are also going to see blending of human-

A. I do think China is a major, major area

opportunities and to make sure there’s a

machine cognition, where you really won’t

that we have to do a lot more work on, just

capability to address them.

6 | SUMMER 2015

Q. What do you see happening in terms

and labor; and people are social animals

Q. At a core mission level, what are we

of the funding aspects of public higher

who feel the need to gather and share their

doing today that will ensure we thrive

education and how we sustain the

learning and experiences. Even if we do a lot

tomorrow?

university in the future?

more education in a personalized, just-in-

A. One, we are becoming far more student-

A. I’m not one of those people who is going

time, modular fashion, there will be a need to

centric and far more committed to how

to curse the darkness in that sense. Times

bring people together to share learning and

to improve student performance. Within

change, and we have to change with them.

benefit from the serendipity of one-on-one,

the next 10 years, we are going to have

We are perfectly situated to change and

face-to-face relationships.

individualized cognitive measures that

prosper because we have the human talent and values proposition and the organizational culture to successfully thrive in this much more complex and ambiguous environment.

Therefore, we should expect as we do that we are able to, and we must diversify our financial base. There will always be some funding coming from the state as a public institution, but we should expect across time that as we become more successful and larger, that funding will diminish in size and scale and percentage.

Why? If we are creating value, we’re able to monetize that value in a way that enables us to have sustainability.

This country is enormously wealthy, and this country is full of dreamers and people who are able to turn dreams into reality and

will allow better understanding of where a

“Times change, and we have to change with them. We are perfectly situated to change and prosper because we have the human talent and values proposition and the organizational culture to successfully thrive in this much more complex and ambiguous environment.”

then want to help others. I’m confident that as we become more successful, we will see

student enters into the learning curve and measures how much a student is able to learn. That will be aggregated by programs and disciplines and institutions and globally benchmarked.

Two, our ability to survive is going to be based on our willingness to depart from traditional approaches to access and traditional measures of success. If we continue to base admissions on SAT scores and ACT scores, we are going to miss some of the truly unbelievable talent in this community that just wants a chance to be in an embracing and intense learning environment. I don’t believe in open admission as such, but I do believe that admission should be a function of measuring talent and talent potential as

In the case of the Maidique campus, our

opposed to more traditional indicators of

more philanthropy and more purposeful

academic health center has the potential

success that are completely misaligned with

giving coming into the university on one

to become a billion-dollar stand-alone

our demographics and our geography. We

hand, and we will be able to monetize that

enterprise in 20 years. That is my vision for it

have a sacred obligation to advance that

value in a way that will enable us to maintain

because of the exponential improvements in

human potential.

a cadre and corpus of talent that will

health and advances in health research that

enhance the institution.

will take on a logic of its own. That in part is

meeting that in many ways our divinity is

why we need the additional acreage to the

hope and opportunity. We must never forget

south of us.

that’s what we bring to the table: hope for

Q. We’ve built out the MMC and we have the opportunity to go bigger with the

We will probably see more specialized

I mentioned in the 50th anniversary prayer

people who might not otherwise have the

additional fairgrounds acreage. What will

centers and sites out there across time

opportunity to get an education and learn

FIU look like for the next generation?

similar to Brickell or South Beach or I-75 or

at such a dynamic place, and opportunity

A. It’s the next generation that expansion

China. We will see more as we can develop

in that there’s a perception out there that

to the fairgrounds is all about. I do still see

business models that work. That provides

FIU students are well prepared and that

the need for brick and mortar. Traditional

value in communities that might not be able

opens incredible opportunity they might not

research requires state-of-the-art facilities

to access our main platforms.

otherwise have. That’s who we are.

n

SUMMER 2015 | 7

Mapping the next five years New strategic plan sets ambitious goals for student success and research have potential for significant and sustained

By Karen Cochrane When university leaders began thinking

growth as well as myriad opportunities for

about FIU’s next strategic plan two years

engagement at the local and global levels.

ago, they knew it had to be comprehensive.

For the skeptics who believe the plan is

funding will not arrive unless we perform.”

Thirty of 50 states now use performancefunding models, according to Furton, who called the paradigm “the new normal.” The

Higher education was in the midst of historic

too ambitious, Furton has a message: “At

model demands increased accountability

change. The students, faculty, staff, alumni

FIU, we have a history of accomplishing

and efficiency, focusing on nine metrics of

and community leaders who participated in

things that seemed impossible at first. We will

undergraduate student success outcomes

the planning process viewed it as a chance

do it again.”

and one metric on percentage of graduate

to embrace the opportunities inherent in this seismic shift.

The result is FIUBeyondPossible2020,

degrees in areas of strategic emphasis.

Key Measurable Goals n

Improve the first-to-second-year retention rate of first-time-in-college students from 76 to 90 percent

n

Boost six-year graduation rate among first-timein-college students from 53 to 70 percent

n

Increase four-year graduation rate of state college (AA) transfer students from 64 to 70 percent

n

Increase enrollment to 65,000, and increase use of digital technologies to enhance face-to-face and distance learning

the university’s bold vision for the next five years.

President Mark B. Rosenberg tapped Provost Kenneth G. Furton, then-dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, to lead the effort. The plan focuses on improving student success, identifying and supporting preeminent programs,

n

expanding the research enterprise and achieving greater financial sustainability.

FIUBeyondPossible2020 reflects the input of more than 150 members of

using the BOG model.

Within the context of this new normal, architects of the plan ensured that the goals were inherently FIU. Implementation A plan is only as good as its implementation, and leaders acknowledge that reaching the goals set forth in FIUBeyondPossible2020 will not be easy.

Increase research expenditures from $130 million annually to $200 million annually

n

Increase by 30 percent the number of Ph.D. degrees granted to more than 200 annually

would require “soul searching” and faculty

n

Nurture an expansion in patents and startups from an average of two per year to 20 annually

“This is a shared responsibility. No one

n

Grow philanthropic giving to achieve the Next Horizon capital campaign goal of $750 million

pages of history and context, strategies and goals. Its powerful message is

receive (or lose) funding based on their score

n

the university community. Endorsed by the Board of Trustees in March, it is 68

Expand experiential learning opportunities for students, to include growing student internships from 4,637 to 6,000 annually

Universities are ranked and can potentially

stated simply in two sentences early

support. But ultimately, he told attendees, is exempt.”

The provost has created multiple implementation committees with a steering

in the document: “The plan’s name, FIUBeyondPossible2020, reflects the fact

At the January town hall, Rosenberg said it

“The New Normal”

committee to oversee the process. The committees will meet over the course of the

that these are precedent-setting goals. We

A fundamental difference between this

plan to be the first public, majority-minority

plan and previous plans is the purposeful

summer and throughout the next five years to

research institution to achieve these goals

alignment of metrics with the Florida Board

ensure that the goals are met and adjusted to

because in achieving these goals, FIU will

of Governors Performance Funding Model,

reflect changing conditions.

better serve our students, faculty, staff

which tracks 10 performance goals and

and community.”

awards dollars based upon each university’s

plan is actualized. Through its achievement,

ability to do well in those areas.

FIU will be stronger for our students, faculty,

The plan reaffirms the areas of focus

Says Furton, “We need to ensure that our

staff and community. I encourage everyone

identified in the previous strategic plan: arts,

“We have a responsibility to make sure that

environment, globalization and health. Each

we stay on the edge of responsiveness,” said

to read the full plan, stay engaged and

of these areas is related to FIU’s mission, and

Rosenberg in January at a town hall meeting

remain informed of our progress by visiting

university leaders believe these areas still

to introduce FIUBeyondPossible2020. “The

stratplan.FIU.edu.

8 | SUMMER 2015

n

FIU in the Next Gen “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt In the 50 years since its founding, FIU has made a dramatic impact on the economic and social well-being of South Florida.

So, what will the next 50 years bring? FIU Magazine spoke with university leaders and educators to understand where some of our strengths will take us in the coming decades and how FIU will continue to influence the world at home and beyond.

Stories by Joel Delgado ’12, Evelyn Perez, Ayleen Barbel Fattal ’06, JoAnn C. Adkins, Alexandra Pecharich, Deborah O’Neil MA ’09, Amy Ellis, Clara-Meretan Kiah Photography and artwork by Doug Garland ’10

SUMMER 2015 | 9

Education

for the Next Gen

10 | SUMMER 2015

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

—Nelson Mandela

The students of tomorrow What will the next generation of FIU students look like?

Currently, FIU’s demographics mirror that of the surrounding community of Miami-Dade County. According to the Office of Planning

“We look like the future,” says Vice President of Student Affairs Larry Lunsford.

“Other universities have goals for what we have already accomplished. We want to be well represented in our diversity in the future.

We want to be proud of our diversity over the next 50 years.”

& Institutional Research at FIU, Hispanic students make up 63 percent of the student population, women make up 56 percent and 12 percent are black or African-American as of the Spring 2015 semester.

And while FIU currently enrolls a

International and public affairs Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger in Haiti. Combating malaria and other

large number of first-generation college

diseases in Africa. Ensuring environmental

students, 50 years from now, many of the

stability in India. Unifying the Korean

university’s students may be their children

peninsula. Establishing peace between

and grandchildren.

Israel and Palestine.

“There will be fewer first-generation

Such far-reaching and forward-looking

students as a growing number of those who

aspirations represent the global vision for

enroll will be the sons and daughters of

FIU’s newly renamed Steven J. Green School

our alumni,” says Jody Glassman, director

of International and Public Affairs in the

of Undergraduate Admissions. “It will be a

College of Arts & Sciences. Supported by a

different kind of Miami we serve in 50 years.”

transformational $20 million gift, the school is

University leaders believe that FIU will

now poised to become one of the world’s top

maintain its status as a majority-minority

academic centers dedicated to international

institution as many other universities may

understanding, economic development,

begin to mirror FIU’s diversity. The Pew

peace and security.

Research Center predicts that by 2050, the

“This gift reinforces FIU’s destiny as a

Hispanic population in the U.S. will triple to

preeminent center for international education

128 million. Miami, as a gateway to Latin

and global problem-solving,” says FIU

America, is expected to continue to be a

President Mark B. Rosenberg.

metropolitan city that boasts a Hispanic majority – and FIU will reflect that.

Researchers working within the auspices of the six-year-old school have Continues SUMMER 2015 | 11

Continued

dedicated their careers to understanding

needed to establish global cooperation,

the complexities of our transnational and

economic equality and peace in the

globalized society and how to fill a broad

next generation.

range of basic human needs, including health, education and equality, according to Associate Director Shlomi Dinar. Through the disciplines of sociology, economics, politics, law and criminal justice, religion and others, they study the wide range of issues that make up how countries, governments and societies relate to one another. The school brings together experts to analyze problems and find sustainable solutions through an interdisciplinary lens.

The recent contribution has created an endowment in support of academic, research and public affairs initiatives focused on transnational studies, international institutions and security policy in the Americas. The gift also will support the construction of a state-ofthe-art building that will unify the school’s resources and researchers to foster collaboration, interdisciplinary innovation and student success.

FIU’s approach to the social sciences

Specialized and online education As master’s degrees become more important for graduates to stand out in crowded job markets, the future will see more and more working professionals taking classes at FIU part-time, probably through a wide variety of online programs available.

Popular “4+1” programs, which allow undergraduate students to pursue an accelerated master’s degree in addition to their bachelor’s degrees, will grow as will high-level professional certificates. A number of “niche” majors tailored toward specialized topics and subjects also could become the norm at FIU, attracting specific types of students to FIU. “Universities become important in the way they open the door for careers,” says Benjamin Baez, a professor of higher

integrates theory and practice at every level.

education at the College of Education. “You’ll

Students are taught inside the classroom

see more of a focus on STEM (science,

using innovative curriculum and cutting-

technology, engineering and math) and

edge research. Their classroom learning

specialized majors to attract specific groups

is paired with real-life, global-learning

of people rather than generic degrees.”

experiences, including study abroad and

With the rise of online programs, virtual

internship opportunities. Those who master

classrooms and other technologies in recent

particular issues in the social sciences also

years, many wonder whether or not the

gain a wide range of transferable skills,

“traditional” college campus will become

including analytical, management and

obsolete. But university leaders believe that

leadership, communication, consensus-

technological advances and a more traditional

building and negotiation.

college campus will be a part of FIU’s future.

Situated in Miami, the school will educate

As online programs and other technological

leaders who can not only connect the

advances improve access for a larger number

Americas but bridge them with Africa, the

of students and more student housing

Middle East, Asia and other regions poised

facilities are built both on campus and in the

for growth in upcoming decades. With a

surrounding area, there could be an uptick

diverse student body, the Green School will

in both students living on campus and also

graduate leaders who drive the innovation

those taking classes part-time or fully online.

12 | SUMMER 2015

Section continues

“The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.”

—Herbert Spencer

SUMMER 2015 | 13

Research

for the Next Gen

14 | SUMMER 2015

Sea level rise and water conservation Not just a natural resource, water in the 21st century also has become a commodity and a

proven examples of solutions that work.

Yet in 2065, certain truths likely will remain. Florida will continue to be the lowest and flattest state in the country. Miami’s

Disaster mitigation and urban resilience As climate change and urban population growth create stress upon the natural

challenge in the face of climate change. FIU

water supply will remain dependent on the

environment, FIU researchers are looking at

researchers are working to ensure the next 50

Biscayne Aquifer, which rests beneath the

ways to help government agencies and other

years aren’t like the last, which have been full

Florida Everglades. And the seas will be

stakeholders understand related challenges

of controversy and uncertainty.

higher, though how high remains a mystery.

to our built environment. The goal: to support

Some say a foot by 2100, while others

better design, improved construction and

believe it could be as high as six feet.

long-term management of resources.

In the next generation, people won’t be talking about how to protect the Everglades, South Florida’s water supply or the communities along the coastline. They will be doing it. Miami Beach’s landscape already will have changed with the rising seas. But as the College of Arts & Sciences Dean Mike Heithaus attests, today’s

It is difficult to plan based on best guesses. But FIU ecologist Rene Price says statistical certainties will come very soon.

She says that in just a few years scientists will be able to predict how high the seas will

Predicting the future is never easy, but the Infrastructure System-of-Systems Research Group within the OHL School of Construction aims to introduce a degree of clarity in a climate of uncertainty. The team is developing computational models that will demonstrate

generation will be defined by its response

rise over time. That will give communities

how physical infrastructure might perform

to climate change. And that response will

time to prepare. During the next 50 years,

under a variety of conditions. The term

determine the challenges faced by the next.

governments will be able to develop

“systems-of-systems” refers to a holistic

For scientists, the conversation focuses

and execute plans based on realistic

approach that looks at infrastructure as

expectations for the 22nd century.

complex and interdependent. To underscore

on how to adapt. Partnerships forged today with the City of Miami Beach, the Everglades Foundation and others will shape the future of South Florida. As a result, communities along coastlines throughout the world will define their responses, redesign their infrastructures and revise their building

The foundation for these plans will largely come from the research being done at FIU. Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine recently said that what people cannot imagine today will actually be what is invented to make coastal

the value of a wide view, Professor of construction management Ali Mostafavi gives the example of frequent inland flooding, which can lead to pumping station failure, sewagesystem backups and contamination of the water supply. “From one event,” he says, “you

codes based on what South Florida

cities resilient in the future. Today, students

scientists, architects and engineers research

and faculty throughout FIU are dreaming up

today. In the next 50 years, South Florida’s

the potential solutions that could help define

university research efforts focused on disaster

role of a living laboratory will evolve into

water in South Florida in 2065 and beyond.

mitigation. The International Hurricane

can see the cascading impacts.”

This and other studies complement

Continues

SUMMER 2015 | 15

“Seek not greatness, but seek truth and you will find both.”

—Horace Mann Continued

Research Center, for example, has for nearly two

physical, emotional, genetic and neurobiological

decades brought together scientists to probe

profiles, and then prescribe an optimized treatment

how urban areas can best prepare for high-threat

strategy based on your unique brain signatures.

storms. And the College of Engineering and

The brain is the most complex organ in the

Computing’s Wall of Wind — the largest and most

human body. It makes up 2 percent of a body’s

powerful university research facility of its kind —

mass yet uses 20 percent of its blood and oxygen

investigates how construction materials perform

supply. It controls the way we think. It controls our

under extreme conditions, tests whose outcomes

movements. It dictates the way we make decisions.

can influence Florida building codes.

And it determines how we recall memories. It is

The work of the university helps demonstrate that decisions made today can change the course ahead and encourages public policy for the long haul.

powerful and yet fragile.

FIU scientists from across the disciplines – medicine, nursing, education, engineering, arts and sciences – have dedicated their careers to understanding mental processes in the healthy

Neuroscience and brain mapping A person enters a doctor’s office for a physical.

As part of the routine, blood pressure is taken and temperature recorded and, finally, the brain is scanned.

and diseased human brain. They study brain activity, including language, cognition, emotion, action, sensory perception and mental health, while working to develop new technologies in cognitive neuroimaging.

Through collaborative research, the future is likely to bring advances in neurotechnology that

In a single scan, lurking disorders within

allow physicians to tap into or activate the nervous

the mind and body are revealed. A doctor can

system to provide personalized neurotherapy, says

diagnose neurodegenerative conditions such as

Ranu Jung, chair of biomedical engineering and

Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as psychological

interim dean of the College of Engineering

issues including depression and even addiction.

& Computing.

Symptoms may or may not be present. The need

But more than diagnostics and treatment, FIU

for lengthy testing and intensive evaluations are

researchers believe cognitive neuroscience also

no more. A single scan. A snapshot of the brain. A

can lead to better students. It is likely that students

picture that tells a story and gives a roadmap for

in the class of 2065 will be taught using methods

curing or overcoming problems.

developed from studies under way today. Using

The science isn’t there yet, but in the next 50 years, FIU researchers believe it will get there.

According to Angela Laird, director of FIU’s

neuroimaging techniques, these studies examine how college STEM majors learn reasoning and problem-solving skills. Understanding this could

Cognitive Neuroscience and Imaging Center, in

help educators better craft the way these courses

50 years, with a prick of your finger and a hand-

are taught in the future.

held imaging device, clinicians may be able to immediately assess your health status in terms of

Today’s FIU scientists hope that someday the brain scan will be as routine as an EKG. Section continues

16 | SUMMER 2015

SUMMER 2015 | 17

Partnerships for the Next Gen

18 | SUMMER 2015

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Community outreach and engagement As the public research university in one of the country’s largest metro areas, FIU increasingly will serve as a solutions center globally in the coming decades. Through partnerships and engagement efforts, the university is already tackling a spectrum of issues and challenges, most notably improving the K-12 public school system and increasing college access opportunities.

Building on that demonstrated success, the university will continue to enter into strategic partnerships that will have important ramifications for our world. Three initiatives launched in 2015 are emblematic of the cooperative efforts that will drive the university’s future direction.

To help meet the need for high-quality professionals ready to step into the workforce, FIU has collaborated with the Beacon Council, South Florida industry leaders and the region’s other educational institutions to launch the Talent Development Network. Its aim: to provide new internships in key sectors of the local economy. A new partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., the Royal@FIU World Stage Collaborative, is fostering new connections between the performing arts and hospitality and tourism.

Recognizing that there is strength in numbers, FIU has partnered with its sister institutions in two of the state’s other large urban areas to create the Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities. FIU, the University of Central Florida and the University Continues SUMMER 2015 | 19

Continued

of South Florida are working together to

tours and curator-guided video tours of

will include the expert and innovative

improve college graduation rates, share best

exhibits, all intended to pique the interests of

contributions of FIU professors and students.

practices across the board and create a more

“superfans,” or niche audiences.

united voice at the state level.

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum

Collaboration has already begun with the City of Sweetwater, adjacent to the

will extend a helping hand into the younger

Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC). The

valued partners — whether public, private

community in Miami, especially those in

university has offered design ideas for a

or nonprofit — as unlocking catalytic

low-income communities, starting with a

revitalized downtown corridor. A signature

momentum that leads to community-wide

partnership with Sweetwater Elementary to

bridge — both functional as well as symbolic

transformation,” said FIU Vice President for

build the school’s art program and bring its

of a new relationship between FIU and the

Engagement Saif Ishoof. “Collaboration has

students on field trips to the museum. The

city — will be erected with federal monies

maximum impact when the greatest needs

Frost hopes to create similar programs in

to span the busy seven-lane highway that

are tackled through the exponential addition

elementary schools all over the county.

currently separates the two entities in hopes

“We view our role in working with

of resources and people.”

This March, the university unveiled its

of strengthening ties and sharing assets.

Royal@FIU World Stage Collaborative,

Students will be able to take advantage

a partnership with RCL to build a

of new shops, restaurants and housing

130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art

opening off campus, while residents will

training facility at the Biscayne Bay Campus.

have access to campus sporting and cultural

The building features classrooms, three-

events as well as lectures and more. The

undergone a cultural renaissance. The arrival

story studios, a 300-seat theater and a

School of Architecture has suggested that

of Art Basel in 2002 drew attention to Miami’s

20,000-square-foot costume-making facility,

new development within the city center

burgeoning art scene and fueled an influx of

where students will have the chance to

include the intentional addition of “walkability

artists, collectors, buyers and appreciators of

take classes, earn paid internships and

features,” such as improved sidewalks,

the arts in South Florida. A new community

train alongside hospitality and

landscaping and public art, to boost its

of people interested in building Miami’s

entertainment professionals.

attractiveness and people-friendly quotient.

Creative initiatives in the arts Over the past 15 years, Miami has

reputation in the arts emerged.

The university also recently announced

Emphasis on the human element likewise

an initiative to reopen the Coconut Grove

informs the FIU-Miami Creative City Initiative,

dedicated to the arts, a partnership with

Playhouse, which was once a thriving and

a think tank of experts on urban issues with

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., and plans to

popular theater in South Florida until it closed

the goal of harnessing local creative and

reopen the Coconut Grove Playhouse, FIU’s

its doors in 2006. Reopening the Playhouse

entrepreneurial forces. The team includes

role in this cultural revolution is significant.

will offer theater students a chance to work

School of Architecture Professor Roberto

with actors, costume and set designers, and

Rovira and is engaging local business and

involved in creating murals and music, theater

other behind-the-scenes production, giving

civic leaders along with students and the

and fine arts throughout South Florida; and

them the chance to work and learn alongside

greater community in dialogue on how

moving forward, the university will continue to

professionals in their field.

creativity, culture and design can drive a

With three public museums, a college

FIU students and alumni have been

regional economy.

influence the arts in Miami by expanding its outreach and partnerships in the community.

The Wolfsonian-FIU museum hopes to expand its international presence by digitizing its collection and creating a virtual

Urban design and architecture As ever-greater numbers of permanent

Turning to a public university to help reinvigorate public space makes sense, says Rovira, who involves his students in a variety of projects through his “Catalysts of the

world visitors can access any time online,

residents as well as visitors flock to our

Urban Canvas” course. “We’re perfect in the

a project that got its start with a $5 million

tropical paradise over the coming decades,

sense that we have a fresh set of eyes every

grant from the Knight Foundation in 2013.

FIU will play a larger role in shaping South

single year. We have a student body and a

The collection already has begun to appear

Florida’s built environment in support of

faculty who are trained from day one to think

online, and future ideas for the virtual

a dynamic, sustainable future. Projects

in visionary ways, to think in transformative

museum include podcast series, panoramic

that serve the common good increasingly

ways, to be unafraid.”

20 | SUMMER 2015

n

Advancing

global

understanding

T

he Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs now bears the name of its benefactor, and the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center likewise reflects the generosity of a family that has for decades supported FIU in a variety of ways.

Most recently, a transformational gift of $20 million will strengthen global studies for the next generation by enabling the Green School to advance international research and academic programs. The contribution also will support the construction of a state-of-the-art building and the school’s pursuit of membership in the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs.

Ambassador Green, his wife, Dorothea, and their daughter Kimberly made the commitment, one of the largest in FIU’s history. “Unless people have a knowledge of other cultures and other political systems, we’re never going to have a peaceful world,” said Green, an entrepreneur and the Honorary Consul General of Singapore in Miami. “To make a political difference, to make a social difference, you have to integrate many factors. The School of International and Public Affairs deals with the integration of these ideas and truly creates a platform for tomorrow’s leaders.”

The family’s largesse follows on 25 years of helping shape FIU through gifts in support of the Green Library at MMC, an acclaimed lecture series at the Frost Art Museum and NeighborhoodHELP, the Wertheim College of Medicine’s signature community-outreach program for the poor.

Ambassador Steven J. Green, left, with FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg Photo by Miguel Asencio

WINTER SUMMER 2014-15 2015 | 21

Watch NeighborhoodHELP in action magazine.FIU.edu

Serving our neighbors

L

ike FIU itself, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine began with a mission to meet the needs of the local community. So, in 2010, the medical school joined forces with the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, the Robert Stempel

College of Public Health & Social Work and FIU’s College of Law to train young people while serving the common good. The resulting Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP, or Health Education Learning Program, brings together medical, nursing, social and legal services — all delivered by FIU students and the faculty who oversee them — to offer comprehensive assistance to the working poor and uninsured.

n

In the neighborhood: Stephan Solomon, in baseball cap, shakes hands with FIU medical student Joseph Ottolenghi, who was joined in a home visit by Dr. Suzanne Minor (in white coat), Dr. Marcos Milanez and outreach coordinator Jenne Egola Burnett.

22 | SUMMER 2015

Inspiring us all C

ollege of Education alumnus David Menasche didn’t stay with us nearly long enough. Yet his 42 years stand testament to just how

much difference one person can make in the world. How much difference one teacher can make. The amazing journey of this Coral Reef Senior High teacher was captured in his book, The Priority List, which is on tap to become a Warner Brothers movie starring Steve Carrell. FIU Magazine Editor Deborah O’Neil spent time with David at the end of his life as he was preparing to headline TEDxFIU 2014. David was too sick to take the stage and passed away just days later on Nov. 20, 2014, but we honor him by sharing what he taught us. Visit magazine.FIU.edu to read more about the inspired life of this poet and skateboarder, iconoclast and fighter, student of life and teacher of many.

n

Learn more about Menasche’s journey magazine.FIU.edu

Photo by Chris Granger

SUMMER 2015 | 23

An historic visit in an historic year

By Deborah O’Neil MA ’09 and Amy Ellis | Photo by Doug Garland ’10

U.S. President Barack Obama shined a national spotlight on FIU and South Florida this spring during two visits that centered on the key issues of immigration reform and climate change. Dozens of FIU faculty, students and staff took part in the nationally televised events.

In February, the president held a town hall meeting at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus to discuss the need for immigration reform. Organized by Telemundo and MSNBC, the event aired on both stations and was hosted by anchor Jose Diaz-Balart. Prior to the taping, FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg addressed the audience in the Graham Center ballrooms by stating that Miami – and FIU – were the most appropriate places to host a discussion on immigration.

“We live it every day,’’ he said. “This is the place that has discussed and debated immigration more than any other… and we are thrilled to be a part of this conversation with the president of the United States, Barack Obama.’’

With more than 54,000 students, FIU is the largest Hispanic-serving university in the nation and the largest producer of Hispanic graduates in the country. In the audience were a number of FIU students who are personally affected by immigration law, particularly the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which provides exemption from deportation for some undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. (See related story, page 26).

“The stories of people like you here today will soften the hearts of those who would block us,’’ Obama said.

Later, Rosenberg praised all who were involved in the success of the visit. “The president was very impressed, as was his staff,’’ Rosenberg said. “But I never had any doubt. It’s extraordinary what we can do when we come together with a single purpose.

This was an historic moment for FIU. He could’ve gone anywhere and he chose FIU.” Just weeks later, Obama returned to South Florida to celebrate Earth Day in Florida’s Everglades National Park. He took to the podium to remind the country of the importance of preservation and the threat of climate change. Five members of the FIU family had supporting roles during the visit: Executive Director of the School of Environment, Arts and Society Evelyn Gaiser, biology professor Philip Stoddard, alumnus Larry Perez and students Bryan Palacio and Jacqueline Crucet.

Obama in the Everglades | Photo by Eduardo Merille ’97, MBA ’00 24 | SUMMER 2015

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Obama on campus with TV commentator Jose Diaz-Balart for a town hall on immigration SUMMER 2015 | 25

EDUCATING -------THE-------

Dreamers President Obama’s visit to campus recognizes FIU’s commitment to immigrants

By Sissi Garland ’99, MA ’08 | Photo by Doug Garland ’10

T

wins Nicolas and Esteban Wulff dream of opportunity. They dream of working

hard to achieve success. They dream of a college education.

When President Barack Obama visited campus Feb. 25 for a town hall on immigration, the FIU community came together to dream with them. The brothers were among a handful of FIU students selected to participate in the historic event because their story is emblematic of the national dialogue in support of immigration reform.

The Wulff brothers arrived in the United States when they were 5 years old. They had packed up their toys and made the journey from Colombia to reunite with their mom who had come a couple years earlier to earn money to support them. The distance had become too big a strain on the family.

The family decided to risk it all and stay in the country together — illegally.

“We grew up American,” says Nicolas.

They attended elementary school, middle school, high school… but they were stuck.

They didn’t have a Social Security card, so no real jobs; no driver’s license, so limited mobility; nor a bank account, so no meaningful savings for the future.

Still, they believed. Their mother told them the key to success was an education and they worked hard, graduating with honors from high school and taking as many classes Esteban, left, and Nicolas Wulff

26 | SUMMER 2015

as they could afford at Miami Dade College.

Then in 2012, President Barack Obama

Read how the College of Law is helping families apply for DACA magazine.FIU.edu

announced that the U.S. Department of

Both Nicolas and Esteban are now studying

and contribute.”

Homeland Security would not deport certain

at FIU, joining more than 50 FIU students

undocumented youth who came to the

who have benefited from a tuition waiver that

sounds, America is the land of

United States as children. The brothers

allows them to pay in-state tuition, which is

opportunity. That is the whole

were overjoyed. The Deferred Action

approximately one-third the price of out-of-

reason my mom moved here from

for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) changed

state tuition.

Colombia 23 years ago. At my

everything for them. Having completed

FIU is the first public university in

He adds, “As cliched as it

current job in an immigration legal

the paperwork, the two received notice

Florida to offer in-state tuition to students

office, I fill out asylum packets almost

by August 2012 that they each qualified

who have qualified for DACA. Before,

every day, and I talk to people who have

for a renewable two-year exemption from

local undocumented students paid out-of-

lived in the worst conditions in other

deportation and a work permit.

state tuition.

countries and see the United States as a way out.

“I feel like I’m finally moving forward. We’re not stuck in limbo anymore,” Esteban says.

For Nicolas, preparation finally met

During the opening remarks at the town hall, Obama congratulated FIU for its diversity.

FIU is the largest Hispanic-serving university

“I might not have all the benefits granted to a U.S. citizen, or a lawful permanent resident, yet – but this is the hand I was

opportunity. “I got my first legal job and used

in the nation and the largest producer of

dealt, and through smart, hard work, I will

it to pay for college,” he says.

Hispanic graduates in the country.

accomplish what I set out to do.”

A 1997 report, The Americans by the

Later, FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg

Nicolas graduated this past spring with

National Research Council, found that

noted, “President Obama wanted to speak

a bachelor’s in political science and was

immigrants - both legal and undocumented

at our university because our community is

cited by President Mark B. Rosenberg as

- with college degrees save the government

a community of immigrants. No one at our

a standout graduate. He hopes to pursue

money, while those with just a high school

university is a foreigner.”

a graduate degree in economics and a

diploma consume more in services than they

The Wulff brothers have become

certificate in project management. Esteban

advocates for their peers. They were

is working on his final three semesters and

previously actively involved with the

hopes to take his degree in economics to

for the vast majority of our lives are here to

Students Working for Equal Rights

the technology industry.

stay,” Nicolas says. “It doesn’t make sense

organization, and Nicolas interned at the

Both are optimistic about immigration

to handicap us financially and academically –

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

reform. They are living their dream—taking

and make it considerably more difficult for us

with Congressman Joe Garcia’s office.

advantage of the opportunity. But they still

to graduate from college and live a productive

He represented FIU at a Champions of

await the realization of the ultimate dream:

life. It’s a win-win situation. Students get the

Change event at the White House promoting

becoming a citizen of the only county

education and training to succeed, and the

the effect DACA status has had on

they’ve known.

economy and job market gets a stronger,

undocumented students.

contribute in taxes.

“People like me who have grown up here

smarter, more productive workforce. In the long run, it favors everyone.”

Nicolas says the goal for him and other DACA students is “to be successful

Esteban says, “To me, an American is a person who wants to achieve. It’s a state of mind more than a nationality.”

n

SUMMER 2015 | 27

In celebration of FIU’s founding 50 years ago, the annual Torch Awards program touted the university’s trajectory from a once-abandoned airport—a sign of which is still visible in the iconic air-traffic control tower at MMC—to a two-campus, research institution with a sky’s-the-limit attitude. In a fitting tribute to the more than 200,000 graduates who have soared on the wings of their FIU degrees, 15 were chosen to receive this year’s highest alumni honor.

The record attendance of 800 guests brought in tens of thousands of dollars in support of first-generation scholarships and the alumni center building fund.

Alex Rodriguez-Roig ’99 President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Community Leadership Award College of Education

Alexis Mantecon ’00 Managing Partner, MV Real Estate Holdings Distinguished Alumni Award The Honors College

Marcia L. Martinez Strait MS ’77 CEO, Strait Tutoring Services Distinguished Alumni Award College of Education

Malcolm Butters ’83 President, Butters Construction & Development, Inc. Distinguished Alumni Award College of Business

Robert Scavone Jr. J.D. ’12 Judicial Law Clerk, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Distinguished Alumni Award College of Law

Ed Mugnani ’91 President, Western Division Eurest-Compass Group Distinguished Alumni Award Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

28 | SUMMER 2015

Photo by Roldan Torres ’85

Andy Señor Jr. ’13 Artistic Director, District Stage Company Distinguished Alumni Award College of Architecture + The Arts

Belkys Nerey ’89 Anchor, WSVN Distinguished Alumni Award School of Journalism & Mass Communication

Jesus R. Vazquez ’85 Chief Operating Officer, Facchina Distinguished Alumni Award FIU Athletics

President Mark B. Rosenberg

G.C. Murray Jr. ’08 Deputy General Counsel Florida Justice Association Charles E. Perry Young Alumni Visionary Award College of Arts & Sciences

Thomas B. Jelke Ph.D. ’90 President, T. Jelke Solutions Distinguished Alumni Award Division of Student Affairs

Humberto Cabañas ’76 Founder & Chairman Benchmark Hospitality International Alumnus of the Year Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Diane Ramy Faulconer ’74 Former Executive Consultant, Ernst & Young Former Owner, Diane Ramy Faulconer Management Consulting Services Distinguished Alumni Award Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Laird H. Kramer, Ph.D. Professor of Physics, FIU Director, FIU STEM Transformation Institute Outstanding Faculty Award College of Arts & Sciences Miguel Cerra ’95 Executive Vice President Link Construction Group Distinguished Alumni Award College of Engineering and Computing

Not pictured: Natalie Boden-Kawas ’99 Founder and Managing Director, BodenPR Distinguished Alumni Award College of Arts & Sciences

Save the Date

Join us for the next Torch Awards March 19, 2016

SUMMER 2015 | 29

BENJAMÍN LEÓN, JR. FAMILY CENTER FOR GERIATRIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION, LEON MEDICAL CENTERS AND FIU’S COLLEGE OF MEDICINE...

TOGETHER BUILDING THE FUTURE LEADERS IN HEALTHCARE

Thank you, FIU, for making me Worlds Ahead

Manny Miranda, Agent FIU Class of 1978 Good neighbor agent since 1990 Alumni Association Lifetime Member

Congratulations to FIU for 50 years of leadership!

Congratulations to FIU for 50 years of leadership!

Congratulations to FIU for 50 years of leadership!

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Bathed in natural light and flanked by palms, this stairway in Academic One at the Biscayne Bay Campus in the late 1970s bridged the tropical landscape and indoor classroom space. Decades later the building underwent additional construction to enclose common areas previously exposed to the elements.

View a slide show of “Then and Now� photos magazine.FIU.edu

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Legends on campus: Standing in front of the university’s first building, Primera Casa, the faculty members pictured here all arrived at FIU within its inaugural academic year (1972-73) or earlier and have yet to retire. Each has contributed to building the university’s academic infrastructure and played a role in establishing the philosophy and culture upon which FIU has continued to grow. Still going strong are, from left, Florentin Maurrasse, Earth and Environment; Leonard Keller, Chemistry and Biochemistry; Susan Himburg, formerly in Dietetics and Nutrition and today director of Academic Planning and Accountability; Maida Watson, Modern Languages; Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver, Journalism and Mass Communication; Brian Peterson, History; Stephen Fain, formerly in Education and the Honors College and today in the Office of the Provost. To see a 1972 group photo of FIU’s employees, visit go.FIU.edu/historyphoto.