Because of You

Next Horizon, The Campaign For FIU

FIU Foundation Annual Report

2021 – 2022

Message From Leadership

Dear FIU Family,

Since FIU opened its doors 50 years ago, a spirit of optimism and determination has imbued our institution. Our belief that anything is possible has inspired us to continually set ambitious goals that exceed the expected. That enthusiasm, combined with the efforts of the FIU family and our many friends and supporters, has brought about extraordinary accomplishments.

That was proven once again earlier this year, when on January 19 we exceeded our $750 million goal for the Next Horizon campaign.

You made it possible!

When we launched the campaign, we put forth a bold vision for the FIU Foundation to fulfill. To parallel the rapid progress of our FIU and to strengthen its impact, we announced that we would raise $750 million to further energize the university’s ascent.

We kept our eye on our goal, year after year, and never had any doubt of success, thanks to Panther generosity and commitment that never lagged.

This represents a historic milestone for our FIU and the Foundation. While we celebrate hitting our goal, the real significance is its impact. Because of you, we are able to deliver an outstanding FIU education to more students, conduct leading-edge research to build a brighter future, and provide service that elevates our community.

This year we again exceeded our annual goal. We raised a total of $94.7 million against a goal of $84 million and closed the fiscal year with a total of $770 million raised for the campaign. In the following pages you will read about our generous donors and how they are uplifting our university and students, and achievements that mark our continuing rise as one of the nation’s leading public research universities.

Although we have passed Next Horizon’s $750 million mark, we’re not done yet. Through the end of June 2023 when we will officially close the campaign, we are focusing on strengthening alumni participation and engagement. We have launched a comprehensive campaign that includes dynamic, novel programming, increased recognition, and ways for alumni to remain connected to their alma mater. This new phase, crucial to the future progress of our FIU, will be conducted as we maintain our record fundraising program.

We are grateful for your partnership – your belief in our vision for our FIU and your generous philanthropy that impacts so many lives. Together, we are making our community and our world a better place.

Sincerely,

Humberto “Burt” Cabañas ’76

Chairperson, Board of Directors
FIU Foundation

Howard R. Lipman

Chief Executive Officer
FIU Foundation

Achieving Our
Next Horizon

The generous philanthropy of FIU’s supporters lifted the comprehensive campaign above its $750 million goal, impacting the people we serve and advancing our mission.

$5 MILLION from Humberto “Burt” Cabañas ’76 and his wife, Hermys, for various university projects.

$5 MILLION from John McKibbon ’75 and his wife, Letitia, to the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management that will enhance alumni outreach, implement formal integration of technology and innovation into the curriculum, and create student scholarships.

$2.5 MILLION from the George and Bernice Cooke Scholarship Foundation for Women to establish an endowment to provide scholarships to nontraditional and veteran/military FIU students.

$1.25 MILLION from Café Bustelo & Pilon, coffee brands in The J.M. Smucker Co. portfolio, for student scholarships at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and for the future construction of FIU CasaCuba.

$1.2 MILLION from Tina Vidal-Duart ’02, MIB ’04 and Carlos Duart ’94, MS ’99 to the FIU Honors College to establish two student scholarship endowments. It is the largest gift the Honors College has received from its alumni to date.

$1 MILLION gift from an alumni couple to match dollar-for-dollar any new gifts ranging from $50–$25,000 to FIU from fellow alumni.

$1 MILLION from Baptist Health South Florida in support of the Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP), the innovative platform for the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine’s community-engaged mission emphasizing social accountability and holistic, household-centered care.

$750,000 from Wells Fargo to StartUP FIU Food, a small business incubator that serves food and beverage micro-entrepreneurs in South Florida, to offer online resources to more than 1,000 small businesses to help them recover and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

$750,000 from Abraham S. Ovadia JD ’09 to establish an endowed scholarship fund that assists outstanding South Florida students who have completed their first year of law school and demonstrate leadership or entrepreneurial abilities.

$500,000 from City National Bank of Florida to support the construction of FIU CasaCuba, a center to celebrate and preserve Cuban culture and study Cuban affairs through educational, research, and arts programs.

It was a historic year of milestones that continued to drive our FIU’s progress.

$770M

total raised for the Next Horizon campaign, surpassing the $750M goal

$94.7 M

total raised in FY 2021-2022, surpassing the $84M goal
\

$39.1M

in cash secured
\

$5.8M

created 32 new endowments
\

$12.8M

raised in alumni giving, a new record. In the past year, undergraduate alumni giving rose 62%
\

$13.4M

raised for scholarships ($12.2M in fundraising + $1.2M in state match for First Generation Scholarships); 3,219 students awarded scholarships
\

$6.3M

for research
\

$3.3M

to support the construction of FIU CasaCuba
\

75%

participation rate for faculty and staff giving through the Ignite Campaign, with nearly $1.8M raised—No. 1 in the State University System of Florida

Bells Creating A Center For Spiritual Life

A striking building will soon be arising on a central, lakeside location on the MMC campus that will be one of the most significant structures in the history of FIU: the Trish and Dan Bell Chapel.

The Bells, noted South Florida philanthropists, announced plans for the creation of the interfaith chapel and a $5 million gift at the Next Horizon campaign kickoff celebration in January 2019. Subsequent gifts in support of the chapel have brought their total support to $14 million for the facility.

“The idea for a unique, freestanding facility – for use by students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their faith – to permit and encourage spiritual discovery and enrichment, and to promote multi-faith understanding and harmony resonated with us,” Trish said. “Our faith and our spiritual commitment is the core of our life and the foundation of essentially all we have done in building our lives together.”

While there are many faiths represented at FIU, this will be the first place for people of all faiths to gather and to strengthen their spirit. The Bells believe the chapel will be a vital space for activities to promote understanding and connection between those from different spiritual traditions – and much more.

“We expect the chapel will play an ever-widening role in the life of FIU,” Dan said. “Initially, we expect it quickly to become the center of the spiritual and religious life on campus. We would imagine it being used, on a regular basis, not only by the various religious groups on campus, but also as a place to welcome speeches or discussions led by important national and international spiritual, religious, and cultural speakers.”

The chapel, designed by architect Gurrimatute, is slated for groundbreaking in early 2023 and completion in 2024. The primary space in the 17,000-square-foot facility will be a sanctuary that can seat 250 people; it will also have two reflection/prayer rooms and multipurpose and conference rooms. In addition, the surrounding landscaped gardens and grounds will be a venue for a variety of events. The Bells collaborated with the architect and FIU’s facilities team to conceive a structure that would reflect their vision.

“We believe the chapel has enormous potential for good on the campus,” Trish added. “Our strong desire is to make the chapel available and welcoming to all.”

President Kenneth A. Jessell noted: “The Bell Chapel will be an exceptional gathering place for people to join together for spiritual activities and contemplation. FIU has long needed a place to strengthen the life of the spirit, and we are grateful to Trish and Dan Bell for making the chapel a reality.”

Dan & Trish Bell

GSIPA II: New Structure Will Foster Synergy And School’s Continued Rise

From left: Dorothea Green, Ambassador Steven J. Green Hon LLD ’09, Kimberly Green Hon DPS ’11

A “real game changer” is how John F. Stack Jr., the founding dean of the FIU Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs who passed away in June 2022, described the beautiful new “west wing” of the school that is nearing completion and is scheduled for occupancy in early 2023.

GSIPA II, as the building is known, is an 85,000-squarefoot, five-story $40 million building that will bring most of the school’s eight departments and 17 centers in one facility, thereby fostering increased connections and collaborations among students and faculty – synergy that lifts learning, scholarship, and research.

The structure was made possible through a mix of philanthropy and public funding: $15 million from Ambassador Steven J. Green, wife Dorothea Green, daughter Kimberly Green, and the Green Family Foundation, along with $12.7 million from the State of Florida.

“On behalf of the entire Green Family and the Green Family Foundation Trust, we thank Dean Stack for his dedication, the students for their enthusiasm, and the leadership at FIU for their commitment,” Ambassador Green said. “This new building will serve as a legacy to all who seek to achieve those goals.”

The building is designed by world-renowned architect Yann Weymouth, known for his work with I.M. Pei on the Louvre in Paris. He noted that the design – shared spaces with natural light to allow “the outside in” – draws inspiration from the Green School’s mission and reflects its collaborative and interdisciplinary spirit.

The LEED-certified building is both high-tech and energy efficient, with its west facade oriented to reduce substantial afternoon sun and heat load. A covered walkway and bridges on floors two through five will link GSIPA II to the original GSIPA building, plus a terrace on the third floor will house an “art in public spaces” installation.

The growth of the school’s physical footprint parallels its formal ascension in the academic world, noted Green School Interim Dean Shlomi Dinar.

“In 2021, the Green School joined an elite group of schools when it was named a full member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, making it the first university in Florida to achieve the prestigious designation and one of only 25 U.S. and 40 APSIA member schools in the world,’’ said Dinar. “FIU is the youngest institution among U.S. members, which includes universities such as Columbia, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and know that it will lead to more great collaborations and opportunities for our students.’’

Alumnus Establishes Scholarship To Help Law Students Forge Their Own Paths

Before graduating from the FIU College of Law in 2009, Abraham “Abe” Ovadia hadn’t considered starting his own law practice. He planned to graduate, pass the bar, and join a firm where he could learn from peers and find a sense of community like he experienced at FIU Law.

Today, 12 years after founding his own practice, Ovadia Law Group has offices in four cities. Ovadia’s impactful experience at FIU Law and subsequent success inspired him to stay connected through his philanthropy. His gifts extend a hand to younger versions of himself, helping students overcome obstacles.

Ovadia made his first major gift in 2013: $400,000 to the college’s Career Planning & Placement Office, which was named in his honor. In 2022, he made a $750,000 gift to establish the Abraham S. Ovadia Scholarship, which assists students from South Florida who have passed their first year of law school and show an interest in becoming leaders and business owners. It’s a way to lift up students economically and to avail himself to them as a mentor.

By investing in these students, he carries the collaborative spirit of the FIU Law community forward, which he hopes will inspire more alumni to give. “Don’t be shy,” he advises alumni considering making gifts, “because where students are standing now, we were there before, and they need our support and our know-how.”

Committed To Increase Black Presence In The Medical Profession

The question of belonging is posed by some medical students, as the road to medical school is far less traveled by students from minority backgrounds. That’s why Dr. Seth Crapp ’98 established an endowed first-generation scholarship to help pave the way for Black or African American students pursuing premedical studies.

“Five percent of physicians in the United States are Black or African American. That is a very small percentage when you consider that we make up 13 percent of the population,” said Dr. Crapp, who received his undergraduate degree at FIU and attended Meharry Medical College for his medical studies.

After working in group practice and hospital settings, Dr. Crapp founded South Florida Radiology and its subsidiary, Pediatric Teleradiology Partners. He is vice president of the Florida chapter of the National Medical Association, a professional organization of African American physicians. Dr. Crapp is now executive vice president and chief medical officer of Leading Edge Surgicenters. For his service to the community, Dr. Crapp received a Torch Award from FIU in 2017.

Along with his own contributions, Dr. Crapp is encouraged by programs like the Albert E. Dotson Premedical Pipeline Program for Least Represented in Medicine, a scholarship and mentoring program for African American and Native American students at FIU.

“It’s critical that you start very early in preparing and mentoring underrepresented students and getting them the tools that they need to become successful doctors,” he said.

“This scholarship made a huge difference during spring semester because I did not have to worry about paying for the semester and could focus on my studies. (It freed me up for) an opportunity to accept a job at the Dr. Miami (plastic surgery) office and intern with Dr. Anna Chacon, a dermatologist. Thank you so much for this scholarship!”

Kiyanna Gayle ’22, Biological
Sciences Major, Dr. Seth Crapp First
Generation Scholarship Recipient

Engineering Through An Ethical Lens

For Jaquan Starling ’22, Honors College Interdisciplinary Engineering alumnus, engineering isn’t just about building better technology; it’s also about questioning ethical implications of new frontiers, including artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms impacting our lives. “Engineering gives me the space to be logically creative,” he said.

Beyond his formal studies, Starling credits the Jorge and Darlene Pérez Honors College Scholarship, which freed him of needing a part-time job and enabled him to undertake important opportunities. He was president of the Black Student Union at FIU and held internships at Florida Power & Light and Verizon as well as research fellowships in AI and biomedical engineering.

As a scholarship recipient, Starling also gained mentors: Jorge and Darlene Pérez ’89, MSN ’96. Not content to support their students from afar, the Pérezes helped Starling learn more about the art scene in Miami and to delve deeper into his own creative pursuit – writing poetry.

As a result of these experiences, Starling adjusted his trajectory toward a career where he can fully express his logical and creative talents. He is now a business process engineer for MITRE, a not-for-profit in Washington, DC. Ever the strategist, he knows this is just the beginning of his career, and he’s keeping the possibility of further study open.

“My experience at FIU and with the scholarship, with the Pérezes, has been beyond phenomenal.”

Alumna Professor Makes Helping Students Her Legacy

As a professor of criminology and lifelong learner, Rosa Chang ’99 believes in the transformational power of education so much that she’s pledged part of her estate to first-generation scholarships and Fostering Panther Pride, which provides academic and support services to former foster youth and students experiencing homelessness.

“Programs like Fostering Panther Pride, that FIU started and now other universities are adopting, make me proud of our university,” Chang says, “because they lift up the whole community.”

Chang’s motivation to give back stems from her time as an undergraduate student at FIU. Having arrived in Miami from Venezuela when she was in tenth grade, she was suddenly expected to speak and learn in a language she didn’t know well. So, when she was admitted to FIU as a Golden Scholar, she was given an opportunity that kickstarted the learning journey that ultimately led her to return as a professor.

Chang hopes that her gift will allow first-generation students like herself to build both knowledge and resiliency so they’re prepared to face challenges both inside and outside of the academy. Being a student, she emphasizes, is such a huge life experience, and she wants her students to take full advantage of it.

“By helping these students directly,” Chang says, “FIU motivates me to give back because I want to see these programs continue and become self-sustaining so they can help even more students.”

Carlos Duart ’94, MS ’99 and
Tina Vidal-Duart ’02, MIB ’04

Donors Enable Panthers To Thrive On And Off The Athletic Field

Teams thrive off the fans who passionately support them – and at FIU Athletics, there are no more passionate fans than donors who support the program. While they come from varied backgrounds – FIU alumni, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, parents of current student-athletes, and more – all donors share Athletic Director Scott Carr’s bold vision.

“We want to continue to grow and continue to climb and to have FIU Athletics be a dominant collegiate athletics program,” Carr said. “We want to help FIU with the affinity that we all seek, and we feel that athletics is a strong conduit for that.”

FIU Athletics has worked hard to cultivate and supportt its student-athletes – and there are former studentathletes who generously pay that support forward, like Pat Bradley ’74, the renowned professional golfer, member of the LPGA Hall of Fame, and longtime supporter of FIU Athletics. In 1988 she started a scholarship endowment at FIU and has since made additional financial contributions, a number of which have made possible a practice facility at MMC.

By engaging with alumni like Bradley and the FIU community, Carr is invigorating Panthers everywhere. Donors make possible the standard of excellence FIU Athletics seeks. Alumni like Tina Vidal-Duart ’02, MIB ’04, and Carlos Duart ’94, MS ’99, whose $250,000 gift supports the Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund. “We are committed to helping our student-athletes succeed both on and off the field – and we know Scott Carr shares our dedication to this foremost goal,” said Tina Vidal-Duart.

Carlos Duart added, “As proud Panthers, we are privileged to help our student-athletes and the programs in which they thrive.”

With the support of donors, FIU Athletics aims to bolster its reputation and enhance the student-athlete experience. These two goals feed into each other, with the success of FIU Athletics enabling the program to better guide student-athletes toward both academic and athletic excellence.

Donor support enables FIU to upgrade facilities, elevate the game day experience, and attract promising athletes. Above all, FIU Athletics is resolute in its mission to empower student-athletes to succeed in all areas. One of Carr’s foremost goals is to help student-athletes get the most of their time at the university. When they leave FIU, he wants them to do so with a diploma in one hand and championship rings on the other.

The pathway to FIU Athletics’ success is clear, which is why now, more than ever, the university looks to its biggest fans – alumni and donors – to help take the program to new heights.

“The opportunity to be on scholarship at FIU has been a true blessing. My experience has been incredible, and I’ll be proud to represent FIU for the rest of my life.”
Tyrese Chambers ’23, Football Wide Receiver.
He was listed among Pro Football Network's Top 100 College Football Players of 2022, the only player from Conference USA selected to the list.
From left: Charles Gressle, President, HCA East Florida Division; Sherri Neal, Chief Diversity Officer, HCA Healthcare; Dean Ora L. Strickland

Hca And Nursing Join Forces To Combat Nursing Shortage

To help address Florida’s shortage of nurses, which is projected to reach nearly 60,000 by 2035, HCA Florida Healthcare donated $1.5 million to increase recruitment in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences’ Nurse Educator programs and expand the number of registered nurses qualified to teach in nursing programs.

“HCA Healthcare and FIU have enjoyed a longstanding partnership,” said Charles Gressle, HCA Healthcare East Florida Division president. “I’m glad that this donation will allow them to grow their curriculum and offer scholarships to those answering the call to help prepare more of Florida’s nurses.”

HCA Healthcare and FIU Nursing are taking a proactive approach to this problem plaguing hospitals and health care systems all across the country.

“The sobering fact is that without enough nurse educators today, there will be fewer nurses for tomorrow,” said Ora L. Strickland, dean of the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences. “HCA Healthcare shares our purpose and has stepped up to the plate to grow a robust nursing faculty pipeline through FIU.”

FIU’s Nurse Educator programs expanded recruitment this fall when the accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Nurse Educator track was introduced. The gift from HCA Florida Healthcare helps fund scholarships to attract eligible students to all programs and supports the addition of full-time and adjunct faculty positions to FIU Nursing.

Alumnus John McKibbon Makes $5m Gift To Chaplin School

John McKibbon ’75 and his wife, Letitia, made a $5 million gift in September 2021 to the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management to enhance the alumni experience, implement formal integration of technology and innovation into the curriculum, and create student scholarships at the top 10 U.S. public hospitality school from which he graduated.

The McKibbon ’75 Alumni Experience will have both a physical and virtual presence to reach over 17,000 alumni globally. It aims to inspire future professionals by celebrating graduates’ success, serving as a convener for the industry, and curating experiences to strengthen alumni bonds while serving lifelong learners through continuing education options.

“FIU is Florida’s number one public university,” McKibbon said. “What better place to get a great education, and it’s critical now more than ever to attract more young people to the industry. So, I’m hoping this gift will also encourage others to do the same. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.” The gift will increase tech innovation at the Chaplin School through the establishment of the McKibbon ’75 Professorship, which will secure grants to increase endeavors such as an innovative hospitality epicenter and bring the Internet of Things, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to the forefront of hospitality tech. Additionally, the gift will create undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to help students secure a world-class hospitality education and become future industry leaders.

“We are proud to count John among the most distinguished graduates of the Chaplin School, and his investment in our school will prove transformational for hospitality education and the industry,” said Michael Cheng, the school’s dean.

Letitia and John McKibbon ’75, with Associate Dean Rocco Angelo (center)

Proud Alumni Of All Generations Help FIU Move Forward

Bianca Utset ’22
Terry Colombo ’75

FIU’s alumni donors believe in their alma mater. Whether they’re just getting started in their careers or have a long list of professional accomplishments, they know exactly why they give and how they want their gifts to be used.

For Bianca Utset ’22 it’s all about supporting the theatre program she recently graduated from. At FIU she felt so supported by her classmates and professors that she didn’t wait to give back. Utset gives $10 to her program each month, an amount that can make a real impact. With her firsthand knowledge of the theatre program, Utset knows that just $10 can be the difference for the program to update a set piece, buy better fabric, or secure the rights to produce a play. She helps support the positive atmosphere that made her professors into mentors and classmates into family.

“I fell in love with the theatre program,” Utset recalled. “I was motivated to keep coming back even when days were long and I was tired. I enjoyed my time here, so I want to make it even better for people coming after me.”

While Utset is now focused on honing her craft and auditioning for roles, she knows her gifts will make long rehearsal days at the theatre program just that bit richer for her fellow thespians.

In the same way, William “Terry” Colombo ’75 gives out of gratitude. He grew up in North Miami and credits the business degree he earned at FIU with preparing him for an administrative career with the Florida Public Service Commission and Sarasota County government. A member of one of the early graduating classes, Colombo attended FIU after serving in the Army for three years, including a deployment in the Vietnam War. He worked full-time while attending classes in the evenings.

“I came from a hard-working, blue-collar family – my father was head custodian at a local junior high school, and my mother started out as an elevator operator at a large hotel, but shortly after was able to obtain secretarial positions at a number of large businesses,” Colombo said. “I was the first to go to college in my family. I felt good going to FIU. I’d do the homework during my breaks at work and on the weekends.”

Colombo has fond memories of his professors, especially how they shared their knowledge and real-world experience. They taught in innovative ways, like demonstrating organizational theory by chipping away at a cinderblock, and encouraged students to examine problems from multiple angles. And when one professor unexpectedly praised his perceptiveness, he grew even more motivated.

Now, as a donor with decades of giving to FIU, Colombo has watched the university grow and flourish. He takes pride knowing that his gifts are going toward the supportive, innovative teaching that helped him excel.

Even though Colombo and Utset graduated decades apart, they share the same faith in FIU’s mission to serve its students and communities. Their continuing support, joined with the multitude of gifts from the Panther community, keeps FIU moving toward the next horizon.

Participation Matters: Alumni Couple Gift Challenges Panthers

Panthers challenging Panthers. It’s helped encourage and inspire the pursuit of excellence at FIU over the decades. In 2022, a Panther couple made a bold challenge to fellow graduates to step up and do their part for FIU.

The alumni graduates of the classes of ’82 and ’98, who have chosen to remain anonymous, made a historic $1 million challenge gift that will match 1:1 all gifts made by alumni from $50 to $25,000. The challenge remains active until all funds have been expended. The gift encourages alumni to support FIU wherever they choose. With FIU’s rising national profile and recognition, the time is opportune for Panthers to give back to their alma mater. The alumni challenge helped increase FIU’s alumni participation rate from 5.8 percent to 9.4 percent in just one year. Alumni support of their alma mater helps ensure FIU is among the nation’s leading public research universities.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our alumni todouble the size and impact of their gifts – and we look forward to them answering the challenge,” said Howard Lipman, CEO of the FIU Foundation. “We are very grateful to our Panther alumni couple for their incredible generosity and vision in creating this match challenge.”

New Strategies, Initiatives Lift Alumni Giving

Alumni annual giving achieved notable growth in FY 2021-2022 – and with new initiatives in the works, the goal of 18 percent undergraduate alumni participation by 2025 is increasingly within reach.
Nairobi Abrams

Spearheaded by Nairobi Abrams, who joined FIU in 2021 as its director of loyalty and participation, the year was distinguished by a 62 percent growth in undergraduate alumni giving, from 5.8 percent to 9.4 percent – which is comparable to the nation’s top 50 public research universities. This participation rate is a key metric used to calculate university rankings by U.S. News & World Report and a goal in FIU’s strategic plan.

“FIU represents the diversity and promise of our nation,” Abrams said. “Alumni donors reinforce our university’s commitment to be both culturally responsive and thought leaders in solving our nation’s most pressing issues. I am excited about the impact alumni donors will continue having at FIU and in our country.”

Throughout the year, a mix of marketing and engagement tactics – including direct mail and email, social media, digital advertising, and phone texts – were deployed to let alumni know about institutional achievements and ways they can help support this progress.

One particular standout effort in the mix was the third annual FIU 305 Give Day, which blew past previous fundraising and participation records, bringing in more than $228,000 from 906 donors compared to 673 Panthers donating $65,000 a year earlier. 305 Give Day focuses on the generosity of FIU alumni and encourages them to give back to their alma mater by supporting scholarships, student organizations, academic programs, research – any FIU initiative that inspires them.

New graduates sport their Panther Pack T-Shirts

Research and a look at best practices led to another new effort: the FIU Alumni Panther Pack, a donor-based giving and engagement network to promote a culture of philanthropy amongst our graduates. With just a $25 donation, new graduates can join the pack, which includes a class T-shirt and exclusive perks and swag.

Alumni-Driven: Engaging And Elevating Our Panther Community

Alumni are a key source of great universities’ strength and pride, and FIU is implementing new initiatives to deepen engagement with and celebrate its 280,000-plus alumni in South Florida and beyond – what’s been dubbed “Panther Territory.” Utilizing the results of a comprehensive alumni survey conducted last year, FIU has launched a campaign to better serve and foster closer contact with our alumni than ever before.

“The feedback we’ve gotten from the survey has been invaluable,” said Gina Duarte-Romero ’91, MEd ’08, the Alumni Association board president, “We’re able to take alumni concerns to the board where we can take action. We’re excited to use this feedback as we move forward in our campaign.”

Diverse, purpose-driven programming is being designed that meets alumni at each life stage and with different interests, thereby fostering the unity of the Panther community and promoting long-term Panther pride.

Gina Duarte-Romero ’91, MEd ’08

Programming planned for different cohorts includes:

  • Young alumni: career services and networking events in South Florida and beyond
  • Middle-aged alumni: continuing education and travel opportunities
  • Alumni already secure in their careers: meet-ups to keep their bond with fellow alumni and FIU strong
  • Current students, who are “alumni in residence”: experiences to deepen their FIU pride and sense of belonging
  • All alumni: gatherings to celebrate Panther affinity and achievements

Another aspect of the campaign is expanded programming to recognize and honor alumni. In May 2022 five young alumni, who are making a difference both in their communities and their fields through their service and expertise, were honored at the inaugural 5 Under 35 event. The honorees – Alejandro Arias ’09, Johnathan Cyprien ’12, Andrea Headley MS ’15, PhD ’18, Hector Mujica ’11, and Etinosa Oghogho PhD ’20 – span from athletes and entrepreneurs to professors and lawyers, and all demonstrate the excellence of our alumni.

“Panthers young and old will always be part of FIU,” said Sara DuCuennois, who earlier this year was named associate vice president for alumni relations and chief alumni officer, the first woman to hold the post in FIU’s history. “Our goal is to enrich their alumni experience and forge a lifelong relationship between the Panther family and their alma mater.”

Alumni’s Enduring Bonds With Their FIU

Lemar White, BA ’06, Accounting

Google LLC, Program Manager - DEI Communities & Allies

What do you remember most about FIU while you were in school, and how do you think the university will grow and change in the next 50 years?
I remember most of all my time as a member of Greek Life and working on campus with Dr. John Bonanno in Student Affairs. The friendships I made and the experiences being involved on campus were amazing; they helped shape my future in a transformational way.

I arrived at FIU from the Boston area not knowing anyone and unsure of my career goals. I left the university four years later with strong leadership and organizational skills, lifelong friendships, and a foundation that positioned me well for a successful career.

It’s incredible how the university has grown since I graduated in 1994. I expect that it will continue to grow in its commitment to excellence for students and in local and global communities.

What role do you think alumni play in the continuing progress of our FIU?
Alumni play a critical role in the university’s ability to grow, evolve, and engage students and be a meaningful contributor in communities around the world. Whether it’s offering time, expertise, or financial support, alumni are vital.

I think most people believe it’s important when we achieve success that we reach back and pull others up. One essential role alumni can play is to serve as mentors and coaches to students and recent grads.

Martha I. Vinas, BA ’94, Health Services Administration

Cigna, Senior Director - U.S. Field Marketing

What do you remember most about FIU while you were in school, and how do you think the university will grow and change in the next 50 years?
I remember the incredible sense of community and the unwavering support that I received from faculty, staff, and administrators. It is because of this support system that I believe I was able to thrive at FIU, being new to the U.S. and new to FIU at the time. In the next 50 years, I see FIU becoming even more diverse in its student population than it is now and continuing to climb the ranks as a very strong academic institution.
What role do you think alumni play in the continuing progress of our FIU?

Alumni are incredibly important to FIU’s progress. As FIU alumni continue to succeed and shine in their careers, it provides examples to future students on the quality of the FIU education and experience. Also, we need our alumni to give back to our FIU and our students – giving their time, talents, and treasures – to ensure that the school’s legacy will continue for another 50 years and beyond.

University Highlights

As a leading major public research university, FIU continued to rise in national recognition, reflecting its innovative programs that strengthen student success and research excellence.

In 2021, FIU jumped 17 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings to No. 78 among public universities in the nation, continuing its rapid upward trajectory. FIU rose 54 spots in the last five years, the greatest improvement among Carnegie R1 public universities and the second highest jump of any university.

U.S. News & World Report ranked FIU graduate programs in the top 50 among U.S. public universities in 19 categories, including the International MBA program, which continued in the No. 2 spot; the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, which ranked No. 46 in public affairs; and the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, which was ranked the No. 1 most diverse medical school.

No. 17

Most Innovative Public Universities
U.S. News & World Report

Top 20

Public Universities
For U.S. Utility Patents

Top 50

National Public University
Washington Monthly

Top 5

Public Universities for Social Mobility
U.S. News & World Report

$246M

Research Expenditures

The university had $246 million in sponsored research expenditures in FY 2021, up from $237 million the previous year. FIU holds the highest research classification, Carnegie Research 1-Very High Research Activity.

$1.7B

Total Expenditures
Operating Budget
FY 2022

$5B+

Annual Economic Impact

For the second year in a row, FIU ranked among the top three public universities in the state, according to the Florida Board of Governors performance metric scores. This marks the third time in the last five years that FIU has ranked in the top three of Florida’s public universities in a state that has the No. 1-ranked system in the country for higher education. The scores are based on 11 metrics that measure graduation rates, graduates’ wages, cost of attendance to students, and other key indicators.

FIU’s current Wall of Wind testing facility

The National Science Foundation awarded a $12.8 million four-year cooperative agreement to FIU’s preeminent Extreme Events Institute to support the design of a national full-scale testing facility capable of producing wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, combined with a water basin to simulate storm surge and wave action.

Belize extended protection for sharks after FIU-led research showed that even in protected areas, endangered sharks may still be vulnerable. In the first long-term study of its kind, FIU experts and a team of collaborative scientists documented population decline of Caribbean reef sharks on the nation's Glover’s Reef Atoll, which is part of the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve World Heritage Site.

FIU continues to be a leader in providing solutions to the pressing problems of our times. In recognition of the university’s student success and research accomplishments and thanks to the support of the state legislature, the university was appropriated more than $77 million in new funding. This funding was approved in the state budget, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which started on July 1.

FIU strengthened its research capacity with a newly outfitted building dedicated to investigative medicine, which will forward the development of life-impacting therapeutics. The Center for Translational Science is part of a complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida, that also includes a hospital and separate research facility both run by the famed Cleveland Clinic. FIU was named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Leader by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program. The distinction was awarded to only 35 HSIs.

FIU Center for Translational Science in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Snapshot of Giving

Fiscal Year 2021-2022

$94.7M

IN TOTAL PHILANTHROPY

Because of You!

Florida International University
Foundation And Subsidiaries

Statement of Net Position

Assets

Cash and investments
$403,891,900
Contributions receivable, net
20,715,897
Depreciable capital assets, net
4,361,943
Nondepreciable capital assets, net
3,470,084
Other assets
977,286
Total assets
$433,417,110

Liabilities, Deferred Inflows And Net Position

Liabilities
$18,667,325
Deferred inflows related to rental income
317,885
Net position
414,431,900
Total liabilities and net position
$433,417,110

Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Position

Revenues

Contributions
$26,010,190
Investment earnings
(26,565,042)
Other revenues
2,850,408
Total revenues
$2,295,556

Expenses

Programs, scholarships and building support to Florida International University
$44,348,233
Fundraising
11,592,942
General and administrative
6,319,398
General support to Florida International University
1,187,684
Depreciation
734,854
Total expenses
64,183,111
Transfers to Florida International University
(12,170,696)
Other activity
(27,145)
Support from Florida International University
7,899,821
Gain (loss) before endowment contributions
(66,185,575)
Endowment contributions
7,050,497
Change in net position
(59,135,078)
Net position, beginning of year
473,566,978
Net position, end of year
$414,431,900
Please note: These figures agree with the audited financial statements, which are presented on a full accrual basis. Liabilities reflect an endowment grant that is held by the Foundation on behalf of the University and for purposes of the audited financial statements is reported on the separate Statement of Fiduciary Net Position.

Building for the Future

Impact

The FIU Foundation aims to connect people, passions, and possibilities through philanthropy, financial stewardship, and engagement. The Foundation strives to enrich the quality of education at the university by supporting scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships, and other programs that rely on private funding. The Foundation accepts charitable donations to support FIU in its goal to be a leading urban public research university that is focused on student learning, innovation, and collaboration.

With $433.4 million in total assets, a portion of which is endowed to support academic initiatives, the Foundation provided approximately $49.4 million, including the state match on the First Generation Scholarship Program, in fiscal year 2021-2022 to advance FIU’s mission. Funds were used to support a diverse student population, exceptional faculty, cutting-edge research, modern facilities, and collaborative engagement with our local and global communities.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors of highly dedicated leadership volunteers; they are listed on the following pages.

Foundation Support of FIU Programs

Foundation’s Investment Portfolio Allocation

Asset ClassJune 30, 2022 AllocationAsset Characteristics
Public Equity67.2%Capital appreciation, global diversification; highly liquid
Private Equity14.7%High return potential; illiquid
Real Assets10.7%Capital appreciation and income generation; various levels of illiquidity
Hedge Funds1.7%Absolute return potential; semi-liquid
High Quality Bonds and Cash5.7%Capital preservation and limited income generation; highly liquid

Investing In The Future Of FIU

The nation’s most prestigious universities are consistently assessed by the size of their endowments. The creation of an endowment is one of the highest demonstrations of a donor’s abiding belief in FIU and commitment to ensure its vibrant future. As the financial bedrock of the university’s drive to build excellence, endowments are vital to create and sustain important initiatives – scholarships, fellowships, faculty positions, and programs – in perpetuity. When a donor invests in FIU to establish an endowment, it creates a legacy that will provide permanent income to support a meaningful project while preserving the principal of the endowment. Any investment return over allowed spending is channeled back into the fund to increase growth.

Endowment Market Value

Investment Returns

FIU Foundation | 2021 - 2022 Board of Directors

Thank you to all of our directors, past and present, for their time, leadership, and dedication in support of FIU and the FIU Foundation.

Board Leadership

Chairperson
Humberto “Burt” Cabañas ’76
Benchmark
Founder & Chairman

Vice Chairperson
Adalio T. Sanchez ’87
S Group Advisory, LLC
President
Development Management Committee, Chair

Treasurer
Andre L. Teixeira ’92, MAcc ’93
The Graham Companies
EVP & Chief Financial Officer
Finance Committee, Chair

Secretary
Jill M. Granat, Esq. ’87
Restaurant Brands International
General Counsel
Legal and Bylaws Special Committee, Chair

Chief Executive Officer
Howard R. Lipman
FIU Foundation

Steven M. Berwick, CPA ’74
Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A.
Audit & Litigation Consulting Principal
Audit Sub-Committee, Chair

Richard Brilliant ’93
Carnival Corporation
Chief Risk & Compliance Officer
Long-Term Strategic Planning Committee, Chair

Juan R. Figuereo ’81
Revlon Products Corporation
Retired, EVP & Chief Financial Officer
Finance Committee, Vice Chair
Foundation Enterprise Growth Committee Chair

Kenneth A. Jessell
Florida International University
Interim President

Michael A. Kappitt ’92
Subway
Chief Operating & Insights Officer
Campaign & Foundation Marketing, Chair

 

Chad Moss ’94
MFO Worldwide, CEO
Moss Construction, Executive Vice President
Moss & Associates, Co-Founder
Moss Foundation, Inc., President
Athletics Sub-Committee, Co-Chair

Marcel L. Navarro ’93
MMG Equity Partners
Principal
Investment Sub-Committee, Chair

Elliot N. Stone
Royal Castle Builders, LLC
Principal
Real Estate Sub-Committee, Chair

Albert R. Taño, MD
Kidz Medical Services, Inc.
President & Medical Director
Membership & Board Management Committee, Chair

Directors

Stewart L. Appelrouth, CPA, MS ’80
Appelrouth, Farah & Co., P.A.
Principal

Carmel J. Barrau, MD, FACP
Unihealth of South Florida, Inc.
President

Trish and Dan Bell
Bell Family Foundation
Membership & Board Management Committee, Vice Chairs

Cristina di Mauro ’01
BankUnited
Senior Executive Vice President
Commercial & Corporate Banking Executive
Development Management Committee, Vice Chair

LaTéssa Dotson-Hall
Richard P. Hall Eagles Foundation, Inc.
Executive Director, Founder

Ira D. Giller, A.I.A.
Giller & Giller, Inc.
President
Real Estate Sub-Committee, Vice Chair

Francisco Gonzalez, CPA ’90
BDO USA, LLP
South East Leader Financial Institutions & Special Finance Practice/Assurance Partner
Audit Sub-Committee, Vice Chair
Athletics Sub-Committee, Co-Chair​

 

Walter B. Gonzalez Jr., Esq. ’96
Goja, LLC
President

Gerald C. Grant, Jr. ’78, MBA ’89
G Financial Group
President
Investment Sub-Committee, Vice Chair

Noel J. Guillama-Alvarez ’99
OXIO Health, Inc.
Chairman & CEO

Yolangel “Yogi” Hernandez Suarez, MD, MBA, FACOG
Florida International University
Interim Executive Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Francis A. Hondal ’87, MBA ’94
Mastercard
President, Loyalty & Engagement
Campaign & Foundation Marketing, Vice Chair

Jeffrey L. Horstmyer, MD
Brain Center
Chairman and CEO

Francisco Lopez, Jr., Esq. ’96
Ryder Systems
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Alberto Lorenzo ’74
Quantum Results, Inc.
President

Esther L. Moreno, Esq. ’95
Akerman LLP
Shareholder
Legal and Bylaws Special Committee, Vice Chair

Robert M. Namoff ’74
Allied Universal Corporation
Chairman of the Board

 

Claudia Puig
Univision
Communications/Television/Radio/Digital
President and General Manager

Thomas C. Ragan
Ragan & Freeman LLP
Partner

Carlos A. Sabater, CPA ’81

Jason A. Saltzman
Alley
Chairman of the Board
Corporate Ad Hoc Sub-Committee, Vice Chair

Rakesh and Rachanee “Mei” Sarna ’21
Rakesh Sarna Scholarship Program
Founder

Wasim J. Shomar
The Lynx Companies
Chairman and CEO

Richard P. Tonkinson
Tonkinson Financial, Inc.
President

Tina M. Vidal-Duart ’02, MIB ’04
CDR Health, Inc., CEO
CDR Maguire, Inc., Executive Vice President

Candido J. Viyella
Earthview Capital, LLC
President & CEO

David M. Zinn MST ’98
Ocean Azul Partners
Founding and Managing Director

Ex-Officios

Elizabeth M. Bejar, PhD, MS ’98
Florida International University
Interim Provost, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer

Deanne Butchey, PhD ’05
FIU College of Business, Department of Finance
FIU Teaching Professor

Valentina Casanova
FIU Student Government Association
Vice President

Gina C. Duarte Romero ’91, MEd ’08
Florida International University
Alumni Association President

Peter P. Koltis ’87
Alvarez & Marsal Business Consulting
Business Consulting Leader - Florida

T. Gene Prescott
The Biltmore Hotel
President

 

Former Foundation Board Chairpersons

Richard Brilliant ’93 (2017-2020)
Thomas M. Cornish ’85 (2014-2017)
Justo L. Pozo ’80 (2011-2014)
Noel J. Guillama-Alvarez ’99 (2010-2011)
Albert Morrison, Jr.*, Honorary Chairperson (2010, honored posthumously)
Joseph L. Caruncho, Sr., Esq. ’81 (2008-2009)
S. Lawrence Kahn, III (2006-2008)*
Carlos A. Migoya, PhD ’74, MBA ’76 (2004-2006)
Donald E. Lefton (2002-2004)
Sherrill W. Hudson (2000-2002)
Herbert A. Wertheim, OD, ScD ’96, MD ’13 (1999-2000)

Patricia Frost, EdD, DPS ’02 (1997-1999)
David R. Parker (1994-1997)
Joseph P. Lacher (1993-1994)
Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. (1988-1993)*
Robert H. Coords (1987-1988)*
W. James Orovitz (1984-1987)*
Catherine H. Fahringer (1982-1984)
David L. Perlman (1980-1982)*
Thomas D. Lumpkin (1978-1980)*
J. Stephen Hudson (1977-1978)
Dave W. Schornstein (1976-1977)
Jay Janis (1975-1976)*
Lester R. Johnson, Jr. (1973-1975)
John K. Aurell (1971-1973)

*Deceased

FIU Foundation Leadership

Howard R. Lipman
Chief Executive Officer
305-348-6298
lipmanh@fiu.edu

David Byrd
Director, Project Success
305- 348-6298
dabyrd@fiu.edu​

Sara DuCuennois
Chief Alumni Officer
305-348-4213
sducuenn@fiu.edu

Melissa Hernandez
Chief Administrative Officer
305-348-7629
mehern@fiu.edu

Carolyn Jackson ’01, MSHRM ’03
Assistant Vice President, Human Resources
305-348-3901
jacksonj@fiu.edu

Linda Menage
Chief Campaign Officer
305-348-7952
lcuriel@fiu.edu

Catherine A. Torres ’05, MA ’08
Chief of Staff
305-348-6298
ctorres@fiu.edu

FIU Foundation, Inc.

FIU FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022

11200 SW 8th Street, MARC 5th Floor, Miami, FL 33199
305-348-6298 | Nexthorizon.FIU.Edu| give.fiu.edu

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