Stories of Impact and Generosity at Florida International University
Transforming student success
Philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott and husband Dan Jewett have announced a $40 million gift to FIU. The gift is unrestricted and will be used to support student success programs.
Every gift matters
For most Panthers, showing pride in their alma mater doesn’t happen only once. Showing Panther pride is something that alumni do regularly – without thinking twice about it. And for many, giving back is no different.
¿Y Cuba Qué?
Alumnus and actor Andy Garcia believes it's time for CasaCuba. CasaCuba will be FIU's home for the celebration and preservation of Cuban culture and the study of Cuban affairs. Its 57,000-square-foot facility on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus is being designed by René González Architects. The iconic center will integrate the latest technologies to enable interactive and digital experiences across the space; and it will also house the Cuban Research Institute and promote engaging discussions that will bring together top scholars, policymakers and business leaders from around the globe. Jorge Mas and the Mas family recently gave a $5 million lead gift to fund CasaCuba's mission and construction.
Major gift highlights: Summer 2021
The FIU Foundation has already surpassed its fundraising goal of $79 million, bringing in $111.9 million in support for the university as of June 25, 2021. This achievement marks the third record-breaking fundraising year in a row for the FIU Foundation. Take a look at some of the recent, major gifts the university has received.
Mellon Foundation grants address inequities of vulnerable, marginalized communities
Vulnerable communities are often disproportionately impacted by disasters. Often, these same communities’ voices have been silenced or marginalized when history is preserved. FIU is addressing these inequities through two innovative programs supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
So close! Completion grants push students past the finish line
A type of financial assistance offered to students nearing graduation is giving seniors in need a much-needed boost. FIU's unique program, which emphasizes wrap-around support services in addition to completion grants, is delivering real results.
Forging the future: Developing personalized treatments for cancer patients
The leading-edge research of FIU faculty member Diana Azzam is advancing the field of personalized cancer treatment. Her work, which she refers to as "functional precision medicine," is funded by multiple philanthropic organizations.
Accelerating Miami's tech movement
Building on South Florida’s momentum around technology and entrepreneurship, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation made a $10 million gift to FIU’s newly named Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences to develop technical talent at scale to meet the demands of industry and Miamians seeking to advance their tech skills. Students and alumni are excited about this important boost for their alma mater.
Bidding a legend farewell
Family, friends and admirers by the hundreds bid a final good-bye to Albert E. Dotson Sr., a longtime university supporter and civic leader, with a “home-going” ceremony on campus. Dotson (pictured, left, with his wife Earlene Dotson) served on the FIU Foundation Board of Directors for nearly two decades before joining, and later chairing, the FIU Board of Trustees.
On the forefront of inclusive philanthropy
The new FIU Foundation Office of Inclusive Philanthropy brings together development professionals and community and industry partners from diverse backgrounds to inform, implement and evaluate philanthropic strategy and programming that promotes systemic change.
A local MD’s journey to increase Black presence in medicine
Dr. Seth Crapp '98 was the first in his family to become an M.D. Now, he is on a mission to diversify the pipeline of future doctors entering the medical profession. (photo by Lavonte Mcleish ’20, Legendary Visions LLC)
Donors inspired by a campus experience that continues to enrich their lives
The BBC Student Food Pantry upgraded to a new space this year, and a group of highly motivated students in the College of Arts, Sciences & Education are getting a well-earned boost toward graduation, thanks to the support of a lifelong learning student named Herb Gruber and his partner, FIU alumna Donna Lee Steffens ’06.
Preparing tomorrow's civic leaders
The Maurice A. Ferré Foundation recently made a $2 million gift to FIU and pledged to raise additional funds, totaling $5.55 million, to establish the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs. The new institute will honor the life and work of its namesake and will address the critical matters of preparing diverse leadership for public service, increasing civic participation for a stronger democracy and promoting social justice. The institute’s research and scholarship will examine a wide range of issues championed by Ferré, who served as mayor of the City of Miami from 1973 to 1985, over the course of his distinguished career in public service.