Day on the Bay
This annual day of service is organized by your Student Government Association and allows students, staff and local high school students to clean up the Biscayne Bay area through a variety of projects each fall. Participants receive giveaways and lunch.
Kissing Pond & Bridge
Behind the Ryder Business Building is a pond shaped like a heart. At the opening of the FIU Modesto Maidique Campus in 1972, students began sitting along the pond with their significant other. As time passed, more and more couples began to visit the area around the pond, and it soon became known as the Kissing Pond. It is said that any couple who kisses on the bridge over the hreat-shaped pond will be together for life. Each year, the members of the Student Alumni Association celebrate this tradition by hosting a gathering on the Thursday closest to Valentine's Day.
Ring Ceremony
The FIU Student Alumni Association hosts the annual ring ceremony, a special tradition during which graduating students receive their official ring with exclusive designs that are a cherished and recognizable symbol of academic achievement.
Every spring, the tradition culminates with our Annual Ring Ceremony, an event for all ring recipients and their invited guests followed by a complimentary reception. Be a part of the tradition… get your Official Ring!
Roary’s Birthday
Every year during Homecoming week, the Office of Campus Life, Student Government Association and your FIU Student Alumni Association host a special birthday party for our favorite panther: Roary. The event, usually hosted in Panther Square at the Biscayne Bay Campus, invites all university students, staff and faculty to enjoy food, giveaways and entertainment. A competition open to all university members is held by the FIU SAA to bake Roary’s birthday cake. The winner receives a prize of $250 in scholarship.
Stepping on the Seal
The Graham Center serves as the center of student life at FIU. At the front of this building, one can find the great seal of our university, symbolizing its strength, unity and success. One of the men who engraved the seal jokingly said to his friend, “Imagine if a student steps on the seal and doesn’t graduate on time.” They all laughed and continued working. Little did they know how powerful those words would be. Two years later, Javier Lopez came into FIU as a freshman with big dreams and the hope of completing college within three years. He always wondered why the seal was engraved on the floor, instead of on the wall. He had little respect for it and frequently stepped on the seal as he walked by. Not only did Javier fail to complete his coursework in three years, it actually took him nine years to complete his degree. Students have since been cautious, for their own good, about stepping on the precious seal.
Trail of the Torch
Trail of the Torch is FIU’s biggest tradition. Since its inception in 2004, this award-winning event has drawn more and more students each year. The event is hosted by the SAA on the first Thursday of the fall semester. This candlelight procession across FIU’s campus culminates with the lighting of the FIU torch outside Primera Casa (PC Building). During this large pep rally, students have the opportunity to meet the FIU Football players, cheerleaders, Golden Dazzlers, FIU Marching Band and other special guests. Student organizations compete for prizes and the coveted title of Tradition Keeper. All students and staff are invited to participate.
Welcome Back Luau
The Welcome Back Luau takes place during Week of Welcome at the Biscayne Bay Campus. Students are invited to enjoy complimentary food, entertainment, giveaways and much more in Panther Square outside of the Wolfe University Center. All are invited to attend this event to enjoy the fun and to learn how to become more involved in FIU student organizations!