Donor Spotlight
Edward Blanco ’78
Former Senior Administrator for the City of Miami

 

What do you love most about FIU and your involvement here?
FIU provided a learning environment that spurred me to go back to school to earn a Master’s degree, furthering my education and enhancing my chances for a better job and career.

What advice would you give to a potential donor who is considering investing in FIU?
Think of their children and the opportunities FIU can provide to them for their careers.

Why do you think giving back is important to the advancement of FIU and its students?
Life is not about what you take and make but, rather what you can give back to the community and leave for others to experience.

Where has life taken you since graduating from FIU?
From working for a multi-national corporation for two-years to working in banking for three years to completing a 27-year career in local government as a senior administrator with the City of Miami.

Why do you feel it is important for alumni & donors to stay engaged/connected with FIU?
Because the university is part of the community we live in and therefore, remaining engaged is important to me personally since I am still in touch with friends and faculty of the school.

How did FIU prepare you to get where you are professionally?
The school filled a void in Miami for a public university that did not exist here prior to that. I was able to stay home in Miami and attend FIU where I received my Bachelor’s degree, my first professional job and prepared me for graduate school.

What advice would you give to students and young alumni?
Enhance their writing and public speaking skills as they are so important to making young professionals stand out and increase their prospects for promotion and gainful employment.

 

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