Panther Alumni Week (PAW) 2024 is off to an exhilarating start, boasting an impressive, turnout of over 1,200 enthusiastic alumni and students. This PAW is set to be the most successful since its inaugural inception a decade ago. The FIU community has already been out in full force with attendees experiencing networking opportunities, thought leadership, career advice, and — as always — a lot of Panther fun.
Engaging Activities Highlights
This week has been brimming with diverse and engaging activities. Hosted by FIU Alumni and Alumni Board of Director member Malik Wilkes ’08, the Financial Wellness Workshop, held on Monday, gave participants the chance to explore various aspects of personal finance, gaining insights into home buying, investing, and understanding credit. Malik’s workshop offered practical advice empowering alumni and students to navigate the financial landscape with confidence.
Equally noteworthy was the online session titled “The Career Journey from Takeoff to Landing – An Intimate Discussion and Q&A with Notable Alumni,” featuring accomplished Alumni Board of Directors members Juan D’Arce ’05, Arman Aru ’09, Wendy Barba ’02, and Sheldon Bailey ’05, who shared professional insights and invaluable advice. Attendees seized the opportunity to learn from industry leaders who have carved their path to success.
Celebrating Artistic Talents
Midweek, PAW celebrated the artistic prowess of FIU alumni composers with the Alumni Composers Concert at the Wolfsonian–FIU. Hosted by The College of Communication Architecture + The Arts and the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts, the event showcased exceptional musical compositions from FIU alumni that were performed by the members of the NODUS Ensemble, the professional contemporary chamber music ensemble in residence at FIU.
Upcoming Excitement
As PAW unfolds, there are still ways that both students and alumni can participate. On Thursday, February 8, FIU Alumni and FIU Young Alumni will host their signature PAWs N’ Connect: Networking Event. Alumni and students are invited to the Student Academic Success Center to mingle, grow their professional networks, and update their headshots. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to do so!
Catch the Game
On Saturday, February 10, it’s FIU Men’s Basketball Alumni Day at 2:00 p.m. at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center as the Panthers face the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. It will also be a chance to celebrate basketball alumni, as the current Men’s Basketball team invited them back to campus for PAW. So join fellow alumni and students to cheer on Panthers basketball past and present.
Don’t forget to get your tickets!
Don’t Miss Out!
Panther Alumni Week offers a unique chance for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater, embrace the vibrant Panther spirit, as well as build mentorships or provide job opportunities for students. Stay updated on upcoming PAW events by visiting paw.fiu.edu. For more information about future upcoming Alumni and student networking opportunities visit fiualumni.com.