Two-time alumnus, FIU parent discusses family’s Panther legacy, why he gave to student emergency relief fund

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Two-time alumnus Josue Raudales ’97, MS ’05 is a proud FIU Panther and an FIU parent, as well. Raudales was an international student from Honduras and a member of the Honors College during his time at the university. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering & Computing and […]

A community of supporters bolsters South Florida hospitality industry, including alumni-owned restaurants and bars

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For alumna Heather De La Torre and her husband Jesus, owners of Jr’s Gourmet Burgers in Miami Springs, business is a family affair. The “mom-and-pop” restaurant celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, and the couple thinks of their small, close-knit staff as kin. But, like many restaurants nationwide, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt Jr’s a tough […]

FIUstrong: Providing emergency relief for students during the pandemic

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The university is raising funds for students suffering financially during the health crisis. When FIU student Gabriella Llaña lost her job during the pandemic, she feared she might lose her apartment, too. Living alone, she wasn’t sure how she would afford rent. With support from the FIUstrong disaster relief initiative, the university was able to […]

Mentorship inspired him to become a thriving entrepreneur. Now this alumnus is paying it forward

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–By Brittany Torres Rivera for FIU News Joel Gandara is the CEO and founder of Morro Capital, a privately-owned e-commerce apparel company with a portfolio of more than 20 men’s apparel brands. He immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in 1980 on an overcrowded boat full of hopes and dreams. Having always had an entrepreneurial […]

FIU expands 3D-printed PPE initiative to local fire-rescue departments with gift from alumnus, President’s Council member

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FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts has expanded its initiative to produce 3D-printed personal protective equipment (PPE) for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by a gift from FIU President’s Council member Angela Martinez and FIU alumnus Raul Chavez ’80, the college 3D-printed 1,000 protective face shields for local fire-rescue departments. […]

Q&A with FIU Alumnus Michael Hernandez ’04, MPA ’11

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FIU alumnus Michael Hernandez ‘04, MPA ‘11, shares a relationship with FIU that dates back to 1986 – the year his mother started working for Dr. Modesto A. Maidique, our former university president. Now, Hernandez serves as the Board President for the FIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, and is part of the Mercury Florida […]

Almost killed 40 years ago, alumnus went from wheelchair to outrageous success

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–By Alexandra Pecharich, for FIU Magazine Carlos Sabater ’81 lay broken in a hospital bed some four decades ago, just months before he was to start classes at FIU. The summertime boating accident threw him immediately into survival mode and would alter the course of his life forever. And all for the better, he says. “Yes, it […]

Giving Back to the Institution that Gave So Much to Her

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Cristine Figueroa MS ’07 grew up with FIU. Her mother was a teacher and would always bring her to campus, which became Figueroa’s playground as a young girl. Little did she know that her playground would soon turn into her dream institution for both school and work. “In 2007, I came to FIU to fulfill […]

Q&A with Alexandra Ramirez ’10

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FIU alumna Alexandra Ramirez ’10 arrived to the United States from Colombia as a single mother seeking educational and financial freedom. Her ultimate goal was to achieve the “American Dream” of becoming a business professional in the United States. She is currently the TV Finance Expert of “Despierta America,” the CEO of Moneywise Business Group and […]

Q&A with Head Coach Ryan Heberling ’09

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Carrie and Ryan Heberling
Ryan Heberling was named head coach of both the men’s and women’s track and field/cross country programs at FIU on July 9th, 2014, after spending the previous four years as an assistant and the 2014 season as the interim head coach at FIU. Before accepting these positions, Heberling was a student at the university and a […]