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 […]

Architect of craft beer Eddie Leon ’96, MAA ’98 is ready for 2019 NoMi BrewFest

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–By David Drucker for FIU News Eddie Leon ’96, MAA ’98 wanted to be an inventor as a kid. Now, he has his laboratory: a 21,000-square-foot brewery in Doral. Inside the warehouse of M.I.A. Beer Company, blue and pink neon lights—reminiscent of Miami Vice—splash onto the long walls. A sprawling chalkboard offers more than 50 […]

Loving inner city America: One alumnus’ journey to fight for civil rights

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–By Gisela Valencia for FIU News As a teenager raised in inner city neighborhoods—including Compton, California—Ronald Fox MA ’19 didn’t think he would find success. He dropped out of high school his senior year. But he didn’t give up on education. Inspired by the election of Barack Obama in 2008, Fox decided he could dream […]

Young Tiffany & Co. director got her head start at FIU

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–By David Drucker for FIU News Calfskin leather bags and sterling silver money clips adorn the aisles of Tiffany & Co. in New York City. The company’s flagship store, a 10-story landmark on Fifth Avenue, dedicates its fourth floor to home and accessories, where ordinary objects like silverware and sunglasses meet modern luxury. It’s a […]

Emmy Award-winning producer, alumnus Layne Batt ’80 shares path to success

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–By Zion Sealy for FIU News Alumnus Layne Batt ’80 has been a part of the video broadcasting and production industry for more than 30 years. After graduating from FIU in 1980, Batt kick-started his career with WCIX TV Channel 6 and went on to ultimately earn a whopping 13 Emmy Awards for production. Ten years […]

Recent grad creates Global Learning scholarship in memory of her brother

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–By Isabel Gamarra for FIU News For Danielle Lyn, Global Learning was the most meaningful experience at FIU. It gave her a space to talk to others; a passion in life; and a community of like-minded individuals who were committed to making the world a better place. “Global Learning pushed me to try an array […]

Alumnus David Burke ’78 posthumously awarded FIU Medallion

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–By Clara-Meretan Kiah. Alexandra Pecharich contributed to this article. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –­Maya Angelou These words guided alumnus David Burke ’78 through life. Many remember the late hospitality executive, who passed in August […]

Annual alumni reception breaks attendance record, raises awareness for Next Horizon campaign

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A record number of alumni and friends of FIU came out to the Alumni Association Annual Cocktail Reception this year to celebrate their alma mater, learn about the university’s future and explore its innovative research programs. Six-hundred guests flocked to the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, a new site for the event, on May 16. […]

Law alumnus Desmond Meade recognized among TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People”

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For College of Law alumnus Desmond Meade JD ’14, life is all about compassion, love and giving people a shot at redemption. It’s what guides him as an advocate and president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). For his work, Meade has been named one of TIME magazine’s 2019 “100 Most Influential People.” He is counted among the […]