Alumnus John McKibbon ’75 makes $5M gift to FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Written by

–By Ivonne Amor John McKibbon and his wife Letitia have made a $5 million gift to the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management that will enhance alumni outreach, implement formal integration of technology and innovation into the curriculum, and create student scholarships at the top-10 U.S. public hospitality school from which he graduated. The McKibbon […]

Back on the sand: Tickets on sale for SOBEWFF®

Written by

FIU students will take part in the 20th anniversary of the Festival from May 20-23. –By Ivonne Yee-Amor for FIU News For the 20th year, the white sands of Miami Beach will be home to some of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, culinary personalities and students taking part in the South […]

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

Written by

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 […]

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

Written by

–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 […]

Alumnus David Burke ’78 posthumously awarded FIU Medallion

Written by

–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 […]

Hospitality alumnus goes from busboy to CEO

Written by

Alumnus Regynald G. Washington ’74 was invited back to FIU to speak at this summer’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management commencement ceremony on Sunday, July 29, 2018. In this interview, which originally appeared in FIU News, Washington opens up about the steps he took in life that propelled his career as a restaurateur: […]

Local eatery announces FIU’s Chaplin School as October charity partner

Written by

Widely considered one of the region’s foremost best restaurants and a premier watering hole, Beaker & Gray is sweetening their Happy Hour promotion. Co-owners Brian Nasajon and Ben Potts are upping the ante with Instant Karma; each month, the hip eatery will join forces with a local non-profit organization and donate a portion of their […]

Q&A with FIU alumni and co-owners of the award-winning Temple Street Eatery in Fort Lauderdale, Diego Ng ‘08 and Alex Kuk ‘08

Written by

Get to know the restaurateurs bringing new flavors to Fort Lauderdale’s palate. Cooking up comfort foods reminiscent of their family’s home cooking, Diego Ng ’08 and Alex Kuk ’08 have created an innovative menu introducing flavors with Chinese, Vietnamese and Latin influences. The graduates of the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management will be giving back […]

Hospitality alumni honor mentor, support students, through Rocco Angelo Legacy in Leadership Campaign

Written by

Alumni of the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management have donated more than half a million dollars to a fund that honors their beloved professor Rocco Angelo, an associate dean who has mentored generations of hospitality students and helped them succeed. Three alumni are leading the way: Burt Cabañas, founder and chairman of BENCHMARK®, a […]

Diana Beltran ’07 on the importance of giving back

Written by

Donor Spotlight Diana Beltran ’07 Learning and Delivery Manager, Wyndham Hotel Group   What do you love most about FIU and your involvement here? What I love most about FIU is the continuous reach from the faculty. Also, all the different opportunities of financial aid provided to the students. Last I will mention I love the […]