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

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

–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 […]

Q&A with Alexandra Ramirez ’10

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

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 […]

FIU Law surpasses 95 percent bar passage milestone, leads Florida on July 2019 exam

–By Greg Miller for FIU News FIU Law graduates earned a 95.7 percent first-time bar passage rate on the July 2019 Florida Bar Exam, the highest of any of Florida’s 11 law schools, and 21.8 percentage points higher than the state average. Since 2009 – the earliest year for which the Florida Supreme Court maintains online […]

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

–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 […]

“Welcome to Fall 2019!”: A message from Board President Michael Hernandez ’04, MPA ’11

“A college education is for life – but it doesn’t end once you’ve received your diploma or paid those outstanding parking tickets! It’s a connection for life,” says Alumni Association Board of Directors President Michael Hernandez. As FIU ushers in a new academic year this week and welcomes thousands of new and returning Panthers to […]

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

–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

–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

–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 […]