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Spring 2004 Florida International University Magazine Spring 2004 Florida International University Division of University Relations

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This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in FIU Magazine by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. F l o r i d a I nternational U n i v e r s i t y SPRING 2004 MAGAZINE

FIU alumnus Mike Lowell ’97 and the Florida Marlins cap an incredible 2003 season with a World Series championship.

Also in this issue:

FIU researchers Honoring our own at $3 million gift propels School spirit takes helping teenagers Torch Awards 2003 entrepreneurship center stage at make better choices initiative Homecoming 2003 Show your school pride every time you hit the road.

Whether you’re a member of the FIU Class o f’03 or ’73.. .or you drive around in a luxury sedan or an SUV.. .the new Florida International University Golden Panther license plate is for you. With the Golden Panther on your vehicle, you’ll show your school spirit every time you drive.

It’s now easier than ever to receive a j|l Golden Panther plate through the FIU Golden Panther License Plate Replacement Program. Go to www.fiu.edu/fiuplate and follow the instructions to order your plate. This is not part of your annual vehicle registration process— no additional charge will be I incurred until your next license plate renewal. At that time, if you choose to keep your FIU plate, a fee of $27.50 will be assessed to benefit FIU schol­ arship funds.

Show Your True Colors

a l u m n i ASSOCIATION

FIU alumni, friends and supporters— show your pride for the Blue & Gold with your FIU Golden Panther license plate. Florida International University I volume 10 SPRING 2004 FIUMAGAZINE

on the cover departments

03 In Brief FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2003-04 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD President Gayle A. Bainbridge ’75 20 Alumni President-Elect 20 Stephanie Burns ’77: Ty N. Javellana ’88 ’98 Parliamentarian Dow Corning CEO leads William R. Trueba, Jr. ’90 quest for new innovations Secretary 26 Regynald Washington ’74: Raul Perez Ballaga ’97 Treasurer From kitchen worker to national Jose M. Perez De Corcho ’93 leader of the restaurant association Members at large 28 Lizbet Martinez ’03: Sergio Abreu ’94 Ralph A. Espinosa ’89 ’94 Irma Becerra-Fernandez ’94 Andrew Juska ’87 ’03 Musician’s graduation caps Jorge Bofill ’78 Lisa Peniche, ’90 incredible journey Jose C. Bofill '90 Justo Luis Pozo ’80 George B. Brackett Jr. ’76 ’77 Jose R. Riguera ’86 30 Upcoming Events Slenda C. M. Chan ’94 Estelle Vera ’88 Raymond del Rey ’97 Susan Webster ’87

30 Class Notes EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences 31 FIUAA Newest Gisela Casines Lifetime Members Editor in Chief, The Beacon Lisa Cawley 32 Donor Profile: Charlie Fritz Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations Bill Draughon 33 VIP: From Golden Panther President Elect, FIU Alumni Association to World Champion Very Important Panther Ty Javellana Gerald Grant ’78 ’89 In an interview with FIU Magazine, Florida Marlin Vice President, Undergraduate Studies Mike Lowell discusses last season, the World Rosa Jones Series win and how his life has changed. Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs Larry Lunsford University Advancement, Associate Vice President Terry Witherell

FIU MAGAZINE Division of University Advancement Editor/Director of Communications Todd Ellenberg '91 Assistant Editor Karen Cochrane Director of Publications Homecoming Quitting: CBIRG Honoring Our Kauffman Bill Stahl 2003 helps teenagers Own: Torch Foundation Writers From pajama conquer their Awards 2003 $3 Million Gift Todd Ellenberg parties to parades, problems Karen Cochrane Representing a wide New funding will Alexandra Pecharich Golden Panther Innovative treatments range of fields and enable the Deborah O’Neil pride was front and graduating classes, University to for adolescents Designer center in a week of pioneered by FIU 2003 honorees introduce Aileen Sola festivities leading up researchers are personify the entrepreneurship to the Big Game. Photographers proving more effective excellence of FIU. as an integral Cover: The Miami Herald/Jeffery Boan than conventional element in academic Geoff Anderson treatment. programs. Roldan Torres Michael H. Upright www.fiu.edu/orgs/fiumag FIUMAGAZINE SPRING 2004 j volume 10 1 ______Florida International University

from the AVP, Alumni Relations from the Editor

, Our alumni are amazing! Everywhere I What were the most important periods WM ^ I m i go, day after day, I meet prominent FIU and milestones in your life? There are many alumni who are contributing to the vitali­ answers. But I am sure that most would say ty of their communities. You’ll meet some that their college years remain one of the most of those alumni in this issue. Their capti­ influential periods in their life. It’s a singular vating stories illustrate the influential roles time, a coming of age on multiple levels: per­ assumed by our graduates and evoke the sonally, intellectually and professionally. energy that defines FIU as a leader in higher education. While college studies usually only fill some four to eight years, the results last a lifetime. Many students, however— As an FIU graduate, your drive and passion have pro­ past, present and future— may not realize that they are the pri­ pelled you to success in your chosen career. Each of you has mary products of the university. Students are universities’ rea­ a unique and compelling story to share with your fellow son for being. And even after leaving campus, they remain a alumni. That’s why we’re asking that you notify us of your vital part of the institution. The achievements of our alumni recent accomplishments by filling out the Class Notes section and FIU are connected. They are part of FIU’s history and the of the Alumni Association form included in this issue. foundation of its future. In the same way that FIU alumni refuse to settle for less FIU alumni play a vital role in the economic, social and cul­ than the best for themselves personally and professionally, your tural fabric of our region and beyond. In this issue of FIU Alumni Association continues to expand its outreach and Magazine we are proud to salute some of our most celebrated and improve its services to you, our members. You can read more distinguished alumni. Our cover story is devoted to one of our about those efforts in the Alumni Section of this magazine. “Boys of Summer,” third baseman Mike Lowell ’97, who helped As we develop lifelong relationships with our alumni, I lead the Florida Marlins to their World Series championship last continue to be impressed by the pride and love you have for year. In a story about the Torch Awards, we take a look at indi­ our University and its continuing progress. We invite you to viduals who have had a major impact on their profession and the share in your alma mater’s triumphs as we celebrate yours. community. We also have profiles on two very successful alumni who have reached the pinnacle of their professions: Stephanie In the spirit of Blue and Gold, Burns ’77, CEO of Dow Corning; and Regynald Washington ’74, vice president of Disney Regional Entertainment and chair­ man of the National Restaurant Association. These individuals and countless others among our 100,000+ Bill Draughon Associate Vice President graduates personify the spirit and excellence of FIU as well as Alumni Relations its unlimited potential.

Todd Ellenberg ’91 Editor

Write To Us: Send your letters to the editor via fax to 305-348-3247 or mail to PC 515, Miami, FL 33199. Letters should refer to content in the magazine, and may be edited for publication. All letters must include writer's full name and address. Alumni, please include degree and year of graduation.

FIU MAGAZINE is published by the Florida International University Division of University Advancement. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Distributed free of charge to alumni, friends, faculty and staff of the University. Postmaster and others, please send change of address information to FIU Magazine, Office of Publications, PC 515, Miami, FL 33199.

Copyright ©2004, Florida International University • Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Institution. This document was produced at an annual cost of $58,566 or $0.49 per copy to inform the public about a university program. Qualified individuals with disabilities as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act who need special accommodations for any FiU-sponsored event can request assistance by calling the number listed in association with the function. The request must be made five working days before the scheduled starting time. TDD, via FRS 1-800-955-8771. FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04

quence of demographic diversity and the multicultural nature of its population, the health care industry needs in our community are unique. In addition, the plan notes that Florida medical schools only produce about 500 of the nearly 2,500 new doctors the state needs each year. Tuition at the FIU medical school would be similar to that of the other three public medical schools in the state: cur­ rently at about $12,000 a year. The plan approved by the Board of Trustees will be refined and presented to the Florida Board of Governors and will ultimately have to be approved by the Legislature to be funded. Medical School Initiative 2003 and prepared with community and facul­ Several trustees spoke about a favorable politi­ ty input. The new document lays out four cal climate for a new medical school and men­ Moves Full Speed Ahead ways in which the FIU medical school will tioned Gov. Jeb Bush’s success in attracting The Florida International University Board improve the quality of health care in the region: the Scripps Research Institute to Palm Beach of Trustees has unanimously approved a plan County as a potential enhancement to the ■ INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CULTURALLY plan for a medical school at FIU. to create an Academic Health Center includ­ SENSITIVE UNDER-REPRESENTED MINORITY ing a degree in medicine program that could PHYSICIANS SERVING SOUTHEAST FLORIDA “If we blink we might not get another admit its first class as early as 2006. ■ CREATE AN AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE opportunity,” said Board of Trustees Chair MEDICAL SCHOOL THAT DIRECTLY PARTNERS Adolfo Henriques. “The compelling case is “This proposal is largely based on the fact that WITH COMMUNITY HOSPITALS AND HEALTH made in the data that we absolutely all the building blocks of a great new medical CARE CLINICS need a public medical school school are in place,” said FIU President * ADVANCE BIOMEDICAL AND OTHER SCIENTIFIC in this community and the Modesto A. Maidique. “We have Ph.D. pro­ KNOWLEDGE THROUGH RESEARCH, resources for that education grams in the basic sciences, in nursing and in SCHOLARSHIP AND DIRECT APPLICATION TO THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF SOUTH FLORIDA to take place.” IB engineering. An M.D. is the next logical step.” ■ PROVIDE ALTERNATIVES FOR HEALTH CARE FIUs would be the first public medical school ACCESS FOR THE LARGE, DIVERSE SOUTHEAST in South Florida, where the University of FLORIDA POPULATION Florida Miami offers the only degree program in allo­ Several representatives of local hospitals came International pathic medicine. There is an impending seri­ before the board to voice their support. The University ous shortage of physicians within the state, medical school plan does not call for a uni­ and existing Florida medical schools are versity hospital, but rather relies on partner­ Names New unable to increase their enrollment sufficiently ships with existing medical facilities such as VP for to correct the shortfall. The new medical Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Children’s school will be in line with national priorities — Research Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Baptist articulated in an Institute of Medicine report George E. Hospital, in addition to community clinics. released last summer - as well as state and Dambach joined local health care priorities. While 16 percent of Floridians and more FIU in January as than half of the population in Miami-Dade its new vice presi­ Years of research and conversations among FIU County are Hispanic and 20 percent of the dent for Research and key members of the South Florida medical population in Miami-Dade and Broward He comes to the community have been summarized in a pro­ counties are African American/black, only University from gram proposal available online at http://aca- 9 percent of all physicians in Florida are Michigan’s demic.fiu.edu/docs/provost_memos2004.htm Hispanic and only 3 percent of all physicians Wayne State and at the web site http://health.fiu.edu. in these counties are black. These demo­ University, where The plan is based on a number of studies initi­ graphics drastically affect the provisions of he held a com­ ated in 1996 and a feasibility study presented in culturally competent health care. As a conse- parable post. 4 FIU M A GAZIN E SPRING 04

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Florida International University Research Leads to Stronger Building Code

The Florida Building Code cane-induced wind-uplift by a fac­ With funding from the Florida Eduardo Camet, president of MH Commission approved a recom­ tor of up to 130 percent without Department of Community Homes and vice chairman of the mendation by FIU researchers to increasing the cost of construc­ Affairs-Residential Construction IHRC Board of Trustees, was modify the Florida Building tion. The new nails will go into Mitigation Program (RCMP), equally enthusiastic about the Code’s roof sheathing nailing roofs starting in January of 2005 Alvarez’s Laboratory for code change. standards for housing construc­ and are expected to strengthen Structural Mitigation has been “This is an excellent example of tion in the High Velocity 350,000 new homes (close to 1 researching the role of design cri­ how research at the IHRC can Hurricane Zone. million residents) in South Florida teria, construction methods and produce practical applications for The approved modification is an over the next 10 years. techniques in hurricane loss the benefit of vulnerable commu­ reduction for housing in Florida 8d Ring-Shank nail that will Under the current standard, roofs nities everywhere,” said Camet. since July 2000. “This is the type of research that replace the previous standard, a in South Florida are built to resist must be supported by the state combination of 8d/1 Od Common the winds of a mid-Category 3 “This modification of the Florida and federal governments, and by Bright nails, said International hurricane. Tests conducted by Building Code is a direct result of the private sector.” Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) the IHRC have demonstrated research the IHRC conducted Deputy Director Ricardo Alvarez. that roofs built to the new stan­ under the RCMP—a true meas­ For more information on the The research revealed that the dard can effectively resist uplift ure of the effectiveness of the 8d Ring-Shank nails, visit new nailing standard improves forces from strong Category 4 RCMP in producing hurricane the mitigation web site at the resistance of roofs to hurri­ hurricanes. loss mitigation,” said Alvarez. http://www.mitigation.fiu.edu.

“Dr. Dambach will provide leadership to president and dean, Dambach held numer­ maintain and accelerate our progress as a ous administrative positions in the school of Carnegie-Research Extensive institution medicine, including associate dean for of higher education,” said FIU President Research and Graduate Studies and assis­ Modesto A. Maidique. tant dean for Medical Curriculum. He was professor of Pharmacology in the school. In addition, he will also develop and implement a strategy to expand the capa­ While at Wayne State, Dambach was bilities in the Division of Sponsored actively involved in community concerns. Research and Training. Dambach’s prede­ He is a member of the Board and cessor, Thomas Breslin, returned to the Executive Committee of the Karmanos faculty after leading the Division through Cancer Institute and the National Advisory six years of continued growth. Board of the Merrill Palmer Institute for “The Ph.D. approval will help move our research “George comes to FIU with plenty of expe­ Child and Family Development and is on forward,” said Richard Schoephoerster, chair of rience and insight that will help push the the board of visitors for the Center for the the Department of Biomedical Engineering. university’s research goals to the next level,” Study o f Citizenship at Wayne. said Mark Rosenberg, provost and executive Dambach holds a bachelor’s degree in Doctoral Programs in vice president, Academic Affairs. physiology and a Ph.D. in pharmacology Biomedical Engineering At Wayne State, Dambach helped create the from Ohio State University. In the late and Nursing Introduced Michigan Life Sciences Corridor, a collabo­ 1960s and early 1970s, he was a postdoc­ FIU is now only the third academic institution ration of Michigan universities to advance toral fellow in the Department of Internal in Florida to offer a Ph.D. program in biotechnology development in the state. He Medicine at Philadelphia General led the reorganization and modernization of Hospital and a postdoctoral fellow in the Biomedical Engineering and the seventh in the research administration and intellectual Department of Pharmacology and the state to offer a doctoral program in Nursing. property management during a period of Institute of Neuroscience at the This development came after the Florida Board growth in sponsored research at the univer­ University of Pennsylvania. During that of Education approved the establishment of the sity. He also served as dean of the Graduate time, he was also a Pennsylvania Plan two programs last October. Classes in both School. Prior to his responsibilities as vice Scholar at the university. programs will be available beginning Fall 2004. [U MAGAZINE SPRING 04

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The Ph.D. program in Biomedical “As a university that is intimately tied to its community and >§>« * Engineering comes on the heels of the cre­ committed to improving the quality of life enjoyed by its m ation of the Biomedical Engineering residents, we are honored to receive this distinguished award.” Department last semester in FIU’s College —FIU President Modesto A. Maidique of Engineering. Last year, FIU became the first in the State University System to Beacon Council Presents The FIU School of offer a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Nursing has initiated Engineering. Department of Biomedical Education Award to Florida innovative programs to Engineering Chair Richard Schoephoerster International University educate more nurses in said that the approval of the Ph.D. pro­ response to one of gram was important on a variety of levels. Honor recognizes programs that boost local economy South Florida’s— and “The Ph.D. approval rounds out and com­ the nation’s—worst-ever nursing shortages. Florida International University was named a pletes our program and will help move our These programs include its Foreign Physicians winner of the Second Annual Beacon Awards research forward to make us a more attrac­ Nursing Program (the first in the nation), in January in recognition of its programs that tive university for students looking to Nurse Anesthetist Program and PRIDE have helped strengthen the local economy. major in biomedical engineering,” he said. Project. This fall it will introduce a doctoral The Education Award is presented to the program in nursing, which will directly bolster Creation of the Ph.D. program in Nursing institution that has developed and imple­ the ability to educate new nurses. comes at a time when the nation’s health mented the most innovative new education care facilities and nursing education institu­ programs that address one or more of the tions are suffering from critical shortages, One Community One Goal (OCOG) New Supercomputer Will both in staff and faculty needed to educate target industries of the Greater Miami Support Advanced Research more nurses. With the state’s current Ph.D. Chamber of Commerce. The Beacon programs producing less than 40 graduates Council is Miami-Dade County’s economic in Diverse Fields annually and an anticipated faculty retire­ development agency. ment rate of 18 percent by the end of the year, FIU’s doctoral program will “As a university that is intimately tied to its community and committed to improving the contribute immediately toward meeting quality of life enjoyed by its residents, we are these deficiencies. honored to receive this distinguished award,” “This decision is a momentous one, not said Modesto A. Maidique, president of FIU. just for our school, but for the future of “FIU is well aware that its future is closely health care in our community as well,” tied to the economic health of our state and said School of Nursing Dean Divina community, and we will continue to do Grossman. “The support from the commu­ everything in our power to improve it.” nity was simply overwhelming. They made FIU was recognized for its programs in the their voices heard in Tallahassee as to the COE Dean Vish Prasad; Ernesto Ramon, chair School of Nursing and the Department of of COE’s Advisory Council for Engineering; need for this program and its vital role in Biomedical Engineering, which address the George Dulikravich, professor and chairperson producing doctorally prepared nursing OCO G target industries of the biomedical of the Department of Mechanical and Materials faculty and nursing leaders, as well as and health care services. Engineering; and George Dambach, vice presi­ culturally relevant research essential to dent for Research participated in the ribbon- cutting ceremony. address the health care needs of our The Department of Biomedical Engineering, diverse populations.” which was established in fall 2003, offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees and will The College of Engineering has built a Currently, minorities represent only 9 per­ introduce a doctoral program this fall. The 96-processor parallel computer that will cent of the nursing faculty in the nation as department, which works closely with afford FIU students and faculty the opportu­ compared to a total U.S. minority popula­ clinical and industry partners, is playing an nity to engage in innovative research tion of 28 percent. At FIU’s School of important role in expanding multidisciplinary with real-world applications in a variety of Nursing, however, half of the school’s doc­ research efforts at FIU, technology creation arenas. FIU is one of only two universities in toral-level faculty are from minority and commercialization, regional economic Florida that support a powerful distributed- groups, and each has considerable experi­ development and partnerships with biotech­ memory parallel computer. (FIU’s High ence in culturally based research. nology companies and hospitals. Performance Database Research Center is in FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04

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Health & Wellness for the Florida International University Family: New Rec Center to Open This Fall A state-of-the-art, 50,000+-square-foot Recreation Center will open at the FIU- COE’s 96-processor parallel computer University Park campus in Sept. 2004, replacing the process of installing a distributed-memo- the Student Fitness ry 48-processor parallel computer.) Center as the hub of Some of the most imminent applications of intramural sports and Fitness activities at the research to be carried out include opti­ the University. Constructed with state mizing protocols for cooling brains in funds, the $8.9 million facility will provide stroke victims to save their basic brain more than four times the space of the Student Fitness Center. functions; optimizing protocols for freezing organs to be used in transplant surgery; The building will feature a two-court gym­ studying interactions of Earth’s electromag­ nasium, strength and cardio fitness areas, netic field and hurricanes and tornadoes; locker rooms, group fitness rooms, a pro Alumni, students and faculty/staff will have more than four times the space to work out optimizing manufacturing processes for shop, a food service outlet and administra­ in when the new Recreation Center opens smart materials; designing a heart pump tive offices. In addition, the Rec Center this September. with no moving parts; and optimizing will permit expanded “open gym” opportu­ post” (treadmills, selectorized machines, multidisciplinary design of cooled gas nities that currently are limited in the Golden Panther Arena due to Athletics specialty and ADA circuit), spinning area, turbine blades in jet engines. Department events, classes and special- two fitness rooms and the upper level of “Students will gain experience in computa­ event schedules. the gymnasium. tional science and engineering, faculty The two-story structure, located just west Open to the entire FIU family— alumni, members will have a facility to work with of the new Health Services Center and current students and FIU faculty/staff—the when trying to acquire research grants and north of the Panther Hall Residence center will offer trial, monthly, semester industry leaders will be able to conduct Complex, will feature a food-service area, and annual memberships at competitive extensive advanced research. Conditions Membership Services counter, administra­ rates. Tentative hours for the Rec Center now exist for all of this happening here at tive offices, pro shop, gym, men’s and will be Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m. to midnight and FIU,” said George Dulikravich, professor women’s locker rooms, and strength area Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and chairperson of the Department of (free weights, dumbbells, benches, plate- Mechanical and Materials Engineering. loaded machines and boxing apparatus) on the first floor. The second floor will house The parallel computer is fully operational the cardio machines (treadmills, ellipticals, and housed in the Multidisciplinary upright and recumbent cycles, steppers, Analysis, Inverse Design, Robust rowers and specialty pieces), “fitness out- Optimization and Control (MAIDROC) Laboratory at the Engineering Center and can easily accommodate future expansions, according to Dulikravich. The official opening of the facility was Feb. 25. It is also expected that in addition to con­ ducting research, faculty will be able to effectively teach students about distributed- memory parallel computers. FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04 7

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“This opens up the classroom to a whole new set of Florida International experiences for students here and there,” said Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Thomas Breslin. University to Operate School of Hospitality

in Preparation for Yi, minister counselor for the Chinese Breslin noted that the timing for the project is Unprecedented Tourism Embassy in Washington D.C.; Hu Yeshun, particularly good because China is on the Boom in China the consul general in Houston; and Wang verge of a tourism boom. Shu Zu, vice chairman of the Standing A report issued recently by the World Travel FIU has signed an agreement with the Tianjin Committee of Tianjin People’s Congress. University of Commerce to run a hospitality and Tourism Council, a private organization management school in China that would mir­ “I am fully confident that the cooperation that represents hotel and travel companies, ror its top-ranked Miami program. between these two strong institutions will predicts the number of tourists and business work very well in the widening of cooperation travelers visiting China will grow 22 percent Joseph West, dean of the School of Hospitality between China and the United States in the a year beginning next year through 2013. and Tourism Management, explained that offi­ important areas of education and human “We are going to be the leaders in training cials of the Tianjin University of Commerce exchange,” said Undersecretary General Chen. recognized the economic importance of devel­ thousands of professionals to fill the jobs that oping a full-fledged hospitality program and Wang expressed similar optimism with regard will be created by this new phenomenon,” to the doors this agreement opens: “This approached FIU with the idea of a partnership. eration is more than just the University of Now that the agreement is signed, FIU and Tianjin and FIU, it is between the city of TUC will begin recruiting and training the fac­ Tianjin and the state of Florida and a start-up ulty, while the new campus facilities are built. point between China and the United States." “A group of business professors from China For FIU the agreement represents the largest will earn their master’s in Hospitality foreign program the University has been Management at FIU over the next two years involved in, including the Hospitality pro­ and will then be hired as FIU faculty to teach grams that have been operated in Jamaica at TUC starting in the fall of 2006,” said and Switzerland. The Tianjin campus will Dean West. The school will have approxi­ also be able to host exchange students mately 1,000 students. faculty from FIU. The agreement was signed at FIU in front of “This opens up the classroom to a whole a delegation of Chinese officials, including new set of experiences for students here Chen Jian, undersecretary general for the there,” said Vice Provost for Academic General Assembly to the United Nations; Liu Affairs Thomas Breslin. An overhead blueprint of the Tianjin Hospitality campus C E 3 fan’s sign in the stands said it all: “If its the second time around, it’s tradition.” And so it was that the FIU family Acelebrated Homecoming 2003. From pep rallies to parades to Moonlight Madness, there was plenty o f action in the week pre­ ceding the big football game. Both campuses held Homecoming Court elections, the Biscayne Bay Campus held a hotly contested step competition, the University Park campus staged a lip synch competition, and all the students came together for a pajama party on the football field the night before the big game. The party featured a dance contest, an outdoor screening of Bad Boys II and a Saturday- morning pancake breakfast. The FIU Alumni Association hosted a golf tournament, happy hour and blow-out pre-game celebration in the alumni tent the morning of the game, among other activities.

' t^ie t>me kick-off arrived on game day, Golden ' ^ 1 Panther fans were ready to do some serious '11 m. cheering. The FIU football team did not Rf # disappoint as it handled Holy Cross ^ College 34-23 in a televised performance. ALUMNI “WE’RE BUILDING SOMETHING FOR THE FUTURE.” ASSOCIATION i

“I think tradition is very important. That’s why I try to bring my son to the home football games as often as I can,” said alumnus Thomas Disney ’84, a City of Miami police officer who enjoyed the pre-game festivities in the alum­ ni tent with son Brian, 10. “The university has made a lot of changes for the better. That’s very important.” The younger Disney wasn’t quite as philosophical as his dad, but his smile spoke volumes as he proclaimed, “One day I want to come here and play basketball.”

“With every game the enthusiasm grows,” observed Javier Rodriguez, a member of the Student Alumni Association and Political Science major who graduates in Spring 2004. “We’re building something for the future.” QUITTINGresearch FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04 | 11 j

by Todd Ellenberg CBIRG HELPS TEENAGERS CONQUER THEIR PROBLEMS

Innovative treatments for adolescents offered at community sites prove more effective than conventional treatment.

members from the School of Social Work fellowship at the Brown University DAVID IS LIKE MANY OTHER TEENAGERS, WITH HIS LOVE OF BASKETBALL, INTEREST and the Department of Psychology, Center for Alcohol and Addiction IN COMPUTERS AND ANXIOUSNESS TO as well as support staff and a cadre Studies and is a licensed psychologist in FINISH UP HIGH SC HO O L AND LIKE MANY of undergraduate and graduate stu- two states. But other life experiences led OTHER TEENAGERS, DAVID FOUND HIMSELF dents from the College of Health and to his professional interests. IN TROUBLE. “I WAS ARRESTED FOR SMOKING Urban Affairs and the College of Arts I graduated with a high school WEED LAST SUMMER,” HE SAID, PUSHING and Sciences. cohort [in 1979] that was more likely to HIS SHOULDER-LENGTH, WAVY BLACK “Our primary goal is to surmount the be involved [with drugs] than any other, HAIR OUT OF HIS EYES. “THEY GAVE ME A CHOICE TO GO TO COURT AND TRY barriers that have prevented minority Wagner said. I also was a professional TO FIGHT IT OUT OR JUST GO TO and underserved youth and their families musician and saw lots of people use alco- THE [ALCOHOL TREATMENT TARGETING from receiving needed services, ’ Wagner hoi and other drugs, some of whom ADOLESCENTS IN NEED] PROGRAM. I said. “We’ve worked collaboratively to developed serious problems.” [DECIDED TO] JUST TAKE THE PROGRAM. IT GAVE ME A PUSH TO QUIT. develop brief, accessible and develop- Early in his career as a staff clinical “MY COUNSELOR, SHE TOLD ME THAT mentally and culturally appropriate psychologist at Butler Hospital at Brown IF I FEEL BAD, IF I USE OR SOMETHING interventions in community settings.” University, Wagner found that many of OR THINK ABOUT USING, TO NOT LET MYSELF DOWN, JUST TO KEEP ON TRYING, Wagner received a Ph.D. in clinical his outpatient teenage patients were KEEP ON GOING FORWARD, THAT EVERY­ psychology from the University of missing their appointments. I asked BODY MAKES MISTAKES Y’KNOW, THERE’S Pittsburgh, completed a post-doctoral myself the question, ‘Why didn’t they ALWAYS GOIN’ TO BE A SLIP OR SOME­ THING, YOU JUST GOTTA KEEP GOIN’.” “OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO SURMOUNT THE BARRIERS THAT

“I’ve always been interested in working HAVE PREVENTED MINORITY AND UNDERSERVED YOUTH AND with kids and adolescents,” said Eric Wagner, THEIR FAMILIES FROM RECEIVING NEEDED SERVICES — Eric Wagner director of the FIU Community-Based Intervention Research Group (CBIRG). I thought developing intervention programs for teenagers was a good fit with my professional background and interests.” Wagner’s interest gave rise to CBIRG, an applied research center that has helped hundreds of teenagers conquer problems such as substance abuse, violent behavior and risk behaviors associated with HIV. The group’s distinctive approach and client base have made it a national leader in community-based treatment. Founded in 1998 with the support of Dean Ronald Berkman in the College of Health and Urban Affairs, CBIRG is a multidisciplinary effort that has attracted more than $8.35 million in grants since its establishment. It includes five faculty continued The Teen Intervention Project (TIP), a five-year $1.7 million project funded by NIAAA that ended in 2002, was a col­ laboration with the Broward County School Board that tested a school- based substance abuse intervention for middle and high school students.

The Teen Intervention Project-Cherokee (TIP-C), a one-and-a-half-year project funded by NIAAA, tested CBIRG’s school-based substance abuse pro­ grams with Native American middle and high school students. The project was a collaboration between FIU and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

EMPOWER (Enhancing My Personal Options While Evaluating Risks) is a five-year $2.4 million project funded by NIAAA to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief, motivational intervention for HIV risk-reduction among adolescents show up?’ I didn’t think it was about me Funded by a $1.75 million grant from undergoing alcohol and other drug the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse personally; it was more about how and treatment. The program, a collabora­ where I was providing services. That led and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the study tion with the Starting Place in Broward me to think more about how to make the includes 800 Hispanic, Haitian and County, will include 800 adolescents. African American high school students services more accessible and attractive to CBIRG’s research has received exten­ at five alternative high schools that adolescents. I was frustrated by no-show sive national recognition at conferences serve at-risk students or those underper­ rates, so I went to where the kids were and in top academic and professional forming in conventional schools. instead of expecting them to come to me.” journals. Wagner said a week doesn’t go The subjects participate in five to by that he doesn’t receive queries from JULIA: “WHEN I WAS IN MIDDLE seven treatment sessions that use an organizations interested in using their SCHOOL, I USED TO GET IN A LOT OF “THE REAL approach known as Guided Self-Change TROUBLE AND I WAS DOING A LOT OF treatment models. All program materials MOTIVATION (GSC), which employs behavioral DRUGS,” SAID THE SENIOR AT THE are also produced in Spanish, which has change principles, motivational engage­ SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, AN FOR US IS enabled the implementation of a treat­ ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL NEAR DOWN­ ment strategies and personal goal setting. ment model in Mexico City in collabora­ TOWN MIAMI. “I WAS GETTING INTO TO REALLY Results indicate that GSC, which is used tion with The National Autonomous TROUBLE. FIGHTS AND SMOKING IN HELP SCHOOL AND, LIKE, CURSING AT TEACH­ in other CBIRG programs, is more effec­ University of Mexico. THESE ERS, EVERYTHING. I WAS ALWAYS GET­ tive than conventional treatment. “We “Our programs use a brief approach TING SUSPENDED. KIDS.” think this approach works better because and that’s very appealing to adolescents,” “ GAPS [GUIDED ADOLESCENT the intervention we’ve developed is more explained Staci Leon Morris, CBIRG’s PROBLEM SOLVING] IS THE FIRST COUN­ -Staci Morris SELING I’VE HAD BY MYSELF WITH NO developmentally appropriate and moti­ clinical director. “When you’re at that OTHER STUDENTS AROUND. IT’S NEVER vational, rather than lecturing or preach­ developmental stage, you don’t want to BEEN LIKE THAT. I FEEL REALLY COM­ ing to adolescents,” said Andres Gil, commit to therapy for a long time. It’s FORTABLE TALKING TO MY COUNSELOR. IT’S COOL. ...WE TALK ABOUT RESPON­ principal investigator on the project and motivational, so we assess where they’re SIBILITY AND GOAL SETTING AND STUFF associate professor of Social Work. at when they come in and where they LIKE THAT.” want to be and how they can get there. CBIRG’s other major research They really feel the support. Over the GAPS (Guided Adolescent Problem projects have included: course of therapy they see that we want Solving) was launched by CBIRG in ■ Alcohol Treatment Targeting Adolescents to help them, and they see that we want 2002 to develop and test the effective­ in Need (ATTAIN), a five-year $2.4 mil­ them to stop using and make better ness of a school-based intervention pro­ lion project funded by NIAAA that provides individual and family interven­ choices. It is a research project, but the gram for violence-prone students with tions for adolescent offenders with real motivation for us is to really help alcohol and drug abuse problems. alcohol and drug problems. these kids.” FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04

HONORING OUR OWN TORCH

RepresentingAWARDS a wide range of fields and too embracing ... i classes throughout FIU history, the award recipients personify the excellence of FIU and the influential role assumed by its graduates.

On a glorious night last October, more than 200 members of the FIU family gathered at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables to honor recip­ ients of the 2003 Torch Awards. There was a certain symmetry to the evening — an institution that has had a lasting, positive effect on its com­ munity honoring its alumni and faculty who, individually and collectively, have done the same. From the outdoor receptions strumming guitarist to the sultry stylings of the vocalist who serenaded the dinner guests, the evening was pure harmony, played out South Florida style. Named after the Torch of Knowledge, Service and Understanding, which was dedicated in 1972 to the memory of the late Ernest R. Graham, the senator who was the first to champion the establishment of a public university in South Florida, the lorch Awards honor individuals who have had a beneficial impact on their profession and the community. The alumni and faculty honored each yeai represent FI Us “torch bearers”— leaders who impart knowledge and serve as a source of inspiration. The 2003 honorees are no exception: continued 1 4 FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04

EMILY SPENCE-DIEHL ’02 Congress, she serves on the International Social Work Relations and Government Reform Formerly the driv­ Committees and is chairwoman of the sub­ ing force behind FlU’s committee on the Middle East and Central Victim Advocacy Asia. Ros-Lehtinen has been active on Center, Spence-Diehl issues relating to education, children, senior authored grants that citizens, women’s health, victims’ rights and enabled the center to the environment. expand its services to “The well being of the community depends students, faculty and staff. An expert in the on the unselfishness and generosity of every areas of stalking and the psychobiology of single person,” says the former educator. trauma, she wrote the grant that allowed the center, Jackson Memorial Hospital Rape JOSE VALDES-FAULI ’75 Treatment Center and the Child Assault Business Administration Prevention Program to provide ongoing edu­ A member of the cation and awareness about sexual assault FIU Foundation and and victimization. She was the creator of chairman of its Alumni CHARLES E. PERRY Project Impact, a National Demonstration Committee, Valdes- VISIONARY AWARD Project to develop a coordinated community Fauli also serves on response to stalking. the Advisory Board of Presented to an alumnus/a who has “Very early on, I was overwhelmed by The Wolfsonian-FlU made great strides in the early stages and is involved with The Patricia and Phillip of his/her career. what victims of stalking endure,” says Spence-Diehl, who is now an assistant profes­ Frost Art Museum as well. He is affiliated with sor in the School of Social Work at the numerous community organizations, includ­ MICHAEL LOWELL ’97 University of Texas at Arlington. “ I wrote a few ing the Florida Grand Opera, Bass Museum, Finance grants and things just took off from there.” Performing Art Center Foundation, Mercy An Academic All- Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, American athlete Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, The while at FIU, Lowell Vanguard School and the Youth Symphony. was drafted by the COMMUNITY New York Yankees in LEADERSHIP AWARD the 20th round in Presented to an alumnus/a who has FIU SERVICE AWARD 1997. Traded to the demonstrated exemplary service and Florida Marlins in 1999, he has become one Presented to an alumnus/a who has civic involvement in his/her community. of the best third basemen in the game and demonstrated exemplary service and one of the best clutch hitters in Marlins his­ dedication to the Alumni Association ADOLFO HENRIQUES '76 tory, as evidenced by his solid performance and/or the University community. in the team ’s World Series’ run last year. Accounting Chairperson of Despite his busy schedule, he continues to EDUARDO R. ARISTA ’95 FlU’s Board of Trustees help advance the interests of FIU and FIU Accounting and chairman and CEO baseball. (An interview with Lowell can be As a certified pub­ of Union Planters Bank found on page 16.) ic accountant and of Florida, Henriques attorney with entre- has served in various BENJAMIN SARDINAS ’01 Dreneurial experience, capacities on the Electrical Engineering Vista’s contributions Jniversity’s Foundation Board for the past 10 An entrepreneur at :o the College of 'ears and also served on the Florida Board of heart, Sardinas has Business Regents. A tireless champion of this commu- founded four compa­ r~\\j 11 hi no n uu w i i o \wi-Jr\j International lity, Henriques is former chairman of the nies in South Florida, Business Plan Competition and Alumni Jnited Way of Miami-Dade County, chairman collectively creating Chapter have been significant. He has been >f The Beacon Council, a board member of more than 100 jobs. yiiami Business Forum, a member of the involved with the Business Plan Although Sardinas Competition, both as a coach and judge, graduated from FIU in 2001, he has been :lorida Chamber of Commerce and a support- and played a role in the creation of CBA’s active in the business community since 1993. ;r of the Miami Children’s Museum. Alumni Chapter. He continues to offer his “My father was always a business owner time and expertise on the development of and instilled that spirit in me,” he says. LEANA ROS-LEHTINEN 74 ’87 Education the Global Entrepreneurship Center and Sardinas engaged in his first technology A legislative leader creation of the proposed CBA Alumni Law consulting work at the age of 15 as a contrac­ for more than 20 (or Business Law) Chapter. tor with his father. Currently serving as the years, Ros-Lehtinen “My return to FIU started with the co-founder and chief marketing officer of served four years in Business Plan Competition. The next best Avisena, Inc., a company that manages the Florida House of thing to starting and building a business is to accounts receivables for health care busi­ Representatives and coach someone through it,” says Arista, nesses, Sardinas volunteers at FIU through three in the state founder of Arista Law (www.AristaLaw.com) service in the Alumni Chapter of Sigma Phi Senate prior to her election to the U.S. in Coral Gables. “I also enjoy breaking new Epsilon, mentoring to seniors in the College of Congress in 1989. As a state legislator, she ground, so when I heard there was a need for Business Administration and speaking at introduced and created the popular Florida directors to establish a CBA Alumni Chapter, events and classes. Pre-Paid College Tuition Program. In the U.S. I became interested in participating.” FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04

Balmaseda gives credit to her School of ARMANDO CAMEJO ’89 Journalism and Mass Communication profes­ OUTSTANDING Computer Science Since graduating sors when discussing her success. FACULTY AWARD “I think they are the unsung heroes. It’s | from FIU, Camejo has Presented to a member of the faculty | I contributed his time easy to lavish praise on a journalist who has done well, but there’s a reason why who has made a lasting impression on aaH| H K i and talents in several the lives of FIU alumni. different areas across that journalist has done well, and it usually jp the University. An ex- has to do with the professors and mentors JAMES HALL y S B m k t. officio member of the who helped her/him along the way,” she Creative Writing FIU FoundationK Athletics Committee, he is also says. “In my case, I know that my profes­ A mainstay of a Football Founder. Additionally, Camejo is the sors not only encouraged me to get out in ^ FIU’s Creative Writing current Golden Panther Club president and a the field, but they made sure I didn’t fall faculty for more than past president of the Alumni Association. behind in class.” j p p ^ 20 years, Hall has Energized by the University’s impressive helped build the growth, Camejo has given back to the MANNY DIAZ 77 University’s program University in more ways than one. As a Political Science ^ into one that is Football Founder, he has committed to donat­ Elected mayor of ranked among the top ten in the country. ing $10,000 a year for five years to the fledg­ He began his writing career as a poet, but ling program. is more widely known for his popular crime “This program is going in the right direction, novels set in South Florida. A number of but it needs the support of the alums to get his former students have gone on to pub­ where it wants to be,” he says of football. “I '—t for nearly three lish novels of their own, including Dennis would encourage all alums to get involved and decades. From the Lehane, Barbara Parker, Vicki Hendricks support the program.” time he first volunteered in 1973 for Jim and Chris Kling. Angleton’s bid for mayor of Miami, Diaz “In my creative writing classes, I usually CARLOS MIGOYA 74 76 has supported, coordinated or managed find students who are highly motivated— dozens of political races, from local school Business Administration which is wonderful— but they are skeptical A long-time sup­ f board elections to presidential races. His about education and its value in their lives,” porter of FIU, Migoya success has not been confined to the polit­ says Hall. “ How is learning how to write a ,, was co-chairman of ical arena— he is a partner in the law firm poem or short story going to improve my the historic Campaign of Diaz & O’Naghten, LLP, and vice presi­ starting salary? Good question. And provid­ jgjL "k ^ for FIU that surpassed dent and general counsel of Monty’s ing the answer to that while teaching them jfr i its unprecedented Restaurant Holdings, a company consisting to write poems is a great challenge—but a goal of $200 million 18 of seven restaurants with sales in excess of lot of fun.” months ahead of schedule in 2001. Currently $20 million. vice chairperson of the FIU Foundation JOHN NICHOLLS Board of Directors and chairperson of its JAY LITT 73 Marketing Development Committee, he is also a member Hospitality Management A founding of the College of Business Administration’s The first president member of FIU’s Dean’s Council and a Football Founder. | of the FIU Hospitality Marketing faculty, Regional president of Wachovia Banks for Society, the alumni Nicholls has received Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Migoya is organization of FIU’s many awards for also active in the community. School of Hospitality research, service and & Tourism teaching. Most k Management (SHTM), recently, the Global Executive MBA Class of OUTSTANDING Litt began his career three decades ago, 2001 voted him Most Creative Professor ACHIEVEMENT AWARD rapidly rising through the ranks of ITT- and the Executive MBA Class of 2002 voted Sheraton. After turns with his own consult­ his efforts to that program Most Relevant Presented to an aiumnmus/a who has ing and hotel management company and Course. Chairperson and professor of the attained outstanding successsi and dis Interstate Hotels, Litt joined Wyndham Marketing Department, he is an active tinction in his/her chos International Hotels in 1998. He was pro­ proponent of experiential learning as an moted to senior vice president of effective way of reaching students in the ELIZABETH BALMASEDA ’82 Operations for the Eastern Division in 2002. classroom. Communications Currently a member of SHTM’s Industry “In the early years at the University, my One of South Advisory Board, Litt’s career advice to teaching revolved around small classes. As m Florida’s most cele­ today’s student is to “take a lesson my classes have grown in size, I have shift­ brated and decorated from nature.” ed my approach from lectures, Socratic journalists, Balmaseda “ If a tree grows too tall too quickly, it methods, and cases, to experiential won the Pulitzer Prize blows over at the first sign of wind. If it approaches which, I find, capture the hearts in 1993 for her insight­ grows slowly, it has the firm base needed to and minds of students, and tend to ignite a ful columns in T h e withstand the wind,” he says. “Today’s stu­ learning flame in the larger group.” m Miami Herald about Cuban and Haitian exiles. Eight years later, she shared a Pulitzer dents have great resumes but they haven’t Prize with her colleagues (including several been at any job long enough to learn any­ FIU alums) for breaking news coverage of thing of any substance. I advise them to go events relating to the Elian Gonzalez saga. very slowly and learn very carefully.” From Golden Panther to

Since graduating from FIU

in 1997 with a degree in

Finance, Florida Marlins

player Mike Lowell has

blossomed into one of the

premier third basemen in

the major leagues. Lowell,

who signed a four-year, $32

million contract with the

Marlins in the off-season,

sat down with FIU Magazine

late last year and spoke

about last season, the World

Series win and how his life

has changed. FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04 17

Q In the press conference announcing I don’t care about being traded. I’m liv­ felt like everything that I had done was your re-signing, Marlins owner ing a dream playing in the big leagues, for nothing. But the second round of Jeffrey Loria referred to you as one so it really didn’t bother me (he chuck­ the National League Championship of the team’s leaders. How does it les). The fact that people were trying to Series, when I hit the home run, my feel to be referred to as one of the trade for me to better their team was a emotions went from frustration to__ leaders of a team that just won a compliment to me. (He grins and shakes his head, searching world championship? I just try to take it day by day and stay for the right word) A Well, it’s a flattering comment, especial­ focused. ly coming from an owner, but I think if Q Elation? you ask most guys, I’m not a leader in Q What does it mean to you to win a A You’re exactly right (smiles). So, I had a the “rah-rah” sense. I don’t believe in world championship in the town kind of roller coaster ride, but everything being a vocal guy and getting in a guy’s you grew up in? came into its own place in the World face and telling him how to do things. I A It’s actually more than a dream come true Series. I knew I was going to be playing think you earn the respect of your play­ for me. When I was small, I always told every day, and it kind of felt like the regu­ ers and your teammates by playing every my dad that I wanted to be a major league lar season again. Definitely that game in day. When they see you play through baseball player but the only bad thing was Chicago was huge, just from a team stand­ injuries, play through slumps, just keep that I couldn’t do it in Miami because point. Going into Chicago, down 3-2, and grinding it out, I think that earns the they didn’t have a team. I was a Phillies winning game 6 and game 7— I think that respect of guys a lot more than just talk. fan growing up, and they won a World was something no one expected us to do I think talking is kind of shallow some­ Series and I was like, that must be the and we did it. I think when you prove peo­ times. I think the fact that I’ve spent five greatest feeling in the world. I think the ple wrong it’s much more satisfying. That’s years with the same organization, people first taste I got of that was in [Coral the most satisfying thing—when people kind of identify me with being a Marlin, Gables Senior] high school, when we won don’t give you a chance and you still do it. along with some of the other guys, our district title. It was the first time the It’s kind of a double exclamation point. so...it’s a label people gave me. It’s not school had done that in something like 30 something I’ve consciously worked on. years. As a competitor, you can’t describe Q Every year you focus on one aspect what that feels like. You can’t relate it to of your game. What did you focus Q You had a lot of things to deal with in anything else in everyday life. It’s just a on last year? the 2003 season—trade rumors, your feeling of total gratification for all the A [By the end of each] season I already know broken hand, the cancer scare. How hard work and all the sacrifice. what I want to focus on during the off-sea­ did you manage to remain focused? I think the most rewarding thing for me son. It’s from a preparation standpoint, A I tell you, going through the cancer situ­ doing it here was that my family and my typically. Two years ago, I did a big weight ation I went through in ’99 has made friends were here. They didn’t see it on program where I wanted to get stronger everything else so trivial. The biggest TV— they actually enjoyed the moment and stronger, but I noticed that I felt a lit­ scare for me was when they thought the with me, and that was very special. tle sluggish defensively. So last year, I want­ cancer had come back, at the All Star ed to do more baseball-specific exercises, as break. That was, I think, harder for me Q Are there any moments, either from opposed to just weight-lifting exercises. I the second time around because I have a the division series or the World think that added up to a real strong begin­ daughter now, a family. The first time Series, that particularly stand out in ning for me [in 2003]. I felt quick again. I around I was just recently married, and, your mind? think that related to the big jump in home back then, I think I was just too young A Sure, sure. I was very frustrated in the runs. This year [in 2004], I actually want and too dumb to realize the severity of Giants series because my hand was still to do a lot of the same but even more con­ the situation. This time it was really scary. bothering me, and I wasn’t playing. I’m ditioning because I think [most players’ The trade rumors didn’t bother me, thinking to myself, people kill to get bodies] tend to break down in August and the broken hand didn’t bother me— I into this position in the first place, and September, and if you can remain strong, knew I’d come back from the injury, and I’m here, and I’m not even playing. It you have an advantage over the other guy. continued Q What advice do you have for FIU I went to an event where Dan Marino student-athletes out there? was the big spokesperson. Dan Marino A You know, I think the one thing that I was one of my idols growing up. He could did that I thought worked was I had the not move three feet at this event without dream of being a major league baseball being mobbed. A gentleman made a com­ player, but I didn’t lose focus on what I ment, and it stuck with me, that people needed to do in case that dream didn’t think they are entitled to a superstar’s happen. Everyone has dreams, but you time. That’s so true. I don’t have a desire have to be smart about it. For me, I took to be like that. I don’t want to be recog­ it in realistic steps. When I signed, I nized like that. I want to go into knew I’d be playing A ball. My goal was McDonald’s and order chicken to get to Double-A, it wasn’t to get to the McNuggets with no one bothering me major leagues. When I got to Double-A, (laughs). But it’s very flattering. I love MIKE LOWELL ’97 when people say they enjoy watching us 6’-3”, 215 LBS. my next goal was to get to Triple-A, and FLORIDA MARLINS THIRD BASEMAN so on and so forth. play. I think that’s so much more of a RIGHT HANDER I think I took a realistic approach in terms compliment than asking me to sign things of what I could do and what I couldn’t. 1 on the sweet spot with a certain pen ■ DESPITE EARNING ALL-STATE HON­ remember telling my dad when I signed because I know those people’s intentions ORS WHILE PLAYING BALL FOR CORAL that I was going to give myself two full sea­ are somewhat different. But everything’s GABLES SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, FIU sons in the minor leagues. I was going to been positive. I can’t complain. But it’s WAS THE ONLY UNIVERSITY TO stay with it, but only for two seasons. If it been different, it really has. HI RECRUIT LOWELL didn’t work out, I was going to let it go. I ■ WHILE A GOLDEN PANTHER, HE wasn’t going to be a career minor leaguer because I knew I had my education, and I EARNED ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS ■ ON WINNING THE WORLD knew I could do things that would be bet­ THREE TIMES AND ALL-AMERICA HON­ SERIES: “AS A COMPETITOR, YOU ORS ONCE. IN A PREVIOUS INTERVIEW ter for my family and for myself. CANT DESCRIBE WHAT THAT WITH FIU MAGAZINE, LOWELL CREDIT­ I don’t really have words of wisdom. I FEELS LIKE. YOU CANT RELATE IT ED FIU AND BASEBALL HEAD COACH think I was just very dedicated. I’m not DANNY PRICE WITH HELPING TO TO ANYTHING ELSE IN EVERYDAY afraid to work hard, and I think some­ DEVELOP HIS TALENT. LIFE. IT’S JUST A FEELING OF times that extra work is what separates TOTAL GRATIFICATION FOR ALL “ FIU PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN MY people, it’s not so much the talent. THE HARD WORK AND ALL THE DEVELOPMENT, NOT ONLY AS AN ATHLETE BUT AS A STUDENT. AND I SACRIFICE.” Q Flow has your life changed since REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT COACH winning the World Series? PRICE DID. HE’S A GOOD PERSON.” ■ ON MAKING IT TO THE BIG It must be crazy. LEAGUES: “I THINK I WAS JUST A ■ LOWELL WAS DRAFTED IN THE 20TH Yeah. I sign a lot more autographs. You VERY DEDICATED. I’M NOT AFRAID ROUND BY THE NEW YORK YANKEES know, it’s a little weird but I understand TO WORK HARD, AND I THINK DURING HIS JUNIOR YEAR AT FIU. more why some people kind of get SOMETIMES THAT EXTRA WORK SINCE JOINING THE BIG LEAGUES, annoyed about going out in public, not to LOWELL HAS IMPROVED WITH EVERY IS WHAT SEPARATES PEOPLE, ITS the extreme but... SEASON AND HAS DEVELOPED INTO NOT SO MUCH THE TALENT.” A .274 CAREER HITTER.

■ GAMES PLAYED IN 2003: 130 ■ 2003 AVERAGE: .276 ■ 2003 HOME RUNS: 32 (up from 24 in ’02) ■ 2003 RBIS: 105 (UP FROM 92 in ’02) ■ ON-BASE PERCENTAGE: .350 ■ SLUGGING PERCENTAGE: .530

FIU RETIRED LOWELL’S NUMBER, #15, LAST OCTOBER AT A DINNER ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 600 PEOPLE. HERE LOWELL POSES WITH HEAD COACH DANNY PRICE 74 ’76. ON THE OFFENSi FOOTBALL PROGRAM MAKING THE MOVE TO DIVISION l-A Despite one of the toughest schedules in l-AA last year, nine Golden Panthers were named Independent All-Stars, and the team is gearing up for an even tougher schedule in ’04 Late last year, Golden Panther football received some good news in only the second year of its existence: The young program received a much-anticipated invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference, which would elevate the program from I-AA to I-A. Coupled with the postseason accolades received by nine members of the team, the future looks bright for FIU football. “Accepting the invitation to go I-A is the right thing to do for the team, for the fans and the university as a whole, said FIU President Modesto A. Maidique, at a press conference announcing the move last December. The official date for the programs debut in the Sun Belt Conference is 2006, but the transition will begin in Fall 2004. After playing the fourth-toughest schedule in I-AA football last season, the team struggled to a 2-10 record that belied its competitiveness. Students of the game were able to see past FlU ’s record, how­ ever, as nine players received NCAA I-AA Independent All-Star honors. Running back Adam Gorman, defensive lineman Mike Sherill and defensive back John Haritan earned first-team recognition. Wide receivers Harold Leath and Cory McKinney, linebacker Lance Preston, defensive back Nick Turnbull and place kicker Adam Moss received second-team hon­ ors. Kick-return specialist Greg Moss earned an honorable mention selection. In assessing last season, head coach Don Strock singled out two Golden Panthers for their efforts on the field. “The bright spots certainly were our kick returner Greg Moss and redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Padrick. Greg Moss set new return records with his two touchdowns and Josh Padrick, who started the season as our third quarterback, set school passing records.” Padrick filled in to replace injured starting quarterback Jamie Burke, who tore his right ante­ rior cruciate ligament in the season opener against Indiana State and missed the entire season. Areas to work on, says Strock, include the run defense, controlling the clock more, achieving more third-down conversions and limiting the opponents third-down conversion success. The coach doesn’t see any of those areas as serious obstacles to future success, though. “I feel we have a solid core of players who can compete at the next level and with the 2004 recruit­ ing class, we have certainly added players to the mix,” asserts Strock. “In 2002 against the University of Maine and Bethune-Cookman, we were never in the games. This year, we had a chance to win those games in the fourth quarter. We were ahead of Georgia Southern, a six-time I-AA national champion, on the road with three minutes to play in the fourth quarter. I would say that is progress. “Everyone seems to forget.. .we have played 23 games, not 23 years,” he continued. “In 2002 we played several non-scholarship teams and won handily. In 2003, we upgraded our schedule and now have a measuring stick to go by for the coming season.” The aggressive scheduling continues. Strock and Athletic Director Rick Mello have arranged a 2004 schedule that is even tougher than this past season’s, accord- ^ ing to Strock. “We are heading to Division I-A status, so we f have to upgrade our schedule accordingly.”

FOOTBALL PROGRAM ANNOUNCES 2004 RECRUITING CLASS

FIU football head coach Don Strock announced one of the largest signing classes and the “best talent pool” yet in the four-year history of the program at a press conference on Feb. 4. jg; Twenty-six high school seniors have signed national letters of intent to attend the University nex 0 * ■ “Overall, we’re very pleased with this class. We’ve improved our overall team speed. We’ve gotten bigger, particularly at the cornerback positions. Now, all we have to see is if they can play at the intercollegiate level,” said Strock. ■ “Without a doubt, we improved our defensive line and backfield. I think we have a couple of running backs who , - i are really going to help us out over the long run and we’ve added speed at the wide receiver position.” ■ All 26 players are from Florida, including 14 from Miami-Dade and two each from Broward and Palm Beach Counties. W* ■ Three all-state performers are included in the group: Longwood Lyman running back J.J. Bass, Merritt Island defensive tackle Tad McConahie and Tallahassee running back/defensive back Lionell Singleton. Strock’s biggest catch locally was Homestead quarterback Tavares Kendrick, who was ranked No. 17 on the list of Miami-Dade’s Tod 25 Recruits.

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FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04 j 21

'Go where life takes you' Dow Corning CEO leads quest for new innovations

Stephanie Burns ’77 never would I tion. And while her days are no longer “A positive thing has been that there have guessed that her love of “I remember | spent making molecules, she remains a are a lot of dual-career couples,” Burns said. “We have a lot o f wonderful time organic chemistry would take her when I was | prominent advocate for women in science to the top of a multinational | and for the value of education. together in terms of work. We’re finding given the chemical giant. In honor of her accomplishments, great balance in our lives.” opportunity Burns has been elected an alumni mem­ For three years, Burns was groomed to move into for Dow Coming’s top post. In December Mother Natures wonders fascinated ber of the University’s chapter of Phi 2000, she was named executive vice pres­ Stephanie Burns from childhood: creepy a more Beta Kappa, the nation’s most presti­ ident and elected to the Board of crawlies, colorful blooms and liquids managerial, gious honor society. Burns was the Directors. In February 2003, she was stirred into a fizz. business keynote speaker at the Phi Beta Kappa spring initiation banquet in April. named president and chief operating offi­ The budding scientist indulged her role. I cer. The Dow Corning Board of Directors curiosity during her undergraduate years “We’re proud of all of our students remember elected her C EO in December. at Florida International University. but we’re especially proud of the ones thinking, ‘Do “Our Board of Directors’ support for Organic chemistry became her passion. who achieve the highest level of success this move is a strong recognition o f the She launched a career at Dow Corning I want to in the eyes of society and at a personal confidence they have in her,” said Corporation in 1983, moving from sci­ make that level,” said Arthur Herriott, FIU Chairman of the Board Gary Anderson. entific development and women’s health chemistry professor and former dean “As a top executive, Stephanie has to overseas management and now, exec­ of Arts and Sciences, who was Burns’ demonstrated her ability to deliver the utive leadership. mentor at FIU and nominated her for results expected by the board.” In January, Burns, 49, became the new Phi Beta Kappa. She is taking the helm at a promising chief executive officer o f Dow Corning, a “She’s been a very active woman in time in Dow C om ing’s 60-year history. global leader in silicon-based technology the sciences,” Herriott said. “That’s The company, jointly owned by The with 25,000 customers worldwide and important. The more role models we can Dow Chemical Company and Corning sales last year o f $2.83 billion. The FIU point to, the better it is for the sciences.” Incorporated, is emerging from Chapter alumna was also recently named the 11 financial restructuring with growing Michigan Woman Executive of the Year. CEO On the Go Often, the alarm clock goes off at sales and profit. For all of 2003, Dow From her Midland, Mich, headquar­ 4:15 a.m. in the Burns home. Heading a Coming’s net income was 25 percent ters, Burns said it has been an exciting company of 8,200 employees in 33 loca­ higher than 2002, after excluding journey from the laboratory to the tions worldwide demands far more than unusual expenses incurred in 2002. boardroom. Burns’ vision for the company includes “When I think back to what I the typical 9-to-5 routine. Only weeks into her new position, expanding into new geographies like thought I wanted to be at 18 or 20 years Burns’ daily calendar is packed with meet­ China, India and Russia, as well as old, it was a different course,” Burns ings, community commitments and con­ advancing Dow Coming’s specialized said. “I remember when I was given the ference calls with colleagues in Asia that silicone technology in photonics, alter­ opportunity to move into a more man­ can last until 10 p.m. Two or three days a native energy and biotechnology. agerial, business role. I remember “There are many, many challenges thinking, ‘Do I want to make that leap?’ week, she travels to one o f the company’s companies today face, especially chemi­ I felt that fundamental science was a sites around the U.S., in Europe, Asia, cal companies,” Burns said. “I’m excited pure pursuit. The minute I made the South America or Australia. about it. I like the challenge. We view decision, I absolutely loved it. The With such a demanding career, this as a huge opportunity for us to grow biggest drive for me was the customers.” ■ Burns counts herself fortunate that her the company.” Burns was a pioneer in her FIU days, husband Gary, also a chemist, is Dow Corning develops and manu­ a woman chemist in a profession domi­ employed at Dow Corning. The couple factures products for companies in nated by men. Today, as C EO o f a major has one grown daughter and two health care, beauty, cleaning, aviation, chemical corporation, she is still an excep- grandchildren. continued 22 F1U MAGAZINE SPRING 04

IN HER WORDS.

STEPHANIE BURNS ’77, CEO AND PRESIDENT, DOW CORNING CORPORATION, COMMENTS ON:

• DISSERTATION TOPIC: “THERMAL REARRANGEMENT OF REACTIVE INTERMEDIATES IN ORGANOSILICON CHEMISTRY” “Number one in construction and automotives, among “I liked all the sciences, studying plants and insects and animals,” Burns • FAVORITE CHEMICAL: “H20 - my book is the others. The company’s expertise is in sili­ WATER. IT'S VITAL TO SUPPORT cones, synthetic polymers made from sili­ said. “I did like mixing things together. LIFE AND WILL BECOME ONE OF importance of con, the second most abundant element I liked cooking; there is a lot of chem­ THE WORLD’S SCARCEST istry in that.” RESOURCES.” education. on earth found in sand, clay, granite and many minerals. Dow Corning silicones At Florida International University Second, I'd say • LEADERSHIP IS; “ HAVING THE are used in a wide array of products: lip­ Burns is fondly remembered by chem­ PERSONAL WILL AND COURAGE be flexible as stick and shampoo, automotive lubri­ istry faculty members including Leonard TO ACHIEVE A VISION. HAVING cants, roof coatings and weather sealants, Keller, Zaida Morales-Martinez and AMBITION FOR OTHERS AND you go through Herriott. Her FIU mentors played an CHANNELING YOUR ENERGY TO laundry detergents and floor polishes. MAKE THEM SUCCESSFUL” college or a Early in her career, Burns was a important role in Burns’ life. “A lot of my chemistry professors had career. The Dow Corning researcher, working on • ROLE MODELS: “ MY MOTHER water-based and high temperature elas­ a big impact on me,” Burns said. “Art AND FATHER. BOTH HAD world is chang­ tomers. She led advances in UV-curable Herriott was the person who got me inter­ EXTREMELY HIGH ETHICAL ested in organic chemistry.” STANDARDS, TREATED EVERY­ ing pretty fast.” coatings and materials for device pro­ ONE FAIRLY, INSTILLED THE tection and electronics adhesives. Herriott remembers a dedicated and VALUE OF EDUCATION INTO THE Burns says her scientific skills are inquisitive student. He said he was particu­ — Stephanie Burns FAMILY AND WORKED HARD.” invaluable in her executive role. larly impressed by how Burns managed a “My technological background helps full course load with a nearly perfect grade • BEST FIU MEMORY: “HAVING MY point average, even with an infant daughter. INFANT DAUGHTER WITH ME ON me understand not only the technology, it CAMPUS. I OFTEN BROUGHT helps me in the assessment of the viability “She was just a pleasure to be HER TO CLASS AND LAB WITH of these new opportunities,” she said. “It around as a student,” Herriott said. ME. SHE ATTENDED DAY-CARE helps with the analytical training that “She really did want to understand. (IN A SMALL TRAILER) THAT WAS comes with being a scientist....We are a She wanted to know what happened FUNDED BY FIU.” very technology-driven company. We and why it happened.” • THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE IS: have a lot of engineers and chemists. Our Burns entered the field at a time when “BRINGING TOGETHER MANY manufacturing operations are very com­ few women occupied chemistry laborato­ DISCIPLINES [CHEMISTRY, plicated. There is probably a lot of valida­ ries. “I chose to stay in chemistry,” she PHYSICS, BIOLOGY AND INFOR­ tion in having a technology person at the said. “There were only two or three of us MATION TECHNOLOGY] TO CRE­ that were chemistry majors.” ATE COMPLETELY NEW TECH­ top of the company who is driving for NOLOGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES new innovations as hard as I am.” Herriott encouraged Burns to pursue THAT TODAY WE CAN BARELY graduate studies. At Iowa State University, IMAGINE.” Miami Roots she completed her doctoral degree in FIU was a natural choice for Burns, organosilicon chemistry. After her post­ * HOBBIES GOLF, TENNIS, READ­ ING, SCUBA DIVING who spent her teenage years in Miami. Her doctoral work at the University of late father and mother both worked for Languedoc-Rousillon in France, Burns - WORDS TO LIVE BY: “TRUST FIU. Douglas Spencer was a history and joined Dow Corning, never dreaming YOUR INSTINCTS, BE OPEN AND English professor who moved into academ­ she’d one day be leading the company. HONEST, AND AT THE END OF ic administration in Continuing Education “Number one in my book is the impor­ THE DAY, LIFE IS ABOUT PEOPLE. and Institutional Development. Patricia THE RELATIONSHIPS YOU HAVE tance of education,” Burns said. “I think it WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE Spencer was the head administrative assis­ is vital to have a good education and to get PRECIOUS.” tant in the Biology Department. that foundation. Second, I’d say be flexible As an educator, Dr. Spencer strongly as you go through college or a career. The encouraged his daughter’s academic inter­ world is changing pretty fast. What you ests. For Burns, excelling in science was a view today as your career direction may way to shine in his eyes. change. Go where life takes you.” FIU FIGHTS FOR ‘FAIR FUNDING

As the state Legislature turns its government, the local economy, children’s Alumni Are Urged to Speak Up attention to fiscal 2004-05, FIU and health, immigration and numerous other In ongoing efforts to focus attention the State University System (SUS) topics. Additionally, FIU educates a large on FIU, the University held its first FIU make clear their budgetary needs in percentage of those who enter professions Day in Tallahassee on March 16. Alumni no uncertain terms. vital to South Florida, among them teach­ who live or had business in the area were ers, nurses and engineers. Nearly two- invited to attend the event, which included FIU doesn’t want South Florida to get thirds of FIU’s 100,000-plus alumni live the participation of students and faculty as left behind. Months in advance of Gov. Jeb and work in South Florida. well as administrators and staff and fea­ Bush’s introducing next year’s budget— tured performances, speeches, refreshments which happened in January— the Florida’s Public and giveaways. University had already identified its fund­ Universities Are Hit Hard ing priorities and begun building a strong The SUS suffered cuts of more than Enrollment Funding case for those goals. At the top of the list: more than $170 $40 million in 2001-02 and has sustained $211.600.000 more than 10 times that amount since $200m million to cover existing costs and antici­ $189.400.000 pated growth in student enrollment, and 1990. Per-student funding has been an increase in equity funding that would decreasing since the 1980s. The dismal figures prompted FIU put FIU closer to the statewide average per $100m full-time student at a public university. President Modesto A. Maidique to join Currently, FIU falls $22 million short on Florida’s 10 other public university presi­ that measure. Other concerns include dents in a campaign to raise awareness obtaining $3.5 million for academic MILLIONS enhancements in the School o f Nursing, the College o f Education and the “Without FIU, many South Floridians would be left with no other option University Graduate School, and acquiring but to forego a college education or an advanced degree.” —Steve Sauls additional provisions for the repair, renova­ tion and remodeling, and new construc­ tion of campus buildings. The administra­ tion is also seeking monies for salary about the funding challenges facing their While FIU currently is not seeking increases for faculty. institutions. Over the past few months he special funding for a high-profile proj­ “We need fair funding,” says Steve has spoken on radio programs, talked with ect— such as was the case a few years ago Sauls, FIUs vice provost for Governmental newspaper reporters and visited the editori­ when the community came together in Affairs, who calls FIU “underfunded.” al boards o f The Miami Herald and the support of the then-proposed FIU “We’re a young university. We’re a growing Sun-Sentinel in support o f the campaign. College of Law— the University still university,” Sauls says, explaining that ade­ “Without FIU, many South Floridians looks to its graduates for critical backing. quate financial resources remain critical to would be left with no other option but to Sauls, whose office works closely FIU’s ability to contribute to the goals of forego a college education or an advanced with legislators year-round to promote individual citizens as well as the collective degree,” Maidique explained at a meeting FIU’s interests, recommends that alumni community. of state legislators. call or write their state senators and rep­ Attaining a university degree translates A poll by the Florida Center for resentatives today on behalf of FIU. into higher lifetime earning potential for Public Policy at the University of North “People need to let their legislators know the degree holder and helps fuel the larger Florida found that more than 80 percent how important FIU is to their lives, to engine of economic development, Sauls of Floridians oppose cutting the budgets of their own future attainment of their per­ says. Not only do the citizens of public universities, even when faced with sonal goals,” he says. South Florida benefit on a personal level lower-than-expected state revenues. The The 2004 legislative session runs by having access to quality academic pro­ survey recorded widespread concern from March 2 to April 30. More about grams, he adds, but the entire urban popu­ among residents that inadequate state FIU’s lobbying efforts and contact infor­ lation benefits by the University’s conduct­ funding could hurt the quality of available mation for members of the state and fed­ ing research on issues of local significance. programs and jeopardize many residents’ eral legislatures can be found at govern­ The latter include studies related to county access to higher education. ment. fiu.edu. Hi 24 FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04

global entrepreneurship center FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

THE FUNDING WILL ENABLE THE UNIVERSITY TO INTRODUCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS AN INTEGRAL ELEMENT IN ACADEMIC PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE INSTITUTION. A major grant from one of the nation’s most prestigious foundations will enable Florida International University—an institution defined and shaped by its unique entrepreneurial spirit and character—to introduce innovative programs that will develop entrepreneurial leaders and organizations in all areas of society. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced in December that it will make a $3 million gift to the Global Entrepreneurship Center at FIU to promote and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit across campus and throughout South Florida. FIU is the youngest of eight recipients of Kauffman Campuses Initiative grants totaling $25 million. FIU was one of 30 universities initially invited to compete for the grants and was named one of 15 finalists in June. Other recipients include Washington University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “FIUs proposal was thorough, aggressive and left no doubt in the mind of any of the judges that it was conceived by seasoned entrepreneurs,” said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “We see the public university in South Florida as a nat­ ural place to support an innovative entrepreneurship center with a unique international flair that can set off a cultural transformation.” FIU President Modesto A. Maidique led a team of top FIU administrators in pursu­ ing this grant.

“FlU’S PROPOSAL WAS THOROUGH, AGGRESSIVE AND LEFT NO DOUBT IN THE MIND OF ANY OF THE JUDGES THAT IT WAS CONCEIVED BY SEASONED ENTREPRENEURS.”

—Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04 25

The Global Entrepreneurship Center offers courses and activities universitywide to students and alumni through its four institutions and an academy.

global entrepreneurship center^ institute for technology innovation^ entrepreneurship research institute- entreprenurial academy------institute for community innovation, www.entrepreneurship.fiu.edu— institute for family business______• • • • •

“At FIU we have a long tradition of ing new ventures for technologies created neering. “I’m absolutely amazed at the ‘can being aggressive, taking risks and beating in South Florida, particularly at FIU, do’ spirit and the lack of institutional barri­ the odds most of the time. That makes us thereby contributing significantly to the ers to getting things done, compared to an entrepreneurial university in an entre­ job creation and economic development of more established universities.” preneurial city,” said Maidique, himself a this region,” said Dean of Engineering Before joining UCLA, Carsrud headed professor of entrepreneurship, the co­ Vish Prasad. entrepreneurship centers at the University founder of a Fortune 1000 company and a With several faculty members and two of Texas at Austin and the University of former partner at Hambrecht & Quist institute directors already on board, the Southern California. Carsrud also has a dis­ Management, a venture capital firm. “We Center is positioned to realize its goal to be tinguished history as a practitioner as well as were able to persuade the Kauffman among the top ten entrepreneurship cen­ a scholar of entrepreneurship. He has been Foundation that we are an ideal place to ters in the country within five years. More involved in numerous start-up ventures in build a first-rate interdisciplinary Global details on the Center are available at food products, biotechnology, professional Entrepreneurship Center.” www.entrepreneurship.fiu.edu. services, venture capital, electronics, com­ The gift will have an impact of more In just a year, the Center has already puter software and People Express Airlines. than $15 million, since FIU will match had an impact on campus and in the com­ “We want to get across to FIU’s stu­ the gift with at least another $ 10 million munity. More than 100 business, not-for- dents, faculty, staff, alumni and the com­ in private support over the next several profit and community leaders were munity at large that entrepreneurship is an years. “The prestige of the Kauffman involved in helping FIU shape its propos­ attitude toward living,” Carsrud said. “It is Foundation gift will provide significant al during a one-day conference last fall. a way of life.” momentum for the Center’s development The Center has already received commit­ The communication with students and make it an attractive investment for ments from both local and prominent will begin with freshmen. The Center’s other substantial gifts and grants,” said entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to plan calls for an entrepreneurial compo­ Howard R. Lipman, FIU’s vice president serve on its advisory boards. nent in the required First Year Experience of University Advancement. He noted Established in the mid-1960s, the course. “We want to put the entrepreneur­ that conversations are underway with two Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation ial bug in their ear early,” said Carsrud. local entrepreneurs interested in making works with partners to encourage entrepre­ Chetan Shukla, an FIU student who major commitments to name both the neurship across America and improve the has taken two of Carsrud’s classes in the last Center and one of its Institutes. education of children and youth. year, feels that he is much better prepared The Center, which encompasses four The Global Entrepreneurship Center to launch an ethnic design firm with his institutes and an Entrepreneurial at FIU is headed by Executive Director wife Rupal, an architect. Academy, focuses on family businesses— Alan Carsrud, who earned a Ph.D. in “Through the Center’s activities it is by providing expert advice, networking social psychology from the University of easy to network, to gain perspective on and learning opportunities— and the New Hampshire. He came to FIU a year your concepts and to learn from the suc­ development and growth of new ventures ago from UCLA, where he served as aca­ cesses and failures of others,” said Shukla, that will make South Florida companies demic coordinator at the highly-ranked 33, who has a master’s degree in industri­ more competitive in the global market­ Price Center for Entrepreneurial Studies al engineering from FIU and is currently place. The four institutes are the Institute in the Anderson School. working on an MBA. for Family Business, Institute for “One of the main reasons I came to “Being part of the Kauffman Technology Innovation, Entrepreneurship South Florida was the entrepreneurial spir­ Campus Initiative gives our students an Research Institute and Institute for it that guides FIU, from President Mitch unparalleled opportunity to experience Community Innovation. Maidique and our deans to many of my the best of entrepreneurial education,” “The Center s Institute for Technology students,” said Carsrud, who is a professor said Joyce Elam, executive dean of the Innovation will play a major role in creat­ of both management and industrial engi­ College of Business Administration. 28 FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04 ALUMNI Blue Monster: The natural beauty of Doral’s golf courses will Gayle A. Bainbridge 75 provide the backdrop for this year’s FIU Golf Tournament. office held two successful FIU Corporate Days last fall and will be scheduling more in 2004. We are identifying businesses with a large number of FIU alumni and holding receptions at their location. It has been a great way for their employees to do an “FIU connect” and for us to engage our alumni. If you would like a reception at your place of business, please contact Heide Dans at 305-348-1009. Our young alumni and networking com­ mittees have hosted evening receptions Message from with as many as 150 in attendance. We 2004 Golf Tournament FIUAA President have more planned this year, so please keep The Alumni Association will host the 2004 Dear Fellow Alumni, an eye on the web site for the dates. FIU Golf Tournament on Sat., May 22, at Whether you have just graduated or are Doral Resort & Spa. Join others in a day of Our second football season was a great time from one of the earlier classes, we hope to golf on two of the best courses in the world: for alumni and students alike. If you stopped see you at one of our events. by the alumni tent before a game, you received BLUE MONSTER a warm welcome, good food, a presentation It is an exciting time to lead our 100,000+ Virtually every great name in golf has had a from the marching band, great entertainment alumni and a perfect time to relive your moment of glorious personal triumph on this and a game preview from radio announcer FIU memories. The Alumni Association world-class track. needs your support and membership. Randy Kassewitz. The Alumni Relations staff GOLD COURSE Joining is as easy as going to the web site or did a fabulous job and plans bigger and better The Gold Course follows a traditional Florida calling the Alumni Relations office. Your things for next year. Please join us at the tail­ layout, with gently contoured greens, strategic membership supports scholarships, this gates and football games next year. bunkering, and water surrounding 16 holes. magazine and the many events we host. Homecoming was a time to get together with The day will kick off with breakfast and regis­ Please use the enclosed envelope to send us old and new friends. We played golf on a beau­ tration at 6:30 a.m., and a Short Game Clinic your Class Notes and a photograph for tiful fall day and then went to the Biltmore will be presented by the Jim McLean Golf publication. Let your fellow alumni and Hotel for a dinner/dance and the Torch Awards Academy at 7 a.m. The 8 a.m. shotgun start friends know what you’ve been up to! ceremony. Most of us were up early the next tournament will be followed by a One Million morning for some breakfast in the tailgate tent Dollar Hole In One opportunity as well as a before the 10 a.m. kick-off. We won our gourmet luncheon and awards ceremony. Homecoming game for the second year in a Fees: $250 each or $1,000 per foursome. row—go Golden Panthers! For questions, please contact Heide Dans Many of you have “come back to see us shine,” of Alumni Relations at 305-348-1009, Gayle A. Bainbridge ’75 and now we are coming into the community President [email protected], or Joe Gill at to reach out to you. The Alumni Relations FIU Alumni Association 305-592-8264, [email protected].

When Lizbet Martinez ’03 performed The August 1994 aboard a makeshift raft made Star-Spangled Banner at Fill’s fall 2003 gradu­ of nine inner tubes, a few pieces of plywood ation, it was more than a routine performance and a tarp, their goal, like so many others’, by a professional violinist. It was one family’s was to seek asylum in the United States. dreams and aspirations come full circle. After one week at sea, however, the rafters "This is why we came here,” says found themselves lost, scared and adrift. On Martinez of her Bachelor of Science in Music the morning of Aug. 21 their luck changed Education degree, which she received at when their tiny raft was spotted and they commencement ceremonies last December. were rescued by the Coast Guard. “My parents wanted me to be able to get an Martinez, 12 years old at the time, education and be free." This is not the first thanked the men and women responsible degree for the musician, who received a for the rescue in the most meaningful way Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from she knew how: She took her violin out of its FIU in spring 2003. case and began to play The Star-Spangled Martinez’s journey from her native Cuba Banner. Ironically, she had learned the tune to Miami is the stuff of legend. When she and while attending one of Cuba’s three elite her parents left the island with 10 others in music schools. (Martinez thought it was a FIU M A G A ZIN E SPRIiMG 04 29

With upgraded communication capabilities, notice of events FIU Alumni members enjoy themselves at Bongo’s Cuban Cafe Colonial Bank FIU alumni were the guests like this Habitat for Humanity project will be easier to publicize. during the Young Alumni Homecoming Happy Hour. of honor at the first FIU Corporate Day.

We Want to Stay Feel the Pride: Whether honoring alumni at the Association’s in Touch With You! annual Torch Awards ceremony—a formal Blue and Gold for Life showcase of the many contributions our gradu­ FIUAA Upgrades Join the FIU Alumni Association ates have made to their particular fields and the Email Capabilities You never forget the people and places community—or welcoming you at the Alumni To keep alumni better informed about that make your success possible. At FIU, Tent on football game day, the Alumni activities and programs at the University, we recognize that your accomplishments Association exists to increase mutual communi­ the FIU Alumni Association recently and those of the University remain integral­ cation and deepen our lifelong commitment to upgraded its email capabilities. The new ly related. As our alumni continue to rise, one another. Embrace your true colors in a way service provides the Association with the FIU reaches ever greater heights— and that really counts! For more information and to join the Association, call 305-348-3334 or go ability to distinguish between html and you’re a part of that. plain-text preferences, an improvement to www.fiu.edu/docs/alumni-join.htm. The FIU Alumni Association keeps the that will allow us to upgrade the look University working for its graduates. We of our communications. Workin’ It for FIU offer opportunities to maintain and build FIU alumni celebrated the Alumni Association’s “This new service has opened a whole new relationships that are personally first-ever Corporate Day, which was held at new world of marketing for FIU Alumni rewarding and professionally useful. Association events. We are excited Colonial Bank last October. Another Corporate The FIU Alumni Association offers about our ability to reach out and connect Day was held at Morrison, Brown, Argiz & numerous benefits for alumni at all Farra, with more in the works. If you would like our alumni to the University,” said stages of their lives and careers. Members your company to participate in Corporate Day, Bill Draughon, associate vice president, can bring along family and friends as contact Heide Dans at 305-348-1009. Office of Alumni Relations. they enjoy special activities and events. FIU Alumni are encouraged to contact the More importantly, those who join build Jazzin’ Up the Joint Alumni Association at [email protected] to their ties with FIU and, through their own Utah Jazz teammates and FIU alumni Raja Bell register their current email address or com­ standing, boost the University’s growing ’99 and Carlos Arroyo ’01 were back in town plete and return the form attached to the reputation on the local, national and for a February Miami Heat vs. Utah Jazz game. envelope included in this magazine. international scenes. The FIU Alumni Association came together on Feb. ] 7 to watch the hometown Heat defeat church hymn until a baseball-loving uncle set FIU thanks to a music scholarship and financial the Jazz, 97-85, at AmericanAirlines Arena. Bell her straight.) aid. While she has performed for U.S. presi scored 10 points and had three assists in the The notes rang truer than anything the dents and alongside pop superstars, Martinez contest while Arroyo scored eight points and young girl could have said. The captain of the had six assists. Both men joined the festivities remains humble and unaffected by her acciden Coast Guard vessel and many members of the at the Alumni Association reception following crew had tears in their eyes. He summoned a tal fame. She began studying for her master’s the game. Spanish-speaking crew member who told her, degree in Music Education at FIU in January “The captain says you have touched his heart.” 2004 to become an elementary music teacher, News of the rescue and Martinez’s poignant and still can’t believe that her actions of nine performance made headlines nationwide. years ago resonated with an entire nation. After five months at Guantanamo Bay naval “When you’re in that situation, all you want base, Martinez and her parents relocated to is to be rescued,” says Martinez of the harrow­ Miami, where they stayed with relatives until ing sea journey. “It was just a way of thanking they were able to afford their own place. Martinez, who is marrying a fellow musician them from the bottom of our hearts. We had no in 2004, graduated from New World School of words to thank them for what they had done. the Arts in Miami-Dade County and attended How could you?” WM Sean Kramer ’95, Raja Bell '99, Joan Casanova and David Gonsalves ’04 after the game. 30 FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04

»>U PC O M IN G EVENTS | 2004 GOLF TOURNAMENT Joe Carvelli, Rachel Cruz and Mitzie Brown won season football tickets, a one-year car lease and a Caribbean cruise, respectively, in the Alumni Association drawing. When: Sat., May 22, 2004 Bernardo C. Garcia, Ph.D. ’76 was promoted to Where: Doral Resort & Spa president of Global Leadership Resources, an Contact: Heide Dans, 305-348-1009 international leadership consulting firm specializ­ or [email protected] or ing in executive coaching, training and business Joe Gill, 305-592-8264 team consultation for pharmaceutical and con­ or [email protected] sumer products companies in Latin America and Tame the Beasts: Join fellow alumni in a Asia-Pacific. spectacular day of golf on two of the greatest Steven V. M oll ’76 is currently the director courses in the world. of Graduate Programs of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. He was also recently YOUNG ALUMNI CHAPTER KICK-OFF appointed as the director of the College of When: Wed., May 26, 2004 • 6-9 p.m. Business Administration at the Biscayne Bay Campus. Where: Mundo's Village of Merrick Park Richard Zskruber ’76 ‘80 is currently teaching in the 325 San Lorenzo Ave. Luck of the Draw(ing) undergraduate business curriculum at Aquinas Coral GaPles Mitzie Brown, Joe Carvelli and Rachel Primetime, a non-traditional adult evening program. Contact: Sean Kramer, 305-348-2238 Cruz had Lady Luck on their side when the He is retired from Nortel Networks, where he was or [email protected] FIU Alumni Association held a drawing at director of business process and practice. He per­ the last home football game on Nov. 22. formed as a Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Be There at the Beginning: Enjoy compli­ Award Examiner from 1998 to 2000. mentary appetizers and a special wine tast­ Brown won a Caribbean cruise for two ing at this free event kicking off the Young courtesy of Salsa 98.3, Carvelli won season Alumni Chapter. tickets for two to FIU football 2004, and Cruz won a one-year lease on a 2003 Toyota Jeanne A. Becker ’80 has been elected to the I 2ND ANNUAL GREEK ALUMNI REUNION Corolla courtesy of Expressway Toyota, in board of directors of the South Florida Interactive When: Thurs., June 10 • 7-9 p.m. the drawing. Registration in the drawing, Marketing Association (SFIMA). She is president of Becker Consulting Services, Inc. a public relations Where: Oxygen Lounge which was free, was offered at Expressway 2911 Grand Avenue Toyota, through Salsa 98 and at all alumni and marketing consulting firm based in Coral Streets of Mayfair tailgate tent parties. Gables. An active community leader, Ms. Becker is Coconut Grove currently president of Cherish Adoptive Families of Miami, a non-profit organization dedicated to help­ Contact: Sean Kramer, 305-348-2238 CLASS NOTES ing provide support and information to adoptive or [email protected] families; a director of the South Florida chapter of Breathe Deeply: Entry includes two compli­ the Gift of Adoption Fund; and a member of the mentary drinks per person, 2-for-1 drinks until Stuart M. Gordon ’73 has been elected to a two- Public Relations Society of America. 9 p.m. and free appetizers. Stay around after year term as president of the Probus Club of and enjoy Oxygen Lounge. Tickets are $10 for William Chiodo ’81 was recently elected to the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut. The Probus Club is FIU Alumni Association members and $15 for board of directors at the Manhattan-based Alliance dedicated to assisting those with disabilities nonmembers. A special rate of $35 will buy for Young Artists & Writers, Inc, an organization that through community service. Gordon is currently you a one-year Alumni Association member­ provides quality arts education programming. Chiodo vice president of Finance at the Kennedy Center, ship and free entry to the reunion. is district supervisor of art education for Miami-Dade Inc., in Trumbull, Connecticut. County Public Schools, which employs 460 full-time Steven D. Braidman ’74 has been married for 31 2004 ANNUAL FISHING TOURNAMENT certified art teachers. years. He received his B.A. in ’74 and M.S. in ’76. He When: Sun., June 27, 2004 taught school in Miami-Dade County for five years Mildred A. Copeland ’81 worked recently on her second master’s at FIU in Elementary Education on Where: Miami Beach Marina and then worked as an executive for Burdines, Macys for 28 years. Two sons are in high school currently; a new program in partnership with the Archdiocese Contact: Heide Dans, 305-348-1009 two have graduated from the University of Mass. of Miami. She has been a librarian/media specialist or [email protected] at St. Brendan High School for 39 years and is one Douglas E. Duda ’74 is currently hosting a weekly Don’t Miss the Boat: At last year’s inaugural show on A&E called The Well-Seasoned Traveler. It of the school’s two original employees. The event, more than 15 boats and 60 anglers airs Sundays at 4 p.m. and explores food culture Mildred Copeland Computer Room at the school competed for cash and prizes awarded for was built and named in her honor. the largest dolphin, aggregate dolphin and around the world. largest kingfish. The event was preceded by Roberto F. Soto ’74 is bureau chief of the Barbara J. Zaretsky ’81 is a run coach for Leukemia a Saturday night Captain’s Party and Associated Press Television News’ New York and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training and is followed by a Dock Party at the weigh-in. operation. He oversees relations with commercial helping to train participants to run a half-marathon and broadcast clients of the new agency. Prior while they raise funds to help find a cure for the 2004 TORCH AWARDS to joining APTN, Soto was news director of blood cancers. News 12, a 24-hour news channel owned by Mylene C. Llado ’88 has been teaching grades 1-4 When: Sat., Nov. 6, 2004 Cablevision of New York City. Soto has also in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 15 years, Where: Doral Resort & Spa worked as an executive producer for Univision and a news director at Telemundo, both in Los including approximately nine years in the ESOL Contact: Heide Dans, 305-348-1009 Angeles and later in New York. Soto was at NBC program. She is very active in her school and has or [email protected] News as a news editor and producer for the pro­ been department chairperson for intermediate and Glowing Reviews: The event, which honors grams Today, Sunrise, NBC Nightly News and the upper level grades and chairperson of Grade 4 outstanding alumni and FIU faculty, presents a award-winning NBC News Overnight. educators for three years. great opportunity to meet with old friends and make new acquaintances. FIU MAGAZINE SPRING 04 31

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Peter Dubowsky, Esq. ’89 has been practicing Natalia Magnorsky ’97 is working as category Phoebe Moll '00 is working in the New York office of law in Las Vegas, Nevada, for 10 years. He is a manager for Elizabeth Arden, where she has been BBDO, one of the world’s largest global advertising small claims court judge and has opened up the for six years. She is responsible for retail analysis agencies, as an account executive. Dubowsky Law Office, practicing in judgment and unit projections for accounts such as Wal-Mart, Mario Del Cid ’01 is a second-year medical student enforcement and debtor-creditor litigation. He is Sam’s, BJ’s, Target, Eckerds and more. at Tulane University School of Medicine. president of the Young Israel of Las Vegas Synagogue. Chanelle N. Rose ’97 ’99 is currently at the Todd A. Edge ’01 is the Sept. 2003 winner of the University of Miami where she is a doctoral Gold Coast Builder Association’s PRISM Silver candidate in history (African-American and Award for Interior Architecture/Design for women’s history). Commercial Office Space for work he did at Broad & Cassel Law Firm, and Gold Coast Builder Helene B. Dudley ’90 ’91 is chairman of Adrienne Wasserman ’97 received her medical “The Colombia Project,” a web-based micro-enter­ Association’s PRISM Gold Award winner for Interior degree from the University of Miami School of prise development project to aid Architecture/Design for Commercial Office Space Medicine in 2003 and is working in the Department of displaced families in Colombia. The project for work he did at Lund Animal Clinic. Emergency Medicine at New York Methodist Hospital. received the 2003 National Peace Corps Betsy Gomez ’01 is attending graduate school at Association’s Loret Miller Ruppe Award for out­ Ana Maria Lagasca ’99 starred in Almost a Woman, Cornell University. She is working toward her mas­ standing community service. which was screened at the Los Angeles International ter’s in hospitality management. Derek Jimenez, M.D. ’93 is completing a residen­ Film Festival last July and aired on PBS last Gabriel A. Mantilla ’01 was admitted into the cy in internal medicine and continuing sub-spe- September. The film was awarded the CineSol SOL Toyota Motor Sales, USA, management training cialty training in the area of nephrology at the Award of Excellence in 2002. program in July 2002, almost a year after she heard Medical College of Georgia. Brian J. Rynott ’99 left American Airlines to join about them initially at the Fall 2001 Career Fair. She is now a regional analyst in the New York region, Vivian Chavez Esq. ’94 and her husband Ruben American Express in their Corporate Services practice which oversees operations of the states of New became the proud parents of a baby boy, Ruben as a consultant of airline strategy. He is based in their York, New Jersey and Connecticut. She currently Victor Chavez III. Congratulations! Wall Street offices in New York City. looks forward to obtaining a position as a district Ginger Gossman ’95 is currently living in Austin, Amanda Smida ’99 and her company, South manager, when she’ll oversee the operations of a TX, working toward her Ph.D. in sociology with a Beach Marketing & Promotion, Inc., which spe­ dozen Toyota dealerships. specialization in demography. The honor gradu­ cializes in radio promotions and music marketing, ate’s research focuses on American Indians and Heidi Marcelo ’01 is attending law school at has just signed a contract to serve as the U.S. Duke University. public health. consultant for the new E.U. European Music Katherine Solomon ’01 is living in New York City Laura A. Moreno ’95 is working on her master’s Office based in France. degree in reading at Barry University because she where she is style manager at the W Court and the W Tuscany Hotel. was nominated to be her school’s reading leader. Judith Rasoletti ’95 received her Ph.D. from Rachel Yff ’01 is in her third year of law school at the University of Florida. FIU in 2003 and is now a program coordinator Raynold “Larry” Fleurantin ’00 just received his at FlU’s Center for Transitional and Comparative juris doctor (J.D.) degree with honors from the Aleny Arabia ’02 married FIU alum Troy Arabia in Studies. University of Florida Levin College of Law. 2002. Last year she began working toward a master’s Marisel Lieberman ’96 and Jeff Lieberman ’97 in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern Monique Hartley ’00 is a medical student became the proud parents of a baby boy, Justin University. participating in honors research at New York Michael, in March. Congratulations! Armando Sanchez 02 works at the U.S. University School of Medicine. Her interest is Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., Billy P. Jones, Ph.D. ’97 is a professor at Miami in internal medicine. Dade College, Kendall Campus, after serving seven as a budget analyst. years as a language arts teacher in Miami-Dade Ivette M. Lirio ’00 was appointed by President Oscar L. Grau ’03 is district manager for ADP- County Public Schools. Curently, she is working on Bush to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness Automatic Data Processing, Inc. Grau works with the a book and several articles that focus on “ black and Sports. She is assistant athletic director at Small Business Services Division in the South Florida anti-intellectualism” in secondary & community Barbara Goleman Senior High School in Miami and region consulting companies and providing human college education. an adjunct professor of Physical Education at FiU. resource solutions. FIU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LIFETIME MEMBERS The following individuals are NEW Lifetime Members of the FIU Alumni Association. We salute these alumni and friends for their strong dedication and commitment to Florida International University. For more information on Alumni Association membership, call 305-348-3334 or go to www.fiualumni.com. Sara Z. Abramson ’02 Dennis M. Castro 11 Martha L. Hester ’02 Angel Medina ’92 Victor H. Rojas-Macedo ’ Charbel Abud ’99 Slenda C. Chan ’94 Hubert T. Holder ’81 Michael P. Mordaunt ’74 Lynn W. Sexton '88 Alina S. Alfonso Augustin Conde ’93 Chadwick D. Hornik ’97 Maria C. Mordaunt ’76 Zachi Shaham ’00 Nancy C. Andrade ’81 Robert W. Conway ’84 Michelle Jo ’00 Lisa D. Napier '87 Susan Switzer ’95 Charles K. Andrews ’94 Johanna M. Cook ’98 Barry E. Johnson Javier Olmedo ’96 ’00 Alberto J. Torres ’93 Alberto J. Armada ’84 Carlos W. Cook ‘98’ Paul L. Jones ’78 Juan M. Ordonez ’93 Armin Torres ’93 Javier Bacerio ’88 Juan M. Cueto Ruben J. King-Shaw ’86 '87 Lawrence R. Orihuela ’87 Russell E. Tripp ’01 Elias W. Bardawil ’94 Heide K. Dans Guy A. Kwame '80 Laura K. Padron Lidia V. Tuttle ’83 ’87 Heather A. Bartholf ’01 Eduardo del Riego '82 Marvin Leibowitz ’73 Besteiro Palomeque '76 Israel Velasco '88 Francisco B. Becerra ’97 Patrick J. Doyle ’76 Muriel S. Leibowitz ’83 Jose D. Parra '98 Liliana I. Velasco ’88 Arthur L. Berkowitz ’77 Ella I. Elias ’02 Tamara A. Loan Rebeca Payo Paul J. Vignau ’97 Carlos M. Bertot ’90 John S. Engen Angel J. Lopez-Diaz ’81 Monica M. Perez de Corcho '00 ’03 Elizabeth Bolyn Sergio L. Fernandez ’74 Karis MacDonnell, Ed.D. ’84 ’ Mose M. Perez de Corcho ’93 La-Shanda C. West '98 Marc A. Booz '00 Judith M. Fernandez ’95 Daliana Mantegazza Mercedes M. Ponce Brian K. Weston ’84 Catherine M. Calta ’86 Oscar F. Gomez ’81 Christopher A. Maragno Denise G. Rau Romeo 0. Wiggins ’79 Scott T. Calta ’97 Jose E. Gonzalez ’75 Gabriel M. Matalon ’01 ’03 Michael L. Richardson ’02 Duane M. Wiles Joseph L. Caruncho '81 Pamela B. Hathaway ’75 Maricel Mayor-Marsan ’76 Brent D. Robinson ’93 Barbara B. Zeiher ‘90 FIU M A G AZINE SPRING 04

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8 Cedar W e* •B Home

‘Paying back’ his alma mater, an Annual Fund contributor makes a bold statement

Charlie Fritz, 59, is a no-non­ where he began building a career in ties to encourage high school students sense, as-fair-as-they-come kind of development. to consider FIU as a college choice. “Hopefully guy. The semi-retired real estate In an appreciative nod to his alma “I always say, “It’s a great school. developer joined the ranks of the his­ other mater, Fritz several years ago began You won’t be disappointed.’” tory-making first class when he making annual contributions of $1,000 Always an excellent student— when enrolled at FIU in 1972 after earning students to the Alumni Annual Fund. Intended he came back to FIU to take a couple an associate’s degree at Miami-Dade will benefit as a discretionary fund to help meet the of courses in the early ’80s, he “still College and, with his nose to the critical needs of academic departments made the highest grade in the class,” grindstone, promptly completed from what and as a source of support for a number Fritz recalls— he recently started con­ within a single calendar year all the I give.” of need-based scholarships, the Annual templating applying to the FIU requirements for a bachelor’s degree Fund makes an important difference to College of Law. Looking over the sam­ in accounting. current students and faculty. ple questions in books that help pre­ Charlie Fritz Today, the successful businessman “I basically went to school without pare would-be students for the LSAT, credits the close relationships he paying for it,” says Fritz, who quali­ the exam required by law schools, formed with his FIU professors and fied for a full scholarship when he however, he has his doubts. the excellent training he received with entered FIU. “Hopefully other stu­ “I’m not getting a bunch of them helping him land a good first job, dents will benefit from what I give.” right,” laughs the good-natured Fritz, with a local accounting firm. From A regular FIU football season-ticket who adds that he would pursue the law there he moved into a post with holder, Fritz applauds FIU’s attempts in degree for purely personal rather than Knight-Ridder, relocated to Chicago recent years to build campus life. And professional reasons. Given his track for a position in real estate and as a volunteer in the youth program at record, though, the odds are good he returned a year later to South Florida, his church, he has plenty of opportuni­ will meet any goal he sets. 0-I-LM 353833 - www.fiualumni.com - 305-348-3334 -800-FIU-ALUM

Gerald Grant Ir. ’78 '89 Profession Director of Corporate and Individual Financial Planning AXA-Advisors, South Florida Branch FIU Degree Bachelor of Business Administration ’78 Master of Business Administration ’89 FIU Affiliations Council of 100 Past President, FIU Alumni Association Past Member, Dean’s Council for College of: Business Administration Favorite memories of your time at FIU? My best memories are the encouragement I received from teachers and the friendships created among study group members. How has your FIU experience helped you in life? In business? My experience at FIU taught me to perform at Jt a level of excellence in everything I do. % Preparation is the key to success. When you plan your work and work your plan, the results frequently exceed your expectations. These planning skills, learned at FIU, have made life in the real world easier. Any advice you would offer to FIU students? Create study groups with students who are aca­ demically better than you. By doing this, the other members help you improve your study habits. By sharing your experiences, the entire group benefits. Why do you think it is important to be a member of the FIU Alumni Association? It is my belief that more can be accomplished as a group than as an individual. Being a part of the FIU Alumni Association keeps you involved in the University and opens opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others, in the community and in the future students of FIU. Through alumni involvement we can make FIU the best university in the U.S. Spread the word “FIU is the place to be.” Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is having found my life partner, my wife Jennifer, and having our children, Jasmin and Gerald III. Their love and support continue to be my inspiration. GET READY TO ROAR at the 2004 FIU Alumni Association Panther Pit pre-game tailgate parties and cheer the Golden Panthers on to victory! The air-conditioned Panther Pit tent is the "coolest place to be on game day" with fun activities for everyone.

■ GOLDEN PANTHER DJ, KARAOKE, DANCING, GAMES AND GIVEAWAYS ■ BOUNCE HOUSES AND FREE FACE PAINTING ■ TOUCHDOW N BUNGEE, VELCRO WALL AND BULL RIDE (VARIES AT EACH TAILGATE PARTY) ■ HUDDLE WITH THE PANTHERS GAME PREVIEW ■ VISITS FROM LA BANDA DEL SOL, THE CHEERLEADERS AND THE FIU MASCOT ROARY ■ SPECIAL ATHLETIC GUESTS For information on becoming a member of the FIU Alumni Association, call 305-348-3334 or send an email to [email protected]. SEPT. 2 ...... Jacksonville I SEPT. 25 Western Kentucky OCT. 2 Lou i s i a n a-La fayette ‘ft* * / J o t/ OCT. 2 3 ___ McNeese State tlv & /Q (vote/ NOV. 13 . . . . Georgia Southern* NOV. 27 ... .Florida A&M ** » Panther Pit tailgate parties will Homecoming Orange Bowl begin two hours prior to kick-off at the following home games:

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