8th Annual FIU Scholarship Fishing Tournament a success

Thirteen students received scholarships at the June 19 event, which raised $15,000 in scholarship funds to be distributed in 2011.

Everyone knew it would be a hot day.

No one could anticipate just how high the Fahrenheit would climb thanks to the spirit of the approximately 200 FIU alumni, family and friends who held court at Monty’s on South Beach the day before Father’s Day.

The occasion was one of the most fun traditions the university offers alumni: the 8^th Annual Scholarship Fishing Tournament.

Net proceeds of the summer event go toward student scholarships. The tournament has raised more than $50,000 in its eight years. In 2011, $15,000 in scholarships will be awarded at the event.

Thirty-five boats registered for the tournament this year and attendees tried their luck in a raffle featuring prizes such as airline tickets, fishing equipment and FIU Gear. The Alumni Association presented 13 scholarships at the tournament.

Bill Draughon, associate vice president of Alumni Relations (second from left), Roary and FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg (far right) present students with their scholarships at the 8th Annual FIU Scholarship Fishing Tournament. Photo: Stacey Ambrosio.

Receiving Panther Pride ($750) and Legacy ($1,000) scholarships were Bianca Anghel, Doris Cesar, Summia Chaudry, Daniela Gonzalez, Kevin Gonzalez, Tara Jafarmadar, Jacky Negret, Giselle Perez, Melissa Pierro, Madison Rodriguez and Melissa Rodriguez. Esperance Ibuka and Alina Quintana were unable to attend.

“I’m so grateful for this scholarship,” said Bianca Anghel, a senior special education student who will graduate later this year. “It’s going to help me continue my education, [get my degree] and go down the same path as my mother, who graduated from FIU as well.”

“I’m extremely proud of my daughter,” Jackie Anghel-Novick ’04 said. “I don’t know what else to say other than she makes me very proud. And, Go FIU!”

FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg attended the fishing tournament with his wife Rosalie. He took the opportunity to give a shout-out to baseball coach Henry “Turtle” Thomas, his team and Garrett Wittels for his remarkable 56-game hitting streak. Together with football coach Mario Cristobal, the president also got alumni excited for the upcoming football season.

“Alumni’s support has been awesome,” Cristobal said. “Come Sept. 11 we need to see you out at FIU Stadium. Baseball has set the bar high. Championships are going to start rolling in. Bring all that energy, bring all that noise. Let’s make history.”

And the winners are…

This year’s FIU Scholarship Fishing Tournament winners were:

Most Aggregate Dolphin Weight: Team FIU Panther Kings ($2,500 prize and trophy)

Largest Dolphin: Team G&R Marine ($1,000 and large fishing trophy)

Ladies Catch Largest Dolphin: Team Reel Hard ($500 and trophy)

Largest Fun Fish: Team Zureel ($250)

Junior Catch Largest Dolphin: Team FIU Panther Kings ($100 gift certificate to Dave & Busters and trophy)

2^nd Place Most Aggregate Dolphin Weight: Team Ocean Bank ($500)

2^nd Place Largest Dolphin: Team Fowler White Burnett ($250)

2^nd Place Junior: Team Reel Hard ($50 gift certificate to Dave & Busters).

Team Ocean Bank donated its winnings back to FIU.

If you are interested in participating or sponsoring the 2011 FIU Scholarship Fishing Tournament, call Elena Balsinde at 305-348-0159.