FIYou: Alina Alfonso

Name: Alina Alfonso

Hometown: Havana, Cuba, and Bluffton, Ind.

Job Title/Department: Office Manager, Office of Alumni Relations

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I manage the daily operations of the Office of Alumni Relations and I’m the assistant to the associate vice president. I prepare and execute all meetings and events for the Alumni Association Board.

Number of years at FIU: Twelve. I’ve been in Alumni Relations since 2002.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The interaction with alumni and students and the diversity on campus.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

That we help every student and alumni with whatever issue they might have by guiding them to the right departments/persons within FIU and by reconnecting them to the university.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

The patio behind the MARC Building by the lake – it has a beautiful view of the Frost Art Museum across the lake. Its peace and quiet makes me feel as if I’m on vacation for a little while.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

I would want them to know about FIU’s diversity and quest to have the best faculty and staff of any university.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

Again, because of our diversity, we have a connection to issues and ideologies from all over the world that very few universities have. FIU’s new law and medical schools make it an ideal urban university, with opportunities for everyone.

Family snapshot:

Married for 43 years, I have four children (three of whom graduated from FIU). My oldest daughter is an instructor here. I have seven wonderful grandchildren, ranging in ages from 16 to 1.

Word that best describes you: Happy.

First paying job: I worked in a doughnut shop in Bluffton, Ind.

Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds.

What is playing on your iPod?

I don’t have an IPod, but I love classical music. Chopin is my favorite.

Your proudest accomplishment:

My four children.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I read, cook and love to travel with my children and grandchildren. We love boating and swimming – main reason for living in Miami – and I volunteer at a local church organization with young girls and young professional women.