Florida Legislature kicks off session, Panthers make their mark


Last week, the Florida Legislature convened its 60-day session in Tallahassee, and the university hosted another successful FIU Day in the Capitol.

A delegation of students, administrators, faculty, and nine members of the Board of Trustees traveled to Tallahassee to advocate for FIU’s legislative priorities. The decade-old tradition was started to give students and the university community a way to engage with lawmakers and voice their concerns about the issues that affect FIU.

“Taking part in FIU Day was a wonderful learning experience and an opportunity to be a part of the effort to ensure that the university continues to be Worlds Ahead,” said Helena Ramirez, MMC student body president and university trustee. “Not only did we get to tell the FIU story, but that of our 44,000 students.”

The FIU delegation met with various lawmakers from Miami-Dade and Broward and key officials and lawmakers including CFO Jeff Atwater, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, House Speaker Dean Cannon, House Speaker Designate Will Weatherford, and Majority Leader and Dade Delegation Chairman Carlos Lopez-Cantera.

Students sat in the Senate and House galleries as lawmakers took to the floor to praise FIU. The sponsors of the legislation were Senator Anitere Flores, Representative Ana Rivas-Logan and Representative Jeanette Nuñez, all FIU alumnae.

Athletic Director Pete Garcia, Football Coach Mario Cristobal and T.Y. Hilton, last season’s Sunbelt Conference Most Valuable Player, were on hand when the Senate and House both passed resolutions honoring the FIU Football team for its Sun Belt Conference Championship title and bowl game win.

President Rosenberg and Coach Cristobal presented an official FIU football helmet to Andrew’s Capital Grill and Bar owner Andrew Reiss for display in his famed Tallahassee restaurant. One block away from the capitol, Andrew’s has been the daily meeting place of politicians, aides and lobbyists for more than 35 years. The blue-and-gold helmet now sits proudly next to helmets of other state sports teams.

FIU Alumni Relations started a new Tallahassee Chapter, creating a network of Panthers living and working in the state’s capital. There are four Alumni in the Legislature this year, Senator Rene Garcia, Rep. Steve Bovo, Rep. Trudy Williams and Rep. Mark Pafford.

The day concluded with an evening reception honoring the FIU football team, student leaders and four students participating in the FIU Legislative Internship Program in Tallahassee this session.

— Adriana Pereira

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