10 things we’re thankful for at FIU this year

Here at FIU, we have a lot to be grateful for, and we’re not just talking about getting Thursday and Friday off. 2012 has been a great year – here are the top 10 things we’re thankful for.

1. We survived the presidential election
Whether your guy won or lost, we’re all relieved to have a brief reprieve from campaign messages. This year, FIU was right in the action, teaming up with the Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald to conduct a poll of Latino voters, one of the few to take into account the diverse origins within this population.

2. We reached some major milestones
We celebrated several notable anniversaries on campus this year: College of Law (10 years), football (10 years), School of Computing and Information Sciences (25 years) and nursing (30 years). Cheers!

3. We saw an impressive roster of visitors
Our campuses continue to be a destination for the greatest minds in literature, journalism, policy and society. Notable guests this year have included Dipak Jain, Gloria Steinem, Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Isabel Allende, Newt Gingrich, Russell Simmons, Adrian Grenier, Sam Sifton, Rajiv Shah and Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint. Who will stop by next?

4. Our professors make learning fun
We see learning opportunities all over campus. Just take a look at this year’s Walk on Water organized by architecture professor Jaime Canaves, where students put their knowledge to use.

5. Our researchers break new ground
From demystifying deep sea creatures to prototyping telebots, FIU faculty and student researchers are on the cutting edge.

6. We’re getting noticed
FIU was ranked on national and international lists, including the Times Higher Education magazine’s 100 under 50, U.S. News & World Report top online programs, Washington Monthly’s national university rankings and National Jurist’s best law schools.

7. We have big ideas
Stellar students, professors and alumni shared their big ideas – from neighborhood health care to solar energy to music – at the inaugural TEDxFIU this month.

8. We love winter weather
Sunny days and crisp, cool nights – winter is by far the best time of the year in Miami.

9. We represent
Four Panthers played on behalf of their countries at the London Olympics this summer, and another – Ileana Rodriguez – represented the United States at the Paralympics.

10. Our Panther family is the best
Last, but not least, we are thankful for you, our FIU students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and supporters. The FIU family gets bigger and better each year. We can’t wait to see what’s next.