D.C. update: Rosenberg, students attend U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit


As Congress raced toward the finish line before summer recess, FIU was advocating for important financial aid measures, and President Mark B. Rosenberg and students met President Obama at the conclusion of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

POTUS, meet POTFIU and YALI

This week, FIU’s YALI students ended their stay in South Florida and began their journey to Washington D.C. to join the rest of the YALI students from universities all over the country. They kicked off the week with a YALI summit where they were joined by Secretary of State John Kerry, President (POTUS) Barack Obama, and FIU President (POTFIU) Rosenberg.  Congressman Garcia helped arrange a personal tour of the U.S. Capitol. This was the culmination of a year of planning by FIU leadership, including Susan Webster, director of training and international research initiatives in the Division of Research.

Competency-based and financial aid legislation moves forward

With the Congressional session facing its August recess, several higher education bills were considered and passed, namely legislation boosting competency-based education and an overhaul of how the Education Department discloses college data.Student Body President Alexis ​Calayatud, Vice President Tiffany Roma Biffa, Lobbying Coordinator Jonathan Riveras, and FIU Federal Relations Intern P.J. Campbell were in Washington D.C. representing the FIU student body to advocate for these measures and an increase in Pell Grants. More than 50 percent (20,000) of FIU’s undergraduate population benefits from Pell grants, and most are at the level of greatest need.

For more information on FIU’s financial aid advocacy, visit the Office of Governmental Relations’ website.

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From left to right: P.J. Campbell, Tiffany Roman Biffa, Congressman Diaz-Balart, Jonathan Riveras

Sexual assault legislation presented at bi-partisan press conference

Also announced this week, Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Claire McCaskill and a group of bi-partisan senators released a new bill – The Campus Accountability and Safety Act. This bill would set a new standard for how sexual assault cases are managed and reported at college campuses, as well as how employees are trained.

College of Business promotes its economic development activities

The College of Business met with key figures of the Small Business Administration, Economic Development Administration and Congressional offices to discuss economic development activities with South Florida partners and FIU’s role in scaling up entrepreneurial ventures. Mel Maguire, executive director of management development for the college was present; he briefed partners on the newly launched Small Business Development Center.

From Left to right: Congressman Joe Garcia, Legislative Assistant Jennifer George-Nichol, FIU Business School Mel Maguire, FIU Director of Federal Relations Carlos Becerra

From Left to right: Congressman Joe Garcia, Legislative Assistant Jennifer George-Nichol, FIU Business School Mel Maguire, FIU Director of Federal Relations Carlos Becerra

FIU interns go global

The FIU in D.C. Summer Internship Program wrapped up with a globalization roundtable featuring a panel of experts on global issues. The panel included Pat Contreras, former foreign service officer, alumni Gonul Tol, director for Turkish Studies at the Middle East, and Frederic Lafleur Parfaite of the World Bank. Hosting the evening was John Stack, director of SIPA at FIU.

Congressman Garcia giving FIU YALI students a tour of the U.S. Capitol at night.

Congressman Garcia giving FIU YALI students a tour of the U.S. Capitol at night.

After the event, about 20 of the FIU YALI students, joined by SGA President Alexis Calatayud, met up with Congressman Joe Garcia for a night tour of the U.S. Capitol. The students got an intimate look at the inside of one of the most historic buildings in the country.

Panthers spotted

John Campbell ’81 and P.J. Campbell

John Campbell ’81 and P.J. Campbell

Also in D.C. this week:

  • Alumnus John Campbell ’81, former constitutional law professor and dad of federal relations intern P.J. Campbell
  • Vice President Andres Gil was in town for YALI and to visit 1776, an innovative business incubator in Washington, D.C.
  • FIU Chaplain School of Hospitality alumnus and current Marriott Group Sales Manager Carla Auricchio

For more information on FIU’s role in D.C. or too see what FIU summer interns are doing, stay connected with FIU in D.C. on Facebook and Twitter or send an email to federal@fiu.edu.

 

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