Alumni, friends give back to FIU students

D.C. Weekly Update: FIU hosts a fundraising reception for first generation students and aspiring D.C. interns – and the university’s South Florida delegation helps move forward the reauthorization of University Transportation Center program, which was reported out of committee.

FIU interns and alumni gather for a photo at the Give Back reception.

FIU hosts second annual Give Back reception

On Oct. 21, the FIU in D.C. Alumni Network hosted the second annual Give Back fundraising reception in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the financial contributions and commitment of alumni and friends to FIU students and young alumni in the nation’s capital.

In its second year, the FIU in D.C. Alumni Network has committed to raising funds for and participation in the First Generation Scholarship and Make A Difference Fund, hoping to increase the number of First Generation students landing internships in Washington, D.C. 

“I am proud that Give Back has become part of our identity here in Washington. We are a strong and driven network, and there is no limit to what we can accomplish. We are creating a legacy and will enjoy its rewards for years to come” said FIU in DC Alumni Network President Silvia Tergas.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen began the event with a warm welcome to all supporters and paid tribute to the success FIU has had in its first 50 years. She specifically recognized Steve Sauls, who recently retired as vice president of FIU’s Governmental Affairs. In his tenure, Saul placed 37 student interns in D.C. These former interns have now committed to raise support for D.C. internships in his honor.

For more photos of the event, click here. To contribute to these important funds, visit givebackdc.fiu.edu.

University Transportation Center 

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 on Oct. 22.

A portion of the bill included robust authorization levels for the University Transportation Center (UTC) program, which will receive $72.5 million per year with incremental increases for the next six years. One hundred twenty-five universities, including FIU, participate in the UTC program, conducting critical research to develop future transportation technologies.

“Florida International University in our Congressional District is a world-recognized leader in Accelerated Bridge Construction and I’m proud to advocate on their and all the UTCs behalf here in Congress,” said U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo, who introduced the UTC language into the bill.

The bill was reported out of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Oct. 22 by voice vote. 

In addition, the House and Senate passed the Bipartisan Budget Act Oct. 28 and 29, respectively. The bill includes a temporary suspension of the debt limit through March 15, 2017. The bill also raises spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal year ’16 and $30 billion in fiscal year ’17. President Obama has until Nov. 3 to sign the agreement before the debt-limit deadline.

FIU sea-level rise expert invited to speak in the nation’s capital

Pictured: Todd Crowl

Biology professor and director of the Southeast Environmental Research Center Todd Crowl presented his research at a congressional briefing titled “Ecosystem Resilience to Extreme Events.”

Crowl, along with renowned scientists from around the nation, addressed the ability of natural systems to respond to extreme events such as oil spills and climate change. Crowl focused much of his presentation on sea-level rise and its environmental implications. The briefing was presented by the Association of Ecosystem Research Centers, and is another example of FIU’s engagement in the national dialogue surrounding sea level rise.  

D.C. team welcomes new Internship and Career Success manager

Alumnus Ethan Starkey is the new FIU/CHLI Intern & Career Success Manager. He is responsible for ensuring career and internship success for both FIU student leaders and alumni in Washington, D.C., while managing the university’s partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI). His efforts will advance the long-term commitment FIU has made to increase the placement of FIU students and alumni into federal agencies and national partners. 

Panthers spotted in D.C.

• Frank Peña – President, FIU Alumni Association
• Gustavo Arnavat, Panther Parent, and Fellow Center for Strategic International Studies
• Dr. John Stack – Dean-Designate, Green School of International and Public Affairs
• Duane Wiles – Executive Director, FIU Alumni Association
• Sara DuCuennois – Director of Operations and Programs, FIU Alumni Association
• Amanda Wood – Assistant Director of Chapters & Young Alumni, FIU Alumni Association
• Model United Nations delegation, competing at Georgetown
• Manny Matalon, Laureate Education 

For more on FIU’s role in D.C. or to see what the office is involved with this fall, stay connected with FIU in D.C. on Facebook and Twitter:

Twitter: @FIUdc

Facebook: FIU Federal Relations, FIU In DC

Website: FIU Federal Relations

Email: Federal@fiu.edu