RepFIU: Where to find the best Panther merchandise


If you’re looking for the latest FIU gear – or the perfect commencement gift, look no further. From a Pandora charm to t-shirts, there’s a flurry of new FIU products available.

A much-anticipated item has hit the market: an FIU-themed Pandora charm. With “FIU” engraved in blue typeface across the silver charm, this is the must-have jewelry item for Panthers. The charm will be available at Maurice’s Jewelers stores at both the Dolphin Mall and Pine Crest as well as the Pandora store at the Falls shopping mall.

FIU-themed Pandora charm is available at various locations

The charms will also be sold at a commencement ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus.

“It makes me really proud,” says Alumna Kriestin Koppel ’12, whose father owns the stores at which the charm will be available. “Having this Pandora charm really brings it home.”

Koppel, who was a political science major, recalls FIU as a place where she was challenged intellectually, learned about herself and met some incredible people who became friends and professional contacts.

“You always want to hold onto that really awesome part of your life,” she says. “That’s what Pandora charms moments are about. They represent a significant moment or a milestone. This is really a perfect graduation gift.”

Koppel says a percentage of the proceeds made off of each FIU charm will be donated to FIU as a special way to give back to her and her two sisters’ alma mater.

FIU apparel available at selected Target locations

For the first time, FIU apparel hit the shelves at Target stores. You can find women’s, men’s and children’s shirts as well as baby onesies at the stores on 10101 W. Flagler, 7800 SW 104th St. and 7795 SW 40th St. The shirts feature the Panther logo, and the onesie exclaims what many of us know will prove to be true of Panther babies: “Legend in the Making.”

FIU Brand Manager Lotty Jean, who works with vendors and companies to bring FIU items to the market, says Panther merchandise is all about bringing FIU to the Panther community.

“Our goal is to continue to build brand awareness,” she says. “We have a large student population and many residents of the area are FIU alumni. We want to make sure anyone in the community can see a representation of their school and what they identify with out there. When you walk into a store and you see your school there, it gives you a sense of pride. We want everyone to have that feeling.”

And, don’t forget to stock up on FIU merchandise from mugs and caps to stuffed animals available on campus at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at FIU.