V.I.P.: Richard Brilliant MS ’93


Very Important Panther: Richard Brilliant MS ’93

Profession: Vice President and Chief Audit Executive, Carnival Corporation & plc.

FIU degree: Master’s in Hospitality Management, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

FIU affiliations: Lifetime Member, FIU Alumni Association; Foundation Board of Directors

What are your fondest memories of FIU?

My fondest memories of FIU relate to the professors within the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management who were never short on advice (nor were they short on personality). I will never forget the guidance and support I received from Professor Elisa Moncarz. She saw potential in me where I had not and provided me with skills that I use to this day. She challenged me to consider aspects and career opportunities in the hospitality industry that I was not aware of. I would like to say that I was somehow special, but it was clear she provided the same level of attention, diligence and sincerity to all of her students. If it were not for her, I doubt that my career path would have taken the track it ultimately did and for that I will always be grateful to Professor Moncarz.

What advice would you offer your fellow Panthers?

Take full advantage of the resources that are available to you. At no other point in your life will you have as much concentrated access to leaders, researchers, information, as well as social and community organizations that will enable you to grow personally and professionally, as you will at FIU.

In what ways have you been involved with FIU and why is it important to be involved with our Alumni Association?

An education at FIU is an investment in one’s self. The Alumni Association is a dividend on that investment that may come in the form of professional networking, job opportunities or even Panther Perks. In addition, membership also is a way of showing your support and pride for FIU. As FIU grows, so does the value of your degree. It is in all of our best interests to continue to support the university after we graduate and the Alumni Association is a great way of doing so.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Growing personally and professionally in Florida. It is not so often that someone can say that the state they grew up in is also the place where they made their family, received their education and developed their career.

Comments are closed.