FIU Hires Seasoned Fundraisers

FIU’s Division of University Advancement has hired two fundraising professionals to strengthen FIU’s financial base.

George Corton and Marilyn Stern Emas both have accepted Assistant Vice President for Development positions, and will be in charge of overseeing fundraising for the colleges and schools within the university.

“Marilyn and George will play a critical role in our efforts to raise resources that will advance FIU’s mission,” said Howard R. Lipman, senior vice president of University Advancement and president and CEO of the FIU Foundation. “We are honored to welcome them to the University Advancement team, and are confident that their past fundraising success in South Florida and proven track record will take us to the next level of excellence.”

George Corton

Corton, who has nearly 10 years of experience, has returned to his alma mater, where he majored in political science. Corton most recently served as the senior director of development at the University of Miami School of Business Administration, where he contributed to raising more than $12 million, helped establish the school’s Board of Overseers and four other program boards, as well as spearheaded development and sponsorship efforts for the Global Business Forum.

Corton began his fundraising career at FIU, where he served as the Council of 100 Liaison (now the President’s Council), director of corporate relations and director of development for the College of Law.

Corton will manage development efforts in the College of Business Administration, College of Law, Athletics, College of Education, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and the Department of Annual Giving and Special Gifts.

Marilyn Stern Emas

Emas previously worked at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami for 11 years. As the center’s executive director for the last eight years, she led the efforts that raised more than $130 million in philanthropic gifts. Emas fostered collaborations with key university, community and local and state government leaders to position the center as a community priority, overseeing the strategic growth and development of a comprehensive advancement program.

Prior to Sylvester, Emas was special projects director at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. A graduate of the University of Florida, Emas received a master’s degree in education administration and a Bachelor of Arts in language arts education.

Utilizing her extensive experience in medical fundraising, Emas will manage development efforts for FIU’s Academic Health Center, which includes the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, College of Engineering, The Honors College, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work.

“George and Marilyn’s dynamic energy and innovative fundraising approach will benefit FIU for years to come,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “I look forward to working with George and Marilyn to strengthen FIU’s financial foundation, stabilizing and diversifying our funding base.”