2015 employee Ignite campaign kicks off with BBC and MMC events


Ignite-2

President Mark B. Rosenberg and University Advancement staff member Joaklin Raphael celebrate during last year’s Ignite kickoff.

Three years ago, FIU launched its first-ever annual faculty and staff fundraising effort, Ignite, to help spark creativity, discovery and innovation at FIU.

More than 3,100 faculty and staff members have committed more than $6 million to FIU since the campaign started.

Last year, Ignite celebrated a record 34 percent giving rate, a 7 percentage point improvement from the prior year. The success of the campaign reflects a strong culture of investing in FIU by faculty and staff, beyond the work they already do on behalf of students.

To join this group and become a catalyst to help FIU reach toward its next horizon, you can attend one of two kick-off celebrations:

  • On Monday, March 2, the BBC celebration will take place at the Hospitality Patio at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management with a cocktail reception from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
  • On Monday, March 16, the MMC celebration will take place at the Graham Center with a breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

At each event, the university will celebrate the many successes from last year’s drive, including the induction of new members into the Torchbearer Society, which is composed of faculty and staff who made planned gifts to FIU.
The Ignite team will also celebrate more than 500 faculty and staff members who have given during all three years of the campaign, and recognize several divisions that achieved a 100 percent giving rate last year.

As the university continues to grow, the Ignite giving rate is an impressive statement to corporations and foundations that FIU depends on for large gifts and grants. As FIU celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding, the Ignite team aims to make the case even more compelling by getting the giving rate above the 50 percent mark.

To RSVP to either or both Ignite kickoff events, click here.

– Paul Muite, director of Annual Giving