Graduates use their passion, research to impact their fields

This summer, FIU will celebrate the accomplishments of  more than 4,500 students during eight commencement ceremonies July 29 – Aug. 1. Among the graduates are students committed to excellence through their pioneering visions, endless drive and leading-edge research.

Graduates include a veteran whose devotion to his country carried over from the battlefield to the field of economics and a recreational therapist who advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities.

“Many of these panthers have created an impressive track record of impact even before they walk across the commencement stage,” said FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell. “Our graduates help change the world. They are forward thinking, innovative, unstoppable.”

Outstanding Graduates include:

Logan Womack, 26, developed a passion for economic research and data analysis. Prior to enrolling in FIU, Womack was deployed to Syria tasked with securing deconfliction zones and combating ISIS. Under his leadership, Womack’s infantry company conducted over 300 combat missions in eight months. After the military, he utilized the analytical and interpersonal skills he gained from his FIU education to manage client relations and financial strategies at a Fortune 500 energy company.  Womack aims to further his career pursuing a Master of Data Science. Womack graduates with a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs on Monday, July 29 at 3 p.m.

Carolina Mugar, 46, is helping people with disabilities achieve a better quality of life as recreational therapist with the Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Department of Miami-Dade Parks. While pursuing her undergraduate degree at FIU, Mugar experienced five transient ischemic attacks — mini strokes that caused brief interruptions of blood flow to her brain and left her with long-term neurological impacts. Mugar worked a full-time job to support her daughter through college while also serving as an advocate for her sibling with a mental health disorder and coordinating the care for her parent with cancer. Today, Mugar is a community advocate, overseeing an adult day training program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Leisure Access Center. Under Carolina's supervision, the center achieved a remarkable score of 94 percent on the Medicaid Waiver audit this year. Mugar graduates with a master’s degree in recreational therapy from the College of Arts, Sciences & Education on Tuesday, July 30 at 3 p.m.

FIU Board of Trustees member T. Gene Prescott will speak at the 3 p.m. ceremony on Monday, July 29. Trustee Alan Gonzalez will speak at the 3 p.m. ceremony on Tuesday, July 30. FIU Board of Trustees Chair Rogelio Tovar will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony on Wednesday, July 31 and the 3 p.m. ceremony on Thursday, August 1.

All commencement ceremonies will be held at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, located at FIU’s Modesto Maidique Campus at 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, 33199.

Video clips and photos for media use will be uploaded to this folder, which will be updated periodically during graduation days with new images and videos.