New Brunch Event to Celebrate Founder of Sunglass Hut and His Legacy of Supporting FIU Students in the Education Field

For Amanda Ratigan, a full-time teacher, mom and graduate student, receiving the 2024 Ziff scholarship made her feel more connected to the university experience. Ratigan is one of nine Ziff scholars invited to attend an inaugural brunch ceremony.

 “Trying to balance school and all my other responsibilities can be challenging. It’s nice to be celebrated with other scholars and feel like you belong to the FIU community,” said Ratigan.

Ratigan is studying to become a school psychologist. She and the other scholars are students in the School of Education and Human Development. The Ziff scholarship was established by the Sanford and Dolores Ziff family. Sanford Ziff is the late founder of Sunglass Hut which started as a kiosk in Dadeland Mall in 1971 and has grown to $100 million in sales nationwide.

Ziff, a longtime supporter of FIU’s College of Arts, Sciences & Education, has an education building named in his honor. School of Education and Human Development Dean Aaron Kuntz says because of the generosity of the Ziff family, FIU was able to give $60,000 in scholarships this year.  

“We are looking forward to making the Ziff Scholarship Brunch an annual event. It is truly a privilege to be able to reward students for their academic achievements and the hard work they have put in at FIU. We are grateful for the Ziff family and their philanthropic commitment to FIU’s education program,“ said Kuntz.  

The Ziff Scholars were chosen by the School of Education and Human Development Leadership Council and are recognized for their potential to impact the field of education through engaged service and scholarship. As part of the scholarship program, one Ph.D. student received a full fellowship with a $30,000 stipend, graduate students received $5,000 scholarships, and undergraduate students were awarded $2,000. Natalia Milan Cano ’24 is an undergraduate student in the school of education’s rehabilitation program. She says she is planning to use her scholarship money to pursue medical school so she can become a doctor.

“I have completed an internship for recreational therapists, and FIU has prepared me to pursue my career in the future. I feel extremely honored to be one of the few students selected to be a Ziff scholar,” Cano said.

It’s a legacy of giving that is making a profound difference in the lives of these education students.