FIU and Malka Equities establish fund to support excellence in journalism and media education

Malka Equities and Florida International University’s Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media have established The Malka Principle, a fund to support excellence in journalism and media education. The $3 million gift will provide flexible funding to support innovative and ethical journalism and media education.  

The Malka Principle is more than a financial contribution—it is a values-driven commitment to empowering future media leaders with the tools, mentorship, and mindset needed to uphold truth, compassion, and excellence in storytelling. The fund empowers the leadership of the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media to dynamically invest in areas such as immersive learning, student access and success, digital and media literacy, and industry-standard technology and training. Rooted in Malka Equities’ guiding values of innovation, humanitarianism, and cultural impact, the initiative reflects a shared belief that education is a powerful vehicle for social and economic mobility. 

“At Malka, we believe that storytelling has the power to shape society and that journalism, when grounded in truth and purpose, is one of the most powerful tools we have to elevate humanity. The Malka Principle reflects our deep commitment to supporting the next generation of journalists and media professionals—not just with resources, but with a shared vision for ethical, innovative, and socially impactful media. We are honored to partner with the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media at FIU to build a future where integrity, compassion, and excellence lead the way,” said Moses Gross, CEO of Malka Equities. 

As part of this strategic initiative, the Caplin School will also spearhead a global consortium of like-minded institutions to promote the values and practices outlined in The Malka Principle. Additionally, a broader philanthropic vision, including a partnership with Paramount Global, is under discussion, positioning FIU as Paramount’s founding academic partner in developing an ethically driven media workforce. 

“This partnership underscores how visionary philanthropy can redefine what’s possible in higher education,” said Kenneth C. Hall, CEO of the FIU Foundation. The Malka Principle will not only empower our students and faculty—it will drive real-world impact by equipping our graduates to lead with integrity and purpose across the global media landscape.” 

Brian Schriner, dean of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA), under which the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media resides, said that the Malka Principle aligns perfectly with CARTA’s mission to leverage the power of communication, creativity, and design to drive positive societal change.  

“With this generous gift, we are advancing our ability to prepare students as both storytellers and changemakers—ready to meet the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving information and media landscape with innovation, integrity, and purpose,” Schriner said.