FIU brings research leadership to D.C. Inauguration
The university hosted a week-long series of events to showcase FIU’s research leadership in the midst of the U.S. Presidential transition of power.
Amidst temperatures dropping below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, FIU convened hundreds of national stakeholders, alumni, government officials and inauguration watchers over four days to celebrate federal success and the leadership role of Florida officials and to welcome President Donald J. Trump.
The week centered on FIU’s celebrating recent successful federal partnerships, many of which have strengthened the university's international relationships; deepened FIU's innovations in environmental resilience, defense technologies and life-saving, health care research; and reinvigorated FIU's focus on empowering leaders in higher education across the nation.
“As we honor the Inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, we celebrate the importance of democracy and freedom in the United States and around the world.” said Carlos Diaz-Rosillo, the founding director of FIU's Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom, which hosted one of FIU's Inauguration-related events.
Biden Appointees Appreciation Reception
The series of events began with the Biden Administration Appointee Reception at FIU’s research showcase center (located within FIU in DC), where over 30 FIU alumni and friends were recognized for their leadership in appointee roles during former President Joe Biden’s administration.
During the last four years, FIU students and faculty benefited from critical initiatives such as COVID Emergency funds; renewed centers in transportation research and chronic disease; the launch of a national initiative for hurricane research and, most recently, a successful EDA Tech Hubs initiative.
During the evening, the honorees heard from FIU alumni such as former Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Economic Development Administration William A. Ramos ‘85; former Department of Homeland Security Assistant Press Secretary Alex Howard ‘15; and former Director of the Office of Industry Engagement at the International Trade Administration Gabriela Castillo ’09, who now works as a senior public manager at X (formerly known as Twitter). Also in attendnace were special guests Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and former Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodriguez, who praised FIU’s accomplishments during the 46th presidential administration.
America’s Ball
The Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom kicked off Inauguration Weekend at the Congressional Country Club with the America’s Freedom Presidential Inaugural Ball. Over 200 dignitaries and 30 country representatives joined the ball with FIU administrators as well as global leaders such as Paraguayan President Santiago Peña; former Interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaidó; and incoming Special Envoy to the Americas Mauricio Claver-Carone. The America’s Inaugural Ball was the first event of its kind in FIU history.
“These national leaders now know that the Adam Smith Center is a convening power for the study and practice of economic freedom across the Americas," Diaz-Rosillo said. "Through education and research, we know that we are making a difference."
305 Miami Brunch
Sunday’s event, “Miami’s 305 Brunch," brought together over 300 participants for a celebration of the Magic City in the nation’s capital. Faculty such as Brian Fonseca, director of FIU's Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, showcased the latest GIS dashboards highlighting Chinese influence in the Americas, and Diana Azzam, assistant professor in the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, detailed collaboration with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital on advancing personalized cancer treatments.
Guests enjoyed churros, hot chocolate and classic Cuban coffee while participating in interactive events and engaging discussions on FIU and Miami’s nationwide impacts. Students from the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and its Vidal-Duart Wine Program and Bacardi Center of Excellence, were on hand assisting with the event and food management side of the operations.
FIU in DC also served as the backdrop for a special episode of This Week in South Florida with host Glenna Milberg. Joining the WPLG Local 10 roundtable were Politico reporter Kim Leonard; Senior Politics Reporter at Axios Marc Caputo; and FIU Honors student and former Hamilton Scholar Mia Rodriguez.
The group discussed how Trump’s week one plans will support South Florida, with Rodriguez highlighting how their internship at the Economic Development Administration enabled them to understand the federal government’s continued priorities related to funding local research initiatives, including FIU’s critical partnerships across Latin America.
Presidential Inauguration Watch Party
As Trump took the oath of office on Monday, FIU in DC united guests from across the United States to observe and celebrate the transition of power. Members of the Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 joined Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Florida Representative Omar Blanco, Congressman Jared Moskowitz, Lauren Pastrana of CBSMiami, FIU Student Government Association President Francesca Casanova, and many others as the president began a new era of leadership in the United States.
“The 305 Brunch and Inauguration Watch Party was a remarkable opportunity to come together as one big family and celebrate a historic moment for all Americans,” said Elías Castilla Márquez ‘23, communications analyst at the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs in the U.S. Agency for International Development. “The event not only marked a new chapter for our country, but also showcased the strength and unity of the FIU community in honoring our democratic values.”
Secretary Marco Rubio's swearing in
Following Inauguration Day, another historic moment for FIU, South Florida and the United States took place: Former Senator Marco Rubio, who is also a former senior fellow of FIU's Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, was sworn in as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State. Rubio is the first Hispanic Secretary of State in the country's history. He is also the highest-ranking Cuban-American in United States history.
