He started FIU in 1972 and walks the commencement stage this week
Robert Fernandez was one class short of graduating in 1975. This week, at age 85, the now-retired businessman collects his diploma.
Featured Article
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The Latest
- First members of the Class of 2030 celebrate admission
The first cohort of prospective Panthers received acceptances this week, and they could not be more excited.
- Break the mold: Who defines the 'real' chemist?
Professor Sonia Underwood examines the stereotype of scientists working with beakers in a university lab and seeks to broaden their image as professionals integral to industries across the board.
- Pulitzer Prize-winning alumnus Manny García to lead school of journalism
As the inaugural Knight Foundation executive director, García will launch a new era of innovation and impact with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
- FIU Fall 2025 graduates make their mark through engineering, marine science, and digital storytelling
Meet a few standout Panthers among the approximately 5,000 who will collect diplomas in the coming days.
- FIU accepts invitation to play in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
The Panthers are headed to Dallas to play against UTSA on Friday, Dec. 26.
- FIU helps small business owners harness the potential of AI
The Florida Small Business Development Center at FIU partnered with OpenAI Academy on the Small Business AI Jam to train entrepreneurs to adopt tools that boost efficiency and growth.
- FIU’s inaugural tree lighting kicked off the holiday season
The new tradition brought Panthers together to enjoy an evening of cheer, family and community.
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Highlighted Articles
- Offensive lineman graduates this week, plays in bowl next week
Julius Pierce collects a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and prepares to flash his prowess on the field Dec. 26 as he and his fellow Panthers head to the SERVPRO First Responders Bowl in Dallas.
- UPDATED: Bowl package information for fans attending the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Details related to travel, lodging and events surrounding the bowl have been finalized.
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Research
- Can we detect Alzheimer’s disease decades before symptoms start?
Cyber threats have no borders. One hacker in one place can damage an entire company – along with its employees and clients – all over the world.
- How poisoned data can trick AI − and how to stop it
Cyber threats have no borders. One hacker in one place can damage an entire company – along with its employees and clients – all over the world.
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Student Success
- How FIU students run Florida's largest hackathon
Cyber threats have no borders. One hacker in one place can damage an entire company – along with its employees and clients – all over the world.
- FIU buzz ignites career path for Engineering senior
Cyber threats have no borders. One hacker in one place can damage an entire company – along with its employees and clients – all over the world.
![]({"small":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/48783455461_084b9db143_c.jpg","medium": "https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/48783455461_084b9db143_c.jpg","large":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/48783455461_084b9db143_c.jpg","xlarge":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/48783455461_084b9db143_c.jpg","xxlarge":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/48783455461_084b9db143_c.jpg"})
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Community & Government Relations
- FIU convenes researchers, leaders and investors in support of defense industry
Cyber threats have no borders. One hacker in one place can damage an entire company – along with its employees and clients – all over the world.
![]({"small":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/54853834814_7d48cb62b8_k-1.jpg","medium": "https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/54853834814_7d48cb62b8_k-1.jpg","large":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/54853834814_7d48cb62b8_k-1.jpg","xlarge":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/54853834814_7d48cb62b8_k-1.jpg","xxlarge":"https://res.cloudinary.com/digicomm/image/upload/t_small/news-magazine/2025/_assets/54853834814_7d48cb62b8_k-1.jpg"})