FIU Alumni

🌕 On July 20, 1969, the world watched the first steps on the moon and felt what was possible.

At Florida International University, that spirit of discovery continues. From origami-inspired antenna research to innovative coatings designed for lunar-surface machinery, Panthers have long helped imagine what comes next.

Today, FIU alumni Claudia Eyzaguirre ’14, Edsel Christopher Sanchez ’03, and Allan Villorin ’11, MS ’17 are contributing to NASA’s Artemis program, carrying forward the work of exploration through engineering, teamwork, and bold ideas.

Inspired by the legacy of space exploration and energized by the promise of Artemis, Panther innovation keeps reaching higher. 🚀

Read their story: https://bit.ly/4fS3ErV

Some people travel to see the world, but FIU alumna Jen Ruiz ’09 travels to teach others how to navigate it on their own terms. 🌎✈️

As a full-time travel expert, 5-time Amazon bestselling author, and 3-time TEDx speaker, Ruiz has built a global media business from her passport — and now, she’s handing the roadmap to the next generation of writers.

Panthers are out there charting new territories. Read Ruiz’s story here: https://bit.ly/4fACyX8

Panthers everywhere are making an extraordinary impact early in their careers.
They lead teams, mentor others, serve their communities with pride, and represent FIU with excellence wherever they go.

The 2026 FIU Alumni 5 Under 35 Awards honor five outstanding graduates, age 35 or younger, whose leadership, service, and achievements reflect the values of FIU: Truth, Freedom, Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence.

Help us recognize someone whose work deserves to be celebrated.

The nomination deadline has been extended until July 22, 2026. Self-nominations will not be considered.

Nominate a Panther here: https://bit.ly/4ox2aqX

Happy Fourth of July, Panther Nation. 🇺🇸

For many of us, today brings back familiar memories: time with family, neighborhood celebrations, summer traditions, and moments that remind us of where we come from.

At Florida International University, that same sense of connection has always been part of who we are. Across generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters, Panthers continue to carry forward stories of opportunity, community, and pride.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Florida International University community, we raised $95.6 million in gifts and commitments this year, surpassing our $90 million goal and setting a new fundraising record.

Every gift helps open doors for students, advance research and strengthen our community.

To every donor, graduate, parent, volunteer, faculty member, staff member, and friend, thank you for making this possible. 🐾

Some FIU friendships become lifelong partnerships.

Four alumni who met as students at Florida International University have returned to campus as entrepreneurs, opening a new café that will serve future Panthers for years to come.

Their journey is a reminder that the relationships formed at FIU can last a lifetime and lead to something truly remarkable.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4uZJYI5

FOUR YEARS IN A ROW

FIU has once again been named Florida’s top-performing public university by the Florida Board of Governors.

The university earned 97 out of 100 points on the state’s performance model, which measures student success, graduation and retention rates, workforce outcomes and more.

This achievement belongs to every Panther who makes FIU stronger each day. Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters for helping us continue to lead. Read more: https://bit.ly/4uXiyT4

⚽ The FIFA World Cup may last a month, but its impact on the sport can last for years.

Florida International University alumni are helping Major League Soccer (MLS) use this historic moment to grow the game, engage fans and build excitement for soccer's future across North America.

Read how Panthers are making their mark on the sport's biggest stage:

These MLS veterans are working comms for the World Cup Journalism alumni Gabriel Gabor ’88 and Marisabel Muñoz ’02 have decades of experience with Major League Soccer and currently hold positions during the FIFA tournament.

💧 “Water for all, and water forever.”

That’s the mission behind BLUE Missions, the organization FIU alumnus Daniel Rodriguez ’11 co-founded while still a student.

Today, the work has helped connect more than 55,000 people with access to clean water and sanitation across the Caribbean.

Panther purpose in action. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4fSuh1q