A Visionary Beginning: Building a University for the Future
In 1970, FIU’s founding president, Chuck Perry, shared a bold vision for a university that would serve South Florida’s evolving needs. His call to action, sent to prospective donors, emphasized the importance of private funding to supplement state support:We believe that our rare opportunity to build a new university for the future gives us awesome responsibilities: the most important being to create a university truly responsive to the needs of society.
This vision sparked the university’s first fundraising campaign, which raised $75,000 to help launch FIU in September 1972. On May 1, 1970, the FIU Foundation received its first donation of $500, marking the beginning of a tradition of philanthropy that continues to shape the university today.
Establishing a Foundation for Growth
Recognizing the vital role of philanthropy, President Perry formed the first FIU Foundation Board of Trustees in 1972. This group of 13 community leaders helped secure $930,000 in private donations by 1975, laying the financial groundwork for FIU’s future expansion.
In 1987, FIU launched its first major capital campaign to raise $10 million, underscoring the growing importance of private support. U.S. Senator Bob Graham’s participation as the keynote speaker at the campaign kickoff reflected the community’s confidence in FIU’s mission and potential
A New Era of Ambition: Record-Breaking Campaigns
In 2001, the FIU Foundation Board of Trustees became the Board of Directors, coinciding with the successful conclusion of “The Campaign for FIU,” which raised over $200 million in seven years. This restructuring aligned with a renewed commitment to expanding FIU’s impact through education and research.
Building on this momentum, the FIU Foundation launched the Next Horizon campaign in 2010, aiming to raise $750 million. By its conclusion in 2023, the campaign exceeded expectations, generating nearly $850 million in support of scholarships, research, and community initiatives.
The Power of Philanthropy: A Legacy of Impact
Through decades of transformative campaigns and the unwavering dedication of its Board of Directors, FIU has grown into one of the world’s premier public research universities. Every donation—from the first $500 in 1970 to the millions raised in recent campaigns—represents a shared belief in FIU’s mission and future.
The story of FIU is one of vision, community, and impact. As we look to the future, we invite you to be part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we can ensure that FIU continues to inspire and empower future generations.