FIU Chaplin School 50 Years of Legacy

On May 13th, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel! Nearly 400 participants gathered to celebrate this special event.?It was so great to see many old friends whom I hadn't seen in years, including Roary!

Graduating from the graduate program in 2012 and working as a faculty member since then, I have spent almost 12 years in the Chaplin School. There is nothing more satisfying for me than to see that the Chaplin School is growing every day. Particularly in the last 5 years, our ranking has risen, our students have gained greater industry recognition, and our funding has increased tremendously. I know all these added values to my diploma and made me more competitive,?and I believe all the alumni feel the same way.

Meanwhile, the success of our school is also inseparable from the support of alumni. Let's take this event as an example, we have sponsors such as?Phil Goldfarb '79, John McKibbon '75, Bill Hansen '80, Alex Kuk '08, Robert Egert '98, Matt Kusher '00, and many more.?

So, why do alumni want to support their alma maters?

Prior research indicates that the alumni's relationship with an institution is influenced by their?campus experience.?Those who appreciate their experience are more likely to contribute in many ways to their alma mater. And one of the most influential factors is the learning experience provided by the faculty. I think FIU Chaplin School does a great job in this part. My professors, some of whom are now my colleagues, provided me with a lot of great learning experiences when I was a graduate student. I've told them?more than one time that?they influence my teaching style and inspire me to become a better educator. Now, teaching for FIU is one of my ways of giving back.?I believe if I were not a professor, I would certainly return to share my knowledge and experience with our students as an industry leader. This is because I want our students to have the same great learning experience as I did.?

I know some of my audience are FIU students. We would appreciate hearing from you about how to make your FIU experience the best possible. I'm sure that you will support your alma mater when you graduate. I'd like to celebrate the next 50th anniversary with you if I'm still alive!?

P.S. I was so touched that night when several of my previous students expressed their gratitude to me.?They told me that they were able to take what they learned in class and apply it to the real business world after they graduate.?And they read my weekly newsletters! I never imagined that students would love and support their accounting professor who is so strict, haha. Thank you a lot, and keep in touch!?