Former FIU professor publishes seventh novel

Prof. James Couch

Professor James Couch, founder of the Mass Communication program, recently published his seventh novel, The Phoenix Paradox.

Professor Couch retired in 1993 and has, in addition to writing novels based upon national and international political intrigue, traveled extensively throughout the world, accompanied by his wife, Helen.

Alumni interested in contacting him may write to him at:

James Couch
3 Marsh Ridge Watch
Ormond Beach, FL 32174

All of Couch’s novels are listed on the Barnes & Noble web site.

YUPA! board of directors meets with Coach Cristobal

Back row: Mario Cristobal (third from right) meets with members of the YUPA! board of directors.

The Young Urban Professional Alumni (YUPA!) chapter of the FIU Alumni Association hosted a breakfast board of directors meeting with new heard football coach Mario Cristobal last month.

The chapter shared with Coach Cristobal its vision and interest in engaging alumni 39 years or younger in its activities, while the coach talked about his new recruits, his staff’s enforcing of discipline on and off the playing field and his eagerness to go out and talk to alumni, friends and fans of the university and the football program.

New “Special Interest” alumni chapters kick off events

FIU alumni and friends check in at the Faith at Work Alumni Chapter inaugural event.

More than 75 FIU alumni and friends attended the Faith at Work Alumni Chapter inaugural event “Faith, Ethics, and Success at Work” on Feb. 15 at University Park.

The lecture, presented in partnership with the College of Law, featured David Miller, executive director of the Center for Faith & Culture at Yale University and Adjunct assistant professor of business ethics at Yale’s School of Management, and Ralph Gazitua, president and CEO of WTDC, Miami.

The chapter will focus on bringing nationally recognized and local marketplace leaders to speak about how they have achieved success and provide networking opportunities at both University Park and the Biscayne Bay Campus, as well as mentoring for current FIU students and recent graduates with successful FIU alumni and mentoring for foster children with chapter members. In addition, it will provide unique faith-based alliances, including local youth groups, ministry missions and international trade missions.

The Faith at Work Alumni Chapter is open to all faiths and belief systems. For more information about the chapter, contact John Nardone ’99, the chapter’s chair, at john@trinityi.org.

From left to right: Sasha Seco '05, Andy Hernandez '00 and Jorge Zurita '96, all members of the FIU CM Alumni Chapter Steering Committee.

Another event took place on Feb. 8 when the Department of Construction Management Alumni Chapter hosted its first Construction Management Alumni Networking and Dinner Reception at University Park. There were more than 100 alumni and friends in attendance.

The event helped kick off a series of events, which will provide opportunities for construction management alumni to network with one another and give back to the Department of Construction Management. Everyone had a chance to network, participate in a raffle and share success stories, as well as hear speeches by guest Pete Garcia, FIU’s athletic director, and head football coach Mario Cristobal.

For more information about the chapter or to get involved, contact Jorge Zurita ’96, the chapter’s chair, at jzurita@odebrecht.com.

Student ambassadors lead the way

Front row: Sashle Eslaquit, Kelly-Ann Williams, Paola Osorio, Angelina Troff, Daniel Estevez, Allison Leonard Back row: Tejus Rao, Melinda Boone, Bryon Tompkins, Katherine Chapman, Andre Brathwaite, Viviana Jordan, Jose Boubou, Alejandro Diaz-Ferguson

Student Alumni Association Student Ambassadors are a select group of students who serve as hosts and hostesses for visiting dignitaries at numerous university and community functions such as conferences held at FIU, convocations, guest lectures, the annual Torch Awards Gala, the FIU Day at the Capitol, Alumni tailgating and the President’s Skybox.

The offices of the president, vice presidents, deans, alumni relations and other prominent areas within the university work with ambassadors for their various needs. Their functions are vital to the mission of the university.

To be selected as a student ambassador is an honor and an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth. Students who are selected as ambassadors possess strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, a genuine interest in meeting new people, and a great sense of school spirit and Panther Pride.

Snap and share in Panther Sites

FIU Alumni, remember to demonstrate your Panther Pride when you travel as you snap a picture of yourself and your family and friends wearing an FIU cap or T-shirt, waving an FIU flag or reading a copy of FIU Magazine – you may be chosen to appear in the Panther Sites section of the award-winning FIU Magazine.

To be considered, send your high resolution (300 dpi) pictures with a complete description to alumni@fiu.edu.

Send in your Class Notes

Help build a strong community of FIU Alumni by sharing your good news with your fellow Golden Panthers by filling out an online Class Notes form at www.fiualumni.com/classnotes.htm.

Send us information on your recent career appointments, awards, hires, promotions, births and marriages.

You may also send us your information by fax to 305-348-3636 (Attn: Class Notes). Electronic photos may be submitted in .JPEG or BITMAP formats to appear next to your entry as well by e-mailing alumni@fiu.edu. Remember to indicate in the e-mail with which class note the photo should appear, along with the full names and class years of all the individuals who appear in the photo.