Fellow FIU Panthers & All Panther Friends:

We are experiencing some of the most difficult times in FIU’s history. We will all remember where we were when we heard the tragic news of March 15, 2018. As FIU alumni, our prayers go out to all the victims and their families. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all the first responders who risked their lives to help others.

Among the victims was an FIU student, Alexa Duran. We will mourn and miss this member of our Panther family, as well as the five other victims.  We pray for them all for they were all part of the community we serve.

At this time I am reminded of the quote by Award-winning poet John Mark Green: “This world may bring deep darkness, but we are the bearers of light. We’ll join our flames together, and shine in the blackest of nights.”

It is in these difficult times that the FIU Panther Nation must come together to support our community.  The FIU Alumni community is passionate about serving South Florida and beyond.  Now, more than ever, the community we serve needs our compassion and support through this arduous time.  FIU is a beacon of hope and opportunity for many thousands of families throughout Miami-Dade County, our great state of Florida, the U.S. and the world. We provide support for those in need in our community and beyond in times of despair, such as when our FIU family stepped up to help our Puerto Rican neighbors in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

FIU is always here for us. Now, more than ever, it’s time for the FIU alumni family to come together and support our beloved South Florida community.  Please join us for a vigil for the victims of the bridge collapse on Wednesday, March 21 at 10 a.m. in the Graham Center ballrooms. After the service we will walk to Southwest 107th Avenue and 8th Street, where we have designated an area to leave flowers and other items to remember those who our community lost.

Thank you.

Eduardo “Eddie” Hondal
President
FIU Alumni Association