Florida International University - Definition and Overview

Florida International University (FIU) is a state-run university in Miami-Dade County, Florida, well-known for its creative writing, hospitality management, international business, and management information systems programs.

Although state senator Ernest 'Cap' Graham proposed a state university in Miami as early as 1943, the legislature did not approve the project until 1965. The university's main campus, University Park, was built on the site of the old Tamiami Airport, and opened its doors in 1972. A second campus was opened on Biscayne Bay in north Miami in 1977.

FIU is the largest university in the Miami region, with over 34,000 students and a budget of over $400 million. It offers programs through the doctoral level. In 2002, FIU also opened the first public law school in South Florida.

The National Hurricane Center is located at the University Park campus.

FIU is a member of the NCAA, and the Sun Belt Conference. It fielded its first American football team in 2002. Their colors are dark blue and gold, and their nickname is the "Golden Panthers".

Famous alumni

• Cecilia Altonaga, federal judge
• Andy Garcia, actor
• Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, politician
• Stephanie A. Burns, CEO Dow Corning
• Mike Lowell, professional baseball player

External links

• Official site (http://www.fiu.edu)
• FIU Sports Center (http://www.fiusports.com)
• FIU Alumni Relations (http://fiualumni.com)
• FIU Quick Facts (http://www.fiu.edu/~opie/quickfacts.htm)
• Florida Panther, basis for mascot (http://www.nps.gov/ever/eco/panther.htm)
• The Beacon, student newspaper of FIU (http://www.beaconnewspaper.com/)