“As a sister institution in higher learning, the University of Miami supports FIU’s and President Mark B. Rosenberg’s efforts to expand their man campus in order to create greater access for thousands of new students and the many benefits this will generate for Miami-Dade County.” – Donna E Shalala, University of Miami President “I arrived in this county from my native Cuba as a 25 year old who didn’t speak English. In the years that followed, my husband and I worked hard simply to get by- saving for college for our two daughters was simply impossible. Our oldest would graduate from high school at the top of her class and would go on to be accepted at several elite institutions. She chose FIU….now I worry about my grandchildren and want to ensure they have the same great option.” Esther Fernandez Hialeah, FL “The experiences I had at FIU and the skills I learned there set me on the path to success.” – DJ Irie