“I truly love Florida International University,” said Francisco Camposano Jr. (BBA ’02), president of C & C Appraisers, Inc. “I have wonderful memories that will live with me forever.”
Camposano’s emotional attachment to the university and the College of Business Administration is exactly what the Building for Business Campaign organizers wanted to touch when they launched a fundraising effort among faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
“We aimed for the heart,” said Annabelle Rojas, the college’s director resource development and external relations. “We asked these constituencies to leave a legacy, to support an effort for a place they love.”
Much to the delight of Rojas and Joyce J. Elam, executive dean, the groups opened their hearts and their wallets. A “Wall of Stars” will acknowledge contributions of varying sizes.
“The new building looked good,” said Camposano, who majored in international business and whose donation was prompted by a direct mail piece. “I also believe that it is just fair to give back to a school that helped me come out to the real world and become successful. I enjoy applying in the real world what was taught to me in the college’s classes—such as being able to work in groups and come to reasoning together.”
One of the university’s original faculty members, Constantine “Gus” Kalogeras, clinical professor of finance, used the Campaign to honor the university, his current students, and those who will be able to enjoy the business complex in the future.
“I am impressed with the quality of the university’s management, reflected in its phenomenal growth, and with the faculty, which is very dedicated and professional,” said Kalogeras, who rejoined the Department of Finance at “63 years young” after more than a twenty-year absence.
Not only did Kalogeras make a substantial personal donation, but also he funded a star for the Financial Management Association student chapter, for which he serves as advisor, and provided half the funds for another star for Phi Mu Alpha, the finance honor society.
“I admire these mainly first-generation students and their willingness to work hard, yet who they try to help others at the same time,” he said. “Many of them have difficulty buying books, let alone donating to a building fund. I thought that maybe I could help them get a star for their organization in the new building. I know that it means a lot to them.”
“These kinds of stories make us especially proud of our Campaign,” Rojas said. “We came in with hope. Now, we have built momentum and have gotten significant financial support.”
Based on the Campaign’s success, organizers are considering applying to the Kresge Foundation, which gives grants to institutions that run internal campaigns for brick and mortar.
“The Foundation needs to see that financial support is there and with nearly $70,000 in donations from faculty, staff, students, and alumni, we feel we can demonstrate that it is,” Rojas said.
A virtual tour of the Building Complex can be viewed—and donations made—at https://business.fiu.edu/give/index.htm. Anyone interested in being part of this fundraising initiative can also contact Rojas at 305-348-3339, Bill Levin at 305-348-0473, or stop by Suite 310 in the Ryder Building. The state will match every donation dollar for dollar, doubling the value of each contribution. Donations are tax deductible.
“The wall can only accommodate a limited number of stars, and with the great response we’ve gotten so far, people might want to make their donations sooner rather than later to ensure that a star with their names will be permanently on view,” Rojas said.
