Spring Commencement took place on April 30, 2007, with undergraduates from the Landon School, with the exception of the School of Accounting, receiving their diplomas in the afternoon. The ceremony for the Chapman Graduate School and the School of Accounting was held in the evening. During the course of the day, diplomas were conferred on approximately 471 undergraduate students and 106 graduate students.
Executive Dean of the college and Vice Provost, FIU Online, Joyce J. Elam, spoke at both ceremonies and handed out diplomas to all the undergraduates, with Chapman School Dean José de la Torre handling that pleasant task for those earning graduate degrees.
Elam praises the efforts of the college and its students.
Elam noted some of the recognition the college has earned recently and talked about the new building complex slated to open in October, 2007.
“Our collective achievements will stand you in good stead as you move forward with the rest of your lives.”
—Joyce J. Elam, Executive Dean
“Our collective achievements will stand you in good stead as you move forward with the rest of y
our lives—not only because they increase the value of your degree but also because they testify to the important fact that success is NOT a matter of luck,” she said. “It’s a matter of passion and perseverance.”
Undergraduate ceremony sparkles.
Larry Smith, associate professor, Department of Decision Sciences and Information Systems (DSIS), addressed the undergraduates, advising them to “Believe in yourselves and you will see the possibilities in this rapidly changing world.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, Smith, an amateur magician who uses magic in the classroom, lit flash paper—visible in the entire arena—and urged graduates to “go set the world on fire.”
Another shining moment was the conferral of the FIU Medallion by Modesto Maidique, university president, and Ronald Berkman, executive vice president and provost. This year’s recipient of the “Outstanding Alumni” award was Antonio L. “Tony” Argiz (BBA ’74), CEO and managing partner, Morrison, Brown, Argiz, & Farra, LLP. With many service activities to his credit, both at the university—including the Dean’s Council—and in the community, Argiz has enjoyed a distinguished career as a practitioner specializing in litigation support services.
Tent party returns as finale to the afternoon’s festivities.
For the third time, the college’s office of alumni and partner relations hosted an afternoon tent party—this year with a Mardi Gras theme—attended by more than 300 graduates and their families.
“Graduates were able to sign up for the Alumni Association and some showed their support for the Building for Business Campaign by purchasing a star for the Wall of Stars, which will be a prominent feature in Commons Hall,” said Zoe H. Leal, the office’s special events manager.
Throughout the year, the Business Alumni Chapter hosts professional development lectures, a CEO speaker series, and networking events.
Third offering of BBA+ Sunrise graduates sixteen.
A celebratory luncheon marked the achievement of the latest group of BBA+ Sunrise graduates—the third to complete the eighteen-month program.
“We are excited by the commitment and motivation displayed by these sixteen students, who persisted against many odds, completing what was for them the culmination of long-held dreams,” said Donald Roomes, director of the BBA+ program. “They were a special group who made great strides in learning through the newly improved integrated curriculum we offer.”
“I would get up an hour earlier, go to class, and then go to work. It was very convenient.”
—Claudia Ezcurra, Aetna Family Medical Leave Act coordinator and class valedictorian
“It would have taken me two and half years to finish my bachelor’s degree in other programs because I work full time,” said Claudia Ezcurra, Family Medical Leave Act coordinator at Aetna and class valedictorian. “I would get up an hour earlier, go to class, and then go to work. It was very convenient.”
Ezcurra knew upon her arrival in Miami that she would need a bachelor’s degree to move up in her career. Since completing it, she has been going to many interviews within the company.
“I’ve been able to get these interviews and I’ll be able to advance because I’ve completed my degree,” said
Ezcurra, who achieved her academic success by setting schedules for completing homework and tests and by recognizing that she had made a commitment to the program.
Clifford Perry, associate dean, Landon Undergraduate School, addressed the students and their invited guests. He also brought greetings from Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam.
Valerie Barnasee received the leadership award and graduates awarded George Kyparisis, professor, Department of Decision Sciences and Information Systems, the “Excellence in Teaching Award.” The luncheon and awards ceremony took place on April 14, 2007, at Texas de Brazil.
The BBA+ program is based on a lock-step, technology-enabled, and customized curriculum. It gives students who have associate degrees and are majoring in either management or international business a quick, convenient way to earn a business degree. In addition to the BBA+ Sunrise, the college offers a BBA+ Weekend option, which takes just seven twelve-week sessions to complete.
