The College of Business Administration’s new building complex officially “opened for business” on February 9, 2008, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew more than 200 business and civic leaders, major donors, faculty, staff, students and  alumni. The event marked an important milestone for the college in its quest to become a leader in business education.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony, from left: Board of Trustee member Albert E. Dotson, Sr., Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam, President Modesto A. Maidique, Mark Rosenberg, chancellor, Florida Board of Governors, and Board of Trustee member Bruce W. Hauptli.

Against the backdrop of the newly dedicated facilities—comprised of three buildings connected by external walkways and an elevated arcade—participants heard from speakers who articulated the role of the new facilities in advancing the college’s vision of educational excellence. Keynote speaker Steve Odland, chairman and chief executive officer of Office Depot, delivered remarks about leadership in challenging times that captured the attention of all who heard it.

Florida International University President Modesto A. Maidique told participants that the “dedication of the business school complex is another step toward our university’s future, a future in which we will reach new academic and research heights.”

Faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the college gather on Grand Stairway to celebrate the opening of our new building complex.

He lauded Executive Dean Joyce J. Elamas the “driving force” behind a successful campaign to establish educational facilities that befit a program of learning whose standing and scholarship are on the rise.

Event showcases form and function of new complex.

The ceremony began with a continental breakfast in the Commons Courtyard, a former parking lot transformed into a sweeping communal space located at the heart of the new complex. Maidique and Elam joined university trustees in officially cutting the ribbon before the Grand Stairway that adjoins Student and Commons Halls. A nine-stop tour of the complex followed the formal program held in the 300-seat Ocean Bank Auditorium in Academic Hall.

“The event was flawless,” said Silvia Arrastia, advancement coordinator, Advancement, Alumni, and Corporate Relations. “It represented a lot of hard work on the part of staff and volunteers determined to show every aspect of what the new complex offers to students, staff, faculty, and the community.”

“I believe the new facility captures the spirit of the business school,” Elam said. “Its dramatic design, contemporary style, innovative structure, student-friendly spaces, high-tech features, and cosmopolitan ambiance reflect the sense of community, momentum, and entrepreneurial leadership that permeates the college today.”