“This was the best holiday party ever!”
Those words of Michelle Joubert (MBA ’10), assistant director, advancement and alumni relations, were echoed by many of the 175 people who attended the Chapman Alumni Holiday Party held in December. Alumni, administrators and current graduate students in the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU) were invited to share in the evening dubbed “Winter Pantherland.” It took place in the Special Events Room in the College of Business Complex.
“The food was outstanding, the music was just right and, best of all, it was easy to network and get to know people,” Ronald Lherisson (DTMBA ’10) said. “The evening was done perfectly.”
FIU’s colors of blue and gold lent themselves quite well to festive decorations. Music from a string quartet also helped set the holiday mood.
After Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam gave a hearty welcome to the crowd, there was no real structure to the evening; rather, guests socialized and enjoyed a variety of culinary delights.
“At food stations around the room, we incorporated FIU’s ‘Worlds Ahead’ theme by featuring international cuisine, including Thai, Spanish and Caribbean food,” said Maria Sierra, senior program manager for the Executive & Professional MBA programs. She and Silvia Arrastia, advancement coordinator, advancement, alumni and corporate relations, organized the event.
Guests also enjoyed a blue Panther-tini signature cocktail, an espresso station and a French crepe station serving dessert.
Decked out in a tuxedo, Roary, the FIU mascot, was in fine form and provided guests with fun photo opportunities.
Each party-goer received a blue and gold FIU Business holiday ornament as a souvenir of the evening.
Event helps keep alumni involved.
For Lherisson, this was his first alumni event—but it won’t be his last.
“I want to stay connected to FIU, to continue to develop relationships there,” he said. “This holiday party made it easy to do so.”
Photos courtesy of Matthew Winer Photography.
