They are opportunities to thank professors, remember classes and toast a new professional network. But above all, this fall’s dinners for FIU Business’ specialty Masters program students and faculty celebrated an important academic milestone: graduation.

As part of the Fall 2014 Commencement activities, three COB programs held recognition events:

• Master of Science in Human Resources Management and Online Master of Science in Human Resources Management
• Master of Science in Information Systems
• Master of Science in Finance

The Master of Science in Human Resources Management, which was launched in 2002, graduated its 24^th cohort, delivering degrees to 21 students at the December 17 ceremony held at the Rusty Pelican.

The leadership award went to Luz Echevarria, while Francesca Reyes was recognized for the highest GPA. Dr. Carolina Gomez was named the best professor while her MAN 6385 HR Strategy class was highlighted as the course’s best.

The Online Master of Science in Human Resources Management program also welcomed 21 new graduates. Zanorfa Lynch received the leadership award and joined California-based student Jenny Araque in getting the highest GPA award.

Dr. Angela Langevin Heavy, assistant professor in the Department of Management & International Business was recognized as the best professor. The fall semester’s best class was MAN 6403 Employment Law, taught by department chairman K. Galen Kroeck and faculty member Robert Soloff.

Online program graduate Maria Berry (MBA ’12, MSHRM ’14) received FIU’s “Worlds Ahead” recognition. A resident of Panama, she earned her master’s degree and graduated at the top of her class, despite a serious illness. Maria started the year-long program in spring 2013, becoming part of the online program’s second cohort. Two years later, she achieved her goal.

Eighteen students received their Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) degree during the December 16 dinner at Juana M restaurant in Brickell. The MSIS program covers all aspects of an organization’s IT infrastructure—software, hardware, databases, networks, security and more.

Three MSIS students were honored for outstanding performance – John Gonzalez and Sambit Mahapatra received the highest GPA award while the citizenship award was given to William Mendez. The Project Management course, taught by Professor David Darcy, was highlighted as the year’s best. Darcy was also honored as the best professor.

At the Master of Science in Finance graduation dinner, 33 students received diplomas. Luis Rosero-Barros was named best student and also received the director’s award.

“As long as you work as hard as you can and give it your all, everything falls into place,” says Rosero-Barros (BS ’07). “I wanted to be the best I could, learn the most, and do the hardest work because I’m benefiting myself.”

Dr. Brice Dupoyet was selected as MSF’s best professor. Portfolio Management, taught by Dr. Edward Lawrence, and Security Analysis, taught by Dr. Shahid Hamid, were voted as the best classes.