FIU Grad Makes Largest Donation to University

MIAMI, FL — Construction mogul Chad Moss has given $10 million to Florida International University, which qualifies as the largest such gift by a graduate, according to university officials.

The university plans to honor Moss, who received his B.S. in construction management from FIU, by naming the Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure and Sustainability after him.

Moss co-founded the family-owned and operated Moss & Associates. He earmarked his donation over the weekend to FIU's College of Engineering & Computing.

He has been involved in some of the company's most prominent signature projects, including Miami Marlins Park, which opened in 2012, and the 620-bed Parkview Hall at FIU, which opened in August 2013.

“Chad Moss has shown incredible vision and entrepreneurship in Miami and across the country,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg said. “This generous and history-making donation will help us educate a new generation of construction professionals who will have an impact on our community and beyond.”

He was also instrumental in the family’s donation of $250,000 to FIU in 2013 for a construction laboratory to achieve cost-and time-saving practices that have been successfully employed by Moss & Associates.

A longtime champion of FIU, Moss is a member of both the FIU Foundation board of directors and the university’s OHL School of Construction Industry Advisory Council.

“I believe in the power of giving,” said Moss, who graduated from FIU in 1994. “I hope this gift leads to generations of students who are curious, passionate about learning, and equipped to provide innovative solutions to the industry challenges of the future.”

At Saturday's Torch Awards, FIU honored Moss as Alumnus of the Year.

“We are inspired by how Mr. Moss’ dedication and talent elevate our university’s mission of service. We know that FIU alumni will continue to follow in Chad’s footsteps,” said George Corton, FIU's associate vice president of development.

Through the gift, FIU and Moss will create three endowments:

• Earnings from the Moss Endowed Chair in Construction Management will be used to recruit a nationally distinguished director for the Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure and Sustainability.
• The Moss Foundation Scholarship Endowment will provide scholarships to FIU students, particularly those who are first-generation students, veterans, and/or disadvantaged youth.
• The Moss School of Construction, Infrastructure and Sustainability Endowment will support four key areas: faculty and/or post-graduate research initiatives; student academic and industry endeavors; technology resources; and continuing professional education and industry programs, exhibitions, lectures, charrettes and master classes, as well as creative and research activities.

“Mr. Moss’ generosity will impact several generations of students and allow us to transform the School of Construction into an institution that addresses the Grand Challenge to ‘Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure’ put forth by the National Academy of Engineering,” said Ranu Jung, College of Engineering & Computing interim dean.

Photo of Chad Moss courtesy of Florida International University