FIU Graduates More Than 4,900

MIAMI — Florida International University was to graduate its last class of 2016 on Wednesday following a week of commencement exercises for more than 4,900 students.

The university wrapped up nine separate ceremonies between Sunday and Wednesday at FIU Arena with Mayor Smith Joseph of North Miami serving as the commencement speaker on Monday.

“This class is full of change makers — some have overcome tremendous hardships and obstacles — and they now have the skills they need to compete in the job market and build a better future for South Florida and beyond,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “Every student who crosses the commencement stage represents the impact that we have on the future.”

In addition to receiving their diplomas, a group of standout students were recognized as Worlds Ahead graduates.

Here are but a few of their stories as provided by FIU:

• Tiffany Gomez, 27, and her twin sister, Eileen, begin their days in the kitchen of Vito’s Bakery in Virginia Gardens, preparing pastelitos, tostadas, and empanadas. Baking is in their blood; it is how they remember their father and honor his legacy. The twins’ mother passed away when they were just four. So the twins were raised by their single father, Vito. The FIU students became bakers and business owners when their dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Balancing school and work was a challenge, but Tiffany was determined to never give up her promise to her father of finishing her degree. Tiffany graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology on Monday. Eileen, who graduated in 2013, walked with her sister because she wasn't able to attend her own ceremony. At the time, she was caring for her terminally ill father, who passed away in 2014.
• Joseph Sanchez, 34, suffers from cerebral palsy and Crohn’s disease. He has undergone 18 surgeries on his eyes, legs and abdomen. One surgery forced him to stay home for a year to recover. After he took an introductory recreational therapy class, he discovered a new career path, where he could have a hands-on role in helping people like himself overcome disabilities. Sanchez received his bachelor’s in recreational therapy on Monday.
• Jorge Cisternas, 26, always knew he wanted to be an engineer, but he never dreamed he would end up working with airplanes. A natural leader, he served as president of the Aerospace Engineering Club and senator in the Student Government Association. Through an internship at Lockheed Martin, he received an offer for a full-time job. In January, he’ll start with the company as a systems engineer. Cisternas received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering on Tuesday.
• Serena Cruz spent 14 months researching the lives of female sex workers in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. During that time, she was robbed, hospitalized for a parasitic infection and threatened by pimps, former female sex workers, and even local police. Cruz persevered and completed groundbreaking research that has major implications for the fight against AIDS in Africa. She received her Ph.D. in international relations on Wednesday.

FIU also honored a number of community members during the commencement ceremonies, including:

• Dr. Cheryl Holder was to receive the FIU Medallion Cal Kovens Distinguished Community Service Award on Wednesday.
• Diane Ramy Faulconer, class of 1974 was to receive the FIU Medallion Outstanding Alumna at on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Florida International University.