Alumni: From the Desk of Bino Campanini

On Creating The Future …

As we embark on the most ambitious capital campaign to date, President Catanese cites one definitive objective—“to be one of the 10 most respected private technological universities in the world.”

And we are well on our way. Yet, achieving the $100 million campaign goal is going to require the support of our alumni worldwide as well as friends, corporations and foundations. The Florida Tech Alumni Association (FTAA) board has committed its support and encourages alumni to get personally involved in helping Florida Tech Create the Future.

Historically, the FTAA has not participated so visibly in fundraising activities, but FTAA President Duane De Freese emphasizes the need for the association to work hand in hand with the administration in what is clearly a transformational period at Florida Tech. A major goal outlined at the FTAA board meeting is to raise $150,000 to support renovation/upgrades of the Alumni House.

“By providing an enhanced environment that welcomes alumni and students, expanded meeting space, and an outside garden area for impromptu or formal gatherings, the proposed renovations will create an environment that truly serves the growing needs of our university community,” said De Freese. “We are asking all FIT alumni to consider making a donation for the Alumni House renovation.”

For more information about getting involved, visit http://CreateTheFuture.fit.edu.

On Visiting Panthers …

We are proud of all our alumni around the globe who are enhancing the reputation of our university, and we encourage you to come back and visit us. Recently, federal Judge Catharina Haynes ’83 stopped by the Alumni House. Haynes received the 2014 Florida Tech Award of Distinction as part of the university’s annual Women’s History Month luncheon.

The award recognizes a prominent Florida Tech alumna who has achieved significant accomplishments in her career. Haynes is a circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In 1980, she enrolled at FIT at just 16 years old and graduated in three years!

On Traditions …

As most of you know, I was part of Florida Tech’s 1988 NCAA II National Championship soccer team, and I still lace up the cleats for the annual alumni game. This year, the younger (and clearly fitter) Panther squad outpaced the alumni on the field. However, after the game, it was good to see the former players still able to hold their own when it came to celebrating being part of a great Panther tradition.

On AlumNotes …

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