Second Alumni Reunion and Banquet

On Saturday, April 7th, 2007 the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering held it Second Alumni Reunion and Banquet. Dr. Amir Mirmiran, Department chairperson opened the event followed by welcoming remarks from the Associate Dean, Dr. David Shen.

Dr. Mirmiran provided an overview of the State of the Department and last year’s accomplishments. He also highlighted the importance of creating an Alumni Chapter in order to maintain a strong relationship between the Department and its alumni. He encouraged the attendees to form a chapter and make the Alumni Reunion a yearly tradition, in addition to organizing other events.

This year’s distinguished Alumni Speaker was Mr. Javier Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez was introduced by one of the Department’s transportation faculty, Dr. Mohammed Hadi, as the MDX Executive Director and an FIU alumnus with BS degree in Civil Engineering, class of 1990. Before his tenure at MDX, Mr. Rodriguez was the District Director of Transportation Development at FDOT for 16 years. Mr. Rodriguez was named the 2005 Engineer of the Year by the Cuban-American Association of Civil Engineers.

Mr. Rodriguez spoke about his experience at FIU and the Department; he also highlighted the passion by all the Department Faculty, particularly in the transportation research area. He offered his assistance and collaboration for all future events, and also to all our graduates. Dr. Fang Zhao honored Mr. Rodriguez with a plaque on behalf of the Department.

Mr. Duane Wiles, Senior Director of FIU Alumni Membership, was also present. He spoke about the requirements for the creation of an Alumni Chapter and offered the Alumni’s Office assistance in the creation of the chapter. Drs. Caesar Abi and Berrin Tansel conducted a raffle with many valuable gifts of FIU gear. Dr. Walter Tang gave the closing remarks, and continued the tradition of charming all attendees with his singing skills.