Florida International University (FIU) is proud to partner with The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress to further the mission of the International Hurricane Research Center-College of Engineering’s cutting-edge research using the new “Wall of Wind” testing facility, the first of its kind full-scale hurricane engineering facility to revolutionize building construction practices and achieve hurricane resilient communities. The Alliance has generously gifted $100,000 toward the enhancement of the Wall of Wind. The gift commitment qualifies for dollar-for-dollar match in State funds, increasing its total impact to $200,000.

In 1996, The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress (http://www.nrca.net/rp/related/nrf/alliance.aspx) was established within the National Roofing Foundation (NRF) to create an endowment fund and provide guidance and direction to ensure that NRF serves as a highly focused resource for the roofing industry and its customers. Composed of significant contributors and working within the framework and governance of the foundation, the Alliance meets twice yearly to analyze, select, recommend and provide oversight for projects addressing critical industry issues.

Last year’s Alliance Board of Trustees Meeting (Washington DC, Oct 18, 2007) was attended by Dr. Arindam Gan Chowdhury (Assistant Professor, CEE; Director, Laboratory for Wind Engineering Research, IHRC) and Avy Weberman (Director of Development, College of Engineering). The Wall of Wind funding request, presented at the meeting by Dr. Chowdhury, was unanimously accepted by the board members. Alliance’s generous gift contributes significantly to the success of hurricane mitigation research at FIU, which has positive implications for each and every community threatened by the damaging effects of hurricanes.

The newly established relationship between FIU and the Alliance has great significance in bringing outstanding recognition for the highly potential research-application-outreach endeavor led by FIU’s wind engineering group and now supported by the National Roofing Foundation. The Alliance is applauded for their outstanding leadership, commitment and support for academic and research excellence.