10th Annual Torch Awards Gala

Benefits the FIU Alumni Association

Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Wells Fargo Center (Met 2)
255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami
305-348-0159 (Elena Balsinde)

The FIU Alumni Association marks the 10th anniversary of the Torch Awards Gala, a special event to pay tribute to distinguished alumni and members of the FIU community. The Torch Award honors the memory of Senator Ernest R. Graham, the forward thinking champion who helped to create the university. This year awards will be presented to the following alumni: Anabella Smith ’81; David Cohen, Esq. ’86; Alfredo N. Cepero ’88, MAcc ’90; Cristine E. O’Hara ’99, MS ’04; Javier Rodriguez, P.E. ’90; Cesar A. Gonzalez, Esq. ’97; Adam Mark Stewart ’03; Rainier Gonzalez, Esq. ’95; Captain Jacinto J. Garrido ’86, MSN ’94; Krista Casazza R.D., Ph.D. ’06; E.R. Bert Medina ’84; Allan Phipps MS ’00; and Alfredo J. Hernandez M.D. ’96. Monique Hamaty-Simmonds ’96 will receive the Charles E. Perry Young Alumni Visionary Award; Stan Hills ’86 and Tony E. Crapp, Jr. ’95 Community Service Awards; Dr. Steven Oberbauer, the Outstanding Faculty Award; Professor Carmen M. Reinhart ’78, the Outstanding Achievement Award; and Albert E. Dotson, Sr., Honorary Alumnus, the FIU Service Award.

Pamela Silva Conde, 5 time Emmy Award-winning journalist and FIU alumnus (2003), will serve as the master of ceremonies. Conde is the co-anchor for Noticias 23 Al Amanecer for Univision and for Telefutura 69. Featured on the program will be a performance by the FIU School of Music Charanga Ensemble directed by Nestor Torres, Latin Grammy Winning flautist and FIU professor. The Charanga is an ensemble made up of winds, strings and percussion instruments that perform traditional and modern versions of the folk music from Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean.

Please call Elena Balsinde at 305-348-0159 for more information about tables, tickets, program ads and sponsorships.

About FIU Alumni Association

The Florida International University Alumni Association is a membership organization whose mission is to serve the community of FIU alumni, students, and friends by providing lifelong connections to FIU. We allow our members to build something larger than themselves; give back and increase the value of their degree while having a great time; and to be a part of a community that educates, participates and engages with their fellow alumni and current students. As a Panther Network, we create connections everywhere. This is what it means to be a member of the FIU Alumni Association. Visit www.fiualumni.com to learn more.