MPAS raises money to aid international students

Written by Sudyen Navarrete/Staff Writer

FIU international students pay almost three times the tuition rate of a regular student. To help provide financial aid, the Office of Multicultural Programs & Services will host a fundraising silent auction.

According to International Student & Scholar Services, over 3,000 University international students pay an out-of-state tuition of $18,895 compared to an in-state tuition of $6,496. Each year, the auction provides funds for the Student Awarding Global Excellence scholarship.

“Whatever funds are raised, we put that money into the scholarships,” said Jeffrey McNamee, student affairs associate director at the Biscayne Bay Campus, and coordinator for the silent auction.

The award is given to the three most qualified undergraduate international students that meet the S.A.G.E. scholarship criteria. This includes a 2.78 grade point average, be in good academic and financial standing, be a full-time student and have involvement in student organizations.

According to McNamee, the FIU committee chooses a minimum of two students, but three winners are usually announced. First place is granted $1,000, second place $700 and third place $500.

Deadline for this year’s application was April 15.

Business sponsors and individuals who attend the reception donate money and goods through bids. All the money that is bid will be collected through checks for security purposes, which is why guests are reminded to bring checkbooks.

“All bargain items are laid out, guests who want to bid receive a scoring sheet where people sign a number which they are designated next to the amount they’re bidding,” McNamee said.

“Every year, we always collect thousands of dollars,” he said.

Sponsors and business partners who have contributed to the auction in the past are Zoo Miami, Books & Books, Edible Arrangements and Doubletree Hotel.

“Everything from the silent auction is donated by the community, we go out there and send letters to appreciate them for donating,” said McNamee.

Lucia D’Amado, a junior biology major and an international student from Uruguay, said that she is in great need of financial help.

“I don’t get financial aid nor have a scholarship,” said D’Amado. “My parents pay out-of-pocket and it’s pretty heavy for them,” she said.

D’Amado said she was unaware that scholarships for international students are offered at the University.

However, McNamee said most students don’t need the financial aid.

“They have to show that they have the money to attend FIU to begin with,” McNamee said. “Most of them don’t need it.”

According to McNamee, during the first hour of the silent auction, guests will be able to meet the scholarship winners.

“All kinds of people attend. We don’t only try to get students, but also faculty and staff,” he said.

McNamee also said that different items like goody baskets, a hotel stay and event tickets are collected at the event.

Students like Nathalie Sotelo, a sophomore biology major, believe that this type of event is a great opportunity for helping international students.

“Events like the silent auction can help push students strive for a better chance to stay in school and finish their careers,” said Sotelo. “[And], of course, help them through their financial hardships,” she said.

The S.A.G.E. Silent Auction will be held at the Wolfe University Center Ballrooms on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m. Entrance is free to the public and food is included.

sudyen.navarrete@fiusm.com