Michael Hernandez named new president of Alumni Association

By Tamica Jean-Charles

Michael Hernandez’s mother couldn’t find a babysitter one night. She knew her boss was not in his office so she brought her son with her to work. Hernandez watched cartoons while she filed paperwork.

When she saw her boss about to enter the office she was afraid he would be upset. But when former FIU President Modesto  Maidique saw little Hernandez and his brother watching GI Joe on the president’s television he chuckled and told them to stay.

FIU has been a part of Hernandez’s life ever since and he will continue his relationship with the University in his new role.

In May Hernandez was named president of the FIU Alumni Association.

“I understand the [Miami] community, how it grew, how it got stronger, how it improved the levels of education,” said Hernandez. “FIU has been a part of that growth every step of the way.”

Hernandez started his ten-year term in the alumni association in 2011, and was inducted into the executive board in 2017. 

 While in school Hernandez served on the chair of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and worked as the sports director for FIU Student Media, The Beacon.

He would soon earn his bachelor’s in political science and communications and master’s in public administration.

“I saw the University as a vehicle towards a better life, and the type of person I am,” said Hernandez.

After graduating, Hernandez returned to the University as a member of the Young Urban Alumni Association, a sub-club in the Alumni Association, and later was on the council for the president.

Hernandez worked as a senior director for Penn Schoen Berland, a strategic communications company that aids prospective politicians in the U.S, Latin America and the Middle East. He has also served as the communications director and senior advisor for Mayor Carlos Gimenez and worked on campaigns for U.S. Representatives Donna Shalala and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

While running the Alumni Association, Hernandez will continue his position as senior vice president of Mercury Public Affairs, a public strategy firm.

Hernandez is now in charge of chairing the executive and association meetings and setting expectations for his one-year term.

Following the start of Next Horizon, FIU Foundation’s latest campaign, President Mark Rosenberg urged Hernandez and the rest of the council to promote fundraising.

The biggest goal he’s set is expanding funding for scholarships for students.

“There are so many different students within the University…who do not know if they can attend classes the next semester because they don’t have the money or the financial aid,” said Hernandez. 

Hernandez wants to reach out to fellow alumni and encourage them to give back to FIU whether it’s through scholarships, internships or community involvement.   

Other goals set by the Alumni Association include increasing mentorships within the University’s colleges, having both Student Government Association presidents present at every meeting, and raising the profile of the University.

“We have to do a lot better job as an alumni association of connecting with our graduates and making sure that they understand [the Alumni Association] wants them back,” said Hernandez.

 

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