When Annabelle Rojas, (MBA ’98, BBA ’87), assistant dean, Department of Advancement, Alumni, and Corporate Relations, announced the first-ever series of Homecoming events in the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU), she didn’t know what the response would be.

In a word, it was great.

The major element, a decoration competition, showcased the enthusiasm and creativity of administrators, staff, faculty and students.

“We weren’t looking for an overabundance of decorations, but rather the thought behind the display,” said Raul Gonzalez (MSHRM ’08, BBA ’98), manager, Human Resources, who judged the competition along with Andrea Rodgers, information and data manager, Chapman Graduate School of Business.

Department and individual winners announced.

The combined entry of Career Management Services (CMS) and the Office of Marketing, Communications and Recruiting took the prize for a group effort, and Stefany Marcelino, student assistant, Center for Leadership, won in the individual category.

The group prize went to members of Career Management Services and the Office of Marketing, Communications and Recruiting, including from left to right: Sammi M. Rosin and Dawn Lazar, assistant directors, CMS; Prisciliana Berrios-Martinez, manager, graduate recruiting; Shiflett; Elise Rodriguez, administrative coordinator CMS; and Jenny Thow, assistant director CMS.

“Everyone on the two staffs pitched in at some point,” said Barry Shiflett, CMS director. “The result included a résumé for Roary, who stopped by along with two cheerleaders; goal posts surrounding our supporters; and our two mannequins that usually wear business professional sporting FIU regalia.”

Roary’s résumé

Marcelino—who holds the position of overall director for the Homecoming Council at FIU, a group that includes students responsible for every aspect of Homecoming Week—showed her Panther Pride by hanging blue and gold beads, installing paw prints to help people “know exactly where to go to find the spirit,” and using photos of Roary in different poses.

Stefany Marcelino

“I am incredibly proud to witness the school pride and enthusiasm that our college displayed,” Rojas said. “We only have one thing to worry about for next year and that is how we will outdo what we did this year.”

But her concern might be needless because the enthusiasm will likely build over the coming months.

“We are looking forward to next year and already have some ideas in mind,” Shiflett said.