MIAMI – Four donors have come together to commit to giving a $2 million cash gift to FIU Athletics, Athletics Director Scott Carr announced on Monday. It marks the largest one-time philanthropic gift in the history of FIU Athletics.
 
Each of the parties, including FIU Board of Trustee member Carlos Duart and his wife, FIU Foundation Board of Director, Tina Vidal-Duart, have given $500,000 to the gift. The other three individuals have wished to remain anonymous.
 
The $2 million gift will help transform the student-athlete experience at FIU with the construction of a brand-new weight room facility at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center (OBCC), renovation of the football locker room at R. Kirk Landon Fieldhouse, and the installation of new state-of-the-art hydrotherapy recovery rooms at both the OBCC and the Fieldhouse.
 
"I can't thank these individuals enough for their passion for FIU Athletics and their investment in our vision," Carr said. "Transformational gifts like these will make a daily impact on our student-athletes, coaches, and entire athletics department. We know this is only the beginning and that this gift will inspire others to get involved."
 
"Tina and I are both proud FIU alumni and want the best for our university," Duart said. "We believe in Scott's vision and want to invest in FIU Athletics. Our future is bright, and we hope that other members of the Panther Family will step up and give."
 
Carr introduced the Panther Club (FIU Athletics' annual giving platform) in August 2022, and in just eight months since its inception, there have already been 200 members join.
 
To make a transformational impact on FIU Athletics and its student-athletes, fans can join the Panther Club at FIUSports.com/pantherclub.
 
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