Panther Trailblazers Tom and Blanca Riley Remember

Pioneering Couple Create $1 Million Scholarship Endowment

FIU has its own "Greatest Generation." They are the people who spent a career building this University literally from the ground up.

Many of today's students are unaware of the nothingness that once abounded on Southwest Eighth Street—a former airstrip and World War II flight training center. But a small team of dedicated and visionary people, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to adapt and persevere, imagined the FIU we have today and spent their lives making it a reality.

Two of those visionaries are Thomas and Blanca Riley, both retirees of FIU. After investing a lifetime in the university, they recently pledged a generous $1 million estate gift to FIU, ensuring their commitment will enrich FIU in perpetuity.

"Our institution is more than its bricks and mortar," Blanca says. "It's a lifetime of memories, knowledge and a world of humanity. For those of us that were here at the beginning in 1972, FIU has not only become part of our family, but it is also home."

In recognition of the couple's gift, FIU will name the Thomas and Blanca Riley Atrium in the School of International and Public Affairs' (SIPA) new building. The funds will establish the Tom and Blanca Riley Scholarship Endowment to provide support for SIPA's undergraduate and graduate students.

"We hope through this gift to help further the educational goals of the institution and its students," Tom says. "In these hard economic times, every little bit helps, and education is one resource we cannot afford to lose."

Tom, hired by former President Gregory Wolfe, was charged with creating a true university environment for the fledgling institution. As Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Associate Director for Academic Support Services, Tom also wrote the definitive history of FIU, Beyond the Tower.

Blanca worked at FIU from its opening in 1972 until 2004 and earned a bachelor's degree ('74) and master's degree ('80) in business along the way. She held just about every position imaginable at FIU, including overseeing space and planning, and media and public relations.

"Seeing the growth of the institution since the day it opened its doors has been significant in our lives. We would not trade any memory and the many friendships made during the years," Blanca says. "The many roles we both played in those years allowed us to see the institution in ways that enriched us and made the connection stronger to our extended family. The fruit of our labor, along with that of many other good people, is visible in the success of our institution today. We are very proud of FIU."

Their gift also will serve as a beacon for current and retired FIU staff members, to remind them of the significance and impact of giving back to the University. The two pioneers of FIU's growth and development will be recognized and memorialized in one of the University's finest facilities.

"We are honored to still be part of the FIU family," Tom says. "We know it sounds cliché—'FIU family'—but to us it rings true. And after years of work, lasting friendships and accomplishments, we can truly say that we are among many that love the place."

Tom Brokaw's Greatest Generation was defined by a complete dedication to this country. FIU's own Greatest Generation shows the same steadfast devotion to the University and is embodied in Tom and Blanca Riley.

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