Air Force Pilot Helps FIU Soar to New Heights

Roger ’84 and Aracely ’95 Figueroa invite their fellow alumni to join them in encouraging growth at FIU through planned giving.

Captain Rogelio "Roger" B. Figueroa '84 came to FIU when it was still a commuter school with little campus life. As an Air Force ROTC cadet with a bachelor's degree in business administration, Roger was set on becoming an Air Force pilot. His career eventually took flight, and so did his alma mater.

Roger reconnected with FIU in the mid-'90s, when his family relocated to South Florida following his active-duty Air Force career. His wife, Aracely '95, enrolled in FIU's Master of Accounting program while Roger started a new career in commercial aviation.

In the early 2000s, Roger strengthened his connection with FIU while representing the Air Force Academy. "I walked through campus and was immersed in the growth and energy. FIU had become a true university," he says.

Family Legacy

Roger's daughter, Elizabeth, received her accounting degree from FIU in 2012. His family bonded during Elizabeth's time at FIU, and they were regulars at school functions. In fact, two of Roger's nieces also transferred to FIU this fall, both looking to join sororities; another niece will attend FIU next year.

Over the years, Roger's involvement with FIU included leading freshman class presentations, serving on the Silver Pride planning committee and attending football games as a season ticket holder. It was during halftime at one of those games that a conversation with a former member of the FIU Estate & Planned Giving team initiated Roger's philanthropic experience with FIU.

Supporting Continued Growth

Recently, Roger created a $5,000 charitable gift annuity with FIU, his fifth one since 2011, bringing his cumulative gift annuity giving to $25,000. His gift will support scholarships for students enrolled in the FIU College of Business.

"I was interested in giving back in a meaningful way that was mutually beneficial," he says. "The gift annuity is a win-win option, offering me tax benefits and a future income stream, which I plan to use for my grandchildren's education, if my kids ever decide to marry."

Roger, who currently leads UPS Flight Operations, says being an active contributor in a growing and vibrant institution has been a joy. "From the law school, med school, Wall of Wind, ocean research, Everglades restoration, and of course, Division I sports, it has been a whirlwind of progress and achievement," he adds.

Hope for the Future

Roger hopes that his contribution will help deserving FIU students achieve their dreams and become difference makers, not just graduates.

"Great universities are not championed via state or federal grants, but through the generosity of their alumni—whether time, talent or treasure. FIU's future growth will be decided by us," Roger says. "Supporting the school is only fitting for an institution with its best days ahead of it."

Create Your Legacy

Join Captain Rogelio "Roger" B. Figueroa in investing in the future of FIU by making a planned gift to the University. Contact us to get started.