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Florida International University (FIU) marked a significant milestone in the evolution of media education with the recent unveiling of the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media, in a ceremony attended by donors, university officials and distinguished guests.
This historic moment was made possible through the generosity of Lee and Gita Caplin, with a record-setting $10 million gift. Furthermore, the ceremony featured the announcement of a contribution from Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore and his wife, Joyce.
Speaking at the event, FIU President Kenneth A. Jessell expressed his gratitude.
“We’re grateful to the Caplins and the Moores for their generosity. Their support enables us to lead the way in journalism and media education, preparing students to thrive in a dynamic media landscape,” Jessell said.
The ceremony highlighted the Lee Caplin School’s emphasis on immersive storytelling and state-of-the-art technologies, exemplifying the school’s innovative approach.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a separate announcement was made regarding the naming of the new Sam Moore: The Legendary Soul Man Theatre. This 22-seat venue further enhances the school’s resources, where students engage with music documentaries and VR technologies to project their work onto a panoramic screen.
“The Caplins and the Moores both had choices — one of which was to do nothing. But they chose FIU and they chose us for a reason,” said Dean Brian Schriner of FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA). “They share our vision in shaping the future of journalism and media.”
In a virtual address, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, a former educator and a ranking member of the Education and Workforce Protections Subcommittee, commended the Caplins’ initiative and honored Mr. Caplin in the Congressional Record for creating and endowing the school. Wilson represents Florida’s 24th Congressional District, which encompasses FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus and the home of the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media.
Lee Caplin, who was present with his wife, Gita, noted FIU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, recognizing the university’s 86 percent minority student body and bilingual journalism program as key reasons for his support. He also highlighted the transformative nature of the gifts, “We’re crafting a program that reflects the values of truth and integrity, essential for impactful journalism and democracy.”
Sam and Joyce Moore, also in attendance, shared their enthusiasm, stating, “We couldn’t be prouder to participate in the development of tomorrow’s multimedia deliverables.”
Additionally, the event was attended by Roger Tovar, chair of the FIU Board of Trustees, alongside elected officials and music industry veterans. The school’s faculty, students, and alumni also joined, illustrating a vibrant and diverse academic community.
For more information, visit https://carta.fiu.edu/journalism.
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