Homecoming is a cherished FIU tradition that brings our workforce and community together in celebration of Panther pride. Throughout the week, faculty, staff, students, retirees, and alumni come together to celebrate shared traditions, engage with the campus community, and showcase the spirit that defines FIU.
Explore below to learn about our faculty, staff, and retiree traditions:
Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty celebrates employees who exemplify Panther pride through their dedication, service, leadership, and commitment to the FIU community. Nominated by their peers, these Panther ambassadors represent the university throughout Homecoming and beyond, participating in special events and community engagements throughout the year.
Crowned Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
- 2025 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Joliett Vega-Klucevsek, Director, Division of Human Resources
Faculty Royal: Luzmary Ocampo, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- 2024 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Joaklin Raphael, Director, University Foundation and Advancement
Faculty Royal: Mariana Viera-Navarro, Assistant Professor and Assistant Director, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
- 2023 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Natalia R. Cordero | Admissions Recruiter I, Office of Admissions, Enrollment Services
Faculty Royal: James M. Sutton | Associate Professor, Department of English, College of Arts, Sciences and Education and Faculty Fellow, Honors College
- 2022 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Faculty Royal: Anjana Mishra | Assistant Teaching Professor, Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs
Staff Royal: Jaime A. Weiser | Residential Life Coordinator, Department of Housing and Residential Life
- 2021 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Felisha N. McKnight | Officer, University Police
Faculty Royal: Michael Cheng | Dean, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
- 2020 Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty
Staff Royal: Melanie M. Rodriguez, Special Events Manager, Strategic Communications & Marketing
Faculty Royal: Luis A. Garibaldi, Academic Advisor for Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing
Spirit Decorating Competition
The Spirit Decorating Competition brings departments and offices together to transform their workspaces into vibrant displays of creativity and FIU spirit. From collaborative college-wide entries to individual office and door decorations, the competition celebrates imagination, teamwork, and the sense of community that brings our campuses to life.
Winning Teams
2025 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit: College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Success Operations and Strategy
- Panther Spirit: Patient Client Access
Check out all of the 2025 entries
2024 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit: College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Success Operations and Strategy
- Panther Spirit: Patient Client Access
Check out all of the 2024 entries
2023 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit : College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Health & Wellness Department
- Panther Spirit: Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences Student Services
2022 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit: College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Health & Wellness
- Panther Spirit: Center for Academic Success
2021 Winning Teams
- Gold Spirit: College of Arts, Sciences & Education
- Blue Spirit: Student Health & Wellness Department
- Blue Spirit Runner Up: FIU at I-75
Check out all of the 2021 entries
2020 Winning Teams
- Gold: Facilities Management Department Custodial Services
- Blue: Athletic Training Services
- Home Workspace: Ximena Cuadra, Program Specialist, Human Resources
Roaring Spirit Bake-off
The Roaring Spirit Bake-Off combines creativity, culinary talent, and a little friendly competition among faculty and staff. From treasured family recipes to FIU-inspired creations, participants showcase their baking skills while bringing colleagues together through a shared love of food and community.
Each year, featured recipes are added to the Roaring Spirit Bake-Off Recipe Book, creating a collection of Panther-inspired favorites to share and enjoy.
FIU Homecoming Retiree Reunion
The Homecoming Retiree Reunion is a special gathering that honors the lasting contributions of FIU retirees while celebrating the Panther pride that defines our university community. Held on Homecoming game day, this annual tradition provides an opportunity to gather with former colleagues and friends, reflect on shared FIU memories, and support our student-athletes.