When historians look back at the key developments that shaped Miami in the latter part of the 20th century, 1972 will figure prominently. That's the year Florida International University (FIU) opened its doors to nearly 6,000 students, the largest opening day enrollment in the history of American higher education. Since then, FIU has made enormous strides that are virtually unparalleled for such a young university.

Less than 30 years after it welcomed its first students, the University has joined
the ranks of the nation's elite research universities. In 2000, FIU was classified as a Doctoral / Research University-Extensive - the highest, most comprehensive ranking in the classification system of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. In 2000, FIU was also admitted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the nation. FIU became the youngest member of the society and one of only five in the state of Florida. That same year, the FIU College of Law - South Florida's first public law school - was established. Finally, in 2000, as a sign of University's actively growing student life, the University established an intercollegiate football program.

In fall 2002, the law school will open the football team will begin competition.

While the year 2000 was one of the most extraordinary in the history of FIU, it is representative of the rapid progress of the University. The dynamic history of FIU is best reflected in the lives and visions of those who made it a reality and in the milestone achievements that enabled it to flourish.