Combined with the English Department's efforts to raise funds from its thousands of dedicated and successful alumni, faculty and staff at FIU will now be able to contribute to this project in support of our current English majors, graduate students, and faculty. These funds permit the department to give modest scholarships to our students, aid in faculty development and travel, and raise the profile of the department through the sponsorship and promotion of lectures, events and alumni-focused gatherings. As a vibrant, caring community of more than 60 full-time faculty, numerous dedicated part-time instructors, six wonderful professional staff members, and hundreds of undergraduate majors and graduate students pursuing degrees in Literature, Linguistics and Creative Writing, and certificates in Film Studies, Exile Studies and Professional and Public Writing, the English Department embraces the power of language to enrich our lives and effect real change in the world. Distinguished faculty in the English Department regularly earn recognition and accolades locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.