FIU celebrates Professor Moses Shumow’s life

Professor Moses Shumow left a significant mark on Florida International University. His documentaries, teaching, and empathy shaped the lives of both students and community members throughout South Florida. He died last week at age 42 when a commuter train struck the bike he was riding in Beverly, Massachusetts.

On Thursday afternoon, the FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) held an emotional memorial at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus ballrooms with faculty, staff, students and alumni in attendance.

Among those who spoke were CARTA Dean Brian Schriner and Teresa Ponte, chair of the Department of Journalism and Media.

Attendees were welcomed to the somber but heartfelt ceremony with a portrait of Dr. Shumow, yellow tulips and a memory book. Students, staff and guests from across the region eagerly waited to speak about to Dr. Shumow’s memory.

A projector played a slideshow of photos of the professor while those in attendance conversed, grabbed a bite and waited for the ceremony to begin. A video by FIU students was also shown.

SFMN honors the life of Professor Moses Shumow. A GoFundme page for his family has raised $67,000 so far.

Dave J. Fair

Dave J. Fair, a Venezuelan-American, is a transfer student from the University of Colorado. He is currently pursuing a degree in digital communication and media with augmented reality at FIU. He is very passionate about nature, climate change and preserving our national parks. In his spare time he goes rock climbing and snorkeling, as well as creates videos on his adventures.

Monica Sofia Lebro

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Monica is working on her broadcast journalism bachelor's degree. She loves to write and is passionate about sports, the art of interviewing and strives to become an on-air sports talent. She produces digital content and is a social media manager.