Ronald W. Reagan Presidential House

The Ronald W. Reagan Presidential House opened on Dec. 2, 2001 near the east edge of the University Park (now Modesto A. Maidique) campus of FIU. Reagan House is named in honor of our nation’s 40th president.

Originally called University House, it was renamed as part of a bill passed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, which named 11 other buildings throughout the State University System. FIU alumnus and state representative David Rivera ’96, sponsored the bill that designated the new name.

The 12,700 square foot, U-shaped structure was designed by Raul Rodriguez of Rodriguez & Quiroga Architects and a volunteer committee of community leaders, chaired by then FIU trustee Rosa Sugranes. Reagan House was chartered and funded by the FIU Foundation. The two-story structure is composed of an events center for the university community on the ground floor and a residence for the university president and family on the second floor. Reagan House hosts many faculty, student and alumni events for the university community.

FIU President Jeantte Nuñez at Reagan House

Ronald W. Reagan Statue at the FIU Presidential House

Ronald W. Reagan Statue

The statue of Ronald W. Reagan stands on the front lawn of the FIU Presidential House – named after the president – as a tribute to one of the most influential and widely admired figures in American history. Cast in bronze and standing eight feet tall, the sculpture portrays President Reagan in a classic suit with a gentle smile that reflects the warmth, optimism and leadership for which he was known. Inspired by a 1986 photograph taken at the White House, the larger-than-life monument serves as a lasting landmark on campus.

The sculpture was created by Cuban-born artist Carlos Enrique Prado, born in Havana, Cuba, whose work focuses on commemorative public monuments that connect historical memory with contemporary communities. Through careful attention to likeness, posture and expression, Prado sought to capture the President’s recognizable presence and enduring spirit.