Miami, FL (May 02, 2019) – FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts’ (CARTA) has partnered with Lee Caplin’s iSTAR Enterprises to create the Immersive Studios for Altered Reality (iSTAR) at the Biscayne Bay Campus. The facility will open to students in fall 2019, and will align with other strategic partners and sponsors in months to come. With the development of iSTAR, FIU students are poised to become future leaders and innovators in the world of extended reality (XR).

“The future is now and XR is impacting every area of our lives from eSports to hospitality to architecture and further,” said Brian Schriner, Dean of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts. “iSTAR is an essential part of keeping our students ahead of the XR curve by providing the tools to lead in their industry with the innovation and global-facing focus we are known for as a university.”

Through a significant gift from Lee Caplin, founder of Picture Entertainment in collaboration with Observe Media, the program will provide student mentorship and hands-on internship opportunities with leading companies to further prepare students for employment using the latest innovations in technology surrounding all industries. Goldman Sachs estimates growth in the AR/VR industry to be $95 billion by 2025.

“XR is rapidly advancing and we are bringing the best of the best in to teach students not only how to build new technology, but become leaders of innovation and drive this sector forward,” said Travis Cloyd, member of Producers Guild of America, XR producer, and adjunct professor.

iSTAR is a collaboration between Mr. Schriner, Lee Caplin, and Travis Cloyd. A longtime supporter of FIU, Caplin serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for CARTA.  He co-founded Penske Media Corporation, which owns and operates such brands as Variety Magazine and Rolling Stone Magazine.  He is known for his work on Academy award-nominated and Emmy winning content.

The program will reside in a dedicated portion of Academic Center II, at the Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) that houses the School of Communication + Journalism.  iSTAR Enterprises will design, construct and operate the facility.

About FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts:

The FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) provides students with the distinct experience of working closely with an award-winning faculty in nationally ranked accredited programs in the heart of Miami, North Miami, Miami Beach, and Wynwood—four of the country’s most vibrant, diverse, and creative cities. Focused on its engaged mission of driving the information, innovation, and cultural economy of South Florida and beyond, CARTA is committed to a trans-disciplinary curriculum that prepares graduates for meaningful careers and leadership in their chosen professions

About FIU Foundation, Inc.:

Established in 1969, the Florida International University Foundation, Inc. (FIU Foundation) is registered by the State of Florida as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. As defined in Florida Statute section 1004.28, the FIU Foundation has also been certified as a Direct Support Organization (DSO) of Florida International University. Governed by a board of directors, the FIU Foundation serves to encourage, solicit, receive, and ethically administer gifts for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes for the advancement of FIU. Through philanthropy, the FIU Foundation provides the margin of excellence that makes FIU a Worlds Ahead institution. For more information, visit give.fiu.edu.

About FIU:

Florida International University is Miami’s public research university and in less than five decades has become a top 100 public university, according to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges. FIU is focused on student success and research excellence, with nearly $200 million in annual research expenditures. The Next Horizon campaign is furthering FIU’s commitment to providing students Worlds Ahead opportunities. Today FIU has two campuses and multiple centers including sites in Qingdao and Tianjin, China and supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA with more than 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. The university has awarded more than 330,000 degrees to many leaders in South Florida and beyond. For more information about FIU, visit www.fiu.edu

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