Mateo Alejandro Riano, Florida International ’27
A Dream Carried Forward: Mateo Riano’s Journey as a First-Generation Scholar
For Mateo Riano, earning a college degree in the United States represents far more than an academic achievement. As a first-generation college student from Colombia, his journey to higher education is the realization of a dream shared by his family. A dream built on hope, determination and the belief that education can transform a life.
When Mateo came to the United States, he brought that belief with him. His experience at Santa Fe College provided an opportunity not only to pursue his education, but also to discover his capacity to lead and serve others. While completing his associate’s degree, Mateo became deeply involved in campus life, serving as Student Body Vice President, and Student Ambassador, among other leadership roles. Through those experiences, he developed as a leader while making a meaningful difference in the lives of his fellow students. His commitment to service and leadership continued when he transferred to Florida International University, where he became a member of the Florida Kappa Chapter of Phi Delta Theta.
For Mateo, joining Phi Delta Theta has been about much more than becoming part of a fraternity. It has given him a community he can call home.
“Being part of this fraternity has profoundly shaped the person I am becoming,” Mateo shared. “Through this experience, I have learned what true brotherhood means.”
He describes his brothers as people who stand beside him through difficult moments and celebrate the accomplishments along the way. In turn, he hopes to provide that same support to others, particularly the Phikeia members and future generations of members who will follow him.
That spirit of giving back is central to Mateo’s vision for his future. He hopes to continue developing professionally through internships while remaining actively involved with his chapter and sharing the lessons he has learned with those who come after him. His goal is not simply to benefit from the opportunities he has received, but to help create opportunities and encouragement for others.
The First-Generation Scholarship is helping make that future possible. For Mateo, the significance of the scholarship extends well beyond financial assistance. It represents an investment in his education, his aspirations and the people who have supported him throughout his journey. He recognizes that his accomplishments are not his alone, but are connected to the family, friends, mentors and brothers who have believed in him along the way.
“This award does not represent just one individual,” Mateo wrote. “It represents the many people who have supported me, believed in me, and walked alongside me throughout this journey.
That perspective captures the lasting impact of the First-Generation Scholarship. By helping remove financial barriers, the scholarship gives students like Mateo the opportunity to focus on their education, pursue meaningful experiences and continue developing as leaders.
Mateo’s journey is already one of perseverance and achievement. His vision for the future makes it clear that it will also be one of service. Guided by leadership, service and brotherhood, he hopes to carry forward the support he has received and become that source of encouragement for others.
His dream began with his family. Through education, opportunity and the support of the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, Mateo is now carrying that dream forward—and helping pave the way for those who will follow.
