First Impression 2009

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IMPRESSION A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I A M I H U R R I C A N E

It’s all about the PHOTO BY STEVE ROOT // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

‘U’

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Welcome to

Miami 2009 Dear New ‘Canes: Welcome to the University of Miami! We are delighted that you have chosen UM and want to wish you well as you embark on some of the most exciting and rewarding times of your life.

You are joining the University of Miami community at a critical juncture in its history.

Donna E. Shalala

We have been moving more quickly in the rankings than any other university in the past eight years and are enjoying successes on the Coral Gables, Medical, and Rosenstiel campuses.

President We encourage you to enjoy your classmates and to take advantage of the many academic, social, and service-oriented opportunities on campus and in our community.

We hope you make the most of your time at the University of Miami. Study hard and get involved! I look forward to meeting you during Orientation 2009!

Sincerely,

Donna E. Shalala Office of the President

P.O. Box 248006 Coral Gables, Florida 33124-4600 305-284-5155 Fax: 305-284-3768

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now it’s

your turn Dear New Student: Welcome to the University of Miami and congratulations on your decision to attend one of the finest educational institutions in the world!

You are one of approximately 15,000 students from all 50 states, three territories and over 105 foreign countries who will attend the university this year.

You will follow in the footsteps of many renowned scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, two Heisman Trophy winners, Congressmen, CEOs, and over 153,000 successful alumni.

The University of Miami is an exciting place to be in 2009-2010! You will have the opportunity to take part in many interesting events this academic year, as well as hundreds of student-led activities. I encourage you to take advantage of those and many other academic, social, and service-oriented opportunities on campus which support student learning outside the classroom.

Patricia A. Whitely Vice President for Student Affairs

Take charge of your life! Develop your skills and talents by maximizing your academic opportunities and tapping into “real-life experiences” through student organizations and other activities, which will assist you in contributing to our community as an effective leader.

A multitude of opportunities awaits you...now it’s your turn. I look forward to formally welcoming and meeting you during Orientation 2009. Best wishes for academic and personal success! Go ‘Canes!

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Whitely Vice President P.O. Box 248193 Coral Gables, Florida 33124-4602 305-284-4922 Fax: 305-284-3749

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are you

ready for this?

To Our New ‘Canes: First and foremost, congratulations and welcome to the University of Miami!

You are about to begin what will be some of the greatest years of your lives!

From this point on, you are and forever will be a part of the Hurricane family.

The University community is very excited to welcome the greatest class to ever enter UM. The next few years will be an amazing journey and I urge you to take advantage of all the University has to offer.

Lionel Moise UM Student Government President

As a university, we are continuing to rise rapidly among the rankings, which can be attributed to the quality of faculty, students and terrific vision of President Shalala. There are new facilities and resources continuously being constructed and an ever-growing variety of co-curricular activities that I encourage you to get involved with right away!

You will get to witness the diversity UM has to offer through the Orientation program and our annual Canefest where over 260 student organizations will be on showcase. You will attend your first football game at Land Shark Stadium and learn the amount of pride we take in our Orange and Green! So start practicing the alma mater and get ready to see some of UM’s greatest traditions as soon as you step foot on our beautiful Coral Gables campus.

Our undergraduate years will fly by so take advantage of every moment. Find your niche and get involved in organizations and causes that interest you.

Remember, this experience is what YOU make it! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions throughout the year or even before you arrive.

My email address is l.moise@umiami.edu. Enjoy the rest of your summer and I look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Go ‘Canes, Lionel Moise President Student Government

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Student activity center delayed by economy Start date of May 2010 a possibility

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

“Last Call at the Rat” t-shirts were being sold towards the end of the Fall 2008 semester as students began their farewells to the historic on-campus restaurant.

The Rathskeller was set to close in order to allow for construction on a three-story student activity center.

But with the struggling economy, plans were put on hold.

“Originally we had planned that by this point in summer we would be in the initial early stage of construction, but because of the change in the economy that has affected everyone, including the University of Miami, the financial stuff delayed construction,” Director of the University Center Dan Westbrook said.

Despite this, the addition to campus could be available to this year’s incoming freshmen.

“Our best-case scenario is that if everything would fall into line, we could be looking at May 2010 as the beginning of the actual closedown of the Rathskeller and startup of construction of the new facility,” Westbrook said. “That would put us in a soft opening in the summer of 2012 and a grand opening for the fall semester of 2012.”

According to Westbrook, the delay might even have its benefits.

“One of the things that’s kind of an optimistic way to look at things is that we’ve been working with construction companies and they’ve given us their opinion that the construction costs of the building are actually going to go down because companies out there are looking for business,” he said.

For those worried about getting to classes on time, there’s no need to fear. Plans have already been made to direct foot traffic in the area near the Rat. Ideally, main construction will take place during the summer when there are fewer people on campus.

Construction of the activity center is actually phase one of two that will take place. Phase two consists of upgrading the already

COURTESY DANIEL WESTBROOK

LAKESIDE HAVEN: Construction on the new student activity center, which was delayed by the economy, might begin by the end of next May as the spring semester ends. Above is an artist rendering from Arquitectonica of the three-story building. existing university center after the new one is built. They will act as complements to each other.

One of the main focuses is to achieve LEED Certification so that the building is deemed “green.”

When the Rat does close down, it will temporarily move to where Sbarro’s is located in the University Center.

Westbrook said that because of the change in kitchen, there will be tweaks to the menu. There is also talk of blocking off part of the UC patio so that some of the swinging tables are reserved for customers of the Rathskeller.

“I’ll definitely miss the fun atmosphere that comes with the Rat once they start construction,” junior Jessica Eberbach said.

Those from the Class of 2013, however, are excited to see the

finished result.

“I read about the plans for the new student activity center and I think it’s great that the university is finally going to build a structure to accommodate all the student activities and clubs that exist at UM,” incoming freshman Savanna Stiff said.

Even for alumni, the student activity center will serve as another reason to come back and visit.

“I am very excited about being able to come back to see this incredible new student activities center when it is complete,” recent graduate and last year’s Student Government President Brandon Gross said.

BREAKING IT DOWN Ground floor Three retail establishments and the Rathskeller Fresh market store, Jamba Juice and Starbucks 2nd floor The heart of the new facility and student activities Desks, workspaces and a new media center 3rd floor Meeting rooms New meeting, conference and grand ballrooms -Christina De Nicola

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

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In the know: how to get to Land Shark Stadium Canes to play second season at renamed facility

BY RAMON GALIANA & CHELSEA KATE ISAACS SENIOR NEWS WRITERS

On the day of a Hurricanes football game, students may be lathering on body paint, pregaming and planning to tailgate, but few want to worry about transportation.

University of Miami students can ride the chartered American Coach buses that leave the BankUnited Center several hours before home games at Land Shark Stadium.

“The buses will depart from UM within a range of times convenient for students starting three hours before game time all the way up to kickoff,” Director of the University Center Dan Westbrook said.

Westbrook explained that UM officials will try to be as “flexible and accommodating” to students as possible.

In order to ride the shuttles, students will be required to obtain stickers from the University Center’s Information Desk located in the lower lounge area. These stickers, which will be placed on students’ ‘Cane Cards before each game, will be distributed a week before most games, but distribution will stop three days prior. This means that students cannot wait until gameday to pick them up.

The Division of Student Affairs released a survey to determine the number of students who would use the transportation.

Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia A. Whitely said the university plans to have 20 buses for low attendance games, and at least 50 for more popular games.

Whitely said the number of buses will not be capped so there can be more buses available for

high attendance games such as Oklahoma.

“Freshmen do not have cars,” Whitely said. “Because of that, we’re going to have to have more infrastructure to make sure this is smooth and make sure that it works.”

Students who want to drive to Land Shark Stadium for the games will be able to purchase a special discount season parking pass. The $75 passes will be sold at the Hecht Athletic Center, the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center and the Whitten University Center, and will allow one student car to park at the stadium (not at any designated lot) for each home game. This discount pass is a great savings compared to the $150 regular parking price for six games, and it’s available only to UM students.

Last season was the first for Hurricane football at Land Shark Stadium, which is also home to the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins. Previously, Miami football played at the historic Orange Bowl for 70 years.

“Riding the shuttles to football games is actually really simple,” junior Michael Spears said. “The buses are continuously coming and going during the game. Riding the shuttle itself isn’t bad. You’re there before you know it, especially with your friends with you.”

For freshmen, the buses were particularly helpful without the benefit of having a car on campus.

Sometimes floors even coordinated going together.

“The buses were really comfortable, the line wasn’t as bad as I expected and there were enough buses so that we didn’t have to wait that long,” sophomore Rosa Cubas said. “As a freshman it was great because I met new people and we all got more excited for the game.”

Ramon Galiana may be contacted at r.galiana@umiami.edu and Chelsea Kate Isaacs may be contacted at chelsea@miami.edu.

DYLAN BROOKS // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

ARE ‘U’ READY FOR KICKOFF?: The Miami Hurricanes football team will play its first home game of the 2009 season on Thursday, Sept. 17, against a conference foe: the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

LAND SHARK STADIUM GAMEDAY TIPS -Go early. Weekday traffic can make a trip take up to an hour or more to get to the stadium, which is about 21 miles away from campus.

-Don’t travel alone. Go with a group of friends and have a good time.

-Take a trip to the bathroom. There are bathrooms on most of the buses, but for some of the big games the bus company has to use buses without all of the amenities.

-Grub it out beforehand. The stadium does not allow any food or drink to be brought in, and the bus company has a rule against food or drink on the bus. “We just remind students as they arrive at the boarding area to finish their food before boarding,” Westbrook said.

-Be careful with your body paint when sitting in the nice seats!

-It’s free to take the bus. “It was nice because I didn’t have to worry about driving or paying for parking,” senior Andrew Green said. “The bus also dropped us off right in front of the student entrance so we didn’t have to walk far either, which was convenient.”

-Christina De Nicola

Videos and slideshows

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Orientation week brings class together Learn all that it means to bleed Orange and Green

BY NAJWA-MONIQUE SHARPE CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Warm lights and a sea of smiling faces calm the nerves of the University of Miami’s incoming students. As they enter a large arena, where they will later cheer on the Canes at basketball games with a brand new group of friends, everything seems to fall into place.

Orientation, the new students’ welcoming to the UM community, has begun.

The first gathering of the University of Miami’s Class of 2013 and transfer students takes place in the BankUnited Center (or the “BUC”) with hundreds of people you don’t know. It can be overwhelming, but that nervousness usually fades after President Donna E. Shalala’s announcement that you are all officially Hurricanes.

“I just remember thinking to myself that UM was going to be a completely different experience from anything else I have ever done, and once I started getting to know other students, I was excited for what was to come,” Program Coordinator Ricky Fernandez said.

UM Orientation, which takes place from August 20-25, is a week-long event to welcome and introduce freshman and transfer students from across the globe to their new homes on campus.

Parents also get welcomed to school through a two-day parent orientation program that includes a brunch with President Shalala.

The event serves as a jump-off point for students that will help them through their entire time at the University of Miami.

Festivities begin with the Cane Kickoff at the BankUnited Center, followed by a series of informational sessions about the university, group activities and events to help students feel academically and socially comfortable.

For some students like junior Courtney Cross-Johnson, the fondest memory of orientation

is the “friends you make, and of course, all the free stuff.”

Water bottles, spirit banners, food and enough t-shirts to outfit a student for an entire semester are given out during Canefest, which takes place on the last day of orientation in the BankUnited Center. Most of the student organizations at the university have tables set up around the arena to discuss their programs with new students.

“Orientation is really the beginning of a new chapter of your life. It lays the foundation for your next four years,” Program Coordinator Hunter Heniser said.

“You meet friends that you will keep for life, and you begin making memories that you will have forever.”

It is also a time to become familiar with the academic surroundings students will encounter.

Through dean’s meetings, course scheduling and academic advising, students can plan out in advance what they will be doing at UM. To help familiarize new students with campus grounds, orientation leaders offer tours around UM. During these tours, leaders teach the newcomers campus lingo and about Hurricane traditions. The 230-acre campus – another lies on Virginia Key and a third is near downtown Miami – is small by most national standards, but when you don’t know exactly where everything is, the campus sprawl can be intimidating. But with a map in hand and the assistance of the orientation leaders, this is a very solvable problem. And being in the tropical atmosphere makes everything a lot easier.

“There isn’t much not to love about the weather in Miami and the scenery in Coral Gables and UM, so students are usually really happy to see for the first time where they will be living for the next few years,” Fernandez said.

Perhaps the most popular feature of orientation is the President’s Picnic. All new students are invited to a picnic hosted by President Shalala to enjoy some food and entertainment, as well as to have another chance to meet future friends.

“The President’s Picnic is

FILE PHOTO

SIMON SAYS: Freshmen participate in interactive activities at the BankUnited Center during University of Miami Orientation as part of the first gathering of the newest Hurricane class. basically the largest tailgate party you will ever attend. There is food everywhere, the band is playing, and you get to hang out with the president herself,” Heniser said.

“Also, be sure to grab one of the ice cream sandwiches. They are the best part.”

That inaugural week is also the time to begin picking up on Hurricane traditions. The quickest way to learn what it means to bleed orange and green is to listen to your orientation leaders. They offer a

wealth of information, including many tips and tricks for navigating everything from your academic path to campus life.

Another tradition you’ll be introduced to during orientation is the Canes’ lovable mascot, Sebastian the Ibis. The ibis is the last sign of wildlife to leave before a hurricane and the first to return after.

Sebastian is an avid sports fan as well as a scholar. He’ll be seen either in athletic jerseys or in his SUMMER 2009

Iron Arrow jacket. Iron Arrow is the highest honor that anyone can receive at UM. Select students and alumni get tapped into the secretive society that is charged with preserving the traditions and legacy of the university.

And then there is Lake Osceola. Just be warned: do not go swimming in the lake.

Najwa-Monique Sharpe may be contacted at n.sharpe2@umiami.edu.

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Students go green with Comm‘U’nity Garden Two-year effort of SoA approaches

BY JESSICA HODDER CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Through the combined efforts of an up-and-coming organization, a student-run garden shall sprout on campus.

The organization responsible for this green initiative is known as the Comm”U”nity Garden.

After two-and-a-half years in the works on the parts of both students and administrators, it will signify the culmination of their efforts.

Other schools in Florida with gardens on their campuses include FIU and UF, but the garden at UM won’t only serve research or aesthetic purposes – it will be for the students who help cultivate it, too.

Architecture students have

received close guidance on their plans for the garden from Denis Hector, associate dean of the School of Architecture, as well as the school’s dean, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk.

Benefits of a garden on the UM campus include having one less area for UNICCO workers to maintain, providing a public gathering space, building a sense of community and serving as a potential food source for students.

“I think UM could potentially be a leader in ingenuity and innovation. Because of the immense talent and possibilities that this school holds, we could be competing with schools like Harvard and Princeton,” senior Michael Schoor said.

The proposed design for the garden will be in the shape of a “U” with 4’x4’ raised concrete beds to hold the soil and plants so as to remain non-invasive.

“Our campus looks like a golf course,” Brian Lemmerman, a recent graduate and the former

president of Emerging Green Builders, said. “That is not sustainable – it’s a problem.”

Other involvement from the School of Architecture includes renovating a hospital built in 1948 in Belladere, Haiti. The project involves students, faculty as well as the organization Partners in Health (PIH).

“The hospital has the capacity to be a major surgical center, but they are constrained by the lack of facilities available,” said Dr. David Walton, a staff member of the hospital and a member of PIH for over 10 years.

It is important to note to all incoming freshmen and transfers that the school offers a five-year Bachelor of Architecture program for undergraduates and requires all students to complete a minor outside of the SoA. Jessica Hodder may be contacted COURTESY BRIAN LEMMERMAN at j.hodder@umiami.edu.

GOING GREEN: Above is a sketch of the proposed community garden which wouldn’t only be for research purposes, but would serve as a food source for University of Miami students.

First Impression 2009 Editor in chief Business Manager Financial Advisor Faculty Advisor Photo Editor Copy Editors Design Webmaster Staff Associate

Christina De Nicola Nick Maslow Robert DuBord Robert Radziewicz Brittney Bomnin Sarah Pilchick & Matthew Bunch Shayna Blumenthal, Kenneth Garcia, Emma Cason-Pratt, Jacqui O’Donnell & Felipe Lobon Brian Schlansky Maria Jamed

First Impression is published annually and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. This publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or of the university’s trustees, faculty or administration.

Newsroom: 305-284-2016 Business Office: 305-284-4401 Fax: 305-284-4404 © 2009 University of Miami 10

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SWIMMING/DIVING

GOLF

Program regains its breath

Golfers find their strokes First team tournament title captured since 2005

BY RAMON GALIANA CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER

COURTESY HURRICANE SPORTS

RED, WHITE & BLUE: 2008 NCAA Diver of the Year Brittany Viola was the USA team captain at the 2009 FINA World Championships in Rome.

Two divers competed in the Beijing Olympics

BY ADAM BERGER CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER

It’s 7 a.m.

While most of the campus is still asleep, the Norman Whitten Student Union Pool is as busy as ever, and not with devoted sun worshippers. It’s the University of Miami swimming and diving team starting its morning practice.

Hurricane aquatics has a long and strong history. The women’s swimming teams captured national championships in 1975 and 1976, and the diving team has featured prominent Olympic divers Greg Louganis and Wendy Williams.

The current team has a ways to go before reaching that kind of prominence, but with standout divers Reuben Ross and Brittany Viola, swimmer Annika Saarnak, a wealth of supporting talent and a devoted coaching staff, the team is on the right path.

“This season definitely was a turn around for this program,” Assistant Swimming Coach Tricia Harm said. “Last year they had kind of finished within the bottom of the ACC. This year we moved up.”

Finishing with a 10-7 record, the Canes swam and dove to ninth in the ACC. Last year’s national champion in the three-meter springboard, Ross also earned ACC Men’s 102

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Diver of the Year and competed in the Beijing Olympics for his native country, Canada.

Ross received two All-America awards at the NCAA Championships after finishing seventh in the one-meter springboard and seventh in the three-meter. He also had an impressive third-place finish in the 10-meter platform event this year.

After a sophomore campaign in which she was named Co-NCAA Diver of the Year and ACC Women’s Diver of the Year, Viola’s junior season was hampered by a back injury that prevented her from defending her title in the 10-meter platform event.

Injury aside, the coaching staff recognizes the special talent it has on its hands.

“Besides the endless amount of practice, she’s a very talented athlete,” Assistant Diving Coach Dario Di Fazio said. “You need to have a combination of being talented and working hard.”

A change in approach has swept over the team.

“We all came together compared to last year,” Saarnak said. “Ohio State and the ACCs were very successful for us.”

Time will tell if these changes propel the swimming and diving program to the next level.

“We created a culture where we want to be great,” Harm said. “The girls want to be great.”

Adam Berger may be contacted at a a.berger4@umiami.edu.

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If you browse the University of Miami’s history of success in sports, it’s crystal clear that the university is one of the most successful programs in the country.

However, nestled slightly under all of the fame, heavy trophies and memorable nights against rival sports teams, there is a Hurricane hidden athletic treasure.

The women’s golf team, coached by Lela Cannon, is not only one of the most dedicated teams at the U – it’s undoubtedly a team that’s showing promise every season.

Cannon, a two-time Southeastern Region Coach of the Year (1984, 1992), led the Canes to an NCAA national championship title in 1984 and is currently an inductee in the National Golf Association Hall of Fame.

During the 2008-2009 season, the girls traveled to North and South Carolina, Georgia and California to compete in tournaments held by other schools. Additionally, UM hosted two golf tournaments – the Qdoba and the Canes & Cardinal tournaments, where 15 and 12 teams participated, respectively.

“We practice six days a week for about 20 hours,” she said. “That includes both workout time and actual practicing at one of three golf courses.”

Despite her illustrious career, one of Cannon’s most memorable moments as a coach came when the team finished tied for first place, ahead of 42 others, in the Edwin Watts Tournament back in February in Kiawah, S.C., hosted by the College of Charleston.

“It was a great experience. I think it shows how much talent and capability our team has,” junior Maria Ronderos said.

“It really showed us how we can all work together and obtain great results.”

Ronderos was the Colombian golf national champion. In the United States, she finished 10th as a junior and 11th as a senior in high school. This past season she collected three top-10 finishes, including 10th place at the Ryder Canes & Cardinal Classic. She also earned 24th at the ACC Championship.

“Honestly words cannot even describe the excitement and enthusiasm that was seen that day in Kiawah. My team and I smiled all the way back home and enjoyed every moment of the tournament,” junior Christina Hirano said.

Hirano, who helped lead her golf team to an undefeated season in high school,

currently plays for Miami with her younger sister, Jennifer. The older sibling ended her season with three top-15 finishes.

“It was a fun and a great experience playing with Jenn,” she said. “Throughout our season we encouraged each other as well as pushed each other to step up our game.

With her there I felt like she helped keep me on my toes.”

Jennifer Hirano played in the U.S. Women’s Amateur over the last two years and placed third in the 2007 Dixie Amateur.

In her first year at UM, she finished sixth at the Ryder Canes & Carnival Classic and tied for 25th at ACCs. This season, the Hurricanes landed in eighth place at the ACC Championship at the Sedgeboro Country Club in North Carolina.

“I think we definitely have higher expectations for ourselves for the rest of our college years,” Christina Hirano said. “We now know what we are capable of and I hope that the confidence level that was shown in everybody’s game last spring will show even more this coming fall.”

For women interested in joining the team, Cannon encourages incoming students to come and try out. If a student-athlete can break 80, they may be considered for a walkon position. Students should contact her at lcannon@miami.edu if interested.

Ramon Galiana may be contacted at r.galiana@umiami.edu.

COURTESY HURRICANE SPORTS

BIRDIE: Maria Ronderos scored as the top performer five times.

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TRACK & FIELD

Transfer student wins indoor national championship for UM Women run to their best overall finish in over three years

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

Senior Murielle Ahoure attended Miami for just one year, but she left quite a mark in the program’s track and field record books.

During the indoor season, the Bristow, Va. native became the national champion in the 200-meters – the only national title claimed by a Hurricane this year.

“It was amazing. I worked really hard and I’m just glad that it paid off,” Ahoure said. “It was a great feeling.”

The transfer from George Mason earned four All-American honors and even nabbed two ACC

Championships in the 100 and 200-meter dashes.

“I’m just happy that everything just worked out for the best,” she said. “To transfer, especially this late, is kind of risky and I just trusted myself, my training and my coaches, and just ran.”

Now, the South Region Track Performer of the Year plans to train at Cobb Stadium with head coach Amy Deem and former UM alumna and Olympian Lauryn Williams.

Sophomore Ti’erra Brown was the other Hurricane to post an AllAmerican performance, the second of her career, with a runner-up finish in the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

“This year was a little more difficult because I was going through a lot of things as far as injuries and just trying to stay focused,” she said.

Brown hopes to take over the school record for the 400-meter hurdles next season. She competed

in the 2009 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships back in June.

Heading into NCAAs, the women’s track and field team ranked No. 13. It tied UCLA for 16th in competition, the best result for the program since 2006 when the squad placed seventh.

“As long as we all stay injuryfree we can have a great season,” Brown said.

On the men’s side, junior Cory Nelms took the ACC 60-meter indoor hurdle title and was the runner-up in the 110 and 400-meter hurdle finals in the outdoor season.

Fellow junior Mikese Morse was the runner-up in both the long and triple jumps at the Indoor ACC Championships, and competed with Nelms at the NCAA Regional Championships.

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

DANIEL BULL // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

HEART OF A CHAMPION: Murielle Ahoure finished her collegiate career as a five-time All-American.

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BASEBALL

Season ends before Omaha against the rival Gators UM reaches the tournament for an NCAA record 37th consecutive season

BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

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STEVEN STUTS // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

CAN’T HIT THIS: All-American closer and Stopper of the Year Finalist Kyle Bellamy saved an ACC-leading 16 games for the Hurricanes and finished with a 0.97 ERA in 30 appearances. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Chicago White Sox.

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Hernandez and catcher Yasmani Grandal both earned second team All-ACC honors. Hernandez led the team in wins (7) as the Friday night starter. Grandal blasted a team-high

16 home runs.

“It’s always disappointing when you don’t get to Omaha,” Grandal said. “You have a whole year ahead of you to correct your

mistakes and actually be a little bit better. It’s a young team.”

Justin Antweil may be contacted at j.antweil@umiami.edu.

UN D

2009 MLB DRAFT PICKS M

PLAYER

RO

Hagerty was the first Cane selected as the 144th pick overall by the San Diego Padres. He was named team MVP because of his knack for hitting in the clutch. “Hags” knocked two walk-off home runs and belted three bombs in total at the regional as he was named to the All-Tournament team.

The 6’3”, 220-pounder led the club in RBI (60) and slugging percentage (.630), while finishing second in home runs (14).

Bellamy, taken by the Chicago White Sox, earned three first-team All-America honors as he compiled an ACC-leading 16 saves. He recorded 63 strikeouts in 46.1 innings of work and posted a 0.97 ERA. Returning next season are two top-notch players. Left-hander Chris

TEA

It’s not how you start, but how you finish.

The University of Miami baseball team (38-22) began the season hot, reaching a ranking as high as No. 2 in the country, but struggled down the stretch and failed to reach the College World Series for only the fifth time under head coach Jim Morris.

“In the first half of the season we got a lot of breaks,” said Morris, who finished his 16th year at UM. “We got hits when we needed them.

Whatever it meant to win games. In the second half we didn’t get those same hits. We didn’t come through in clutch situations.”

Despite an early exit, the Canes reached the postseason for a 37th consecutive season to extend their NCAA record.

“A lot of people asked us why we weren’t excited when we found out we made the tournament,” junior closer Kyle Bellamy said.

“That’s something that’s a given here.”

Morris and players believed that a lack of team chemistry derailed them as they lost twice to No. 8 UF in the Gainesville, Fla. Regional.

There were 15 newcomers to the 2009 squad, and according to Morris, there was not a strong cohesive bond amongst teammates.

“We didn’t have as good of team chemistry as I would’ve liked, and it definitely affected our team throughout the year,” he said. “It emphasized to me that everybody’s got to be together, everybody’s got to be on the same page.”

With a drive towards a fifth national championship put to a halt, three blossoming stars from the team were drafted during the fifth round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

Junior first baseman Jason

Jason Hagerty

San Diego Padres

5th

Ryan Jackson

St. Louis Cardinals

5th

Kyle Bellamy

Chicago White Sox

5th

Minnesota Twins

6th

Eric Erickson

Chicago Cubs

20th

Dave DiNatale

Colorado Rockies

28th

John Housey

Seattle Mariners

36th

David Gutierrez

Minnesota Twins

37th

Chris Herrmann

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BASEBALL

Renovated stadium now up to par with nation’s elite A-Rod Park opened in time for 2009 season

BY CHRISTING DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

During the first week of October 2005, the first of three phases of construction began on the newly christened Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

Now, a little more than three years later, renovations were finished in time for the 2008 season opener against Rutgers.

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who initially signed a letter of intent to play at UM, donated $3.9 million towards the project.

Last season, permanent concession stands were finished in time for postseason play. Three floors have been recently completed behind the grand stand: the first houses the coaches’ locker room, clubhouse, merchandise center and weight room, while the second contains a conference room. The third has a press box with a suite on either side, each with a balcony.

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

ALEX BROADWELL // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

FOCUS: Junior transfer Scott Lawson fields a ball and attempts to tag a runner trying to steal second during practice. Lawson, a second baseman who took over for MLB Draftee Jemile Weeks, finished second on the team with a .333 batting average.

press box & VIP suites

new bleachers were built for general admission seating along the baseline

new bleachers were built for general admission seating along the baseline PHOTOS BY CHELSEA MATIASH // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

Summer 2009

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WOMEN’S TENNIS

Junior Laura Vallverdu finishes as NCAA Singles runner-up Hurricanes narrowly miss the Final Four

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

Laura Vallverdu may not have played as the top singles player for the No. 7 University of Miami women’s tennis team, but one sure couldn’t tell.

Vallverdu finished as the runner-up at the NCAA Women’s Singles Championship in College Station, Texas, falling to sixthranked Mallory Cecil of Duke.

It ended an impressive run for the three-time All-American, who was just the second player in school history to earn a trip to the finals.

She also became the first to amass 30 or more wins in each of her three seasons at UM. “I couldn’t be more proud of her, and she showed everyone what

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we’ve always known, that she’s truly one of the best players in the country,” eighth-year head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said.

She and fifth-ranked sophomore Julia Cohen, who lost to Cecil in the Final Four, led a Hurricane team (26-5) that reached the NCAA Quarterfinals for the fourth time in six years. The pair along with sophomore Bianca Eichkorn earned All-American honors.

In the Elite Eight, the Blue Devils, who would go on to win the team national championship, dropped the Canes 4-1. Miami won 15 of its final 17 matches, but both losses came against No. 3 Duke.

“I’m excited to go through the same things with the same girls,” Vallverdu said. “Each and every one of them really knows what our ultimate goal is: to win a team national title.”

The doubles team of Cohen and Eichkorn was named to the

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No. 2 doubles position on the NCAA Tennis Championship AllTournament Team after collecting a pair of wins.

Cohen, who transferred from Florida, is more than content.

“I’m really happy that I came to the ‘U,’” she said. “And getting to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament was really nice, but I hope I can win next year. This experience just makes me hungry for more.”

Eichkorn led the team in wins with 40 and also made the Sweet 16.

With every player returning from last year’s squad, Miami hopes that the girls’ postseason experience will lead them to the next level.

“This program’s really made a statement this year,” YaroshukTews said. “I think that we’re really starting to build a dynasty.”

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

COURTESY HURRICANE SPORTS

OH, WHAT A RUN: Laura Vallverdu became just the second player in program history to reach the NCAA Singles Finals.

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Mannequins prepare future healthcare providers Lab simulations offer real-life experence

BY NATALIA MARTINEZ CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Dressed in green scrubs and white sneakers, Luke Stokes enters the seven-bed medical-surgical wing and prepares for surgery.

Stokes is not at a hospital and hasn’t even graduated from nursing school. His patient is a fully interactive, computerized mannequin.

He is at the University of Miami’s School of Nursing and Health Studies’ Simulation Academy at the Coral Gables campus. The high-technology labs are one way the nursing school helps prepare future healthcare providers for real-life situations.

“The simulation labs are really high tech,” Stokes said. “It’s a really nice experience working a simulator before working with a patient.”

Since 1948, the nursing school has trained students and was the region’s first

baccalaureate nursing program.

Fifty years later, the school includes 400 nursing students and 83 health science students.

“There’s never been a better time to become a healthcare professional,” Nursing School Dean Nilda Peragallo said. “Healthsector jobs are experiencing tremendous growth, and the work is varied and exciting.”

Classes are designed to be exciting as well, according to Peragallo. For every one hour of class, students are required to complete four hours of clinical work.

Students can also take advantage of clinical experiences at the University of Miami network of hospitals, including Jackson Memorial, Holtz Children’s Hospital and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Peragallo said that academically it can be intense, even for the average incoming freshman with a weighted 3.7 GPA and an average 1260 SAT score.

“Expect to be challenged,” Stokes said.

“They don’t take it easy as far as academics, and they really push critical thinking.”

Accelerated nursing students like Stokes and Xochilt Juidarrma have already earned

a bachelor’s degree in subjects other than nursing, which allows students to obtain a baccalaureate nursing degree in a year.

In the accelerated program, the curriculum is streamlined, but Juidarrma looks at the bright side.

“If you get past the first semester, it gets easier,” she said.

Nursing school students have the opportunity to volunteer in community outreach programs such as learning sessions in which they present healthcare information to more than 30 University of Miami food service and cleaning staff members.

Topics, chosen at the suggestion of the audience, vary from year-to-year and detail different forms of cancer – from colon, breast to prostate - as well as diabetes and hypertension.

Associate Professor Rosemary Hall, who designed a community health course, guides the student volunteers through the learning sessions.

“They love doing it because it’s for wellness,” she said. “It also allows individuals to be motivated and develop presentations and present them to people they don’t know.

It’s a nice piece to put on their resumes.”

The nursing school websites states that

100 percent of the school’s B.S.N. students find secure employment by the time they graduate.

Natalia Martinez may be contacted at nmartinez@themiamihurricane.com.

LAUREN RIVAS // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

LIE STILL: Students at the School of Nursing and Health Studies practice on computerized mannequins.

Freshmen land a head start in School of Business Administration Ethical decisions and social entrepreneurship the focus of new courses

BY JOI BOTTINO CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

From your first day at the University of Miami’s School of Business Administration, expect a fresh perspective on people, events and places.

The new undergraduate curriculum prepares students for real-world opportunities.

The extensive changes now underway go far beyond the classroom.

Under the leadership of Linda Neider, vice dean of undergraduate business programs, business education now begins the first week of school and won’t be secondary to any other business school curriculum.

This early focus will include ethical decision-making, social entrepreneurship and a variety of community-engagement initiatives that will teach both leadership skills and how to work in teams.

“Traditionally, freshmen and

sophomores took very few business courses while they completed their general education requirements in other UM schools and colleges,” Neider said. “As a result, they did not acquire more advanced knowledge and skills that employers require until they took more core business courses in their junior and senior years.”

Now, the curriculum is more businessdriven, enabling students to take upper-level courses by their sophomore year. This should give them a solid foundation for their junior and senior years that will open doors to studyabroad programs, internships and consulting projects. It will also help them complete their non-business academic requirements.

By graduation, students will not only have classroom knowledge, but real-world experience, and possibly published research in academic journals. This background will make them far more competitive in the job market.

“My internship and campus leadership experiences, combined with my education, landed me a position in General Electric’s Financial Management Program, an entry-level leadership program with an accelerated career path,” said Rachel Dias, a recent graduate in the School of Business

Administration.

At the core of the freshman experience will be a revolutionary new management course that consists of cases, lectures and videos dealing with the critical decision points involved in making ethical business decisions.

Work of social entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations that have been highlighted for their efforts in this area will be emphasized to show students the blending of both business objectives and social initiatives.

Last fall, the School of Business Administration added the Management 100 Course to its curriculum, a semester-long program required of all freshmen.

The program is also called “FIRST Step” (Freshman Integrity, Responsibility, and Success through Teamwork), and is designed as a way to expose students to business ethical principles, teamwork and the challenges that organizations face.

“In terms of my business studies and career plans, the experience has taught me a lot about interpersonal relationships and about the importance of listening and interviewing skills,” said Alexandra Prueitt, a junior study in in the school and aspiring to

become a management consultant.

Joi Bottino may be contacted at j.bottino@ umiami.edu.

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION QUICK FACTS Founded in 1929 2,089 undergrad students in Fall 2008 The School of Business Administration recently announced its intent to bring its Executive MBA (EMBA) program to Puerto Rico. Classes will be held on Saturdays over a two-year period in San Juan.

-Compiled from bus.miami.edu

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WOMEN’S TENNIS PROFILE

Nationally ranked ‘Fab Four’ aspires to win a national title All four of team’s stars set to return to the tennis court

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

In 1964, The Beatles took America by storm when they played on the “Ed Sullivan Show.”

Here at the University of Miami, the seventh-ranked women’s tennis team has its own version of “The Fab Four” in the form of four nationally ranked singles players – senior Laura Vallverdu and juniors Bianca Eichkorn, Michaela Kissell and Julia Cohen.

Vallverdu, who finished runnerup in NCAA singles competition, might be the elder stateswoman of the quartet, but she still sees herself as a younger member.

“I have to be more like the

leader,” the Valencia, Venezuela, native said. “Not just because I’m older, just because I’m that way.”

Eichkorn, from Tengen, Germany, collected 40 wins on the season to lead the team and became just the third player in program history to reach the mark.

She earned All-American honors alongside Cohen and Vallverdu in singles play.

“I’m a pretty hard fighter,” she said. “I’m fighting until the very last point and don’t give anything to the girl.”

Kissell, whose unmistakable “trademark” is a noise she makes while performing a breathing technique, admits that fellow UM athletes and her hometown Steelers know who she is because of it.

Ranked 52nd in the nation, Kissell claims that she’s the jokester as well as the singer and dancer on the team. On the court, the 5’8” Hostetter, Pa., native won 36 matches for a fifth-place tie for

victories in a single season.

“I just really try to fight for every point and not give my opponents’ too many free mistakes,” she said.

But the final piece to the puzzle was Cohen, who transferred from Florida in the fall of 2008.

While Kissell and Vallverdu are talkative, and Eichkorn lies somewhere in the middle, the 5’6” Philadelphia, Pa., native easily fits on the other side of the spectrum.

“I’m pretty shy. I just stay to myself,” she said.

Kissell vividly recalls her first day on campus and the mentality that head coach Paige YaroshukTews instilled in the girls.

“I knew that Paige wanted to win a national championship,” she said. “ I was hoping to be a part of something as special as what we’re trying to do right now.”

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

CHELSEA MATIASH // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

THE FAB FOUR: Michaela Kissell, Laura Vallverdu, Bianca Eichkorn and Julia Cohen make up the top four positions for the seventh-ranked University of Miami women’s tennis team, which made it to the Elite Eight at the NCAA Tournament.

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MEN’S TENNIS

Upset over Florida serves Miami a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 Injury-plagued Canes go 10-3 after 6-6 start

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

Despite early injuries to its top two singles players, No. 19 men’s tennis came on strong down the home stretch to finish second in the ACC, upset No. 10 Florida at the Gainesville Regional and reached its second Sweet 16 in four years.

Down 3-0 to the rival Gators (18-9), the Canes (16-9) rallied off four straight singles victories to clinch a trip to College Station, Texas against UCLA. The Bruins (21-5) would beat the Hurricanes 4-1.

“Every season is different but we had goals for our team and one of them was to be in the Sweet 16,”

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fifth-year head coach Mario Rincon said. “It was something great for our team.”

Sparked by the return of injured seniors Daniel Vallverdu and David Rosenfeld, UM emerged as a team to be reckoned in the ACC, almost upsetting top-ranked Virginia, 4-3.

“That was probably one of our turning points on the year when we started winning and had more confidence,” Rosenfeld said.

After beginning the season 6-6, the Hurricanes finished 10-3, which included a six-match win streak.

“It was tough for David and I being injured for a few months, but then we started playing better and we went on a roll,” said Vallverdu, who was a five-time All-American and ranked 13th in the nation. “The sophomores – especially Calle [Carl Sundberg] and Keith [Crowley] – they started playing a lot better and it helped.”

Crowley and freshman Ignacio Taboada each reeled off eight

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consecutive victories during the season.

Taboada, who tied Crowley for most wins on the team with 23, became just one of nine freshmen to hit that mark in program history.

“The biggest thing for my success was every practice and match giving 100 percent effort and enjoying my time on the court,” he said.

Even with the loss of Vallverdu and Rosenfeld, the team remains optimistic with five seniors. Rincon hopes that the success of Crowley and Taboada rubs off on the other players next season.

“That’s something that we expected from them,” he said. “I’m sure others will step up. If they do, that means we’re doing something right. It’s a moment that we’re always waiting for. For them to put together results.”

MATT WALLACH // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

DOUBLE TEAMED: Keith Crowley and Carl Sundberg finished 7-7 in doubles play during Miami’s run to nationals.

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Taking a look at the lives of theatre arts students

KENT LANTAFF // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

LIFE IS A CABARET: Junior Mike Collier (center) performs as part of the ensemble during the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s production of Cabaret last fall.

Performers balance studies, rehearsals

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

Junior Mike Collier took psychology as an elective during his freshman year and did not like it.

While scrolling online for classes the next semester, he decided to sign up for introduction to theatre. That changed his life.

“On the first day of class, we talked about elements of theater and what makes it so special and unique,” Collier said. “My love for theater all rushed back to me from my first part when I was 9 years old, and I realized it wasn’t something I could stop doing.”

That Friday, Collier tagged along with his roommate, Matthew, 12

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to the on-campus auditions for Little Shop of Horrors. He won the lead role of Seymour.

The veteran of more than 30 musicals now credits these events for helping him make the decision to major in theatre arts.

“I never thought that majoring in theater was a viable option because I didn’t want to be one of those starving actors who weren’t good enough, because it’s so competitive,” he said.

Recent graduate Kevin Rose said his mother was responsible for initially getting him involved.

She helped him overcome his stage fright in fourth grade for an audition of Beauty and the Beast and encouraged him to hone the skills he would need.

Rose said his family has always supported his major and believed in him.

“My mom found every theater company, every voice teacher and

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every academic institution,” he said. “She found everything that got me started.”

At UM, theatre arts majors’ required classes include visits from image consultants that prepare them for auditions.

Collier said that resumes don’t matter as much.

“If the director casting doesn’t like the way you look, he won’t hire you,” he said. “You can’t control that. It’s so unpredictable.”

Junior Annette Navarro sang pop music until the end of her junior year of high school when she took an acting class.

“I was so happy that I could do all three things in one profession, singing, acting and dancing,” she said. “That’s what makes musical theater so hard.”

Musical theatre students generally don’t earn internships while in school like other majors.

Their experience is based on actual

paid or unpaid jobs.

Department of Theatre Arts Chair Vince Cardinal said that the biggest difference between a theatre major and other majors is that actors sell themselves as “brands” when they audition.

“Most of them end up going to New York City because that’s the nexus for all kinds of work, and out of there they can get jobs at regional theaters, dinner theaters, TV and film,” Cardinal said.

“Most of them make their way up the ladder.”

He said that once students take on a role, they must balance rehearsals and schoolwork.

Rose’s break came this past spring when he earned the role of a male understudy for the production of Forbidden Broadway at the Adrienne Arsht Center.

Mollye Otis, the program director of vocal performance in musical theatre, said she jokingly

tells her students to get her front row seats when they make it to Broadway.

“There’s a really special thrill when you see students make it and get out there and really get to work,” she said. “You see them through the formative stages of their career paths and sometimes you make or break a person in a college situation.”

Rose plans to look into regional and professional theatres on the eastern coast and move to either New York or Chicago.

“You have to be willing to change and to be vulnerable on a daily basis because as a performer it’s really not about you,” he said.

“I think I’ve been following this career path for a reason, and it’s where I’m supposed to be.”

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

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School of Music boasts internationally known faculty Frost enjoys over 80 years

BY CRISTINA VERDEJA CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

“It’s not a cliché; we really are like a family,” Dean Shelton Berg of the Frost School of Music said.

The University of Miami Frost School of Music was founded in 1926. For over 80 years, it has been a place full of people passionate about one common thing: music.

“It’s a hard school to be in, but your passion will make it easier,” said Ashley Armstrong, a sophomore majoring in musical theater.

Like many, when she first got to UM, Armstrong knew she loved music but didn’t know if that would

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be enough. She was unsure about whether she could improve her skills.

“I was kind of intimidated just because during orientation they make you take a bunch of theory tests and hearing tests; it’s to put you at your level,” Armstrong said. “I’ve already improved so much so that by graduation I’ll have these things down.”

She also attributes her quick success and improvements to her professors who have been more than helpful.

“All the teachers I’ve had I’ve really enjoyed working with,” Armstrong said. “They are really talented and know their stuff.

They’re really helpful.”

Of course, with a faculty comprised of former members of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, the Miami Sound Machine

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and the World Symphony Orchestra, it doesn’t come as a surprise.

And the Frost School of Music not only has notable professors, but top-notch programs that are available to students.

These programs include the Stamps Family Distinguished Visitor Series, which helps bring well-known musicians to UM, Festival of Miami, an annual music festival, and a program that brings the Cleveland Orchestra to play with students.

The school of music is also a huge part of Category 5, a publishing company, and ‘Cane Records, the university’s own record label.

Cristina Verdeja may COURTESY FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC be contacted at c.verdeja@ BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND: The Frost Wind Ensemble performs a concert at the umiami.edu.

Gusman Concert Hall during the spring semester for the Frost School of Music.

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Law school hires new dean, changes to begin come fall New faculty set to join staff over the next few years

BY MEGAN TERILLI CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami School of Law will be implementing a number of changes for the 2009-2010 school year.

These changes will be made under newly appointed Dean Patricia White who joined the school this summer.

In addition to the new dean, UM’s law school will hire 12 new faculty members over the next few years.

A new state-of-the art facility will be built on the campus, and a multitude of new programs and initiatives will be added to the roster.

A new Immigration Clinic where students will be able to gain experience working in immigration law. Rebecca Sharpless, who received a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and has served as a supervising attorney at the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, will direct the program.

“South Florida has one of the largest immigrant populations in the country and Miami is one of the poorest cities in the country,” former Academic Associate Dean Donna Coker said. “The new immigration clinic expands our ability to assist those in desperate need of legal representation while also providing wonderful training for our students.”

There will be a new Business and Financial Law Certificate Program that will further educate students who are interested in business law and will be taught by wellrespected practitioners from the Miami community. Students who complete the program will gain special recognition on their transcripts and diplomas.

The law school has also implemented a new program of Transactional Externships where students may receive three hours of credit, something most schools do not offer.

Students will work 12-15 hours a week in a private practice under the supervision of a practicing attorney.

“Joining our very successful litigation externship program, the transactional program places students in the law offices of major corporations, including MTVLatin America, Odebrecht Construction and HEICO, as well as major law firms,” Coker said. “Students are exposed to various transactional undertakings, including mergers and acquisitions, subcontracting, licensing and reorganizations. The transactional externships prepares our students to ‘hit the ground running’ in transaction work.”

Another exciting venture for law students, the school will be offering a shortterm exchange program with the University of Zurich in Switzerland. The program will focus on international law, business law and comparative business. It will give students the opportunity to learn about the field in a foreign country.

Finally, a new study-abroad program titled “Total China” will also be available in the summer of 2010 as will other opportunities in Greece, Italy, central Europe and yet-to-be-released locations.

Megan Terilli may be contacted at m.terilli@ umiami.edu.

Interested in working for

Blogs The Miami Hurricane blogs. student newspaper?

themiamihurricane.

Stop by com UC 221B to pick up an application.

School of Law Dean

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E ON

PH

SCHOOL OF LAW

NA

ME

CONTACTS Patricia White

305-284-2394

Director of Publications

Michelle Valencia

305-284-2784

Assoc. Dean for Admin.

Raquel Matas

305-284-3418

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Nationally recognized ‘ed’ school adds new programs Major, minor keep up with curriculum’s needs

BY MAGGIE DEBARBERIE CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami’s School of Education’s efforts to improve the quality of its education have gained recognition not just in the Coral Gables community but on a national level as well.

In an annual report released by Academic Analytics, the School of Education has two programs ranked in the top five in the country: the Teaching and Learning Program, ranked second in the Curriculum and Instruction category, and Counseling Psychology, ranked fifth.

“This particular recognition is important because it is made on the basis of our productivity, and it is not a popularity contest,” Dr. Etiony Aldarondo, associate dean for research, said. “It’s nice to know that there are other ways that people can learn about the great job we’re doing.”

To keep up with growing needs, a new major and minor were created. The Human and Social Development major focuses on the promotion of well-being throughout the community and helps students who are interested in working in the non-profit, social services and counseling fields.

“When we talk about human and social development in psychology, we talk about how people develop over their lifespan: cognitively, socially, emotionally and so on,” Dr. Ora Prilleltensky, the major’s coordinator, said.

David Sargent, a senior in the Frost School of Music, decided to pick up a minor in Human and Social Development over the more traditional options in the Teaching and Learning Department.

“I like the idea of psychology more,” he said.“I’m more interested in the whole process of how people learn.”

The new minor in Jewish Education

will begin in the fall and will focus on improving education in current Jewish schools through teacher training and curriculum development. It also gives students the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Galilee, Israel.

Another recent addition is the Professional Training Option (PTO), which consists of an 18-credit education minor including mandatory field experience.

It is open to any UM student.

“The program allows students to pursue other programs and gain the knowledge and skills needed for teaching,” senior Matthias Martinez said. “Most classes require field experience and allow students to go out into real classrooms and correlate assignments with real-life situations.”

Approved in June 2007, Professional Training Option is one of many attempts by the state of Florida at an alternative certification program. According to Dr. Shawn Post, associate dean, this attempt is different from ones in the past.

“There have been many, many attempts at alternative certification programs and they’ve produced teachers we cannot retain in the schools,” Post said. “We lose them, but with this PTO the state got it right. We’re very happy to be part of this program.”

Maggie DeBarberie may be contacted at m.debarberie@umiami.edu.

Interested in working for

The Miami Hurricane?

Stop by UC 221B to pick up an application.

Human & Social Development Major Jewish Education Minor Professional Training Option

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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

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CONTACTS Robin Shane

rshane314@miami.edu

Dr. Anita Meinbach

a.meinbach@miami.edu

Robin Shane

rshane314@miami.edu

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University-owned archaeological site receives $100,000 grant Little Salt Spring donated in 1982

BY LONNIE NEMIROFF CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

A sinkhole containing several rare and endangered plant and animal species dating back as far as 12,000 years has recently received a much-needed donation.

The William and Marie Selby Foundation donated $100,000 in support of Little Salt Spring, one of the least explored archeological sites in Florida. The University of Miami was notified about the donation in late September 2008, but the official announcement was made Jan. 12, 2009.

It will be used toward the $1 million pool the university needs to start developing the Little Salt Spring Archaeological Project.

David Conklin, a graduate student at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), said that future funding

will have a huge impact on the site.

“It will allow us to meet our goals of having a worthy research facility to further study the spring and preserve the archaeological material,” he said.

Little Salt Spring, which covers approximately 111 acres in southern Sarasota County, contains artifacts that date back to early prehistoric times and can aid researchers in learning more about the earliest inhabitants of Florida.

The Selby donation will pay for a multipurpose building on-site with a classroom, laboratory and storage facility for artifacts.

John Gifford, an associate professor at the RSMAS and the principle investigator for the project, said the Selby Foundation money is only the beginning.

With more permanent buildings at the site, faculty and students will have easier access to the spring and the information it holds.

“Our goal is to pass this information on to the public,”

COURTESY RSMAS

SINKHOLE SITE: Because Little Salt Spring has a source of water that lacks oxygen, organic materials like wood, textile fragments, hair skin and brain tissue have been preserved there.

Conklin said.

Douglas Ray, who played a central part in getting the Selby Foundation grant, said the donation will make an enormous difference to the University of Miami and

to the scale of archeological investigation at the site.

“I have been planning for the past 25 years [for the spring to become] a major research center for prehistoric underwater archaeology

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in the Western Gifford said.

Hemisphere,”

Lonnie Nemiroff may be contacted at lnemiroff@themiamihurricane. com.

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Miller School among best training facilities in country Bascom Palmer ranks as the top ophthalmology

BY JENNA KING CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is one of the nation’s top medical training facilities.

With six specialties listed among the top in the country, including the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which has been listed as the number one hospital for ophthalmology for five years in a row, Miller is Florida’s largest and most selective medical school.

Founded in 1952, Miller is the only academic center serving South Florida.

Today, the center serves one million patients annually from South Florida, South America and the Caribbean.

Located in downtown Miami, the 153acre campus is home to three Universityowned hospitals: University of Miami

Hospital, Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Also on the medical campus are Holtz Children’s Hospital, the Miami VA Medical Center and the world-renowned Jackson Memorial Hospital. All six hospitals provide extensive hands-on experience for students.

Research is also a major component of the Miller School of Medicine’s world.

According to its website, it has “more than 1,300 ongoing projects funded by more than $180 million in external grants and contracts to UM faculty. The school ranks in the topthird among U.S. medical schools in terms of research funding awarded.”

Students find themselves engrossed in one of the most diverse and comprehensive medical programs in the country. One such student, Raveesh Richard, is a third-year medical student.

He said he chose the Miller School of Medicine after being offered the opportunity to combine his first year of medical school with his last year of undergraduate studies.

He also has found Miller to be exactly what he needs to succeed as a doctor.

“Miller School of Medicine is one

of the top-ranked medical schools in this country and also gives exposure to patients of all varying backgrounds, histories and medical issues,” Richard said. “Where else do you find one of the busiest hospitals in the country [Jackson Memorial], a level one trauma center [Ryder], the world-leading eye institute [Bascolm Palmer] and a melting pot of doctors, students and patients?”

As well as providing a top-level education for its students, Miller treats more than a million people each year as the only academic medical center in South Florida.

And that care and education extends even further through the University of Miami’s Telemedicine, which provides both quick and timely diagnosis and therapy, as well as higher education to physicians all over the world through the use of webcam technology.

For more information on the school, admissions or a complete list of over 100 departments and centers, visit its website at www.med.miami.edu.

BRIEF LIFE SCIENCE PARK The University of Miami broke ground in July on a new Life Science Park located near the Miller School of Medicine. The multi-purpose facility will house established and start-up companies that partner with UM scientists and doctors.

UM expects the park to have a significant economic and scientific impact in South Florida. The predicted result includes the creation of 4,531 new jobs and an approximate $253 million annual economic output.

A rain garden canopy, which will be cooled by a 60-foot waterfall, will make the project a contender for an award from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Ultimately, the Life Science Park will include a total of six buildings encompassing two million square feet of space. The opening of the first building is planned for early 2011.

Jenna King may be contacted at j.king10@ umiami.edu.

- Megan Terilli

Arts and Sciences prides itself on student research trips School holds special seminars and excursions

BY SAMANTHA HICKEY CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Defined by inquiry and discovery, the University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences engages students both inside and outside the classroom to provide them with a breadth of knowledge to succeed in the professional world.

With 20 departments, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) allows students to go down their own academic path and study what they are most passionate about.

UM is a mid-size research university with an unusually high number of departments and majors.

Michael R. Halleran, the former dean of the CAS who became the provost at William & Mary, said that although the college is relatively small in comparison to other colleges and universities, it is the curricular diversity and multiplicity of opportunity that distinguishes it from others.

The College of Arts and Sciences prides

itself on the real-world experiences provided to students.

Initiated in the summer of 2007 with the help of a faculty mentor, the “Beyond the Book” program gives students the opportunity to pursue something they are intellectually passionate about.

For example, the program has sent a student to Madagascar to study lemurs and another to the Caribbean to track Hepatitis B outbreaks in the Bahamas.

The college also began the Direct Independent Language Study (DILS) program, which provides students with an opportunity to study unique languages otherwise not offered at the university. The program combines instructional materials, an outside examiner and a structuralized relationship between the student and the language partner.

“Getting the chance to learn a new language and discover at the same time a new culture will always be worth it,” said Marine Piriou, a second-year doctoral student studying Creole through DILS. “Receiving or not receiving a course credit for it seems, to me, so secondary.”

Many departments in the College of Arts and Sciences go on field trips. The

biology department takes advantage of the Everglades to do research, while the geological sciences department has traveled to the Grand Canyon, Hawaii and other destinations.

“We strongly believe in having our students experience and struggle with the complexity of the earth, and you can’t do that on a chalkboard,” Dr. Harold R. Wanless, professor and department chair, said. “From our introductory courses on, we involve students in fieldwork. It’s sort of the hallmark of our program for the last decade or so, and it’s turning out to be incredibly valuable to our students.”

Recently the CAS introduced two new programs to the college: freshman seminars and the Program for the Integration of Science and Mathematics (PRISM).

According to Halleran, the seminars for freshman are small classes limited to 18 students and led by a faculty member on topics such as “Extreme Weather Events” and “Sounds of the Sea.” Because of the response from students about the seminars, the CAS plans to expand the program next year and offer more topics.

PRISM is a two-year program that integrates both science and SUMMER 2009

mathematics. Students will take blockscheduled and interconnected biology, chemistry and calculus during their freshman year, and physics, chemistry and computer science their sophomore year. The faculty teaching those courses will be in close contact with each other and the courses will work off of one another to keep students enthusiastically engaged in research for their major.

In addition to these new programs, the CAS will welcome 11 new faculty members next year, including a Chinese history professor.

Jacqueline Dixon, a senior associate dean who has served on the UM faculty since 1992, was named interim dean of the school over the summer until a replacement is found.

“The College of Arts and Sciences is, as linguists would describe it, the ‘unmarked’ college, the most open and least defined by outside professional agencies,” Halleran said.

Samantha Hickey may be contacted at s.hickey@umiami.edu.

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Snorkeling trip established tradition at RSMAS Freshmen bond with peers and faculty

BY LONNIE NEMIROFF CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Students get to snorkel in marine environments and observe the behaviors of dolphins at University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

A snorkeling field trip is an established tradition for first-year students in the program as a way to be introduced to the local marine environment at Biscayne National Park.

“The snorkeling trip was such a great experience,” junior Kathyrn Sellers said. “It was definitely one of the coolest things to get whisked away during my first week in Miami and go out snorkeling with all of my future professors.”

Tauna Rankin, a graduate student at RSMAS, said students can do field work on live-aboard ships and even by plane.

RSMAS is one the largest oceanographic institutes in the country and students are taught by top scientists and have the

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opportunity to conduct real hands-on research at laboratories located on campus.

The College of Arts and Sciences and RSMAS joined together to create an undergraduate Marine and Atmospheric Science program in 1977. In 2008, RSMAS received the degree-granting authority over the program.

Barbra Gonzalez, communications director at RSMAS, said there are many opportunities for highly motivated undergraduate students.

“They become partners in a true scientific enterprise and gain invaluable experience that can help to jumpstart their career,” Gonzalez said.

Faculty members spend a considerable amount of time conducting research.

“They are at the forefront of their field, and sharing that cutting-edge knowledge in the classroom,” Gonzalez said.

On June 1, Roni Avissar took over as the new dean of RSMAS for Otis Brown.

“We think when students graduate from UM, they can really make a difference with how humanity relates to the earth,” he said.

Lonnie Nemiroff may be contacted at lnemiroff@themiamihurricane.com.

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FILE PHOTO

BEYOND THE SEA: RSMAS students begin to do field work on live-aboard ships, small boats, helicopters and from the shore during freshman year.

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On-campus employment puts cash in your pocket Positions available during tough times

BY RAMON GALIANA SENIOR NEWS WRITER

In these rough economic times, we can all use a bit more cash in our pocket to pay for things like tuition, books, dorm appliances and food. All that combined with the fact that Miami is a major U.S. city with somewhat inflated prices will certainly add to your need to have a few extra bucks.

If you’re looking for a job, searching for on-campus opportunities is always a good place to start. The University of Miami offers a number of different jobs in its various academic colleges, departments and other locations.

“I began working as a freshman even though I’m from Miami; my mom still wanted me to work and make a bit of cash on the side,” junior Derek Busto said. “But working has also added a different side of college to my life.”

Busto currently works in the School of Business Administration as a student assistant. He runs small errands such as copying class materials and taking phone calls for the professors.

“It’s definitely diversified my responsibilities and experiences,” Busto said.

He, like so many other students at the university, found his job online through UM’s website in the job search service.

To begin, try logging onto www.miami. edu/myum and click on the “life” tab. If you scroll down, you’ll see a small box titled “Student Employment” that allows you to search for Federal Work Study, Graduate Assistant and Student Assistant programs that are available throughout the campus. You can also click on “view student earnings” to see how much money you’ve made so far.

A direct deposit option is available under the “employee” tab in myUM where your earnings are automatically deposited into an account you’ve indicated.

Sometimes, however, getting a job on campus is about who you know.

“A friend of mine told me that I would

be a good fit for his job once he left,” said senior Danny Casamayor, who currently works at the law school as a student assistant. “Working has definitely been a great experience for me. You get to meet a lot of new people and interact with the administration and see how the university works.”

There are several jobs available outside of the academic colleges. Offices like the SmithTucker Involvement Center, the Academic Resource Center, Butler Center for Service and Leadership (all three of which are on the second floor of the University Center), the Otto G. Richter Library and the Information Technology Department (Ungar building) are all good places to search because they employ several students.

Student organizations such as The Miami Hurricane and The Ibis yearbook also pay students who write articles, take photos or contribute to their publications. To get involved, simply stop by their offices on the second floor of the University Center.

Pay for the job depends on who employs you. There are full and part-time jobs, each with varying pay rates and hours. Some departments will only hire Federal Work

Study or Miami Commitment program students, while others will hire student assistants on their own. Each employer, academic department or administrative office usually has their own rules as to pay, hours and academic requirements, so be sure to clarify these with your potential employer.

“In August, minimum wage will be at $7.25,” Director of the Office of Student Employment Grisel Valdes said. “Depending on the employee’s skills and responsibilities, that wage can go up.”

The Office of Student Employment oversees the university’s job opportunities and tries to connect students to jobs that they are interested in. Its website, www. miami.edu/ose, gives tips and advice to those that are interested in finding a job and representatives may be able to help you by putting you in contact with a potential employer.

“Working while going to school is a very good thing because it can give you different experiences that you will get outside of the classroom,” Valdes said.

Ramon Galiana may be contacted at r.galiana@umiami.edu.

University changes logo Redesigned image inspired by the success of athletics

BY ED FISHMAN SENIOR NEWS WRITER

Expect to see the “U” more in University of Miami life as the athletic symbol inspired a redesign of the school’s general logo.

According to Vice President of Communication Jacqueline Menendez, this change better represents UM’s research and improved student body.

The Miller School of Medicine currently uses the split-U design logo for UHealth, a national symbol used for its network of university medical facilities.

This change will be implemented gradually and supplies with the old symbol will continue to be used and replaced with materials with the “U” on it.

In addition to the new signature, the new visual identity system manages the use of other key graphic elements. It will 26

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COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ‘U’: The above image is of the University of Miami’s new general logo, which plays off the split-U design of athletics. cover all new marketing materials produced throughout the university and adapted for a full range of other uses, ranging from web sites and brochures to t-shirts and notebooks.

The University of Miami’s official website, www.miami.edu, also experienced a redesign with a higher degree of interactivity, navigation and aesthetics.

Ed Fishman may be contacted at e.fishman@umiami.edu.

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UMPD ensures that students always feel safe on campus Over 55 crime prevention services are available at the University of Miami

BY RAMON GALIANA SENIOR NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami Police Department, or UMPD, is the on-campus police force responsible for the safety of all members of the UM community.

It is a fully functional police department that has all the responsibilities of a municipal police force.

Before making your way to the Coral Gables campus, UMPD has several tips for you to stay safe while you’re enjoying the best years of your life.

“Theft of unattended and unsecured property is the No. 1 crime on campus, accounting for 50 to 80 percent of all crime every month,” Crime Prevention Officer John Pepper said. “Personal property should be locked in a secured location or taken with you, but never left alone. Don’t create the opportunity for theft.”

Over 55 different crime prevention

services and programs are offered by the department for students, including late-night safety escort services, Blue Light Phone Systems across campus which connect you immediately to the police and the Crime Stoppers Hotline.

But, what makes UMPD so unique and effective is not just its response times and prevention rates – it is unconventional thinking that makes the department so different.

“To keep in immediate touch with the university community, [UM Police Chief David] Rivero regularly meets with students one-on-one for lunch, Chief ’s treat,” Pepper said. “The only catch is that students need to have one suggestion for how the UM Police Department can improve its policing, crime prevention initiatives, activities, services, programs or any other facet of the department.”

It also works closely with the university’s administration.

Tony Lake, associate dean of students and director of judicial affairs, works with UMPD on a regular basis in regards to students.

“Their staff and their officers are professional and helpful and are a respected part of the UM community. My advice to all

students in working with any police officers, and especially our UM police officers, is simple: give them respect,” Lake said.

“Our police, like any other, are doing our communities a service, and they have very demanding jobs; anything that we can do individually to make their jobs easier and our interactions with them more friendly is our responsibility as individuals.”

Because of their proximity to campus and their specialization in university safety,

students also state that they feel safer on campus.

“I definitely think that I feel safer by having a university police force,” sophomore Jake Krupa said. “They can respond to incidents quickly because they’re always around. They’re also very helpful for us as students.”

Ramon Galiana may be contacted at r.galiana@umiami.edu.

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME: A UMPD officer observes the road for traffic infractions on the Coral Gables campus. The speed limit is 30 mph.

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Study abroad programs at Miami cover six continents UPrague and UGalilee among new options

BY DIANA ESCOBAR CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Taking advantage of the study abroad programs offered by the University of Miami is an opportunity that many should snatch up.

Lorena Inclan, a recent graduate at UM, went to Spain two years ago and said she still keeps in touch with her friends from overseas.

“I don’t think anyone should graduate college without studying abroad,” she said.

“I learned so much about myself and the world while I was in Spain.”

The hardest part might be choosing where to go.

Choices range from Australia, China, England and South Korea to Argentina, France, Mexico and Switzerland. New programs such as UPrague and UGalilee are actually taught by UM professors.

Options are endless.

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Most programs are taught in English, but enrolling in a program taught in a foreign language is also possible. One can choose to study for a semester or a year at one of the 80 partner institutions in 33 countries around the world.

“I want to go anywhere that can enhance my knowledge when it comes to culture and languages,” sophomore Stephanie Ruiz said.

“My friends say Argentina is a really great place to go because it’s like a Spanish cake with European icing.”

One can also choose classes coordinated by a specific major or a faculty member who is leading the course. According to Elyse Resnick, assistant director of international education and exchange programs, in the end it all comes down to the academics.

“You have to hit the ground running and be up for the challenge,” she said.

If finances are an issue, most forms of UM financial aid are available. Scholarships and financial aid provided by the university, which are received when normally enrolled at the university, are accepted just the same.

Diana Escobar may be contacted at d.escobar2@umiami.edu.

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COURTESY ELLEN OSHINSKY

IT’S A SMALL WORLD: Junior Ellen Oshinsky stands in front of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam while studying abroad over the summer.

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New fraternity house first in 40 years Seven chapters have their own off campus

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

For the first time in 40 years a new fraternity house has been built for a University of Miami chapter.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, which was founded in 2004, previously had a suite in the Panhellenic Building where it would hold meetings and events. Now, its very own house is located on Liguria Avenue, between San Amaro Drive and Red Road.

Of the 30 total fraternities and sororities on campus, only seven frats have their own houses off campus. Pi Kappa Alpha is in the process of filing paperwork to have its house torn down and rebuilt.

Over the years Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s own fundraising made its members able to fund the project.

“The entire project is an enormous undertaking. The house has been a work in progress for about seven years, and we’re ecstatic that it will be completed,” Chapter President Ramon Galiana said. “I’ve undoubtedly noticed that this will be a whole new era for our chapter moving forward.

We’ve ensured that we have taken all the necessary steps to set the right traditions and precedents in such a beautiful residence.”

SAE has been named the best chapter on campus for four years in a row and also won a number of awards like Outstanding Alumni Programming, Outstanding Community Service and Outstanding Campus Involvement this past year at the Association of Greek Letter Organizations Awards Reception.

“Every spring, we host our ‘Paddy Murphy Week’ which is a philanthropy week that entails a competition between the participating sororities to help us raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network, our national philanthropy,” Galiana said.

“This coming semester we will be hosting the second annual Camp SAE: Supporting Awareness and Education event for autistic 34

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JESSICA HODDER // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

TUG OF WAR: Members of a sorority compete in a game of tug of war during the annual Greek Week where fraternities and sororities compete in various events. The philanthropic “Blood Wars” blood drive received 1,200 participants and 1,015 donated units of blood, which easily surpassed last year’s total amount of 900 units. children.”

More importantly, Galiana and others believes that the new house will aid during the recruitment process come fall.

“The house provides many new unique opportunites for the brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This house will have a tremendous positive impact on an already exemplary group of men,” former member and now advisor Daniel Poterek said. “It will serve as a great recruiting tool, provide endless brotherhood building opprtunites and will help strengethen our alumni network.

I am confident that the transition into the new house will help make this upcoming year SAE’s best.”

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@miami.edu.

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DOMINIQUE RIOFRIO // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

HIGHER BEINGS: Zeta Tau Alpha’s Michelle Della Guardia, the newly crowned Greek Goddess, crowns Sigma Chi’s Brandon Gross as the Greek God during the Greek God and Goddess Pageant at the School of Communication as part of Greek Week.

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Tunnel of Oppression highlights global prejudices Exhibit ran for second year

BY PRAVIN PATEL CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

At some point, each and every person has faced some form of oppression. This can either be left unopposed and unquestioned, or it can be faced head on.

“The Tunnel [of Oppression] is a multimedia, sensory-based experience designed to educate people about various acts of oppression occurring in our world today,” said Brittany Tedeschi, a senior and the founder and chair of the Tunnel of Oppression at UM. “Each room in [the] tunnel covers a different issue, and tours last approximately 20 minutes.”

Held in the University Center Flamingo Ballrooms, the Tunnel is a nationally recognized program that takes place on more than 70 campuses across the nation.

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The goal behind the tunnel is to challenge students’ perceptions and beliefs on issues dealing with both oppression and hatred.

“Tunnel is unique because it completely immerses participants in the program,” Tedeschi said.

“It appeals to students because they are not being lectured at.

Instead, in a way, it’s very similar to a stage production in that it takes students out of their regular routine and places them into this low-lit environment, where all of their senses are alert.”

A second-year organization at UM run through the Butler Center for Volunteer Service & Leadership, the Tunnel comprises 10 different rooms ranging from body image/ sexual assault to violence.

“These are all very important issues which plague our society,” said Amar Mandalia, the president of the university’s Indian Students’ Association and a participant in the Poverty Room exhibit. “ISA has gotten involved because we understand the importance of

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putting these issues, like poverty, out there. We want students to understand the issues and be given the opportunity to do something.”

Its experience culminates when the tour group gets to the final stage of the tunnel: the reflection wall. Here, participants are given the opportunity to reflect on what they have just seen, heard and experienced.

“It changed my perspective. It changed the way I looked at things,” senior John Anderson said. “When I got to the reflection room, I had so many different things going through my head. All I knew was that I had been impacted. Today I realize, through the new way I tend to look at different issues, just how much I was impacted.”

Tedeschi and the university expect more participants next year through both exposure and word of mouth.

“The goal of Tunnel is to raise awareness about the many social issues affecting our world today,” she said about her final goal for the

TANYA THOMPSON // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

SPREADING THE WORD: Adrianne D’Angelo, Stephanie Novotny, and Ashley McKevitt help set up the Sexual Assault portion of the Body Image/Eating Disorders Room. project. “Nothing can ever change if people are not aware of the issues. If we do not take the time to raise the social consciousness of our community, we severely hinder

our ability to make real changes.”

Pravin Patel may be contacted at p.patel7@umiami.edu.

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Professors act as faculty masters FMs serve as family figures to help students adjust away from home

BY RAMON GALIANA SENIOR NEWS WRITER

By this time, you may have thought about how stressful your move to college might be. If you’re coming from out of town, the move is a big one - you pack your clothes, say bye to your friends and catch that flight that kicks off your collegiate career. If you’re a commuter, adjusting to the college lifestyle will also be a huge change.

However, at the University of Miami, there is a special group of faculty members who try to ease the transition. Each residential college at Miami has a faculty master whose job is to be a recognizable and friendly face representative of the faculty for students to get to know.

“Faculty masters offer a home away from home for the freshmen that come to the University of Miami,” said Christina Farmer, a resident assistant at Hecht

Residential College. “Their homes are open to students anytime for programs, movie nights and baking. The faculty masters also become mentors to the students living in their buildings as they serve as a role model to all.”

Resident assistants are students selected to supervise floors at the residential colleges, who also organize events for the students living on their floor. They interact closely with the faculty masters to collaborate on programming for residents that enhances their time in the dorms.

Programs may include anything from themed dinners to movies.

“The faculty masters also give RAs the opportunity to use their apartments for programs just for the RA’s floor. The faculty masters serve as friends and mentors to the RAs,” Farmer said. “We get to know them on a personal level, and in turn we are able to bridge connections between our residents and the faculty masters.”

Dr. Michelle Maldonado will serve as the Hecht Residential College Faculty Master for the upcoming year.

“The role of the faculty master is to really create a bridge between students’ classrooms experiences and the rest of their

university life,” she said. “We really try to add that intellectual tone to the building, and we try to connect to students in ways that they are not able to connect to the rest of the faculty.”

Maldonado, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Religious Studies, embraces her new job.

“It’s an extremely rewarding experience,” she said “When people ask me how I enjoy my job, I say I enjoy it thoroughly, and it’s why I became a professor. We’re more accessible than a normal advisor.”

Students also appreciate the presence of faculty masters as a support group close by.

“The faculty masters are great. When I was living in Pearson [Residential College], they were always really helpful,” said Evan Gallo, who had to adjust to life in sunny Miami after coming from his hometown of Evanston, N.Y. “I got to know mine during move-in, and students should really take advantage of what they have to offer. They’re one of the most friendly faces of the faculty you’ll get to meet.”

BRIEF Online Campus Movies The School of Communication announced a new partnership with indieroad.net, an Internetbased film distribution network for independent filmmakers that will not only promote the work of UM students and faculty, but also offer cuttingedge short and full-length feature films for streaming or download.

The alliance means that the Canes Film Festival, the annual showcase of student talent, will acquire a global audience.

-Compiled from com. miami.edu

Ramon Galiana may be contacted at r.galiana@umiami.edu.

Academic fellows assist first-year students Newcomers get to learn from upperclassmen

BY SONNY LEMONS SPECIAL TO FIRST IMPRESSION

The prospect of attending college coupled with living away from home for the first time can often have a negative impact on a student’s overall scholastic performance.

Studies have shown that while many new and transfer students may experience some issues regarding this life transition, colleges and universities typically have in place a solid support group of students and organizations to assist with the social aspects of adjusting to a new environment.

Now, thanks to an initiative implemented and overseen by the Office of Academic Enhancement that began in the Fall of 2008, University of Miami students who live on “First-Year Experience” floors in Hecht, Mahoney and Stanford Residential Colleges have the opportunity to learn from a cadre of student leaders living alongside them on how

to adjust to some of the potential academic issues that may arise as they transition to college life.

Academic Fellows (AFs) are trained student advisors who come from a wide range of cultural, ethnic and scholastic backgrounds to provide guidance for students who reside in their respective residential colleges. The primary purpose of the AF position is for there to be a residential student staff member available to offer direction regarding academic policies and procedures to students through outreach. The position is designed to significantly increase academic advising availability and accessibility for new and returning students at regular and extended hours throughout the school year.

“The thing we realized is that firstyear students would look up to upper-class students,” Senior Associate Director for Residence Life John Yaun said. “So we thought it would be a natural benefit.”

A total of 26 academic fellows in Hecht, Mahoney and Stanford Residential Colleges serve on this team of undergraduate, upperclass and full-time students living in as peer mentors. The AFs work in conjunction with the resident assistants of each residential

college to educate and inform the residents of their floors on the various academic resources available at the University of Miami, as well as to guide them to offices or individuals who can provide any needed additional support like the Academic and Career Advisors in Residence.

During the past academic year, the AFs provided their residents with programs based on a wide array of topics, such as advice on how as a first-year student to begin to position oneself to be a viable candidate for an undergraduate summer research opportunity or graduate fellowship, to programs designed to help students with deciding on a major field of study or career trajectory.

“The academic adjustment to college can be unfamiliar at times and difficult to navigate for some students at UM,” Dr. John Barker, assistant dean of Undergraduate Education and director of the Office of Academic Enhancement said. “Our Academic Fellows program and the direction that the fellows provide are important and proactive approaches to help all freshmen adjust to the new academic expectations and goals of college.”

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Additional information on the Academic Fellows Program can be found at the website for the Office of Academic Enhancement at http://www.miami.edu/oae.

Sonny Lemons may be contacted at slemmons@miami.edu.

Terms of Employment Time: Extends for one academic year Compensation: Full rent stipend equal to the value of a single room Room Assignment: A single in Hecht or Stanford, or a double in Mahoney Enrollment: Minimum UM cumulative GPA of 3.00 Reappointment: Based upon job performance and evaluation

- Compiled from miami.edu FIRST IMPRESSION

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Serve your peers as a member of student government Leadership positions make students go out and take the initiative

BY KIMBERLY THOMPSON CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami Student Government exists to represent and act in the interests of the students.

Student Government (SG) has created an academic and extracurricular environment through its programs, which the organization works to sustain and improve each year.

Power is balanced among three branches - the executive, legislative and judicial similar to that of the national government.

The executive branch includes the president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. These are elected positions and the students picked to fill them are selected by undergraduate students during a voting period that takes in the spring semester. The elected officer team appoints an executive committee to help implement platforms and SG’s student representation.

“Our first task was to put together an executive board and then we started assigning projects,” SG President Lionel Moise said.

“We wanted to get to work immediately to address our campaign promises such as expanded recycling, a frequent diner program and a movie rental service in the University Center. We will also be working on any other issues that arise during our term.”

Moise and his cabinet campaigned with the following initiatives: online ticketing for sporting events, movie rental service in the University Center, expanded shuttle options, increased GreenU initiatives, improved campus safety, more class options, frequent dining programs, a printer in the UC, expanded quiet zones in the Otto G. Richter library and improved advising for students.

The legislative branch is directed by the speaker of the senate and the speaker pro tempore. The senate and its four committees work on projects and pass legislation.

The senate is represented by the different academic colleges, class rank, residential colleges and specific organizational groups.

However, they all collaborate as a group to work with SG and complete legislation for the campus as a whole. Some of the senate accomplishments include expanding

peer advising in all the academic colleges, lengthening computer lab hours and working on organizational listservs through UM. “I enjoy senate because we are able to work together for a common goal. Through our bill process, collaboration with various offices and work with students, we make sure the student voice is represented in the decisions that affect us,” Speaker of the Senate Christina Farmer said. “I know through the Student Government Senate I will be able to say after graduation that I made a difference at the University of Miami.”

The judicial branch is comprised of SG’s supreme court, which is responsible for upholding the provisions and powers of the Student Government. That branch is empowered to interpret and enforce the Student Government Constitution and statutes. The court has a chief justice, an associate chief justice and seven justices that function in the same structure as the United States Supreme Court.

“The Supreme Court of SG is a small, but cohesive group of hard-working and talented individuals that are dedicated to serving the UM students,” Chief Justice Kartlik Telukuntla said. “We make sure that SG as a whole works in a fair, unbiased and

just manner.”

Student Government’s structure offers students the chance to practice and develop leadership skills while representing their peers. It allows students to work together with university administration and faculty to get the most out of their college experience.

Student Government members are respected as leaders of the student body and their input is sought in important decisions made by the university.

“Serving our student body was absolutely one of the greatest experiences that I have ever had. It is truly amazing to get the opportunity to do things at the University of Miami that truly benefit all of us, the students,” last year’s SG President Brandon Gross said. “We worked very hard on completing the projects that we promised during campaigning and also continued to reach out throughout the year working on many other things that came up along the way. I will definitely miss the ‘U,’ but will always be a Hurricane.”

Kimberly Thompson may be contacted at k.thompson7@umiami.edu.

Engineering a preferred college among employers Market demand continues increase

BY KELLY BURNS CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Fearing the job market is not an issue for University of Miami engineering students. As the only school at Miami with its own career service office, the economy is no match for the College of Engineering, a preferred school for many employers.

“A lot of large companies have become our industry partners,” said Ann Helmers, the director of career planning and placement at the College of Engineering. “We’re the preferred recruiting source for companies like GE, IBM and Microsoft.”

While most companies set a limit as to how many students they will hire from each school, last year they hired three times that number from UM. The demand for engineers continues to increase as technology expands.

“We’re not seeing job placement drop-off,” Helmers said. “The number of 40

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engineering grads has gone down, but the demand has gone up. Only five percent of people choose engineering as a major even though there are so many opportunities.”

Thanks to one-on-one mentoring, the college puts great effort into providing students with internship, research and job opportunities before graduation. A unique co-op program that is offered allows some students to alternate between working and attending classes each semester.

“The College of Engineering here does a great job of diversifying your engineering interests and gives you the tools to start your own engineering firm as well as work for somewhere else,” said junior Anthony Dorsey, an electrical engineering major.

“When you leave here, you’ll definitely be prepared for a job anywhere.”

Located in the west end of campus, the university’s College of Engineering was founded in 1947. Divided into 14 different specialties, students choose from a list that includes aerospace and biomedical engineering.

With close to 800 students enrolled and run by newly appointed Dean James Tien, the college offers opportunities for students with all interests.

Summer 2009

The college places a focus on helping minorities succeed by offering diverse groups like the Association for Cuban American Engineers, the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers. Miami is also one of five universities that teamed up with IBM in 2005 to launch the Latin American Grid Initiative to create leadership opportunities for Hispanic students in the field of engineering.

“Ethnic diversity is important to everyone here,” said senior Amelia Ellison, president of National Society of Black Engineers. “But reaching women is also important. Just because you’re a female and you like math or science doesn’t mean you have to be a nurse or a teacher.”

Students enjoy Engineering Week (E-week), a week-long event that celebrates engineering as a profession. Many guest speakers take part and hands-on activities take place.

“E-Week is the most interesting event in the department,” Dorsey said. “It shows comradery and commitment to the college and allows you to have fun on top of the usually grueling engineering process.”

More than 30 labs for specialized

subjects, including the biomechanics research lab and robotics lab, are offered at the School of Engineering. And because of UM’s unique resources, engineering students can perform research in practically any field.

Jackson Memorial Hospital is available to biomedical engineers. For those interested in supply-chain network simulation, there is the business administration school, while students interested in environmental engineering have the Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

“The school offers so many opportunities, sometimes it’s overwhelming,” said junior Jessica Ell, a computer engineering major.

IMPaCT (integrated math, physics, communication track), an interdisciplinary program for freshmen that helps them learn the importance of communication, math, chemistry and physics, exposes them to engineering concepts the first semester on campus.

“The staff in the office always knows me by name,” Ell said. “I never feel like just another C-number.”

Kelly Burns may be contacted at k.burns3@ umiami.edu.

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A look at parking and transportation at the ‘U’ Freshmen living in the dorms cannot park cars

BY JOHNATHAN BEAUCHAMPS CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

In the beginning of the 2008-2009 academic year a new rule was implemented for first-year residents.

“No first-year residents are allowed to park their vehicles on campus nor will a parking permit be sold to them,” Parking Associate in Customer Service Jacqueline LaFarga said.

There are a few exceptions.

“The only way that first-year students can park their cars on campus is if they are commuters or transfer students that have more than 30 credits,” Director of Parking and Transportation Richard Sobaram said.

For those on campus, the university offers a shuttle service that circumnavigates the campus.

UMshuttles.com enables students to log on from a computer or their cell phone with

internet connectivity and track the shuttles.

This service displays the buses by GPS and estimates the time the buses get to their designated stops. The usual wait time for the Hurry ‘Canes Shuttle to come around is estimated at seven minutes.

“As a freshman, I thought not having a car was going to be a mission, but because of the university’s shuttle service, it’s allowed me to be worry and hassle-free,” sophomore Pamela Korinos said.

Zipcar is the world’s largest provider for cars at hourly rates of just $8 that includes both gas and insurance. These cars can be reserved via telephone or on the internet.

The annual fee to become a Zipcar member is just $35.

“Hopefully with this service, traffic can be minimized around campus,” junior Blanca Rivera said.

For a variety of brochures and questions directed to customer service, visit the first floor of the Ponce de Leon Parking Garage where the Parking and Transportation Office is located.

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

Johnathan Beauchamps may be contacted at j.beauchamps@umiami.edu.

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS: The Hurry ‘Cane Shuttle makes its way along Dickinson Drive, taking students around campus and closer to their classes.

Dining on campus includes a variety of options Several plans, retailers and halls are available

BY MATT REED CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

There is always a variety of dining options available for the differing tastes of students at the University of Miami. All students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan, but there are several different ones to choose from. Freshmen must purchase a 14 or 20 meals-a-week plan that also comes with dining dollars that can be used at any restaurant on campus.

Mahoney/Pearson and Stanford/Hecht are the two dining halls located on campus.

The majority of freshman students eat their meals at the Stanford/Hecht Dining Hall because it is near the freshman towers.

However, both offer the same meal stations and food.

Every morning students line up at the omelet station for breakfast or at the grille for delicious burgers and hot dogs for lunch.

The sandwich station is always open and is a

great option if a student does not like any of the other meal options.

Beginning last fall, students also have the option to purchase the 8 Kosher Plus Meal Plan, which consists of eight meals a week that can be used at either of the dining halls along with 200 dining dollars and 500 Oasis dollars for a semester.

The 8 Kosher Meal Plan was created after the newest restaurant, the Oasis, opened. The Oasis is a Kosher deli that offers a type of food that has been missing from UM’s campus.

Mel Tenen, assistant vice president of auxiliary services, pointed out that roughly 20 percent of UM’s student body is Jewish.

“There certainly had been a pent-up demand for high-quality, strictly kosher food on our campus,” Tenen said. “The Oasis really has served to meet that need.”

Miami is a city that is obsessed with eating healthy, and the UM campus is no different. Overall, the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center offers some of the healthiest food on campus. The center’s Juice Bar sells several different types of wraps, sandwiches, salads, smoothies and juices. But while the Wellness Center may offer healthy fare, convenience is crucial for

most college students, and the University Center’s Hurricane Food Court is a popular dining venue because of its central location.

The food court offers the likes of Wendy’s, Panda Express and Jamba Juice, but also some local restaurants. Recent findings by Auxiliary Services indicate that Mango and Manny’s, located in the food court, is the top dining option of choice.

Unfortunately, the Hurricane Food Court is closed on weekends and has earlier closing times on Friday.

“Mango and Manny’s is extremely popular. It has terrific price points on the four and five varieties of chop-chop,” Tenen said. “The demand for the chopchop and the rotisserie chicken in addition to everything else at Mango and Manny’s is phenomenal.”

Junior Jared Powers said that his favorite restaurant in the food court is Salsarita’s.

“I love Mexican food, and Salsarita’s provides great Mexican food quickly and at a good price.”

Matt Reed may be contacted at mreed@ thmiamihurricane.com.

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PLACES & TIMES Monday-Thursday Resident Dining Breakfast: 7 - 10:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dinner: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Hurricane Food Court Jamba Juice: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Mango & Manny’s: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Market Square: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Niko’s: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sushi Maki: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Panda Express: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Salsarita’s: 10: 30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wendy’s: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Food Court closed on weekends Retail Operations C-Store: 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Sbarro’s: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Starbucks: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Subway: 7 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Oasis: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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Freshman experience course eases transition UMX shows students the ins and outs of campus

BY BENJAMIN CATHEY CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Ever walk into a new place and feel overwhelmed? Things will certainly look different without Safari-clad Dad, Hibiscusprint visor Mom and the tour group. But know that every freshman goes through the same process of adjustment as you.

To help you ease into your new life jam-packed with freedom, the Ultimate Freshman Experience (UMX) was created.

And instead of a backwards-pacing tour guide, faculty members are there to answer your questions.

Morgan Fine, the coordinator of all UMX classes, added that it establishes a foundation that your college experiences will be built on.

According to Fine, the goals are to “foster community building and collegial networking, to provide information about campus resources and to achieve success at UM and beyond.”

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Launched in 1992 as the Freshman Experience (FEX) in the College of Arts and Sciences, the voluntary course achieved “Ultimate” status after a renaming in 2003. The program has since branched out to include sections for general athletes, psychology and neurobiology, international students, nursing, education, sports and wellness, undecided arts and sciences, and pre-law/pre-MBA. “Some professors bring in speakers during class while others take their students to various offices around campus,” Fine said.

Students are sent to a variety of locations like the Toppel Career Center, Academic Resource Center and Lowe Art Museum to do further research on the offerings that freshman orientation only begins to touch on.

“It was good initially to know all the programs and services available to you,” junior Travis Underwood said.

Underwood took the class in the School of Nursing as a pre-pharmacy major, but has since switched to sport administration.

UMX taught him about how the university works, which included topics such as Freshman Forgiveness and how to talk to

Summer 2009

faculty members after class.

If students fail a course in the first two semesters, Freshman Forgiveness allows them to retake the class within a year, with the hopefully higher grade replacing the sour spot in their GPA. However, the first grade is still visible on the transcript.

“I think it helped,” junior Bri Blair said.

“It wasn’t an all-out preparation, but it was a start.”

Blair took the athlete-specific course under the UMX umbrella. Athletes are taught about their responsibilities to the school and team, and also experience an etiquette course. She recommends the course to others.

“It’s a good way to start your GPA,” Blair said.

Other students agree about the GPA boost, but were not as impressed by the onecredit class.

“It should be an easy A,” Underwood said. “Overall, it was a waste of time.”

The course remains ever-popular regardless, and spots quickly fill up.

Benjamin Cathey may be contacted at b.cathey@umiami.edu.

BRIEF University of Miami themed scooters University of Miami themed scooters are on display at the University of Miami bookstore.

These vehicles are available through CROSSRUNNER, a power sport company. There are two models, the E50 and the C150, which run $1,699 and $1,999 respectively.

The E50 gets a top speed of 35 mph and the C150 can reach 60 mph.

-Ed Fishman

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The 411 on the Club Sports Program at the university Over 40 possibilities welcome any skill level to get involved and play

BY RHONDA DUBORD SPECIAL TO FIRST IMPRESSION

Drive, competition, determination, sweat and elation. A certain thrill comes with playing a sport at the University of Miami.

“You can dive right in and get involved through the club sports program which provides students the opportunity to meet others with the same interest, and develop leadership skills,” Chairperson of the Sports and Recreational Interest Club Federation Tommy Kiger said.

The Club Sports Program allows students at any skill level to get involved.

With over 40 clubs ranging from rock climbing to SCUBA, club sports provide competitive, recreational and instructional opportunities.

Competitive sports consist of soccer and rugby, while the instructional sports

are karate and sailing. Swimming and golf comprise recreational clubs. Some club sports even include a blend of two types of objectives, or all three.

“Some are highly organized while other clubs are laid back,” Associate Director Rhonda DuBord said.

Within each club sport is a set of officers who preside over the club, organize meetings, develop a budget, compete off campus, produce a website and communicate to members. Most clubs meet on campus.

SCUBA is the most popular club with over 140 members and provides trips and supplies members with equipment free of charge.

The Barton Goldberg Family Endowed Equestrian Team and Club is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and participates in competitions. UM hosts an Intercollegiate Horse Show event at Tropical Park every February.

Visit http://www.miami.edu/wellness/ club to learn more about the program.

There’s something for everyone!

CHELSEA MATIASH // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

Rhonda DuBord may be contacted at rrdubord@miami.edu.

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN: Cortie Wetherhill rides Charlie at the UM Equestrian Team Exhibition Clinic in September at Tally Ho Farms.

Herbert Wellness Center: not just another gym Students can avoid the ‘Freshman 15’ working out seven days a week

BY RHONDA DUBORD SPECIAL TO FIRST IMPRESSION

The Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art exercise athletic facility that is many UM students’ haven for health and stress relief during the strenuous academic year.

Since 1996, the center has served recreational and fitness needs. The center is conveniently located near the Hecht and Stanford Residential Colleges.

JUST THE FACTS Students must bring their ‘Cane Card to be admitted into the Wellness Center.

Students planning to exercise in the fitness room should bring a towel, or plan to purchase towel service at the center’s Pro Shop The center’s facilities include: 44

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A fitness room stocked with wellmaintained cardio and weight equipment A pool designed for laps and aerobics A spa and two saunas Racquetball courts, which can be reserved in advance A large gymnasium that contains a jogging/walking track and three full basketball courts that can be converted to volleyball or badminton courts A smaller gymnasium made for indoor soccer, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball or badminton Two squash courts An instructional kitchen designed for cooking classes and events A studio cycling room Two classrooms A conference room A juice bar that offers health food choices and smoothies The William Butler Atrium lounge area Locker rooms and showers A fitness lab Multi-purpose rooms for group exercise, martial arts and more Summer 2009

Outside facilities include: Tennis courts Michael Yaron Building, which stores intramural equipment Illuminated playing fields for evening intramural sports George Smathers Courtyard

FITNESS CLASSES The Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center’s fitness class schedule includes Cardio Kickboxing, Strength Interval, Yoga, Studio Cycling, Guts N’ Butts and a variety of dance and stretch classes. Sign up at the Wellness Suite located on the second floor of the center.

CHAMP (Canes Health Assessment and Motivation Program) is a peer-based fitness/wellness program that is free to UM students. Students receive a fitness assessment followed by peer-based counseling and follow-up assessments.

An instructional kitchen offers students the chance to learn from a local chef about how to prepare simple meals and make healthy food choices.

Discussions and forums pertaining to relevant topics such as binge drinking, smoking cessation, date rape and sexual responsibility serves to spread awareness that may lead to responsible choices.

The fitness lab is staffed and equipped to perform fitness tests, including body fat composition, blood pressure screening and VO max tests.

The Wellness Center also offers 30 intramural sports. With most of these activities you don’t have to be experienced at all to join, and you can decide whether you want to play competitively or recreationally.

HOURS OF OPERATION During the academic year, the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Access for the fall semester begins on the first day of orientation.

Rhonda DuBord may be contacted at rrdubord@miami.edu.

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Visit UC 221B to complete an application.

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‘Club Richter’: the place for all of your academic needs Nine-story library offers escape from noise and distractions of dorms

BY CARLY EHRLICH CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Once you begin to settle into your new dorm rooms, you might soon find the need for a place to get away and take a break from it all.

The Otto G. Richter Library is just the place to escape the noisy halls of the campus dorm facilities.

Right in the heart of campus, the library is always within reach of students.

But that’s not what it’s all about.

This nine-story building has a lot to offer.

On the first two floors, the library has an information commons with more than 150 computers. It is the perfect place for students to check e-mail and work on assignments.

Almost every floor includes secluded study rooms which are great for group sessions.

For independent study, turn to the stacks for isolation.

“I come here for the computer area where I get most of my work done,” junior Chelsea Monteleone said.

Recent graduate Mark Huber visited the library for two reasons.

“I come to the library in between classes, but mostly for group projects,” he said.

Most importantly, the librarian is there to assist students.

Scott Britton, director of access, information and research services, said he wants all freshmen to remember a simple rule.

“Before you start any research project, the first step should be talking to a librarian,” he said.

Britton said that that simple step will save time.

“It’s not cheating to ask for help right away,” he said.

First-time students should also be familiar with the library’s resources.

New books are constantly arriving.

Richter has a wide range of collections, including best sellers, popular journals, references and the most recently added graphic novel section.

If students have any trouble finding a particular book, the reference desk will quickly give navigation tips on how to search online. In the event that the library does

not have the requested book, the ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan System) will have it shipped from another university library.

Students can also learn new programs.

The digital media lab on the first floor is equipped with newer-model Apple computers that are available to all who enter. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This room is unique compared to other computer labs.

Bryanna Herzog, the digital media service manager, stressed her focus on support.

“The biggest thing we offer is troubleshooting, teaching students what they want to learn,” she said.

Assistants at the digital media center help students of all majors with projects ranging from Photoshop, video editing and creating websites. Almost all computer software programs are available there.

On the eighth floor, the library has a Special Collections Department. What makes it so unique is that people have the opportunity to see, use and touch 500-yearold books, 18th-century maps and blueprints, and modern ‘zines, which are cheaply printed magazines that focus on specific genres like sexuality, music and culture.

Special Collections produce roughly four exhibits a year, mostly centering on

South Florida history.

“Diverse populations that help make South Florida what it is today are backed up by historical evidence,” said Cristina Favretto, who heads the department and elaborated on the major diversity theme that the special collections offer.

Information on the history of South Beach is among the wide range of South Florida topics in the Special Collections.

In addition, there is a whole section devoted to Cuban heritage that can be found on the second floor.

“There is everything you need to know about Cuba from its discovery to present day,” said Lesbia Varona, bibliographer and reference librarian of the Cuban Heritage Collection.

All students visit the library for a number of reasons.

Another recent graduate, Daniela Erazo, used to tend to the philosophy and religion books placed on the seventh floor.

“It’s important to get familiar with the equipment offered and floors available so you don’t waste time,” she said.

Carly Ehrlich may be contacted at c.ehrlich@ umiami.edu.

Where to study on campus and make the grades Hurricanes dish about best locations to cram

BY CAMILA MARTIN CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami offers a variety of indoor academic facilities for studying.

However, Miami’s tropical climate makes studying on the campus’ grassy fields and outdoor recreational areas a popular activity among Hurricanes.

Cushioned swinging tables, vast treelined fields and the outdoor sitting area at Starbucks are just a few places where students go to study on campus.

“I like to study outside of the library or on the UC Patio,” senior Monica Castro said.

UM’s Otto G. Richter Library has nine floors and is equipped with individual workstations and computers, conference rooms and comfortable lounge areas. Floors four through nine are known as the “stacks” and have private cubicles for studying purposes.

“I usually study at Richter Library,”

senior Alexandra Fernandez said. “I like the second floor or the study rooms. It is very quiet.”

Starbucks, located next to the library, provides indoor and outdoor seating areas.

Nearby electronic outlets are available for laptop or other electronic use.

Surrounding Lake Osceola, which sits in the center of campus, are two outdoor lounge areas, ideal for both recreational and academic activities.

In each residential college there are study rooms as well as state-of-the-art computer labs. Most major academic buildings on campus also house labs that offer academic resources to study or complete homework.

Students like senior Stephanie Fravel enjoy studying at the Martin and Austin Weeks Music Library, located in the Frost School of Music.

“It is really quiet and there are always open computers,” she said. “And, it also overlooks the lake.”

Camila Martin may be contacted at c.martin@umiami.edu.

HISTORY & TRADITIONS The University of Miami was founded in 1925.

President Donna E. Shalala is the fifth university president.

The University of Miami has won five football national championships, in the years of 1983, 1997, 1989, 1991 and 2001.

“Touchdown Tommy” cannon is fired by the Sigma Chi fraternity after each UM score.

The baseball team has won four titles, in 1982, 1985, 1999 and 2001. During the top of the seventh inning, fans sing along to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”

In an attempt to spark fan interest, UM Transportation

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DIrector Bob Nalette came up with the idea of using fire extinguishers as the Hurricanes ran through the tunnel entering the field. The traditional Hurricane “smoke” entrance in the Orange Bowl was thus born during the 1950s.

Alma Mater Southern suns and sky blue water, Smile upon you Alma mater; Mistress of this fruitful land, With all knowledge at your hand, Always just to honor true, All our love we pledge to you.

Alma Mater, stand forever On Biscayne’s wondrous shore.

– Compiled by Megan Ondrizek & Christina De Nicola

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Opportunities available to reach the top achievements Office of Academic Enhancement to begin its third year on campus

BY EMILY VAUGHAN SPECIAL TO FIRST IMPRESSION

The Office of Academic Enhancement (OAE) was established in 2007 to be an academic support system for all undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The mission of the OAE is to create a culture of learning across the campus that will enhance your success as a student by providing academic opportunities outside of the traditional classroom.

With our diverse range of services, we are here to assist every student with their academic ambitions.

Several of our programs are centered in the university’s residential colleges, which enables students to receive academic programming and resources right in their dorm.

Have a quick scheduling question or perhaps a more complicated career

concern?

Visit one of our Academic & Career Advisors in Residence (ACAR) located downstairs in the Hecht, Stanford and Pearson Residential Colleges. The ACARs are available Monday through Friday during walk-in advising hours or by scheduling an appointment.

Unique academic careers of highly talented undergraduates by way of the University’s Honors Program and Prestigious Awards & Fellowships initiative are also addressed by the OAE. The university’s Honors Program provides an academically challenging course of study for outstanding undergraduate students, drawing students from all academic majors who seek interactive learning and discussion within smaller classes. Honors Program students graduate with General Honors and are invited to participate in the Honors Students’ Association (HSA). To learn more about the requirements of the Honors Program, please visit www.miami. edu/honors.

Actively promoting external scholarship and fellowship opportunities, the OAE provides a range of services to students to maximize their candidacy for prestigious

awards, fellowships and scholarships. By supplying individual mentoring, interested students are administered the maximum amount of information from funding agencies and are able to prepare the strongest possible application.

Furthermore, significant focus is placed on supporting services and programs directly to those groups who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Through the Office of Academic Enhancement’s Programs of Academic Excellence and the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs, additional academic, career and cultural resources are provided to first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students to ensure the university is accessible and successfully navigated by all students.

Staff of the OAE is always accessible and eager to assist you in making the most of your time at the University of Miami!

Please stop by one of our offices or visit our website to learn more about how we can assist you.

Emily Vaughan may be contacted at eevaughan@miami.edu.

CONTACT INFO Office of Academic Enhancement Pearson Residential College, Suite 144 (305) 284-3187 www.miami.edu/oae oae@miami.edu

OAE Departments & Programs Academic & Career Advisors in Residence Programs can be found in all four residential colleges www.miami.edu/acar

Honors Program Student Services Building, Suite 21-Y (305) 284-5384 www.miami.edu/honors

Department of Multicultural Student Affairs Student Services Building, Suite 21-P (305) 284-2855

Academic Resource Center enhances experience ARC offers service in seven primary areas

BY PRAVIN PATEL CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Five days a week the Academic Resource Center provides students, parents, faculty and administrators with various different resources to enhance their educational quality and experience as well as their overall experience at the University of Miami.

Seven primary areas fall under the ARC, as it is commonly referred to as: peer tutoring, UMX, “The Ultimate UM Experience” course, academic success counseling, academic resource workshops, accessibility resources, faculty support and resources for parents.

Academically, the ARC, which is conveniently located in the International Lounge on the second floor of the University Center, presents students with peer tutoring services for about 70 different courses in the fields of business, engineering, foreign language, mathematics, science and social 50

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science. Students are allowed to get up to two hours of tutoring for each course every week.

“The ARC had a helpful physics review session in which they provided us with an old final exam and went over the problems with us,” junior Marie Cushmore said. “Not only that, but if we had a problem understanding any of the problems, the tutors took the extra time to explain it in a way that would be easier to understand.”

It also assists students by providing them the opportunity to attend various workshops that can help them enhance their skills and better prepare themselves for their academic careers in college.

Some of these 30-45 minute sessions include “Organization and Time Management,” “Getting the Most from Reading Your Textbooks,” “Effective NoteTaking,” “Managing Papers and Projects” and “This is Only a Test: How to Survive Finals.”

In addition, the Academic Resource Center works to simplify a student’s transition from high school to college, while attempting to enhance each student’s tenure at UM. This service, known as UMX, is a one-credit course open to all freshmen, which attempts Summer 2009

to blend academics, community building, leadership, learning and networking.

Taught by a UMX professor who serves as a mentor and guide to participating students, the course looks to connect students to the university by allowing them to learn and understand the different programs that the university has to offer.

“The UMX course taught me about self-esteem building methods to help keep me motivated at school,” junior Andrew Gall said. “It also taught us about some of the features the school has to offer.”

For students with documented disabilities, the ARC has the Office of Disability Services, which serves more than 500 students a semester. This service assures that students with documented disabilities are able to participate in and access all the facilities and opportunities that the university has to offer.

“What we find when it comes to the support services that we offer for an institution of our size is that we’re providing comparable services to those institutions who are three or four times our size,” Mykel Mangrum Billups, assistant dean of academic services, said. “I definitely think we’re towards the top of the pack.”

Faculty members are notified of support to assure that they know the ARC is a means that can be accessed by all of their students whether for parking or letters to professors.

Finally, the ARC is also accessible to parents who wish to find out and take advantage of additional methods by which they can enhance their child’s time, education and experience as a Hurricane.

Pravin Patel may be contacted at p.patel7@ miami.edu.

CONTACT INFO For more information, visit www. umarc.miami.edu or call 304-2842800.

Hours of operation Monday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Butler Center helps students give back to community SLC links more than 80 percent of organizations

BY MICHAEL GUY AND PRAVIN PATEL CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITERS

Through the orientation process as a freshman, Brittany Tedeschi learned of an office on campus called the Butler Center for Service and Leadership (SLC) that could get her involved at the unversity.

With the assistance of the SLC, the senior majoring in psychology started her own program, “The Tunnel of Oppression.”

Tedeschi said the Butler Center has made a big difference in her college career.

Keith Fletcher, the director of the center, said the center’s growth has been phenomenal.

“The office is booming with 68 percent of students currently performing community service during their time at the university; and that number is growing each year,” he said.

Besides acting as a processing hub for most community volunteering programs and

service days at UM, the SLC links more than 80 percent of on-campus organizations like Invisible Children.

One of the service days that grows in popularity is the National Gandhi Day of Service, which is held in the fall to commemorate the late humanitarian’s birthday.

“Last year we had more students volunteer for this service day than any other off-campus event,” Fletcher said.

Haley Gordon, a sophomore who works in the SLC, said the center acts as a liaison for close to 500 community partners, providing placement for students who want to volunteer once or for longer periods.

“The SLC has not just been a resource to expand your horizons and try new things, but it has been a haven for students who want to do more with their academic career than just attend classes,” said recent graduate Janki Amin, a volunteer in the Butler Center who was twice chair of National Gandhi Day of Service and a former president of Invisible Children.

Fletcher and others in the SLC believe that volunteering is a great way to give back to the community as well as giving back to oneself. Through placement quizzes and

assessments, members of the center can find what activities best suit one’s abilities and where one wants to be in life.

“This can be beneficial in today’s tough, competitive economic environment,” said Fletcher, adding that the SLC has made it possible for freshmen to get involved by having first-year students serve on organization committees.

Another mission of the SLC is to provide Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) for students. A number of programs that fall under the LEAD program assist students in building their leadership skills through workshops, certificate programs and organizations, including those targeting freshman and transfer students.

There are a limited amount of open slots for each program, so apply early.

“It has given me a place to interact with a diverse group of people who are more interested in bettering the campus, community and world,” senior Chelsea Werner, former president of Invisible Children, said.

Michael Guy may be contacted at mguy@ themiamihurricane.com and Pravin Patel may be contacted at p.patel7@umiami.edu.

COURTESY BUTLER CENTER

GOOD HOPE: A volunteer takes part in National Ghandi Day of Service.

Toppel Center aims to guide Hurricanes in job market On-campus career fairs are the highlighted programs the TCC hosts

BY BENJAMIN CATHEY CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

One of the reasons you decided to attend the University of Miami is because you want to get a great job or be admitted to a graduate or professional program after you graduate.

At least that is what you told the parents.

The Toppel Career Center, or Toppel for short, can help, even if you are not sure about what you want to study. Toppel has all the features of Monster.com and CareerBuilder, and you already paid to use it.

Although 25 to 100 students visit Toppel on a daily basis, too many students wait until they are about to graduate to visit the center, and some never take advantage of the resources at all, Associate Director for Career Development Alicia Rodriguez said.

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in your college career will help you build your resume and can make a big difference in your job satisfaction after you graduate.

In a national survey of college students conducted by Career Treking LLC, 81 percent of students said that if they had been offered career counseling earlier in their college years, they would have chosen a different field of study.

“Your schedule starts to get hectic and crazy your senior year,” Rodriguez said.

“Don’t wait ‘til you graduate.”

Although the Toppel Career Center does not place students into jobs after graduation, the specialized staff works to give both current and former Hurricanes the tools they need in an increasingly competitive job market.

Toppel brings employers to campus for Career Expo and specialized career fairs like the Green Career Fair and the Government and Non-Profit Career Fair. Additionally, employers like Exxon Mobile, Nestlé, the CIA, Target and Burger King regularly interview students on campus for internships and full-time jobs.

And Toppel is not just for jobs.

This fall, the center is launching a new program called CANE Explorers, which Summer 2009

will help students who are undeclared and looking at different majors. Additionally, several different programs each semester such as Careers in Healthcare and Careers in the Sports Industry help students meet professionals and learn about different career paths. Toppel also offers programs and resources for students wanting to apply to graduate school.

Senior Steven Glasser has worked at Toppel as a peer advisor for two years, got his resume critiqued his freshman year and has had three internships since then.

“Getting involved at Toppel early on was one of the best decisions I have made as a student,” he said. “Searching for jobs and internships can be very intimidating, but with help from the programs and services offered at the career center, I gained confidence and worked my way to a dream internship.”

The Toppel website, www.HireACane. com, includes valuable tips for anything job related, and Career Links features some obscure sites for industry-specific employment.

Here, students can sign up for CaneZone, a career management system that is only for University of Miami students and alumni.

Registering on CaneZone gives you access to

exclusive job and internship postings. More than 13,000 UM students and alumni have already searched for jobs by creating their own CaneZone accounts.

“CaneZone makes applying for interviews and learning when businesses come onto campus easy,” junior Jason Weintraub said.

On the CaneZone homepage, seven premium products are available at no additional cost, perfect for those of us scrounging for change.

“The earlier you start, the more polished and competitive you will be,” Glasser said.

CareerShift, which is the most recent, is an aggregated job search engine that pulls jobs and internships from any job board and company website on the internet. You can also create a job campaign that e-mails you new job postings every week. The Launch Pad was created to encourage entrepreneurship among students.

In 2008 the Princeton Review ranked Toppel as the 18th best career center in the country.

Benjamin Cathey may be contacted at b.cathey@umiami.edu.

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University hosts first Budgetball to deal with economy UM’s Launch Pad wins the tournament

BY ELLE HEBEL CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

JESSICA HODDER // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

BUDGET BOUNCE: A member of Team Business Ballers gets ready to catch a pass during their Budgetball match against Team Random Acts of Kindness at the Budgetball Tournament held on April 18.

The University of Miami was the first university in the nation to host Budgetball, a new sport developed in response to the economic crisis.

Its purpose is to provide students with a fun way to experience debt management and learn saving and spending strategies.

Budgetball is a variation of Ultimate Frisbee combined with tactical budget planning.

Recent UM graduate Steven Siegal is in charge of the event on behalf of the Office of the President. He started working on the project in August 2008.

“I really want people to get excited about this. It’s going to be a huge event,” Siegal said.

The budgetball tournament took place in April on the Yaron Intramural Fields with food and prizes handed out to those who attended.

During the week leading up to the event, activities and giveaways took place in the Breezeway and at the Rock. The documentary I.O.U.S.A., which is the economic equivalent to the environment’s An Inconvenient Truth, was screened.

On Feb. 18, Siegal led an information session about being on the planning committee for Budgetball.

He explained the details of the event and the potential time commitment to the students who attended.

According to Siegal, the University of Miami did not fund the event and all of the funds were from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, the National Academy of Public Administration and Sponsorships.

“We get to be the ones that show everyone else how it’s done,” sophomore Amy Wilson said.

This fall, Budgetball is expected to be played on many other college campuses, such as Harvard University and the University of Washington.

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The University of Miami’s Launch Pad team won the Budgetball Tournament.

Thirty-two teams with up to 10 students on each team participated in the single-elimination tournament.

Teams score points by passing the ball to a player in the end zone, while strategically managing their Budgetbucks. Budgetbucks may be borrowed, earned or spent by taking advantages such as an extra offensive player or by taking team sacrifices like wearing oven mitts during play.

To win, the team must creatively and responsibly use debt and savings to gain sufficient advantage over their opponents and score more points.

“We used the same type of strategy for Budgetball as we do for real companies,” said Lucas Sommer, the team’s student captain. “We planned out our long-term goals and used resource allocation to build an effective team.”

Elle Hebel may be contacted at ehebel@themiamihurricane.com.

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Ombudsperson and troubleshooters resolve concerns Program’s members act as first responders and open communication

BY DR. GAIL COLE-AVENT SPECIAL TO FIRST IMPRESSION

Do you need guidance on how to address a grade appeal, class withdrawal, financial assistance or a health problem? Have you ever looked for clarification on a campus policy or procedure, but did not know where to go? At the University of Miami, who do you seek when you need help in resolving a concern or mediate a conflict?

Established in 1970, the Ombudsperson Council was created to open channels of communication between students and the university community by providing an identifiable person to listen to student grievances. The goal was to increase student

satisfaction by attempting to assist in the resolution of problems and minimize the red-tape and shuffle effect. Since its inception, the Ombudsperson Council has expanded into a comprehensive service called the Ombudsperson and University Troubleshooters Program.

If students have a concern over an academic or administrative matter, they should consider accessing a university troubleshooter or ombudsperson. The university troubleshooters are faculty members and administrators who serve as a first responder, on behalf of their departments, and provide assistance to students seeking help.

“My role as a university troubleshooter is to assist students with their individual questions and problems which they alone have been unable to resolve,” University Troubleshooter for Department of Residence Halls Jon Baldessari said. “Sometimes a phone conversation or e-mail correspondence does the trick, but many times a one-on-one

conversation is the most meaningful to the student and typically moves the process along to a productive outcome.”

When regular channels have not brought resolution to your problem and after you have spoken to the appropriate troubleshooter, you should contact the appropriate ombudsperson. The role and approach of the ombudsperson is impartial, confidential and informal.

“The ombudsperson facilitates a voluntary process. We listen, answer questions and interpret University policies,” Dr. Gail Cole-Avent, university ombudsperson said. “Ultimately, the goal is to educate students and identify resources that will help them resolve their concerns.”

The Ombudsperson Program does not bypass or circumvent departments or classroom instruction. It does not eliminate certain structured grievance and appellate mechanisms already established by the university.

For more information, please feel free

to visit www.miami.edu/ombudsperson.

The website provides access to the University Troubleshooters directory. Students may also submit a case online. The appropriate ombudsperson may be contacted by visiting the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in the Ashe Administration Building Room 244, by phone at 305-284-4922 or via e-mail at ombudsperson@miami.edu.

Dr. Cole-Avent oversees the Ombudsperson and University Troubleshooters program and addresses the administrative/non-academic concerns. V. Chunoo is the Academic Ombudsperson and addresses academic concerns.

Jacqueline Ledon, University Troubleshooter for the Student Health Services, summed up her role: “Smile…I’m here to help!”

Dr. Gail Cole-Avent may be contacted at gcavent@miami.edu.

Videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/HurricaneNewspaper

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‘Book’store more than that Website sells even more products with much easier access

BY MICHELLE POWERS CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Books aren’t the only things on shelves at the University of Miami Bookstore.

At UM, books are just one of the hundreds of products students, members of the university community and visitors can find.

Right in the heart of the University Center, the bookstore offers customers a vast array of Hurricane merchandise and apparel.

More importantly, the bookstore seems to keep up with society’s flow - updating clothes, electronics, magazines, books and other merchandise to fit with current popular trends and technology.

“The UM Bookstore staff stays in tune with the campus and community issues,’’ Director Wendy Smith said. “Behind the bookstore, there is an army of buyers, techies and other support people who provide this store with new and used textbooks in astonishing quantities.”

Now, it keeps up with the current technology trends more than ever, providing customers with a website, www.miami.edu/ bookstore, which allows students to make all of their necessary purchases online instead of on location.

Students and visitors are granted easy

access to hundreds of more products that are not available in the store. It also informs viewers about current offers and events.

“Ordering my books online has made my life so much easier,” senior Aileen Schefer said. “The website is just so much easier all around. You don’t have to spend forever searching for your textbooks in the store.”

At a typical visit to the library section, customers can get copies of popular gossip magazines, ink for their printer or jewelry for a special someone.

“The products offered in the store are endless – apart from the core textbooks needed for class – we offer professional reference titles, school and dorm supplies, general reading books, computer software, UM apparel and gifts,” Smith said.

Students also have the ability to use their ‘Cane Cards as a purchasing method when at the bookstore.

“They say Visa’s accepted everywhere, but at Miami, the weapon of choice comes in the form of the ultra-trendy personalized ‘Cane Card,” junior William Frohbose said.

“It’s both chic and dependable.”

To avoid lines when buying textbooks, find out ahead of time which you need and buy them before classes start. A year-round buyback program allows students to return many of their textbooks to the bookstore for money back.

The bookstore is open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Michelle Powers may be contacted at m.powers2@umiami.edu.

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

FROM AUSTEN TO SEBASTIAN: The two-story University of Miami Bookstore sells everything from classic literature to your favorite Hurricane merchandise and apparel, and even buys back old textbooks.

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Centers provide services Health and counseling free to enrolled students who seek assistance

BY ALEXANDER PEARCE CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

While many University of Miami students go out of their way to keep their minds and bodies in top shape at all times, college life can be daunting. Fortunately, the university boasts both a Student Health Center and Counseling Center to help students deal with stress and its effects.

A fully equipped medical facility designated for students, the Health Center also includes a pharmacy. Most of the services provided are free of charge to students. Some such as x-rays and laboratory work require minor fees.

“I went there a few times with everything from trouble breathing to headaches,” senior Justin Collymore said.

“They had a very professional attitude and I felt taken care of as a result.”

Students can go to the Health Center for something as minor as a sprained ankle to something as necessary as monthly medicine.

“The Health Center has always been convenient and helpful to me,” recent graduate Christian Thomas said. “UM students should really take full advantage of it.”

Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thursdays when hours are

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Health Center is conveniently located just off the main entrance of the university on Merrick Drive in Building 21, Room R. To help cope with the struggles they might face during college, students can visit the Counseling Center. It provides individual and group counseling for people having trouble adjusting to the new environment, and career testing for students unsure of where to go with their college career.

“I really felt like I had no direction in my life,” Collymore said. “When I went to the Counseling Center, they really helped me to figure out what I want to do with my life and get things back on track.”

More specialized services such as crisis intervention and SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) are also provided.

Help in adjusting to a variety of issues is available to students. The staff sets outreach programs during orientation to present its services, trains resident assistants to identify problems and makes available stress management programs.

“Our mission is to get the student through school,” said Pamela L. Deroian, a clinical psychologist and the director of the counseling center. “We help [students] work through obstacles they have difficulty adjusting to.”

The Counseling Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through regular appointments. Counselors can be reached at (305) 284-5511 or by going in person to Building 21-R of the Center for Student Services.

Alexander Pearce may be contacted at apearce@umiami.edu.

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

FLU FIGHTERS: The University of Miami Health Center takes precautions by raising awareness about the flu season with posters all around campus.

Office active in university Alcohol education and Greek life among available programs

BY MICHAEL PINDELSKI CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The University of Miami Dean of Students Office and Honor Council do a whole lot more than just investigate violation claims of the University Honor Code.

Led by Dean of Students Dr. Ricardo Hall, the Dean of Students Office is a place where students can go to find a variety of resources ranging from alcohol abuse prevention to religious services.

“I don’t think our students realize just how many programs we offer around the university,” Hall said. “Alcohol and Drug Education, Greek Life programming and oversight of the Chaplain’s Association of religious organizations are all programmed with the Dean of Students Office.”

Religious organizations on and around campus such as the Hillel Jewish Student Center, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, St. Augustine’s Catholic Student Association and many more are programmed with the University Chaplain’s association, which is overseen by the office.

All 30 of the university’s fraternity and sorority groups also coordinate with it.

However, the main programming involves alcohol and drug services.

Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Center for Alcohol and Drug Education Nanette Vega is responsible for overseeing alcohol and drug programs around the university.

Pier 21, which stands for Prevention, Intervention, Education and Referral, is one of the programs the Dean of Students Office offers those seeking help from alcohol or drugs.

“If a student is concerned with himself or herself or a friend, they can refer to Pier 21 for help. All information presented is confidential and will not be used against the person,” Vega said. “It is my job to complete a one-hour assessment of the student and provide both on-campus and off-campus resources for help. We can also help students transition into inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.”

Alcoholics Anonymous is held on campus every Wednesday and is facilitated by the Counseling Center. Two peer education groups, Gamma Greeks and UParty, promote alcohol responsibility and are offered to all members of the student population.

However, both the Dean of Students Summer 2009

and Honor Council would not be what it is without handling student disciplinary issues.

“If a student is involved in an incident and is a resident on campus, the residential coordinator of their dormitory is responsible for hearing that case,” Vega said. “But if a commuter student is involved in an incident, we will hear these cases.”

Vega also said “high-level” cases such as those involving assault, battery or the issuance of a DUI is heard by the office, which handles the case regardless of where the student lives.

The University of Miami Honor Council is composed of 29 members, 18 who graduated in the spring semester. Responsible for educating the student body on the University Honor Code with events including Academic Integrity Week, the council also investigates and arbitrates alleged violations.

“We’re just trying to get our name out there and hope to get good attendance,” said Rachel Russo, last year’s co-chair of Academic Integrity Week.

Found on the University of Miami’s website, the honor code was ratified in the spring of 1986 at the request of the Undergraduate Student Body Government.

It starts by outlining its overall purpose to the undergraduate community, the responsibility of the undergraduate community, jurisdiction of the code and faculty cooperation.

“The Honor Council not only has a practical use at the university, it has a symbolic significance as well,” Hall said.

“They are here to make sure the Honor Code not only exists, but that it lives.”

Michael Pindelski may be contacted at mpindelski@themiamihurricane.com.

UC RESOURCES Post Office Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Just beyond bookstore and at the end of the UC nearest the library

STA Travel Book with discounted student rates

ATMs University Credit Union and Bank of America machines available

TicketMaster Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Parking, MetroPasses and event tickets

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Fit in with an organization International minds unite COISO coordinates activities for 18 organizations

BY PEDRO ORTIZ-MEOZ CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

MICHELLE WALLACE // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

MUSIC OF THE HEART: Musicians perform August Wilson’s play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at UM Hillel as part of Hurricane Production’s QuantUM Entertainment’s honor of Black History Month during February.

COSO gives students the chance to join or start their own clubs

BY IAN HEST CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

The Committee on Student Organizations (COSO) is designed to do one thing: get students involved. If there is a club that exists on campus, it falls under the umbrella of COSO. “COSO is the Student Government of student organizations,” said Jaife Calil, the new president of COSO for the 2009-10 school year. “We overview every club and approve new clubs and hold workshops for things like sponsorship, leadership.”

From salsa dancing to Random Acts of Kindness, there seems to be a club that will satisfy all students. However, if there is a club that you want that doesn’t exist, it couldn’t be easier to start a new one.

“We had 20 new organizations approved in this school year,” Calil said.

Students only need to submit a proposal as well as a constitution that states the ideals and goals for the club to the COSO offices on the second floor of the University Center.

If you don’t want to start your own club, but are just looking to get involved, COSO hosts two events, one per semester, which showcase student organizations and allows students to see all of the options that they have. These events - Canefest in the fall and the Spring Involvement Fair - give members 62

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a chance to pass out information about their clubs and allow interested students to sign up for the club.

“I think these events are great,” last year’s Vice President of COSO Amar Mandalia said. “It shows the variety of organizations on campus and really highlights student involvement.”

Canefest, a bigger version of the Spring Involvement Fair, is held annually on the floor of the BankUnited Center. During this event, sponsors give away pizza, drinks and t-shirts, and the University of Miami cheerleaders and dance teams take the stage to perform.

“Canefest is a great way to get freshman and transfer students to see what’s going on on campus,” Calil said. “It’s also a really good way to network.”

The event is intended for new students, but is so popular that students from all grades attend.

“Going in as a freshman, it was really beneficial just because it gave you a feel of what you could join and the opportunities you had at UM,” junior Heather Gaines said. “I went to Canefest and joined the Young Democrats because I wanted to get involved in the election, and they provided an opportunity for that.”

These events are great ways for incoming students who may be overwhelmed by everything thrown their way, but still want to get involved.

“These organizations are designed to showcase whatever you could want,” Mandalia said. “It adds to the UM experience.”

Ian Hest may be contacted at i.hest@ umiami.edu.

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Diversity is important to the University of Miami, which boasts 1,500 international students who represent 115 different countries. The Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO) was a group created in 1967 to represent the interests of international students at the “U” and is open to everyone.

“COISO is the place on campus where minds from all over the globe can come together and understand that our differences can be appreciated and we are all actually more alike than most people realize,” President Pamela Jackson said.

An umbrella organization for the 18 international student organizations at the University of Miami, COISO organizations range from the Colombian Students Association (COLSA) to the Organization of Arab Students Instituting Solidarity (OASIS) to the Filipino Students Association (FSA). The presidents of all the international organizations meet once a week with the executive board of COISO in the Council of Presidents Meeting.

“It’s a time where the organization leaders can come together and collaborate on ideas and events,” Jackson said. “These meetings also include culture breaks where organizations get to share a piece of their

own culture with everyone, whether it be a song, a dance or a story.”

COISO organizes a range of events including International Week, which is a week-long celebration of cultural diversity with entertainment, food and shows. It also hosts an event called United Nations Day that informs the campus about political and social issues affecting the world. The International Dance Competition, International Student Olympics and Mr. & Mrs. International are other events.

“We try to put on events that bring culture to campus and integrate the international and domestic communities,” Jackson said.

Nicole Ralph-Forton, the current president of the Asian-American Student Organization, has been named the president of COISO for the 2009-2010 year since Jackson graduated.

“I believe that my family here at the University of Miami is COISO, so my goal as president is to expand the family because I feel it’s a great organization,” RalphForton said International students automatically become members of COISO, but cannot be contacted by it through e-mail and telephone. Students must voluntarily get involved themselves.

“We really want to provide more events to the international students,” Ralph-Forton said. “One of the programs that we would like to have is to go drive to the airport and pick up some of the international students when they first arrive.”

Pedro Ortiz-Meoz may be contacted at p.ortiz1@umiami.edu.

COISO GROUPS Asian-American Students Association (AASA) Alliance of Latin American Students (ALAS) African Students Union (ASU) Brazilian Students Association (BRASA) Bahamian Students Association (BSA) Colombian Students Association (COLSA) Caribbean Students Association (CSA) Filipino Students Association (FSA) Hui Aloha-Pacific Islander Students Association Organization for Jamaican Unity (OJU) UM Model United Nations (MUN) Organization of Arab Students Instituting Solidarity (OASIS) Central American Students Organization (ODECA) Planet Kreyol - Haitian Student Organization SABOR - Puerto Rican Students Association Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Association (TTCA) United Dominican Association (UDA) Virgin Islands Students Association (VISA)

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SportsFest for the ages

CHELSEA MATIASH // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

HECHT YEAH!: Students celebrate by holding up the Master’s Trophy outside on the Yaron Intramural Fields as Hecht Residential College finished as the winning residential area at SportsFest for the eighth straight year.

Friendly competition pits undergrad students against each other

BY LELAN LEDOUX CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

With a 24-year legacy, SportsFest has become the University of Miami’s very own version of the Olympics.

SportsFest takes place one weekend in February every year and matches students in the five residence halls, apartments, University Village and commuters against one another.

Contests range from the typical – dodgeball, basketball and soccer - to the atypical – couch potato trivia, Rock Band and rock, paper, scissors.

It is a chance for individuals from all areas of campus to get to know one another.

“SportsFest kind of gets everyone involved and brings the student body together,” sophomore Trey Ferguson said.

“SportsFest is one of the best events the University of Miami has. Everyone has a good time.”

Things began when Hecht, then the Honors Residential College, challenged Stanford, then the Residential College, to an athletic competition. Ever since, the rest of 64

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campus joined the fray for bragging rights.

Opening ceremonies start the games with a torch run that begins at Mahoney and Pearson Residential Colleges and travels around Lake Osceola as each college’s representative runs a leg. The previous year’s champion carries the torch on the final leg to the Rathskeller.

Closing ceremonies begin immediately after the tug-of-war event which takes place on Sunday. At this, the winning men’s and women’s teams are awarded the Master’s Trophy, which is displayed at the Wellness Center.

Some students have grown tired of Hecht’s dominance over the past eight years.

“It has been hard losing to Hecht. They keep winning,” junior Miles Dotson said.

“Every year I have been here they have won.

But one year Stanford or another team on campus will end their streak.”

The event is often perceived to be geared toward freshmen since the majority of the teams form within the Stanford and Hecht towers, which primarily house firstyear students. It’s rare for a floor to not sign up as a team.

“There are so many events to do and I really enjoy it,” sophomore Jessica LeSage said. “Everyone gets involved and it’s competitive.”

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at l.ledoux@umiami.edu.

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Personal training among best-paid campus jobs Certification required to begin

BY ALI KITENPLON CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

TANYA THOMPSON // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

WORK IT OUT: Nadia Zebouni, a personal trainer at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center, takes time to stretch with her client before they go off on a brisk run to start their customized exercise routine.

Junior Nadia Zebouni has one of the best-paying student jobs on campus.

She doesn’t have to file papers, type reports or serve food. And her work attire is pretty casual: gym shorts, a pullover shirt and tennis shoes.

Zebouni is one of 15 certified personal trainers at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center who helps members of the university achieve their fitness goals.

“My favorite part of the job is getting to help people and work one-on-one with them,” she said. “It’s easy because I live on campus, and I love seeing people get the same enjoyment out of working out as I do.”

Her clientele varies greatly in age as well as in reasons for hiring a trainer. Among them, there are runners hoping to improve on marathon times and those striving to learn how to properly tone muscles and use the center’s equipment effectively.

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Senior Patricia Martini is one of Zebouni’s clients.

“Nadia is the best,” she said. “She’s in such great physical shape and she plays such a huge role in my motivation. I like working with her because she makes sure I’m doing everything right and working the right muscles.”

Zebouni and other trainers are certified by the National Council on Strength & Fitness and receive continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques.

“Personal trainers are the highest paid on-campus job,” said Desiree Adderley, assistant director of Fitness and Personal Training. “Plus, once you become certified, you’re a trainer for life as long as you renew your certification every two years.”

Wellness Center members may purchase single training sessions or a group of eight sessions for the cost of seven. Prices vary depending on membership status. Adderley did not comment on the exact amount that trainers are paid, though a search for student employment opportunities on myUM found that personal trainers are paid between $10 and $15 an hour.

Ali Kitenplon may be contacted at akitenplon@themiamihurricane.com.

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2008 election stirred interest Faith remains in students Eleven organizations represent every angle of UM’s student body

BY ABIGAIL GARNER CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

MICHELLE WALLACE // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

BOURNE SUPPORTER: Actor Matt Damon, from movies such as Ocean’s Eleven and Good Will Hunting, came to the University of Miami to speak at a rally in support of Barack Obama before the 2008 Presidential Election.

Both celebrities and candidates visited the Coral Gables campus

BY ANDREW APPOLONIA CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Political organizations at the University of Miami allow students to learn and promote the objectives of political parties.

Students who are interested in becoming politically active within their affiliated party or simply want to learn more about party policies and platforms can join groups like the University of Miami Young and College Democrats or UM College Republicans.

Both groups seek to involve members in the activities of their respective parties, and to spread awareness of their party’s views throughout campus.

“We try to get our name out at Canesfest and the other major organization showcases,” said Chris Johnson, chair of UM College Republicans. “We also table on certain days in the UC Breezeway.”

While the two organizations’ beliefs may differ, the groups share the same overall goal of strengthening ties between students and politics.

Those in the political organizations 66

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can expect to take part in weekly meetings, community service projects and debates like the one held between the two groups just before the 2008 presidential election.

As a community, UM also witnessed just how influential these organizations can be on campus. The University of Miami Young and College Democrats brought in speakers such as actor Matt Damon to encourage students to vote. The UM College Republicans helped run Sen. John McCain’s visit to the BankUnited Center.

“The most important thing to know is that our groups can actually change things and that we as a generation can create a new path,” said Jason Stevens, last year’s president of the University of Miami Young and College Democrats.

Even with the presidential election behind them, things will be busy for the UM College Republicans.

“This coming year will be a great year to become involved in politics,” Johnson said. “With the republican primaries for both senate and governor coming up, we are working to have the two main contenders come on campus as well as the candidates for governor.”

Students interested in more information can visit www.umdemocrats.com or the Facebook group UM College Republicans.

Eleven official organizations such as UM Hillel, St. Augustine’s Catholic Student Association and Baptist Campus Ministries can be found on the University of Miami campus.

There are also many others that have religious affiliations that are not featured on Miami’s website.

Many of the organizations on campus work with each other or with non-religious groups to spread word. At Canefest, most have a table.

They also ensure to include those of all faiths. There is no animosity among groups.

“Overall, I feel the religious organizations on campus provide students with a very diverse and comprehensive group of organizations that any student from any religious affiliation can find a group to join,” said Teddi Thosath, the executive director of the Jewish Collegiate Learning Exchange.

Shifat Hossain, social chair of the

Muslim Student Association, said that the association meets with the Jewish and Muslim Students Organization for dinners and discussions to talk about the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths and how their cultures and religions differ and are similar.

Emily McCollum, former president of Baptist Campus Ministries, said that most of BCM’s events are co-programmed and that many guests who come to campus are sponsored by multiple organizations. They are not just concerned with their faith, but with the university community as a whole.

“I don’t see us just as a religious organization, but my heart is with the whole university community,” University Chaplain Becky Crandall said.

Often times, organizations on campus work with the Greek system to get students more involved. This past semester the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority worked with Hillel to raise awareness about breast cancer at a themed Shabbat dinner.

Hossain said that religious organizations mainly act as a good support group.

“Religious organizations are a good way for students to stay in touch with their morals because in college morals may be influenced by the new atmosphere, and these religious organizations are a support group to lean on,” Hossain said.

Abigail Garner may be contacted at a.garner1@umiami.edu.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HILLEL

Andrew Appolonia may be contacted at aappolonia@themiamihurricane.com.

Summer 2009

RIDE LIKE AN EGYPTIAN: President Donna E. Shalala rides a camel brought to campus by UM Hillel as part of an effort to raise awareness for Birthright.

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Recycling becomes easier on campus GreenU helps Miami make a difference

BY KELLY BURNS CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Thanks to the University of Miami’s Green U initiative and because of new technology at local landfills that separate recyclable items, students will no longer need to place bottles, cans and paper products into separate containers.

“Before, everything was segregated. For instance, in the residential towers and the village, the containers held only bottles and cans,” said Ken Capezzuto, director of Environmental Health and Safety. “Now, we’ve converted it into single stream so you can put things like phone books, magazines and cereal boxes into the same containers as everything else.”

As part of the program, the university is pairing concrete

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recycle bins with more than 160 trash cans across campus to create recycling centers for bottles and cans at spots with high traffic throughout the day.

Since the start of the Green U program in 2005, the UM students, staff and faculty involved have been working hard to make the university more eco-friendly.

There are signs of the new initiative all over campus. The purchasing department has sponsored a toner and battery recycling drop-off in the University Center, the residential colleges have battery drop-offs at the front desks and the libraries and computer labs now have recycling bins for paper.

“I truly think that people are realizing environmental changes don’t have to be drastic, that little steps in one’s daily life can lead to bigger changes,” said Ian McKeown, a liaison between the university and the director of Environmental Health and Safety.

According to McKeown, the

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What You Can Recycle Aluminum/plastic, food and beverage containers (without food & caps) Glass containers (unbroken) All bottles and cans (empty, without caps) Magazines/catalogs/newspapers/telephone books Cardboard Cereal boxes (empty) and shoeboxes Paper Shampoo bottles (empty, without caps)

Do Not Recycle

TANYA THOMPSON // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

NO EXCUSES: Recycling bins specifically for bottles and cans presently stand next to trash cans all over the campus. taskforce is getting ready to start the second phase of this upgrade.

The upgrade consists of creating recycling centers at the places that have less foot traffic and converting the office recycle containers into single stream containers too.

“Of course this goes beyond recycling, but it’s a start,” McKeown said.

Kelly Burns may be contacted at k.burns3@umiami.edu.

Food and wet trash Tissues, paper towels that had food contact Pizza boxes Plastic bags Mirrors/window or auto glass Light bulbs Ceramics/porcelain Coat hangers Glass cookware/pots and pans Electronic devices

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Bringing cheer to Chartwells Hazel Henderson’s warm smile positively affects students’ transition

BY MATT REED CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER

Every UM freshman who has eaten at the Stanford/Hecht Dining Hall over the last seven years knows Hazel Henderson.

The 61-year-old mother of four and grandmother of 14 has been serving food with a smile since 2002 and tries to make the freshman experience better for everyone who visits her station.

Henderson, dubbed “Hazel the Happy Sandwich Lady” by students, is so popular that a Facebook group in her honor currently has over 700 members. When Hazel was moved to the Juice Bar at the Wellness Center in the spring of 2006, the student outcry was so huge that she was eventually moved back to her old stomping ground.

“Deep in my heart I knew I was supposed to be here, and I prayed on it, and tell me prayer doesn’t change things,” Henderson said.

Junior John Helfand has lived in Hecht for two years and has had the good fortune of having Hazel make his sandwiches this entire time.

“It is just a pleasure to go in there and say hi to her and get a wonderful sandwich made,” Helfand said. “Hazel is always smiling, and she always makes everyone that talks to her smile. Even if you’re having a bad day, Hazel comes in there and cheers you up.”

Alumnus Billy Bludgus still has fond memories of Hazel.

“I graduated four years ago and I still remember Hazel making my turkey and provolone wrap with the biggest smile ever,” Bludgus said.

Hazel said the reason she is always smiling is because of some advice her grandmother once gave her.

“When I was a little girl, my grandmother said to me, ‘for every minute that you spend in sadness you lose 60 seconds of happiness.’

So I think I would rather have those 60 seconds of happiness,” Henderson said.

Even though countless students feel that Hazel is a part of their extended family, few students know Hazel’s entire story. Hazel was born and raised in Miami and attended

Booker T. Washington High School. After high school, Hazel began working in the profession she had dreamed of.

“I always dreamed of being a secretary, and I took up office and I loved it,” she said.

Hazel worked as a secretary for 15 years before she began cooking at the University of Miami.

Hazel’s grandmother was the first person to teach Hazel how to cook. During summers, Hazel and her siblings were sent up to their grandmother’s house in Alabama, and it was there where Hazel learned “country-style cooking.”

On December 2, 2002, Hazel began working at the sandwich station at the Stanford/Hecht Dining Hall.

Mel Tenen, the assistant vice president of Auxiliary Services, recognizes Hazel’s impact at Chartwells.

“Hazel definitely makes a difference in every student’s life with whom she comes in contact with,” Tenen said. “With her warm and caring smile and manner, she shows genuine interest in each of our students ensuring that their experience at the University of Miami is special.”

One reason Hazel loves working in Stanford/Hecht is that she gets to work with freshmen.

“I call them newbies, the freshmen,” she said. “It’s their first time away from home so they get special care. I am glad I was put over here where they are because I am grandmotherly and they treat me like it.”

Sophomore Anna Feagan loves how motherly Hazel is and how she can cheer a student up no matter what.

“Hazel not only does her job efficiently, she does it with an enthusiasm that will put a smile on your face for the rest of the day,” Feagan said.

When Hazel is not spending her time making a difference in the lives of students, she spends her time volunteering at a local hospice. Hazel realizes that she is so loved on the UM campus, and it really touches her.

“I love them and they all say good things about me and it makes my job so well done.

It makes me feel good when I go home, and I’m sure it shows,” Henderson said. “I finally have a job where I feel like I am wanted. I love my job and I love these kids ’cause they are my future.”

Matt Reed may be contacted at mreed@ themiamihurricane.com.

Save the date: the first issue of The Miami Hurricane will hit newsstands August 24th

ALEX BROADWELL // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

THE HAPPY SANDWICH LADY: Hazel Henderson works hard - but always with her trademark smile on her face - while making all kinds of sandwiches for hungry students at the Stanford/Hecht Dining Hall near the towers.

UM MEDIA THE IBIS YEARBOOK Serves as a record of the previous year’s events and handed out in the fall since 1927

THE MIAMI HURRICANE NEWSPAPER Published every Monday and Thursday since 1927 and can be found in bins all across campus

UMTV Owned and operated by the SoC since 1981 and seen on Comcast Channel 96

WVUM “THE VOICE” Broadcasting to the Coral Gables campus and community since 1968 at 90.5 FM, it offers a variety of music and coverage of sporting events, including football and baseball

DISTRACTION MAGAZINE The only student lifestyle publication at the University of Miami that began a little less than two years ago

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JENNA KING // FIRST IMPRSSION STAFF

‘Hug the Lake’ spreads an act of kindness on campus Students surround Lake Osceola for Earth Day

BY JENNA KING AND MATTHEW BUNCH CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITERS

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You’ve seen them around campus, the people carrying signs with inspirational phrases, giving you a huge smile and often a warm hug.

On the 39th annual Earth Day, students from all around the University of Miami celebrate the event by planting trees at a local middle school to circling Lake Osceola

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in support of UM’s most natural spot.

Random Acts of Kindness sponsored the third annual “Hug the Lake” to promote a greener world.

“The whole idea behind Hug the Lake is to appreciate our little campus and in turn the big world around us,” said Carol Perry, a past RAK president. “Coordinating it with

Earth Day seemed like the perfect way to juxtapose the two and remind ourselves how lucky we are to live here.”

Jenna King may be contacted at j.king10@ umiami.edu and Matthew Bunch may be contacted at m.bunch@umiami.edu.

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Insight

life on and off campus at the University of Miami EDITED BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA // c.denicola@umiami.edu DESIGNED BY KENNETH GARCIA // k.garcia11@umiami.edu

PHOTO BY BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

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Miami lifestyle oozes international flavor City’s diverse cultures personify various locales and excursions in tropical metropolis

BY DANIELLE KASLOW AND JUSTIN ANTWEIL CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITERS

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

WALKING AT BAYSIDE: Tourists and locals alike take a stroll around the Bayside Marketplace where one can find exotic restaurants by the water, kiddie rides, daily live music and an array of retail stores and boutiques.

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Contrary to popular belief, there is much more to college than hitting the books and proudly carrying a red Solo Cup. The University of Miami presents its students with countless activities as well as a central location to explore the surrounding area.

For those seeking retail-therapy, students can find four different malls within the vicinity of campus.

The Shops at Sunset Place is located the closest to campus, notably boasting a Splitsville bowling alley, an AMC movie theater with stadium seating and a Gameworks arcade. This outdoor mall boasts fun stores, but more importantly, is centrally located near a variety of great restaurants like Deli Lane Café and Tavern.

Dadeland Mall, which is further south off of U.S.-1, is home to Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, JCPenny and many other specialty stores. On the other side of the spectrum, the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables is an upscale mall where shoppers can find everything from the Elemis Day Spa to fancy boutiques like Longchamp and Juicy Couture.

A more casual shopping experience students often visit is Coconut Grove.

Known as “the Grove,” the town’s streets are lined with small shops and restaurants, culminating in the central CocoWalk area.

Located northeast of campus down Grand Avenue, students can find easy access to stores like the Gap, restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory and an AMC movie theater. The Grove is also home to many bars and pubs, which older students frequent on Thursday evenings.

Hooters is a great place to watch a sporting event with inside and outside seating. Monty’s Raw Bar offers reasonably priced food, Calypso music and views of the water, while New York Pizza and Boardwalk serve some of the best slices in all of Miami-Dade County.

A cab ride to the Grove costs anywhere from $10-15, and it is a nice place for students to get together with friends and spend a night away from campus. On Halloween there is a costume parade in the streets.

In the Coral Gables area, Venetian Pool is a unique location where students can relax. This historic swimming pool boasts cool waters, caves, beautiful foliage and a Mediterranean atmosphere.

With a pool café and a full schedule of programming from swimming lessons to lifeguard and scuba certifications, there is something for everyone.

Venturing a little further from campus to Key Biscayne, students can find many locations to lie out and catch a few rays.

With a variety of different beaches to choose from, Key Biscayne is a tropical paradise that feels miles away from the stresses of college.

Located at the end of the Key, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park presents yet another coastal option. Students can find a plethora of rental options from beach chairs, kayaks and canoes to bicycles and water tricycles.

Guided tours of the park, as well as hiking and nature trails, are available to all visitors.

After a long day of shopping and tanning, University of Miami students know the place to be once the sun goes down.

Dressed to impress, thousands hit SoBe, or South Beach.

Lincoln Road Mall, a so-called “pedestrian mall,” is a popular hotspot for locals, tourists and celebrities alike with its art galleries, outdoor restaurants like Nexxt Cafe and stores such as American Apparel.

Most clubs and lounges are 21 and older. While this restriction does not seem to stop determined clubgoers, it is important to note that the possession of a fake identification is a felony in Florida.

For those who still wish to party, Nocturnal is an 18 and older club also located on South Beach. Patrons will definitely not be missing out at this threestory structure featuring a rooftop terrace, plasma televisions and intimate lighting.

South Beach is approximately 15-20 minutes away from campus, and the cab ride usually costs around $40.

Be sure to go with a group of friends and split the cost!

While these activities sound exciting, they are only the beginning of the opportunities available to students at the University of Miami. During freshman year, it is important to try new things and to venture outside of your comfort zone.

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of all that Miami has to offer.

Danielle Kaslow may be contacted at d.kaslow1@umiami.edu and Justin Antweil may be contacted at j.antweil@umiami.edu.

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BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

DOWNTOWN MIAMI: The Magic City’s skyline is covered in towering buildings which are just a short distance from Bayside Marketplace, South Beach and the AmericanAirlines Arena, home to the NBA’s Miami Heat.

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

NIGHT LIFE: At CocoWalk, visitors can go to the movies, eat at restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory or sidewalk cafés and shop at over 15 specialty retailers like FYE Music and Victoria’s Secret.

WATER WORKS: Coral Gables Venetian Pool has welcomed all generations since 1923 to its chilly waterfalls, coral rock caves, palmfringed island and Spanish fountain on a free-form lagoon.

Summer 2009

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

MONTY’S BY THE SEA: This local staple in Coconut Grove has been serving seafood for over 30 years and offers scenic water views and live music at an outdoor raw bar.

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Masquerade ball added to Homecoming Opening Ceremonies will kick-off week-long festivities starting on October 30th

BY ELENA SCHMIDT CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

The University of Miami’s 2009 Homecoming may just be the best yet for incoming freshmen.

Homecoming will see its very first masquerade ball, and though open to all, will be geared toward freshmen. It will take place after opening ceremonies on Friday, October 30th.

Not only are freshmen encouraged to attend, but they will also have the opportunity to help plan the event through a freshman committee. Applications will be provided at Canefest, the annual organization fair, in the fall.

This freshman committee will work closely with the Executive Homecoming Committee. Senior Billy Fuchsman is the chair and Christina Farmer is one of the vice chairs.

“Many freshmen aren’t involved in organizations in the fall, so this is the best way to bring freshmen into homecoming,” Fuchsman said.

Beginning in 1931, University of Miami homecoming traditions are almost 80 years old. Each year the Homecoming Committee decides on a new theme. While 2009’s is not yet released, the previous three years have seen “Once Upon a U,” “Showcasing the U” and “Rendez-vous with Greatness.”

Both old and new traditions comprise the University of Miami’s week of homecoming festivities, which culminate with the football game.

Hurricane Help the Town is one tradition where groups of students are shuttled throughout the community for a day of service.

“It is the first major service day of the year,” Farmer said.

A blood drive and several organization competitions also take place during Homecoming Week. In the alma mater competition, campus organizations perform their own version. The winning team earns the right to perform its rendition at the football game.

The most popular homecoming festivity, “Hurricane Howl,” is the night before the football game. Organizations make floats and the community comes out to watch the parade. Free food and attractions are available on the University Center Green.

“As a pledge I got to help out making my frat’s float,” said Jared Sekar, a Phi Delta Theta member. “The night of the parade was a lot of fun.”

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DANIEL BULL // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

HE LOVES TO MOVE: Pharrell Williams of N*E*R*D dances onstage in front of the Otto G. Richter Library with UM students during the 2008 Homecoming Hurricane Howl Friday night concert on the University Center Green.

Following the festivities is the boat burning ceremony on Lake Osceola.

According to tradition, if the mast falls before the boat sinks the Hurricanes will win the game.

Last year’s Hurricane Howl, which featured a concert from N*E*R*D, entertained 5,000 students.

“My freshman year’s concert was Talib Kweli,” junior Judy Hartshorn said.

“I couldn’t believe how many people were there.”

Following the excitement of Hurricane Howl, fans gear up for the homecoming football game. The Canes will face the University of Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, November 7th.

Elena Schmidt may be contacted at e.schmidt1@umiami.edu.

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CANE Need to brush up on your homecoming traditions since attending orientation events? To get ‘U’ ready for gameday, we put together a little cheat sheet about Hurricane traditions.

School colors Selected in 1926, UM’s school colors represent Florida’s orange tree. Orange symbolizes the fruit of the tree, green represents the leaves and white the blossoms.

Sebastian the Ibis The ibis is a symbol of knowledge found throughout Florida’s Everlades. It is also the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear afterwards.

Four Fingers At the beginning of the fourth quarter at every home football game, Miami fans hold up four fingers to indicate their belief that a game is won in the final period.

- Compiled from miami.edu

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Stars of tomorrow call the ‘Ring’ home Young talent act in Broadway shows at on-campus theater

BY DANIEL PARRA CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

CHELSEA MATIASH // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

PUT ON YOUR SUNDAY CLOTHES: J.J. Flores and Kaitlyn O’Neill performed in University of Miami alumnus Jerry Herman’s Hello, Dolly! to conclude the spring semester’s run.

For a first-time visitor to the University of Miami campus, the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre may seem pretty, well, bland.

It’s small and round, devoid of flashing lights or glitzy marquees. Its exterior may not be glamorous, but when it comes to the Ring Theatre, remember what your mother always said: it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Inside is a stage that has been the launch pad for award-winning careers. For seven decades, the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre has been the training ground for the thousands of actors and actresses who learned and sharpened their craft at the University of Miami’s renowned Department of Theatre Arts.

Emmy winners and Golden Globe and Oscar nominees performed at the Ring Theatre before they were famous.

Now, the stars of tomorrow grace the stage.

The current theater was built in 1951, giving the Department of Theatre Arts the permanent home it had been searching for since its inception in 1936.

In the time period between its founding and 1951, shows were performed in a circus tent and in a round building used to train Allied

navigators during World War II. Named for its circular-seating pattern that forms a ring around the stage, Hurricanes affectionately refer to it as the “Ring.”

Its namesake, Jerry Herman, is a two-time Tony Award-winning composer who scored such hit musicals as Hello Dolly!, La Cage aux Folles and Mame. Herman graduated from the University of Miami in 1953.

Today, dozens of students perform in the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s productions of Broadway’s greatest hits. The 2009-2010 season, which will showcase six plays, includes Rent.

“It’s such an honor to perform in shows with an excellent stage that has had some incredibly talented people performing on it,” said junior Mike Collier, who has performed in Ring Theatre productions of Cabaret and Guys and Dolls.

Currently under the direction of Vincent J. Cardinal, himself a successful playwright, the Ring Theatre serves as both a classroom and spotlight for some of the world’s finest and undiscovered acting talents.

“It offers a rich tradition of successful alumni for current students to emulate, while setting new standards of quality themselves,” Cardinal said. “University of Miami students see tomorrow’s Broadway and film stars on the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre stage today.”

Daniel Parra may be contacted at d.parra@umiami.edu.

RO LE

FAMOUS ALUMNI NAME Jerry Herman (1950s) Sylvester Stallone (1960s) Ray Liotta (1970s)

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Wrote Hello, Dolly!

Rocky Balboa (Rocky I-V) Henry Hill (Goodfellas)

Steven Bauer (1970s)

Manolo (Scarface)

Xavier Cano (2000s)

Sonny (Broadway’s Grease)

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Getting around: stress-free transportation in Miami Various modes of travel help students experience the area

BY RAMON GALIANA CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

Miami is a bustling city with countless places to visit, things to do and sights to see.

Both the city and the university offer various methods of transportation for students to visit these locations safely, quickly and economically.

In an effort to maximize useful parking spaces for students who need them the most, the university stopped allowing first-year resident students from parking a car on the Coral Gables campus.

However, freshmen should not be discouraged.

Zipcar, an on-campus rental

car service, allows students to register online for a $35 fee in order to rent out cars for a rate of $8 an hour. They are available on a reservations-only basis, and this price includes all insurance and gas costs. Though the program only began with three cars, it is currently in the process of being expanded.

“It’s really easy to rent out, and it’s not too expensive either,” sophomore Zach Rutta said. “I thought it would be a big deal that I wouldn’t be able to park a car on campus, but Zipcar makes things much easier.”

The university also offers a comprehensive shuttle system that takes students to the Shops at Sunset Place, the nearby shopping mall, and Publix, the local grocery store. In addition, an extensive internal shuttle system makes it very easy to travel between classes across campus.

If you plan on making a trip to Dadeland Mall or Downtown Miami, Miami-Dade County

provides Metrorail, a major mode of public transportation in the county that links Dadeland Mall with northern Miami Dade. The cheapest way to ride all county public transportation services is by purchasing a monthly MetroPass, but you can also pay the $2 fare as you go.

Additionally, Metrobus, Miami-Dade’s busing system, provides comprehensive routes throughout the county. The closest stop to campus is located right across the street from the University Metrorail stop on Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

Most Miami-Dade buses are fitted with bike racks that allow you to attach your bicycle to the front of the bus. Just let the bus driver know beforehand that you have a bike.

“Sometimes they’ll get delayed because of the traffic, but the public buses are actually pretty reliable and consistent around campus,” sophomore Michael Crow said.

“After using the bus system a while you actually get used to the online maps they have.”

UBike, a part of the “Green U” program, which is the university initiative to promote environmentally friendly practices in the immediate community, offers discounted beach cruiserstyle bicycles to students.

These bikes can be purchased at the beginning of the semester from the bookstore and are offered in a variety of colors. Just be sure to buy one early because they sell out fast.

“I was at first worried that I wouldn’t be able to get around,” Rutta said. “But there’re so many options to help you get around.

Even still, it’s Miami - a nice walk in beautiful weather could never hurt, right?”

Ramon Galiana may be contacted at r.galiana@umiami.edu.

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WAYS TO GET AROUND UBike - purchase at the Bookstore.

Ibis Shuttles - visit www. umshuttles.com for routes and stop times.

Metrorail and Metrobus - visit www.miamidade. gov/transit for a full list of routes and travel times. The MetroPass is cheaper for frequent users.

Zipcars - available to all students. Registration costs $35, then it’s $8 per hour you drive. Visit http://www.zipcar.com/ umiami/.

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Rathskeller remains as student hotspot for a year Dining venue’s doors are open until at least the end of spring semester

BY CHRISTINE WILLIAMSON CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

FILE PHOTO

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Powerful streams of water from Cobb Fountain can be seen from the orange swinging chairs resting right in front of the University of Miami’s Rathskeller, UM’s historic dining spot located between the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music and the University Center.

“I love sitting in the chairs outside of the Rat and just rocking back and forth in them. It makes a nice little breeze,” junior Katie Gallagher said. “They definitely make my time at the Rat enjoyable.”

Inside, students can take advantage of the pool tables, dart boards, plasma televisions, couches, DJ sound system and wide-ranging menu. Some of the top-selling items include Walker’s Chicken Fingers,

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Kenny’s Buffalo Chicken Sub and Edy’s ice cream milkshakes.

“The strawberry milkshakes are always perfection,” junior Ariell Cooke said. “The Rat is definitely one of my favorite places not only on campus, but in Miami.”

It also has the unique advantage of being the only place that sells alcoholic beverages on campus - beer and wine - to those who are old enough to drink it.

While some come to start their own parties at the Rat, the restaurant also hosts organized ones as well as poetry slams, comedy shows, live bands and tailgates.

Spoken Word poetry on Wednesdays is one of the most popular events.

“It’s just an event that can bring all types of people together and appreciate all types of people,” recent graduate and last year’s Spoken Word chair for the Rat’s Advisory Board Udauak Bassey said.

Belly Bust, a stand-up comedy performance which takes place on the last Friday of every month, is the most popular recurring event the Rathskeller holds. Comedian Bo Burnham, known for his Comedy Central special and YouTube

videos, filled the Rat during the last Belly Bust of the 2008-2009 academic year.

“I have been here for four years and have never seen this many people here,” recent graduate Bridget Bomhack said.

Due to the economy, construction of a new student activity center where the Rathskeller is located was delayed. The prominent hotspot was set to shut its doors at the end of the fall 2008 semester, but now will not close until after the spring semester at the earliest.

The Rat is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

Christine Williamson may be contacted at c.williamson2@umiami.edu.

COOL TIDBITS There is always free popcorn and pool.

You can use dining dollars.

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Cosford celebrates 52 years of cinematic treasures Cineplex gives viewers versatile selection

BY DANIEL PARRA CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

Not all movie theaters are 24-screen megaplexes replete with screaming teenagers and $10 soda.

The Cosford Cinema, the University of Miami’s on-campus theater, has been inviting moviegoers to come and enjoy all kinds of films - from Hollywood blockbusters to lowbudget student pictures - for five decades.

What is today known as the Bill Cosford Cinema began its life in 1947 as the Beaumont Lecture Hall within the newly built Memorial Classroom Building. That eventually became the Beaumont Cinema and began screening films in the 1950s.

It underwent a major renovation in 1995, replacing the old sound and projection equipment with a Dolby Digital surround sound system and 35 millimeter CinemaScope projectors. An overall facelift

was given to the 240-seat movie house.

In 1997, the theater was renamed in honor of Bill Cosford, The Miami Herald film critic and adjunct professor in the University of Miami film program who died at the age of 47. Cosford worked to transform the theater into a haven for art house, independent and student films.

Cosford’s vision is alive and well in the theater that bears his name. The Cosford Cinema is one of the host theaters for the Miami International Film Festival, which has displayed hundreds of renowned short, independent and foreign films for more than 25 years. It also hosts the Canes Film Festival, a showcase of movies produced by UM film students.

“We use the Cosford Cinema as part of the partnership we have with UM and also because it is very important for the festival to have some screenings in a theater inside the university close to the students,” said Valeria Sorrentino, assistant director for programming and events for the Miami International Film Festival.

Thanks to the Cinematic Arts Commission (CAC), the Cosford Cinema also runs its share of Hollywood movies.

Several advance screenings of major studio productions play at the Cosford, and a number of films hit the screen after their theatrical runs are up.

Its versatility and proximity have made it popular among students.

“The great thing about Cosford is that you can watch a major Hollywood movie one day and see a low-budget indie movie that nobody’s ever heard of another day,” junior Alejandro Fonseca said.

As the Cosford enters its 52nd year, it provides a respite from the modern movie cineplex in a unique and convenient location.

“The Cosford is a great venue for movies. It’s a movie theater on campus so I don’t know what more we can ask for,” Scott Sande R, the former chair of the CAC, said.

“A lot of people I know remember when they were walking through Miami at orientation and were blown away that there was a movie theater right in the middle of Memorial.”

Daniel Parra may be contacted at d.parra@ umiami.edu.

Summer 2009

SPRING 2009 MOVIE SHOWING Jan 28 - Choke Feb 4 - Religilous Feb 11 - E.T.: The ExtraTerrestrial Feb 18 - Zack and Miri Make a Porno Feb 25 - Role Models Mar 4 - Bolt Mar 25 - Star Wars IV: A New Hope Apr 1 - RocknRolla Apr 8 - Milk Apr 15 - The Wrestler Apr 22 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Apr 29 - Fight Club

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The ‘Lowe’ down: vast collection inspires generations On-campus museum offers 16,000-object exhibit to the public

BY MORGAN MILLER CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

Miami is a city rich with culture, but University of Miami students do not need to look any further than the Lowe Art Museum on campus for a variety of artistic and educational offerings.

Located at the main entrance on Stanford Drive, the Lowe Art Museum contains pieces from all over the world.

According to its website, the strength of the museum’s 16,000-object collection lies in its Renaissance, Baroque, American, Ancient, Native American and Asian art.

Entrance into the Lowe is free to University of Miami students. Regular admission costs $10 for visitors and $5 for seniors and non-UM students.

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“We have quite a few student tours. [It’s] not just UM students, also elementary, middle school and high school students,” Curatorial Assistant Gita Shonek said.

Students often utilize the on-campus museum, whether to supplement a class or just for extracurricular interest.

“The Lowe definitely changed my opinion on art museums,” junior Christina Crocco said. “I had to go for my English class and I was surprised to see that there were pieces I could relate to.”

Junior Casey Vest said the Mexican exhibit was not only enjoyable for the artistic pieces, but also for the opportunity to sample Mexican cuisine.

“The traveling exhibits they bring in are very impressive and bring a lot of vibrancy to the museum and to the campus,” Vest said.

While the Lowe is beneficial to members of the UM community, it also plays a role in the Miami area.

“The Lowe was the first museum in Miami-Dade County,” Membership

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Coordinator Yina Balarezo said. “It is very old, so it has very strong member support. It has a big name.”

During Miami Museum Month, patrons’ memberships at the Lowe allow them free access to any participating Miami museum. Lowe membership costs $30 for full-time students and educators at the University of Miami.

“This is a way to enrich yourself,” Shonek said. “It gives you something different to do.”

The Lowe’s new public hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Tuesday through Saturday and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The museum is closed on Mondays.

Shonek also cited Miami Museum Month as a wonderful networking opportunity.

“For students, networking is really important,” Shonek said. “It’s the only way to get your foot in the door, especially if you are doing something with art.”

Morgan Miller may be contacted at m.miller23@umiami.edu.

BRITTNEY BOMNIN // PHOTO EDITOR

SIT STILL: This life-size sculpture of a Miami Dolphin football player by Duane Hanson in 1981 is housed at the Lowe Art Museum.

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Band of the Hour embodies school’s unwavering spirit Members take part in long-standing Miami traditions

BY ILEANA HERNANDEZ CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

Started by Walter E. Shaeffer in 1933 and currently under the direction of Thomas Keck, the University of Miami’s Band of the Hour represents nearly every academic major on campus and every state in the country.

Band of the Hour is comprised of brass, woodwinds, percussion, the Hurricanette color guard and dancers. It is a one-credit art and humanities course available to any student. The group also covers textbooks for its members the entire year.

“It was extremely exciting and probably the best decision I’ve ever

made during my college career,” Hurricanette captain Kayla Kasel said.

The season starts with band camp, which begins on August 14, and extends through the end of the fall semester. Members perform at Land Shark Stadium for all home football games, one away game (Florida State this season), exhibitions and a bowl game if the team is invited.

“It’s a great way to meet good friends and take in football games from a different perspective,” Keck said.

Rehearsals take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., often on the Yaron Intramural Fields. Members perform three different halftime shows, with this year’s focus to be an infusion of music influenced by the student body’s likes and sounds of Miami.

A more traditional performance will set up the football team’s entrance.

“It’s impossible to describe

the feeling you get marching onto the field in front of thousands of people wearing orange and green,” Kasel said.

Members take part in the longstanding tradition of “Famous First Rehearsal.” This symbolic first rehearsal is attended by UM’s president and administration, and heralds the beginning of each academic year.

“Many people don’t know that the band continues through basketball season where a select few get to play at the basketball games as well as volleyball games,” drum line captain Victor Gonzalez said.

Students are charged a nominal fee for supplies and instrumental rental. The university and the band department pay for all other expenses and travel costs.

Ileana Hernandez may be contacted at i.hernandez5@umiami. edu.

CHELSEA MATIASH // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

WE GOT THE BEAT: The Band of the Hour performs its halftime show during a football game at Land Shark Stadium.

Hurricane Productions tackles all forms of entertainment Free events on campus provided by organizations

BY JENNA KING CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

When you’re bored on a Friday night and left with nothing to do, your best on-campus bet is to be aware of what Hurricane Productions (HP) is up to.

HP is one of the university’s largest student-run organizations, focusing on providing entertainment opportunities to students. The organization was named Organization of the Year at the COSO Student Organization Achievement & Recognition Awards in April.

The group’s goal statement says that it seeks “to create a venue for innovation, creativity and enthusiasm in large-scale

campus programming, and to collaborate with UM departments, organizations, and the area community.”

In its quest to achieve that goal, HP is split into seven different suborganizations that each handles a different form of on-campus entertainment.

Every Thursday at lunch time, live bands can be heard at the University Center’s patio thanks to “Patio Jams.”

When the annual Langerado Music Festival was canceled last winter, Umphrey’s McGee were wooed away from popular concert venues to the patio where the band performed a three-hour long show.

“We stole them away from the Culture Room and Revolution and such,” said Andrew Hunter, last year’s large venue concert chair of the HP Concert Committee.

For theater lovers, QuantUM Entertainment is a company that puts on student-led, directed, produced and acted theater productions throughout the year.

Auditions are held at various times during the semester, and shows include everything from famous musicals to student-written plays.

“Because it was student-led I feel that for the most part I had to be aware that my acting, singing and performing techniques were in line with what my professors taught,” said junior Annette Navarro, who starred in Fame.

If you want to see professionally made films, the Cinematic Arts Commission (CAC) provides showings of some of the year’s Oscar nominees as well as classics like Fight Club and Star Wars. You can catch a showing at the Cosford Cinema on campus every Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday night.

“The organization’s been around for well over a decade. It was started to provide students at UM with study breaks and entertainment with free movies,” Scott Sande R, last year’s CAC chair, said. “We get films through

different distribution companies that license the rights to films.

Once films are out of theaters, then the companies let us show films as a ‘second run’ movie theater.”

Those who want a different kind of movie-going experience need look no further than once a month at Canes Night Live, which shows films on a giant screen out on the green in front of the Otto G. Richter library as a part of “Screen on the Green.” It also sponsors entertainment events one Friday out of every month that range from concerts to carnivals. Past events have included the Wet and Wild Foam Party, Casino Night and SafeSex Carnival.

Hurricane Productions and its new president, senior Maria Perez, work to bring entertainment opportunities to the UM community. That’s what outgoing HP President Claudia Medina wanted to leave as her legacy here at Miami as she heads off to law school in the fall.

“When students think of HP, I Summer 2009

want them to think of good times.

When they see the HP logo on advertisements for an event, they can trust that it will be an amazing show, an inspiring speaker, a fabulous movie,” Medina said.

“And hopefully they know that there is so much work put in to make those things happen. And that we do it for them.”

And best of all for students, HP events are always free.

Jenna King may be contacted at j.king10@umiami.edu.

HP Sub-organizations Patio Jams CAC Canes Night Live Special Events Rathskeller Advisory Board Concerts QuantUM Entertainment

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Alex Wagner-Trugman among top 36 of ‘American Idol’ Junior took semester off for competition

BY LELAN LEDOUX CONTRIBUTING INSIGHT WRITER

Sophomore Alex WagnerTrugman, originally from Studio City, Calif., began his singing career in the modest setting of his bedroom closet. He taught himself how to sing, but it was not until college that he thought of music as a talent that could propel him to success.

In March as one of 36 finalists on America’s beloved “American Idol,” Wagner-Trugman withdrew from the university for the spring semester and had the chance to become the next superstar.

Trugman-Wagner, who rose to the top past more than 100,000 contenders, participated in his first live performance from Hollywood.

During the summer of 2008,

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he and a group of friends went on a road trip to Phoenix, Ariz., to audition for “American Idol.”

When the opportunity to showcase his singing talent came, WagnerTrugman sang James Ingram’s “Baby Come to Me”.

Although Simon Cowell said no, judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi gave him the golden ticket to Hollywood.

It was then that he went on to find his groove on the historic stage of the Kodak Theater during Hollywood Week and continued to advance.

In order to progress to the top 36, though, Wagner-Trugman had to beat his friend Cody Sheldon in a sudden-death sing-off, which he did with a stirring rendition of Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” “I can’t take any credit for Alex’s singing ability,” said David Malis, Wagner-Trugman’s voice professor who helped him sing with more authority. “He works

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hard and is focused on it. I think Alex can be successful at any singing style.”

Junior vocal performance major Dan Granbow missed his roommate’s presence over the past years. Before Wagner-Trugman’s live performance in front of a national audience, Granbow had this to say: “It has been tough here without my best friend, but I know how amazing this experience is and how much it means to him,” he said. “All I can do is be his biggest fan and support this once-in-alifetime opportunity. If anyone can do it, it’s Alex.”

A unique character whose quirky personality was highlighted on the show, Wagner-Trugman is an eclectic person whose outlandish activities consistently surprise his friends and classmates.

Suitemate Ryan Freedman, a junior majoring in marine science and biology, remarked on the many ludicrous activities.

“My favorite A Alex lex memory was when he won the he Rock, Paper, Scissors competition n in SportsFest 2008. We carried him in on a plywood board. He got all dressed up with a robe, sunglasses unglasses and gelled hair,” Freedman man said. “He somehow won the entire ntire event and became the Rock, P Paper, aper, Scissors champion.”

Wagner-Trugman an has even earned the respect off his professors outside the classroom. m.

“Alex has a great eat [basketball] jump shot,” Malis tteased. eased. “Alex is a charming, personable, ersonable, talented guy.”

Lelan LeDoux ux may be contacted att l.ledoux@umiami. edu.

ILLUSTRATION BY LAURA PATRICELLI

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Sports

the players and teams at the university of miami EDITED BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA // c.denicola@umiami.edu DESIGNED BY FELIPE LOBON // f.lobon@umiami.edu PHOTO COURTESY HURRICANE SPORTS

Summer 2008

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FOOTBALL

Football team hopes to carry experience into 2009 Youth under the guidance of two new coordinators

BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

Despite a 7-6 record, the Miami Hurricanes had their ups during their 2008 campaign.

In the face of a slow start, the Canes still had the opportunity to make it to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship after defeating Virginia Tech on a Thursday night ESPN showdown.

The victory had extended their win streak to five games.

Many freshmen showed great promise towards their future, including quarterback Jacory Harris, wide receiver Travis Benjamin, defensive tackle Marcus Forston and linebacker Sean Spence.

But Miami had its lows too.

Quarterback Robert Marve was suspended twice, for the first and last games of the season, and ultimately transferred.

The Hurricanes also dropped their final three games to Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and California. The latter was a 24-17 loss in the Emerald Bowl.

On the season, the Canes finished 4-4 in the ACC. “Last year, we had our ups and downs,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “I think the things we went through last year, a North Carolina tough loss, a Florida State tough loss, a Georgia Tech tough loss, it makes our team a lot stronger because our team was so young and couldn’t handle success last year.

We had a lot of young guys. They will learn from last season and carry it into next year.”

Players have already put the 2008 season in the past.

“Last year was last year,” sophomore cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke said. “We are just trying to focus on this year and getting better. I’m not really worried about last year.”

During the off-season, Shannon had to replace offensive coordinator Patrick Nix and defensive coordinator Bill Young.

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AND IT’S GOOD!: Team MVP and junior placekicker/punter Matt Bosher went 18 for 20 on his field-goal attempts and a perfect 40 for 40 on extra points to lead the Canes with 94 points. He also recorded eight tackles and made the All-ACC Second Team.

Mark Whipple, who has an NFL background with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, was hired to man the offense. On defense, John Lovett, a special teams coach from North Carolina, will call plays.

“Our offense will be different,” Shannon said. “Like I tell everybody, the creativity of Whipple and the versatility in the way he uses the players is going to be unique. With Coach Lovett it’s going to be the

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same thing.”

With the departure of Marve, the team is now completely under the guidance of starting quarterback Harris, also known as “J12.”

Even though he started just two games, Harris threw for 1,195 yards last year and had 12 passing and two rushing touchdowns.

“It’s his team,” sophomore wide receiver LaRon Byrd said. “I told him to lead us to a championship.

He’s got a Peyton Manning mind

with a Tom Brady arm.”

Miami will face a tough start to its schedule as the team opens the season on the road against rival Florida State for the first time in three years. The Hurricanes then play ACC foes Georgia Tech at home and Virginia Tech away.

In their fourth game, the Canes host Oklahoma, which returns to Land Shark Stadium after losing to Florida in the BCS National Championship Game in January.

Regardless, UM looks forward to the challenging competition in the fall.

“We are up for the challenge,” junior running back Graig Cooper said. “We are not afraid. We are ready to go out there and show every team what we are about.”

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at l.ledoux@umiami.edu.

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Quarterback Harris ready to lead both on and off the field

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at l.ledoux@umiami.edu.

STEVE ROOT // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

FOCUSED IN: Jacory Harris awaits the snap in a 52-7 victory over Charleston Southern in last year’s season opener. Harris won the ACC’s Rookie of the Week award three times in 2008.

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Everyone has something to motivate them in life. Some are inspired to have a dignified job and others dream of a perfect family.

Many grind hard for both relatives and friends, while another group strives for a higher education.

Jacory Harris believes in all of the above, with one particular person motivating him every step of the way.

One of Harris’s best friends, James Anderson, was shot and killed during his sophomore year of high school. He and Anderson were best friends since the third grade and shared a strong bond that carried over on and off the field.

“He is truly my inspiration,” the former Parade All-American said. “He was always with me since day one. That is someone I [have] been playing for.”

Anderson’s tragedy and Harris’s father have shaped the 6’4”, 190-pounder into the person he is today. No one has made a bigger impact on Harris’s life than his father.

“My father is my idol,” the sophomore quarterback said.

“He has shown me he is a strong man. Most people don’t grow up with a father, especially in the neighborhood we come from. Like Marcus Forston, he didn’t grow up with a father. I’m one of those lucky few.”

With the help and inspiration of his father, Harris learned how to play football at local parks.

However, it wasn’t love at first sight for him.

“I hated football,” said Harris, laughing. “There was too much running. I use to cry a lot. I grew to love it. I use to play defensive

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BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

end, offensive tackle, basically every position except quarterback.”

Even though he is now the field general at the U, was a perfect 30-0 and won a national championship at Northwestern High School in Miami, there is a soft spot in Harris’s heart for basketball. Whenever he gets a chance, he heads over to the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center to shoot some hoops.

But don’t expect to see “J12” get into any pick-up games as he would never do anything to jeopardize his football career.

“We share our love of basketball together,” head coach Randy Shannon said. “Jacory is kind of a funny guy, always happy-go-lucky.

He is up-spirited and always upbeat.

He is always positive.”

To Harris, all of his teammates are like his brothers, and he doesn’t neglect his loving parents.

His number one goal at Miami is to do well academically and get his degree, so he can one day become a sports agent. Harris also has aspirations of playing in the NFL after graduation.

On the field, No. 12 thrives, always appearing calm and collected. He helped produce two come-from-behind victories at Duke and Virginia and on the season threw 12 touchdowns, completed 60.8 percent of his passes and held a quarterback efficiency rating of 125.8.

“The atmosphere when you’re out there in the field, just knowing thousands of fans, millions of viewers are watching you and you’re just having fun, I love it,” he said.

His “go hard” Mohawk and play on the field are representative of this. The patterns in his hair have characteristics like those of a jaguar.

Harris is calm, smooth and sleek.

“I just want to be remembered as that person, no matter on or off the field, who remains calm,” he said.

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September 7

Florida State

Tallahassee, Fla.

September 17

Georgia Tech

Miami Gardens, Fla.

September 26

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Va.

October 3

Oklahoma

Miami Gardens, Fla.

October 10

Florida A&M

Miami Gardens, Fla.

October 17

Central Florida

Orlando, Fla.

October 24

Clemson

Miami Gardens, Fla.

October 31

Wake Forest

Winston-Salem, N.C.

November 7

Virginia

Miami Gardens, Fla.

November 14

North Carolina

Chapel Hill, N.C.

November 21

Duke

Miami Gardens, Fla.

November 28

South Florida

Tampa, Fla.

Get the latest in Hurricanes sports news. Follow us at Twitter.com/TMH_Sports.

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CROSS COUNTRY

Hurricanes look to rebuild as six runners graduate Both squads placed in the top 10 in four meets on the year

BY DANIELLE KASLOW CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER

After starting strong, the University of Miami cross country team continued to run a successful season.

Both the men’s and women’s teams placed in the top 10 in four of their six meets, including the Greentree, UCF, Mountain Dew and the Florida Runner’s Invitational. The Hurricanes finished 12th at the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships.

“This year we had a lot of success on both sides,” head coach Damon Griffiths said. “Always the team goal is to improve our conference meet.”

Freshman Anna Bona felt the women’s season went well.

“We improved as a team throughout the season, but I know we can do much better,” she said. “A lot of the team was first-year runners, so we needed to learn how to race and become more confident and competitive.

We definitely hope to improve this upcoming season.”

Senior Andrew Chuplis attributed the men’s

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performance to the losses they suffered during the season.

“The seniors ran pretty well, considering all the injuries they had to train through,” he said. “The freshmen adapted well to the jump from 5k to 8k.”

Restructuring, however, must take place before next season begins to ensure a bright future for the programs.

On the men’s team, five of the top seven runners were seniors who graduated. Only one senior ran in the top seven for the women.

Coach Griffiths explained that the team expects at least two to three newcomers.

“Some will be transfers, and a lot will be high school seniors that are coming in,” he said. “They come with an extensive background in middle to longdistance running.”

While looking ahead to a new year of success, the runners of the cross country team also found time to reflect on the past.

“I think one of our strengths is that we work together, even though cross country is a really individual sport,” sophomore Emma Steppe said. “If anybody isn’t competing, they are out there cheering you on.”

COURTESY HURRICANE SPORTS

Danielle Kaslow may be contacted at d.kaslow1@ umiami.edu.

Summer 2009

LEAVIN’ ‘EM IN THE DUST: Recent graduate Andrew Chuplis finished his career with two straight season-best times.

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VOLLEYBALL

Miami falls just short of making its second-ever NCAA trip Even after finishing third in the ACC, 26 wins aren’t enough for UM

BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

The University of Miami volleyball team will have a major chip on its shoulder this upcoming season.

Last year the Hurricanes (26-6, 14-6) finished third in the ACC, but missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the sixth straight season.

“We realized we were one match away from an ACC Championship,” ninth-year head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said. “That would have clinched [an NCAA Tournament berth] for us. Just knowing that one match made such a big difference leaves everybody extremely hungry and driven. We realize the little things are what make the difference. We want to leave no doubt [this coming year] we will be in.”

Although the team did not make the field of 64, many members were honored with numerous individual accolades.

Outside hitter Lane Carico was named ACC Freshman of the Year and earned second team All-ACC honors along with fellow outside hitter Genny Mayhew.

Lantagne Welch, who won ACC Coach of the year, led the team to 26 wins, which were the most since 2002. The program started that season under the helm of Lantagne

Welch, who took the reins after serving as an assistant coach at Texas A&M for four years.

Returning to the Canes is their nucleus of players. The aforementioned Carico and Mayhew were first and second on the team in kills per set respectively.

Libero Cassie Loessberg was voted MVP last year by her teammates and broke her own record by notching the most digs (554) in school history in a single season. She is also a tremendous defensive asset.

Setter Katie Gallagher orchestrates the offense, finishing fifth in the conference in assists per set by averaging just over 10. She has tremendous vision and hustles all over the court, and fittingly won the team’s 100% Award for her efforts.

This veteran squad is motivated to succeed and have NCAA Tournament aspirations.

“Fans can look forward to a great show,” Mayhew said. “We have a great offense that is fun to watch. We have fun while we are playing and I think we will have a great atmosphere in our gym.”

Lantagne Welch echoed the same thoughts.

“We have high expectations about what we can accomplish in the fall. Hurricanes fans can expect to see an exciting atmosphere, and we hope to be vying for the ACC Championship.”

All home games can be heard on 90.5 FM WVUM, the University of Miami student radio station.

Justin Antweil may be contacted at j.antweil@umiami.edu.

STEVE ROOT // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

JUST SPIKE IT: Lane Carico led the team in points, kills and serves during her freshman year.

VOLLEYBALL PROFILE

Carico racks up awards, catalyzes the Orange and Green Outside hitter among team leaders in several key statistical categories

BY JUSTIN ANTWEIL SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

If outside hitter Lane Carico can duplicate the success she had in her first year, the University of Miami volleyball team will be in excellent shape.

The Hurricanes enjoyed a 12game turnaround from last season, and it was not a coincidence the program’s LANE CARICO revival occurred once Carico stepped on the hard court.

Carico, a highly-touted high school prospect out of Manhattan Beach, Calif., is a budding star. She was an integral part of four consecutive high school volleyball championships and carried her high school success straight to the Division I level.

This past season the 5’11” outside hitter earned numerous postseason honors, including ACC Freshman of the Year and 92

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Second Team All-ACC. Carico is also the ideal student-athlete. Majoring in business, her commitment in the classroom resulted in being named to the ACC-All Academic team.

“I don’t really care too much about the awards,” she said.

“I just care about how the team does and winning is the most important thing.”

As one of just two Canes to play all 116 sets last year, Carico is so versatile she led the team in kills and service aces, and finished second in digs.

Miami’s chances of a trip to NCAAs lie heavily on her, and she credits a lot of her assets to her older sister and mentor Taylor.

Taylor, who will transfer to the University of Minnesota for her senior season, achieved great success two years ago when she was named second team All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and earned Pacific-10 First Team All-Conference.

“My sister and I are really close,” UM’s rising young volleyball star said. “We call each other after every one of our games. We learn from each other and wish each other luck.

[Taylor] inspires me to achieve high goals. My whole family is really competitive so we all aim high.”

Justin Antweil may be contacted at j.antweil@umiami.edu.

Summer 2009

SEASON ACCOLADES: LANE CARICO 2008 All-ACC Academic Volleyball Team Rising Star by Collegiate Volleyball Update AVCA East Region Freshman of the Year AVCA All-East Region Team ACC Freshman of the Year ACC Volleyball Player of the Week Second Team All-ACC AVCA Honorable Mention All-America Team.

CVU.com Honorable mention Stellar Spiker

Get Hurricanes sports news 24/7.

TheMiamiHurricane.com/ sports.

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ROWING

Rowing team places in regionals despite changes in staff Boban Rankovic takes over the helm

BY RAMON GALIANA CONTRIBUTING SPORTS WRITER

Women’s rowing is not only a group of dedicated and tireless student-athletes at the U. It’s also one of the youngest teams on the athletic roster.

Interim head coach Boban Rankovic, in his first year as a Hurricane, took the reins after Robbie Tenenbaum stepped down from the position. Rankovic once was a member of the Serbian National Rowing team and was named Serbian Rower of the Year.

“You can see that after only a month of training and being a head coach, it’s very challenging and time-consuming, but very rewarding in the end,” he said.

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Under Rankovic, the Canes finished third at the ACC championships in Oak Ridge, Tenn., as senior Laura Cordner and sophomore Emily Wingrove were selected to the All-ACC team. UM concluded its season at the South/ Central Regional Championships, finishing seventh.

“The team simply performed brilliantly,” said Nic Saner, a senior from Cape Town, South Africa.

“This year we’ve built a really strong foundation for next year - you only get better the more time you spend rowing.”

Saner, an economics and finance major, helped her team to improved times, including a 7:24.83 against Eastern Michigan, which was good enough for first place.

As a team, the rowers attempted to bond in creative ways.

All 39 girls, and even Rankovic, dressed up in themed attire for “Everything 80s,” Valentine’s Day

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and April Fools’ Day. “I see things going really well.

I think we have a really good group of girls and everyone’s really excited for a positive change next year,” said Rachael Sporko, who just finished her final season with the team.

Sporko was recently named to the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association All-South Region Second Team. The award recognizes the best rowers across the country in the five separate regions, placing award winners in two different teams per region. She was also a part of the crew with Saner that rowed to a first-place finish against Eastern Michigan in April.

“We definitely expect to do even better next year,” Rankovic said. “In a way these past two months the team has realized their true potential.”

Ramon Galiana may be contacted at r.galiana@umiami.edu.

COURTESY HURRICANE SPORTS

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT: Molly Thornton and Stephanie Parrish practice at the Ronald W. Shane Watersports Center.

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SOCCER

SOCCER PROFILE

Déjà vu halts strong start

The last line of defense

Mid-season injuries to top players prove decisive for Canes

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

For the second consecutive season, the University of Miami women’s soccer team’s season came to a close in Gainesville, Fla. In the program’s third trip to the NCAA Tournament in its 11-year history, the Hurricanes (10-9-3) fell 3-1 to Central Florida (14-5-3) in the first round at the University of Florida’s James G. Pressly Stadium.

Last season, UM lost 3-0 to host Florida in the tourney.

“I thought that was one of our best games as far as our performance, effort and ability to create the attack,” head coach Tricia Taliaferro said. “I think we made some crucial mental errors, and you can’t do that when you play in the NCAA tournament and when you play quality opponents.”

It was a premature close to the season for Miami, which began the fall on a school record seven-game winning streak and reached a ranking as high as No. 19.

Injuries to key starters hurt the Canes as they sunk into an eight-game winless streak during a California road trip and the heart of their ACC schedule. Senior forward Rachael Rigamat and junior midfielder Beverly Goebel’s absence affected the team’s experience and formations on the field.

Sophomore midfielder and reigning ACC Freshman of the Year Brittney Steinbruch missed nine games, yet still

managed to score eight goals to lead the team. She tallied at least a goal in each of the first six games.

Only three players, two of whom are starters, leave the squad - seniors Corynn Carino, Rigamat and Jordan Ross. Eighteen letter winners are set to return.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team and the entire season,” Carino said. “I’m going to miss playing with them.”

On the year, the Hurricanes finished with 10 wins for the fourth time in program history and won their first seven games.

Freshman goalkeeper Vikki Alonzo set a record with 11 shutouts. The previous number was a far-away six.

“I am extremely proud of our team.

The future of Miami soccer is unbelievable,” Taliaferro said. “I think you saw that in the first half of the season when we went 7-0.

Unfortunately, we had some injuries, but I think it made us a better soccer team, having to overcome adversity. I look forward to the future.”

Ten student-athletes were announced as part of the 2009 class in early February, including two All-Americans and three national champions.

“I am very proud of the class we were able to attract this year and I believe it is a tribute to the current players and the success we have had over the last few years,” Taliaferro said. “All the players in this class are very competitive and know how to win games at the highest level. I think we have some very special attacking personalities and look forward to implementing them into the program.”

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

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Florida

August 28

Ball State

September 1

Florida Gulf Coast

September 4

Western Carolina

September 6

Navy

September 18

Ole Miss

September 24

Boston College

September 27

Maryland

October 9

Clemson

October 22

N.C. State

October 25

North Carolina

BILLY GILBERT// FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

SAVED BY THE ‘KEEP: Goalie Vikki Alonzo shattered the previous program single-season shutout record of six by blanking 11 opponents.

Sophomore goalie vital to emerging program

BY CHRISTINA DE NICOLA OF THE STAFF

Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson and Vikki Alonzo.

There seems to be more than meets the eye when it comes to the goalkeeper for the University of Miami women’s VIKKI ALONZO soccer team.

A self-proclaimed poet, Alonzo earned accolades like Southeast All-Freshman Team during her first year.

She started her collegiate career by recording four shutouts in the first five games and finished with a school record 11, shattering the previous number of six.

Alonzo also ranks first in school history in single-season saves (114), goals against average (0.88) and minutes in goal (2,055).

The 5’6” public relations and marketing major, who was one of seven freshmen on the team, feels at home in the goal, donning a rather interesting uniform.

“I wear yellow and black,” Alonzo said.

Summer 2009

“I like to stand out.”

And that’s just what she did since becoming the starting keeper for the Hurricanes and playing every minute of the 2008-2009 season, replacing the program’s most accomplished goalie, Lauren McAdam.

In the first match of the season against Stetson, Alonzo blocked a penalty kick late in the game to preserve the shutout and a 3-0 victory for Miami.

“The most important skill is to be mentally tough and believe you’re the best,” Alonzo said. “If you don’t believe and have confidence in yourself when you’re on that field, there is no point in stepping out.”

A native of Carrollton, Texas, she has been playing soccer since she was six, though it wasn’t until her second year on the club level that she made the switch from forward to goalie.

“I’m very pleased because, as a freshman, Vikki exceeded expectations,” head coach Tricia Taliaferro said.

Even if Alonzo writes rhymes as well as she stops shots, an anthology will just have to wait until the goalkeeper and her teammates are satisfied with beating their opponents and making it even further into the NCAA Tournament.

Christina De Nicola may be contacted at c.denicola@umiami.edu.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

Canes aim to rebound with top-25 ESPN recruiting class Miami’s season comes to an early end in the NIT

BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

Expectations were high for the 2008-09 men’s basketball team as it came off its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002.

Campus was abuzz about this veteran team that reached the second round of the tournament and had inspired talk of a shot at the title.

Unfortunately, the Hurricanes didn’t qualify for the Big Dance, instead falling into the NIT, where they went on to lose in the second round to Florida.

Miami started the season ranked No. 16 and was selected to finish fourth in the ACC. But the Canes dropped six of their 11 regular season

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losses by five points or less, including three in overtime. They had to settle at 19-13 overall and 7-9 in the ACC. “I think it was a disappointing what happened to us, but it was not a disappointing season,” head coach Frank Haith said. “Other people may look at it differently. But I think this team had a lot of bright moments: beating a top-10 team in Wake Forest by 27 points at home. I think we made basketball pretty relevant at Miami.”

Senior guard and captain Jack McClinton finished third in scoring in the ACC with 19.7 points per game and stood atop the pack in free-throw and three-point shooting percentage.

McClinton’s hard work paid off as he earned his second consecutive First Team All-ACC and third straight AllACC selection.

He also won the men’s threepoint championship at the 21st Annual College Slam Dunk and Three Point Championships in Detroit.

“Jack is the face of the program,”

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Summer 2009

Haith said. “Thirty-three had an unbelievable career. He did it in three years. The thing I love about Jack is he is who he is because he works his tail off to get there.”

The season started tough as Miami lost to Final Four team Connecticut and dropped its first home game to another NCAA-bound team in Ohio State.

However, the Hurricanes defeated Kentucky at Rupp Arena and St. John’s at Madison Square Garden to go on a six-game winning streak.

Even with the tough ending, Haith is confident that next year’s team will be better.

“We’re excited about the young men we have coming back,” Haith said. “It’ll be a young team, but I think it’ll be an exciting team.

We want to win championships at Miami, and we will.”

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at l.ledoux@umiami.edu.

ALEX BROADWELL // FIRST IMPRESSION STAFF

NOTHING BUT NET: Jack McClinton finished his career as the ACC’s all-time three-point field goal percentage leader.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Johnson among talent with promising future Freshman earns ACC honor, spot with Team USA

BY LELAN LEDOUX SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

Playing in the toughest NCAA women’s basketball conference, the ACC, the Hurricanes (13-17, 2-12) still saw a four-game improvement over the previous year.

Miami faced 10 teams that advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Although the Canes return seniors Lamese James, LaToya Cunningham and Latoya Drake, they will rely on the strong building block of two rising sophomores: guard Riquna Williams and McDonald’s All-American forward Shenise Johnson.

Johnson, also known as “Moe

Moe,” was named to the ACC AllFreshman team and was honorable mention for All-ACC. She led the team in most statistical categories, which included her 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.7 steals per game.

The 5’11” Henrietta, N.Y. native became only the seventh player in school history to be named to a conference all-freshman team. It was the first time a lady Hurricane accomplished the feat in the basketball-rich ACC. “Being named to the team, I felt like I deserved it, but feel like I could’ve done much better,” Johnson said. “As a team, we can only get better. We are getting experience now and can show the new recruits what we learned. Our record didn’t show how talented we really are, so it’s only up from here.”

As fifth-year head coach Katie Meier continues to nab the nation’s best high school players like top-10 recruit Morgan Stroman, she believes

that with more experience and time, Johnson and Williams will lead the young Canes to more victories.

“Those freshmen were really good,” Meier said. “They’re going to be great for us in the future.”

After starting off strong with an 11-3 record to begin the season, the Hurricanes struggled in conference play.

Virginia barely edged out the Canes in overtime, 84-74, and Johnson was one rebound shy of a triple-double. Rival Florida State stole a nail biter, 59-58.

Even though Miami’s season didn’t end where the team would have liked it to, it eyes next year as a chance to improve in the ACC. “As a team, we can only get better,” Johnson said. “We are getting experience now. Our record didn’t show how talented we really were, so it’s only up from here.”

Lelan LeDoux may be contacted at l.ledoux@umiami.edu.

COURTESY HURRICANE SPORTS

YOUTH IS SERVED: Shenise Johnson led the Hurricanes with 12.8 points en route to the ACC All-Freshman Team.

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