The Villagers announce 2022 college scholarship recipients
The Villagers have awarded two $5,000 scholarships to university students with an interest in historic preservation and restoration. Mary Beth Burke chaired The Villagers’ Scholarship Selection Committee with Diane Lee, Anna Nasher and Wendy Zepernick. “We are pleased to continue The Villagers’ legacy of awarding scholarships to promising graduate students who focus on historic preservation,” Burke said. The not-for-profit all-volunteer group has awarded more than 75 local organizations grants to fund more than 150 projects and hundreds of university scholarships to advance historic preservation. Through educating, advocating, fundraising, restoration, and documentation The Villagers work to preserve the cultural and architectural heritage of local historic sites and neighborhoods.
communitynewspapers.comVillagers Announce 2022 College Scholarship Recipients
The Villagers have awarded two $5000 scholarships to university students with an interest in historic preservation and restoration. Mary Beth Burke chaired The Villagers’ Scholarship Selection Committee with Diane Lee, Anna Nasher and Wendy Zepernick. “We are pleased to continue The Villagers’ legacy of awarding scholarships to promising graduate students who focus on historic preservation,” said Burke. The not-for-profit all-volunteer group has awarded more than 75 local organizations grants to fund more than 150 projects and hundreds of university scholarships to advance historic preservation. Through educating, advocating, fundraising, restoration, and documentation The Villagers work to preserve the cultural and architectural heritage of local historic sites and neighborhoods.
communitynewspapers.comUM alumnus Ray Liotta, star of “Goodfellas” and “Field of Dreams,” dies at 67
Embed from Getty ImagesRay Liotta, known for his role as Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams,” died on Friday. Liotta, a University of Miami alumnus, found his passion for theater and cinematic arts here on UM’s campus. Shortly after graduating from the U, Liotta secured his first big role in 1978 on the soap opera “Another World.” Liotta then went on to build a prominent career in cinema. Liotta leaves behind a daughter, Karsen, along with many adoring fans who will never forget his lasting influence on the world of cinema. “I hope others in the UM community are able to appreciate his contributions to the art of film and how special his talents were.”
themiamihurricane.comMiami hires Alonzo Highsmith as General Manager of Football Operations
As first reported by Dave Hyde of the Sun-Sentinel, former UM running back and NFL front-office executive Alonzo Highsmith has been hired by Miami to be its General Manager of Football Operations, a newly formed position. “His extensive experience as an NFL executive will provide tremendous value to our football operations. “Alonzo is a true Miami Hurricane,” Cristobal said in a statement. Most recently, from 2020 to 2022, Highsmith served as a senior executive advisor to the general manager for the Seattle Seahawks. “It is an honor to come back to the University of Miami and I am very humbled,” Highsmith said.
themiamihurricane.comPositive Mathematicians Near Pinecrest
Selected talented female high school students from Miami-Pelmotto Senior High School, Ransom Everglades School, and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart have been jointly invited by their schools and the University of Miami’s Institute of the Mathematical Sciences of the Americas, to join the inaugural “Girls are for STEM” program, sponsored by UM. The courses are “Introduction to Abstract Algebra” and “Introduction to Probabilty Theory”, and on completion offer 6 college credits for participants. The program is led by Visiting Professor Mina Teicher, Chief Scienitst of Israel, and now the leader of the WIMSA (Women in Math) initiative. Wallen and Keedy Brown are each inducted members in Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School Mathematics Honor Society. Wallen and Keedy Brown are each inducted members in Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School Mathematics Honor Society.
communitynewspapers.comBad news for the 2022 hurricane season: The Loop Current, a fueler of monster storms, is looking a lot like it did in 2005, the year of Katrina
A satellite image of ocean heat shows the strong Loop Current and swirling eddies. Christopher Henze, NASA/AmesThe Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1, and the Gulf of Mexico is already warmer than average. Even more worrying is a current of warm tropical water that is looping unusually far into the Gulf for this time of year, with the power to turn tropical storms into monster hurricanes. It’s called the Loop Current, and it’s the 800-pound gorilla of Gulf hurricane risks. When the Loop
news.yahoo.comFrost School of Music professors perform at Gusman Concert Hall
University of Miami alumna and internationally acclaimed soprano Sandra Lopez Neill recently returned to UM to perform. After performing around the world, Lopez was appointed to the Frost faculty in 2019. 25, Lopez Neill performed at UM Gusman Concert Hall for her first faculty recital since her Frost appointment. She shared the stage with Drama Desk winner and Frost Professor Alan Johnson on piano. For more information on future performances, visit www.frost.miami.edu.
communitynewspapers.comMiami housing prices hit record high, UM students anxious
In South Florida, these new costs are coupled with a steep increase in housing prices. University of Miami students are feeling the implications of this drastic change. Economists say that the striking rise in housing prices can be attributed to the combination of a wide variety of social and economic factors. Parmeter said that the city’s rising tech industry is also contributing to the rising cost of housing in Miami. Students say that the rising cost of housing combined with UM’s current housing shortage have negatively affected their plans for the fall 2022 semester.
themiamihurricane.comStudents prepare for first fully in-person graduation at Watsco Center in two years
On Friday May 13, 2022, University of Miami students will take the stage at the annual Spring Commencement Ceremony for the culmination of their career at the university. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m with students from the College of Arts and Sciences. The Watsco Center served as the traditional venue for commencement for years before the pandemic forced a change in routine. This semester, students will once again make the walk from their seat at the Watsco Center to the stage for their diplomas. The Watsco Center is conveniently located on campus and has a capacity of 8,000.
themiamihurricane.comConstruction on Centennial Village to begin over summer
After much anticipation and delay, construction on the University of Miami’s $335 million Centennial Village housing project is just a few weeks away. “Centennial Village will transform both our campus landscape and the student experience,” said Patricia Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs, in an interview with News@theU. This coupled with the loss of 850 student housing spots from the demolition of Hecht Residential College has made it difficult to find affordable housing near UM. “Housing and Residential Life staff have been working diligently to try to accommodate housing needs for all students who were approved for University housing. “I will live without getting to experience Centennial Village.
themiamihurricane.comEDM, Art, Pizza, EQ Collective’s After Glow Festival
DJs performed on a booth displaying LED graphics surrounded by speakers turned to over 90 decibels. “Probably the best college show as far as production.”For the few senior DJs, it was the best set they’ve performed on. Regardless, the festival still provided an opportunity for lovers of EDM to come together and share in the experience. EQ Collective members and concert goers also noted that the festival was an opportunity to unwind before truly beginning studying. Matousek and Green personally thanked Hurricane Productions, SAFAC and their advisor for their assistance in preparing the festival.
themiamihurricane.com‘Cabaret’ graces Ring Theater, dazzles with impressive choreography, emotive performances
“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome” to the UM student production of “Cabaret” at the Jerry Herman Ring Theater! And finally, I couldn’t talk about standout performances without mentioning Miss Sally Bowles, played by Jenna Hochkammer. Hochkammer captured the spirit of Sally Bowles to the T, and her most impressive achievement was that she didn’t over-act. This did not, however, detract from the show, so in the words of Fraulein Schneider, “Who cares? So what?”In all, the production of “Cabaret” was horrifyingly moving, hauntingly beautiful, and tragically, well, cabaret.
themiamihurricane.comFrost School of Music congratulates faculty members on Grammy wins
The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami recently announced two members of its world-renowned artist faculty were bestowed the highest honor in the music industry, receiving Grammy Awards at the 64th Annual Awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Sunday, Apr. “I am so grateful to the Recording Academy for this very unexpected recognition,” Professor Rivera said. Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Studio Music and Jazz lecturer at the Frost School earned the Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for Skyline, a trio album of Cuban standards and original pieces from bandmates and legends Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette. This marks the third Grammy for the celebrated artist who among other honors is a multi-Latin Grammy Award winner. “All of us at the Frost School congratulate our esteemed faculty members Carlos Raphael Rivera and Gonzalo Rubalcaba on their Grammy wins,” said Dean Shelton G. Berg.
communitynewspapers.comStudents and staff say farewell to Hecht
The catchy phrase, “Oh Yeah, Hecht Yeah,” Hecht Residential College’s famous chant, will soon be but a memory as students, staff and alumni say farewell to the iconic 12-story tower. While the news of Centennial Village has been in circulation since 2019, many are still shocked that Hecht is the first tower to leave. Residential colleges one and two, along with the dining hall are set to open in August 2024, whereas three, four and five will open in August 2026To staff and students, Hecht’s farewell is emotional. Senior Taylor Rose said she hopes that Centennial Village will honor Hecht in some way. “I will miss hearing ‘Hecht Yeah,’ ‘Power Tower’ and ‘Money Tower’ and the Hecht vibes.
themiamihurricane.com‘Ultra part two on UM’s campus’: EQ Collective brings EDM festival to campus
The DJs bring a variety of styles including Reggaeton, 2010 “club bangers,” Latin music, hip hop and experimental bass along with the conventional EDM varieties. “We’re taking our inspiration from festivals like EDC,” said Devon Green, vice president and social chair of EQ Collective. Last year was EQ Collective’s first festival at UM, but COVID-19 restrictions prevented the festival from reaching its full potential. In the spirit of healthy competition, EQ Collective wants to put on the best festival possible. “If you had a good time at Ultra, this is going to be Ultra part two on UM’s campus.
themiamihurricane.comUM bears some responsibility for the mistreatment and overworking of campus workers
Subcontracted campus workers staged a protest last Tuesday demanding better treatment from ABM Industries, a major employer of the people who help make the University of Miami function. But if you expected a response to the workers’ demands from UM’s administration, you’d still be waiting. Without support from administration, subcontracted employees fear for themselves in speaking out. They keep our campus as functional and visually appealing as it is, something that the university promotes and capitalizes on. Instead of shrugging responsibility, there are things administration, students and faculty could all do to support the university’s subcontracted workers in their fight for what they deserve as workers.
themiamihurricane.comUptick in COVID-19 cases seen across the country, implications for UM students
As nationwide discussion on masking and safety measures begins to heat up once again, Philadelphia became the first major city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate on Monday, April 11. According to John Hopkins University, the week of April 13 saw a 44% increase from the week prior in the average number of COVID-19 cases reported nationally. Health professionals point to the COVID-19 variant, BA.2, the relaxation of COVID-19 precautions and waning immunity across the country for the spike in cases. At this point, UM has no intentions of reinstating the indoor mask mandate. “At this time, there are no plans to consider any changes to indoor mask mandates.
themiamihurricane.comIt’s On Us hosts Spring Week of Action for sexual assault awareness
The University of Miami’s It’s On Us chapter hosted a series of events facilitating conversations on sexual assault through their recent Spring Week of Action, engaging students with games, giveaways and interactive activities designed to raise awareness on campus. It’s important that we know about every group.”Wednesday, in the spirit of Wellness Wednesday, saw students discuss the effects of sexual assault on mental health. The topic was communicated through games of “Two Truths and One Lie,” where students could learn hard facts about the effects of sexual assault. The week culminated with Friday’s Take Back the Night, where survivors of sexual assault, sexual misconduct or other traumatic events shared their stories in a supportive environment and safe space. Sexual assault is pervasive on college campuses.
themiamihurricane.comMichael Lowry on his future as Local 10′s Hurricane Specialist, Storm Surge Expert
Shortly upon deciding to leave The Weather Channel as its on-air Hurricane Specialist and Storm Surge Expert at the end of 2016, I received a phone call from Bill Pohovey, the long-time vice president and news director at WPLG – Miami’s local ABC affiliate. Having been a one-time resident of Miami, I knew the station letters well. I also knew its team of meteorologists, including Chief Certified Meteorologist Betty Davis, also a Weather Channel alum, and its resident Hurricane Specialist Max Mayfield, a colleague, friend, and former National Hurricane Center Director. I don’t remember the details of our conversation – it was brief – though I do remember the impression it left. This local station knew its niche – hurricanes – and it had a plan to not only cover them best, but to cover them better than the rest. The timing for me, though, didn’t quite fit.
Jacob Lichtenstein is back in South Florida and ready to leave his mark at UM
That is the distance from the University of Miami to transfer defensive lineman Jacob Lichtenstein’s previous school, the University of Southern California. “Being in California, at USC, my family [and] all my resources, I didn’t have them,” Lichtenstein said. Lichtenstein’s spring-football success was exhibited at Miami’s spring game. Also for Lichtenstein, Saturday’s spring game brought upon his first opportunity to wear a uniform that had his last name displayed across the back of it. “I’ve never played with my last name on my back, so I felt a lot of pride in that,” Lichtenstein said following Miami’s spring game.
themiamihurricane.comUnderpaid and overworked, UM’s janitorial staff are continuing their stand against unfair labor conditions
“We are here to fight for our work to be fair and to stop overworking us,” protestor Olga Mendoza said. “When workers leave, they don’t fill the vacancies,” said Mars Fernandez, a graduate student studying counseling psychology. Protesters said they believe that ABM is pocketing the wage money of the staff they are not hiring for their own benefit. “I am sure that ABM has the money given by the university to hire workers but doesn’t use it for that,” Marlene Trejos, ABM janitor said. The issue of understaffing was noticed amid the pandemic, when the janitorial staff was classified as “essential workers” because ABM and UM were desperate to have them clean their campus.
themiamihurricane.comThe Butler Center recognizes student and faculty leaders during Celebration of Involvement
The Butler Center awarded several undergraduate students, a faculty member and a postgraduate student for their leadership and service on campus and within Miami. “I’m very grateful that the current vice president of student affairs is Dr. Patricia Whitely,” Duong said. “Both awards deal with people who have given in community service,” Waldman said. That’s why we do it.”The awards are given in honor of Glenn’s and Tania’s respective mothers. “Do your due diligence, serve your community, get involved, use your voice and do it not for attention but for pure intention.”The awards were given as follows:
themiamihurricane.comRowing finishes Sunshine State Invitational with bronze medal, three boats in grand finals
The team placed three of five boats in the grand finals and one on the podium this weekend at the Sunshine State Invitational in Sarasota, Florida. The Hurricanes went up against 11 other schools for their first regatta of the season, competing against Kansas, Kansas State, UCF, Northeastern, Tulsa, Jacksonville, Iowa, Stateson, Drexel and Louisville. Of the five boats, 1V8, 2V8, 1V4, 2V4 and 3V8, the three that made grand finals were the 2V8, 3V8 and the 2V4. The 2V8 and 3V8 both finished sixth in the grand finals with times of 6:48.27 and 7:35.59. Miami’s 1V8 and 1V4 progressed to the petite finals, both finishing in second place to University of Kansas and Louisville, respectively.
themiamihurricane.comCOISO hosts annual international week
Each night, the Council of International Students and Organizations (COISO), showcased a region with music, food and other tent activities. Monday was Opening Night, Tuesday Latin and Caribbean Night, Wednesday Africa Night, Thursday Middle East and Europe Night and Friday Asia Night. The night concluded with a smattering of Latin food, including ‘pastelitos’ and beans and dances from Latin performers. Ananya Gupta, an international student from India, chaired Asia Night, the final part of International Week. I would want my friends here to know more about my culture back home and this is a good way to introduce it.”
themiamihurricane.com‘They’ll be sharing these stories with their grandchildren’: Miami cherishes most successful season in program history
But in Miami’s most prominent season in school history, the triumphs and points of adversity live on. They’ll be sharing these stories with their grandchildren,” Larrañaga said. We had so much support throughout the season and especially in the NCAA Tournament,” Larrañaga said. “A lot of times, those guys have a mindset of their own and it’s not normally about the team,” Larrañaga said. The University of Miami is a great school academically, a top-50 school in the country,” Larrañaga said.
themiamihurricane.com‘Music is a universal language’: Pitbull shares stories at What Matters to U event
When Armando Christian Pérez, commonly known as “Pitbull,” walked out on stage, he was greeted by a roaring crowd of University of Miami students. UM students made clear their affection for the Miami-icon with whooping cheers, flags, posters and even dressing in bald caps and the artist’s iconic sun-glasses. “Miami has that attraction that the rest of the world doesn’t have, especially through music,” Pitbull said. It unites, it doesn’t divide, so that is what I try to do through the music,” Pitbull said. During breaks between classes, Pitbull would freestyle rap for his peers in the hallways of his high school.
themiamihurricane.comUniHop: on-campus delivery for UM students
University of Miami-based start-up company, UniHop is looking to revolutionize delivery on college campuses. UniHop was founded last year by UM sophomore Kyle Levy after he realized the need for a delivery service uniquely designed for and by college students. The company coins itself as a college campus logistics service and provides a plethora of delivery services including parcel delivery, same-day shopping and delivery and special occasion packages, such as brunch platters. Levy says UniHop distinguishes itself from similar services such as Instacart because customers can select the time they want their item delivered instead of selecting a two-hour window. “People and delivery are first, really focusing on making sure, you know, everything is personalized to what students want, what parents want, what everybody wants,” Levy said.
themiamihurricane.comConconcreto LLC and U of Miami establish research collaboration
Conconcreto LLC and the University of Miami recently agreed to set up a research fund within the university’s School of Architecture backed by a by Conconcreto’s gift of $150,000 over the next three years. This need for innovation makes it important to continue to the progress in the academic world through research in strategies that help to consolidate Smart Cities. The “Conconcreto Research Unit” will be housed in a dedicated room within the modeling and fabrication facilities at the University of Miami’s School of Architecture. It also provides opportunities for students from the School of Architecture to intern with the company. A conference on Smart Cities jointly held by Conconcreto LLC and the University of Miami will showcase the research in the context of current trends and innovation on May 19 and 20 in Miami“We are thrilled to have Conconcreto LLC as an industry partner.
communitynewspapers.comANF Group general contractor for UM theater arts building
ANF Group Inc. — a full-service construction firm providing construction management, general contracting, development, and design-build services — has announced that it has been awarded the general contract for building a new 15,000-square-foot ground up theater arts building on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables Campus. Currently in pre-construction, the two-story building will feature a theater, concessions, wardrobe and dressing rooms, acting and dance classrooms, voice studios, student lounge, and supporting spaces. A 1,000-square-foot IT Hub/Data Room also will be located within the space program of the new Theater Arts building. “We are very excited to have been selected to build the new Theater Arts building at UM, such a vibrant and diverse academic institution in the South Florida community,” said Al Fernandez, president of ANF Group. ANF is a family-owned and operated business led by Alberto Fernandez Jr., Nelson Fernandez, and Alberto Gil.
communitynewspapers.comUniversity of Miami Camp Kesem chapter supports local kids through spring fling fundraiser
The University of Miami’s Camp Kesem chapter successfully raised over $1,000 on Thursday, March 10 in its Spring Fling fundraiser. Camp Kesem is a national nonprofit organization that supports children who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis or have lost a parent to cancer by providing them with free year-round programs and a week-long summer camp. Examples of the programming include Friends and Family day where alumni, current counselors and members and Kesem families come together, virtual Cabin Chats where campers can connect with each other from home, Camp Kesem summer camp and Kesem by Your Side gift packages which are provided to campers throughout the year. The summer camp, which is the main aspect of the organization, is a week-long overnight camp for children ages 6-18 with unique programming for each age group. Whether it be through simply supporting campers through fundraising or organizing or an individual relationship founded at camp, Camp Kesem members seem to be consistently learning from the resiliency of their campers.
themiamihurricane.comState attorney with history of failing to prosecute law enforcement officers slated as keynote speaker for Pat Whitely’s Women’s Leadership Symposium
Selected by the Butler Center for Service and Leadership, Katherine Fernandez Rundle has been the state attorney of Miami-Dade County since 1993, and is the first Cuban-American woman to hold the position. A collection of incidents, primarily involving her history of failing to prosecute law enforcement officers in situations involving deaths of victims, mar her career in the eyes of some. These are just two examples in a laundry list of incidents where the State Attorney has not prosecuted law enforcement. “The reason why we selected Katherine Fernandez Rundle was her background and her experiences, like becoming the first Cuban-American State Attorney,” said Symposium co-chair Esther Alexandre, a junior majoring in computer engineering. “Given that it is Women’s History Month and she is the first Cuban-American State Attorney and has held that position for over 30 years, we wanted to focus on highlighting our elected officials here in Miami-Dade,” said Mighty.
themiamihurricane.comTickets for What Matters to U event with Pitbull sells out within minutes, students frustrated by lack of accessibility
Within minutes of becoming available, all tickets for the highly anticipated “What Matters to U” event with singer Pitbull were sold out, leaving University of Miami students frustrated and disappointed. “I even set my alarm to make sure I got them.”Unlike hundreds of disgruntled UM students, Parks said she was fortunate to have secured a ticket. “I quite literally was on at noon and the site just simply wasn’t loading,” read one comment on the WMTU instagram page. Many students suggested opening the event up to the Watsco Center to house more student events, however the cost to hold an event at the Watsco Center is beyond the WMTU budget. “The event is being held in the largest venue on campus, aside from the Watsco Center,” the WMTU team announced over an Instagram story Tuesday afternoon.
themiamihurricane.comThe Metaverse Could Be A Valuable Tool- Or It Could Tear Us Apart
However, the unchecked growth of VR technology could bring with it a litany of dangerous side effects. This lack of regulation also means that locations within the metaverse are extremely vitriolic — a quality that is amplified by the visual nature of virtual reality. Despite the immense potential for harm that the metaverse brings, it could bring clear benefits as a tool for teaching and community building. In the aforementioned class, VR technology is used to transport students to different geographical locations pertaining to the course’s subject matter. However, replacing real life with virtual reality has the potential to amplify the worst aspects of the internet, with real-world consequences.
themiamihurricane.comMen’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga earns two-year contract extension
Miami men’s basketball head coach Jim Larrañaga will be staying in Coral Gables for at least two extra years. UM announced on Wednesday that Larrañaga, who just became the winningest head coach in the team’s history, received a two-year contract extension through the 2025-26 season. “I am excited to have Jim continue to lead our men’s basketball program,” Miami Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said in a Miami Athletics release. “He is an outstanding ambassador on and off the court for Miami and for the game of college basketball. The Hurricanes were picked to finish 12th in the conference’s preseason poll and now enter the ACC Tournament as the No.
themiamihurricane.comUM community stands in solidarity with Ukraine
Shortly after Russia launched a land invasion, Russia’s air forces targeted cities and military infrastructure across the country. On Feb. 27, tens of thousands of Czechs gathered in the streets of Prague to protest Russia’s invasion. While neighboring countries open their borders to the refugees, the international community has condemned Putin’s invasion. On March 1, about 100 diplomats walked out during Russia’s foreign minister’s speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council in protest of Russia’s invasion. As international actors pressure Russia to halt their attack on Ukraine, UM administration and students stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
themiamihurricane.com‘Seeing smiles again’: UM reacts to end of mask mandate
On Tuesday March 1, UM announced that they will no longer require students, faculty and staff to wear masks in all indoor spaces. UM has required students to wear masks to varying degrees since the fall 2020 semester. The end of the mask mandate was announced through an email from UM communications to the university community on Monday, March 1. According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people only need to wear masks indoors in counties with substantial transmission. “Making ugly gym faces is just part of being in here,” Spahn said.
themiamihurricane.com4-star offensive lineman Antonio Tripp Jr. commits to Miami
Miami football received a verbal commitment from four-star offensive lineman Antonio Tripp Jr. on Tuesday. 171% committed to THE University of Miami,” Tripp wrote in a Twitter post. According to 247Sports Composite, he is the 19th-ranked interior offensive lineman in the country and the seventh-best recruit from Maryland. The same day that Tripp committed to UM, five-star defensive lineman David Hicks rounded out his visit to Miami. UM will resume spring practices on Wednesday ahead of the annual spring football game on April 16 in Fort Lauderdale.
themiamihurricane.comRae Sremmurd to headline spring concert, UM students give their thoughts
In-person concerts are back. Embed from Getty ImagesThe concert is the first in-person event of its kind since the headlining performances of London-born rapper 21 Savage and hit Russian-German producer Zedd, in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The announcement of Rae Sremmurd as the headlining act sparked different reactions from students across campus, with many citing the Mississippi-based rap duo as a surprising choice. Amanda Costello, senior public relations major and Concert Chair of Hurricane Productions, dished about her eagerness for the event. We’re just looking to bring concerts back because although we did two virtual shows because of COVID-19, this is our first in-person concert back.
themiamihurricane.comUniversity leaders celebrate groundbreaking of Center for Global Black Studies
The Center for Global Black Studies is located on the third floor of the Solomon G. Merrick Building across rooms 305 and 306. Donette Francis, co-director of the Center for Global Black Studies, kicked off the event by explaining that the Center for Global Black Studies “aspires to be the hub of Black intellectual life” through scholarship, research and academic relationships. He continued by explaining how the Center for Global Black Studies would put the University of Miami on the map. Attendees were invited to grab first-edition “Center for Global Black Studies” t-shirts and a taste of authentic Jamaican food on their way out. Hopefully, the Center for Global Black studies will receive the support it deserves in order to thrive beyond UM’s Coral Gables campus for years to come.
themiamihurricane.comCOVID-19 polices still impacting upcoming theater arts productions
Few college majors are impacted as much as the University of Miami theater students by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maria Usaga, box office manager of The Ring Theater, expressed the theater department’s compliance with the university’s events and activities guidelines. The crew and audience members will also be required to wear masks. “It’s a feat of its own.”Additionally, audience members will be expected to practice social distancing in the theater. If any audience members are traveling internationally a week prior to the event, they will need to submit a negative COVID-19 test to attend.
themiamihurricane.comUM expected to drop mask mandate Tuesday
After a little over a year and a half of mandating masks in indoor public spaces on campus, the University of Miami is expected to announce Tuesday morning that masks will no longer be required in indoor public spaces. New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams, announced on Sunday that the city plans to eliminate the public school mask mandate by March 7th. Miami-Dade public schools abandoned the mask mandate on Nov. 9, making masks optional for students. The University of Florida has not had a mask mandate in place since May 15, 2021. “I’m glad the mask mandate is finally going away,” said Shane Stewart, a junior at UM.
themiamihurricane.comThe Women’s Network establishes chapter on campus
The Women’s Network (TWN), a national collegiate networking organization for women is establishing a chapter on the University of Miami’s campus. TWN is one of many networking organizations on campus but is the first specifically for collegiate women. The women’s network was founded in 2017 by Syracuse University alumnus, Jamie Vinick, who was inspired to form the organization after attending a lecture from a powerful female banking executive. “I think that comparison kills and The Women’s Network does not believe in competition, we believe in building each other up,” Waschbusch said. “I think the capacity The Women’s Network has to be all over the country and still be so interconnected is what’s going to help us grow.”To lean more about TWN you can follow their instagram, @thewomensnetwork_umiami.
themiamihurricane.comThe Historic Hampton House celebrates Black history with ‘The Greatest Weekend’
The Historic Hampton House will host “The Greatest Weekend,” Feb. 25-27, with films, entertainment and guest speakers who will reminisce about the boxer, his challenges and achievements. For a moment, it seemed the Hampton House was destined to close its doors as well. Now, they hope to get The Historic Hampton House rebuilt, up and running, and fully functioning. “I remember the first time I walked through the doors and felt the Hampton House,” Smith said. For more information about the Historic Hampton House, check out their website.
themiamihurricane.comStudent-run ‘Brewbike’ opens 2nd coffee cart location at UM’s Lakeside Village
The student-run coffee cart has been serving cold brew to UM students at its original Merrick location since 2019, and now it’s expanding to a second cart at Lakeside Village on Wed, Feb. 23. In anticipation of the launch, the UM Brewbike leadership team held a tabling event on Feb. 17 at the Mahoney-Pearson and Hecht-Stanford dining halls. According to Levy, new promotions will also come to the Lakeside location, including a partnership with a familiar brand to sponsor free coffee for a day in the near future. Early in 2020, the student-run cold brew business opened a second location at the Cox science building, but was shut down a week into its debut due to COVID-19. Alternatively, the UM Brewbike team served and delivered its signature cold brew to the Miami Marlins as a smooth transition into the Fall 2021 semester, according to Weed.
themiamihurricane.comUM alumnus hopes to build Hurricane Football stadium in Tropical Park
“It’s too far for our students to drive 40 minutes to the stadium.”The proposed stadium, called LifeWallet Stadium, would be a part of a bigger entity known as LifeWallet Park. Tropical Park in Olympia Heights, FL would be fully renovated to make way for this construction. Now, fourteen years later, the hopes of building a football stadium near UM may face similar challenges. “Tropical Park really provides a suitable location because we’re not just looking for a stadium,” Ruiz said. I am a University of Miami fan,” said Andy Dominguez, a father who has spent 30 years coming to Tropical Park.
themiamihurricane.comOn-campus housing crisis has students scrambling
Both the city and school are dealing with increased demand for housing and rising housing prices and in UM’s case, a lack of available housing. Starting last week, rising sophomores were given housing appointments to secure either an apartment or suite in Lakeside Village. “Everyone we have talked to is in the same situation.”Beyond the frustrations of not living on-campus, students who opt to move off-campus are also losing their on-campus deposits. “HRL received applications from more than 2,000 prioritized rising sophomores seeking to live in Lakeside Village,” Sobaram said. Spring 2022 admitted freshmen came to campus without on-campus housing.
themiamihurricane.comWatching the Gulf again for development on the official peak day of hurricane season
The National Hurricane Center designates September 10 as the official peak of hurricane season – the day when we are most likely to have a named storm. Today’s date is based on a rolling average of 100 years of storm – plus or minus.