The Miami Hurricane: February 26, 2019 by The Miami Hurricane

Vol. 96, Issue 19 | February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

The Switch Up reacts to election defeat OPINION // Page 8

UM professor wins a trio of Grammy Awards EDGE // Page 9

Takeaways from Hurricanes’ series loss to Gators SPORTS // Page 12

TRUMP’S TAKE ON VENEZUELA SPARKS DISCUSSION AT UM NEWS // Page 4 POTUS AT THE PODIUM: President Trump gives a speech at Florida International University Monday, Feb. 18 to denounce the autocratic, socialist Maduro regime in Venezuela.

Hunter Crenian // Photo & Visuals Editor

NEWS

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Empower U wins Student Government elections By Jaime Harn Copy Editor

After one of the most highlycontested Student Government executive ticket races, Empower U emerged victorious. Student Government election results were announced Friday, Feb. 22, on the Lakeside Patio after three weeks of campaigning and four days of OrgSync voting. Juniors Emily Gossett, Millie Chokshi and Jason Kaplan were voted in as the respective incoming Student Government president, vice president and treasurer, defeating the opposing ticket, The Switch Up. This election had the highest voter turnout in the history of any UM Student Government election with 3,587 students voting. It was a close race– Gossett received 52 percent of the votes, Chokshi got 53 percent and Kaplan 51 percent.

When the results came out, Gossett, Chokshi and Kaplan said they were overjoyed. “In the moment, I was in shock that everything was over, in shock that we won, in shock that I would get to continue this opportunity,” Gossett said. “It was a surreal feeling,” said Kaplan about the moment he found out he won. The road to victory was not an easy one. Empower U began planning its platforms last fall and had been working on it nonstop since. Gossett, Chokshi and Kaplan spent weeks meeting with different student organization leaders to get multiple perspectives on what can be improved around campus. In the three weeks before the election, the team spent its time campaigning. “We would palm card from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. It’s funny because class is literally my break during

the day,” Chokshi said. “After that, we would go to meetings all night. That was definitely the hardest part because we were so busy.” Overall, however, the process was a learning experience that the candidates from Empower U said they enjoyed. “I think being able to meet so many new people and just create so many relationships were probably the best parts,” Kaplan said. Gossett described the overall experience as grueling, yet rewarding. “You kind of give yourself up for any type of public opinion. You have to be constantly alert and ready to talk to students,” Gossett said. “It’s so fun to interact with different people, but it’s also really draining.” The candidates from the Empower U ticket will be initiated on April 9, marking the beginning of their term. Nonetheless,

Gossett, Chokshi and Kaplan have already begun to plan out the year ahead. First, Empower U plans on implementing applications for executive board positions in SG. Its members also reported that they are starting to meet with administrators to get started on their other initiatives. Empower U recognizes that it will face challenges throughout its term. “We didn’t put anything on our palm card we didn’t think was feasible. Any roadblocks, we are going to try our best to get over them,” Chokshi said. The Empower U leaders said they hope to have a transparent and engaging term as they focus on making SG a more welcoming organization. Students around campus also expressed excitement for the upcoming year.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get to work with our newly-elected Student Government executive leadership,” said Randall Fitzgerald, a sophomore majoring in history, international studies, economics and political science. “Both tickets brought up some great ideas and showed who we need to focus on as a university,” said sophomore Gianna Sanchez, a broadcast journalism major. “I hope that although only Empower U won, both groups can work together as student leaders to reach a wide audience and get a lot accomplished next year.” Gossett, Kaplan and Chokshi said they would like to thank their campaign managers Gyles Ward, Keegan Gibson and Dana Franco and Student Government advisors Heather Stevens and Dean Ryan Holmes.

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POLITICS

UM responds to political developments in Venezuela By Natalia Rovira News Editor

Venezuelan-Americans waved flags of yellow, blue and red as President Donald Trump took the stage at Florida International University’s Ocean Bank Arena. The crowd of about 200 loudly chanted “U.S.A.” as he walked towards the microphone. Amid mounting pressure in Nicolás Maduro’s regime from opposition leader Juan Guaidó, Trump took the time to address the United States’ decision to back the political rebel. Maduro has governed as president of Venezuela under the Socialist Party since the death of President Hugo Chavez in 2013. Under Maduro’s rule (and notably before it, as well), citizens of Venezuela have experienced inordinate levels of poverty, oppression and violence. President Trump proudly announced that the U.S. was the first country to recognize Popular Will Party member Guaidó as the rightful president of Venezuela. Junior Micaela Stoner, a finance and real estate double major and president of UM College Republicans, approved of Trump’s stance against socialism “and the dangers it

presents to the many nations who have implemented it, especially Venezuela.” “The twilight hour of socialism has arrived in our hemisphere,” Trump said. The president spoke at FIU’s Sweetwater campus on Monday, Feb. 18. Sweetwater is home to the largest population of Venezuelans in the U.S. In the crowd, attendees sporting “Make America Great Again” hats were nearly equal in number to those donning Venezuelan garb. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) gave the event’s opening remarks, followed by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) and U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton. First Lady Melania Trump introduced the president to his audience. Scott, Rubio, DeSantis and Bolton all shared a similar message with the crowd: Maduro’s rule must come to an end, and the U.S. will provide the people of Venezuela with support in this time of need. “So long as you stand for freedom and liberty, you are not alone,” Rubio said. Trump’s address did not only target the immediate audience in the room but also extended

to every citizen of Venezuela. He commemorated the efforts of protesters who have borne witness to the country’s corruption and are still brave enough to speak out against it. “We have hope because of the great people and patriots [of Venezuela],” he said. Chacin said she believes Trump has approached the situation in Venezuela the best way possible and agrees with his support for “the Venezuelans’ fight for freedom and restoration of democracy in the country,” she said. Chacin can “only hope for justice” to arise from the developments in this Venezuelan crisis. Juan Roberto, a graduate student in UM’s master in business administration program and a graduate assistant for UNIVEN, was in accordance with Chacin’s opinion. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Roberto said President Trump is taking the necessary action to prevent the crisis in Venezuela from leaving a negative impact on the region. “Mr. Trump is doing very well and giving the example to the other countries in our hemisphere, as well as supporting the nations that need help,” he

Hunter Crenian // Photo & Visuals Editor BACKING VENEZUELA: President Trump riles up the crowd during his speech at FIU in Sweetwater as he expresses America’s support for Venezuela opposition leader, Juan Guaidó.

said. Since Guaidó’s attempt to replace Maduro, humanitarian relief has been blocked off from the country on all ends, resulting in an escalation in the exodus from the country. “Trumps’ administration has rightfully acknowledged Guaidó as president and has sent immediate aid to Venezuela which the Venezuelan government needs to accept,” Stoner said. UNIVEN recently initiated a drive to collect food items, water, articles of clothing, toiletries and other basic necessities directly to Venezuela. Chacin said she’s happy with Trump’s method of “working along with the legitimate interim president” and that he has “not taken any measures not previously agreed with the interim government of Venezuela.” This has maintained largely stable relations between the U.S. and Venezuela for now; however, “Venezuelans need the U.S administration’s help as that from other nations, so they are able to have back the rule of law, independence of power, freedom and democracy,” she said. The president additionally sent a powerful message to those still supportive of the tyrannical government. “I ask every member of the Maduro regime: end this nightmare,” he said. “The eyes of the entire world are upon you.” Roberto said he wanted to remind Venezuelan students living in the U.S. that “we must do our part for the cause of freedom and democracy.” Many people in both the U.S. and Venezuela believe that American military intervention has the potential to help bring an end to Maduro’s rule. When a member of the audience shouted “send in the troops,” Trump responded saying, “we seek a peaceful transition of power, but all options are open.” This resulted in an eruption of applause from the spectators. Trump went on to animate the crowd by assuring it that

“America will never be a socialist country.” “Socialism is a sad and discredited ideology rooted in the total ignorance of history and human nature, which is why socialism, eventually, must always give rise to tyranny,” he said. Stoner said she was happy to hear Trump’s condemnation of socialism. “It is scary how in a socialist government the elite get richer and richer, while the common people starve to death and can’t afford the basic necessities of life,” she said. Roberto said he foresees a positive outcome from these events and believes that, once the dust has settled, “Venezuela will begin its recovery and many Venezuelans will return to the country to rebuild it.” In this recovery, Roberto trusts that the United States will provide its support, strengthening the state. Venezuelan flags were not the only ones scattered throughout the crowd. Various Nicaraguan and Cuban flags were also displayed by audience members who wanted to bring attention to other Latin American countries still under corrupt rule. The President did not fail to address this. “When Venezuela is free, and Cuba is free, and Nicaragua is free, this will become the first free hemisphere in all of human history,” Trump said. He also emphasized that the U.S. has already gotten a glimpse into a free future through the many Cuban, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan residents in South Florida who came to America to build a better life. Outside the venue, the atmosphere was not quite as supportive of the president. Protesters criticized Trump on various fronts. Signs displayed messages of a dying democracy and the need to prioritize environmental problems. Most prominently, however, protesters attacked the president for his demand for a wall along America’s southern border.

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COMMUNITY

PhilADthropy celebrates 10 years of giving back By Esther Animalu Assistant News Editor

For 25 continuous hours, Parkland survivors gathered to share emotional testimonies while students, faculty and staff designed campaigns for the nonprofit March for Our Lives organization. PhilADthropy, which is celebrating its 10th year of helping local nonprofit organizations, is a philanthropic 25-hour marathon where students, assisted by faculty and alumni, pour their classroom knowledge and talent into creative ads and marketing campaigns for nonprofits that need help. After a gunman opened fire last year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) leaving 17 people dead, many of the student survivors established nonprofit organizations to address issues ranging from gun reform to mental health education. On Friday, Feb. 22, four of those organizations—Societal Reform Corporation, Branches of Bravery, Change the Ref and Shine MSD—sought advice on how to promote their cause through a special volunteer effort organized through the School of Communication. “The purpose of PhilADthropy is to allow our students to use their skills that they are learning in a classroom for a greater cause,” said professor Meryl Blau, who started the project in 2010. “The idea is to allow them to understand the power of being able to serve their local community and give back with the skills that they have,” said Blau, who teaches advertising in the school’s Strategic Communication Department. Since the project began, PhilADthropy has recruited hundreds of students, faculty and alumni who have helped many local agencies rebrand and improve their marketing

strategies, Blau said. “In the past, PhilADthropy has had a huge variety of local nonprofits, ranging from cancer to animal shelters and anything in between that you can think of. But this year is all about Parkland,” Blau said. “What I love about the four organizations that we’re working with is that they are all focused on something different. This year there is a really great spectrum of different types of organizations and nonprofit missions,” Blau said. PhilADthropy has helped over 130 nonprofits for the past 10 years. Typically, the event has only one client from each topic which comes to a total of 12 nonprofit organizations each year. However, for the 10th anniversary of PhilADthropy, the layout was different. This year, there were only four clients and about 30 students on each team. Additionally, an event crew worked throughout the night along with a voluntary film crew that documented the entire event. “The annual event of PhilADthropy is always for a good cause, but this year hits close to home,” said Isabella Ciardelli, a senior originally from Miami majoring in creative advertising. “The shooting affects us all. It’s important to do our part by supporting the Parkland nonprofits and collaborating as teams to create an impactful ad-piece. We have to make a change,” she said. Blau and the PhilADthropy team attended the 2018 Cannes Lions International Festival Creativity in France last year, a global event for people working in creative communications, advertising, and related fields. During a discussion session, the importance of these Parkland nonprofits was brought to their attention. During a panel at Cannes, the Parkland survivors shared their stories as well as their nonprofit initiatives. From that point, Blau

Courtesy of Elisabeth Hofer CREATING CHANGE: Doug Zeif (left), Sam Zeif (center) and Patricia Padauy-Oliver(right) present the mission of their nonprofit, Change the Ref.

said she knew that PhilADthropy had to take action, which led her to dedicate this year’s event to highlight the missions of the MSD survivors. Representatives of the four Parkland nonprofit organizations arrived by 11 a.m. on Friday in the School of Communication courtyard, where the young student activists described their nonprofit organizations and mission objectives. Kai Koerber, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and founder of the Societal Reform Corporation said that mental illness needs to be tackled and addressed at the local level to avoid another Parkland. “I believe that mental illnesses are the root of most shooting cases in America,” Koerber said. “People need to have mental health checks and resources made available to them so we can see changes.” Koerber and some of his Parkland counterparts stayed overnight with their assigned UM student teams during the event. Buoyed by coffee and determination, the UM students spent the next 24 hours camped

out in School of Communication classrooms devised advertising campaigns and communication pieces to amplify the goals of the nonprofit. Through the process of listening to testimonies, brainstorming ideas and researching the backgrounds of each nonprofit, the teams presentedad-based messages through various mediums such as film, web design and photography. The marathon ended with the teams’ final presentations to their nonprofit on Saturday morning. Some campaigns that were created by the teams inlcuded a manifesto video for The Societal Reform Corporation and a social media campaign #OurEmptySeat for Change the Ref, among others. The four nonprofits said they appreciate the help of the more than 150 students, faculty and alumni who donated their time and energy to their respective causes. “As a Parkland student, PhilADthropy means a lot to me more than life itself,” said Madison Leal, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas

High School and co-founder of Branches of Bravery. “It means giving back and honoring the 17 lives that were lost.” “We founded Branches of Bravery because we want to help communities affected by gun violence,” said Leal, who met Blau at the film festival in France. “And we’ve honored the lives lost by planting trees and providing resources to disadvantaged communities.” “At the end of the event, we hope to boost our message and our platform so more people can understand that all we want to do is make the world a better place one community at a time.” Moving forward, Blau said she wants more students to engage in the event and be exposed to new dynamics and solution methods in response to issues impacting the community. “I think all students would benefit from PhilADthropy because it enables them to build so much character and it really shows them what they don’t know they know. When you have no time to stress or to worry about how to get a job done, you get the job done,” Blau said.

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Opinion

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The Miami Hurricane is published weekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Miami Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business office of The Miami Hurricane are located in the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200. LETTER POLICY The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Miami Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten to the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, Fla., 33124-6922. Letters must be signed with a copy of your Cane Card. ADVERTISING POLICY The Miami Hurricane’s business office is located at 1330 Miller Drive, Student Activities Center Student Media Suite 200. The Miami Hurricane is published on Thursdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed for free on the Coral Gables campus, the School of Medicine and off-campus locations. DEADLINES All ads must be received, cash with copy, in The Miami Hurricane business office, Student Activities Center Student Media Suite 200, by end of the business day Friday for Tuesday print. SUBSCRIPTIONS The Miami Hurricane is available for subscription at the rate of $50 per year. AFFILIATIONS The Miami Hurricane is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Florida College Press Association.

WANT TO WORK FOR US? Visit themiamihurricane.com/apply or email editor@themiamihurricane.com.

OPINION

February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

The importance of internships As college students, we’re not new to the world of commitment and diligence. It is what we all practiced to make it to the University of Miami. While we were in high school, we worked really hard so that we could make ourselves viable candidates for prestigious colleges and universities. Of course, once we made it to our Coral Gables campus, we all realized our work is far from done. We always knew that we’d have to be studious in college. But to make it in today’s job market, you need to do more than just work hard. It’s a tough world out there, so tough that it’s not uncommon for students to remain jobless for some time after graduation. There is hope though, as the class of 2018 and 2019 graduates are entering one of the healthiest job markets in decades. There will be tough competition among graduates for jobs because of the continuous growth streak among the college labor market, according to Michigan State University’s Recruiting Trends, the largest annual survey of employers in the nation. Even though the job market has good prospects right now, it doesn’t stop us from worrying about whether our time in college will prove to be a good investment.

CARTOON

There is a collective anxiety among college students: We know it’s hard to get a decent job out of college, and we know we need to constantly be doing something to help our post-grad job prospects. What this means for us as students and future graduates is that we indefinitely need to

do other important things as well. Having an internship gives you critical skills. You get to interact with people in a professional setting, and your employers also get to witness your knowledge in action. We might not think that this is important to employers, but they are really

“There is a collective anxiety among college students: We know it’s hard to get a decent job out of college, and we know we need to constantly be doing something to help our post-grad job prospects.” do more to stand out to future employers. Internships are one way for college students to gain experience while still enrolled in classes. Internships give you a glimpse into the workforce and allow you to put your classroom knowledge to use. We know that getting jobs and internships, especially in your desired field, looks good on your resume and helps build the foundation for your future career, but they

looking for skills that we cannot necessarily acquire through a college education. A report by the Association of American Colleges and Universities states that employers are looking for “general workplace skills” such as creative thinking and interpersonal communication. However, these same employers often find that students are missing these skills.

Internships also allow you to network. Forming relationships with people in your field can prove to be a great investment. Networking has opened up doors for many people and can even lead to another internship or a permanent job opportunity. Networking can lead you to a mentor or a professional contact who can guide you along your college career. It can even propel you forward long after graduation. It is officially #internshipseason, as most applications are open, and their deadlines are approaching. You may or may not have thought about it yet, but take this as your sign to start applying. If the internship is big or small, apply. If it’s in a far-away city, apply. Even if it’s not in your field, apply. Visit our very own Toppel Career Center for help with applications. They also have student-peer advisors to assist you with interviews or resumes. Attend Toppel’s Spring Career Expo this Tuesday to meet recruiters, take professional headshots and potentially get an internship. Go above and beyond, and you just might make it. Staff editorials reflect the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board.

OPINION

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Do not be afraid to ‘switch things up‘ Dear Fellow Canes, As the presidential candidate for The Switch Up, I, Dewayne Wa s h i n g t o n II, would like By Dewayne to publicly Washington II congratulate Emily Gossett, Millie Chokshi and Jason Kaplan on being selected as our next Student Government executive branch leaders. This election cycle was truly one for the record books, as there was an unprecedented increase in voter interest and demand for information, which resulted in over 3,500 students from all corners of our university casting their votes in this exciting election. I believe the University

of Miami student body is now experiencing renewed energy and interest in our student government, which I hope carries on for years to come. This renewed energy has led to multiple conversations surrounding The Switch Up’s race to become Student Government executive branch leaders. I would like to address any misconceptions regarding the platform and mission behind our campaign. The Switch Up ticket and its supporters were comprised of student leaders from across our university who were passionate about bringing positive, sustainable change to our campus while holding its elected leaders accountable. I find it disheartening that there are continued questions surrounding our true motivations for running for office. I blame

myself for not campaigning on a clearer message, but I want to address these concerns. One common misconception surrounding our ticket was that, if elected, we were going to change every aspect of Student Government as a whole. Let me assure you that was not the case. As student leaders, we felt that we were not getting the authentic representation that we were promised and felt we deserved. As explained in a video released on the second day of campaigning, The Switch Up derives from electing an executive ticket that is not totally comprised by people from within student government, which has been the only type of leadership so far experienced by our student body. In order to leave the lasting impact for students that we felt was necessary, we believed

student leaders with authentic UM experiences would be the best fit to lead during this time. However, I assure you that your student government is in extremely capable and qualified hands. Whether you originally supported Empower U or not, I implore you to put all of your support behind them and their dedicated team. Since the UM community is now intrigued by and aware of its student government and its functions, be sure to hold your leaders accountable. Whether it is your student body president or respective senator, I recommend that you actively pay attention to their progress and assure that you are receiving the change on this campus that you truly deserve. If you are not getting the change you feel is necessary, do not sit

back and complain, go act on it yourself. Be a change-maker in your community and do not be afraid to switch things up. Although our campaign is over, this is not the last of The Switch Up. We will continue to leave our mark on this campus. Over the next few weeks, Justin Grauer, Julia Lynch and I will be discussing which direction we would like to go in as we continue advocating for the student body and its collective interests, assuring that you see the results you were promised. Continue to follow us on Instagram @ TheSwitchUpUM, as we will be sure to keep you all posted. Humbly, Dewayne Washington II Dewayne Washington II is a junior majoring in finance.

COMMENTARY

On the Smollett situation and post-truth sensationalism B e l o v e d Empire star Jussie Smollett was hospitalized following a vicious, racist and homophobic attack in Chicago. The By Ryan Yde alleged perpetrators Business saturated Smollett Manager with an unknown liquid and placed a noose around his neck. The optics of these despicable attacks echo waves of anger across television, radio, social media and sociopolitical forums alike. Factions of the population who were especially upset about this story began assigning blame. Many of these culture leaders laid the blame at the feet of the president of the United States, including sitting Democratic legislators on Capitol

Hill, with the alleged attackers having invoked “MAGA” and other taglines popular among President Trump and his supporters. There is only one problem: Overwhelming evidence suggests that the attack was fabricated by Smollett himself. It was a false flag scheme, or so Chicago Police vehemently believe. This came as a surprise to many due to the mass media wave of proliferated outrage. But false controversies are a dime a dozen in this country. Less-publicized but equally-manufactured controversies include the Nathan Phillips Native American incident, the 2015 Centers for Medical Progress and Planned Parenthood fetal tissue controversy, as well as countless others. This list doesn’t even scratch the surface of the issue, which transcends partisan lines. Key social and political actors

understand the sensationalist media and keyboard warriors thrive on these outrageous encounters. In an effort for media to chase advertising revenue and maintain their relevance by disbursing salient news, the factchecking process and confirmation of a story’s validity takes a back seat to revenue collection and viewership. The era of generating stories based upon anonymous sources and “leaked” preliminary reports is upon us. This is not necessarily the fault of media, as private media organizations are businesses. Media businesses have exorbitant overhead costs that must be offset to keep the lights on and the employees paid. The blame ought to be laid at our feet for consuming half-truths and sensationalist content without regard for the accuracy. If media outlet ‘A’ reported on a shiny, sensationalist story on a purely speculative basis

and media outlet ‘B’ waited for all the facts before reporting, one can reasonably conclude that media outlet ‘B’ would not be in business for too long. Americans are notoriously ‘now’ focused. Our consumerist culture transcends the immediacy of needing an iced coffee or iPad Pro. It is evident in nearly every area of society. Americans don’t know how to wait for a road to be properly constructed, a flight that has been delayed or an engaging story to be carefully researched and confirmed before it is proliferated. Before a full investigation is concluded and material facts are on display in their unaltered form, the public demands that media provide us the most updated information with the latest pundit analyses and bold rhetoric about how “outrageous” a situation has become. In an effort to fill airtime,

speculation is tossed around in regards to what or who is to blame. Until we, the members of the American consumer society, can learn patience and reinforce this acceptability in media, we cannot complain about the result. We request half-baked stories that make our blood boil. We share them on social media and spread half-truths that align with our partisan views. We do it. The media analyzes our preferences and attempts to profit off them. Next time somebody complains about ‘fake news,’ ask them what they are doing to reinforce the notion that waiting for the details, material facts and the conclusion of an investigation is not just acceptable, it is the only way forward. Ryan Yde is a senior majoring in political science and international studies on the pre-law track.

For more opinion columns, visit themiamihurricane.com.

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February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

EDGE

Photo courtesy of Taylor Arthur BIG WIN: Frost School of Music professor John Daversa won three Grammys at the annual awards ceremony. Daversa won the awards for his contributions in his band “The John Daversa Progressive Big Band”, and their album “American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom.”

Grammy-winning professor discusses music, immigration By Veronica Lucchese Contributing Edge Writer

Miami’s Frost School of Music took home three Grammys on Feb. 10, sharing the red carpet with A-list celebrities such as Cardi B and Lady Gaga. Daversa’s band, “The John Daversa Progressive Big Band,” won awards for its album “American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom,” which tackled a variety of issues related to immigration in America. The album won in three categories: Best Improvised Jazz Solo, Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and Best Arrangement, Instrumental or Acapella. It’s comprised of 18 jazz songs ranging in style from classic to new age. Each song, whether through words or instruments, comments on American life for beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program, Daversa said. These immigrants, commonly referred to as DACA Dreamers, unlawfully came to America as children. But while this would normally result in removal from the country, DACA defers deportation proceedings for a period of two years following an individual’s approval.

Featuring DACA Dreamers such as John Kace, who is a UM student of Haitian descent, “American Dreamers” showcases the musical talents of students who have been able to hone their skills over the years, despite the hardships and prejudices that immigrants face on a daily basis, Daversa said. “With this album in particular, I have been seeking ways to use jazz as a vehicle to have purpose and meaning behind the sound,” Daversa said in an interview Feb. 15. “For something like this, you’re playing for something greater than any one individual. You’re playing for a group of people that need a voice. You’re creating music with benevolent intentions.” Jazz, a musical genre that has historically encouraged spontaneity and collaboration, gave Daversa and his band the broad creative license needed to make their progressive album such a success. The album is filled with jazz-infused takes on patriotic classics such as “Stars and Stripes Forever,” comforting the audience with familiar American sounds while also delivering social commentary through the music’s modern twists. “When I agreed to do the project with John, I really didn’t know what I was

in for, but it became clear during the first recording session that we were creating something way bigger than ourselves, not just another record,” said Murph Aucamp, a Frost School of Music alumnus and professional-freelance percussionist. The origin story of jazz is steeped in racial oppression. Artists such as Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday used the genre to express the hardships of living in racially-segregated America. By mixing Dreamers’ stories with catchy tunes, Daversa mirrors the motives of the jazz greats to foster peace and love. He said jazz “promotes freedom of expression and inclusivity” and allows Dreamers to say “’this is who I am, this is where I am, this is me.’” Daversa said by giving a voice to immigrant students, he hopes the album will help society see Dreamers as Americans rather than statistics. But Daversa said dealing with topics as sensitive as DACA and immigration is no easy feat. “There is a tremendous responsibility in representing a group of people authentically and honestly,” Daversa said. Despite the album’s success, Daversa recognizes that there are plenty of people who disagree with his political

commentary. But he also said people who are opposed to DACA deserve to be heard, because honest communication is the key to making progress on the issue. He said he hopes this album will be a catalyst for such diplomatic conversations. “Musically, the album is dynamite,” said Aucamp. “People came from all across the country to work on this, and I think that’s because the message is so crucial in our current era. We set out to shed light on the situations of DACA recipients, and the Grammys have certainly helped push this issue back into the national spotlight.” With three Grammy awards, the album is now a part of mainstream media. This kind of exposure will likely have an impact on political policies regarding immigration and DACA. Luckily for Daversa and his band, change is exactly what they set out to create. “The end game here it to create a path for citizenship for these Americans who came here as children,” Daversa said. “We need to take care of our own.”

THEMIAMIHURRICANE

EDGE

February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

Ultra Music Festival relocates, brings bigger and better lineup By Jordan Lewis Edge Editor

Last September, the City of Miami Commission voted against allowing Ultra Music Festival to return to its longtime home in Bayfront Park, a decision that shocked Miami’s large Electronic Dance Music fanbase. Well, I said it last semester, and I’ll say it again: Ultra isn’t really going anywhere. The festival has found a new home in the historic Virginia Key, where it will host its highlyanticipated 21st edition. The Ultraorganizers recently released phase two of the festival’s 2019 lineup. The headliners include Armin van Buuren, The Chainsmokers and NGHTMRE + SLANDER present: Gud Vibrations. Adam Beyer, Black Coffee, Dog Blood and many other

talented performers will also take the stage. This year’s festival will take place March 29-31. Tickets are still available at ultramusicfestival.com/ tickets/miami but are going quickly, with the only options remaining being Tier 5 and VIP (for those who are 21+). I know music festivals can be be stressful and and very expensive. So, if you’re still on the fence about investing in the the world-renowned experience that is Ultra, here are the basics you need to know. IF YOU GO: What: Ultra Music Festival When: March 29-31 Where: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and Miami Marine Stadium Flex Park How: Tier 5 and VIP tickets are still on sale at ultramusicfestival. com/tickets/miami. This year,

for the first time, tickets will be loaded onto a non-removable, nontransferable wristband. What to bring: A fanny pack, your ID, extra cash and a portable charger are always good ideas for any festival. What not to bring: Ultra prohibits large backpacks and purses, outside food and beverages, and other obvious items such as illegal drugs and weapons. How to get there: In an effort to reduce the local impact of carbon emissions and traffic, Ultra will be providing transportation from various locations in the Greater Miami Area, and there will also be limited tickets available for ferry transportation. As usual, rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber are also good options. Find more information at www. ultramusicfestival.com

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THEMIAMIHURRICANE

February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

SPORTS 11

ROUNDUP

Hurricanes claim victories across the board, suffer some losses By Maxwell Trink Senior Sports Writer @MaxwellTrink sports@themiamihurricane.com

Baseball After a strong 4-0 start to the season, the Hurricanes dropped two games in a three-game series against No. 4 Florida in Gainesville. The Hurricanes secured a 5-2 victory over UF on Friday evening, ending with Michael Amditis’ first career home run sealing the deal. Right-hander Evan McKendry dominated on the mound, tossing seven innings with nine strikeouts and only allowed two earned runs. Saturday, the Hurricanes jumped out to an early 3-0 advantage behind a Raymond Gil three-run blast, but the Gators scored nine unanswered runs in the final three innings to secure the win. Miami’s bullpen struggled, issuing four walks and ultimately setting up Florida’s Wil Dalton. The junior right fielder cleared the bases with a triple giving the Gators a 4-3 lead. Right-handed pitcher Chris McMahon finished the night with seven strikeouts and two earned runs through 6.2 innings pitched. Finally, on Sunday, the Gators dropped the Hurricanes, 4-1. This was Miami’s lowest scoring performance of the 2019 season. Freshman Kendrick Calilao led the Gators with three hits and drove in two runs. The solo run for Miami was freshman catcher Adrian Del Castillo’s first career roundtripper. Right-handed pitcher Brian Van Belle notched two strikeouts and only allowed two earned runs across six innings.

The Hurricanes travel to Florida International University to take on the Panthers 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Infinity Insurance Park. Women’s Basketball The Hurricanes have dominated the Hokies in the past, winning 15 straight games over Virginia Tech dating back to Jan. 24, 2010. But on Thursday, Feb. 21, the Hokies stunned the No. 14-ranked Hurricanes 73-65 in Blacksburg, snapping Miami’s four-game winning streak. The Hurricanes led for the majority of the contest, but the Hokies rallied around guard Taylor Emery. The senior finished with 24 points, including four 3-pointers. Miami redshirt junior Beatrice Mompremier notched her conference leading 20th doubledouble of the year, notching 18 points and 15 rebounds. The Hurricanes responded following their loss to Virginia Tech with a 14-point comeback victory over rival No. 22 Florida State, dropping the Seminoles 6554. “We fight,” sophomore guard Mykea Gray said, who led UM with 19 points. “That’s one thing I can say about our team. No matter how down we are at the moment, we always find a way to bounce back.” The victory marked Miami’s first win over Florida State since 2012 and gave the Hurricanes their sixth win this season over a ranked opponent. “I think a huge part for us was to get a little piece of ourselves back because we weren’t ourselves at Virginia Tech,” Hof said. “There’s a history with FSU, so regardless of whatever streak we had going on, it’s a part of pride...to know there’s that much history going on.”

Mompremier tallied another double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Hof added 14 points and Laura Cornelius chipped in 10 points. The Seminoles led by two touchdowns early in the second quarter, but the Hurricanes answered with a 15-0 run, before controlling play the rest of the contest. The Hurricanes (23-6, 11-3 ACC) will play their final home game of the regular season against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Watsco Center. Swimming and Diving The Hurricanes finished with five gold medals in the 2019 Atlantic Coast Conference Swimming and Diving Championships. Redshirt junior diver David Dinsmore took the gold in the men’s platform event for the third time in his UM career. Senior Briadam Herrera captured two gold medals in the meet. Herrera earned the top scores in both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard. Redshirt sophomore Alicia Blagg also notched two gold medals in the women’s 1-meter and 3-meter springboard. Men’s Tennis The Hurricanes swept the Clemson Tigers, grabbing a 7-0 win at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center Sunday. No. 24 Adria Soriano Barrera defeated Simon Baudry, 6-4, 6-2, to give the Hurricanes their first singles win of the day. No. 75 Bojan Jankulovski came back early to beat Yizhou Liu, 6-3, 6-4. In the final match, Dane Dunlap took the win over PierreLouis Doddens, 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 1-0 (10-5). The Hurricanes will travel to Orlando to face off against the

Josh Halper // Staff Photographer DOMINANCE DOWN LOW: Beatrice Mompremier leads the Atlantic Coast Conference with 21 double-doubles. The redshirt junior forward is one of two players in the conference to average double-digit points and rebounds.

University of Central Florida Knights in the Tennis Channel College Match Day 10 a.m. March 3 at UCF Tennis Complex. Women’s Tennis Despite an early 3-1 advantage, the Hurricanes fell to No. 3 Duke, 4-3. Duke started off strong with

the first victory of the day with Margaryta Bilokin and Meible Chin beating Ana Madcur and freshman Lucia Marzal Martinez. Then, Miami came back with two straight doubles victories and a singles win. Everything looked bright for the Hurricanes. Continued on Page 12

12 SPORTS

THEMIAMIHURRICANE

February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

ROUNDUP But miraculously, Duke came back to complete the win over Miami. Next, the Hurricanes will face Pittsburgh 1 p.m. March 1 at Oxford Athletic Club. Track and Field The Miami women’s track and field team took home its third ACC Indoor title in the past four years. The Hurricanes scored 91 points pushing them ahead of Florida State, who tallied 85 throughout the contest. Senior Michelle Atherley won

the ACC Indoor Pentathlon and claimed third place in the high jump. Atherley, who finished with 22 overall points and 16 in the field, earned 2019 Track Indoor MVP. Miami clinched its victory with a 3:32.75 finish in the 4x400m relay, setting a new Championship record. The time ranks fourth in program history. On the men’s side, junior Raheem Chambers broke a school record in the 60 meter, completing the race with a time of 6.62.

Men’s Basketball Miami has struggled mightily this season, but the Hurricanes picked up an 80-65 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Sunday afternoon in Coral Gables. “I’m very, very pleased with the victory,” Hurricanes coach Jim Larrañaga said. “Great defense in the first half, holding Georgia Tech to 23 points and scoring 39 ourselves. Guys really shared the ball in the first half. Second half, our defense the first six or seven minutes was not very

good and gave them a chance to get back in it, but fortunately we played a lot better in the last 13 minutes and were able to come away with a terrific victory. Anthony Lawrence II fell one assist shy of the fourth tripledouble in school history. The senior registered 16 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Guard DJ Vasiljevic led all scorers with 21 points and matched a season-high with five 3-pointers. Senior center Ebuka Izundu added 18 points and nine rebounds.

“We told Anthony Lawrence he was going to play a lot of point guard today,” Larrañaga said, because “Georgia Tech plays a zone” and places their defensive emphasis “on playing the passing lanes.” Miami shot an impressive 89.5 percent from the free throw line. The Hurricanes (12-14, 4-10 ACC) travel to Winston-Salem to face Wake Forest 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

COMMENTARY

Miami drop series to Florida, but optimism for season remains By Josh White Sports Editor @_JoshRWhite sports@themiamihurricane.com

Miami started the season 5-0 for the first time since 2013. Despite losing their final two games against No. 4 Florida, there is plenty of hope for the Hurricanes. 1. Sophomore sluggers scorching starts Corner infielders Raymond Gil and Alex Toral have rebounded well to begin the 2019 campaign after slow freshman seasons. Through the Hurricanes’ first seven games, Gil leads the team with a .450 batting average and added one home run against the Gators this past weekend. Toral, who leads the Atlantic Coast Conference with five home runs, looks like a different player. After batting just .161 during his rookie campaign, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound first baseman is hitting .320 and owns a .920 slugging percentage. “He didn’t have the year we all expected. Maybe that humbled him,” first-year head coach Gino DiMare said. “Coach Lopez and he have meshed well together… He’s hitting the ball all over the field.” After starting just 1-for-10, redshirt sophomore catcher Michael Amditis went 5-for-10 against the Gators and belted his first career home run. The solo blast was the

game-winning hit, securing the Hurricanes’ first series-opening victory over the Gators since 2014. “It’s been tough mentally for me to go off the injuries that I had, but to finally be healthy again and play against Florida, beat them and hit a home run, it’s an awesome feeling,” Amditis said. Freddy Zamora and Willy Escala have followed up their sharp freshman years, batting .310 and .310, respectively. “I don’t know if he’s gone under the radar or not, but he’s our best overall player,” DiMare said of Zamora. “He’s gotten two-out, clutch hits that have really been huge for us.” 2. Adrian Del Castillo is the real deal Before the season, DiMare raved about the prized rookie. “Del Castillo swings the bat as well as anybody we’ve had here in a while as a freshman,” DiMare said. And the Miami, Florida native has lived up to the hype. Del Castillo, who has recorded a hit in every game this season, is batting .375 and leads the Hurricanes with 10 RBIs. The freshman crushed his first home run, clearing the right field scoreboard at McKethan Stadium in Gainesville. But what separates Del Castillo from other freshman across the country is his veteran-like offensive approach. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound catcher is very patient at the plate and has displayed power across the

diamond. 3. Starting rotations silences opposition The Hurricanes knew heading into the season that their starting pitching would be their strength. And the rotation has not

disappointed. Right-handers Evan McKendry, Chris McMahon, Brian Van Belle and Slade Cecconi have combined for a 2.27 ERA in just under 44 innings pitched. The hurlers have recorded 42

strikeouts compared to just nine walks throughout the first seven games. “Our pitching is our strength,” DiMare said. “They set the tone each and every game.”

Josh White // Sports Editor TOUCH ‘EM ALL: Alex Toral celebrates with his teammates after hitting his fourth home run in as many games. The sophomore leads the conference with five homers this season.

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February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

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February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

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V’S TAKE

February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

Helping a friend get out of a bad relationship Dear V, I’ve recently noticed that my friend has a very toxic relationship with her boyfriend. Nothing abusive is going on, but they’re definitely codependent on each other and I can see that it’s unhealthy. I want to help her, but I don’t know if it’s any of my business, especially since we drifted apart after they started dating. What should I do?

Have a question for V? Email

dearv@themiamihurricane.com.

Dear Reader, This is a tough one. In situations like these, there’s often a thin line between eye-opening confrontation and friendshipending aggression. If your friend is head-over-heels in love with this guy, she’ll probably interpret your words as the latter, regardless of

your tone and intentions. So, I get it, confrontation is scary. But in this case, it sounds like it’s necessary. Unhealthy codependence is the sign of a deeper problem in the relationship, and definitely has the potential to escalate into something worse. If you’re genuinely concerned about your friend, don’t just stand by and let her be mistreated. She might be upset in the short term, but I’m sure that she’ll thank you once she takes off those rose-tinted glasses and sees the situation for what it is. If you can be the one to help her do that, don’t wait until it’s too late. Sit down and have an honest conversation. Don’t be accusatory and don’t just talk about how

much you hate her boyfriend (no matter how much you may want to), because that won’t accomplish anything. Your friend will get defensive and the conversation will be over along with your friendship. Instead, make sure she’s comfortable and speak from a place of genuine concern rather than selfish annoyance. I know this can be especially difficult considering you’re not as close as you used to be, but if you still care about her (and it sounds like you do), then you need to take the high road and do the right thing. Best of luck, V

THEMIAMIHURRICANE

February 26, 2019 - March 4, 2019

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