Centennial Village welcomes its first residents ahead of the University’s centennial
BY ASHLEY SEWALL NEWS EDITOR
Students have officially moved into Centennial village, the 3-year project that marks the beginning of the University’s centennial.
The housing facility brings luxury style living to 841 firstyear students and replaces the 54-year-old residential college that previously stood in its place with two buildings: Ibis and Coral.
The complex bodes several exciting features meant to improve the on-campus living experience. The most anticipated of these include private podstyle bathrooms that combine a shower, toilet and sink behind a locked door.
“It feels like a private bathroom,” said Tatiana Porrata, a freshman biology major living in Ibis Residential College.
Coral has 94 bathrooms and Ibis has 64 spread throughout 9 and 10 co-ed floors respectively.
The remaining first-years live in the Mahoney-Pearson Residential Colleges, built in 1962, where students can choose between an entirely private bath -
room or one shared between two doubles.
“I wanted Mahoney-Pearson for the individual bathroom because I was hoping for a single,” said Alexa Graham, a freshman accounting and finance major living in the Mahoney Residential College.
Additionally, students in Mahoney-Pearson pay a rate approximately $3,000 less per academic year than residents in Centennial Village.
The construction also included the demolition and complete remodeling of the Stanford-Hecht dining hall, replacing it with a two-story dining hall that connects Ibis and Coral and is open to all students.
While students were anticipating the new dining option and hoping for better quality food than what was offered in the previous dining hall, many were disappointed.
“The new dining hall food is no different than before,” said Addie Murphy, a sophomore studying Health Sciences.
“While the dining hall itself is beautifully done, the food itself is the same as it was in the Stanford dining hall. For how much they advertise this new space, it
was a let down but compared to other dining halls, there is very little difference.”
The Centennial buildings also house recreational rooms with games for students, including a billiards table and multiple study areas on each floor. On the second floor, students can find meditation rooms for reflection and music practice rooms that can double as counseling rooms.
The designers made several nods to campus landmarks including an emblem representing where Hecht once stood, indoor hammocks and a design that mimics the exterior pattern of the engineering building in the dining hall.
There are outdoor terraces located on the second floor and select others which provide a space for students to take in the Coral Gables campus and new residential colleges. The towers also offer unparalleled views of the surrounding Miami landscape.
The complex is expected to reach LEED-platinum certification for its new approach to sustainable living, primarily through its chilled beam system,
a type of HVAC system that uses water to cool and heat buildings.
While it has environmental benefits, students have complained that the innovative AC system can’t compete with Miami’s record heat.
“We’re so high up and hot,” said Porrata. “The air doesn’t go below 71.5 [degrees Fahrenheit]. So we bought three standing fans and now our room stays pretty cool.”
Other sustainability efforts include heat recovery chillers
for domestic hot water generation and HVAC load reductions air scrubbers to increase the air quality inside the building. The building was also designed to optimize daylight and determine where to install active circadian lighting systems to support healthy sleep cycles.
Three other Centennial residential colleges are scheduled to open by the end of 2026, marking the completion of the fouryear project budgeted for $335 million.
Marra Finkelstein // Staff Photographer
Photos of Centennial Village.
New administration at UM hopes to make positive changes on camp us
BY LAUREN WHITESELL STAFF WRITER
From friends and classmates to professors and advisors, there are a lot of people to keep track of at UM. Here are some of the names and faces of UM leadership you should know.
Joe Echevarria, Chief Executive Officer and Acting President
Following the announcement of former UM President Julio Frenk stepping down to become chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles, current UM CEO Echevarria also became UM’s acting president.
Although Echevarria has additional responsibilities as acting president, he has been a ’Cane for many years, earning a bachelor’s degree from the Miami Herbert Business School in 1978. He was previously on the Board of Trustees and served as the senior advisor and CEO of the UM Health System. Echevarria was named the CEO of UM in 2022.
Before returning to UM, Echevarria worked for Deloitte LLP, an international company that provides financial services. He performed various roles during his 36 years with the company, including CEO.
In addition to his roles at UM, Echevarria is on the Board of Directors for New York Mellon, Pfizer and Unum Insurance.
Manuel Kadre, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Kadre was promoted from vice chair to chair of the UM Board of Trustees in May of this year. He has served as a board member since 2004 and began his time as vice chair in June 2021.
Kadre replaced Laurie Silvers, who was the chair for 3 years prior. She remains on the board as the chair of the Talent and Compensation subcommittee and the liaison to the faculty senate.
Kadre is also the CEO and chairman of MBB Auto Group and is the shareholder and senior executive of companies in various industries.
In his new role, Kadre is most interested in upholding and expanding UM’s high regard.
“The University has one of the great reputations and brand names anywhere in the world,” Kadre said to News@theU. “From a priority standpoint, it’s about having the U continue to be represented with such prestige.”
Wayne Chaplin and William L. Morrison, Vice Chairs of the Board of Trustees
Chaplin, the current president and CEO of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and Morrison, former executive at Northern Trust Corporation, have taken over as the vice chairs of the Board of Trustees as of May. The two replaced Kadre and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., the president and CEO of the Society of Human Resource Management.
Chaplin attended UM as both an undergraduate and law school student and credits the UM School of Law with making him a more confident public speaker and person.
Morrison graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and was previously the chair of the UM Board of Trustees Investments Committee.
Paul Pavlou, Dean of the Miami Herbert Business School
Pavlou, the former dean and Cullen Distinguished Chair Professor in the University of Houston C. T. Bauer College of Business, was named the Dean of the Miami Herbert Business School in April and officially started in his position last month.
His appointment comes after former dean John Quelch stepped down from the position at the end of 2022. Ann Olazábal, the interim dean who took
Quelch’s place, is the new department head of the Business Law Department.
Pavlou attended Rice University as an undergraduate and University of Southern California as a graduate and Ph.D. student. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering and a Ph.D. in information systems. Pavlou is passionate about students receiving a multidisciplinary education, as business is closely related to many industries.
“The world of business has become so interdisciplinary, and business today transcends so many fields, from health care to engineering to the sciences and the arts. We need to develop our students as true business leaders that have a true multidisciplinary perspective,” said Pavlou to News@theU.
While at Houston, Pavlou helped to build connections between the school and companies and helped the College of Business have nearly 100% of its graduates go onto high-paying jobs. Pavlou is hoping to see similar success at UM.
Hudson Santos, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies
After two years as a UM professor, Santos was named the new dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies this past May. He has previously been
the interim associate dean of the Graduate School and the acting director of the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program.
Santos is replacing Cindy Munro who served as the dean of the SNHS for almost seven years.
Before coming to UM, Santos was a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing. He also worked at the Institute for Environmental Health Solutions at the Gillings School of Global Public Health as director of training and mentorship division.
Throughout his career, Santos has done research on how stressors and environmental factors can play a role in the health of mothers and their children and has contributed to over 100 publications.
“In Dean Santos, we have a proven leader whose prolific portfolio is matched only by his passion for guiding colleagues and students to excellence in research,” Frenk said to News@theU.
In his role as dean, Santos is hoping to strengthen the relationship between the SNHS, Jackson Health System and UHealth. He also aims to promote the school’s revolutionary academics and research.
Officer & Acting President
Headshots Courtesy of University Communications
Joe Echevarria Executive
Manuel Kadre Chair of the Board of Trustees
Wayne Chaplin
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
William L. Morrison
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
Hudson Santos Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies
Students react to University transition from Outlook to Gmail
BY ASHLEY SEWALL NEWS EDITOR
While University of Miami Department of Information Technology statistics view the transition as a success on paper, for some students, changing to Gmail has caused unnecessary headaches.
Outlook emails did not reappear in Gmail as a consequence of the transition. Students either have to forward past emails to their new Gmail inbox or flip between the two programs.
This became an inconvenience to some students, including Celeste Gomez, a sophomore triple majoring in
accounting, finance and sports administration. As the treasurer for Hurricane Productions, she was in the middle of planning events for orientation taking place a few weeks after the change.
“Having to go back and forth between Outlook and Gmail just to get to previous information was challenging, especially contacting vendors for our events,” said Gomez. “Overall, it was an unnecessary hassle.”
Despite this, UMIT saw the majority of students active on Gmail after the transition.
“From a technical perspective, the launch of Gmail has been successful,” UMIT told
The Hurricane. “While change can present challenges, students have largely embraced the transition to Gmail.”
UMIT recorded that almost 98% of students accessed their new Gmail accounts before the start of the fall semester. There have been 12,500 students who have sent emails using Gmail, and over 2 million emails sent to students’ new Gmail accounts.
“I’m excited about the transition,” said Adelaide Doman, a senior studying public relations and marketing. “I think Gmail is much easier to use than Outlook.”
The transition reached a major setback with a spam protection issue within the
first week. An email was sent to students by UMIT on Friday, Aug. 9, alerting them that there were several legitimate emails that were being incorrectly marked as spam.
This issue specifically affected some automated, system-generated emails, causing a delay in delivery between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9.
After working with their spam protection service provider, the issue was resolved and all legitimate emails were released to inboxes between the evening of Aug. 9 and the morning of Aug. 10.
The Student Technology Help Desk and IT Service Desk are available to students
having individual issues with Gmail, and have already assisted users with login, email forwarding and general issues.
UMIT asks students to fill out an online feedback survey regarding the transition.
“We invite students to share their comments, concerns, questions and/or suggestions,” UMIT said of their online feedback survey. “Student feedback is an important input for our overall IT strategy.”
At the end of the form, users can choose to share their name, email address and phone number for potential follow-up on their responses.
The Gmail feedback survey can be found at www.it.miami.edu/gmail-feedback.
Student Government to prepare for a new year with exciting initiatives
BY LAUREN WHITESELL STAFF WRITER
Student Government is responsible for bridging the gap between students and administration and helping make the changes that students want to see.
This year, SG is led by President Roy Carrillo Zamora, a senior majoring in legal studies and business analytics and minoring in health management and policy; Vice President Joshua Abel, a senior majoring in French and political science; and treasurer Zoe Mutombo, a senior majoring in health management and policy.
One of Zamora’s main initiatives this year is to create more opportunities for student organizations to gain funding.
“In our preparation and during campaigning, we met with student leaders from all facets of campus,” Zamora said.
The Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee allocates money to different groups on campus, but these funds are not always enough for organizations to accomplish their goals. Zamora is hoping to achieve more funding through the Presidential Fund.
“Be it money to be able to pay the photographers and videographers for a major event or extra funds to make sure all of the best athletes on a club sport get to go to nationals, the Presidential Fund is here to provide that extra support to students when they
need it,” Zamora said.
Over the summer, Abel has been working to modify the curriculum for the First-Year Leadership Council.
The FLC is a council within SG that helps first-year students learn skills to become the best leaders possible.
“Josh and I were part of this group, and it is one of the great SG springboards, so it was very important that we are offering solid leadership training to the future leaders of the University,” Zamora said.
Abel, who has served as president of the University of Miami chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha since 2023, has also been working with the Dean of Students and the UM Panhellenic Association to expand the number of dining options on campus for students participating in Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment in January, as there have been limited dining locations open in past recruitment weeks.
Another initiative, led by Mutombo, is to increase student leaders’ access to resources, such as position-specific training. Mutombo is also a member of SAFAC and has been working with them to make this happen.
“I am very happy to see that the SAFAC Executive Board has taken these recommendations seriously and that their treasurer training for this year is more robust,” Zamora said.
In addition to their initiatives, SG
is currently planning a multicultural club fair for students new to campus as a collaboration between United Black Students and SG’s DEI Council. SG is also expanding their DEI Fest to include more organizations and departments.
The SG Executive Board is committed to be proactive in addressing student-related issues and being a present organization on campus.
“The days where SG is just a club doing their own internal things are over,” Zamora said.
Zamora is also on the Board of Trustees this year as the Student Trustee, which allows him to give a student perspective on any decisions being made and advocate for the best interest of students.
“As the sole student on the Board, I am the voice in that room of the 18,000+ students at the U, including graduate, law and medical,” Zamora said.
Aside from the Executive Board, SG is made up of three branches and four agencies.
The Legislative Branch consists of the Senate, which has representatives from each college, graduating class and residential college, as well as special populations such as first generation students and veteran students. The Senate votes on legislation based on the needs and interests of each group of students.
The Judicial Branch consists of the Supreme Court, which helps to enforce UM’s Constitution and SG’s Statutes. The Executive Branch has councils and committees dedicated to first-year students, outreach, academic and campus affairs, DEI and marketing.
The SG agencies are Category 5, the student spirit group that helps promote athletic events; the ECO Agency, which helps promote sustainability on campus; the Election Committee, which oversees all SG elections to ensure a smooth and fair process; and What Matters To U, which plans events such as their flag-
ship moderated discussion series. Students can go to @umiamisg on Instagram to stay updated on SG events and visit the SG office on the second floor of the Shalala Student Center to talk to the Senate representatives to make their voice heard. The SG website also has more information for any interested students. For those interested in joining SG, candidacy filing is open from Aug. 26 at 8 a.m. to Sept. 5 at 12 p.m on Engage. SG is also hosting an informational meeting for potential candidates Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Learn more about the election process and open positions at sg.miami.edu.
Photo Courtesy of Roy Carrillo Zamora SG Treasurer Zoe Mutombo, President Roy Carrillo Zamora and Vice President Joshua Abel pose in front of Shalala Student Center.
Tearing down Stanford right now was a costly mistake
BY KATIE KARLSON CO-OPINION EDITOR
Students universally dread housing application season. It’s stressful, expensive and more complicated than it needs to be. This year UM students, especially incoming freshmen, faced a uniquely diffcult application process due to the demolition of Stanford and the partial opening of Centennial Village.
Originally, phase one of Centennial Village was to replace Stanford Residential College in fall of 2022 and phase two was to replace Hecht Residential College in the fall of 2024. Eaton was also supposed to be renovated and incorporated into the new buildings by fall of 2024.
These plans fell through due to COVID, and instead of adhering to the schedule, Hecht, which housed about 850 students, was torn down in the summer of 2022 with no immediate replacement. The following academic year, both freshman and sophomores were forced to live in THesis Hotel and on-campus housing prices increased due to the shortage. Tearing down Stanford this past summer was a perplexing decision. Although certain
parts of Centennial Village will use the land Stanford was built on, the construction of these buildings has not yet started.
On top of this, Centennial has many issues. According to a Centennial RA, the outlets, hot water and computer system weren’t working properly. The RA indicated Centennial was very pretty, but not very functional and felt that construction was rushed.
This year, UM has about 775 fewer beds compared to the 2021-2022 school year and is falling even deeper into a housing shortage.
There is the need to clear the land and prepare for the construction of the second phase, which will add 1,150 beds.
But, phase one construction began during the summer of 2022 and still doesn’t seem to be fnished yet. If the remaining buildings don’t open until 2026 at the earliest, why did Stanford need to be torn down now?
UM should have waited to demolish Stanford until the summer of 2025, following the same timeline as the frst phase of tearing down the old building two summers in advance.
The University’s Housing and Residential
Life Department didn’t reply to requests for comment about the teardown and centennial village construction timeline.
Tearing down Hecht and Stanford also eliminated the most affordable on-campus housing options.
A double in Centennial costs $13,500 per year, per student. While a double in Stanford cost about $8,000 for the 2023-2024 year. A large double in Centennial costs over $7,000 more, at $15,800 per year.
With such limited and expensive on-campus options, some UM students are forced to turn off campus for housing, but that isn’t much better.
“UM is forcing freshmen to either pay crazy on-campus prices or fnd expensive offcampus options when they could’ve just kept the cheaper dorms a year longer,” sophomore Addie Murphy stated.
As of April 2024, Miami is listed as the second-least affordable city to live in, behind Los Angeles. Costly on-campus housing, exceedingly expensive off-campus housing, and the high cost of attendance makes affording UM a challenge.
For how expensive UM is, and given the
live-on requirement, students should not struggle to fnd housing or be unwillingly placed in a hotel. Also, once a student moves off campus, even if they only did so because they were unable to get on-campus housing. they’re not permitted to return to campus.
It’s too late to do anything about the Stanford teardown, but UM still has ample opportunities to make the housing crisis a more positive experience for students. Hiring a bus to transport students between THesis and campus last year was a start.
UM could also absorb some of the housing costs for students placed in THesis, especially freshman who could’ve been in Stanford, and even try to organize a student event or mixer at THesis. Releasing a clear construction and alternate housing plan would also likely ease student frustrations.
While these actions don’t compensate for stress and less-than-ideal living experiences, they would certainly help students feel considered and valued.
UM made a mistake tearing down Stanford right now, but, as always, UM has ample opportunities to make amends beginning with phase two of Centennial Village.
UM’s renovations: A step towards a brighter future on campus
BY KYLE BOLTON STAFF WRITER
For the past few years, students have been forced to take lengthy detours to class due to campus construction. Despite adding a few more minutes to students’ commutes, the construction brings a new light to campus life.
Campus’s newest addition, Centennial Village, the newly constructed freshmen residential college, provides a vibrant environment for students to relax and socialize. It has a two-story dining hall, scenic walkways, and a modern aesthetic. Its set-up includes a peaceful side as it houses several meditation/ refection rooms.
Centennial Village is the next phase in this vast renovation, as UM aims to build a more modern campus. Centennial Village will become the largest project UM has constructed. While it is not a direct investment in education, the construction of Centennial helps the student body by increasing the visual appeal of the campus, attracting “top academic and athletic talent.” This in turn can generate more revenue for the University for future campus and educational investments.
Centennial Village complements Lakeside Village, mirroring its collaborative and social elements. Like Lakeside, Centennial provides students with more than just housing, it also has recreational facilities and study lounges to allow students to interact.
Another new addition to campus is the renovated Starbucks. An additional register has been added to mitigate the long lines, providing the coffee hotspot with shorter wait times.
“The updated Starbucks will alleviate the previous congestion and offer a more comfortable setting for students to enjoy their favorite drinks and study,” said Braden Logatto, the director of university affairs.
UM’s campus improvements are net positive, but they come at a price. The increasing cost of campus housing and demolition of Stanford Residential College have made it diffcult for students to seek on-campus housing.
Previous Miami Hurricane articles have detailed unpleasant student experiences due to a lack of housing availability, leading to ongoing housing crises. Couple that with South Florida’s rising rents and it is increasingly diffcult for students to fnd affordable housing to go to UM.
Stanford Residential College gets demolished and marks the start of Phase II of Centennial Village Construction at the University of Miami on Aug. 8, 2024.
Although UM still has some work to do, the renovations being made to improve campus are evident. With a simple fve-minute stroll on-campus, prospective and current students
can’t miss the University’s new modern improvements throughout the years. While issues still exist, the U is continuing to improve year after year.
Marra Finkelstein // Staff Photographer
UM’s JobX lacks clarity, making it a detriment to students
BY ETHAN MANNELLO CO-OPINION EDITOR
Whether you’re a newer student trying to fund your frst adventures in Miami Beach or an upperclassman who has spent too much money at 5:00 am in Club Space, many of us have found ourselves browsing JobX looking for any kind of side hustle.
JobX is the student employment website for the University of Miami, and it allows students to apply for both on-campus and off-campus positions through the university.
I remember hunting on the site in the second semester of my freshman year after I learned about the Miami freshman 15 also known as having only $15 left in your back account.
A few weeks later, I turned to Indeed and found myself scooping rice and beans at the Coral Gables Chipotle because JobX left me no other options.
Many of my friends have suffered the same fate: getting frustrated by JobX and turning to another site to fnd work off-campus. The common thread seems to be a lack of clarity with the student employment process.
The University’s Offce of Student Employment didn’t reply to requests for comment for this article.
At frst, JobX seems like a one stop shop for all of your on-campus jobs. The UM Offce of Student Employment website says it contains every student job on campus. This frst confusing point occurs when you navigate to the site and begin to apply. You are quickly asked to categorize yourself into one of the three programs: Federal Work Study, Student Assistant Program, and Lead Miami.
Each category serves a different set of stu-
dents, so it is important to understand how they work. However, most students don’t. Their lack of understanding isn’t due to a lack of information — all of the following information is available via the UM Offce of Student Employment website — but a lack of clarity on the part of JobX and the University.
JobX isn’t Indeed or ZipRecruiter, a site where all types of applicants will be ftted with a job right for them, and the Offce of Student Employment needs to clarify this to students.
I remember thinking my rejection from all of these positions on JobX was due to the fact that I was unqualifed or inexperienced, but a lot of it was because the Offce of Student Employment never explained the JobX process.
The current set-up of JobX gives an advantage to applicants in Lead Miami and the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, but most students fall into either the FWS program or the Student Assistant Program.
FWS is awarded to students who meet the criteria through their Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and check the box opting in to FWS.
FWS is federally funded, meaning the U.S. Government pays FWS employee wages. But funding is limited, so many on-campus employers pay part of the FWS employees wages.
Lead Miami, on the other hand, is an invitation-only program open to incoming freshmen. Those who are invited have to apply to the program when they frst get accepted into UM.
After acceptance, the program matches the student to an on-campus job of their interest according to the UM Student Employment website.
The Student Assistant Program is essentially for everyone else who wants a job.
Applicants from the Student Assistant Program are the last choice for most on-campus employers, according to the UM Student Employment website, but this isn’t generally known information.
Since UM departments pay in full for employees from the Student Assistant Program, they will be much more likely to select an applicant from the other programs where they don’t have to pay their full wages.
On top of this, more than 6,000 UM students were awarded FWS for the 2022-2023, about half of the undergraduate population. That doesn’t mean all students awarded FWS are applying and working on-campus jobs, since it is unclear how many opted into the program on FAFSA or are actively applying to on-campus jobs.
But with about 5,500 students working on campus and FWS applicants being the most attractive due to lower wage costs for the employer, it can be assumed they take many of the on-campus positions.
Therefore, when combining jobs taken by both FWS and Lead Miami, there is not much left for those who do not qualify for the two programs, leaving about the other half of the university looking for jobs.
Miami does offer off-campus student employment through JobX, but on-campus jobs are hard to beat with their accessibility to campus and wages going directly into student’s accounts.
The advantages FWS and Lead Miami students have for on-campus jobs is another debate in itself, but those who are struggling to fnd a job on JobX shouldn’t beat themselves up about it.
JobX isn’t a typical job recruitment site, and its partnership with FAFSA makes it complicated for almost all students, whether they are on fnancial aid or not.
It is time for the Offce of Student Employment, along with JobX, to communicate with students and better explain the student employment process so future applicants don’t run into problems.
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How Arianna Valme won best actress for ‘Vixen’
BY SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ CO-A&E EDITOR
Senior Arianna Valme led the student short film “Vixen” to victory in the 2024 Canes Film Festival. The health sciences and chemistry student called on her high school musical theater experience to cause the ultimate upset.
“Vixen” director and writer Nicky Gonzalez knew Valme was her lead from her first audition. “Ari is the definition of a strong, beautiful woman, which is what I was looking for during casting,” Nicky said. “I can’t imagine anyone else.”
Valme plays Jazmine, an insecure college student who is struggling with her love life. She becomes obsessed with a nail technician and goes to dangerous lengths to get him to notice her. On the verge of psychosis, Jazmine invites him to her birthday party to get her happily ever after.
Just from reading the script, Valme knew exactly what Jazmine was. “Crazy,” Valme said. She recalled thinking to herself, “Wait? What happens?” often when reading it.
The character’s hidden humanity attracted Valme to the role. Jazmine’s heart-wrenching monologue about wanting love showed Valme that there’s a method to the madness.
Gonzalez created Jazmine to highlight young women’s experiences with love. She drew on personal conflicts to depict how love can make some change and act rash for a shot at prince charming.
“It was really important to me to have a protagonist whose experience with love could be relatable,” Gonzalez said. “Jazmine was my vessel for portraying that.”
Valme understood the role’s importance and collaborated with Gonzalez on set to ensure her performance was true to Jazmine.
She was eager to get in touch with Jazmine’s dark side and commit to challenging scenes to tell the best version of her story.
To get in character, Valme would listen to “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross. She reviewed films and television shows to see how artists tackled characters like Jazmine.
“It was really important to me to have a protagonist whose experience with love could be relatable. Jazmine was my vessel for portraying that.”
Nicky Gonzalez
“Vixen” Director and Writer
Knowing the end of “Vixen” completely altered Valme’s approach to the character. She felt she could no longer portray a lost soul who descended into lunacy, but someone who’s been mad all along.
Ethan Storey, the film’s editor and assistant director, organized it to best reflect Jazmine’s declining state. Instead of editing chronologically, Storey intercut the film with flashbacks to re -
flect her scrambled mentality.
Storey shot scenes with a wide angle instead of an intimate close-up to highlight how Jazmine’s relationship with the nail tech was mostly one-sided.
“It was extremely important to occasionally show the contrasting reality of a situation and to not always stay in Jazmine’s mind,” Storey said.
Silence was Storey and Valme’s ultimate weapon. In the film’s bloody, climactic ending, they used silence to capitalize on Jazmine’s profound shame.
“While dialogue is often powerful and necessary, sometimes a lot can be said with silence,” Storey said.
Despites Jazmine’s actions, Valme would not call her a villain.
“A lot of the things she does are scary, but we could relate to her,” Valme said. She recalled the moment after she finished Jazmine’s tearful speech when she could tell it emotionally impacted everyone on set.
The moment of truth came on May 5 at 7 p.m. as hundreds of filmmakers gathered at the Bill Cosford Cinema for the Canes Film Festival award ceremony.
The “Vixen” cast and crew gathered and sat in anticipation.
As other films dominated the categories, their anxiety grew, but their faith never wavered.
Waves of relief and accomplishment washed over them as Valme was crowned best actress.
“It was kind of surprising,” Valme said. “I was grateful.”
Her glistening star-shaped award now sits on her desk as she prepares for the new academic year. Despite being done with Jazmine, Valme still feels her lingering in the back of her mind.
“When you get into that crazy headspace, sometimes it’s hard
to switch out,” Valme said.
As a member of the UM film fraternity Delta Kappa Alpha, Valme looks forward to staying involved in filmmaking and taking the spotlight again. She has already received offers to star in other productions. Valme works to balance her involvement in acting and science like her role model Ken Jeong. Either on the silver screen or scientific journals, Valme aims to make her mark on the world.
UM senior Arianna Valme acting in a scene from “Vixen.”
Photo Courtesy of Nicky Gonzalez
Film student Nicky Gonzalez directing during the filming of “Vixen.”
Photo Courtesy of Camila Fernandez
Miami Spice 2024 Where to grab a bite this fall
BY MORGAN FRY CO-A&E EDITOR
August and September are arguably the best months of the year for foodies in Miami. Locals and college students alike can enjoy some of the city’s finest dining at a discounted price as a part of the city’s innovative Miami Spice deal. For over two decades, Miami Spice has offered three-course fixed price menus at Miami’s most sought-after restaurants. There is a $30/$35 brunch and a $45/$60 dinner through Sept. 30.
Here are some of the locations offering this limited-time deal:
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
If sophistication is your idea of ringing in the new year, look no further than Fleming’s. Their $60 prix fix menu is available Sunday through Thursday and is the definition of a demure evening. Start off with a salad with walnuts, tomatoes, dried cranberries and red onion dressed in a lemon vinaigrette for a light bite before the main course. A petite filet mignon cooked to your liking is sure to melt in your mouth. Finish the meal off with a chocolate gooey brownie for a decadent dessert crowned with honeycomb brittle, chocolate sauce and caramel.
Fleming’s is located at 600 Brickell Ave Suite 150, Miami.
Mayami
Enjoy the live music, brilliant lights and vibrant atmosphere that make this Mexican fusion restaurant a hot spot for dining. Mayami’s $60 dinner is served Sunday through Thursday and is a great option to frequent in Wynwood.
The summer elote is coated with lime mayo, cotija and chile piquin for a spicy start to your meal. Then, order the carnitas if you’re looking for a unique spin on a classic dish. The refried beans, pickled carrots and salsa juevona marry together to create flavor in every bite. Finish off the meal with crispy churros fried to perfection for a sweet end to your experience at Mayami.
Mayami is located at 127 NW 23rd St, Miami.
Kissaki Sushi
As delicious as sushi may be, it’s easy to drop a lot on a meal that might not even leave you feeling full. Now is the time to take advantage of Kissaki’s $45 Miami Spice menu, which offers a great deal for a large amount of food Sunday through Tuesday.
If you’re looking to start with a traditional sushi experience, order the four piece nigiri flight for a selection of the chef’s freshest fish. Then, opt for some cooked fish for your main course with the misco black cod served on a bed of white rice. For dessert, go for the warm peach cobbler soaked with hints of bourbon, cinnamon and Japanese vanilla ice cream.
Kissaki Sushi is located at 500 S Pointe Dr, Ste 160, Miami Beach.
Joe’s Stone Crab
If you’re from Miami or even have just lived here for a few months, you’ve heard of Joe’s Stone Crab. Prices are steep for this iconic seafood restaurant, so foodies should take advantage of its discounted offerings.
The shrimp, grilled or fried, is a popular option for seafood lovers. For a lighter option, try the col-
orful chopped salad topped with cucumbers, carrots, black olives, tomatoes, eggs, beets, feta cheese and honey-roasted peanuts for some crunch. Finally, you can’t go wrong with the sweet and tangy key lime pie served over a buttery, flakey crust.
Miami Spice $35 lunch is served Friday through Sunday, and $45/$60 dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday.
Joe’s Stone Crab is located at 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach.
Seaspice
There’s no better way to take in the city than with a meal on the water. Enjoy sites of the skyline reflected on the water during the day or night.
On the $35 lunch menu, start your meal off light with the refreshing cucumber soup garnished with labne, mint and pickled cucumber. You can’t go wrong with the juicy wagyu burger topped with cheddar cheese, shitake mushrooms, crispy potatoes and a creamy truffle aioli. After you’re stuffed from the decadent burger, cleanse your palate with a refreshing bite of the chef’s house-made sorbet.
Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday, while a $60 dinner is offered Tuesday through Sunday. Seaspice is located at 412 NW North River Drive, Miami.
Fiola
This Italian bistro has earned its status as a go-to restaurant for Miami Spice lovers.
For an appetizer, the Georgia peach gazpacho is the perfect combination of sweet, savory and spicy with red pepper, cucumber, pico de gallo, basil oil and aged
balsamic. You will be dreaming of their vodka rigatoni entree made with grey goose vodka, pomodoro, chili and basil. If you like fruity desserts, go for the raspberry panna cotta with hints of white chocolate and fresh raspberries.
Fiola has a $60 dinner served Tuesday through Sunday, a $35 lunch served Tuesday through Friday and a $35 Sunday brunch.
Fiola is located at 1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables.
Reunion Kitchen Bar
The name is fitting for a great restaurant to bring your friends after having been away from them for the summer. Reunion Kitchen offers all of your staple breakfast or brunch items.
The hearty avocado eggs benedict is sure to make for a delicious appetizer. For a sweet bite, be sure to try the matcha french toast, topped with syrup and fresh berries. End off the experience with some french macarons
to end your sugar high.
Reunion Kitchen has $30 brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as lunch and dinner options every day of the week.
Reunion Kitchen Bar is located at 18167 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura.
Jaguar
Head to the Grove for a Latin inspired meal. Start off healthy with a quinoa salad made delectable with coleslaw, red peppers, avocado, pickled red onions, pumpkin seeds and a hint of mango. For your main course, try the salmon accompanied by heart of palm, corn and sweet potatoes all over a tangy lime butter sauce. The flan dessert will leave you speechless with its creamy texture served with an almond and raisin praline for some crunch.
Jaguar has a $35 lunch and $60 dinner menu every day during Miami Spice.
Jaguar is located at 3067 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove.
Alexandra Fisher // Photo Editor Jaguar restaurant in Coconut Grove joins the Miami Spice Program for August through September. Photo taken Aug. 20, 2024.
You’re invited
Upcoming events this semester
BY ALICE REICH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With so many events on and off campus in Miami, it may be difficult to decide what to do. Keep reading for a list of some of the most exciting events happening across South Florida this fall:
Homecoming Week
Get ready to show some school spirit during Homecoming week. Students crowd around Lake Osceola to be part of the pronounced excitement throughout campus. This year, join in on
the fun from Oct. 21-26.
From the opening ceremony and Homecoming pageant on Monday to the most anticipated football game of the year on Saturday against Florida State, you won’t want to miss your chance to connect with your fellow ’Canes. If you want to get involved, pageant applications are open now.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Considering Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Miami, it is no surprise that Hispanic Heritage Month is taken very seriously at UM.
est auto shows in the world. This year, the event will return to Miami Beach from Aug. 30 to Sept. 8.
It is being hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center and covers over one million square feet. Whether you’re a car fanatic or are searching for a new activity, the new car reveals, test drives and displays of artwork are sure to make for a memorable experience.
Orange Blossom Classic
Sports fans, get ready for the college football kick-off event of the season: the Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic. This year, the Alabama State University Hornets will play against the North Carolina Central University Eagles at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 1.
If you’re looking for something fun to do over the long Labor Day weekend, this may be your calling. If you don’t like massive crowds or aren’t the biggest sports fan, stop by the Rat with friends to watch it for a more relaxed experience.
Fantasy Fest
If you love everything Halloween, Fantasy Fest is the place for you. The annual ten-day Halloween party in Key West is why campus turns into a ghost town from Oct. 18-27.
Starting on Sept. 15, student organizations including the Alliance of Latin American Students, Multicultural Student Affairs and the Latin Leadership Community join forces to create programs to commemorate their independence.
Events spanning from Latin Cooking Night to Game Night Social are just two examples of events that cater to bringing us students together as one community.
Miami International Auto Show
Miami is home to one of the larg-
to get the trophy and cash prize. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Miami Carnival, so it’s guaranteed to be exciting.
Miami Book Fair
Calling all book fans, the Miami Book Fair is from Nov. 17-24. This massive event gives readers of every genre the chance to explore new titles and meet their favorite authors.
Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus hosts this eight-day festival annually. The highlight of the Miami Book Fair is the Street Fair, which is open this year from Friday to Sunday. It exhibits booths with new and old books, stationery, planners, journals and any other writing tools you may need. Pro tip: stop by on Friday when Street Fair activities are free.
Miami Art Week
Florida natives know Miami Art Week is seen as one of the covetable art events of the year. Art Basel, Design Miami and Art Miami are a few of the more popular fairs, taking place from Dec. 3-8.
This year, join the fun away from the hustle and bustle of Miami. Fantasy Fest gives you a chance to celebrate Halloween while exploring a new part of Florida.
Miami Carnival
The Miami Carnival is the biggest carnival in the United States. On Oct. 13, enjoy the parade and concert that celebrates several Caribbean countries’ music, costumes, cuisine and customs.
The twelve-hour party, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., is packed with nonstop music featuring The Parade of the Bands, where over 18,000 masqueraders compete
Art Basel is the main event which will occur at the Miami Beach Convention Center where thousands of art dealers, artists, collectors and art fans can browse modern and contemporary art from 277 galleries.
Nearby is Design Miami. It showcases its signature mix of design culture through shoppable items including furniture, lighting, jewelry and textiles. Don’t want to go far? Head to Art Miami, which features a series of outdoor exhibitions with a variation of paintings, drawings and photographic art. Miami Art Week happens around the same time as final exams. Whether you’re looking for a nice break or trying to find inspiration, clear time to immerse yourself in the artistic talent around you.
Emily Rice // Staff Photographer
Shalala Student Center during the University of Miami’s Hurricane Howl during Homecoming on Oct. 27, 2023.
What summer shows and music will take gold this awards season?
BY SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ CO-A&E EDITOR
This summer was defined by international rap beef, traumatized chefs, crazed stalkers and me espresso. But do these shows and music have a shot at dominating awards season?
With the MTV Video Music Awards and Emmys steadily approaching, it is time to predict who will be crowned the new queen of pop and which drama will replace “Succession” as the Emmy favorites.
Charli XCX’s “brat”
What many have crowned as Charli XCX’s best album has taken the world by storm. The English singer’s club hits have dominated social media as the album’s iconic green color and font can be seen in numerous user profiles.
While her singles “360” and “Von dutch” have collectively earned over 100 million views on Spotify, Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” pose some serious competition for song of the year.
People have discussed Charli XCX’s “brat” album more for its cultural impact than its quality, increasing the chances judges will gloss over the infamous pop album.
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” Carpenter’s “Espresso” has over one billion streams on Spotify. Her summer fun single launched her further into stardom, and her upcoming album, “Short n’ Sweet,” is sure to keep her on the rise.
Hundreds gathered to see Carpenter perform at this year’s Coachella. Her hit’s popularity led to the launch of her “Espresso” themed ice cream and a performance on Saturday Night Live.
Carpenter is currently nominated for artist of the year and song of the year at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards. Though she is com-
peting against legendary musicians like Taylor Swift, the song’s mass popularity and summer vibe may push it to the top and cause an upset.
Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!”
The young pop star’s anthem gave her over 30 million monthly Spotify listeners and put her in the running for best new artist at the MTV VMAs. Roan’s calming voice erupts into a finishing high note in “Good Luck, Babe!” that cements it as one of the summer’s biggest hits. Her bright red hair, indescribable outfits and fun personality make her performances unforgettable. Crowds at Coachella and Lollapalooza couldn’t get enough and were singing every note.
Roan’s performance with Sabrina Carpenter at the VMAs puts victory in her sights. Roan will likely take her trophy “HOT TO GO!” and continue commanding the best new artist category for the rest of awards season.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”
The rap battle that was years in the making showed the world Pulitzer prize winner Kendrick Lamar is not like us. What started as notso-subtle jabs at Drake in 2015’s “Kunta King” exploded into a fullblown war on April 30 when Lamar dropped “euphoria.”
Lamar’s dark and revealing “meet the grahams” made the internet recognize him as the winner. Many thought the battle was over until he released “Not Like Us” a day later. The catchy tune made Lamar surpass Drake in monthly Spotify listeners and became the most streamed diss track of all time.
The song is nominated for song of the year at the MTV VMAs, going against Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” and Carpenter’s “Espresso.” Lamar probably will not beat the pop icons, but hip-hop fans can rejoice in knowing his career is far from over.
“The Bear”
Yes, crippling anxiety! The Emmy-winning Hulu comedy series brought nothing short of its intense, stress-inducing directing and high stakes with its third season. The complex comradery and tensions between the characters oozes through the screen as they try to create a Michelin star restaurant. Though it holds the show’s lowest Rotten Tomatoes critics score, 90%, and audience score, 52%, a forty percent drop compared to season two, it remains one of television’s most captivating shows.
Season two ought to sweep the comedy series categories like season one. Its sixth episode, “Fishes,” is one of the most Emmy-nominated television episodes ever with nine nominations. Season three is not eligible for Emmys this year, since it premiered after the June 1 deadline.
Season three proves “The Bear” is a flawed masterpiece. Its slow pace may cause its downfall and let “Abbott Elementary” reclaim its spot as the most favored comedy series next year at the Emmys.
“Baby Reindeer”
This summer’s biggest upset came at the hands of Scottish comedian Richard Gadd. Though a new season of “The Boys” and “House of the Dragon” also aired this summer, his autobiographical drama, “Baby Reindeer,” is all the critics could talk about.
The limited series grew to be one of Netflix’s most watched series of all time. Its gripping plot and honest portrayal of the psychological effects of sexual assault bolstered its chances for success.
Gadd relieved his most harrowing experiences alongside Nava Mau and Jessica Gunning, who masterfully mimicked Gadd’s reallife stalker’s personality. All three are nominated for Emmy acting awards, totalling the show’s Emmy nominations to 11.
“Baby Reindeer” has multiple acting nominations in the limited or
anthology series category contrary to its competition. Place your bets on “Baby Reindeer” sweeping and the stars won’t be the only ones winning on Emmy night.
“Fallout”
The popular series based on the renowned video game received sensational reviews. The show combined the game’s cheeky humor and dystopian themes to create the ultimate binge-worthy drama.
“Fallout” nabbed 68 million views in its first two weeks of release despite dropping earlier than expected. It additionally has the best week-one viewership for any Amazon Prime show.
Its star, Walton Goggins, is nominated for best lead actor in a drama series. Goggins expertly plays a grieving father that becomes a cowboy antihero trying to survive a post-apocalyptic world.
While “Fallout” may not deliver Goggins his well-deserved Emmy due to fierce competition from “Shōgan” star Hiroyuki Sanada, the show’s nomination for best drama series is a testament to its potential.
“Reservation Dogs”
Sterlin Harjo’s iconic show has received its long awaited best comedy series nomination for its last season. The series explores life in a Native American reservation, a setting rarely touched by Hollywood.
“Reservation Dogs” is a comfort show that delivers big laughs and tear-jerking moments. The comedy was set up for success with guest stars like recent Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone and Ethan Hawke.
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai’s evocative performance earned him a best leading comedy actor nomination. He faces off against Jeremy Allen White from “The Bear,” the probable victor based on precedent. Though “Reservation Dogs” is unlikely to best its competition, the nominations alone are a win in the heart of Native American fans who have been advocating for the show since its start.
Catch the MTV VMAs on September 11 at 8 p.m. and the 76th Emmy Awards on September 15 at 8 p.m. to see if your favorites win.
Ashley Puritz // Graphics Editor
Dear ’Canes Fans: We’re back, for real this time
BY LUKE SIMS CO-SPORTS EDITOR
We’ve been here before.
We’ve been to the top of the mountain — with Vinny and Micheal, with Ed and Ray. Miami’s athletic history will always be strong. But 21st-century ’Canes fans, those memories have long faded.
Last season was year two into the Mario Cristobal era. It was supposed to be different. It was supposed to be when everything changed.
With a healthy quarterback and a new offensive coordinator, the team was supposed to score a ton of points. With leaders like Kamren Kinchens and Leonard Taylor III looking NFLbound, the team was supposed to have a defense that could make plays.
The national media was looking to Miami. The local fans were excited. This was a fresh start, a new era of Miami football. No more mediocrity; it was time to return to the spotlight and show everyone that the U was back.
The team was ranked in the top 25 and had an impressive showing against another top 25 opponent in Texas A&M in week 2. Miami had all the momentum, even being ranked 17th in the country, being 4-0, and hosting a lowly Georgia Tech team.
Looking to make it 5-0 before a huge road matchup with North Carolina, the ’Canes season changed for the worse with one decision.
It’s been over 10 months since the Georgia Tech incident, where Miami could have ended the game with a simple kneel-down. Instead, Miami fumbled, and Georgia Tech stole the victory, sending Miami’s season cascading into mediocrity and frustration.
Now, in the third season of the Cristobal era, Miami is loaded up again. With transfers on all sides of the ball and in every key position, the ’Canes have never been better on paper under Cristobal.
Cam Ward is a quarterback from Washington State who looks to bring his dual-threat ability to Coral Gables. Sam Brown is a wideout from Houston who has some serious juice. Damien Martinez is a running back from Oregon State can be a workhorse. On defense, Mishael Powell is a veteran who brings some needed experience to the safety room. Tyler Baron was a late addition in the transfer portal, but the former Tennessee Volunteer will be wreaking havoc on
the defensive line.
UM already has Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George at receiver who were both fantastic last season. Freshman running back Mark Fletcher Jr. is back and looking to build on his elite freshman resume. On defense, Ahkeem Mesidor is back to full health and ready to rock. Francisco Maiugoa was one of the best players in the ACC last season and he’s ready to make his senior season count.
Miami is in a great place and deserves all the props for the excellent job Cristobal and his staff has done in getting these players to Miami. But stars on a website profle and highlight reels from other schools only go so far. None of that will matter when the pads are on August 31st in Gainesville.
The ’Canes kick off the 2024-25 season in the swamp with a trip up the turnpike to take on their in-state rival, the Florida Gators. This is the frst big test for Miami in what should be a relatively light schedule with only a single ranked opponent currently on the docket.
The ’Canes aren’t worried about the talk. The team doesn’t care about the national media’s expectations. This team has a week-by-week and game-by-game attitude that starts with their quarterback.
“We handle it well in the locker room,” Ward said. “There are no egos in the locker room. We don’t play that stuff. Everyone comes in with the right mindset. We want to get better; we want to compete and get better on both sides of the ball. At the end of the day, we want to put the team in the best position to win, so keep putting the team frst and take it one game at a time.”
This is not just an offensive attitude. The defense operates the same way and even the new guys are brought into the ’Canes culture.
“I think it’s really simple. … It’s really competitive, so I think everybody’s just trying to compete against each other, and it’s a real healthy relationship,” Baron said. “There’s no hatred or no envy or anything. It’s just been a really good kind of competitive room. So, it’s just something that it’s easy to get into and easy to try to push yourself to be the best in everything you can.”
We’ve been here before.
The hype train is real, the pieces are in place and the U looks primed and ready to be back. The die-hard Miami fans are already booking tickets to the National Championship Monday,
Jan. 20, 2025 in Atlanta.
But, for the skeptical ’Canes fans who have had their hearts broken and expectations shattered by their favorite college football team year after year after year, this exciting reality may be harder to accept.
For all the Miami fans out there who are scared to buy into the hype of the 2024-25 Miami Hurricanes football season, lean into it.
Miami is miles ahead of where they were last season, and Cristobal is in year three of his program. Having legit playmakers at every position with experience in big games is a luxury that Miami has not had in a long time. The blend of transfer and in-house talent along with the youth and experience of both sides of the ball makes for an exciting group of Hurricanes. Miami has the players; they have the attitude in the building; they have a forgiving schedule. All the pieces are in place to avenge the horrors of last season and make the ’Canes of old proud. This Miami team is different, and they believe it.
You should too.
All stats and data via ESPN and The Miami Hurricanes unless otherwise noted.
Football Schedule
Alexandra Fisher // Photo Editor
Head coach Mario Cristobal walks in the “Hurricane Walk” before Miami’s game versus Florida State University at Hard Rock Stadium on Nov. 4, 2022.
No. 19 Miami kicks off 2024 in the Swamp against No. 5 Florida
BY QUINN SHEEHAN STAFF WRITER
The Miami Hurricanes will kick off year 3 of the Mario Cristobal era in hostile territory. They will travel to Gainesville, Florida to take on their in-state rival, the Florida Gators. The frst two years under Cristobal have been a mixed bag, evening out at a .500 record of 12-12 with one bowl appearance.
Miami enters the 2024 season ranked 19th in the nation, carrying a considerable amount of hype with it. However, that has been the case for many Hurricanes teams over the past two decades with little results to show compared to the expectations. Still, many believe this Miami team is the squad that will buck that trend.
The ’Canes were marred by inconsistent quarterback play which held back an otherwise fairly complete roster as injuries plagued the season for both starter Tyler Van Dyke and backup Emory Williams.
This offseason, the Hurricanes looked to the transfer portal for improvements at the position and came away with one of the best transfers in the country, Cameron Ward from Washington State. Ward will be joined in his frst season in Miami by another splash in the transfer portal by the ’Canes in former Oregon State running back Damien Martinez.
Ward and Martinez, alongside returning star receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George and a talented offensive line highlight what looks to be an explosive offensive unit. The Hurricanes also do not lack talent on the de-
fensive side with star edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Middle Tennessee State transfer Marley Cook headlining a promising group.
The Hurricanes are fooded with talent and experience on both sides of the ball, and if everything goes to plan, Cristobal’s third season leading the ’Canes could be the one that puts Miami back in the national spotlight.
Meanwhile, the Florida Gators have been a far cry from the SEC contender they used to be, as they have not posted a winning season since 2020, and expectations are low for the upcoming season. Most analysts agree that the Gators could be in for a tough season in 2024. Still, there are some bright spots for Florida that could give the Hurricanes some issues. Quarterback Graham Mertz was incredibly effcient in his frst season at UF, tossing 20 touchdowns to only three interceptions.
Miami’s defense was stout last season but showed cracks in their armor at times to quarterbacks, notably allowing 273 yards and four touchdowns to North Carolina’s Drake Maye and 308 yards with three touchdowns to Louisville’s Jack Plummer. If Miami’s defense does not come to play next Saturday, Mertz could pick them apart with precision as he rarely turns the ball over.
Florida’s most notable roster change came at the running back position as Trevor Etienne transferred to Georgia, leaving the backfeld open for senior Montrell Johnson Jr. The veteran back tallied over 1,000 scrimmage yards last season along with six touchdowns while splitting touches with Etienne. With a larger role now, Johnson looks prime for a huge sta-
tistical season.
While the Hurricanes’ rushing defense was solid throughout most of the season, they faltered at times, allowing their opponents to rush for over 100 yards six times over their last eight games of the season. The Gators will likely lean on their rushing attack if they are to challenge Miami in week one.
Another factor in this matchup is the crowd. It is considerably tougher to win on the road in college football no matter the opponent and Ben Hill Griffn Stadium is notorious as one of the loudest and most diffcult environments
for opposing teams in all of college football. The Gators’ crowd has propelled them to some notable upsets over the past few years despite the lack of team success as a whole, notably against No. 7 Utah in 2022 and No. 11 Tennessee last season.
Regardless of Florida’s roster and expectations this year, the Hurricanes will need to come prepared for the noise and atmosphere if they wish to escape with a win on the road.
Kickoff for next Saturday’s season opener is set for 3:30 p.m. and will be aired on ABC.
North Florida spoils Miami’s home opener, drop frst game of the season 1-0
BY JAYDEN GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER
The Miami Hurricanes women’s soccer program was ready to kick off its 2024 campaign with a matchup against the North Florida Ospreys at Cobb StadiumThursday night after a nearly two-hour rain delay.With a team full of new faces, the ’Canes were ready to begin the Ken Masuhr era in Miami. Despite countless scoring opportunities, the Hurricanes offense were never able to break through and put the ball in the back of the net. A crucial mistake in the 27th minute led to a UNF goal, and the Ospreys never looked back, spoiling Masuhr’s coaching debut at Cobb Stadium with a 1-0 loss.
UM’s play refected the sweeping changes
made in the offseason that added 17 players to the team and a new training staff. They lacked chemistry, made unforced errors and missed key chances to capitalize against UNF.
Early in the game, the Hurricanes looked solid on the offensive attack, with forwards Moria Flynn and Kyla Gallagher applying pressure on the UNF defense and getting good looks at the net.
North Florida had some early responses of their own. Around the seventh minute, true freshman Allison Souers launched a screamer that nailed the left post of the goal and took a bounce in the favor of the Hurricanes.
In the 27th minute, the Ospreys broke free. Deep in their own side of the pitch, UM goalkeeper Claireese Foley passed the ball to midfelder Julia Edwards. Edwards took a
poor touch and misplayed the ball, allowing UNF’s Bella Pontieri to intercept the ball and hit Souers. The forward then fred a laser into the back of the net past the outstretched arms of Foley, allowing the Ospreys to an early 1-0 lead.
A stellar performance by UNF redshirt junior goalkeeper Sofa Miliancano prevented Miami from breaking through offensively. Milliancano played like a brick wall on the pitch tonight, making fve key glove saves for the Ospreys.
In the 51st minute, Miami had back-to-back opportunities to even the score up against UNF. After getting in the box, freshman forward Giovani Canali had a shot at the open net, but was saved by Milliancano.
The ball ricocheted off the goalie’s gloves and at the feet of Jessica Kaye, who had an
open shot at the goal but was denied by the keeper.
North Florida’s win against Miami is the Ospreys frst in program history. The Hurricanes had won all four of their previous matchups with UNF.
Despite the loss, the Hurricanes showed fashes of what could be next for this program with solid performances from new faces, including Florida transfer Tori Grambo, freshman Giovani Canali, and Texas Tech transfer Gisselle Kozarski.
Miami looks to bounce back and win its frst game in the Ken Masuhr era with an in-state matchup against the Florida Atlantic Owls in Boca Raton on Sunday evening. Gametime at the FAU Soccer Stadium is set for 6 p.m.
Alexandra Fisher // Photo Editor
Junior wide receiver Jacolby George runs for a touchdown in the second quarter of Miami’s game against Bethune-Cookman at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 14, 2023.
UM alum covers Paris Olympics
BY ASHLEY FREEDLAND STAFF WRITER
For most, the Olympics are a time to sit back, relax and enjoy the final moments of summer before returning to their jobs. For University of Miami alumna Sam Peene, it was just the beginning of a long-awaited opportunity.
After switching to a journalism major in her junior year, Peene graduated from Miami in 2023 and landed a job as a writer for Olympics.com. Peene and her coworkers spent weeks preparing to cover the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Covering the event was a whirlwind, with Peene sometimes writing up to seven stories a day. It was a stressful but rewarding experience, marking a high point in Peene’s young career. Following the challenges of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Paris also marked a return to normalcy.
Throughout the Olympics, Peene had the opportunity to report on a variety of events. However, there was one story that was most meaningful to her: covering French swimmer Léon Marchand and his achievements.
After underperforming in 2020, Marchand redeemed himself with four individual gold medals, all with Olympic records. Peene wrote about two of his show-stealing races, one of which headlined the website for the rest of the day.
“I got to cover his last two races. And I got to cover his fourth race … he won gold and broke the Olympic record,” Peene said. “And getting to cover that, I really felt like, ‘Okay, this might be the moment where I feel like I’ve made it. I’m covering for the French star of the Olympic game, for Olympics.com.’ I have to say that was my favorite moment.”
Peene credits Michelle Kaufman’s sports reporting class and her time with The Miami Hurricane (TMH) as what ignited her passion for sports writing.
“That class changed everything. I started working at The Miami Hurricane in the newsroom, so the combination of the class and my experience at TMH is almost fully to credit what I am doing now,” Peene said.
Working with TMH also provided Peene with invaluable real-world experience covering a variety of varsity sports in the National Collegiate Athletic Asso -
ciation, to local Miami sports.
“It was like working in the real world while still at school,” Peene said.
Peene acknowledges it was a very challenging few days — writing more pieces in one day than what most do in one week. But, because of her training in Miami, she was ready for this monumental task.
I had to kind of remind myself to just take it story by story, day by day,” Peene said. “And then I would come out on the other side of it.”
This even-keeled mantra led to Peene having one of the greatest experiences of her young career.
“I really wanted to come out feeling proud and accomplished and feeling like I had done the best that I could because I was so excited to be covering the Olympic games.”
“I had to kind of remind myself to just take it story by story, day by day.”
Sam Peene
UM Alum
INTRODUCING JUST $4.99 A MONTH
Alexandra Fisher // Photo Editor
Sam Peene, pictured at an event she covered for Olympics.com.
V’S TAKE
Centennial Village, Check Your Privilege
If you are one of the lucky freshmen that got the chance to live in the new Centennial Village, congrats! But also, I hate your guts! Most of us have served our nickel in the Hecht and Stanford penitentiaries, though you’re all waltzing in with mommy and daddy and your BÉIS luggage set like you own the place. The foor plan is so open and spacious, hell you have Regatta hammocks in your hallway. An experience usually reserved for the drunkest of Friday nights. And every foor is co-ed meaning you can just bumble down your hallways between sylly week sneaky links like you’re trick-or-treating.
And, the bathrooms are a slap in the face to me. Multiple stalls with full doors complete with a toilet, sink AND shower? You’re missing out on the quintessential college experience of being able to shake hands with the person you’re showering next to and the person they brought inside with them.
Freshman year is supposed to be about making the best of the crappy dorm situation you were put into. You laugh when your random roommate spits up bong water onto your speaker and when you fnd black mold in your AC, hoping it gets you sick enough to miss class. This year half
of you are living in the Ritz Carlton of dorms, so what is there to laugh about? That the girl down the hall doesn’t have Prada shower shoes? I walked past Centennial the other day and the lack of LED lights was appalling. Where’s the whimsy? The fun? What else will the boys use to “set the mood” before giving you the most average sex of your life? Just because the building is shaped like a square doesn’t mean you have to be one too. Put up some trashy posters and proudly display your stolen traffc cone. It’s obvious I’m just bitter, but come on could you blame me? Your dining hall has TWO FLOORS, we were lucky if there were two remotely edible options for dinner every night. Now that your parents have left the chefs will hopefully stop trying to make the meals look worth the tuition. Enjoy the good old “vaguely ethnic stew.”
Enjoy your cushy dorms for now, until you have to fght tooth and nail for a spot in Lakeside. Freshman year is always an interesting experience and Centennial is a great spot to have it. Just remember, every day you wake up and walk outside into that beautiful square, I hope you choke on Stanford’s dust.
