The Miami Hurricane: Jan. 24, 2024 by The Miami Hurricane

Vol. 94, Issue 9 | Jan. 24 - Feb. 6

Will upset win over NC State turn around WBB’s season? SPORTS // Page 12

Gender discrimination lawsuit reveals unequal pay for faculty at UM

“We will not wait for the next school shooting”

From Miami to the Emmys: Geethika Kataru on post-grad life

NEWS // Page 2

OPINION // Page 7

A&E // Page 8

Head coach Katie Meier takes a moment with junior guard Lashae Dwyer after Miami’s 73-59 win over versus NC State in the Watsco Center on Jan. 18, 2023.

Jared Lennon // Senior Staff Photographer

January 24, 2024

THE MIAMI HURRICANE NEWS UM lecturer lawsuit reveals unequal, low pay for faculty

BY JENNY JACOBY & CAROLINE VAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & NEWS EDITOR

r. Laura Sherman, the head of the harpist department at the Frost School of Music, has quietly settled a lawsuit with the University of Miami she filed arguing that female faculty members were being grossly underpaid compared to their male colleagues. It is the third lawsuit of its kind to be brought against the University in the past five years. Prior to her hiring as a full-time lecturer at UM in 2019, Sherman played for national orchestras such as the New York City Ballet and American Symphony Orchestra, spent 15 years on Broadway as the harpist for “Wicked” and toured internationally with Barbra Streisand. She holds four degrees be-

tween Queens College/CUNY, the University of Michigan and the Yale School of Music and has taught at two other universities. In her first year at UM, she was only paid $30,000, according to the Miami New Times. As of 2022, her annual salary was reported to be $44,500. For comparison, Florida’s state legislature brought minimum base salaries to $47,500 in 2020 for full-time K-12 classroom teachers with only a bachelor’s degree. Sherman’s most recent salary is approximately $22,500 below the national average for instructional staff salaries at private nonprofit institutions, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2022-2023 Almanac report. It is also $17,772 below UM’s own female lecturer base salary average of $62,272 according to UM’s 2019 Faculty Salary Analysis report.

This report also revealed a large disparity between male and female lecturers, with males earning over $6,000 more on average at UM and $9,424 more within the Frost Music School. The gender wage gap was consistent across all faculty ranks from instructor to tenured professor with a max differential of $68,000 between male and female non-tenured associate professors. This disparity became the basis of Sherman’s lawsuit and two other lawsuits recently filed by or on behalf of female staff at the UM. The first was filed by Sung Hee Joo, an assistant professor of environmental engineering, in 2018, was settled a year later in 2019. The other went to trial in 2022 by political science professor Louise Davidson-Scmich’s whose case went to trial in 2022 and was sided in favor of UM. All three professors are Ivy League-educated and hold a doctorate.

Though factors such as length of time and daily tasks each of these professors performed compared to their male colleagues has not yet been confirmed by The Miami Hurricane, court documents allege that often these factors were the same between male and female professors. For instance, court documents from Hee Joo’s lawsuit state several allegations that UM had “consistently hired men at considerably higher rates than women” and that the increased pay male assistant professors received “was not based on superior skill, education, or experience, or any other legitimate factor.” The Frost School of Music, however, showed to have the largest pay gap among any of the other schools at UM, with a 2018 internal report stating the difference between male and female professors is roughly $9000.

Florida Gov. Ron Desantis suspends 2024 presidential campaign BY CAROLINE VAL NEWS EDITOR

nown for his hard-right wing policies in the state of Florida and being an early favorite for the Republican presidential nomination, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has officially suspended his 2024 campaign. In a video posted to X on Sunday, Jan. 21, DeSantis explained his decision to pull out of the race while also endorsing former President Donald Trump, the current frontrunner for the 2024 GOP nomination. “If there was anything I could do to produce a more favorable outcome — more campaign stops, more interviews — I would do it,” DeSantis said. “But I can’t ask our volunteers to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don’t have a clear path to victory.” “[Trump] has my endorsement because we can’t go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear, a repackaged form or warmed over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents.” The Florida governor’s campaign suspension comes days after GOP candidates

Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie suspended their own campaigns. Christie was recently caught on a hot mic stating that DeSantis was “petrified” of the Iowa caucus outcome only days before, further implying that DeSantis would drop out of the race if he came out behind Trump. According to the Associated Press, Trump earned 51% of the vote at the Iowa caucuses earlier this month, with DeSantis only winning 21.2% of the vote and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley winning 19.1%. DeSantis has been the architect behind several controversial policies in the state of Florida. These policies have included defunding Florida public universities’ diversity and inclusion programs, advocating for the state’s abortion ban to be pushed back to six weeks of pregnancy, permitting open carry and signing antiLGBTQ legislation. “His high-profile fight with Disney, one of Florida’s largest private employers, over the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law also symbolized the importance he placed on these issues relative to ensuring the economic

prosperity of his state,” said Gregory Koger, director for the George P. Hanley Democracy Center and a professor of political science at UM. “The failure of DeSantis’s campaign may demonstrate to Republican leaders that the DeSantis agenda does not resonate with the Republican party base or the American public.” Despite these stances, many Republicans viewed him as a strong, but less chaotic alternative to Trump as the party’s presidential nominee. “[DeSantis] attracted support from Republican leaders, including Fox News, who were ready to move on from Donald Trump and saw someone who might appeal to the same voting base but without Trump’s flaws,” Koger said. Because many of his policies affect college students directly, those from DeSantis’ home state share poignant opinions about his recent campaign suspension. “I think dropping out was in his best interest,” said Vrinda Gupta, a sophomore from Pembroke Pines, Fla. “He doesn’t care about Florida or the people of America. Only about winning.” Both Trump and Haley are the only con-

tenders left in the race for the 2024 GOP nomination. As they continue to compete ahead of November, each candidate has their own obstacles to overcome, with states like Colorado and Maine having suspended Trump from their ballots in relation to the incidents on Jan. 6, 2021, and Haley trailing behind Trump by roughly 40 points according to one poll from FiveThirtyEight. “DeSantis’s policy positions and overall brand is more similar to Trump than Haley, but some pundits suggest that any Republican primary voters who were not already supporting Trump might seek out another non-Trump candidate,” Koger said. “Usually, a candidate who comes in 2nd in the Iowa caucuses will consider that a near-victory and keep going, but it was clear that DeSantis would lose the next two primaries (New Hampshire and South Carolina) to both Trump and Haley. DeSantis clearly decided it was better to end on a reasonably strong note rather than lose badly and watch his campaign organization disintegrate for lack of funds.”

NEWS

January 24, 2024

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

Time is running out for the iconic UM discussion series What Matters to U BY SYDNEY BILLINGS STAFF WRITER

The fan-favorite discussion series What Matters to U (WMTU) is at risk of disappearing due to a lack of sufficient funding from the University of Miami – but there may be a way out. WMTU was founded in 2019 with the vision of bringing highprofile figures to discuss topics relevant to the UM community. At the time of its inception, the organization received an initial donation from a donor that has served as the main source of funding for WMTU’s conversations. However, as of recently, those funds have run dry. Over the past five years, the donation was handled in a conservative manner that allowed WMTU to bring in speakers from all walks of life – from Tabitha Brown, an entrepreneur and social media personality, to Bill Nye, the iconic

scientist and TV personality who brought joy and curiosity to young minds all over the world. “We were given a certain amount of money we could use over a certain number of years. But at the end of the day, we can only use so much of that money. Eventually, it would have run out, no matter how cost-effective we used it,” Frankel said. Several student-led organizations across campus receive funding predominantly from the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee (SAFAC). However, Frankel noted that these speaker events require a large amount of funding that exceeds the annual amount distributed by SAFAC. “We utilize money from SAFAC, but it mostly goes towards things like our AV production, which is pretty limited, but none of our SAFAC budget goes towards the speakers themselves,” Frankel said. “We’re talking tens of thou-

sands.” In order to revive WMTU and bring new speakers to the U each year, a petition was created by the WMTU Agency this past week to justify putting a question on the Spring 2024 election ballot that would raise the student activity fee by a minimal amount. “The current fee is $167. With UM’s undergraduate student population, this equates to $2,088,168,” Paige-Tatum Hawthorne, a senior majoring in management and the treasurer of Student Government, said. The new amount would equate to $2,213,208, adding $125,040 to WMTU’s now decreased budget. “Through the student activity fee, a variety of different organizations and events are funded. For example, the reason HP was able to get people like Flo Rida and Quavo was because of the student activity fee,” Frankel said. “Instead of our speakers being funded through an

outside source, it would be funded directly through students.” While the funding wouldn’t be available until the 2025-2026 school year, the petition reads that “this funding would provide the WMTU agency with the necessary funding to secure high-profile speakers like Pitbull and Chris Bosh.” WMTU has created a space for students to speak directly to lifelong icons and get to know them beyond their celebrity-status. “I think of the small moments we are able to provide. I always think of Marlee Matlin, an actress who was born with hearing disabilities,” Frankel said. Matlin took to the WMTU stage in March 2023, where she gave invaluable advice to students and brought awareness to accessibility issues in the acting workforce. During the event, Matlin was able to connect personally with a student who grew up as a Child of

Deaf Adults (CODA). “The identities and the voices we can bring to campus through this agency are really important,” Frankel said. “I think it would be an avenue, that if it were to be lost, would be severely missed.” Hawthorne also emphasized the importance of cultivating such a platform on campus, noting that, “WMTU really cares about representing the student body and ensuring all their members provide a diverse, inclusive, and fresh mindset.” Alumnus Brooklyn Stafford, a former logistics coordinator for WMTU, is holding onto hope that this organization will keep bringing pivotal speakers to the U. “It means a lot to have these accomplished individuals believe in our potential. Without these speakers, we miss out on inspiring an entire college of students hungry for stories that show that success isn’t outside of their grasp”

New and improved changes brought to the Herbert Wellness Center BY LAUREN WHITESELL STAFF WRITER

hile the renovations were mostly completed over winter break, the Wellness Center staff had been getting the gymnasium ready for renovations for several months, starting with replacing equipment as early as Thanksgiving break. One of the biggest changes to the Wellness Center is additional power racks, which are used for benching, deadlifting and squatting. “This was a drastic improvement to the two combination racks that we had previously,” said Angus Bonoan, a junior majoring in legal studies and a personal trainer at the Wellness Center. “Now even during busy times, there is essentially no wait time to get what you need to get done, done.” Much of the 20-year-old equipment at the Wellness Center was swapped out during renovations, including each of the free benches, dumbbells, racks, select-prized cable machines and plate-loaded machines for new, state-of-the-art equipment

Some cosmetic changes to the gym were made as well, including moving the student desk from the center of the main floor and all secondary equipment to the front of the gym. The student reactions to the refurbishment have been overwhelmingly positive. “The newness of the equipment combined with the improved availability and spacing has created a much-improved environment,” Bonoan said. “When I came to UM and experienced the old Wellness Center for the first time, I honestly felt like it left a lot to be desired.” Bonoan’s favorite additions to the Wellness Center are the hammerstrength plate-loaded machines. “We currently have enough machines to complete a full back and chest workout, targeting all essential parts, which is super convenient,” Bonoan said. According to some students, the renovations were a necessary change to bring a new and improved feel to the building. “It is really great to see a much needed makeover of the gym and all the students being able to find enjoy-

ment as well with the new equipment and look,” Chap said. “It definitely felt a little lackluster before renovations, but now it definitely feels like a world-class athletics facility.” Despite the encouraging feedback the Wellness Center has gotten, some students believe there is still room for improvement, such as purchasing even more equipment to compensate for the popularity of the Wellness Center. “Maybe getting one more set of leg presses and other popular machines would be a good idea because there are still waits for those,” Cowan said. “I wish they would have more choices for the pulley machines,” said Marley. “They should get more grips, like more split ropes. I also wish they would have added more smaller dumbbells for smaller muscles and rehab.” Overall, the refacing of the Herbert Wellness Center shows UM’s commitment to providing the best athletic training and wellness resources for its community, which many students already seem to love in the newly improved gym. “These new renovations really

Corinne Kelly//Contributed Photo Student worls out on newly renovated Herbert Wellness Center Equipment

shed a new light on the importance of fitness, and UM’s commitment to the health and wellness of their community,” Boanon said. Some students heard about the renovations that would be taking place, but they did not know to what extent the gym would be remodeled until after break. “I didn’t know much about what they were changing except for the

layout,” said Lani Cowan, a sophomore majoring in architecture. Others were completely unaware of the changes prior to arriving back on campus. “I saw when they painted the place, but I didn’t know renovations were coming,” said Megan Marley, a sophomore majoring in media management and film.

January 24, 2024

NEWS

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

A students guide to the 2024-2025 FAFSA changes BY RACHEL PETROVICH STAFF WRITER

he Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA, is a long and notoriously puzzling process ahead of every school year. In an attempt to simplify the process, recent changes have been implemented to the form for the 2024-25 academic cycle, yet have been a point of frustration for some students and families. Sporadic accessibility times, a limited user capacity and delays in the application opening date have plagued the “soft launch” of the new form since its Dec. 31 rollout. This rocky start could be cause for concern for University of Miami students, with around 64% of UM undergraduates receiving financial aid through grants in 2021, according to Data USA. The shift in the application opening date from the typical Oct. 1 date to Dec. 31, gives less time for students to complete the form, as the priority deadline for UM remains Feb. 1. As applicants rushed to open the FAFSA as soon as it became available, they were met with a long wait time, pauses for site maintenance and confusion on whether their progress on the form has been saved. Like every other college, UM has a limited amount of aid available to spread across students. Applicants are incentivized to submit the FAFSA early to have a better chance at receiving more financial aid, but difficulty in accessing the form has students fearing they’ve already fallen behind. “The new FAFSA was a bit difficult to get into at first,” said John Ham, a sophomore studying industrial engineering. Despite initial complications, these changes are in tandem with

a quicker and more simple way of filling out the form, including a reduction in the number of questions from 108 to 36. “After being able to access the form, my father and I had no problem finishing the form quickly,” Ham said. “The form is definitely more efficient and

easier to understand than previous years.” Alterations to the 2024-25 FAFSA application are the outcome of the FAFSA Simplification Act (2021), an attempt to streamline the application process and make it easier for students and families to complete. “The wording was still confusing on some questions, like the one about if your parents are ‘not unwilling’ to do their taxes. But overall it was an easier process than prior years,” said Chris Enriques, a junior studying music

education. Changes to the form can also be attributed to the FUTURE Act of 2020, which authorizes funding for minority-serving collegiate institutions, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and increases the allocation of Pell Grants for those students.

dents in a family based on this change, possibly decreasing the amount of aid a student receives, as less of a need will be reflected. Despite complex questions in the FAFSA regarding family finances and parental income, students shouldn’t be discouraged from seeking financial aid.

components to the form and are key determinants to how much – or how little – you receive toward school expenses. The University of Miami provided a virtual information session covering the changes to the FAFSA on Nov. 9, 2023 for families and students. The session was led by associate vice president of financial assistance and student employment, Daniel T. Barkowitz, who gave applicants crucial context regarding why such changes were occurring. In an overview of the changes, Barkowitz noted that this was the first major change to the FAFSA since 1992. In terms of UM’s role in the federal financial aid process, a student’s need-based grant and merit scholarship from the university are intended to stay the same if no changes in their financial status are shown in a student’s application. Students seeking financial assistance and support heading into the 2024-25 school year can begin the FAFSA application process at studentaid.gov. Senior international studies and geography major Marcel van Hemert agrees with some parts of the bill. “I do believe that illegal/undocNicole Daitschman// Staff Graphic Designer umented immigration sadly leads For a family with multiple chil- A parent or guardian is added as to heavy human trafficking, and dren studying at a university, a a “contributor” to your applica- while I can see how this bill does new consequential change in this tion, and are required to provide target employers who contract ilyear’s FAFSA will shift how the additional information and con- legal immigrants, I do believe it parental income is viewed across sent. is a good measure,” van Hemert their children and calculated into The FAFSA is for any student said. federal aid. who seeks federal financial aid, However, van Hemert does beThis is due to a modification in such as through receiving grants, lieve that this bill may impact the need analysis formula, which accepting loans and obtaining Florida’s ability to fill certain has replaced the Expected Fam- work-study positions. These op- jobs. ily Contribution (EFC) calcula- tions provide significant finan“I do also recognize that illegal tion with the Student Aid Index cial relief for those achieving a immigrants do tend to support (SAI) for the 2024-25 school higher education. the more ‘lower class’ jobs, for year. Information such as bank his- lack of a better term, typically Parental contribution will no tory, tax filing and personal and manual labor type jobs, especiallonger be divided between stu- parental income are necessary ly here in Miami.”

January 24, 2024

NEWS

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

How student ambassadors are making accesibility a focus on campus

BY SARAH PERKEL STAFF WRITER

s diversity, equity and inclusion become increasingly hot-button issues both on and off-campus, one organization is out to remind students that disabled students are also part of the conversation. “A lot of the times when we’re talking about DEI, we’re forgetting about disability within that inclusion,” said Anais Moyal, a senior majoring in biochemistry and co-vice president of Disability Ambassadors. Disability Ambassadors, a student organization founded at the University of Miami in 2022, has spent the past two years working to provide a safe space and increased accommodations for disabled students on campus. “Our main goal and the reason that we created this organization

is to bring the disabled population together,” Moyal said. “That was something that we never had on campus before. Everyone was their own island, when it came to students with disabilities. We lacked that sense of community and communication between one another.” A network of support is key for students with disabilities, according to Moyal. “When you’re a person that has a disability, you really do lean on your support system,” Moyal said. “When you’re in college, you’re not only coming in as a disabled student, you’re coming in as a student that’s maybe leaving home, and that’s being exposed to all of these new things, and you’re not finding a community that can truly relate to you.” According to sophomore Luna Plaza, outreach chair for Disability Ambassadors, UM still

presents challenges that make it difficult for disabled students to navigate campus. “Even with accommodations, things aren’t perfect around campus,” Plaza said. “Not every professor is very accommodating for disabled students, for example, so we just have that space for students to be able to also just vent about it. It can be very hard living with a disability here on campus, and just in general. According to senior biology major Izzie Childress, who sometimes uses a wheelchair, steep ramps, broken door-openers, and the narrow architecture of older buildings can all act as obstacles as she makes her way to class. “You’re expected to be in class and all these things, but you’re already fighting chronic illness, or whatever your issue is, which means you don’t have a lot of energy,” Childress said. “People

Call it a comeback: Pura Vida returns to UM BY OSVALDO ESPINO STAFF WRITER

outh Florida health staple Pura Vida is back and better than ever at the University of Miami, bringing all of its famously nutritious and aesthetic cuisine to the Coral Gables campus. After closing in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the café has officially reopened in its original location next to the Toppel Career Center and UM’s Hillel Jewish Student Center. The addition of Pura Vida is a separate asset to UM Dining’s spring refresh, which includes a partnership with Duran Bakehouse at Archivist Café starting Jan. 16 and new sustainable products available for sale at the on-campus Starbucks. Because the reopened restaurant is not directly affiliated with UM Dining, only cash and credit options are available for payment. Upon walking in, students will be greeted by a dream-like ambience, complete with nautical

white furniture and décor that adds to the feeling of a paradise getaway. The menu offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, bowls, salads, açaí, smoothies and breakfast options that have been optimized to be some of the healthiest meals available at the U. There are also on-the-go options for those rushing to class, such as the mango coconut chia parfait and oatmeal chocolate peanut butter energy bites. “It’s a healthy alternative to everything else [on-campus],” said senior Carolina Gonzalez. “I like that there’s an option for it now.” While its healthier options are often what the South Florida locale is known for, there are also plenty of options for those with a sweet tooth, including croissants, cookies, banana bread and much more. There is also an assortment of coffee and tea options, including cold brew, matcha, lattes or chai, as well as cold pressed juices, kombucha and juice shots to round out the rest of the menu. The Summer Chicken bowl has traditionally been one of the most

.popular items on Pura Vida’s menu and is available at the UM location, as well as the restaurant’s most-popular Welcome to Miami smoothie boasting a delectable blend of passion fruit, mango and banana. The combination captures the heart of Miami with its healthconscious tropical flavor, sure to be a favorite on campus. Pura Vida’s more secluded location away from the hustle-andbustle of the food court and dining halls may help attract students during midterm and finals season, making it an optimal study spot for those looking for something more silent with patio seating and an abundance of healthy snacks in their vicinity. “I’m always looking for a new place to check out on-campus, so I’m glad an option like this is popping up for us,” said Taylor Rand, a junior studying musical theater. Now officially in its full comeback swing, Pura Vida is a welcome return to the on-campus food palette for every ‘Cane to indulge in starting this spring.

Cecilia Runner// Photo Editor

Executive members of Disability Ambassadors attend a healthcare panel

who don’t typically have a lot of energy – we have to spend all our energy trying to get ourselves to class, and then we can’t even function in class.” According to Childress, UM does allow students to rent out wheelchairs, but rentals must be renewed in person every day. This doesn’t make sense for those who are already struggling with mobility, Childress said, and that she wishes more assistance was available to those with mobility issues. “For example, the athletes get touted around in golf carts and they are so physically fit that they are competing,” Childress said. “And then me, I’m trying to push myself in a manual wheelchair. That doesn’t make any sense to me. There have been many, many times where I’ve had to take incompletes because I’ve had a flare up in my chronic illness and I simply cannot get to class.” Still, Childress acknowledges that certain accommodations provided by the university have proved useful. The Office of Disability Services, she said, has always been helpful in renewing her accommodations, as well as addressing instances of ableism she has experienced on campus. “I felt truly listened to, and they were understanding,” Childress

said. “People who are coming here already have so many problems. The last problem we need is another obstacle or somebody to be unkind to us.” Despite making strides toward greater accommodation, some students feel the University still falls short of true accessibility. “I think the issue with UM is that accessibility is not at the forefront of any event,” Plaza said. “Things like ASL interpretation, live captioning. Or considering whether the space is wheelchair-accessible. A lot of those things aren’t considered right away, and I think UM needs to start prioritizing disabled people, in every way.” In addition to providing an inclusive space for its members, Disability Ambassadors also holds events that bring awareness to disability representation and accessibility issues at UM, in an effort to further equity on campus. Disability Ambassadors, according to Plaza, will continue to bridge existing gaps between those accommodations that exist, and those that are still needed. “We continue to advocate for a more equitable space for students here with disabilities in hopes that disabled students can truly feel welcome on campus,” Plaza said.

OPINION

January 24, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE

Work-free weekends should be mandatory, it’s science BY KATIE KARLSON STAFF WRITER

Opening Blackboard at the end of a long week of classes to find a new assignment due Sunday can feel soul-sucking. Many students spend the whole week looking forward to relaxing and enjoying fun weekend plans, but instead often find themselves calculating how many hours of the break will be eaten up by work. The expectation that students should be available to do schoolwork around the clock not only frustrates students, but plenty of scientific studies indicate it can detract from their quality of life and harm their short and long-term mental health. I’m not suggesting that students blow off responsibilities or disregard any and all work over the weekend, but it is within reason to ask for more notice of due dates and due dates that make sense. Of course, students should still plan on dedicating a few hours over the weekend to writing a paper or brushing up on their presentation notes, but large, last-minute assignments can – and should – wait. Students and professors alike should receive the courtesy of time away from school over the weekend. Especially when you live on campus, separating your work from your personal life can be challenging, and this boundary could help. Last semester, one of my professors consistently assigned large modules throughout the week, giving us only one or two days to complete them and frequently making the deadline Sunday night. Why should I turn in an assignment at that exact moment if it will not be needed until class? While

establishing a Saturday or Sunday due date doesn’t necessarily force students to only begin working on the assignment over the weekend, it pushes the assignment down the priority ladder. Unable to prioritize these modules over other obligations and assignments due throughout the week, my roommate and I

schedules at the expense of planned beach trips and other long-term projects we could have been working on. Classrooms filled with people and technology can be incredibly overstimulating, and weekends should be a time to take care of yourself and reset. According to a study at

where the surroundings capture your attention while causing joy and allowing them to recenter. Not only does nature provide a reprieve from stimulating environments, but the Cleveland Clinic indicates that being outdoors reduces cortisol levels, leading to tangible health benefits, including

Nicole Daitschman // Staff Graphic Designer

spent many Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings working our way through the assignments. While our professors might have been enjoying their weekends, we crammed these new assignments into our

the National Library of Medicine, “hard fascination,” or constantly refocusing to tune out nonstop stimulation, can cause brain fatigue. People relax in natural environments due to “soft fascination,”

decreased inflammation, cardiovascular relief and a lower risk of mental health struggles. Too much cortisol can damage the structure and function of the hippocampus, leading to possible memory im-

pairment. Ironically, one of the times I felt most relaxed through all of the fall semester was right before finals. My friend and I made time to paddleboard at John Pennekamp State Park, and I didn’t have any modules on my mind. Even while paddling for five miles into the wind, I felt calm and at ease. I happily embraced the lack of fluorescent lighting and whiteboards, instead watching the stingrays and nurse sharks swimming beneath my board. Instead of tuning out computers whirring or dragging my attention away from the crossword someone was filling out two rows in front of me, I could just enjoy my environment. Another study published by the Journal of the National Sleep Foundation found that the time students dedicated to homework and studying on the weekends correlates to more severe symptoms of depression than work during the week. These emotions are hard to pinpoint and quantify in studies, but I think that the longing to socialize and enjoy the day has something to do with it. No matter how much a student likes their classes, burnout is real and everyone deserves some time to spend how they please. When put into perspective, ensuring students complete an assignment by Sunday at midnight seems inconsequential compared to the long-term impacts of extreme stress on the brain and body. Balancing school, homework and life takes getting used to, but if professors would truly give students the weekend off I am confident that most students would effectively reallocate their time. Next time you see that dreaded Sunday night deadline, I challenge you to email the professor and kindly ask to extend the due date to the beginning of class. You and your hippocampus will thank me later.

January 24, 2024

OPINION

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

“We will not wait for the next school shooting” LETTER TO THE EDITOR

tudents are taught to love a country that values guns over our lives. Many of us hear the sound of gunfire when we watch fireworks on the fourth of July. All of us have heard the siren of an active shooter drill and asked ourselves: are we next? By painful necessity, we have grown to become much more than students learning in a classroom — we have shed every last remnant of our childhood innocence. Our hearts bleed from this uniquely American brand of gun violence, and yet we remind ourselves that we love our country so much that we expect better from it. We believe that our country has the capacity to love us back. There are bullet shaped holes in our hearts, but our spirits are unbreakable. We will not wait for individual

trauma to affect us all before we respond together — when we rediscover our empathy, we shape the moral arc of this country. Students in the Civil Rights Movement created the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) that organized Freedom Rides, sit-ins and marches. In demanding freedom from racial violence, this group’s activism became woven into American history. Students across America organized teach-ins during the Vietnam War to expose its calculated cruelties. Their work, in demanding freedom from conscription and taxpayer-funded violence, is intertwined with the American story. This fall, UNC Chapel Hill students’ text exchanges during the August 28th shooting reached the hands of the President. In demanding freedom from gun violence, we became one of countless before.

Because for 360,000 of us since Columbine, the toll of succumbing to the cursed emotional vocabulary of survivorship has become our American story. Yes, it is not fair that we must rise up against problems that we did not create, but the organizers of past student movements know from lived experience that we decide the future of the country. The country took note as Congress subsequently passed civil rights legislation, as they withdrew from the Vietnam war, and as the White House created the federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention. So as students and young people alike, we should know our words don’t end on this page — we will channel them into change. We invite you to join this generation’s community of organizers, all of us united in demanding a future free of gun violence. With our prose and protest, we protect not only our lives, but our way of

life itself. Politicians will not have the shallow privilege of reading another front-cover op-ed by students on their knees, begging them to do their jobs. They will instead contend with the reality that by uniting with each other and among parents, educators and communities, our demands become undeniable. Our movement is not just moving away from the unbearable pain of our yesterday — we move toward an unrelenting hope for our tomorrow. Our generation dares politicians to look us in the eye and tell us they’re too afraid to try. Signed by 148 student leaders across the nation. Editor’s Note: This studentwritten op-ed is signed by over 140 student leaders and meant to be published simultaneously across 54 student newspapers at public and private nationwide. The full list of signatures is avail-

able on our website. The purpose of this op-ed is to create attention around gun violence as a demonstration of the shared concern about gun violence existing across U.S. college campuses. This February will mark 6 years since the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas took 17 lives only 45 minutes away from the University of Miami. Some students currently at UM were in the high school on that day, and others a couple miles away on lockdown. Many of us never forgot that day and proceeded to walk out of our own schools in protest. We went through endless active shooter drills and watched politicians debate whether or not our lives mattered. At TMH we stand in solidarity with the March for Our Lives movement and their demands to end gun violence before another one of these tragedies happen.

Roberta Macedo // Graphic Editor

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January 24, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE

From Miami to the Emmys: UM alum Geethika Kataru on post-grad life BY LAYOMI ADEOJO A&E EDITOR

f you tuned into the 75th Emmy Awards on Jan. 15, you might have recognized the face of Geethika Kataru in the background. Dressed in an elegant, floor-length black gown, the UM film alum handed out awards and guided Hollywood celebrities offstage. Adding “Emmys trophy presenter” to her resume has been her most surreal experience yet since graduating and moving almost 3000 miles to Los Angeles. “It felt like a side quest,” Kataru said. “Like, this is not my life. This is not my everyday at all, but how fun to do this once, you know?” She landed the Emmys gig through her internship with the Television Academy Foundation last summer, where she worked in the Original Programming Department at STARZ. Nikki Kaffee, senior manager of the internship program, sent her an email asking if she was available. “I was like, ‘Girl, yeah, I’m clearing my schedule. Are you kidding me?’” Kataru said. Though she graduated last May with a degree in motion picture production and was the former president of cinematic professional fraternity Delta Kappa Alpha (DKA), nothing prepared Kataru to be in such close proximity to A-list actors. “If I had tripped and fallen off that stage, I would have landed right into Ali Wong’s arms,” she said. “She was right there. It was crazy. It truly was just insane to be in the same room as all of these talented people.” With a professional wardrobe fitting and makeup done by an Emmy-award winning makeup artist, she called it “the best I’ve ever looked [and] the best I will ever look again.”

Waking up to a flood of encouraging messages from friends and family on Jan. 16, the reality of LA life hit her. “The very next day, I had to do my two jobs like nothing had happened,” Kataru said. The coincidence was not lost on me as she smiled from my laptop screen. There she stood in the kitchen of her LA apartment, recounting celebrity sightings while making breakfast and preparing for her part-time shift later that afternoon. During her internship, Kataru received professional and financial support from the Bob Bennett Future Leaders program, a new initiative funded by Kelly Bennett and the Robert M. and Margie Bennett Foundation. The scholarship awarded 1 0 in-

terns with $3000 for living costs. “That truly changed my life over the summer,” Kataru said. “It allowed me to do my internship well because I wasn’t forced to get a second job.” Now, the aspiring producer works remotely as an administrative assistant at Women in Animation (WIA), a nonprofit organization founded by professionals in the animation industry that aims to increase female representation and provide greater access to resources and support. “I wanna go into live-action TV and film, but it’s really cool to learn about this whole other side of the industry,” Kataru said. Her other job? Working parttime at Trader Joe’s, which she confirmed does not train its employees how to flirt, contrary to popular opinion. Parts of LA

— like the diverse cultures and bad drivers — remind the St. Augustine native of Miami. She now lives a quick drive away from the Warner Bros. Studios Lot with two fellow UM and DKA alumni. “I’m getting the best of both worlds where I’m getting the city life and I’m able to afford rent,” Kataru said. Though she’s now comfortable with post-grad life, staying in LA wasn’t always the plan. “I came back home for, like, two weeks, and then immediately moved back,” Kataru said. “I knew that if I didn’t move then, I never would. Especially following the momentum of my internship, I was like, ‘if there was ever gonna be a time that I would do this, it should be now, when I have all these connections.” Her internship cohort calls itself the “strike babies,”

entering the film industry during the SAG-AFTRA strikes, a time when writers weren’t writing and actors weren’t acting. With productions halted, the day-to-day tasks of her internship looked different from prior years. “You’re taking this huge risk post-grad to move out here and put your name out there,” Kataru said. “And there’s just nothing for even the super-experienced people who have been doing this for years to be doing, so who would take a chance on somebody new?” Her Hollywood dreams didn’t always exist, though. Entering UM as a biology major on the pre-med track, she didn’t have the same drive of other students destined to be doctors, but taking film classes and joining DKA inspired her to change her major. “I felt like now I had a team of people that I could work on projects with together,” Kataru said, “that really wanted to see my project succeed and who I felt invested in their projects. It was a really nice community in that way.” She credits CCA 465, Creative Producing, as the class that solidified her goal of working in production. UM film professor Rechna Varma, who also wrote her letter of recommendation for the Television Academy internship, taught the course and inspired her to pursue a film career. And with the historic strikes coming to an end, agreements reached and productions back in motion, the future of filmmaking is brighter than ever. “Things can only move up from here. I’m hoping that this brings positive change, you know, and allows new people like me to break in and be comfortable breaking in,” Kataru said.

Photo Sourced from Al Seib // Invision and AP

Television Academy Foundation interns and Bob Bennett Future Leaders Geethika Kataru (left) and Carissa Liu (right) served as trophy presenters at the 75th Emmy Awards pictured with philanthropist Kelley Bennett (center) before the telecast on Jan. 15 at the Peacock Theater at LA Live.

January 24, 2024

A&E

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

UM prof Simon Howard remembers his roots, creates “brave space” BY LAYOMI ADEOJO A&E EDITOR

rumpets, tailgates and the “U” symbol everywhere — these are the opening images of UM professor Simon Howard’s music video for his latest single, “Throw Up The U.” Like its title suggests, the twominute track celebrates the Miami Hurricanes and warns opponents with its catchy refrain: “Houston, we got a problem, Hurricanes coming through — throw up the U!” After releasing the song on YouTube and music streaming platforms last month, Howard sees a bigger vision for its reach. “I want students, alumni, faculty, staff and administrators playing it,” Howard said. “The biggest thing I can hope for is for the song to be played at Hard Rock Stadium during the games and have everyone throwing up the U, while chanting the chorus ‘Throw Up The U!’” Howard sees his song as a token of appreciation for UM football’s legacy and an anthem for ’Canes fans. “We are five-time national champions and have some of the

most memorable games in college football history,” Howard said. “What better way to show my appreciation of this legacy than writing and recording a song commemorating and highlighting this greatness?” His artist name SiHow the Doctor comes from his full name and his PhD in Social Psychology from Tufts University. Howard joined the UM psychology faculty in January 2022. Though he’s a passionate UM football fan, he relocated to the 305 with dreams of expanding his research to explore the health impacts of vicarious experiences of racism on marginalized communities. Howard came up with the motto “EBT to PHD” during grad school, a reminder of his upbringing that included food stamps and welfare. Even after earning a doctoral degree and a tenure-track position, he aims to remember his roots. “Statistically, I should not be here, but unlike some folks who try to distance themselves from where they came from after they get their doctorate or other advanced degrees, I cannot do

Nina D’Agostini // Contributing Photographer

Simon Howard poses with UM students and ‘Canes fans at a football tailgate outside the Hard Rock Stadium while filming the music video for his song, “Throw Up The U.”

that,” Howard said. “My life experiences growing up made me into the person I am today and ideologically, I will forever be aligned with those who share that struggle.” One of his main motivations in becoming a professor was to be the professor he never had. “I am passionate about education, and I strive to leave a lasting impression on students that I come across in my classes and research lab,” Howard said, “especially Black students, students from lower socio-economic status backgrounds and first-generation college students, because those students are me and vice versa. Representation matters.” He teaches PSY 210, Social Psychology, and PSY 413, the Psychology of Racism. His goal as a professor is to create “brave space” in the classroom because there is no such thing as “safe space.” “I cannot 100% control what we people do with the information that is shared in that context, but what I do have control over is the effort I put into cultivating a class culture in which we turn down the volume of the outside world,” Howard said. The concept comes from author and speaker Micky ScottBey Jones, who wrote “An Invitation to Brave Space” that seeks to create collaborative environments. “[We] give each other latitude to engage in this conversation where we are, understand that we will not be perfect and that we might make mistakes along the way,” Howard said. In discussions of race, the social psychology scholar is aware that each student comes into his class with varying levels of knowledge. “Learning to understand racism is like learning a new language,” Howard said. “Some people may be more familiar with the language than others, but over time

Photo Courtesy of Dvisionz

Simon Howard sits at the “U” statue wearing his “EBT to Ph.D” shirt.

with practice, each conversation becomes more enriching as greater understanding is achieved.” The former Marquette University professor brought his Psychology of Racism course to UM. He compares learning about racism to language learning, a process where students come in at different fluency levels and achieve greater understanding throughout the semester. His academic duties also include directing the Psychology of Racism, Identity, Diversity and Equity (PRIDE) research lab at UM, which investigates issues related to stereotyping and prejudice. Much of Howard’s music reflects themes he explores in his research. For students hoping to pursue a career in research or academia, Howard encourages them to get research experience early, remember their “why,” avoid burnout and build a support village, even if it’s a virtual one. “There’s an African proverb that says, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’” Howard said. “This is a fact. Having a tribe of folks invested in your success and mental well-being is the cheat code for success.”

A quick Google search of Howard will yield an online presence that is both candid and unconventional for an academic, but his social media is simply an extension of who he is. “I strive to be my full, authentic self in all aspects of my life, and social media is no different,” Howard said. “I am multidimensional and I believe that my social media reflects that. I am a professor, a rapper, a capoeirista [and] a traveler.” Between teaching psychology courses, mentoring students, fulfilling service obligations and publishing research, his to-do list never ends. While he successfully balances these roles, the demands can lead to an endless to-do list, perpetual stress and poor health. “I make it a point to prioritize my psychological and physical well-being. Life is way too short to not be doing things that make you happy and fill your cup,” Howard said. Being childless and unpartnered also helps to balance academia, music and travel. “Until that day comes, I’ll be catching flights and feelings,” Howard said.

January 24, 2024

A&E

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

Eight local events you won’t want to miss this semester BY MORGAN FRY ASST. A&E EDITOR

ave to Electronic Dance Music (EDM), cheer on the ’Canes as they make women’s basketball history and show off your best outfits at Formula 1 this semester in Miami. The spring semester is busy with activities, and you won’t want to miss anything on campus or in the city this spring. Here is a list of must-do activities this semester: Miami Marathon This year’s annual Life Time Miami Marathon is taking place on Sunday, Jan. 28. Brave UM students take their shot at the half or full marathon every year. Whether you’re participating in the race or cheering runners on, the hype EDM music paired with breathtaking views are sure to make for an unforgettable event. Find out more on the Miami Marathon website.

Athletic Events It’s been said that UM is now a basketball school, and spring semester is the basketball teams’ time to shine. Attending basketball games at the Watsco Center is a great way to show some school spirit and take away from the stress of classes. Also, head to Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field for the famous milkshakes at the baseball concession stand. You don’t have to stay on campus to enjoy Miami sports. Check out the Miami Heat professionals play at the Kaseya center on Biscayne Blvd. Black Awareness Month Events February is nationally recognized as Black Awareness Month, derived from the previous Black History Month. Every semester, the Diversity of Equity committee plans events on campus to celebrate and bring the UM community together. Past events have included a cookout, art exhibitions, music and dance festivals, as well as celebrations of

culture at UM basketball games. Last year was also the first Hairology hair show, which showcased models with different hair styles throughout the years. Be sure to stay on the lookout for upcoming events at UM for 2024 Black Awareness Month. South Beach Wine and Food Festival Foodies should mark their calendars for Feb. 22-25 when Food Network will host a four-day event showcasing world-renowned chefs, wine and spirits producers and food personalities. Head to South Beach to sample tasteful dishes with influence from all different cultures and cuisines. Keep your eyes open for celebrity appearances, as people like Guy Fieri might be behind one of the food booths. Greek Week During this week, the different Greek organizations on campus team up in sporting events to dedicate a week to service and team building within the UM community. From Feb. 25 to

March 2, various events will be hosted to fundraise for different charities that the organizations support. Keep your eye on the IM Fields as your favorite fraternities and sororities go head-tohead in sporting games. Women’s History Month Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout the month of March, and the U celebrates its impactful female leaders during this time. Keep an eye out for conversations and speaker events the University will be holding with strong female leaders. Be sure to thank and recognize the meaningful women in your circles at UM. The senior vice president for student affairs, Patricia A. Whitely, will be hosting her annual Women’s Leadership Symposium on March 2 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The symposium, held in the Shalala Student Center Grand Ballroom, aims to empower women through leadership, community and wellness.

Ultra Music Festival The iconic Ultra Music Festival is taking place on March 22, 23 and 24 and is guaranteed to bring excited crowds to Bayfront Park. UM students traditionally show up and show out to Ultra in elaborate festival wear. Get your fishnet tights, sunglasses and glitter ready for the rave of the semester. EDM fans won’t want to miss headliners such as Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Afrojack and Adam Beyer. Formula 1 Miami Formula 1 is a highly sought out grand prix in any city, and it’s coming to Miami on May 5. The event has become even more than a car race. Celebrities and influencers travel to South Florida and attend in fashionable outfits. Whether you’re into the cars or the fashion, Formula 1 is sure to be an iconic event this year in Miami. For those who want to avoid the more expensive tickets, be sure to attend earlier in the four-day event.

“La sociedad de la nieve” mueve montañas entre estudiantes uruguayos POR SYDNEY BILLINGS NEWS EDITOR

ace 52 años, un avión que llevaba un grupo de 45 jugadores de rugby uruguayos acompañados por familiares y amigos chocó contra una alta montaña en una zona remota de los Andes argentinos. Muchos murieron inmediatamente, y a casi 12,000 pies de altura en un glaciar, los que sobrevivieron no tenían esperanza alguna de ser rescatados. Pero con gran fortaleza, 16 sobrevivientes surgieron 72 días después con heridas de guerra y una historia inolvidable. “La sociedad de la nieve,” una película contando esta historia, debutó en Netflix el 22 de diciembre con abrumadores elogios del público. Esta historia, que ocurrió en 1972, hizo eco a través del mundo y especialmente en Uruguay, donde aún conmueve a personas como el ex-alumno de la Universidad de Miami, Franco

Cassoni, quien creció en Uruguay y sabía de memoría la historia. “Que la película no tenga el aspecto “Hollywood” y que usen actores uruguayos hace que se sienta mucho más real y menos ficcional,” Cassoni dijo. “Por consecuencia, la película se siente más fuerte, ya que muestra lo horrible que fue para las personas atravesar esta tragedia.” Se rodó una película similar contando la misma historia llamada “Alive” en 1993, pero muchos críticos argumentaron que subestimó la realidad desalentadora del cuento de supervivencia. Y a diferencia de “Alive”, Cassoni se da cuenta de que “La sociedad de la nieve” inculca el orgullo en la cultura uruguaya y destaca la realidad truculenta de los eventos. “‘Alive’ cuenta la historia de la versión de los sobrevivientes, de aquellos que por muchos años después del accidente usaron su voz para contar la historia,” dijo Abigail Schcolnik, una estudi-

ante uruguaya que estudia economía y estudios internacionales en UM. “En esta nueva película, el narrador central es Numa, el último en fallecer en los Andes antes de salir de allí. Esta versión puede transmitir momentos de amistad y otras partes de la historia que antes no habían salido a la luz.” Schcolnik nació en Argentina y creció en Uruguay y dice que creció escuchando sobre los sobrevivientes de los Andes y todo lo que ellos tuvieron que hacer para sobrevivir. “Mi padre nació el mismo año del accidente y él fue muy tocado con la historia, desde chica que me contaba las historias de ese equipo de rugby,” Schcolnik dijo. Al principio del film, se presenta a la audiencia al equipo de jugadores de rugby planeando su viaje a Santiago, Chile, de Montevideo, Uruguay. Mientras que el principio del viaje pasa sin contratiempos, errores del piloto y la turbulencia causan que el avión se estrellara contra una montaña

en una escena muy gráfica. De entonces en adelante los pasajeros se encuentran enfrentando el desafío de sobrevivir en uno de los ambientes más duros en todo el mundo. Aunque el accidente de avión inicial es un factor de conmoción en sí mismo, las escenas más espeluznantes se presentan más adelante en la película, cuando los pasajeros se ven obligados a contemplar el canibalismo. “Fue una tragedia muy grande en un país muy chico, lo cual significa que todos nosotros uruguayos escuchamos la historia desde chicos y aprendimos sobre ella,” Cassoni dijo. Mientras que esta historia tan trágica causó gran tristeza por todo el país uruguayo, Cassoni dijo que también ha traído sentimientos de orgullo entre los uruguayos. “En cierta manera, todos los uruguayos crecemos sintiendo lástima por aquellos que fallecieron, y admiración por aquellos que en contra de todo,

lograron hacer lo imposible y sobrevivieron,” Cassoni dijo. “Hoy en día esta historia me afecto mucho más, ya que muchos de los involucrados en el accidente tenían la misma edad que yo, y muchos también eran más jóvenes. Cassoni cree que esta película podría ser una experiencia muy informativa y poderosa para los estudiantes de UM, sin importar que conozcan mucho sobre Uruguay. “Además de aprender sobre el accidente, la película muestra claramente cómo aun cuando todo parece estar en tu contra, es posible salir adelante de alguna manera u otra, lo cual me parece una excelente enseñanza, más para personas jóvenes como nosotros,” Cassoni dijo. “La película es un fantástico ejemplo sobre cómo nuestra voluntad es lo más poderoso que tenemos. No importa que tan imposible parece algo, con suficiente voluntad y determinación todo se vuelve posible.”

January 24, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE

A&E

Catch these free weekly movie screenings at Cosford Cinema complicated syntax and flowery ad- March 27 & 30 - Priscilla BY SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ akes and Alexandra Jensen. STAFF WRITER Priscilla Beaulieu must deal with Gory and disturbing, “Talk to Me” jectives” that defines the film. is IMDb’s highest-rated 2023 horror “Anatomy of a Fall” won Best the world of substance abuse, infideleignite your new year with film. Australian YouTube stars Mi- Screenplay at this year’s Golden ity and loneliness living in the spotsome cinematic magic. The chael and Danny Philippou directed Globe awards, beating “Oppen- light with her husband, Elvis Presley. Cinematic Arts Commission the stomach-turning horror, which heimer” and “Barbie.” Winning best Cailee Spaeny plays Priscilla in all (CAC) invites you to experience last got approved for a sequel less than a international film, this suspenseful her years and “Euphoria” star Jacob fall’s most hilarious, terrifying and month after its release. Its thrilling plot French thriller makes you hold your Elordi plays Elvis. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the bibreath and never let go. thrilling films this spring at the Bill twist will make you scream for more. ography is based on Priscilla’s memCosford Cinema. March 20 & 23 - The Hunger oir, “Elvis and Me.” “Priscilla” takes With “Spider-Man: Across the Spi- Feb. 14 & 17 - Past Lives Childhood sweethearts reunite, Games: The Ballad of Songbirds Priscilla out of the shadows and tells der-Verse” writer Phil Lord making her story from her point-of-view, cona surprise appearance at the Cosford one hoping to rekindle their love, the and Snakes trary to most films about the iconic other questioning their destiny. Celine In this prequel to the highly-aclast year, there’s no telling what’s in couple. Song’s directorial debut stars Greta claimed “The Hunger Games” series, store this semester. The real-life Priscilla PreLee and Teo Yoo in this emosley applauds Coppola’s tional romance. Jan. 24 & 27 - Bottoms coming soon directorship, saying, “If The film highlights the In this film where “Superbad” meets spring 2024 | anyone were to do a movie, “Mean Girls,” two high school out- pain-staking reality of love it would be for her. I would casts start a fight club to get punched with scenes switching from never support another movie by hot cheerleaders, becoming the Korean to English, showing Bottoms THG: The Ballad of Songbirds and Jan. 24 & 27 from anyone else doing it.” football team’s rival. The comedy viewers the protagonist’s diSnakes Mar. 20 & 23 See why at the Cosford Cinstars Academy Award and Golden vided heart. See why the Salt TMNT: Priscilla ema. Globe winner Ayo Edebiri and Ra- Lake Tribune considers “Past Mar. 27 & 30 Mutant Mayhem chel Sennott from A24’s “BODIES, Lives” 2023’s best film. Jan. 31 & Feb. 3 April 3 & 6 - Poor Things BODIES, BODIES.” Talk to Me Poor Things Apr. 3 & 6 Feb. 7 & 10 A scientist reanimates the Considered one of 2023’s best com- Feb. 21 & 24 - Five Nights corpse of a suicide victim to edies, don’t miss what The Guard- at Freddy’s Past Lives Saltburn give her a second chance at The acclaimed horror franian hails, “a bizarrely violent film… Apr. 10 & 13 Feb. 14 & 17 life. Fueled by curiosity, she [that’s] always funny, thanks to the chise meets the silver screen. searches for life’s purpose goofy and winning comic presences Mike’s job at an abandoned Five Nights at The Boy and Freddy’s and battles every obstacle. pizzeria takes a turn when of Sennott and Edebiri.” the Heron Feb. 21 & 24 Apr. 17 & 20 Academy Award-winning its animatronics start acting Anatomy of actress Emma Stone stars violently, putting his family Wonka Jan. 31 & Feb. 3 - Teenage Mutant a Fall Apr. 24 & 27 alongside Mark Ruffalo in in danger. Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Feb. 28 & Mar. 2 this heart-warming comedy. “Five Nights at Freddy’s” Your favorite ninja turtles are reiWednesdays @ 9 PM The Cosford Cinema Director Yorgos Lanthimos Saturdays @ 8 PM Student ’Cane Card required magined as teenagers yearning to be is one of 2023’s highesttransports you to a futuristic accepted, leading them to consider a grossing films. Performanc@hpmiami_cac @CinematicArtsCommission society riddled with bizarre deal with a villainous mutant. Direc- es from Josh Hutcherson characters. With practical tor and writer Seth Rogen delivers and Matthew Lillard entice Graphic Courtesy of Cinematic Arts Commission restaurants, cobblestone “something bold and exciting” that and terrify viewers. Put your theories to the test as the film refer- a young Coriolanus Snow mentors streets, a waterfront and a hotel as reinvents the classic characters. Get launched into your childhood ences lore from the infamous video Lucy Gray for the 10th annual Hun- movie sets, it’s hard not to get lost in ger Games. Trained to turn her death the film’s whimsical world. with references to the original car- game series. Discover why “Poor Things” beat into a spectacle, Snow battles his toon. This animated film is filled with witty dialogue from acting legends, Feb. 28 & March 2 - Anatomy of a instincts as he begins falling in love “Barbie” at this year’s Golden Globe awards for Best Comedy. with her. such as John Cena, Jackie Chan and Fall With her blind son as the sole witRachel Zegler dazzles with her inGiancarlo Esposito. ness, a woman suspected of mur- credible voice alongside a plethora of April 10 & 13 - Saltburn Outcast Oliver Quick is invited to dering her husband fights for her in- movie stars like Jason Schwartzman, Feb. 7 & 10 - Talk to Me A grieving daughter grows ob- nocence. The mind-bending thriller Viola Davis and Peter Dinklage. Is Saltburn, a lustrous mansion home sessed with a game that lets her speak follows Golden Globe-nominated humanity capable of more evil than owned by the Cotton family. Violent to the dead. As malicious spirits start actress Sandra Hüller, whose perfor- good? Does love surpass duty? This mishaps ensue as Oliver grows obto play, she begins to question reality. mance was described by TIME mag- film answers these questions and sessed with the family, leading to an unforgettable summer. The film stars Sophie Wilde, Zoe Ter- azine as “a new language, stripped of more.

With its bizarre and jaw-dropping scenes, “Saltburn” has taken social media by storm. Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Barry Keoghan enthralls viewers with his sinister character. Watch “Saltburn” and obsess over its iconic dance number. April 17 & 20 - The Boy and the Heron Studio Ghibli strikes gold with “The Boy and The Heron,” or as Paste Magazine calls it the studio’s “magnum opus.” A young boy journeys to a fantastical land where he’s told he’ll find his dead mother. Guided by a mischievous heron, he begins to unearth the strange world’s secrets. From the studio behind films like “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” comes a new age of animation full of gorgeous beaches and adorable critters. The English voice cast features Christian Bale, Mark Hamil and an unrecognizable Robert Pattinson. With a just as impressive Japanese cast, you’ll have to watch this twice. April 24 & 27 - Wonka Willy Wonka partners with an impoverished child to create a chocolate shop for the masses, but the ruthless chocolate cartel stands in his way. Watch Willy become Wonka in the new musical starring Timothée Chalamet. With renditions of the infamous Oompa Loompa theme song and Gene Wilder’s “Pure Imagination,” the musical embodies childlike wonder and ecstasy. Dream of chocolate waterfalls and flying to the stars with “Wonka.” From horror to musicals, this semester has it all. Follow CAC’s Instagram @hpmiami_cac to stay upto-date on screenings and exclusive raffle prizes, like t-shirts, Funko-Pops and plushies. Check out the Cosford Cinema Instagram page @billcosfordcinema to see when you can get an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming blockbusters.

SPORTS

January 24, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE

Hurricanes pull off huge upset agaisnt No. 4 N.C. State, 73-59 BY LUKE SIMS STAFF WRITER

he phrase “More guards than Shawshank” from famed CBS college basketball insider Jon Rothstein does not just apply to the Miami Men’s team. The North Carolina State Wolfpack women’s basketball program lost only a single game this season before facing the Miami Hurricanes. That loss was against a top-15 team in Virginia Tech that was decided by a single point with a buzzer-beater shot. Miami beat them by 14 points at the Watsco Center Thursday, 73-59. Since starting ACC play, Miami has had a tough go. Having lost four of their last five games en route to a 1-4 conference record, the Hurricanes. As the heavy underdogs, Miami was not expected to win this game against the 15-1 Wolfpack. With their backs against the wall, the ‘Canes came out fighting. Miami’s trio of starting guards Jasmyne Roberts, Shayeann Day-Wilson, and Lashae Dwyer scored 18 points each. Roberts led the way for the ‘Canes in the first quarter as they held an 11-point lead at its conclusion. The ‘Canes stretched that lead to as much as 13 midway through the second quarter. “This was a really important and big win for us, especially after the first couple of losses that we had,” said Roberts. “We couldn’t really hold our heads too long over the losses, we just had to lock in and practice. We committed to each other and committed to plating great tonight.” Miami communicated exceptionally well on the offense. A ton of talk and motion confused the Wolfpack defense and allowed the ‘Canes to get open looks. The Hurricanes knocked down their open looks to the tune of almost 60% shooting from the field. Lazaria Spearman stepped into the game and provided a tremendous boost off the bench. The Sophomore forward was great for Miami on the glass as their leading rebounder with eight. Spearman scored 10 points and finished two rebounds shy of a double-double. “She changed,” said coach Meier. “She’s changed her habits, her attitude, shoulders back head up. She’s been a lot more coachable the past couple of weeks. She’s coming. That was huge for us.”

Jared Lennon // Senior Staff Photographer

Junior guard Shayeann Day-Wilson drives to the basket in the third quarter of Miami’s game versus NC State in the Watsco Center on Jan. 18, 2023.

The Wolfpack’s leading scorer coming into the game, Aziaha James, shot just 1-9 in the first half with only two points to show for her efforts. James would end the game with an abysmal shooting night, going just 2-16 and finishing with six points. Madison Hayes was the leading rebounder for the Wolfpack with eight, while Mimi Collins led the team in scoring with 18. N.C. State struggled to get things going on offense. The stifling Canes defense held N.C. State to one of the worst shooting performances all year. The Wolfpack shot a dreadful 28% from the field. This was N.C. State’s lowest point total all year.

Near the start of the fourth, N.C State entered into a full-court press, and Miami got sloppy as they turned the ball over on three consecutive possessions. The ‘Canes did not panic and got back to playing their game. Then Miami took control. Miami was able to break the Wolfpack press and pull away as the game ticked down to the final seconds. This considerable upset gives the ‘Canes energy heading into the next week and is an uplifting sign as ACC play continues. This marks Miami’s biggest regular season win since a late-season win over No. 4 Louisville during the 2021-22 season.

“I feel like this gives us a lot of confidence,” said Dwyer. “Coming off of 1-4, this was a great win because we were all hungry. Coming into practice we were locked in, we knew we had to change. We wanted to be that great team, so we knew we had to change.” The ‘Canes will be back in action next Thursday as they take on 23rd-ranked North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Tip-off for this ACC clash is at 8:00 P.M. and is available on the ACC Network. All stats and data provided by ESPN and StatBroadcast unless otherwise noted.

January 24, 2024

SPORTS

THE MIAMI HURRICANE

Sims: Takeaways Miami fails to mount comeback agaisnt rival Florida State, dropping their 3rd game in ACC play from ACC losses BY LUKE SIMS

BY JAYDEN GONZALEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

iami fails to mount comeback against rival Florida State, dropping their 3rd game in ACC play After a close win against Virginia Tech, Miami (12-5, 3-3 ACC) looked to gain momentum against their in-state rival, Florida State (11-6, 5-1 ACC). The Seminoles were looking for their sixth consecutive victory in Coral Gables, a snide that the Hurricanes desperately tried to escape. Despite a strong second-half effort, the ‘Canes fell short of a comeback against the ‘Noles, losing 84-75 at the Watsco Center. The Seminoles controlled the first half entirely, taking the lead in the opening moments and never looking back. Florida State’s considerable height advantage over the Hurricanes became a pivotal factor, with the Seminoles standing out as one of the tallest teams in the nation. This advantage stifled Miami’s offense, resulting in 14% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga attributed the team’s offensive struggles to Florida State’s relentless full-court pressure and in-game adjustments. “We start our offensive with a pass to Norchad Omier, and then he hands it off and passes it to the next guy, and we couldn’t do it.” Larrañaga said. “We had a very hard time at both ends of the court executing our gameplan. Why? Because defensively they disrupted us, and offensively they [Florida State] are so tall…Their size just bothers us. They’re so long and athletic, and we were not able to put a lot of pressure on them. They threw the ball right to the rim, laid it in or dunked it.” Former Florida State Seminole Matthew Cleveland struggled mightily against his former team, scoring two points on 1-8 shooting. Cleveland struggled to find his rhythm offensively, something uncommon for a solid season for the junior guard. Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton prides his team on its depth, trusting in 1012 guys a night to win by committee. This has led to the Seminoles being one of the deepest teams in the ACC. The same can

not be said for Miami, who often play with a shortened rotation every night. “We won this game by committee, by everyone contributing a little bit,” Hamilton said. “We don’t have a go-to guy that we consistently go to. We try to win games by getting the best out of each individual…the way we play, we need (depth).” The Seminoles took advantage of this depth advantage, dominating Miami 40-14 off the bench, led by guard Primo Spears and forward Cam Corhen, who both finished with 16 points. With a collective team effort from the whole roster, Florida State comfortably entered the second half with a 10-point lead. Despite being down 16 points early in the second half, Miami pushed to get back into the game. Junior guard Nigel Pack emerged as a key offensive force, scoring 15 of his game-high 19 points in the second half. Pack’s heroics, including a clutch threepointer in an 8-0 run, got Miami within two points, igniting the crowd at Watsco Center. Although the ‘Canes managed to narrow the gap to two points on two other occasions, they could never take the lead. Missed opportunities, including six forced turnovers in the second half translating to four points,

plagued Miami. Their failure to secure offensive rebounds allowed Florida State to dominate on the glass, outscoring Miami 21-12 on second-chance points. Both teams also shot uncharacteristically poorly from the charity stripe, with Florida State and Miami missing nine and ten free throws, respectively. Miami’s misses were more costly in the second half, allowing the Seminoles to gradually pull away and secure the victory. “We started guarding and flying around like we know how to do. We had a chance there, three times,” Nigel Pack said. “We’ve got to convert on that. We missed free throws. Didn’t get rebounds when we needed to, and that’s what it came down to.” Miami has lost their third game in their last four games and fallen to sixth in the ACC. Florida State extends its winning streak to four and places itself tied with N.C. State for second in the conference. The Hurricanes travel north to Syracuse for a game against the Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome (formerly known as the Carrier Dome) on Saturday, January 20th. Tipoff is scheduled for noon and will be aired on ESPN2.

STAFF WRITER

iami played two games in the past week against rival Florida State, a game in which they were favored, and against Syracuse, a game in which the ‘Canes were underdogs. Instead, the ‘Canes played like the underdog at home against Florida State and like the favored team on the road against the Orange. Both games resulted in losses. The same issues that have been haunting Miami all year persisted through these games. While Miami brought a much better effort to Syracuse, New York, it failed to put away a game where they led for 92% more of the game than its opponent. Here are some takeaways from a disappointing week of Miami basketball.

Offensive Dysfunction Miami’s offense has stagnated since putting up 95 points against Clemson. This team seems to be settling for poor shots and not using the shot clock as efficiently as it did earlier in the year. The offense excels when it is in transition and can catch the defense off balance. It does not function as well when it’s forced to set up. Miami has often been bailed out by elite shooting this season. When the isolated and contested looks are not working out for the ‘Canes, they tend to struggle. Miami needs to work on being better with its screens and movement rather than settling for bad shots and isolated looks. That worked earlier in the year against weaker competition, but against these longer and faster ACC teams, Miami needs to come up with a solution quickly.

Too Many No Shows

Alexandra Fisher // Co-Photo Editor

Junior guard Bensley Joseph grimaces during Miami’s game against FSU at the Watsco Center on Jan. 17, 2024.

Outside of Nijel Pack, the consistent play from the Hurricanes’ studs has not been there. With Omier out against Syracuse, Pack stepped up to drop 19 points and led the ‘Canes in scoring once again. Against FSU, Matthew Cleveland scored only two points, two rebounds and two assists. All of the other starters were in double figures, and if Cleveland was even able to have an average day, the ‘Canes may have won that game. Then, in the next game against Syracuse, he had a double-double and looked like a different player. Miami needs to see consistent performances from Cleveland because he could make a difference.

SPORTS

January 24, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE

’Canes get their quarterback for 2024 in transfer Cameron Ward BY CARTER LUTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n one of the biggest moves of the Mario Cristobal era, the Miami Hurricanes received the commitment from one of the top transfer portal quarterbacks on the market, Washington State transfer Cameron Ward. After putting up a magnificent junior season by racking up 3,735 passing yards, 33 total touchdowns and a 66% completion rate, Ward decided to hit the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound dual-threat quarterback quickly grabbed the attention of some of the top programs in the country as the No. 2 overall transfer and top quarterback, according to On3 Sports. With elite quickness and exceptional arm talent, the Texas native is the ideal modern college quarterback and could be a perfect fit at Miami. With the only future quarterback options on the current roster being Reese Poffenbarger, Emory Williams and Jacurri Brown

for Miami, word quickly spread of the Hurricanes’ interest in getting a top talent at the position. With its back against the wall and in need of making a splash, Miami went ahead and added a big-time game-changer. Ward has the potential to take Miami’s offense to a completely new level. First-year offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson showed flashes of what could be an explosive unit, but inconsistency at the quarterback position held the Hurricanes back. Ward’s skills will bring in a new style that will utilize his running ability, an aspect the ‘Canes have lacked at quarterback since D’Eriq King. The Hurricanes welcome back plenty of young and emerging talent and currently hold the No. 6 overall recruiting class for 2024, according to 247Sports. A discouraging 7-5 finish after a 4-0 start calls for action. Getting a player of Ward’s caliber is the type of acquisition that changes the entire outlook for a college football program.

Jared Lennon // Senior Staff Photographer

Head coach Mario Cristobal celebrates Miami’s double overtime 28-20 win over Clemson at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 21, 2023.Stadium on Sep. 15, 2023.

Previewing the Miami Hurricanes’ new-look quarterback room BY LUKE SIMS STAFF WRITER

It It may have taken some time, but the Miami Hurricanes landed one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal: Washington State’s Cam Ward. Along with the Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger, the Miami quarterback room looks much better than it did just a few weeks ago. In total, the ‘Canes will carry five scholarship quarterbacks heading into next season: Ward, Poffenbarger, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown, sophomore Emory Williams and freshman Judd Anderson. Both Williams and Brown played in games this past season. Williams led the ‘Canes to a big victory over the Clemson Tigers in his first collegiate start on Oct. 21, 2023. While that victory was not a result of the excellent play of Williams, he was able to manage the game responsibly. That’s a good sign for a quarterback in his first primetime action. Williams struggled against the Florida State Seminoles a few weeks later, where he started over Van Dyke. Williams eventually left that game with a season-ending injury after completing only 34.8% of his passes.

The Florida native showed maturity in big moments. He was not perfect by any means, but he flashed potential for the future. Williams may miss spring ball because of the arm injury sustained against the Seminoles but is expected to be ready to go by the fall. The other returning signal-caller to make a start was Brown. The Georgia native started in Miami’s bowl game loss to Rutgers. Brown was one of the only bright spots on a gutted Miami team that day. Brown came out of the gate slow but eventually eased into the offense and was able to use his arm and running ability to keep drives alive for the ‘Canes. The former four-star recruit is known for what he can do with his legs, as he rushed 15 times for 57 yards and two scores. What was less known was how good he could be with his arm. Brown completed 65% of his passes with a touchdown and an interception. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has a lot to work with in Brown. The talent and skills are there for Brown; now it’s about refining it. Anderson, a 6-foot-6-inch Georgia native, is ranked as a top 50 quarterback in the class by 247Sports. The incoming freshman has a big arm that will need some development. Luckily for the ‘Canes, he’ll have plenty of time to de-

velop it. The first of the two incoming transfers to commit was Poffenbarger, who led the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in passing yards with 3,603 and passing touchdowns with 36. The Maryland native led the Great Danes to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs this past season. The redshirt junior got it done on the ground and in the air, as he accounted for 42 total touchdowns last year. Poffenbarger did throw 13 interceptions last season and will have to adjust to the speed of the ACC. Poffenberger’s size may limit him at this level, but it did not stop him from putting up gaudy numbers for Albany. Look for Poffenbarger to be the first off the bench in case something happens to Ward, who is the presumed starter for Miami in 2024. Ward comes to Miami after a long road that saw him play two seasons at the University of Incarnate Word and two more after transferring to Washington State. Ward has improved every year, with this past season being his best. Ward completed 67% of his passes for 3,735 yards, and 25 touchdowns. It was not just his arm that was dangerous, as Ward rushed for eight more touchdowns. The Texas native stepped up in the biggest games

Washington State played. Some of his biggest passing days were against teams ranked in the top 15 like Washington, Oregon and Oregon State. Dawson and Miami’s offense should be much more dynamic with Ward under center next fall. The ‘Canes have a good mix of experience and potential in this group and are well set up for the future in the wake of Van Dyke’s departure to Wisconsin. There’s no real elite starter outside of Ward at the moment, but all of these quarterbacks have the potential to grow into that role. Despite an initial announcement that indicated he’d be declaring for the NFL Draft, Ward decided on Miami. The presumptive starter for the ‘Canes this year found his way to Coral Gables for his final college season. The dual-threat quarterback will bring a different element to the ‘Canes offense, and is a true reflection of the room as a whole. While Brown may excel with his legs and Williams with his arm, Ward is the whole package at the QB position. This is a group that shaped up very nicely for head coach Mario Cristobal. With Ward in the fold, the ‘Canes can get another year of development for Brown and Williams before having to decide on a starter between those two and Poffenbarger for 2025.

January 24, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE

V’S TAKE

V’s 2024 Ins and Outs

s we kick off the new year here at UM it’s a time of change. A new semester can bring a lot with it. New classes, new friends and new people added to your “avoid like the plague” list. These early months are a great time to start a personal rebrand. Try some new things out, leave some behind, whatever you think can set up a great year. I’m no trendsetter, but here are some of my “ins and outs” for 2024.

Ins

Outs

Digital Cameras Open-Relationships Mocktails Playing Tinder Meditation Tall Boys (you know I am talking about you Jacob Elordi) Meal Prepping Podcasts Staying In Sketch Tattoos Mixing Metals Grunge Makeup Voting (register babes) Way too Specific Spotify Playlists Therapy Spontaneous Flowers Dinner Parties

Stanley Cups Celsius ‘Canes Men’s Basketball (Norchad we still love you) Dick Pics Freshmen The “Porn-Stache” Apple Alarms Uber Eats Ron Desantis (Get it…) Miami traffic Sober Cigarettes Lowering your Standards Senioritis Trusting your Advisor Overpriced Concert Tickets Cowboy Boots Snapchat

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January 24, 2024 THE MIAMI HURRICANE