The Miami Hurricane: May 1, 2024

‘Stanford’s last stand’: Paying tribute to the residential halls before demolition News // Page 9

Senior spotlights, Meet some standout graduates from UM’s Class of 2024

A&E // Page 14

Sydney Gonzalez makes history as frst ever cheer recruit

Sports // Page 18

where weare going where weare going

come fromand where we where weare going come fromand where weare going where we

Love, Mom and Dad CLASS OF 2024

We are Jumping for Joy with You! Congratulations on your graduation! Love and Support Always, Your Dysfunctional Family

Colin Ferguson US Army ROTC, U Miami BA with Honors 2024 CLASS OF 2024 Carolina Your ambition is inspiring! We’re incredibly proud of you! Congratulations!

Congratulations, Amanda! What an amazing 4 years it has been. We are so proud of U!

XOXO, Mom, Dad, Charlie and Sabrina

CLASS OF 2024

CLASS OF 2024

Hey Nate Sfda!

We hope you had fun. Welcome to the real world. P.S. We’re really proud of you.

Love, Mom & Dad

CONGRATULATIONS JONATHAN!

We are so proud of you!

LOVE Mom and Melia

CLASS OF 2024

Janie Lobel…C4L

Congratulations!

Today is all about

Your biggest fans, Mom, Dad and Caroline

CLASS OF 2024

CLASS OF 2024

Congratulations to our double Cane, Emma Tishler!

We love you and are so proud. Mom, Dad, and Sam

Dear Eli,

We are so proud of you for all your hard work at the U, your drive, and your determination. You had a wonderful four years in Miami, learning new skills to help in life and business, making wonderful friends, seeing concerts, playing tennis, and sharing your entrepreneurial spirit (and great apparel!) at pop-ups. We love you so much and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. You will continue to accomplish anything you set your mind to!

Love, Mom, Dad & Spencer xox

CLASS OF 2024

CLASS OF 2024

Tatum Blake Anderson

Miami Herbert Business School

Finance major, Accounting minor Bermont Carlin Scholar

Member of AKPsi Business Fraternity Investment Banking Analyst at Deutsche Bank, NYC

His family and friends are so proud of his illustrious achievements and wish him the best the world has to offer in the fnance arena and in his personal life.

We couldn’t be more proud of you! You will defnitely do your part to make the world a better place! We love you Abbigail!

Love Mom, Dad and Ally

CLASS OF 2024

OF 2024

CLASS

We are so proud of you Jake!! Congrats!!

Love Mom and Dad and Zach!! Good to be a Cane!!

Congratulations Ava!! Can’t believe we are here already! Here is to your amazing future that awaits you! We are so very proud of you!!

Love, Mom, Dad and Madelyn

CLASS OF 2024

CLASS OF 2024

Congratulations JOE SQUILLACE and the U Miami Class of 2024!

Life is a grand adventure & now is the time to live it. We are so proud of you on your graduation and looking forward to seeing all that you will accomplish!

Love Mom, Dad & Nick

To our beautiful Madison,

While you are sitting with your friends, excited about the events of the day, we hope that you will take a second to realize just what this moment means about who you are. Your consistent dedication, tenacity, and willingness to put in more than the work required has brought you to this day. Your courage, your strength, your passion and your desire to make the world truly a better place is something we are so proud of and very much in awe of. Wherever YOUR path takes you, just know that the world is lucky to have you. We know we are lucky to have you. Love you so, so much. Enjoy your day! You earned it!

Dad, Mom, and Jenson

CLASS OF 2024

Congratulations!

CLASS OF 2024

Jake, Congratulations! We are so happy you get to experience a normal graduation.

You have always made us proud but we are especially proud of you today…graduating early with honors. We know amazing opportunities are in your future…just stay focused and true to yourself.

Love, Mom, Dad, Alexa and Grandma

Aidan, since you were a young boy, you were our fountain of joy! Now, a young man, you’re graduating with your degree---and a tan!

Mom, Dad and Maddie

Congratulations to Quentin Asencio on graduating from The University of Miami Herbert Business School with a Bachelor of Science & Business Administration in Marketing & Finance (minor in Legal Studies). We are proud of your accomplishments as a Ronald A. Hammond Scholar, a Foote Fellows Honors Program member, a President’s 100 (P100) chair, and Swim Club member and leader. We wish you lots of love, happiness, and continued success as you enter this next exciting stage of your life…keep dancing!

CLASS OF 2024

Congratulations on your BS in Chemistry and your BA in Spanish. Two degrees in 4 years ! I am so very proud of you! You are an inspiration to me! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. You deserve every good thing.

Love, Mommy

Beside you on your Graduation Day…

Those we love, don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen unheard, but always near. Still loved. Still missed and very dear. You’ll always be my Lanie.

Love, Dad, UM Football Class of 1967

10-19-1945 to 02-242024

CLASS OF 2024

Congratulations!

Keep following your dreams and gazing toward the horizon. We love you and wish you Oceans of happiness and success.

Love always, Mom, Dad, and Emily

CLASS OF 2024

OF 2024

Miller Entrance 2020 - Miller Exit 2024

Congratulations Miles Thyme Miller

BA - Sports Administration

Minor - Music Industry

It’s Miller Thyme!

CLASS OF 2024

Andi,

The past four years have fown by. Starting college during a pandemic had its challenges, but if it has taught you anything, you are resilient! You have proven to all of us that hard work and persistence pays off. Saying we are proud of you is an understatement. We are beaming with pride for all of your accomplishments. You are a beautiful, intelligent, funny, young woman with so much ahead of you. We cannot wait to see what the future holds. Cheers to U!

Congratulations, John!

You have come along way from the dream of attending and now graduating from The U. We are so proud!

Love, Mom, Dad and Baba

CLASS OF 2024

CLASS

Ben Gallucci RSMS class of ’24

I saw you work so hard every day to achieve this accomplishment, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more!

Mom, Dad & Imani

CLASS OF 2024

Congratulations Anthony!

Love Mom, Dad, Ava & Joseph CLASS OF 2024

Congratulations Alexander.

We are so proud of your accomplishments. Your star will continue to shine and a bright future lies ahead.

All our love, Julia, Brooklyn, Mom and Dad

Congratulations Shi! You did it! We are incredibly proud of all your hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Your journey to this moment has been inspiring, and we have no doubts that you will continue to accomplish amazing things in the future.

We love you! Your very proud family CLASS OF 2024

We wish you great success and exciting adventures ahead.

Justin, We are so very proud of you! You Did it! You are forever our marine biologist, who will save the sea turtles! Congratulations! Love, Mom, Dad and Family CLASS OF 2024

‘Stanford’s last stand’: paying tribute to the iconic residential halls

BY TRENTON CAMPBELL STAFF WRITER

After housing thousands of University of Miami students for the past 55 years, the iconic Rosborough and Walsh towers that make up the Stanford Residential College will close at the end of the spring 2024 semester.

The closure will pave the way for the second phase of the Centennial Village, a newly constructed housing plan set to open two residential buildings in August 2024, with three more buildings slated for completion

their goodbyes to the symbolic buildings in an event held outside the common area of the 12-story dorms.

“I lived in the Rosborough Tower of Stanford my freshman year and I made a lot of fond memories,” said sophomore computer science major Destiny Attagba. “Transitioning into college was hard for me, but living here made me grow to love college and the friends I made.”

Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres were served to all attendees with a wide selection of empanadas, beef sliders, fried macaroni bites and mini key

dential college’s mascot.

There were many opportunities for those in attendance to take pictures with both King Henry Stanford and Sebastian the Ibis.

Although many in attendance were sad about the future demolition of the residential college, some students are happy about the decision to take the towers down.

“I enjoyed my time here at Stanford, however I am happy to see it go as my foor in the Walsh tower has rat infestations and bathrooms with drainage issues,” said Ziara Pichardo, a freshman

major Miguel Blas had a similar opinion.

“Stanford will forever have my love, but it’s time we look into the future and continue expanding our beautiful campus,” Blas said.

The event drew a diverse crowd, comprising both current and former residents, gathering to reminisce on their experiences in the iconic Stanford Residential College towers.

“Coming together to celebrate a monumental moment in UM campus history and a big step toward the future of the development of campus made my heart

in one of the towers and learned more about the history of Stanford,” said Benjamin.

The event was an emotional time for many, and the Stanford towers will always hold a special place in the hearts of many current and past residents.

“Stanford has been a place where I’ve formed lasting friendships, meeting so many wonderful people who will always be part of my life. I cherish the vibrant community that’s grown from the events and experiences Stanford has provided. Today, we celebrate a fame that embodies the spirit of Stanford, a fame that will never be extinguished,” said

Cecelia Runner

Students who serve: Navigating college and the military

BY ISABELLA MARTINEZ STAFF WRITER

One group of students will cross the stage in May and begin a new chapter — with service and duty at the forefront as they begin to serve for the military.

On the fip side, another group, just beginning their collegiate experience, veterans turned students come together to bring their life experience to their college experience.

The University of Miami takes on a diverse group of students every year including veterans who come from years of active duty looking for collegiate education.

Veteran students looking for community on campus turn to the Veteran Students Organization, which works to advocate for veterans’ struggles and provide them with special access to resources.

“When I frst joined the VSO in the beginning of my frst semester, they were such a big help in guiding me, so the veteran community is really strong,” said Rancell Gonzalez, freshman and VSO outreach coordinator. “After four years of active duty, it is kind of a struggle transitioning back into society because things are so diferent in the military.”

Accustomed to life in the military, the bond created between veterans was vital in the transition process for Gonzalez, showing him that the community he is used to is still there to support him.

“The VSO really shows brotherhood –even though we are all busy with exams and preparations, there is a big sense of

community there. We are so interconnected and committed to each other’s success. It is like a home away from home, it’s like going back to base,” Gonzalez said.

However, VSO President Alex Benitez argues that there are always ways to improve the support given to veterans, especially on campus.

“I hope that the university opens up to giving veterans more academic resources, such as advising and tutoring,” said Benitez, a junior. “A lot of veterans are a bit older and haven’t been in school for a couple years to even over a decade. It’s tough competing with 18-year-olds that just walked out of math class. So it would be great if veterans had tailored access to academic resources.”

Familiar with split-second decisions in the military, veterans have adapted their skills to tools useful in the classroom, such as leadership skills.

“Being a veteran hasn’t made anyone treat me diferently other than the expectation to lead. A lot of the times where I feel

that it comes out that I’m a veteran is when I end up being the leader of the group,” said Benitez.

After years of active duty, veterans are now becoming leaders at the university as they come in for the frst time after a military career.

At the University of Miami, some students are also preparing for a future in the military with the Reserve Ofcers’ Training Corps, an organization that mentors students and prepares them both physically and academically for a future of service.

“The purpose of the ROTC Student Organization is to support students who are interested in the ROTC experience,” said graduating senior and ROTC President Juan Flechas Beltran. “I know it is a big commitment and some people are not sure if it’s for them, so the student org allows them to get a feel of what it takes and let them make up their own decision to see if they want to join the military or not.”

ROTC becomes a main part of these students’ college experiences, with three workouts at 6 a.m. per week and a class that works in con -

junction with a weekly Army Lab.

“Doing Army ROTC was defnitely very time-consuming. However, I have met such amazing people in the program and it opened up a lot of cool opportunities for me,” said Skylar Bentlin, graduating senior and company commander of the Army ROTC program.

“Through ROTC I received three scholarships to study Chinese during the past few summers, and these past two summers I studied Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan. This instigated me in pursuing a new major and helped me realize that I want a job in foreign afairs in the future.”

Being a member of ROTC has also given Bentlin a leg up throughout the process of joining the military, and with her future already lined up, she has a path set that many other seniors are still trying to fnd.

Bentlin will be commissioned into the Army as an active duty 2nd lieutenant offcer, and will be starting her career as an all-source intelligence analyst. In the future, she hopes to move to a specifc intelligence feld, such as Human or Signal Intelligence, and she has become passionate about this topic at UM.

For these graduates, the past four years have meant more than just getting a degree, but preparing themselves for a new chapter of life unique to most.

And for the veterans, the chapter they are leaving behind as active duty has given them a diferent perspective on collegiate life, but it has made them the leaders that every classroom needs.

A look into the student commencement speaker selection process

BY ETHAN MANNELLO STAFF WRITER

The honor of being selected to be a student commencement speaker occurs only during the spring semester and is bestowed upon three undergraduate students every year.

While the student speakers would like to keep their names anonymous, The Miami Hurricane was given some insight into the selection process and a preview of their speeches.

The process to select a speaker began with the opening of applications on Feb. 26. Interested applicants submit a senior refections essay, a résumé, three references and a

video delivering the intended speech.

Applicants are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, must have applied to spring or summer graduation and be in good standing with the university.

This year, 23 student applications met the requirements to be considered for a student commencement address. The speaker selection committee, made up of about ten faculty and staf members along with two underclassmen student representatives, then narrowed the 23 students down to 11 and invited them for interviews. After two days of interviews, three candidates were fnally selected. Megan Ondrizek, director of university communications, is part of the student speaker selection committee and worked

with the student speakers closely throughout this process. She aided with logistics tasks, like booking a time to rehearse at the Watsco Center, while David Steinberg, director of the UM debate team, helped the speakers refne their remarks and work on delivery.

“What really struck me was their enthusiasm when we met with them as a committee,” Ondrizek said. “They each have such diferent personalities, but it came across to me that they care so deeply about the University of Miami and that they really immersed themselves, not just academically, but also socially in the on-campus experience.”

Ondrizek has been with the university for 12 years and has worked many commencements, but she says it never gets old.

“Commencement has such an incredible energy because everybody is in that room to celebrate something and so many of the people in the audience have been part of that journey with their graduates,” Ondrizek said. “Whether it’s their sons or daughters or just a family member or a friend. So many students come out to support their friends who are graduating.”

In total, seven graduation ceremonies will be held from May 9 to 11, with two for graduate students, three for undergraduates, one for the law school and one for the medical school– totaling to about 4,000 students. Undergraduate commencement ceremonies begin on Friday, May 10 and the schedule for commencement can be found here.

Roberta Macedo // Graphic Design Editor

Blast from the past: Looking back on 99 years of the University of Miami

BY ETHAN MANNELLO STAFF WRITER

Abook was published in 1951 to commemorate the frst quarter century of the University of Miami’s existence.

“The University of Miami: the frst twenty-fve years” was comb bound, completely black and white, 53 pages and cost $1.50.

The University will publish something similar next year commemorating the frst century of existence, but it is safe to say it will look much diferent. It will probably not be in black and white and it defnitely will not cost $1.50.

In anticipation of this book and the centennial, The Miami Hurricane looked through the University’s digital archives to fnd the most interesting things that have happened in the last 99 years.

No Stranger to Celebrities

At the University of Miami, encountering celebrities is a common occurrence. Just last week, Jef Bezos toured campus while DJ Khaled spoke to students in Orange Umbrella, the University’s student-run consulting agency.

For decades, the University has hosted distinguished individuals, across all disciplines, as guests. In 1980, artist and flmmaker Andy Warhol arrived at a Lowe Art Museum event. He was hounded by the press as he showed of pieces of his

collection displayed in the museum.

Poet Maya Angelou, actor Kevin Spacey and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan are some of the most early and notable people to arrive on campus.

This trend set by them, continues to this day as the University of Miami continues to bring exceptional individuals to campus whether it is to speak to students or to just take a look around.

Amazing Evolution

Old pictures of the UM campus sears. Beginning as just one building in 1925, the has now built itself into a major research institution.

Pictures estimated to be taken shortly after WWII, show the earliest view of Miami’s classroom space. The pictures depict what we now know to be Ashe Memorial, Dooly Memorial and the Arresty building surrounded by parking lots and trees.

It is a stark diference from the beautiful campus we see today, instead containing multiple major roadways running through it. Features we now associate with the classroom space like Richter Library built in 1962 and the Nursing School built in 2006, are nowhere to be found.

A photo of the lake, taken around the same time, shows a similar reality, as the Donna E. Shalala Center that was built in 2013, was formerly a massive parking lot. The University Center, built in 1965, is another staple of that area, but in the picture,

it is replaced with trees and fauna. Even more recent photos taken in 1973, display this evolution as well. An aerial picture of the baseball feld shows an area that looks almost unrecognizable from the current feld. The grandstands and covered concession area the feld currently has, are replaced with grass and small metal benches. Cobb Stadium is merely just a grass track and the Hecht Athletic Center was still six years away from being built. 1973 is an important date because it is just eight years before Edward T. Foote II took over as the fourth president of the University of Miami. Foote’s impact on the university can be seen in many ways, but especially with the on campus evolution. During Foote’s time as president, he raised over $500 million for the university while building the Knight Physics Building, the Sylvester Cancer Center, the School of Law Library, and the Wellness Center, among many other buildings. He also transformed all university residential colleges, modeling them after living complexes at the most elite institutions while also establishing three new schools: the School of Architecture, School of Communication, and the Graduate School of International Studies.

The Final Stand(ford)

There is one thing that is consistent in almost all of the pictures: the freshman towers. The Stanford and Hecht towers, built in 1969, have been on

campus for over half of the University’s life. An old picture of students in their Stanford tower door room looks almost the same as it would now. Ironically, the towers that have guided over 50 incoming freshman classes through their frst year of college won’t make it to the centennial anniversary. Hecht was knocked down before the 2022-2023 school year to make room for the construction of Centennial Village, a student housing complex meant to be complete for the centennial. Stanford is still standing, but is currently housing its fnal freshman before it will be knocked down this summer, coming up just one year short.

Always There

While many things have changed in the last 100 years, the school’s newspaper has been there for it all. Begin-

ning as the University News in 1927, the frst-ever edition was published on Oct. 4 of that school year and contained only four pages.

Two years later, the newspaper was renamed The Miami Hurricane and published its frst edition for the 1929-1930 school year on Oct. 15. It contained fve pages and no photos. Just a year later they began to use photos in their articles and sell ads to keep the paper going.

By the 1950s, the newspaper looked completely diferent, as it was now full of pictures and ads. The newspaper began printing in color in 2003, and 12 years after that, The Miami Hurricane started their website. From celebrities on campus to constant construction and improvement, the University has had an exceptional frst century of existence and The Miami Hurricane has been and will be there to cover it all.

Out with the old, in with the new: UM dining updates for Fall 2024

BY SYDNEY BILLINGS CO-NEWS EDITOR

For its centennial year, the University of Miami is elevating the dining experience for students. From a two-story dining hall to a freshly renovated Starbucks, students will be able to taste and see what UM Dining has to offer this upcoming year.

However, this upgrade is coming with a few changes to the University’s current dining options.

Tacos & Tattoos notifed the University this spring that they would not be returning to provide dining services for the 2024-2025 school year.

“Local restaurants and businesses don’t typically frequent university settings, so this was a new thing for

them,” said Ana Alvarez, assistant vice president of auxiliary services at UM. “So they just made the decision that they did not want to come back for year three.”

Alvarez works to manage relationships with third-party businesses that run services for the University.

Tacos & Tattoos, which replaced Lime Fresh Mexican Grill in August 2022, has become a favorite

among students looking for a latenight dinner on campus.

However, due to inconsistent hours of operation typical of restaurants on a university campus, the joint has recently decided to take its business elsewhere.

While Tacos & Tattoos is on its way out, Alvarez confrmed that Pollo Tropical and several other campus restaurants are here to stay.

“We don’t have immediate plans for Pollo Tropical to leave yet–they’re still doing well,” Alvarez said. Read the rest at themiamihurricane.com

“We have been working with the dining team to quickly identify some alternatives for that space,” Alvarez said. “We think that the quick-service Mexican ofering is important for that space.”

Jared Lennon // Senior Staff Photographer Fireworks illuminate the sky over Lake Osceola during Homecoming festivities on Oct. 27, 2023.

SENIOR FAREWELLS

CAROLINE VAL NEWS EDITOR

The Miami Hurricane has been my home at UM during my entire time as a student here. I first started as a news writer, then became the paper’s first-ever podcast editor, and currently serve as a co-news editor. From the start, the staff at TMH have become some of my closest friends, and to an extent, family. This publication has also helped me explore what it means to be a real journalist – whether it’s staying up late in the newsroom to put together a print edition, interviewing local and national public figures, or learning how to produce a podcast episode out of my bedroom at 2am. TMH has enriched my life in every way possible, both personally and professionally, and I will be forever grateful to the staff for making me feel at home every day I walked into Shalala.

LAYOMI ADEOJO A&E EDITOR

Of all my campus involvements, The Miami Hurricane has been my favorite. Though my majors and future career plans are not in journalism, the paper has allowed my love for writing to flourish. Freshman year me who joined as a writer in 2020 could have never imagined being A&E Editor these last two years. In that timespan, I’ve seen our A&E staff double and triple in number, grow immensely as journalists and also grow closer together. Beyond our section, I’ve also watched the editorial board shift and stretch, producing high-quality, award-winning work that has garnered national attention. I’m eternally grateful for opportunities The Hurricane has brought me (like seeing Hamilton and meeting Daveed Diggs!) and I will miss spending hours in the newsroom laughing with the other editors, frantically editing print articles before deadline, and taking naps on the infamous bean bag chair :)

ROBERTA MACEDO GRAPHICS EDITOR

The Miami Hurricane was of big importance during my years in college. I worked with a team of people who appreciated my role as I expanded my portfolio and opened my mind to new creative processes. I am proud to have been able to visually represent different stories, and I am thankful for the chance to consistently evolve and be part of several projects that made a difference in the newspaper. I finish my senior year feeling happy to have contributed to TMH alongside so many talented peers. Happy graduation! :)

PARI WALTER OPINION EDITOR

There’s not many places on campus where someone can walk in clueless, underqualifed, and scared to speak and walk out with three years of memories, awards, and a group that feels less like coworkers and more like family. From the close deadlines to the early mornings delivering papers to the hate mail, it’s been a wild ride that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’m proud to have been a part of it all (even if no one’s reading this). To the others graduating, I’m glad to have done this alongside you! To the editors with another year left, keep it up with the ugly reporting and let it rip.

EMMA DOMINGUEZ SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

As a freshman during Covid, joining The Miami Hurricane was one of the reasons that I felt like I belonged here at UM. Over the past four years, TMH has been such a staple of my college experience. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone in more ways than one, and for that I will forever be thankful. While we may be an unlikely group, I have so much love for my TMH family, and I will never forget all the friends and memories I made through the paper. There are so many amazing places on campus, but the newsroom will always be my favorite.

CHRIS DAMOND FORMER SPORTS EDITOR & SENIOR STAFF WRITER

As a writer for The Miami Hurricane sports section, let’s look at the statistics. Over my 3 years on staff, I wrote 105 articles, spent 973 days with the paper and missed a deadline only once (lesson learned). But as every sports fan knows, stats never tell the full story. Truth is, when I think of the Miami Hurricane, I don’t think about anything related to journalism. What I remember most — and always think of frst — is the sense of community. The support I received, both personally and professionally, shaped my college years. There’s nothing else to say, but once again, I still haven’t hit my word count. So shoutout to Jenny Jacoby, Patrick McCaslin and Luke Chaney for making my time at The Miami Hurricane special. And remember, what happens in the newsroom, stays in the newsroom.

HURRICANE

ESPINO STAFF WRITER FOR A&E

It’s funny. I joined the Hurricane my last year here because I wanted to make a few extra bucks writing about movies and music, but in the process I accidentally started a career. The Hurricane has changed the trajectory of my life for the better and I will forever be indebted to this institution. Whether it was rushing to make it before the deadline or having to remember to edit out that dreaded oxford comma, I learned the rush of being a journalist. I also met some of the most amazing people here including but not limited to Luke, Patrick, Caroline, Pari, Wrigley, Layomi, Lauren and my editor who always stands on business, Jenny Jacoby. I’m going to miss walking into the newsroom everyday and chopping it up with everyone there. It’s the place on campus I call my second home.

AMANDA CRANE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

At the end of my sophomore year, I was looking for opportunities to get involved with student media and found myself at The Miami Hurricane. Before embarking on my role with the editorial board, I wasn’t a writer or on the staff, making it scary. However, everyone was so welcoming right off the bat and I knew I would be okay. The staff at TMH are some of the most ambitious and friendly people I have come to know in my time at UM. I learned so much throughout my time here and know that any successes in my future have roots in TMH. I am so thankful for my time on the newspaper and will always be fond of the memories I made while a part of this time.

SIMON STAFF WRITER FOR A&E

I joined The Hurricane simply because I have always loved everything arts and entertainment related, and I fgured it was a way to write about my passions outside of the classroom. Working for The Hurricane has been a wonderful experience – I not only grew my skills as a writer but also made long lasting friendships. I always enjoyed sharing ideas for the pitch list in our weekly meetings, discussing all the latest pop culture news and attempting to claim every Taylor Swift related article. Special thank you to Layomi and Morgan for being amazing editors!

The Miami Hurricane is published biweekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Miami Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business offce of The Miami Hurricane are located in the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200.

LETTER POLICY

The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Miami Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten to the Student Activities Center, Student Media Suite 200, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, Fla., 33124-6922. Letters must be signed with a copy of your Cane Card.

ADVERTISING POLICY

The Miami Hurricane’s business offce is located at 1330 Miller Drive, Student Activities Center Student Media Suite 200. The Miami Hurricane is published every other Wednesday during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed for free on the Coral Gables campus, the School of Medicine and off-campus locations.

DEADLINES

The conditions of agreement for advertisers are outlined on the ad contract form. Please direct any and all questions related to

RILEY

OSVALDO

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS

Derryl Barnes

Seizing opportunities to stand out

BY DIANA MOSCHETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In four years, Derryl Barnes has built a resume that most broadcast journalism majors can only dream of. From The Wall Street Journal to ESPN, Barnes’ impressive accomplishments can be traced to his beginnings within the School of Communication.

“I’ve worked for ESPN twice,” Barnes said. “I worked for The Wall Street Journal’s video team. I’ve been an on-air reporter for TNT Sports at NBA All-Star Weekend, working with Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neil, Charles Barkley all before I left school. It was because of the opportunities that I was given here – because I made the most out of them.”

From producing award-winning projects to scoring highly competitive internships, Barnes has truly maximized his time at the U. However, his passion for broadcasting started long before he enrolled at UM.

Opportunity of a lifetime Barnes first learned the fundamentals of film and broadcasting at the Beacon Academy of Digital and Media Arts in Illinois, competing against high school students in similar programs.

A self-proclaimed college TV nerd, Barnes fell in love with UMTV stations SportsDesk and NewsVision. He reminisces on staying in the weight room after basketball practice to watch new episodes as soon as they aired.

“It was to the point where the motion sensor lights would turn of because I was watching UMTV of all things, which is a really nerdy thing to say,” Barnes said.

When Barnes found out he received a full-ride merit scholarship to the University of Miami at one of his basketball games, he was ecstatic.

“I think I missed every single layup in that layup line once we went and warmed up but I didn’t care,” Barnes said. “I had a smile on my face cause I was like ‘I can go to school for free.’”

Leading early on Barnes’ high school skills seamlessly transferred to UMTV. So much so, he was entrusted to create his own Instagram TV shows and mentor peers as a freshman. “It was really cool to see that it was something I was able to bring here and start here,” Barnes said. “I’m a freshman in a position where I’m teaching other people how to do this, then they’re passing it along semester by semester.”

It was because of the opportunities that I was given [at the University of Miami] – because I made the most out of them.

Derryl Barnes Graduating Senior

Barnes’ expertise prompted him to create “Of the Bench” his freshman year, a SportsDesk segment where he tried out diferent club sports at UM. His favorite episode features humorous clips of him attempting to sail on the water.

“They put me in a boat with one of their captains who probably hasn’t flipped over in years,” Barnes said. “We barely even make it out of the dock, and I flip over the boat.”

Ironically, Barnes’ senior Capstone episode echoes the chaotic charm of his sailing excursion from three years prior.

After receiving last place in a wakeboarding competition, his opponent gave him a trophy for his efforts.

“He felt bad that I was going home empty-handed,” Barnes said.

Going the extra mile

Leveraging the resources available at the School of Communication, Barnes also took on additional projects outside the studio with the help of UMTV faculty.

“The professors are going to seek out opportunities for you just because they see that you’re

a go-getter,” Barnes said.

His documentary, “Hand U: The History of Throwing up the U,” he created with Professor Edward Julbe won the NATAS Suncoast Region Student Production Award in 2022 and the Crystal Pillar for Sports Story/Segment.

“We put together a story that basically led to a media tour around the country because it won a bunch of awards,” Barnes said.

Although prestigious awards highlight Barnes’ expertise, they are just a glimpse into how UM has enriched his life.

Once a ’Cane, always a ’Cane

“Everything I learned in UMTV definitely overlapped into the real world, my professional experiences,” he said.

He credits his time in UMTV’s NewsVision for honing his ability to learn diverse stories on a

tight deadline—a skill crucial to his time with The Wall Street Journal.

“Having to familiarize myself with concepts that I’m unfamiliar with in a short amount of time is something I did every single day when I was on the breaking news team at The WSJ,” Barnes said.

Echoing how NewsVision taught Barnes to cover a variety of stories, his time at SportsDesk prepared him to cover a wide range of sports at ESPN.

“When I’m writing the shot sheet for Scott Van Pelt to do the ‘SportsCenter Top Ten,’ I was able to integrate some of those words and phrases I learned when I was learning how to play lacrosse for SportsDesk,” Barnes said.

Summing up his UM experience, Barnes emphasizes, “The opportunity is here at the University of Miami, it’s just what you make of it.”

Photo Courtesy of Derryl Barnes

UM senior Derryl Barnes interviews Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey on Feb. 18, 2024.

Harvard, get ready for future mental health counselor, Emily Goldstein

BY ANDY ACUNA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ever since Emily Goldstein toured the University of Miami, she knew she would spread her love for mental health on campus. In her four years here, she has been involved in organizations like Counseling Outreach Peer Education, Miami Motion Dance Team, Delta Delta Delta and various others. Her extensive resume has led to her recent acceptance and commitment to pursue a master’s degree in human development and education at Harvard University.

“This is exactly where you need to be,” Goldstein, a senior studying community and applied psychological studies and psychology, said. She lives by this motto in every aspect of her life, whether it is as chair of COPE or as vice president of Miami Motion Dance Team, she be-

lieves she is always one step closer to where she is meant to be.

Goldstein has taken advantage of many leadership opportunities at UM, climbing her way up from being an introverted student, to an infuential student leader and role model.

When she is not preparing for Harvard, she’s around campus coordinating outreach events for COPE, like Love Your Body Day and Clothesline Project. You can also fnd her dancing with the Miami Motion Dance Team at their annual showcase or at a social with Delta Delta Delta.

Goldstein frst came into UM as a psychology major but later switched to community and applied psychological studies and psychology, where she found mentors who helped her grow personally and professionally.

“This major really started changing the way I see the world and the impact it has on individuals,” Goldstein said. “It has really helped me exam-

ine my privileges and biases.”

Mental health has always been a passion for Goldstein. She joined COPE, a group of mental health peer educators on campus, her sophomore year with the hope of making a diference for the student body.

“I really wanted to immerse myself fully and play a part in destigmatizing these issues,” Goldstein said, “Even just helping one person is making a diference.”

Before her senior year, Goldstein applied to be a part of COPE’s Eboard. To her surprise, she got the position of Outgoing Chair, which really helped her develop her leadership skills.

“Being chair of COPE really helped me understand my own visions and share them with others,” Goldstein said. “I explored my love for COPE even more and all I could do for UM.”

COPE has given Goldstein countless memorable opportunities, but the one

that makes her most proud is talking to the Surgeon General about mental health and loneliness in students.

“Being in a position where I represented COPE made me feel so proud of myself and for my fellow members. It’s something I’ll never forget,” Goldstein said.

Another achievement that makes her feel proud is being a part of the Dean’s list and honor rolls, but she recognizes that pieces of paper are not all she is taking from UM when she leaves.

“Receiving those feels like my ef forts are being rec ognized, but I will certainly remem ber the other little

things, the people I met and everything that impacted me,” Goldstein said. “As amazing as the awards are, they are not everything.”

Now, she looks forward to bringing her UM education to the Ivy League.

“I am very excited to continue my education at Harvard University, where I

Lindsey Faucher receives prestigious award to teach English abroad

BY LUCIA MOGLIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At the end of February, senior Lindsey Faucher received an email that changed the course of her life after graduation. The email notifed Faucher that she had received the coveted Fulbright English Teaching Assistant award.

Upon graduation, Faucher will leave the tropical climate of Miami to work as an ETA in Solothurn, a small town in the north-west region of Switzerland.

“I’ve always been interested in international experiences, so I knew the Fulbright program would be a great ft for me,” Faucher, a triple major in international studies, psychology and French, said.

The Fulbright program awards grants and funding to American students interested in going abroad to complete a postgraduate degree, teach English or conduct research.

As a recipient of the award, Faucher will spend 10 months in Switzerland teaching English and immersing herself in a new culture.

“I’ve been to Switzerland before, but to the French speaking part,” Faucher said. “This time I will be in a more German dominated area, which is completely unfamiliar to me.”

The senior is excited at the prospect of a challenge, and is confdent her past experi ences have prepared her for the job.

At UM, she has been involved in several student organizations such as the Homecoming Executive Commit tee and United Black Students. She was also a Research Assistant in the

psychology department.

However, her international experiences have laid the foundation for her future in Switzerland.

Doing a summer exchange program in France during high school inspired her to declare international studies and French majors upon arriving at UM. Throughout her time at the UM, she took several unique courses such as Global Issues and Filmmaking, which only grew her love for international diplomacy and crosscultural exploration.

“My discussion-heavy international studies classes taught me the value of being a good listener,” Faucher said.

Faucher applied this value of openmindedness two years ago during her internship as an English Teaching Assistant in Portugal.

“This opportunity gave me a glimpse into what being an ETA is like,” she said. “It was so interesting to interact with kids who had never met a foreigner before. Those two months, I was able to share things about American culture while also learning about theirs.”

Faucher’s time in Portugal served as the foreshadowing of her future as an ETA in Switzerland. However, she hopes her time in Switzerland will serve as the catalyst of an exciting career in the feld of diplomacy.

“I learned as much from my classmates as I did from my professors by learning about their backgrounds and being open to hearing their perspectives.”

“Language plays a big part in understanding diferent cultures,” Faucher said. “So I think that’s something I’ll be able to take into my future career, as I will hopefully one day be a diplomat working with and

connecting with people from other countries.”

Faucher advises anyone interested in spending signifcant time abroad to look into the Fulbright program and take a chance in applying, even if it seems intimidating.

“Be true to yourself,” she said. “That’s the only way you will stand out. And don’t be afraid of trying something new.”

Although she is excited about her ten months in Europe, Faucher holds bittersweet feelings towards graduating and leaving Miami.

“I’m for sure going to miss the sunshine,” Faucher said. “While I’m in Switzerland I know I’ll remember those moments sitting in a glider with a smoothie in hand, feeling like it’s always summer.”

Faucher is eager and certain that getting on that 14-hour fight to Solothurn, Switzerland, will be the next step in what is sure to be an exciting career and life.

Portrait of Lindsey Faucher Courtesy of Lindsey Faucher

Emily Goldstein speaks on mental health in college students and the importance of social connection on Feb. 22, 2024.

Joshua Prezant // Contributed Photo

Eve Cohen takes acting to the seas in Royal Caribbean Cruises’ ‘Grease’

BY SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ STAFF WRITER

Graduating senior Eve Cohen will soon close the curtain on her time at the University of Miami after starring in six theater productions with the theatre department. Less than a month after graduation, she is set to play Sandy Dumbrowski from “Grease” in Royal Caribbean Cruises’ upcoming production starting June 1.

After starring in productions of “Legally Blonde,” “Bring It On” and “Cabaret,” Cohen never shied away from the spotlight. She encourages everyone to give their dreams a chance and cautions pursuing a career out of necessity.

Cohen found her love for the performing arts when attending musical theater summer camp in elementary school. At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and North Broward Preparatory School, she joined after-school programs to gain a competitive edge when applying to theater programs.

“Since a really young age, I don’t think I’ve gone more than six months without being in some show,” Cohen said.

At UM, Cohen starred in “The Threepenny Opera,” “A New Brain,” “Frogs” and “Take Flight.” Her voice coach Edgar Abreu guided her through the vocally-challenging roles.

“My biggest challenge as her voice teacher was guiding her to use her instrument sustainably and efficiently,” Abreu said. “This lesson is always tough for passionate actors who want to pour everything into their performances.”

Abreu honed Cohen’s vocal coordination and breath management skills in Italy at an three week program hosted by

the University called “Musical Theatre Italy.” They delved into discovering the most effective air control to sharpen her passion into an unforgettable performance.

“What sets Eve apart from others is her unparalleled tenacity and vigor,” Abreu said. “When she sets her sights on a goal, nothing could stand in her way.”

Before memorizing any lines, Cohen imagines her character’s backstory and their similar or differing qualities to herself to strengthen her understanding of them.

You’re always going to be put where you’re meant to be in this career. All you can do is keep working on your craft and try to be the best performer you can be.

Eve Cohen Graduating Senior

“I like to pull a lot from myself,” Cohen said. “Every character I play is a version of myself in a different world.”

Despite meticulous preparation, Cohen has faced numerous rejections. Yet, her resolve grows stronger with each as she grows to not take them personally.

“You have no idea why that role didn’t work out for you. It could’ve been a million different reasons,” Cohen said. “Everything happens for a reason.”

In her senior year, Cohen got

rejected for a role and later got accepted by Royal Caribbean. Had she gotten the other role, Cohen would’ve had to forfeit this life-changing opportunity.

“You’re always going to be put where you’re meant to be in this career,” Cohen said. “All you can do is keep working on your craft and try to be the best performer you can be.”

Cohen tries not to compare herself to the competition when auditioning. Hearing other actresses sing challenges her resolution and focus. She’s learned to be prepared enough to deliver an impressive performance, while leaving room to be unique.

“[Casting directors] aren’t looking for 60 carbon copies of the same thing,” Cohen said.

Her untraditional audition for Royal Caribbean tested her techniques. Cohen noticed Royal Caribbean was holding auditions in New York for their upcoming season. Because she was in Miami, Cohen contacted the casting director to inquire if selftapes were accepted.

After getting approval, Cohen sent her tape and later received a phone call offering the role.

“You have to follow your gut,” Cohen said. “What do you have to lose?”

Currently, Cohen attends daily nine-hour rehearsals, practicing scenes and opening numbers for the upcoming complete run through.

“Everyone should at least give their dreams a shot,” Cohen said. “I could survive [with another career], but I wouldn’t be as fulfilled.”

Follow Cohen on Instagram @ evecohen to see her childhood dreams become reality when she begins sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas on June 1, where she aims to dazzle and wow audiences with every note.

Portrait of Eve Cohen Courtesy of Eve Cohen

Sydney Gonzalez makes history as frst-ever cheer recruit

BY ASHLEY FREEDLAND STAFF WRITER

Sydney Gonzalez, a freshman nursing student, is the frst cheerleader recruit for UM, making history for Miami cheer and setting a path for others interested in cheerleading at the University.

“Honestly, it doesn’t feel real sometimes because, to this day, people will remind me that I was recruited, and I was the frst to ever do so. It’s amazing and quite an honor because I’m setting the path for anyone else who wants to be recruited,” Gonzalez said.

A Georgia native, Miami was not on her radar when applying to schools. On a trip down to Florida with her mom, they stopped on campus and she applied soon after.

That was after learning of Miami’s esteemed nursing program, which fulflled her professional goals.

She then contacted the cheerleading coaches to request her acceptance letter and scholarship.

“I reached out to the coaches and the spirit coordinator. I just wanted to know more about the program. I asked just baseline information,” Gonzalez said. “Two days later, I got an email back. The coach, she was ecstatic.”

A Zoom call was scheduled shortly after that, which assessed Gonzalez’s skills and assets she would bring to the team. That was followed by a second Zoom call with her parents and some of the coaching staff – head coach Cecilia Esteban and one of the all-girl team assistant coaches – where she was offered a spot on the cheer team

Gonzalez chose the University of Miami as her school 24 hours after the meeting.

“In my heart and soul, I knew what the right one was, but obviously there were things that I had to like to consider and stuff like that. But at the end of the day, I chose this school and this program, so I emailed them back the next morning saying that I wanted to accept the spot on the team.”

Her story does not end there. Upon starting at the University, she quickly learned how to balance her life as a student-athlete at Miami.

“Luckily, I’ve been doing this for so long that at a very early age, I was always really good at time management,” Gonzalez said. “It was rough at frst, just a little bit just. I had to get my scheduling down.”

Being a student-athlete at Miami does come with its perks, including its own dining hall and early registration. Because

cheerleading is not registered under the NCAA, athletic scholarships are not given to any cheerleaders, recruited or not. Instead, they receive stipends, helping with the costs of being a student-athlete.

Gonzalez mentioned that Miami’s cheer program is young with a new coaching staff. Only recently has the team begun competing at the Universal Cheerleaders Association in Orlando, Florida.

The younger staff allows the cheerleaders to shape the program into their future vision.

“The coaches asked me what I wanted to do and what the plans that I see for the program in the future,” Gonzalez said. “They’re giving us the opportunity to use our voices to kind of guide the experience we want in college.”

Gonzalez’s journey from high school ALL-STARS to college-level cheer is unique. From seven competitions a year to one massive competition, along with dozens of division one games thrown into the mix, this recruited cheerleader is already exceeding expectations.

She hopes to see other cheerleaders follow in her footsteps at the University of Miami and open the door to more recruits in the coming years.

Six-run fourth helps Georgia Tech cruise past Miami in Sunday’s rubber match

BY IAN GRAVES STAFF WRITER

Similar to Saturday’s game, the Georgia Tech bats immediately jumped out on the Hurricanes and never looked back, and this time made certain there was no chance at a comeback. Seventeen hits compared to only one for Miami was the story of the day as the ’Canes fell to the Yellow Jackets, 17-1.

Looking to follow up a strong start last weekend against Louisville, Herick Hernandez didn’t get his desired result on Sunday. Hernandez only managed to make it through 2.1 innings, giving up seven hits and six runs.

The frst and second innings were not bad for Miami, as Georgia Tech managed to scrap across a run in each frame but did not have much of a rally going into

either inning. However, things began to go downhill for Hernandez in the third.

Three home runs in the inning’s frst fve batters were enough to chase Hernandez out of the game and open the foodgates that never seemed to close.

Jordan Vargas came on in relief of Hernandez and was able to calm down the Yellow Jackets in the third, allowing just one more run to come across home plate, leaving the score at 7-1. But the runs kept piling up when Ben Chestnutt replaced Vargas in the next inning.

Chestnutt began the bottom half of the fourth with two walks, a recipe for disaster. Jackets third baseman John Giesler promptly hit his second homer of the day, extending the lead to nine, and knocking Chestnutt out of the game.

Chris Scinta relieved Chestnutt and

quickly started giving up more hits himself. Georgia Tech drove in two more runs by the end of the inning, reaching a 13-1 lead in just four innings.

After the fourth, UM head coach J.D. Arteaga put in a furry of substitutions, even though the Hurricanes had come down from a defcit of nine runs earlier in the season against Virginia in a historic comeback win.

Adding insult to injury, the Yellow Jackets added four more runs in the ffth inning and eventually went on to mercy rule the Hurricanes by a fnal score of 17-1.

Although blame can easily be pointed at the pitching staff after a performance like this one, the hitting was also abysmal.

UM hitters logged only one hit and struck out 11 times against a Tech pitching staff that ranks 123rd in the country in earned run average, giving up 5.72 runs per game.

The lone hit came from J.D. Urso, who capped off a nice weekend at the plate, launching his second homer in as many days, even though he came into the weekend without a home run in a Hurricanes uniform.

The ’Canes will get a break this week with no midweek game, allowing them to prepare for an out-of-conference series at home against BYU next weekend.

BYU will serve as a get-right opportunity for Miami and a chance to build momentum before the fnal two series of conference play. The Cougars are at the bottom of the Big 12 standings, making it a must-win series for UM.

The three-game set will begin on Thursday at Mark Light Field, with the frst pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of Sydney Gonzalez

Freshman Sydney Gonzales poses for a picture at Miami Cheerleading’s media day.

Russell Robinson’s path from walk-on to national champion

BY SHEA MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Russell Robinson reached the peak of college track and feld when he took home the national championship at the 2024 NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships for the triple jump in March.

Not only did he earn gold, Robinson, a senior track and feld athlete, set several records, breaking his personal best and school record by setting a new facility high at the TRACK at New Balance.

Coming out of high school, Robinson was a Florida state champion for the long jump, but coming to Miami, he was a walk-on who faced an uphill battle.

“I came from being the best in my high school and in my state to being the worst jumper here at Miami,” Robinson said.

Though his career with the Hurricanes started with him playing catch up, Robinson attributes this challenge to his success.

“Training with guys that were better than me pushed me and motivated me to get better and do what I needed to,” he says.

Those “guys” were not just average names; they were athletes like Isaiah Holmes and Justin Forde, former collegiate track and feld stars who were some of the best in the nation. They pushed Robinson to make the leaps necessary to get to the next level. He made consistent strides year by year, competing in the ACC championships his frst two years. Though COVID-19 took away the outdoor half of his freshman year, it allowed him to continue to build and improve.

Eventually, Robinson started to see the results of this work. In the long jump during the 2021 outdoor season, he became a record holder with a jump of 7.99 meters, a mark that has yet to be topped.

Going into 2022, Robinson notched multiple frst-place fnishes during the indoor season. It was during that year’s outdoor season, however, that he really began to take off. Notching consistent frst-place fnishes throughout the season, he eventually took home his frst ACC triple jump championship, leading into a third-place fnish at the NCAA preliminary round and fnishing with second-team All-American honors in the triple jump.

As he continued to progress, he shifted

his focus from being the best on the team to being the best in the nation.

“As those guys left, I used my motivation as other guys around the nation,” Robinson said. “Guys that I compete against almost every other weekend, just thinking that they’re doing this in the weight room or this on the track. I need to put my 100% in to keep up with them or go even further.”

After a phenomenal 2023 campaign, Robinson certifed himself as not only one of the best in the nation but in the world, representing Team USA at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association Under 23 Championships and earning a gold medal.

During the indoor season, he took double silver medals in both the long jump and triple jump, this time earning frst-team AllAmerican honors.

Then, during the outdoor season, he fnished in the top three for the ACC, then took second place in the national championship. Through it all, he became the outdoor re-

cord holder in the triple jump.

This all culminated in the last year when Robinson reached the pinnacle of his college career. He has consistently been at the top of the ACC and the nation in the triple jump through both the indoor and outdoor seasons. To top off his indoor season, he fnished second for the ACC and took home a gold, becoming the national champion.

It’s been a long and tough process to get to this point, and it’s a journey Russell credits the people around him for making happen.

“Just trusting the process and not wavering you know, believing in my coach and the training program, and everyone here on the training staff that’s helped me become the best I could be,” Robinson said.

This staff includes long-time jump and combined events coach Rob Jarvis, who saw the potential in Russell and helped him grow into one of the best triple jumpers in the nation.

“As an 18-year-old freshman he had the dream, determination, and trust … Russ and

I defnitely want an ACC title. It’s been two years since I had my last one.

Russell Robinson

his family understood the vision and fouryear plan I laid out for them,” Jarvis said. He laid the foundation and a clear plan to ensure Robinson’s success.

Though his path hasn’t been easy, Robinson’s goals have been clear, and he knows which ones he wants to continue to pursue.

“I defnitely want an ACC title,” Robinson said. “It’s been two years since I had my last one.”

Robinson also has his sights set on another national title and Paris for the Olympics. Trials for the Olympics are in June.

Miami Athletics // Contributed Photo

Senior Russell Robinson competes at the NCAA indoor championships from March 7–9 in Boston.