The Minaret

University of Tampa

Vol. 75 No. 1

www.theminaretonline.com

minaret@ut.edu

August 22, 2008

Ashley Plaza Hotel to be Used Again for Overflow Housing

By Ellery McCardle News Editor

With UT dorms full, some students were forced to live offcampus.

Despite hopes of starting off freshman year right, some UT students were assigned to the Howard Johnson Hotel. But Residence Hall Association President Molly Murphy says students can make or break their college experience no matter where they live.

“Of course living in the hotel will take some getting used to, but I know that the RA’s and the Hall Council will plan great activities for the residents there. We are always ready to help make someone’s oncampus experience better. ” said Murphy..

Being in a different location, Muprhy says the RA’s in the hotel will still have to do the same duties as an on-campus RA. “The Howard Johnson hall council will be run exactly like our hall councils on campus. They See

“HoJo” [2]

Campus in Motion Between construction workers, incoming and returning students, parents and a new mailroom, UT’s campus is awash in a level of activity only attainable during these last few weeks of August.

From the top left, clockwise: A road closure outside of Sykes COB; an artists rendering of the new chapel; Senior Corey Perich helps move in; a look through a mailbox

Cutting the Line: Post Office Renovates

WELCOME to Mailboxes moved to Riverside, 500 more added in effort to shorten waits The Minaret By Charlie Hambos Kathy Fryer, UT’s Post Office Since the move and expansion “I anticipate no problems,” If you’re reading this, you hopefully picked up a copy of The University of Tampa’s only student newspaper. We thank you and hope you pick it up again next week, and the next week, and so on.

Most of the hands holding this newspaper are reading it for the first time. We welcome you to UT and wish you the best of luck in your years here.

What will you find in The Minaret? We are your only source of campus news, sports, opinion and entertainment.

When something happens at UT, The Minaret is the first to know.

Keep up to date with our Web site, www.theminaretonline. com for the latest in UT news.

If you really love us, come write for us. We’re waiting!

Inside ...

Asst. Editor-in-chief

The days of receiving the slip of confirmation to pick up your package at Riverside for that small window of time are over. The new post office has the facilities to bring both the services together making life easier for students and staff, now providing full postal services.

In July, the Post Office on the first floor of the Science Wing of Plant Hall closed its doors forever and the student mailboxes were relocated to Riverside where they would join an additional 500 student boxes in the new mail room.

All continuing students must report to the Post Office to receive their new lock combinations.

Student box numbers will remain the same.

“Phantom Schedule” Updates[3]

Supervisor, said that growth is the ultimate reason for the move to Riverside Center. There is now a total of 5,930 boxes.

Fryer, however did not mention the possibility the move had anything to do with the US Postal Inspection Service’s investigation earlier in the spring semester.

One major change to the postal service will be the ability for students to pick up both mail and packages in the same location.

Another change is the hours of operation now lasting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All services will be available during those times.

Some feel that 10 a.m. is a little late for the Post Office to open, but Fryer defends that time.

“The first delivery is between 6:30 a.m.-7 a.m. Due to growth, that time is needed to sort and to be in boxes by 10 a.m.,” she said.

Professor Dies [3]

is quite a leap for the UT postal service, the changes could cause some mix-ups in the mail sorting and distributing.

However, the Post Office supervisor asserts that everything will be under control.

See

“Postal” [2]

5,930 mailboxes fill the new post office. Photo by Peter Arrabal

An Unimaginable Loss [4]

Taste of Tampa [12] Metroid Marathon [13]

Fryer said.

The new facility will provide full postal services except International Express Shipping.

Shipping will only be available

Who is Mike Gilmer?[6]

A Summer Recap ... [3] Features ...............[6-7] Commentary......[8-10] Editorial.................. [8] A&E ................[12-13] Sports ..............[14-16]

“Life is full of misery, loneliness and suffering. And it’s all over much too soon.” [Woody Allen]

2

News

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Howard Johnson Hotel Used for Student Housing “HoJo”: Front

Editor-in-Chief Peter Arrabal parrabal@gmail.com

Asst. Editor-in-Chief Charlie Hambos chambos@ut.edu

News Editor Ellery McCardle minaret.news@gmail.com

Commentary Editor Derrick Austin minaret.commentary@gmail.com

Sports Editor Bobby Winsler

minaret.sports@gmail.com

A&E Editor Mel Steiner minaret.arts@gmail.com

Features Editor Joshua Kratovil

will still be expected to attend RHA meetings and plan their own activities and events.”

The Minaret contacted ResLife on June 18 and asked about a hotel being used for housing.

ResLife President Krystal Schofield explained that there was no way to know if an overflow facility was needed.

ResLife needed time to process student deposits and applications after their June 12 deadline for housing deposits.

“Once those processes are completed, both Admissions and ResLife work together to get an accurate assessment of how the yield will develop into full time undergraduate students for the fall,” she said.

The reason for using the Howard Johnson? Schofield said it is so the University did not have to turn down any new students.

“The University of Tampa works hard to find the right balance between the number of continuing

students we house for the upcoming year and the number of vacancies we have available for new students,” said Schofield.

However there is a change of hotel than in previous years.

The Hyatt was used during the 2006-2007 school year. Schofield says the change to the newlyrenovated Howard Johnson was because the hotel was able to provide the space at such a late date.

“We have worked with this staff many times before. They were aware of the needs of our students and staff.”

With an estimate of 70 students living in the Howard Johnson, this number changes daily as students either defer their contract with UT or decide to attend. These students will fill just over one floor at the hotel, and three RA’s and one Head Resident will be assigned there.

Students already assigned to an on-campus dorm will not be moved to the hotel.

Ellery McCardle can be reached at emccardle@ut.edu

minaret.features@gmail.com

Online Alex Vera

avera813@tampabay.rr.com

Head Photographer Mindy Tucker mtucker@ut.edu

Adviser Charles McKenzie charles.mckenzie@ut.edu

Staff-At-Large Sarah Gottlieb, Asst. News Editor Elizabeth Harrington, Reporter Julia Bodwell, Reporter Jenna Angradi, Features Sara Haun, Features Zach Fraser, A&E Austin Daniels, Cartoonist Max Roberts, Artist Shanette Lewis, Photographer Elizabeth Harm, A&E Jesse Yomtov, Sports Natalie Insogna, A&E Shannon Grippando, Writer Photo by Sarah Gottlieb

You can reach The Minaret directly at (813) 257-3636

The Minaret is a weekly student-run publication of the University of Tampa. As a student organization, The Minaret invites all students to take part in its production. Inquiries and comments may be sent to ut.minaret@gmail.com

Check out TheMinaretOnline.com for up-to-the-minute information on top stories and breaking news.

Your first two copies of The Minaret are free.

Each additional copy is $1.00.

Post Office Moves to Riverside Center “Postal”: Front

through the United Stated Postal Service, but they will receive packages delivered by FedEx, UPS and DHL. Although, most post offices in the country send and receive mail on Saturday the UT Post Office will not be open on weekends.

“There is no mail or packages delivered on Saturday,” said Fryer.

As the hustle and bustle of the semester starts in a few weeks the staff of the UT Post Office will do their best to continue to meet the demands of our growing campus.

To help ease the process during the first week of school, the post office will be open on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for students to pick up packages.

According to Rod Plowman, Vice President of Administrative Services, the old mail room in the Plant Hall will be renovated to

house the new Registrar’s office.

The completion depends on other projects happening on campus.

GO ONLINE Get placed in the HoJo? Leave a comment on our Web site,

www.theminaretonline.com

The driving route from Vaughn Center (A) to the hotel (B). Source:GoogleMaps

3

News

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

News from the Summer

• Phantom Schedule

• Former Prof. Dies • Skipton’s Pick • SG Report... almost

“The Phantom Schedule”: An Update Moreno gets a new job, EEOC declines to mediate, and no new evidence appears in investigation

By Peter Arrabal and Charlie Hambos

More than a month after a terminated security officer unveiled an alleged scheme to pay personnel for extended weekends, little more information has come forward.

Anthony Moreno, who was terminated on June 30 for back-toback personnel violations, claimed that the midnight shift officers were paid to stay home on certain nights without taking sick or vacation pay. Campus Safety and Security officials declined to show any proof that the officers did come in for work those days, but did reference internal audits that showed no wrongdoing.

Moreno also filed a claim of discrimination with the Equal Opportunity Employment Office, but the EEOC declined to mediate a meeting between Moreno and UT. “I think that says it all,” said Assistant Director of Security K e v i n Moreno Howell in reference to the EEOC’s decision.

Moreno also sought unemployment compensation, but was initially denied as UT claimed he was fired for wrongdoing. He has recently taken classes to sell life insurance in Florida.

After the initial claims, UT officials said it was Moreno who was retaliating, in return for his termination. They said several audits have repeatedly shown no evidence of impropriety but

declined to share the audits’ details or evidence.

The controversy stems from a document that Moreno claimed is a schedule of when officers will stay home but still get paid, essentially giving them three- and four-day weekends with a regular week’s pay. UT officials were not been able to offer a detailed alternate explanation of the document or provide camera footage or card-swipe data that refutes it, citing privacy laws and refusing to provide even redacted proof.

T H E “ P H A N T O M SCHEDULE” Moreno and security agree that UT typically needs at least six personnel on campus at all times (two for each of the three zones).

During the slow winter and summer breaks, however, only three or four members of the staff would arrive for work, Moreno said. The rest got paid for staying home, what Moreno called a potentially dangerous fringe benefit for those working the midnight shift yearround.

Kevin Howell said it is true that a larger summer staff might seem unnecessary because there are fewer students on campus, but with construction traffic and various camps occurring on campus, more officers were necessary. Howell said his office needs at least three officers on patrol, one officer in Austin where summer session students are housed and others in dorms when camps are in town.

This typically means a total of six officers.

This is how Moreno said the scam worked. Though payroll records would show six security guards were paid to show up, the “phantom schedule” detailed who was working, who was on vacation and who was on the clock but not

Former UT Accounting Professor Dies UT administration is sad to announce that Mickey Perlow, former professor of Accounting (1980 to 1998) died on Friday, Aug, 8.

“We unite in mourning with his family, friends, students, and colleagues,” stated a joint global email from President Ronald L. Vaughn and Provost Janet McNew. Perlow is survived by his wife, Judy Perlow, a former UT employee, two daughters and two granddaughters.

not know specifically what the rotation was or what the symbols referred to. If they were rotations, whatever they were almost always actually at work. The “nights off” occurred around officers’ two rotated between all nine officers days off, giving them three- and on the shift, Moreno said. He gave four-day weekends if Moreno is The Minaret a copy of what he says correct. Howell and Smith referred were the first eight weeks of this questions to night supervisor Jay summer’s phantom schedule.

Henderson who they said created The alleged schedules show a the document, which Moreno later list of security personnel with dates took and copied, they said. They also across the top. Moreno said a “W” said Henderson had given Popovich, means a person is working, and a but not them, an explanation of “+” means that person is paid but Moreno’s document. stays home.

Moreno said there was no Other symbols indicate when rotation in security and that HR an officer is at training or has and Popovich would have difficulty taken vacation time or the day off. uncovering the scheme because Officials show Hambos the July 5 only the security officers and their schedule, well after Moreno’s letter direct supervisors knew about it, had arrived. The only schedule including Mascenik, who Moreno that security says looked shared showed the the other three people that way.

GO ONLINE were previously Howell Do you feel secure? scheduled on that offered the Leave a comment on our day’s “phantom most direct Web site, schedule” were assessment of www.theminaretonline.com either out sick or Moreno and on vacation that his claims. day.

“He [Moreno] is a liar,” Howell But UT officials stated firmly said, “I am disappointed that he that Moreno is lying.

[Moreno] would make allegations “We used the time sheets, about friends.” roll call and equipment inventory He added that the “phantom to prove the allegations were schedule” never existed and that incorrect,” said human resources anyone can come into the security director Donna Popovich, . office to see who is working at any A separate audit was performed time. Smith also attested that all

by Richard Ogorek, associate vice necessary officers were there during president for administration and the time period under question. finance, and also found nothing Moreno, however, claims wrong. that he was handed the “phantom Popovich said the “phantom schedule,” and everyone else on the schedule” documents were not what shift had one too.

Moreno said they were.

The Minaret could not confirm “That is not a time record... whether other officers had the That sheet is a scheduling device in alleged schedules in their possession order to ensure a rotation of hours or what the document even meant. among officers,” she said.

Attempts to contact other officers Howell and Jackie Smith, were unanswered, and personnel a night supervisor, also said the answering phones in the security document showed the rotation of office declined to put reporters in officers, though they said they did touch with officers, saying only

supervisors could speak to the paper.

Reason for Termination T h e p a t h t o M o r e n o ’s termination started May 11, he says, when he and two other officers were assigned to go through the empty residence halls and make sure the doors were locked and all students were gone.

The halls were filled with abandoned property, Moreno said, so he and the other two officers decided to remove some valuable property they found. Maintenance and housekeeping staff regularly did this after students move out, he said. They placed it behind a desk in Stadium Center, he said.

When a student complained that his property had been stolen, a security investigation showed Moreno and his fellow officers leaving the residence hall with the baseball bat and glove.

Moreno said he was confronted about the property and returned it within an hour because it was still on campus, hidden in the Stadium Center security closet. He and the other two officers received the highest level reprimand: “Final warning before termination.” Any further violation would result in their firing.

Just over a month later, Moreno was terminated for what he said was a uniform violation. He had earlier received permission to wear black tennis shoes instead of his duty shoes during athletic events and offseason hours, however, he says this was his final offense, all UT needed to fire him.

Moreno contacted the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, saying he had been improperly treated because of his Hispanic race. They declined to mediate between UT and Moreno.

Ellery McCardle contributed to this story. Peter Arrabal can be contacted at parrabal@gmail.com and Charlie Hambos at chambos@ ut.edu

Business Prof Endorses McCain’s Economic Plan

First SG Meeting is Coming Soon!

Register to get our online edition at www.theminaretonline. com!!

Business professor Chuck Skipton and more than 300 professional economists signed a statement of support of John McCain’s Jobs for America economic plan, McCain’s campaign announced last month.

The list includes Nobel Prize winners, business economists with experience in the private sector, policy economists with experience in government and academic economists.

Before the 2004 election, Skipton also signed a letter supporting Bush’s plan for economic growth. Bush, like McCain, is a Republican.

“I believe growth can be achieved by low taxes and stabili-

ty,” Skipton told the St. Petersburg Times in 2004.

Skipton, an assistant professor, teaches microeconomics and

public finance and worked for the Joint Economic Committee in the U.S. Congress in 1999 to 2000.

Compiled from wire reports.

McCain greets a UT student during his January visit to campus. File photo

News

4

An “Unimaginable Loss”:

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Incoming student loses life in car crash

By Sarah Gottlieb Asst. News Editor

In late July, the University of Tampa suffered the loss of someone it should -- but will never -- know.

A fiery head-on collision that Sunday claimed the life of incoming UT freshman Caitlin Currey, 18, and her boyfriend. The Tennessee music student and three close friends were traveling on a Kentucky interstate when their Chevrolet crossed the median and hit a tractortrailer head on. Both vehicles erupted into flames. Currey and her three friends died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Currey was dating fellow musician Jackson Harris, 19, the class valedictorian. In his graduation speech, he declared his love for Currey, The Tennessean reported.

The two couples, who planned to date long-distance in the fall, were making the most of their summer, going on a double-date to an amusement park.

“He was enamored with her,” Mary Currey, Caitlin’s mother, told the paper. “And she loved him.”

Currey’s father was also looking for answers.

“Something went terribly wrong, and we don’t know what,” David Currey told the paper. “It’s hard for anyone to lose a child, and we don’t think our loss is more exceptionally painful than anyone else’s. We just feel these were some extraordinarily talented young people.”

Police investigating the accident say Harris was driving and are still trying to determine what caused the car to cross the median, but officials told Tennessee media that they do not believe alcohol was a factor. The other couple who died was Ryan Williams, 19, a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design; and Caitlin Lee, 20, an incoming junior at Guilford College in North Carolina.

The two young men were like brothers and had much in common, both even having girlfriends named Caitlin.

Currey, a recent graduate of East Literature Magnet High School in Nashville, Tenn., was coming back from a trip to Ohio’s King’s Island amusement park with her friends, all whom she met through her high

school band, in which she played beside her the first day at lunch. the flute.

“She was known for her According to the Tennessean, sweet high-pitched voice that was the Assistant Principal of the high recognizable from a mile away, for school Caitlin attended, Tim Caher, her twinkling blue eyes as she lit up said the four were a great group a room, and her charming smile that of kids who all helped around the could make any gloomy thought school office. disappear,” Quirante said. “She was “They had so much life and that person that brought the sun and energy,” Caher told the Tennessean. warmth on a cold, rainy day.”

“It’s just terrible. We’re in complete Quirante said that she and shock and we’re just so broken- Currey often traveled together with hearted.” one of their families. Trips included Currey was planning on joining visits to Florida and Gatlinburg. the Spartan Band at UT when she “We had so many great times entered this fall. She wanted to traveling,” Quirante remembered. study music and eventually become “We wanted to travel the world a music therapist. together.”

Dr. Jeff Traster, UT Director of During their travel trips, Currey Bands and Chair of the Department often tried to introduce her friend to of Music at UT said that Currey movies and music she liked. “She was supposed to play for both always wanted to watch different the Spartan Band and the Wind movies exposing me to her taste in Ensemble. She was also scheduled great movies like Amelie as well to come in early as listen to to practice for different kinds GO ONLINE the band events of music that I orientation and Post your thoughts and love listening their performance memories of Caitlin on to today,” said f o r t h e R a y s our Web site, Quirante.

Baseball game in www.theminaretonline.com Quirante October. said that the Traster, who two would had been in contact with Currey often just laugh for no reason. “We since her audition in the spring, said wouldn’t laugh at anything at all that his impressions of Currey as a but just because we were happy,” flute player were “very good” and she said. “Regardless of her quiet that she was a “fine player.” nature when you first meet her, she Memories was full of life talking to no end, Currey and her best friend, making sure you smile by the end Christie Quirante, were planning of your conversation.” on traveling to Tampa together this Quirante described her friend month to start their freshman year as thoughtful, helpful, inspiring, at college. While Currey planned dedicated , and, “the most lovable to go to UT, Quirante decided on person you could ever meet.”

USF. Quirante described Currey as “She loved her family more her “best friend in the world” and as than anything in the world,” someone she would never forget.

Quirante said. “[She] was so “In everyone’s life, there is dedicated to her athletics and music. always going to be that person who Everything that she set her mind to will always stay by your side, who she would succeed without a doubt. will make you laugh with some There is just so much about her sarcastic tone or who will just lend that words would never be able to an ear or a shoulder when needed,” describe unless you met her.”

Quirante wrote in an e-mail to More Memories The Minaret. “Every person has After the tragic accident, a a Caitlin.”

Facebook group was created in Quirante met Currey when the memoriam of Currey and her three two started their first day of school friends. Nicole Knowles-Kidd, in the seventh grade. Quirante said one member of the group, says she Currey had been too shy to try to has known Currey since she was talk to anyone, but the two instantly a baby. Knowles-Kidd said that became friends when Quirante sat the two knew each other through

Currey (left) was an avid flute player and planned to join the Spartan Band.

Photos courtesy Cathy Forester

Currey’s yearbook adviser submitted this photo to show her “true beauty.”

church. Both of their families are part of Nashville’s Glencliff Presbyterian Church, which both of their grandparents helped found.

Caitlin is survived by her parents and, according to KnowlesKidd, an older sister named Sara.

“I don’t think I have ever seen Caitlin mad or even act upset,” said Knowles-Kidd. “She was one of the happiest and sweetest people you could ever meet. I know people say that a lot whenever someone passes away, but it was really true of Caitlin Currey.”

Knowles-Kidd also said that Caitlin was extremely smart and mature for her age. “I know that her whole family was so excited about her going to college soon,” she said.

Former Teacher Comments One of Currey’s Tennessee teachers sent in her memories via e-mail.

“I had Caitlin in seventh, ninth, and tenth grade English and knew her very well,” wrote Cathy Forester. “She was a truly beautiful person, vivacious, kind, smart, always smiling, a bright star, a good reader and writer--she was named Most Literary her Freshman year--a regular in the library...In our light-hearted Senior Superlatives, she was voted ‘Most Likely Never to Get Caught Doing Something Bad.’ She just always seemed to be having fun. So vivacious, so sweet.”

UT Response Other tributes flowed into the Facebook memorial group, including the sentiments of those who would be in Currey’s class this year.

Because Currey died before she could ever step in a UT classroom, she knew few Tampa students.

Her roommate-to-be Alexa Guarni was shocked to hear the news.

“I didn’t know a lot about her because we only talked once but I know that she was a very nice girl,” Guarni said.

Others, who also never had the opportunity to meet Caitlin, described how her death may have changed their perspective.

Lissette Moronta said that Currey’s death affected her a lot, though she never had the chance to speak to her. “I felt as if I had some connection to her cause it hurt to hear about it,” she wrote on the Facebook group. “Here we are all excited to start college because its going to be a new experience in our lives and everythings going to be perfect... and at the moment most feel unstoppable. It’s tragic how quickly those dreams and thoughts can be swept away from us.”

Another student, Marco Duverseau, wrote “the essential we see here is that life is short and you should live every minute of it to the fullest.”

Arrangements Services for Currey were held on Saturday, August 2 at the Glencliff Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn.

In lieu of flowers, Currey’s father asked for donations to a fund at her high school that will be used to assist music students who cannot afford instruments, music and lessons.

Sarah Gottlieb can be contacted at sgottlieb@ut.edu

She was described as “a truly beautiful person, vivacious, kind, smart...”

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Features

6

A Disciplinarian He’s Not

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Judicial Coordinator Mike Gilmer’s laid-back attitude, love of gaming and sense of humor often overlooked or ignored by students Josh Kratovil Features Editor

Most school officials wouldn’t deign to compare themselves to a cartoon character, and even fewer would choose an Adult Swim character for the comparison.

But when Judicial Coordinator Mike Gilmer was faced with this question, his response was quick.

Gilmer chose Hank Venture and easily backed up his decision.

“I think Hank always assumes t h e b e s t . H e ’s a l w a y s v e r y optimistic,” Gilmer explained.

“He’s eager to meet new people, he’s kinda into superheroes and stuff like that, [which is] fun too.”

An avid gamer, Adult Swim watcher and former Red Lobster employee, Mike Gilmer stands in stark contrast to the majority of Student Conduct figures on other college campuses, and as a result is often better able to relate to students who come into his office.

He’s quick to talk about his interests outside of the realm of conduct whenever asked.

Gilmer recalled one Venture Brothers episode where one of the henchmen was talking to Hank and said, ‘You realize you can’t die, don’t you?’’

“Of course [the henchmen] think they’ve killed him every time, and he keeps coming back, so they think he’s immortal … though it turns out he’s a clone,” Gilmer chuckled. “[I enjoy] how silly it is to have arch villains that really just can’t complete the job.”

I n k e e p i n g w i t h U T ’s progressive Conduct system, Gilmer has himself taken a different approach to his interaction with the students on campus.

“Mike welcomes student input and readily makes himself available to all students,” said Associate Dean of Students Gina Firth. “[He] values students and student experience … [and] is passionate about student involvement and student voice.”

Gilmer’s passion is reflected in his dedication to the office and his coworkers.

“Mike is incredibly patient and truly gifted as a person. He is so interested in being acquainted with

all of his coworkers as well as all of the students who come through our office,” said Conduct staff assistant Kyra Williams. “He is capable and enjoys conversing with students about things aside from conduct,” she explained. “He is the kind of person who I believe is genuinely happy when he can put a smile on someone’s face.”

“Michael has brought a wonderful sense of humor to the campus,” agreed Office of Student Leadership and Engagement staffer Cheryl Chernoff. “He has this dead pan expression when he talks and we never know whether he’s kidding or telling the truth … he puts his own spin on the situation.” “[Gilmer] has a quirky sense of humor that keeps us laughing,” Firth said.

Interestingly, what often makes Gilmer smile biggest is putting a frown on other players’ faces during online gaming sessions, especially in first-person shooter type games, where the player often assumes the role of the titular character and gets an up-close view of the action.

His favorite?

“Command and Conquer Renegade,” Gilmer said. “I’ve been playing that for … well, it came out in 2003, and I still play it. There’s probably only about 500 people that still play it total, but it’s one of my favorites because I love Command and Conquer.”

Gilmer said the mixing of real time strategy and first person shooter genres was unique, and the fact that it was a Command and Conquer – themed game only sweetened the deal.

“I also like Battlefield 2, that’s another game that I play a lot,” Gilmer said. “I also play Neverwinter Nights and Command and Conquer 3 as well.”

What Gilmer plays depends on his mood – sometimes, the storylinebased action of Neverwinter Nights is more appealing, while other times being in charge of his own personal army via Command and Conquer is his entertainment of choice.

Gilmer noted that while he’s “still working” on acquiring a Playstation 3, he (and his wife, Amanda) agree that purchasing

Gilmer’s taste in pop culture isn’t all that different from the students sitting across the desk from him.

Photo by Mindy Tucker

Gilmer’s office belies his colorful personality and quirky sense of humor.

their first home takes precedence.

He also feels that such a new toy could be a distraction to his plans to return to school, as well.

“I know my own tendencies for procrastination,” he joked. “Would you rather study classwork or play a first person shooter? Come on! I’d play the first person shooter!”

Gilmer enjoys that his wife embraces his love of gaming, in fact, simple decisions such as who cleans the kitchen are often decided with a Mario Kart race.

“He’s a real person with a life and interests outside of work and conveys that through conversation,” said Williams. “I think it’s really nice that he has the ability to do that with the students, so people don’t think he’s just a disciplinarian.”

As a matter of fact, Gilmer said his path in life hasn’t been quite as he’s anticipated, not that he’s at all disappointed with the result; the opposite is actually true.

“As with most people who work in student affairs, [I never] got into it on purpose,” Gilmer said.

“Looking back, you can see the intentional strengths throughout, which is kind of a cool thing.”

Gilmer explained that his original intent after college was to be a flight psychologist in the Air Force. However, he found he couldn’t quite get into ROTC life.

“I have nothing but respect for those who do, a lot of my family’s military … it just wasn’t for me,” he said.

As Gilmer began to explore clinical psychology, he found his first true turning point during an internship at a mental rehabilitation clinic.

“I saw that many of the patients had been there for years with no change at all in their behavior … the only change you saw was when they’re on medication and when they’re off medication. That was really disheartening for me,” he continued. “I really didn’t know what I was going to do with myself after that, but I knew what I liked, and that was helping people and making changes in their lives.”

Gilmer does just that every

day in his capacity as Judicial Coordinator at UT. “Mike recognizes the importance of being pro-active in prevention rather than waiting for the students to violate a policy,” said Williams. “He attends conferences and does the research to learn methods of how to inform students about their responsibilities ahead of time. For Mike this is not about disciplining the students, b u t rather an opportunity t o help them to learn from their experiences,” she continued.

Williams said the position involves a lot more than most students or parents realize. “[Gilmer’s] role as Judicial Coordinator is imperative. He completely runs the show for the conduct side of UT from beginning to end. He is proactive in informing students what not to do, then helps the students through the conduct process until they complete the very last sanction,” she explained. “He does so much at this office; hours upon hours of pre-hearings every day, three Conduct boards a week … [Gilmer] talks with parents on the phone ... all of these things can be really emotionally draining, but Mike manages to do it all very professionally and with a smile on his face,” Williams said.

Besides pre-hearings, a sizeable chunk of Gilmer’s time is consumed by phone calls from irate or confused parents. “[Gilmer] is so wonderful in [helping] students’ parents … completely understand we are not punishing their kids [but rather]

Photo by Mindy Tucker

providing them with an experience from which they can reflect and learn,” Williams said.

According to Williams, the gap between previous Judicial Coordinator Angela Lauer ’s departure and Gilmer’s arrival was chaos.

“I have no idea how [Firth and I] did it,” she said.

Firth agrees. “[Gilmer] did an excellent job dealing with a large learning curve while balancing job responsibilities,” she said. “Mike is terrific to work with. He has a strong dedication and passion for student conduct and the education, safety and accountability that it brings to the University Community. He is always positive, even when dealing with highly stressful situations.”

Firth is looking forward to continuing working with Gilmer. “[Gilmer] believes in the student conduct process, and the value that it brings to the community.

Mike is working diligently to continue building the Office of Student Conduct and making constructive changes where necessary to make the office more efficient, consistent and fair,” she said.

After graduation, Gilmer said he spent some time working at a Red Lobster before being offered an Area Coordinator-type position at his alma mater, where he really got his first taste of student affairs.

See

“Gilmer” [7]

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Features

U. Utah researchers develop Iron Man-like suit

Photo from Daily Utah Chronicle.

Jaime Winston Daily Utah Chronicle

(UWire) - When "Iron Man" comic book hero Tony Stark was kidnapped by terrorists and forced to build a weapon of mass destruction, he instead created a mechanical suit that gave him incomparable strength and the ability to fly.

Now University of Utah re-

“Gilmer” : 6 He said one incident on campus drove his decision about what to do next in life.

The incident involved a keg party where students ran into and hid in a room in order to avoid being busted, Gilmer said.

As his employer was a public university, when Gilmer knocked, the snickering students behind the door were not obligated to open the door, as public university students maintain the right to not open a door if a search warrant is not

searchers have built a suit that will protect soldiers in combat by giving them increased strength and endurance.

"It's the same thing, but we don't quite have the glowing light thing in the chest or (the ability to) knock airplanes out of the sky," Jacobsen said. The suit will instead be used to reduce troop sizes and prevent casualties.

The suit, which moves when muscles interact with built-in electrodes, could replace a group of people engaged in tasks such as carrying water or supplies.

"What you want to do is reduce the number of people in combat," Jacobsen said. "You can have less people out there and be more agile."

Jacobsen and his team at Raytheon Sarcos, a technological facility in the University's Research Park, finished the first version of the suit a year ago. The person

wearing the suit holds handles that signal the direction of his or her movements.

The army will begin evaluating the second version when it comes out a year from now. The third version, which will be released in two years, will focus on specific applications like transporting material.

If it's a success, it won't only be used by the military, Jacobsen said. He envisions the exoskeleton being used in hospitals, safely carrying patients and helping those who are paralyzed. It could also one day be used in firefighting and construction.

Current versions of the suit allow the operator to walk comfortably at 3.5 mph and run at 5.5 mph while carrying 150 lbs.

The upper portion of the exoskeleton allows 40 lbs. to be held with a fully extended arm indefinitely.

presented.

When a campus police officer arrived and knocked, with a similar response, the officer turned to Gilmer and said, “Have a nice night,” before walking away with nothing resolved.

“I was so dumbfounded,” Gilmer recalled. “I think for me, that’s when I decided I never wanted to work at a public institution again.”

Gilmer said he felt a private university would allow him to get more involved and to do more to educate students about the

consequences of certain behaviors and choices.

“Our hands were tied,” he said.

“I didn’t want to put them through a legal process, but I did want to let them know what they were doing was not good for the community.”

It’s clear that Gilmer still abides by this philosophy today, as sanctions provided by Conduct boards are becoming more constructive and educational, rather than punitive.

In fact, one of the things Gilmer would like to see changed about the Conduct process is how students

7

People We Love Cheryl Chernoff Why:

Cheryl was instrumental in getting early-arriving Minaret staffers back into the office to start working on this orientation issue of the paper in time for deadline. Cheryl also makes sure our ad revenue checks get deposited correctly each week so we can get paid -- thanks, Cheryl!!

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Drop by VC 211 for info. who have gone through a hearing react and what they have learned from their sanctions.

This is an area which the University cannot explore with its current staff. Fortunately, Gilmer said that such an “endgame” system could be in place within the next 5 years.

Another change Gilmer would like to see would be the addition of representatives to the Conduct board to form a more “macro” perspective of the campus community.

He said this might include having a representative appointed

by SG in the same way that Reslife appoints a representative already.

In terms of what type of students seem most likely to come through the process, Gilmer said it’s a “mixed bag.”

“We have students come through the office with outstanding GPA’s and students with very low GPA’s,” he said. “Involvement is one of the major issues I’m really interested in. I want students to really have a positive experience in college.”

Josh Kratovil can be reached via e-mail at jkratovil@ut.edu.

8

Commentary

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

EDITORIAL: Start Me Up Students returned this week to a drastically different campus.

Buildings were gone, parking spots evaporated and thousands of new faces dotted residence hall windows.

It’s a sign of a growing university and an evolving educational landscape. UT has seen phenomenal growth in the past few years, with new dorms being built left and right. And it wasn’t enough.

New students have been placed in the Howard Johnson Ashley Plaza Hotel. It wasn’t necessary last year, and in the 2006-2007 school year, students were put up in the downtown Hyatt.

Only people who are in their fourth year or beyond have experienced the Ashley Plaza and know what a hassle it is to wait for the shuttle to the off-campus housing.

The announcement of the new Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values is certainly exciting and the design is breathtaking. However, putting a chapel in the middle of a nondenominational campus is sure to draw criticism.

There is nothing wrong with a chapel at a non-religious school, but making it the centerpiece

of campus could be viewed as a shift of the entire mission of the university.

We are sure that UT loved the gift of Mr. Sykes, but the controversial announcement came when students were away from school and couldn’t vocally protest.

Comments left on The Minaret’s website indicate a serious unhappiness with the decision, but a gratefulness for the donation. It’s part of a huge change on campus, with buildings dropping like flies and new establishments going up in their places.

Will the growth be good for UT? Many express concerns that there are too many new students being added without new professors and residence halls. This is a serious concern that should raise eyebrows in the community. Will UT maintain their exceptional student-to-teacher ratios? Will the educational experience drop in favor of higher enrollment numbers?

Only time will tell, and the only way to know is to take it one year at a time. UT is an interesting and evolving school with a track record of success and strife. A new year means a renewed mission for The Minaret.

We are the only on-campus newspaper at the University of

Tampa. We are run by students and take the interests of fellow students to heart. We want to hear what you are concerned with and we want to stand up for your rights.

We want to report your news and the news that affects the campus and the UT community.

We are your source for everything that goes on around here and you should look to us to answer your questions.

As we are student run and student funded, we take ides and accusations very seriously. We are the voice of the community and never want to shout a story in error. We will print what we know, and we can print nothing more.

When we are right, we will print it. When we are wrong, we will correct it, but we can’t know we are wrong until we are proven wrong. The Minaret is open to suggestions and criticisms, and we only ask that they be fair and truthful. We will do the same in our reporting.

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year. It is a time for change and a time for growth.

The Minaret will be here every week with news, commentary, arts & entertainment and Spartan sports. Check it out.

& Michael Phelps

Mark Spitz

Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac

Bob Saget

Dara Torres

Jeers

Olympic Swimmers Under 40

Joker Imitations

Dressing up as the Joker

Beijing

London 2012

Cheers

Annie Hall

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Bigfoot

Nessie

Move-in Team

Actually moving all your crap in

Off-campus incentives

Revoking the offcampus incentive

Return to campus

Starting classes again

The Most Amazing Words I’ve Ever Heard

A student recounts how community service has altered her college experience

Katie Hayward Staff Writer

Community service has been a way of life for me for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen music put a smile on an elderly person’s face. I’ve watched parks appear in hours, constructed by hundreds of individuals. I’ve been amazed by the stories of homeless men and women as they cherished their one meal a day. I’ve been changed by the look in a sick child’s eyes as they opened a card or gift. To be honest, there isn’t much I haven’t seen in the way of service.

Hundreds of service minded people have come in and out of my life, leaving profound impressions of sincerity, compassion, and genuine love for those less fortunate.

I often remember the faces of individuals I have painted, served food, or walked side by side with while volunteering even if I don’t remember their names. I remember the things they have said along with those faces.

After an entire life of service, I was shocked and truly moved when I heard a fellow RA say something last night.

As we participated in the OxFam Hunger Banquet, an event that brings awareness to the drastic

issues of poverty facing the world, many RA’s were moved to tears.

Some because they had actually lived through what we were learning about, others because they felt lost or hopeless as to how they could help.

And those that were shocked or simply saddened to see their fellow staff members upset.

At the end of the dinner, I sat with two people who shared stories of their lives growing up.

Lives that were encased in poverty, but whose background helped them to become the serviceminded people they are today.

One mentioned, “This campus could do so much if they only understood. If they only knew we could make a huge difference.”

Another RA who had joined us said something that brought me to tears. Mind you, I cry fairly easily but this wasn’t your teary-eyedpull-yourself-together-in-a-quicksecond kind of crying.

This was a red-faced-need-atissue-you-look-like-a-hot-mess kind of crying. She explained that she was one of those who didn’t understand.

She asked in the most sincere voice I can ever remember hearing, “Can you please help me to understand?”

She explained her desire to relate, to just get it. “I am already a humble person, but please help me to be more humble. I want you to do this for me, and I promise I will do something for you.” “...help me to be more

Photo courtesy of Katie Hayward

humble.”

I’ve never heard anyone say this before.

“I promise I will do something for you.”

This was the most selfless request.

-Simply explain to her what poverty is like. Help her to understand what it is people experience so she can make a difference. But she’ll also return the favor. Those were the most amazing words I’ve ever heard.

Send your Letters to the Editor to The Minaret: minaret.commentary@gmail.com

Commentary Words of Advice for the Next Generation

9

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Guidance to freshmen from students who’ve graduated and are still here Derrick Austin Commentary Editor

Why does summer always seem to be over in a second? With the end of another vacation season, UT is once again crammed with bustling undergraduates.

Second year and beyond students stroll around with the disaffected casualness only they can possess while the new group of freshmen—between wandering in the baroque interior of Plant Hall and planning their next trip to Ybor City—are simply trying to make it.

Make it in a new environment with new people, a new system of rules, and a new way of life. But, frankly, college is not that complicated.

So to the next generation here are two bits of advice for your next four years of UT life: Be real. Try everything.

The first thing most freshmen will learn, and they’ll probably learn it quick, is that being an authentic person is the easiest route to new relationships and respect among peers.

High school is done. Leave the masks and roles behind. Whether you were the top dog, or the beauty queen, or the quiet kid in the corner, or the person who won every single award back home, it doesn’t matter.

Tabula Rasa. This is your chance to make a fresh first impression. Don’t let your social history bog you down.

Just be a genuine, open person—not a conceited stereotype determined to transform your college experience into high school part two.

Besides, why would you want to relive high school?

The next tidbit comes with

Senior “College is what you make of it. If you want it to be just like high school it will, if you want a different experience make it happen.

Always take a chance. Don’t not take a class because ‘Rate my Photo by Steve Woods / sxc.hu Professor’ says it a warning of judicial common will be hard. Join at least two sense. Once in Tampa, try not clubs, one that you are interested to loose your mind with your in and feel comfortable in and newfound autonomy. Be safe, and one that makes you stretch your be careful. comfort zone and think outside With the obligatory motherly the box. Stay up too late, go talk out of the way remember that out too often, ask too many college is packed with one in a questions, and read more than lifetime opportunities. what is required, because at the It’s a bit like Never Never end of four years you are only Land: paradise while you’re here, going to get what you put in.” but once you’re gone it’s over. So Randi Timonere, Alumni take advantage of every occasion.

“Put yourself out there and Mingle with people you meet as many people as you can wouldn’t ordinarily socialize with; because everyone is in the same go to sports games, art shows, plays, boat. And be nice to the people open mics, music performances; who feed you; especially be nice take that class you’re interested in to the people who feed you!” and make the most of the classes Zach Hines, Sophomore that drive you up the wall, you’ll “Respect and trust and be surprised how much an open go to your professors when mind can change the most boring you’re stressed and need help. of lectures (but sometimes there They become a lifeline for you. are those lectures that can be no Also, no matter how crappy more stimulating than drying paint, you’re doing in school at any such is life). Don’t forget to get off one moment, stay organized; campus once in a while too. it saves you from stress and College is as simple as that. anxiety. And, party when you It’s not something that happens to can.” Lauren Weber, Alumna. you; this is your experience. Shape “Do your readings for your it as you would like to live it. But, classes and there’s no way you here’s some more advice from other can fail—unless you’re a really UT students who have lived and are incompetent human being.” living university life.

Celina Pereira, Sophomore “Don’t procrastinate. And get Derrick Austin can be involved so you can feel part of reached at daustin@ut.edu the UT community.” Alyssa Lum,

10 Changes We Want to See

Staff report

Another summer gone, another school year in motion. With dozens of collective years of experience under our belts, The Minaret staff presents 10 things we want to see change this year.

10) A more commuter-friendly atmosphere. Yes, the campus needs to grow, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the commuters. Make Thomas parking garage commuters only, or at least the first few floors.

West garage is great, but it is still a long walk from West to Plant Hall.

9) Longer library hours. Nerds and crammers will rejoice if the lights don’t flicker at 11:30 p.m. and midnight. If this is truly to become an elite southern school, there has to be a 24-hour center for studying and schoolwork.

8) More professors, smaller entry-level classes. Basic classes shouldn’t be filled to the brim with eager young students. Smaller classes mean more interaction with professors. Hire more professors, but not at the expense of the quality of learning.

7) Open the post office on Saturdays. Most off-campus post offices operate on Saturdays, even if it’s just for sending mail. At least let people pick up their mail on weekends.

6) Better dining hours. Open Salsa Rico on Fridays, keep Jazzman’s open later and have them open up earlier (who needs coffee at 1 p.m.? It’s a midnight or 6 a.m. drink). Have some place open after 1 a.m. so students don’t have to travel to IHOP or Waffle House. Make it a campus icon and be a student’s hero.

5) Progressive conduct policies.

People make mistakes and college students make more than most. A first-time alcohol offense should never result in a removal from campus housing. Policies should

be geared toward rehabilitating and educating students, not punishing them with an iron fist. This is The University of Tampa, not the Gulag of Tampa.

4) A free and open flow of information from administrators.

Don’t announce a controversial and major change to campus after all the students have gone home for the summer. When something goes wrong on campus, the administration should own up to their mistake and go on the record about how they are going to fix it.

Mistakes happen, and cover-ups are unacceptable. Be open and honest with the student population.

3) A fulfillment of campaign promises. Andrew Learned and Kelsey Huth were elected last year on the Obama-ish promise of change (plus some candy and Tampa Bay Storm tickets). Change the alcohol policies, change the security rules, etc. We fully expect them to follow through on these ideas, or face the student population’s wrath by December. Be proactive, studentdefending leaders, SG. 2) Upgrade and extend the McNiff Fitness Center and intramurals program. Open the gym for 24 hours and add new machines. Let students access the intramural fields at all hours of the night. It’s way too hot in August and September to play soccer and football at noon, but midnight is the perfect time. This is an urban campus, and we want to see open space and open access.

1) More student involvement.

Join SG, SP or one of many student organizations (Hint: The Minaret).

Take your time at UT to get into as much as possible and see as many things as the school offers. Go see a soccer game or follow a track meet. Join or start a club. Just get out there and get off your plastic dorm room chair!

10 The Minaret | August 22, 2008 Commentary Students Have Options for Battling Publishers’ Rising Textbook Prices As the price of textbooks rise, students are buying their books wherever they can save

By Vivi Koutrakos The Daily Gamecock, USC (UWIRE) Due to rising tuition, rising gas prices and an overall rise in the standard of living, the last thing students want to do is empty their pockets for textbooks each semester. For students who are tired of spending more on their textbooks than they do on rent, there is still hope.

Buying Used Books/Recycling Used Books There are plenty of ways to save money on your textbooks according to Columbia bookstore managers. Andy Schaffer of the Russell House bookstore, Bruce Wyndham, store manager for the South Carolina Book Store and Jamie Sopko, textbook manager for Addam’s University Bookstore said the key to saving money when buying your textbooks is to shop for used books and shop early.

“A lot of folks on this campus wait until they go to their first or second classes. There is no risk in getting your book early because you have the first full week of classes to make a refund,” Schaeffer said.

“To save the most money, you should definitely go for a used book,” Wyndham said. “You should also shop as early as possible to get the best selection on used books.”

Sopko also said that university

professors are equally as involved as students are in the process.

“It’s important for professors to be involved in the process because if they don’t turn in their list of books by the ‘buyback’ date, we don’t know if the book will be reused.”

A student brochure produced by the National Association of College Stores said the reason students get more money for some textbooks than others during buyback is that the value of a used book depends on whether or not the book will be reassigned the next semester or term.

“Books that are going to be used on campus next term generally have a higher value than books that will be sent to wholesalers for resale elsewhere,” the brochure said.

“The publisher sets the price for new books,” Wyndham said.

“That is where things get pricey.”

According to the National Association of College Stores, on average only 4.9 cents of every bookstore dollar before taxes is an actual profit for the bookstore.

“On average, 65.1 percent of the sticker price on new books goes back to the publisher to cover development of the book and business expenses. The author gets about 11.7 percent in royalties. The freight train that shipped the book gets 1% and the rest goes to the

Cooper library, said the library understands all too well the rising costs of textbooks.

“The main reason the library does not attempt to purchase a copy of all assigned textbooks is fairness.

If one person checks out an assigned textbook, no one else can use it until it is returned,” Geer said. “If we bought enough copies for everyone then we couldn’t afford the other resources you use to write papers or professors use for research.”

Geer said the only obligation the library has to keep up with current textbooks is a student government funded project checking to put a copy out his of textbooks textbooks costing more e a r l y that $100 in a in the class of more than semester from Photo illustrati on by S arah G 100 students in the the library. ottlieb library. They are placed “Thomas Cooper carries some textbooks and if they’re not at on reserve and available for a Thomas Cooper they will be at limited circulation period.

Internet another public library in Columbia Some students worry that they or somewhere in the state,” Arambula said. “And because no may end up with an older edition if one really uses them, they are in they order online but often the only changes from the previous edition pristine condition.”

Gary Geer, a collection are superficial.

A survey completed by the development librarian at Thomas bookstore,” the brochure stated.

Alternate Methods Students are going beyond the bookstore atmosphere. USC students are finding alternate and cheaper venues to purchase their books.

Students are doing more advanced and concentrated research to plan and organize where to buy the m o s t a ff o r d a b l e books. These alternative venues include turning to the Internet and public libraries.

Library B l a k e Arambula, a fourthyear print journalism student, saves money b y

Public Interest Research Groups in 2004 found that 76 percent of faculty members felt that the use of new editions was justified “half the time or less.”

Although many subjects do not need these updates year after year, others require frequent alterations in order to stay up-to-date. Ultimately, students should research both new and previous editions to determine the practicality of purchasing a new edition.

Another alternative to high prices at local bookstores is scbookexchange.com. Originally started by a University of Kentucky student, this student-run online service now has a USC affiliate.

Simply by signing up with your Blackboard user name and password, you can find needed textbooks at significantly reduced prices. The site works similarly to Amazon.com, but matches buyers and sellers directly. It also allows users to set their own prices when selling used books.

The university endorses the Russell House Bookstore, which has been operated by Barnes and Noble since 2001. Part of its sales go back to the university for scholarships.

Still some students save money by simply not purchasing books that professors only reference a few times in class.

“I rarely buy my books,” said Danielle Johnson, a third-year political science student. “I always wait a few weeks to see if we’re even going to use the book.”

Jennifer Carragher contributed to this story.

A Timeless Lesson: Living When There’s ‘Never Enough’ Time written my name at the top of the page. Time was my enemy.

Then one day I began to enjoy the flight of time. I was excited to come back to school and time could no longer torture me with its quick passing.

As a matter of fact, the faster time flew the happier I was. For once in my life, I felt like time was on my side. I felt like we reconciled our relationship.

Not with couple’s therapy but by acknowledging that we were bound together by the strings of fate.

A few days later, our relationship took a turn for the worse; the turn was more like a sudden stop. Minutes felt like hours, hours felt like days, and

days felt like months. What was supposed to be my final two weeks in New Jersey felt like my last four summers combined.

My parents thought I was losing my mind. I found solace only in sleep. Time could not bother me in my dreams, or so I thought. I would wake up expecting to see the sun, only to find the moon staring at me with its crooked crescent

smile.

Time was my enemy, but only because I wished it to be. I had fought so hard against time only to realize that time was not torturing me. Time had taken me under its wing. As it flew, I realized all time was doing was teaching me a lesson.

Don’t fight against time. Everyone’s clock eventually runs out. Life is simply one moment after another.

Fill those moments with passion, love, dignity, knowledge. Time can feel neglect, so don’t waste any of it. My Olympic dreams are only possible if I put in the time to train like an elite athlete. I have wasted enough time in my life; this summer was proof of that. However, I have learned my lesson, so look out Michael Phelps; in 2012 time is on my side.

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By Andrew Lopes Staff Writer Time has no limits, or so I’ve been told. Limitless as it may appear to be, I found myself running out of time rapidly as the fall semester approached.

Accomplishing absolutely nothing t h i s s u m m e r, I begged for more time. More time to accomplish all the subconscious goals I set for myself at the start of summer..

I never found that job I was looking for, nor did I become a gourmet chef.

I didn’t even make it the Olympics to beat Michael Phelps for all eight of his medals, or c r u i s e past Usain Bolt to claim title of World’s Fastest Man. Time simply didn’t allow.

Didn’t allow me to become the hero I keep convincing myself that I am—it laughed in my face as it tortured me.

I felt like the student who falls asleep writing a research paper only to wake up two minutes before class begins to realize that I’ve only

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The Minaret | August 22, 2008

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12

Arts & Entertainment

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Welcome home, Spartans! For some of you, this is your first time away from home. You now have an open range of opportunities right at your fingertips.

Explore the city, travel to the beaches, and feast on the local cuisine! The Minaret staff has compiled a list of our favorite food joints around town. When you’re tired of the cafeteria and need a different flavor, try these to spice up your semester!

Speed dial: Chipotle 533 S. Howard Ave. (813) 254-6450

Thai: Thai Thani 615 Channelside Dr. (813) 228-9200

Mexican: Estela’s Mexican Restuarant 209 E. Davis Blvd.

(813) 251-0558

Bakery/Deli: Alessi Bakery 2909 W. Cypress St. (813) 879-4544

Bar/Restaurant: Bar Louie 2223 N. West Shore Blvd.

(813) 874-1919

Finger Food and Drinks: Ceviche 1502 S. Howard Ave. (813) 250-0203

Place to Bring Your Parents: Roys 4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd.

(813) 873-7697

Mexican runner-up: Algusto Tortilla and Salsa 912 W. Kennedy Blvd.

(813) 250-3500

Pizza Delivery: Pizza Hut 614 W. Platt St. (813) 251-3399

On-the-Go: Panera Bread 709 S. Howard Ave. (813) 253-5888

Wednesday Night Special: The Deck 2202 W. Platt St. (813) 250-1525

Wing Special: The Rack 1809 W. Platt (813) 250-1595

Late Night Munchies: Walgreens 315 W. Platt St. (813) 251-3939

Chinese Delivery: Jade Garden 2420 W. Kennedy Blvd.

(813) 251-2207

Place to get a caffeine infusion late at night: Starbucks 711 S. Howard Ave. # 711 (813) 250-9223

Burger: Five Guys 3841 W. Kennedy Blvd.

(813) 879-0300

Cuban Sandwiches: (a Tampa delicacy) La Teresita 3246 W. Columbus Dr. (813) 879-4909

Place to eat at 4 a.m.: Waffle House 509 N. West Shore Blvd.

(813) 287-8875 Sushi/Japanese: Samurai Blue 1600 E. 8th Ave. (Ybor) (813) 242-6688

Top photo by Walt Hamilton and bottom by Thomas Pate (www.sxc.hu)

Welcome Back, Students!

Move-in Special Bring your parents and this coupon to your local Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery to enjoy these great offers.

Only at Perkins can you enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites any time of the day!

SAVE $5.00 $5.00 Off Any $20.00 Purchase Purchase any regularly priced items totaling $20.00 or more, and use this coupon for $5.00 off your total bill.

Coupon Expires: September 28, 2008.

Valid only at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations.

Breakfast is just the beginning.

One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted.

Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Please present coupon when ordering. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2008 Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc.

FREE APPETIZER With Purchase of Any Two Adult Entrées*

Purchase any two adult entrées at the regular price and receive one appetizer free! *Excludes Seniors’ Menu and Kids’ Menu. Not valid with any other specials or discount programs.

Breakfast is just the beginning.

For a limited time only at participating restaurants. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2008 Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc.

Tampa s .ORTH $ALE -ABRY (IGHWAY s

Coupon Expires: September 28, 2008.

Valid only at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations.

Breakfast is just the beginning.

One coupon per person per visit at participating Perkins® Restaurant & Bakery locations. Not valid with any other discount or offer. Coupon void if purchased, sold or bartered for cash. Only original coupons accepted.

Mutilated, tampered, forged or photocopied coupons are not accepted. Sales tax, if applicable, must be paid by customer. Please present coupon when ordering. Prices may vary in Canada. Printed in the U.S.A. © 2008 Perkins & Marie Callender’s Inc.

13

Arts & Entertainment

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Cooking in the Dorm:

Your Guide For College Cuisine

By Elizabeth Harm Staff Writer

Welcome all Freshmen and returning Spartans to UT! Parental rules are now slacked and your appetite is dictated by a small personal refrigerator and the school menu. However, when you run out of meals on your Spartan card or are strapped for cash, you can always turn to the ramen noodle!

The ramen noodle, or a form of instant noodles, originated in China about 400 years ago. The common Chinese egg noodle became popularized after it was brought over to Japan in the 1800’s and renamed ‘ramen’.

It was a staple during World War II when an intense food shortage in Japan created the need for quick calories and a filling meal.

Their popularity only increased after the war when in 1958 a Japanese business man invented the packaged instant noodle.

Today, ramen is world known reaching from Argentina to Poland, and is affluent in Asian markets.

The name and flavors differ within regions. Spicy seafood flavors are common in Korea. Chicken and Pork flavors reign supreme in the United States.

The ramen noodle is prized for its ability to satisfy any hunger, its quick and easy preparation, and especially its price. This

recipe combines the best meat and cheese a college student can afford and utilizes the versatility of the noodle. So fight your own war against hunger and conquer with ramen!

Ingredients 1 link of sausage (hot dog, veggie dog, etc.)

Cheese: Parmesan or Cheddar 1 package of ramen noodles

Procedure Double the ramen to water ratio 2:1. For example, if you are making one package of ramen, only add one cup of water instead of two.

Add the spices to the water. To cook the hot dog, add to the water or microwave the hot dog.

After the water boils, remove the hot dog if added, and add the noodles. Cook to package instructions.

Meanwhile, slice the hot dog into bite size pieces and put into a bowl. When the noodles are finished cooking, add the noodles and remaining liquid into the bowl with the hot dog slices.

Add the desired cheese and mix all of the ingredients together until combined.

Photo by Elizabeth Harm

Channelside Cinemas 9 & IMAX 615 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 221-0700

Tampa Theatre 711 Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33672 (813) 274-8982

AMC West Shore 14 210 Westshore Plaza Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 243-4955

Fun Lan Drive-In 2302 East Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 234-2311

AMC Veterans 24 9302 Anderson Road Tampa, FL 33634 (813) 243-4955

IMAX Dome Theatre at MOSI 4801 East Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33617 (813) 987-6100

AMC The Regency 20 2496 W. Brandon Blvd.

Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 243-4955

Regal Citrus Park 20 7999 Citrus Pk Town Center Mall Tampa, FL 33625 (813) 920-0835

Muvico Centro Ybor 20 1600 East 8th Avenue Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 242-0664

Zota Britton Cinema 8 3938 South Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33611 (813) 805-0004

The 48-Hour Dash For Children: Gamers Play Metroid For The Cure

By Shannon Grippando Staff Writer

The next 48 hours will be exhausting for the team.

They’ve been training for this marathon for weeks, and for the rest of the weekend, they’ll be giving everything they have in a race against the clock; all for the sake of children in the hospital.

Fifteen minutes left till Gotime. The team bands together to make their final preparations.

Each player practices his pregame ritual, limbering fingers and cracking knuckles for the challenge ahead. They grasp their water bottles, knowing fullwell the dangers of dehydration in their field.

One minute left. The cameras are rolling, and the starting player steps up to his mark. Just as he comes into view of the camera, he sits down on a couch and picks up a video game controller. The marathon has begun.

Team Celerity Convergence’s (or CC) charity marathon is anything but traditional. A group of friends from UT and USF plan to play video games for 48 hours straight starting at 4 p.m. On Sept. 5 to raise money for the Child’s Play foundation, a charity that provides kids in hospitals across the world with books, games and other entertainment.

“Sure, it’s not traditional,” said UT senior Shannon Grippando, organizer of the marathon, “but it’s for a great cause that we all feel passionately about.”

“I’ll get looks and sarcastic remarks when I first tell people about the marathon. They look at me like I’m kidding or crazy,” said Grippando. “I just

tell them, ‘Hey, people donate to walk-a-thons all the time, and all you do in those is walk around for a few hours. Heck, the donor probably won’t even see you do anything.’ We’ll be live, baby!”

The team will be broadcast live on their website (http:// celerityconvergence.blogspot. com) for the entire duration of the marathon. Fans will be able to watch and donate via Paypal, credit card, or bank account as the team plays through the “Metroid Prime” series, consisting of three games.

“We’re adding fun to helping people out, allowing kids to enjoy literature or video games,” said UT senior Teddy Vath. “They’re sick and don’t have much else to do. It’s a cool charity.”

Vath sees the marathon as a chance to expand on a hobby t h a t ’s otherwise viewed as lazy and nonconstructive.

“I want to use some of my lackluster gaming life to do something more productive than just veg. I want to give my time to someone else.”

The team is split into three sections. Grippando will lead off with the first game, Vath will tackle the second and USF student Khris Johnson will wrap things up with the third.

“I have to try and beat ‘Metroid Prime 3’ as fast as possible,” said Johnson. “I’m hoping to beat it in eight hours. I think I can do it, but, ultimately, I just want to try to entertain people so they’ll donate money for the kids.”

The team said they felt in control with little to no fear of much going awryw.

“I’m not really concerned about anything,” said Vath, “Unless the transmission goes out. That would kinda stink.”

The three main members are a close bunch, having known each other since middle school or earlier.

“I hate them,” laughed Johnson about his teammates.

“No, there’s nobody else I’d rather sit around with for 48 hours playing video games. I know this, because I’ve done it. Just don’t fall asleep around them.”

The three students won’t be going it alone, though. Friends plan to support the gaming threesome in their own ways.

“I think it’s a great cause, so it’s important they fulfill their goal,” said UT senior Ariana Majerus.

“And part of that is staying awake. I’m going to use my benefits as a Starbucks employee to give them as much coffee as they need.”

“Our friends have been extremely supportive,” said Grippando.

“All sorts of people will be stopping by, whether that’s to lend a hand beating the games— big thanks to Kevin Garey--, work the camera, or just say, ‘Hello.’”

The team hopes to achieve a $500 goal.

For more information on how to support Team CC’s cause, email Shannon Grippando at sgrippando@gmail.com.

Child’s Play official website at http://www.childsplay.org.

Photo by VInce Petaccio / www.sxc.hu

For movie reviews, music, and more visit www.theminaretonline.com

14

Sports

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

Sheena Walton Ships Overseas Former Tampa superstar signs contract to continue career in Luxembourg

By Sam Gerb Sports Writer

The University of Tampa’s Sheena Walton’s basketball career that continues to flourish after signing to play with the BBC Black Frogs. This two-time AllAmerican signed with the club located in Schieren, Luxembourg.

In her senior year, Walton led her team in scoring, rebounds, blocked shots and minutes per game.

She was rewarded with an award from the NCAA for leading the nation in shot blocks. She averaged an astonishing 4.06 blocks per game and recorded 126 blocks over the entire season. Walton’s ferocious defensive presence bolstered her team to a school record

200 blocks.

It is clear that Walton had Division I talent, so how did she end up playing at UT? Head coach of the Lady Spartans, Tom Jessee, noticed Walton when she was playing at local Largo High School.

Coach Jessee said, “I did recruit Sheena from a local high school and she went to a Division I school for a semester before coming back to me at UT.” She thrived at the Division II level thanks to her teammates and great coaching.

Once Walton joined the Spartans, it was apparent she was going to be a special player. With the guidance from her coach and professors, she followed UT’s goal for all of their athletes: to excel as a

student as well as being a class act athlete both on and off the court.

Coach Jesse loved molding a player of Walton’s caliber.

Jessee said, “Coaching Sheena was a joy to me. She was a very good player, but an even better team player, as she was always willing to do whatever it took for the team to be successful. It was fun to watch her mature in the classroom and on the court.”

Walton has been given a great opportunity now to continue her basketball career. She gained both skills on and off the court and they will surely shine at the next level.

Walton will be missed giving it her all every game for the Spartans, but many at UT wish her the best of luck as she walks through the next door in her bright future.

Season Stats

Photo by Peter Arrabal

2005: 24.7 min./game 9.0 pts./game 66 blocks 2006: 29.3 min./game 14.8 pts./game 105 blocks 2007: 30.6 min./game 13.6 pts./game 99 blocks 2008: 31.5 min./game 15.2 pts./game 126 blocks

Photo by Peter Arrabal

15

Sports

The Minaret | August 22, 2008

And Finally....

(((Check this column for offbeat, humorous, or opinionated sports stories. Comments? E-mail minaret.sports@gmail.com)))

Stellar Sports Year with Tampa to Host For those who were disappointed about showing up the year after missing the first round of March Madness games, the women’s Final Four or the school’s first women’s soccer National Championship, you won’t be let down by what the city has planned in the coming months.

By Jesse Yomtov Sports Columnist

Back in Tampa? Sports fan? If you answered either of those questions yes, then this year is for you.

With the Rays suddenly winning, several major events on tap (Super Bowl anybody?) and UT’s athletic program thriving, Tampa is preparing for an unparalleled year of sports.

First off, the Tampa Bay Rays are finally good. Yeah, that team whom the Yankees and Red Sox have beat up on for the last ten years, is in first place.

Led by a young pitching staff, and with phenom third baseman Evan Longoria putting up monster numbers, the Rays are the talk of the town. Since their first season in 1998, the (Devil) Rays’ best season was 70 wins, a mark that was topped in the second week of August this year.

Holding the lead in the division over the Red Sox is not going to be an easy task down the stretch, and injuries to Longoria and left fielder Carl Crawford certainly do not help.

But Tropicana Field is suddenly selling out, and everyone in the 813 area code is wearing their brand new Rays gear, and it’s fantastic to finally see this city embrace baseball.

file photo

Even if the Rays can’t hold on and make it to the playoffs, the future looks bright for the franchise, as the minor league system loaded with even more young pitchers should have the Rays set for years to come.

This year, the city of Tampa is hosting several marquee sporting events, most notably Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2009. This is the

second time the stadium will host the big game, the other being Super Bowl XXXV back in 2001.

No matter what two teams meet, the Super Bowl is always a spectacle, and while we may not be able to get our hands on (or afford) tickets for the game, the atmosphere that surrounds the game itself as well as the lead up to the event will have UT sports fans in a state of euphoria.

The Super Bowl also opens many opportunities for students, with plenty of volunteer positions available. Oh, and Gasparilla is six days before the game.

Raymond James Stadium will also host the 2008 ACC Football Championship game for the first time, and will do so in 2009 as well.

Adding to the already monster year, the St. Pete Times Forum

will be the site of the 2009 SEC Basketball Tournament.

Lost in all this, we might forget that the University of Tampa has a spectacular athletic program too.

For the fall, both the men’s and women’s soccer teams have been pegged as favorites in the Sunshine State Conference.

The women are coming off a national championship last season, and are bringing back six starters to make a run at back-to-back titles.

The volleyball and cross-country are both looking to continue recent success as well.

Come the spring, the baseball team will return with a vengeance, following an early exit in the College World Series this past season after two consecutive national titles.

It’s shaping up to be quite a year sports wise for Tampa, and while sitting back and watching the Rays make a run at the playoffs, the city go nuts for the Super Bowl, and the UT teams excelling, we should all go out and get involved.

Go down to St. Pete and cheer on the Rays, volunteer for the Super Bowl, and show up at UT athletic events to support this monumental year for the city.

Soccer Programs Look to Recreate Success

Three ‘n Out Baseball Careers Continued

Baseball success once again drew attention towards the Tampa program in the MLB draft this year. Kevin Ferguson, Paul Cruz and Jose Jimenez all entered the minor leagues after completing their collegiate careers.

Cruz was picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals while Jimenez and Ferguson both were chosen by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Fellow graduate Nolan Brannon then signed a free agent contract rejoining his old teammates in a new organization.

This marks the seventh consectuive draft with former Tampa athletes.

Alumni Athlete in Beijing A graduate in the class of 2004, Dirk Bockel competed in the 2008 Olympics in the triathlon event where he placed 25 of 50 contestants.

Bockel is the sole triathlon athlete representing Luxemburg after participating on both the UT swim and cross country teams. In 2002 and 2003, Bockel was named to the first team all-SSC for running.

Volleyball Projected Second A recent poll seeded UT volleyball second overall in the Sunshine State Conference. Tampa falls behind rival Florida Southern.

While the Spartans were SSC champions last season, the squad only returns two of their previous starters.

file photo

By Bobby Winsler Sports Editor

The 2007 fall semester brought thrills to Pepin Stadium.

One soccer program looked to recapture a national championship not seen since 2001 while the other searched for a way to win their first.

The men’s team fell behind in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) standings early dropping a

disappointing 1-0 loss to Rollins and a 4-0 beating by West Florida. With playoff hopes diminishing, Tampa faced top seeded Lynn University at home. Lynn was undefeated, but the Spartans rallied from a 2-0 deficit to score four unanswered.

The win marked the start of a second half rebound.

On Nov. 2, UT laced up at Lynn for the SSC tournament. The Spartans surged passed Eckerd College in the semifinals to extend a win streak to four straight. Lynn had not lost a game since their first matchup and now with home field advantage, looked for revenge on Tampa. The Fighting Knights crumbled once again under the Tampa offensive and lost 4-2.

UT advanced to the South Regional tournament, once again

eliminating Lynn in the first round.

Montevallo waited in the finals and though the teams were evenly matched, the Falcons pulled through on penalty kicks, ending Tampa’s run.

The women’s squad had more success. Coming out of the gate to start the season winning the first six of seven games, the decade old program foreshadowed victories to come. The lady Spartans went perfect in conference matchups through over half the season until a 1-0 loss to Saint Leo in mid October.

It would be the last loss UT would suffer that season. SSC Female Athlete of the Year Shannon Aitken led the Spartan defense into the conference tournament where the squad didn’t allow a goal on the path to victory. The road would not stop there.

Strong defense and superior goal keeping kept opponent’s balls out of the net until the NCAA quarterfinal match against Columbus State. Tampa squeaked by on penalty kicks and followed up by

topping first seeded Grand Valley State in the next game. Franklin Pierce provided a challenge in the finals but UT once again excelled in penalty kicks and won the first National Championship in program history.

The women were honored at the NCAA march madness first round basketball tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum in the fall.

Over summer, the lady were again highlighted on ESPN2 in a piece honoring the national champions of the past year.

Key Returning Players Men: Ryan Maxwell Dan Bergstrand Ryan Thompson Women: Alicia Wyman Shelby Kuni Courtney Evans

Vandals Rob Soccer Practice

Athletes, coaches 20 feet away when valuables stolen

By Shelby Kuni and Sara Belsole Sports Writers

The University of Tampa women’s soccer team entered preseason last week with a list of goals on their minds: pass the fitness tests, bond with the incoming players and start the season off right.

The last thing on the players’ minds was worrying about vandalism.

During practice on Friday, cars were broken into that were parked in the parking lot in front of Bob Martinez. A number of cars, including one player’s and two coaches’ cars from the soccer team had their front passenger windows smashed and valuables stolen.

The Tobin family was hit the worst. Megan Tobin, a sophomore midfielder on the team, and her father Don, one of the assistant coaches, were both victims. The two drove separately that day,

Men’s Soccer Home Opener: Sept. 19

>>> West Florida dominated Tampa last season 4-0. This year, UT looks to bounce back and start strong at home.

each driving 2007 Mazda 3s. After breaking into one of the cars easily, it only made sense for the vandals to target the same car.

Megan Tobin luckily only lost her cell phone. A diamond bracelet was also in the car at the time, but the criminals accidentally dropped it on the seat while quickly trying to get out. Don, however, was more unfortunate. His wallet and cell phone were stolen as well as a Liverpool Futbol Club medallion, valued at a few thousand dollars.

The pendant had the Liverpool logo on it with five diamonds in it, one for each championship they’ve won.

“I am not happy about my car, but it also could have been way worse so I am not too upset,” Megan said. “Most of the items lost are replaceable. I think in the future there should be a security guard close to the parking lot or cameras. I am still going to park there and that would make me feel

more comfortable. But I know now that at practice I will occasionally glance at the parking lot.”

Shannon Aitken, a first year assistant coach and former UT player was another victim. She lost her soccer backpack, which contained UT gear and her wallet.

Fortunately, she had her cell phone on her at the time.

“It just sucks that my car got broken into when I was only 20 feet away. We never saw it coming,” Aitken said.

The credit cards from her wallet have already been used at many local gas stations. Police are trying to trace the charges to get a better lead.

The break-ins have planted doubt in many of the athletes and coaches regarding campus parking.

Is anywhere really safe to park?

For freshman Kendall Bourdon, this is the first act of violence she has witnessed on campus.

“It was shocking that it hap-

Volleyball Home Opener: Aug. 29 >>> This season begins with the Tampa Classic. The Spartans open versus Ashland hoping to put up the first mark as a win.

pened so close to the field while we were practicing,” Bourdon said. “I am glad I do not have a car on campus that I have to worry about where to park.”

Head coach Gerry Lucey’s car was also in the parking lot that morning, but was fortunate enough to not have been broken into.

“It was a very cheap crime against innocent victims who were out on the practice field getting ready to represent the university,” Lucey said. “I feel sorry for the pain that the victims go through more because of the hassle. Hopefully the idiots will be caught through security cameras at some stage.”

But will the break-ins really stop students from parking in the lot across from the gym? Probably not.

“I am still going to park there,” Megan said. “But I know now that at practice I will occasionally glance at the parking lot.”

Women’s Soccer Home Opener: Sept. 19

>>> Along side of the men’s squad, the girls face off against West Florida in the season opener at home.