Florida’s Top College Paper
Vol. 75 No. 19
ut.minaret@gmail.com
www.theminaretonline.com
February 13, 2009
Sophomore Cadet AddeREALity Dies in Bayshore at UT Motorcycle Crash By Mel Steiner A&E Editor
Photo by Tom Galang By Michael Zeolla Journalism II
It can be hard for some students to believe that a tiny pill like Adderall can be so dangerous. Adderall was first introduced in 1996 and has become increasingly popular over the past few years. A study done by the University of Wisconsin found that one in every five college students have used Adderall or Ritalin without a prescription from a doctor. It’s a drug prescribed for individuals with ADD and ADHD, and simply keeps the person focused and concentrated for any task at hand.
Recently, however, Adderall has become the new “it” drug to have. “It’s almost impossible to not hear students talking about it,” said Kelly Lauterborn, a UT junior. “College kids see it as a way to get their work over and done with, regardless of the fact of not sleeping or eating.” Dr. Cindy Parsons is a professor in the nursing department at UT and is doctor at Tampa General Hospital. Parsons treats many patients, whom she prescribes Adderall for. But should those who are not prescribed take it? “Absolutely not,” said Parsons. “What students don’t understand is the severity of this drug. Adderall is a stimulant, not only
does it focus on the dopamine preceptors in the brain, but it will also increase heart rate, blood pressure, decrease appetite and, for some, even cause death due to cardiac arrest.” It’s gotten to the point now where kids have died by taking this drug; it’s now banned in Canada. “I think it’s the most abused drug on campus,” said Gina Firth, the associate dean of students at UT. “It’s very powerful. Even if someone takes it once, they have the memory of it working; what’s going to stop See “Adderall”
[5]
One UT student continues on her way to recovery after a lengthy stay in the hospital from injuries she sustained when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver early on Saturday, Jan. 24. Kelley Havens, a sophomore nursing major from Granville, Ohio was released from Tampa General Hospital last Tuesday, Feb. 3 after being there for 10 days and undergoing three major surgeries. On her way back from a fun night with friends at a downtown pub listening to live music, Havens recalled a large impact and the
next thing she knew, she was on the ground. Tampa Fire Rescue and the Tampa Police Department responded to the scene and transported Havens to the hospital. There she underwent three surgeries that helped repair her shattered knee and fractured tibia. In the first surgery, pins were placed in her legs to stabilize the injury. The second set the leg. The third and final surgery installed plates and screws. Currently, she is undergoing intense physical therapy but was See “Recovery”
“He was a friend”
Students mourn; See page [7]
family, his grandmother. “I honestly thought it was going to be okay,” Mojica said. “We all did.” Strizzi, who had wanted to become a military surgeon, underwent two hours of surgery and was given 135 units of blood before doctors assessed that there was nothing left they could do to See “Last Ride”
By Ellery McCardle News Editor
[2] Photo by Kelley Havens
The second reported sexual assault on campus in the last three Gasparillas was announced Saturday night in an unusual case involving a man from another college and two senior women who are roommates at UT. The incident was reported in Stadium Center at 10:40 p.m. Saturday. There were no injuries or threats of violence reported, security officials said. “I can’t provide all the details because it’s so convoluted,” said Kevin Howell, assistant director of Campus Safety and Security.
The incident involved two women who are roommates in Stadium. A male friend of one of them was invited to their room and reportedly had sex with both women. “It’s an issue of whether it was consensual,” Howell said. Alcohol was involved, but Howell said those involved “weren’t drunk to the point that they were inebriated. They weren’t drunk out of their mind.” The acquaintance of the man, who is a student at another Florida college, said she was the victim of
Cooking in the Dorm [11] Basketball Keeps Rolling [18]
Inside ...
Romantic Black History Month [17] Color Blind Gamer [13]
Studying in Egypt [4]
[7]
Sexual Assault Reported on Campus on Gasparilla Day
Hit & Run Victim Recovering from Serious Injuries By Charlie Hambos Assistant Editor-in-chief
They called him “Pee Wee.” Five of Victor Strizzi’s closest friends gathered Tuesday night to share their memories of a man they respected, trusted and grew to love – from their first time meeting him to the final moments they shared with him in a hospital room just hours before. Strizzi, a University of Tampa sophomore and ROTC cadet, hopped on his recently purchased motorcycle and took a ride along Bayshore Boulevard. He had a green light as an oncoming car ran a red light, authorities said. Strizzi was taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition and rushed to an operating room, friends said. Freshman Jonathan Mojica received a call shortly after the accident from a TGH nurse who informed him of Strizzi’s condition. After texting everyone the news, all five guys made their way to the hospital. “I saw him just last night, alive,” Carlos Colón recalled. “We said goodnight, and that was that. Twelve hours later, I find out he’s in critical condition.” Isaac Moreno, Strizzi’s former roommate and fellow ROTC cadet, was the first to arrive. The rest followed along with members of ROTC and Victor’s only local
Everglades Crisis [16] Gasparilla Recap [3]
A Grand Visit [10]
“A purpose of human life...is to love whoever is around to be loved.”
See “Assault”
[2]
News.................[1-9] Commentary...[14-17] Editorial............[14] A&E..............[10-13] Sports...........[18-20]
[Kurt Vonnegut]