Tuition Hike: Can You Afford it?
Student Dies After Losing Control of His Vehicle
Back And Stronger, Better, Faster Than Ever
A Retrospective On One Very Crazy Year
Tuition for students at MDC increased due to budget cuts within the state of Florida.
Konstantinos Vrotsos, aspiring actor & West campus student, died on July 3rd after crashing.
Disappointed by last year’s results, the girls are determined to bring this year’s title home.
Ranting Ralph and Eclectic Elias blurb about the summer’s most controversial and talked about events.
TURN TO NEWS, PAGE 5
TURN TO NEWS PAGE 9
TURN TO SPORTS, PAGE 11
TURN TO FORUM, PAGE 15
Go Get Your Books.
4VOL. 2, ISSUE 1—AUG. 1, 2011 www.mdc.edu/thereporter
The Works Thick-cut cheddar cheese, garden-fresh vegetables and grilled onions.
Zucchini Fries Sliced strips of crispy, battered strips of Zucchini, served with ranch dressing.
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DINE ON A DIME
The Pub Burger (With Zucchini Fries) One of CG Burger’s classics, the 6-oz. homestyle burger is under $9. The zucchini fries—CG Burger’s signature fry—comes in at under $5.
The Reporter
If you’re hungry on campus, but tired of the same old cafeteria food, The Reporter has found some of the best grub around campus; food that tastes good, fills you up, and is easy on the wallet.
Beef Fed an all-natural vegetarian diet.
TURN TO CUISINE, PAGE 12
Nitrate Free Bacon Bacon that is free of the nitrogen compounds found in chemical fertilizers. Tzatziki Sauce Tzatziki is a Greek sauce served cold that is made of sheep or goat milk yoghurt.t.
GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER
ACCREDITATION
NEW FEE
College’s Accreditation Placed On Warning Miami Dade College was warned it might lose its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools because it does not have enough full-time faculty. The warning will last six months. By Monique O. Madan monique.madan001@mymdc.net
INDEX: PLEASE RECYCLE
655 3,129 Full-time faculty under employ by the College.
Miami Dade College was warned it might lose its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on June 23 due to the lack of full-time faculty. “The warning is for only six months. The only issue is that in their opinion we should have more full-time faculty members,” College Provost Rolando Montoya said. “We will submit additional information to demonstrate that we have sufficient full-time faculty to fulfill the mission of the College and to maintain the quality of our programs.” MDC currently has 3,129 part-time faculty BRIEFING
2-3
New Parking Fee to be Instituted This Fall
Part-time faculty under employ by the College.
and 655 full-time faculty. Effective August 18, the College will be hiring 50 full-time faculty members, according to Montoya. “The number of part-time faculty also varies and the head count seems large, but you need to remember that adjunct instructors teach one, two or three classes per semester, while full-time professors teach five or six sections,” Montoya said. “Full-time and parttime faculty members have the same credenTURN TO ACCREDITATION, PAGE 7
NEWS
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Miami Dade College is now charging a $3 per-credit-hour parking and access fee. By Melissa Adan melissa.adan001@mymdc.net A $3 per credit hour access and parking fee will be instituted at Miami Dade College starting this fall. The fee will be accessed to all students — residents and non-residents— regardless of if they own a vehicle or take public transportation. MDC joins other local institutions that have parking and access fees as well. Broward College charges students $4 per credit hour and Florida International University charges students $164.84 for a yearly parking decal. “While the College is never enthusiastic about instituting fees, it has become a forced reality given the state funding reductions
SPORTS
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10-11
A&E
12-13
our institution continues to experience,” said North Campus Dean of Students Malou Harrison. Earlier this year, MDC’s operational funding was cut $13.5 million. In addition, the College received zero dollars in capital funding from the Public Education Capital Outlay. This resulted in Hialeah Campus’ Renovation Project and MDC’s General Collegewide Improvements Project being placed on hold after it was vetoed by the Governor. “Any kind of fee always affects the students and hurts our pockets,” said Kendall Campus Student Government Association President Ruben Gomez. “We the students understand that there is a financial problem occurring in the state and this is a wake up call to tell our politicians not to make financial cuts on education. The access and parking fee will be used TURN TO NEW FEE, PAGE 9
FORUM
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THE REPORTER IS THE FREE BIWEEKLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE. ALL CONTENT IS PRODUCED BY MDC STUDENTS. THE REPORTER IS A PUBLIC FORUM FOR EXPRESSION.
2 BRIEFING | AUG. 1, 2011
THE REPORTER North Campus Welcome Back Event
// BRIEFING Melissa Adan, Briefing Editor //
T (305) 237-2715
2011 Endowed Teaching Chairs Eight Miami Dade College professors have been selected as the 2011 Endowed Teaching Chairs. Professors selected for the award are chosen for demonstrating excellence in teaching and receive a $7,500 annual stipend for three years. —Melissa Adan
Wolfson Walking Program In an effort to keep faculty, staff and students in good shape, Wolfson Campus’ Wellness Center will continue to offer its walking program in the fall 2011 semester. The program features three routes for novice, intermediate and advanced walkers: short, moderate and long. The short route is a 0.5 mile walk circulating buildings 1 and 2, taking approximately nine minutes. The moderate route extends up to one mile through scenic views of Bayside Marketplace and Bayfront Park, lasting roughly 20 minutes. The 45 minute route reaches more than two miles and takes participants into the Port of Miami. All participants meet in front of the Wellness Center. A route leader will begin stretching routines before the walk. “Our goal is to change people’s perspectives on life and help them become a healthier individual,” said Wellness Center Director Daniel Estape. The walking program is available to all students, faculty and staff free of charge. —Brittany Esquijarosa For more information contact Daniel Estape T (305) 237-3972 B destape@mdc.edu
Honors College Receives New Administration The Honors College at Miami Dade College will enter the 2011-12 academic school year with new directors at the Kendall and InterAmerican Campuses. Director Loretta Adoghe will be leaving her position as Kendall Campus Honors College Director to be the Department Chair for the Biology, Health & Wellness and Funeral Science Department at the North Campus. Replacing Adoghe at Kendall will be Jennifer Bravo, the current Dual Language program Honors Director at InterAmerican Campus. “Even though changes are often difficult, I am confident that we will be able to work together as we welcome the new academic year,” said Bravo. The staff at the Honors College is working on finding a replacement for Bravo. —Melissa Adan
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Women in Business Ece Karayalcin, Film Professor at North and Kendall Campuses
Rotary Club of Miami Lourdes España Mathematics Professor at North Campus
AT&T II Elena Perez-Mirabal English Professor at North Campus
MDC Alumni Association Magdalena Lamarre Social Science Professor at Homestead Campus
Dade Community Foundation Nora Dawkins English Professor at North Campus
Andrew Blank Miriam Abety Social Science Professor at InterAmerican Campus
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation Lenore Yates Nursing Professor at Medical Center Campus
Wolfson Campus Welcomes New Chairperson Maila Zitelli joined Miami Dade College on July 5 as the new chairperson for the Department of English and Communication at Wolfson Campus. As chair of the department, Zitelli oversees the journalism, creative writing, English, litZITELLI erature and speech and composition offerings. Most recently, Zitelli was previously the chairperson for the Language and Literature Division at the College of Southern Maryland. She was also previously a tenured associate professor for 18 years at Minot State University in North Dakota. —Igor Argibay
New Accelerated Degree Program Miami Dade College’s Homestead Campus is offering an accelerated degree program in which students seeking an Associate in Arts degree in business can earn their degree in one year. The program begins in the fall and ends in the summer. “Financial aid is available but limited, so if interested it is important to attend the orientation to speak to a person in charge of financial aid,” Gita Runkle, business department chairperson said. Orientation is on Friday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. in Room F222 at Homestead Campus. Students are to take seven classes per term. Classes are from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You must have college ready scores on your College Placement Test or have already taken prep courses, as well as be recommended by someone in the business department. —Morena Guerrero For more information contact MDC School of Business T (305) 237-5109
Philip Morris Juán Morata Natural Sciences Professor at Wolfson Campus
Miami Dade College’s North Campus will host Shark Pride Day, a welcome back event for Fall semester, on Wednesday Aug. 24 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., then again between 5 p.m. through 6:30 p.m. Music, prizes and food will be offered to students attending both day and night classes. The daytime event will be held in the Building 4000 breezeway. The night event will be held in the Building 1000 atrium. “It is a great opportunity to welcome the students to the North Campus family,” said Student Organization Coordinator Evelyn Rodriguez, who is also one of the advisers to North Campus’ Student Government Association.
The Hispanic College Quiz an organization that encourages students of Hispanic descent to embrace their cultural background, is offering a scholarship opportunity to Miami Dade College students. The organization is currently accepting video submission from students through Oct. 16. Students need to state why their heritage is important to them. They intend to spread the importance of cultural diversity amongst the student body. The videos will be up for vote, and the top three students will receive scholarships: First place will win $5,000, second place will win $2,500, and third place will win $1,000.
—Isabelle Anadon
—Sergio O’ Day
For more information, contact: Evelyn Rodriguez T (305) 237-1643 B erodrig6@mdc.edu
World-renowned chef and New World cuisine founder, Norman Van Aken, has been appointed Executive Chef for the retail food operations at The Miami Culinary Institute located at the Wolfson Campus. As Executive Chef, Van Aken will oversee menu development as well as the mentoring and training of the world-class kitchen team, and the infusion of the food and culture innovation philosophy. “Chef Norman personifies what South Florida creativity and cuisine is becoming with a career and lifetime of various restaurant experiences broadening his culinary horizons and vision,” said Chef John Richards, the director of the college’s International Hospitality Center. The restaurant, which has yet to be named, is scheduled to open its doors in October 2011. — Brittany Esquijarosa For more information, contact: John Richards, Director of MCI T 305-237-7024 B john.richards@mdc.edu
Wolfson Welcomes and Gives Back Wolfson Campus’ Student Life department and Student Allocation and Programming Board will host a Fall Welcome Back event on Aug. 24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Wolfson Campus student life patio. The event will feature Japanese culture in an effort to bring awareness to the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan in March. There will be student performers, a Japanese-inspired fashion show, and a live performance of Taiko, a type of traditional Japanese drumming. “Often we forget about incidents that effect a nation such as Japan, but we need to remember that a bit of help can go a long way,” said Niouseline St. Jean, publicist for the SAPB. — Kirsten Rincon For more information, contact: Niouseline St.Jean T (305) 237-3536 B niouseline.stjean001@mymdc.net
For more information visit www.hispaniccollegequiz.com
North Campus Club Rush Changes to Literary Magazine Urbana
New Executive Chef at MCI
Scholarship Video Contest
Urbana, the literary magazine at Miami Dade College’s InterAmerican Campus, is implementing changes that allow music submissions from student musicians. A student competition will be held to choose the featured musician for a volume of the magazine, with the winner’s music being made available to the public via the magazine’s website. There will be two featured musicians, one of them a student and one professional. For more information send an email to: urbana@mdc.edu.
North Campus’ Student Life department is hosting Club Rush on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in the 4000 building breezeway. Club Rush offers students an opportunity peruse the extracurricular activities available at their campus. “It is an opportunity students have to interact outside of the classroom,” said Student Organization Coordinator Evelyn Rodriguez. “Joining a Student Organization has many benefits including student development workshops and events, traveling, a great addition to your resume and much more.”
—Jose Prado
—Zayda Costa
To view Urbana online visit www.mdc.edu/iac
New Location of North Campus Student Center The New Student Center at Miami Dade College’s North Campus has moved to a new temporary location in Room 1271. The original location is being remodeled. The Center serves to welcome first-time students as well assist students in taking their first steps in college. This remodeling is expected to be complete by the end of August. According to Georgette Perez, director of the North Campus New Student Center, the area that is under construction will be “much nicer and bigger.” —Jael Teme
For more information contact Student Life Office T (305) 237-1250, by email B nstudentlife@mdc.edu
MDC Approves New Biological Science Degree Miami Dade College is now offering a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. The State Board of Education unanimously made the decision to approve the degree. Students that pursue this degree can choose from three concentrations: Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, or Science Education. The degree is the eighth baccalaureate program at MDC. —Richard Pizarro
For more information contact Georgette Perez T 305-237-1640 B gperez2@mdc.edu
Professor’s New E-Book Miami Dade College English professor Geoffrey Philp has published his first children’s book, Marcus and The Amazons. The e-book was quick to catch the attention of the public, becoming an amazon.com “Hot New Release.” Marcus and The Amazons is the story PHILP of two ant colonies— the Formicas and Amazons—that are at war with each other. The Amazons
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The Reporter
For more information contact Biology/Health and Wellness Dept. T (305) 237-1101
take the Formica Queen-to-be hostage and challenge Marcus, who is her lover, to rescue her from the grasp of their army. Marcus, a pacifist, has to overcome the obstacles set before him and save his beloved princess without succumbing to the pugnacious nature of the Amazons. Throughout the story, Philp conveys a message of battling oppression. —Igor Argibay For more information contact Professor Geoffrey Philp T (305) 237-1267
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AUG. 1, 2011 | BRIEFING
THE REPORTER
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1 PHOTOGRAPHER / THE REPORTER
PHOTOBRIEFING Edible Arrangements: More then three months after the opening of the Miami Culinary Institute, College President Eduardo Padrón was on site to help with the grand opening of the school’s organic edible garden. The garden, created by Natural Greenscape, will provide a sustainable source fruits, vegetables and herbs that will be used in the preparation of dishes in the institution. PHOTOS BY ALAIN BICHOTTE / THE REPORTER
ALL PHOTOS BY ALAIN BICHOTTE / THE REPORTER
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AUG. 1, 2011 | NEWS
THE REPORTER STUDENT LIFE
// NEWS Monique O. Madan, Editor-in-Chief //
T (305) 237-1253
//
Log on for a look inside the Student Life Department: www.mdc.edu/thereporter
B monique.madan001@mymdc.net
TUITION INCREASE
College Tuition Set To Increase Starting Fall The 2011-2012 cost per-credithour has increased from $73.00 to $78.84. By Akeem Brunson akeem.brunson001@mymdc.net Miami Dade College’s appropriations in the Florida state budget were reduced by 7.6 percent from last year’s amount, according to a statement released by College officials. As a result, the 2011-2012 percredit-hour cost has increased from $73.00 to $78.84.
7.6%
Percent lost from last year’s state budget
In February, Florida Gov. Rick Scott submitted recommendations to the legislature requesting tax cuts amounting to approximately $4 billion, in an effort to reduce excessive spending and attract more businesses to Florida. “This is a job’s budget,” Scott said at a press conference on Feb. 7. “This is designed to reduce state spending, to lower taxes and to hold government accountable.” These recommendations left the state Senate and House to deliberate two starkly different budget proposals before reconciling on Senate Bill 2000: Appropriation,
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which outlines the state’s spending for the current fiscal year. The new budget met Scott’s recommendations. Yet before signing the new budget into law, Scott vetoed $615 million, according to a May 26 Miami Herald article. In response to these vetoes, MDC President Eduardo Padrón released a statement to students via email. “I must report discouraging news on the topic of state funding, news that will certainly challenge MDC’s ability to serve the students of our community,” Padrón said. According to Padrón’s email, Scott’s $615 million veto included more than $10 million in appropriations for classrooms, laboratories, infrastructure and site improvements across MDC’s campuses. “$6.7 million of those funds were desperately needed to expand the Hialeah Campus’ classrooms, science labs and other critical student support facilities,” Padrón said. Jennifer Basile, vice president for United Faculty of Miami Dade College at Kendall Campus, says the cuts in education may cause lay-offs, the elimination of courses and other services offered at the college. “Our lawmakers in Tallahassee are able to push cuts through because no one is checking up on them,” said Basile. “This can be changed by educating and mobilizing your peers with what’s going on and the potential losses Miami Dade College is facing.” Erik Bentancourt, a business
supervision and management student, said he is concerned with how budget cuts can affect classes at the College. “We barely have enough available faculty as it is,” Bentancourt said. “This would mean that the College may let go of even more faculty members, which will lead to the lack of the individualized education.” Juan Mendieta, MDC’s director of communications, released this statement to The Reporter via email. “Our aim has always been
615
Amount in millions vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott
‘students first’ and we follow that mantra when addressing budget issues so that impacts to the classroom are avoided and/ or minimized as much as possible. Even if the College increases tuition by eight percent, it will not offset cuts to the MDC budget since it is not a one-toone ratio,” Mendieta said. “We do not take lightly the issue of tuition and fully believe the state should shoulder the cost of education, not the students.” ——————————————————————————— Jose Prado contributed to this report.
Student Life Offers Many Resources Student Life features more than 100 clubs and organizations throughout all campuses. Here, your parking decal, MDC ID, event and service learning schedules are made available. By Akeem Brunson akeem.brunson001@mymdc.net Gaby Narvaez used to be like many students at Miami Dade College. “I used to be the type that would go to class and then straight home,”said Narvaez, an MDC graduate who currently serves as the student organization coordinator at Wolfson Campus. “As new students I encourage you to participate and get involved on campus.” Student Life features more than 100 clubs and organizations throughout all campuses. Through this department, you can get your parking decal, MDC ID, become informed on the many events, clubs and organizations on campus or even find out about upcoming service learning or community service opportunities. Student Life offers students the opportunity to share ideas with other students with similar interests at a variety of clubs and organizations. For example, Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society with a presence at seven campuses. North Campus P.T.K. Vice President Ruth Moreno explains that their mission is to “promote leadership, scholarship and service.” “We want to give members the tools necessary to be successful in any endeavor and be well-rounded leaders in the school,” Moreno said. Students at the Medical Center Campus gain insight and experience in their majors with clubs like Future Veterinarian Technicians of America, Student American Dental Hygienist Association, and the Laboratory Sciences Student Association. One of the most prominent student organization that directly relates to every student at MDC is the Student Government Association. SGA represents the student body on any campus, local, and state issues. “One issue that [SGA] has been
STUDENT LIFE North Campus Room # 4208 Clubs Offered: 30 T (305) 237-1250 Wolfson Campus Room # 2101 Clubs Offered: 42 T (305) 237-3536 West Campus Room # 1171 Clubs Offered: 11 T (305) 237-8904 Kendall Campus Room # 100 Clubs Offered: 36 T (305) 237-2327 Medical Campus Room # 1171 Clubs Offered: 11 T (305) 237-4213 Homestead Campus Room # A116 Clubs Offered: 19 T (305) 237-5065 Hialeah Campus Room # 1118 Clubs Offered: 5 T (305) 237-8736 Kendall Campus Room # 1106 Clubs Offered: 16 T (305) 237-6163 pushing heavily and unfortunately unsuccessfully on a state level is tuition for residency purposes,” said Antonio Delgado, director of Student Life at InterAmerican Campus, referring to a bill that passed unsuccessfully through the Florida Legislator to allow undocumented students in Florida to attend college with in-state tuition. At Homestead Campus, students have the opportunity to join clubs like the Aviation Flight Team, Early Childhood Education, Brother’s Keepers or the Military Student Organization. Nicole Bryant, director of Student Life at Homestead Campus said that Student Life is a “one-stop shop” for students. “Student Life can [help you] do anything,” Bryant said, “from getting acquainted with the campus to molding you into a campus leader.”
LAWSUIT
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against College After several years of allegedly unpaid lunch breaks, three Wolfson Campus security guards have decided to fight back and claim what they believe is theirs. By Monique O. Madan monique.madan001@mymdc.net Alix Jean Joseph says Miami Dade College owes him. “I’ve been working here for eleven years and have been given no breaks,” said Joseph a nightshift public safety officer at the Wolfson Campus. Joseph is one of three current or former night-shift public safety officers at the Wolfson Campus— Abraham Charles and Wy’Ketdra Hutchison are the others— who claim they were not paid for 30 minute meal breaks
over several years. As a result, they say, their hourly pay was less than minimum wage. The trio filed a class action lawsuit against MDC despite each being hand-delivered checks on June 3 to pay for the time they were owed, according to their attorney Richard Bennett. In Joseph’s case, he rejected a check for $3,393.61. “The plaintiffs returned the checks because they want to make sure everyone under their same circumstances gets paid,” Bennett said. “There is a possibility of other present and former part-time employees that might be in the same boat that we might not know about.” According to College Attorney Carmen Dominguez, the College abstains from commenting
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The Reporter
The College’s Part Time Employee Guidelines for Non-Instructional Personnel provides in part: “The College practice is to provide part time non instructional employees with an unpaid meal break of no less than thirty minutes no later than after four (4) continuous hours of work, and can be scheduled at any time before.” on whether or not the College’s Human Resources department is researching whether or not other employees will be affected by this motion. MDC’s Part Time Employee Guidelines for Non-Instructional Personnel states that “The College practice is to provide parttime non instructional employees with an unpaid meal break of no less than thirty minutes...” The three are non-instruction-
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al employees of the College and are non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act, according to the complaint file. They seek to recover unpaid wages and attorney fees. “My clients work eight hours, yet are only paid for seven and a half,” Bennett said. “They have complained several times before, but they were still not given their 30 minute break because of short-staffing issues.”
The College filed to move the case from state to federal court on July 12. On July 19, plaintiffs filed a motion to return the case to state court. “It’s a state law matter, not a federal law matter,” Bennett said. The next court date is currently pending. “Unfortunately I am not permitted to discuss anything of ongoing litigation,” said York Flik, attorney representing MDC.
TRANSFER THURSDAYS
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AUG. 1, 2011 | NEWS
THE REPORTER
To Serve And Protect
INFORGRAPHIC: PUBLIC SAFETY
Safety First
Besides maintaining safety at Miami Dade College’s eight campuses, the public safety departments offer a plethora of other services; here are some of them:
If In A Pinch
In an urgent situation, students can contact their campus Public Safety department using emergency phones. Some of these phones are equipped with a red panic button that connects the caller directly to an operator at the department, while also informing them the location of the phone, so an officer can be sent out to the situation.
For more information about Public Safety, visit: http://www.mdc.edu/ main/safety
Parking Decals Faculty and staff can register their vehicle with Public Safety, while students can register with the Student Life department.
Reaching Out
The College emergency alert system has infrastructure designed to allow important information to be broadcast at both campus-wide and college-wide levels. At the campuswide level, alerts can be triggered to affect individual buildings in the case of an event that immediately threatens the well being of occupants, as in the case of a fire. At the college-wide level, the College sends text alerts to MDC Alerts subscribers; the text alerts are designed to relay important information about that affect college operations, such as closures during hurricanes. Cathy Anthofer, director of emergency preparedness, says that one of the most important things during an emergency is to be knowledgeable of what to do during an emergency. “People should be aware of what to do during an emergency,” said Anthofer. “If an alert says to ‘shelter,’ do you know what it means?”
These two emergency phone variations are found on walls.
For more information about MDC Alerts, visit: http://www.mdc.edu/ main/alerts SOURCES: MDC.EDU/MAIN/SAFETY, MDC.EDU/MAIN/ ALERTS, CATHLEEN ANTHOFER, DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, ARMANDO GUZMAN, CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT KENDALL CAMPUS— RESEARCH: AKEEM BRUNSON, LAZARO GAMIO—GRAPHICS: LAZARO GAMIO
Here’s a listing of how to reach you campus Public Safety Department; both by location and phone number.
Lost And Found Public Safety departments maintain an inventory of items turned over to officers. Also, an incident report can be filed for a missing item.
Incident Reports Students can file a report with the department, as well as file reports anonymously online.
Patrolling the breezeways and halls across Miami Dade College, the Public Safety Department is tasked with the safety of faculty, staff and students. As an additional layer of safety, each campus is equipped with alert systems that warn occupants of any pertinent dangers. For college-wide emergencies, such as a natural disaster that may force closures, MDC Alerts provides text-alerts to all subscribers, as well as a hotline to provide staff and student callers with up-to-date information. Here is a look at some of the functions of both Miami Dade College’s Public Safety departments and the MDC Alerts system.
Getting In Touch
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This pylon-like variation is often found outdoors, most notably in parking lots. Each campus has its own emergency alert system.
North Campus T (305) 237-1100 , Room 1175 —————————————————— Kendall Campus T (305) 237-2100, Room 5118 ——————————————————
Wolfson Campus T (305) 237-3100, Room 1140 —————————————————— InterAmerican T (305) 237-6046 , Room 1123 ——————————————————
ACCREDITATION
Mass text alerts are sent out in case of a college-wide emergency event.
Medical Center Campus T (305) 237-4100, Room 1153 —————————————————— Homestead Campus T (305) 237-5100, Room D114 ——————————————————
Hialeah Campus T (305) 237-8701, Room 1115 —————————————————— West Campus T (305) 237-8100, Room 1130 ——————————————————
DONATION
MDC’s Accreditation Law Library Donated to Wolfson Law Center Under Threat FROM ACCREDITATION, FRONT
tials.” SACS describes the warning as a public sanction issued due to noncompliance with Core Requirement 2:8: “ The number of faculty is adequate to support the mission of the institution and to ensure the integrity of its academic programs.” However, SACS does not have official guidelines on the ratio of fulltime and part-time faculty an institution should have. “I find this incredibly novel; bizarre. We don’t have sufficient fulltime professors but they don’t even tell us the ideal number we should have,” said Michael Lenaghan, a full-time international relations professor at North and InterAmerican Campus. “I in turn teach an average of nine courses a semester. They need to do the math.” Any school that loses its accreditation faces major obstacles. Its students wouldn’t be able to receive federal financial aid and they would have a difficult time transferring credits to other institutions. During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, MDC had approximately 46,000 students that received federal funding, according to College-Wide Financial Aid Director Mercedes Amaya. Last year the college credit to
student population increased by about 5.5%, according to Montoya. “I wouldn’t be surprised if enrollment dropped dramatically. People want a legit school, and if their diploma isn’t viable, what would be the point in coming here?” said Brittany Harvey, a 20-year-old business major at North Campus. “I think I can understand the warning. Part-time professors don’t really have office times or office hours. It has stopped me in the past from having easy access to what I need.” The warning applies to all components of the institution including all programs, branch campuses, off-campus sites, and distance learning programs. In December, the warning will either be removed, extended, the College could be placed on probation or its accreditation could be removed. Florida Christian College in Kissimmee was also given a sixmonth warning. “The economic situation has really forced us into this, really.” said John Todd, a full-time speech professor at Kendall Campus. “However, I find part-time professors to be committed to the education goal of the College. I know I was when I was one.”
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The Reporter
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida donated their entire collection of books to Miami Dade College’s Law Center.
By Kirsten Rincon kirsten.rincon001@mymdc.net More than 600 law center students at Wolfson Campus will have easier access to lay down the law. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida donated their entire collection of books to Miami Dade College’s Law Center. The library is set to have approximately 4,722 books as opposed to the current paralegal collection of 1,500. “I’m very excited, we’ve been working on growing our program for years and this new law library is definitely a huge stepping stone,” said Law Center Director, Thomas Nguyen. The Law Center at MDC is the only ABA approved program in Miami-Dade County. It has been working for more than a year to build communication partnerships with all legal law offices and legal organizations in South Florida. Because the U.S Attorney’s office is going electronic, they have made
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available to MDC their collection of books. “Most books they have provided are federal volumes that we lack, the entire collection is about four times the size of ours.” Nguyen said. “This Law Collection will probably make our legal law collection one of the biggest in the country and is set to be worth approximately $600,000.” It will be located on the first floor of the library located at Wolfson Campus in an area the size of two classrooms. “We have knocked down the walls of the two spare classrooms we had here at the library to make room for this enormous collection of Law books,” said Adria Leal, a Wolfson campus librarian. Previously, students were limited with the small collection at the campus library or would have to commute to the Miami Federal Courthouse’s library in Downtown. “As someone who has done legal research at the University of Miami library and the Federal Courthouse, it is very nice to have something that is more accessible to the students here at MDC,” said Jose Medina, an intern at the Law Center. “We will feel more comfortable which will ultimately improve our ability to do the research required.”
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Create YOUR FUTURE. Andrea Penoyer is not your typical working mom. After all, not all moms have their lives filmed for a reality TV show. But even with raising a son and working for the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s anti-crime unit, all the while being part of TLC’s Police Women of Broward County, she is able to pursue her second degree from BARRY UNIVERSITY. “Barry makes it possible with evening and weekend classes that are convenient for me.”
www.barry.edu/MDC
ANDREA PENOYER TLC’s Police Women of Broward County Bachelor of Public Administration, 2010 Current Master of Public Administration student
BARRY UNIVERSITY is the second-largest private, Catholic university in the Southeast • Main campus in Miami Shores, Florida, offering more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in: Arts and Sciences • Business • Education • Health Sciences • Human Performance and Leisure Sciences • Law • Podiatric Medicine • Public Administration • Social Work • Day, evening, and weekend classes at sites throughout Florida *Not all programs offered at all off-campus sites
AUG. 1, 2011 | NEWS
THE REPORTER
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NEW FEE
New Access And Parking Fee to be Instituted This Fall FROM NEW FEE, FRONT
MARK PULASKI / THE REPORTER
Pioneer: Set to retire later this month, Alexandria Holloway, the original dean of The Honors College, remains optimistic about her future endeavors. HONORS COLLEGE
Dean Of Honors College Set To Retire The original dean of The Honors College, Alexandria Holloway, is retiring after 35 years of service to Miami Dade College. By Mark Pulaski mark.pulaski001@mymdc.net Alexandria Holloway, dean of The Honors College, has devoted nearly half her life to education. After working in the field for 43 years—35 of those at Miami Dade College—Holloway is set to retire on Aug.31. She will be replaced by Pascale Charlot who was most recently the assistant dean of student affairs at New York University’s Law School. Holloway, a Jackson, Mississippi native, was originally due to retire five years ago, but elected to enter the Deferred Retirement Option Program in the Florida Retirement System. Now that she has completed her time in that program, she has no choice but to retire. The move wont be an easy one for Holloway, who has developed a close-knit bond with her students and colleagues at The Honors College. “It really is like a family,” Holloway said. “This has been the greatest of all the positions I’ve held.” After completing her undergraduate work at Jackson State University, she went directly to earning her master’s degree in music education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since then, she has been working in the field of education. “I always knew that I loved teaching, and I loved working with students,” Holloway said. Her first job was teaching music in the Champaign, Illinois public school system, a position she held consecutively for about five years, before spending a year at her Alma Mater, Jackson State, teaching music and piano courses. She then returned to the Champaign public school system until one day in 1976 she got a call from a friend at the University of Illinois. He informed Hol-
loway that the chairman of the music department at MDC was interested in offering her a job. Holloway was hesitant at first, believing that Miami was not a place she wanted to be. However, she decided to give it a chance— on a one year trial basis—taking a job teaching music and piano courses at the Kendall Campus. “What I saw at Miami Dade was something very special. I saw students who came in with minimal skills given an opportunity to progress, and they just soared,” she said. Refreshed by the desire for education her students possessed, Holloway decided to stay at MDC. One day, when the choir director became ill, Holloway filled in. Under her direction, the students decided to become a gospel choir. Soon, MDC began to offer a one-credit gospel choir course (MUN1391), the first of such courses offered in the state. The JUBA Gospel Ensemble, as they came to be known, even recorded an album (JUBA Live) in 1985 at the prestigious Criteria Studios in North Miami. Not long after the release of the album, Holloway became chair of the music department. It was a position she would hold for six months. Holloway was then offered the position of Associate Dean for the Division of the Arts and Sciences. While serving in that role, Holloway oversaw the construction of the Martin and Pat Fine Center for the Arts (Building M) on Kendall Campus. When Eduardo Padrón became college president in 1995, he offered Holloway the position of interim executive dean at the Homestead Campus. “That was an incredible opportunity,” said Holloway, who enjoyed the ability to interact with students on a more personal level. After three years she was assigned to be the academic dean at the Wolfson Campus.She fell in love with what she calls “The Wolfson Culture.” In 2001, Padrón asked Holloway to start a new program— The Honors College.
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Holloway, always up for a challenge, spent a year researching honors programs at other institutions. In 2002, The Honors College was launched, with Wolfson Campus serving as the catalyst. The program was designed to offer an option to some of MiamiDade County’s brightest young students. “[Holloway] was the one who made this possible, who took Dr. Padrón’s directive and made The Honors College a reality,” said Virginia Fuillerat, the director of The Honors College at Wolfson Campus. “It is her baby.” Holloway acknowledges the special bond she has formed with her students. “I don’t have any birth children, but I have hundreds of children,” she said. Alejandro Almanza, a 2004 graduate from The Honors College’s inaugural class, credits Holloway’s compassionate, encouraging and problem-solving nature with bringing out the best from her students, both during and after their time at MDC. Almanza, now 27 and a senior human resource recruiter with the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine/ UHealth System, believes that Holloway’s presence will always be felt. “The foundation that Dr. Holloway established for The Honors College has evidently contributed to it’s success and has left a lasting imprint on the lives of all who have been fortunate enough to be a part of this program under her leadership,” Almanza said. Another of Holloway’s former students, Susana Montes, now 26 and working as an analyst for Facebook, says that Holloway has been “like a mother” to her and the many other students who have been under her guidance. “[Holloway] has changed the lives of thousands of students who, in turn, are changing thousands of lives,” Montes said. “She has left a huge mark in the community and the world. For that gift, she will be remembered by all those whose lives she has touched.”
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for various projects including construction of the new five-floor building for student services at Kendall Campus expected to be completed by Fall 2013, according to Harrison. “The fees ultimately will benefit the students in the long run because if our biggest issue in InterAmerican Campus is our parking, then it will help resolve it,” Suarez said. The college has not proposed adding additional funding for parking but, instituting a flat rate amongst all students through tuition. Thus, if a student is taking 12 credits they will be paying $36 that
semester. “I don’t see the parking fee as an issue because we spend at least $36 on our cell phone bill so why not spend it on something that will benefit our student body?” said InterAmerican Campus Student Government Association President Alain Suarez. But not everyone feels the same. Brigitte Barberiz, a 19-year-old Kendall Campus literature major believes the new fee is unfair. “I find it crazy that on top of the fact that we have to pay a lot of money for classes and textbooks, we have to pay for parking.” Barberiz said, “The College is making it harder for students to afford getting an education.”
STUDENT DEATH
West Campus Student Dies In Road Accident Talented MDC student, Konstantinos Vrotsos, dies in tragic car crash after losing control of his vehicle. By Melissa Adan melissa.adan001@mymdc.net Maisha Vrotsos sighed when she read what her younger brother typed in his laptop two days before his death. “[It read] ‘live life to the fullest and take each day to better yourself,’” Maisha Vrotsos said. Konstantinos Vrotsos, a criminal justice major at Miami Dade College’s West Campus, died on July 3 after he lost control of his vehicle. According to Detective Javier Baez, a Miami Dade Police spokesman, Vrotsos was driving his Nissan 350 Z when he crashed into a Florida Power & Light post near Biscayne Blvd. NW 107 St. at approximately 3 a.m.. The vehicle caught fire. He died on impact. “The walk to his grave is like that of a red carpet, when you reach the end you find my son, Konstantinos,” said Blanca Vrotsos, the young man’s mother. Most recently, Vrotsos traveled with his MDC’s Student Allocation Programming Board organization to a conference in Atlanta, GA. It featured ways to promote student life. However, Vrotsos didn’t stop at the doors of the College. He was well known for his acting career in several soap operas such as Gata Salvaje, Angel Rebelde, Soñar No Cuesta Nada and Going to California. Born in Athens, Greece on Dec. 5, 1991 and nicknamed Konz, he began his career at the age of five performing in commercials. By the age of six Vrotsos became a Screen Actors Guild award member and he began traveling from Miami to Los Angeles with hopes of winning the hearts of casting directors. “He was very charismatic and
was always called back for castings, more importantly, he was humble,” Maisha said. Konstantinos attended five to seven red carpet events annually and won more than five honorable awards, including being given the keys to the city of the Dominican Republic in 2007, according to Blanca. “He was a person who lived it all, there are many actors that wish they would have experienced what he did,” Blanca said. During his career as an actor Vrotsos acted in more than 100 commercials with companies such as McDonald’s and CVS Pharmacy. He also appeared in a short Pepsi commercial with baseball player Alex Rodriguez. He last filmed a commercial for Kentucky Fried Chicken in 2010. It’s still airing today. “I was with him in moments only him and I shared,” Blanca said. “I enjoyed him for 19 years and I am happy.” Vrotsos’ family has created a Konstantinos memorial Facebook page. “[It’s] set up for remembering my brother, it has album for fans and friends, photos and videos of Konz’s work as well as his family pictures.” Maisha said. “It was made to keep his legacy alive.” Fans and friends can purchase ‘Konz memorabilia’ through the memorial page in order to help the Vrotsos family recover for funeral funds. Twenty-one-year-old Jenniffer Carballo, was Vrotsos’ girlfriend of more than a year. She says she will miss singing to him at night the most. “I only sang for him because I felt comfortable, tranquil,” Carballo said. “There was no light; no judging. It was just the perfect environment— it was private.” According to Carballo, Vrotsos was a thrill-seeker. “He was my partner in crime, and now it feels like I have no crimes to commit,” Carballo said.
10 SPORTS | AUG. 1, 2011
THE REPORTER
MDC SPORTS
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Former Outfielder for MDC Baseball. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals.
Former Forward For MDC Women's Basketball. Transferring to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla.
SOFTBALL
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Former Infielder for MDC Women's Softball. Transferting to Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, NC.
Former Forward/Center for MDC Men's Basketball. Transferring to Florida Atlantic Univerisity in Boca Raton, Fla.
SOFTBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Former Infielder for MDC Women's Softball. Transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Former forward for MDC Women’s Basketball. Transferring to Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y.
Brian Goodwin
Far From Home After a year of vigorous competition on the courts and in the classrooms, student athletes that participated in the 2010-2011 season are taking their next step to success. The Reporter chronicles the next steps of alumni student athletes both academically and professionally.
BASEBALL
Frederick Kandis
Noemi Rodriguez Visit us online for an interactive map of where MDC Sports Alumni have gone after graduation: www.mdc.edu/thereporter
SOURCES: MDC ATHLETICS, RESPECTIVE PLAYERS RESEARCH: GREGORY CASTILLO GRAPHIC: LAZARO GAMIO PHOTOS: MDC MEDIA RELATIONS, GREGORY CASTILLO
Julien Sargent
Simone Suetsugu
Ashley Wilkes
BASEBALL
Derek Law Former MDC Baseball righthanded pitcher. Selected in the 9th round of the MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants.
SOFTBALL
Stephanie Buendia Former Outfielder for MDC Women's Softball. Transferring to Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma.
VOLLEYBALL
Yenifer Calcano Former Outside Hitter for MDC Women’s Volleyball. Transferring to the University of Texas at Brownsville
BASEBALL
MEN'S BASKETBALL
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Former MDC Baseball Third Baseman. Transferring to Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn.
Former Forward for MDC Men's Basketball. Transferring to East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.
Former MDC Women’s Basketball Point Guard. Attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla.
Maurice Kemp Jr.
Jorge Saez
The Mile Counter
This chart shows the straight-line distance in miles between Miami and the city in which players are residing. The majority of the players contacted stayed east of the Mississippi; seven of twelve of them in three states: Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. SOURCES: WWW.TRAVELMATH.COM GRAPHIC: LAZARO GAMIO
Frederick Kandis
Boca Raton, Fla., 41
Julien Sargent
Boca Raton, Fla., 41
Melanie Ducott
Of those included in this graphic, Derek Law is the farthest from Miami; more than two and a half thousand miles away and more than a thousand miles farther away than Stephanie Buendia, the next farthest player.
Lakeland, Fla., 190
Melanie Ducott Noemi Rodriguez
Charlotte, N.C., 652 Greenville, N.C., 698
Maurice Kemp Jr. Jorge Saez
Cleveland, Tenn., 704
Simone Suetsugu
Chattanooga, Tenn., 708
Brian Goodwin
Washington, D.C., 923
Yenifer Calcano
Brownsville, Texas, 1077
Ashley Wilkes
Buffalo, N.Y., 1,182
Stephanie Buendia
Alva, Okla., 1,327
Derek Law
San Francisco, Calif., 2,594 0 miles
500
1000 www.mdc.edu/thereporter
1500 The Reporter
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AUG. 1, 2011 | SPORTS
THE REPORTER
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// SPORTS Gregory A. Castillo, Sports Editor //
T (305) 237-2157
//
B gregory.castillo001@mymdc.net
PHOTOS BY GREGORY CASTILLO/ THE REPORTER
Reshoot: (From Left) Origenes Benoit,Yukie Futami, Rosan Rivera , Meghan Kenney and Marifranchi Rodriguez (middle, bottom) are looking to regroup from a 2010 national stumble and win it all. LADY SHARKS VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW
PICTURE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY COMING OFF OF A 6TH PLACE FINISH AT NATIONALS IN 2010, THE MDC WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM RETURNS THEIR BEST PLAYER ALONG WITH A SLEW OF NEW TALENT IN HOPES OF CAPTURING A NATIONAL TITLE. By Gregory Castillo gregory.castillo001@mymdc.net Expectations in sports are never a rarity, but after the roller coaster of emotions suffered throughout the 2010 season, the MDC Women’s Volleyball Team is ready to get back on the court. Going undefeated throughout the regular season and securing a state championship, the team stumbled at the end, finishing in 6th place finish at the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament. The team blamed their loss on mental mistakes. “Right now, this is a new team,” said Marifranchi Rodriguez, 20, middle blocker and the only member of the team to receive AllTournament Honors at the 2010 National Junior College Athletic Association. “We want to get together and regroup.” Rodriguez was a huge part of the team’s —Marifranchi Rodriguez success, and is a heavily coveted prospect on the national spectrum, but she is not alone in the teams hopeful title run.
“Right now, this is a new team. We want to get together and regroup”
ROSAN RIVERA www.mdc.edu/thereporter
MARIFRANCHI RODRIGUEZ The Reporter
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The team also returns 1st team All-State defensive specialist Yukie Futami, and defensive specialist Meghan Kenney, and defensive specialist/outside hitter, Rosan Rivera. “I feel good being a big team with lots of experience,” Rivera said. “I believe we gave it our all. Next year we’ll be great with the new girls we’re getting.” Head coach Origenes Benoit and his staff worked diligently in the off season, scouting for new talent to return the team to championship form. “We try to recruit good kids,” said Benoit, who is in his sixth year as head coach of the Women’s Volleyball team. “One of our main goals is to always have a good crew.” Even with them returning a talented core and bringing in a slew of new talent, one thing these girls and their coach know better then most, after last year, is that nothing is given to them, they’ll have to take it. “We need to learn from our mistakes, have a good attitude,” said Meghan Ken—Meghan Kenney ney, 20. “If we do that, minimize the errors, we’re going to take it.”
We need to learn from our mistakes, have a good attitude. If we do that, minimize the errors, we’re going to take it.
MEGHAN KENNEY
YUKIE FATAMI
12 A&E | AUG. 1, 2011
THE REPORTER
FOOD REVIEWS
FILET MIGNON STEAK SUB
Campus Cuisine IN AN EFFORT TO BRING YOU ALTERNATIVES TO CAFETERIA FOOD, WE BRING YOU CULINARY REVIEWS OF RESTAURANTS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO CAMPUS. ALL LOCATIONS OFFERED MEAL OPTIONS FOR UNDER $15. Visit us online for recurring restaurant reviews: www.mdc.edu/thereporter
GREGORY CASTILLO/ THE REPORTER
CG Burgers—Kendall
——————————————— 8525 MILLS DRIVE KENDALL, FL 33183 (786) 439-2560
PAD THAI
A quick eight-minute drive from the Kendall Campus to The Palms at Town & Country takes us to CG Burgers. Opened in May, CG offers an array of hearty, mouthwatering burgers, fries, wings and more at an affordable price. The restaurant offers a spacious dining area with a modern-western look that makes for a pretty
upscale dining experience at a burger joint. Carrying the motto of “all-natural, antibiotic-free, humanely raised beef,” I sampled several items from their menu. The Pub Burger, a single stack hamburger with your choice of mostly free toppings—cheese and bacon are extra—is the basic burger. I got the burger with the works and chipotle sauce along with zucchini fries—the restaurant’s signature fry—and a regular drink for just under $12. The burger patty was cooked
well done and was a bit lackluster, but the tangy chipotle sauce made up for the missing juiciness of the meat. The zucchini fries were a fantastic surprise, offering a good, crispy bite perfectly complimented by the ranch dressing. I also got to try the home-cut sweet potato fries, which were also exceptional. Of the four sides, I thought they were the best. The regular french fries were disappointing, almost always being too greasy and missing a muchneeded bite. Of the other menu items I tried, the steak sub was delicious but a bit too small for it’s $8 asking price. The other types of burgers I tried included kobe, bison and lamb, and were between $7.95 and $9.50. Except for the lamb, which was served with their special home made tzatziki sauce: a Greek yogurt-based sauce, the kobe and bison really didn’t warrant the steep price increase over the regular burger. Overall, I’m a fan of CG burgers. The ability to choose what I want on my burger along with the overall variety of the menu will keep me coming back for more.
4 out of 5
GRILLED SEASONED CHICKEN MARK PULASKI/ THE REPORTER
Soi Asian Bistro—Wolfson
——————————————— 134 NE SECOND AVE MIAMI, FL 33132 (305) 523-3643 Located in bustling Downtown Miami there is surely an abundance of food choices around the Wolfson Campus, if you’re willing to look past the McDonalds across the street, that is. Skip the Big Mac and take a walk a block and a half south and you’ll find Soi Asian Bistro. Opened in August 2010 as A spin-off of Calle’ Ocho’s Mr. Yum, Soi serves up primarily Thai and Japanese delicacies, offering lunch specials in both categories for 9.95 and 10.95 respectively. The place is small, but manages to feel very open and organic due to its big glass doors and green-and-white decor. Two portraits adorn the wall, paralleled by a pixelated mirror. Inverted take-out bags line the ceiling. For starters, I tried an appetizer of crispy-fried calamari. The blend of crunchy and chewy textures was enjoyable, as was the orange flavored dipping sauce served alongside. From the Japanese side of the menu, the tuna tataki consists
of pan-seared tuna, thinly sliced and served over a bed of stringed carrots and is accompanied by a California roll and sashimi platter. Overall, the flavor is good, but it is not very filling. A dish from the Thai group, the pad thai, was very good. Served with your choice of protein—chicken, beef, or shrimp— the meal came wrapped up in a blanket of an omelet, concealing the deliciousness inside. Soi’s specialty, however, is in their curry dishes. Their massaman curry was rated No. 1 curry in Miami by Miami New Times. I cant say I disagree at all. The spicy bite of the curry was mellowed well with the coconut milk and provided exquisite flavor. Although I’m not big on desserts, the tempura cheesecake was delicious. It was mango flavored at the time, although I’m told it’s usually strawberry. If you should happen to feel guilty about the extra calories, just walk a couple extra laps around the block before heading back to campus.
4 out of 5
TUNA TATAKI
GREGORY CASTILLO/ THE REPORTER
Carribean Cafe—North
——————————————— 13565 NW 27 AVE, OPA-LOCKA, FL 33054 (305) 687-3643 With Miami’s Latin-inspired flavors being present on almost every street corner, it’s hard for any one location to stand out, but Caribbean Cafe near MDC’s North Campus happens to do just that. Opened in 2006, the restaurant offers a casual dine-in experience at a price too affordable to pass up, and sits less than a mile from North Campus. Menu items are served as “completas”, or “a complete meal.” Customers select two side dishes ranging from traditional Latin and Caribbean flavors including rice, beans, vegetables and add an entree to complete their meal. The entree menu is as diverse as possible for a menu consisting mostly of traditional Latin flavors. Roast pork, picadillo and ox tail are found but are joined by other items like their top-selling bourbon chicken—grilled, slightly-sweet chicken breast pieces—and mango chicken—a sort of fried chicken in mango sauce.
Most meals cap off at around $8-10 dollars with a 20 oz fountain drink, though the big deal comes from the restaurants daily special. For $3.99 you get two sides with a chosen entree and a 20 oz drink. During my visit I sampled the mango chicken, stewed chicken and couple of different sides. The mango chicken was a pleasant surprise offering a tangy, sweet flavor reminiscent of good quality Chinese takeout. The stewed chicken, a staple dish in most Hispanic homes, was a delicious home-style soup with big, meaty pieces of chicken in a flavorful vegetable broth. Though my entrees we’re full of flavor, I can’t say the same
thing for my sides. The arroz moro—a seasoned rice and bean dish—lacked flavor and I mostly left it behind, as well as the congri—another version of the rice dish—which shared the same fault as the moro. All in all, the restaurant offers a significant value to students looking to grab a quick, monstrous portion of home-style Caribbean flavors. Service is fast, food is cheap and they even offer 29¢ coladas, a popular potent dose of Cuban coffee for students needing an extra buzz to get through their classes.
3.5 out of 5
STEWED CHICKEN WITH CONGRI
GREGORY CASTILLO/ THE REPORTER
MARK PULASKI/ THE REPORTER
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The Reporter
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AUG. 1, 2011 | A&E
THE REPORTER MIFF Now Accepting Submissions for 2012
// A&E Mark Pulaski, A&E Editor //
T (305) 237-1254
//
Even though the Miami International Film Festival is roughly six months away, filmmakers all across the globe are beginning to submit their latest cinematic endeavors. MIFF, sponsored by Miami Dade College, has officially placed a call for entries on their site. Becoming more efficiently equipped, not to mention environmentally friendly, they aim to have all submissions sent through the Withoutabox Secure Online Screener. Potential contestants submitting via this progressive form will be granted priority viewing. Festival Director Jaie Laplante has expressed his gratitude and excitement for the 2012 MIFF.
B mark.pulaski001@mymdc.net
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“We had a superb response from audiences and filmmakers alike on our 2011 edition,” Laplante said. “The fact that we have been able to win the support of the Knight Foundation for our new cash award structure in the Ibero-American Competition will ensure the cream of the crop in Spanish-language cinema in 2012.” With a variety of categories from features, documentaries, shorts, and experimental cinema, the 2012 edition of MIFF aims to continue putting Miami on the map among major film festivals, possibly on it’s way to being mentioned alongside Cannes, Berlin, and Sundance. –Jessica Medina For more information visit www.miamifilmfestival.com
COURTESY OF WILD DOGS PRODUCTIONS
Wild Wild West: North campus student Eric Zaldivar (right) starred alongside spaghetti-western veteran Dan van Husen in the new release The Scarlet Worm. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MDC Student Stars In New Western Film Eric Zaldivar—24-yearold film major at the North Campus—acts, coproduces, and serves as stuntman in the low-budget Western The Scarlet Worm. By Mark Pulaski mark.pulaski001@mymdc.net Since he was young boy growing up in Miami, 24-year-old Eric Zaldivar knew he wanted to entertain people. “While other little boys wanted to be policemen or firemen, I was interested in operating Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disney World,” he said. At age 12, after watching the Normandy Beach invasion scene in Saving Private Ryan, he set a new career goal for himself: to be a filmmaker. Ever since, most of his time has been spent making his own short films and watching plenty of movies, which he credits with being the best film school of all. In his latest venture, the North Campus film major goes beyond
the simple home-made shorts and brings something to the big screen—The Scarlet Worm. The film is a small-budget Western that follows the story of an aging assassin named Print (Aaron Stielstra) who is obsessed with the theatrics involved in his killings. In his latest assignment, he is tasked with the assassination of a brothel owner—played by Dan van Husen—who performs cruel abortions on his ‘employees’. Zaldivar plays Gus, the son of the brothel owner, who serves as a “sympathetic villain” unsure of what to make of his father’s actions. In addition to his acting credit, he also served as a co-producer, second unit director, and stuntman, often sacrificing his body to achieve the desired results on film. The director of The Scarlet Worm, Michael Fredianelli, said Zaldivar was a “vital asset” to the project. “I enjoyed working with [Zaldivar] because he definitely has a strong passion for the Western genre and it shows in his work,” Fre-
dianelli said via e-mail. “He put a lot of heart into the production.” Zaldivar also managed to secure most of the funds for the film with the help of MDC film professor Mario Beguiristain, who had great hope in the quality of the script and the capabilities of his student. “He is a promising talent,” said Beguiristain. “He’s a naturally-born director and has good vision for action scenes.” Zaldivar aspires to continue on his current path, building more contacts in the film industry and creating his cinematic art. “In a world where everybody in my line of work wants to be the next Michael Bay, my goal is the simplest: I just want to make small, meaningful pictures that bring something new to the landscape of film history,” Zaldivar said. The Scarlet Worm will make it’s theatrical debut in select California theatres on August 27, and will be available on Blu-ray on August 16 through unearthedfilms.com.
AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER
14th Street Rock: Hollywood gives North Miami Ave and 14th street an 80’s flashback as a star studded cast films an adaptation of the 2006 Chris D’Arienzo hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages.
Wolfson Family Donates $2M to MDC Film Archives The Wolfson family has donated $2 million to the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus. The donation will help with the preservation and digitization of more then 40 thousand hours of footage. The archives currently have 35 thousand hours on tapes like Betacam and U-matic and 23 million feet of film . According to Rene Ramos, the director of the archive, the department
Quality Curriculum/Strong Phonics Program Qualified & Caring Staff Mandatory Uniforms Spacious Classrooms and Playground 3 Wholesome Meals Included • We Accept CDS and Private Pay Students. • FREE VPK - 4 years old by September 1st • • • • •
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For more information contact T 305 375-1505 B info@wolfsonarchive.org
Enrolling NOW! Daycare Children Ages: Infant to 5 years
COURTESY OF WILD DOGS PRODUCTIONS
–Akeem Brunson
Promising: Zaldivar starred in The Scarlet Worm, but also served as co-producer, second unit producer and stuntman.
has already begun the digitization of the footage, but the process would be lengthy with the current outdated equipment. “With what we have now it would take years,” said Ramos. “I would probably be retired before we’re done.” The donation will fund new equipment to help expedite the project. Once complete, the footage will placed in an online database.
14 FORUM | AUG. 1, 2011 MDC PRIDE
Shark Pride A call to all Miami Dade College students to stand tall and proud for the institution they attend, and the great education they receive.
By Melissa Adan melissa.adan001@mymdc.net “So, what school do you go to?” Many who live in South Florida proudly answer, the University of Miami or Florida International University, and those visiting during the summer boast the University of Florida or Florida State University, but those that attend Miami Dade College don’t always seem as eager to answer. Usually the MDC student will shrug and mumble, “Dade...,” while the UF student responds, “It’s okay you can transfer here soon.” This needs to change. Miami Dade College is the largest college in the nation. The school has more than 174,000 stu-
dents, and eight campuses across Miami-Dade County. It offers eight bachelor degree programs in addition to many associate and vocational degrees. Yes, that means you can graduate from MDC with a four-year-degree like you can at any university. More importantly, college is not about where you go, but what you make of it. A basic undergraduate at the University of Miami pays $1,600 per credit hour, while a MDC student pays $78.84 a credit. That is a $1,521.16 difference. In the end, what differentiates college students is the amount of work and passion they put into their studies to make themselves better. Those that mess around at MDC, subsequently staying here for the next 10 years, will find themselves spending as much money as if they had attended UM. However, those that take advantage of what MDC has to offer, from sports to clubs and specialized courses, will find themselves forever proud of being a Shark. So, the next time you are at a social engagement with other college students, don’t blow it when they ask you what school you attend. Be as proud as ever that you attend the largest college in the nation. And with that, answer nice and loud, “I attend Miami Dade College.”
ONLINE DATING
Online Dating: A Gift or A Curse? A concise look at the evolution of online dating, and what it means to the young generation seeking a partner, or just friendly company.
By Stteffanny Cott steffanni.cott001@mymdc.net Love, love, love, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing. The arduous biological task of mate hunting has been simplified by the genius of mankind. Sayonara self-help books, overpriced ineffective therapy and bar hopping. With the effortless click and scroll of their digital rat, an individual is granted instant access to their very own twenty-first century version of the watering hole, all whilst in the comfort of their own domicile, and more than likely sporting their favorite pair of over-sized Yoda pajamas. Equipped with numerous categories –ranging from behavioral, habitual and recreational – online dating draws on the premise that if a mate is what you seek, then pay and you shall receive. Overflowing with conveniently located singles, who happen to participate in the same activities you do, subscribe to your ideals, morals, religious and political views, all within the bounds of your zip-code, all for a cost (after all, we do live in a
capitalistic economy). Online dating is nothing more than the ultimate option a single individual dreads when a dry spell has reached its peak: The Blind Date. Companies like Match.com, eHarmony and Plenty of Fish, are simply the futuristic adaptation of the incessant friend who knows the “perfect” gal/guy, with the sole advantage that (more than likely) a terribly old picture of the potential suitor in his/her prime is exposed prior to the date itself. All the while, retaining the compatibility and personal characteristics information and only revealing said information after compensation has been received. After prolonged consideration some dare jump into the abyss of cyberspace matchmaking in the hopes of resurfacing, worst case scenario, with a friend. And whilst some are fortunate, others, if not most, do not share the same results. Nonetheless, dating in itself is complex, intricate, puzzling. Until the human mind is recoded with a full proof, one hundred percent success rate, optimal mate seeking operating system, we will have to resort to whatever means, be it online or speed dating, to fulfill our evolutionary and biological purpose.
Screen Name: SexyStud69
THE REPORTER
Summer Recap
RANTING RALPH AND ECLECTIC ELIAS BLURB ABOUT THE SUMMER’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL AND TALKED ABOUT EVENTS.
CDC Warns Of Zombie Apocalypse
Carmaggedon Imagine for a moment how many times a week you use the 826, or the Palmetto for those of you who don’t read signs. Now imagine that Miami-Dade County closed it for 53 hours to install a carpool lane. That is exactly what happened this July in Los Angeles. No, Los Angeles didn’t shut down the Palmetto, they shut down what is widely considered the busiest freeway in LA, the 405. You’d think this would cause mass chaos, but it didn’t. Now as much as I love my city, and I do, I really have no hope of this ever happening, mainly because at the end of the 53 hours there would have been more accidents on 8th St, Bird Road, and Kendall Drive combined, than happen on the Palmetto in a month. At this point all I ask is that they finish I-95. We all know that the I stands for incomplete, but come on people, finish it already.
Chris Hansen: To Catch A Cheater The popular TV host of the show “To catch a predator” Chris Hansen was caught on camera sharing a romantic evening with a lovely young woman by the National Enquirer. The woman was not his wife. There is quite a bit to say about this story, but I think the scenario speaks for itself.
— Elias Cruz
— Rafael Tur
Casey Anthony Walks “The OJ of our time”, as everyone is calling this case. But how guilty was OJ? Well, according to the American judicial system and the evidence he was in fact, in the words of a Black Sabbath song, “Guilty as Hell.” An ex hausted age-old stor y of betrayal, a crime of passion, wasn’t it? Nonetheless, he walked. Ms.Anthony on the other hand walked free from a case no one understood. She was indeed the prime and conspicuous suspect in the case involving her murdered 2-year-old daughter. The “I didn’t notice my daughter was gone” excuse only gave the public more reason to find her guilty in their minds. Guilty of at least child neglect, Anthony was acquitted on murder charges and found guilty of only lying to investigators.
— Elias Cruz
Get Off That Stuff Man! This summer, Los Angeles cocaine dealers ran into a bit of a problem when their buyers skin became blackened in certain areas, and in some instances fell off. Speculations indicate the cause could be traced to the impact the recession has had on drug-dealers, forcing them to cut their drugs with levamisole, a chemical used to deworm live stock. Others speculate drug dealers thought they were selling cocaine to cows. No official statement has been released yet from the black market.
— Rafael Tur
— Rafael Tur www.mdc.edu/thereporter
On May 16, 2011 the Center for Disease Control released an online announcement telling the general public to be ready for a possible Zombie apocalypse. Now I’m a huge zombie fan, I’ve played all the video games from the Resident Evil series to the Left 4 Dead series, and you know what I noticed? People in those games had no freaking idea what a zombie was, nor did they know how to deal with them (head shots people, remember it). A f ter some research, I found out that the CDC wasn’t actually telling people to be ready for a zombie invasion, but they were using zombies as a clever publicity stunt to inform the masses to be ready for hurricane season and other natural disasters. I for one applaud the CDC for using their head on this one.
MANUEL PALOU / THE REPORTER
The Reporter
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AUG. 1, 2011 | FORUM
THE REPORTER
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// FORUM Jessica Medina, Forum Editor //
T (305) 237-1254
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B jessica.medina008@mymdc.net
BUDGET CUTS
Recent Spending Cuts Slice Through MDC Budget An in depth analysis at the recent budget cuts specifically aimed at Miami Dade College, how they affect students, and how is truly to blame.
By Jessica Medina jessica.medina008@mymdc.net Recently, Miami Dade College students checked their emails and were informed that Gov. Rick Scott vetoed roughly $10 million “in appropriations for classroom, laboratories, new infrastructure and site improvements at MDC’s campuses.” The Hialeah Campus was especially devastated by the news as $6.7 million of those funds were sorely needed to expand the tiny campus. Overall, Scott vetoed roughly $170 million from higher education. Yet, interestingly enough, his priorities include “creating a world-class education system.” Folks, it’s obvious, if you want a world-class education you have to sacrifice college students. We need to prepare these lambs to become sheep, and the only way to do this is to force them into jobs, not careers. This leads to another “fantastic” priority on Scott’s list, “make Florida the number one state for job creation.” What better way to create jobs than by forcing tu-
ILLUSTRATION BY SEBASTIAN RESTREPO / THE REPORTER
ition rates to rise, causing college students to take less credits, thus having more free time to find jobs. This man must be a genius. Scott should be on Capitol Hill fixing the budget deficit. By now some of you have noticed your tuition has risen per credit hour, and parking fees will also be implemented. Recently disclosed, MDC students will automatically have a three dollar per credit hour parking fee added
VOX POPULI VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
“I had heard about it, but I didn’t know the details. It’s more money that we have to pay, but at least it’s not such a large sum. I’m not happy with it because we are in the worst economy we could be in right now, but it’s a one time payment and I know my car will be safe in the parking lot.” Heriberto Serrano, Kendall Campus, 19, Mechanical Engineering
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to their tuition total per semester. While kicking and screaming may be a plausible reaction after all these added rates, remember MDC is a public institution and all other state funded universities are subject to parking fees. Slowly but surely, MDC is working toward more parking spaces for its growing student body with its ever dwindling budget. For the lucky thousands that pay for their education out of
pocket, even the slightest price hike on their courses will build up anger. But where is that harnessed anger channeled to? Is Miami Dade College truly at fault for being put in a position like this? In 2007, MDC lost $21.6 million dollars in state funding and an additional $27 million in matching funds. In 2009, MDC lost another $29 million taht was to be allocated toward for instruction. It is no surprise the college staff has decreased and there are now more part-timers. Which brings us full circle to Scott’s most imperative point of all, “hold government accountable.” Why yes, I will hold government accountable for the decisions public funded education is forced to take at the expense of their students. After all, what is education really worth when we are trying to create jobs, not careers. It’s time for government to be held accountable, but most importantly, its time for students to hold themselves accountable for the decisions the government makes. Collectively, we choose who speaks for us, but we might as well do so blindly if we don’t do it at all. In the words of the wise Alan Moore, “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Government should be afraid of their people.” Before we begin to point fingers at the messenger, take a look in the mirror and sincerely ask that person if they did anything to contribute to the problem. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. All we have is our voice amplified by our vote, so speak up college students. The governor hasn’t heard you yet.
With the new parking fees silently implemented into student’s tuition for this coming fall, we asked fellow peers if they know why their tuition rose, and how they felt about it. —By Reporter Staff “I actually did know about the parking fees, and I first thought, ‘What about the people that take the bus?’ I’m an international student, it’s already expensive for me, but at the same time I do understand because I know my car is safe here.” Piere Fletch, Kendall Campus, 22, Architecture
“I didn’t know about the fees, but I don’t feel very good about it. It’s always been free. I guess I just got used to it that way.” Jerica Hernandez, Wolfson Campus, 20, Photography
The Reporter is the free biweekly student newspaper at Miami Dade College. All content is produced by MDC students. The opinions in this newspaper do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty, or the student body.
Bureaus ——————————— North Campus Bureau B 11380 NW 27th Ave. Room 4209 Miami, FL 33167 T (305) 237-1254 ————————————————— Kendall Campus Bureau B 11011 SW 104th St. Room M239 Miami, FL 33176 T (305) 237-2157 ————————————————— Wolfson Campus Bureau B 300 NE Second Ave. Suite 1610 Miami, FL 33132 T (305) 237-3368
Editorial Board ——————————— Monique O. Madan Editor-in-Chief Lazaro Gamio Managing Editor Melissa Adan Kendall Campus Bureau Chief, Briefing Editor Mark Pulaski Wolfson Campus Bureau Chief, A&E Editor Jessica Medina Forum Editor
Art Department ——————————— Manuel Palou Art Director
Gregory Castillo Photo Editor Akeem Brunson Multimedia Producer
Issue Staff ——————————— Isabelle Anadon, Igor Argibay, Alain Bichotte, Zayda Costa, Stteffanny Cott, Elias Cruz, Brittany Esquijarosa, Morena Guerrero, Monica Kelly, Sergio O’Day, Richard Pizarro, Jose Prado, Jael Teme, Rafael Tur, Bianca Vargas Manolo Barco Media Adviser B mbarco@mdc.edu T NORTH.........................(305) 237-1255 T KENDALL......................(305) 237-2323 T WOLFSON....................(305) 237-3477
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