n TODAY

The University of Miami Alumni Association is recruiting a select number of eager, responsible, and spirited students to become members of the UM AMBASSADORS, a growing influential group of student leaders dedicated to strengthening the link between students and alumni. As a UM Ambassador, you will have the unique opportunity to network and interact with members of the University’s alumni community while participating in activities throughout the year including Alumni Weekend/Homecoming, Pre-Game Parties, Alumni Club Activities, and the Second Annual Alumni Appreciation Week.
To become a member of the UM Ambassadors, students must meet the following criteria:
* Be a full-time student pursuing an undergraduate degree at UM.
* Carry a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA and be considered in good academic standing.
* Display leadership characteristics through involvement in other extracurricular activities.
* Be able to participate in the required number of activities and meetings of the organization.
* Submit a brief essay in conjunction with the application.
* Complete an interview process with the Office of Alumni Relations.
Applications are available now! Please contact Leslie Monreal in the Office of Alumni Relations at (305) 284-2872 or email lmonreal@miami.edu, or you can pick up an application at the UM Ambassadors Table in the UC Breezeway on Tuesday, Jan. 29 through Thursday, Jan. 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you would like more information on UM Ambassadors, an information session will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 3:00 p.m. in UC Room 233. Applications are due Monday, February 4! Good luck!

Today
CAC movie- Moulin Rouge

QuantUM wants you if you are interested in any aspect of film, entertainment or theatre. Informational meeting today at 6pm in the Flamingo Ballroom A or go to www.gotoquantum.com.

The intramural department needs basketball officials. It is holding an emergency officials’ training today at 5pm in the Wellness Center classroom. Students with or without work-study are needed. Starting wage is $6 per hour. For more information call 305-284-8518.

Wednesday 30 January
Last day to drop a class without a “W”.

Workshop: How to get work done and still have time for a life at 1pm.

Information session for UM Ambassadors in UC 233 at 3pm. This is a group that serves as the official liaison between UM students and the Alumni.

The next Smoking Cessation Program. Free to all UM insurance holders, will begin today. Call Jennifer Pinto at 305-243-3209 for more information.

“Once in a blue moon” at the Rathskeller from 9-12pm.

Attention all business majors or minors Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity, will be having its spring recruitment. If you are interested in networking with business professionals nationwide, while making lasting friendships stop by our information session today at 7:30pm in the UC Ballroom. For more information contact Zoraya Davila at 305-502-5756.

Thursday 31 January
Workshop: How to get work done and still have time for a life at 12:30pm or 4pm.

The Tennis Club is having a general meeting today at 6:30pm in the Wellness Center classroom. Tennis players of all ages and levels are invited. Come and see what the hype is all about.

Come and meet Carlos Coto, class of ’88, who will be on campus to talk to students today at 4 p.m., in room 4028 of the Frances L. Wolfson Building. Carlos was the head writer for NBC’s “The Pretender,” has written for other television programs and films, and has a new series under consideration by network television. He’s currently in Miami to finish a script under contract for an HBO.

Friday 1 February
Black Awareness Month

Friday Grove on UC Patio from 11:30am-1pm.

Happy Hour at the Rathskeller from 4:30-8pm- Erica Summers.

Monday 4 February
Guns N Violence Awareness Campaign

Application deadline for UM Ambassadors.

Tuesday 5 February
Asian Music Students Concert (various artists) today at 8pm-10:30pm at Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall in the L. Austin Weeks Center. Admission is free.

CAC sneak peek at the Cosford Cinema from 9-11pm: Collateral Damage.

Wednesday 6 February
Open mic/ poetry night with BAM at the Rathskeller from 7-9pm.

Workshop: Getting the most from reading your textbooks at 1pm.

Tibetan Monks perform “Sacred Music and Sacred Dance for World Healing” tonight at 8pm in the Gusman Concert Hall. Doors open at 7:30pm, event is free to UM students while $5 for other students/seniors and $8 for general admission. VIP passes available in UC 206 (preferred seating). For more information contact Breana Burkett at 305-284-4606.

Karaoke Kraziness. A fun musical event in the Allen Hall courtyard from 12-1pm … we’re looking for all IEP students to participate. Talk to Maria in the IEP office for more information and lyrics to Karaoke songs. (This event is open to IEP students only.)

Join the Wellness Center today between 5-7pm in its Atrium for Healthy Heart Day, an event providing information to protect both aspects of your heart-physical and emotional. Information will be available on nutrition, healthy relationships, and preventing sexual transmitted infections and sexual assault. For more information call 305-284-6524.

Thursday 7 February
Workshop: Getting the most from reading your textbooks at 12:30pm.

Friday 8 February
Friday Grove on UC Patio from 11:30am-1pm.

Happy Hour at the Rathskeller from 4:30-8pm- Erica Summers.

Tuesday 12 February
CAC film at the Cosford Cinema.

Wednesday 13th February
Karaoke Night at Rathskeller

Workshop: Managing midterms, term papers, and projects at 1pm.

Thursday 14 February
Lonely hearts comedy jam at Rathskeller at 9-11pm.

Workshop: Managing midterms, term papers, and projects at 12:30pm.

Friday 15th February
Friday Grove on UC Patio from 11:30am-1pm.

If you think that you are too busy and stressed out with school, think again. You have not met Asma Uddin.
Now a senior, Uddin proves that determination can lead to great accomplishments in anything you do.
She has recently won a statewide competition for her essay entitled “Dismantling Boundaries: A Defense of Max Black’s “Metaphor”” and was invited to speak on her essay at the Florida Collegiate Honors Conference on Feb. 26th.
On campus she is frequently on the President’s Honor Roll, has three majors, and is involved in numerous student organizations, several of which she started on her own.
“UM is what you make of it. You cannot rely on a school to determine your future. You must take the initiative,” said Uddin.
Involved in the Privileged Studies Program in the College of Arts and Science, Uddin will graduate summa cum laude in the Spring with a Bachelor of Arts and majors in Biology, English, and Religious Studies. After graduation, she will attend law school at the University of Chicago. Uddin aspires to go into patent law or become an academic.
Her leadership roles include: Vice President of Phi Beta Kappa, founder of Solutions, the umbrella organization of UM’s Book Club that concentrates on bringing together students and faculty to discuss various books, Newsletter Editor of the Islamic Society, founder and editor-in-chief of Cornerstone Islamic Literary Magazine and Literary Editor of the student-run INPRINT Literary and Entertainment Magazine.
Outside of school Uddin volunteers as a guardian ad litem for abused children through the Department of Children and Families.
She serves as a neutral third party advocate in court to help determine the best interest of children suffering from abuse or neglect.
“I am the mouthpiece for these children,” said Uddin.
She has also done an extensive two-year independent study on classical/qur’anic Arabic, interned at a law office, and has spent 133 hours studying Islamic texts through the Islamic Studies Program.
How does Uddin handle such a full platter?
“I was trained to be very statified,”she says.
Her days start at 8:30 am and end around 2:30 am. Uddin says she spends about 70% of her time doing school-related functions.
The remainder of her time goes to her family and fiance.
Fridays are Uddin’s “no homework” nights where she forces herself to do anything but work.
Since Uddin does not like to waste time, she keeps herself busy; but, she also knows when enough is enough.
Her advice to other students is to know your limits, and keep in mind your goals.
“Whatever your goals may be, be passionate about them. Be sincere in what you are doing. Do not do something just for the prestige,” said Uddin.
Uddin originally came to UM on a full scholarship after her parents told her she could not go to the University of Chicago.
She had ivy league dreams of going away for college, but decided to create her own ivy league here at UM when she was told she could not leave Miami.
“I have created my own ivy league here at UM by taking the best professors and more difficult classes,” said Uddin. “I have not limited myself to my major. I have taken classes in French, and Philosophy.”
Most importantly, Uddin lives to show that it does not matter where you are, but what you do with your time while you are there.
Uddin, 21, is of Pakistan decent and has lived in Miami her entire life.
She is the eldest of four children and comes from a strong religious background. Uddin says that her motivation is greatly attributed to her foundation in faith.
On an average semester she takes anywhere from 15 to 19 credits. Though, this semester Uddin is trying to take it easy, she says, considering that she is writing her honors thesis.

While the University of Miami has set a goal of $1 million for this year’s philanthropic contribution to the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys, many student organizations have taken the initiative to try to meet and beat this target amount.
COSO, the Committee on Student Organizations, launched the first COSO Challenge last October. Created as a competition between all the student organizations on campus to see which could raise the highest amount of money to give the most back to the community, the COSO Challenge made a promising start.
“The winner of this year’s COSO Challenge gets the privilege of selecting a charity to be the beneficiary of next year’s COSO Challenge,” said Andy Hooper, COSO Ombudsperson.
In addition, the highest contributing student organization of each month will receive a prize of $40 from SAFAC, the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee, given with the intention of being used toward a pizza party, or similar celebration. SAFAC has also agreed to match the amount raised by the largest contributing organization, up to $1000.
The goal for the Challenge is $5000, though to date, only about $1000 has been raised. Hooper informed the Miami Hurricane of the waning support for the challenge in the past couple months.
Competition was hard-fought between the different clubs at the Challenge’s inception in October, Hooper said. November met with similar results, the Graduate Student Association having contributed the highest amount during both initial months.
But the competitions during the months of December and January have sadly shown a marked loss of interest by contributing student organizations, according to Hooper.
Even so, there will more than likely be another COSO Challenge next year, and hopefully many more to come in subsequent years, organizers said.
The final date to be eligible for the COSO Challenge is fast approaching. For those interested in getting involved, collection cups,may be picked up in the Student Activities Office during office hours. Collection cups may be turned in at any time, with no limit to frequency.
Although the money will be donated sometime in mid-March, COSO has set its deadline for the challenge at Jan. 31st.

RUNOVER!!!!

With the recent Diamond Anniversary, Presidential Inauguration, and an increasingly competitive student body, can the University of Miami hope to reach a new plateau in applications and enrollment, as a result of the freshly gained Rose Bowl National Football Championship?
“I don’t think it is going to impact it,” asserted Vice Provost and Dean of Enrollments, Paul Orehovec.
“Winning a National Championship is great for name-recognition-a great value added to the University. Everyone likes to be associated with a winner. And it’s terrific press with respect to the character of the student athletes.”
But Orehovec emphasized his dedication to the academic core of the University, which he believes is the major attraction here in Coral Gables:
“None of our top 5 or 6 years [with respect to enrollment] was a National Championship year. The University’s just hot!” Orehovec said.
Dean Orehovec lauded the academic virtues of the UM. He expressed his deep esteem for the school’s escalating scholastic accomplishments and standards.
“Last year, more than half of our enrolled students were in the top ten percent of their high school classes, and it’s getting higher. That’s exactly who we’re marketing to,” said Orehovec. “The last few years, we’ve been on a roll.”
“Top scholars don’t only look at a competitive sports program for encouragement when applying. They compare the combination of qualities like academics, community, student life, athletics, and more,” stressed Orehovec.
Orehovec sees the National Championship as a “rallying point,”-just like the additions of the Wellness Center and the upcoming Ryder Center-“which will help build a stronger sense of community at the University, another reason to come together.”
Orehovec also noted that, as a consequence of surprisingly high enrollment last year which also caused problems with housing. It is possible that the University may reduce acceptance levels to readjust student body size in the coming semesters.

The busy metropolitan streets of Miami came together in honor of the undefeated Miami Hurricanes football team.

Beginning promptly at noon on Friday, over 10,000 fans took time off from work or school to enjoy a tickertape parade on a day proclaimed by local Miami politicians as “University of Miami Hurricanes Football Day.”

From buildings’ rooftops over six tons of shredded paper fell onto the streets packed with cheering fans.

The celebration started at Bayfront Park, and traveled down Flagler. The procession continued until it reached the county courthouse.

The parade caravan consisted of convertibles, pick-up trucks, and fire trucks. Each vehicle was heavily covered with mounds of shredded paper and filled with massive football players, their coaches, and their families.

Head Coach Larry Coker and his wife Dianna rode in a 1959 canary-yellow Dodge Custom Royal, providing one of many highlights of the day’s festivities.

“[The parade] was like a movie. I thought I was a gladiator coming back from Rome,” said offensive lineman Joel Rodriguez. Awestruck players like Rodriguez took in the excitement and waved to their fans.

Meanwhile, other players went one step further, dancing in the streets and hurling piles of the tickertape paper at one another, and any fans willing to participate in the melee.

Riding together, team leaders quarterback, Ken Dorsey, and safety, Ed Reed, took turns displaying the national-championship trophy to the crowd.

When the parade came to its final destination, the players hopped out of their vehicles and made their way to the main stage which was set up on the steps of the county courthouse. While walking the short distance from the cars to the stage many players stopped occasionally to sign autographs and take pictures for fans.

Once everyone from the parade was properly seated on stage, the next event of the UM Football Day began.

Speakers at the courthouse rally included Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas, Miami commissioners, Joe Sanchez and Johnny Winton, University of Miami President Donna Shalala, Athletic Director Paul Dee, Head Coach Larry Coker, and trophy bearers, Dorsey and Reed.

Although city politics came into the picture at one point when the crowd booed Alex Penelas. The attention was mostly focused on the team.

The crowd gave their loyalty and complete support for rookie coach, Larry Coker. Coker had to wait until the cries or “Larry! Larry!” died down, just to be heard. In his speech Coker had nothing but good things to say about the City of Miami and his team. Coker praised his team, commenting that they had won with “class, dignity, and respect.” The perfect ending to the perfect season.

The day’s events ran smoothly and the parade was a tremendous success according to all those in attendance.

Unfortunately, since classes at UM went on as scheduled, few students were on hand to attend the occasion.

While news helicopters hovered above from a distance, covering the event for their respective television networks, students were allowed to watch the parade on television with what little time they had in between classes.

When asked what he thought of the decision to maintain the class schedule and not participate in a Dade-wide school holiday, linebacker Jonathan Vilma commented that he “would have liked to see students given the day off from school; but that’s beyond my control. It’s [President Shalala’s] school; she does what she wants with it.”

Now that the football season is officially over, fans and players look to the future for what is to come of the team.

Next season, the Hurricanes will lose several key players such as Clinton Portis, Ed Reed, Jeremy Shockey and Phillip Buchanon. The Hurricanes hectic 2002 season will include face offs against top teams and rivals Florida and Tennessee.

While fans are already excited over Sportsline.com’s prediction of another championship season next year, players look forward to some time off from football.

Vilma plans to catch up on the sleep he missed out on during the fall. Meanwhile offensive linemen Brett Romberg looks forward to working out and spending quality time with his new puppy.

Rounding off a full day of parading through the streets of Miami for the Hurricanes Rosebowl Championship was the official University of Miami celebration. The festivities were held at the University Green located between the University Center and the Richter Library, Friday night.

The celebration included food, a fireworks display, and a live music performance from Libido.

According to local news reports, an estimated 1500 hardcore fans were present to cheer on the hometown heroes.

“The ticker-tape parade just wasn’t enough for me,” said Jose Davila, a fan from Florida International University. “This [championship] is too big a deal to celebrate with just one party.”

In honor of the event, a stage and television screen were set up to introduce the players and show video clips of the football season’s greatest plays.

A special message from President George W. Bush was also presented to the audience.

In his message, President Bush commended the Miami Hurricanes football team for being a positive influence on the youth of America and for pulling off a perfect season.

He also acknowledged the difficulties they must have endured as a result of having to balance athletics with academics.

“I agree with the President,” said sophomore Lacey Hickle. “It takes a lot of self control and discipline to accomplish what these players have attained”.

“I was very surprised at the President Bush’s speech,” said Maria Gonzalez. “I didn’t expect him to take the time out of his busy schedule to congratulate our school-wait! Now that I think about it, we deserved that!

“Hell, this team deserves to run the whole country themselves!” Gonzalez said.

Among the guest speakers at the event were the mayors of South Miami and Coral Gables, UM alumnus Roy Firestone of ESPN, The Voice of the Hurricanes, Mark Vandermeer, and President Donna E. Shalala.

President Shalala thanked the fans for putting up with the heat of September, the rain of October, and for showing their support in the stands.

“Not only is our team the greatest football team in America,” said President Shalala. “They are the greatest looking”.

“It’s important to remember that this was Coker’s rookie year,” said Jason Kaulffman. “He is only the second coach in history to go undefeated during his rookie season”.

Throughout the celebration, local television stations had live broadcasts, including NBC 6, WSVN 7, CBS 4, Noticiero 51, Telemundo, Eyewitness News 10, and Univision.

Power96 and WQAM News Radio also covered the event.

“I think this is fabulous,” said Tony Segreto of NBC 6. “I’m a proud alumnus of UM and this is great.”

“I’ve been on TV twice,” said Leo Wilson, a 10-year-old Hurricanes’ fan who came to the event with his older sister.

“I feel like a movie star…now I know how the football players feel,” Wilson said. “I’m going to be a ‘Cane when I grow up!”

Most of the fans enjoyed the festivities and were happy to bask in the glory of their team.

“I’ve been following the ‘Canes for 32 years,” said Mary Graulick, a fan at the event. “I’ve gone through all of the coaches along with the team.”

“I was the first person to shake hands with Larry when he stepped off the bus after they arrived from their triumph at the Rose Bowl,” Graulick said.

Coach Coker has thanked the media and community for the support they have given to the team. He said he is looking forward to opening the door on

yet another victorious season.