In this collaboration with the Houston ‘Canes Alumni, Katie discusses everything from networking to favorite UM memories with our ‘Canes alumni living in Houston.
Houston ’Canes Alumni share stories and advice
“The ’Canes community is real, and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Kamilah Rodriguez, recent UM graduate and vice president of communications for the Houston ’Canes.
Rodriguez graduated in 2022 with degrees in public relations and sports administration, as well as minors in Spanish and sports medicine. Born and raised in Houston, she came back to Texas after graduating to figure out her next steps. She ended up taking a job doing PR for technology companies.
Rodriguez was one of the many UM alums who attended a Houston ’Canes Alumni event on Tuesday, July 29. The event took place at The Kid in the Houston Heights and was designed to give alumni, UM Engagement staff and ’Canes parents time to connect with one another and meet new people.
Five of the attendees were kind enough to share their unique experiences at UM and provide advice and insight for current students.
Why did you choose to attend the University of Miami?
Hashim Abdullah, current president of the Houston ’Canes, always knew he wanted to be a ’Cane. His late father, a “trailblazer” at UM, was one of the first Black American students to graduate from UM in 1973 with his bachelor in business administration.
Abdullah received an undergraduate degree in computer science from Barry University in 2001, and graduated with his masters in business administration from the University of Miami in 2017.
Determined to escape the chaos of Houston, Johnathan Channavong-Riley also followed a non-traditional path to UM. Before applying to a university, he moved to Florida and enrolled in a community college in Palm Beach for a year. UM was the first school he applied to and the first school to accept him. The rest is history, and Channavong-Riley graduated this past May with a degree in journalism and a minor in public relations.
Alternatively, Jessica Roach Shogren chose to attend UM for many reasons, including the accredited biomedical engineering program, the diverse culture of Miami and the school itself. She graduated in 2018 with a degree in biomedical engineering and currently does quality engineering and post-quality assurances for a medical device company.
“UM had one of the only accredited biomedical engineering programs at the time,” said Roach Shogren. “It also had the draw of the campus, the sports teams, the academics, the international students and the students attending from across the U.S. It was as close to an abroad experience as I felt I was going to get without being able to go abroad because of my major.”
What skills did you take from UM that helped you with your career?
Chris Paschke graduated from UM in 1993 with majors in geology and marine science. Paschke currently works as a geologist for an oil and gas company, but he feels that UM’s marine science program and working as a lab assistant at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science helped him stand out from other candidates.
“UM has a renowned marine science program and it set me apart from other geology students,” said Paschke. “I was able to get a laboratory assistant job, a work study, out at Rosenstiel. That was something on my résumé and applications that was relatively unique because it was employment, and it gave me experience in the field. It’s not every day that an undergraduate gets to work in his or her field.”
In terms of people skills, Kamilah Rodriguez shared that the social environment at UM taught her how to hold conversations, a skill that has helped her with interviews and developing relationships.
“Miami is such a social school in general, even outside of your classes,” said Rodriguez. “Everyone wants to be friends and get to know you, so that helps me in the business side of my life and makes networking easier for me. What makes the school special are the people and who you interact with.”
Rodriguez highlighted a public speaking class she took while at UM, recalling the time she had to give an impromptu presentation about Rhianna’s cultural impacts. The class taught her to think on her feet and communicate effectively, skills she believes have helped elevate her career-wise, especially with so much remote work.
How has networking impacted you?
“The job market today is completely different even than what it was back in 2001 when I got my first job,” said Abdullah. “However, the one thing that got me a job back in 2001 was networking, and I think that’s still important now.”
As an active alum, Abdullah noted that alumni tend to hire from their alma maters and look to help students currently attending their schools.
“Leveraging your connections is important,” said Abdullah. “What I’ve noticed is that one of the ways alumni give back, especially when they get higher up in their companies, is by setting up recruiting to their alma maters.”
Abdullah encouraged students to form relationships with alumni and keep in touch with them. City-based alumni networks are a great place to start and the Toppell Career Center, as well as other on-campus alumni events, can help students make connections.
Paschke agreed that networking is crucial to learning and incredibly helpful when it comes time to find a job. UM didn’t always offer the specific geology classes that Paschke needed to graduate, so he attended a geoscience field camp over the summer at another university and met geology undergrads from all across the country.
For Roach Shogren, moving to Houston from Miami meant she had to form new relationships. She leaned on local ’Canes communities and messaged former classmates on LinkedIn. She found that adding a short message and bonding over attending UM was usually enough to spark a conversation.
“When I moved to Houston, I didn’t have a lot of friends or family down here, so I connected with people who I didn’t have classes with or really know while I was at UM, but now we’re super-close,” said Roach Shogren.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Reflecting on her time at UM, Rodriguez wished she had taken her professors’ advice to talk with guest speakers and establish those relationships.
“I vividly remember, and it replays in my head sometimes, when we would have guest speakers in class and I didn’t stay after to introduce myself,” said Rodriguez. “Now I’m realizing that this extra step or interaction could have opened another door for me, so that’s something I wish I had listened to my professors about.”
Channavong-Riley said he would also focus more on developing his connections and skills through internships.
“I wish I had gotten more involved in internships. I was working a lot, trying to pay my way through school, and I didn’t grasp what the internships could do for me in the future,” said Channavong-Riley. “For up-and-coming Canes, get the internships, man. It makes a big difference in applying for jobs and looking at your resume.”
Abdullah’s masters program was mostly online so he may not have had the same in-class opportunities, but he also regretted not focusing on forming many in-person relationships. While he spent time on UM’s campus throughout high school, he thought he should have prioritized spending time on campus while getting his masters.
What advice would you give current ’Canes?
Reflecting on her freshman year, Rodriguez wished she had participated more actively in some of the less serious clubs she signed up for. She said that she signed up for the salsa club and hardly went, but now regrets not taking advantage of the time she had in college to learn something that was simply for fun.
For the rising seniors, Rodriguez suggested you start thinking about your future and that it is never too early to plan. However, while she believes that having a plan to build off on is super important, she also emphasized that it’s totally okay to change your plans. It’s all about learning and growing.
Planning was similarly important to Channavong-Riley, who recommended that current students lean on their academic advisors for more than just class registration.
“Listen to your advisors, they are also there for you. They’ll tell you how it is and what you need to do,” said Channavong-Riley. “They’re there for you when you have a hurdle because not everything in life can be structured.”
Additionally, Channavong-Riley said the relationships and rapport he built with his professors has been incredibly important in the job search.
“I can name all of my professors, and I could have a letter of recommendation in a day if I need one because of the relationships I built with them,” he said.
He encouraged students to converse with the professors professionally as well as casually, since these conversations allow the professor to really get to know you and help support you.
As the evening wound down, it was clear that these five alums shared completely different backgrounds, degrees and perspectives yet still came together to talk, reflect and enjoy a meal.
“If you find yourself back in Houston after you graduate, you will always have a home here. Anyone who is coming to Houston and looking to make connections, feel free to reach out to Houston ’Canes,” said Abdullah. “We will welcome you with open arms.”
It doesn’t matter whether you graduated 30 years ago or this past spring, you will always have a home with your ’Canes.
Canelink 101: What every student needs to know
Let’s be real, no one teaches you how to use CaneLink. As an incoming freshman scrambling to enroll in classes, I was expected to learn it on my own.
The truth is, CaneLink can be confusing and daunting. The most stressful thing about being a UM student isn’t exams or classwork, it’s using the website.
Here are a few helpful tips for navigating CaneLink for enrolling in classes, checking financial aid and everything in between.
Class information
When searching for classes, the “Class Search” section can get overwhelming. Use as many filters when searching for classes as possible. This can be done by selecting the current term, searching for undergrad classes and choosing the subject of the class you want to find.
Additionally, selecting “show open classes only” will refine your search further for classes that have open seats.
Under the Class Information tab, Browse Classes, Course Catalog and Class Search are virtually the same.
Enrollment
When it comes time for registration, don’t wait for your assigned time and date to look for your classes.
Instead, use the shopping cart ahead of time to save you from the chance of your classes filling up before you hit enroll. It’s always a good idea to put additional classes in your shopping cart in case this happens.
Additionally, Schedule Builder is your best friend. It creates a mock schedule based on the classes in your shopping cart or enrollment. It will also notify you of any scheduling conflicts for the classes you have selected.
Using “Swap Classes” will save you from headaches when trying to change classes. This lets you keep your spot in the class you are already in, while trying to swap into another.
If the new class is full or has a scheduling conflict, the swap feature will keep your spot in your original class.
Holds
Check your CaneLink often for holds, as they can block you from registration or from accessing transcript.
Common holds are related to missing health forms, incomplete financial documents and not meeting with your academic advisor.
Holds will appear in the middle of the left side of the dashboard page.
Financials
Under the Financials tab, you can view current financial aid, accept or decline aid awards and view account balances.
You or your CaneLink proxy can also make payments directly on the Payments/Account Summary subtab.
More crucial tips
Don’t wait to use CaneLink until your registration time!
Practicing with the website for a week or two can help relieve stress and confusion for enrollment. The more familiar you are with the website before you actually need to use it, the smoother the process will go.
In the home page, you can use the navigate icon to schedule tutoring, counseling and academic advising appointments.
Additionally, Google Chrome generally works better with CaneLink. Avoid using Safari or other search engines.
Finally, bookmark the website. This will give you easy access when it’s crunchtime.
Mastering CaneLink is critical for a successful career at UM. Using these tips can better your understanding of the portal and help you avoid the stress that comes with registration and finances.
Start getting familiar today so you can save yourself tomorrow.
Top items every freshman needs to have in their dorm
When it comes to making your packing list for college, it’s easy to focus on clothes, school supplies and decorations to liven up your room. However, once you actually move in, you’ll quickly realize there are a few underrated essentials you will wish you knew to bring with you.
Lucky for you, TMH put together a list of the top items you don’t realize you need until you really need them.
Scissors
If you had any of your packages delivered directly to campus, scissors will be especially helpful for move-in day. From cutting open boxes and removing tags on clothing, you’ll be surprised at how often you need a pair of scissors. Just be sure to avoid a mental-breakdown-induced haircut after your first bad grade.
Medicine
About a month into my freshman year, just about everyone I knew was sick with the “freshman flu.” Whether it’s the inevitable illness, a cold, allergies or a random headache, having some over-the-counter medicine on hand will save you from a late-night CVS run.
Rolling laundry basket
Some floors in the residential colleges have their own laundry rooms, but about half of the floors do not. Even then, sometimes the floors with laundry rooms are so busy that you have no other choice but to try a different floor.
For this reason, a rolling laundry basket is a must. While the backpack style hampers are easier to clean since they can be tossed in with the rest of your clothing, rolling baskets will save your back from having to carry a wet pile of laundry to the nearest open dryer.
Over the door organizer
An over the door organizer can be an extremely helpful tool to save the limited floor space in your room. Things like shoes, snacks and cleaning supplies can be neatly organized over your door for easy access while helping your room feel less cluttered.
Bed risers
Bed risers are another great way to make the most out of your limited space. Adding risers to your bed can add up to two feet of storage, as per UM’s policy. This extra space is perfect for things like bins, luggage and anything else you won’t need to use every day.
Everyone’s dorm set up will look different, but these small additions can make a huge difference. Your future self will thank you when you’re organized, flu-free and not dragging your wet laundry up the stairs on your back.
Fall Focus: Who to look out for during Miami’s fall camp
Fall camp for the Miami Hurricanes begins this week and the season opener against Notre Dame is just more than a month away.
Spring practices and scrimmages gave us our first look at incoming freshmen and transfer portal players, but now the roster is finalized with some additional portal players at key positions.
Here are the top five players to watch closely at fall camp across the next month:
- Carson Beck, QB, #11
Carson Beck’s performance will determine the Hurricanes’ season.
During spring practices the Georgia transfer was still rehabbing a season-ending elbow injury he suffered last December, meaning we haven’t seen him in live action with his new receiving core.
While the 2024 Carson Beck was not bad by any means, ’Canes fans are obviously hoping for his 2023 version, where he racked up nearly 4,000 yards alongside 24 touchdowns and became the projected number one overall pick before last season.
It will be interesting to watch how he reads the field, who his favorite targets are, and how he maneuvers the pocket with one of the best o-line groups in the country.
Named to the preseason watch list for the Maxwell award, a clean fall camp would do wonders for his confidence heading into week one at Hard Rock.
- CJ Daniels, WR, #7
Another player who spent most of spring practices rehabbing was LSU transfer CJ Daniels.
The veteran wideout was recovering from a foot injury that limited his production in 2024, but he hopes to lead Miami’s inexperienced wide receiver group this upcoming season.
“He’s the older guy and you need that, the big brother,” wide receiver coach Kevin Beard said.
“They lean on him, and from day one he said ‘Hey coach, can you make a group thread with just the players?’ And they’re on it all the time. So, it’s a constant mindset of asking how we can get better.”
Daniels looked solid during his short cameos as he was cleared near the end of spring practices, seen making multiple highlight reel catches.
During his last healthy season at Liberty in 2023, Daniels was dominant for the ranked side — an impressive 55 receptions for 1,067 receiving yards and ten touchdowns.
Like Beck, Miami is hoping Daniels can return to that 2023 form and answer the question marks surrounding the largely unproven wide-out room.
- Malachi Toney & Hayden Lowe, WR & DE, #10 & #14
For the transition between offense and defense, the standout freshman pair of Malachi Toney and Hayden Lowe can be grouped together.
Both gathered plenty of buzz during spring practices on their respective sides of the ball and starred during the spring game.
Toney consistently demonstrated an ability to find weak spots in the zone and serve as a reliable target all spring. And when the pads came on for the spring game, he was electric with multiple touchdowns to his name.
“He has no fear, he puts the work in outside of the football field to allow himself to come out here fearless,” coach Beard said.
The South Florida native will be battling for the slot receiver position against Cincinnati transfer Tony Johnson and returning Junior Ray-Ray Joseph, a battle that will surely provide the coaching staff a lot to think about.
Simultaneously, five-star prospect Lowe was consistently putting in good work against the offensive line during the spring.
His motor was clear, always driving through blocks and finding his way to the ball. In one-on-one drills, Lowe was unafraid of competition, eager to call out senior offensive lineman.
“That man is ready to play right now. He’s a really crazy guy, but he has a nice motor. He plays with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of tenacity, a lot of everything man,” said teammate Rueben Bain.
And while his path isn’t as clear to playing time with Bain and Akheem Mesidor likely occupying the edge roles, expect Lowe to find a way onto the field sooner rather than later.
For fall camp, Lowe hopefully can continue sharpening his skills by polishing his finesse moves to match his high-end motor.
Championship teams have impact freshmen; Miami needs this pair to shine bright for their postseason hopes.
- Mohamed Toure, LB, #1
Arguably the ’Canes top need in the spring transfer portal, linebacker was a position of real concern.
And in early May, Miami landed a transfer commitment from Rutgers linebacker Mohamed Toure.
In 2023 with Hurricanes defensive Coordinator Corey Hetherman serving as linebacker coach at Rutgers, Toure had a career year — 93 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, and 4.5 sacks.
Now reunited with Hetherman, Toure could possibly return to that 2023 form which saw him named as an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
Originally part of the class of 2019, Toure brings valuable experience to the defensive side of the ball, at a position that requires leadership. And while injury concerns are present as Toure comes off his second ACL tear, he has been fully screened and cleared by the staff.
If they can keep him healthy, the Hurricanes may just have an all-conference level player on their hands.
- Justin Scott, DT, #5
To round out the list, we have rising sophomore Justin Scott.
The former five star defensive tackle didn’t see much action last season, only playing in five games, but he is expected to take a big step forward this season.
During spring Scott impressed, both in shape and performing well in between the lines. Across the practices he was a mainstay in my performers of the day, wreaking havoc on the interior.
“On a single-block, he’s a guy we anticipate — and expect — to win right now,” said Coach Hetherman.
“Just his movements, how twitchy he is off the football, he’s a guy who continues to get better during spring football.”
While Miami has retooled across the board under the leadership of head coach Mario Cristobal, the d-tackle position has routinely been below the levels of contending playoff teams.
And at a position that is five-star dominant, developing your headline recruit goes a long way to recruiting such talent. Therefore Scott could have as much of an impact off the field as he could on, and Miami desperately needs both.
Like linebacker, defensive tackle is a crucial position that had plenty of question marks surrounding it, Scott could cement himself as the answer with a good fall camp.
Joel Hassman Samuels named the new Provost at the University of Miami
Mr. Joel Hassman Samuels has accepted the role of Provost, and will begin on Aug. 11, 2025. After two years of Willy Prado serving as Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the thorough search to fill this position has come to an end.
“As we emerge from the centenary celebrations of the University, I am honored to partner with President Echevarria and the faculty and staff of the U to lead the academic enterprise into its next century,” Samuels told News@TheU.
Before accepting his position as Provost, Samuels was a tenured law professor specializing in the rule of law at the University of South Carolina (USC).
He began teaching law as an assistant professor in 2004 and worked to earn titles such as Executive Director, Rule of Law Collaborative, Interim Vice Provost of Interdisciplinary Studies and ultimately served as USC’s Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences since 2021.
As Dean, Samuels led the largest college at the University of South Carolina made up of over 10,000 students and over 700 faculty members, oversaw an annual budget of more than $450 million, secured over $100 million in philanthropic gifts in the span of 3 years and developed college-wide teaching and research initiatives.
Additionally Samuels has been awarded over $27 million in grants as a Principal Investigator. As a Principal Investigator he has spearheaded, planned and managed 25 research projects spanning a variety of law related topics from rule of law to international relations.
However, Samuels’ notable accomplishments began while studying for his undergraduate degree at Princeton University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics.
While at Princeton, Samuels received the Asher Hinds Prize in European Cultural Studies, Caroline Picard Prize in Politics, and Montgomery Raiser Prize in Russian Studies.
He then went on to The University of Michigan, School of Law as a Clarence Darrow Scholar: a full tuition scholarship. He graduated cum laude with his Juris Doctor. A few years later he earned his Master of Arts in Russian and East European Studies.
In an interview with News@TheU Joseph Echevarria, President and CEO of the University of Miami and President of the University of Miami Health System said, “The combination of Joel’s background as a tenured law professor, researcher, and administrator uniquely equips him to understand the challenges and opportunities across our schools and colleges.”
Despite finding such a qualified candidate to fill the role of Provost, the University has also decided to create a new position – Chief Scientific Officer. This open position is dedicated to developing research across multiple disciplines at UM.
The Chief Scientific Officer will complement Samuels’ new position and report directly to President Echevarria.
As for Samuels, he has big plans to leave his mark on UM.
Samuels told News@theU, “In the coming years, I look forward to working with partners across our campuses and in our community to expand our impact on and through our students, through innovative research and creative achievement, through the delivery of extraordinary clinical care, all framed by a commitment to excellence in everything we do.”
Behind the bangles: how two UM students launched a brand with culture and meaning
Amoura Jewelers, a student-run business founded by UM juniors Khushi Vyas and Haley Atallah, launched this summer with an emotional backstory and a clear mission: to create meaningful, culturally inspired pieces that last for generations.
What started as a conversation about a school project during a walk to class quickly transformed into a real business. Both marketing and finance majors at Miami Herbert Business School, the duo had always joked they’d make great business partners. One day, they decided to make it real.
The brand’s debut collection — featuring back chains, statement rings and gold bangles — blends modern design with timeless tradition. Many pieces are crafted or coated with 14k gold or durable stainless steel. The pieces undergo rigorous wear-testing in everyday conditions, ranging from the beach to long campus days.
“We were walking to class and we were like, ‘Why are we doing this? We’re better than this, like, we should make a business,’” Atallah said.
Without telling their friends, they began quietly working on Amoura. They worked on designing the jewelry, sampling it and coordinating details with manufacturers. When friends complimented their jewelry, they didn’t realize they were complimenting some of the first Amoura prototypes.
The name Amoura reflects the brand’s essence of love and energy. Each piece is named after a word in a different language, inspired by the founders’ cultural roots. Their motto is “Emanating energies from around the world.” This came to be as the pair wanted their jewelry to reflect how they see the world — beautiful, meaningful and worth celebrating.
For Vyas, the brand is deeply personal. Her love of jewelry began with her family’s heirlooms, especially those worn by her late grandmother, or “Dadi.” Growing up in an Indian household meant being surrounded by gold. Her Dadi was rarely seen without layers of bangles, necklaces and earrings.
“When my Dadi was sick, she still wore some of her jewelry,” Vyas said. “It was beautiful. I remember thinking: ‘This is what tradition looks like’. That’s what I wanted to bring into our brand.”
The pair chose July 1 as their official launch date, marking the anniversary of Vyas’s grandmother’s passing. It was a tribute to the woman who helped shape Vyas’s vision for the brand.
“Everything I wear tells a story,” Vyas said. “My Dadi was always covered in bangles, earrings and thick necklaces. Jewelry was just part of her identity. And now, it’s a huge part of mine.”
Vyas and Atallah split responsibilities based on their strengths. Vyas manages design, web development and branding, while Atallah handles marketing, packaging and PR.
“We’ve always balanced each other perfectly — what one of us struggles with, the other picks up,” Atallah said.
Balancing a growing brand with full course loads and busy lives hasn’t been easy, especially while sneaking around and keeping it a secret.
Atallah recognizes that there are days when it feels impossible. Launch day was difficult for them as they both had internships, jobs and spotty Wi-Fi. However, they managed to pack every order and get things done.
Their efforts are already gaining popularity. Amoura recently made its debut at Miami’s Magic City Flea Market. The brand is also looking to collaborate with influencers.
Atallah was surprised that some of the most supportive messages came from people she hadn’t spoken to in years. Vyas also credits her sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, for being an early support system.
Looking ahead, the pair plans to expand collections, boost PR efforts and build deeper connections with customers, all while staying grounded in their original values.
Their advice to other young women thinking of launching something so personal?
“If you have passion, if you have love for what you’re doing, you’re going to do it even though there are so many random issues,” Vyas said. “I almost threw my laptop the day that we launched because I couldn’t get it to work.”
Despite the hardships, including internet issues and rushing to package shipments, the process has tested them. But for Vyas and Atallah, it’s been worth every minute.
“Even if I got absolutely no money from this and no benefit, it genuinely makes me so happy. It’s so fun and rewarding,” Vyas said.
While their brand is just beginning, Amoura already reflects the values they’ve built into each piece: love, resilience and heritage. With every item drop, Instagram post and customer interaction, Amoura is becoming more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of who Vyas and Atallah are and where they come from.
Amoura isn’t about chasing trends or profits. It’s about making meaning last.
Miami Hurricane legends you need to know before Opening Week
The University of Miami boasts one of the most historic collegiate football programs in the country.
Hoisting five national championships, more than 360 draft picks, and countless unforgettable plays, the U sends a message across the country – dominance and swagger.
With championships come great players, so here is a list of historical Hurricane legends you need to know before the season kicks off on Aug. 30 against Notre Dame.
Michael Irvin, Wide Receiver, 1985–87
Irvin was an elite playmaker and showman on the offensive side of the ball in his three-year collegiate career.
A key factor in Miami’s 20-14 national championship triumph in 1987 against Oklahoma, Irvin caught the game-winning 23-yard touchdown pass from Steve Walsh.
At the time, the hometown kid set the school record in receiving yards (2,423) and touchdown receptions (26). WhileIrvin may have slipped to fourth over the past 40 years on the receiving yard list, his 26 collegiate touchdowns stand alone atop the Miami record books.
Irvin, who went on to have a Hall-of-Fame worthy NFL career, is now a media personality.He still frequently spends time around his alma mater and can be seen throwing up the U whenever he gets the chance. He attended the 2025 Miami Hurricanes Legends Camp this past June and was seen on the sidelines in the 2024 season, serving as a hypeman and a mentor to the players.
A true ’Cane on and off the field.
Vinny Testaverde, Quarterback, 1982-86
With a stacked quarterback room in the 80’s it took time for Vinny Testaverde to earn the starter role.
In his first few years, he got to learn from Jim Kelly and Bernie Kosar, winning a national championship as a redshirt in 1983.
The Long Island native was named starting quarterback in 1985 and threw for 3,238 yards and 21 touchdowns that season, leading Miami to a 10-2 record.
But Testaverde will forever be remembered with his campaign for the ages in 1986. He led the team to an undefeated (11-0) season, ranking first in the country as a team, and throwing for 2,557 yards and 26 touchdowns.
The 1986 Heisman winner finished second in all-time passing yards with 6,058 and tied first in touchdown passes (48) with Steve Walsh.
In two years as a starter, Testaverde led the Hurricanes to a 21-1 regular season record. The quarterback also won the Davey O’Brien Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Maxwell Award, and was voted a consensus first-team All-American.
Ed Reed, Free Safety, 1997–2001
From redshirt to national champion, Ed Reed had an unforgettable career at the U.
Originally a two-star recruit who came in at the bottom of the depth chart each year, Reed earned more playing time and had more success.
That constant growth culminated in his legendary senior season in 2001.
Leading Miami’s undefeated record-breaking national championship squad, the Louisiana native led a defense that racked up a national-leading 45 takeaways in the 2001 season, including a nation’s best 27 interceptions, and 18 fumble recoveries (tied for 2nd nationally). To put it in perspective, the ’Cane defense would’ve won eight games by themselves in 2001 even if the offense scored zero points.
His 2001 success led him to be a unanimous First-Team All-American, Jim Thorpe Award Finalist, Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year (Coaches). And following his achievements in orange & green, Reed launched himself into a Hall-of-Fame NFL career.
An electric safety who always looked for an opportunity to score on a takeaway, Reed is forever revered by the Hurricane faithful.
Ray Lewis, Linebacker, 1995–97
The man with arguably the most recognizable pre-game rituals in all of sports hails from the U.
A Florida native, Lewis took his talents down to Coral Gables and was an immediate impact player. It was a scary sight for a quarterback if you had to line up knowing that the hard-hitting Ray Lewis was looking to knock the wind out of you.
The two-time All-American holds the Hurricanes’ single-season record of tackles as a Middle Linebacker with 95. He is also in second place in career tackles and assists with 160. Lewis led the Big East in tackles in 1994 and 1995.
The Florida prodigy had manymemorable moments in the orange and green, not only on the field but off. In a video talking to Miami Hurricanes players in 2011, Lewis recalled a statement he made in 1993, saying how he wanted to be the greatest player to ever come out of the University of Miami.
Lewis was not only a great football player but also a great speaker who continues to motivate the next generation of ’Canes.
Sean Taylor, Defensive Back, 2001-03
Die-hard ’Cane fans often consider Sean Taylor to be the greatest Hurricane to ever wear the helmet, and with good reason.
A year after winning a Florida State 2A championship, he was part of Miami’s previously mentioned 2001 national title winning team.
Becoming just one of four true-freshmen to lace up in 2001, Taylor made a difference on special teams with 26 tackles (20 solo).
With an impressive 2001 season, Taylor became a starter in 2002. He finished the season third on the team in tackles with 85 (53 solos), broke up 15 passes, intercepted four passes, forced one fumble, blocked a kick, and returned a punt for a touchdown. Taylor led all defensive backs in tackles, interceptions, and passes broken up, becoming a first-team All-Big East selection by the league’s head coaches.
Sean Taylor put the country on notice in his junior campaign (2003). He led the nation with 10 interceptions and set a school record for returning three of those interceptions for touchdowns. Taylor had 77 tackles (57 solo), finishing third for a second consecutive season.
The All-American had an illustrious start to his NFL career with the Washington Redskins before tragically passing in 2007.
Today, we continue to honor all he did for the University and the many lives he impacted throughout his lifetime.
The hometown hero will forever be immortalized in the ’Canes community, as you can often see his iconic number 26 jersey on gameday.
From Michael Irvin to Sean Taylor, these players are a reason why the U became and stays relevant. They’ve helped pave the way for the new generation of ’Canes, who hope to immortalize themselves in UM history.
At Hard Rock Stadium, you can see all the names of these Miami Hurricanes legends throughout the years immortalized in the ring of honor circling the field.
Take the time to talk to alumni and long-time fans about some of the icons that have donned the orange and green over the years, and embrace the legacy that Hurricane football has to offer.
JetBlue announces departure from Miami International Airport in September
JetBlue Airways, known for offering comfort and affordability, announced that it will no longer service Miami International Airport (MIA) starting on September 3.
The stoppage in service is due to financial trouble, unprofitable margins and low performance on the Boston to Miami route. JetBlue’s financial struggles began in early 2020, but worsened significantly in 2024 after a failed $3.8 billion merger with Spirit Airlines. Federal judges blocked the deal, citing concerns that it would eliminate low-cost options for passengers who depend on Spirit’s lower fares. In Q1 of 2024, JetBlue reported a loss of $716 million, which continued to decline through the end of the year into 2025. The losses, primarily driven by rising fuel costs and a decline in passenger demand, have left them projected to remain unprofitable through 2025.
JetBlue has been in service at MIA since 2021 and at its peak offered 14 daily flights including the New York City area, Boston and Los Angeles. In an effort to attract leisure travelers, the airline expanded service to Miami, positioning themselves as a competitor to Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, the ladder of which having a hub in Miami.
The New York-based carrier will still offer daily service to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Until September 3, JetBlue will offer 1-2 direct flights only to Boston. According to JetBlue, passengers who booked flights to Miami after September 3 will either be able to fly to Fort Lauderdale or receive a full refund to their original form of payment, according to a spokesperson from the airline.
In addition to ending service at MIA, the airline is also scaling back operations from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty claimed that it is “unlikely” the airline will even reach break-even operating costs in 2025.
“We’re hopeful demand and bookings will rebound, but even a recovery won’t fully offset the ground we’ve lost this year and our path back to profitability will take longer than we’d hoped. That means we’re still relying on borrowed cash to keep the airline running,” Geraghty said in a note to staff, according to CNBC.
With the departure of JetBlue, American Airlines, MIA’s primary carrier, may see a boost in passenger traffic, with Delta Air Lines potentially benefiting as well.
JetBlue’s decision to leave MIA could impact many University of Miami students residing in the Northeast looking for affordable travel, especially around busy periods like holiday breaks. Now, it can be even more expensive for students to fly home given that MIA’s main carriers, American and Delta, have less competition and more demand. Students will have no choice but to pay the pricey fare to get home to their families. While Fort Lauderdale can be a good alternative, it is further from campus and may be less convenient based on the traveler’s location.
Welcome to Silicon Beach: Inside Miami’s Tech Takeover
It wasn’t too long ago that Miami, with all its sunshine and beauty, was primarily known for tourism and senior citizens. It was a place to vacation at or retire to, certainly not a hub of digital innovation. But over the course of a few transformative years, catalyzed by a raging pandemic and a surge in venture capital (VC), Miami is emerging as the nation’s new tech epicenter. Today, it is no longer just a pretty beach, it’s Silicon Beach.
The COVID-19 pandemic marked the turning point for Miami’s tech landscape. As remote work became the standard, the old boundaries holding tech workers to specific locations were lifted. Entrepreneurs began seeing Miami as more than just a vacation spot. The appeal wasn’t just aesthetic though, as Florida’s zero state income tax and business-friendly climate quickly gained attention among founders and investors.
For Nathanael Scheer, a sophomore at the University of Miami studying business technology, Miami’s fast-growing tech scene made it stand out among his college options.
“When I was deciding what colleges to choose from, one of the things I weighed heavily was the location of the school and how it could help me in the future,” Scheer explained. “Miami proved to be the best option for me, since I am someone who’s tech-driven and interested in the business world. Now, as a rising sophomore, I hope to work with one of the many companies driving the growth we are seeing in Miami.”
In December 2020, current Mayor Francis Suarez took notice of the trend and wanted to capitalize on it. Responding to a tweet that said, “Ok guys hear me out, what if we move Silicon Valley to Miami,” Suarez famously replied, “How can I help?” This simple response resonated with the business community who saw it as a warm welcome for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and large tech companies to establish a presence here in Miami.
The movement of technology workers and companies to Miami continued to gain momentum rapidly since the pandemic. In 2022, Citadel, a global hedge fund, announced it would relocate its headquarters from Chicago to Miami. By the end of that summer, the city led the nation in tech job growth. Miami suddenly gained the interest of Amazon, Microsoft and several of the nation’s biggest firms.
The Magic City had another big win in early 2024 when Apple committed to building a 45,000 square-foot office right here in Coral Gables. Apple’s decision drew major headlines and contributed to an 18% year over year increase in tech jobs in Miami, outpacing the national average.
Venture capital followed the talent. In 2024, Miami attracted a record $4.6 billion in funding, vaulting it to fifth place nationwide for VC deals.
Another consequential element in Miami’s tech growth was its embrace of Crypto. Blockchain conferences, in addition to projects such as MiamiCoin, have resulted in some referring to Miami as the world’s crypto capital.
Peter Smith, the CEO and Co-founder of Blockchain.com, commented on his decision to move the company from New York to Miami.
“Miami was an easy choice for us,” he said. “It’s on the East Coast time zone. And more importantly, it’s probably the most excited city in the world about crypto right now.”
While promising, it is important to keep in mind that the volatility of digital currencies continues to raise concerns about long-term stability. As such, it is not yet clear whether Miami’s embrace of crypto will be worth the risk.
The message for UM students is simple. If you are interested in tech, opportunities may be closer than you realize. While the “Silicon Beach” evolution is still underway, Miami’s tech scene already offers promising opportunities when searching for internships and jobs.
UM under federal investigation for allegedly providing scholarships to undocumented students
The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into the University of Miami’s U Dreamers Program for allegedly breaching civil rights laws by providing specific scholarships to students without permanent legal status.
UM’s website states that the U Dreamers Program is “available to academically talented and admissible Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and undocumented high school seniors and transfer students.”
According to the DOE website, providing scholarships specifically to “Dreamers,” undocumented immigrants who came into the U.S. as children, is a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits against discrimination on the basis of national origin.
The DOE is investigating claims that the U Dreamers Program provides “unlawful exclusionary funding based on national origin.” The DOE’s investigation will determine if UM is “granting scholarships only for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or ‘undocumented’ students.”
This investigation began due to complaints from the Equal Protection Project. EPP is “devoted to fair treatment of all persons without regard to race or ethnicity,” according to its website. The EPP is associated with the Legal Insurrection Foundation,which is “widely recognized as one of the leading conservative law and politics websites.”
UM is one of five schools under investigation. The four other schools are the University of Louisville, the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University.
Through this program, UM commits to meeting “100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students,” including tuition, fees, housing, food and other expenses.
First-year and transfer DACA and other undocumented applicants are required to provide their country of birth and number of years they have lived in the U.S., but they must “attest that they will not require a student visa for university study in the U.S.”
The “terms and conditions” section of the U Dreamers Program page also outlines that if a student in the U Dreamers Program has a citizenship change that enables them to qualify for federal student aid, the funding from the program will be taken away.
The University has not responded to any request for comment.
This is a developing story.
Hurricane hotspot survival guide
Miami is known for its beaches and sunshine, but also faces hurricane advisories almost every year. After all, we’re called the Miami Hurricanes for a reason.
While Miami has not experienced direct landfall of a hurricane in decades, it does frequently experience the primary effects of other storms that make landfall across Florida
If a hurricane threatens our campus, it is important to be informed and have an action plan with your family. Consider this article your hurricane 101 guide with everything you should know during your time at the University of Miami.
The forecast 411
When it comes to monitoring hurricanes, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is your new best friend. All important information regarding the hurricane’s location, path and intensity is found on their website.
During hurricane season, this information is regularly updated at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern time. As a storm intensifies and nears land, updates are published every three hours or less depending on the intensity of any new developments
The website uses many visuals to help you track the storm and understand how your area may be impacted.
You may have heard of the ‘cone of concern.’ The cone does not track where the effects of the hurricane will be felt, but rather where the eye of the hurricane is projected to make landfall.
Additionally, the NHC will release two kinds of advisories: a watch or a warning. A hurricane watch means that hurricane-force winds are possible in the designated areas. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in the specified areas.
The NHC shares additional graphics that track other hurricane related effects such as storm surge, wind speeds and estimated wind arrival times.
The what’s what
Hurricanes are classified by its sustained wind speed into one of five categories. Storms that sustain wind speeds lower than a category one hurricane are considered a tropical storm or depression.
While no hurricane should be taken lightly, certain storms are more concerning than others. Hurricanes that are a category three or higher are considered major hurricanes.
These classifications are used in the NHC’s graphics to express how they predict the storm will develop as it moves. These letters are D for depression, S for tropical storm, H for hurricane and M for major hurricane.
Plan and prepare
The one (and only) good thing about hurricanes is that, most of the time, we have time to prepare. Unlike other natural disasters, hurricanes can usually be tracked for weeks, ensuring ample time to evacuate if needed.
Regardless of what category the storm is, it is important to listen to the government’s advisories. UM tries to make the decision to close and evacuate 72 hours before tropical storm winds are expected to reach campus.
Additionally, the school will provide ongoing communication regarding protective measures students can take in preparation for the storm, as well as bus transportation to both Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Access to a carpooling app will also be available, connecting students in need of a ride with those who are evacuating by car.
Before moving to Miami, talk to your parents about evacuation plans in the event of a hurricane. Think of relatives or loved ones that are easier to travel to if going home is not feasible.
Make sure there are back up plans seeing that oftentimes there will be a limited time window to secure travel plans before being advised to leave campus.
In the event of a shelter in place, students should be prepared with at least three days’ worth of food and water although food services will be offered through UM for as long as possible. It is also recommended that students sheltering in place provide themselves with their own light source in the event of a power outage.
Hurricanes are scary, but not knowing what to do or expect is scarier. Beat the stress of the storm by planning ahead and staying informed.