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Canes’ leather and bats struggle in 4-2 midweek loss to USF

Brendan Cafferty
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Canes’ leather and bats struggle in 4-2 midweek loss to USF

The bats won’t be there every day.

Miami’s defense showed its true colors as their offense lulled in a mid-April midweek matchup against the South Florida Bulls.

The 4-2 loss comes off the heels of an impactful series win against Wake Forest, cementing Miami as sixth in the ACC, shocking both the team, and the 3,446 that bore witness.

Notable contributors, despite the loss, were Jake Ogden, who went 2-4 with a double, Alex Sosa and Max Galvin, who both drove in a run with RBI singles.

The Canes had a rocky start to the game, with the Bulls knocking one in before recording an out —  Two errant throws subsequently led to runs scored, and Miami faced a 2-0 deficit before getting a chance at the plate.

This is not new for the Hurricanes, whose 49 errors coming into their Wednesday matchup rank just below Duke, who leads the ACC with 50. The three of this game only add to concern for the growing total.

After the sloppy frame, Ogden led the charge in return by roping a ball to left for a leadoff double. Sosa continued the rally in a 3-2 count, adding his own extra-base-hit to the stat-sheet when he looped a ball past the Bulls left fielder for an RBI triple.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Junior Catcher Alex Sosa sprints toward third base on April 12, 2026.

With two outs in the first, and still down one, left fielder Max Galvin stroked a ball back up the middle for an RBI single, tying the game at two-a-piece.

A quiet second brought USF back up to the plate, where first baseman Joey Brenczewski would smoke a 1-1 pitch over the right field wall, giving South Florida back the lead.

Another scoreless inning brought the Canes up to bat in the fifth, still down one. Besides a two-out bunt single from Ogden, Miami could not seem to put it together at the plate.

With two outs in the bottom half of the sixth, USF made their first pitching change, replacing Dominic Pontbriant for Landen Yorek.

Pontbriant kept the Canes at bay after the first, pitching four full scoreless innings of his 5.2 inning total — his day ended at 87 pitches, having tallied five strikeouts and only allowed one walk and four hits.

Following USF’s lead, Miami replaced TJ Coats with lefty reliever Jake Dorn to kick off the seventh.

Coats, after six full innings, was one bright spot on Miami’s day. Despite allowing seven hits, Coats heaved three scoreless to end his day, and only allowed one walk, continually giving the Canes a chance to succeed after some early struggles.

Dorn entered a tough spot, and faltered. Under a close deficit, he plunked two batters, with one ultimately being USF’s fourth run scored, bringing their lead to two.

A single from catcher Alonzo Alvarez rang in another call to the bullpen for USF — which ultimately resulted in a fielder’s choice for the final out of the inning.

Dorn was replaced by Sebastian Santos-Olson in the eighth, who returned to the trend of scoreless innings, giving the Canes another opportunity to come through.

With the Bulls’ fourth pitcher of the game taking the mound, and the top of the lineup due, Miami once again stumbled at the plate, going three-and-out aside for a walk from Alex Sosa.

Despite a walk and a single from first baseman Brylan West and Galvin, respectively, it was too little too late. A lineout to the shifted USF shortstop off the bat of Alvarez led to an easy double play, putting emphasis on Miami’s woes for the evening.

The Canes look to regain their footing in Palo Alto, Calif., as they take on the Stanford Cardinal in a three-game series beginning Friday, April 17 at 9 p.m. EST.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Junior Catcher Alex Sosa and Senior Lyndon Glidewell celebrate after defeating Wake Forest on April 12, 2026.

Factory Town Keeps the party going after Miami Music Week

Gabriel Mena
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Factory Town Keeps the party going after Miami Music Week

Factory Town did not treat Miami Music Week like a finish line. After five straight nights of packed programming across its stages, the venue is moving directly into a spring calendar that continues its momentum. 

From international techno institutions to Race Weekend blowouts and artist-led takeovers, Factory Town is making a strong case for one of Miami’s most essential music spaces long after the Music Week crowds leave.

First up is an event from the team behind III Points on Saturday, April 18 — a more laid-back and  loose spin on a night out. It runs from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. at Factory Town, which suits the energy: communal, unhurried, with music, games, flowers, a skating rink and a mix of local artists and DJs giving you plenty of reasons to keep moving through the space.

On Saturday, April 25, Time Warp Miami takes over at 9 p.m. and the energy shifts completely. This one’s for the techno heads — Adiel, Hector Oaks, Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, SPFDJ, Honey Dijon, Klangkuenstler, Richie Hawtin, Chlär, Boys Noize. 

It’s a heavy, underground lineup and it hits differently on the same grounds that just hosted a skating rink and flower stands. Time Warp has long been one of the most respected names in global techno, so having its Miami edition at Factory Town says a lot about how far the venue’s reputation now reaches.

Then comes Race Weekend, which has quietly become Miami’s next mini-Music Week. As Formula 1 brings another wave of travelers, luxury events and nightlife programming to the city, Factory Town will host a three-night run with Zedd, Cassian, Dreya V at the Infinity Room. 

Mestiza presents Sacro at the Chainroom on Friday, May 1. Rampa, Jaden Thompson and Rimaye on Saturday, May 2 and Martin Garrix and Miss Monique at the Infinity Room and Slugg presents Getbusy at the Charinroom on Sunday, May 3. 

It is a fitting trio for a weekend where sports spectacle, global nightlife and dance music all blur together.

The month continues with two artist-led nights that show the venue can still carry real gravity outside major citywide weekends. Mau P presents Baddest Behaviour comes Friday, May 15, with an open-to-close takeover that should fit perfectly inside Factory Town’s larger rooms. 

The next night, I HATE MODELS presents Disco Inferno brings a harder, darker edge back to the venue on Saturday, May 16. After his standout Music Week set, seeing him return to Factory Town feels like an easy yes.

What makes this run important is not just the names on the calendar, but the range. The III Points-affiliated event shows the venue’s playful local side. Time Warp brings international underground prestige. 

Race Weekend delivers scale. Mau P and I HATE MODELS offer focused artist worlds. Together, they show that Factory Town is not simply a seasonal attraction.

If Music Week proved Factory Town can anchor Miami at its busiest, this spring calendar proves the venue does not need the city’s biggest week to feel essential. Tickets for upcoming events are available through Factory Town and DICE.

Lambda Theta Alpha expands with largest new member class since 2024 revival

Zulema Zavala
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Lambda Theta Alpha expands with largest new member class since 2024 revival

Since its revival in spring 2024 with only two founding members, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. (LTA) has quickly grown, nearly doubling its size to 15 active sisters at the New Member Presentation on April 3, 2026.

Founded in 1975 as a Latina Academic Sorority, LTA was intended to be one of a kind, a Latin sisterhood rooted in unity, love, respect and community.

While it is Latina by tradition, it is not exclusive by definition. Members come from diverse backgrounds, unified by values of inclusivity, unity and respect. Anyone who aligns with these principles is welcome, regardless of ethnicity or background. 

The recent pledge class, Line 23, presented in Spring 2026, was the largest class since being reinstated, welcoming seven new sisters. This growth represents the sorority’s influence and presence on campus. 

They work towards becoming known as an organization focused beyond social aspects, focusing on education, community service and empowerment for women at UM. 

The new members, many of whom are first-generation college students, reflect LTA’s commitment to empowering Latina women.

“The girls [in Line 23] are very ambitious,” said Perla Hernandez Vasquez, a line 22 member. “They’re all girls that really make us proud because they’ve truly embodied what it means to be a Lambda lady.”

Active members and alumni are committed to help these young women succeed academically, personally and professionally.

The re-establishment of LTA Beta Sigma at UM was led by Deani Sanchez, whose leadership and vision laid the groundwork for the sorority’s revival on campus. Since then, each line has contributed to the strength of their values, sisterhood, and campus engagement. Karolina Morales Sierra, a Line 23 member, was drawn to the sorority for its dedication to philanthropy and community service. 

“I saw how close the girls on campus were,” she said. “Not only are they Latinas, they do community service and their values really aligned with my values.”

Lambda Theta Alpha new member showcase celebration at the Rock Plaza on April 3, 2026. Zulema Zavala // Photo Credit.

What’s next?

With the chapter growing each semester, LTA plans to build on this momentum by developing political advocacy initiatives and deepening community impact, ensuring that growth is sustainable. Focusing on their philanthropy through events like Myeloma Awareness Week and the St Jude Children Hospital. 

With an untraditional recruitment process, LTA seeks women who bring diverse interests and commitments. 

“Figure yourself out first. Do what you’re passionate about and advocate for the things you care about.” Hernandez Vasquez said. “When you’re ready, we’ll be here to support you and help you grow — not to engulf you but to add value to your life.”

Vazquez encourages girls to observe, interact and approach the chapter at tabling events or any member with questions.

UM alumna Jessika Grewe Glover returns home for book launch

Beatrice Baialardi Souza De Mello
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UM alumna Jessika Grewe Glover returns home for book launch

Between the shelves of Books & Books at Coral Gables, Jessika Grewe Glover spent much of her teenage years while her mother worked multiple jobs. 

She remembers attending her first book launch and picturing herself in the author’s place. With the release of her gothic fiction “Bromeliad House,” she returns to the same store for her first Miami book launch. 

“It was a place that I found myself,” Glover said. 

A Miami native and University of Miami graduate, Glover said college shaped both her work and her life. 

“Miami was also a huge part of my life,” Glover said. “My mom worked there, my brother was a graduate and my husband and I met there.”

Now in her next book, follows Delphine, an architect working on the renovation of a decaying Florida estate. The main character begins seeing reflections of her loved ones before they die, creating a revulsion to mirrors. 

According to Glover, gothic fiction often works as an allegory to generational trauma and mental health issues. In “Bromeliad House,” the crumbling estate reflects what people carry internally. 

“It’s important to me to remove the taboo of talking about mental illness and disability,” Glover said. “We should bring it to life so that we can find better means of dealing with it.”

She said she wants her fiction to show that people can be productive members of society while still dealing with mental health issues. 

Glover added that people tend to hide these struggles, something she hopes to challenge through her work. Art is another recurring element in Glover’s writing. 

It has been present in her previous books, often through characters connected to creative fields. That influence continues in “Bromeliad House.”.

Glover said the novel is aimed at readers who appreciate art in everyday life, as well as those drawn to gothic fiction. 

 The book came together quickly once she developed the idea, working with music to move through the writing process. She completed the first draft in just a few months in 2024, the fastest she has written. 

“I know these characters inside and out,” Glover said. “The story was easy to write because it felt like they were writing themselves.” She sold the manuscript to a publisher last May. 

Glover said writing has been a constant in her life. She recalled traveling with her mother and writing poetry on anything she could find, including napkins. 

“I don’t think I really chose it. It chose me,” Glover said.

She said she tried to move away from writing at times, but ultimately returned to who she is. Glover is currently working on three new manuscripts, with one ready to be picked up by a publisher.

For young writers, she emphasized the importance of discipline and experimentation. She said her discipline developed over time and encouraged writers to give themselves space to create and explore different approaches. 

“Find out how you like to write and see what inspires you,” Glover said. “There’s a lot of failure in being creative, that’s how we grow and learn.”

Student artist Alivia Clark steps into a bolder new era with ‘Breathless’

Gabriel Mena
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Student artist Alivia Clark steps into a bolder new era with ‘Breathless’

After taking some time away from music, Alivia Clark comes back swinging with “Breathless.” The track feels like a late-night rush, pulling from dance-pop, electropop and house while still carrying little traces of R&B and soul that keep it fresh. 

It sounds polished and  confident, but what makes it stick is that there is still a deeper feeling underneath all that shine. 

The production from David Mason, Harry Zelnick and Maxim Laskavy gives it that glossy pulse, but Clark’s voice keeps the song grounded. 

More than a simple return, “Breathless” feels like the start of a new era — one that sounds bolder, more self-assured and very clear about where it wants to go.

There is a sultry edge to the track, but also a real sense of control. It lives in the space between flirtation and vulnerability, which is exactly how Clark herself frames it. In her words, the song captures “that space between vulnerability and power – where emotions hit harder than logic.” 

Clark’s background also makes a lot of sense of why the song comes across this polished while still feeling personal. She is not just stepping into music out of nowhere. She has been performing for years across a bunch of different spaces, from Broadway and Carnegie Hall to film, television and voice acting. 

She has opened for Mariah Carey, performed at major gala events, and built the kind of résumé that stretches across music, stage and screen. That range shows. Even though “Breathless” is clearly built to make people move, it still feels like there is a real storyteller at the center of it.

Clark, who is originally from New Jersey and now based in Miami, describes her sound as emotional, feminine and passionate, drawing from pop, EDM and R&B while letting each song decide what it needs. 

That flexibility comes through here. That flexibility is all over “Breathless.” It feels pop-minded, but not boxed in by pop. It feels danceable, but not disposable. There is a sense that Clark is testing a bigger sound here without letting go of the intimacy that gives her music its shape.

That is what makes “Breathless” feel like more than just a standalone single. It feels like the opening move of something bigger. Clark wrote the song herself, and the fact that it came to her so quickly — while sitting out in the Miami sun — makes sense when you hear it. 

There is something immediate about it. It locks in fast, feels natural and knows exactly how to pull you into its mood.

If “Breathless” really is the beginning of a bigger shift, then Alivia Clark seems to be moving in a pretty exciting direction. 

The song makes this next era feel a little bolder, a little more rhythm-driven and a lot more sure of itself. For someone who has already worked across so many different lanes, there is something especially promising about hearing her lock into a sound that feels this intentional.

Iconic UM spots to snap your graduation glow-up

Sol Almandoz
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Iconic UM spots to snap your graduation glow-up

Graduation is more than closing a chapter; it is the culmination of the late-night study sessions, friendships, and the quiet, unforgettable moments that have shaped your college career. 

When the time comes for your cap and gown photos, these spots become the perfect backdrop to reflect the years of transformation, joy and resilience that made UM your home. 

Whether you prefer lively walkways or peaceful settings, these are some of the best places to take photos and celebrate your Canes journey.

Richter Library walkway

This walkway is more than just a route. It’s where you made your way through finals weeks, greeted sunrises after sleepless nights and pushed through exhausted study sessions. This path stands as proof of your dedication. 

It has seen every version of you, and now it honors your perseverance. Immortalize the moment by standing at the entrance, the library rising behind you and your gown catching the breeze.

Lakeside Patio

If serenity is what you’re after, the Lakeside Patio offers a quiet escape from the campus buzz. Here, time slows, sunlight dances on the water and conversations linger. 

Pose at the patio’s edge with the lake behind you to capture a sense of calm before stepping into what’s next.

‘U’ Statue

This statue was the backdrop of many students’ first campus photos, capturing their excitement and uncertainty for the unknown future. 

Four years later, you return to the same spot, with your cap on and the confidence of knowing that you made it. It’s a true full-circle moment. Capture it with a classic front-facing shot and the glowing “U” behind you, ideally at midday for perfect light.

Loggia at the School of Architecture

Hidden like a treasure within the campus, the ivy-draped Loggia at the School of Architecture is one of those spots that can turn a graduation photo into something truly special. 

Located beside the School of Architecture, the loggia sits in an open green space, surrounded by trees  and soft, natural light.

A black-and-white shot highlights its vintage essence, while a low angle adds drama — perfect for marking the transition from this chapter to the next.

Physics Center Fountain

The fountain directly in front of the Physics Center offers a completely different feeling and emotion — one that is alive, reflective and quietly powerful. The sound of water creates a sense of serenity and peace that contrasts with everything you have done to get to graduation. 

Water has always symbolized balance, change and growth — qualities that feel more personal, especially at these times. That is what makes this place so special. 

It is a reminder that change is often something to move with, not resist. Just as water keeps moving forward, so do you.

The Gliders

These rocking benches capture the everyday magic of UM — moments that once felt routine but later become cherished memories. 

Simple, but so much of life happens there: long conversations with friends, quick snacks between classes, shared homework sessions and quiet moments alone. 

These locations transform graduation photos into unforgettable memories, keeping the true ‘Canes spirit frozen in time. 

Congratulations, class of 2026.

Canes for Canines 5k aims to boost adoptions

Amber Del Valle
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Canes for Canines 5k aims to boost adoptions

The Canes for Canines Wag and Walk 5K offers a unique opportunity for UM students to run or walk alongside an adoptable dog from the Miami-Dade Animal Services shelter.

Led by Amanda Galante, a UM junior, the Canes for Canines organization is inspired by a mix of purpose, community and a real need for change, as overcrowding and limited foster resources continue to impact adoption rates.

“Along with fostering, adoption advocacy, and events like our 5K, we really try to promote responsible ownership so we can help address the root of the overcrowding issue — not just the symptoms,” Galante said. 

After fostering her first dog, King, Galante realized many “amazing dogs” are overlooked in shelters due to limited exposure, prompting her involvement with Canes for Canines to help them find permanent homes.

Pre-registration is open through Friday, April 17, at 11:59 p.m. Participants who choose the Sponsor a Dog option can create a personal fundraising page to collect donations and compete for prizes, sharing their page with friends, family, and on social media. 

The event will be held at Miami-Dade Services and is scheduled for April 25 at 8 a.m.

All funds raised from the event will go directly to Miami-Dade Animal Services to support the shelter’s overall operations and animal care.

Participants who opt in to the “Sponsor a Dog” program during pre-registration are matched with a specific shelter dog and receive information about them via email. 

Amanda Galante poses for a photo during the “Lucky Paws” event in collaboration with Miami-Dade Animal Services at Foote Green on March 20, 2026. Courtesy of Amanda Galante.

In the weeks leading up to the event, participants are encouraged to share their assigned dog’s story on their social media platforms to raise awareness and increase visibility for adoption or fostering. 

While donations support the shelter as a whole, the program offers a more individualized connection between participants and the dogs they are helping.

“I would say student involvement has been so fantastic,” Galante said. 

More than 250 people filled out an interest form during the new student organization process. 

A student who is a professional dog photographer even volunteered to take high-quality photos of dogs for their online profiles, allowing them to improve their presentation compared to initial intake photos taken at the shelters. 

“The 5K is a way to create this, like, real-life moment for the dogs to be out in the community, interact with people, show their personalities, and ultimately increase their chances of being adopted,” Galante said.

Galante also shared that Canes for Canines has been “overflowed with so many organizations reaching out,” such as Greek life volunteering their time for collaboration. 

With strong student support and growing campus-wide cooperation, organizers hope the event will become an annual tradition and continue to make an impact at the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter.

UM En Pointe Ballet Club prepares to bring  ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to life

Alejandra Chavez
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UM En Pointe Ballet Club prepares to bring  ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to life

From the Cheshire Cat to the Queen of Hearts, the University of Miami’s En Pointe Ballet Club is set to bring “Alice in Wonderland” to the stage on Saturday, April 18. Performances are scheduled for 4:00 p.m and 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Auditorium.

From choreography to costumes, the student-led production reflects both artistic creativity and extensive planning. The club, which was founded last fall, has spent weeks rehearsing while managing the logistical demands of staging a full ballet.

“We started working on it in December,” said Emily Huffman, the club’s treasurer and public relations director. “We have auditions at the beginning of the semester, and then about 10 to 12 weeks of rehearsal before the show.”

Rehearsals have required a major time commitment from both dancers and leadership. Huffman said she personally spends eight to 10 hours a week preparing for the production, which includes coordinating the venue, organizing production and helping design costumes.

“It’s a pretty all-encompassing process,” Huffman said. “We do everything from booking the venue to sewing parts of the costumes ourselves.”

While the technical side of production plays a key role, dancers are also balancing rigorous rehearsals with academic and extracurricular commitments.

Dani Vega, who plays Alice, said the cast has rehearsals with long sessions dedicated to both technique and character development.

“We prioritize rehearsals on Sundays for about four hours,” Vega said. “The first hour is class, and the last three hours are just drilling choreography.”

For Vega, preparing for the lead role goes beyond mastering choreography. The character-driven nature of “Alice in Wonderland” requires both emotional expression and technical precision.

“It’s not just about dancing as much as it is about acting,” Vega said. “She has so many emotions, so it’s been fun to channel that in rehearsals.”

The production also highlights the club’s collaborative nature, with dancers of varying experience levels coming together to create a cohesive performance. According to Vega, the club’s inclusive environment encouraged her to return to dance after stepping away.

“I saw how inclusive the club was and how it was open to everyone regardless of experience,” Vega said. 

Behind the scenes, one of the biggest challenges has been managing costs. While the University provides funding for production elements such as the venue and lighting, costumes require additional creativity and fundraising.

“We have about $2,500 for the whole year for costumes,” Huffman said. “With 25 dancers and multiple roles, it doesn’t go a long way, so we reuse costumes and add accessories where we can.”

Despite these challenges, the club is using the production as an opportunity to push creative boundaries. This version of Alice in Wonderland incorporates a mix of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz and even tap.

“We’re trying to push the box a little more,” Huffman said. “It’s a really interesting variety, and it makes ballet more accessible for people who may have never seen it before.”

For both dancers and organizers, the performance represents the culmination of months of work and a chance to share the arts with a wider audience.

“I think it’s so important for people to be exposed to the arts,” Vega said. “Tickets are free, so this is the perfect opportunity for students to come see something new.”

Students can follow the club’s Instagram, @enpointe, for updates on the show and even joining.

Miami therapists offer guidance for students during finals week

Gaby Collazo
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Miami therapists offer guidance for students during finals week

The beginning of May marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public about mental illnesses and stigmas, and providing necessary resources for well-being. 

Mental health plays a critical role in daily life, especially for college students. As young adults enter unfamiliar environments and adjust to new surroundings, emotions can run high, particularly during stressful periods like midterms and finals. 

To help manage these challenges, therapy serves as a meaningful and impactful resource. In Coral Gables alone, there are hundreds of therapy-related specialists and offices. 

Among them are Anne Josephson, Jordanne Sculler and Jordyn Dooley, who work with students in the Miami area who are navigating academic pressure, financial stress and the broader challenges of life in college. 

“I grew up in a home where both of my parents were therapists, and I always appreciated the kinds of conversations we had around our dinner table,” said Josephson. “They also taught me an invaluable lesson: How to tell the difference between situations that are truly unsafe and those that simply make me anxious but are manageable.”

Those early conversations sparked Josephson’s interest in therapy. After working as a teacher, she realized she wanted to support her students’ emotional needs and returned to school to become a therapist. When working with young adults, Josephson acknowledges that college is both fun and challenging. 

“Once they arrive, they’re expected to manage food, friendships, housing, and academics on their own, all while adjusting to newfound freedom,” said Josephson. “ It’s so valuable to have a positive first experience with a therapist who provides evidence-based care and understands the demands of student life.” 

Independence can also bring difficulties. With newfound freedom comes academic and social responsibilities that many students are not prepared for. Josephson most commonly sees issues of anxiety, depression and attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder among students. 

Sculler, who always felt drawn to the profession, saw therapy as something distant after graduating from college and starting a career in marketing. However, after experiencing family trauma, Sculler’s perspective changed. 

“I felt a strong sense of purpose and clarity about the work I was meant to do,” said Sculler. “Within a month, I left my marketing job and began taking the necessary steps to apply to the program I was determined to join.” 

She enjoys working with young adults, notes that leading conversations with a direct, challenging approach resonates well, as real processing, growth and change happen when they lean into uncomfortable but honest conversations. 

Social pressures are a significant issue Sculler sees among college students today. The pressures that can appear in personal life, relationships and friendships can lead to overthinking, self-doubt and trust issues with others.

“Part of the work in therapy is helping them reconnect with their own values and build confidence in making decisions based on what feels right for them, rather than what they think others expect,” said Sculler. 

Dooley took a less direct path into the field. After studying English for her undergrad, she initially planned to attend law school. But after graduating from college early and feeling burnt out, she felt directed off her path and onto a different one to experience life more fully. 

“My own experiences of searching, growing, and navigating uncertainty led me to this work,” said Dooley. “They allow me to show up authentically and sit alongside others as they discover their own paths, knowing that the work we do together is meaningful and deeply human.”

Like her colleagues, Dooley views college as a unique period of transition, marked with learning and adventure, but also alongside stress and uncertainty. 

Dooley most often sees students struggling with anxiety, depression, uncertainty and stress, noting that anxiety is especially prevalent and often tied to academic choices, while depression can appear as low motivation, feeling stuck and a loss of direction. 

“Underlying all of this is a deeper process of identity development [and] this can be incredibly destabilizing,” said Dooley. “With the right support, students can move through this uncertainty in a way that leads to greater clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of self.”

As finals week approaches, college students face mounting pressures, not only from academic demands but with uncertainties about the year ahead — returning in the fall or graduating and stepping into what comes next. 

These therapists encourage students to privatize their mental health, seek support when needed and remember that challenges during this time are both common and manageable. 

Josephson is partnering with The Matcha Bike at UM on Wednesday, April 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Students can stop by to meet Josephson, enjoy a complimentary “therapeutic” matcha and pick up limited-edition merch — perfect for getting into a positive mindset ahead of finals.

Triple Cane works to raise awareness about sea level rise

Katie Karlson
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Triple Cane works to raise awareness about sea level rise

Water laps at Miami’s edges as sea levels continue to swell, and UM alum and eco-artist Xavier Cortada is determined to raise awareness. 

Miami’s population is the fourth most vulnerable to sea level rise in the world, according to the World Resources Institute. Predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate that with “high greenhouse gas emissions and rapid ice sheet collapse,” sea levels for the U.S. will rise more than seven feet by 2100. 

For areas like Miami Beach, which has an average elevation of 4.4 feet above sea level, this data is staggering. 

Cortada was born in New York and moved to Miami at the age of three. After spending the majority of his life in South Florida, he graduated from UM with three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in 1986, a Master’s in  public administration in 1991 and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law in 1991. 

He launched “The Underwater,” a series of interactive public art installations, in 2018 to spark community interest and conversations about sea level rise. 

“My time at the University of Miami was foundational. That interdisciplinary training shaped how I approach problems — connecting knowledge across fields and applying it in the real world,” Cortada said. “Just as important, being embedded in Miami made the climate crisis tangible.”

In 2020, Cortada collaborated with UM’s ECO Agency and Climate Reality Project on the “Underwater Vote” installation. Signs reading “vote” and others featuring the number of feet an area was above sea level were placed in three locations across UM’s campus: Lakeside Village, the “U” statue and the Foote Green.   

Cortada designed this project to “engage students directly.”

“We installed yard signs across campus marking elevation above sea level to make climate risk visible in a place students experience every day,” he said. “The project encouraged civic participation, asking [students] to consider thinking long-term about the future they are inheriting and shaping when casting their votes in elections.”

The majority of the yard signs were placed at elevations ranging from seven to ten feet. If NOAA’s predictions are accurate, these elevation levels mean that parts of UM’s campus will be underwater by 2100. 

“The Underwater” is made up of three more installations: “Underwater HOA,” “Underwater Florida” and “Underwater Gulf.”

“Underwater HOA,” based in the Village of Pinecrest, was created in 2018 and was a precursor to the larger project. The installation similarly uses painted intersections and yard signs to mark the area’s elevation. 

Now, Cortada is collaborating with the UM’s College of Engineering’s Structures and Materials Lab to implement sustainable concrete underwater elevation sculptures — part of “The Underwater” installation — across 261 Miami-Dade County parks. 

“This collaboration builds on work I began as a faculty member at UM and as Miami-Dade County’s Artist-in-Residence,” said Cortada. “It was launched as part of the socially engaged art classes I taught when I was a full-time faculty at [UM]. Our students helped deploy and document the early iterations of the project.”

After a sculpture has been installed, the Xavier Cortada Foundation hosts a dedication ceremony at the site. Participants pour water from Biscayne Bay onto the sculpture and promise to work to prevent saltwater from ever touching it again.   

“UM students remain central to the work. Many of our interns are current students or recent graduates, and all members of our team — including leadership — began as interns,” Cortada said. “They help implement projects, conduct outreach, and lead educational programming in schools.”

Xavier Cortada (right) and student team members working on an art piece. Courtesy of Xavier Cortada Studio.

Adam Roberti, executive director of the Cortada Foundation and UM alum, feels that his education at UM shaped how he chooses to communicate about these climate-related issues.

He originally started as a marine biology major, but “decided to shift into ecosystem science and policy and pursue [his] masters, which had a very strong focus on climate communications” after realizing that the biggest threat to the climate was a “lack of political will” to implement available solutions.

Since working at the Cortada Foundation, Roberti and Cortada have made it their mission to keep UM students involved in the cause — including by bringing on students as interns.

For students who want to raise awareness of environmental issues, The Cortada Foundation hosts events to get involved. This semester, interns with the Cortada Foundation are also working to launch the Cortada Climate Collective club at UM.  

“Through it, students will be self-directed in organizing art-based projects to engage students and residents in developing creative solutions to our environmental crisis and expanding the reach of Foundation initiatives like ‘The Underwater,’” said Cortada. 

To join, Roberti recommends that students email Kiki Lopez Nowotny, the club’s president, and Theresa Pinto, the advisor. 

While UM’s course work options are helpful for preparing students for the real world, partnerships like these are also extremely beneficial for students who want to continue being a part of the positive work that the University has done through its alumni. 

“UM gave me the academic tools, but it was engaging with the community that made the work urgent and actionable,” said Cortada.

Alix Earle’s skincare lands on campus

Charlotte Schuyler
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Alix Earle’s skincare lands on campus

It feels like everyone is building something at the University of Miami: a brand, a following and a future. A few years ago, Alix Earle was doing the same thing, just without knowing how far it would go.

Now, the former UM marketing major has turned her social media momentum into Reale Actives, her new skincare line that is already making its way to campus.

Earle first built her audience through her casual “Get Ready With Me” videos that felt more like FaceTiming a friend than watching an influencer. She talked through breakouts, routines and real life without trying to make it look perfect. 

That same energy carries into Reale Actives.

The brand focuses on simple, ingredient-driven skincare that actually fits into everyday life. It is not about ten-step routines or unrealistic results. 

Focused instead on consistency, balance and products that make sense for people who are busy, stressed and still figuring it out; in other words, college students. As a UM alum, Earle’s launch also made its way back to campus in a full-circle moment, especially when its first customer turned out to be a current student.

When sophomore Jenna Simone became the first customer to purchase from Reale Actives, she did not just get a confirmation email. She got a FaceTime call from Earle herself.

“I was in pure shock,” Simone said. “I didn’t answer two calls from a random Los Angeles number, and then I got a text saying, ‘Hi Jenna, it’s Alix Earle, answer the FaceTime.’ I thought it was a joke … and then I called back and it was actually her.”

Even as her platform has grown, Earle still interacts in a way that feels direct and personal, the same way she started.

For many students, especially young women interested in business or media, Alix Earle’s path does not feel distant. Not long ago, she was sitting in the same classrooms, walking the same campus and figuring things out in real time — just like every other student today. 

“As a UM student, it makes her success feel a lot more personal,” Simone said. “She was in the same position as us not that long ago, so it makes everything she’s built feel more real and honestly really inspiring.”

That is what makes Reale Actives feel different. It is not just another celebrity skincare launch. It is a reminder that something real can grow out of the same place students are in today, from late nights, small ideas and figuring it out as you go.

Why climate change rarely makes it into the movies

Bri Pearson
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Why climate change rarely makes it into the movies

Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of the century, but you wouldn’t know it from watching most movies. Outside of a handful of sci‑fi blockbusters and end‑of‑the‑world thrillers, the crisis rarely appears on screen at all — despite evidence that audiences watch more when it does. 

Research shows climate change is largely confined to speculative genres like “Interstellar,” “The Martian” and “WALL‑E,” while mainstream dramas, comedies and action films avoid the topic almost entirely.

When films or documentaries do address climate issues directly, viewers tend to engage more deeply, especially when well‑known figures help carry the message. Hollywood’s limited approach contrasts sharply with audience interest, leaving documentaries — often fronted by celebrities — to fill the gap.

That gap becomes clearer when looking at how rarely climate change appears in popular films.

A 2025 analysis by Rice University found that only 12.8% of top‑grossing films from 2013 to 2022 referenced climate change. Most of those references came from sci‑fi or disaster titles, which helps explain why the speculative films dominate the conversation.

A broader review from USC’s Norman Lear Center reached a similar conclusion, reporting that climate issues appeared in just 2.8% of more than 37,000 film and TV scripts. Everyday genres — dramas, comedies, romances — almost never acknowledge the crisis.

That scarcity on screen stands in contrast to how audiences think about the issue.

While climate rarely appears in scripted entertainment, audiences are far more receptive to climate themes in films than studios may assume. The Norman Lear Center found that viewers want to see characters who acknowledge climate change, but only a small fraction feel that film and TV reflect their level of concern. The study also notes that people frequently learn about social issues through entertainment, but climate change almost never makes that list.

For many students, that absence is noticeable, and the rare films that do address climate change tend to stick with them.

“Every time I watch ‘The Lorax’ I feel empowered to minimize my carbon footprint,” said UM senior psychology major Kate Sinha.

Other findings suggest that when climate stories reach viewers, they can have a real impact. Films and documentaries can significantly increase awareness and understanding of climate issues when they address them directly. The interest is there, but the content simply isn’t.

Some students say they’ve felt that impact themselves.

Senior ecosystem science and political science major Isabel Mundo said she experienced that impact firsthand. She watched the documentary “Chasing Coral” in high school, and it influenced her decision to pursue ecosystem science. “It really had an impact on me,” she said.

And, when scripted films do include climate themes, they tend to perform pretty well. A recent analysis from Good Energy and Colby College found that movies acknowledging climate change earned an average of 8% more at the box office than those that didn’t, and films featuring characters who recognize climate change saw a 10% boost in performance. The data suggests audiences aren’t avoiding climate stories — they’re rewarding them.

With so little climate storytelling in scripted films, much of the responsibility has shifted to documentaries, where the issue is addressed more directly and often with the help of familiar faces.

The Norman Lear Center notes that climate references appear far more often in nonfiction programming than in scripted entertainment, a trend reflected in the popularity of films like “An Inconvenient Truth,” “Before the Flood,” and “2040.”

Many of these projects rely on well‑known figures to draw attention. Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Gore and other high‑profile hosts have helped bring climate documentaries into mainstream conversation, a strategy researchers say boosts visibility and engagement. The World Economic Forum also reports that celebrity‑led climate films can meaningfully increase public awareness when paired with clear, accessible storytelling.

Even major blockbusters with environmental foundations — like James Cameron’s “Avatar” franchise, which has earned more than $6.2 billion worldwide — show that audiences will show up for stories rooted in ecological themes, even when they’re set on another planet.

Taken together, the research points to a widening gap between the scale of the climate crisis and the way it’s portrayed on screen. Sci‑fi and disaster films imagine the crisis in broad strokes, but documentaries confront it directly, pulling climate change out of the hypothetical and into the present.

As audience interest grows, the question for Hollywood is less about whether viewers will engage with climate stories and more about when mainstream genres will begin to reflect the reality audiences already see off‑screen.

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