Home Blog Page 176

Top 10 items every freshman should have in their dorm

Katie Karlson
-
0
Top 10 items every freshman should have in their dorm

It’s a month away from move in day, and you’re likely pulling together your packing list for your dorm. While most freshmen arrive on campus with plenty of posters and knick-knacks to decorate their dorm, it’s easy to forget some lesser-known essentials.

But don’t worry — The Miami Hurricane is here to help before you even need it. Below, you’ll find 10 items no freshman should come to UM without.

1. Dehumidifier

In a humid climate like Miami, a dehumidifier is crucial to keep your dorm feeling fresh. You can find a small one online for relatively cheap and they last multiple years, so the money spent will be totally worth it.

The dehumidifier also helps reduce mold and odors, which lessens the amount of time you’ll need to spend cleaning.

Pro tip: Hang DampRid bags in your closet to absorb any remaining moisture.

2. Velvet hangers

The closets in the dorm are small and can easily turn into a cluttered mess. Keep your clothes organized with velvet hangers. The fabric grips your clothes better than plastic, so your items won’t slide off.

Velvet hangers are also thinner than the typical plastic hangers, so you can fit more clothes on the rack.

3. Over-the-toilet shelf

While this item isn’t glamorous, it’s practical for those in Mahoney Pearson with an attached bathroom. If you have your own bathroom, you’ll have to clean it, so it’s imperative you have a place to store cleaning supplies, paper towels and extra toilet paper.

This space won’t be used otherwise, and it’s best to keep chemicals away from areas that have food or clothing.

Pro Tip: The front desk workers at Mahoney Pearson will provide you free toilet paper if you go downstairs and ask.

4. Reusable plastic cups

Buy more of these than you think one person could ever need. Whatever you do, don’t buy glass.

Reusable plastic cups are perfect because they won’t break and you only have to buy them once so they are cheaper than single-use plastic (and much better for the environment).

Bonus points if the cups are microwave safe, because then you can even use them to heat water for ramen or mac and cheese.

5. Batteries

You might not need these frequently, but when you need them, you need them urgently. Items such as string lights, Polaroid cameras and many gaming controllers use batteries. AA and AAA batteries are the most common.

A small pack of these is inexpensive and great to have on hand.

6. Steamer

If you want to look your best at all times, bring a steamer. Clothes can get wrinkled in the dryer and in drawers, but a steamer can fix that. It also takes up significantly less space than an iron and ironing board and works just as well.

When you have an interview or formal event, looking sharp can go a long way to improve your first impressions and allow you to stand out in a crowd of wrinkly-clothed students (who clearly didn’t read this list).

7. Clothes drying rack

I lost my favorite pair of jean shorts to the Mahoney dryers. My shorts came out of the laundry room two sizes smaller than when they entered, and I, unfortunately, did not.

Don’t let your clothes suffer the same fate mine did. A small drying rack to use for denim and delicate items will preserve your clothes and save you money in the long run.

Make sure the drying rack folds and can be easily stored, and you’re all set!

8. First-aid kit

Between bug bites and frat parties, you’re bound to pick up minor cuts and bruises. Band-Aids, Benadryl cream, Neosporin and Advil are must-haves. If you want to be extra prepared, add in some medical wrap, tape and anything else you see yourself needing.

Target sells many of these items in small cases that make storage super easy.

9. Mattress pad

Frequently confused with the much thinner mattress topper, a mattress pad provides extra cushioning that is essential for a great night of rest. The University-provided mattresses are great to sleep on if you want to ensure you’re awake for your 8 a.m. class, but otherwise please invest in a mattress pad.

Also, many mattress pads are made with cooling materials so they help you beat the Miami heat.

Pro tip: Make sure you purchase a size twin XL. The regular twin size will be too short for the existing mattress.

10. Rain gear

Bring an umbrella. You don’t want to be one of the people taking the orange patio umbrellas from campus tables and hoisting them above your head on the walk to class.

Also, bring shoes that can get wet and will dry without smelling funky. Crocs, flip flops and actual rain boots are great for the days when campus is filled with puddles.

Pro tip: For extra protection, invest in a rainproof backpack with a laptop sleeve. Miami rain comes down hard and spares no victims.

5 Miami Athletes to keep an eye out for this fall

Jayden Gonzalez
-
0
5 Miami Athletes to keep an eye out for this fall

As a new season of sports in Coral Gables approaches, the Miami Hurricanes look poised to compete for glory this year. With new transfers in football and experienced rosters in both volleyball and soccer, the ’Canes are giving their fans a reason to be excited. Before the fall campaign starts, let’s spotlight five athletes that all fans should keep an eye out for.

Damien Martinez, Football

Following a disappointing ending to head coach Mario Cristobal’s second season with the Hurricanes, Cristobal and his staff went all-in during the transfer portal window, filling the roster with talent. One of these big-name transfers was running back Damien Martinez from Oregon State.

In his freshman year at Oregon State, Martinez made a name for himself right away, making the All-Pac 12 First Team and winning the Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year Award. With his unique running ability and talent, Martinez shined in Corvallis, tallying 982 yards and seven touchdowns while starting in just five games.

In his sophomore season, Martinez put the rest of college football on notice, making the 2023 All-Pac 12 First Team for the second straight year. He was also named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the top running back in college football. Martinez ran for nine touchdowns and 1,185 yards, second in the Pac-12.

The former four-star running back will slot himself as the lead bell cow for a Hurricanes offense that lost Donald Chaney Jr. and Henry Parrish Jr. to the transfer portal. Martinez will add even more explosiveness to an offense that also added Washington State transfer quarterback Cameron Ward and Houston transfer receiver Sam Brown.

Cam Ward, Football

Speaking of Cam Ward, the signal caller for the Hurricanes was one of Cristobal’s main targets in the transfer portal this offseason. After previously declaring for the draft, Cristobal and Miami lured the former Washington State (WSU) quarterback from the NFL to Coral Gables for one more season.

Ward spent the last two seasons for the Cougars, throwing for 6,963 yards, 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 25 career games for WSU. In addition to the arm strength he displayed, Ward is a true dual-threat quarterback who tallied 13 touchdowns on the ground during his time at Washington State.

Before WSU, Ward spent two seasons at Football Championship Subdivision’s (FCS) Incarnate Word, where he was named the 2021 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year and led the Cardinals to the Southland Conference Championship and the second round of the FCS Playoffs.

Ward provides some much-needed stability in the quarterback position, something the program has lacked for some time now.

With a senior as one of the best dual-threat signal callers in the country, playing alongside a deep running back group and an explosive receiver room, Miami looks poised to make a push for the expanded 12-team playoffs this coming fall.

Grace Lopez, Volleyball

Following an NCAA tournament berth a season ago, the Miami Hurricanes’ volleyball program, led by head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara, looks to continue its winning ways. Entering her sophomore season at Coral Gables, outside hitter Grace Lopez should be able to pick up where she left off.

In her freshman season at Miami, the Puerto Rican native was stellar, making the 2023 ACC All-Freshman, All-ACC and American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region Teams. While starting in 24 of the 28 possible games, Lopez led the team in kills and finished second in service aces, with 407 and 27, respectively.

The outside hitter is continuing her strong play while representing and leading Puerto Rico in the Women’s North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA Volleyball Championship to a Final Four Tournament title.

Entering her sophomore year, Lopez is expected to continue her dominance as one of the best outside hitters in the ACC for UM this season.

Adrianna Serna, Soccer

Following the departure of head coach Sarah Barnes, the Hurricanes’ soccer program looks to find some stability following a disappointing 3-10-4 record.

Led by new head coach and former Vanderbilt associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Ken Masuhr, the ’Canes will try to rely on members of last year’s team to turn their fortunes around.

Now in her fourth season at UM, defender Adrianna Serna is sure to provide some stability to the new era of soccer in Coral Gables. Serna, who only started one game in her two previous seasons, was a workhorse for UM.

In her junior season, Serna was one of two Hurricanes to start in all 17 contests. She also logged the second most minutes, trailing Emma Tucker.

Despite being the program’s top defender, Serna co-led the team in points with Taylor Shell and forward Caroline Hood. The Las Vegas native was also near the top of the team leaders in goals and assists in 2023.

In a program currently undergoing significant changes, expect Serna to be a mainstay as a defender next season for the Hurricanes.

Daphnee Lavassas, Cross Country

Entering her senior year, distance runner Daphnee Lavassas aims to have yet another strong campaign. Lavassas started her UM career off well, breaking into Miami’s all-time 6K top-10 list in her first cross-country race as a Hurricane, finishing 14th overall.

At the NCAA South Regionals in 2021, Lavassas posted a 6K time of 21:05.98, the second fastest in its program’s history. Just a couple of months prior, the Miami native recorded UM’s seventh-best 5K time of 18:00.5 at the XC23 Invitational.

In 2022, Lavassas continued to break records in Coral Gables, going on a five-race win streak in outdoor competitions.

Last season, Lavassas set historic records in indoor, outdoor and cross-country events.

In indoor competitions, she finished eighth and cemented a new indoor program record at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 500m with 16:18.29.

In the XC world competition, Lavassas became one of two women in Miami’s history and the first since 2005 to race at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

If her previous seasons in Coral Gables are any indication of what she can do this year, expect Lavassas to break even more records in 2024.

Where to see the biggest stars live this fall

Samantha Rodriguez
-
0
Where to see the biggest stars live this fall

Looking for more fun after the summer? South Florida’s electrifying concert scene has got you covered. Taylor Swift, Childish Gambino and more will be heading to the 305 to perform new music and deliver jaw-dropping performances.

Concert venues like the Kaseya Center and Hard Rock Stadium will give you a taste of Miami nightlife. Take a look at these upcoming concerts and save the date before it is too late.

Ice Spice and Cash Cobain, August 31

2023 BET Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist Award winner Ice Spice will perform in Jackie Gleason Theater at The Fillmore Miami Beach. The up-and-coming rap sensation will keep you dancing all night long with hits like “Munch” and “In Ha Mood.”

Rapper Cash Cobain will open with his smooth vocals and hyper beats. His music is nothing short of enchanting, with features from J. Cole and Bay Swag. The duo will likely perform their newest hit “Fisherrr,” which has over eight million streams on Spotify.

Standard tickets are around $90 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

Childish Gambino and Willow, September 5

Donald Glover will become Childish Gambino for his “The New World” world tour. The iconic rapper, actor and dancer will return after a four-year hiatus to perform new music from his new albums at the Amerant Bank Arena. The rap veteran will retire after the release of his last album, “Bando Stone & The New World,” on July 19, making this world tour possibly his last.

Willow stars as the opening act, bringing a vocal range with unmatched intensity. Her latest single, “symphony of life,” from her album “empathogen” has garnered over nine million streams on Spotify.

Childish Gambino’s gravitating moves and Willow’s infectious energy make for a force to be reckoned with. Purchase tickets through SeatGeek to see what could be one of Gambino’s final performances.

Grupo Niche, Victor Manuelle and Fernando Villalona, September 13

Get immersed in Hispanic culture with some of Latin America’s biggest artists. Legendary salsa band Grupo Niche will take the stage at the Watsco Center to transport audiences to 1980s Colombia.

Puerto Rican salsa singer Victor Manuelle will appear as the opening act, likely to sing songs such as “Apiádate de Mi” and “Si Tú Me Besas” from his decades-long career.

Fernando Villalon will bring Dominican merengue and put everyone on their feet. You can’t help but dance along to his high-energy rhythms and alluring voice.

Tantalizing harmonies from trumpets, bongos and maracas mea nyou don’t need to know the language to have the time of your life. General admission tickets start at $90 and are being sold on Ticketmaster.

Charli XCX, Troye Sivan and Shygirl, October 5

Get pumped with this trio’s energetic club tunes to make you hope the party never ends. Charli XCX and Troye Sivan will headline their SWEAT tour and arrive at the Kaseya Center to blast their latest hits.

Charli XCX’s new “brat” album, which many consider her best, has a plethora of energetic singles such as “360” and “Von dutch” that dominate her most liked songs on Spotify. There will never be a dull moment with her on stage.

The party continues with Troye Sivan’s upbeat and intimate setlist. Sivan’s most popular song, “Rush,” launched him into stardom, and he isn’t looking to slow down.

English singer and DJ Shygirl will open with her intoxicating singles, setting up an unforgettable night. Her diverse setlist will leave you wanting more.

Standard tickets are $50 and can be found on Ticketmaster.

Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams, October 18-20

Are you ready for it? Pop icon and Grammy-winning lyricist Taylor Swift will bring the Eras Tour to Miami for three nights in a row. The concert covers anthems from her entire music career, including her latest studio album “The Tortured Poets Department.”

Her career-defining tour captivates all with beautiful visuals and stunning dances. Get ready for three hours of fun with Swift’s record-shattering tour that will take you back in time.

Rising star Gracie Abrams will open with emotional singles from her hit album, “The Secret of Us.” Her touching lyricism will make you feel all the feels.

Tickets can be purchased through SeatGeek.

There is no shortage of thrilling shows in the Magic City. Be on the lookout for any surprise gigs from your favorite artists this fall or special guests before Grammys season.

Hurricane season: What to expect, how to prepare

Ashley Sewall
-
0
Hurricane season: What to expect, how to prepare

The upcoming hurricane season is predicted to be record breaking, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. There are 17 to 25 forecasted storms, with eight to 13 anticipated to become hurricanes and four to seven anticipated to become major hurricanes at a Category 3 or higher.

Currently located over the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Beryl has already become the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean to develop in a hurricane season. Beryl has already taken 11 lives in the Caribbean and 2 lives since its landfall today in Texas.

Even though it seems South Florida may escape Hurricane Beryl — the area is no stranger to hurricanes. As hurricane season starts June 1 and ends on November 30, it is important for students to be prepared for tropical storms and hurricanes.

Be prepared

Set a plan ahead of time for a potential evacuation. Emergency plans should include a designated relative or friend to stay with, rental insurance for valuables and transportation plans. Have an emergency kit prepared with basic necessities such as water, non-perishable food, emergency radios, first aid kit and a whistle.

When a storm hits, stay inside and stay informed on the storm. Avoid areas with a high chance of flooding and keep away from windows.

It is expected that if a hurricane were to hit the Miami area, the University would make an evacuation decision in the case of Category 3 or higher hurricanes approximately 72 hours before the storm’s arrival. All classes will be canceled and students will be asked to leave campus.

Hurricanes and tropical storms

As one of the strongest El Nino years comes to an end, a strong La Nina begins. Where El Nino is usually associated with fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic basin, La Nina conditions are conducive to them.

La Nina causes weakened westerly winds, resulting in less vertical wind shear and allowing storms to strengthen. Strong vertical wind shear can prevent hurricanes from fully developing.

Tropical storms are formed from the interaction of warm air and warm seawater. Therefore, the rising heat of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea will create more fuel for storm development. Climate change leading to sea level rise also increases the risk of storm surge, or the abnormal rise of water above normal levels.

“The warming that we’ve seen in the North Atlantic over the last year has made people lift their eyebrows a little bit and go ‘Huh! What’s going on there?'” said NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt in an interview with NPR.

This season has the additional potential for a stronger West African monsoon, which increases the likelihood of an above-average hurricane season due to the associated wind and moisture patterns.

Important links for students

Keep these numbers on hand if needed in case of emergencies.

University of Miami Emergency Preparedness Website: www.prepare.miami.edu/

Emergency Information Hotline: 1-800-227-0354

Miami-Dade 2024 Hurricane Guide: www.miamidade.gov/global/emergency/hurricane/home.page

Paul Pavlou appointed as Miami Herbert Business School dean

Trenton Campbell
-
0
Paul Pavlou appointed as Miami Herbert Business School dean

Paul Pavlou joined the University of Miami as the newly appointed dean of the Patti and Allan Herbert Business School on July 1, stepping into a role previously held by interim Dean Ann Olázabal.

Pavlou earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rice University and went on to earn his master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Southern California.

He previously served as the dean and Cullen Distinguished Chair Professor at the University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business, where he worked to implement an interdisciplinary approach to learning within the business school.

With many years of education and expertise in engineering, information technology and artificial intelligence, Pavlou combines these fields within his job to create a unique experience for students.

Pavlou’s research has been used and cited over 90,000 times on Google Scholar. He has helped nearly 100% of Bauer College of Business students find and secure high-paying jobs.

“Both within the business school, from our undergraduate to our MBA programs and across the University, I look forward to working more closely together,” Pavlou said in an interview with University communications.

“The world of business has become so interdisciplinary, and business today transcends so many fields, from health care to engineering to the sciences and the arts. We need to develop our students as true business leaders who have a true multidisciplinary perspective.”

Students eagerly await Dean Pavlou’s influence, expressing high expectations for his leadership and deep respect for his past achievements and future plans for the business school.

“What I value most in a dean is that they are attentive to students’ needs and concerns, but they also help create an atmosphere filled with a unique and interesting approach to students’ learning,” said freshman accounting major Emma Sakinovic.

The importance of the collaboration between different aspects of interdisciplinary learning is an addition that Pavlou plans to implement, showing students the wide range of elements needed in both the business world and beyond.

“I really like how Paul Pavlou plans to use his new dean position to use his experience to help us business students develop,” said sophomore business analytics major Evan Patel. “As a student who cares about my education, having a dean like Paul Pavlou is just an addition the business school needs.”

Many Herbert Business students share a similar outlook about their education and the opportunities that the city of Miami offers, highlighting the perfect timing of Pavlou, whose primary concern is to provide business students with the resources to succeed.

“I take pride in being a Herbert Business student because of how well-rounded the teaching is and how I am in a city full of opportunities,” said junior finance major Kaden Walker. “Without the guidance from faculty, I wouldn’t be the student I am today.”

“It is a tremendously exciting time for both the Miami Herbert Business School and for Miami,” said Pavlou in an interview with University communications. “Miami is booming, and there is an unprecedented opportunity for the business school to be a driving force in the ecosystem of Miami.”

Frenk’s choice to leave UM before the centennial is shocking

Katie Karlson
-
0
Frenk’s choice to leave UM before the centennial is shocking

By: Katie Karlson and Ethan Mannello

UM recently announced that President Julio Frenk would be stepping down immediately as he prepares to take over as Chancellor of UCLA in January 2025.

Frenk’s decision to leave is shocking to many in the UM community as he left without warning and without a solidified president in place for the school’s 100th anniversary year.

After centering so many of his plans around the centennial year, Frenk should have seen UM and his projects through.

It was his steady hand that led the university through the pandemic and created the Ever Brighter campaign, which was set to be completed next year.

According to the website, the campaign has raised at least $2 billion of its $2.5 billion goal, but Frenk will be abandoning his keystone project before its completion, leaving much of the community hanging as it transitions to its centennial celebrations.

“I don’t understand why he would leave so abruptly,” said Celena Rivard, a rising senior majoring in marketing, “especially with our 100-year anniversary coming up.”

Knowledge of Frenk leaving and the hiring process was kept from everyone because of the University of California Board of Regents hiring process.

According to JoNel Newman, the chair of the faculty senate at UM, this process requires them to keep any information confidential until a decision is made, therefore almost all of the UM community was in shock when UCLA made the announcement.

“I still can’t believe it,” said Tyler Cahill, a rising junior and architecture major. “I figured we would at least hear something, but for UCLA to just drop it was shocking.”

In his statement to UCLA, Frenk stated his excitement about “returning to the public sector to lead one of the top research universities in the world “ during such a “crucial moment for higher education.”

UCLA had a difficult year managing pro-Palestinian protests on campus, and the university will need a strong leader willing to address campus concerns in order to thrive. Managing UCLA and its intense political environment will be far more difficult than what Frenk encountered at UM.

There is no doubt that during the pandemic Frenk’s background in public health was an advantage for UM. However, the protests and clashes with police on UCLA’s campus are vastly different from the environment seen at UM.

Events such as those seen at UCLA need to be addressed by the university’s leadership. Frenk was rarely a prominent influence on UM’s campus and UM has a poor history of addressing campus events. How Frenk chooses to handle the conflict at UCLA will be central to his success.

Frenk may not have been a strong presence on UM’s campus, but under his leadership UM flourished and joined the Association of American Universities, a group of 69 select research universities, including schools like Harvard and Columbia.

Frenk was very valuable to the UM community and we will feel his loss, especially as the community approaches our centennial. His transition to UCLA may have come as a surprise, but we wish him luck and hope the best for his future.

It is still hard not to feel the sting though, as Frenk has left the university with a massive question to answer as a year of celebration approaches.

For the time being, UM CEO Joe Echevarria will assume Frenk’s role as president but Frenk’s unexpected exit will loom over the university as we prepare for its centennial.

An unforgettable legacy, what former president Julio Frenk means to the U

Samantha Rodriguez
-
0
An unforgettable legacy, what former president Julio Frenk means to the U

The COVID-19 pandemic tested educational institutions around the world. In an unprecedented time and just four years into his tenure, Julio Frenk sought to be a beacon of hope to a grief-stricken community.

Calling on his experience as Mexico’s former Secretary of Health, Frenk made the University of Miami one of only 30% of institutions offering in-person classes with intricate procedures that put student and faculty health first.

“The way the University dealt with the pandemic really became a model for many other universities because of [Julio Frenk],” Dr. Mitchell Shapiro, School of Communication professor and honors program director, said.

As he departs to become the University of California, Los Angeles’ next chancellor, here’s a look into how Frenk truly embodied the U’s slogan: ’Canes care for ’Canes.

From his first day in office in 2015, Frenk made an immediate effort to welcome the incoming class.When cases of COVID-19 were rising in 2019, he sent frequent video messages to the campus community ensuring updated safety precautions were taking place.

After the 2021 Surfside complex collapse, Frenk offered counseling services to those affected and encouraged the campus community to aid victims. In 2022, he then appointed Joe Echevarria, the current acting president, as the University’s chief executive officer to continue executing his plan, “The Roadmap to Our Century.”

During Frenk’s tenure, the University’s Miller School of Medicine and UHealth steadily improved and made a remarkable impact on cancer research.

The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Cancer was awarded the National Cancer Institute designation in 2019, making it one of the leaders in clinical studies and the only NCI-designated health system in South Florida.

Frenk’s fundraising campaign, “Ever Brighter,” united international donors to surge campus academics, athletics and facilities to drive it into a new centennial of success, raising more than $2 billion toward its $2.5 billion.

With a $100 million donation from Dr. Philip and Patrica Frost, to establish the Frost Institutes, ongoing research into chemistry, molecular science and data science will continue unearthing ground-breaking discoveries and provide students with a greater array of research opportunities.

It doesn’t end there. A $50 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder of Citadel and Griffin Catalyst, will bring a new 12-story research building to cement the University as a pioneer of medical education innovation.

These initiatives led to the University’s membership in the honored Association of American Universities in 2023, a goal decades in the making.

Frenk’s efforts in spearheading UHealth’s growth matched his dedication to students.

It’s common to find Frenk at campus events and attending Miami Hurricane football games, eager to take pictures with students.

“For rising seniors like me, we remember President Frenk energetically welcoming us in-person our freshman year for ’Canes Take Flight,” Roy Carillo Zamora, University student government president, said. “His legacy at UM will be felt.”

President Frenk and Arva Moore Parks sing the alma mater with Firsts at UM attendees. Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor
President Frenk and Arva Moore Parks sing the alma mater with Firsts at UM attendees. Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor

Frenk took part in dunk-tank fundraisers for student organizations and even answered student questions concerning a viral shirtless picture of him.

His commitment to improving student life would peak in 2020 with the creation of Lakeside Village and the Knight Center for Music Innovation.

The Knight Center for Music Innovation doubled the nationally ranked Frost School of Music’s musical performance possibilities and gave musicians a new sanctuary to experiment. It has since hosted orchestras and esteemed performers, like Tony award-winner Kristin Chenoweth.

Lakeside Village introduced state-of-the-art dorms that overlook Lake Osceola and the Fate Bridge. The living spaces bring ultimate comfort and easy access to almost every classroom, making them the most in demand.

Frenk leaves behind the upcoming Centennial Village as a parting gift to the incoming class of 2028. The freshman-exclusive residence halls will replace Hecht Residential College and Stanford Residential College, bringing more students together under Lakeside Village levels of luxury.

Echevarria promises to continue improving campus life as acting president with Frenk taking a sabbatical leave to prepare for his transition to UCLA.

“As someone who has worked closely with Julio for years and who has had an inside view of his courageous leadership, I can understand why an outstanding institution would select Julio for such a role,” Echevarria said in his first message to the University community.

Taking over after former president Donna Shalala stepped down put high expectations on Frenk. His efforts exceeded them and made the U home to acclaimed students, faculty and professionals.

Now, Echevarria and the University’s Board of Trustees begin their search for a new leader for the University.

“As the Board begins the process of working with the faculty to identify the institution’s next president, my message to you today is simple: Let’s keep rising,” Echevarria said.

Who is Joe Echevarria, the new acting president of UM?

Jenny Jacoby
-
0
Who is Joe Echevarria, the new acting president of UM?

Joe Echevarria was announced the acting president of the University of Miami earlier today by the University of Miami Board of Trustees, assuming both the role he previously held as CEO and president of the University.

“Joe Echevarria, our exemplary CEO and an incomparable leader, has been absolutely essential to navigating every crisis and challenge we have overcome during my tenure as president,” former President Julio Frenk said in a statement to the UM community.

“There is no doubt that Joe is the right person to take the helm as the U navigates this transition.”

Echevarria comes from a primarily business background. After graduating from the University of Miami in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Echevarria went on to start a 36 year career at Deloitte LLP, a professional service provider focused on financial advising and consulting, eventually serving as CEO from 2011 to 2014.

During his time heading Deloitte LLP, the company was fined $22 million dollars by the Financial Reporting Council for a failure to address conflicts of interest and consider public interest. Before this, in 2013, Deloitte agreed to pay a $10 million fine to New York state regulators and a year-long suspension from working with New York-regulated banks to settle allegations with New York’s Department of Financial Services over anti-money laundering work for the UK bank, Standard Chartered PLC.

Echevarria has explained that navigating challenging economic times has been a part of his life.

“The person who doesn’t make mistakes doesn’t make anything,” Echevarria said as a life lesson of his to Bloomberg.

His connection to UM has followed him through his career as he served on the UM Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2019 and filled a series of advisory roles to former UM President Julio Frenk before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of UHealth, UM’s sprawling medical arm, in 2020.

Echevarria led UHealth through COVID-19 and what Frenk described as “one of the most challenging periods in our history.”

In 2022, Frenk requested the Board of Trustees add a CEO position to oversee UM in its entirety. After a quiet hiring process, UM announced the addition of a CEO for the university and a unanimous decision to hire Echevarria for the position. He then assumed 100% of the labor and revenue responsibility for UM, increasing from the 79% he oversaw as CEO of UHealth.

“Those of you who have worked with Joe know that his gift for asking the right questions, empowering talented professionals, and insisting on accountability is precisely the steady leadership we need to persist on our journey of continuous improvement,” Chair of the Board of Trustees Manny Kadre said.

Echevarria has filled a number of other roles including several affiliated with former U.S. President Barack Obama as an advisor to the Obama Foundation and chair of Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, work he considers close to his heart.

Raised in the South Bronx by a single Puerto Rican mother, Ecehvarria believes he got to where he is today as a product of social intervention. He benefited from a government program that put students in his area on track to attend college.

In an interview with the Hispanic Executive, Echevarria detailed the philosophy of his leadership

“People always remember how you make them feel,” he says. “They rarely remember everything you said. They just know how they feel when that interaction is over, and that stays with them. It took me a while to figure that out. But it certainly became sort of the way I process leadership, even today.”

He currently also chairs the Board of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and serves on the Board of Directors for Pfizer and UNUM, an insurance company.

Ashley Sewall contributed to the reporting of this story.

Julio Frenk steps down, CEO of UM to become acting president

Patrick Mccaslin
-
0
Julio Frenk steps down, CEO of UM to become acting president

This story was last updated at 4:09 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12.

Julio Frenk is leaving his post as president of the University of Miami effective today. UM CEO Joe Echevarria will be serving as the acting president of the University of Miami, as chosen by UM’s Board of Trustees. Frenk will take on a role as chancellor at the University of California, Los Angeles beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

The Board of Trustees will be working with the faculty senate through the next several months to identify the next president of UM.

“At this key juncture, we are especially grateful for the constructive partnership we have built with the Faculty Senate,” said Manny Kadre, the chair of UM’s Board of Trustees, in a statement from UM communications.

The chair of the faculty senate, JoNel Newman, reported that the University community, faculty, staff and trustees were unaware of Frenk’s departure until it was announced by UCLA due to the strict procedures of choosing UCLA’s chancellor.

“Protocol concerns stemming from the University of California Board of Regents processes required that President Frenk’s appointment be kept in strict confidence until the Board of Regents met today. Thus, this announcement has come as a surprise to almost everyone in our University community, Faculty, Staff, Trustees and Alumni alike,” Newman said.

Throughout Frenk’s tenure, he led the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, a $2.5 billion fundraising campaign and a campaign to make UM a force throughout the western hemisphere. Also during his administration, students protested over the rights of janitorial workers, COVID-19 policies and most recently held vigils and teach-ins regarding the war in Gaza. Frenk’s role as chancellor at UCLA is effectively that of president, making him the senior official at the university.

Frenk will however be taking a $700,000 pay cut from his last reported salary at UM of $1,685,829, a nearly 40% decrease. He will be making $978,904 per the LA Times.

Through the past few months, UCLA saw some of the most intense ongoing campus protests across the country, which saw widespread encampments and violent attacks from counter protesters.

“At this crucial moment for higher education, returning to the public sector to lead one of the top research universities in the world — including one of the 10 largest academic health systems — is an exciting opportunity and a great honor for me,” Frenk said in a statement released by UCLA.

Frenk’s move to UCLA means his university policies will now be beholden to the oversight of the state of California. While heading UM, Frenk notably allowed his administration to maintain policies that were banned at public Florida universities, such as having DEI positions. Transitioning to a public university will also mean more significant financing from the state.

“I look forward to adding my lifelong commitment to public service in education and health care to the vibrant, diverse and cosmopolitan community that is Los Angeles.”

Echevarria was the former CEO of the vast UHealth network before he was brought into the role of UM’s CEO as a whole, an exceedingly rare role for an educational institution as most schools have the president assume the responsibility of a CEO. The position was created for Echevarria in April 2022.

“Joe is a proud alumnus and a proven and accomplished leader whose deep commitment to our academic mission has enabled much of our recent success, with clear strategy and focused execution of our education, research, and health care missions,” Kadre said.

Echevarria will continue serving in his role as CEO of UM as well.

Miami loses former Freshman All-American Blake Cyr to the transfer portal

Jayden Gonzalez
-
0
Miami loses former Freshman All-American Blake Cyr to the transfer portal

Miami loses former Freshman All-American Blake Cyr to the transfer portal

Following a disappointing season in Coral Gables, the Miami Hurricanes were now faced with weathering the storm of the transfer portal, which opened up on June 3rd. As the portal opened on Monday, former Freshman All-American Blake Cyr entered after two seasons in Miami.

Ranked 150th nationally and 34th in the state of Florida according to Perfect Game, Cyr was recruited heavily by some of the top baseball programs and MLB teams. The shortstop was ranked fifth at his position in his state, and garnered attention at the pros when playing for the Philadelphia Phillies scout team in 2022.

Coming out of Windermere High School, Cyr chose to stay in-state and committed to Miami in late 2018, almost four years before enrollment.

In his freshman year at Miami, Cyr exceeded his already high expectations, playing a key role in the Hurricanes run in the NCAA tournament alongside star Yohandy Morales.

In 59 games that season, Cyr slashed a stellar .306/.420/.628 season, tallying 17 home runs and 63 RBI’s as one of the best hitters in the entire ACC. Cyr’s season awarded him Freshman All-American Honors in 2023.

In 2024, Cyr’s sophomore campaign was not as fortunate as his freshman season. Despite slashing .284/.397/.537 with seven home runs, the infielder played just 25 games.

In an April series against Duke, Cyr broke his thumb on an attempted steal to second base in the top of the ninth, sidelining him for the rest of the season. That game would be the last time Cyr would wear a Miami uniform.

As the No.55 prospect in the MLB draft according to FSS PLUS, Cyr entered the portal on June 3rd.

Miami head coach J.D. Arteaga will have to be aggressive in the transfer portal this offseason as the team tries to replace the production of Cyr and others that will follow him.

Alexa Noel caps off incredible season as women’s tennis singles champion

Benjamin Gerkin
-
0
Alexa Noel caps off incredible season as women’s tennis singles champion

After leading the Hurricanes to the Sweet 16, Miami’s ace and captain, Alexa Noel, tore through the NCAA Individual Championships to bring home the Canes’ first title since Estela Perez-Somarriba won in 2019.

Noel, who’s ranked No. 10 nationally, began her tournament with a convincing win over Texas’s No. 42 ranked Tanya Sasnouskaya, 6-2, 7-5. In the Round of 32, Noel was taken to three sets against USC’s No. 60-ranked Grace Piper but prevailed, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. Noel saw a fellow ACC opponent in the Sweet 16 and displayed a stellar performance over North Carolina’s No. 31-ranked Anika Yarlagadda 6-1, 6-2.

Her Elite 8 consisted of a match against Stanford’s No. 29-ranked Alexandra Yepifanova in which she won, 6-2, 6-3, sending her to the Final Four to take on the No.1 women’s tennis player in the world, Mary Stoiana.

Noel and Stoiana had seen each other earlier in the year when the Aggies came to town to take on the ‘Canes in an out-of-conference matchup in which Noel pulled off a huge 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 victory over the 2023 SEC Player of the Year. Despite the rankings, Noel made it look easy, as she breezed by Stoiana in a 6-3, 6-2 win.

Noel went head-to-head with Georgia’s No. 70-ranked Anastasiia Lopata for the championship on Saturday, May 25. Lopata came out firing and quickly had Noel down 6-4, 3-1, but in a monumental comeback, Noel’s crafty game carried her back and to the finish line in a thrilling 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 title victory.

Noel joins a selective group of UM legends, becoming the third single’s champion in Miami history, all under head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews (Audra Cohen in 2007 and Perez-Somarriba in 2019).

Yaroshuk-Tews had high praise for Noel in the postgame press conference.

“I’m so proud of the tournament that Alexa played,” Yaroshuk said to reporters. “She showed uncompromising poise and the toughness of a champion. She’s a special young lady.”

Noel will most likely return next year for her senior season and shoot up the national rankings.

HUMOR: Toppel Center…more like I’m toppling over

Cal Chapman
-
0
HUMOR: Toppel Center…more like I’m toppling over

This was originally published in the March 27 Print Edition.

While my resume is a disaster and my bank account is overdrawn by 23 cents, I am sick and tired of receiving emails from the Toppel Career Center. My issue isn’t with their intentions. If they want to help me find someone stupid enough to hire me, that’s fine.

Before I get into the pressing topic at hand, I want to offer a disclaimer. Toppel is a last name and I have nothing but respect for the Toppel family.

I know how inconvenient a last name can be. When I was in high school representing a face riddled with pimples, I embarked on my accutane adventure and landed the nickname “chapped lips.” My last name is Chapman and my lips were shedding, and maybe if my last name was different or I moisturized as part of my morning routine, I could’ve slid under the radar.

That being said, the obvious dilemma here is because of their name: Toppel. I’m already not particularly interested in joining the workforce next year assuming I pass my classes, and with a name like Toppel, I’d rather keep firing off job applications to jobs which I won’t receive a rejection letter from until I’ve completely forgotten I applied there.

Toppel sounds like the day we graduate and see President Frenk for the first time, they’re going to push us off the stage as we topple down the stairs and into a 9 to 5.

Why isn’t it called something more encouraging, like the Next Step Center? Or Securing the Bag Depot? Or Chasing the Bread Express (their slogan could be “time to start breadwinning”)? Call me crazy, but I’d bet all negative 23 cents that the name Toppel Career Center is the reason people get their master’s degrees in areas where a master’s degree won’t make them any more money.

For instance, much to my parent’s dismay, I’m studying broadcast journalism. Because I refuse to parade into the Toppel Career Center out of fear and potential embarrassment that I have nothing of quality to put on my resume, there is a possible scenario where I will have to get my masters in broadcast journalism.

No matter which way I spin it, if I go down that road, I will still have to live in Nebraska and make $5 an hour. The only difference is, I will have spent more money and time on learning how to look good on camera, which is a lost cause as it is.

But in an alternate universe, where Toppel is called something more welcoming, like “The Long Road to Retirement with a Vacation Here and There Junction,” I will go in there with my 3 short-term jobs and my subpar GPA from the School of Communications and I will ask them where I can sign up for the Law School Admissions Test.

With all my free time from not having a job or friends, I did a Google search. I looked up the word topple. And in .30 seconds, which is the amount of time I approximately spent deleting Toppel’s emails, Google offered me two definitions from the Oxford Dictionary.

And if there’s anything I know about the Oxford Dictionary, it’s nothing. I’ve always been more of a Merriam-Webster kind of guy. Anyway, both definitions were verbs, and neither motivated me to journey through the hot scorching sun to the career center.

Option one: “Overbalance or become unsteady and fall slowly.” And while “Falling Slowly” from the hit Broadway musical “Once” is objectively one of the greatest songs ever created, I don’t know what it means to be overbalanced as I imagine you can never be too steady.

Option two: “Cause to become unsteady and fall.” Enough said.

The truth is, in life sometimes we need to fall in order to get back up. It’s one of the only ways to build resilience. Could it be the whole time Toppel was just trying to teach us this lesson?

While they almost certainly were not trying to teach us anything, and I could not be more sure that Toppel is simply the name of the person who donated the building or the name of the person the building was named after, I will try to frame it as if it is meant to inspire.

I will one day galavant into the Toppel Career Center and put my resume, desolate of any meaningful work experience, on the table, and ask for a job working for them. As Kevin Durant proved by joining the Warriors and ruining basketball back in 2016, and as the saying goes: “If you can’t beat them, join them.”

1...175176177...2,127Page 176 of 2,127