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A PERFECT STORM

It didn’t matter if the Oregon Ducks were on the other sideline.

Or even the Colorado Buffaloes.

What about Nebraska? Obviously not.

When the 2001 college football season was all said and done, it was perfectly clear that Miami was the best team on the field – regardless of the opponent.

The Hurricanes capped off a 12-0 perfect season and their fifth national championship with a 37-14 shellacking of the Cornhuskers in the Rose Bowl. While many teams were vying for an elusive spot in the Jan. 3 game, the Hurricanes had already secured theirs with an undefeated regular season.

Under the direction of new Head Coach Larry Coker, the ‘Canes absolutely dominated opponents, scoring a school and Big East record 475 points. Coker, Miami’s offensive coordinator from 1995-2000, became the first rookie head coach to win a national title since Michigan’s Bennie Oosterbaan in 1948.

The 2001 season started with Coker facing coaching legend Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions. A crowd of 109,313 – the largest ever for a Miami game – watched the Hurricanes open the season with a resounding statement. Miami raced to a 30-0 halftime lead on the way to a 33-7 victory before a national television audience. Quarterback Ken Dorsey opened his Heisman Trophy campaign with a 344-yard passing performance and the Hurricanes were stifling on defense in the victory.

Victories over Rutgers (61-0), Pittsburgh (43-21) and Troy State (38-7) followed before the annual clash with Florida State. The Seminoles were riding a 54-game home unbeaten streak (37 straight wins), having not lost on their home turf since a UM victory in 1991. Miami’s mission to “Break History and Make History” was accomplished in spectacular fashion with a 49-27 defeat of the Seminoles. Another national television audience watched the Hurricanes’ defense cause six FSU turnovers. Miami scored via offense, defense and special teams en route to its largest points total ever against the Seminoles, a victory that returned UM to the top of the rankings.

Resounding wins over West Virginia (45-3) and Temple (38-0) followed before a heart-pounding game at Boston College. Miami weathered five turnovers and was clinging to a 12-7 lead late in the game on the strength of four Todd Sievers field goals when BC marched to the shadow of the UM end zone. With less than 20 seconds remaining, cornerback Mike Rumph deflected a BC pass into the arms of defensive tackle Matt Walters at the UM nine-yard line.

Walters cradled the ball tightly as he returned it to the 20-yard line before All-America free safety Edward Reed took the ball from Walters and set sail on an 80-yard interception for a touchdown to clinch an 18-7 victory.

The Hurricanes were hitting on all cylinders in their next two home games, laying shocking defeats on nationally ranked Syracuse (59-0) and and Washington (65-7). Those victories were the largest consecutive blowouts over ranked opponents in modern NCAA history. But just when it seemed this Miami team was invincible, and a lock for a Rose Bowl berth, a final test remained.

Miami already had clinched the Big East title and was looking to reserved its place in the National Championship Game in Pasadena, but the Virginia Tech Hokies would not go down quietly as UM’s 11th victim. Miami built a 24-7 lead well into the fourth quarter as tailback Clinton Portis, who rushed for 1,200 yards in the regular season, scored one touchdown and Dorsey connected with tight end Jeremy Shockey for another score. Three Todd Sievers field goals also contributed to the lead and, when he added a fourth midway through the period to give UM a 26-14 lead, it appeared only a miracle finish could deprive the Hurricanes of their goal.

Tech’s miracle would have been Miami’s nightmare – and it almost happened. A blocked punt was returned for a touchdown, drawing Tech to within two points at 26-24. The Hokies then went for two points on a pass play, but the pass fell incomplete. The UM defense held off Tech on two late possessions and Miami survived its closest call of the season, setting up Miami’s Rose Bowl berth for the right to play Nebraska for the national championship.

The Rose Bowl game hosted the Bowl Championship Series title game for the first time, the first time in 56 years that teams from conferences other than the Pacific Ten Conference and the Big Ten Conference were competing in the game. Miami left little doubt about which team was college football’s best, racing to a 34-0 halftime lead behind a huge first half performance by Co-Most Valuable Players Dorsey and Andre Johnson. Dorsey and Johnson connected for two touchdowns and 199 yards in the game with Dorsey throwing for a career-best 362 yards. Portis added another score on a brilliant 39-yard touchdown run and the Hurricanes were able to enjoy the second half of their national title victory.

Inexperienced Coker was the right choice

At the beginning of last football season some people wondered whether Larry Coker was the right man to replace Butch Davis as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes.

Coker’s resume was impressive enough – 22 seasons as a collegiate assistant coach, offensive coordinator of three different collegiate programs (Miami, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State), coach of such players as Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Eddie George and Edgerrin James. But something was missing: collegiate head-coaching experience.

Sure Coker had been a head coach before, but that was 23 years ago at Claremore High, a small school in Oklahoma. But Clamore High is no University of Miami.

Now that the perfect championship season is over, no one wants to admit they ever doubted Coker was the right choice for the UM football program, as he accomplished things no other man in college football history has ever achieved.

Coker was the first man in history to go 12-0 in his first season as a collegiate head coach. He was just the second head coach to win a national title in his first year. Bennie Oosterbaan did it in 1948 with Michigan, but he accomplished the feat by going just 9-0 without participating in a bowl game.

Despite all of Coker’s achievements, his biggest may be in the way he returned the Hurricanes to their glory without returning them to their old antics.

The Hurricanes of the late 1980s and early 1990s were not only notorious for winning but also for getting into trouble. They over-celebrated on the field and received plenty of negative publicity as a result.

Last year’s squad was similar to those teams only in their dominance on the field. Coker kept the Hurricanes focused on winning, while doing it with style.

“We don’t like to talk trash,” Hurricane wide receiver Andre Johnson said. “We do our talking on the field with the scores doing the talking for us.”

The Hurricanes shocked the nation, not only with their dominance, but also with their new “cleaner” attitude. The only time the Hurricanes disrespected their opponents is when they were down right dominating them on the field. The only time they got in trouble was…well it was almost never. Except for wide receiver Ethenic Sands’ unspecified run-in with the law early last year, the team was almost angel-like. Coker says the team’s character was hands down the most important aspect of their success.

“No doubt about it,” Coker said. “We talked about talent all along, but the thing that sets this team apart is their great character.”

The new character of these Hurricanes is a direct reflection of its head coach. Coker’s style of coaching is unlike any other seen in Coral Gables. His laid-back personality has been exactly what the Hurricane program needed.

He’s joked about himself and his players constantly when he is off the field. His attitude has kept players relaxed, easing the stress of being a football player at one of the most scrutinized universities in college football.

On the practice field he walked around like a hawk, eyeing everything that goes on – yet he took a back seat to his coordinators and assistant coaches during these times. Coaching up his own staff just as much as the players, he was the general of a well-machined army and the main concern was keeping the players focused and happy.

Despite the seriousness during practice, once the whistle sounded Coker was back to his old playful self. He often enjoyed dunks into the large garbage cans filled with ice water, which in the past were only home to the bravest of players who had the guts to stand freezing temperatures.

Coker also hired the perfect staff this year. There were plenty of concerns about the youth of the two new coordinators. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski is 33 and defensive coordinator Randy Shannon is 35. But no one was too concerned about their age after the Hurricanes defeated opponents by an average score of 43-9 during the regular season.

Coker knew that their coaching style and skills were much more important than their age or experience.

No one is concerned anymore about Coker’s inexperience either. Hurricane supports have all of their confidence in Coker now. Coker is “the man” in Miami. But more importantly, Coker has a new addition to his resume – head coach of the 2001 National Champions.

Baseball overcomes tough regular season

Looking at the conclusion of the 2002 Hurricane baseball season, one might think it was just another typical year of UM baseball. The team won yet another regional championship and were three outs away from heading to Omaha for the eighth time under head coach Jim Morris.

Even though the results were similar, the 2002 squad took a far different route to get to there.

“Roller coaster,” was how starting pitcher Kiki Bengochea summed up Miami’s 2002 campaign.

After an 8-4 start to the season, including a series win against 2001 College World Series opponent Tennessee, the team settled into a plague of mediocrity which lasted until the very end of the regular season. The team was on the bubble to even make the NCAA Tournament. The Hurricane coaching staff found themselves in uncharted waters since the arrival of Morris back in 1994.

Morris spoke about the team’s dilemma in midseason.

“I can tell you everything that happens at the College World Series from the time we step off the plane until we leave the field for the last time,” Morris said. “This is something new to us and as a staff we are still figuring out how to deal with it.”

After losing 13 players from the 2001 national championship team, the Hurricanes introduced many new faces to the club. Adjustment time for these new players proved lengthy. It wasn’t until the postseason that the team began to click on all cylinders. Batting orders were shuffled and players were dealt in and out of the lineup like a deck of cards.

Results were mixed. Streaks of greatness reminiscent of the championship squad, followed by games that made the Bad News Bears look like All- Stars characterized much of the season.

Finishing the season at 30-27, the Canes huddled in front of a television to see if they had just enough to break into the field of 64. A collective sigh of relief went throughout the clubhouse as they had drawn a No. 3 seed in the Gainesville Regional.

“It was a huge sigh of relief for us to make the tournament,” Morris said. “Sometimes people think that because I am the coach that I know before hand if we get in or not and I don’t. I sit there waiting in that clubhouse like everybody else, and if we get good news, we face it together, and if not then we face that together as well.”

With a clean slate for the postseason, the ‘Canes went on a mission, destroying rivals FIU and Florida in regional play. Led by veteran catcher/designated hitter Danny Matienzo and third year sophomore right fielder Jim Burt, UM threw the Gators off their back. Not only did the Hurricanes beat them for the first time all season, but UM knocked them out of the postseason – a scene all too familiar for Gator fans.

“I think the veteran players really stepped it up for the playoffs and that made all the difference,” Morris said. “I really think the younger guys did well all season long, and when the veterans started playing like they can, I think it gave the entire team a boost of confidence that they had not had all year long.

“It seemed like every time we would get ahead of the game a little bit during the regular season, we would turn around and have a terrible weekend.”

The buzz amongst the media following Miami’s regional championship was “The Miami Hurricanes are playing on tradition right now. There is something about the orange and green uniform that the Florida Gators simply can not get around when it comes playoff time.”

Florida Gators head coach Pat McMahon openly wept at a press conference after the loss. “We really thought things were going to turn out differently,” he said.

They didn’t turn out differently and the defending champions were on their way to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks for a chance to return to Omaha. Miami won in dramatic fashion thanks primarily to Burt.

“I truly believe that Jim Burt’s at bat in game one with a home run to tie the game in the final inning was the best moment of his two year career here at Miami,” Morris said. “He then turned around in game two and immediately had another career best moment by knocking the Gators clean out of the playoffs.”

For a moment it looked as if the ‘Canes would get back to Omaha, but an absolute collapse of the UM bullpen sent them packing for South Florida – falling just three outs shy of the CWS.

Leading 4-1 in the top of the ninth, UM relievers combined to allow five runs, thus ending UM’s magical run.

“We had the College World Series dangling in front of us,” Morris said. “In the eighth and ninth innings I began believing that we were going back to Omaha. It’s funny how baseball works.

“They only beat us three out of 27 innings that weekend, but those three innings were enough to send them to Omaha.

“Once you get to Omaha, anything can happen, and I think if we would have won that inning, our team would have felt like the team of destiny.”

In the wake of the devastating defeat, newcomers on this Hurricane squad gained an eagerness for college baseball glory. That will be key in a longer offseason than usual.

“I have had a taste for winning,” freshman shortstop Paco Figueroa said. “Now I have a thirst for it.”

With a passion for winning, a fervor for success and this year’s playoff experience in their back pocket, expect this young squad to be right in the mix next season.

Executive VP, Provost and more

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Ask a high school student a question about a provost, and not too many are familiar with the term.

There are many definitions of the word provost. One is the chief jailor at a prison. Another means chief magistrate in some Scottish cities. At the University of Miami provost is neither of the two.

UM Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Luis Glaser is the Chief Operating Officer. All the deans report to him, and he has overall control of the money. “My job is to make all programs better, and to do that, I have influence over the money,” he said.

Even though Glaser is the Executive Vice President, he also finds time in his daily schedule to teach class. Provost Glaser reverts to Professor Glaser, at home in the Cox Science Building where he teaches BIL 255, Cellular and Molecular Biology.

“I teach because at the University of Miami, that is what we are all about,” he said.

Glaser said one of his greatest satisfactions as a college administrator and teacher is watching students grow up. “It is great, because they come in as babies, and I am still in touch with many of them.”

Not only is Glaser a proponent of academics, but also Greek life. Glaser is also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Glaser sees many great things ahead at the University of Miami. “We are going to take a different approach to general education,” he said. “We will become less rigid, and we will focus on the students ability to process information,” he added, ” noting that he foresees a significant increase in student research activity.

The University of Miami also is starting a Capital Campaign, which Glaser believes this will have a great effect on the university by providing better facilities for education purposes. There will also be more student scholarships available.

In the near future, UM will see completion of a new convocation center, construction of more student apartments, additional buildings for architecture, completion of the library, and groundbreaking for the new School of Nursing.

Glaser offers three tips to new students at the University of Miami. First, each student must understand proper time management. Second, experience people outside of the classroom. “At the University of Miami, we have an extraordinary collection of people. You can learn as much from fellow students as you can learn inside the classroom.” And third, get involved in activities and socialize.

A final bit of learned advice from the provost: “Use the university as a resource. If you do not tell the system your needs, the system will never know. Start a dialogue with the system. Do not be shy, because you will be a better student and a better human being because of that.”

‘Homesick patrol’ stops freshmen from leaving

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Going to college is by far one of the most exciting times in the lives of those privileged enough to have the opportunity. Sometimes the summer separating a student’s senior year of high school from the first semester as a college freshmen can seem like an eternity. Excitement builds; the shopping for college is finally done; mail registration for first semester courses is executed flawlessly; and new addresses, phone numbers and emails are exchanged among the old high school clique.

The first weeks on campus are a blur of Orientation, finding the right classrooms, navigating the bookstore, tying up loose ends in Financial Aid and Student Accounts, checking in with parents, making new friends and, yes, even the ceremonial first trip to the laundry room. Sometimes this blur is easier for some students to navigate than for others. Some students seem to be able to figure everything out, and find that they do not feel homesick for a moment.

For others the blur of the transition to college can last a semester- or longer.

“If a student finds that he or she is having a hard time adjusting to life at the University of Miami, to the point where he or she may be thing about going home, we are here to help,” said Catherine Long, a Retention Advisor in the Office of the Dean of Enrollments.

“Among our many duties, we work with students who encounter difficulties understanding the way things work at the University of Miami and do not know where to turn for help, to those who express a desire to leave. I guess you can consider us a resource for students who need help adjusting to life at UM, the ‘homesick patrol.'”

Mary June So, also a Retention Advisor agreed, “Not only do we try to help students one-on-one who are having difficulty making the transition to college life,” she said, “but we also spend a good amount of time bringing members of the University of Miami community together to put on programs for students such as Pathways to Achieving Student Success [PASS] Week, which occurs during the first semester for all students who wish to get assistance in specific areas they are having trouble with, from finances and writing a good paper, to selecting a major or finding an internship.”

“Not too long ago, I was a freshman on this campus,” said Long. “Wow, what a difference stuff like this would have made in helping me to make the transition to college life and understand this place that I absolutely love!”

“Students should know that our doors, inboxes and phone lines are always open,” said So.

Mary June So can be reached at (305)284-5456 or mso@miami.edu, and Catherine Long can be reached at (305)284-6804 or clong@miami.edu.

Donations allow for new buildings

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The sound of construction may not seem like something to look forward to, but this year at the University of Miami, it is.

UM will be breaking ground on three new, much needed state-of-the-art buildings: an updated music library and technology center at the School of Music, a spacious addition at the School of Architecture, and central facilities for the School of Nursing.

The two-story Marta and Austin Weeks Music Library and Technology Center, named after the couple who donated $8 million towards the $10 million building, will be three times larger than the current music library. It will house musical books, scores, recordings, reference materials and videos, and six computer labs. Each of these labs will be designed for specific purposes, such as music engineering, media writing and production, and electronic music.

The School of Music’s Head Librarian, Nancy Zavac, said the new library will make things easier and less confusing for students, who must now go across campus to the Richter Library in search of musical texts and videos. Zavac said that the technology available in the computer labs will also be greatly improved.

William Hipp, the dean of the School of Music, told the Coral Gables Gazette recently that as more musicians cross over into different kinds of music, modern technology is used to aid the process.

“Students are going to need a whole different set of skills and techniques to be able to do that,” Hipp said, “and the new music center will allow students to more easily acquire those technical skills.”

The Marta and Austin Weeks Music Library and Technology Center is set to open in the spring of 2004.

The School of Architecture will be expanding its complex with a $5.5 million two-story building that will be home to a spacious gallery and lecture hall, offices, classrooms and a general reception area.

The new building, anticipated to open in the fall of 2004, will bring together architecture programs that are currently spread across campus. The dean of the School of Architecture, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, said students will benefit by being able to take classes in their school instead of having to walk across campus. She said that the new facilities will make things easier for the employees, too, by giving them more room to work, and will benefit the university as a whole.

“We hope that people will think it’s a beautiful building and embellishes the campus,” she said.

Fourth-year architecture student Luis Bustamente said he thinks it will be a good experience for students in the School of Architecture to see the process of their new building being constructed right in their backyard.

“It will be a new center for our school, designed for our specific use,” Bustamente said.

UM’s School of Nursing will be relocating from its retired-frat-house building on the outskirts of campus to a new home right in the heart of campus by the end of 2004. The four-story M. Christine Schwartz Center for Nursing Education will also bring all of that school’s components together, and provide the School of Nursing with enough space to have a reception area for events, an updated technology lab, a nursing center for clients, classrooms, and more room for faculty and administrative offices.

Dr. Carolyn Lindgren, the associate dean of the School of Nursing, said that with the new facilities the school will be able to increase the size of their program and admit more students. Lindgren said that nursing students will benefit greatly by having a central building, and it will make them feel like more a part of the university.

“It will facilitate our ability to offer classes in a more efficient way than we are now,” Lindgren said.

The building will be situated around a four-story atrium which will serve as its lobby and main entrance.

Great choices ahead for UM men

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alpha epsilon pi

Alpha Epsilon Pi, also known as AEPi, was founded at the University of Miami in 1947. Alpha Epsilon Pi is a historically Jewish Fraternity. It was founded to give Jewish men an opportunity to have a great fraternity experience, while increasing their ties to the Jewish community. You will often see one of the brothers sporting their blue and gold letters around campus. Alpha Epsilon Pi members also hold positions on campus, like Student Government Supreme Court Justice and Interfraternity Council Judicial Board Chair.

Motto: “Commitment for a Lifetime”

Colors: Blue and Gold

Philanthropy: Habitat for Humanity, Mazone, and Juvenile Diabetes

Famous Alumni: Scott Wolf, actor, Gene Wilder, Actor/produce/director, Jerry Lewis, Actor and Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association

National Website: www.aepi.org

alpha sigma phi

Alpha Sigma Phi, also known as Alpha Sig, charterd on the University campus in 1947. Founded at Yale University in 1845, Alpha Sigma Phi has increased its brotherhood from coast to coast. More than 150 years old, the fraternity has made it through many hardships. For this reason, it has dedicated the Phoenix as its symbol. Alpha Sigma Phi was the 2001 Homecoming and 2002 Greek Week Champions.

Motto: “The Cause is hidden, the results are well known”

Colors: Cardinal Red

Philanthropy: K-9 Companions for Independents

Famous Alumni: C. Everett Koop, Former Surgeon General of the United States, Tom Watson, Professional Golfer, Vincent Price, Actor

National Website: www.alphasig.org

kappa sigma

Kappa Sigma, also known as Kappa Sig, has had a great history here at the University of Miami. Since the fraternity’s chartering on the University of Miami campus in 1939, it has had great success. Kappa Sigma was the fraternity’s Homecoming champions in 2000, and has had great success with supporting its philanthropy, Boys Town of Italy. You may often see Kappa Sig’s at events on campus in their scarlet, white, and emerald green letters, promoting their brotherhood.

Motto: “Bononia Docet”

Colors: Scarlet, White, and Emerald Green

Philanthropy: Boys Town of Italy

Famous Alumni: Jimmy Buffet, Music Artist, Robert Redford, Actor, William Hewlett, Co-founder of Hewlett-Packard

National Website: www.kappasigma.org

lambda chi alpha

Lambda Chi Alpha, also known as Lambda Chi, can be seen all over campus during the week of Watermelon Bust. Watermelon Bust is made up of weeklong events like a watermelon eating, watermelon carving, and sporting events designed to raise money for its philanthropy, Angel Foundation for AIDS. Lambda Chi was founded at Boston University in 1909, and has been growing stronger every year. This year the Student Body Vice President is a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Motto: “Every Man and Man”

Colors: Purple, Green, and Gold

Philanthropy: Angel Foundation for AIDS

Famous Alumni: Dr. Edward T. Foote II, President Emeritus and Chancellor, University of Miami, Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, John S. Reed, Chairmen of Citicorp and Citibank

National Website: www.lambdachi.org

phi delta theta

Phi Delta Theta, also known as Phi Delt, was re-chartered on the university campus in 1995. It has been growing fiercely strong ever since, having members serving in the position of Interfraternity Council Secretary. You can see Phi Delta supporting its fight to raise money for its philanthropy, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Through the bond that all Phi Delta Theta members have, they promote their ideals of scholarship, leadership, individual growth and community involvement. This chapter believes “One man is no man, it is about brothers.”

Motto: “One Man is no Man”

Colors: Azure Blue and Argent White

Philanthropy: Lou Gherigs Disease

Famous Alumni: Lou Gehrig, Baseball Player, Neil Armstrong, Astronaut, Burt Reynolds, Actor

National Website: www.phideltatheta.org

pi kappa alpha

Pi Kappa Alpha, also known as Pike, is one of the largest international fraternities on the North American continent. Pike specializes in athletics, and has recently defied its national stereotype by holding it first philanthropy, Pike PigOut. Pi Kappa Alpha was founded at UM in 1940, and the brothers have been wearing their Garnet and Gold letters proudly ever since. This year, the Student Body President is a member of Pi Kappa Alpha.

Motto: “Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, and Gentleman”

Colors: Garnet and Gold

Philanthropy: United Cerebral Palst

Famous Alumni: Gino Toretta, University of Miami Heisman Trophy Winner, Bobby Bowden, Head Football Coach, Florida State, Tim McGraw, Country Music Star

National Website: www.pka.org

Sigma alpha epsilon

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, also known as SAE, is re-chartering this year on the university campus. After taking a 3-year leave, Sigma Alpha Epsilon plans to have a strong comeback this year on campus. This fraternity will have many leadership opportunities available.

Motto: “True Gentleman”

Colors: Purple and Gold

Philanthropy: March for Breast Cancer

Famous Alumni: Connie Mack, U.S. Senator, Chris Sullivan, CEO of Outback Steakhouse, Troy Aikman, Football Player

National Website: www.saefraternity.org

Sigma alpha mu

Sigma Alpha Mu, also know as Sammy, was founded in New York in 1909 and the Mu Epsilon chapter was founded at UM in 1946. You may often see Sammy’s hanging out in their purple and white jerseys or playing sports at the IM fields. This year, Sigma Alpha Mu hosted its first SAM SLAM, a philanthropy week designed to raise money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. You will see many members involved on campus through Student Government Senate, the Interfraternity Council and the FUNDAY executive board.

Motto: “To Foster and Maintain a Spirit of Fraternity”

Colors: Purple and White

Philanthropy: Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Famous Alumni: Terry Semel, President of Warner Brothers, David Stern, Commissioner of the NBA, Ernie Davis, 1961 Heisman Trophy Winner

National Website: www.sam.org

Sigma chi

Sigma Chi is one of the oldest fraternities on the university continuing some of the longest running traditions. Its philanthropy is the Children’s Miracle Network, and it raises money annually for this charity through its campus-wide “Derby Days.” Not only will you see Sigma Chi’s sporting their letters on campus, but also on the Orange Bowl Field. Sigma Chi is in charge of “Touchdown Tommy,” a cannon that is shot every time UM scores a touchdown or field goal.

Motto: “In hoc signo vinces”

Colors: Royal Blue and Old Gold

Philanthropy: Children’s Miracle Network

Famous Alumni: Lod Cook, CEO Arco, David Letterman, Late Night Talk Show Host, James Barksdale, CEO Netscape Communications

National Website: www.sigmachi.org

Sigma phi epsiloN

Sigma Phi Epsilon, also known as Sig Ep, is one of the youngest chapters on the university campus but has gained much recognition. Sig Ep has won the President’s Cup for the past two years, and the past two Student Body presidents were members. Sig Ep is very distinct because it do not have a pledge program, opting for a Balanced Man Program. This year Sig Ep hosted “A Week for the Heart,” a philanthropy designed to raise money for A League Against Cancer.

Motto: “Spirit Healthy, Body Healthy”

Colors: Purple and Red

Philanthropy: Habitat for Humanity and Centro Compesino

Famous Alumni: Terry Lundgren, President and CEO Neiman Marcus, David Thomas, Founder, Wendy’s International, Richard Gannon, Raiders Quarterback

National Website: www.sigep.org

zeta beta tau

Zeta Beta Tau, also known as ZBT, came to the University of Miami in 1946 with the chartering of the Alpha Omega chapter. It has been striving ever since, and members are seen on campus with their blue and gold letters. ZBT is another historically Jewish fraternity founded at Columbia University in 1909.

Motto: “Powerhouse of Excellence”

Colors: Blue, White, and Gold

Philanthropy: Boys Town of Italy

Famous Alumni: Burton Baskin, founder of Baskin-Robbins, Samuel Rosen, former chairman of 20th Century Fox, David Werblin, founder of the New York Jets

National Website: www.zetabetatau.org

Compiled by Mike Johnston

Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations

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On February 27, 1985, the Federation of Historically Black Greek Letter Organization (FBG) was founded at the University of Miami. This last year, FBG changed its name to the National Pan-Hellenic Council. (NPHC) It has been a strong asset to the University of Miami participating in events like Homecoming, Black Awareness Month, and many other philanthropic events.

There are nine National Pan-Hellenic fraternities and sororities nationally, and seven are now active at the University of Miami. The organizations at the University are:

 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

 Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.



Fraternities win prizes in national conference

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In 1776, the American College Fraternity Movement was founded. Since the founding, fraternities have grown and strived to exemplify their virtues. Diligence, honor, and integrity are paramount in a fraternity man’s life.

Fraternity men represent a very small percentage in the United States population; only 2%. These men have excelled beyond expectations. These men are some of the strongest political leaders, social activists and business executive officers. Fraternity men are some of the strongest men in the United States.

The Interfraternity Council [IFC] governs the University of Miami’s fraternity community. The IFC is made of all fraternity chapter presidents and one other delegate from each chapter. The IFC hold bi-weekly meetings at which fraternities have the opportunity to meet and network together.

Last year the University of Miami IFC attended the Southeastern Interfraternity Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The UM IFC, as well as more than 25 other IFCs, had the opportunity to apply for more than 16 regional awards. The University of Miami’s Interfraternity Council won 7 of them.

Men’s recruitment starts as soon as school begins. So, if any student is interested in recruitment, or Greek Life in general, stop by the Greek Life table in the University Center Breezeway.

Compiled by Mike Johnston

All sororities not created alike: Who’s who at UM

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Delta Delta Delta

Delta Delta Delta, also known as the Tri Delts, has made a strong stance on the UM campus since re-chartering only three years ago. The sorority was a strong presence on UM between 1948 and1980, so it still has many rich traditions and a history at the University of Miami. The sorority has grown quickly, getting involved in Homecoming and Greek Week over the past several years. The Speaker Pro Tempore of the Student Government is a member of Delta Delta Delta.

Motto: “Let us Steadfastly Love One Another”

Colors: Silver, Gold, and Blue

Philanthropy: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

Famous Alumnae: Elizabeth Hanford Dole, 2000 Republican Presidential nominee, former president of the American Red Cross, Shawn Weatherly, Miss American and Miss Universe, 1980, Leeza Gibbons, News Anchor and Talk Show Host

National Website: www.deltadeltadelta.org

Delta gamma

Delta Gamma, also known as DG, has been at the University of Miami since 1946 and has gained much respect with its long tenure. Delta Gamma has many women involved on campus in Student Government, Panhellenic, Orientation and many other activities. Each year Delta Gamma holds its weeklong philanthropy, Anchor Splash, where the fraternities compete to raise money for their philanthropy. Since Delta Gamma’s symbol is the anchor, Anchor Splash is focused on water events, such as synchronized swimming and a belly-flop contest.

Motto: “Do Good”

Colors: Bronze, Pink, and Blue

Philanthropy: Service and Sight, Aid to the Blind, and the Delta Gamma Foundation

Famous Alumnae: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Actress, Jill Savery, 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF

National Website: www.deltagamma.org

Delta phi epsilon

Delta Phi Epsilon, also known as DPhiE, has been a strong organization on this campus for many years. The sorority holds a rich tradition with its annual philanthropy, Deepher Dudes, a night of fun-filled events. Deepher Dudes is a night when fraternities compete in events at The Rat for their philanthropy, Cystic Fibrosis. Delta Phi Epsilon sisters were this year’s winner of the Presidents Cup, as well as winners of Greek Week 2002. You will always hear these women doing there D Phi E chants, while wearing their Purple and Gold letters on campus.

Motto: “Esse Quam Videri”

Colors: Royal Purple and Pure Gold

Philanthropy: Cystic Fibrosis, Anorexia Nervosa and other Associated Eating Disorders, and the Delta Phi Epsilon Foundatio.

Famous Alumnae: Lee Ducat, founder of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Judith Seitz Rodin, President, University of Pennsylvania

Phyliss Kossoff, cofounder of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

National Website: www.dphie.org

kappa kappa gamma

Kappa Kappa Gamma, also known as Kappas, is the oldest sorority on the University of Miami campus. Kappa Kappa Gamma has been at the University of Miami since 1938, and it has been bleeding “Blue and Blue” since. Last year, Kappa Kappa Gamma was the winner of both Homecoming and Greek Week. You can always see Kappa Kappa Gamma out once a year holding its Kappasta, an Italian Cuisine prepared by the sisters to raise money for their philanthropy. This year, the Executive Secretary of the Student Government is a Kappa Kappa Gamma sister.

Motto: “A Special Bond of Friendship”

Colors: Light Blue and Dark Blue

Philanthropy: The Love Jen Fund

Famous Alumnae: Julian Ward Howe, Author Battle Hymn of the Republic

Ashley Judd, Actress, Jane Pauley, “Dateline NBC” Host.

National Website: www.kappakappagamma.org

Sigma delta tau

Sigma Delta Tau, also known as SDTs, has been a great asset to the Greek Community. They were founded at Cornell University with the goal of enriching the college experience, making long lasting friendships and fostering personal growth. Their motto translated into English mean “One Hope of Many People,” which describes how the sorority’s ideals are held closely to heart by all the sisters.

Motto: “Patriae Multae Spes Una”

Colors: CafE au Lait and Old Blue

Philanthropy: Children’s Home Society Prevention of Child Abuse

Famous Alumni: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Psychologist, Sherry Lansing, Producer

Terry Savage, Author

National Website: www.sigmadeltatau.com

Zeta tau alpha

Zeta Tau Alpha, also known as Zetas, cannot be missed anywhere because of those Blue and Grey letters the sisters wear. Zeta Tau Alpha holds a fashion show every year to raise money for its philanthropy. This year the sorority raised almost $20,000. Its mission statement is to develop the individual sisters of the sorority through visionary programming. The Zeta Tau Alpha president is also Co-chair of Category 5, the Student Government Spirit Programming Board.

Motto: “Seek the Noblest”

Colors: Turquoise Blue and Steel Grey

Philanthropy: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Famous Alumnae: Elizabeth Ward, Former Miss America, Ruby Graham, Former Chief Editor of “Seventeen Magazine”, Rebecca Holden, Actress

National Website: www.zetataualpha.org

Compiled by Mike Johnston

Sororities integral to UM

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Sororities are an integral part to the University of Miami. There are a total of six National Panhellenic sororities on campus with a total membership of almost 600 women.

The Panhellenic Association governs the sororities on campus. The Panhellenic Association is made up of members of all the sororities, and it has executive officers elected every year. It does programming frequently with the Interfraternity Council. The Panhellenic Association also has a variety of coordinator positions filled by more women. These coordinators focus on aspects of Greek life like academics, women’s health issues, philanthropy and many more.

This year the University of Miami Panhellenic Association traveled to Atlanta for its annual SEPC. (Southeastern Panhellenic Conference) Every year SEPC award five awards to all the Panhellenic Associations in the southern United States. These awards range from outstanding programming to outstanding risk management. UM Panhellenic received two of the awards.

The Panhellenic community has a different recruitment policy than the fraternities. The women have a structured, formal recruitment process. Each woman interested in recruitment must register with the Panhellenic Association. After a woman registers, she is assigned a Rho Gamma, or “recruitment guide.” Rho Gammas are women from sororities who give up their time and disaffiliate with their own sororities to guide interested women through recruitment. They introduce interested women to all the sorority members, so each can make her own best choice.

Sororities are great organizations because of the support and guidance provided. Joining a sorority is joining an organization for a lifetime and gaining a new family. A home away from home is a great asset for college students. Remember, rushing will not obligate any woman to join a sorority, it just simply provides an opportunity for women to make friends.

Greek life leads to lifelong friends

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If the words Fraternity, Sorority, or Greek Life were mentioned in the 60’s or 70’s, people would commonly associate them with keg parties, skipping class and the socially elite. However, as college campuses nationwide have changed, so have the roles of fraternities and sororities on every campus.

Fraternities and sororities may have, at one time, directed all their time to wild keg parties and late night escapades, but no more. Fraternities and sororities have refocused their time and energy back to the convictions of brotherhood/sisterhood, scholarship, athletics and success. ” I am a proud member of my fraternity, and I feel strongly that the Greek community is one of the best experiences you may have at the University of Miami,” said Student Body President Emeritus Jose “Pepi” Diaz. “Being a fraternity man has given me the opportunities to succeed to the level I have today.”

The University of Miami has an outstanding Greek community that excels in all areas of campus life. The Student Government president and vice president are Greek. Greek members hold approximately 85% of all leadership positions at the University of Miami. There are also many prominent administrators who are Greek; Provost Luis Glazer, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Patricia A. Whitely, Dean of Students William Sandler, and Gregory R. Singleton, Associate Dean of Students and Greek Life Advisor. Greek life encompasses all facets of the University experience, and joining a fraternity or sorority is an unforgettable experience.

During the academic year, you will see many Greek organizations all over campus. In the fall, fraternities and sororities competing to win Homecoming. In the spring, Greek Week is hosted and all organizations compete to raise money for a designated philanthropy. Last year, the Greek community raised almost $10,000 for United Cerebral Palsy and donated more than 900 pints of blood. There will be times where fraternities and sororities will hold individual competitions to raise money for their individual philanthropies. Long lasting memories arise every year from Delta Phi Epsilon’s Deepher Dudes, or Lambda Chi Alpha’s Watermelon Bust, just to name a few.

When you join organizations that are not Greek, your membership last until the day of your graduation. However, when you join a Greek organization, your membership lasts forever. Fraternities and sororities are organizations every person can stay involved in after you graduate. Also, since alumni are so active, it is easy to connect with alumni who are experts in their field of study. Many times alumni of fraternities are able to write reference letters, give internships, or help get members jobs after college. The opportunities are endless.

Recruitment [rush] will begin as soon as school begins. Fraternity and sorority recruitment is very different. During the summer, each new student will get a mailing that he/she can send in to register for fall recruitment. However, registering for recruitment in no way obligates you to join a fraternity or sorority. Recruitment is organized so all new and returning students can meet all the fraternities and sororities. With last years 550 students who signed up for recruitment, there was no problem for new students to make new friends.

Fraternity and sorority membership will last after college, and the friendships will last a lifetime. The opportunities that arise from being Greek are incredible, and every new student should experience them.