“I’m here to celebrate DNA,” said Moses Kim while waiting in line to enter the Cox Science Center.

Students, staff, faculty and the general public poured into Cox on Wednesday night to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Discovery of the Double Helix Structure of DNA.

The lecture, given by Sir Aaron Klug, 1982 Nobel Laureate, was sponsored by many organizations including UM, Virgin Atlantic Airlines and the British Consulate.

Many were surprised by the high turnout.

“The students at UM showed even more enthusiasm about the event that I expected,” Simon Davey, of the British Consulate, said.

Every seat in the auditorium was taken; students even stood in the back to listen. Dr. Luis Glaser, UM executive VP and provost, declared the lecture to be an extraordinary event.

Klug delved into the history of the discovery of the double helix preceding the culmination of the landmark paper by Watson and Crick in 1953. In addition to describing the basic structure of DNA and the methods used to discover it, he offered personal information from his firsthand experiences that no textbook could.

He described the competition, pressure and nervousness felt by all of the scientists in the race to decipher the secret of life.

Interestingly, Watson and Crick had been banned for a period of time from working together on DNA after they introduced their controversial hypothesis, and were only allowed to resume their studies once other prominent scientists began competing with British scientists.

This rare insight into science displayed many personal scribbles and rough drafts by the scientists in a slideshow accompanying the presentation.

“A thunderbolt from the blue,” Klug said, demonstrating the magnitude of genius required to conjure a helical model with a two-fold geometry, antiparallel chains and complementary base-pairing.

Dr. Wang, a professor of biology, agreed with Klug’s statement that the helical structure of DNA is “an icon for science.”

“I hope that students will take something away from this experience of meeting a legend of science firsthand and be impelled to pursue research,” Wang said.

Kylee Maywald took away more than knowledge from the lecture- she won two roundtrip tickets to London in a raffle hosted by Virgin Atlantic.

“I won – I’ve never won anything before,” Maywald said.

Klug left the audience with inspirational words: “There is no straight path; only hard work will find the way. Don’t be deterred – love the subject that you study.”

Wang expects that the event will be beneficial to UM.

“This event will boost the College of Arts and Sciences, especially in the molecular and cellular biology approaches,” Wang said.

Additionally, the School of Medicine also serves to gain recognition for working with the British government to make the event possible.

The exhibit in the Cox lobby is expected to draw at least 5,000 visitors from on campus and around the community.

Students from all disciplines can learn from the exhibit because it is presented in a timeline without confusing technical terms.

Vivek Kalra can be contacted at v.kalra@umiami.edu.

Imagine being born into poverty, roaming the streets, rummaging through garbage pails searching for scraps of food – a half-eaten apple, pizza crusts, an hourglass shaped Capri Sun. Imagine sleeping near an overpass with the buzz of traffic interrupting an already shaky sleep, moving from one location to another so as not to catch the attention of wary passerby. Imagine trying to live a life without hope for a better tomorrow.

Students Together Ending Poverty [STEP] is an organization whose mission is to communicate this very image. Established five years ago and still developing, STEP’s goal is to increase awareness of domestic and foreign policy issues on poverty.

Although it is a local organization, STEP’s mission is global in perspective: to provide students a deeper look into the lives of the less fortunate and to invoke a collective human spirit of understanding and giving.

This week, Feb. 9 – 13, STEP is hosting its annual Hunger and Homelessness Week. The purpose of the event is to encourage students to give back to the community and increase awareness about the lives of homeless people. STEP is hosting activities all this week.

Students can help build a tent village to kick off the week or spend the night on the Rock. They can also donate a meal from their UM meal plans for Skip-A-Meal day by signing up at Chartwells.

In conjunction with national organizations such as Jobs for Justice, Bread for the World and APPLICA (a policy-making organization on legislative issues of poverty such as the living-wage campaign), STEP is growing in its association as the college constituent for such groups.

“We would like to see STEP not as being related to homelessness entirely, but to expand it to more comprehensive issues surrounding poverty,” Jennifer Earnest, STEP president, said.

STEP is involved in many community service projects, including bimonthly work at Touching Miami with Love, a non-profit organization that has three housing divisions, and works with AIDS counseling, parent workshops and after-school tutoring sessions for impoverished children. STEP also visits the Camillus House, a center for women, to increase its activity in Miami. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Miami is the poorest large city with the widest wealth disparity.

STEP will be featuring many activities throughout the week to raise awareness on these issues. All students are invited to join in Hunger and Homelessness Week to serve as the voice for those unheard.

Sandwich boards will be displayed around campus with quick facts and tidbits about worldwide poverty. Upcoming STEP activities include Hoops for Hunger and a clothing/food collection drive.

For more information about STEP and Hunger and Homelessness Week please contact Neha Joshi at 786-877-2387, Jennifer Earnest at 904-608-5756 or Azuree Ashby, Volunteer Services Center Coordinator. Email STEP at umstep@hotmail.com.

Shelly Garg can be contacted at s.garg@umiami.edu.

University Village, a proposed student apartment residential village community planned for the San Amaro Drive area of campus – in the works since 1992 – will finally be actualized, now that UM and the UM Neighbors Homeowners Association [UMNHOA] have reached a mutual agreement on the 2004 development plans for the village, after months of mediation talks.

“We have agreed on the best possible plans for the neighbors and the University,” Sarah Artecona, UM spokesperson, said. “This was our ultimate goal all along.”

Terms of the agreement include housing for 800 upper class, graduate, law and medical students with parking for students and other University guests. All those who qualify will be able to sign up at the same time, with no priority given to higher-level students.

The design plan includes two to four-story buildings, each housing one, two and four-bedroom apartments and stipulates that the streets remain open. The University shall build up to 16 single-family town homes between Mataro and Corniche Avenues, which will only be occupied by faculty, administrators or adult employees of the University.

Parking will be created for students and visitors. Students who live at University Village will not have daytime parking privileges in the central campus during the school week, but must utilize the campus shuttle or walk to campus.

“Both the University and our neighbors care deeply and are committed to our Coral Gables neighborhood and we look forward to creating an apartment village that meets the high standards of our community and serves a crucial need for our students,” said President Donna E. Shalala.

The UMNHOA released this statement as part of the agreement: “The UMNHOA has worked with the University to resolve its objections to University Village. The University has modified its University Village plans to address our objections. The Association hereby withdraws its objections to the University Village.”

The exact cost of the project has not yet been determined.

The Miami Hurricane first reported on University Village in Nov. 2002. At the time, the area was planned to house an approximate 1100 students in 398 apartments with 1,058 on-site parking areas. Amenities included fully furnished living and dining rooms, a kitchen and washer and dryer. Additional amenities included a pool, a fitness room, study areas and computers.

University Village has been in the works since 1992 when the City of Coral Gables approved the original plans for the area. Those plans were halted as a result of the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew.

Since then, several modified plans have been submitted to the City of Coral Gables for approval.

UMNHOA concerns have included increased traffic and street closures in the area; residential density and proximity to the surrounding neighborhood; and security, noise and pedestrian safety concerns.

Both sides gathered signatures and printed informative newsletters throughout the process and held several community relation meetings and mediation sessions.

“We’ve been in mediation talks trying to hammer it away with the neighbors,” Artecona said. “We wanted to keep the integrity of University Village and the neighborhood.”

Before construction begins, UM must receive final approval from the City of Coral Gables. As of press time, no construction date had been set.

“We’re going to be very aggressive in getting the permits we still need ASAP,” Artecona said.

For more information, contact the University Village information line at 305-284-6728 or email questions and comments to universityvillage@miami.edu.

Jorge Arauz can be contacted at UM_newspaper@yahoo.com.

Crush in U.C. Breezeway
UM joins schools nationwide to raise money for CancerCare for Kids as the Greek women of Panhellenic host the “I’ve Got A Crush on You” philanthropic event from Feb. 9- Feb. 13 in the UC Breezeway. Students can join this fundraiser by sending a $1 “Crush” [a can of Orange Crush soda] on Valentine’s Day to their crushes or friends. You can also send an anonymous “Crush” for $5. Stop by the Panhellenic table in the UC Breezeway. Recipients of “Crushes” can return to the Breezeway table and pay $2 to learn who sent them their surprise.

C.O.S.O. registration ends
The last day for NEW student organizations to register with COSO is Feb. 27. For more information, contact COSO, located in UC 209, at 305-284-6399 or visit www.miami.edu/COSO.

Hockey club on campus
There’s a new club on campus! Join the Field Hockey Club and help promote awareness, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. The objectives of the Field Hockey Club are to educate students about the sport and history of field hockey, develop skills, and maintain physical fitness through its practices and friendly competition. Practices are every Tuesday and Friday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Yaron Athletic Fields. Practices and scrimmages are open to all levels. For more information, contact Kristen Goodrich at 305-689-4199.

FunDay sign-ups begin
Fun Day is a day for UM students to volunteer with a special citizen from the Miami area. Activities include mystery theatre, arts and crafts, music therapy, a barbeque, and events on the commencement field. It was created by Dr. Foote over 20 years ago and is a long-standing UM tradition. Fun Day takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 9 a.m. Buddy sign-ups take place in the breezeway from January 22- February 17. For more information, contact the Volunteer Services Center, located in UC 240, at 305-284-4483.

Spring Career Expo 2004 is scheduled to take place in the Wellness Center on Wednesday, February 18, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Information can be found on the Career Expo website. Be one of the first students to network with employers by volunteering during Expo! We need volunteers to help us with a variety of tasks between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you’re interested, please email us with your available times at careerexpo@miami.edu. If you have not updated your resume or have not uploaded it onto CaneTRAK you should do it now! Stop by the Toppel Career Center, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. to have someone critique it for you. No appointment is necessary!

Meet the candidates and Referanda Sponsors of this year’s Student Government Elections on the UC Patio on February 19 from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. The vice-presidential debate is on February 17th at the Rat at 7 p.m. and the presidential debate will be held on February 18 at the Rat at 7 p.m.

Interested in being involved with the Hispanic heritage Month 2004? Advisor Ms. Nanette Vega, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Affairs [MSA], is currently accepting applications for the executive board. For more information, please contact MSA at 305-284-2855 or at nvega@miami.edu. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn more about the Hispanic culture.

The Ibis is still looking for candidates for “Senior Spotlight”, features on outstanding seniors in the 2004 yearbook. In order to nominate or apply, pass by the Ibis office, UC 229, and pick up a form. To apply, you must be a full time UM student with a GPA of 2.5. Forms are due in the office by Feb. 13.

Start getting your team together for another exciting round of intramural sports. Entries are now being accepted at the Wellness Center for basketball, arena football, flag football, and kickball. If you don’t have a team, then sign up on the free agent roster. To find out more about the intramural program, call Jason Carroll at 305-284-8518.

Registration is now taking place for the spring semester instructional classes at the Wellness Center. These classes are open to members and non-members so tell your friends, family, and fellow students! Instruction varies from dance classes to martial arts. You must register in person. For more information, call the Wellness Center at 305-284-5433.

In response to requests from students and faculty, the Richter Library will stay open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays during the Spring Semester. Throughout the semester, use will be analyzed to determine whether Saturday hours need to be expanded on a permanent basis. For information about hours over breaks and at other University of Miami Libraries, please see www.library.miami.edu

The Ibis yearbook is in need of writers. The theme of the book this year is school spirit, and they want to include as many voices and reactions as possible in the book. The Ibis covers anything and everything that takes place on campus, and even things off campus, like summer blockbusters, or the World Series. Everyone is encouraged to submit their stories, even if they think it’s not something that would be included. The stories are usually 250 through 300 words, but it is also okay if the articles are more, as that is something that can be worked with. There are plenty of assignments that need to be covered, and stories that are printed in the yearbook are considered published work, so it looks great on resumes! The Ibis yearbook wins awards every year, why not be a part of it? All quotes and stories can be sent to ibiswriter@hotmail.com or dropped off at the yearbook office in the UC 229. Include your name, year, and an e-mail address.Crush in U.C. Breezeway
UM joins schools nationwide to raise money for CancerCare for Kids as the Greek women of Panhellenic host the “I’ve Got A Crush on You” philanthropic event from Feb. 9- Feb. 13 in the UC Breezeway. Students can join this fundraiser by sending a $1 “Crush” [a can of Orange Crush soda] on Valentine’s Day to their crushes or friends. You can also send an anonymous “Crush” for $5. Stop by the Panhellenic table in the UC Breezeway. Recipients of “Crushes” can return to the Breezeway table and pay $2 to learn who sent them their surprise.

C.O.S.O. registration ends
The last day for NEW student organizations to register with COSO is Feb. 27. For more information, contact COSO, located in UC 209, at 305-284-6399 or visit www.miami.edu/COSO.

Hockey club on campus
There’s a new club on campus! Join the Field Hockey Club and help promote awareness, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. The objectives of the Field Hockey Club are to educate students about the sport and history of field hockey, develop skills, and maintain physical fitness through its practices and friendly competition. Practices are every Tuesday and Friday, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Yaron Athletic Fields. Practices and scrimmages are open to all levels. For more information, contact Kristen Goodrich at 305-689-4199.

FunDay sign-ups begin
Fun Day is a day for UM students to volunteer with a special citizen from the Miami area. Activities include mystery theatre, arts and crafts, music therapy, a barbeque, and events on the commencement field. It was created by Dr. Foote over 20 years ago and is a long-standing UM tradition. Fun Day takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 9 a.m. Buddy sign-ups take place in the breezeway from January 22- February 17. For more information, contact the Volunteer Services Center, located in UC 240, at 305-284-4483.

Spring Career Expo 2004 is scheduled to take place in the Wellness Center on Wednesday, February 18, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Information can be found on the Career Expo website. Be one of the first students to network with employers by volunteering during Expo! We need volunteers to help us with a variety of tasks between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you’re interested, please email us with your available times at careerexpo@miami.edu. If you have not updated your resume or have not uploaded it onto CaneTRAK you should do it now! Stop by the Toppel Career Center, Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. to have someone critique it for you. No appointment is necessary!

Meet the candidates and Referanda Sponsors of this year’s Student Government Elections on the UC Patio on February 19 from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. The vice-presidential debate is on February 17th at the Rat at 7 p.m. and the presidential debate will be held on February 18 at the Rat at 7 p.m.

Interested in being involved with the Hispanic heritage Month 2004? Advisor Ms. Nanette Vega, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Affairs [MSA], is currently accepting applications for the executive board. For more information, please contact MSA at 305-284-2855 or at nvega@miami.edu. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn more about the Hispanic culture.

The Ibis is still looking for candidates for “Senior Spotlight”, features on outstanding seniors in the 2004 yearbook. In order to nominate or apply, pass by the Ibis office, UC 229, and pick up a form. To apply, you must be a full time UM student with a GPA of 2.5. Forms are due in the office by Feb. 13.

Start getting your team together for another exciting round of intramural sports. Entries are now being accepted at the Wellness Center for basketball, arena football, flag football, and kickball. If you don’t have a team, then sign up on the free agent roster. To find out more about the intramural program, call Jason Carroll at 305-284-8518.

Registration is now taking place for the spring semester instructional classes at the Wellness Center. These classes are open to members and non-members so tell your friends, family, and fellow students! Instruction varies from dance classes to martial arts. You must register in person. For more information, call the Wellness Center at 305-284-5433.

In response to requests from students and faculty, the Richter Library will stay open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays during the Spring Semester. Throughout the semester, use will be analyzed to determine whether Saturday hours need to be expanded on a permanent basis. For information about hours over breaks and at other University of Miami Libraries, please see www.library.miami.edu

The Ibis yearbook is in need of writers. The theme of the book this year is school spirit, and they want to include as many voices and reactions as possible in the book. The Ibis covers anything and everything that takes place on campus, and even things off campus, like summer blockbusters, or the World Series. Everyone is encouraged to submit their stories, even if they think it’s not something that would be included. The stories are usually 250 through 300 words, but it is also okay if the articles are more, as that is something that can be worked with. There are plenty of assignments that need to be covered, and stories that are printed in the yearbook are considered published work, so it looks great on resumes! The Ibis yearbook wins awards every year, why not be a part of it? All quotes and stories can be sent to ibiswriter@hotmail.com or dropped off at the yearbook office in the UC 229. Include your name, year, and an e-mail address.

TODAY
Want to learn how to talk to the opposite sex? Attend the Center for Student Leadership Workshop on Gender Communication at 4 p.m. in UC 241. Gender Communication, presented by Jamie Pontius Hogan, assistant dean of students, and Kara Miller, coordinator of Greek Affairs, will bring you a fun and interactive presentation on communicating with the opposite sex. For more information call 305-284-6399 or visit www.miami.edu/leadership.

As part of Black Awareness Month, the Black Filmmakers Association presents The Emperor Jones as part of the Black Film Series at 8 p.m. in Eaton.

WEDNESDAY
In honor of Black Awareness Month, United Black Students [UBS] presents African Storytelling, an event where African and Caribbean folk tales will be shared. Featuring Professor Edmund Abaka, the event will be held in the UC I-lounge at 7 p.m.

The Academic Development Center hosts a Brown Bag Workshop on “Getting the Most From Reading Your Textbooks” at 12 and 6 p.m. Become a more active reader. Learn strategies to enhance your attention and comprehension while reading and create useful study/review notes from your readings for later test preparation.

Last week, The Hurricane reported that former Kappa Sigma fraternity officers Travis Montgomery and David May were being sued for the wrongful death of pledge Chad Meredith. Meredith drowned on Nov. 5, 2001 in UM’s Lake Osceola.

A civil jury found the two fraternity brothers responsible for Meredith’s death and ordered them to pay $12.6 million to his parents.
The defendants’ attorneys said they would appeal the verdict.

After a welcome stay at UM, the crocodiles that called Lake Osceola home are being removed and relocated to the Everglades.

The Hurricane reported on the discovery of the crocodiles approximately one year ago. Since then, one crocodile has become three. The smallest of the crocodiles is 5.5 feet in length, while the largest is approximately eight feet long.

The crocodiles have become a sort of icon for UM’s Lake Osceola. In fact, many are sad to see them go.

“They are taking out the crocodiles? No – I love the crocodiles,” Deeda Payton, freshman, said upon news of their removal. “Actually, they’re alligators, right?”

In fact, contrary to what most everyone on campus believes, the reptiles in the lake are endangered American crocodiles. Contributing to the confusion is the sign by the lake that warns students not to swim in the lake because “Alligators have been seen in the lake and waterways.”

According to Victor Atherton, associate vice president of Facilities Administration, their endangered status is the reason that the crocodiles have not been removed from the lake until now. Atherton made the final approval on the decision to relocate the crocodiles.

“We were perfectly willing to pay for a trapper to come do it, but that’s not allowable,” Atherton said. “Fish and Game said they were the only ones who were allowed to do it.”

Atherton was referring to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission [FFWCC], which has been out on the lake everyday since Wednesday in attempt to catch the crocodiles. The crocodiles can only be removed through the permission of the state.

The method used to catch alligators cannot be used for crocodiles because there is a possibility that they could die, according to Tim Regan, wildlife biologist for FFWCC. Instead, FFWCC is trying to throw a snatch hook into the crocodiles’ thick hide to capture them. Regan stressed that because the hide is so thick, they would not be injuring the animals.

“Unlike alligators, crocodiles are shy and hard to catch,” Regan said. “This is also why they haven’t been as much of a problem [as alligators].”

On record, in Florida there have been 16 fatalities caused by alligators, and hundreds of reported bitings. There is not a single known case of a crocodile injuring or killing a person.

This brings into question whether there is really a need to remove the crocodiles from the lake at all. According to Atherton, even though there have not been any problems caused by the crocodiles, they are still a potential danger.

“Why would we wait till [there is a problem]?” Atherton said. “This is not appropriate. This is not the Everglades. This is a residential area – there are students here.”

Recently, the canoe race for Sportsfest was cancelled because of the presence of the crocodiles.

“In one regard, it’s kind of neat to see something like that up close, but it’s just too risky,” Atherton said. “I just think this is better for everybody that they put them in their natural habitat and get them out of our lake.”

However, Regan does not believe it is imperative that the crocodiles be removed from the lake, noting that crocodiles are relatively timid when it comes to interactions with humans.

“Part of the problem is that we relocate them and they come back,” Regan said, mentioning a case in which a crocodile traveled 140 miles to return to the place from which it had been removed. “Somehow they navigate their way back.”

FFWCC will be out on the lake until the crocodiles are removed or until they get orders from the Tallahassee office to stop the search.

Regan said the situation could have been much worse for UM students. “This could have been a Florida Gator.”

Megha Garg can be contacted at UM_News2004@yahoo.com.