Sep. 3 marked this semester’s first session of the Student Government Senate. Running with the momentum from last year, SG has planned a lot to improve the lives of students at UM. The first session was dedicated primarily to procedural adjustments to the statutes of SG, but there was discussion about how SG plans to better serve the campus community.
Some of the first items up are a student panel to discuss the newly implemented smoke-free zone surrounding the dorms, the planning of a UNICCO appreciation day and increasing interaction between the senators and their constituencies.
Many of the senate seats are up for election this month, so there are plenty opportunities for students to get involved and let their voice be heard.
For more information on Senate, or to get involved in SG, call X8-3082 or stop by the SG office in UC 214.

The Miami Hurricane will update the student body regarding all of the issues SG is working on throughout the semester. A summary of the SG meetings will be printed in every Tuesday edition of the paper.
SG Senate meetings are held every Wednesday from 4 – 6 p.m. in Senate Ballrooms C-D on the second floor of the UC.

This summer, Minal Ahson, a junior double-majoring in microbiology and religious studies, volunteered with Cross Cultural Solutions, an international grassroots volunteer placement organization. Ahson conducted her volunteer work in Tengeru, a small village outside of Arusha, Tanzania. She was awarded the Patrick Stewart 2003 Human Rights Scholarship from Amnesty International for her project to research the HIV/AIDS and healthcare situations in the village. This is the second installment of a four-part series, in which Ahson will describe her experiences and volunteer work in Tanzania.

JOURNAL ENTRY #2

My first day of volunteering was something I will never forget. We drove to Nkoaranga, which is on a small mountain. My placement was in somewhat of a compound, with the orphanage; secondary, primary and nursery schools; a vocational school and hospital all in the same area. We pulled up in front of the nursery school, and about 50 kids ran up to the van to greet us, as if we were celebrities! It was amazing how happy they were to see us. They all would yell, “Good morning.” I later learned they picked up the greeting from radio programs and would use it at any time of day.
I met the headmistress of the secondary school, who introduced me to the rest of the teachers. They were so excited to have me there. It was amazing how much respect they gave me. They told me I could teach any subject I wanted. I decided that I was not fluent enough in Swahili to teach biology, so I settled on English and math. While I was being given a tour, the students were eager to greet me and practice their English. They felt special that I had come all the way from America to see them. I felt very humbled and grateful for their open arms.
The orphanage was a short walk from the school, and as soon as I walked in, two children ran to me and glued themselves to my legs. The condition of the orphanage was extremely sad – holey clothes, no shoes and diapers changed only once or twice a day. Many of the children had diaper rash, and a few others had rickets and other similar developmental problems from the nutrition-less diet of rice and beans or noodles and porridge. The children are adorable, but the extremely sweet women that run the orphanage are so loaded-down with the everyday washing of clothes and preparing of food that the children are unable to get the attention they crave. Although there was a language barrier, the kids loved to sit in our laps, dance with us and wear our shoes around. Everyday I would leave the orphanage with my hair all messed up because they had not seen hair like mine and wanted to play with it.
The nearest city to Tengeru is Arusha, which is where the United Nations Trials for Rwanda were being held. The city itself has many diverse groups living there, making for a unique mix of tradition and culture. It would not be unusual to see a South Asian walking next to a traditionally dressed Maasai, one of the prevalent tribes in the region. Whenever we went to Arusha, the local shopkeepers bombarded us to buy their goods. We were often called mzungu (which literally means white person, but really means foreigner), and were asked if we wanted to go on tours or safaris.
That weekend, a few of us did in fact go on a safari. The first day, we drove to Lake Manyara, where we saw animals that I have only seen in books and on television. Giraffes, antelopes, baboons, monkeys, elephants and exotic birds walked around in their natural habitats. Our tour guide informed us that it was mating season, so that made for an interesting time. The second day we went to Ngorongoro Crater, which is actually the largest unbroken caldera (formed by a volcanic explosion) in the world, and is about 610 meters deep. From the lodge, you could see herds of elephants, antelopes and giraffes moving around. The next day, we drove down into the crater and were able to see lions, ostriches, hippopotamus, zebras, wildebeest, rhinoceros, warthogs and many other animals. The ground of the crater was covered by wildflowers because rainy season was just ending, and seeing the animals run around freely was surreal. It was definitely an experience that I will always cherish.
Minal Ahson can be contacted at mahson@miami.edu

PROFILE OF TANZANIA
Area: 341,200 sq.miles
Capital: Dar es Salaam
Currency:
1 Tanzanian shilling = 100 cents
Languages: Swahili, English, local dialects
Religions: Animist, Christian, Muslim
Total GDP: US$ 21,000,000,000
Imports: US$ 2,028,000,000
Population Growth: 2.96%
Death Rate: 13.6/1000 people
Life Expectancy: 52.1 years
Population Density:
31 people/sq.km

Photo by: Steve Freeman

ROUGH RIDER: Lindsay Alvarez mounts a mechanical bull at the Rathskeller Thursday night to win second place in a bull-riding competition.

As mentioned in our last article, Greek recruitment is here! Panhellenic recruitment began yesterday with the first of the recruitment rounds. The following is a guide taken from the Greek Life website at UM on the Panhellenic recruitment events.

PANHELLENIC FORMAL RECRUITMENT

Round 1
During this night, you should make a friend in each of the suites so you will recognize a familiar face in the nights to follow. Also, try to find something that will help you identify the different sororities.
What to Wear: Dress nicely. A skirt, dress, or pants are fine. Something you would wear on the first day of school and comfortable shoes.

Round 2
You should focus on meeting many different people in each suite. This round is crucial because this is when you have to begin to narrow down your choices. Find out about things such as finances and activities.
What to Wear: This night is a little more casual than round one. Dress comfortably, yet neatly in either shorts or pants, as you may have to sit on the floor.

Round 3
This night is the perfect opportunity to find out what each sorority has to offer you. Know what you are looking for, because this is the night when you will have the best chance to ask questions.
What to Wear: This night is a bit dressier than the other nights so plan on wearing a nice outfit that you might wear out to dinner. However, there is no need to go out and buy new clothes.

Round 4
The last night of recruitment is the most important. If there are any lingering questions or details, this is the time to straighten them out. This is the night that each woman has to make her final decision.
What to Wear: This is the dressiest night of recruitment. Wear a cocktail dress or a nice suit. No prom dresses or ball gowns are necessary.

Bid Day
Today is the day that you will be formally tapped into Panhellenic sisterhood!
What to Wear: A BIG, dark T-Shirt. The sorority you get a bid from will send over your Bid Day shirts and you will wear them underneath your big, dark t-shirt. You have to change so you may want to wear a sports bra underneath your shirt, too. After you reveal what sorority you are pledging you will be spending the rest of the afternoon getting to know your new sisters.

Fraternity recruitment is coming to an end this week, with the traditional smokers taking place. This is typically the last event before bid day.
Bid day will commence at 5 p.m. at the Rock. It is recommended that those men who have gone through recruitment arrive early to see if they received a bid and to accept them if they wish.

That’s all for this week in Greek Life. We look forward to hearing from all the Greeks to see how recruitment went. Don’t forget to send your stories to us at greekhurricanes@yahoo.com.

Remember, “Let the Letters Do the Talking!”

The Cuban flag that draped the coffin of the legendary Celia Cruz during her memorial services held in Miami and New York City last month, was dedicated by the Celia Cruz Foundation to the Cuban Heritage Collection [CHC] for permanent preservation and display in the Richter Library. A year-long exhibit entitled “La Guarachera de Cuba” will accompany the flag and will include promotional materials, posters, photos and personal papers that belonged to the artist.
“Celia was, and is, a Cuban idol,” Anamaria Guerrero-Machado, who attended the event, said.

In the summer of 1999, Cruz received an honorary doctorate degree from UM.
“Celia is the kind of person that you meet and you feel you’ve known her your whole life,” Raquel Padron, who met Celia when she received her honorary degree, said.
Cruz’s career in music and film spanned over five decades. She recorded over 70 albums and was featured in several movies and novelas throughout her life.
The Miami Hurricane interviewed Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas, who was an attendee at the dedication, and asked him to describe Cruz in one word.
“Celia is life,” Penelas said. “Through this flag and collection, the thousands of students that come to the University of Miami every year will be able to learn more about the Cuban people and community.”

Jorge A. Plasencia, vice-president of the Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, said he recalled that Cruz had once mentioned that when she died, whoever was organizing her memorial services needed to find a funeral home with a lot of parking.
Plasencia said not even Cruz could have imagined it would take over 20 parking lots and an entire Metro-Rail system to accommodate the thousands upon thousands of fans who came to visit Cruz during her memorial service held in downtown Miami.
“Celia’s goodbye was one of the largest and most memorable in the history of America,” Plasencia said.

Cruz’s life partner of 41 years, Pedro Knight, also spoke at the dedication, visibly overcome with emotion.
“Although my heart is devastated, I will always remember the time I spent with her,” Knight said to the audience in Spanish.
Knight cut his speech short, stating that he did not want to burst into tears as he had previously done in front of the media.
For more information on the Celia Cruz exhibit, contact Richter Library at 8-2210 or visit the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion on the second floor of Richter Library.

Jorge Arauz can be contacted at xxarauzxx@yahoo.com

UM license tags available

When it’s time to renew your vehicle’s license plate, why not show your Hurricane spirit with a UM collegiate license tag? When you renew your registration at your local tax collector’s office, simply let them know you want to replace your current tag with a specialty license plate. If it is not time to replace the metal plate (every five years), you will pay a few additional dollars. The UM specialty tags cost an additional $25 each year, which goes back to UM. For more information, contact the Specialty License Plate office at 850-414-2541.

SAFAC seeks freshman delegate

Attention freshmen: A unique opportunity to get involved in student life on the University campus is available to you. The Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee (SAFAC) is seeking applicants for the position of freshman delegate. SAFAC is a highly selective committee of fourteen elected and appointed university students who oversee the budgeting process for all registered student organizations on campus. The committee meets weekly on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to hear student organizations’ requests for funding and to make decisions on those requests. This is a great opportunity to get involved, enhance communication skills, meet new people, have a voice in how your student activity fee money is spent at UM and have some fun, too! Regular attendance is required, so you must have the time slot (3:30-5:30 p.m.) free on Wednesday afternoons. Applications are available in Whitten University Center, room 209. The deadline for accepting applications is Sep. 5. Any questions? Visit us online at www.miami.edu/safac or email safacum@aol.com.

Richter Library web site revamped

The Richter Library’s web site, recently redesigned and featuring a Flash-based navigation system, is now live. This fall, the site will launch both an e-chat reference service and robust meta-database interlinking system. Faculty and staff are encouraged to have a look at the Richter Library Web log to read more about some of these new services.

TODAY

C.A.C. presents a Sneak Peek of the movie Fighting Temptations at Cosford Cinema at 9 p.m.

Want to know how to get work done and still have a life? Academic Development Center has the answer. Join them from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the ADC classroom.

WEDNESDAY September 10

C.A.C. presents Identity starring John Cusack and UM alum Ray Liotta at Cosford Cinema, 8 p.m.

The International Education and Exchange Programs office hosts an information session on Study Abroad Programs at 12 p.m. Food will be served. For more information call 8-3434 or stop by Allen Hall 212.

The Center for Latin American Studies will host a two-day symposium, today and tomorrow, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the military coup in Chile. Call 8-1854 for more information.

THURSDAY September 11

HP presents Patio Jams with Jessie Jackson project from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on the UC Patio.

Feeling parched? Come to Thirsty Thursday’s at the Rat from 7 to 10 p.m.

Come to Culture 101 at 7:30 p.m. in the UC.

FRIDAY September 12

Last day to drop a course without a “W.”

Last day to file for candidacy for Student Government elections.

Show your letters at Fraternity Bid Day on the UC Patio at 5 p.m.

MONDAY September 15

Hispanic Heritage Month begins with food from the Latin Market and the sounds of live Latin music. Performances by Grupo Prisma and Salsa Craze will be on the UC Patio from 12 to 2 p.m. Don’t forget to enter to win a trip for two to the Dominican Republic.

The Judaic Studies Program Brown Bag Lunch Series invites you to works in progress by Dr. Ira Sheskin, associate professor of geography, fellow of the Miller Center and director of the Jewish Demography Project. Dr. Sheskin will speak on “How Jewish Communities Differ: Perspectives from Demographic Research,” from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at The Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, 105 Merrick Building. The event is free, and students are welcome. You can bring your own lunch or, if you prefer, we can order you a wrap, chips and soda from Chartwells for $7.25. Please RSVP by Friday, Sep. 12 to 8-8180 or aberezin@miami.edu.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund is volunteering at the Town Hall Meeting at Miami Senior High. If you’re interested in participating, meet at Stanford Circle at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Elena Gonzalez at miamischolarchapter@hotmail.com.

TUESDAY September 16

Join the Hispanic Scholarship Fund at Miami Beach Senior High to host an event about the importance of a college education. Contact jrangel@hsf.net for more information

WEDNESDAY September 17

C.A.C. presents X-2 at Cosford Cinema at 8 p.m. Bring your ‘Cane Card and get in free.

THURSDAY September 18

Hispanic Heritage Month continues with a Poetry Slam featuring local Cuban poet Lourdes Simon at the Rat from 8:30 to 10 p.m. All work must be original and related to Hispanic Heritage Month. All poetry must be submitted in advance to MSA in building 21-P.

WEDNESDAY October 1

Take a break from the hot sun and have some ice cream! Dippin’ Dots: Ice Cream of the Future is open for business outside the University Center across from the Bookstore. You can choose from three flavors: chocolate, vanilla or cookies n’ cream for only $3 (tax inclusive). Dippin’ Dots is open Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

GATOR MEAT

‘Canes leave Gators swamped, freshmen react to an explosive home game

he weather forecast predicted a storm in Miami on Saturday night. Although the skies were clear, the prediction was right on target. The ‘Canes delivered a sensational win against the Gators, arguably our biggest rivals.

“I’m really excited that I am one of the lucky few who actually get to see UF come to our home,” Carey McIntyre, sophomore, said.
Amidst the meat grilling on the barbecue at the pep rally and the “I SMELL GATOR” shirts floating around campus, it seemed the ‘Canes would be unstoppable.
“Do not come to this game in a happy mood. You gotta be nasty with these Gators,” Coach Coker said at the pep rally.
After the opening kickoff resulted in a touchdown return, nobody thought the game would be close.

“The Gators stand no chance. Everyone is just waiting for the big win,” Vanessa Krause, sophomore, said. “We are ready to eat Gator meat!”
By the end of the half, however, many had lost hope when the scoreboard read 10-33 in favor of the Gators.
“Miami can’t afford to play down to the level of their competition,” John Norman, sophomore, said. “They have to play their A-game.”
Many people even left the game.

“We were seriously going to leave when there were six minutes left in the third quarter, but a friend convinced us to stay,” Camille Goldstein, freshman, said. “I would have really regretted leaving, because it ended up being the best game of my life.”
The game encompassed every possible emotional high and low. At one moment, a humiliating defeat was imminent, but 30 seconds later, the ‘Canes were pulling off an amazing comeback.

“At the end of the third quarter, it was like the players suddenly realized, ‘Oh wait, we are supposed to win this game,'” Taurri Coyne, sophomore, said.
The ‘Canes shocked the crowd, and surely the Gator players, by scoring three successive touchdowns in the middle of the second half, pulling them back into the game. “Miami doesn’t f*ck around!” James Ranton, sophomore, said.
As the fourth quarter played out, ‘Canes fans could probably be heard in Gainesville. The crowd became more excited with every play.
“We are the number one Gator-haters!” Keri Bolden, sophomore, said.
The game ended in a solid 38-33 victory for the ‘Canes.
“It’s an even better win when they think they have you and then you come back,” April Neumann, freshman, said.

This was the first UM game for most freshmen and the first home game of the season.
“It was an experience that certainly did not disappoint,” Cara Richardson, freshman, said. “The energy at this game was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
“I thought things were crazy in my hometown when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it to the Superbowl last year, but it’s nothing compared to this,” Shalu Patel, freshman, said.

Before the game, Florida Gator Blake Bonsack said, “I am going to run the field if we win.”
But many Gators say they knew from the outset what the game would be like.
“My Gator cousin is so nervous about this game,” Lara Traver, sophomore, said. “She thinks Miami is going to win.”
Gator fan Chris Davis tried to console his team.
“If the game had ended one quarter early, there would have been a lot of crying ‘Canes.”
Perhaps Delmar Yarbrough, sophomore, put it best.
“To all the Gator fans around here, I’m going to be glad when the game makes you regret your six hour trip.”
“This game belongs on ESPN classics,” James Brodbeck, sophomore, said.

Megha Garg can be contacted at mgarg@umsis.miami.edu