The Hillel, UM’s center for Jewish students, recently welcomed a new addition to its staff: Rabbi Sam Bregman.
Bregman, a 25-year-old, grew up in Boca Raton and is familiar with Jewish life in South Florida.
He graduated from Emory University with a law degree.
“Orgo knocked me out of pre-med, so what else could I do?” he said.
Bregman once thought that the Torah had little to offer him, since most of it was irrelevant to modern life, but he felt that there was something missing in his life.
“I was someone who had it all, but I knew that something was still missing, just a feeling I had in my gut,” he said.
Bregman did not realize until halfway through law school that spreading the Jewish faith was what he felt called to do.
Bregman attended Yashiva [seminary for men to study the Torah] in both New York and Jerusalem.
Bregman now resides in a house off of San Amaro Drive with his wife, Mandy, and their three-month-old son, Aaron.
Twenty-five might sound a little young to be called “Rabbi” [meaning teacher], but Bregman believes that his youth helps him to be a better teacher.
“Many people meet me and say, ‘Wow! You’re the youngest Rabbi I’ve ever met,'” Bregman said. “Most students have never had a relationship with a Rabbi so close in age and life experience, someone they can so easily relate to.”
“You can call me, the ‘Un-intimidator,'” Bregman said.
The Collegiate Learning Exchange, a group whose mission is to “provide authentic and meaningful Jewish experiences to college students,” offered Bregman a job in Miami, close to UM, hoping he would enrich the campus Jewish community.
Shortly after that, Bregman was also offered the job as Hillel’s campus Rabbi.
So far he is happy with both of his new positions.
“The Hillel staff has been very welcoming and friendly,” he said. “I have been impressed by their professionalism and commitment to the students.”
UM is equally thrilled to have Bregman here.
“Rabbi Bregman brings new energy with the Collegiate Learning Exchange,” UM President Donna E. Shalala said. “We are excited by his arrival and look forward to working with him to improve the quality of our students’ experience.”
Bregman’s goal for UM is ambitious, but he is confident it can be done.
“My main goal is to increase the number of Jewish students interested in Judaism,” Bregman said. “I aim to create a vibrant environment where Jewish students can come to explore their heritage in a user-friendly, welcoming environment, irrespective of their current level of involvement or denominational background.”
Although he has been here a only year, Bregman has already had several successful programs through Hillel, including a class on Kaballah [Jewish mysticism] last semester, as well as an ongoing project called PiT [Partners in Torah] in which prominent members of the Jewish community come to the Hillel so students can mingle with them.
The PiT meets every Wednesday from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Hillel.
Other programs include a “wildly popular” beginner’s service, in which Bregman explains the traditions of Jewish worship services.
Bregman frequently has students as guests in his home for Shabbat and has taken students on Jewish tours.
Last semester he took students to Atlanta.
This semester he has planned a big trip to New York City for Spring Break.
Students who have worked with Bregman reacted positively to the newcomer.
“Rabbi Bregman is perfect for the University of Miami, and his dedication to his students is infinitely appreciated because his efforts have provided insight and inspiration,” Adam Bernheim, freshman, said.
Bregman’s advice to students, having so recently been one, is:
“Take advantage of the college years to explore your heritage, whatever it is,” he said. “You’ll never have as much free time or intellectual curiosity.”

Rabbi Bregman encourages students with questions to contact him at RabbiBregman@aol.com.

He was known for his zip-up cardigan sweaters and worn tennis shoes. His manner was gentle and reassuring. Millions of young children grew up watching Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, including our own generation, and his death last Thursday came as a shock to all those who loved and knew him.
“I grew up watching him,” Elizabeth Reese, sophomore, said. “It was very sad to hear he died because you don’t expect people you grew up watching to die.”
Rogers died last Thursday in his Pittsburgh home after fighting against stomach cancer for a short time. He was 74.
“I felt bad about his death, although I didn’t watch the show,” Mohammed al Saegh, sophomore, said.
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood has been described by many as a children’s television show that redefined the children’s television industry. The show was produced at Pittsburgh’s public television station, WQED. It was first broadcast in 1966.
At the beginning of each show, Rogers would step into his television living room, pull out a sweater and slip into a pair of tennis shoes, all the while singing, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” his signature song. This is how many remember him.
In his personal life, Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister who genuinely cared about children. A recurring theme on his show was that every child is special and unique.
Some students describe Rogers as a comforting voice to many children, primarily because he addressed many issues on his show like death and divorce – something that many kids have a hard time understanding and parents have a hard time explaining.
“I watched the show religiously,” Grace Salisbury, sophomore, said. “He was like a father figure.”
Throughout the decades, Rogers earned five Emmys, two Peabody Awards and, more recently, the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work.
Although Rogers was an American television figure and icon, those who did not grow up watching him still know who he was and what he did.
“I grew up in another country, but even I know who Mr. Rogers is,” Reem Alkhaledi, sophomore, said. “I know he has influenced the youth of this country in many ways.”
The last episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood was taped in December 2000 and aired August 2001.
“I hope other people will produce shows like his, with a similar concept,” Silvia Guzman, junior, said.
The legacy of Mr. Rogers will live on as the show continues to air on more than 300 channels throughout the world.

For more information, visit http://pbskids.org/rogers.

Angelique Thomas can be contacted at aperivale@aol.com

Approximately 200 students learned about African heritage through a series of lectures and food last week at Pearson Residential College as part of Black Awareness Month [BAM].
The presentation was primarily sponsored by the History Department and the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society
“The event was used to encourage people to think about historical issues and the influence of history,” Lina Delcastillo, secretary for Phi Alpha Theta, said.
“We want students to open their minds and think critically about the present by studying the past,” Chanelle Rose, vice-president for Phi Alpha Theta, said.
During the event, students enjoyed a free sampling of Caribbean and African Cuisine while African dancing played on a television in the background.
Ceci Walker, sophomore, is majoring in African-American studies and says that she attended the event to broaden her insights of African heritage.
“African-American studies has always been an interest of mine,” Walker said. “My dad told me the history when I was very, very young and now I want to pursue it as a career.”
As part of the event, Dr. Robin Bachin gave a lecture entitled “Race, Politics, and Popular Culture in Jazz-Age Chicago.”
Bachin gave students insight into the development of the Jazz and African-American society in Chicago during the 1920s and 30s. She also described how blacks migrated from the South to escape discrimination laws but faced residential segregation when arriving in the North.
Bachin believes the presence of jazz music helped break some of those social blockades as whites and blacks mingled in jazz clubs.
“I hope they’ll get a sense that history still influences questions and controversies we have today,” Bachin said. “I also hope that they will make connections between pop forms like jazz with links to hip-hop.”
Dr. Edmund Abaka, who also presented, integrated humor into his lecture: “Threads that Bind: The African Diaspora in a Global Perspective.” He asked students if they had ever thought about the state of black music in other countries such as China and Russia.
He also discussed the influence and presence of blacks in the Persian Gulf, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
“History needs not only be taught in the classroom – history should be discussed in other locations,” Abaka said. “Events like this give students the chance to converse in some degree and make history come alive.”
Many students were surprised to find that black slaves existed in places like India.
“It was interesting to see blacks spread out in China and Persia, a dispersion in places you wouldn’t expect to see,” Ashvin Reddy, senior, said.
“I found it interesting to learn about slave trade in China,” Greg Wiaterek, senior, said. “It was an educational experience.”
Organizers hope that students left more educated and interested in aspects of African-American culture and traditions that have affected how the world is currently.
“I hope students have learned something new about African and African-American culture and the African diaspora,” Rose said. “I hope they become enlightened and their curiosity is peaked, and they become interested in issues that indirectly affect them.”

Marquita Bell can be reached at m_bell01@hotmail.com.

The new treasurer for Student Government [SG] could also be the number one ‘Canes fan. Tara Myers, junior, has such love for the school that she has the UM logo tattooed on her back.
“I’ve been a ‘Cane since I was four,” Myers said. “I grew up with the UM football team.”
Myers, who was born and raised in Miami, has three brothers who are all football fans.
One of them, Chris Myers, currently plays for the UM football team. During the 1980s her uncle also played for the school’s football team.
“If I could, I would play,” she said.
Myers is currently majoring in sport management and is involved in several sports-related activities on campus such as Cane Connection, where she helps in recruiting players for the football team. She also works for the women’s basketball team filing paperwork and helping with recruitment.
“I love attending sports. I’m a diehard team fan,” she said. “I had an injury in high school so I can’t really participate in any athletic activities. But I get involved by going to the games.”
Myers said that after graduation she dreams of going to law school and eventually becoming an agent.
“Maybe one day I’ll be an athletic director for a university, possibly for the University of Miami,” Myers said.
Although sports is a big part of her life, Myers is also involved in other aspects of student life such as spending time with her sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, where she served as the activities chair last year. She is also a member of the homecoming executive planning board.
According to Myers, she is on campus Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“I love being involved,” Myers said. “I’m a very easygoing person, and I don’t stress out much.”
Myers decided to run for treasurer when presidential candidate Scott Sadowski approached her with the idea.
“He knew that I was the biggest Hurricane fan and that I had huge love for the University so he thought it would be a good idea,” she said. “I’ll do anything it takes to promote a better environment for incoming students and those that are already here.”
Myers said that her school spirit is an asset that she brings with her to SG.
“I’m very proud of being a ‘Cane; I couldn’t be any prouder,” Myers said. “I think the first thing you should have when working for Student Government is love for the University. If you don’t have love, then what motivates you?”

Chris Clark, sophomore, has always been involved in University life, and now, as vice-president for Student Government [SG], he is eager to assume a new position of leadership.
“My first priority right now is to get students involved with SG,” Clark said. “I want the student body to get to know our faces and get to know us.”
Born in Dallas, Texas, Clark says he came to UM because of the beautiful campus, the people and the beach. He started a career in pre-med, following in the footsteps of his father, but later changed majors to political science and psychology.
“I really enjoy being a leader,” Clark said. “I changed majors to something that I feel truly passionate about.”
Clark says he plans to form various committees that deal with the diverse aspects of student life and address the different cultures on campus.
“I want to taste the different ways of living and different cultures – I have a very open mind,” he said.
As a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. black fraternity, Clark says he is encouraging and promoting black culture on campus.
“By being a member of the fraternity I was compelled to a newfound state of leadership in the black community,” Clark said.
Clark serves as social chair for his fraternity, organizing parties, pageants and social events. He is also a member of his fraternity’s step team.
According to Clark, step is a traditional interpretation of ritualistic African dances.
“Step dancing is an audience-provoking event; it hypes the crowd up, and they feel like a part of it,” Clark said. “In these competitions a group of men or women set a beat and move to the beat, we make our own music and the effect looks amazing!”
Aside from stepping, Clark finds time to take advantage of different events on campus. He also enjoys spending time at the Rathskeller, attending sporting events, working out and writing.
“The Wellness Center is my quiet place – it keeps my sanity,” Clark said. “I also love to read and write. I write poetry during my free time, and I’m usually in the library two times a week.”
After graduating, Clark says he wants to go to law school and eventually enter into the political arena.
In the meantime, Clark says he is exactly where he wants to be.
“Regardless of what day it is, whether it is a weekend or a Monday when I have three tests, I still feel the same. I’m happy,” Clark said. “There’s no point in getting stressed out.”

Andrea Alegria can be contacted at neaalegria@aol.com.

TODAY
The 2003 Cobb Leadership Lecture will feature Dr. Steven B. Sample, president of the University of Southern California, at the School of Business at noon at the Storer Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Dr. Sample is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a tenured professor in the USC School of Engineering. His patents on digital appliance controls have been licensed to practically every major manufacturer of appliance controls and microwave ovens around the world. Over 300 million home appliances have been built using his inventions. For more information on the Cobb Leadership Lecture series or to RSVP, call 305-284-2875 or email eventsmanagement@miami.edu. Refreshments will follow the presentation.

Don’t miss your chance to vote in the run-off for Student Government President in the UC Breezeway from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Show your support for candidates Scott Sadowski and Robert Castro by getting out there and voting.

The UM Ethics Society asks: “May I clone you?” What will be the consequences? Why should we have clones? Come to our discussion on the closely approaching phenomena of cloning in today’s science and medicine. The discussion will be led by Dr. Colin Hughes, professor of Biology. All majors and new members are welcome. The discussion will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at LC 140.

Save a life by becoming a blood donor. The Wellness Center will hold a blood drive from 4 to 9 p.m. in the atrium. For more information, call the Wellness Suite at 305-284-5433.

Kaplan invites you to Law School 101 – Secrets to First Year Success. At this free event, attendees will learn how to brief a law case, make partial arguments and conduct themselves in a first year law class. The featured speaker will be nationally recognized legal scholar, former dean and law professor Dr. Paul Lisnek. The event will take place at the Holiday Inn, 1350 South Dixie Highway, at 7 p.m. Space is limited so RSVP to 1-800-KAP-TEST.

TUESDAY MARCH 4 AND WEDNESDAY MARCH 5

LINK and Myra Company Salon will be having a LOCKS OF LOVE hair drive on from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the UC ROCK. Your hair will be styled! Anyone with hair six inches or longer can donate their hair. The hair donated will be used to make wigs for children who have severe burns or hair loss disorders or are receiving cancer treatment. Everyone donating hair gets a gift! Donations of unused hair accessories are also greatly appreciated! E-mail LINK0203@hotmail.com for more information!

WEDNESDAY MARCH 5
Services will be held on campus for Ash Wednesday at the Episcopal Church Center at 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Episcopal Church Center is located at the corner of Stanford Drive and Levante, by the Stanford Drive guard gate. All are welcome.

It’s your last chance to vote for Student Government President. Voice your opinion during the run-off by placing your vote in the UC Breezeway from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Maybe you’ve wondered what Peace Corps volunteers end up doing after their service overseas. Here’s your opportunity to find out. From 5:30 to 7 p.m., come hear UM faculty and staff talk about their Peace Corps experience and how it helped to shape their careers and lives. The program will take place at the Whitten University Center International Lounge, second floor. Refreshments served at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Erin Seiler at 305-284-5398 or e.seiler@umiami.edu.

THURSDAY MARCH 6

The University of Miami School of Law Wrongful Convictions Project will host a panel of experts from noon to 2 p.m. in Room 352 at the law school. The event is free and open to the public. The panel will include former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, former Florida Supreme Court Justice Gerald Kogan; head of the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s office Benjamin Brummer, Nova Innocence Project Professor Catherine Arabascio and Broward County Capital Crimes Attorney Bill Laswell. Topics of discussion will include wrongful convictions in the state of Florida, the use of DNA evidence in overturning these convictions and the death penalty. For more information, call 305-467-5836.

The Athletics Department offers fans an opportunity to own a piece of Hurricane history. All 110 Hurricanes football lockers from the Hecht Athletic Center will be auctioned online, beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4 and concluding at noon on Wednesday, March 12. For more information, visit hurricanesports.com and click on “Hurricane Football Locker Auction.”

It’s that time of year again! Students Together Ending Poverty (STEP) and Wellness Center Intramurals will host the fifth annual Hoops for Hunger basketball tournament on Saturday, March 22 at the Wellness Center indoor basketball court. Hoops is a three-on-three basketball tournament to benefit Women’s Shelter of Hope, a community shelter that helps homeless women and children in the long and difficult road to regaining a better way of life. Men’s and women’s teams are welcome. All participants must be UM students or faculty. Prizes and raffles will be awarded. Sign-ups will be held in the UC Breezeway March 3 through 6 and March 17 through 20. For more information contact Volunteer Services at 305-284-GIVE.

The Undergraduate Research Day 2003 application deadline has been extended! The event is open to all undergraduates who have completed an original project at the University. Traditionally, faculty members have judged student posters in the sciences, but we invite all students to display their work. The deadline for submitting applications to the Honors Program office (21-Y) is now Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m. An additional information session will be held on Wednesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in Cox 182. Please pick up an application at the Honors Program office or download it at www.geocities.com/inquiryum. Questions or Concerns? Contact Barbie Juncosa, Inquiry’s president, at NetWonderB@aol.com.

If you know of an outstanding employee in the Division of Student Affairs, why not nominate him or her for a 2003 Laurel Award? Award categories are outstanding job performance, exceptional work with students and new student affairs employee. Information and nomination forms are available at all Student Affairs Offices. Nominations are due by Friday, March 28 at the Toppel Career Center.

Nomination forms are out for the 2003 Vice President’s Award for Service. The forms are available in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office, The Butler Volunteer Services Center, The Faculty Senate and Government Office, The Dean’s offices at the Law and Graduate Schools and The Student Affairs Office at The Medical School. They are due by Friday, March 21.For more information please call Leandra Medina at 305-284-4483.

Scott Sadowski
Scott Sadowski, from Waukesha,Wisconsin, hopes to win the Student Government [SG] presidential election by changing the focus of his campaign while continuing to be open to the concerns of students.
Currently, Sadowski says he plans to add a more personal feel to his campaign.
“At the beginning I wanted to advertise my face, name and platform,” Sadowski said. “Now it’s time to add a more personal touch.”
For fun, Sadowski likes to play intramural sports, including arena football and volleyball. He is also the coach of his basketball team and works out five times a week.
“Working out is a reward to myself,” Sadowski said. “My goal is to maintain consistency – I have a work hard, play hard mentality.”
Sadowski also likes to go to the Grove and South Beach.
“I like a good mix of both places,” Sadowski said. “That’s the nice thing about Miami – you have those options.”
This summer, Sadowski hopes to internship at General Electric medical systems. Next summer, he’s looking toward Wall Street. Eventually, Sadowski hopes to go into corporate finance or investment banking.
Sadowski says he attributes his success to his parents.
“I got my scholastic drive from my dad and my involvement qualities from my mom,” Sadowski said.
Sadowski’s parents say their son has always has been a team leader in terms of the organized sports and projects in which he has participated.
“He is driven, focused and knows how to rally his team to achieve results,” James Sadowski said.
“Scotty is a unique individual, he always initiates projects for the benefit of others in his community,” Nancy Sadowski said. “I believe his caring, hard working, creative character will demonstrate what a great leader he will prove to be.”
Currently, Sadowski says he just finished closing a deal with his father for a condo on Brickell.
“The past two weeks has been nothing but elections and realtors,” Sadowski said. “I’ve learned a great deal of negotiation and investment skills.”
Sadowski acknowledges the opinion of many regarding his inability to follow through.
“I’m not in the position to follow through with everything that I come up with,” Sadowski said. “When I work on a project, I do the research and report it to the leaders of the particular organization or administrative unit, giving them additional suggestions and ideas. That’s where my role ends and theirs begins.”
Sadowski says he respects Robert Castro and believes that he possesses many qualities characteristic of a good leader.
“Castro is real good with follow-through,” Sadowski said. “You send him an e-mail and he gets back to you as soon as he can.”
Sadowski encourages students to go out and vote for the best candidate.
“Look at the things that each of us wants to do and think about which ones you want to see done next year,” Sadowski said. “Then go out and vote.”

ROBERT CASTRO
Robert Castro, a Hialeah, Florida native, is hoping that his involvement and previous experience will give him an edge over Scott Sadowski during run-off elections for Student Government [SG] president.
“Throughout my experiences as a student leader, I’ve noticed certain concerns that were brought up to me on several occasions,” Castro said. “If I have someone approach me with an issue, I look into it immediately to determine a feasible way to fix it.”
“I don’t want to make any false promises, but I promise that if I am elected, SG will address the issues presented,” Castro said. “I like to do what people want to make happen.”
Some students have expressed concern regarding Castro’s ability to work with the newly elected SG cabinet. However, Castro says he has worked with both Chris Clark [vice-president] and Tara Myers [treasurer] in the past.
“I’ve worked with Chris before and I’ve just recently started working with Tara on the Homecoming Executive Committee,” Castro said. “We all work very well together.”
Castro says he is always trying to find the right balance between all of the different aspects of his life.
“College is once in a lifetime and I always try to make it as fun as possible,” Castro said. “Everything I do, I do it because I enjoy it.”
During his spare time, Castro says he loves to go to UM sporting events.
“There’s nothing like going to the Orange Bowl and watching a game come alive,” Castro said. “Once I painted myself orange and green. By the end of the game, all of the paint sweated off of me – I had a great time!”
Castro also frequents Bongo’s Cafe and other restaurants throughout South Florida. He also likes to spend time with his family.
Castro’s mother says that she is very proud of all that her son has accomplished.
“My son has always given all that he has to the better cause of those around him,” Maria Castro said. “I have raised him for the world, and I believe that he will continue to live his life with a big heart and an open mind.”
Castro says that he hopes to work in the public sector upon graduation.
In terms of his opponent, Castro says that he believes that Sadowski’s strength is in his ability to work in group settings.
“Sadowski develops a great working relationship with the teams he works with on projects,” Castro said.
Castro wants voters to know that he stands behind his word and that if elected, he will always be available to discuss comments or concerns.
“I’m putting my reputation out there and I stand behind everything that I have promised,” Castro said. “I will do whatever it takes to accomplish the things that I have set out to do.”
“If you see me at the Rat or somewhere else on campus, come by and talk,” Castro said. “I’m always up for meeting new people.”

Jorge Arauz can be contacted at xxarauzxx@yahoo.com