The Miami Hurricanes failed to show a national audience Sunday afternoon that they deserve to be among the top teams in the country, as they came out flat and were dominated by Big East foe Boston College.
The Eagles defeated the No. 11 Hurricanes 76-63, in a contest marked by BC’s ability to hit open jump shots and run down loose balls.
The backcourt of Troy Bell and Ryan Sidney continued to give Miami trouble. Bell scored 24 points and Ryan Sidney added 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Eagles to their second win over the Hurricanes in 13 days.
The loss dropped Miami (20-4, 7-4 in the Big East) out of first place in the East Division of the conference and one-half game behind Connecticut, who lost on Saturday to St. John’s. Half of Miami’s losses have come against Boston College (16-7, 5-5).
In the first meeting at the Miami Arena on January 29, Bell and Sidney led the Eagles to a 70-65 victory with 25 and 18 points, respectively. Boston College has swept the season series the last two seasons from Miami.
Marcus Barnes had 13 of his 16 points in the first half. John Salmons had 16 points and Darius Rice added 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting.
The Eagles used a strong rebounding advantage to open with a 32-15 lead, 15 minutes into the game. Miami closed the half with an 8-2 run, but still trailed 34-23.
The Eagles lead was cut to 56-47 on two Rice free throws with 7:27 to go, but Bell answered with a three-pointer and the ‘Canes struggled to respond. Miami would never get within eight points the rest of the game.
Boston College outrebounded Miami 41-27 for the game, including 14 on the offensive glass.
Miami struggled in the frontcourt, as center Elton Tyler was just 1-of-7 from the field for three points. James Jones scored six points on 2-of-9 shooting.
Miami continues Big East play tomorrow night against St. John’s at the Miami Arena.
No. 11 Hurricanes falter on national stage
Women’s tennis undefeated
Miami rolled into Friday’s match against Mississippi State flying high and undefeated at 3-0. The Bulldogs hobbled into the Neil Shiff Tennis Center just days after an embarrassing 7-0 loss to Tulane.
As expected, The ‘Canes took care of business from the opening volley of doubles play and dominated the Bulldogs all afternoon. When it was all said and done, the University of Miami women’s tennis team remained undefeated by destroying State 6-1.
Miami (4-0) won all three doubles matches and took six of seven in singles competition for the easy win.
“I was very impressed with the way the girls played against Mississippi State,” UM coach Paige Yaroshuk said. “Sometimes when we play opponents that aren’t necessarily at our level, which was the case with Mississippi State, sometimes one or two players lower their games and kind of play to their opponent’s level. And (Friday) we didn’t have one player that did that.”
Two players who refuse to play at the opponent’s level are Miami’s leaders – senior Marcy Hora and sophomore transfer Mari Toro.
The twosome took down a Bulldog team led by stand out Caole Soubis.
“I think our best thing is that when one of us is not having a good day we don’t get down on each other,” Hora said. “If I’m not having a good day (Toro) steps it up a level and she takes over and that’s the best part of it.
“We feel the same things on the court.”
In singles competition, Miami dominated, only losing one match by default. Highlighting singles play was each team’s No. 1 competitor. Toro defeated Soubis in three sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
“I wasn’t playing my best tennis, but I got the job done,” Toro said. “I got the ‘W’.
“She has the style of game that can drive people absolutely insane,” Yaroshuk said. “She never gives up on a point. She never gives up on a ball, and she’s improving… Every time I see her, she’s playing better and better, and she was a good player to start with.”
Miami was scheduled to play No. 3 Florida on Saturday, but the match was canceled due to rain. Hora was disappointed about not getting a chance at the Gators.
“We were ready,” she said. “We were psyched mentally and physically, and we knew we had a big chance.”
Miami next plays at Florida International tomorrow.
“FIU is going to be a good match for us simply because they’re a strong team,” Yaroshuk said. “That’s going to be our first away match of the season. They always get fired up to play us because we’re obviously a cross town rival.”
Hurricanes swept by Gators
The University of Miami baseball team welcomed back one of its all time great players on Sunday afternoon at Mark Light Stadium.
They wished he had brought his uniform.
The team retired the number of Charles Johnson, the former Hurricane and current Florida Marlin catcher. Johnson played with the team from 1990-92 and is currently listed in the UM record book in five categories.
Johnson’s number 23 was unveiled on the center field wall in a pre game ceremony that brought tears to his eyes.
“Ever since I stepped on this campus, I knew I wanted to be here,” Johnson said.
He was greeted by a standing ovation of over 3,000 fans as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his former manager Ron Fraser.
“I think the greatest memory for me as a player was being here to watch a guy like Coach Fraser on the day he retired,” Johnson said. “He left on the very top of his game. ”
The Hurricanes may have needed a guy like Johnson in the lineup, as they lost their third straight game on Sunday afternoon, 6-2, to state rival Florida.The Hurricanes were once again out hit and completely outplayed by the Gators.
“We played horrible baseball this week,” said veteran relief pitcher Vince Vazquez. “They came out and challenged us and we played like crap.”
After a crushing loss to cross town opponent FIU and a weekend sweep by the Gators, Saturday evening’s rain out seemed to be the only thing to go right for Miami this week.
The Sunday loss brought the ‘Canes to 2-4 on the season and marked the first time in nine years that they fell two games below .500. The last time was on February 28, 1993 – following a loss to the Gators up in Gainesville.
The loss also marked the first time that the Gators completed a series sweep of the Hurricanes at Mark Light Stadium since 1956.
“There are a lot of things we aren’t doing right,” said UM coach Jim Morris. “We are not playing good defense, not hitting with guys on base, blowing opportunities….”
The list goes on and on.
On Sunday, the ‘Canes stumbled through the first five innings with no runs and a dismal two hits, until they showed some life with Kevin Mannix knocking in a pair of runs on a single to left field.
The single brought the ‘Canes to within 3- 2, but the gap was quickly widened to 5-2 in the top of the seventh.
With the bases loaded, sophomore relief pitcher George Huguet was brought in to face Gator right fielder Ben Harrison.
Huguet brought him to a two and two count before promptly hitting Harrison with a pitch to bring in another Gator run.
Huguet responded with a strike out and then what appeared to be a routine ground ball to second. The ball was bobbled by second baseman Paco Figueroa and another run scored for Florida.
That is how it has gone for the ‘Canes of late.
“I told the guys after the game that there is only one way out of this,” said Morris. “It’s an ugly four letter word and it’s called work.”
Said Vazquez: “This is a definite wake up call for our team. It’s a chance for us to see what we got, and now we have to work on it.”
UM starter Kiki Bengochea fell to 0-2 to open the season. Bengochea pitched well until the sixth inning when he was lit up by Gator catcher Brian Rose. Rose hit a two-run homer over the left field fence putting the gators up 3-0 in the sixth. A lack of run support continued to haunt the UM ace.
He isn’t the only one.
UM only plated four runs on Friday night vs. the Gators until a last minute bottom of the ninth rally brought in five more.
It was too little too late as the ‘Canes lost 12-9 and fell below .500 for the first time on this still very young season.
The ‘Canes will try to work out some of their problems next weekend when the University of Minnesota comes to town for a three game series.
The games will be played on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon at Mark Light Stadium.
Sports Briefs
N. Dame – 116 G’town – 111
Matt Carroll scored seven of his 30 points in the fourth overtime and Notre Dame won its fifth straight, outlasting Georgetown 116-111 Saturday in the highest-scoring game in Big East history. Carroll scored the final seven points for Notre Dame (17-6, 7-3), connecting on a 3-pointer and then making four free throws over the final 46 seconds. Notre Dame freshman point guard Chris Thomas was the only player to go all 60 minutes and he finished with 22 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. His jumper with just under two minutes left in the fourth overtime gave the Irish the lead for good at 109-108. Mike Sweetney had career-highs of 35 points and 20 rebounds for Georgetown (14-8, 5-5) but was one of four Hoyas to foul out. Wesley Wilson (26 points), Kevin Braswell (12 points, 10 assists) and Gerald Riley (eight points) all fouled out, leaving Georgetown with an inexperienced lineup over the final two minutes of the fourth overtime. The Hoyas had chances to win at the end of regulation and each of the first three overtimes. Braswell hit a jumper in the final seconds of the third overtime, but it was waved off because the shot clock had expired moments before.
uConn – 85 St. Johns – 87
St. John’s guard Marcus Hatten had a career-high 34 points, while Caron Butler and Ben Gordon each matched theirs for Connecticut, but the Red Storm held off the Huskies in overtime, 85-83, on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. With the loss, the Huskies slipped to 15-6 and 7-3 in the Big East, while SJU improved its record to 16-7 and 6-5 in the league. With just over five minutes remaining before the break, UConn head coach Jim Calhoun was issued a pair of technical fouls and ejected from the game. Trailing 72-69, Butler went to the line with five seconds remaining and hit all three of his shots to even the game. St. John’s had its shot to win, but Hatten’s runner rolled off the rim and the game went into overtime. The lead changed hands two times and the score was tied twice in the extra period, but a Eric King lay in with 1:57 to go put St. John’s up for good. Butler led the way for the Huskies as he finished the night with 29 points and a career high 15 rebounds.
Pitt – 75 Syracuse – 63
Brandin Knight scored 11 of his 16 points in the final 5:34 as No. 21 Pittsburgh overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half to beat No. 17 Syracuse 75-63 Sunday. Knight was held in check most of the game before breaking through at the end. He hit two 3-pointers, made two free throws and hit a layup off a steal in a 16-6 run for Pittsburgh (21-4, 9-3 Big East). Preston Shumpert led all scorers with 28 points, as Syracuse (18-7, 7-4) lost for the fifth time in seven games. Ontario Lett gave the Panthers a 51-50 lead with 7:05 left, their first since about three minutes into the game. Lett’s basket started a 16-6 run that gave Pittsburgh a 65-56 lead with 3:36 left. Pittsburgh controlled the boards, as they finished with a 37-27 rebounding advantage.
Letter to the Editor
My roommate was so offended by this piece that she insisted that I read it. I have to say its sarcastic, mocking tone is highly insulting. Ms. Mart
To valentine or not? Part 2
One might think that Valentine’s Day is this wonderfully sweet holiday on which you tell someone I love you, and give them flowers, a card, or even a box of chocolates. But the truth behind Valentine’s Day is much more darker, much grimmer. The societal pressure on single individuals, the expectation that everyone must have a mate, can be overwhelming. The countless number of TV commercials pushing people to buy presents, the red colored hearts plastered around shops, radio announcements and table-for-two restaurant seem to say: “If you don’t have someone, you’re a loser.”
On Valentine’s Day, some may not be as lucky, or unlucky (depending on your view), to have someone special in their life. Those who do not have someone with whom to share this day are left wondering just why they do not have someone special in their lives. There are of course many questions also. Who was St. Valentine anyway? And further more, why was he a saint?
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine’s Day. Some historical accounts refer to Valentine as a Christian priest who was executed on Feb. 14 270 A.D. after he defied Claudius the Goth. Legend also says that St. Valentine had left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine”. Yet another story says Valentine was a bishop from Terni who was executed on Feb. 14 270 A.D. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside Feb. 14 to honor St. Valentine.
Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800’s and now the date is very commercialized. In the United States, Esther Howland receives the credit for manufacturing the first valentine cards. Maybe we should look at the real possibility that Valentine’s Day was a conspiracy created by card companies to create a larger profit during a time of the year where business slows down immensely and does not really pick up again till mid-May. Thus, Valentine’s Day could be considered a cruel way for corporate bigwigs to amuse themselves back at Hallmark Inc. They may even sit back laughing at the fact that they created this fallacy of a holiday and we all so foolishly bought into it. For those who swear by this sacred day in February, this is a concept that has never crossed their minds. Maybe back when Valentine’s Day began, or the rumors of St. Valentine and his hopeless love for his one and only started to circulate, people needed to believe that as companions they had this day all to themselves. People get engaged, married, and lose their virginity all in the name of the honored saint. I’m sure all of us know someone who has done all of the above. Others go out with our single friends for a girls’ or guys’ night out. Yet many sit at home with an utter feeling of despair. Valentine’s Day might be as sweet as one may say, but what good is a day designated to something that causes happiness when the day itself causes so much misery?
Denise Kolb is a sophomore majoring in criminology.
To valentine or not? Part 1
This Valentine’s Day, I declare be with the one you love. It could be your current squeeze, long-term sweetheart, significant other, or a one-night stand. Enjoy each other’s company while you can still stand the sight of them. Gaze deep into their eyes while dining at a chic restaurant. Maybe while at a movie, lean over and sneak some sugar on the DL.
If you have a crush, send them a bouquet of red roses or that infamously cliched box of chocolates. Just no stalking, for it doesn’t convey romance very well. Thinking of popping the question to that lucky person? Well, hell, I don’t know of any better time to do it then this.
Gentlemen, this is the time to be chivalrous if you’ve been lazy. Quit cheating if you’ve been straying lately-if not completely-for this one special day. Open the car door for your dates when necessary and pull out the chair. Ladies, express your commitment and gratitude to your man, sugar daddy, pimp, baby-father or whoever by smiling and whispering sweet nothings. Keep your mates in check and make them treat you right. All that lovey dovey stuff.
The day may be ridiculous, a so-called “commercial conspiracy,” or just a bunch of B.S. in your eyes, but who cares! Enjoy the occasion while it still exists. Besides, it’s the only day of the year where public displays of affection are tolerable. While it sounds stupid, it’s reason enough to celebrate your relationships, no matter what they are. If Cupid hasn’t struck you recently, then be with your friends or family, or both. You shouldn’t need an excuse to do this, but if you’ve been negligible lately, then make up for it now.
Yes, love will probably be in the air for many on the 14th, and those full of bitterness and hatred will no doubt want to suffocate these people, but try to be thankful. Remember, it’s back to that terribly unromantic, hustle-bustle concrete jungle the day after.
Shouldn’t you at least take advantage of this designated day of romance when you can? Take the time to say thank you to somebody for being there. Or even that sacred, coveted of all romantic sayings: I love you.
Derek Bramble is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism and theater.
News Briefs and Campus Calendar
re-take yearbook organization Photos
All organizations need to go the new IBIS Yearbook web site (www.miami.edu/ibis) and register to re-take their yearbook photos. The yearbook staff will contact you with your scheduled time. Photos will take place from today until Feb 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and will take approximately 20 minutes per group. FYI, if you have applied for SAFAC money and fail to show up for your picture, you will forfeit your SAFAC money. Please contact the yearbook staff if you have any further questions.
Ambassador of the republic of belarus
The Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, H.E. Valery V. Tsepkalo, will give a speech at the University of Miami. The Ambassador will discuss the current situation in Belarus, Belarus’ relationship to the former Soviet countries, and Belarus’ perspective on terrorism. Students and faculty are welcome to join us today at 10:30 a.m. at the Faculty Club Patio Room.
Black Awareness Month
today
CAC film at the Cosford Cinema-“Shallow Hal”.
Do you enjoy film, cultural events, food, and more? Join UM’s French Club (no language skills required). Our next meeting will be today at 5:30pm in UC 241. Elections for new officers will be held-Come get involved! If you can’t make it, e-mail umfrenchclub@hot.mail.com.
Delta Sigma Pi, one of the nation’s largest professional business fraternities is tabling for recruitment. They will also be hosting an informational meeting today from 6-7:30pm in UC237.
The Miami Hillel will hold its 4th annual Bid for the Bachelor fundraiser tonight at 8pm.
Wed 13th Feb
Karaoke Night at Rathskeller 7-9pm.
CAC & BAM film at the RAT, “The Wiz” at 9pm.
Legacy CD, make your own CD 11-5pm Lower Lounge.
Workshop: Managing midterms, term papers, and projects at 1pm.
Thurs 14 Feb
Lonely hearts comedy jam at Rathskeller at 9-11pm.
Workshop: Managing midterms, term papers, and projects at 12:30pm.
Study Abroad information session in UC Flamingo Ballroom A, 12-2pm today. Receive Valentine’s Day rose and hear from past participants about their adventure. For details contact 305-284-3434 or come by Allen hall 212.
Fri 15th Feb
Friday Grove on UC Patio from 11:30am-1pm-Rhumboogie.
Happy Hour at the Rathskeller from 4:30-8pm.
Today is the last day to apply for Summer 2002 graduation and have your name included in the Commencement Book.
Sat 16th Feb
Funday! Check-in on UC center patio.
The UM Equestrian Team is hosting its second annual IHSA Hunter Competition, at Tropical Park, today. The show will begin at 9 a.m. and runs all day. Admission is free and the show is open to the public. If you would like more information, contact Maria Angeles Linares at
305-284-2237 or e-mail mailto:mlinares@miami.edu.
Sun 17th Feb
WWF No way out! The Rathskeller from 7-9pm.
Mon 18th Feb
The Department of Psychology is hosting its second annual Community Lecture Series: Psychology in Film. The next film and discussion will be Tuesday’s with Morrie at the Storer Auditorium in the Business School. For more information call Undergraduate Academic Services for Psychology at 305-284-3303 or visit www.psy.miami.edu.
Info Fair and Sex Carnival today from 11am-4pm at the UC Patio. Come out and join the condom taste test or one of the other many games!
Quilts Processional today at 10:45am at the Rock-come and carry a quilt made to recognize someone who has died from the aids virus.
Tues 19th Feb
CAC film, “Monster’s Inc”.
Candlelight Vigil, today at 7pm at the Rock-join us for a quiet moment of reflection upon the lives of those living with aids, those we have lost to aids, and to renew a sense of advocacy and activism.
Wed 20th Feb
Comedian at the Rathskeller at 9pm.
A week for Life will host Jeanne White, the mother of Ryan White who became the face of AIDS in the 1980’s as one of the earliest reported child cases of the disease. Students, faculty and staff are invited to come and hear her speak today at the Wesley Foundation at 8pm.
Thurs 21st Feb
African Students Union (ASU); Come learn about African culture, dances, and songs. Open to all UM students. Meetings are every other Friday in UC classrooms. Next meeting will be today in UC233. For more information contact Alta Louissaint at 305-689-9699.
Coffee House. The Wesley Foundation is the place to be every Thursday night. Come and enjoy live bands, free coffee, and a relaxing atmosphere. Tonight the Coffee House will be welcoming the wonderful jazz combo, “Apple Juice” to the stage. So take a study-break from 9-11p.m. on Thursday nights at the Coffee House.
Delta Sigma Pi; One of the Nations Largest Professional Business Fraternity is sponsoring a T-Spot (Thursday night party) at the Rathskeller tonight from 9p.m.-12a.m..
Fri 22nd Feb
Friday Groove from 11:30a.m.-1p.m.; “Tower of Power Ensemble”
Happy Hour at the Rat with a DJ from 4:30-8p.m.
Life Party tonight at 10p.m. at the Rathskeller-come party! They are celebrating Life! There will be music, food, and fun
Sat 23rd Feb
Athletic Department and Intramurals; Papa John is sponsoring a Celebrity two-ball competition at the Miami Arena today during the men’s basketball game against Notre Dame. Participation is free to all UM students and faculty. Three contestants will be paired with a local celebrity. For more information call Derek Stocker at 305-284-2943.
Mon 25th Feb
Body Wise Week at the Wellness Center.
Additional ‘Ibis Ride’ stops under consideration
The weekend transportation provided by the University of Miami shuttle bus service around campus may soon be extended, according to Shuttle Service Coordinator Vernell Davis.
The University of Miami Student Government and UM Parking and Transportation Services are considering other possible places of interest that the shuttle services could transport students to.
“The Shuttle should run to South Beach on weekends. It would be fun and would help prevent alcohol-related incidents,” said junior Martin Genet.
While some students, like Genet, welcome the new option of possible stops, other students are satisfied with the current shuttle stops, but would like to see them made available more days in the week.
“It would be nice to take [the shuttle] on Thursday nights to the Grove. More kids from UM go there on Thursdays than on Saturdays anyway,” said junior Alexandra Janelli.
Weekend shuttle services are rarely filled to capacity, according to Hurry ‘Cane shuttle drivers.
“It will not happen,” Davis said. “Thursday nights are school nights and [the school] doesn’t want to promote partying on school nights. Dean Sandler would never allow it.”
The shuttle service is operated only during the fall and spring semesters, and is free of charge to all UM students, staff, faculty, and visitors.”
During the school week, the shuttle is designed to help provide convenient means of transportation to major campus buildings, all university parking lots, and to the Metrorail station.
Running anywhere between five and 15 minute intervals, depending on the time of the day, the Hurry ‘Cane service attempts to provide convenient transport for students and faculty from parking lots to school buildings and to residence halls.
When Friday rolls around, the Hurry ‘Cane shuttle service offers additional services to off-campus locations, including Coconut Grove and the Shoppes at Sunset Place.
Shuttle services depart from Stanford Circle and run to Sunset Place from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, while shuttle services are available to Coconut Grove on Saturdays from 8 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.
Fridays: Shuttle services depart from Stanford Circle and run to to Sunset from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m..
Saturdays: Shuttle services depart from Stanford Circle and run to to Sunset from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. and are available to the Grove from 8 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.
Students destroy Bid for the Bachelor banner
Three female students allegedly defaced a banner they deemed offensive to women, created by the Hillel Jewish Student Center to promote their upcoming Bid for the Bachelor event.
According to Hillel Senior Vice President, Melissa Dolinsky, a meeting which was taking place last Tuesday at the organization’s central office was interrupted around 6:30 p.m. when three female students “barged right in and demanded to know who was in charge of the organization,” said Dolinsky.
When Hillel President, Reagan Wagh, went outside to speak with the outraged students in private, they presented to her pictures that they had torn from the banner, which had featured two laminated pictures-the first of a bare-chested man sitting with a woman in a halter-top and the second of a woman wearing a bikini.
The three unidentified students informed Wagh that they were all taking a Women’s Studies class together at UM, and that they thought that the pictures on the banner were “demeaning to women” and “took it upon themselves to rip down the [pictures on the] banner,” Wagh said.
The Hillel committee had already modified the banner before it received approval from UM to hang on a corner of the Campus Green, near the Memorial Building, Wagh said.
Certain body parts of the women on the banner could be seen easily through her clothing in the original laminated poster, so they had to be colored over to make the graphic more presentable, said Jamie Kaminetsky, Hillel Program Director.
“We just wanted the pictures for eye candy,” Dolinsky said. “We weren’t trying to offend anyone. We just wanted to get people to notice [the banner] so that they would come to our event.”
The pictures that had been torn off were balled up by the upset students, making them unusable if replaced on the banner, Wagh said.
“People spent a lot of time, energy, and money on this banner,” she said. “It’s not right that these girls would just tear something down just because they don’t like it. If they had a problem with it, they could have come and talked about it with us, not just tear it down.”
After the three girls were reported to the school, the banner was officially removed and is currently in the possession of the Dean of Students, said Hillel council members.
The students and their motives are under investigation by the university, although no officials would comment on the issue.
UM alumni succeeds in Kuwait
Luay Ahmed Al Saleh graduated in 1993 from the UM School of Architecture and is now making a name for himself in Kuwait by running an architectural firm.
After attending Onondaga Community College where he received his two-year degree, Al Saleh applied and was accepted to the University of Miami School of Architecture.
Al Saleh saw the UM School of Architecture for the first time when he came to Miami to visit a friend.
“I fell in love with the environment and the weather,” Al Saleh said.
“I think the School of Architecture is a great school with great professors. I learned a lot from them,” Al Saleh said. “The people at the University of Miami are great and they believe in what they do.”
Al Saleh is now a successful architect managing his own firm in Kuwait.
One of his accomplishments is a housing project he nicknamed after himself-a Luay Designed Homes.
“I was impressed by Luay’s enthusiasm and his blend of creativity, simplicity, and practicality in designing these unique homes,” said Dr. M.U. Shaikh, Al Saleh’s Foreign Student Advisor when he first came to the United States.
The housing project was completed three months ago and began when a developer he was working with gave him full authority to do what he wanted, Al Saleh said.
He said he wanted to design it similar to a village that is enclosed by a wall, and the homes in the center.
He combined Kuwait’s traditional architectural styles with today’s modern designs to build the homes, Al Saleh said.
“The homes do not stand out from the background, but blend in. There are no sharp corners and each has one very tall room called a tower. Each home has it’s own character,” said Dr. M.U. Shaikh, Al Saleh’s Foreign Student Advisor when he first came to the U.S.
People had mixed opinions about the design, Al Saleh said.
“Some people didn’t understand the concept,” Al Saleh said. “Modern Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people have been propelled into the 21st century that they’ve lost their connection to their own history.”
“The project sits very close to the old city, so it brings about old memories to people that see it,” Al Saleh said.
After graduating in 1993, Al Saleh moved back to Kuwait and worked for an architectural firm for seven years before he opened up his own.
He first arrived in the United States to attend school in Syracuse, New York in 1985.
Dr. Shaikh has kept in contact with him and talks to him often.
“I don’t ever remember seeing him without a smile on his face, even when he had a problem,” Shaikh said.
“He is a very friendly person and a ladies’ man,” he said.
Shaikh remembers ladies going up to him and asking that he introduce them to Luay and give them his phone number.
As a student, Al Saleh made academics his number one priority, Shaikh said.
“This guy is going places,” Shaikh recalled one of Al Saleh’s professors at Onondaga Community College, James Ruddoock, saying to him.
Two on-campus burglaries reported
Campus police have reported two on-campus burglaries this January at the University of Miami.
UM Campus Police made an arrest last week for a burglary in the Mahoney Residential College, although it is not confirmed if the suspect is linked to other burglaries earlier in January, which occurred in the on-campus apartment area.
Efren Candelaria, a student living in Apartment Building 23, was burglarized once in November and another time in January.
Candelaria and his roommates were asleep when the second robbery occurred.
“It’s frustrating. Twice in two months? I don’t even feel safe anymore. It’s ridiculous,” Candelaria said.
He and his roommates suspect that the perpetrator in their Jan. robbery somehow obtained a copy of the key to their door.
According to Derek Bramble, Candelaria’s roommate, the university will not change the locks on their apartment door nor allow the roommates to do so without receiving a fine.
Students living in the apartment area say they are especially concerned about robberies because the Coral Gables campus is so open and anyone is free to come and go. They said that the university is not doing enough to ensure their safety.
“Due to our completely open campus, I worry especially about students living in the apartment area. Besides being able to just walk on campus, I’ve always questioned the purpose of the main gate where anyone can drive in without being questioned,” said Michelle Camargo, an apartment resident and fourth year architecture student.
“As a student residing in the apartment area, I don’t feel safe. With so many people being robbed, my roommates and I resorted to locking our doors while we’re home. I feel that it is such a travesty to feel so unsafe, especially on campus,” Jenessa Joseph, a third year broadcasting journalism student living in the apartment area.
Students said they feel that the university is slacking in their response to these burglaries.
“I’ve heard about many robberies on campus and I worry that no precautions are being taken. University officials have done nothing to stop future robberies or to assist the victims of these burglaries,” said Marian Martinez, a fourth year architecture student.
“I have heard through the grapevine about robberies. I didn’t hear this dangerous news from my RA, who is supposed to watch out for my well-being,” said Roberta Freitas, a junior who has lived in the apartment area for a year and a half.
“I find it terribly disturbing that nothing is being done by the University to compensate lost property of the students or to catch the thief. I feel as though we pay damn good money to go here, our safety should be top priority,” Freitas said.
“When is the University going to start doing something about this? When someone gets raped or killed?” Candelaria said. “I’m seriously contemplating the idea now of moving off campus. I’m getting the feeling that this school doesn’t care about us or at least doesn’t show support.”
However, university officials say they have been addressing the issue of students’ safety.
“Student safety is of paramount importance to the university,” said Dr. Pat Whitely, Vice-President for Student Affairs.
“It is important that students feel safe living on campus, regardless of whether it is a residential college or the apartments, and if improvements are necessary we will address them,” Whitely said.
“During school breaks like Thanksgiving and Spring Break, we do increase bike patrol and do hire off-duty police officers to patrol the campus because we know students are not here,” said Henry Christensen, director of Public Safety.
The Department of Public Safety gives a synopsis of any crimes that occur to the Director of Residence Halls, which in turn is given to the Residential College security, said Capt. Clusman.
However, this does not ensure that resident students are notified of recent crimes.
Crime alerts are also posted on the University of Miami web site to inform students and faculty.
Students can look at the crime log to find out statistics on crimes on campus.
“Students also need to become partners in campus safety and keep their doors locked,” Whitely said.
“If students have specific concerns that need to be addressed, I would be more than willing to discuss at anytime,” Whitely said.
“Maj. Henry Christensen tells me he is meeting with Derek Bramble on Monday to discuss his concerns, which apparently involve him being turned down by the Department of Residence Halls to issue him a new key,” said Margot Winick, Assistant Director of Media Relations.
Watch out for the next issue of the Miami Hurricane where we take a look at con artists on campus.