University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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Farewell Class of '92 goes out in style By FERNANDO BATTAGLIA he University of Miamiis class of 1992 filled the air with bal- loons and confetti as UM president Edward T. Foote 11 con- ferred degrees of the Universityis newest alumni during com- mencement ceremonies May 8, 1992. Horns blew and champagne corks popped during the proceedings on the University Green, marking an end to the college careers of the 2,349 UM students. 91 feel pretty tinglyf Todd Michael Smith, who earned a bachelors degree of sci- ence in communication, said. le relieved that Iim done with school someday, maybe Iill come back. But Pm not sure? ilIt feels good Itis hard to believe four years have gone by? graduate Jennifer Vannuchi, who majored in political science and English, said. Daniel J . Boorstin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Librarian of congress emeritus, gave the commencement address. Boorstin urged the graduates to use their education to become leaders because the need for leaders has increased. llThe leader is the person who can imagine that the fate can be otherwise? Boorstin said. Boorstin praised the students for Choosing to get an education. llWe need professionals, and Ilm sure that some of you will make some of the best? I 9 I a H Photos by James Boorstin said. ttNeither professionals nor bureaucrats can make us what we want, we l son Horns blew and champagne corks popped . during commencement ceremonies on the need a VOCEltlon.,, University Green, marking an end to the Boorstin also received an honorary Doctor college careers of 2,349 UM students. of Letters degree from UM. Other honorary degree recipients were Carlos Fuentes, Mexican author and former ambassador to France; Robert Galvin, chairman of the Executive Committee of Motorola; Louis J . Hector, senior partner in the law firm of Steel, Hector and Davis; and Walter A. Rosenblith, biophysi- cist and educator. This year, almost 400 students were graduated with honors - the highest number in UM history. The Year In Review 23

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The Year In Review

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smuem lite Out with the old According to Florida Leader magazine, UMCs Student Government is one of the best in the state because of its 1961016er110 By lYNETTE MALINGEB arliamentary procedure, Board of Trustees meetings, organizing cabinet members and senators These are just a few of the responsibili- ties of the Student Government president at the University of Miami. The commitment is huge, the hours are long. The benefits? Tuition remission, meeting and working with important people at the University and in the community, prestige and a chance to make a difference for the students. Irwin Raij, two-time SG President from 1990-92, and David Diamond, president from 1992-93, have both made this commit- ment to the University and to the students. What are the results of this com- mitment? What has SG done for stu- dents over the last three years? The Wellness Center, a multi-million dollar fitness center, will be built in 1994, partly due to the efforts of SG and Raij. He headed the committee to push for a mandato- ry student fee of $85 a semester, necessary to build the center. Also during his tenure, Raij helped bring Force Five, the convenience store, to cam- pus. Above all, though, Raij restored confi- dence in a group that had been hurt by sean- dal and poor leadership. Last year, UMis SG was voted iiBest Private School Student Government in Florida? by F lorida Leader magazine. Raij was also featured on the cover. Raij, who majored in finance and entre- 24 preneurship and is currently studying law at George Washington University in St. Louis, said he could not single out any one thing that he was most proud of. 111 have a hard time singling out one par- ticular thing. The simple cleaning up of SG, and turning it into a projectltask oriented group, and being up front about what we do was an achievement? Raij said. Diamond, a junior communication major, worked with Raij during both terms of his administration. Diamondis major goals for the 1992-93 year include a tuition cap and a parking fee cap. He said he wants to be remembered for his dedication to the students. de like to be remembered as a presi- dent who fights for the students - even if the administration doesn,t want to hear what the students want, I111 tell them? Diamond said. Tim a student advocate? Each year, everyone in SG decides on a mission statement, one that will express the goals of the organization. During Raijis administration the state- ment read: itThe University of Miami Student Government is committed to promoting cooperation, fostering a sense of community and improving student life through student The Year In HEViBW awareness, with the intent of supporting school spirit, student unity and diversity. Furthermore, Student Government shall act as the voice of the students and as a bridge to the administration while setting standards in the best interest of the student body? In office, Raij said he worked to let stu- dents voices be heard by the administration. Raij was the first SG president allowed to speak before the entire Board of Trustees. Diamond said he would like to expand the connection between the SG president and the Board of Trustees. Not only does he want to continue the speaking rights that Raij received, but Diamond said he would like to give stu- dents voting rights on the board. Currently, stu- dents have four seats on the Board of Trustee committees. They are non-voting seats, howeV- . er. Other than acting itas a bridge to the adminis- tration? Raij and Diamond said they are interested in increasing the voice of students in Florida's government. When budget cuts on capital hill seemed to favor public schools, Raij went north to defend private universities interests. Raij organized the private colleges in the state and began to lobby the Florida government in Tallahassee to keep tuition low by ensur- ing grants, and pressuring for private school interests. itPublic universities have a full-time lob- bying staff in Tallahassee, so I organized FISA TFlorida Independent Student Organizationl so private universities would not be forgotten? Raij said. All of these projects take money. SG is run by an allocation from the student activity fee. Student Government received nearly