University of Tampa - Moroccan Yearbook (Tampa, FL)

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SOLD FOR 2.25 MILLION For 7 years, Rivershore Towers has been viewed by many as the “off-campus on- Campus” residence. As a result of an offer made by the Jeffries Avion Company, this will soon change. The offer made was for approximately $2.25 million. The Business Affairs office was quick to respond. Because Rivershore Towers has been leased back for only two years the anticipated begin- ning of construction of the new residence hall will be shortly after the 1985 commencement ceremonies. The new residence halls will be located where University North, South and the Pershing Rifle house now stand. The hall will house 225 students in suites of four, plus a kitchenette and other modern features. Al- though these facilities will be available to only upperclassmen it can be seen as a positive step forward for all U.T. students. THE SPORTS CENTER OPENS The Spartan Sports Center, an integral part of U.T.’s Master Plan, began to serve its campus and community Aug. 29, 1984 with the first women’s volleyball practice in the gymnasium. The Sports Center since then has developed into a structure which can encompass large conventions, public sports events, trade shows, exhibits and a multitude of other uses. It is large enough to simultaneously host a physical education class, a basketball practice and a volleyball match. Other features of the Spartan Sports Cen- ter include offices, training room, conces- sion facilities, movement lab, weight room, locker room and classrooms. The Sports Center was conceived upor the sale of the old Howell gym to Max Factoi Inc. for more than one million dollars. Thi Spartan Super Fund was then enacted t raise $250,000 per year to offset operationa and building costs. The building process began with th« ground breaking in June 1983. The Spartai Sports Center was created from recon structed exposition halls left on the old Flor ida State Fairgrounds. From dilapidate buildings to a new, modern complex, th Sports Center will not only benefit athletic but the entire university community. Prologue 5

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The Face Lift Begins! The Minarets have decorated the Tampa skyline since 1890 when the Tampa Bay Hotel was erected. Through the process of weathering and other enviromental factors, the Minarets have fallen into a state of disrepair. Because the Minarets are a prominent landmark, the City of Tampa took action towards reparation. The rennovation of the Minarets began as most repair projects do, with a lesser project that leads to a larger one. When bids were requested for repainting the Minarets, it was found that structural repair was necessary be- fore cosmetic work could be started. In June of 1983, Robbins Company was contracted to studv what would be required for restoration of the minarets. The proposal was approved in August ol 1983. The restoration is broken down into four steps: 1. Defumigation and cleaning of the minarets. 2. Internal structural analysis. 3. Begin reconstruction with the minaret that was struck by lightning, to set the prece- dent for the other minarets. 4. Complete reconstruction of the remain- ing twelve minarets. The cost has been estimated at $1,000,000, which has been provided by the City of Tam- pa, Department of Public Works. The finishing date of the last minaret is uncertain. An approximation may be possible after completion of the first minaret. STICKS OF FIRE Halfway between the Hillsbor- ough river and the front steps of Plant Hall, in the center of Plant Park stands the “Sticks of Fire.” “Sticks of Fire” is the legend- ary meaning of Tampa as ’bring- ing the light of know ledge and the warmth of feeling to a people who don’t just wish to exist, but to ex- cel,’’said Richard Cheshire, U.T. President. The “Sticks of Fire” represents seven Trustee families who, anonymously gave $2,500,000 to the University, in 1980. The sculpture was designed by O. Verne Shaffer who was twice an artist-in-residence here at the University. It was erected on Jan- uary 12, 1984 and dedicated two weeks later at the eleventh annual Minaret Society Banquet. The sculpture was made possible by a generous gift from General Tele- phone Company of Florida. 4 Prologue

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“Taking it Off”, a musical comedy satirizing the diet and exercise craze in the ’80’s made its world premiere on November 2nd as part of Family Weekend. Composed by Gwyneth Walker and Dr. David Iselc, the comic opera was well received during its run at Lafayette Arcade Theatre. This was the pair's second collorboration, having worked together on the 1980 production, “Opera Buffett”. The play is concerned with the struggles of two people, Man and Woman, un-named so as to be representative of anyone in their situation, striving to become physically fit. The witty musical score included such songs as “Abstinence Ensemble,,’ ’’Sauna Diet and Towel Waltz,” and a number sung by dancing pills appropriately entitled, “The Pill Song”. “Taking it Off” was funded by the Dana Foun- dation via a Faculty Development Grant from LIT awarded to Dr. Isele. The cast was composed almost completely of UT students and graduates. “weak”, “bouncy”, “inept” and “plump . 6 Student Life