Welcome to the July edition of the Ibis Newsletter!
I hope all of you had an enjoyable Fourth of July holiday. We are looking forward to an exciting 2024-25 school year and our student-athletes will be reporting for fall camp before we know it.
Thank you again for all your hard work on behalf of our athletic department. Go Canes!
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Welcome to the July edition of the Ibis Newsletter!
I hope all of you had an enjoyable Fourth of July holiday. We are looking forward to an exciting 2024-25 school year and our student-athletes will be reporting for fall camp before we know it.
Thank you again for all your hard work on behalf of our athletic department. Go Canes!
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Khara Vassell and Shirelle Jackson attended the Athlete Ally Summit with a student-athlete.
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The HER Women's Leadership Program took a business trip to Atlanta and visited the Civil and Human Rights Museum.
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Daniel Toll
Assistant Director, Marketing & Production Services
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Have you had a "Welcome to The U" moment? If so, what was it?
My “Welcome To The U” moment was just over four years ago when I attended my first admitted student event at UM during my senior year of high school. While UM was always a dream school of mine growing up in Miami, the opportunity to experience the school for the first time as a prospective student and learn about everything it stood for and had to offer convinced me that The U was the place for me.
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What led you to work for the Hurricanes?
My journey working with the Hurricanes began my freshman year when I joined the television production crew for our sports broadcasts aired here on campus. I was part of that crew all four years of college and was given so many growth and learning opportunities as a student employee. My time with the production services crew, along with four years of work with the undergraduate sports spirit organization Category 5 and the UMTV college station really familiarized me with Miami Athletics and the sports industry as a whole. If it wasn’t for the individual contributions these experiences made to my professional journey, I wouldn’t be who I am today, and I was both ready and more than willing to continue my career at Miami when the opportunity came.
Who would you consider your biggest mentor?
My biggest mentor both throughout college and in my early professional career is Drew Thomas, my supervisor with the production services crew. His role in my life is something I will always be immensely appreciative of. Not only did he give me my first opportunity in the sports industry at 18, but he connected me with so many other opportunities and placed a level of trust and responsibility in me that I will never take for granted. I’m really grateful he will be just a few steps away from my office now that I’m part of the full-time Athletics staff.
Any family notables to share? Where are you from?
I would not be who or where I am today without my family, who all live close to me in Miami and consists of generations of Hurricanes fans. Throughout college, both of my parents played a crucial role in both my academic and professional journey. They always encouraged me to pursue what I loved no matter what and to give it my all. Both of them worked so hard just for me to attend UM, and throughout college I always sought to make sure that effort didn’t go to waste. Now that I’m working in a place I love, doing what I’m passionate about, I’m confident I’m taking the right steps to accomplish that goal.
What are you looking forward to most as a new member of The U?
As a new member of the athletic department, I am most looking forward to working with and around people who love this university, its athletic programs, and the fans we serve. I have so much pride for UM and the Hurricanes, and I am beyond excited that I get to continue to represent The U in the best ways I possibly can, hopefully for a very long time.
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Nate Diaz, Director of Olympic Nutrition
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As we celebrate our nation's independence, many of us are gearing up for summer vacations. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring a new city, or visiting family and friends, staying healthy while traveling is essential. Here are some travel tips to help you enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
1. Plan Ahead for Nutrition:
• Pack Healthy Snacks: Bring along nutritious snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, beef jerky, edamame, whole-grain crackers, and fresh fruit. These are easy to carry and provide a quick energy boost.
• Meal Prep: If you're traveling by car, prepare some meals in advance. Sandwiches, salads, and wraps are great options that can be stored in a cooler.
2. Stay Hydrated:
• Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the summer. Refill your water bottle regularly and consider adding a slice of lemon or cucumber for a refreshing flavor. Don't forget electrolytes if you are a salty sweater.
• Avoid Sugary Drinks: Opt for water, herbal teas, or sparkling water instead of sodas and sugary beverages.
3. Make Smart Food Choices:
• Choose Grilled Over Fried: When dining out, select grilled or baked options rather than fried. Grilled fish, chicken, and vegetables are delicious and more of a premium option.
Incorporate Vegetables: Aim to include a variety of vegetables in your meals. Salads, steamed vegetables, and vegetable-based soups are excellent choices.
•Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when trying new foods. It's okay to indulge a little, but balancing your meals is key.
4. Stay Active:
• Explore on Foot: Take advantage of the opportunity to walk and explore your destination. Walking tours, hikes, and beach strolls are great ways to stay active.
• Exercise on the Go: Many hotels offer fitness centers, and some destinations have parks with outdoor fitness equipment. You can also do simple exercises like yoga or bodyweight workouts in your room.
5. Prioritize Rest:
• Get Enough Sleep: Traveling can be exhausting, so make sure to get plenty of rest. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to stay refreshed and energized.
Enjoy your summer vacation while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These tips will help you stay energized and make the most of your travels.
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This Month in Hurricanes History
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Men’s Swimming: July 24, 1976
David Wilkie, a three-time NCAA champion at Miami, captured the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke at the Summer OIympic Games in Montreal. Wilkie, competing for Great Britain, set a world record with a time of 2:15.11. He had earlier won the silver medal in the 100m breaststroke.
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Free Family Fun Day – HistoryMiami - Downtown Miami – July 13
Ever wondered what the magic city looked like hundreds of years ago? HistoryMiami has you covered—literally. Enjoy a free visit to the museum every second Saturday of the month. Spend the day time-traveling and discovering hidden nuggets of the 305’s past. The museum is free to explore from 10am to 5pm, with family-friendly activities hosted from 11am to 4pm. On July 13, participate in an interactive tour of the special exhibition Tropical Dreams while learning about the fascinating story of 18th-century author Amelia Simmon.
Mango Festival – Fairchild Tropical Park – Coral Gables - July 13-14
Mango season in Miami is a big deal—so much so that we gave our favorite local produce its own festival. Spend a weekend learning everything there is to know about the juicy stone fruit and sampling countless mango varieties, grown both around the globe and right here in our backyard, as on-site vendors whip up smoothies, mango-inspired cocktails and more refreshing natural treats. Mango seedlings will also be available for purchase so you can grow your own, you green thumb, you.
Candlelight Fever Originals – Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables – all of July
You can experience an absolutely magical summer here in Miami, partly thanks to the amazing spaces the city has to offer. Fever Originals is bringing its wildly popular Candlelight concert series to beautiful venues for the season. With plenty of genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert for everyone.
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Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program
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The University of Miami has launched a student loan repayment assistance program to help our workforce pay off student loans faster and provide valuable educational resources to manage student loan debt. Beginning July 1, eligible University of Miami faculty and staff can opt-in to the benefit which will make monthly contributions towards student loans.
If you have any questions, please contact HR-Total Rewards, your pay and benefits team, by completing the online inquiry form or calling 305-284-3004.
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National author, speaker and advocate Janine Latus will present to our Women Unite group on Tuesday, July 16 at noon in the Mann Auditorium. We will provide lunch for this session.
Janine is an award-winning journalist, author and advocate, best known for her international bestseller, If I Am Missing or Dead: A Sister’s Story of Love, Murder and Liberation, which tells the story of two sisters who grew up to fall victim to angry and controlling men. One breaks free and thrives; the other is murdered by her live-in boyfriend. Janine is the sister who survived, and she has carried their story around the world, including to universities, military bases, Major League Baseball, medical centers, law enforcement gatherings, the World Bank, law enforcement and judicial conferences, and corporations, because the idea that “what happens in the home stays in the home” is getting people killed. Instead, she advocates for people to talk, to tell their stories and thus free others to tell theirs.
Janine did not begin her career as an advocate. At the time that she made the switch she was writing for magazines like O, the Oprah Magazine, Parents, Fitness, Smithsonian.com and the Saturday Evening Post. Then her family suffered a great tragedy, and she realized that it was time to talk.
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Athletic Staff Celebrations
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See who is celebrating a birthday, work anniversary, or both!
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Athletic Staff New Hires & Promotions
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See who has joined the Miami Athletics staff and who has taken on a new role!
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