EventsBeat

28th annual FunDay spreads happiness

Saturday afternoon was truly the happiest day on earth for about 350 special citizens of the Miami-Dade community. The University of Miami hosted the 28th annual FunDay, which included many activities such as arts and crafts, games and a barbeque – all relating to the Disney theme. About 475 students and some faculty members volunteered for the event.

– Analisa Harangozo

Stanford provides speed dating services

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Stanford Residential College held a speed dating event for all residents on Tuesday. Food and drinks were provided as students made their way through 25 stations, answering questions and conversing with potential dates. Afterwards, a raffle took place in which gift certificates to the Cheesecake Factory and AMC Theaters, and a teddy bear was given away.

– Nina Ruggiero

Fashion show celebrates Black Awareness

Thunderous hip-hop music from DJ Rico emanated from the School of Engineering courtyard Friday night as part of Black Awareness Month’s “Footprints on the Run” fashion show. Combining dancing, modeling and music, the purpose of the event, according to the stylish, sun-glass-wearing master of ceremonies, was to illustrate “blacks’ impact on different styles of music and clothing.” Using a multitude of props including skateboards, guitars, roses, umbrellas and lollipops, models strutted down the runway to the beat of the music. Some donned stilettos, body paint and gold body glitter, while matching couples modeled evening, casual and swimwear. The event also featured several rounds of “Know Your History” music trivia games in which contestants vied to win goodie bags of Colgate products. The clothes featured in the show were from Aeropostale Swim’n Sport, GenE. Ration, and the works of other local designers. The show’s evening gowns will be donated to Beccas’s Closet, a charitable organization which collects dresses for underprivileged girls to wear to their proms.

– Stephanie Genuardi

Cuban embargo subject of discussion

José Azel, a senior research associate at the institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies, spoke on the topic of the Cuban embargo Tuesday night in the lower lounge of the UC. Azel encouraged students to think about the issue in terms of where we are and where we want to be. This prompt yielded diverse responses from the approximately 15 passionate and vocal students in attendance. “It’s a topic reasonable people can argue either side of the issue because we all have different instincts,” Azel said. The research associate concluded his speech by advocating students to “make up your own mind, but do so with an understanding of these issues.” The event was sponsored by CAUSA – Students United for a Free Cuba.

– Stephanie Genuardi

Commuters hold community meeting

The Association of Commuter Students voiced their concerns Wednesday night at the I-Lounge during the Commuter Community Meeting. Guest speakers such as Director of Off-Campus Student Services Brian Orefice and Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia A. Whitely spoke with the approximately 50 students who attended about parking at the gym, SportsFest participation and other issues.

– Analisa Harangozo