Delivering the annual State of the U address on Thursday, the University of Miami’s Student Government President Bhumi Patel called the 2013-2014 academic year a “year of opportunity and growth” as she touched upon the many changes that happened across the UM campus.
“Throughout the year, our campus and student life underwent transformative changes,” Patel told students and administrators gathered at The Rock. “These changes allowed us to grow and remain at the forefront of higher education.”
Patel highlighted improvements to the campus infrastructure and facilities, changes in UM’s academic policies and procedures, distinguished speakers and engaging campus events, changes within the student organizations and improvements to student life as a whole.
“To maintain its spot as the No. 1 school in Florida,” Patel continued, “UM must blend a rich academic environment with a productive and overall supportive student experience.”
Recounting key events that defined the year, Patel cited the opening of the Student Activities Center, Hillary Rodham Clinton’s visit, the new ’Canes After Dark late-night programming, and the ACC Leadership Symposium.
“This year was filled with exciting events and changes that happened across our campus,” agreed Zak Seed, a UM senior majoring in civil engineering. “As a senior, it was great to look back and remember some of the key events from the year.”
In addition to campus improvements, UM’s student organizations had many successes that Patel pointed out. Federacion de Estudiantes Cubanos (FEC)’s Week of Cuban Culture, Greek Week’s $35,000 week-long fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy and the national recognition recently bestowed upon UM’s various student media outlets all contributed to a year full of opportunities for UM students and the organizations they’re part of.
“It is our students,” Patel concluded, “who are both enthusiastic and determined, that make the U more than just a place of learning.”
Mike Piacentino serves as the chief of staff to Student Government.
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