Welcome back, University of Tampa students. Summer is coming to an end and for some of us; that means this is, for many of us, our last year at UT. Here are is an overview of some of the stories we have covered this first week and an introduction for those of you who are new to The Minaret to get the ball rolling.
Many of you may have noticed the ongoing construction of some new buildings to open this fall. Among those buildings are the health center (set to open late fall) and the new science building (which was also said to be scheduled for opening in the fall). The Sykes chapel, donated as a gift to the university by John Sykes, is also currently in the final phases of construction.
Many of you may have heard UT in the news over the summer. UT’s former baseball pitcher Roberto Martinez competed on ABC’s The Bachelorette. The winner of the show chose UT as a setting for one of his romantic dates with Ali Fedotowsky, a former competitor on The Bachelor.
Unfortunately, there was also some sad news over the break: a UT alumna died while traveling in South Africa. Nicole Murphy ‘08, was struck by a car in June. Her brother was also struck and left in critical condition. Members of the UT alumni association and community members held a memorial service in Murphy’s honor on Aug. 20. Friends of Murphy have said that she was a great team player and she will be missed.
Three sorority sisters were also in the news in accusations involving acts of hazing. The members of the sorority were sanctioned individually, resulting in suspension and failure to graduate. Judicial Coordinator Mike Gilmer and the three women accused did not comment on the events.
As an institutionalized campus newspaper, The Minaret is expected to cover the news from all angles. In our articles on these cases, The Minaret reported what we found from the court cases. We work to provide everyone the opportunity to share their side of the story and continue to take both sides into consideration. The Minaret publishes information that it knows is factually correct. If, in error, we publish any incorrect information, you can count on us to publish a retraction.
We also welcome letters to the editor. The Minaret does not edit these letters and publishes them in the same form in which they were sent.
Any questions, concerns or letters may be sent to ut.minaret@gmail.com.
We look forward to providing you with the best and timely news possible.
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