1 - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Veteran, UF grad: continuing to serve nation’s highest-need classrooms

Nov. 16, 2014

This month marked my second Veterans Day as a veteran of conflict, and I found myself reflecting on this national holiday. I see my uncles and grandfather, who have fought for freedom and opportunity for all Americans in every war since World War II. And I see my students, the unknowing beneficiaries of such sacrifices, growing into the leaders who will carry America into the future — if only they can first master their eighth-grade science concepts.

As I’m getting older, I’m beginning to realize that these family vacations are memories I will always hold near and dear to my heart.

NEWS

Freshmen ask, seniors answer: 7 things college freshman should expect during their first trip home

By Brittany Bowen | Nov. 16, 2014

I remember this time during freshman year like none other — classes are wrapping up for Thanksgiving break, and you’re all eagerly waiting for your last class to end so you can go home for the holiday. Chances are, you’ve realized you procrastinated a little too much to realistically catch up. You’re rushing to get through your final assignments (even though your mind is actually on shut-down mode), and you have no idea what to expect when you go home for the first time since college began.

Jon DeCarmine, operations director for the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry, leads a group of visitors on a tour of the 25-acre facility during the shelter’s open house in 2014.

METRO

Grace Marketplace open house raises money and awareness

By Chabeli Herrera | Nov. 16, 2014

In the six months since Grace Marketplace opened its doors, Jon DeCarmine has been sprinting.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Transgender activist, feminist speaks at Pugh Hall on Friday

By Nicole Wiesenthal | Nov. 16, 2014

About 100 people gathered Friday night to listen to a woman talk about being transgender, while also channeling Beyoncé with her confidence.

METRO | CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Sharp decline since last game: only 23 ejected, arrested

By Melissa Mihm | Nov. 16, 2014

Twenty-three people were either arrested or ejected at the UF vs. University of South Carolina football game Saturday afternoon — a steep decline from the 64 people either arrested or ejected at the homecoming game against the University of Missouri on Oct. 18.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Message alerts encourage healthier student lifestyles

By Mahogany Brown | Nov. 16, 2014

For college students, the solution to the freshman 15 could be as simple as a daily message.

James “Bill” Heavener and his wife cut a ribbon at the dedication of Heavener Hall on Friday. Heavener, is a 1970 UF business administration alumnus and the building’s lead benefactor.

NEWS | CAMPUS

Business college’s Heavener Hall opens its space for students

By Alyssa Fisher | Nov. 16, 2014

Undergraduate business students are eager to settle into their new home in Heavener Hall after the building’s opening ceremony Friday afternoon.

NEWS

For your entertainment: Interstellar strikes big at the box office

By Dahlia Ghabour | Nov. 16, 2014

Space is no longer the final frontier. It’s been explored – at least in cinema at least – but “Interstellar” has taken the space epic to a whole new level.

NEWS | CAMPUS

UF on board for One Less Car week

By Christina Hunt | Nov. 16, 2014

There will be one less car on locals’ daily commutes this week.

Sales and Marketing Representative Joy Richie and Regional Sales Manager Robbie Jones of Cheerwine describe the perks of being a Cheerwine campus ambassador on Thursday afternoon at the summer job and internship fair.

NEWS

The professional gator: 4 things to know about “winternships”

By Savana Morie | Nov. 16, 2014

What is a ‘Winternship’?

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Vacant Student Senate District E seat filled by Ben Meyers’ sister

By Ariana Figueroa | Nov. 16, 2014

As a high school student, Amanda Meyers watched her big brother, Ben Meyers, get sworn in as UF Student Body president in 2011.

METRO

UF researchers develop new treatment for intestinal virus

By Laura Vazquez | Nov. 16, 2014

UF researchers have found a way to begin the process of treatment for an intestinal virus most commonly found on cruise ships.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Obama: Hiding the truth for health care

Nov. 16, 2014

[The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Alligator.]

NEWS

HiPerGator computer almost full

By Alexia Fernandez | Nov. 16, 2014

One year after the introduction of Florida’s most powerful supercomputer, UF researchers are asking the university for a second one.

Taylor Tubbs races in the Southeastern Conference Championships on Nov. 1, 2013, on the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Gators struggle at NCAA Regionals

By BEN MURPHY | Nov. 16, 2014

The Florida men’s and women’s cross country teams reached the finish line of their 2014 season Friday morning.

Antoinette Bannister looks to pass the ball during Florida's 84-73 win against Jacksonville in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida looks to continue strong showing against Longwood today

By GRAHAM HALL | Nov. 16, 2014

After a preseason that featured a considerable focus on the defensive side of the court, Florida women’s basketball coach Amanda Butler was content with the team’s play in the season-opening 84-73 win over Jacksonville on Friday.

Savannah Jordan chases after the ball during Florida's 3-0 win against Mercer on Sunday at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

UF soccer defeats Mercer in NCAA Tournament opener

By GRAHAM HACK | Nov. 16, 2014

A well-rested Florida team took care of business Sunday afternoon, defeating Mercer 3-0 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Dorian Finney-Smith dunks during Florida's win against William & Mary on Friday in the O'Connell Center

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Finney-Smith has hairline fractures in hand

By ERICA HERNANDEZ | Nov. 16, 2014

After injuring his hand in the first three minutes of No. 7 Florida’s 68-45 season-opener win over William & Mary on Friday, coach Billy Donovan confirmed Sunday that starting redshirt junior forward Dorian Finney-Smith has hairline fractures in his middle and index fingers of his left hand.

Florida coach Will Muschamp and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier shake hands following the Gators' 23-20 overtime loss to the Gamecocks on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

‘CHAMP TO CHOMP NO MORE: Will Muschamp to step down from head coach position after the regular season ends

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Nov. 16, 2014

Saturday was the final blow.

Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen, who spent four years as UF’s offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer, celebrates on the field after his Bulldogs defeated the Gators 10-7 in 2011.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Five possible coaching candidates to replace Will Muschamp

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Nov. 16, 2014

With Sunday’s news that Will Muschamp will not be returning as Florida’s head coach next season, it’s time to talk coaching searches. Here are five candidates to replace Muschamp for the 2015 season. Note that all of my candidates have head coaching experience at a high level.

El Caimán