Serving The Students And The University Community Since 1893

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 41 www.dailytarheel.com

DTH/RACHEL RODEMANN

Chancellor James Moeser was in high spirits at Sunday’s commencement ceremony, despite the rain that poured for its entirety. He cheerfully congratulated the class of 2008, adding that he is ‘graduating’ with the seniors and will leave his posi-

LET THE RAIN FALL BY ANIKA ANAND

STAFF WRITER

Multicolored umbrellas shielding the new UNC graduates interrupted the usual sea of Carolina blue at Sunday’s commencement. The poor weather initially created some confusion among UNC administrators, graduates and parents. The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m., was pushed back to 10 a.m. But students were undeterred as they stood outside the entrance gates of Kenan Stadium waiting to be officially named UNC alumni. “This sucks,” senior Elliot Greenwald said, “But it’s okay … we’ve had good enough weather for the past four years to make up for it.” In the first words of the last speech he made as UNC’s chancellor, James Moeser said, “I will always identify with the class of 2008, for I am graduating with you.” But even in the rainy weather, Moeser kept a sense of humor. “This may be the shortest commencement exercise in the history of the University,” he said, followed by cheers and laughter from an anxious audience of about 15,000. He moved directly into the conferral of degrees and gave new graduates some last

words of wisdom. “Graduates, this is my charge to you and to myself as well: Let us heed the magic, let us take one more deep drink from the Old Well — listen to the call, answer the bell and, as often as we can, let us come home again.” Other speakers, including the commencement speaker, opera singer Jessye Norman, were scheduled to speak at the commencement exercises but did not due to the weather and the shortened ceremony. Norman was one of four to be awarded honorary degrees by the University. She received a doctorate of music before the ceremony. Senior Class President Ashley Shores officially inducted her classmates as UNC alumni with the moving of their tassels from right to left. Shores went on to honor Eve Carson and her love for the University. “Eve’s passion for this place, … for all things Carolina, was overpowering and so infectious that you could not help but be more excited about life’s possibilities in her presence.” Eve Carson was awarded post mortem a degree with highest honors. Other students remembered and honored Carson by donning an “EVE” pin on their graduation gowns.

“I’m wearing this because Eve should be here right now,” senior Shefali Chudgar said. “We are all thinking about her today.” The UNC Clef Hangers also sang James Taylor’s “Carolina In My Mind.” After less than 20 minutes, the ceremony ended with graduates singing and swaying to “Hark the Sound.” The commencement ceremony typically can last up to two hours. “I’m proud to be a Carolina graduate,” senior Kate Cunningham said. “And today’s weather just didn’t matter. It’s really just about the Carolina spirit.” Contact the University Editor at udesk@ unc.edu.

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 42 www.dailytarheel.com

Bus victim ‘at her peak’ Family, friends mourn tragic loss BY ANIKA ANAND

STAFF WRITER

Lisa Carolyn Moran came from Scotland to Chapel Hill to study law and economics and enjoy the picturesque scenery of UNC’s campus. Tragically, though, her life was cut short May 15 when she was hit by a Chapel H i l l Tr a n s i t bus while jogging on Manning Drive near South Columbia Street. Moran’s Lisa Carolyn roommate, Moran Andrea Trotta, was killed remembers asking Moran while jogging why she would on Manning pick Chapel INSIDE Hill, of all placPedestrian es, to live. deaths have “Lisa said become a she just got on major conUNC’s Web site cern. PAGE 4 and saw how pretty it was and just fell in love with it,” Trotta said. “She knew she had to go.”

Trotta said she was shocked and saddened when she found out, but she said she enjoys reliving their memories together. Though her exams ended at the beginning of May, Moran had planned to stay on so she could do some traveling. Trotta said Moran was excited about going to New York for the first time and was also trying to book a trip to Washington, D.C. Moran loved working out and was “very athletic despite being so tiny,” Trotta said. She was a ski instructor and played squash in Scotland. The two roommates often went to the gym together, as well as UNC basketball and football games. According to Moran’s Facebook. com profile, she identified herself as “Tar Heel Faithful.” A third year law student in Scotland, Moran spent the past semester at UNC’s School of Law. “We are deeply saddened by

this news,” said Jack Boger, dean of the law school, in a statement. “Our sincerest condolences go out to all of her friends and family, both here and in her native Scotland.” According to The (London) Telegraph, Moran’s father, Fraser Moran, said, “Lisa was beautiful; she was fiercely intelligent, fun-loving and was having a great time in America.” Her parents, Fraser and Carolyn Moran, travelled from Scotland to Chapel Hill to bring their daughter’s body home. Fraser Moran went on to say what a terrible loss it was. “She was at the peak of her powers,” he is quoted in the article. Her funeral will be held Friday with her family in Paisley, Scotland. After an investigation into the accident concluded Tuesday, police found that Moran had tried to cross the street where there was not a

designated crosswalk. She also had been wearing her iPod headphones while she was jogging, which might have kept her from hearing the approaching bus. Captain Jackie Carden concluded that “Ms. Moran lost her footing, causing her to eventually slide under the bus.” Moran was taken to UNC Hospitals, where she later died. No charges are being filed against the bus driver, though he was placed on paid leave as per standard Chapel Hill Transit procedure after an accident. Moran’s death, along with other pedestrian accidents in the area, have led local enforcers to search for new ways to improve pedestrian safety. Contact the University Editor at [email protected].

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 45 www.dailytarheel.com

Obama stumps in Raleigh Troubled economy highlights speech

BY ANIKA ANAND

STAFF WRITER

RALEIGH — As he took the stage on Monday at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, Barack Obama was met with an explosion of applause and standing ovations. It was Obama’s first appearance in North Carolina since the primary, and he took the opportunity to focus specifically on the issues, a tactic which many experts expect to continue in his campaign against presumptive Republican nominee John McCain. His speech marked the beginning of a two-week national tour titled “Change That Works for You.” Although Gov. Mike Easley originally endorsed Hillary Clinton, when he introduced Obama, he said, “I know I’m late, but I am on the train.” “I’d rather be a bum in the boxcar on the Obama train than on the front of the bus with John McCain,” he said. Easley pointed out that milk

and gasoline are roughly the same price per gallon, setting the stage for Obama’s speech on America’s economic conINSIDE cerns. T h e e v e n t The race for was only open North Carolina to campaign governor is staff, advocacy heating up. groups and the PAGE 3 press, and 1,500 were present. Luke Lanier, a student at Emory and Henry College in Virginia, stood outside selling political buttons hoping to get a chance to go inside. As a summer job, Lanier works for a memorabilia Web site trailing the Democratic debates across the country. “Hillary is brilliant and articulates her message well. She is more precise and descriptive than Obama,” he said. “But, Obama is a better orator. He knows how to get the crowd excited,”

DTH/ANIKA ANAND

Newly-announced Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke on the national economy Monday at the N.C. Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

“I’d rather be a bum in the boxcar on the Obama train than on the front of the bus with John McCain.”

SEE OBAMA, PAGE 4

MIKE EASLEY, GOVERNOR

OBAMA

FROM PAGE 1

he said. Obama will need to get the N.C. crowds quite excited come November, experts say. The last time the traditionally conservative state voted for a Democrat was in 1976 when Jimmy Carter was elected. Obama’s speech in Raleigh comes at a critical time in the election, as economic issues such as the rising unemployment rate and the price of oil are affecting a greater number of Americans. “You don’t have to read the stock tickers or scan the headlines in the

financial section to understand the seriousness of the situation we’re in right now,” Obama said. Obama did not jump to blame the president for the economic climate. “I understand that the challenges facing our economy didn’t start the day George Bush took office and they won’t end the day he leaves … We live in a more competitive world, and that is a fact that cannot be reversed,” he said. Linda Bnelans of Durham said she liked Obama’s specificity. “It’s important for me to begin to

hear specifics,” she said, “and that’s definitely what I heard today.” Obama also offered tuition subsidies to students in exchange for community or national service upon graduation. “If you invest in America, America will invest in you,” he said. Obama spoke to the criticism of his economic policies that he has faced from Republicans. “Every single proposal that I’ve made in this campaign is paid for – because I believe in pay-as-yougo,” he said.

Elwood Becton of Raleigh said Obama’s plan is very ambitious. “There’s no doubt about it, things are tough right now,” he said. “But Obama gives us hope for a brighter future, that things will get better.” Contact the State & National Editor at [email protected].

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 50 www.dailytarheel.com

DTH/ANIKA ANAND

Competitive bikers race in the final event of the Carolina Speedway Series on July 15 at the Orange County Speedway. Bikers from all areas of expertise have raced several times already this season, and the track continues with motorcar races for the rest of the summer.

BY ANIKA ANAND

STAFF WRITER

ROUGEMONT — Judy Rhyne laughed and shook her head as two of the competing Carolina Speedway Series cyclists zoomed past her on the track. “They’re just so competitive, no matter what,” she said. Rhyne served as one of the two USA Cycling officials during the third and final races of the Twilight Points Race Series on July 15 at the Orange County Speedway. The series was hosted by Mike Vandy, president of Flight Club, a sanctioned USA Cycling club in Raleigh. Though Vandy says the races are about “fitness and fun,” don’t let these cyclists fool you — they definitely enjoy some healthy competition.

SPEED RACERS

The races are judged by a points system whereby cyclists get points for each lap in which they finish in first or second place and for finishing in the top five during the sprint lap — usually halfway through the race. A $15 entry fee and a licensed rider membership with USA Cycling are the only things required of riders to participate in the event. It is possible for anyone to purchase a oneday license for $10 just to compete in one racing event, or an annual license for $60. Currently, cyclist Keith Weitz is taking advantage of races like these to train for the Furnace Creek 508 in October. He and his fellow teammate will bike 508 miles, which will include parts of Death Valley, in about 30 hours.

“Sprinting just kills me,” said Weitz, who prefers long-distance biking to race sprinting. But he said he welcomes races such as this one as “something to mix up the training.” The first race was for class C riders, who are considered beginners. Five cyclists participated in the 25-minute race around the track, and Linus Owen-Garni claimed the most points and the race. OwenGarni, who works at a bike shop, just recently started riding competitively. “It’s a great way to stay in shape, biking is good transportation, and I love the sense of camaraderie with everyone here,” he said. Though the second race was originally intended for more advanced category B and A riders, to increase the sense of competition for riders, Vandy decided to

open the race to everyone. Many of the beginner riders who participated in the first race elected to race again, completing 50 minutes and about 60 laps around the seventenths-of-a-mile track. Though there is some prize money offered for the winners, many of this summer’s riders have decided to forego the prize money. “These guys have been very gratuitous, and it really shows that this racing is more about respect than anything else,” Vandy said. Normally the speedway is home to motorcar racing during the summer, and those races will resume next weekend. Contact the City Editor at [email protected].

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 58 www.dailytarheel.com

DTH/ANIKA ANAND

Sophomore Greg Little’s starting spot is safe, but his No. 2 is still uncertain. “At some point in the ball game we’ll get a chance to see Ryan Houston play; we’ll get a chance to see Shaun Draughn play,” coach Butch Davis said.

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 67 www.dailytarheel.com

WHEELS IN THE AIR

A

DTH/ANIKA ANAND

fter finishing a ride, sophomore Daven Quinn fixes the shifting on his bike to help the machine run smoother. This summer Quinn participated in Bike and Build, a cross-country riding trip from North Carolina to California with stops to build affordable houses along the way.

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 71 www.dailytarheel.com

Triangle schools join up to break fasts, fundraise

DTH/ANIKA ANAND

Sophomore Nawsheen Kahn (right) prays with friends outside the Union Great Hall on Sunday evening. About 240 students attended the event. BY ANIKA ANAND

STAFF WRITER

U N C ’s M u s l i m S t u d e n t s Association President Ola Mohamed wore a Duke University T-shirt as she stood next to Duke’s MSA Co-president Ahmad El-Naggar, who wore a UNC T-shirt. “Don’t worry, I’m not transferring, and I’m not brainwashed,” Mohamed said. As they introduced the Triangle Iftaar, the two students and N.C. State’s MSA president emphasized the importance of unity between the three schools. MSA usually hosts two Iftaars a week for UNC students during the month of Ramadan, but the Triangle Iftaar is unique because it encourages students from the three main Triangle-area schools to break their Ramadan fasts together.

The Triangle Iftaar also is a fundraiser for the Islamic Relief organization. Islamic Relief will use money from dinner ticket sales and student contributions to help “alleviate poverty” throughout the world. Mohamed asked all MSA students to donate. “Whether you give $1 or $1,000, just know that you’re participating,” she said. Belkacem Nahi, the development coordinator for Islamic Relief, spoke at the event to help raise awareness about orphans in Africa, what he says is “the forgotten land.” “What I care about is that girl who has to walk 15 miles to school,” he said. “I want to help those people.” MSA also reached out to a couple who are Burmese refugees living in Chapel Hill. They invited Syed and

Rashida Karim to the Triangle Iftaar. The Karims, who were unable to celebrate Ramadan with close friends or family, said it was good to see Muslims after such a long time. Junior Maryam Al-zoubi performed a spoken word piece before the call to prayer. “This is the first time we have done spoken word in a while, but we wanted to try something new and different to make the event better than it was,” said sophomore Furat Sawafta, who helped organize the dinner. Al-zoubi said she picked the spoken word piece based on what the charity funds were going to be used for. She was raised by a single father, and her family had no other close family in the United States. “If I only had one parent, imagine how it would be for an orphan with

no parents,” she said. Before she began, she warned that she was thirsty and fasting. “Sorry if my voice cracks a little,” she said. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are not allowed to drink or eat throughout the day until the sun sets. Sophomore Nawsheen Khan said that even at the age of six she was excited to start fasting, though it is not required until a child is considered an adult, usually at the age of eight or nine. “It feels special here. It’s nice that we can all find time to do this together and we’re doing this on our own part without our parents,” she said. Contact the Features Editor at [email protected].

Serving the students and the University community since 1893

The Daily Tar Heel MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2008

VOLUME 116, ISSUE 91 www.dailytarheel.com

Fundraiser contributes to Zanzibar scholarships UNC students fund girls’ educations

BY ANIKA ANAND

STAFF WRITER

Sophomores Bryanna Schwartz and Katherine Novinski remember the moment they first met 15-year-old Shemsa this summer in Zanzibar, Tanzania. “When she walked in, we knew we were going to choose her right away,” Schwartz said. Twenty-two girls in Zanzibar vied for scholarships from UNC’s nonprofit organization Students for Students International. The money the girls received would provide them with four years of secondary school education and give them the opportunity to be competitive in the career world. With limited scholarships available, Schwartz and Novinski carried the responsibility of choosing the recipients from a pool of distinguished applicants. For these scholars, it only costs $295 a year to sponsor one girl’s secondary education. Schwartz and Novinski said that in her interview last summer Shemsa spoke confidently with a big smile on her face about her future goals of becoming a doctor. She did not mention the fact that her family still lives in Pemba, a small island near Zanzibar, and that they use most of the family income to pay for her to reside in a Zanzibar hostel. It was important to Shemsa’s family that she get the best education possible. After their trip to Zanzibar, Schwartz and Novinski realized how much $295 could change Shemsa and nine other girls’ lives. S4Si holds fundraisers throughout the year to help raise money for the scholarships. S4Si sponsored one such event — a swing dance — Friday in the Great Hall of the Student Union. The event, which 135 people attended, raised $884 toward the scholarships. S4Si focuses on young women because of the growing disparity between men’s and women’s edu-

cation. Women often are perceived by society as “future mothers” and are not given priority when it comes to family finances. “If given the decision to send a boy or a girl to school, a family is going to send their son,” Novinski said. Schwartz and Novinski reviewed applications from the highestachieving schools in Zanzibar. They gauged the girls’ academic achievement and commitment to the community, interviewing them in English, their second language. They also took into consideration the girls’ family situations in terms of financial status and responsibilities around the home. “Choosing the scholars made me realize how much of an impact S4Si really has,” Schwartz said. “You can be on campus raising money, but until you actually see it,  you can’t really realize how much these girls are getting out of the scholarship and how much it really changes their lives.” After Zanzibarian students finish their secondary education, they have to pass a national exam to take more advanced courses. They also must pay for textbooks, supplies and extra classes’ tuition. Despite coming from a financially poor background and living away from her family, Shemsa scored at the top of her class on the national exams, Schwartz said. The duo were not only impressed by the young scholars’ academic work but also by their way of life. Schwartz said that after visiting Africa, she learned to appreciate the girls’ work ethic, humility and simplicity. “It’s so hard because all these girls are telling you these amazing things they want to do in their future, and all they need is that extra little push,” Schwartz said. “Your decision determines whether or not they get that extra push. It’s incredibly hard.”

Contact the Features Editor at [email protected].

COURTESY OF BRYANNA SCHWARTZ

Bryanna Schwartz, a member of the S4Si fundrasing committee, talks with potential scholarship recipients at a girls’ school in Zanzibar.