Welcome to the April edition of the Ibis Newsletter!
The university community is gearing up for next week’s centennial celebration. UM is hosting a carnival, concert and fireworks show on Tuesday, April 8. Click here for details. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of our university and student-athletes!
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Welcome to the April edition of the Ibis Newsletter!
The university community is gearing up for next week’s centennial celebration. UM is hosting a carnival, concert and fireworks show on Tuesday, April 8. Click here for details. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of our university and student-athletes!
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Employee Excellence Recognition
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Our April Employee Excellence winner is Damon Griffiths, assistant track and field coach and recruiting and operations coordinator. Damon is in his second coaching stint with the Canes and is also a former UM student-athlete, competing from 1993-97. Congratulations, Damon!
You can nominate a colleague who has gone above and beyond in their work efforts and/or performance for Employee Excellence Recognition. Click below or scan the QR code.
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Women Unite members at the Women’s Commission Breakfast.
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If you would like to submit staff engagement photos for the Ibis Newsletter, please email Jessica Hurley.
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Samuel Raycraft
Associate Director, Compliance/Monitoring
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How did you get your start in college athletics?
My career in collegiate athletics began as a ticket sales representative with the Aspire Group, but after a few months, I was furloughed due to COVID-19. I then spent a few years in the home improvement industry while earning my master’s degree online from Arizona State University, all with the goal of returning to collegiate athletics in a different capacity—which ultimately led me to compliance.
What attracted you about working with the Hurricanes?
What drew me to UM and the Hurricanes was the combination of its prime location and championship-level pedigree.
Who would you consider your biggest mentor?
My biggest mentor is my mom, Tammy Raycraft, who is a nurse. Her dedication and work ethic, always going above and beyond for her patients, have been a constant source of inspiration for me.
Any family – parents / siblings? Where are you from?
My mother and father, Phil, and my two brothers, Donovan and Gus. I am from Altadena, Calif.
What are you looking forward to most in 2025 as a member of the athletics department?
I’m really looking forward to being part of UM’s 100-year anniversary celebration and the excitement of the upcoming football season!
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Staff Engagement Opportunities
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Hurricane Honors
Sunday, April 13, Shalala Ballroom
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Staff Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, April 23, Mann Auditorium
12:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
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This Month in Hurricanes History
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Men’s Tennis: April 19, 2008
The seventh-seeded Canes knocked off third-seeded Florida State 4-3 in the semifinals of the ACC Championships in Altamonte Springs, Fla. Vivek Subramanian rallied from 5-2 down in the third set to defeat FSU’s Sammy Chang at No. 2 singles, clinching the match and securing Miami’s first-ever berth in the ACC Championships final.
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42nd Annual Miami Film Festival (across Miami) – multiple theaters
April 3-13
For over four decades, the Miami Film Festival has been a celebration of cinema, showcasing groundbreaking films and hosting influential voices. From 1984 to its evolution into a world-renowned event, the Festival continues to bring the magic of film to Miami’s diverse and passionate audience. For a list of showtimes and theaters, visit miamifilmfestival.com.
19th Annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay (South Dade) – Deering Estate
April 13
Bring your comfy walking shoes and join in on the 18th annual Deering Seafood Festival, a feast for the senses amid the historic Deering Estate’s 400+ acre bayfront grounds in South Dade. Indulge in fresh seafood, enjoy live music and explore the Artist Village for handcrafted goods. Savor freshly caught fish, shrimp, stone crab, crawdads, conch and more. After your meal, take one of the 45-minute boat rides across Biscayne Bay offered throughout the day at an additional charge. Families can visit the Kids’ Zone, where the little ones can find various activities (DeeringEstate.org).
5th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza (South Dade) – The Berry Farm
April 12-13, April 19-20
Join in for a day full of egg-citing activities, perfect for the whole family. Enjoy hourly Easter egg hunts specially designed for different age groups, capture memories with delightful photo ops featuring the Easter bunny and visit our charming chick and bunny petting zoo. Plus, our everyday favorites like hayrides, gem mining, pony rides, and much more, all set against the backdrop of our beautiful sunflower fields - tickets are available at VisitTheBerryFarm.com.
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Athletic Staff Celebrations
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See who is celebrating a birthday, work anniversary, or both!
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Athletic Staff New Hires & Promotions
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See who has joined the Miami Athletics staff and who has taken on a new role!
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View this year's Ibis Newsletters again!
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