The University survived mainly due to the vision and determination of its first president, Dr. Bowman F. Ashe. The school overcame bankruptcy, reorganization, a world war and then the post-war years, where the University experienced remarkable growth and expansion under his administration. The University was made up of the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Music and the Evening Division when it opened in 1926. Other buildings were added during his presidency.

The University of Miami is synonymous with excellence; both in the classroom and on the football field. Honesty, character, trust, pride, teamwork, commitment; these are just a few of the characteristics that describe Hurricane football. On August 20, 2007, the University announced that the Hurricanes football team will move to Dolphin Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, for all their home games starting in 2008. One of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in the country, Dolphin Stadium will give student athletes and fans a first-class experience both on and off the field. 2007 marked the Hurricanes’ last season at the Orange Bowl. Because of the condition of the Orange Bowl, many people speculated over its continued capability to serve as Miami football’s home stadium. With an on-campus stadium not realistic because of opposition from neighboring home owners in Coral Gables, the university was left with only 2 options: move 25 miles north to Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens or renovate the Orange Bowl, adding more restrooms and a video replay screen and making various repairs to the infrastructure.

Former University of Miami football players Kenny Phillips and Calais Campbell were both chosen on Day One of the 2008 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26, 2008. Phillips extended Miami’s record streak of 14 consecutive years in which a Hurricane was selected in the 1st round; he was chosen by the New York Giants with the 31st overall pick before Campbell was selected by the Arizona Cardinals later that day in the 2nd round. Phillips was a junior this past season at the University of Miami and ranked 2nd on the team with a career high of 95 tackles (69 of which were done solo), 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and 6.5 tackles for loss. Campbell was also a junior this past season; he had a team high 12.5 tackles for loss, 50 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. Senior linebacker Tavares Gooden was chosen on Day Two of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens as the 71st overall pick. Gooden led the Hurricanes in total tackles with 119 this past season. He played in all 12 games for UM and got 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 3 fumble recoveries.