Hurricane spirit got a lift this year with a shiny new set of wheels. Donated by UM trustee Ed Williamson, the one-of-a-kind Hummer electric golf cart is rousing crowds at pep rallies, barbecues, and other events organized by the Category 5 student spirit programming board. This high-energy vehicle—not in gasoline but in pure adrenaline—reaches a rubber-burning speed of 22 miles per hour, says Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, director of UM’s Center for Volunteer Service and Leadership Development. Making its debut carting around President Donna E. Shalala and Sebastian the Ibis on move-in day, the Hummer earned hundreds of photo requests from students and their families.

Catherine Robles, junior communications major and chair of Category 5, says that having the electric Hummer at ’Cane Fest this year helped double student interest in joining the organization, compared with last year.

Fun features of the cart, besides snazzy metallic orange and green paint, include a CD player with PA sound system, beverage cooler, cup holders, and seats embroidered with the split U emblem.