University maintains Jesuit mission in face of federal DEI decrees
LIV
St. Joe’s remains committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, despite a federal push to end DEI efforts at colleges and universities and punish those who persist in maintaining them.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Jan. 21 titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which ordered all federal departments and agencies to terminate “illegal DEI discrimination and preferences” within 120 days.
The U.S. Department of Education followed with a ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter Feb. 14 that instructed educational institutions to terminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies within a 14-day period or risk losing federal funding. The letter stated, “The law is clear: treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal under controlling Supreme Court precedent.”
DEI initiatives, rooted in 1960s anti-discrimination civil rights legislation, are programs and policies centered around combating the discrimination of underrepresented groups. Groups protected by DEI initiatives include women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, people of lower socioeconomic statuses, people with disabilities and immigrants.
In universities, DEI initiatives include student affinity groups, anti-bias training, pedagogy addressing inequality and identity-related scholarship programs.
Currently, St. Joe’s has made no changes to its DEI statements, policies and initiatives, including the “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” page on the university website. The official diversity statement reads, in part, “Our understanding of diversity prevents any individual from being excluded from this community on the grounds of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status or class.”
Kelly Welsh, assistant vice president of communications, wrote in an email to The Hawk that St. Joe’s views “our commitment to inclusion, equity, diversity and belonging through the lens of faith and our mission.”
“The human dignity of all is a moral and spiritual imperative,” Welsh said.
On Feb. 21, U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from cutting “equity-related” grants and enforcing punishments against colleges and universities with endowments worth over $1 billion. On March 14, the block was lifted by an appeals court, allowing executive orders to be carried out while the lawsuits advance.
In response to the Jan. 21 executive order, the University of Pennsylvania scrubbed its primary DEI website —
now renamed “Belonging at Penn” — of information about demographics, inclusion programs and student affinity groups. Penn also changed the position title of vice dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to vice dean for Academic Excellence and Engagement, as reported by The Daily Pennsylvanian, Penn’s student newspaper.
Temple University also announced it would be reviewing its DEI policies to meet federal guidelines in response to the Feb. 14 letter, as reported by The Temple News, Temple’s student newspaper.
The letter primarily targets public institutions, but it raises questions about whether private universities like St. Joe’s, which also benefit from federal funding, could face consequences if they maintain their DEI initiatives.
As a private institution, St. Joe’s operates under a different financial model than public universities like Temple. While public universities receive a large portion of their funding through state government appropriations, private universities are funded mostly by tuition fees, endowments and sponsorships. Private universities do, however, receive federal funding indirectly through research grants, student financial aid and work-study programs.
Welsh said the university understands there are many questions given the current uncertainty about the future of DEI programs.
“Saint Joseph’s University is leveraging our professional networks and monitoring evolving federal guidance,” Welsh said. “This includes the Feb. 14 Department of Education’s ‘Dear Colleague’ letter, which the Department acknowledges is not law.”
Welsh said St. Joe’s Jesuit mission “serves as our compass in navigating these discussions and decisions.”
Organizations like the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities have released statements in support of DEI initiatives. In their discussion paper, “Just Universities: Reflections on the Contributions of DEIB to the Mission of Jesuit Higher Education,” the AJCU states DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) work is an “essential dimension” of the Jesuit mission.
This mirrors statements made at other Jesuit universities like Georgetown University, where law school dean William Treanor, J.D., Ph.D., said DEI threats are attacks on the Jesuit mission, as reported in The Hoya, Georgetown’s student newspaper.
Chloe Palm-Rittle ’26, secretary of DEI for University Student Senate, said St. Joe’s is in a unique position as a Jesuit institution to uphold DEI efforts. As secretary of DEI, Palm-Rittle works closely with administration to ensure university actions follow the Jesuit values of “cura personalis” (care for the whole person) and “come as you are.”
“I think that really sums up what we are trying to do as a Senate: really hold steadfast in our Jesuit beliefs, and what I think the administration will continue to do,” Palm-Rittle said. “I don’t foresee
anything changing in the way St. Joe’s upholds our Jesuit values, but, if at any point, it does, the Student Senate will be steadfast in making sure that we do continue to adhere by that.”
Having a diverse campus community where students feel supported is important, said Milton O’Brien ’25, president of Student Senate.
“There’s different people that have different needs, and we want to make sure that all students feel like they belong at St. Joe’s,” O’Brien said. “For that to be the case, we have to make sure that we are providing the resources, we are making sure that they have anything that they need in order for them to feel that this is home for them.”
Although the Feb. 14 letter is not law, it could potentially result in a loss of funding due to the vague definitions of what DEI entails, said Kelly Benjamin, media and communications strategist for the American Association of University Professors. Abelson blocked Trump’s
Jan. 21 executive order partially on the basis that it lacked a clear definition of DEI.
According to Benjamin, the American Association of University Professors has joined a lawsuit describing the DEI executive orders as “[threatening] academic freedom.”
“Ultimately, presidents and administrations need to publicly defend their institutions’ core values, and those values should include access to higher education for all and higher education as a public good in our society, and that’s really what these initiatives of diversity, equity and inclusion have always been about,” Benjamin said.
O’Brien said the university’s continued promotion of events like Day of Dialogue reflects the university’s continued support of DEI initiatives.
“It’s part of our DNA to make sure that people feel that they belong at St. Joe’s, no matter who they are,” O’Brien said.
The Student Newspaper of Saint Joseph’s University
HANNAH PAJTIS ’26
BIELAWSKI ’27
GRAPHIC: CARA HALLIGAN ’25/THE HAWK
FINIS
College Latin programs struggle to attract new students
studies majors.
Once considered the language of academia, Latin has diminished in higher education as more universities turn away from teaching the dead language.
“When we say dead language, it sounds so negative,” said Dominic Galante ’07. “But dead language really just means there’s no native speakers.”
In fact, scholars suspect the last native Latin speakers died around the seventh century.
14 centuries later, Galante graduated from St. Joe’s with a degree in Latin. He now works at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, where he has taught Latin for the past four years. Students there are required to take at least two years of Latin.
But the university that helped launch Galante on his path is struggling to maintain enrollment in the Latin program. Prior to 2001, St. Joe’s offered a Latin minor, and the Latin major was created in 2001 by Maria Marsilio, Ph.D., professor emerita of classical studies, who also served as chair of the classical studies department.
In 2010, the Latin major was transformed into two different majors: a classical studies major and an ancient studies major. It was done to “prepare our students more thoroughly for graduate study in classics and for secondary teaching certification in Latin,” Marsilio said.
Both majors were discontinued as of 2022, and currently, two classic studies minors are offered: classical studies and ancient cultures. Official recruitment for the programs stopped after Marsilio’s retirement in May 2024. Only two remaining students are pursuing classic studies minors, and four are classical
“SJU is experiencing precisely the same concerns about diminishing enrollments in Latin that many other colleges and universities are documenting at the national level,” Marsilio said.
Latin courses are still offered at St. Joe’s at the 101 and 102 levels through the department of language and linguistics for students looking to fulfill language requirements, but Marsilio said the implementation of a new core curriculum in fall 2025 that reduces the non-native language requirement from two courses to one makes Latin’s position even more tenuous.
“This will surely decrease all enrollments in the languages and will likely have the greatest negative impact on the smaller languages like Latin, German, Chinese,” Marsilio said.
Latin has been at the crossroads of changes in higher education for many decades now. The popularity of Latin in higher education started to fluctuate in the 1960s, when schools began removing the language as a requirement and the Catholic Church attempted to broaden its following by turning away from the traditional Latin mass.
In the 1970s, the back-to-basics movement brought about a revival of the language in the classroom. But, in recent decades, many colleges and universities have chosen to eliminate dead languages in favor of offering modern languages with a clear communication element.
Recent data from the Modern Language Association indicates that there has been a gradual decline in Latin enrollment at the higher education level since the early 2000s. The most significant change occurred between 2016 and 2021, when Latin enrollment dropped 21.5% in the United States.
Mary Brown, adjunct professor of Latin, has taught Latin at St. Joe’s since 2017 and remains passionate about what Latin offers students, especially at a Jesuit university like St. Joe’s.
“Latin and Greek might not sit in the administrative mission, but the Jesuit schools tend to be strong in maintaining Latin, and possibly Greek, because St. Ignatius used New Latin, and a lot of the typical Ignatian spirituality phrases are Latin phrases, like cura personalis and the magis,” Brown said.
But Brown, who has taught Latin in high schools and colleges for over 50 years, is working against a tidal wave.
Since 1995, the university has not offered more than two sections of Latin 101 and Latin 102 in any given semester, Marsilio said. That has been the case for 200-level Latin courses as well.
“In short, the Latin enrollments are not growing,” Marsilio said. “To the contrary, they leveled off many years ago, then began to diminish as more and more students selected other languages.”
In many cases, arguments against taking Latin stem from larger trends in higher education in which an emphasis is placed on prioritizing skills that will lead to a career after graduation.
“Latin is in this category of ‘not useful things,’ and so, therefore, it must justify its existence in our curriculum, which is a hard place to be in,” Galante said.
Chase Davis ’24, a classical studies major who studied Latin at St. Joe’s and is now a Latin teacher at Cristo Rey High School in Philadelphia, said he is disappointed that people dismiss the wide range of benefits from learning Latin.
“It not only enhances English speakers’ aptitude for grammar and understanding, but also provides that necessary introduction to linguistics,” Davis said.
Felipe Utreras-Castro ’25, one of the last four students who will graduate with a classical studies major from St. Joe’s following the university’s termination of the major, began studying Latin as a student at St. Joe’s Prep. To UtrerasCastro, studying Latin also brings about a connection to a larger culture.
“The desire when you read Latin is not just to learn a language. It’s to learn a culture, to learn a people,” Utreras-Castro said. “It’s like any language. You want to understand what those people thought, what those people felt, and how that still affects you in the real world.”
Davis noted that while Latin as a language may be “dead,” the world of academia has a larger role in its preservation.
“While it technically is already dead, you want to keep it alive,” Davis said. “If you were to 100% let it die, let it utterly fade away, you would be all the lesser for it.”
CLARE YEATMAN ’26
Special to the Hawk
Mary Brown, adjunct professor of Latin, teaches to her Beginning Latin II class, Feb. 19. PHOTO: MADELINE WILLIAMS ’26/THE HAWK
Brown’s Beginning Latin II class completes translation exercises, Feb. 19. PHOTO: MADELINE WILLIAMS ’26/THE HAWK
Students and faculty say goodbye to England Library
TAYLA EVANS ’27 News Reporter
Students, faculty and staff gathered in Griffith Library on the University City campus March 13 to remember and share stories about Joseph W. England Library.
St. Joe’s had originally announced plans to officially vacate the England Library building at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, but air conditioning issues led to it being closed last summer instead. Other than a brief time when it was open during the final exam period last semester, it has been closed to patrons the entire academic year.
Attendees conversed at the event as they enjoyed food and drinks, provided by Crimson & Gray Catering, and a raffle for prizes, which included a painting and plants that were once housed in England Library.
The party was a time to honor the former library building and what it meant for the people who worked in and visited the space, said Jennifer Hasse, head of access services and student experience for Saint Joseph’s University Libraries.
“We just wanted to give a sense of closure for people,” Hasse said. “We do think it was a really significant place for a lot of people, so we wanted to celebrate that and bring people together.”
The gathering took place in the new library at UCity, now housed on the second floor of Griffith Hall. Hasse said staff was happy to have the opportunity to show off
the new space to people who used to work at England Library.
Many previous England Library staff members were in attendance, including Mignon Adams, who directed England Library until her retirement from then-University of the Sciences in 2007. Adams said England Library helped her connect with students even after their graduation.
“It was an outstanding staff that was excellent to work with and who also cared about the students,” Adams said.
Some students also came to honor the old library. Janet Cho ’26 said she would go to England Library almost every day and had some favorite spots.
“Definitely being on the third floor, being super quiet, and just being able to lock in and study was really nice,” Cho said. “And then transition into the second or the first floor and talk with my friends, get a little good break, then go back up.”
Gena Cirafesi ’24, who worked as a student library assistant, reflected fondly on the time she shared with her coworkers at the old library.
Cirafesi said working with Hilda Wilson, now building operations coordinator of the UCity location for Saint Joseph’s University Libraries, was one of her favorite memories of England Library.
“I would always have something to update her about, and the conversation would just take us, and before I know, we were talking for like 30 minutes or almost
an hour,” Cirafesi said. “It was honestly the highlight of most of my days, just chatting with her.”
Wilson, who has been working for the UCity campus libraries for nearly 40 years, said England Library was a space that students could not only use as a resource, but also as a place to come together and talk. The entire staff and previous students remain connected to one another.
“It was just that community of friendship,” Wilson said.
Prior to the event, people had been invited to submit their favorite memories and photos of England Library, which were printed and posted around the event. Wilson’s name was frequently mentioned.
“I have worked with Ms. Hilda for many years, and she has always been loving
and compassionate toward me,” wrote one student respondent, Elizabeth Tan. “She is patient, kind, helpful and feels like family to me, especially since this school is far from home. I will miss England Library and all of the memories I have there, but I am thankful for the new space and the new memories that are to come.”
The collections housed in England Library should be fully integrated into Drexel Library by the fall semester, said Anne Krakow ’14, St. Joe’s library director, who also attended the event.
“We’re moving the collection in July, but we have to interfile it with everything else, and that will take up a lot of time,” Krakow said. “I’m not 100% we’ll have it done before the semester starts.”
Eggs-treme prices: What’s behind the costly cartons?
Wholesale prices of eggs may have finally begun to drop after cracking open the wallets of business owners and consumers since mid-December last year when they began to rise rapidly in cost, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Egg Markets Overview.”
Wholesale prices of eggs have decreased by almost half in just the past few weeks, thanks to a decrease in the number of reported bird flu cases so far in March and a decrease in customer demand.
“Negotiated wholesale prices for graded loose eggs continued on a sharp downward trajectory as no significant outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported in March to date and the supply situation is rapidly improving,” the USDA reported.
Experts aren’t sure, though, when consumers will notice that decrease in grocery stores.
The Consumer Price Index for eggs rose 10.4% from January to February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, leaving shoppers and local businesses scrambling for cheaper alternatives. March numbers have not yet been released.
The Clark Park Farmers Market in
West Philadelphia, just off the University City campus, is held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and serves as a hub for small businesses and farmers to set up shop for Philadelphia locals. Three stands, two of which are local farms, set up every weekend and provide fresh eggs — with prices ranging from $6.99 to $9.99 for a dozen eggs.
For small business owners selling at the market, like Pamela Thornton, owner of Pound Cake Heaven, a local bakery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, the increase in egg prices isn’t just an inconvenience but a threat to business. Thornton said it’s been hard to put so much money into such a basic necessity.
“It’s really hurting us right now,” Thornton said. “A lot of our profit is going towards the eggs. If it keeps going like it’s going, I’m going to have to go up [in prices], and I really don’t want to do it.”
Sienna Saint, a Philly local who regularly shops at the Clark Park market, said that while she tries normally to buy local, it can be hard to justify the cost these days.
“Today [March 15], I bought the half-off eggs, the discounted eggs, because they’re cracked,” Saint said. “It’s just what I have to do right now because I need eggs.”
For locals like Mark Mendenhall, who has been shopping at the market for the past 10 years, the price increase is worth
it considering the quality of the eggs sold and the lengths farmers have had to go to recently.
“The farmers here, whatever they’re asking, I want to give them because I know they work hard,” Mendenhall said. “They deserve every penny.”
Local farmers like Dan Landis, owner of Landisdale Farm in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, are regular sellers at Clark Park. Landis spoke about the effects of his egg cost since the HPAI outbreak and how it is increasingly more expensive to find good flocks for production, which, in turn, raises prices for customers.
“It’s really hard to find birds, laying
Department of Public Safety reports (March 8-14)
March 8
No incidents to report.
March 9
Public Safety notified of a drug abuse violation at LaFarge Residence Center. Public Safety responded and a report was taken. Community Standards was notified.
March 10
Public Safety notified of a theft incident
outside the Science Center. Public Safety responded and a report was taken. Community Standards was notified.
March 11
Public Safety notified of a liquor law violation off campus. Community Standards was notified.
March 12
No incidents to report.
March 13
No incidents to report.
March 14
No incidents to report.
From Feb. 22 to March 14, there were four alcohol-related incidents on the Hawk Hill campus and two incidents off campus. There was one drug-related incident on the Hawk Hill campus
birds or pullets,” Landis said. “To find them is like, I’m not gonna say it’s like winning the lottery, but it’s hard. I don’t know how many people I had to call until I actually found some birds available. And that’s just a couple hundred birds.”
Landis said that while this pandemic has affected all farmers with chickens, the market should eventually stabilize as the bird flu wave subsides.
“Unfortunately, they’ve had to get rid of a lot of birds, and it takes a while to build the market back up,” Landis said. “It’s not going to happen just like the snap of a finger. It’s going to take a while.”
and none off campus. There were no alcohol- or drug-related incidents on the University City campus.
Students and faculty celebrate the new University City library location and reflect on memories from England Library in Griffith Hall, March 13. PHOTO: TAYLA EVANS ’27/THE HAWK
Customers line up to purchase multiple cartons of eggs at another farm stand located in Clark Park.
PHOTO: SOPHIA GALANTE ’26/THE HAWK
SOPHIA GALANTE ’26 News Reporter
Editorial: DEI initiatives align with the Jesuit mission
Eliminating the federal government’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs has been a top priority for the administration of President Donald Trump, but what really is DEI?
By definition, DEI is a framework that “promotes the fair treatment and full participation of all people” in a given setting. Although most frequently connected to issues of race and gender, DEI policies support everyone, including all sexualities, physical and mental disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religious affiliations and more. DEI supports those who have traditionally and systemically experienced discrimination due to their identity, without affecting
the standing and opportunities of others.
DEI is not simply diversity training sessions and workshops. Rather, it encompasses a wide range of practices that promote empathy and compassion. DEI ensures that disabled individuals have access to ramps and elevators. DEI offers parents sufficient support after the birth of their child and beyond. DEI provides adequate time off for those of all faiths to celebrate their religious traditions. DEI is not a threat. It simply allows for the celebration of all unique identities through education and accommodation.
While local universities are reviewing their DEI guidelines, and some, like the University of Pennsylvania, have
already followed the lead of the federal government in ending their DEI initiatives, St. Joe’s remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment. Ensuring students and staff are celebrated for their unique identities and accommodated accordingly falls in line with the core Jesuit belief of cura personalis, caring for the whole person, a concept supported through the university’s DEI programs. St. Joe’s should be commended for staying true to its values despite outside pressures and ensuring DEI initiatives retain their role in the Jesuit educational experience.
Correction: In the Feb. 26 issue of The Hawk, the story “UCity students react to continued building closures” incorrectly stated Carlos Moreno was University City faculty liaison for diversity, equity and inclusion. Moreno is the university-wide faculty liaison for DEI. Editor-in-Chief
Correction: In the Feb. 26 issue of The Hawk, the story “Reynolds record watch” incorrectly stated Erik Reynolds II had 2,069 points as of Feb. 22. Reynolds had 2,067 points as of Feb. 22, leaving him 27 points from the then-points record of 2,094. Reynolds has since surpassed the point record and now has 2,168 career points as of March 17.
Everyone poops: Discussing bowel movements can help catch colorectal cancer early
LORA PACKEL Guest Columnist
News flash: Everyone poops.
The famous children’s book by Tarō Gomi titled “Everyone Poops” aims to reduce the stigma and embarrassment about pooping. While the book is wildly popular, there is still a stigma around talking about bowel movements, a hesitation that could reduce the chances of early cancer detection.
Colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50 years of age and is often found at later stages in young adults. Approximately 10% of colorectal cancer diagnoses are in people under 50, with the incidence in younger adults growing by 1% to 2% each year. Young-onset colorectal cancer could become the deadliest cancer in young adults by 2030.
Despite this worrisome trend, several preventative measures remain within your control:
•Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet and avoid processed meats, like lunch meat, bacon and hot dogs.
•Eat more fruits and vegetables.
•Maintain a healthy body weight and exercise regularly. You can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by at least 20% with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day.
•Don’t drink or smoke. If you do drink, limit your intake. If you smoke, find help to reduce or eliminate smoking.
•Ask your parents about a family history of cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
•Get screened! For people with average risk, screening begins at age 45. Those with risk factors or symptoms should be screened earlier.
It’s important to feel comfortable talking with your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Change in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowed stools.
• Feeling like you have more stool to expel after having a bowel movement.
•Abdominal (stomach) pain or cramping.
•Feeling full when you haven’t eaten that much.
•Blood in your stool or on the toilet paper.
•Unintentional weight loss.
Everyone poops! Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from getting the care you need.
Lora Packel, Ph.D., is the interim associate dean of the School of Health Professions at St. Joe’s.
President Donald Trump’s decision to dismantle the Department of Education is expected to affect the Philadelphia community. Trump promised throughout his campaign that he would eliminate the department and has taken steps toward keeping his word, beginning with massive staff cuts.
The Department of Education employed 4,133 individuals at the start of the year but now employs about 2,183. The consequences of these staff cuts and the very real possibility of losing government aid upon the department’s closure
will directly affect Philadelphia and its community.
Tony Watlington, the School District of Philadelphia’s superintendent, said the city receives roughly 10% of its education budget from the federal government, a sum that, if removed, would hinder the school system’s ability to adequately fund its schools and programs. Although the school system has yet to be informed of any impending budget cuts, uncertainty surrounding the future of federal funding for education justifies concerns that the city will lose necessary funds.
While the fate of Philadelphia’s federal funding is unknown, the closure of several branches of the Office for Civil Rights is certain to impact the city’s school system.
Rollbacks within Department of Education stand to impact Philadelphia education
The Office for Civil Rights is a department within the Department of Education that holds schools accountable for “combating antisemitism, islamophobia, racism and discrimination against students with disabilities.” The Office for Civil Rights closed seven of its 12 locations this month, leaving the remaining five branches with a large backload of cases. These cuts will significantly slow the resolution of discrimination cases in Philadelphia.
Trump’s decision to dismantle the Department of Education by closing seven offices dedicated to fighting discrimination falls in line with many of the other priorities of his second term. In just two months, the Trump administration has made policy decisions intended to take the United
Dopamine dysregulation
Counteracting brain rot
Oxford’s Word of the Year in 2024 was “brain rot.” This term refers to the deterioration of one’s intellectual or mental state, especially due to overconsumption of online content. It has become somewhat of a meme used to describe much of the social media landscape of TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube. But studies are showing content overconsumption has serious effects on our brains’ health. It turns out, we are destroying our minds by being chronically online.
A 2020 article published in the National Institute of Medicine highlighted the effects of digital technology on the brain. The study showed that some of the harmful effects of over-consuming technology include reduced attention, sleep disruption and
technology addiction. Dopamine, the main chemical involved in forming addictive habits, is released when we receive pleasure from various activities. When many people spend a significant amount of time scrolling before bed, this practice leads to sleep disruption due to it continuing the dopamine cycle. Short-form content on social media is designed to release short bursts of dopamine to the brain, and without proper boundaries, we essentially numb our minds’ capacities to form pleasurable links with other activities.
So, what can we do to counteract this? A solution is to replace our screen time before bed with reading. Reading has been shown to improve cognitive health and sleep while decreasing stress, all things that can accumulate from an excessive use of social media. Developing a bedtime routine can also be an effective strategy for building this habit and diminishing technology usage. As
Fly, Eagles, fly!
part of this routine, physical distance from your devices creates mental distance as well. Setting your phone away from yourself during this time will create a barrier and make its usage less incentivizing. In
States back in time, rolling back provisions designed to promote diverse, inclusive environments and removing protections for marginalized individuals. Without funding from the department and the guaranteed protection from discrimination in schools, the Philadelphia community will feel the effects of Trump’s bid to end equality.
recognizing the degenerative effects social media overuse can have on the brain, let’s look to keep brain rot only a meme and not a reality.
The Eagles as a symbol of cultural resistance
JARED NACHIMSON ’27
Columnist
The Philadelphia Eagles’ resounding victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at the 2025 Super Bowl was a testament to the meticulous cooperative effort that the team had undergone to establish themselves as one of the best football teams around.
However, it can likewise be argued that it also represented a passionate victory over the largely criticized and politicized Chiefs, who were prized to win the 2025 Super Bowl, uncovering a cultural revelation that imbued the underdog team with a special message. The Eagles have come to signify a certain type of rebelliousness against the status quo, undeniably in the
context of sports, but possibly also on a socio-political basis.
Among the reasons for this was the surprisingly inherent political nature of the teams’ associations. Even before the game’s kickoff, President Donald Trump was initially supportive of the Chiefs’ third consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl, possibly referencing the continued support he receives from Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Additionally, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce unexpectedly welcomed Trump to the game. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, on the other hand, differed in his reception of Trump, making his disinterest apparent.
Additionally, the halftime show, performed by Kendrick Lamar, emphasized and represented an intentionally political message that challenged the status quo in
its perception of race in the United States.
Actor Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam, deliberately wearing American flag colors, while an all-Black performer lineup sent a powerful message of pushing back against racism and advancing Black excellence.
Although the Eagles have accepted the invitation to receive congratulatory remarks from Trump at the White House April 28, the varying interest from players to attend the event remains to be seen. Alongside the president’s previous cancellation of the same event in 2018 due to likewise disinterest, the event has raised questions about the team’s enthusiasm for meeting a figure seemingly at-odds with players’ creeds.
As so, the team, whether intentionally or not, has become a symbol for fans
pushing back against what many consider divisive national politics, highlighting Philadelphia’s commitment to defining its own cultural identity.
GRAPHIC: CARA HALLIGAN ’25/THE HAWK
CAROLINE TRIMBLE ’26 Hawk Columnist
GRAPHIC: STEPHANIE SAVELA ’25/THE HAWK
GRAPHIC: CARA HALLIGAN ’25/THE HAWK
SAHR KARIMU ’26
Hawk Columnist
GRAPHIC: STEPHANIE SAVELA ’25/THE HAWK
‘Este es tu hogar’ Dueños de un mini mercado cuidan de estudiantes hogar
negocio es un verdadero esfuerzo familiar.
Para los dueños Rosanna (Rossy) Fernández y Junior Guaba, La Familia Mini Market no es solo un negocio. Es una obra de amor que refleja sus raíces dominicanas, sus valores y las conexiones que han construido con la comunidad a la que sirven. En los últimos cuatro años, La Familia se ha convertido en un punto de encuentro para estudiantes, familias y trabajadores. Más que un lugar para comprar alimentos, productos del hogar y comida recién preparada, este mini market representa un espacio de comunidad y pertenencia. Se encuentra en el 2117 N. 63rd St., en Filadelfia, justo al borde del campus de Hawk Hill y cerca de la estación Overbrook de SEPTA.
Fernández y Guaba son originalmente de la República Dominicana pero han vivido en Filadelfia por 10 años. Abrir La Familia fue su primer gran paso en el mundo del emprendimiento. Antes de tener su propio negocio, trabajaron en bodegas —pequeñas tiendas de conveniencia— en la ciudad, donde adquirieron la experiencia que los preparó para este nuevo capítulo. Cuando en 2021 se les presentó la oportunidad de abrir su propio mercado, eligieron el vecindario de Overbrook por su tranquilidad y cercanía con los estudiantes.
“Ya conocíamos esta área antes de mudarnos aquí, y simplemente sentimos que era el lugar indicado”, contó Fernández. El nombre La Familia nació por sugerencia de su hijo menor, quien lo propuso porque la familia siempre ha sido el pilar de sus vidas.
“Todos nuestros hijos trabajan aquí”, agregó Fernández, destacando que el
Abrir en 2021 no fue fácil, especialmente debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. Sin embargo, los dueños se adaptaron rápidamente, implementando medidas de higiene y aprovechando la oportunidad para hacer algunos cambios, como ampliar su menú con platos caribeños tradicionales, como las empanadillas. Estas mejoras reflejaron su compromiso de seguir sirviendo a la comunidad sin perder su esencia.
“Nos enfocamos en lo que la gente busca”, explicó Guaba.
La Familia está llena de una mezcla de productos básicos y artículos que ofrecen un sabor a hogar, como los tostones —trozos de plátano verde fritos dos veces para lograr una textura crujiente— y una gran variedad de productos Goya que son difíciles de encontrar en supermercados estadounidenses, pero que tienen un significado especial para la comunidad latina.
“Traemos cosas que la gente de América Latina y el Caribe extraña”, comentó Fernández.
Pero La Familia es mucho más que un mercado. Es un espacio donde todos son bienvenidos. Fernández y Guaba hacen todo lo posible para que cada cliente se sienta parte de su familia.
“Queremos que cuando vengas aquí sientas que estás en casa”, dijo Fernández con una sonrisa.
Incluso los clientes que no hablan español han adoptado el ambiente del lugar. Una noche, Fernández le dijo a un cliente estadounidense: “Aquí tienes, papi,” una expresión común de cariño en español. El joven cliente le respondió con una sonrisa: “Gracias,” algo que no esperaba, ya que el español no era su primer idioma.
‘This is your home’
La conexión de La Familia con la comunidad ha generado momentos inolvidables. Fernández se emocionó y se puso sentimental al recordar cómo algunos estudiantes han regresado con sus padres después de graduarse solo para agradecerles. Otros han donado ropa o utensilios que ya no necesitan al graduarse, los cuales Fernández y Guaba se encargan de enviarlos a familias en la República Dominicana. Para los estudiantes de St. Joe’s, el compromiso de la pareja con la comunidad va mucho más allá del papel tradicional de dueños de un negocio. Algunos tienen los números de teléfono de Guaba y Fernández y, en caso de emergencia, no dudan en llamarlos o enviarles mensajes incluso después de que la tienda haya cerrado. En algunas ocasiones, también son los padres quienes recurren a ellos.
Mini market owners take care of students
For owners Rosanna (Rossy) Fernández and Junior Guaba, La Familia Mini Market isn’t just a business. It’s a labor of love that reflects their Dominican roots, values and connection to the people they serve.
Over the past four years, La Familia has become a hub for St. Joe’s students, families and workers, offering not just groceries, household supplies and fresh cooked food but also a sense of belonging. The mini market is located at 2117 N. 63rd St. in Philadelphia, on the edge of the Hawk Hill campus near the Overbrook SEPTA train station.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Fernández and Guaba, a couple, have lived in Philadelphia for 10 years. Opening the market was their first leap into entrepreneurship. Before starting La Familia, they worked in bodegas — small convenience stores — in Philadelphia, gaining experience that prepared them for this new chapter. When the opportunity came to open their own store in 2021, they chose the Overbrook neighborhood for its tranquility and proximity to students.
“We already knew this area before we moved here, and it just felt right,” Fernández said through a translator.
The name La Familia was inspired by the youngest of their two children, who suggested it because family has always been at the heart of their lives.
“All our children work here,” Fernández added, underscoring how the business is a true family effort.
Opening in 2021 brought its share of
challenges, especially due to the covid-19 pandemic. The owners adapted quickly, prioritizing hygiene while also expanding their menu to include beloved Caribbean staples like empanadillas. These changes reflected their determination to serve their community while staying connected to their roots.
“We lean toward what the customer is looking for,” Guaba explained through a translator.
La Familia’s shelves are stocked with a mix of essentials and products that provide a taste of home, like tostones, twice-fried plantain slices, and a variety of products from the Goya brand that are hard to find in U.S. supermarkets but hold deep cultural significance.
“We bring in things that people from Latin America and the Caribbean miss,” Fernández said.
But La Familia is about more than just products. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Fernández and Guaba go out of their way to ensure every customer feels like part of their extended family.
“We want you to feel like this is your home,” Fernández said with a smile.
Even customers from outside the Latino community have embraced the welcoming atmosphere. One evening, Fernández told an American customer, “Here you go, papi,” an expression of care and affection in Spanish. She said the young customer replied, “Gracias.”
La Familia’s connection to the community has created countless meaningful moments. Fernández became
“Uno de mis amigos estaba enfermo, necesitaban medicina y la mayoría de las tiendas cercanas estaban cerradas”, comentó Daniela Lavergne-Vassallo ’25. “Le enviaron un mensaje [Fernández y Guaba] preguntando si, por casualidad, podían darle algo de medicina. Y ellos dijeron que sí sin pensarlo dos veces.” Lavergne-Vassallo también resaltó la generosidad de la pareja.
“A veces mi tarjeta no pasa, y ellos me dicen: ‘Paga la próxima vez.’ Eso no lo encuentras en ningún otro lado”, comentó.
A pesar de los desafíos, Fernández y Guaba siguen ilusionados con el futuro de su negocio.
“Estamos emocionados por todo lo que viene,” afirmó Fernández.
emotional as she recounted times when student customers brought their parents to the store after graduation to say thank you. Student customers have also donated items they no longer need after graduation, such as home appliances and clothes, which Fernández and Guaba send to families in the Dominican Republic.
For St. Joe’s students, the couple’s care for the community goes far beyond the typical role of business owners. Some of the students have Guaba and Fernández’s phone numbers and will call or text them after hours. Sometimes, parents will call, too.
“One of my friends was sick, and they needed medicine, and most of
the stores nearby were closed,” said Daniela Lavergne-Vassallo ’25. “They texted [Fernández and Guaba] and asked if by any chance they could give them some medicine. And they said yes.”
Lavergne-Vassallo said the couple is generous, too.
“Sometimes my card declines, and they’re like, ‘You can pay next time.’ That’s something you will get nowhere else,” Lavergne-Vassallo said.
Through all the ups and downs, Fernández and Guaba remain enthusiastic about the future of their business.
“We’re excited about what’s ahead,” Fernández said.
Rosanna (Rossy) Fernández y Junior Guaba, dueños de La Familia Mini Market en Overbrook. FOTO: BEN VANELLI ’25/THE HAWK
MARILEANA PARDO ’25
Special to the Hawk
Rosanna (Rossy) Fernández and Junior Guaba, owners of La Familia Mini Market, adjust the products on their store’s shelves. PHOTO: BEN VANELLI ’25/THE HAWK
MARILEANA PARDO ’25
Special to the Hawk
Misher Festival highlights arts and humanities
The 2025 Misher Festival of Arts & Humanities will return this year after a three-year absence, reviving a longstanding University of the Sciences tradition. The festival will have 20 events spread across the Hawk Hill, University City and Lancaster campuses from March 15 to March 22.
The Misher Festival is named after Allen Misher ’59, Ph.D., H ’95, who served as the 19th president of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy from 1984 to 1994. PCP became the University of the Sciences in 1998, which then merged with St. Joe’s in 2022.
During Misher’s time as president of PCP, he launched the Department of Arts and Sciences, which aligned with his belief in the importance of the humanities. The department was eventually renamed the Misher College of Arts and Sciences in 2000 to honor his contributions to PCP and the arts.
The Misher Festival also launched in 2000 when some of Misher’s friends developed the “Misher Professor Endowment” to provide students with greater exposure to the arts and humanities.
This year’s festival theme is “Meet Misher,” and it features a wide range of events, including open classrooms for disciplines, such as ceramics and Irish environmental writing, activities like film screenings and book discussions, and field trips to the Lancaster area, the Lantern Theater Company and the Esperanza Arts Center in Philadelphia.
A March 16 Zoom webinar Q&A with Misher kickstarted the week, hosted by Christine Flanagan, M.F.A., professor of English and member of the Misher Festival committee who helped organize past Misher Festival events at USciences.
During the webinar, Misher said the humanities and fine arts have always been an important part of his life.
“[The humanities and fine arts] introduce you to different aspects of your life that you can enjoy, that you probably wouldn’t under other circumstances,” Misher said. “So, having an interest in humanities has always been important to me. It’s part of the breadth of your life and your experience rather than the narrow focus on your career or your position.”
Flanagan, who has been working on the Misher Festival for about 20 years, said reviving the festival after three years
Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, known professionally as Doechii, has emerged into the music industry’s spotlight after gaining attention through TikTok. This attention led her to sign a joint venture with Top Dawg Entertainment and Capitol Records in 2022. For those who did not know her from TikTok, Doechii’s name was etched into the history books when she became the third woman to ever win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Her unique and individualized rap style continues to turn heads from people of all generations,
Who is Doechii?
has special significance for her as a legacy USciences faculty member.
“When we merged with St. Joe’s [in 2022], I felt great,” Flanagan said. “I really was looking forward to it because I felt like, ‘Oh, I’m not introducing the fine arts and literature to a place like this. St. Joe’s is a place that already values and welcomes humanities and the fine arts and its contribution to life, all these things.’ So, I felt really grateful for that.”
Nathan Baird, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and member of the Misher Festival committee, said St. Joe’s Jesuit ideals overlap with the objectives of the festival.
“You don’t have to be an expert,” Baird said. “Come and join with others and share together the beauty of learning and, for that matter, the beauty of being together. In that regard, there’s a significant connection to the Jesuit ideals of care for the whole person.”
Baird also commended Misher’s leadership for transforming PCP while he was president and creating a more diverse curriculum for students.
“Where there might have been maybe less than a handful of courses in [the humanities] prior to his presidency, the general education really became a general education under his leadership,” Baird said.
Misher wrote in an email to The Hawk that the humanities shape all students, and knowing the festival is continuing at St. Joe’s is very meaningful to him.
“There aren’t words that describe how delightful it is to know this,” Misher said. “It brings me more joy than I can describe.”
Currently in Pop Culture: Doechii
making her unstoppable.
Career breakthroughs
In December 2024, Doechii set the internet ablaze with her performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk. The video has now surpassed over 12 million views on YouTube, introducing all generations to her unique sound and talent. A little over two months later, Doechii took home the Grammy for her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” This project encompasses Doechii’s creativity and vulnerability and shows how her in-your-face raps create individual musical masterpieces. Most recently, Doechii was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year, following in the footsteps of musical icons like Billie Eilish and Madonna. This is just the beginning of Doechii’s stardom as she continues to change the rap industry, especially for women.
“Alligator Bites Never Heal” mixtape
Doechii’s third mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal” is a story consisting of 22 songs. It follows a journey of personal growth, preaching the importance of
learning how to fully process your life and not let fear take over. Doechii wrote the mixtape as a letter to herself and others on the road to sobriety, the road to success and the challenges Black women face. One of the most popular releases on the mixtape is “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” a vulnerable conversation between Doechii and her therapist alter-ego. Specifically, Docheii shares the story of her downward spiral after being cheated on by her ex-boyfriend. She sings about boys and intoxication, admitting the uncomfortable truth that sometimes it feels good to do bad things. Another hit is “Anxiety,” which Docheii first performed five years ago on her YouTube channel. But, thanks to TikTok, this catchy, versatile tune has recently risen in popularity, leading to its official release on the extended version of the mixtape this year.
OLIVIA GASPARRO ’27 Features Columnist
GRAPHIC: STEPHANIE SAVELA ’25/THE HAWK
Kersti Powell, Ph.D., associate professor of English and director of the Irish Studies Program, leads a discussion of Martin McDonagh’s play “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” for her Irish Environmental Writing class, March 17. PHOTOS: BEN VANELLI ’25/THE HAWK
BELLA PRIVITERA ’26 News Reporter
GRAPHIC: CARA HALLIGAN ’25/THE HAWK
SJU Irish Dance Club performs for a crowd in The Perch, March 17.
Christine Flanagan, M.F.A., professor of English, participates in the SJU Irish Dance Club s lesson for newcomers to the craft, March 17.
On The Beat: ‘ MUSIC’
After five long years of waiting, musician Playboi Carti released his new album “MUSIC” March 14. While I don’t consider myself a fan beyond enjoying a few songs here and there, I have been watching Playboi Carti’s rollout for “MUSIC” for the better part of these five years. Why? Because Carti has shown, in my opinion, that he has absolutely no clue how to deliver an album to the world.
After his 2020 release of “Whole Lotta Red,” Playboi Carti spent months teasing the deluxe version of his album, just to never release it. By the end of 2021, the deluxe became a new album called “Narcissist.” However, that album didn’t release either, even after constant teases. By 2023, the album’s name had been to “MUSIC,” though the longer title “I AM MUSIC” appears on the album cover. The album was teased again with a release promised for 2024, and was finally released in full this year.
The question remains: Was it worth the wait? The short answer is no, but I’ll give you the longer answer. Five years is a long time between albums, and if someone takes that long to release something, they should come back with
a reinvention of sorts. Playboi Carti did not come back with anything new. In fact, this album stacks up to be the same level of quality as all his other releases. I want to hammer this point in because, regardless of the argument that tells listeners, “This is just Carti, you just don’t like it,” it needs to be said. Five long years full of lies do not justify a product that’s just “acceptable.”
Most of the songs that stand out on the album are because of guest features, like “RATHER LIE,” which features angelic vocals from The Weeknd and follows a dreamy trap beat. Another standout song, “MOJO JOJO,” showcases Kendrick Lamar in a form I haven’t seen since his features on Baby Keem’s “range brothers” and “family ties.” Lamar also returns on the track “BACKD00R,” which feels like Carti’s version of “luther” off Lamar’s album “GNX.” Another positive of the album is the track “POP OUT,” which was a good way to start the album as it sets the tone for the rest of the tracks, for better or for worse.
“MUSIC” is a strange album release. On one end, it seems too monumental to not review based on the years of lore leading up to its release. On the other hand, it’s just a Playboi Carti album.
CROSSWORD: Women’s History Month
Across
3.Actress with the most Oscar wins.
6.First player signed to the WNBA and first woman athlete with a signature shoe partnership.
8.Best-selling solo woman music artist of all time.
9.Artist with the most Grammy Award wins.
10.First woman general manager of a Major League Baseball team.
Down
1.Author of the classic books “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Emma.”
2.Number of medals won by U.S. women in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
4.First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
5.Three-time NCAA champion coach and North Philadelphia native.
7.First woman to win a Nobel Prize.
For the five years of work leading up to its release, it sounds like the majority of the album was made in six months. Either way, “MUSIC” is a good example of how a rollout can make or break an
artist’s image within the industry. For Carti, releasing something so familiar after building it up for so long makes me believe the album will hurt his image for quite some time moving forward.
GRAPHIC: STEPHANIE SAVELA ’25/THE HAWK
PARKER HAYDEN ’25
Hawk Staff
TESS MARGIS ’26
Features Reporter
COMPILED BY: MIA MESSINA ’25/THE HAWK
GRAPHIC: CARA HALLIGAN ’25/THE HAWK
Game changers
How women bring a new perspective to sports journalism
MIA MESSINA ’25 Sports Editor
Last year, over Winter Break, I met up with Alex Coffey, the Philadelphia Phillies beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Coffey is my favorite writer, and has been for many years, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to her and soak up some of the advice she had to share.
Naturally, it did not take long for our conversation to shift to the topic of being a woman in the male-dominated world of sports journalism. We shared similar anecdotes of being the only woman in the room, often an uncomfortable or awkward feeling. We shared stories of receiving unsolicited feedback from random readers who tried to tear us down or prove they knew more than we did. We discussed all the usual things that come with being a woman in sports.
But then Coffey said something that has stuck with me since. She said that, despite the challenges, there is a strength and advantage to being one of the few women in the room: There was a natural ease the players carried into conversations with Coffey, unafraid to be a little more vulnerable.
A few months later, I was at a panel where the legendary Claire Smith spoke. As the first woman to cover a Major League Baseball beat full-time and a Black woman, Smith undoubtedly faced obstacles in her career. Yet, she, too, said something similar to Coffey. Many told Smith that the wives of the Yankees players would likely hate her because she was constantly around the team. Instead, she was quick to gain favor
with them because she knew not to call for an interview during dinner and would ask how players’ kids were doing when a wife answered the phone.
In sports journalism, some of the most basic lessons are to go beyond the game, to view the athlete as a person with a story rather than just their stats, to find an original spin on a story other people are also reporting and to enter an interview with the understanding that the person you are speaking to is the expert.
Being a woman helps many of these things to come naturally to me. I have been raised to put people at ease and make them comfortable while speaking to them, which is key to a successful interview. It also allows me to see beyond just statistics and lends itself to a natural desire to know a person’s story. Being an “outsider” in the boys club means I naturally have a different perspective or spin on things.
Since having these conversations, my perspective on my position has shifted. There are still the usual challenges I have to deal with, and with the hopes of pursuing a full-time career in sports journalism, I expect to have to deal with them for the rest of my life. The random emails and the passive-aggressive comments aren’t going to go away no matter how well-established or credible I may prove myself to be. Neither is the fact that I bring a unique perspective to a field that is so often covered the same way, and that’s exactly what will make me successful and able to stand out as a writer.
Club dance makes the right moves
CARLINA
HERSHOCK ’26
Special to Hawk
In just a few years, SJU Club Dance has exploded, with membership growing from about 10 members when the club was started in 2021 to over 80 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“This year, we made two separate teams. We have a performance team and a general team,” said Sofia Bongiovanni ’27, the club’s recently-elected vice president of events. “We got really popular this year, out of nowhere.”
SJU Club Dance is a student organization run through the Office of Student Leadership & Activities, different from the SJU Dance Team, which performs at school athletic events and competes nationally.
Billed as a “community, performance-based club,” SJU Club Dance is open to anyone, with no auditions required for the general team.
Last November, the club’s performance team danced at a Philadelphia 76ers game. Katelyn Frey ’26, outgoing vice president of events, reached out to a contact who works for the Sixers to set up the opportunity, Bongiovanni said. The club was accepted after the Sixers staff reviewed a video of them performing.
Led by outgoing co-captains Mary Kate Fazzino ’25 and Emma Seely ’25, the club worked throughout the fall semester to prepare for the performance.
Bongiovanni was given the task of choreographing the number. Everything was in her hands — the music, the formations, the practices. She wanted to make it unforgettable. She said seeing her choreography come to life was a surreal experience.
“It was so awesome because I’ve choreographed before when I was younger,
when I was on a dance team, but it was never thiscrazy,”saidBongiovanni.“Itwassomuch fun. I would do it a million times over”
Being a student-run organization, the funding responsibilities typically fall on the members themselves. For the performance at the Sixers, the club raised about $500.
For Cassidy Sieber ’26, current co-captain of the club, joining club dance was the perfect way to continue her passion without being too overwhelmed or putting too much pressure on herself.
“Igrewupdancing,andIcompetitively danced my whole life,” Sieber said. “Coming into college, I was a part of another organization, but I still wanted to dance. I met the captain, and they told me about the club and how I should come try it out. I tried it out for a week, and it was the perfect amount of responsibility
becauseitwasn’ttoocompetitive,itwasstill fun,andIwasstillabletodanceincollege.”
At the end of the fall semester, the club dance team elected a new executive board for 2025.
As the new vice president of events, Bongiovanni’s duty is to handle all the social activitiessuchasbig/littlereveals,formal,team bonding and team dinners An additional responsibility of all executive board members includeschoreographingroutines
“I am so excited to have been elected VP of events because I think it’s super importantto create a tight bond outside of just dance practice,” Bongiovanni said.
The team’s main focus this semester is preparing for the spring recital that typically takes place at the end of April. They have secured Bluett Theatre for the performance,whichwilltakeplaceMay1.
“I am mainly excited for the recital. It is such a fun time, preparing all the dances, learning new choreography, and just spending time with all the girls,” Sieber said.
The team’s leaders hope to continue growing the organization as the years go on, giving every dancer an opportunity to be a partofsomethingmemorable.
Beginning in fall 2025, SJU Club Dance will be an official club sport rather than a student organization, which will provide the club with more funding and marketing fromthe school.
“Next fall, SJU Club Dance will completely be rebranded,” Fazzino said. “It has been so amazing watching our program develop into somethingserious”
SJU Club Dance after performing at the 76ers game, Nov. 20, 2024 PHOTO COURTESY OF SOFIA BONGIOVANNI ’27
GRAPHIC: CARA HALLIGAN ’25/THE HAWK
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