The Hofstra Chronicle, April 25, 2023

THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE

KEEPING THE HOFSTRA COMMUNITY INFORMED SINCE 1935

Hofstra dance team brings home

second world championship

Hofstra hosts 13th presidential conference

By Michelle Rabinovich SPORTS EDITOR

Winning a Premier Pom world title at the International Cheer Union World Championships wasn’t on the Hofstra University dance team’s bingo card for the 2022-2023 school year.

The team placed second in the pom division at the Universal

Dance Association National Competition, and they weren’t expecting to compete at all in the spring offseason. That didn’t stop all 23 dancers from Hofstra University from giving Orlando, Florida, a show worthy of the gold medal at the International Cheer Union World Championships from Wednesday, April 19, to Friday, April 21.

“I’ve been competing in the dance team circuit for now eight years and going to the World

OPINION

Championship has always been a dream,” said Marina LoRe, a senior and team captain.

“As a leader and a captain, it means the world that I can say that I led the team to the world championship and that we came home with the gold.”

Being chosen to represent the United States at the ICU World Championship is an honor that few can share, and even fewer can speak to the thoughts and emotions in the middle of performing their craft in hopes of bringing home the gold.

“When I got on stage ... that’s when the nerves actually hit me, like, wow, I’m representing the United States of America right now,” said senior Gabriella Marinelli. “All we wanted was to be proud of what we had done and represent the Pride in the best way possible.”

Update the college admissions process

By Moriah Sukhlal NEWS EDITOR

As scholars, public officials, political experts and White House and congressional staff filed into the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center Theater on Wednesday, April 19, Hofstra’s campus buzzed with anticipation for the start of Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference: “The Barack Obama Presidency: Hope and Change.”

Obama and Enacting the Affordable Care Act, welcomed the address of administration officials and journalists, scholars participated in 15 panels to examine a range of topics including public, foreign, domestic, education and health care policies, as well as presidential leadership.

By Allison Siegel

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

It is no secret that the college admissions process is a long and arduous one. The system is, quite frankly, outdated. The reality is that the college admissions process needs to be altered to maintain enrollment rates.

Those who are lucky only

apply to college once. I have unfortunately had a great deal of experience with this process; I went through the application process three times. My first experience was as a high school senior applying to enter as a freshman. My other two applications were to enter as a transfer student. I was fortunate enough to have attended a private institution for high school, but when April of my senior year came around I felt helpless. I had no idea where I wanted to go, or what I wanted to do, which later resulted in me transferring from Bucknell University to Hofstra.

There is a remarkable amount

of pressure put on students leading up to their senior year to choose the “right” college. Although standardized testing is now optional for many institutions, the college admissions process is said to be even more cutthroat. The extraordinary amount of pressure imposed on students is the reason why colleges around the United States have seen a decrease in enrollment by nearly 4.7% from fall 2021 to spring 2022, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Students are looking for alternatives to higher education.

The conference, which took place from Wednesday, April 19, to Friday, April 21, included concurrent scholarly panels, plenary sessions and special exhibits which examined Obama’s historical terms in office and the impact of his legacy on the American presidency and politics.

“This conference provides scholarly analysis and key insights into what it takes to become a president,” said Susan Poser, president of Hofstra University, “to build and lead a team of policymakers, to work across political lines and to engage with journalists as they document for history, the arc of a presidency.”

While the plenary events, Media Coverage of the Obama Presidency, The Leadership and Legacy of First Lady Michelle

On Friday, April 21, researchers participated in a scholarly panel to analyze the “Party Politics, Public Support and Policymaking” of the Obama administration. The panel, moderated by Craig Burnett, associate professor of political science at Hofstra, consisted of researchers from across the United States including guest discussant Wendall Primus, senior policy advisor on budget and health issues to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi from 2005-2023.

The panel began with Jeff Bloodworth, professor of history at Gannon University, presenting his research on “The Obama Coalition’s Kryptonite: Ralph Stanely, Bruce Springsteen and the White Working Class.”

“Barack Obama was a master coalition builder,” Bloodworth said. “Only Obama could have united the kings and queens of bluegrass merengue, blues, jam

Scholars Craig Burnett, Jeff Bloodworth, Daryl Carter, Jonathan Lightfoot, and Aisha Wilson-Carter (from left to right) analyze the Obama presidency with the input of discussant Wendell Primus (far right).

Photo courtesy of Erin Quinn

The team now holds 10 national championship titles and two world championship titles.

Moriah Sukhlal / The Hofstra Chronicle

College admissions force students to find the “right” school.

Photo courtesy of Michael Marsh

Annabel Hofmann

Stultz

Assistant Copy Chiefs

Racette Madeline Sisk

Photography Editors

Lewis

Fabilli

Social Media Manager

Spinda

Reflecting on the “Party Policy, Public Support and Policymaking” of the Obama administration

CONTINUED FROM A1

Hofstra.

teachings.

bands, rock and hip-hop into a motley rainbow coalition of sonic electoral support.”

Bloodworth discussed the uniqueness of the political campaign strategy of the 2008 Obama coalition which enabled Obama to overturn the two white working-class voting blocks that would have hindered him from “earning the transformational mantel,” according to Bloodworth.

“Those were the Appalachian rural populace and workingclass whites in the north,” Bloodworth said.

Both groups still comprise the largest voting demographic. While these regions have historically been key Democratic inroads, they collapsed in the post-1968 era. As a result, Bloodworth noted that the 2008 Obama campaigns realized their hope of “political realignment” depended on Obama winning back Stanley and Springsteen voters.

The 2008 Obama campaign was successful due to its realization that “the northern white working class was the democratic key to victory,” Bloodworth said. “Like the rural populace and Appalachian, the campaign especially targeted those voters in swing states where they comprised the majority of the electorate.”

Afterward, Daryl Carter, professor of history at East Tennessee State University, presented his project “A Reawakening: Barack Obama and the Resurgence of Mainstream Extremism.” Carter’s research focused on how the historical undertones of the war with Iraq and the

election of America’s first Black president resulted in a resurgence of mainstream extremism.

“As Obama headed toward victory over Arizona senator John McCain in the fall of 2008, the economy entered a deep recession, one which accelerated and confounded major problems,” Carter said.

The Iranian war unleashed damaging effects on the U.S., as it compounded economic disillusionment, frustration due to lack of opportunity, an unprecedented increase of immigration leading to a minority-majority nation. These issues allowed the floodgates to open and introduce mainstream extremism, according to Carter.

For instance, Carter shared an anecdote with the audience. When he was performing research for his book, “Brother Bill: President Clinton and the Politics of Race and Class,” he stated a woman had said, “My country’s been stolen.” “Well,” Carter said, “did someone file a police report on that?”

To clarify, Carter explained that the woman “was reflecting ... the fear, anger [and] frustration over the previous decade which had allowed this [the election of a Black president] to occur.”

The last research presentation, “American Race Relations During the Obama Years and Beyond: Irony of Fate,” was presented by Jonathan Lightfoot, professor of teaching, learning and technology at Hofstra and Aisha Wilson-Carter, adjunct associate professor of writing studies and rhetoric at

Their research examined how “expectations were managed with respect to Black and white Evangelicals and systemic racist policies, and race relation,” Wilson-Carter said. “As we began analyzing the expectations for the first Black president, what we discovered was that the religion and politics and political affiliation became less prominent and at the core of the intersection was really representation and what that meant between the various nuance range of expectations.”

Regarding the intersection of race, religion and politics, Lightfoot and Wilson-Carter claimed that Obama’s strategic political and community campaign and his involvement with the Black Evangelical Church allowed him to gain the vote of the larger Black community.

“Barack Obama owed the Black Southside of Chicago church community a debt of gratitude for helping him to not only learn what it means to be a Black man in America,” Lightfoot said, “but for helping him to launch a political career that had brought him to the brink of assuming the head seat at the table of world power.”

Their research procured two major findings. The first was that the Black church played a significant role in American politics as it aided in “voter education and registration, hosting town hall meetings and holding officials accountable,” according to Wilson-Carter, and that the public perceived Obama’s first term to be more successful than his second.

Shortly after, discussant Wendell Primus shared his perspective on the three papers. In response to Lightfoot and Wilson-Carter’s research, Primus contextualized the issue.

“I see it as kind of one of the overriding issues here is abortion versus social justice,” Primus said.

Primus reasoned that most white Evangelicals voted for Republicans due to their tendency to lean towards the issues that coalesced with biblical

Regarding Carter’s paper, Primus presented an alternative look at the rise of extremism.

“Obama took on two big issues, climate change and the [Affordable Care Act], both very divisive,” Primus said.

He also acknowledged the strategic technique that Bloodworth discussed: the use of musicians in political campaigns to gain votes in key regions.

Students who attended the scholarly panels reflected on the impact of the Obama presidency and even related to the personal anecdotes of the researchers.

Madison Elliot, a freshman English major, reflected on her memory of Obama being elected as president.

“The points on representation really hit home cause I remember being a little kid when Obama was elected,” Elliot said. “Watching on TV with my mom, we’re a Black family ... seeing my people in the White House was important.”

Geneva Pierre, a sophomore neuroscience major, related to Wilson-Carter’s presentation.

“I do agree that it [the impact of Obama’s presidency] is a racial, religious and political thing,” Pierre said. “They all tie into one; you can’t ignore one. Obama did what he could as [Wilson-Carter] stated, ‘America does what America does.’”

Although former President Obama was not in attendance, he prepared a special video message for the conference.

“One of the things I tried to do was tell a generous, inclusive story about America where everybody has a seat at the table and where we can all be a part of perfecting this union,” Obama said. “I’m also proud that our administration was able to operate at the highest levels of power and still have a moral compass and an ethical code; we made some mistakes, but every day I had the privilege of working with a group of talented, idealistic people trying to change the world - they made me want to be a better president.”

Political historian Daryl Carter explains the connection between the resurgence of mainstream extremism to the Obama presidency.

Moriah Sukhlal / The Hofstra Chronicle

The candidates behind the 2023-2024 SGA election

glad that each campaign in this election has been engaging with the student body and making student government more visible to all students, so they “know who is in SGA and who to bring their concerns to.”

Both presidential candidates are dedicated to securing an 18th credit included in tuition, making the campus more ecofriendly and expanding the parking spaces available to commuting students.

By Alexis Friedman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year rapidly approaches, Hofstra University’s Student Government Association (SGA) looks to elect a new president and vice president for the upcoming academic year. Voting opens in the Hofstra portal on Tuesday, April 25, at 9 a.m. and closes at noon on Thursday, April 27.

This election is unique in that it is the first competitive SGA election in five years, and it allows students to vote for presidential and vice-presidential candidates individually rather than two candidates running on the same ticket.

This spring, the candidates for president are Lincoln Anniballi and Justin Fountain. The vice-presidential candidates are Sydney Livingston and Danny DeCrescenzo. While Anniballi and Livingston are running individually, Fountain and DeCrescenzo are running as part of the same ticket.

“I decided to run for president when I was looking through the old yearbooks that we have up in the SGA office,” Anniballi said, a sophomore political science major. “I was flipping through them, and on one hand, I was a little bit saddened be-

cause the pictures show a really strong university pride where people were very proud to be Hofstra students. There was a great community bond around our traditions, and looking around campus today, you don’t really see that.”

Bringing back the yearbooks is a major component of Anniballi’s campaign. He envisions students being able to share their pride, and he hopes to create a space where students feel that SGA is a successful “advocating body.”

Pride in the university is an important component of all campaigns running in this year’s SGA election, in addition to supporting student concerns by improving communication between students, SGA and university administrators.

“It is important that SGA is helping clubs come up with ideas of how to raise funds if they were not allocated their desired amount of funds,” said Fountain, a sophomore dual degree physician assistant program student. “The last big thing I want to see in the allocations process under my administration is encouraging collaboration between clubs and organizations for events.”

Regardless of who wins the presidential title, Anniballi is

A statement shared on the campaign Instagram account for Fountain and DeCrescenzo discussed the potential for building an underground parking garage to provide more options. The idea was brought to their attention by a student who had communicated with several university administrators researching the potential of an underground parking facility on campus.

“It is a wonderful idea to pursue, because an underground parking garage would not take away from the beauty of Hofstra’s campus, unlike an aboveground one,” DeCrescenzo, a junior audio and radio studies major, said.

Hofstra’s natural beauty and thriving campus community make it a unique space that feels like home to all students running in this year’s elections.

“My favorite part about Hofstra is that I can actually walk on the unispan and see five people I know,” Livingston, a sophomore business management major, said. “Then the next day, I see five more people I had no idea existed the day before.”

Prior to her run for vice president, Livingston took the time to write down critiques and concerns students have that need to be addressed by administrators and SGA, a list which has impacted the focus of her campaign.

“I’m really just doing this for the students,” Livingston said. “I have no interest in building up my resume through student government. My passion is advocacy, and I want the students to know that, win or lose, I’m actively trying to make a positive change on this campus.”

Information compiled by Lily Spinda

Graphic by Megan Naftali

Pictured above are the four students running for SGA: Justin Fountain, Danny DeCrescenzo, Lincoln Anniballi and Sydney Livingston.

Alexis Friedman / The Hofstra Chronicle

The Hofstra community takes action amid the fentanyl epidemic

of Public Safety. NARCAN is a “nasal spray that reverses the effects of the opioid and basically reverses the overdose,” said Robert Stahl, Hofstra’s head nurse practitioner.

freshman biology major Natalie Arizmendi.

By Lily Spinda & Simran Desai ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR AND SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Amid a fentanyl epidemic that continues to affect millions, Hofstra is expanding the availability of NARCAN on campus and even offering courses to train students to respond to overdoses.

“Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 through 45,” according to Breanna Baldwin, head of the harm reduction team at Overdose Lifeline in Indiana. “So that’s two generations of folks [who] fentanyl is the leading cause of death for.”

bar, or someone random is coming up to me at a bar, my first thought is definitely ‘what could be in this,’” said a senior, who requested to remain anonymous.

Last October, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislation requiring all SUNY and CUNY schools to stock naloxone in on-campus residence facilities. The legislation also required that residence assistants must be officially certified to use naloxone and identify the signs of substance abuse through a training course.

Ever since the mandate of the new legislation, Hofstra has been proactive in its response to national increases in fentanyl-

If students are using drugs or know of someone using, they can receive a prescription for NARCAN from the Wellness Center, Stahl said. All requests for NARCAN through the Wellness Center are confidential. There are also many opportunities to get certified in NARCAN administration around Hofstra’s campus.

A few years ago, Kristin LoNigro, a professor in the athletic training department, initiated an opioid overdose training program at Hofstra, administered through New York state. She became a certified NARCAN instructor and made Hofstra an approved site to teach the training. While LoNigro teaches CPR and AED in her first aid and safety classes, she now also teaches NARCAN training.

Due to popular demand, LoNigro taught two training classes this semester. At the end of the training classes, a blue NARCAN bag, including a face shield for CPR purposes, two NARCAN ampuls and extra resources, were distributed to the class.

“They’re walking out of that class with lifesaving skills that we hope they may never need. But if they do, they’re saving someone’s life,” LoNigro said.

Student-led organizations, such as Hofstra’s chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), are also beginning to hold training sessions. AMWA held a NARCAN training course on Monday, April 17, featuring guest speaker Stephen Butkus, adjunct assistant professor at Hofstra.

“Small steps lead to bigger things, and normalizing talking about addiction can create awareness,” Butkus said. He believes that raising awareness of substance abuse can help destigmatize drug abuse. “The more you share, the more likely people will change their attitude and perception,” Butkus said.

Sarah Wu, co-president of AMWA, helped organize the

event. While she’s never seen anyone overdose, she said, “I still think having the knowledge about the risks of overdosing and the tools to potentially save someone’s life if you witness someone overdose [is] important.”

“I think that having more members of the community carry Narcan will be helpful,” Wu said. She was supportive in AMWA and Hofstra providing resources to students.

The number of overdoses due to synthetic opioids is still growing. “In 2020, more than 56,000 deaths involving synthetic opioids (other than methadone) occurred in the United States,” according to the Center for Disease Control. In 2021, fentanyl was known to cause 70,601 deaths, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Other synthetic opioids are emerging like protonitazene, U-47700 and carfentanil whose effects have been seen to be significantly worse than fentanyl. For anyone struggling with substance abuse or who knows someone with addiction, visit the New York Department of Health’s website.

Over the last few years, fentanyl has been increasingly found laced with drugs commonly used by college students, such as marijuana.

Students who use drugs at Hofstra are aware of how serious the fentanyl epidemic really is. “When I am buying something like an edible or a punch

related drugs and overdoses.

Currently, all public safety officers at Hofstra carry NARCAN and are trained to administer it. They are also trained to recognize signs of narcotics use and signs of overdose, according to Jovanni Ortiz, manager of community outreach and engagement for the Department

Students who wish to become certified in NARCAN administration are advised to register for the first aid and safety class, under the name “EXPH 010.” If taking this course is not an option, students can attend one of LoNigro’s training classes, which is taught once a semester and open to all students.

“You never know what’s going to happen, so it’s useful to know what to do in that situation; you can save so many people’s lives by knowing [how to use NARCAN],” said

“They’re walking out of that class with lifesaving skills that we hope they may never need. But if they do, they’re saving someone’s life.”

All of Hofstra’s public safety officers are required to carry NARCAN and are trained on how to administer the drug in the case of a narcotic overdose.

AMWA held an event on Monday, April 17, educating students on the fentanyl epidemic and training them to properly administer NARCAN.

Photo courtesy of Simran Desai

Photo courtesy of Simran Desai

Hofstra’s Relay For Life returns to campus

Key:

coming from a room. PS

Public Safety Briefs

Compiled by Megan Naftali

NCPD responded and took a report.

PS - Public Safety

CS - Community Standards

NCPD - Nassau County Police Department

RSR - Resident Safety Representative

responded and discovered open bottles of alcohol. Six students were issued referrals to CS.

On April 16, at 9:44 a.m., an HU student reported to PS that some of their laundry was missing from the laundry room in Alliance Hall. The student requested a police response.

By Elise Robley

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Hofstra’s American Cancer Society (ACS) chapter will host its annual Relay For Life event on Saturday, May 6. It will be their first in-person relay event in four years.

The past three relays were either canceled or conducted virtually due to the pandemic and spikes in positive cases. However, this year, as the COVID-19 levels in New York continue to trend downward, Hofstra’s ACS chapter was given the clear in March to begin planning for the upcoming relay.

“I think the hardest part was not being able to come together as a community in any capacity, but especially at Relay For Life,” said Chelsea Whitney, senior development manager at the ACS. “It’s a very special place where survivors and caregivers are honored, [and] it’s a great place for people to grieve those that they have loved and lost to this terrible disease.”

Although past on-campus relays were open to teams outside the Hofstra community, this year’s event is centered around introducing Hofstra students to the event. The last in-person Relay was held in 2019, which means that most of the current student population was not here to experience it.

“The goal is to definitely get as many people as we can [to attend] because I think what

matters more is not the money this year but the awareness of it and making sure that the campus knows that it’s happening,” said Makenna Robbins, president of Hofstra’s ACS chapter.

The relay will feature many different types of activities for attendees, including team fundraisers, carnival games like pie a professor in the face and tug-of-war and performances by Danceworks and Hofstra’s a cappella groups. In addition, various ceremonies will be held throughout the night dedicated to remembering lost loved ones and providing support for survivors and caregivers.

Robbins said that the luminaria ceremony and the silent lap around the track tend to be the most emotional moments of the night. A luminaria is a bag filled with lights that can be decorated with the name of an individual who lost their battle with cancer, a survivor or someone who is currently battling cancer. Then, after dark, the bags are used to light the track and provide a guiding light for the participants.

“There will always be someone walking on there, and [with] each lap, you’re showing that you’re giving hope to people with cancer,” Robbins said.

To join Relay For Life, students can register individually or with their student organizations as a team. Approximately 20 teams have registered to par-

ticipate in the event and started to fundraise.

Paige McLear, a senior political science major, is a part of the Phi Alpha Delta/Moot Court team and is listed as having raised the most money for her team.

“My oldest brother was actually one of the biggest [donors] for me, so that was very important,” McLear said. “My grandfather passed away from cancer when I was nine, so it’s a very impactful thing for my family. It feels good to know that I’m raising this money, and it is going to something that I care about.”

Whitney and Robbins both discussed the importance of hosting a Relay For Life on campus because students will be motivated to attend other relays in the future and advocate for those who are affected by cancer every day.

“I think college students are our future, and it’s a wonderful example of the power of community and the power of coming together for a united cause,” Whitney said. “Hofstra University, in the past, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research and for cancer patients and their families, and they wouldn’t have been able to do that if this event didn’t take place and bring the community together.”

The Relay For Life will take place from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on May 6 at the Intramural Fields.

On April 8, at 4 a.m., the RSR working in Bill of Rights Hall reported to PS that two HU students and a nonstudent failed to comply with Hofstra guest policy and verbally harassed the RSR. The non-student was banned from campus, and the two students were issued referrals to CS for their actions.

the RSR working in Bill of Rights Hall reported to PS that two HU students and a non-student failed to comply with Hofstra guest policy and verbally harassed the RSR. The non-student was banned from campus, and the two students were issued referrals to CS for their actions.

On April 8, at 11:14 p.m., the RA in Utrecht House reported to PS that, while conducting rounds, there were loud noises coming from a room. PS responded and discovered open bottles of alcohol. Six students were issued referrals to CS.

On April 8, at 11:14 p.m., the RA in Utrecht House reported to PS that, while conducting rounds, there were loud noises coming from a room. PS responded and discovered open bottles of alc

On April 11, at 2:18 p.m., it was reported to PS that an unknown person wrote messages in chalk on the sidewalk on the south side of Hofstra Hall. Photos were taken of the graffiti, and an investigation is being conducted into this matter. The plant department was notified for cleanup.

On April 8, at 4 a.m., the RSR working in Bill of Rights Hall reported to PS that two HU students and a non-student failed to comply with Hofstra guest policy and verbally harassed the RSR. The non-student was banned from campus, and the two students were issued referrals to CS for their actions.

On April 8, at 11:14 p.m., the RA in Utrecht House reported to PS that,

On April 15, at 6:53 p.m., an HU student reported to PS that they lost their wallet containing their driver’s license, Hofstra ID, debit card and cash. The wallet was lost in a location off campus. The

while conducting rounds, there were loud noises

On April 11, at 10:20 a.m., an HU plant employee reported to PS that he accidentally damaged a vehicle owned by another Hofstra employee on Holland Road while working on the main campus. The owner of the vehicle was notified about the damage and responded to PS.

On April 16, at 10:26 p.m., an HU student was issued a referral to CS for swiping an unknown person into Netherlands South.

On April 17, at 9 a.m., an HU student reported to PS that an unknown vehicle struck their vehicle in the law school parking lot. The student had a dashcam video, and the Hempstead police responded and took a report.

On April 18, at 4:08 p.m., an HU student was issued a referral to CS for giving their Hofstra ID to a non-student so they could enter Colonial Square East.

On April 11, at 2:18 p.m., it was reported to PS that an unknown person wrote messages in chalk on the sidewalk on the south side of Hofstra Hall. Photos were taken of the graffiti, and an investigation is being conducted into this matter. The plant department was notified for cleanup.

On April 18, at 10:40 p.m., the fire alarm in Bill of Rights Hall was activated due to hair care products. The alarm sounded, and the building was evacuated. PS, the plant department and the Uniondale Fire Department responded to the location. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.

On April 12, at 9:50 p.m., the fire alarm in Estabrook Hall was activated due to hair care products. The alarm sounded, and the building was evacuated. PS, the plant department and the Uniondale Fire Department responded to the location. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.

On April 20, at 5:40 p.m., an HU student reported to PS that, upon returning to their vehicle that they parked near the student center bus stop, they discovered damage to the front passenger side bumper. Police assistance was declined at the time.

On April 14, at 5:25 p.m., the fire alarm in Hampton House was activated due to burnt food in the

kitchen. The alarm sounded, and the building was

Alexis Friedman / The Hofstra Chronicle

Hofstra’s American Cancer Society will host the first in-person Relay For Life in four years on Saturday, May 6.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Whitney

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER!

Stay on track for graduation during Summer Sessions 2023:

• Session I: May 24 - June 28

• Session II: June 29 - August 3

• Session III: August 7-25

Each session offers a wide-range of undergraduate and graduate courses – now offered in-person and online – for continuing Hofstra students. Many classes even fulfill distribution requirements!

REGISTRATION

FEATURES

This Hofstra Life: Fatima Moien

By Ethan Albin OPINION EDITOR

Fatima Moien moved to the United States from Pakistan at two years old, taking English as Second Language (ESL) classes in school. Today, at 22 years old, she is an award-winning journalist.

After just six months at Hofstra University, pursuing a graduate degree in journalism, Moien was featured in a video on ABC’s “The View,” won a Gracie Award and was awarded a $10,000 scholarship in honor of Barbara Walters for her work on the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication (LHSC) production “Live from Studio A.”

“To win something so massive and see the respect and garner attention for my story and for who I am, I know this is a bigger win than me,” Moien said. “This is a win for the university. It’s a win for other women of color.”

It all started when Moien was asked to host “Live from Studio

A” and interview a guest star in November 2022. The segment featured Shavone Charles, the multi-hyphenate author of “Black Internet Effect.” Fatima’s producer sent the segment into the Gracie Awards, where it was then nominated for Best OnScreen Talent.

When her feature was aired on “The View,” Moien sat in the live crowd with her parents and was surprised when Whoopi Goldberg, one of the hosts of “The View,” announced she won a Gracie Award and that ABC was awarding her a $10,000 Barbara Walters Scholarship.

Only a year ago, Moien was asking her parents to allow her to be in the journalism graduate program at Hofstra.

“I was telling my mom and dad, ‘I will prove myself, I promise you,’” Moien said. “It makes me so emotional that things just happen because you work hard, and things end up finding their way.”

Moien feels as though this win

dispels any doubts she had in herself.

“I’m a first-generation student. I’m a brown girl,” Moien said. “There’s not many [like] me in the [LHSC]. Being so limited to who I am, how I look and not getting a sense of relatability a lot of times, I do have to be a champion for myself.”

Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of LHSC, believes it is inspiring to see Moien’s success.

“Any young woman of color watching that program could say, ‘Maybe I can do that too,’” Lukasiewicz said. “I think that’s just tremendously valuable.”

Moien’s desired career path was not always journalism; she came to Hofstra with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and now hopes to cover stories related to social justice.

“I stand out because I don’t see stories as a journalist,” Moien said. “I see it as someone who has worked in civil service; someone who has an eye for empathy and a unique understand-

ing of people’s vulnerabilities.”

Moien is also a graduate research assistant for the Long Island Advocate, LHSC’s locally focused publication. Scott Brinton, one of Moien’s journalism professors at Hofstra University, believes she has done great reporting for the Wage Theft Project, which he personally works on, and the Excluded Worker Project. These projects work to expose the exploitation of immigrant workers on Long

Poem: white rainbow

By Aidan Judge ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

blue never was the way to me the strike of a brush against a canvas so bare

and the slip of a hand beneath pointed waves

waking up to a smoke-covered sun

gently breathing through a glowing haze

i saw diamonds in my deepest dreams

resting through a dauntless vernal night but i suffocated as the moonflower in a rose bush

a sodden palette of bark glistening in my palm

creating hues beyond the power of slumber

just to watch myself perish in a shattered mirror

and let my luscious tears twist my throat into a barren vignette

the seal of a mother’s kiss brings death upon golden vivacity

a place where a wistful rainbow is its proudest shade of white.

Island. Moien covered a protest in Rockville Centre in front of Nick’s Pizza, which was one of the main violators discussed in the Wage Theft Project Series. He sees many strengths in her journalistic work.

“I’m a big believer that one of the most important superpowers of any great journalist is empathy,” Brinton said. “I think she’s in journalism for all the right reasons.”

Photo courtesy of ABC’s “The View”

Photo courtesy of Stainless Images / Unsplash

M AN ON THE U NISPAN

What are you most excited about for Music Fest?

By Zoe Casselman and Julian Rocha ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR AND FEATURES EDITOR

“Beer. They sell that there, right? And Ski Mask.”

verheard @ h O fstra

“Immanuel fuck my Kant.”

“These cis Scilian sisters.”

“Just because Venus is in Gatorade doesn’t mean you get to have a bad attitude.”

“You can’t pregame church and then get the body of Christ.”

“If oral exams were blowjobs my GPA would be way higher.”

“CupcakKe and when she starts singing that one particular song. Everyone will be really thrilled.”

“My dad was talking about how this man Jack Daniels was helping him but it took me a few years before I understood what it was.”

“The only thing I’m doing in Jersey is leaving.”

“This is one of those songs where I only know the Minecraft version.”

“Is he a sexual predator or just a weirdo?”

“Gotta have my post-shit hee-hees.”

Spread by Audra Nemirow

“Ski Mask.”

- Daniel Wisun, sophomore

- Xander Bass, senior

- Emma Hartman, freshman

Zoe Casselman / The Hofstra

Chron Critiques: Supercharged Entertainment

By Frankie DiCalogero ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Supercharged Entertainment, located in Edison, New Jersey, is home to the world’s largest indoor multi-level go-karting track. At Supercharged, you can, of course, take a spin on the go-karts in an intense and high-speed race, but you can also try axe throwing, bionic bumper cars, the drop and twist tower, virtual reality or the extensive gaming arcade. Needleless to say, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Supercharged Entertainment with my friends for the first time. We were all excited to check it out, though we were expecting a long wait time since there is usually at least an hourlong wait. Thankfully, that was not the case.

The wait was only 20-30 minutes, and upon entering there were plenty of great safety measures. Before you get in line, you must sign a quick and simple waiver on your phone. When in

line, each person in your group must add their name to a piece of paper, which is then sent over to the cashiers so that your payment is ready to be given when you reach the register.

Knowing the popularity and uniqueness of Supercharged Entertainment, I was expecting this to be an expensive outing. However, the price was reasonable. For one race, it was $29 per person. My group of six chose the two-race bundle, which was $58 per person. If you’re feeling up to it, you can choose the three-race bundle which is $81 per person.

There are two tracks for go-karting, and each race lasts for nearly 10 minutes. Safety is once again a priority at Supercharged Entertainment, as you must put on a stylish and hard safety helmet that feels like you’re a NASCAR driver. You are also given a neck brace that buckles.

The race, as mentioned before, was fast. It was exciting all throughout and is the perfect avenue for some great competi-

tion between you and your family or friends. There are some tough turns that may pose challenging to some, but this is a professional track with updated and technologically advanced go-karting materials.

Supercharged Entertainment is worth checking out. If you plan on going, however, know that as of now, they are not accepting online reservations. It is operating on a walk-in, first come, first serve basis.

Chron Cooks ft. Anna DeGoede: Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

By Anna DeGoede MANAGING EDITOR

While I personally can’t vouch for how this recipe tastes, my dog gets excited about them every time she goes to bed at night, so they must not be all that bad!

This recipe makes a lot of treats, so I suggest making a large batch ahead of time and then freezing some for later.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup powdered milk

½ cup quick-cooking oats (not instant)

½ cup smooth peanut butter

2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flours, powdered milk, oats, peanut butter and wheat germ.

3. With the mixer on low speed, add the egg and the water, and mix until it forms a slightly sticky ball.

4. Dump the dough out on a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball, then roll it out into a ½ inch thick sheet.

5. Cut into biscuits – a dog bone cookie cutter is optional – and place on the prepared sheet pan.

6. Bake for one hour until completely hard. Let cool, then treat your favorite pet.

Anna DeGoede / The Hofstra Chronicle

“There are two tracks for go-karting, and each race lasts for nearly 10 minutes. Safety is once again a priority at Supercharged Entertainment, as you must put on a stylish and hard safety helmet that feels like you’re a NASCAR driver.”

Photo courtesy of Supercharged Entertainment

Greek Week fun at Hofstra

This past week, Hofstra’s Office of Student Leadership and Engagement kicked off its annual Greek Week celebration. A total of 19 social and pre-professional sororities and fraternities competed in teams during the Pixar-themed week of fun and games. The festivities began with a can castle building competiton, during which each team had to build a castle using non-perishable canned food items.

Spread by Emma Fabilli

Photos by Jacob Lewis / The Hofstra Chronicle

Arts And EntErtAinmEnt

VOL. 89 ISSUE 7

Photo Courtesy of The New York Times

Quick Hits How ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ won the hearts of fans

By Peter Pistone STAFF WRITER

Six years ago, rumors began to spread about a new film for the iconic “Super Mario Bros.” franchise, stating that the film would be under development by Illumination Entertainment.

With Chris Pratt playing the role of Mario, Jack Black as Bowser and Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, few were fond of the choices presented for the movie. It wasn’t until the trailer officially dropped that more people began to get excited.

As time passed, the advertisements for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” skyrocketed with one of the best marketing techniques in the form of the “Super Mario Bros. Plumbing” commercial and website. Many people were hooked and excited; fans of the original series were noticing references to games old and new. Some began praising the animation as Illumination’s best-looking film.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is without a doubt one of the best video game adaptations

made yet. This film is faithful to the original series through its references to older and newer material, has a good story, great character moments and arguably the best animation that Illumination has ever put out. Despite the cast being comprised of established actors, the voice acting is phenomenal. Surprisingly, Chris Pratt does a respectable job as Mario. However, the best performance in this film is Jack Black’s Bowser. Black brings so much life to the character that the performance can easily be compared to Bowser’s personality in the Mario RPG series. Even when Bowser starts singing, Black brings so much personality that the character feels perfect.

Charlie Day’s performance as Luigi is also great, perfectly reflecting Luigi’s cowardice in a way that makes his character shine. It is a shame we don’t get to see more of Luigi in the movie, outside of the first half and the final battle. Keegan Michael Key gives Toad more character, which is the best move Illumination Entertainment could’ve made. Anya Taylor

Joy’s Princess Peach is fantastic and honestly diverges the most from her video game counterpart in terms of personality, but Joy makes it work in the best way possible. Seth Rogen’s Donkey Kong is just okay; there isn’t much to say about him, sadly. Visually, this movie is amazing. Illumination really went all out with the animation here. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is also filled to the brim with references from the series as well as other Nintendo properties. From locations to characters and enemies, Illumination Entertainment really put everything they could into its short runtime.

The plot of this movie is, unfortunately, paper thin. It’s not to say “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has a bad story, but there’s not much that really goes on in the film from a storyline perspective. It doesn’t have many turning points or explanations for certain aspects of the Mushroom Kingdom, for example. The movie attempts to develop the characters, but it ends up feeling rushed and it only pushes the movie forward.

Part of the reasoning behind this issue was the movie’s pacing. This movie is only an hour and a half long. It can be argued that the first “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie was around the same length as the Mario movie, but the difference is that the Sonic movie took its time to reach its end goal and developed Sonic’s character over the course of the film and into the sequel. The issue with Mario and Luigi’s development is that, toward the finale, it doesn’t feel like they’ve grown into this role, especially Luigi, who is hardly in the film’s second act. Is this film worth seeing despite the criticism? Absolutely. Regardless of what’s been said, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is still an incredibly fun and enjoyable film for fans and moviegoers. As far as video game movie adaptations are concerned, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is iconic for fans of the original series and a must-see. It’s the best we’ve gotten thus far.

Gritty children’s movies: Hollywood’s strangest trend

By Aidan Judge ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Every once in a while, there comes a time when Hollywood tends to hyper-fixate on rather strange trends within the film industry. Over the years, audiences have seen film trends such as desaturated coloration techniques, remakes of classic films and biopics based on deceased, iconic celebrities.

However, one Hollywood trend trumps all in terms of outright absurdness and unnecessary complexity: the gritty, live-action adaptations of children’s entertainment. Now, this is a rather specific field of media to focus on, but plenty of examples make a case for it being a legitimate trend in Hollywood in the 2000s and 2010s.

The first major example of this type of media is Michael Bay’s brooding, over-the-top adaptation of the iconic “Transformers” franchise, which reinvigorated the namesake toy line’s popular-

ity after the first film in 2007. Using the toys and previous animated television shows as source material, Bay turned the once colorful and cheerful “Transformers” franchise into a dark, deeply serious collection of action films that completely changed the original franchise into something completely unrecognizable.

With big names such as Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox fronting the project, the films became massive hits with audiences, spawning five sequels and one spin-off film. Although the films received mostly negative reviews from critics, “Transformers” quickly went from a relatively forgotten 1980s action toy collection to one of the highestearning film franchises in the entire history of cinema. So, was “Transformers” a one-off success? To put it simply: no.

Of course, the success of the gritty children’s media adaptation trend cannot be discussed without considering the massively

significant success of the Marvel franchise. Although it’s difficult to put Marvel films under the lens of “children’s media” these days because of how omnipresent the franchise has become in all areas of entertainment, we must remember that the source material for these culture juggernauts of film is a type of media that kids consume quite regularly: comic books.

It’s hard to believe that iconic, uber-serious characters like Captain America and Iron Man started out as colorful, goofy cartoon superheroes before they were turned into the dark, brooding and badass figures that we see on the big screen.

Some may feel that it’s a bit strange that gritty adaptations of children’s media are a success, but the real question is, why are they successful? Well, we must acknowledge that nostalgic media is something Hollywood has been cashing in on for generations, and it doesn’t look like utilizing it for major film

profit is going anywhere anytime soon. Think of franchises like “Stranger Things,” with its ‘80s quirks, or the recent revival of the 2000s Nickelodeon classic “iCarly.” Both shows rely heavily on audiences that they know are tuning in to be reminded of simpler times from their childhood.

At the heart of these adaptations always lies the desire to make people feel like things are how they used to be. It’s a payday for major film companies to bring forth a revival of a franchise they know their audience is familiar with, so why not continue with these easy money makers?

But who knows? Maybe your childhood favorite is on the list for a twisted live-action adaptation soon. In the age of Michael Bay’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” movies, anything is possible.

Photo courtesy of NBC

The Harry Potter series is set to be rebooted in a television series.

Jonathan Majors has been dropped from several major projects following his arrest in Manhattan.

Foo Fighters announces new album following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins.

Lionsgate is producing a TV adaptation of “Twilight.”

Photo courtesy of j-14

Photo courtesy of Tech Advisor

Moon Bin, the famous k-pop singer has passed away at 25.

Photo courtesy of Vulture

Photo courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

Lost love and self-healing in Ruston Kelly’s ‘The Weakness’

By Alexis Friedman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Three years after one of his songs was included on former President Barack Obama’s favorite songs of 2020, the dirt emo singer Ruston Kelly’s third full length studio album “The Weakness” was released on Friday, April 7.

In “The Weakness,” Kelly discloses his innermost thoughts and fears through his lyrics. Throughout the album Kelly writes of “her,” a reference to his ex-wife Kacey Musgraves, and gives voice to the emotionality of heartbreak and his continued struggles with addiction, a theme throughout his previous work.

While the album is named after the title track, “The Weakness” isn’t even close to being one of the best on the album. It introduces the personal conversation he has about loss and struggles every human faces, setting the foundation for the following 11 tracks.

“When you can sum something up singularly, and then put

it against the whole and see the bigger picture, you really can understand your sense of direction, sense of purpose, and also your sense of peace,” Kelly shared with Rolling Stone, describing this album as “self-help rock.”

Highlight tracks on “The Weakness” are ones with the more personal, deep messages that reveal Kelly’s inner monologue. These tracks include “Hellfire,” “St. Jupiter,” “Mending Song,” “Holy Shit” and “Better Now.”

The chorus of “Hellfire” strikes a chord deep within as Kelly empathetically voices emotions and thoughts that can overtake one’s head. He sings, “Sometimes I wish I was somebody else / I give

in, I give up / Maybe don’t and just wish me luck.”

“Mending Song” is the most critically acclaimed song on “The Weakness” and has garnered

which repeats, “I wanna live like I’m only made of air / And I will forgive what was done out of despair / I wish you only happiness and healin’ / And I hope that you’re findin’ it out there.”

over 600,000 streams on Spotify. The track reads as a story of Kelly’s life from birth to death and is reminiscent of his 2020 hit “Brave” that made Obama’s list of favorite songs for 2020.

The most impactful lyric from “Mending Song” is the chorus,

Comparatively, “Brave” is much more focused on legacy, as Kelly opens the song singing, “Who am I and how will I / Be remembered when I die,” and concludes with a description of how he hopes to be remembered. Both songs showcase Kelly’s immense talent for lyricism and the personal emotion poured into each. Through recollections of his life, Kelly shares with the world incredibly personal thoughts and feelings in a stream-of-consciousness songwriting style.

The only song that leaves

listeners wanting more personal information and the full story behind the song is “Michael Keaton.” Kelly tells a story of someone, assumed to be himself, getting high on CBD early in the morning and pondering Michael Keatons’s death in the 1996 film “Multiplicity.” The verses and chorus tell the story for the point of the song but leave much to be assumed about what really happened to inspire it.

“The Weakness” chronicles Ruston Kelly’s innermost thoughts, feelings and fears, while discussing heartbreak, loss and addiction. His songwriting is powerful in its uncanny journalistic style, giving listeners understanding, empathy and the feeling that they really know Kelly. It is a deeply personal album that has helped Kelly come to terms with his past and gives everyone touched by his voice the opportunity for personal recollection and growth.

“The Weakness” is available on any music streaming service.

Chris Evans returns to his rom-com roots in ‘Ghosted’

By Kat Salmon ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

On Friday, April 21, Apple TV+’s action-packed rom-com “Ghosted” was released. It follows Cole (Chris Evans) chasing after Sadie (Ana de Armas). Sadie ghosted Cole after one romantic date, and Cole makes it his mission to get Sadie back because he thinks that she could be the one. He later finds out that Sadie lives a much more exciting life than he originally thought.

While the film did not live up to its hype, it was entertaining and funny. Evans and de Armas make an excellent pair. Throughout the movie, you are constantly rooting for them to get together. As multiple people in the film say, they need to just “get a room!”

The film realistically portrayed the difficult feeling of being ghosted by someone. Cole had the guts to go chase after the girl who had stopped communicating with him, something most people

would be too scared to do.

Since Evans portrayed Captain America, fans have gotten so used to him being the strong and confident hero. In “Ghosted,” he was just an average person who happens to be a hopeless romantic wanting to find the love of his life. It was refreshing to see Evans portray a normal guy.

De Armas does an amazing performance as Sadie. She has truly grown as an actress with every role she takes on. In her portrayal of Sadie, de Armas shows how you can still be a strong and independent woman but also want to find a genuine connection with another person.

The rest of the film’s cast is filled with big names like Amy Sedaris, Tate Donovan, Sebastian Stan, Adrien Brody, Anna Deavere Smith, Anthony Mackie and Ryan Reynolds. Mackie, Stan and

Donovan and Sedaris played Cole’s parents, and their witty banter rivaled de Armas and Evans’. Your parents will appreciate what they bring to the film. It would be interesting if we could get their story in a possible prequel.

Some of the action scenes in “Ghosted” seemed out of place or just too over-thetop, such as the scene during which Cole gets kidnapped.

and Sadie race each other up the iconic “Exorcist” stairs in Georgetown. Viewers from the DMV area will appreciate its inclusion in the film because those stairs are a huge landmark.

The film’s soundtrack is also deserving of praise. It features a range of artists from Dua Lipa to Jet to The Knack. Hearing The Knack’s 1979 hit “My Sharona” was the icing on the cake.

Reynolds’ roles were just cameos, but they were absolutely hilarious! The casting director did an amazing job putting these actors together.

It may have just been the CGI, but it looked like it did not belong in the film.

Whoever chose the filming locations did a great job, especially with the scenes set in Washington, D.C. Early in the film, Cole

Their chemistry throughout the film will leave viewers hoping that de Armas and Evans will work together again in the future. Until then, you can watch the previous movies they have starred in together, “Knives Out” and “The Gray Man.”

This may not be the movie you rewatch all the time, but it will give you a good laugh. If you are having an off day, watch “Ghosted.”

“Ghosted” can be streamed on Apple TV+.

Kelly was married to country superstar Kacey Musgraves.

Photo courtesy of Country Now

The film began production in 2021.

Photo courtesy of New York Times

‘Evil Dead Rise’ is a gruesomely groovy gift for fans

By Michael Gaborno STAFF WRITER

“Evil Dead Rise” is the fifth film in the long-running and beloved “Evil Dead” horror franchise. It arrives 10 years after Fede Alvarez’s remake/reboot/ sequel and five years after the final episode of the television revival “Ash vs Evil Dead.” Plans for a crossover between the remake’s protagonist Mia and the original trilogy’s Ash Williams fell through as did a fourth season for “Ash,” and although both would’ve been great to have, “Rise” ended up being a perfect way to bring the franchise back to life.

This time around, we see the demonic forces awakened by the Book of the Dead launch an unrelenting assault on Beth, her sister Ellie and the latter’s three children as well as their neighbors on the top floor of a Los Angeles high-rise apartment. Apart from the memorable opening sequence that takes place at an idyllic lakeside cabin (punctuated by one of the greatest title card drops of

any film in recent memory), it’s a refreshing change in setting from most of the films. The new characters are interesting and sympathetic enough for us to not want them to get mercilessly torn apart and maimed by various household appliances (speaking of which, that cheese grater scene from the trailer does not disappoint).

The character writing is fairly standard, but emotionally committed and physically honed performances from everyone, including the child actors, make them worthy protagonists.

Franchise newcomer Lee Cronin had an imposing task when

it came to directing a film that can be ranked among the “Evil Dead,” and he proved to be more

remake. There are plenty of nifty visual homages to the previous films including one particularly eye-widening kill that unexpectedly channeled one of the most memorable visual gags of the second film.

than up to the challenge. Cronin demonstrates enthusiastic command of camera work and style, offering the swooping and erratic push-ins and wicked angles that Raimi established while retaining the grimy aesthetic of Alvarez’s

Cronin also did a fantastic job with the horror aspect of “Rise.” It’s as tense, creepy and flat-out disturbing as anything the horror genre has come out with in the past decade, with a stronger emphasis on shocking and sadistic body horror than its predecessors. The look of the Deadites is freakier than ever, and the ways they chose to torment and dispose of their hapless victims are inventive and jaw-droppingly nasty. Cronin does not hold back on killing off likable characters in horrific and upsetting ways.

The 1,717 gallons of fake blood

used for production were undeniably put to good use. Along with the abundance of set pieces, there’s a great reference to “The Shining” as an elevator fills with blood and the nonstop, hypergory finale takes such a sharp turn into extreme splatter territory that it’s genuinely surprising that it (thankfully) made it past censors.

Originally intending to release it only on HBO Max, Warner Bros. saw how well it was testing with audiences and rightly decided to release it in theaters. It’s a lean and very, very mean roller coaster through hell that should absolutely be seen in a packed auditorium with a crowd of both fans and casual viewers who don’t know what they’re getting into. A deliriously entertaining blend of enjoyable callbacks, fresh scares and expectedly hardcore thrills, “Evil Dead Rise” is overflowing with the wild and blooddrenched terror that fans have been craving, and it naturally sets up some very promising new directions for the franchise.

‘Demon Slayer’ returns for a third season

By Josie Racette ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

The third season of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” aired on Sunday, April 9, and it has become one of the most popular shows of the spring 2023 season.

Based on the original manga written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge, the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” show is brought to life by the Japanese animation studio ufotable, also known for the “Fate/stay night” series. “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” follows Tanjiro and his younger sister Nezuko as they fight in the war against demons and try to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human.

Opening with the death of Tanjiro’s family, the show immediately tells its audience how dark and violent it will get. Nezuko, who is turned into a demon, refuses to harm humans and sleeps in place of her demonic nature to kill

humans. Tanjiro vows to protect her and prove to others that she is not an enemy.

Tanjiro and Nezuko are joined on their journey against the demons by Inosuke, a boy who was raised in the woods by wild boars, and Zenitsu, a boy who’s known for his cowardly outward appearance and attitude. The four survive a handful of dangerous missions defeating demons and learning about friendship. They meet comrades along the way, some disagreeing with Tanjiro since they had never come across a demon that could resist harming a human before. By the end of the series, some are convinced Nezuko is not an enemy while others stay convinced she is just like any other demon.

Season three, titled “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc,” focuses on Tanjiro and three other characters. Genya, a teenage boy the same age as Tanjiro, is a half-

demon whose harsh personality keeps others at a distance. Being the younger brother of one of the

fight the demons, protecting the village from major damage.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” has grown greatly in popularity since the first season aired in the spring of 2019.

On Tuesday, April 18, the first season was ranked 122nd of all time on MyAnimeList, while the second season ranked 30th and the third season 53rd. Since the third season is still airing, the popularity is sure to grow and leave fans impatiently waiting for a fourth season.

When “Demon Slayer:

this mission to defeat the demon. Together, they defeat the demon controlling the train, but a stronger one appears and fatally injures Rengoku. The three younger Demon Slayers shed tears after Rengoku’s passing, unaware of what the future holds for them.

strongest members of the Demon Slayer Corps, many have high expectations for him. Mitsuri and Muichiro are members of the Hashira, a group made up of the strongest Demon Slayers, both attempting to spend some time relaxing, before two demons appear in the village. Tanjiro and the others learn how to use their respective abilities together and

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Train” was released in the U.S., it had the No. 1 foreign language film debut in U.S. box office history, overtaking the still popular Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away.” The film follows Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke and Zenitsu as they travel on a train that is being controlled by a demon. They’re joined by Rengoku, one of the Hashira, who was also sent on

The original manga by Koyoharu Gotouge has 23 volumes and was completed in Japan on May 18, 2020. While the volumes are being translated and released in English, fans are excited to see the remaining content animated and brought to life by ufotable.

Despite being a relatively violent and gruesome show, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” teaches its audience about family, friendship and taking responsibility for yourself. Fans are surely left thinking about how they can use those teachings in their own lives. The next episode is planned to air Sunday, April 30, on Crunchyroll.

‘Evil Dead Rise’ ranked second in box office revenue for its opening weekend, behind ‘The Super Mario Brothers Movie.’

Photo courtesy of Hindustan Times

Previous seasons of ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ are available to stream on Netflix.

Photo courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

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of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.

College admissions need to be updated

CONTINUED FROM A1

It’s easy to pick a school your senior year of high school, but attending is completely different. Getting into college has always been competitive, but with social media, committing to college is more of a social status symbol than ever before. The stress of club involvement, whether to take standardized tests, enrollment in high level AP classes and the desire to still have a social life can make prepping for college less exciting and more of a burden. So what is the best course of action for high school seniors?

Abby Bruno, a junior finance major at Fairfield University, says that her extracurriculars

and good grades were key components to her acceptance to many colleges. Bruno says that to set herself apart from others, she “created a mental health club, and was captain of the dance team.” In addition to these leadership roles in school, she worked as a babysitter in her free time.

Similarly, Beau Dragone, junior public relations major at Hofstra, feels that his leadership positions in his extracurriculars displayed to colleges that he was able to work toward his goal of “moving up the ranks.”

In his eyes, his dedication to school activities, combined with his stellar grades, is what set him apart from other applicants.

Jessie Greer, junior biochemistry major at University of Miami had a different approach to creating her student profile. Greer said that “being honest and relatable goes a long way.” She says that it is crucial to “show off your personality.”

Meghan Casey, who is a junior nursing major at the University of South Carolina, says that she too feels that “being yourself” is the key to the college admissions process. In Casey’s eyes it is crucial to “let colleges get to see who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities.”

Getting involved in student life was important to Casey’s adjustment to college; she says

that during your freshman year, you should try to “say yes to every opportunity possible.” College is one of the only times that you will be surrounded by people with a “common goal” she explains.

There is no doubt that hard work is an important part of getting accepted and being successful in college. The statistics, on the other hand, show that if we don’t relieve some of the stress that society imposes on students during their high school years, we are turning them away from a valuable educational experience.

The college students I spoke with all noted the difficulty that they faced during the admis-

sions process. It is important to showcase students’ accomplishments and promote hard working members of society, yet there is so much more to students than their achievements. Hofstra especially should simplify the process as much as we can to continue welcoming new students. The institution should consider waiving application fees and develop more personal connections with applicants to showcase that Hofstra is the right fit for the student, not the other way around.

NIL and the transfer portal need to be regulated

By Frankie DiCalogero

The landscape of college athletics has changed drastically over the past few years, not only because the pandemic caused major shifts in how coaching staffs recruit athletes but also due to the NCAA granting athletes one more extra year of eligibility. However, a groundbreaking ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in June 2022 was the most monumental change in the history of college athletics.

The case, NCAA v. Alston, allowed for an incremental increase in how college athletes can be compensated. At the time, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that the court believed the NCAA was violating antitrust laws by limiting the education-related benefits that schools can provide athletes.

At the time, the ruling was viewed as a major success for college athletes who can now be compensated for their name, image and likeness (NIL). I felt, like many others, that this was long overdue and would help generate a much-needed

amount of buzz for college sports.

Because of this change, college basketball has become a shell of its former glory in many ways.

The transfer portal is completely haywire and is on the verge of being unfixable. For comparison’s sake, according to Verbal Commits in 2020, pre-NIL, there were 1,002 transfers in the portal. A year before that, there were only 987 transfers in the portal. Today, there are over 1,500 transfers in the portal for the upcoming 2023-2024 men’s college basketball season.

Simply put, this is a bad trajectory for college athletics. Back then, the players that were most likely to be transferring were those from mid-major programs who finally were given the opportunity to excel at a higher level. Now, everyone under the sun, regardless of program history, is entering the portal. The reason is, of course, because of the advancements in NIL.

Players who are more than likely comfortable with their

current teams are transferring just because there is not enough money being granted to them at their original school. This is supposed to be college athletics, not the professional leagues.

College basketball should not be turning into the NBA where teams are bidding to try and get the top “free agents” for each calendar year. What makes college athletics so wonderful is seeing players grow from freshman to senior year at one school. It’s refreshing and perceived as a rewarding experience for players. We are now seeing players who have transferred to their fourth different school by senior year. Players nowadays don’t want to work and climb up the metaphorical ladder on their team. They want to be the main piece of a team immediately, and that’s just not realistic.

So how do you fix this? For starters, there needs to be a salary cap if NIL deals are going to stay for the long haul. High-major programs such as Duke University, University of Kansas, University of Ken-

tucky and University of North Carolina are benefiting from NIL because they are universities that can reasonably afford the top prospects in the transfer market.

Setting a salary cap will force teams like that to better strategize which players should be looked at more closely. Of course, this is not going to fix everything, and realistically, nothing will.

I agree 100% with the notion that college athletes should be getting some type of compensation for their hard work – on top of their scholarships to play. These players are making their universities enormous amounts of money.

However, whether it’s the NCAA or Congress itself, there must be a forum to address this issue while also keeping the potential for NIL deals.

College athletics has turned into a free-for-all, and despite my usual dismissal of the government getting involved in many people’s businesses, I do believe this situation needs government assistance more than ever before.

Another solution that could help fix the chaotic transfer portal is by setting a rule that a player must stay at their initial school for the first two years of their eligibility, barring coaching changes or mental health issues.

In this scenario, you can have a player’s third and fourth year be an opportunity to explore their horizons in the transfer portal.

Despite my complaints about the messiness that has become college athletics, the NIL policy does have its positives, such as finally giving women athletes the chance to make money as well.

I love college sports – to me, there’s nothing better. However, it has become frustrating to witness. How could people ruin something that was so perfect? Here’s to hoping the future is brighter and less dark than the proverbial dark clouds that are floating over college athletics.

The views

opinions expressed

the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement

Allison Siegel is a junior mathematics major with a minor in journalism. You can find her on Instagram @allison.siegel.

Frankie DiCalogero is a sophomore journalism major and an assistant sports editor.

Graphic by Makenzie Hurt / The Hofstra Chronicle

3. Popular board game-turned-movie

4. The "king of beers"

6. Band responsible for "All Star"

8. Current dean of Hofstra's honors college

9. University attended by Google founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin

10. You are on this list if you have a perfect GPA

1. The smallest dog breed

2. HBO’s hit dramedy starring Kendall Roy

5. Best-selling Fleetwood Mac album

7. MLB all-time RBI leader

10. Mr. Krabs' daughter

11. Scooby's pal

The views and opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.

Thrift store inflation is just corporate greed

By Ava Dela Pena

Remember when thrifting used to be the cheaper alternative to shopping firsthand? Gone are the days of filling up big plastic Goodwill bags for only $20. Nowadays, we’re in a thrift era of $40 Carhartt hoodies and $100 knockoff Fendi Baguette bags. When you can buy a Tshirt at H&M for the same price as from the racks at Salvation Army, the price differences between fast fashion and thrifting have begun to blur.

But why does it have to be like this? One consensus among thrift shoppers, online second-hand shoppers and observers is that “resellers” are to blame. “Reseller” is a term that describes people who buy cartloads of items at thrift stores with the sole intention of reselling them through online platforms like Depop and Poshmark. With the inflation of thrift pricing, observers have

called this new era “gentrified thrifting,” likening resellers to landlords. After all, thrift stores were initially created to make shopping more accessible for low-income people, right?

In actuality, more studies point toward mass production as the leading cause for the origin of thrifting. According to a JSTOR Daily article, “thrift stores drove awareness of charitable giving and helped American consumers come to terms with an increasingly mass-produced, disposable economic system.”

The article goes on to describe how thrifting even justifies mass consumption by rebranding it as “charitable.”

With that being said, thrifting has always been about consumption and production. Even though they may not add to the amount of clothing production, thrift stores were created as a solution to overproduction that still allowed for overconsump-

tion. That makes thrift stores cyclical: overproduce a garment, overconsume a garment, dispose of it and then overconsume it again once it makes its way back to the Goodwill bins.

Still, the dubious sustainability culture surrounding thrifting doesn’t explain rising prices. Many are convinced that resellers are to blame for inflation, but they have little to do with thrift pricing.

Though resellers may be unethical, their practices aren’t forcing the hands of any thrift store. According to Fashionista, only about 20% of all donated clothing actually ends up in thrift stores. The rest are burned or end up in massive landfills.

To put that into perspective, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018 seventeen million tons of textiles were produced. That same year, 11.3 tons of textiles entered landfills. The main

source of these textiles was the clothing industry.

With all of that being said, thrift stores still have no reason to raise prices. They don’t have to “compete” with resellers who buy racks of clothing at one time because they have an unbelievable excess of clothing. According to an article by the Washington Post, the only researched examples of thrift inflation come from corporate thrift stores – think Goodwill and Salvation Army. That means that no matter how “gentrified” thrift stores become, with affluent people thrifting for fun rather than necessity or resellers snatching up every name brand they can get their hands on, thrift stores have no reason to raise prices.

Observers are misdirecting their anger. By putting all the blame on resellers or those who thrift for fun, we are ignoring the looming fact: corporate

thrift stores can afford to keep their prices low – even as thrift popularity increases – due to the overwhelming amount of textile waste that is donated every year. The real villains of thrift inflation aren’t the college students who want a cheap blouse or the resellers trying to make a quick buck, but rather the corporate greed that permeates even the most “ethical” businesses. Ultimately, the most ethical and sustainable means of shopping aren’t accessible to most people, and many shops aren’t transparent with their customers. For now, the most sustainable thing we can all do is try to limit our consumption. Thrifting will probably remain the most accessible form of ethical consumption.

Dela Pena is a freshamn journalism major. You can find her @avfruko on Instagram.

We should embrace obsession for personal success

By Savith Collure

I always thought that telling kids to “shoot for the stars” was a lie. It never made sense to me. Shooting for the stars didn’t seem like a fair goal to try to achieve. Then I got older, and the bigger lie seemed to be how dismissive people were of the goals we had wanted to attain as kids. There’s a quote in the movie “Bleed for This” when a reporter asks Vinnie Pazienza what the biggest lie was growing up. Vinnie says: “It’s not that simple.” Those four words were a lie.

Success is a hard concept to clearly define. The Oxford Dictionary defines success as, “the fact that you have achieved something that you want and have been trying to do or get.”

It’s not a quantitative metric by any means; it’s more of a goal that’s been accomplished. Is success when you’ve reached the peak of your ability? Is it when your parents recognize

your efforts and express their pride? Is it how we look next to our friends? Is it when our records aren’t broken? It is the apple of our eye in a basket full of them. None of these feel intrinsic to me, and our society’s view of success keeps shifting. I think that success is only measured by our own obsession with it.

To be clear, obsession over success is in no way equivalent to a neurological disorder like obsessive compulsive disorder. The discussion at hand is important to differentiate; the casual meaning of the term often gets used in that “quirky” way we tend to use when we color code our notes. When we think of the word “obsession,” we tend to internalize it in a negative or shallow way. I think that obsession over a goal or idea’s success doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Obsessing over our goals doesn’t mean we can’t be mindful of our actions and the lives around us.

A common TikTok trend since 2020, #romanticizeyourlife, is a movement that focuses on mindfulness. According to the trend, it’s imperative that we keep an eye on how we’re making decisions and treating ourselves. We should strive for a healthy lifestyle with positive self-talk. We don’t have to compare our own achievements in relation to others. We should prioritize our physical health like our diet and sleep habits.

This doesn’t mean that our life must be balanced equally in all parts at the same time. Success often requires sacrifice and discomfort; an idea we can’t commit to without some level of obsession. Sometimes, we have to prioritize our dreams over daily comforts to be truly successful.

It might mean skipping a social event or cancelling a date night. Maybe it means getting criticized by our peers who may say that our decisions aren’t healthy; the phrases

“take a break” and “you work too much” might filter in. The sacrifices we make to achieve our goals can be miserable. The likelihood of all that sacrifice and failure is a reason to quit early.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that “20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years and 65% during the first 10 years.” The Public Library of Science found that “only 16.5% of students who intended to major in pre-med graduate college with the required coursework for medical schools.”

The list of difficulties within college programs and sports continues endlessly, increasing for individuals with socioeconomic difficulties or health issues. Wouldn’t it be so much easier to write it all off in the name of a “balanced lifestyle”?

I say double down. Grit your teeth and nod when people offer unwanted opinions on how

to succeed in your own life. Be polite yet firm as you filter out negativity. Take the time to feel your emotions when you’re upset at failing. Choose not to respond when you don’t have the capacity to. Suffer through the FOMO that you’re missing the bar nights or social events. It doesn’t matter if it’s an LSAT exam or a NCAA win. It could be a daily gym routine or a doctorate.

I beg you to obsess over the image or idea you want to bring to fruition concerning your own success. I’m happy to take care of my physical and mental health to grow. At the same time, I’d take an obsessive need to succeed over a passive route every single time. Otherwise, it feels meaningless.

Savith Collure is an economics and public policy major. You can find him @savithcollure on Instagram.

Ava

Hofstra walks off against Fairfield in high-scoring contest

By Michelle Rabinovich SPORTS EDITOR

the inning.

Dylan Palmer, who leads the team in stolen bases, got the better of the Stags catcher and made it to third base himself. That gamble paid off because the pitcher was charged with a balk before he could set his stance, leading to the winning run for Hofstra.

It didn’t work out, but luckily, we were able to win on that balk.”

While he was the final batter to get caught from the Hofstra lineup, Florides has proven to be a pivotal player for the team, going 4-5 on the day with two RBIs.

Mike McKenna came in relief for 1.2 innings, but in his time on the mound he gave up two hits and three runs, after which Zach Bailey was brought in. Although he was able to close out the eighth inning, Bailey ran into trouble in the ninth, giving up the tying two-run homer.

pitches, whereas I feel like we were taking them earlier in the season.”

The mid-week matchup saw 14 hits on the 11 runs scored, including sophomore transfer Dominic Camera’s first collegiate hit with a single in the fourth inning.

Frankie DiMartino had a chance to be the hero and walk it off for the Hofstra University baseball team on Wednesday, April 19, as the Pride was tied at 10 with runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth against the Fairfield University Stags. He went for a bunt on the first pitch he saw, but it didn’t go according to plan. The catcher threw Michael Florides, who attempted to steal third, out, leaving just one runner left in

“Crazy game, it was a sloppy game; they kept coming back and we kept answering the bill,” said Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto. “At the end of the day, I’m happy we got the win.”

That win wasn’t exactly how Catalanotto drew it up in his game plan, though.

“The pitcher on the mound, he was really slow to the plate, so we thought if we could get that third baseman to come in thinking it was a bunt, both runners could go, and maybe we’d be able to get second and third with one out,” Catalanotto explained. “The third baseman didn’t move, and [Florides] at second base got a terrible jump.

“He’s been amazing; his defense is never going to waiver, and I always say that if you get anything offensively from him, it’s just a bonus,” Catalanotto said. “He’s been carrying the team; every day he’s getting at least two hits. I’m happy for him because he’s a good kid, [and] he’s been working hard on his hitting.”

For the pitching side, Mark Faello started on the mound and went six innings, giving up seven hits and five runs, three of which were earned.

“I thought he was good,” Catalanotto said. “At times toward the end there he struggled a little bit, but I think he pitched alright.”

“McKenna had a great first inning and then kind of lost it and struggled,” Catalanotto said. “[Bailey] pitched well; he just hung that breaking ball. Other than that pitch, I thought he did well.”

The afternoon saw only two scoreless innings, meaning that every time one team scored a run, the other was ready to punch back.

“I think earlier in the year we were a little bit less aggressive; we were a little timid,” Catalanotto said, explaining why the scoring has been higher in recent games. “When we’re in hitting counts 1-0, 2-0, we’re doing some damage and we’re swinging at those

With a 17-19 overall record and a seven-game win streak, the team will travel up to Boston, Massachusetts, for a Colonial Athletic Association series against the Northeastern University Huskies.

“Tough team, we have to play clean baseball,” Catalanotto said. “I’m not concerned about our offense because we put together good at-bats; I like what I’ve seen here the last week. We just have to throw strikes and make the plays in the field, and I think we’re going to be fine.”

Offensive explosion powers Hofstra to win over Hampton

By Archangelo Iurato STAFF WRITER

the middle of the second period before he made it a double in the final seconds of the third. With this, Madsen made his return to the scoresheet after not having scored in a single game since Hofstra’s loss to the Fairfield University Stags on March 18.

Gates made 10 saves as Hofstra conceded the fewest number of goals in a single game this season.

The Hofstra Pride men’s lacrosse team defeated the Hampton University Pirates 15-4 at Armstrong Stadium in Hampton, Virginia, on Saturday, April 22. The Pride collected their third win in their last four matches and got back-to-back wins for the second time this season. They’re 5-8 overall and 3-3 in conference games with a 4-2 away record.

John Madsen ended his drought with a pair of goals to contribute to a long list of goal-scorers from the Pride that day. His first of two arrived in

Matt Elder also scored twice for the Pride, tying with Madsen at the top of Hofstra’s scoring list this season with 18 goals apiece. Sterlyn Ardrey and John Veit made up the other half of four players from the Pride to record two goals in the contest.

With Hofstra in cruise control during the second half, Trey Parkes and Drew Togno took the opportunity to score their first goals of the season. Regular goal-scorers such as Rory Jones, Colton Rudd and Gerard Kane also found the back of the net.

Hofstra managed to keep the game lopsided by constantly keeping the ball on the opponent’s half of the field for most of the game. They outnumbered Hampton 4024 in total shots and 27-14 in shots-on-goal. Goalkeeper Mac

As for Hampton, they only managed to score one goal per period. Darius Stanley scored in the second period to reach double figures on the season for the Pirates. It was merely a consolation as the home side turned the ball over 21 times throughout the game.

Fresh off their upset win over the Drexel University Dragons, the Pride easily knocked off the Pirates in their first-ever meeting in men’s lacrosse. They handed the Pirates their eighth consecutive defeat, as they have not won a match in over a month. In addition to their 2-11 overall record, they’re winless in their six conference game appearances. It’s the Pirates’ first season in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) after leaving the Big South Conference in July 2022.

Hofstra is back to .500 in conference games this year with one game remaining in the

regular season. They’ll play host to the Stony Brook University Seawolves at the James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, New York, on Saturday, April 29, at 7 p.m.

It’s a must-win as they find themselves one game off a

spot in the top four of the CAA standings. Stony Brook only needs a win to cement themselves in the top four, which qualifies them for a spot in the CAA Championship in early May.

Hofstra’s four wins on the road is their most since 2017.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics

Senior Day not enough for Hofstra women’s lacrosse

By Michelle Rabinovich SPORTS EDITOR

the Drexel University Dragons 18-6 on Saturday, April 22. The team’s overall record now stands at 4-11 and 1-5 in the CAA, and they are in seventh place.

“Drexel played really well; they shot well, they got a lot of draw controls,” said Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith. “I thought our team fought really hard for the full 60 minutes. Obviously [it was a] tough [loss] but we’ll hang in there, we’ve got one more game left in the season.”

Drexel came out of the gates firing, outscoring the Pride 10-1 in the opening 15 minutes.

“We just had too many moments where we weren’t locked in and that was kind of right away in the first quarter,” Smith said. “We just got to be able to put together a full game.”

The Dragons had a strong offense and defense, putting up 26 shots on goal and 14 saves across all four frames.

“They’re tough, they communicate, they’re playing great one-on-one defense,” Smith said. “We weren’t getting the right shots off of them, we just had to finish better.”

However, the second period was a complete turnaround, as Hofstra shutout the visitors 3-0.

“We were making some [defensive] stops,” Smith explained. “And we were winning some draw controls.”

Senior Day celebrations were hosted prior to the start of the game, in which seniors Courtney Carollo, Lauren Colleti, Kate Fiola, Rachel Graff, Katie Kelly, Margo

By Josh Sager STAFF WRITER

The Hofstra Pride baseball team’s game set for Saturday, April 22, turned into a doubleheader because of rain in the forecast for Sunday. The Boston backdrop at Northeastern University was the site of two losses for the Pride, as the Huskies completed a sweep.

Hofstra drops to 9-12 in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play with a 17-22 overall record. Northeastern improves to 13-5 in conference play and 32-7 overall.

The Pride got the scoring started in the top of the first inning on an RBI single by Santino Rosso, but the Huskies didn’t take kindly to that and scored four runs in the bottom of the opening frame. Danny Crossen began the inning with a one-out solo home run out to the left field. After a walk and a single, Carmelo Musacchia hit an RBI infield single followed by a two-run single hit by Spenser Smith.

Hofstra cut the lead to two on

an RBI double by Dylan Palmer in the top of the second inning and then halved that two-run Husky lead to one on a Kevin Bruggeman solo home run at the top of the third inning. That was Bruggeman’s fourth home run of the season and his eleventh in a Hofstra uniform.

The Huskies brought it back to a two-run lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when Gregory Bozzo scored on a Luke Beckstein double to left field on the 2-1 pitch. Hofstra got it back to a one-run lead when Ryan Morash scored on a wild pitch in the top of the sixth.

The bottom of the sixth inning was where the real trouble began for the visitors. After a ground-rule double and a single with one out and a pitching change for the Pride, Mike Sirota singled through the left side to score Bozzo, making it 7-5 Northeastern. Back-toback RBI doubles from Crossen and Tyler MacGregor made it 9-5. The inning finished with a two-run home run by Alex Lane out to the center field to make it 11-5.

The home team tacked on three more runs; one in the seventh inning, and two in the eighth inning. The two runs in the eighth came on a two-run home run by Bozzo that scored Smith.

Eric Yost had his fourth winning decision of the season for Northeastern after striking out three and giving up four earned runs. Tristan Nemjo was awarded his first loss of the season after giving up seven earned runs in 5.1 innings.

Game two was a different story. The Huskies got on the attack in the bottom of the first, as Alex Lane hit an RBI infield single to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead. Mike Sirota homered to center field in the bottom of the third inning to give Northeastern a 2-0 lead. It became 3-0 after another home run, this time by Cam Maldonado in the bottom of the fourth inning.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, it became 5-0 when Crossen hit his second home run of the doubleheader, which was a two-run home run because Sirota was on base after being

McCormack, Ashlyn McDonald, Taylor Mennella, Caitlin Murphy, Kayla Robertson, Cara Scanio, Kendall Smith and Samantha Tarpey were honored.

Mennella found the back of the net four times, spearheading the team’s offense du jour.

“Taylor had a great game and finished her shots,” Smith said. “She had four goals for us and played really hard.”

“Shoutout to all of our seniors,” Smith added. “They’re a really tremendous group, really resilient group. I know

we got one more game with them, just really thankful for everything they’ve given us and given to our program and really excited to watch them in those next steps and their endeavors in their future.”

The team’s next appearance on the pitch will be in LaValle Stadium out east in a Long Island rivalry match against the No. 10 Stony Brook University Seawolves on Friday, April 28. Initial draw control is set for 6:30 p.m.

walked.

Maldonado came up to the plate again in the bottom of the sixth inning and drilled a ball to left field for another two-run home run that scored Lane.

Hofstra got on the board when former Northeastern transfer Zack Bailey hit a solo home run, his second of the series, out to left field on the 1-2 pitch, making it 7-1.

Lane sealed the deal with a fifth four-bagger for the home side by hitting a pitch to left field in the bottom of the eighth to make it 8-1.

Jake Gigliotti pitched shutouts for six innings, a two-hit ball en route to his seventh win of the 2023 campaign. Brad Camarda

was handed his second loss of the season after giving up seven runs, six of them earned in 6.1 innings. Patrick Harrington, who went the final three innings for the Huskies, got his first save of the season.

The Pride’s next game will be against the Long Island University Sharks on Tuesday, April 25 in Brookeville, NY. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse team dropped a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) conference match to

This game’s 18 goals were the most Hofstra has allowed this season.

Photo courtesy of Matteo Bracco

By Josh Sager STAFF WRITER

Hofstra takes series over Elon with 8-2 win

The Pride improved to a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) record of 12-6, with an overall record of 20-23 in 2023.

The Phoenix is now 11-6 in CAA play with an 18-23 overall record this season. Hofstra leads the overall series 14-7.

After splitting a doubleheader the previous day, the Hofstra Pride softball team was victorious on Saturday, April 22, winning the rubber match of a three-game series with the Elon University Phoenix 8-2 at Bill Edwards Stadium.

“I thought it was a huge win for us,” said Hofstra head coach Adrienne Clark. “We’ve been battling so hard in every game, and this game was no different. Honestly, I’m so proud of the team in how hard they are fighting and how committed they are to figuring it out.”

Julia Apsel, who had pitched in game one of the doubleheader the previous day, had a very strong performance for Hofstra. She went the full seven innings of the game, striking out six Elon hitters and giving up five hits and two unearned runs for her fifth win of the season.

“[Apsel] is really finding her groove,” Clark said. “She’s staying within herself. She doesn’t get flustered by things. She’s really figuring out how to better locate her pitches and spin them through the zone. When she does that, she’s so hard to hit.”

McKenna McCard, who also pitched in the doubleheader for Elon, was handed her fourth loss of the season. She gave up five earned runs to the Pride hitters

while only striking out two. Elon got started at the top of the first inning. After Drew Menscer reached first base on a throwing error by Apsel, Allee Seering took a 1-0 pitch from Apsel out to dead center field for a no-doubt two-run home run, her fourth of the season. Hofstra struck right back in the bottom of the first. Back-toback singles by Kasey Collins and Chelsea Manto got the inning started, followed up by a fly out to right field by Meghan Giordano that advanced Collins to third.

After Manto stole second base, Angelina Ioppolo grounded into a fielder’s choice, where everyone ended up safe, scoring the run. Manto scored on a sacrifice fly by Becca Vaillancourt. Hofstra then took the lead with the next hitter, as Brianna Morse hit an RBI single to make it 3-2.

The Pride made it a 4-2 ballgame in the bottom of the second inning, when Giordano hit an RBI single to right-center

field, bringing Manto home. Hofstra didn’t score again until the bottom of the fifth inning when Aliya Catanzarita came off the bench to pinch-hit and hit a single to left-center field, scoring Ioppolo.

Hofstra put the game away in the bottom of the sixth. With runners on second and third, Ioppolo hit another RBI single into right field, bringing home Manto to make it 6-2. After Vaillancourt was hit by the first pitch thrown by reliever Kaitlin King, a bases-loaded walk and groundout made it 8-2.

Manto extended her on-base streak to 14 games. She also stole two bases, putting her at 22 on the season. Manto leads the CAA in that category and has a five-stolen base lead in the conference.

The Pride returns to action against the Sharks of Long Island University on Wednesday, April 26. The road game in Brookeville, New York, is at 3 p.m.

Hofstra ia 6-8 at Bill Edwards Stadium this season.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Gorchov

Graphic courtesy of Dylan Brett

Giordano and Collins shine bright for the Pride in 2023

By Nick Mongiovi STAFF WRITER

On any team, collective success is always above individual accomplishments, however, for the Hofstra University softball team, Meghan Giordano and Kasey Collins have carried the Pride all season long. The two graduate students form Hofstra’s middle infield duo and are both having outstanding seasons in 2023.

“They have such an incredible impact,” said Hofstra’s head coach Adrienne Clark. “They are really incredible people and are incredibly competitive. When you have people that are in their fifth-year, with that sort of mentality and mindset, working together, it really is so dynamic to be able to have them in the roles that they’re in.”

In the case of Giordano, her stellar campaign comes as no surprise. A member of the all-CAA team last year, Giordano was selected to the conference’s preseason watchlist prior to this season. With 1.091 OPS and a .680 slugging percentage, she poses a dangerous threat in the middle of Hofstra’s lineup for opposing pitchers.

“Some pitchers pitch to me, but for the majority, not too much,” Giordano said. “I don’t really like to think too much when I go up there or even before. It’s a see-ball-hit-ball kind of thing. Just wherever they’re pitching it is where I want to hit it to.”

Many of those pitches have ended up over the fence this year, as Giordano leads the CAA home run record with 13 thus

far. But while Giordano’s season was almost expected, the same can’t be said for her double-play partner. After hitting just .228 last year, Collins leads the Pride with a .331 batting average this season.

“I think for me, my biggest thing was just working offensively on my game,” Collins said. “I just kept my head down and worked really hard. Softball is a game of failure. You’re never going to be perfect all the time. You’re going to fail seven out of 10 times. But, if you focus on quality at-bats, the ball is going to find a hole, and you’re going to get on. I think, for me, that’s

that her team-leading .440 onbase percentage means she has a good chance of reaching base anyway, or pitch around her knowing that Giordano is next? Either way, Clark knows the team is going to score somehow.

“When you have the one-two punch like we do, they’ll always be at the top of the lineup,” Clark said. “The thing that is great about [Collins] is that she has done an incredible job of setting the tone and getting on base, allowing [Giordano] to take whatever the game is giving her, which sometimes is some pretty hard pitches to get a hold of. [Collins] is getting on base, and then you have someone like [Giordano] right

as a freshman playing with upperclassmen and being able to play on these elite travel teams allowed me to get opportunities to get recruited,” Collins said.

The individual paths that Giordano and Collins followed

uncomfortable sometimes, but that’s where I’m most comfortable. I like to take care of the team as best I can.” Although she’s only coached them for two years, Clark sees the impact that Giordano and Collins have had on the program during their time at Hofstra as well as the impact that Hofstra has had on them.

something I really focus on. Not the results but the process. I’m looking for that quality and working the count by hitting strikes and letting balls go. So I think understanding that the ball won’t always bounce your way has helped.”

While hitting back-to-back in Hofstra’s batting order, Collins and Giordano have a symbiotic relationship that forces opposing pitchers to make a difficult choice in the circle. Do they pitch to Collins, who bats second in the lineup, knowing

behind her that is able to hit for power, put a bunt down and drive the gaps. It makes it easy.”

Playing softball at the collegiate level was a lifelong goal for both players. Giordano started playing little league baseball when she was six alongside her brother before transitioning to softball at age 12.

“I knew I wanted to play in college when I switched over,” Giordano said. “I didn’t necessarily know what that might look like, but it was always to be at the highest level I could be. From middle school up into high school, I realized, ‘Hey, maybe I can do this.’”

Meanwhile, Collins began playing at age seven and joined a travel team once she got to middle school. As she progressed, Collins continued to jump up in age groups. From 12U to 14U, she eventually joined a 18U team as a 15-yearold freshman in high school.

“In high school, knowing my abilities and hanging my own

led them to join the Pride as freshmen in the fall of 2018, the legacy associated with the Hofstra softball program being a factor in both of their decisions.

“The legacy that past teams and generations have left, it’s a winning program and winning team,” Giordano said. “The atmosphere is excellent, and that’s something that I always wanted to be a part of.”

“I chose Hofstra for the legacy,” Collins said. “You look at how many conference championships there are and how many NCAA tournaments. The way this program is run, it’s hard work, grit and a lot of talent.”

Not only are Giordano and Collins leaders on the stat sheet for the Pride, but they’re the leaders in the dugout as well. As veteran members of the team, they set the example for everyone else to follow.

“If anybody has questions, they can come to either of us with concerns,” Giordano said. “I’ll be that person. It’s

“They took the opportunity of a new coaching staff coming in with an open mindset and an open heart and have really embraced every critique we have given them, regardless of how challenging it is at times,” Clark said. “They’re open-minded and incredibly coachable. You see it in their statistics and the things they do off the field. It’s indicative of the approach that they have taken and the way they have utilized the information and the feedback to help themselves and the team.”

Now as graduate students, the two are doing what they can to give back to the program that has given them so much. Giordano and Collins have shaped their legacies and will leave them for the next generation that puts on the Hofstra uniform.

“We have a couple of weeks left, and I think it’s really important to leave this program in their hands and to continue where we left off,” Collins said. “I try to give advice here and there because there are a lot of girls stepping into leadership roles next year. I always try to lead by example. Whether it’s equipment, or it’s the hustle on and off the field. Those things are so important. If you’re a good person, you’re going to go very far.”

“I don’t really like to think too much when I go up there or even before. It’s a see-ball-hit-ball kind of thing. Just wherever they’re pitching it is where I want to hit it to.”

Collins has a career .297 average over her five years at Hofstra.

Photo courtesy of Rob Cuni

Giordano has recorded 35 home runs and 155 RBIs in her Hofstra career.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Gorchov

By Michelle Rabinovich SPORTS EDITOR

Looking back as a seasoned senior, Hofstra men’s lacrosse player Chase Patterson was unsure of himself as a freshman.

“Coming in, you really don’t know what to expect. You hear a lot of stories but you’re not really sure. Then once my first day came, just getting the feel for college lacrosse, going against older guys from all different ages, and just coming together and bonding, it’s crazy,” Patterson said, shaking his head in disbelief. “The four years went very fast, in the single blink of an eye. Can’t believe that, but we’re here, so [I] gotta make the most of it.”

Now the main man trusted with winning first possession for the Pride, he is adjusting to being in the spotlight, considering the uphill battle he had to fight for this position.

“Coming in as a freshman, we [already] had a starter: Brian Herber; I came in as a number two-three guy [so I] wasn’t really seeing much action,” Patterson said. “And when you’re in that spot, you can either complain about it, or you work as hard as you can whenever you don’t have practice. I chose the route of working as hard as I could to develop the small techniques [and] to build upon my foundation.”

Anyone can reasonably say that Patterson earned his starting role, except for himself, as he deflects credit to his former teammate from whom he learned most of the tricks up his sleeve.

A quiet roar from Chase Patterson

“I learned a lot from [Herber], he really showed me the ropes because we’re the same position,” Patterson said. “Just being a great leader in the weight room [and] how you should attack things that way.”

Having learned so closely from a former upperclassman, he uses his experiences to pay it forward to the next class of men’s lacrosse players.

“So, with our program every year, we’ll have a little brother and we’ll look after them and I’ve had three of them. [I’m] just being a role model for the younger guys on how [they] should do things,” Patterson said. “So, I would at least hope I’ve had a good impact on them and showing them the right way to do things, how to attack the

Tierney about Patterson as a leader and teacher of the next class of faceoff guys. “Chase Patterson stinks as a lacrosse player compared to the type of person that he is, and he’s a really good lacrosse player. So, when I say that he stinks, I mean that in an unbelievable way, because he is just special, he is that nice of a person. He just exemplifies what a Hofstra lacrosse person should be.”

But what inspires the people around Patterson the most, is his raw dedication to bettering himself.

“His work ethic has always been off the charts since day one, but his focus has matured. I think his approach to the game has become more cerebral because I think that he now

just gather yourself and [then] just on to the next face off,” Patterson said. “Faceoff is like a game of rock, paper, scissors. Sometimes your number one move might not be it and then you have to go to the next move, so just having the ability to go

the team’s loss to the University of Michigan Wolverines and how much he blamed his lackluster performance for the negative outcome. “Nothing’s worse than, for me, not doing my job and knowing that if I could have won two more faceoffs that could swing the game completely. So just knowing that if I don’t do my job, it’s such a big thing and letting the other guys down who have worked just as hard, if not harder, and letting them down. I can’t, it drives me crazy.”

day, not just in lacrosse, but also in academics.”

Being that older, mature and informative presence, as others have before him, is what makes Patterson an impactful player on multiple levels for this team.

“He’s a fabulous big brother on the team. He has taken the faceoff guys as well as other freshman under his wing,” said men’s lacrosse head coach Seth

takes film to another level. I think he takes preparation to another level. I think he takes his health and conditioning to another level,” Tierney said. “There was a story that went on [when] we had a department meeting. It was pouring ... and [Patterson] was outside by himself, working on faceoffs, in a torrential downpour. And every coach was texting me during the meeting, going ‘Who is that? And how can I get my guys or my girls to do that?’”

For the obvious question: how is Patterson so successful at the faceoff position? Obviously, repeating drills for twenty hours a week helps, but being flexible yet persistent has made him the gift that keeps on giving.

“The key to my success, I would say, is just understanding that you may not win every faceoff. If you lose a couple,

to different moves and have different options; I’ll go back onto that and say, ‘Hey this isn’t working, let me throw a changeup’ and if that changeup doesn’t work, throw another thing in and then just keep trying it.”

Patterson channels that balance into other parts of his life too, knowing that he’s not a machine.

“Sometimes, your body [is] tired and your mind might not be there because you have so many different things going on,” he said.

To push through in the times where he’s struggled, Patterson looks to his motivation: his love and dedication to his teammates.

“Feels good [to be the faceoff guy], but it’s really not just me, it’s also the wing guys, so it’s not just me, it’s a team effort,” Patterson said, thinking back to

“He holds himself to a high standard; he never wants to let his teammates down,” Tierney said about Patterson’s weekly prep that leads up to game day. “It will never be from a lack of preparation, a lack of effort, a lack of due diligence. So, if he fails or lets the team down, he’s the first one to stand up in the locker room and say ‘That one’s on me.’”

At the end of the day, when the game clock expires, Patterson feels like nothing has changed, and that he’s just as hungry as he was the first day he stepped on the turf of James M. Shuart Stadium.

“I still think of myself as a freshman,” Patterson said, chuckling. “I’m not satisfied at all; I know I can do better. I strive to be at 100% but I’m not, so I won’t be satisfied until I get there.”

“I’m just being a role model for the younger guys on how they should do things. So, I would at least hope I’ve had a good impact on them and showing them the right way to do things.”

Patterson has won 314 of 572 draws while at Hofstra.

Photo courtesy of Jon Reiss

Patterson leads the CAA in faceoff percentage at .580.

Photo courtesy of Lee S. Weissman

THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE

April 25, 2023

W in or G o H ome

Hofstra looks ahead to face off against Stony Brook with place in playoffs on the line