I went to a rally for former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump last month and expected the typical sea of “Make America Great Again” hats I saw flowing through the venue. But the merchandise started getting weird as Trump’s mugshot was scattered around the rally on everything from shirts to yard signs. The text on said merchandise read, “voting for the felon.” Supporters’ willingness to design and pay for merchandise displaying pride that Trump is a felon is interesting for me to see because things have not always been this way.
In 2020, Trump called himself a president of “law and order,”
however, earlier this year, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts.
Trump, himself, claimed to be against crime. It would be fair to assume that his supporters in 2020 wanted someone tough on crime, but his supporters now do not find that to be a priority.
Students gather for vigil for lives lost in Middle East conflicts
By Gabriel Prevots STAFF WRITER
On Monday, Oct. 14, students led by Hofstra University’s Student Voices for Palestine (SVP) chapter held candles, read names and gave speeches to remember people killed in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria during the past year of conflict between Israel, Hamas and neighboring countries. The vigil took place from 1:00 to 2:25 p.m. in front of Hofstra Hall, similar to protests in support of Palestine on campus last spring. According to a post on SVP’s Instagram page prior to the event, the stated purpose was “to honor the people of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.”
“Yes, this is a vigil, but this is a small part of the liberation movement. Vigils, protests, having conversations, pressuring our representatives [and] boycotting are all intertwined,” said SVP Vice President Alisha
Paracha, a sophomore political science major, at the start of the vigil. “We are honoring the lives of the people of Lebanon and Yemen and Syria and Congo and
CONTINUES ON A4
No. 18 Hofstra defeated by Charleston SPORTS
By Arcangelo Iurato STAFF WRITER
The No. 18 Hofstra University men’s soccer team lost to the College of Charleston 3-1 on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Pride dropped to 4-3-0 in conference play and 10-4-2 overall.
Hofstra fell behind exactly 10 minutes into the game as Ryan Watson’s in-swinger was punched in by midfielder Leonardo D’Ambrosio. Charleston used their newfound momentum 10 minutes later as Watson and D’Ambrosio doubled the
Cougars’ advantage, only this time Watson was the one who finished it off with help from a deflection by Pride midfielder Roc Carles. The Cougars took their 2-0 lead into halftime. Hofstra showed grit to start the second half, pressing the Charleston net immediately. They were awarded for their efforts with a goal by leading scorer Jacob Woznicki just nine minutes into the restart. Teddy Baker crossed the ball into the box for his second assist of the season.
Unfortunately for the Pride, their efforts to cut the lead down was undone in the 69th minute as Ezra White’s cross was struck into the bottom left corner of the net by forward Adil Iggoute. Charleston restored their two-goal advantage and didn’t let up a second time as they ended their regular season with a victory, officially
clinching a postseason berth. Hofstra picked up their third road game defeat to a conference opponent all season, with two or more goals each time. The visiting Pride were dealt the loss despite the return of midfielder Laurie Goddard, who missed the previous three games due to injury. Hofstra was still without forward Lennon Gill, who missed a second consecutive appearance due to injury.
The Cougars outranked the Pride 16-13 in total shots and 8-6 in shots-on-goal while Hofstra outranked Charleston 6-2 in corners. Each goalkeeper finished with five saves as Charleston picked up only their second head-to-head victory all-time against Hofstra.
The defeat was a missed opportunity for the Pride to officially clinch a spot in the Coastal Athletic Association
(CAA) championship. The reigning CAA champions are also at risk of losing home-field advantage for the tournament, which is only accessible by finishing first in the standings at the end of the regular season. While first place is currently out of their control, Hofstra will get another chance to book their spot in the tournament next week when they face the University of Delaware. Fortunately for the Pride, it’ll be a home match against a program that has already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Pride is unbeaten at home in their last 20 appearances. Kickoff in the regular season finale is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. The CAA Championship will be held between Nov. 7 and Nov. 16. The hosts will be determined in the last few matches of the season.
Hofstra’s last regular season game is on Saturday against Delaware
Annie MacKiegan / The Hofstra Chronicle
Merchandise was available for purchase outside of the Trump Rally.
Photos courtesy of Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
The event in front of Hofstra Hall remained peaceful with some tense moments.
Photo courtesy of Gabriel Prevots
Assistant
Assistant
Scrutinization of women in politics
By Giovanni Salsa NEWS EDITOR
Women in politics receive more criticism than men and are viewed under a larger magnifying glass. This discrimination has taken shape in many ways, such as people criticizing women’s choice of clothes or the way they laugh, rather than critiquing their policies.
The Center for Civic Engagement at Hofstra University hosted an event titled “Inspiring Women in Leadership” as part of their Day of Dialogue: Preparing for Election 2024 series. The panelists at the event consisted of Meena Bose, Brenda Elsey and Linda Longmire.
The talk opened with Bose, who serves as the executive dean for Public Policy and Public Service programs at the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs at Hofstra. She said that women in politics face closer scrutiny than their
male counterparts, such as false rumors of how they obtained their positions. She brought up an example of an article that focused on Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ relationship with a state official in California. This article led to people insinuating that she received higher governmental positions because of her personal relationship, rather than her credentials, such as being a graduate of Harvard University.
Elsey, a professor of history at Hofstra, discussed the current state of Mexican politics with its newly inaugurated president, Claudia Sheinbaum. She talked about some of the criticisms that female candidates faced while running.
“[Mexico] is really going through problems of militarization and either candidate would have to deal with that,” Elsey said. “That’s going to be a whole bag of problems for a
woman [who may be] rendered as weaker with the military or unable to take care of the military.”
Bose highlighted the importance of women fighting back against the scrutiny they face from their opponents who choose to focus on trivial aspects of a candidate rather than their qualifications.
“Former President Trump questioned Kamala Harris’ racial/ethnic background,” Bose said. “He did this in an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists, and when she was asked about it, she said ‘I’m not going there. I’m just not engaging this.’”
She also talks about the backlash from politicians towards Harris’ laugh and claims that criticisms such as these are unreasonable and that it is important to push back against them.
Django Buenz, a sophomore political science major, shared her views on why this phenomenon is taking place.
“I think it’s a deterrence tactic used by reactionaries to get women to stop trying and out of male-dominated spaces and it’s actually having the opposite effect,” Buenz said.
“To over-analyze and scrutinize women harder for things [that] their male counterparts do on the regular actually makes the over-analyzer look weird, not the woman.”
Many people don’t believe that criticisms of laughter or wardrobe are enough for them to
decide who they will vote for.
Longmire, a professor of political science, spoke about the strengths of women in politics. She says that creative organizing and campaigning is a notable feature of women’s leadership. One main example she used is the Second Liberian Civil War and how women were able to organize a mass action for peace.
“These women reached across religious lines; Christians and Muslims working together, getting to know each other. So it was in that process, itself, that the union became so strong,” Longmire said. “And [they] were able to begin to actually tackle the horrors of what was going on with such creativity and such brilliance.”
Dayanna Rubio-Chacon, a freshman computer science and cybersecurity major, talked about Harris’ chances of winning the election against Trump.
“I thought this panel was a really interesting deep-dive on Kamala Harris and how her behaviors and the media really impacted her campaign,” Rubio-Chacon said. “And also [when] Biden dropped out of the election and how the Democrats scrambled to find a new candidate under the democratic party, Kamala stepped up and really got those polls up and she’s now the favor to win.”
Election Day is Nov. 5.
ERA is on the ballot in New York state
By Julia Capitelli STAFF WRITER
Hofstra University closed out its Day of Dialogue on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. with a presentation from the New York Civil Liberties Union on the Equal Rights Amendment that will be on the ballot in New York State on Nov. 5.
Per the New York State Bar Association, the Equal Rights Amendment will protect against discrimination based on “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex, including their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnan-
cy and pregnancy outcomes.”
It would also prevent the state government from passing laws that would stifle reproductive freedom or prevent access to reproductive health care.
Andrea Libresco, professor of teaching, learning and technology and head of the minors in civic engagement, organized this presentation for Day of Dialogue. She said that a big reason it was necessary to hold this as part of the event was to inform people about what they are potentially voting for.
“A lot of people, if they didn’t know there was a proposi-
tion, when they get to it, that’s a harder thing to read than a checkbox for a candidate,” Libresco said. “So, it’s important to educate people well in advance of the election about whatever propositions are on the ballot.”
She also expressed the importance of the amendment itself enshrining these protections in the New York State Constitution.
“You might think to yourself, ‘oh well, New York’s a liberal state. Who needs those kinds of gender identity and pregnancy protections? We don’t have any
anti-abortion laws here; we’ll be fine,’” Libresco said. “But I hope people aren’t that naïve anymore because that kind of complacency belongs to a preoverturning of [Roe v. Wade] era.”
Susan Gottehrer, director of the Nassau County New York Civil Liberties Union, gave the presentation. Gottehrer, who has worked with Hofstra’s Center for Civic Engagement in the past, informed attendees of the details of the proposition and combatted misinformation that is being spread about it.
From left to right: panelists Elsey, Longmire, Bose and student Adallis Pantry discuss women in the political scene.
Giovanni Salsa / The Hofstra Chronicle
TimelyCare is Hofstra’s new solution to mental health counseling
By Anushka Parab SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Students at Hofstra University have a new way to access mental health care this semester in the form of TimelyCare, an app that offers around-theclock mental health support for college students. The application, which can be accessed through computer or cellular devices, offers access to mental health professionals at any time as well as other resources that promote emotional wellbeing.
Many students feel that the introduction of TimelyCare is useful and beneficial for those seeking assistance with their mental health. Students also feel that Hofstra has promoted TimelyCare well, specifically through emails, announcements
Counseling Services, hopes that TimelyCare will be used in conjunction with the 10 scheduled counseling sessions that Hofstra provides.
“TimelyCare allows students to be connected with mental health professionals immediately, usually within five minutes, and from the comfort of their rooms,” Mcvey-Noble said.
Another benefit of TimelyCare is a nationwide team of mental health professionals available to students at the click of a button.
Unlike counseling services provided by Hofstra, TimelyCare allows students to get help while they are out of state and over breaks when they are not on campus, as counseling
Other students feel that since they do not experience mental health issues, they do not need to use the app.
Connor Leddy, a junior electrical engineering major, said he feels it’s not a huge necessity for him.
“I don’t think I need it. I think I’m doing pretty well academically. I’m not like depressed or anything,” Leddy said.
Despite this, Mcvey-Noble said that students at Hofstra benefit from having access to TimelyCare, even if they do not use it. She believes that TimelyCare’s easy access and its wide variety of mental health professionals allow students to be better represented.
“TimelyCare allows students to be connected with mental health professionals immediately, usually within five minutes, and from the comfort of their rooms. ”
from Resident Assistants and fliers around campus.
TimelyCare provides selfcare content for emotional wellbeing, including resources such as meditation, yoga sessions and inspirational videos.
Myla Lopez, a sophomore health science major, said, “I would say on campus there’s a lot of fliers which has really, kind of, urged me to download it … I really love how the campus does promote it.”
Merry Mcvey-Noble, the executive director of Student
services offered by Hofstra requires students to reside in New York state to use them.
Though most students agree that TimelyCare is useful, many of them have not used the app. Some students say the app is inconvenient, and others don’t feel the need to use it.
“Sometimes I don’t feel like it’s as convenient as people may have said it is,” said Willow Arnold, a freshman forensic science major. “[It] just takes a lot of time to do everything.”
“With TimelyCare, students can always log on from wherever they are to get immediate support,” she said. “They can engage in self-guided wellness journeys and engage with peers on the platform too. It’s the sort of resource that benefits you the more you engage with it.”
Excited Hofstra students greet one another.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra University
Graphic designed and information compiled by Moriah Sukhlal
“I like making sure that people have the right information, I like making sure people understand what the wrong information is and why it’s wrong,” Gottehrer said. “So that’s really important.”
A prevalent narrative related to the 2024 election concerns young people’s role in it. Libresco said that Day of Dialogue is held in late October to motivate students ahead of elections. She believes that the younger generation is in a position where they have lived through multiple life altering political events.
“That’s a lot of stuff to absorb,” Libresco said. “And I
ERA is on the ballot in New York state cont.
think in some ways the worst part of that is that they haven’t lived through, for most of their lives, they haven’t lived through government that is hopeful or government that’s worked.”
Emily Ingles, a New York resident and freshman accounting major at Hofstra, said that the event added to her knowledge of the amendment and voiced her support for it. “Everyone deserves to be treated equally, and no one should be discriminated against, and we should all work together and make that known.”
Unlike Ingles, Jacob Fremont, a senior public relations major, is not a New York resident. Be-
ing from Pennsylvania, Fremont attended the presentation but will not have the opportunity to vote on the proposition.
“It was interesting. I was happy to be [there]. I like that we brought someone in. I wish it had been a little bit more extensive,” Fremont said.
Libresco was vocal about her thoughts on the amendment and what she hoped students got out of the presentation. “I need people to have a rude awakening and recognize that there are more rights that could be enshrined and let’s go ahead and enshrine them. Because we’re worth it.”
Students gather for vigil for lives lost in Middle East conflicts cont.
other oppressed people in this messed-up world.”
Since the war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023, more than 43,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Some studies estimate that the true number of casualties is much higher, which Paracha mentioned in her speech.
“Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been killed by Israel in one year … now Lebanon, Syria and Yemen are being bombed by Israel and the world continues to stay silent,” Paracha said.
Hofstra Professor Paul Fritz, who teaches and studies international politics and conflicts, called the Gaza Health Ministry’s numbers “fairly accurate,” but clarified that the true number is difficult to pinpoint due to “the fog of war.”
“We’ll probably never get 100% clarity on any of these issues, even in hindsight there will still be disputed cases and there will be conflicts and arguments over the numbers,” Fritz said.
The majority of the vigil consisted of members of SVP taking turns reading the names of children on the list under the age of 1, punctuated by speeches from participants.
“When we were talking about how we wanted this vigil to go, we knew that we would not be able to read all the names of the
people who were killed,” Paracha said. “For the hour and 25 minutes that we have, we have decided to read the names of the babies under the age of 1 who were killed.”
A small group of students, mainly affiliated with Jewish organizations on campus such as Hofstra Hillel and Students Supporting Israel, gathered in front of Hofstra Hall to observe the vigil. Members of Public Safety were present, but did not physically separate the two groups at any point.
Some students observing began filming throughout the vigil, provoking a speech from SVP member Zainab Mozawalla, a senior political science major.
“We cannot mourn without it being controversial to be upset about the Palestinian lives lost … we will keep reading names and they can keep filming because it is not wrong to read the names of the dead,” Mozawalla said.
Deena Shamoelian, the president of Hofstra’s Students Supporting Israel and a junior history major, said students were filming “because there were things that they thought were problematic and they wanted to have that on film.”
Shamoelian listed multiple “problematic” terms used by speakers at the vigil, such as the description of the conflict in Gaza as a “genocide,” the phrase “by any means necessary” and
the “use of projected numbers [of casualties] as if they were already established.” However, Shamoelian acknowledged that differences of opinion are expected in such a “highly politicized, highly polarized topic.”
“I’m going to want to use different terminology than someone who’s on the other side of the aisle,” Shamoelian said.
Other pro-Israel students expressed their opinions, supporting the message behind the vigil. Dassi Gordon-Knight, a freshman dance education major, was among the students gathered across from the vigil.
“I don’t want any lives to be lost on either side, but I do know that that happens, and I think that this is an acceptable thing to do,” Gordon-Knight said.
Mozawalla also spoke on the vigil coinciding with Indigenous People’s Day. “As genocide is being committed against Palestinians, we are here to remember the indigenous people of Palestine and mourn their lives.”
The vigil also roughly lined up with the important Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which took place Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12. Avigayil Fischman-Charry, a junior music business major, spoke about attending services and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“I have come up here to say that as a Jewish person, I cannot stand by while endless atroci-
ties are committed in my name; not on Yom Kippur and not on any day of the year,” FischmanCharry said.
Abe, a sophomore biology major and SVP member who asked to be identified only by first name, attributed decreased attendance in comparison to protests last spring to the Mask Transparency Act, a Nassau County law passed in August which prohibits wearing a mask in public except for health or religious reasons.
“Many people didn’t come because of the mask ban … that’s what makes it difficult for us to have good turnouts,” Abe said.
According to sophomore political science major and SVP Public Relations chair Django Buenz, Hofstra’s administration has also limited when and how the organization can hold protests and vigils.
“People should be able to hide their identity or protest under the guise of anonymity if they so please to, and
Nassau County just makes that impossible, so it’s rough but we’re going to have to deal with it,” Buenz said.
Despite the limitations, SVP plans to continue to hold demonstrations throughout the school year.
“We have to think outside the box and see what we could do to make people come to these events without being in trouble or fear of anything happening to them,” Abe said.
Susan Gottehrer presents on the Equal Rights Amendment at Hofstra’s Day of Dialogue.
Photo courtesy of Julia Capitelli
Members of the Student Voices for Palestine read the names of those killed.
Photo courtesy of Gabriel Prevots
Students show their support by wearing keffiyehs and holding candles.
Photo courtesy of Gabriel Prevots
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 Hall. Photos were taken of the graffiti, and an investigation is being conducted into this matter. The plant department was notified for cleanup.
Public Safety Briefs
Compiled by Moriah Sukhlal
On April 12, at 9:50
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.
rected, and the fire alarm was reset.
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 Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 3:01 p.m., the fire alarm in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center sounded due after the detector at the skyline went off due to an unknown reason. One hundred sixty-two people were evacuated within one minute. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The fire alarm was reset, and the situation was corrected.
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 Sunday, Oct. 13, at 3:47 p.m., the fire alarm in Estabrook Hall sounded due to hair care products. Sixty-eight people were evacuated within five minutes. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 1:19 p.m., the fire alarm in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center sounded due to burnt food while the exhaust fan was turned off. Four hundred people were evacuated within 11 minutes. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On Friday, Oct. 11, at 5:39 p.m., the fire alarm in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Center sounded due to an unknown reason. Sixteen people were evacuated within one minute. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was cor-
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 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 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
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.
delivered to the front door of Emily Lowe Gallery, and when they went to retrieve the package, it was missing. An investigation is being conducted into this matter.
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 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 Sunday, Oct. 13, at 7:56 p.m., the fire alarm in Stuyvesant Hall sounded due to steam from the shower. Sixty-seven people were evacuated within five minutes. PS, Plant and UFD responded, the situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, at 8:54 p.m., the fire alarm in the Graduate Residence Hall sounded due to hair care products. One hundred two people were evacuated within five minutes. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, at 11:00 p.m., four Hofstra students were referred to CS for being in the possession of unauthorized alcohol at Hofstra USA.
On April 15, at 10:19 a.m., the fire alarm in New York House was activated due to burnt food in the kitchen. 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 Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 2:13 p.m., the fire alarm in Enterprise Hall sounded due to hair care products. Twenty-five people were evacuated within one minute. PS and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset
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 NCPD responded and took a report.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10:08 a.m., an HU employee called PS stating that a package was
On Thursday, Oct. 17, at 12:05 p.m., PS used a fire extinguisher to put out a garbage campfire outside of Mason Hall, Gallon Wing. HFD responded and confirmed the fire was extinguished and the cause was announced.
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.
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.
Graphic designed by Camryn Bowden and Giovanni Salsa and information compiled by SGA Communications Chair Ava DiSanto
FEATURES
This Hofstra Life: Andrea Nadler
By Aidan Judge STAFF WRITER
When I reflect on the start of my experience at Hofstra University, I remember one moment vividly.
It was the dead of winter in 2020, just weeks before COVID-19 would throw the world into a tailspin. I was with my parents and my best friend on a four-hour trip to Hempstead, New York, to visit Hofstra. We arrived in the frosty cold and sat down for an information session about the school. Suddenly, a loud, bubbly voice overtook the room: “Welcome to Hofstra, who’s excited!”
That voice? None other than the beloved Andrea Nadler.
If you have ever attended a Hofstra New Student Orientation or have been on campus during Welcome Week, chances are that Nadler has popped in to congratulate you on becoming an official member of the Pride. If you see bright sapphire-blue shoes, long black hair and a smile so wide it extends from one unispan to the next, you’ve probably found yourself in the same vicinity as Nadler.
“Are you going to make me famous?” Nadler said, gearing up for the interview. But she has already done that on her own. Nadler isn’t one to boast her Hofstra success – quite the opposite, actually.
The walls of her office are scattered with Hofstra memories and moments. Her desk is another story, covered in photos with Hofstra graduates, notes from students and other trinkets that make you want to bleed blue and gold right then and there. It’s clear Nadler has quite a love for all things Hofstra.
This fall marks Nadler’s 30th year with the university, where she started as an undergraduate psychology major. Unsurprisingly, back then, Nadler was a little different from who she is now.
“I started back in the fall of 1994 as a first-year student coming out of high school in Brooklyn,” Nadler said. “I had no confidence, no leadership skills and I was afraid of public speaking. ”
During her undergraduate years, Nadler sparked a new version of herself through leadership and campus involvement like she had never seen before. Serving as Panhellenic President, a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and a Pride Guide, Nadler still made sure to stay on top of all her classes. Now, she keeps busy with her responsibilities as the Director of Engagement and Relationship Management at Hofstra’s Office of Admission.
“This is year 27 of being out at the high schools, visiting schools, meeting with students and their families, but because I never left college, I still feel as
people feel about Disney World how I feel about Hofstra.”
But what about Nadler’s life outside of Hofstra? Getting to where she is now took many trials and tribulations, according to the admissions counselor.
“I grew up in Brooklyn, and I did not grow up in a wealthy family. Somehow, I was able to get to Hofstra, which really is full circle and really quite a feat for me … I didn’t have a lot of personal support in my life. I was not popular in high school, middle school, elementary school – I was often ridiculed … I grew up with a lack of belonging, and that is probably why a sense of belonging is so important to me,” Nadler said.
Nadler confessed that her life and career at Hofstra still feels surreal.
young as I ever did,” Nadler said. “I started doing the job that I’m doing at age 22, and now, I’m going to be 48.”
Nadler’s feeling of youth definitely shows in her day-to-day as she interacts with students from all over the globe, whether on Hofstra’s campus or not. It made me wonder, where does that enthusiasm come from?
“I have been so fortunate to feel a sense of belonging at Hofstra. What I love about this university is that it is the kind of campus where you do feel like you know everybody, but you meet somebody new every day,” Nadler said. “I do get excited to see the students and to see and to feel their energy.”
It’s easy to see that Nadler’s ability to connect with students goes beyond what you typically see in an admissions setting. In fact, if you’re lucky enough, you might get a surprise visit from Nadler.
“If I know a student is involved in a big game or if they’re involved in theater or if they’re involved in music, I can go and show my support to them and surprise the heck out of their family … I don’t tell them I’m coming!” Nadler said. “So that is just so special to me, and it’s as meaningful for me as it is for them, and I want everybody to know that.” Nadler is part of the magic of Hofstra, “You know, some
place in my heart where I craved all of this.”
All her personalized moments, her passion for the university and her drive to make Hofstra better all lead to a beautiful, energetic and wonderful cocktail of blue and gold. Without Nadler standing at the front of the pack, there is much less Hofstra pride to go around.
“Sometimes I think about, ‘Isn’t there more to me than just my love of Hofstra?’ And I have to say, ‘Maybe there is.’ My whole heart, my whole spirit and my whole mind [have] been shaped from what I’ve learned here, and the people that I’ve met … even the students who didn’t choose to come to Hofstra, I was part of their journey,” Nadler said. “I’m just so honored to be invited to talk here.”
“Sometimes I pinch myself and I go ‘is this real, is this really happening, are you really doing an interview with me right now?’” Nadler said. “‘Do people really know my name, do they really remember me?’ … Nobody remembered me! And that’s really where all of this comes from; it comes from that
I reached to press stop on my recording.
“And I can’t wait to see how you make me famous.”
If you’re reading this, Andrea, trust that you are already famous. And thank you for being my first of four years’ worth of memories.
Aidan Judge / The Hofstra Chronicle
By Peter Massarrone STAFF WRITER
Who was that kid drumming in front of Brooklyn Slice the other week? His name is Jack Brunault, a junior filmmaking major at Hofstra University. From the small town of Norton, Massachusetts, Brunault’s passion for music, acting and filmmaking makes him stand out from the typical Hofstra student.
Ever since Jack watched “The Mask” when he was a young kid, he developed a desire to act. At 4 years old, Brunault thought Jim Carrey had to pay money to be able to act in the movie, so when his parents told him the opposite was true, he realized what his dream was.
Brunault is currently a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has acted in dozens of projects throughout his lifetime. He has been chased down by a vampire, had the lead role in a children’s Christmas movie, stole a single mom’s shoes as a child-mob boss and perhaps his favorite role was playing the son of a not-so-great father in an emotionally heavy short film. He may seem like a
By Paige Sanacora STAFF WRITER
Something that I find a lot of people my age struggle with is how they can aid a cause they feel strongly about in a way that matters. If an issue is physically far away from us, it often feels like there isn’t a lot that we can do. With the ongoing conflict
FEATURES
This Hofstra Life: Jack Brunault
goofy, not-so-serious student, but when it comes to acting, Brunault consistently brings out his full range of emotions and gives a performance that he knows he’ll be proud of.
“Acting is understanding. [It is] understanding who your character is, understanding what would and wouldn’t work in a scene. Sometimes, you gotta be a little crybaby,” Brunault said.
Hofstra is Brunault’s break from acting to make connections, earn a filmmaking degree and spend time learning how to tackle his other passions: screenwriting and directing.
Brunault hones his craft of filmmaking through his screenwriting classes and appreciation of film. He’s working on multiple projects as of right now, but has decided not to disclose them until he has perfected them.
Brunault names John Cassavetes and Wim Wenders as his biggest directorial influences. One of his favorite movies, “A Woman Under the Influence” by Cassavetes starring Gena Rowlands, highlights an unflinching look at humanity. Brunault coins Rowlands’ portrayal of mental
illness as something so uncomfortable to watch because it feels too real, and that feeling makes her performance incredible. Brunault sees impactful movies like this as a guideline for how (and how not) to develop his own projects in the future.
“I feel I’m in the best shape of my life this semester, mentally and physically. That makes it so hard to write a script. The only times I can write a great script is during winter break, or any cold, isolated point of time in my life. Otherwise, just forget it,” Brunault said.
Brunault’s passion for music takes the form of drumming, which he will practice for one to two hours every day. He’ll work on his right foot technique, practice fills or just end up jamming out for extraordinarily long.
This summer, Brunault started drumming full albums during his practices. If you’ve ever seen a YouTube video of some random kid covering an entire album for a whole hour without stopping, that’s what Brunault does – except he’ll never let you see it.
“I don’t like watching any artistic performance of myself.
Acting, drumming, writing, whatever it may be – I’m my worst critic,” Brunault said.
For a drummer as dedicated to perfection as Brunault, he quotes My Bloody Valentine’s album “Loveless” as his biggest inspiration. He calls “Soon” from the album his favorite drum beat of all time.
“Sometimes, when I’m drumming ‘Soon’ in my album run – and the album ends with that song – I’ll just keeping playing that beat for two minutes in silence, because it’s just perfect,” Brunault said.
Chron Critiques: Boycat
between Israel and Palestine, I have felt this way a lot over the past year.
At the beginning of the year, my friends and I were, of course, aware of the negative contribution that certain brands were making toward Israel and its military and decided to boycott them. We began to look further into these brands and others to
make sure that our efforts were justified, but it became difficult to fact-check every post that we saw indicating a brand’s involvement. Back in February, a friend of mine discovered an app that was quite literally made to solve this problem.
Boycat is an app that is specifically designed to help people who support Palestine boycott companies, brands and products that either directly or indirectly support Israel and its military. They now also sponsor campaigns for other global issues, but for the purposes of this article, I will solely be focusing on its Palestine campaign.
The app is very easy to use. You can use its search function to find out if a brand or product is compliant with the boycott or you can directly scan a product’s barcode. If an item is not compliant, the app will provide you with a small blurb explaining the
company’s role in Israel’s occupation with a link to the sources it got its information. Boycat also suggests alternative brands that you can purchase in lieu of the non-compliant products.
Boycat also allows you to submit information to the app. You can recommend other alternative brands that people can buy from or report any issues or incorrect information you might come across. There is also a homepage that features daily updates regarding any relevant news related to specific brands or the war in general so that you can easily stay informed. Under the profile icon, you can see how many items you have scanned, how much money you have divested from non-compliant companies and view teams that you can join in order to collaborate with other boycotters to make a change.
I’m a firm believer that boycotting is a great way to show your
You may never see Brunault’s emotional, heart-wrenching movie about a depressed addict being haunted by his girlfriend, but he won’t mind. You may never see him acting in his short film about two guys arguing over a fantasy-land bar that doesn’t exist, but he doesn’t care. You may never hear his two hour psychedelic-jazz spoken word album under his alias “J. Brew,” but he still won’t care. As Brunault himself says: “I don’t want to be known … I make art because I love it.”
support for a cause. It literally doesn’t cost you a penny, and it is a great indicator to brands where consumers’ loyalties lie. I have also found that many of the brands that I buy from now tend to be healthier to consume than the ones I have been boycotting. Not only do I get to share support for something I feel strongly about, but I have also developed healthier dietary habits because of the brands that I’ve cut from my week-to-week life. Once I started looking into just how many brands I bought from, indirectly investing my money where I didn’t want it to go, I began to use Boycat to alter my lifestyle in small ways to help the cause in a big way.
Boycat is available on the App Store, Google Play and as a browser extension. You can also visit their website for more information on what you can do to support Palestine.
Photo courtesy of Boycat
Photo courtesy of Jack Brunault
M AN ON THE U NISPAN
What are you going to be for Halloween?
By Zoe Casselman and Lily Anzalone
FEATURES EDITOR AND ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR
“Last year, I was Bruce Lee, but this year, I’m planning on being Chris Motionless from ‘Motionless in White.’”
- Justin Koehnlein, sophomore
O verheard @ h O fstra
“One of your tails is still at my house.”
“Yeah, John Lennon! The president before Lincoln.”
“In three years, the best gift he got me was internal bruising.”
“I’m going to be Alice from ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Then I’m also going to be Tyler Durden from ‘Fight Club.’”
- Elena Kleberg, freshman
“I’m going to be the White Rabbit from ‘Alice in Wonderland.’”
- Sophie Becker, freshman
“If I’m going into war, trust, I’m going to die with a tiny waist.”
“Olive Garden is a good place to be when you’re horny.”
“I shaved my pubes so it better be a good weekend.”
“You have a boyfriend, I think it jiggles enough.”
“It was riding the stair bannister like a horny Texas whore.”
“I’m all up in those pumpkin guts.”
“Straighter, deeper and less sassy.”
Spread by Audra Nemirow
Zoe Casselman / The Hofstra Chronicle
By Makenzie Hurt EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
‘Twas the night before Halloweekend, when all through Hofstra University, not a student was stirring, not even a frat boy. The costumes were hung in the wardrobes with care, in hopes that no one else would be wearing the same one.
Halloweekend is the college student equivalent of Christmas to a child. We go through months of planning for our costumes, whether to DIY or go to Party City; it’s a big deal. I’ll be honest, I think I’ve fallen short with the costumes.
Freshman year, I wasn’t even on campus, but sophomore year, I put together a last minute Joel from “Risky Business” costume (don’t pretend like you don’t know who that is. Look it up), junior year I was the iconic
Icebreakers: Halloweekend
Adriana la Cerva from “Sopranos” and this year, since I’m out of ideas, I’m going as Maxine from “X,” purely because I have overalls and blue eyeshadow. However, I’m starting to realize almost everyone I know is also going as Maxine.
One year, when I’m someday not blonde (unlikely), I’ll go as Carrie from “Carrie.” With the amount I pay to be blonde, I can’t afford blood-stained hair.
I have friends who have been collecting pieces of their costumes for months. There’s a master list of every Halloween party from Saturday, Oct. 26, to Saturday, Nov. 2. This is a big deal. Plus, this is my last college Halloweekend – I have to make it a good one.
There’s truly a palpable excitement in the air leading up to this weekend. There’s a mix of happy anticipation and a little dash
of anxiety. This year, there’s a prominent feeling of spookiness in the air, especially considering there’s a pretty big make or break election the following week.
My top costume predictions for this year for the girls are cheetahs, Chappell Roan, Dorothy, Glinda and Elphaba. For the guys, it’s either whatever their girlfriends do or whatever group costume their friends want to do. There’s also always about a dozen Patrick Batemans and Batmans. A note to the girls, don’t associate yourself with those guys – bad news.
Last year, was the “Barbenheimer” apocalypse, but this year, there weren’t a whole lot of pop culture moments that gave room for costumes. Maybe Sabrina Carpenter, but it’s not going to be anywhere near the “Hi Barbie!” of last year.
I’ll tell you one thing, though,
if I run into an Art the Clown, I’m going home.
In reality, though, our Halloween costumes are a snapshot of our personalities and the one night a year (or multiple nights) to look as ridiculous as we want, free of repercussions and judgment. Masks and inflatable costumes, tiny shorts and bras –there are no rules. It also gives us a chance to let our freak flag fly. While it’s not acceptable to act like Patrick Bateman, it is a little fun to look like him, I’m sure.
Unfortunately, I do feel like this October ended as quickly as it started, which especially sucks since it’s my last October as a college student. But I had no time for all of the fall stuff, like pumpkin patches and going to Spirit Halloween for fun. Maybe I’ll make a trip there today.
So, if you’re a freshman reading this, please go get a costume
Chron Cooks ft Hannah Mudry: Apple crisp
and do something just because. You’re going to be like me in three years, regretting the one weekend you didn’t do anything for Halloween. Granted, I enjoyed the time spent at home with my family, but you’ve only got four Halloweekends – spend them wisely.
Boo! Scared ya.
By Hannah Mudry STAFF WRITER
As the calendar reaches the fall months and the countdown to the holidays begins, finding a sweet treat to bring to parties becomes essential. The perfect fall treat may just be an apple crisp.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
6 apples (preferably Golden Delicious), peeled and cubed
½ a lemon, juiced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
¾ tsp of cinnamon
For the topping:
¾ cup old fashioned oats
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup butter, chilled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350º F and grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar and cinnamon.
3. Add the apple mixture to the baking pan and set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour and butter. Since the butter is chilled, it is easier to combine ingredients using a fork, or even by hand, to thoroughly blend all of the ingredients and create coarse crumbs.
5. Spread the oat topping completely over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7. Serve by itself or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!
Photo courtesy of Hannah Mudry
Photo courtesy of Pearly Arts
‘Making Strides’ at Jones Beach
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and on Sunday, Oct. 20, Long Islanders gathered at Jones Beach Field 5 for the annual American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides” event. The over 77,000 walkers raised $2.3 million towards breast cancer research. The Office of Public Safety attended the event along with other student groups like Hofstra’s Pep Band and Cheer Team.
Alex Ferreira / The Hofstra Chronicle
Alex Ferreira / The Hofstra Chronicle
Photo courtesy of Kumba Jagne
Photo courtesy of Kumba Jagne Background courtesy of Kumba Jagne
Alex Ferreira / The Hofstra Chronicle
Alex Ferreira / The Hofstra Chronicle
Alex Ferreira / The Hofstra Chronicle
Photo courtesy of Kumba Jagne
Photo courtesy of Kumba Jagne
Spread by Annie MacKeigan, Alex Ferreira and Charlotte Mysliwiec
Arts And EntErtAinmEnt
Photo
Nuns, wooden men and shamans: the scariest films of 2024
By Michael Gaborno STAFF WRITER
As October comes to a close, there’s no doubt that viewers will be dying to check out a variety of horror films in the spirit of Halloween. Fortunately, 2024 has yielded some of the scariest films in recent years, and while major success stories like “Longlegs” and “Alien: Romulus” deserve to be in conversation, there are quite a few titles that were poorly managed by their studio or had too small of a release to make that much of an impact. To give them the recognition they deserve, here are some reviews of those films.
Arkasha Stevenson’s “The First Omen” – Hulu
This big-budget prequel to a nearly 50-year-old property that hadn’t had a new release since 2006 managed to not only cement itself as a worthy revival, but also dig its way into the souls of its viewers. Stevenson’s work is as slick as it is nasty. She tells the story of an American nun who uncovers a Satanic conspiracy at a Roman Catholic
orphanage. The film features profoundly evil imagery and a queasy atmosphere that is rarely found in horror of its ilk. Its frights are further bolstered by
production to offer a fascinating story that is punctuated with some of the most frightening scares in modern horror. The Irish filmmaker takes his first
“Fortunately, 2024 has yielded some of the scariest films in recent years...”
spinning impact to the multitude of scares that have viewers covering their eyes and ears.
Jang Jae-hyun’s “Exhuma” –AMC+, Shudder
Quick Hits
By Frankie DiCalogero MANAGING EDITOR
It’s difficult to put into words how insane the third installment of the “Terrifier” franchise is. The film has dominated the box office, becoming the highest grossing non-rated movie in film history, according to a tweet from writer and director Damien Leone.
The “Terrifier” franchise has quickly rejuvenated the up-anddown slasher-film industry. The series has rapidly grown, accumulating bigger budgets and a huge following after the release of “Terrifier 2.” The sequel did impressive numbers at the box office, grossing almost $16 million with just a $250,000 budget. Its overtly bloody nature, subtle comedic elements and the introduction of characters that would become new staples of the series truly made an everlasting impression on horror fans.
The series’ heroine, Sienna Shaw (Laura LaVera), her
an unforgettable and transformative performance from Nell Tiger Free, whose work in the last act deserves mention as some of the finest the genre has ever offered. It occasionally becomes too tied into the original film, particularly in the ending montage which strains to neatly link the films together. On its own merits, it is a delightfully devilish and surprisingly great gift from hell.
Damian Mc Carthy’s “Oddity” – AMC+, Shudder
Following his deeply unnerving debut “Caveat,” Mc Carthy makes efficient use of a bigger
film’s patient, low-key approach to tension-building and ratchets it up with painfully suspenseful sequencing that carries over into the engaging mystery plot. With this, he digs into primal fears of home invasion, mistrust and communication with the dead. The instantly iconic motif of the grotesquely designed wooden mannequin also helps to provide constant anxiety throughout. The ensemble is terrific, and they bring the film to life. The earnest approach to the more peculiar and ambiguous aspects both grounds the film and adds head-
‘Terrifier 3’ is not for the weak
brother Jonathan Shaw (Elliot Fullam) and the tantalizing serial killer, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), all returned for the newest installment.
If nothing else, “Terrifier 3” has cemented Art the Clown as a modern-day slasher movie icon. The silent but sadistic clown will stop at nothing to see his lust for blood satiated, which always results in killing someone brutally. Whether it’s with a chainsaw, gun or even live rats, Art the Clown will slice and dice through his victims.
Sienna is this franchise’s Sidney Prescott. She plays the role of the strong and cunning “final girl” who scrapes her way to survival. With the film being set five years after the events of her first time surviving Art the Clown, LaVera required an even deeper performance to show her inescapable fear that her trauma from the first movie will be relived. LaVera’s development as an actress is definitely
This ambitious South Korean blockbuster utilizes disturbing folklore and genuine historical trauma to balance quietly unsettling scares and all-out mystical insanity. Some of the framing and sequences are reminiscent of the even scarier “The Wailing,” relying on nerve-jangling sound design and toying with seemingly negative spaces within the image. On top of being effectively spooky, it also serves up an impressive amount of energizing thrills, ranging from a beautifully rendered ritual to a break-in at a barn. Without giving away too much, the film deals with a surprising but powerful subject matter and employs supernatural horror to accentuate that subject in such a brilliant, terrifying way.
something to look out for, as a new scream queen may be on the horizon.
The development of Jonathan’s character takes a different approach from Sienna’s in how he has dealt with the events of the second film. He is now in college and wants to move on, claiming that Art the Clown is dead and that he cannot be out seeking revenge. Even though he does eventually realize danger is coming once again, he fails to even get the chance at defeating Art the Clown by his sister’s side.
One of the more fascinating aspects of “Terrifier 3” was that the film is set during Christmas, despite its October release date. The first two installments took place during Halloween. The festive elements give way for Art the Clown to reach back into his humorous mannerisms. Dressing up as Santa Claus and toying with presents under the tree are among the holiday tradi-
tions he participates in.
The visuals of “Terrifier 3” are stunning. Every death scene leaves you with a pit in your stomach and makes you feel like you shouldn’t be allowed to watch what’s on screen.
Despite the positive reception, some international responses have not followed suit. France’s Classification Committee banned viewers under 18 from seeing the film, making “Terrifier 3” the first film to earn this distinction since “Saw III.” There were also reports of audience members vomiting, passing out and leaving the theaters after the opening scene.
If you enjoy these intense and violent slashers, don’t fret, as Leone confirmed in September that “Terrifier 4” is in development.
Get ready to cover your eyes (or not) once again.
According to FOX News, the top searched Halloween costume of 2024 is the ‘Beetlejuice shrunken head.’
Patrick Dempsey is expected to return for ‘Scream 7’ as Detective Mark Kincaid.
Lizzo dressed up as the Lizzo Ozempic dose from ‘South Park’ at a recent Halloween party.
Courtesy of Barnes and Noble
Courtesy of @lizzobeeating on Instagram
Courtesy of People.com
Courtesy of @patrickdempsey on Instagram
The ‘Trick ‘r Treat’ franchise has returned with a new graphic novel series titled ‘Trick ‘r Treat: Witching Hours.’
Infants at a New Orleans hospital were dressed up as Taylor Swift in celebration of Swift’s ‘Eras Tour.’ Courtesy of Children’s Hospital New Orleans
By Paige Sanacora STAFF WRITER
At the beginning of 2024, I was feeling nostalgic and decided to rewatch a few childhood favorites of mine from the “Scooby-Doo” franchise. Even in my adult life, I frequently find myself going back to the franchise’s shows and movies when I want to throw something on. This year, watching one “Scooby-Doo” movie wasn’t enough, and it somehow turned into watching all 48 movies that have been made since 1987. As Halloween is coming up, I wanted to share my five favorites.
#5: “Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost.”
It’s not an unpopular opinion that Jim Stenstrum’s films are some of the best of the franchise (all four of his films fall into my top 10).
A&E
I watched every ‘Scooby-Doo’ movie
holds truer to the essence of the characters, and I tend to enjoy watching it more than the first one. Set in their hometown of Coolsville, Mystery Inc. – or just referred to as “the gang” – must stop a masked villain from stealing the costumes of their past
also one of the few movies in which I remember being genuinely shocked when the villain was revealed. There are so many layers of mystery going on during this movie that, even when rewatching it years later, I have a hard time remembering what
tend to go for. The movie also uses the last level of the game to reminisce on past foes and character signs from the original show in 1969. This allows both the modern characters and the audience to examine how the characters have evolved over
This one follows Mystery Inc. going to Massachusetts as they investigate the hauntings of an author’s ancestor who is rumored to be a witch. The fall setting and Halloween-themed plot make this one of the spookiest “ScoobyDoo” movies to date.
Of course, it would be a crime to speak on my love for this movie and not mention the introduction of the iconic girl band trio, The Hex Girls. They become recurring characters throughout later films and shows due to the group’s popularity among fans. I will openly admit to knowing all the words to their songs, and I am patiently waiting for their own spin-off to be announced.
#4: “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.”
I am definitely in the minority when I say that I prefer the sequel to the iconic live-action “ScoobyDoo” movie from 2002. I will admit that the original film still makes for an enjoyable watch. However, I think the second one
mysteries and bringing them to life.
The casting for this duology was absolutely perfect. I loved the glimpse into the gang’s day-to-day life and the sets that were created for the film. From creepy mansions and warehouses to the Mystery Inc. house, this movie brings the unfamiliar and the familiar from the animated content that we already know and love to life.
#3: “Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare.”
I am an absolute sucker for a camp setting, especially when it comes to mysteries. When the gang agrees to be counselors at Fred’s old summer camp, the scary campfire stories being told start to attack the camp. This movie is the perfect blend of comedic summer fun and creepy woods horror. From classic camp activities to suspenseful music, “Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare” really nails the vibe it was trying to capture. This was
characters I can trust. This movie also features a unique title song convention that many of the other “Scooby-Doo” films from the 2010s featured, each themed according to their movie. This might be the movie that I’ve watched the most out of all 48 releases.
#2: “Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase.”
In the final installment of Stenstrum’s four films, the gang is zapped into a “Scooby-Doo” video game that they must beat in order to defeat the Phantom Virus that has taken over the game. For a long time, I considered this my favorite of the Scooby-Doo movies, but now I think it’s a close second to my No. 1 spot. Everything about this movie is so creative, from the design of the game levels to the monster itself. This movie does a great job at a different take on the sciencefiction genre which goes beyond the typical alien-monster that other “Scooby-Doo” adaptations
and the characters feel a little bit older. I rank this movie highly when it comes to the shock factor of its end reveal (assuming you have no knowledge of the film going into it). It is thoroughly entertaining and creepy, and there really isn’t much else I can say except that this movie is a must-watch for both casual and hardcore “Scooby-Doo” fans.
I will also say this: if you ever feel inclined to watch the sequel, “ScoobyDoo! Return to Zombie Island,” just don’t.
their decades on the screen. I find it especially interesting to watch now, given all the technological advancements that have been made since the show’s release.
#1: “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.”
For fellow “Scooby-Doo” fans, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise in the top spot. In Stenstrum’s magnum opus, the gang reunites with the goal of getting footage of a real ghost for Daphne’s television show. They end up on a remote island off the coast of Louisiana that is said to be haunted by a longdeceased pirate and his crew. They are soon joined by many other inexplicable creatures and many suspects. Although it departs from the standard format expected from a “Scooby-Doo” adaptation, this film is “ScoobyDoo” at its core.
What I love so much about Stenstrum’s films is that the danger is very real for the characters – the stakes are higher
Overall, there are only a handful of movies within the franchise that I might not rewatch anytime soon (or at all). The other 30 or so movies that fall in the middle of my rankings all have more or less that quintessential “Scooby-Doo” feel to them, only separated by their setting and monsters. Do I think that you should embark on this 48-film-long journey? If “Scooby-Doo” is your thing, then yes! “Scooby-Doo” has infested my brain all year in the best way. If it isn’t your thing but you enjoyed any of the shows as a kid and are looking for a good nostalgia kick, I think that these five are a great place to start.
The most recent release in the ‘Scooby-Doo’ film franchise was ‘Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!’ in Sept. 2023.
Compilation by Paige Sanacora
The best way to spend Halloween is with ‘The Simpsons’
By Annie MacKeigan
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Beware of spoilers!
You may remember seeing a vivid retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” in your middle school English class, where Homer Simpson plays a disturbed and lost lover haunted by Bart the raven. What you may not know is that this very episode is what ignited the tradition of annual “The Simpsons” Halloween episodes that parody classic horror films and supernatural spooky tales.
These “Treehouse of Horror” episodes have occurred at least once per season, beginning in the second season. From parodies of “The Shining” and “The Silence of the Lambs” to “Coraline” and “Stranger Things,” “The Simpsons” never fail to put on an entertaining Halloween show.
The first “Treehouse of Horror” episode, Season 2 Episode 3, begins with Marge Simpson appearing from behind a red curtain. She warns viewers that they may find the next half hour extremely disturbing and that it
may be in their best interest to put their children to bed.
The episode pattern of Bart and Lisa Simpson trying to scare each other shows them exchanging scary stories, each more frightening than the last.
The episode ends with Bart and Lisa deciding they won’t be able to scare each other, so they might as well just go to bed. This leaves Homer shivering in shock, frozen with fear in the backyard treehouse. The episode sets the format for all the Halloween shows, splitting each into three spine-chilling stories.
dreams. In the Season 7 Episode 6 segment, this is translated to Groundskeeper Willie hunting the Springfield Elementary students
regarded among superfans as one of the best “Treehouse of Horror” segments.
“Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace” is a parody of “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” the 1984 slasher film where tortured killer Freddie Krueger hunts and murders children in their
in their dreams to seek revenge on the parent-teacher association who let him burn alive. Bart and Lisa fight to survive Groundskeeper Willie’s murderous rampage while their classmates are brutally killed in front of them. The episode closely follows the plot of the slasher but still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. “Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace” is widely
Another episode titled, “Citizen Kang,” features “The Simpsons” aliens, Kang and Kodos, and is based on the 1996 U.S. presidential election, arguably the scariest story we face every four years around Halloween time. This episode pokes fun at the American political climate of the mid-‘90s.
In the episode, Kang and Kodos abduct Homer to gather information about American politics. The aliens then abduct presidential candidates Bill Clinton and Bob Dole to imprison them in their spacecraft. Using cloning technology, Kang and Kodos enter society disguised as the two opposing candidates.
“The Simpsons” diffuse the situation with their classic humor, of course; when the disguised aliens hold hands while walking up and down the street and they lead everyone to believe that Clinton and Dole are involved in a romantic relationship. When asked, the apparent presidential candidates claim they are “merely exchanging long protein strands.”
The episode takes a turn after the election when the human population finds itself enslaved by the aliens. Homer scoffs, “Don’t blame me, I voted for Kodos.” So, whether you’re looking for a spook, thrill, trick or treat, “The Simpsons” can provide. “Treehouse of Horror XXXV,” the Season 36 edition, is set to air on Nov. 3, which will include more politically influenced stories along with a ghostly haunting of one of Springfield’s most prolific residents.
By Vanessa Flanagan
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
“Saw” was released in 2004 and has turned out nine sequels over the past 20 years with an 11th installment on the way in 2025. The franchise features its signature villain, Jigsaw, also known as John Kramer, and his murderous traps. Jigsaw, a cancer patient with limited time left, views these “games” as rehabilitation for people to appreciate the life they have. He does not consider himself a murderer and explicitly states “killing is distasteful” in “Saw V.” Jigsaw offers people a chance at survival; those who die do so by their own choices, while those who survive are supposedly instantly rehabilitated.
To celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary, “Saw UNRATED” was released in theaters for the first time. Before the film starts, a message plays from Jigsaw’s actor, Tobin Bell. Bell has
appeared in every “Saw” movie, despite his character dying in “Saw III,” and will return for the 11th film. Sitting next to franchise icon
Billy the Puppet, he acknowledges the fans of the franchise and thanks them for their continued support over the past two decades, allowing him to refine his performances as John Kramer.
more blood and gore is expected, but according to IMDb, the
Despite it kicking off many torture and gore-filled sequels, the first installment does not depict any cringe-worthy torture; it is primarily a thriller. In the original film’s unrated version,
uncut film is a mere eight seconds longer than the original. It needed to be trimmed to gain an R-rating for its theatrical release. There are subtle differences between the two versions that are not easy to spot because they are extensions of pre-existing scenes rather than newly added material.
One minor difference is identified upon discovering a victim who died in a trap. In the unrated version, numerous close-ups of his wounds and cuts are shown all across his body, amplifying Jigsaw’s merciless cruelty. There is also an extended scene that features the victim attempting to beat the trap. In the regular version, the only closeup shown is his wounded hand, which downplays the trap’s severity.
The only other notable distinction that features more gore is the extension of a scene where a victim digs through her cellmate’s intestines for a key. Although this moment is present in the original, it appears only briefly. The longer sequence is more effective and immerses the audience in the grossness of the scene.
The theatrical release features one scene not included in the unrated version. The two main characters, Lawrence and
Adam, share their last words together after being chained to a bathroom for six hours in Jigsaw’s trap. After Lawrence saws his foot off and is crawling away to get help, Adam asks if they are going to be okay, and Lawrence responds, “I wouldn’t lie to you.” Unfortunately for Adam, Jigsaw left him to die, still chained up to the bathroom, while Lawrence got away and ultimately survived.
Despite the lack of additional gore that was anticipated in the unrated cut, “Saw” remains one of the greatest horror movies of all time. The slow buildup of the now iconic theme music, “Hello Zepp,” towards the end is unmatched. The screams from one of the main characters heard throughout the credits are still effective and chilling. If you have not experienced “Saw” on the big screen, now is the time.
‘Saw UNRATED’ is available to stream now on Peacock.
Photo courtesy of IMDb
Celebrating 20 years of ‘Saw’
‘The Simpsons’ currently airs Sunday evenings on FOX.
Photo courtesy of Prime Video
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.
Melania’s gamble could tank or aid the campaign
By Maisa Ahmad
In the politically charged environment of the United States, the issue of abortion remains a contentious issue. With public figures actively voicing their chosen candidate or political views in the 2024 presidential campaign, their choices are proven to wear a heavy weight in influencing public reviews.
On Thursday, Oct. 3, Melania Trump, the former first lady, shared modern views on abortion instead of the conservative stance that her husband, former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, promoted in his campaign. This development may have extreme implications for Donald Trump’s 2024 marketing campaign.
Abortion has been a major issue for the Republican Party with a significant portion of its base argument strongly opposed. Historically, Donald Trump has aligned himself with the lifestyle movement. During his presidency, he appointed three conservative Supreme Court justices who helped to overturn Roe v. Wade
CONTINUED FROM A1
But of course, these are the same people. So, how is it possible that a person’s values can both be aligned with Trump’s comments in 2020 and his conviction in 2024?
I think Trump supporters lack an internal value system. Rather than choosing a presidential candidate whose views align with one’s own morals, Trump supporters’ morals sway with his actions.
This whole idea feels eerily similar to a cult wherein members lack their own personalities and follow the leader for indications on what to believe. In this case, their personalities and thus, their senses of
in the landmark case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. For many prolifers, Donald Trump’s legacy is closely tied to that victory, making him a hero in conservative circles.
Donald Trump has been relatively cautious in his rhetoric since overturning Roe v. Wade. While he celebrated the ruling, he additionally indicated that he changed into no longer wanting an outright federal ban on abortion and alternatively proposed that states set their own legal guidelines. That careful balancing act is likely an attempt to retain the loyalty of his conservative base without alienating moderate voters. Now, enter Melania Trump to the equation.
Melania Trump has often held a quieter position in public debates, preferring to focus on her personal pursuits, consisting of her “Be Best” campaign, which focuses on supporting the welfare of children around the country. There have been reviews suggesting that Melania Trump may additionally have more moderate views on abortion than the typical
conservative viewpoint. Although she has now explicitly advocated a pro-desire platform, her acceptance of certain exceptions for abortion, such as in cases of rape, incest or endangering the mother’s life, suggests a departure from a strict pro-life position.
Melania Trump’s role discussing this issue may appeal to suburban women and Republicans who were key voters in recent elections. Melania Trump’s perspectives could help humanize Donald Trump in their eyes and provide a comparison to the more exaggerated factors of the Republican platform.
Melania Trump’s position, on the other hand, should alienate the staunchly seasoned existentialist wing of Donald Trump’s fanbase, a demographic that has been fiercely loyal to him because of his Supreme Court appointments and seasoned advocacy career. For these citizens, any easing on abortion rights is seen as wrong. If Donald Trump’s campaign is seen as too soft on abortion, it could weaken his lead among Evangelicals and social
conservatives. The institution has played a part in Donald Trump’s previous electoral successes, and their dissatisfaction should open the door for a far-right conservative candidate to take away critical votes in the Republican primary.
For Donald Trump, the difficulty of abortion may be a delicate balancing act in his campaign in 2024. Melania Trump’s extra moderate views could be an asset, helping to melt Donald Trump’s image and making him more appealing to centrist citizens. Yet, at the same time, he risks alienating his centrist supporters if he is seen as wavering on the issue that has defined his presidency in the eyes of many conservatives.
In many ways, Melania Trump’s position on abortion reflects the broader views of the Republican Party. By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Republican Party achieved a key goal, however, the post-Roe v. Wade landscape forced Republicans to face the reality that the majority of Americans want some level of access to abortion. As a result, the Republican Party is
struggling with how to balance its commitment to lifestyle ideas with the need to appeal to a broader population.
As the campaign season progresses and will soon come to an end, it will be interesting to see how Donald Trump and his team handle this issue.
Will they embrace Melania Trump’s more moderate stance, or double down on the pro-life rhetoric that has galvanized the broader conservative base? Whatever course they choose, abortion will continue to be a major issue in the 2024 presidential election. Melania Trump’s views may prove pivotal in shaping not only the outcome of her husband’s campaign, but also the broader political debate on abortion in America.
Maisa Ahmad is a freshamn political science major. You can find her on Instagram @ maisaahmad01.
self become synonymous with Trump’s existence. Further, when Trump feels like he is being attacked, his followers feel it too. Those become their opinions as much as they are his. This has already had real world consequences.
In front of the the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum a man wearing patriotic face paint and a furry hat with horns rising out of it, mimicked one of the Jan. 6 rioters. While he danced and sang, people
walking past, cheered and took
to distance themselves from the violent riot or bold merchandise.
pictures with him.
For me, the sight was disturbing. It surprised me that Trump supporters did not want
People’s excitement around the costume showed they revered the man who was being portrayed.
Although Trump has claimed he had nothing to do with the insurrection of the U.S. capitol, his supporters glorify the event anyway.
The focus on whether Trump told people to riot neglects the cult-like culture that exists within the community. Trump did not
need to say, “go storm the capitol;” he simply needed to feign injustice enough for his followers to feel attacked and flock to protect him. The riot was not for justice nor protection of American law, but rather for the protection and at the bidding of one man.
On my way out of the rally I saw a woman taking a picture with a cardboard cutout of Trump. Her friend said, “We have that at home.” They might have been joking, but no one was laughing. I like to imagine him standing on an altar somewhere in her bedroom.
Kumba Jagne is a freshman journalism major. You can find her on Instagram @theogkombucha.
Some Trump supporters wore ‘voting for felon’ hats.
OPINION
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.
Chron Crossword 10/29
Across
2. Political tactic used to delay voting in Congress
7. Relating to the office of a state governor
8. Secondary election when no candidate in the first election met the required threshold for victory
9. Person who is paid to influence governmental
10. Political candidate running for re-election
13. The manipulation of electoral district boundaries
Down
1. Midwest swing state with 15 electoral votes
3. Act of drawing new political boundaries
4. This president plays the saxophone
5. Last name of Democratic presidential nominee in
6. Acronym for President Bush administration’s famous education bill introduced in 2001
11. Executive power to refuse approval of legislation
12. Conference of members of a legislative body who belong to a specific party
Graphic by Ethan Albin and Ryan Monke / The Hofstra Chronicle
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.
Washington D.C. needs to be a state
By Ryan Monke
There is a popular rallying cry from the American Revolution, the phrase “no taxation without representation” highlighting colonists’ disdain for being forced to pay taxes to the British government when they had no representation in parliament.
Almost 250 years later, the phrase retains its relevance.
The nearly 700,000 residents of Washington D.C., find themselves stuck paying federal taxes and being subject to the authority of the federal government without any representation in Congress. “No taxation without representation” highlights a multitude of factors driving the movement to establish Washington as the United States’ 51st state, something that would correct the current infringements on the civic rights of Washington residents.
The Constitution established Washington as the seat of the federal government in 1790, ensuring that the government would remain in a neutral dis-
trict not affiliated with any particular state. Washington slowly grew in population, becoming home to hundreds of thousands of residents who pay local and federal taxes yet still have no say in American politics.
In 1961, the ratification of the 23rd Amendment of the Constitution gave Washington three electoral votes in presidential elections. This value does not exceed the number of electoral votes held by the least populous state. However, Washington still has no voting representatives in the House of Representatives or the Senate, giving its residents no say in the creation of federal laws they remain subject to.
This comes even though Washington, with an estimated population of 679,000 residents in 2023, has a larger population than both Vermont and Wyoming, according to the U.S. Census. Washington D.C. also pays more in federal taxes per capita than any state in the country, according to the government, making the rally “no taxation without representation”
especially poignant. Without statehood, Washington also remains subject to congressional oversight and interference in local affairs. Although the city council and mayor draft and approve Washington’s laws, all local legislation, including Washington’s annual budget, must be presented directly to Congress for approval. This allows state representatives who do not represent Washington to meddle in Washington’s local affairs, often altering laws that they should have no say in.
In 2022, Washington’s city council approved a rewrite of the district’s criminal code. Upon presentation to Congress in 2023, the House of Representatives voted to overturn the legislation, therefore, showing representatives from outside Washington did not hesitate to overrule the work of the district’s government. Similar congressional interference has impacted local legislation regarding topics ranging from reproductive healthcare to the
legalization of marijuana in Washington.
Protesting the decision, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington’s non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives, released a statement in the U.S Congressional Records that said, “It is true Congress has absolute power over D.C., but might does not make right.”
The movement to grant statehood to Washington has become increasingly partisan. As Washington residents are typically progressive and Democratic when it comes to voting, those in support of statehood tend to be Democrats as well. On the other hand, Republicans who support Washington statehood are few and far between, balking at the idea of giving more votes to Democrats in the chambers of Congress.
Those opposed to statehood also say that establishing Washington as a state demands an amendment to the Constitution. This would require three-fourths of state legislatures in the U.S. to ratify the amendment, an
What is ‘Proposition 1,’ and why should you
By Matthew Adarichev
At a time when many young people feel like their voting can’t make any difference, we have a unique opportunity to change the New York State Constitution in a positive way this Election Day.
The proposed Amendment is called Proposition 1 and will be a statewide ballot measure in this upcoming election. Students can vote on Proposition 1 by flipping over their ballot when they vote on Election Day, Nov. 5, or if they choose to vote early in New York State between Saturday, Oct. 26, and Nov. 3.
The text of Proposition 1 would make it illegal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability ... or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy
outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”
Which is to say that if most New Yorkers vote “Yes,” it will be unconstitutional to discriminate based on these factors. If most New Yorkers vote “No,” these protections will not be included in the New York State Constitution.
So, this Election Day presents a very exciting opportunity. This is a constitutional amendment that we get to vote for. This isn’t voting for a politician; it’s a proposition that will be voted on by the people of New York and decided by a majority vote. Our vote matters whether this passes or not.
After reading the text, I think it becomes apparent why I encourage all New Yorkers to vote “Yes” on Proposition 1. Expansions of constitutional protections against discrimination are fantastic and move our society forward. There are protections for those with dis-
abilities, which is an important thing to recognize in a state constitution as rights for those with disabilities remain insufficient more than 30 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Passing Proposition 1 would make our state constitution one of the most forward and inclusive in the country.
Generation Z, people born after 1997, has more people identifying as LGBTQ+ than previous generations. Almost one in every four members of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+. Likewise, those aged 18 to 29 are very supportive of LGBTQ+ issues, such as gay marriage (71% support) and protections for transgender individuals against discrimination in jobs, housing and public spaces (70% support, greater than any other generation). Young people could have the deciding vote to get the issues we care about put into our state
improbable feat for a controversial issue in today’s polarized climate. Advocates of statehood argue it should simply take the signing of statehood legislation, the same process every state after the original colonies went through to join the country. Statehood legislation only requires a simple majority in both houses of Congress and the president’s signature, a much more feasible path to Washington becoming the 51st state.
Earning statehood is an uphill battle for Washington residents, but one that’s worth fighting for. Washington does more than its fair share in funding the federal government, yet has no local autonomy and is subject to federal laws they have no say in. Washington residents’ civic rights have been infringed upon since its establishment, and the only route to mending this is statehood.
Ryan Monke is a junior mass media studies and political science double major. You can find him on instagram @rjmonke.
vote
for it?
constitution.
Finally, the section protecting pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy would put the right to an abortion into the New York State Constitution. Women will have the constitutional right to make decisions about their own pregnancies without being bothered by the government. Just like protection against discrimination, that is not a right that can be taken away by politicians, whether they are Democratic or Republican.
Ensuring that women have access to an abortion if they need one is more important than ever considering the horrific experiences that some have undergone because they were not able to receive an abortion in their own state.
Take Amber Nicole Thurman for example. The 28-year-old mother drove to another state to get an abortion. Due to complications with the procedure,
she died after bleeding out for over 20 hours as doctors in her home state of Georgia were afraid to operate on her because they were afraid the state of Georgia would arrest them. The right to an abortion saves women’s lives, gives them freedom and keeps them safe. It is critical that those benefits are here in New York.
We can’t vote on propositions every year, and there are few propositions as good as Proposition 1.
On Nov. 5, I hope you will join me in flipping over your ballot and marking “Yes” on Proposition 1.
Matthew Adarichev is a public policy major at Hofstra University, and an aspiring journalist.
By Olivia Hillestad SPORTS EDITOR
Fresh faces shine at Hofstra wrestle-offs
With wrestling season just weeks away, the Hofstra University wrestling team held its annual blue vs. gold wrestleoffs on Thursday, Oct. 24. Two freshmen and one transfer donned the Hofstra singlet for the first time to take on 20 returners.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Arbeit and freshman Gauge Shipp got the matches started at 133 pounds. The highscoring match ended with Shipp winning 19-11 and moving on to take on redshirt junior Chase Liardi.
Liardi, who missed most of last season due to injury, battled it out with Shipp in a hardfought match. The two almost went into overtime with Liardi having a one-point lead, though Shipp held onto a large amount of riding time. Shipp was just one second short of earning a riding time point to put the match into overtime, instead falling to Liardi 6-5.
Columbia University graduate transfer Kyle Mosher dominated his match at 165 pounds against redshirt junior Matt Rogers. Mosher won by technical fall in the third period 17-2 against Rogers, who wrestled earlier in the night against fellow redshirt junior Eric Shindel for the chance to take on Mosher.
Senior and returning starter Dylan Acevedo-Switzer had an extremely close match against freshman Teague Strobel at 125 pounds. The two went into overtime tied at 1-1 before Strobel earned a takedown to win the match.
Graduate student Ross McFarland sat out of the competition, but redshirt freshman Matthew Waddell and redshirt sophomore Greyson Harris battled it out at 174 pounds. The two were tied 2-2 through regulation and a twominute overtime period, leading to ride-out periods where Waddell earned an escape to win the match 3-2.
Redshirt freshman Gavin
Proffitt wrestled Harris later that night for what may be the starting spot at 184 pounds or 174 pounds. Harris, in contrast to his performance earlier, put up an impressive 17 points to win by technical fall in the second period 17-2.
Redshirt freshman Cam Ice took on redshirt sophomore Joe Sparacio at 141 pounds, with Sparacio dominating in a 17-1 technical fall victory and moving on to face graduate student Justin Hoyle.
Sparacio picked up an impressive victory against Hoyle, winning 8-4 in overtime over the team captain who missed most of last season due to injury.
Sophomore Noah Tapia took on redshirt sophomore Alex Turley, who won a match 8-2 against redshirt freshman Dylan Zenion to battle last season’s starter at 149 pounds. Tapia was solid once again, winning 17-2 over Turley.
Last season’s starter, redshirt sophomore Jurius Clark and
redshirt freshman Frank Volpe replayed last season’s wrestleoffs, with Clark winning the narrow match 4-1 in overtime. At 197 pounds, two of last season’s starters battled it out – redshirt sophomore Nikolas Miller and sophomore Will Conlon, who was the starter at 184 pounds. The larger weight class may have been too much for Conlon, who fell to Miller 4-3.
In a rematch of last season’s wrestle-offs, redshirt freshman Danny Church and redshirt
sophomore Adrian Sans met on the mat to take the 285-pound weight class. Church won once again, this time 4-3.
Hofstra’s first competition will be the Princeton Open on Nov. 3, with the first dual meet at home on Nov. 16.
Pride falls to Monmouth in regular season finale
By George Hatzadony STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University women’s soccer team dropped its season finale 3-2 against Monmouth University. The Pride is now guaranteed to be a bottom-three seed in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) tournament.
Hofstra finishes up its regular season 7-4-6 with a 5-3-2 conference record.
“Disappointing in the end,” said Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. “I thought, for a lot of the game, we played
quite well against a very good, well-coached Monmouth team.
I thought we conceded a couple of soft goals, critical errors by individuals; it’s been the story of our season.”
Uncharacteristic mistakes cost the Pride during the match. Hofstra conceded three goals in a game for the first time this season.
“The first goal was just poor from a professional perspective,” Riddiough said. “The second goal, we had a chance to win a tackle at the halfway line, we chose not to, we played soft … The last one, we had an opportunity to clear the ball or deal with it better … we just didn’t handle the movement of them on the corner kick, it’s basic, it’s elementary defending.”
The Pride found their first goal from freshman Emma Johnson. The defender scored her first career goal with a firsttime strike inside the box. Sasha McTiffin and Gabriella Marte picked up the assists, their
third and second assists of the campaign, respectively.
“She’s a freshman, and she’s playing well for 90 minutes,” Riddiough said. “She’s a good defender; we don’t expect her to score goals, but she’s tenacious in those situations.”
In the second half, Millie Davies brought the game level via a penalty on a Monmouth handball.
“I think [Davies] is the best player in the conference,” Riddiough said. “She hasn’t proven that at the beginning of the season because she was injured, and she was carrying a knock. But when she’s playing like she is tonight, we fancy our chances.”
The match was tightly contested throughout, but lethal finishing gave the Hawks the edge in the match. Monmouth led on three separate occasions throughout the night, scoring early and often, starting just before the eight-minute mark with Liza Suydam’s seventh goal of the season.
The Pride controlled the majority of the first half after the goal. They were rewarded for their efforts through Johnson’s goal. Hofstra led Monmouth 9-7 in shots in the first half, forcing four saves from Hawks goalie Cassie Coster.
In the second half, Monmouth yet again started strong. Summer Reimet, who ended Hofstra’s season last year in Monmouth’s 2-1 extra-time win in the CAA semifinals, found the back of the net after a great cross from Loren Gehret. Despite a strong start, the Pride fought back through Davies’ penalty.
The contest continued to be unpredictable as another defensive lapse from the Pride let the Hawks in to score the
winner. Reimet turned provider on Suydam’s second of the match. Hofstra did not muster another attempt on the net in the final 30 minutes, as the Hawks buckled down and suffocated the Pride’s offense.
Overall, the Pride had 13 shots during the match compared to Monmouth’s 15. Additionally, Synne Danielsen notched seven saves on a disappointing night for the Hofstra defense.
The Pride will be back in action next week as the CAA championships get underway on Thursday, Oct. 31. Hofstra will play the University of Delaware in the first round of the tournament. The game will be played at Monmouth.
Hofstra’s first dual meet is Nov. 16 at home.
Photo courtesy of Amelia Bashy
Roos’ 17 saves were not enough as Pride fell to American
By Anthony Hidalgo ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
The Hofstra University field hockey team fell 2-1 on the road against American University on Sunday, Oct. 27. The Pride fall to 4-12 on the season, while the Eagles move to 10-7.
Hofstra keeper Pieke Roos had another great performance for the Pride, recording a season-high 17 saves in the match. It’s the third time this season Roos has reached double digits in saves, and it is the most saves she’s had in
a match since Oct. 20, 2023, when she had a career-high 22 saves against Northeastern University.
Hofstra forward Jamie Lewis continued her recent form of success with an assist in the game, following her two-goal performance in the previous match against Towson University. The sophomore got the scoring started early, finding Hofstra forward Heather Canavan in the circle to give the Pride a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the first quarter.
It was the first assist of the season for Lewis, and the first time Canavan found the net as a member of the Pride.
The Eagles wasted little time responding, evening the score less than a minute later. American sophomore Jordan Reicher intercepted a pass from Hofstra right outside the circle, sending the shot past Roos for her seventh goal of the season.
Both teams were quiet for
the rest of the first half, holding the 1-1 tie into the second half of the game. The Pride were outshot 18-3 in the first half. The closest the Pride got was a shot from Teresa Karoff that rang off the post early in the second quarter.
Roos did all she could to keep her side in the match, making seven saves in the second quarter alone, including a trio of saves in a 10 second span in the middle to keep the match tied. Hofstra’s junior goalminder continued to hold off the Eagles attack in the third, with four saves in the first four and a half minutes.
American finally broke through when senior midfielder Agustina Roffo gave the Eagles the lead. Roffo tipped a blocked shot, but it was saved by Roos. She grabbed the rebound, succeeding on the second attempt. It was Roffo’s second goal of the season, and ultimately wound up being the
game-winner for the Eagles on their senior day.
Hofstra struggled to get any chances on offense, failing to get a shot off in the third quarter. They only had one more opportunity in the fourth, trying three times from the penalty corner. The last attempt resulted in a shot from Lewis, but she was denied by American goalkeeper Bryn Underwood.
The Pride will return home
for their final Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) match when they host Northeastern at Cindy Lewis Stadium on Friday, Nov. 1. The Huskies already hold a spot in the CAA championships, but a win from Hofstra and a loss by Monmouth University will give the Pride the final spot in the tournament. The match is set for 2 p.m.
Pride’s five-set battle ends in narrow defeat to Delaware
By Shannon Bickert STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University volleyball team dropped a five-set match 3-2 against the University of Delaware on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center. Both Hofstra and Delaware now stand at 9-3 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play. Several other CAA teams also bear this record.
All five sets were intense, close matches. The teams alternated set victories, with Delaware winning the first, third and fifth sets while the Pride took the second and
fourth sets.
Izadora Stedile had an excellent showing for the Pride, with a career high of 27 kills, four service aces and 17 digs. Stedile excelled all weekend, contributing over 20 kills and 15 digs in both matches of the series.
“I think [Stedile] did a great job,” said Hofstra head coach Emily Mansur. “I think she has been a very good player for us all season, and she has led us; she is a complete player.”
Hofstra started the first set strong with Stedile, Constanza Perez Sain, Clara Bal and Beatriz Braga leading an early charge. Delaware found ways to score, quickly tying the game with kills of their own. Even as the Fightin’ Blue Hens led, the Pride kept the set close until the end, eventually evening the score at 22 a piece. The final score was 25-22 for Delaware.
Hofstra started the second set 3-0 and never looked back. They tied the match at one
after winning the second set 25-19. Contributions from all over the floor kept the Pride on top and carried them to the set victory.
The third set was a seesaw affair with 13 tied scores and eight lead changes. The two squads went back and forth until the Fightin’ Blue Hens had a three-point lead late in the set. Hofstra refused to go quietly, embarking on a 3-0 run on the back of two kills from Braga and a Fightin’ Blue Hens error. Even so, Delaware finished off the win 26-24.
Despite the tight loss in the third set, the Pride showed their resiliency and snatched the fourth set to tie Delaware and two set wins a piece. Stedile continued to shine for Hofstra with 10 kills and two service aces in the set. The score remained close the entire set until the final few plays, where the Pride locked in and pulled out a 25-22 win.
In a winner takes all fifth set, the Pride fell short of a victory.
for 47
and
They fell behind early and could not recover. Delaware took a 15-12 win to secure the match victory and the sweep. Delaware is now deadlocked with Hofstra, Towson University and the College of Charleston in a four-way tie for first place.
weekend.
“It was a good level of volleyball today. We couldn’t finish. We couldn’t get it done. It was a good match,” Mansur said. With two five set match losses against Delaware, the Pride have lost two matches in a row. They are looking for a bounce back series against a 4-8 College of William & Mary team. They start their two-match series on Friday, Nov. 1, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Matchtime is set for 3 p.m.
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle Stedile combined
kills
37 digs on the
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle Roos was named CAA Defensive Player of the Week two weeks in a row.
Lea Forste-Dinell’s unexpected story abroad
By Michelle Rabinovich STAFF WRITER
Lea Forste-Dinell doesn’t remember a time before tennis. As a family affair, there was never really a question of whether or not she would play. She says that when she has children of her own, they will be running around on tennis courts with rackets in hand by the time they’re three – exactly as she did in her native country of Sweden.
While sports other than tennis populated her life, it became her solo track by the time she was 12. As she grew older, she knew she wanted to continue playing while continuing her education, an option that didn’t exist back home. In search of a challenge and as a personal quest to prove herself, she went overseas for, as she put it, a “trial year” abroad in the U.S.
“The idea, at first, was to just try it out for a year, but now, here I am in my senior year,” Forste-Dinell said, equating a 20-hour-weekly Division I tennis commitment on top of full-time academics to a gap year studying abroad.
That first “gap year” was at the University of IllinoisChicago (UIC), where everything felt green. Between taking yoga and other classes unrelated to her eventual business degree, Forste-Dinell said that her first-year experience was as freshman-y as it could get. As someone who likes to maintain control of whatever situation she’s in, she felt unsettled during this time.
“Everyone knew the environment except for me, and
I’m a person who always wants to seem like I have control. I know what I’m doing, I know the environment [and] I want to seem confident in whatever room I walk into,”
Forste-Dinell said. “When you’re not, and try to be confident, people see through that. I learned the hard way. I messed up on all the things I could mess up on, and then, I did better my second year.”
In the summer of 2023, after Forste-Dinell’s sophomore year, she was ready to call it quits on her American-in-Paris (well technically Swede in America) adventure, with her “gap year” already unexpectedly stretched to two. The decision to leave UIC came from a gut feeling and a loss of love for the sport, despite having loved her time, teammates and Chicago.
“You know when you just
playing tennis because I loved it when I stepped on the court back home again.”
The love was there again. Now, it was time for her to find the right place. Then she entered the transfer portal.
There was a rational and spiritual gravitas that pulled Forste-Dinell to Hempstead, New York. The day after she entered the portal, she said that three different schools immediately showed interest, all based on Long Island. She took it as a sign that she should consider going back to the U.S.
“That’s at least what made me take the calls and talk to the coaches,” Forste-Dinell said.
A couple of in-depth phone conversations with Arielle Shurin, who is now the men’s tennis head coach, sealed the deal. Forste-Dinell admitted that she went from “I’m only
crazy, and then it’s going to be the final lift, the final practice, the final senior day, the only senior day,” Forste-Dinell said. “I’m going to miss so much out of all of this, all the people, all the routines, even like a simple car ride or a team meet.”
Forste-Dinell’s coming up to the end of the line and with it,
“I’m more curious than scared, and maybe there’s some scary parts about curiosity, but it takes over.”
have a feeling that you’re not in the right place? That’s how I felt,” Forste-Dinell said. “Every day was just doing the same thing over and over again, and I didn’t feel any enjoyment. But then I came home, and I was like, ‘hm, I was probably just in the wrong place; I didn’t really not enjoy
speaking to her to keep my options open” to “we built a relationship, it was a great talk and we figured it out. Here I am.”
Junior year was a challenge coming in with experience but also being in a new enviroment.
“It was strange coming in as a junior transfer because you were half freshie, half upperclassman,” Forste-Dinell said. “It’s a feeling where everything is new, but also people rely on your experience.”
Jump to senior year, and time is flying too fast for her liking – an ambivalent feeling in her heart while having her last metaphorical lap around the track. She’s taking in all of her favorite parts of the training – 5:30 a.m. wake ups for morning lift and all.
“Getting to do everything one last time is going to feel
she has a long list of lessons learned.
“My biggest [takeaway] has nothing to do with tennis, it is absolutely that you will always have your home, but don’t be afraid to leave it. Your home will always be there, so just leave your home and explore something different and meet other people,” Forste-Dinell said. “I’m more curious than scared, and maybe there’s some scary parts about curiosity, but it takes over.”
Forste-Dinell is just a semester and change away from getting her Bachelor’s degree all while playing high-level tennis simultaneously. She confirms that it was the right move because she wasn’t on the path of least resistance.
“Every day is, in a way, a challenge, when you’re on a team and to show up the same physically and mentally to be
present … but that’s also what I love about it,” Forste-Dinell said. “I actually think that the whole idea of college sports is that it’s supposed to be a challenge, and that’s what I love about it.”
In retrospect, it made sense, given her upbringing.
“If there’s a step higher you could reach, try to reach it; it doesn’t matter if you don’t reach it, just try,” Forste-Dinell said, reiterating a common theme of her formative years. “I think that’s where my curiosity comes from.”
She has let it reflect in her game. Forste-Dinell said that she tends to be a defensive player, but that her game has evolved to be braver since her time with the Pride, in tandem with how she feels about her confidence and standing in the world.
“[I’m] feeling like I have more ownership over my game and over my situation,” Forste-Dinell said. “Transferring was also a way of taking ownership. I wasn’t going to accept feeling bad or whatever I was feeling before; I was going to choose to go back to the U.S. My freshman year it was more like ‘I want to continue playing tennis, so let me just find somewhere to continue,’ and then that whole mindset switched when I was going to go back home but then decided to come back here.”
Even though things in her life didn’t go as planned, Forste-Dinell still found a home on the court.
“I can’t really see my life without tennis.”
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics / Alexis Friedman
The Stockholm native won the Swedish junior championship in 2018.
In the last two seasons, Forste-Dinell has had 26 career wins.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics / Matteo Bracco
Pride gears up for CAA title push in 2024-25 season
By Shannon Bickert
STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University women’s basketball team eyes the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Championship this season after falling in the 2023-24 quarterfinals. Despite an 11-21 record last season, the Pride lit a late spark in the first two rounds of the CAA Championship.
“Last season, I felt as if there were a lot of areas where we underachieved,” said Hofstra head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “I thought the team was much better than our record showed.”
The Pride struggled in CAA play, going 3-15. During the preseason, Hofstra worked on improving aspects of the game such as limiting turnovers and increasing stamina. Last season, the Pride averaged 18.6 turnovers a game, which made it difficult for them to find momentum offensively.
“We’ve got to be able to pass and dribble the ball and handle pressure,” Santos said. “What we’ll see in our personals this year is going to help us with that.”
The Pride often had an early lead in games last season but could not withstand the length of the game for a victory. This preseason, Santos stressed the importance of high-pressure preparation and making in-game adjustments to find success.
“Being able to compete and enjoy it and have fun when things are going your way,” Santos said. “But also, when you get punched in the gut and faced with adversity, you’re still
able to sustain and maintain your confidence and your level of play. I think that this team is going to be a lot better at [that].”
Looking to this season, the Pride suffered some losses to their roster, but a core group of athletes returned. Emma Von Essen was Hofstra’s most consistent shooter last season, boasting an average of 11.6 points per game and 3 rebounds per game. She returns to the Pride for her third season.
“She’s a great scorer,” Santos said. “That is what she does. She is one of the best in the CAA at shooting the ball, at putting the ball in the basket. So, that is something I think she embraced last year that she’s more capable of doing.”
Zyheima Swint enters her fifth season with the Pride this year. She was an asset on both sides of the ball last season, averaging 7.8
19 points in game one of the tournament and totaled 39 points throughout the three games.
“[Gooden] has done a great job of continuing to work on her game and push herself to be better,” Santos said. “I think she’s definitely someone that we are going to be looking to.”
Hofstra said goodbye to impactful players including point guard Ally Knights and forward Brooke Anya, but they have brought in a pool of new athletes to fill these roles. Point guard Chloe Sterling, a transfer from James Madison University (JMU), is expected to play a significant role in both the Hofstra offense and defense this season. At JMU, Sterling averaged 4.4 points per game, 2.5 assists per game and 1.9 rebounds per game. As a doubledouble weapon, Santos looks to utilize Sterling’s talents on both
The team is hoping that this connection will translate out on the court. So far, Santos sees potential in her team and knows what they are capable of.
“We’ve got a great group of young ladies that are ready to compete, that want to be successful, that want to be great,”
“My life goal is to win a conference championship ... That is all I want for Hofstra, everyone on the team wants that.”
points per game while leading the team in rebounds with 243 for the season.
“She’s a double-double, and that’s something that I think she can continue consistently this year for us,” Santos said.
Alarice Gooden stepped up big during the Pride’s CAA tournament run; Gooden dropped
sides of the court.
“[Sterling’s] a great player,” Von Essen said. “If I could have designed a person to come in and be point guard this year, it would be her.”
A recruit from Bishop McNamara High School, LaNae’ Corbett, is also making a positive impression at Hofstra already.
“[Corbett] is coming in as a freshman that has the maturity of an upperclassman when it comes to the work she puts in every day and how consistent she is in showing up,” Santos said.
Together, the new and returning players have found a way to connect and form chemistry.
“This year is the best feeling I’ve had about the girls,” Von Essen said. “I love the girls. I think we already have so much fun with each other and already know that we love each other so much.”
Santos said. “And not only that say it but are actually willing to do the things to make it happen.”
Other new additions to the team include two new coaches, Lance White and Amber Reeves. White has experience winning a championship with Texas Tech University as a student assistant and was previously the head coach of the University of Pittsburg and Florida State University. Reeves was an
assistant coach and recruiter at Furman University and has experience playing CAA basketball for UNC-Wilmington.
For the Pride, the end goal is clear – winning a CAA Championship.
“I think that if you go into any season and say that you don’t want to win a championship, then what the heck are you doing,” Santos said.
As a Long Island native, Von Essen knows what it would mean for Hofstra to win it all.
“My life goal is to win a conference championship,” Von Essen said. “That is all I want for Hofstra, everyone on this team wants that. We talk about it a lot.”
With the end goal in mind, the Pride has been gearing up for the season.
“We’ve got to perform every day like we’re in the CAA championship,” Santos said.
Hofstra starts their championship campaign on Nov. 4, against Sacred Heart University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Danielle Santos Atkinson enters her sixth season with the Pride
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics / Alexis Friedman
Last season, Hofstra made it to the quarterfinals of the CAA Championship.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics / Alexis Friedman
SPORTS
New season, new roster: Pride sets sights on season success
By Nick Mongiovi STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University men’s basketball team’s 2023-24 season ended with a heartbreaking loss to Stony Brook University in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Championship. The Pride looks to return to the conference tournament, along with a potential NCAA Tournament appearance.
Out of the 14 players on the roster, only six of them are returners from 2023: KiJan Robinson, Khalil Farmer, Jayden Henriquez, Eric Parnell, German Plotnikov and Silas Sunday. Hofstra graduated the CAA Player of the Year, Tyler Thomas, and lost both starting point guard Jaquan Carlos and wing Darlinstone Dubar to the transfer portal.
When entering the recruitment process of the transfer portal, Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton had a goal in mind.
“We were losing some key pieces so we had to bring in some guards that we deemed as Hofstra guards who can all dribble, pass and shoot,” Claxton said. “I think we accomplished that. Jean Aranguren, a transfer from Iona [University], has been really good, he had a really good scrimmage last Saturday. Cruz Davis, a transfer from St. John’s [University], [he has] been impressive pretty much since we’ve had him. Even Carlos Lopez transferred from Saint Francis University. We got some really good pieces, and the future is bright.”
A lot of moving pieces doesn’t mean this team is set up for failure in the 2024-25 season, but growing pains can be expected at the start.
“It’s been like that with every team I’ve had here so far,” Claxton said. “We’ve always had a slow start, and we don’t really hit our stride until midJanuary, early February. We just need to be patient with this team and allow this team to grow from their mistakes.”
This is a younger Pride team with talent littered all over the court. A crucial part of Hofstra’s success in 2024 comes from finding their go-to scorer since Thomas is no longer on Long Island.
“I would probably say Jaquan Sanders [is that person] right now,” Claxton said. “I think he’s the most skilled guard that we have here. He’s good off the bounce, and he can score the basketball, so he’s a doublethreat.”
Sanders is a junior transfer from Seton Hall University where he averaged 2.5 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 57 games with the Pirates. The Long Island native lacked playing time at Seton Hall, but he could be a focal point of the Pride’s offense. The 6-foot 4-inch guard moves well off the ball and can beat you behind the arc, as he shot at a 35% clip in his first two years as a part of the Big East Conference.
“Our young freshman Joshua DeCady can be exciting,” Claxton said. “We can expect some big things out of him even though it’s his first year.
[DeCady] brings a lot of energy and excitement. He’s a highlevel athlete that sprints the court, and we love how hard he plays and competes.”
DeCady is a 6-foot 8-inch forward from Queens Village, New York, where he played high school basketball at Kimball Union Academy in Plainfield, New Hampshire. He’s athletic for his height and has a high motor.
Plotnikov carved out a role for himself in the middle of last season and he enters this year as the only remaining starter from a year ago. With that brings some new responsibilities, but he’s up for the challenges that may come his way while stepping up as a leader.
“I’ve been showing the new guys how we do things, how the culture is, and I feel like they’ve been adaptive and they’ve done so pretty quickly,” Plotnikov said. “Everyone – especially the coaches – is happy with what we have going on here.”
Tight-knit groups battle through adversity. Even though this team has only been together for a short time, their relationship and chemistry are next level.
“We’ve been meshing a lot, even off the court,” Robinson said. “This is really surprising to me. It’s a new team, but we really bonded together like a family, and it’s only been a few months.”
The continuity with this group is unquestionable, which can be attributed to the culture and precedent set by the leaders and coaches of this team. With the addition of athletic guards and powerful forwards, this team has the potential to be multifaceted.
“It’s going to be defense,” Claxton said. “We’re going to have our defense fuel our offense, and hopefully get a lot of stops and get out in transition, that’s the easiest time to score.”
“I’d say our identity is being consistent,” Robinson said. “Some days we’ll come in and have really good practices and some we might fall off a little, but it’s just stacking those good practices on top of each other
every single day. If we can be consistent, we’re going to be great.”
“We’re gritty,” Plotnikov said. “We get after each other in practice every day; we compete every day. Last year, our best player, [Thomas], he used to say, ‘It’s so much harder to score in practice than it is during the games.’ That’s what we do and what we’re taking pride in.”
Plotnikov and Robinson are two returning players who need to step up for this team to strive this upcoming season. They both set goals for themselves to be the best players they can be.
“Consistency and confidence is all I’ve been preaching to myself,” Plotnikov said. “The energy and hustle that I bring to the team is huge for me. I was always the tempo-setting guy, whether I was on the bench or starting. I focus on bringing that spark to the team.”
“I want to be a 40% shooter from three, 50% shooter from the field and 90% from the free throw line,” Robinson said.
There are characteristics of a player’s game that don’t necessarily end up in the statistics sheet. Robinson sets a standard for himself to excel on the court.
“Communicating with my teammates,” Robinson said. “As far as being a leader, telling them just the little stuff that our coaches may not see but I might see. For myself, I come in here and work out late at night or early in the morning. That doesn’t show up necessarily in the stat sheet, but I feel like in the game, I don’t rise to the level of the occasion, but I’ll fall
to the level of my training; that’s what I believe in.”
Hofstra has impressive nonconference games ahead of their CAA schedule. On Nov. 13, the Pride will walk across the street to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum to take on Seton Hall, and at the end of the month, they will take a trip to the Bahamas for the Baha Mar Hoops: Nassau Championship. Hofstra is also slotted to play four CAA opponents on the CBS Sports Network.
Claxton smiled when he said, “I love it, those are going to be big-time atmospheres. Playing in the tournament down in Florida last year was a great experience, so hopefully we can go out to the Bahamas and win three games again. Whenever you can win a tournament like that, it’s a special moment. Playing across the street at the Coliseum is going to be dope, especially since I’m going up against a childhood friend in Shaheen Holloway. That’s going to be a pretty cool night.”
The Pride’s season begins on Nov. 4, at home against the State University of New York at Old Westbury. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.
Hoftra lost to Stony Brook last season in the CAA semifinals.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics / Evan Bernstein Speedy Claxton enters his fourth season with the Pride.
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics / Rafael Suanes/CAA
THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE
IS MAGIC IN THE AIR?
With two conference wins, field hockey has a chance at their first CAA tournament since 2015.
