Issue 14, Spring 2016 - The Quadrangle

THE Volume 93, Issue 14

Q

UADRANGLE A Student Publication of Manhattan College Since 1924

May 10, 2016

www.mcquad.org

Relay For Life Returns to the Quad

More Photos on Page 4 Sean Sonnemann/The Quadrangle

Freshman David Caiafa Wins Newman Civic Fellows Award Meghan Sackman Staff Writer

Student David Caiafa was Manhattan College’s representative of these qualities for the year of 2016.

There are 218 national winners of the Newman Civic Fellows Award annually and one of them is right here at Manhattan College.

The Newman Civic Fellows Award is awarded to college students who show motivation and initiative in service and leadership. It is awarded by presidents of colleges to students who portray these admirable qualities. The award is named after Dr. Frank Newman who dedicated his life to the idea of the individual having the power to make positive change using education and the concept of connectivity.

It all began when Caiafa entered Manhattan College as a part of the arches program. He realized that he would have to come up with a way to fulfill the required amount of community service hours for the arches program. Caiafa decided to combine his experience with sports and being a youth leader to help some of the local kids.

He went to a local youth center on 163rd and 3rd street in the South Bronx. He realized there was a way he could guide these kids and help them find their paths.

“I started this workout meditation

program at the Renaissance Youth Center where I go and do a workout with kids before their practice and then I sit them down and meditate with them,” Caiafa stated. He explained how other arches students heard about his work and asked if they could join him in his community service. That is how the program began to grow.

The program itself involves working out “like interval training….doing push ups, burpees, stretching out.”

After the physical part of the session, Caiafa helps the kids work on their mental health and guides them in certain mindfulness exercises.

“I’ll do a meditation session with them: deep breathing, visualization, relaxation and concentration before we go start for the rest of the practice,” Caiafa said.

Caiafa was more than a little surprised to receive the award. It was his freshman college writing teacher Kerri Mulqueen, Ph.D., who discovered that Caiafa was bringing other students with him and initiating this program. She suggested Caiafa to Catholic Services who then contacted him with the information necessary to apply for the award.

“I was shocked, really I didn’t even know about the award until then,” Caiafa said. “Basically there is a lot going on for these kids, a lot of home factors and their concerns are so much broader…things you may take for granted coming from a nice

David Caiafa is one of 218 national winners of the Newman Civic Fellows Award.

Manhattan College/Courtesy suburban area, things you don’t have to to do, and relax and get a chance to not be think about all the time they do.” stressed” Caiafa said.

Caiafa believes that the work he does Caiafa spoke about how the project has enables these kids to cope with their en- benefited not only the kids, but his own life vironments and learn how to make their as well. He commented that the process and goals and mental health a priority. “These his work at the youth center has helped his kids come from a very high stress envi- transition in to college life immensely. “I ronment and something like deep breath- don’t think my college experience would’ve ing and mediation, visualization can give been the same without all of the stuff I’ve them the tools they need to step back and been doing,” Caiafa reflected. “This feels really connect with themselves and fo- like my community now.” cus on what they love, what they want

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The

Letters to

opinions & editorials

Quadrangle www.mcquad.org

Vol. 93 Issue 14 May 10, 2016

Ally Hutzler Editor-in-Chief Sean Sonnemann Managing Editor Anthony Capote News Editor Kyleigh Panetta Jack Melanson Asst. News Editors Kieran Rock Features Editor/Managing Editor Tara Marin Asst. Features Editor Lindsey Burns Arts & Entertainment Editor Victoria Hernández Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor Daniel Ynfante Sports Editor RikkiLynn Shields Asst. Sports Editor Kristie Killen Social Media Editor Taylor Brethauer Asst. Social Media Editor Vanessa Sanchez Photography Editor Leony Anne McKeown Asst. Photography Editor

The Editor

May 10, 2016

To the Editors: I would like to thank you for your coverage of the Government and Politics club’s recent straw poll. As a government major and an avid reader of your work I was eagerly awaiting your piece on the results of the straw poll. Needless to say, I was surprised by the inclusion of the Republican Club in your article entitled “The Straw Poll Results and Their Influence on Campus.”

As interesting as we find the results of our poll, we’d caution you not to read too much into it – we polled only 279 of the 3500 or so students on campus, and it is not a scientific sample. If anything, we could say that this is a politically apathetic campus, not a liberal one, since there was little interest in participating.

The Government and Politics Club has worked this year to encourage political involvement on both sides of the aisle and beyond. Our club includes Democrats, Republicans and Independents. We are not neutral, as you say, but rather try to include a range of views and encourage lively discussion. As previously reported in The Quadrangle, we held a Debate on the Quad, in which we presented both a conservative and liberal side to the arguments. We also held several debate watch parties for both the Republican and Democratic candidates. We hold these straw polls for the same purpose.

The second part of your article is really about interest in starting a Republican club on campus. We welcome the creation of other political clubs on campus, and we hope our efforts as a club encourage people to organize around whatever issues or parties interest them.

Regards, Liam Moran

Kelly Burns Melissa Gallardo Abbi Kirollos Production Editors Daniel Molina Stephen Zubrycky Web Editors Tom Callahan Faculty Adviser

A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization run by the students of Manhattan College. We strive to cover news around campus and the greater community, publishing weekly in print and daily online. Our goal is always accuracy, relevancy and professionalism.

The staff of The Quadrangle meets every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. in room 412 of the Student Commons.

Contact The Quadrangle at thequad@manhattan.edu The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the College or the student body.

Sam Martin/The Quadrangle

Opinions & Editorials Open Letter to the Class of 2016

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Dear Seniors, I hope you’re enjoying the final moments of the Spring 2016 semester, the last one of your undergraduate program! Congratulations, you’re in the home stretch. Very soon you’ll be sitting in Draddy, holding your breath until your name is called as the roster of graduating candidates is presented.

You’ve probably worked very hard to get to this point – lots of studying (or cramming), late nights filled with high energy drinks, term papers, and maybe you even held a job or two to help with expenses. Seems like freedom is just a few months away. But what’s next?

Is your resume in order? Are you on top of your applications for grad school, networking, or saving up for your interview suit? Are you using the resources available on campus and within the alumni community to make sure the transition from student to alumni is smooth? You’re probably sick of hearing this – but you’re the only one that can influence what happens next.

We’re proud of you for coming this far and look forward to you beginning a new chapter in your relationship with Manhattan College. Being an alumnus/a makes you part of a community that is known and respected as hardworking, smart, ethical, compassionate, and philanthropic. Jaspers are recognized, near and far, for their strong values.

The Alumni Society offers many avenues for continuing and enhancing your relationship with other alumni and Riverdale, including networking events, sports activities, and recognition of outstanding performance through awards such as the Gunn Medal and Athletic Hall of Fame. Wherever home or work takes you, Manhattan College has a presence around the country, and we encourage you to seek out our local alumni chapters.

We hope you’ll continue to actively support the College with your time, treasure, and talents. Give back in any meaningful way you can. It is important that we do what we can to sustain Manhattan College for ourselves and future generations.

Someday you’ll reflect on your role as a Jasper, and you’ll realize this Lasallian Catholic community is one that will always greet you with open arms, as part of our Manhattan family. Again, on behalf of all alumni, I wish you luck in your last undergraduate semester – and I look forward to officially welcoming you into the Alumni Society!

Meg Walsh ’79, ’82, ‘93 President, Alumni Society

NOTE: This is The Quadrangle’s last issue of the semester. Follow our social media accounts and website mcquad.org for news during the summer break. Good luck on finals and see you in the Fall!

CORRECTION: In the article published last week titled “Engineers Battle for Bragging Rights at Second Annual Battle of the Brains,” only three engineering clubs were named. The fourth club, which also helped organize the event, was the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

The article also failed to mention that Vincent Terrone did not help organize the 2016 edition of the event. He created the idea in 2015, but had no involvement in 2016.

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news

JustPeace Protests B21 Infraction Jaclyn Marr Senior Writer

The New York City public school system has suspended several students over the years for “defying authority” – a right they have under the disciplinary code B21.

B21 is defined as “disobeying the lawful authority or directive of school personnel or school safety agents in a way that substantially disrupts the educational process.”

Manhattan’s JustPeace is one of the many groups that is protesting this disciplinary code. People are arguing that this rule disproportionately affects students of color, immigrant youth and LGBTQ youth in the New York City school system.

JustPeace co-presidents Katelyn-Rose Conroy and Sarah Kissane said that it was important for the organization to protest this code for multiple reasons.

They noted how it was close to home, being based on the city school system. At the end of last month, members of the club went around to get petitions signed in sup-

port of the protest.

“Getting petitions signed meant that we were supporting young people trying to do social justice work, which is always a plus. The B21 protest is something we are in support of because it tries to alleviate the systematic racism present in our country.”

The Urban Youth Collaborative released a statement that there was an average of 40 students suspended each day at school in 2013 due to this infraction. According to the research, the infraction is the second most common reason for students being suspended in the New York City public school system.

People arguing against the rule believe that dozens of students are at risk of dropping out of school due to B21. Students could be suspended for minor infractions, including things such as refusing to take of their hats or talking back to their teacher.

The penalties should be dealt with in school instead of in court.

Los Angeles had a similar rule in their public school system and the city has recently eliminated it. Since then, they saw a 40 percent reduction in suspensions. Under

Mayor Bill de Blasio, city activists are preparing for possible reforms.

“Our goal was to raise awareness of the issue,” Conroy said, “and to get as many petitions signed as we could. It was really successful.”

JustPeace got involved in the protest through a connection from Kathleen Von Euw, Manhattan’s coordinator of community service and partnerships. She linked the club to the Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition and their youth organization Sistas & Brothas United. Both organizations have worked with Manhattan before.

The youth organization was trying to get as many petitions signed as possible.

Conroy and Kissane said that the members of the youth organization picked the petition themselves, as an initiative they wanted to get behind.

“We just gathered them up and handed them in,” Conroy said on any update with the petition, “so no change yet, but hopefully there will be news soon.”

Relay for Life Returns to The Quad Continued from Page 1

May 10, 2016

Also on campus Jack Melanson Asst. Editor

Relay For Life at MC Over the weekend a group of various student leadership organizations met up to raise money for Relay For Life of Manhattan College.

Next year’s Student Body President, Dorian Persaud, was one of the many student leaders in attendance.

“We work in conjunction with the American Cancer Society and host events on campus to raise money for them.” Persaud said.

A fair-like atmosphere filled the quad as a dunk tank, bounce house, and other fun activities were held to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

Two fraternities and two sororities took part in the event and finished in the top four of donators.

Delta Kappa Epsilon donated $2,841, Alpha Upsilon Pi 2016 donated $1,560, and Sigma Delta Tau donated $955 to round off the top 3.

Overall, 12 teams and 82 participants worked together to raise $6,052 for The American Cancer Society.

“A lot of us know many people whose lives have been touched by cancer in some way, shape, or form. We may have some way to go, but we can all help bring it to an end.” Persaud said.

Puppies are Back The Beta Beta Beta Biologcal Honor Society brought Puppies on the Mini-Quad back to campus today.

Students could donate a minimum of five dollars for seven minutes with the puppies.

The puppies were for therapy and allowed students to relax for finals while enjoying their time with a puppy. The puppies were also in an enclosed space on the Mini-Quad so that they were not able to escape.

All the money raised will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Last Week of Classes As the semester is progressing through May, students are getting ready to take their finals and head home for the summer.

Monday, May 9 operated on a Friday schedule, and today is the last day of regular classes.

Tomorrow will be the campus wide reading day, allowing students to study for finals which begin on Thursday, May 12 and end on Wednesday, May 18.

Sean Sonnemann/The Quadrangle

News

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The Quadrangle Year in Review Kieran Rock & Kelly Burns Editors

This year The Quadrangle has reported a wide variety of stories from changes in the athletic department to master plan updates. We had two special issues: The Gender Issue and The Food Issue and have covered breaking news, delivering it to the students and campus community alike. Here we review some of the biggest stories The Quadrangle has covered this year.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES KNICK’S TICKETS CONFUSION In January, students purchased tickets for the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors game through Student Activities. Upon arrival, the students found that many of the tickets were voided and were denied entry.

As news editor Anthony Capote reported in February, Student Activities and ITS failed to set a cap on the new online purchasing system and students began reserving and purchasing tickets beyond the number that Student Activities had available. John Bennett, director of Students Activities, then purchased extra tickets from StubHub many of which were determined to be fraudulent.

Bennett told Capote that Student Activities spent $50,000 to accommodate the students. This prompted a letter to The Quadrangle from Robert Geraci, professor of Religious Studies and chair of the Council of Faculty Affairs, in which he stated the article “unleashed a tidal wave of concern among faculty and administrators.” Geraci expressed concern for the large sum of money spent over budget and taken from other offices and said the right decision would have be refunding the students and apologizing.

NEW MURAL UNDER FOUNDER’S BRIDGE

As The Quadrangle reported on 11 February, a project began at the beginning of the second semester to paint a mural on the rust stained wall under Founder’s Bridge. managing editor Sean Sonneman reported that the piece would be the first public art instillation on campus.

As Sonneman reported, the mural was designed by and created by the students of Manhattan College. A company called Creative Art Works was hired to work with a select group of MC students to paint the mural.

At the time of publication Mark Pottinger, Ph.D. and chair of Manhattan College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, said: “There is nothing on campus that displays the students’ own perspective of the college. Students wanted to have some element, some legacy on campus that speaks directly to them.”

Today, the mural is nearly completed. The work was done by the group of students selected and there were days when the community could also join in the process. The mural depicts many important aspects of the college community, from the one train to the campus quadrangle.

GENDER ISSUE SHINES LIGHT ON MANHATTAN’S FIRST WOMEN

MARRIANE REILLY NAMED ATHELTIC DIRECTOR

In a special “Gender Issue” The Quadrangle published an issue dedicated to examining the way gender functions in higher education and specifically at Manhattan College. Editor in Chief, Ally Hutzler, and Assistant Features Editor, Tara Marin, reported the story of Manhattan College’s first females when the school began co-education in 1973. As they reported, the school actually had its first female graduate in 1969, Patricia Ruback-Kehrberger. Kehrberger dormed at Mount Saint Vincent, as neither institution was co-educational at the time, and MC had no facilities for female students.

Of her choice to persue engineering, Kehrberger said she met some hesitation. “They told me it’s a man’s occupation and that education for me, as a young woman in engineering, would be a waste,” she said. “I guess I was a pioneer because they realized the place wasn’t going to fall down if a woman was sitting in the classroom, but the notion of being a coed school means a lot more than having a few people sitting in classes,” she said.

In March, Manhattan College named Marianna Reilly its new athletic director. As sports editor, Daniel Ynfante reported, Reilly who is a Manhattan College graduate, returned to MC after serving as Associate Athletic Director at Fordham University.

Ynfante reported: “Reilly becomes the first female AD in Manhattan’s history. She was also the first woman to be inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 1992 after a stellar basketball career that also saw her become the school’s first 1,000-point scorer.”

In a separate article Ynfante noted that Manhattan’s decision to appoint a female athletic director was not one shared by many other institutions. He reported: “According to NCAA data from the 2014-2015 academic year, of the 1,139 athletic directors in the NCAA, just 229 were women.”

ADJUNCTS TRY TO UNIONIZE, ADMINISTRATION PUSHES BACK In September, news editor Anthony Capote reported the continued effort of the adjunct professors of Manhattan College to unionize. The process began in 2011 when a group of part-time faculty petitioned the school for a vote to form a union for the adjuncts. Capote reported: “In 2011, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that Manhattan College had to open the ballot for unionization. MC challenged the ruling, saying that as a Catholic institution, whose adjunct professors play a significant role in the perpetuation of a religious community, the NLRB, a government organization, had no jurisdiction over the matter.”

While the administration challenged the vote to allow adjuncts to unionize, Holly Hepp-Galvan, an adjunct at MC who has been a part of the unionization effort since 2003, told Capote that the school has made some changes. “We have had some small raises and now we get paid every two weeks instead of once a month, so there have been some changes,” she said.

Features

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Senior Spotlights

May 10, 2016

By Luke Hartman, Senior Writer

Kevin Hill

For many, May 22 signifies an end to classrooms, tests, papers and the world of academia (for a while), but for Kevin Hill, this is just a transition to the next step in Higher Education. Hill, a double major in International Studies and Government will be starting his Master of Arts at Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations.

You may know Kevin Hill as the nephew of Father Hill, one of the brothers on campus who leads weekly meditations.

Having such a prominent familial presence on campus made Manhattan seem like an obvious choice. “My family is really connected with this school, other than my uncle being Father Hill, all of my brothers siblings and cousins have attended here, so it is almost intrinsic that this was my choice for college,” Hill said.

Seeing as he is extremely involved in the Government and International Studies departments, it would seem that this was his initial choice, however Hill actually started at MC as a Computer Science major. “I liked the work that comes along with a Computer Science major, but it didn’t like the idea of sitting in an chair starring at code for years on end. I also needed something with more meaning, something which was more fulfilling,” Hill said.

The more fulfilling option just so happened to be Government and International Studies. “While I have always been interested in current events and the news in general. I always tried to make an effort to stay on top of what was going on. But I also had a friend, boss and now mentor who told me to try it out. Looking back

now it was some really great advice,” Hill said. He wanted to not only focus on US government but also how policy affects the rest of the world.

Hill has spent the last year interning for Congressmen Engle, who represents this district of the Bronx. This has given him hands on experience about how local government operates as well as a little bit more background into Riverdale and the communities that surround it. “My internship has given me insight into what it takes to work in politics. I do administrative work as well as case work which helps me see that an office such as a local congressman really does focus on helping the people themselves, rather than just be part of some bureaucratic machine,” Hill said.

One of the most meaningful experiences at Manhattan College Hill has had was participating in Model UN. “While interning for the Congressman has given me experience in local government, Model UN has really given me insight about what the world of international politics is like. While the weeks spent debating, writing, and not sleeping are intense and insane, it is something I look back on positively and that I will never forget,” Hill said.

Hill has also been the student assistant for the International Studies and government department meaning that he has worked directly with the professor in charge of Model UN, Pam Chasek. Hill said that she has easily been one of the biggest influences on his academic and personal development. “The Government department and all of the professors have been wonderful at giving me advice whenever I needed and have really

If you ever find yourself complaining about how busy you are, or feel that you are stressed out, it is time to get some perspective. Senior Michelle Beltran is easily one of the most involved people on campus, and through it all you will never see her being anything but positive.

Beltran is a double major in both Biochemistry and Spanish and is currently applying and interviewing for Medical School. “Currently I am either going to take a gap year, and continue with the medical process because it usually is lengthy and takes a long time to get the details straightened out or go to St. George University in the Caribbean which offers a program that lets you start right away,” Beltran said.

Being a double major is hard enough, but when you go across schools, the requirements get even harder. Michelle has worked extremely hard to make sure that all the requirements for both majors were met, sometimes taking as many as 6 classes in one semester, not including labs and independent studies. Beltran is also a Spanish lab assistant, RA, Zumba instructor, part of the executive board for an academic society, as well as works for Red Bull.

Manhattan was essentially a perfect choice for Beltran because of its close location to where her family lives, but also being so close to the city, having just relocated during her senior year of high school.

“I will always remember how everyone was so nice and welcoming, both students, staff and professors,” Beltran said.

Over the last four years, MC has given Beltran a home away from home. “I have loved the fact that MC is such a small campus with such a close community it is really easy to feel like you are involved and a part of something. It feels homey in a way. Having moved here from South America right before Freshman year, it was really hard for me to be away from family and my mom since that was all I really knew. It was great coming here and instantly creating a sorta second family. The really good friends that I made became like my family,” Beltran said.

In the midst of all her activities and studies, there were definitely influential people at Manhattan that Michelle will never forget. “If there was one person who had the biggest impact on me academically it would have to be the chair of the Modern Languages department, Marlene Gottlieb.

Kevin Hill/Courtesy have helped with both my search an decision for graduate school. Dr. Chasek and her variety of classes that I took were all great classes and gave me huge insight into the field of international relations. In particular she was always available to discuss any issues I was having, and always seemed genuinely interested in my success and always had a smile on her face when I entered her office,” Hill said.

Over the summer Hill will be working for ZUMA education operated out of Fordham University, which does NYC tours for international students.

Looking to the future, Hill is extremely excited about the upcoming fall semester and really taking his studies to the next level. “I chose Seton Hall because it is very similar to Manhattan. It is close enough to the city being a half an hour away via the NJ Transit, but it also actually has the feel of a real campus. Specifically I will be studying Foreign Policy Analysis and International Law,” Hill said.

“We all have different ways of impacting the world, but you just have to find your own way of doing it,” Hill said.

Michelle Beltran Michelle Beltran/Courtesy It is just the fact that she always pushes me to do more, and to do the best that I can do. She is someone that believes in her students, and continually asks them to do more than they think they can. She always made me want to be a better student, and I think because of her I can say that I am,” Beltran said.

While Beltran may be extremely smart and dedicated to her work she is best known on campus as being responsible for the loud music that blares out of Alumni late on Monday and Tuesday nights. “Teaching Zumba for the last four years has been something I will never really forget. It has given me some really amazing friendships

and experiences that have really helped shape my MC experience. After a long hard day, I can always know that I can lose myself dancing for an hour. It has helped me stand out on campus, and I never would have imagined that something that I lead, and have helped create would become the most popular fitness class on campus. Having as many as 80 people watch you twerk is a crazy experience,” Beltran said.

While the future for Beltran is still being determined, it will undoubtedly be filled with success and will never be without a soundtrack that makes you want to dance.

Features

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The Blackfeet of L.O.V.E. Site Browning, Montana

The De La Salle Blackfeet School hosts MC’s annual L.O.V.E. Montana trip.

Marissa Piazza/The Quadrangle

Marissa Piazza Senior Writer

Just south of the Canadian border, in the northwest corner of Montana, lies the town of Browning, which sits at the heart of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Today, the town of Browning is the largest community on the reservation and is home to around 9,000 members of Blackfeet nation.

It is estimated that the Blackfeet people have occupied the Rocky Mountain region for upwards of 10,000 years, long before Lewis and Clark explored the Great Plains.

Two hundred years ago, the four bands that make up the Blackfeet – North Piegan, South Piegan, Siksika, and Blood – roamed the northern plains as nomads in pursuit of buffalo.

Today, this way of life is far from reality for the Blackfeet people.

While treaties have since restricted the

range of the Blackfeet people, this is just one of the challenges facing the community today.

The people of the Blackfeet Nation are suffering.

Their community is plagued by poverty, high unemployment, a failing education system, suicide, drug abuse, discrimination, violence, inadequate healthcare, and a culture that could disappear if it is not steadfastly protected.

It’s impossible to pinpoint a single reason why these issues exist on the reservation.

While alcoholism, corruption, drug abuse, and long distance commutes all exacerbate the problems, John Koppisch, Forbes staff writer, has a different view “… those are just symptoms. Prosperity is built on property rights, and reservations often have neither. They’re a demonstration of what happens when property rights are weak or non-existent.”

Native American reservations are unique in that they are considered sovereign nations, but the balance between larger government

control and self-governing is still out of tilt.

Though the community is suffering, there are leaders within the community who are working towards social change.

The De La Salle Blackfeet School, a LaSallian San Miguel school, is providing an option in a community where having choices is uncommon.

The school, which hosts Manhattan College students for the annual L.O.V.E. Montana trip, provides a safe haven and supportive community for students in Browning.

Robert ‘Smokey’ and Darnell RidesAtTheDoor, native Blackfeet, consultants, and educators on the Blackfeet world view, are also doing their small part to preserve the culture and heritage of a people whose language and cultural traditions are at risk of being lost.

By meeting with immersion groups, student groups that visit the school to provide classroom help, both Smokey and Darnell are dispelling cultural taboos

and providing insight into the cultural traditions of the Blackfeet people.

By sharing their creation story, the many facets of Native American spirituality, and the influence that policy has had on the Blackfeet nation, the story of the Blackfeet people is kept alive.

The Piegan Institute is another catalyst for social change.

The institute’s mission is “to serve as a vehicle to research, promote, and preserve Native Language.”

Because of the foundation of the Cuts Wood School, a language immersion school on the Blackfeet reservation, the number of Blackfeet language speakers is growing, along with a sense of cultural knowledge and positive change within the community.

While small changes take time for their impact to be felt, it is these efforts of community-based change that will hopefully influence larger policy change, advocacy, and awareness, about a community that is fighting for a voice.

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Features

Features

May 10, 2016

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Our Senior Staff BidsThe Quadrangle Farewell Madeleine Schwartz

If you had told me four years ago that college would have gone by this fast, I wholeheartedly wouldn’t have believed you. As graduation quickly approaches, there are so many emotions that come to mind; empowerment, anxiety, and excitement are a few of the heavy hitters. However, as I take the time to reflect on my time at Manhattan, I am more nostalgic than anything else.

Who I’ve Met: I have met some amazing people while at college. There are classmates that I see myself keeping in touch with even after we leave campus and friends that I can’t imagine the future without. I have also met professors that have most definitely shaped how I see the world around me. To this day I am astounded as to how much I have learned here and am grateful for all those who I have helped me on this journey.

What I’ve done: I have done so many crazy and wonderful things these past four years. New York City is never tired of being explored and constantly offers new experiences. I’ve shared a subway car with a Sex and the City actress and got the chance to attend a private screening of the latest Nicholas Sparks’ movie. But I’ve also taken the subway in the wrong direction more times than I can count and am confident that I couldn’t find anything in the city without relying on Google Maps. These experiences are ones that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Why The Book Nook: I chose to start The Book Nook column two years ago because I believe that there is nothing better than sharing the love of reading. To lose yourself in a really great book is truly a magical experience and never gets old. I’ll miss getting the opportunity to share a new book with the Quad every two weeks and hope that someone else picks up the column once I’m gone!

Luke Hartman Oh the Quad. Four years of being ignored via email by administrators, late nights scrambling to get things done, throwing shade at people who get in the way, crying, and most importantly jamming out to Hilary Duff while getting an issue put together.

The Quad will definitely be one of the things I remember most about my experience at Manhattan College. It was a pleasure to serve as Production editor for almost three years, and really make my mark on the Quad (you see the title design on the front page… yes that was me **hair flip). Over the years it was probably one of the most challenging, stress causing and also rewarding things I have done. It gave me a voice and a venue to flex my creative digital design savvy. I will never forget being able to sit next to my main layout girls Kelly Burns and Natalie Heinitz and discuss our crazy weekends while simultaneously try to keep it together for the duration of Sunday.

Thank you so much for the wonderful friends I have made through this organization and for all the life lessons I have gained. I will probably never forget like maybe two obscure AP style rules, or that it is an immortal sin to distort a photo. I know all of you will miss me running into a meeting 10 minutes late, and all of the general nonsense that I brought every Sunday to production.

I know I wont be around to remind you all of this but always remember, laugh it off and it will seem so yesterday, to go back, back to the beginning, that there is a stranger in your eyes, that you lost your dignity in the Hollywood hills, you will never be Mr. James Dean, to chase the sun, and to breathe in, breathe out.

Lauren Carr

In early 2012 I was first introduced to The Quadrangle when I got a letter in the mail explaining that I could submit my work for a Quadrangle writing scholarship. I interviewed for the scholarship with a room that consisted of Thom Gencarelli, then editor Jeanette Settembre and a few other faces that are now blurry to me. I was a nervous and eager kid who just wanted the chance to write. A few weeks later I was accepted and when I started school in the fall I began my Quadrangle writing career.

In high school I was used to being the one who was in charge but when I came to college I knew I was going to get knocked down a few pegs. I spent my entire first semester not really speaking up in meetings, I didn’t really talk to anyone besides the other freshmen that I knew, and I spent a majority of my time writing for Arts and Entertainment. I quickly found a comfort in writing for the section and soon enough I was writing an article a week for then editor Lynette Perez (she probably forgot all about me, but shoutout to her for allowing me to write all of those fluff articles every week!).

I owe finding my voice in with The Quadrangle to Joe Cusmano. He called me at the end of my first semester and asked if I wanted to be the Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor. At that point, that position was like hitting the lottery. It was the push and reassurance I needed. I returned the following semester with more confidence. Over the next year I learned more about the paper and A&E. By the end of that year I was appointed Arts and Entertainment Editor, a position that I would go on to have for two years.

The Quadrangle has taught me so many lessons that I will not only carry throughout my career but in life. I’ve learned that when it comes to journalism all mistakes will be made in the public eye, even if you are not the one who made the mistake. I’ve learned how to work with people who may not always make your job the easiest. I’ve learned what it takes to be a leader. I’ve learned the hard way how to meet strict deadlines and how to develop ideas that will hopefully inspire others to take on a story.

The paper has given me some of my favorite memories of college and the people I have met through this experience are some of my favorite people I have ever come in contact with. Thank you to everyone who wrote for A&E during my two years as editor.

Some weeks were harder to fill than others but the real MVPs pulled through and helped me. For that I thank you. Thank you to my news writing partner Luke Hartman. Everyone knows that news is just not our thing. We work better writing about fashion shows and what is currently streaming on Netflix. We were quite the hot mess sometimes but we always got it done!

Thank you to every single editor I have served under, especially Natalie Sullivan and Sean Sonnemann. The two of you during your years as editors put together an incredible paper and I was proud to be on your Eboard. This paper has grown leaps and bounds in the last four years and I can not wait to see where it continues to go. To current and future writers for this paper, continue to produce work that your freshman year self would be proud of you for and ALWAYS get at least three sources for your articles!

Marissa Piazza

XOXO Luke Hartman is signing out.

Michelle DePinho

When I was on vacation after my sophomore year of college I bought a pin that said the following: “I actually thrive on this atmosphere of crisis and hysteria.”

I’m not sure what compelled me to drop the two bucks on it at the time, but the more I think about it, the more that pin is the perfect way to sum up my time on the paper.

The Quadrangle was crisis and hysteria and long nights and a boat-load of ridiculous fun all at the same time. But how much it taught me about life and what I’m capable of made it all so worthwhile.

The Quadrangle taught me to think on my feet and improvise. One time I was surprised with the chance to interview former NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly one-on-one and had about 30 seconds to figure out what the heck I was going to ask him. And it all somehow worked out. As a great Quadrangle editor once said, “that’s press.”

The Quadrangle taught me how to do my best work under pressure. No pressure, no diamonds. My favorite memory of this is when news had just broken during the men’s basketball team coaching drama of 2014. We had just yelled at our publisher to quite literally “stop the presses” so we could rewrite the front page story and were now sprinting in pouring rain up to our office to get it all done. An editor wrote the story in about 15 minutes as we reconfigured the paper’s layout to fit it, all while trying to beat major news networks to the punch. And for some reason, the editor-in-chief left a sophomore (read-me) in charge.

It was the most intense few minutes I’ve had in college.

The Quadrangle introduced me to people I am so lucky to call friends and role models.

There’s something to be said about the bonds you form with others while photoshopping administrators’ heads onto funny bodies at 3 a.m. under a light that has had a cockroach trapped in it for years. But more than that, the editors and writers I’ve had the pleasure of working with have been some of the hardest workers and the funniest, most encouraging people I’ve ever met.

To the Squadrangle, thank you for the endless laughs, the hysteria, the lessons, the support and the friendship.

The first time I walked into a Quadrangle meeting was the fall of my freshman year.

I did not know what exactly to expect. I felt a mixture of feelings that usually come with trying anything for the first time – curiosity, anxiety, excitement. My friend Michelle (who has since climbed the ranks to editorial positions) smiled and waved – she was the reason I knew where the meeting was and that it was even happening.

I sat through that meeting listening intently, realizing how much really goes on at our tiny campus in the Bronx. After the “read-through,” the editors pitched ideas, and the meeting ended with simple instructions - if you want to write something, talk to the editor of the section. I approached the then A&E editor without knowing exactly what to say. Would I have to provide a writing sample, convince her an engineer could write, tell her that I hadn’t even taken a journalism class in my life? In the three seconds before I opened my mouth, I had a million thoughts, but ended up simply asking if I could write about a photography exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that I was planning on going to later that week. The response was even simpler than my question.

I still remember how eager I was for the next meeting. As soon as I sat down, I quickly flipped through the pages to see if my article was there. Until that moment, I had doubts that my article would actually find its way into the issue. As I looked at words I wrote immortalized in newsprint, I realized - all I need to be a writer is a will to write. Since freshman year, articles I have written or co-written have grazed the front and back of the issue and even the center color-spread (which is another thrill).

As I started to become comfortable with the idea of being a staff writer, I decided to start writing a column. What started as an interest in travel and foreign places, turned into an integral piece of my college experience. Writing “Our Jasper Nation,” not only opened my eyes to how big the world is, but interviewing international students and sharing their stories also showed me the common threads that exist between cultures. I talked, and laughed, with other students that I may not have ever had the chance to meet.

I am so happy that I walked into that meeting freshman year, and so thankful that I was welcomed into such a talented community of writers. Being a part of the Quadrangle for the past four years has kept my love of writing alive, and has been a creative outlet for me that I could not have been without. Although my formal education at Manhattan College, and the degree I will soon leave with, is Chemical Engineering, what I have learned from the Quadrangle is another piece of my education that I’ll take with me. I wish the best of luck to all the future writers of the Quadrangle. Even if you have doubts, I promise it is so worth it!

Features

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May 10, 2016

The Lasallian Leadership and Global Understanding Program Brigid Shea Staff Writer

This summer, students from Manhattan College will be traveling to Mexico to participate in the Lasallian Leadership and Global Understanding Program. This program takes students from different Lasallian colleges and universities around the world to learn leadership skills in a global setting.

The Lasallian Leadership and Global Understanding program has been at Manhattan College for five years now. Last summer, Brother Jack Curran, along with four Manhattan students, travelled to Rome, Italy to take part in this experience and connect with other students in the international Lasallian family.

“It’s like meeting your cousins,” Brother Jack said. “We all come from the same Lasallian Community.”

The program included various lessons that taught the participants about St. John Baptist de La Salle and the work that members of the Lasallian Community are doing all over the world. They also took part in many different workshops that enhanced their leadership and team building skills.

The program also allowed for the participants to see how students from other countries are spreading the message of the Lasallian Community. Nicholas Weyland, a participant in the Rome program, explained that learning how other schools enhance the Lasallian mission pushed him to continue with his own participation.

“I learned an endless amount of things,” Weyland said. “But learning and experiencing how other Colleges and Universities deal with inclusive community, respecting people and all the other points has led me to move forward with a more creative and diverse mindset.”

During the summer break MC students will travel to Mexico to participate in the Lasallian Leadership and Global Understanding Program.

Erica Rebussini/Courtesy What the students learned during the Lasallian Leadership and Global Understanding program in Rome made an impact on their lives at Manhattan College.

Erica Rebussini, another Rome participant, found that her experience lead her not only to push forward with her mission, but to appreciate other Manhattan College students who are doing the same.

“My opportunities in Rome have inspired me to continue being part of this momentum, and to recognize others for doing so, and give them the appreciation and support that they deserve,” Rebussini said.

“I could not be more proud of my fellow

Jaspers, and I know that going to Rome gave me the opportunity to see how powerful this Lasallian tradition truly is as we continue to model it and connect with it all across the world.”

Tiffany French, Manhattan College’s Assistant Dean of Students, will be accompanying the chosen students to Mexico for the program this summer. The program leaders look for students who are interested in gaining a knowledge of international leadership among a diverse group of people.

“Students who enjoy working with others, want to develop their leadership skills

and learn about themselves can be great candidates to continue the strong legacy of Manhattan’s work with the program,” French said. “Our world can benefit now, more than ever, from the teachings of De la Salle so it’s great to see that students are looking to connect more deeply with their faith and leadership skills so that they can in turn share that with others here at Manhattan.”

The next Lasallian Leadership and Global Understanding program will take place in Mexico over a two week period and will be going to two different cities in Mexico, Cuernavaca and Mexico City.

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Arts & Entertainment

“Manus X Machina” Opens at The Met

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Abi Kloosterman/The Quadrangle

Abi Kloosterman Staff Writer

Every first Monday in May, The Metropolitan Museum of Art premieres its summer exhibition in the spotlight of the Met Gala.

This year, the museum debuted “Manus X Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology.”

The Met Gala rolls out the red carpet for the biggest stars in fashion, Hollywood and pop culture.

Kanye West came with ripped jeans and a bold Balmain jacket. Claire Danes donned an actual luminescent Zac Posen Cinderella-esque gown. Both garments featured an extreme attention to detail.

Each and every A-list celebrity wore an ensemble that represents the infinite creative possibilities of fashion and the intricate work it takes to truly make fashion an art form.

This very concept of intricate detail,

whether hand crafted or machine woven, is what “Manus X Machina” is all about.

The exhibit aims to showcase garments made by hand, the Haute Couture sector of the fashion world, and the machine made garments, always keeping in mind that the two compliment each other and work together to make pieces of wonderful, wearable art.

The exhibit opened up for the simpler citizens of the world on May 5.

Consisting of two floors in the Lehman wing of The Met, “Manus X Machina” begins with a wonderful show of detailed dresses, ranging from 1950’s Haute Couture to Prada’s most recent line.

Making way through the exhibit, the most beautiful specimens are shown alone.

A Chanel gown stands by itself, adorned with, what seems like, millions of intricate white floral details running along every inch of the gown.

Technology plays a role in the art of fashion. Two dresses, entirely made of

straws, one black and one white, illustrate the uber modern side of fashion, sporting hard lines and sharp edges.

Another dress, the floating dress by Hussein Chalayan, is a hard shell dress, appearing robotic, shows the technologically advanced side of fashion.

The section of feather work, referred to as Plumasserie, shows gowns of dark feathers, like that of a raven, and bright pink light feathers, like that of a flamingo.

Then, walking down the stairs, pleating and lacework are just a couple more of the métiers showcased.

Givenchy gowns have the most intricate and beautiful detail, including sheer hand crafted fabrics that the wire mannequins do not wear nearly as well as Beyoncé would.

Pleating details can be found on the Haute Couture dresses of Dior by Raf Simmons. The bright colored full skirt features primary colors of red, blue and yellow that transform into a green top.

Of course, the best is saved for last.

The grand finale features a wedding ensemble by Karl Lagerfeld for the House of Chanel.

The intricate design of the train, which is at least 10 feet long, includes a hand drawn design from Lagerfeld himself. The room is dedicated solely to this ensemble, which cohesively connects “Manus X Machina” together seamlessly.

The design was hand made, but transformed by computer to make it as detailed as possible. This very garment inspired the exhibition itself.

The wonderful world of fashion offers so much more than meets the eye.

The amount of work that goes into every single stitch and adornment is insurmountable and oftentimes unnoticed.

The Met’s “Manus X Machina” brings this well-respected art form to life and is on view through August.

Arts & Entertainment

12

May 10, 2016

“Manhattan Magazine” and “Logos” Launch 2016 Editions Sean Sonnemann Editor

This past Friday not one, but two, Manhattan College publications released their 2016 editions as both Manhattan Magazine and Logos celebrated a joint launch party in the Café 1853 atrium.

Manhattan Magazine features studentcreated poetry, literature and visual art while Logos serves as the college’s liberal arts academic journal.

“It’s a really long process to get these publications to you,” Dominika Wrozynski, Ph.D. said to kick off the launch party packed with contributors, their friends and faculty.

“It takes a lot of work to put together the party and the publications. The students have worked incredibly hard to make that happen.”

Wrozynski is an assistant professor of English at the college and also serves as the advisor to Manhattan Magazine.

She fittingly began Friday’s event by reading a poem titled “How to Pray” by Barbara Hamby as an invocation and testament to the dedication of all those involved in the often arduous process of creating the two journals.

The launch party is not only the first time the publications are released to the Manhattan College community, but also an opportunity to announce awards given to a select group of students whose works are featured in the two books.

Tim O’Connor, a sophomore marketing student, received The Emmerson Award for Critical Analysis. His examination of comedian George Carlin’s mid 90’s speech delivered to the National Press Club appears this year in Logos—what is now the third annual edition of the journal.

“Professor [Adam] Kohler asked me to be nominated and I said ‘of course.’ That alone I thought was awesome,” O’Connor said. “But when he said it won I really was proud. I want to keep writing.”

Kohler, associate professor of the English department and Cory Blad, associate sociology professor, serve together as coadvisors for Logos.

The Emmerson Awards (named in hon-

or of former Dean of the School of Liberal Arts Rick Emmerson) are reserved for first year students’ compositions. Freshmen year writers are nominated by their professors and winners are honored by being featured in the liberal arts journal as well as receiving a monetary prize.

In addition to O’Connor, Peter Ruimerman was awarded in the category of Personal Narrative while Gabrielle Girgis won in the category of Research.

Similarly, specific creative works were highlighted in Manhattan Magazine for excellence as decided by panels of faculty members.

“As you thumb through the Manhattan Magazine, you see a number of works—beautiful works—paintings, illustrations, ink drawings. It’s quite stunning the amount of work and how it engages the text,” Mark Pottinger, chair of the college’s visual and performing arts department, said when announcing the winner of the visual art award.

Alexandra Frederick’s photograph “East Liberty, Pittsburgh PA” was chosen while photographs from Leah Cordova and Mike Morra were declared Next in Merit.

Although faculty members select the award winners and offer guidance as advisors, the two publications are truly student-driven in terms of content creation, organization, editing and layout.

Junior English major Kieran Rock served this year as the editor-in-chief of Manhattan Magazine while marketing student Taylor Purcell was his counterpart for Logos.

“It was so much fun, I would definitely do it again,” Purcell said on her work as editor-in-chief of the academic journal.

“I’m really proud of the way it came out and the changes that we made this year to it.”

Both are supported by a student review board that assists with selecting submissions to include in the final copies, as well as other students who focus on the design and physical layout of the two journals to ensure a high-quality product.

“It’s really exciting to see them when they’re finally done,” Wrozynski said. “As a professional writer, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to see students’ work in this form.”

Top: The colorful covers of this year’s editions of the publications.

Bottom: From left to right, Alexandra Frederick, Leah Cordova and Mike Morra, the three students awarded for their visual art featured in Manhattan Magazine.

Sean Sonnemann/The Quadrangle Those in attendance on Friday also As the audience members listened or had the opportunity of not just getting to read along with rapt attention, it became see and read submissions, but also to hear clear that 2016 proved to be another sucsome of the selections from the twenty- cessful year for the two Manhattan College sixth edition of Manhattan Magazine read publications. aloud.

Egan Award winners Angela Beneve Editor’s Note: Kieran Rock is both nia, Krystal Diaz and Rocio Reyes Mejia Features and a Managing Editor of The read excerpts from their fiction, poetry and Quadrangle and was therefore not internon-fiction pieces respectively. viewed for this article.

MC Jazz Band Performs End of Year Concert Michelle DePinho Senior Writer

Manhattan College president Brennan O’Donnell traded his lofty office in Memorial Hall for something a little edgier Tuesday night: a seat in the guitar section of the college’s jazz band.

For the audience, the unusual sight of watching their president jamming out (well) on a bass guitar is only where the fun began. The jazz band’s Springtime Jazz performance packed Smith Auditorium with a rowdy standing-room-only crowd that came for the music and stayed for it too.

The hour-long set featured a blend of soulful pieces, funky tracks, standalone solos and a collaboration with student vocalist Aiofe Mahood. The band asserted its overall technical strength in tighter, cleaner pieces while its musicality shined in freewheeling solos that showcased individual talents.

The set started with “Corner Pocket,”

an upbeat, brassy piece with strong solos from both the senior tenor saxophone Rich DiPasquale and the freshman trumpet Kevin Donald. Right from the beginning, the band showed the depth of its talent by juxtaposing its most senior leaders and its new recruits.

In a stylistic twist, the band also played “Too Close for Comfort,” featuring the lush vocals of Mahood layered over slowed-down jazz. With neither element overshadowing the other, the band struck a balance between vocals and sound and performed a piece that easily elicited the vibes of speakeasy jazz clubs.

A high point of the night came in Adrienne Perea’s performance of a cadenza during “My One and Only Love,” one that she had written as part of an independent study this semester. The senior and jazz band president performed her solo on her bright red alto saxophone with a backdrop of total silence, lending the audience the perfect opportunity to catch the bars of “Careless Whisperer” she had nestled into

her piece.

Later, in the Stevie Wonder arrangement of “Higher Ground,” O’Donnell took to the stage with his bass guitar and joined the band.

“It was a lot of fun,” O’Donnell said.

“I love music. I love playing it. It’s a great way to spend some time.”

This might not be the last Manhattan College will see of their president on the bass either.

“There’s talk about my doing something similar as a regular thing,” he said.

Senior drummer Gregory Zajac closed out the show with a solo that belonged in a rock concert and riled up the crowd in the final song of the night, “Sing Sing Sing.”

Members of the band say they were pleased with the group’s performance at the show and the improvement it has shown over the years.

“I think the band did amazing. I feel like this year was the best band ever since I was a freshman. We had a great turnout,” Perea said. “We promoted it by word of

mouth, which was great, but I think having President O’Donnell play with us was definitely the cherry on top.”

Perea noted that the band’s growth and musicality is what she’s most proud of. “[...] What I’ve realized this year is that we have gotten people to solo and improvise, and these people are shy....but we kind of got them out of their shell. And that’s what I like about music. It kind of takes you out of your comfort zone and it’s fun,” she said.

Zajac, another senior member in his final performance with the band, could attest to that same change in the group.

“I mean we have a really dynamite group of musicians, very very eager to learn. They’re all really talented,” he said.

“Just like any family, a family grows over time. We become closer. We become more solidified. We become a unit. We become tighter. I’d say over the four years we’ve matured as a band.”

Sports

13

Pole Vaulter Maddie Arndt Named NCAA Representative For MAAC Jaclyn Marr Senior Writer

With her sophomore year almost completed, Maddie Arndt is about to take over three major leadership roles in addition to the responsibilities of a student-athlete as a pole vaulter on the track and field team.

Arndt was named both the president of Manhattan’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s SAAC. In addition, she was appointed to represent the MAAC’s SAAC at the NCAA Division I level.

“I’m ecstatic,” Arndt said. “I can’t explain it any better because there’s no other word that I can put to this opportunity.”

As the NCAA representative, Arndt will be a voice for the MAAC student-athletes at the national level. She will work with conference representatives from the other 31 Division I leagues. As the president of the MAAC SAAC, she will report back to the conference members with the information she received from the national meetings.

“I’ve been in leadership roles my whole life,” Arndt said, “it’s just natural for me and when I heard about this I thought, ‘I’m going to be competing against other people, what’s the chance I would get picked?’

But I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity because if I didn’t apply, I’m going to regret it.”

In addition, she will serve as the president of Manhattan’s SAAC for the upcoming academic year, taking over the position from Casey Silvestri, a senior on the women’s lacrosse team.

“She’s passionate and enthusiastic about SAAC and our mission in developing the whole student-athlete,” Silvestri said to GoJaspers.com.

One plan Arndt has as Manhattan’s president is to work with the strong community relationship Silvestri has built during her presidency. Arndt will stress the fact to student-athletes that community service is important while hoping to change their outlook on it being just a requirement.

“It can be really eye-opening,” she said, “and it’s good to give back to your community. Everyone in the Bronx knows Manhattan College and I want people to know that we’re doing this; we’re being athletes but giving back to our community.”

She also plans to build a bigger alumni connection between past athletes and current athletes with a mentorship program, hoping to develop it within the next two years and that it’ll be successful beyond her presidency.

Arndt explained that while having these positions seem like a lot, they overlap. When something works well for one school, it will most likely work well for other schools in the conference because they are all quite similar.

“I’ll meet with a lot of important people, in and outside of our conference,” she said. “I get to represent what we stand for, what we need, what legislation we like or don’t like. There’s a lot of aspects where you vote and I’m the student-athlete vote once I talk to my school and the other MAAC schools. So, it goes from institution to conference to national and I’m the liaison through all of that.”

Although it wasn’t her original intention to have multiple positions, she’s excited for the opportunity. Arndt sent in her application for the NCAA position first and received recommendations from Manhattan’s SAAC Advisor Allison Fitzgerald and Silvestri, who said Arndt was the first name to come to mind.

“Maddie is a great student, athlete and community builder,” Silvestri said. “Her

Arndt was selected to represent the MAAC at the NCAA Division I level.

Go Jaspers/Courtesy recommendation was a no-brainer. I’m confident that she’ll do an amazing job and I’m excited to see what amazing things she has in store.”

Then, it just so happened that no one was going for Manhattan’s SAAC president after Silvestri leaves, which led to

Arndt fulfilling this role as well.

“Everyone says this is a résumé builder but that’s not what it’s about to me,” Arndt said. “It’s about getting myself out there and doing what I love. It’s about being an athlete and trying to make a change at the same time.”

sports

14

May 10, 2016

Jaspers Talk: Lisa Angeles Tara Marin Asst. Editor

Lisa Angeles joined the women’s rowing team when she was a freshman. For four years she has been row six seat in the Women’s 8+ and bow in the Women’s 4+.

Now, as the only senior on the team, she looks back on her four years here and towards her future at law school.

The Quadrangle: When did you join the MC rowing team and why?

Lisa Angeles: I joined the rowing team my very first day of college thanks to the Class of 2016 Facebook page. After watching videos of the Olympic women, I was completely hooked.

TQ: How did you feel before your first race? When is your last race and how do you feel about it approaching?

LA: I wish I remembered my first race.

I was so nervous that I blanked out the whole way through. My last race in Manhattan green is May 15th at the MAAC Championship. I try not to think about it.

TQ: You were the only senior on the rowing team this year, did that feel strange or difficult for you?

LA: It’s a team that’s building, and that’s not something you’re doing. Everyone gets to say “next year, next year” to a lot of things. That’s not a reality for you.

There are a lot of concessions, but there is so much beauty in seeing the sport you love grow at your alma mater. I’m confident that one day I’ll get to see my team cross the finish first with my name on the bow.

TQ: What do you want to do with your degree?

LA: I’m a Psychology major with a General Business minor. The plan so far is to take a gap year, and attend law school. I believe in the idea that each of us can make a practical impact on our world. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) would allow me to help others to the best of my abilities.

TQ: What has been the best part of being on the team?

LA: I spent my first two years rowing with Chelsea Ernst. I was genuinely upset when she graduated my sophomore year. Our first team meeting of my junior year, Chelsea walks into Draddy. All I could say was, “Aren’t you supposed to be in Albany?!” I had my suspicions that the team was hiding something from me, but not that Chelsea would be our new assistant coach. She has been such an amazing resource since I started rowing. She’s been in our boats so she knows our team’s weaknesses inside and out. Every time she tells me to work on something, I have not a single doubt in her judgement. That’s what rowing is all about: that unique experience with a unique set of women that builds an incomparable bond.

TQ: Do you plan on rowing in your post-college life too?

LA: Rowing is a special sport. It’s the only one where, with confidence, you blindly go backwards while fully exhausting your physical capabilities. It’s hard not to apply such a metaphor to your own life.

We can never see the future, but we must push our hardest in hopes that our best efforts will put us in the position we desire to be. In a way, you can say that I am and always will be rowing.

Lisa Angeles, top and below right, is the only graduating senior on the women’s rowing team.

Lisa Angeles/Courtesy

Where Are They Now? Manhattan Women’s Tennis Angela Quadrini Staff Writer

In April of 2015, Noah LeFevre, former athletic director at Manhattan College made the abrupt decision of discontinuing the women’s tennis team while adding women’s rowing as a Division 1 intercollegiate sport.

The news came as a shock to the tennis team, leaving many players upset.

Junior Gabby Leon was the first to hear the news after being called into a meeting with LeFevre and Amanda McEntire, former head coach of the tennis team.

“When I got the text about a meeting with them and I just knew it was either going to be really good or really bad news,” Leon said.

“Something in my stomach told me it was going to be something bad and it turned out to be.”

In the meeting, Leon describes LeFevre as being very friendly and polite. Based on their behavior, she figured something had to be wrong.

They finally broke the news telling her

the team was being cut.

“I broke down. I just couldn’t believe it,” Leon said. “I remember that day like it was yesterday.”

Reasoning behind the sudden decision was based on factors such as budgeting and resource concerns, as well as inadequate facilities.

“When I look at where we are from a strategic or 40,000 foot perspective, there are a lot of things to consider,” LeFevre said in a statement to the Quadrangle in September of 2015.

“A few other pieces are where we are from a facility; budget and resource; and number of enrolled student-athletes perspective. For me, at the end of the day, a large part of this had to do with facilities. … It was a decision made as we wanted to put our program in the best possible place to be successful.”

When the bad news was delivered to the women’s team, emotions were high.

Many felt angry about the decision, not understanding why their team had to be cut in order to make room for a new one.

Extreme sadness was a common emotion all the women felt in the meeting that afternoon.

“The saddest part of the discontinuation is not being able to play the sport I love with an awesome group of girls,” Shivani Patel, a sophomore and former member of the team said.

“I’ve made such good friends with the girls on the team. I miss the bond and the sense of togetherness you get when being on a team.”

McEntire did not respond to several requests for an interview. Since the end of the tennis program, McEntire has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director. She also assisted James Foley, the head coach of women’s rowing, in jumpstarting the rowing program.

With Division 1 tennis no longer a part of their lives, Patel and Leon have had to make the transition from being students athletes to just regular students.

“It’s still kind of weird,” Patel said.

“I had a routine of practice, classes, and games. I was constantly active, where as now I can’t find time to go to the gym. It was easier before because I had to go to workouts, so it was built into my schedule.”

Both women occupy the time they used to play tennis with other activities. Leon,

who still has two years of NCAA eligibility, works on getting fit in hopes of playing tennis again in graduate school.

Patel has turned to engineering clubs around campus to help occupy her free time.

She is currently the media coordinator of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and starting next year, will also be president of the Construction Management Association of America.

As far as playing tennis, Leon and Patel try to get together and play games while at school.

Patel plays for a travel team back at home, while Leon gives hitting lessons at a country club she works at.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about it,” Leon said. “ I wish I at least knew it was going to be my last college match when we ended the season.

I’ll never be able to play as a Jasper again, it’s still hard to process.”

The women of the tennis team have tried their best to move on. The sadness in their hearts may still be present, but their love for tennis is also as present as ever.

sports

15

Coach on the Court, Now Coach on the Bench?

RaShawn Stores will forego a professional playing career and enter the coaching ranks.

Kevin Fuhrmann/The Quadrangle

Daniel Ynfante Editor

When the 2014-2015 season came to an end for Manhattan College’s men’s basketball team after a First Round loss in the NCAA Tournament, it seemed like it was also the conclusion of RaShawn Stores’ career.

In a Q-and-A with the Quadrangle in April 2015, Stores discussed what he had in mind for his future.

“My family and Emmy [Andujar] and some of the guys want me to continue playing, so I might play for a while or I might just go straight into coaching,” he said.

But his coaching plans were put on hold, because it was playing, not coaching that was in his immediate future.

The 5-foot-10 point guard had technically finished his fourth year at Manhattan, but had only suited up for three seasons as a Jasper because academic issues forced him to sit out his freshman campaign.

So in August 2015, Stores received news that the NCAA had granted him a fifth year of eligibility.

The senior played the 2015-2016 season, this time officially his last, and has finished the year with the same thought he ended 2015 with: it’s time to get into

coaching.

“I believe I’m going to stick around with Coach Mas and probably coach with Coach Mas,” Stores says about what’s next in his career.

“I still love the game and stuff, but my body can’t take it right now. But, I could see me being around here with Coach Mas and like I said try to help around, help the guys, and see where that takes me.”

While not yet official, Stores won’t have to go too far, as his first job as an assistant coach will be at Manhattan under Steve Masiello. In four seasons as his head coach, Masiello has built a close relationship with Stores, and believes he is capable of doing whatever he sets out to do.

“If RaShawn wants to be mayor; CFO; president, [Donald] Trump and Hillary [Clinton] better watch out,” Masiello says.

“RaShawn can do whatever RaShawn wants. When he puts his mind to something, there’s no stopping him. There’s a difference between being mentally driven and mental toughness, and he’s both. Once he decides ‘this is what’s going to happen,’ there’s not a group, organization, or anyone that’s going to stop him. You’re just not.”

Although Stores, only 25 years old, admits he has offers to play in some games that could help him secure a contract to play overseas, he is confident that his deci-

sion to coach is the right one.

“I don’t think I will regret it because I’ve been playing basketball since I was 8 years old,” Stores says.

“It took me across the world … It took me everywhere. It’s been a fun journey. …

I played at one of the highest levels in Division 1. Been to NCAA Tournaments twice.

I won two rings. A lot of guys go to college and to these big programs and never win a ring or a title. … So I don’t think I’ll regret it at all.”

Similar to Stores, former teammate Michael Alvarado decided to join the coaching ranks quickly.

Before the 2015-2016 got underway, Masiello announced Alvarado’s hiring as an assistant. Alvarado, who graduated from Manhattan in 2014, had played professionally in Puerto Rico for just a little more than a year.

While at Manhattan, Alvarado was known for his grit and leadership, qualities he sees in Stores.

“He’s a natural leader,” Alvarado says about Stores. “Coach said it all year, ‘he’s a natural leader.’ He wants to win, he’s competitive, so from that stand point alone, it’s going to help him out a lot to get his foot in the door.”

Alvarado and Stores have a friendship that dates back to before college. They

were teammates in 2008-2009 at All Hallows High School, and from 2011-2014 at Manhattan. Having Stores join him on the coaching staff is something Alvarado is excited about.

“It’s going to be cool,” Alvarado says about getting to work with Stores.

“I’m looking forward to it. We’ve been with each other our entire lives, whether it’s playing with each other or playing against each other, so the fact that we’re continuing now is just another step towards our future.”

Throughout Stores’ career at Manhattan, Masiello referred to him as an extension of the coach out on the court.

As part of Manhattan’s coaching staff, Stores will now have the opportunity to continue to lead the men’s basketball team, a program he thanks for changing his life.

Now he just wants to give back.

“I would like to bring that leadership role in and continue to stay around and lead the guys,” Stores says, “especially the young men … teaching them what I know about the game, especially with this system … about the 22, and how defense wins, and basically all about culture … It’s all about the culture around here.”

Sports 1. Women's Soccer Reaches MAAC Finals

2. Golf Loses in One-Hole Playoff at MAAC Championships

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Perhaps women's soccer's greatest season in its 25-year program history was highlighted on Nov. 6 when the Jaspers reached their first MAAC Championship game ever after defeating Rider 3-1.

After an underwhelming season filled with several last place finishes, men's golf nearly shocked the MAAC on April 24, when it carried a six-stroke lead heading into the final day at the MAAC Championships. Ultimately, the Jaspers blew the lead, and finished second to Siena in a one-hole playoff.

3. Men's Track and Field Wins Metropolitan Outdoor Championships

On April 9, the men's track and field team won the Metropolitan Outdoor Championship for the first time since 2012. The Jaspers scored points in every event that they entered and had a total of 254, which was 68 points ahead of second-place Rutgers.

4.Softball Wins Program Record 14th MAAC Game

The softball team concluded its season on May 7 by beating Saint Peter's and in the process, setting a program record with 14 MAAC wins. The victory also gave Manhattan its first 30-win season since 1993.

5. Women's Swimming and Diving Scores School-Record at MAAC Championships 6. Women's Basketball Completes Biggest Win-Turnaround in NCAA

On Feb. 13, at the MAAC Championships, the women's swimming and diving team scored a school-record 166 points, breaking the previous record of 159.5 points, set at the 2006 MAAC Championships. The Jaspers finished eighth in the Championships.

7. Men's Basketball Beats Monmouth in Thriller

8. Men's Basketball Beats George Mason With Just Six Players 9. Amani Tatum Records 11 Steals, Falls One Shy of MAAC and School Records 10. Softball Has 7-Run Rally in Sixth Inning

After finishing the previous season 3-27, the women's basketball team completed the biggest turnaround in the NCAA, winning its 15th game of the season on March 3 in the first round of the MAAC Tournament. The win was also Manhattan's first tournament victory in three years.

When the Monmouth Hawks came into Draddy Gymnasium on Jan. 21, they came in with much national attention, after a 15-4 start, including wins over UCLA, USC, and Notre Dame. But the Hawks were stymied by Manhattan's defense, which forced 17 turnovers and held MAAC Player of the year Justin Robinson to just 11 points.

Freshman Thomas Capuano clinched the 78-71 victory for Manhattan with a corner triple in the dying seconds of the game and then a steal on the very next play.

It was a season riddled with injuries for the Jaspers, and they came early. On Nov. 25, in just the fourth game of the year, Manhattan was down to just six players. Despite the few bodies, the Jaspers defeated George Mason 69-67.

Jan. 21 was a big day for Manhattan College. Before the men's victory over Monmouth, the women's basketball team took on Saint Peter's at Draddy, in a game where guard Amani Tatum notched 11 steals, falling just one shy of the MAAC and school records.

On March 24, down 8-2 in the sixth inning against LIU Brooklyn, the Jaspers had their biggest comeback of the season, overcoming a six-run deficit with seven runs in the sixth. Briana Matazinsky cut the deficit to 8-7 with a grand slam, and Emily Cutler drove in the winning runs with a two-out, two-run single.

Compiled by Daniel Ynfante & John Jackson, Editor & Staff Writer

The 2015-2016 sports season was full of exciting moments for Manhattan College athletics. From surprise runs to championship games, to stellar individual performances, the school year provided several noteworthy instances.

Above are the top ten moments for the fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters.