the Quadrangle THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924
AUGUST 29, 2017
Volume XCVI, Issue 1
www.mcquad.org
COLLEGE CUTS TIES WITH SORORITY, CITES HAZING Alpha Upsilon Pi Loses Recognition Stephen Zubrycky Editor-in-Chief
Students and Riverdale residents gather in solidarity for Jummah Prayers with Muslim peers. Aaron Mayorga/ The Quadrangle.
New Kids on the Block
Manhattan College President Brennan O’Donnell, as well as a few other speakers, addressed the college’s new freshman class Friday afternoon at the annual New Student Convocation. PHOTO BY STEPHEN ZUBRYCKY / THE QUADRANGLE.
Remembering the Life and Legacy of Br. Raymond Meagher Tara Marin Editor
Editor’s Note: This article was initially published on The Quadrangle’s website on Jul. 28, shortly after the death of Brother Raymond Meagher, F.S.C., Ph.D. This is its first appearance in the print edition. When Brother Raymond Meagher, F.S.C, Ph.D., passed away on July 18, Manhattan College was overwhelmed by its loss. Although we may not witness such an emphatically compassionate and lighthearted figure again, there are aspects of his humanity that we ought to preserve. As their grieving wanes, students and friends honor his memory by celebrating and continuing the values for which he stood. Born on Oct. 21, 1942, Meagher was raised in the East
IN NEWS:
See what you missed this summer on p. 3
Brother Raymond Meagher died Jul. 18 at the age of 74. Manhattan College/Courtesy Bronx by his parents, Jeremiah Meagher, a New York City police officer, and Ann Carney Meagher, a stay-at-home mom. He had two brothers, Donald and Stephen.
IN FEATURES: Meet the college’s new chaplain on p. 5
As a one-income family, they struggled to make ends meet,
The sorority Alpha Upsilon Pi is no longer recognized by Manhattan College. The college made the decision to cut ties with the organization soon after the close of the Spring 2017 semester, following an investigation into alleged hazing. “There is no longer any connection between Manhattan College and A.Y.Pi.,” said senior Allison Ready, the sorority’s public relations chair. Ready spoke to The Quadrangle over the phone. T h e sorority had had an active chapter – the Beta chapter – at the college since 1984. Manhattan’s chapter John Bennett was the MANHATTAN COLLEGE/ COURTESY only active chapter of Alpha Upsilon Pi. Alpha Upsilon Pi’s leadership team – including two student leaders and its former faculty advisor, Alicia Mullaley, Ph.D., were notified of the decision by email on Jun. 7, according to Director of Student Engagement John Bennett, who oversees all club activity, including Greek life. Bennett said the decision was made following an investigation into hazing that was carried out by the public safety department and the Dean of Students’ office. All three offices were then involved in selecting which sanction the sorority
would receive. Bennett also said that multiple student reports had triggered the investigation, and that this investigation was not the first time his office has had to look into hazing within Alpha Upsilon Pi. The college’s student code of conduct employs the New York State definition of hazing, which defines it as a crime, “when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he or she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury.” The code also lists a few examples of hazing including, “paddling in any form, creation of excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks, morally degrading or humiliating games or activities, late (postmidnight) work sessions that interfere with scholastic activities and any other activities not consistent with the policies and regulations at Manhattan College.” The code calls for sanctions of suspension, club charter probation or club charter revocation. “Considering other sanctions that are possible, such as judicial, things that affect the transcripts and class standing and [financial repercussions], what was handed down is probably the best case scenario,” Bennett said. Neither Public Safety nor the Office of the Dean of Students could comment on the details of the investigation or the specifics of Alpha Upsilon Pi’s violation. “From what I know, all of
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IN A&E:
Book Nook: Summer Reading on p. 9
IN SPORTS:
Inside the new Draddy Gym on p. 11
Opinion & Editorials
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the Quadrangle Volume XCVI, Issue 1
NOT ES FROM
The Editor
AUGUST 29, 2017
The Editorial Board
Stephen Zubrycky Editor in Chief Jack Melanson News Editor
Haley Burnside Joseph Liggio Asst. News Editors
Ally Hutzler Features Editor Managing Editor
Megan Dreher Asst. Features Editor
Taylor Brethauer Arts & Entertainment Editor Managing Editor
Rose Brennan Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
RikkiLynn Shields Sports Editor
Charles Lippolis Asst. Sports Editor
Tara Marin Social Media Editor
Catherine Goodyear Asst. Social Media Editor
Aaron Mayorga Photography Editor
Anja Pollozi Asst. Photography Editor
Alyssa Velazquez Production Editor
Abbi Kirollos Asst. Production Editor
Victoria Hernandez Morales Multimedia Editor August Kissel Daniel Molina Web Editor Thomas Callahan Faculty Advisor About The Quadrangle A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news or ganization 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 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.
Join The Quadrangle The Quadrangle’s staff holds weekly open meetings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in Kelly Commons Room 412. All are welcome to come and join the club. Connect with The Quadrangle
mcquad.org
THE QUADRANGLE
Dear Reader,
Welcome back. It’s been a long, hot summer in the United States. News-wise, it was kicked off by President Donald J. Trump’s May 9 firing of former F.B.I. Director James B. Comey. But it did not stop there. Since the summer began, Trump has fired his chief of staff (Reince Priebus), his chief strategist (Stephen K. Bannon) and his brand new communications director (Anthony Scaramucci, whom he had hired just ten days before). Radical right-wing demonstrators took to the streets in Charlottesville, Va., resulting in the death of one counter-protestor. Right now, as I write you, Houston is flooded under nearly two feet of rain from Hurricane Harvey-- and heavy rain is expected to continue falling in the area for three more days. There was even one day this past summer where the moon blocked the sun. I’m being facetious with the last one, but you get the point. We live in extraordinary times. Our times are the times that children will learn about their social studies classes fifty years down the road and think, “Wow, that really happened?” Our times demand fierce, diligent journalism and a higher level of public and civic engagement among our people. I believe Manhattan College students are ready and prepared to answer that call to civic engagement. And those of us here at The Quadrangle are ready and prepared to answer the call to do journalism. We look forward to another year of your continued trust and readership. And I look forward to another semester of sharing this space with you. Good luck this fall. Sincerely,
Stephen Zubrycky Editor in Chief
@mcquad @the_quadrangle mcquad
CORRECT IONS There are no corrections to report this week.
News
AUGUST 29, 2017
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College Responds Summer of 2017 to Racial Unrest Leaves its Mark at M.C. in Charlottesville Haley Burnside Asst. Editor
Manhattan College Parkway was given a fresh coat of asphalt this summer. STEPHEN ZUBRYCKY / THE QUADRANGLE
Taylor Brethauer Editor
Death of Brother Ray As reported by the Quadrangle on July 18, former visiting assistant professor of education, Brother Raymond Meagher, F.S.C, passed away that morning. Meagher had recently retired at the end of the previous school year after teaching at Manhattan College for 15 years. Meagher taught many favorite education courses and also served as the counselor of the Mu Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. The Dean of Education and Health, Karen Nicholson, Ph.D. spoke on Meagher’s behalf in a phone interview. “I would say that he was a very committed and dedicated educator who made a huge difference in the lives of students, and to the lives of those of us who knew and worked with him […] He loved what he did,” said Nicholson. A viewing was held at the Christian Brothers Residence on Friday, July 21. On the following day, a second viewing was held at the Chapel of De LaSalle and His Brothers with a funeral mass afterwards.
Summer Maintenance and Parkway Repaving Reports of façade maintenance, among other renovations and projects, were sent out to students via email throughout the summer months. Locations, as stated in an email sent out by Public Safety on July 25, included the North and East sides of De La Salle Hall as well as the North and West sides of Memorial Hall, which extended into the De La Salle Archway. The end date of the construction has not yet been determined. Another email was sent out the day prior, July 24, stating that the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) would begin repaving Manhattan College Parkway between Broadway and Waldo Avenue. Public Safety sent out the email multiple times, with advice on where to park as the new pavement was laid. De La Salle Updates De La Salle Hall received updates throughout the summer months, completely changing the look of the academic building. The building, which houses the School of Business, was the next step in the Master Plan which stretches from small
touch-ups to the creation of the South Campus, which is expected to be complete within the next few years. Changes included moving the Stock Market ticker in one of the business classes to the front entryway, giving the hall and classrooms a more modern look and also the creation of what the interim Dean of Business, Janet Rovenpor, called at the time, “Collaborative Workspace[s]”. “Ten Man” Suites Gone in Horan The Office of Residence Life got rid of the ten-person suites in Horan Hall over the summer. These suites, commonly referred to as “ten mans”, were located at opposite ends of each floor and could hold up to ten residents. Only last year were female residents allowed to occupy these rooms. Resident Assistants (RAs) were told that these suites were causing too many problems and were often the location of loud parties during the weekends, resulting in copious student write-ups. In Horan now, the front door of what used to be the large suite has been taken off of its hinges. Study rooms like the ones in Lee Hall are now available for the entire building to use, but were originally a two-person bedroom in the tenperson suite.
The second floor of De La Salle Hall received a full renovation. STEPHEN ZUBRYCKY / THE QUADRANGLE
On Aug. 22, Manhattan College President Brennan P. O’Donnell, Ph.D., sent an email addressing the events of late summer to the entire Manhattan College community. The email, which served as a welcome and a statement on the recent events in Charlottesville, Va., broke Manhattan College’s silence on the matter of current race relations in America. “Our core values challenge us to work tirelessly to build a world in which all human beings can flourish—a world more equitable, more just, more peaceful, more sustainable, more compassionate, and more beautiful than the world we face each day, in which so many of our brothers and sisters are subject to want, injustice, violence, and degradation,” said O’Donnell via email. This message follows a summer full of worldwide terror attacks perpetrated by various radicals. In Charlottesville, this attack occurred during an altercation between far-right, neo-nazi activists and counter protesters. The resulting clash claimed the life of 32-year-old counterprotestor Heather Heyer. has been labeled an act of domestic terrorism by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Two Virginia state police officers also died accidentally in a helicopter crash while responding to the unrest. The news coverage of the incident created division and controversy among Americans. Some believe that the First Amendment protects the rights of groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Others feel that the messages touted by these groups are considered hate speech, and therefore not protected under the law. The Manhattan College Student Life Division does not condone or support this kind of speech. Although there has been no sign of any hate groups on campus, the Student Life Division is clear in its stance on this issue. “We do not support hate in any fashion and we do not support neo-nazi groups on this campus,” said a representative of the Student Life Division in an email statement. “In addition, there is no indication that any organized groups espousing hate exist on the Manhattan College campus, nor would Manhattan College endorse or support any groups in the future.” Professor Lois Harr be-
lieves that campus ministry can play a role in helping educate students on racial issues. “At our last LOVE & LIFT retreat we spent some time discussing Charlottesville as well as issues of race, class and privilege,” said Harr. Harr thinks that the Lasallian mission of the school requires the Manhattan College community to be vigilant and present in these types of discussions, and in taking appropriate action when injustices present themselves. “I think we communicate our mission by teaching, presenting, being a good example, res life programs, the multicultural center and our community standards,” said Harr. In an effort to prevent any development of hate groups on campus, RA’s have been trained to distinguish hate speech from free speech. According to senior Alannah Boyle, the recent Charlottesville events redirected certain conversations during RA training. “During training, we spent time discussing the events in Charlottesville, what constitutes hate speech, and how we, as RAs, can help mediate issues between those with differing opinions,” said Boyle. Boyle felt that Residence Life prepared the RAs well in relation to these issues. “Residence Life did a great job in how they addressed the recent events with RAs,” said Boyle. “I think that it is important for the student population to recognize and Manhattan College to enforce that there is a difference between someone having an opinion you disagree with, and hate speech.” For senior Elvis Rodriguez, a former member of the multicultural center, the difference between hate speech and free speech is clear. “Freedom of speech can be summed up into four words: say what you please. There is no limitation to voicing an opinion, unless voiced with the intention to instigate an attack. That is where the line is drawn between freedom of speech and hate speech,” said Rodriguez. The conversation about free speech has been popular on social media following the Charlottesville riots. To participate in discussions about race relations, free speech and similar topics students are encouraged to get involved with the Multicultural Center located on the third floor of Kelly Commons.
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THE QUADRANGLE
A.Y.Pi. Loses Recognition After Hazing Investigation __________________________ Continued FROM PAGE 1 the accusations that have been made are false,” Ready said. Ready said the sorority was caught by surprise by the college’s decision. “This came as a complete shock to all of us. Like a complete shock. Like out of nowhere,” Ready said. Other Greek life organizations were also caught off guard by the decision. “To hear that the sorority isn’t going to be back next year, on campus, you know, it’s disappointing,” said senior Cameron Cullen, who is the president Manhattan’s chapter of the fraternity Alpha Phi Delta. Cullen said his fraternity does not practice hazing, and
did not foresee any change in his fraternity’s policy in the wake of the college’s decision on Alpha Upsilon Pi. “I think if we did involve hazing on campus, [Alpha Phi Delta] would be shut down immediately,” Cullen said. “I just don’t think that with hazing here… there’s no room for it. It’s unacceptable. And I wouldn’t have pledged something like that.” Alpha Upsilon Pi plans to continue operating as a group on campus, even without the college’s formal recognition. “It’s nothing that is going to make us go away,” Ready said. “We’re still going to function as a group.”
The Alpha Upsilon Pi soroity at Relay for Life in April. ALPHA UPSILON PU / INSTAGRAM / COURTESY
“Share the Journey” Campaign for Refugees Announced Haley Burnside Asst. Editor
This past Wednesday, Manhattan College hosted a webinar session on the launch of Pope Francis’ new migration campaign. The campaign, which has been titled “Share the Journey,” is aimed at supporting immigrants and refugees around the world. According to the Justice for Immigrants website, the mission’s goal is to use Catholic teachings and values “to educate the public, especially the Catholic community, about Church teaching on migration and immigrants; to create political will for just and humane immigration reform; and advocate for just and fair reforms in U.S. immigration and refugee laws and policies that reflect the principles enunciated by the bishops.” The hour-long webinar broadcast by Catholic Charities of the USA (CCUSA) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) was played in Kelly Commons where students and faculty alike gathered to gain knowledge on this new campaign. Todd Scribner, the education outreach coordinator for USCCB, introduced the mission and general timeline of the campaign through the broadcast. “The campaign as a whole
The “Share the Journey” program is the latest program to raise awareness about immigration and refugees. In 2016, to raise awareness about immigration, CMSA erected a mock border wall on the Quad. ABI KLOOSTERMAN / THE QUADRANGLE will show the church as an international organization can and will accompany migrants throughout every stage of the process,” said Scribner. “The campaign was created in an effort to decrease the animosity that can arise between native-born and migrant people as well as highlight the importance of putting into place policies that uplift human dignity,” said Scribner. Jim Kuh, the senior director of Immigration and Refugee Services within the CCUSA, spoke about how individual parishes will be imperative to the campaign.
The parishes need to be on the front lines of this movement,” said “We want to emphasize interpersonal connection above all.” He went on to explain how prayer weeks and calls to action inside the 17,000 parishes across the country will fuel the groundwork of the movement. Catholic Relief Services social media manager Jim Stipe assured the audience that there will be direct connections between the campaign and college campuses. “There will be university outreach for this campaign. We will be using social media like
Snapchat and resources specifically aimed at colleges and their students,” said Stipe. Lois Harr, who is the director of campus ministry and social action at the college, organized the broadcast within the Manhattan College campus. Harr expects the Manhattan College community to latch onto and get involved in the campaign. “We’ve had successful immigration simulations in the past. We might try another version of this kind of hands on, experiential education,” said Harr. As far as execution of the campaign, Harr has several
ideas already in the works. “We can share resources with faculty, get a guest speaker and we can visit local Congressional offices,” said Harr. “Once we get a group together - we’ll have even more ideas!” From a personal standpoint, Harr is glad that the campaign emphasizes freedom of religion and wants to support refugees and migrants regardless of their creeds. “None of this is about proselytizing or converting anyone - except maybe ourselves,” said Harr in an email statement. “We all need to be convinced and convicted by our own faith traditions.” Mike Kiely, a Catholic student at the college, believes that campaigns such as this one are an obligation of catholics. “I feel there is a responsibility to support refugees and immigrants because God tells us to love thy neighbor and to me that means loving all people and helping those in need,” said Kiely. For Kiely, the issue of immigration is a personal one. “Coming from a family of immigrants I realize the importance of letting people get the chance to find work and make a better life. The church can help with that,” said Kiely. Pope Francis will launch the campaign officially on Sept. 27 and the official “Share the Journey” website will be live some time early next month.
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AUGUST 29, 2017
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Manhattan Welcomes New Chaplain, Thomas Franks
Father Thomas Franks joins the Manhattan College community this fall as the new chaplain. Manhattan College/Courtesy
Melissa Gallardo Contributor
“Nobody can be good at something if they don’t love what they do, and Father Tom loves his work and cares about people on the margins of society.” That’s how Kevin Ahern, director of the peace studies program and assistant professor of religious studies, described Father Thomas Franks, the college’s new chaplain. The announcement that Franks was appointed to the chaplain position at Manhattan was made on Aug. 21, one week before the fall semester began. Franks graduated as the
valedictorian of his class from Fordham University in 2003. The process to find a new chaplain after the passing of Father George Hill last September began with a job posting online and advanced with the assistance of the college’s human resources department. According to the department, hundreds of resumes were submitted and examined before narrowing down to three candidates to be interviewed via Skype. After the initial Skype interview, the candidates were invited to interview on campus and met with the search committee group. They were introduced to Richard Satterlee, vice president of student life and college
President Brennan O’Donnell. “A college chaplain has to have a number of specific qualities,” Ahern said. “They need to be open to hearing students, faculty and staff where they are and they need to have practical skills to help members of the Manhattan College community, both Catholics and non-Catholics, deal with the struggles of life.” The role of the chaplain is a unique position at a Catholic college. As chaplain, Franks will provide direction, guidance and pastoral care for the liturgical, sacramental and spiritual life of the campus community. “Sometimes at a college, where we are so divided along schools, and sports, and dorms, it’s hard to see that we are one community… Fr. George, the former chaplain, had his own style and many gifts. Fr. Tom shares some of those gifts, but also brings his own experiences to serve our community,” Ahern said. Conor Reidy, campus minister, also commented on the role that a chaplain needs to fill in their religious community. “A new chaplain will bring energy, passion and stability to our College campus. Last year was difficult for our community—struggling with the grief of losing [Father] George, while trying to meet the needs of the liturgical and spiritual life of our students without a full time chaplain. I think a new chaplain will bring stability and new energy and ideas to our liturgical, spiritual, social, and intellectual
life here at Manhattan College,” he said. What first drew Franks to apply for the position at MC was the strong sense of community he found on campus when leading a handful of Sunday liturgies last year. “In those brief moments there was a great sense of support and care among the students and faculty that I met and a sense of family that went well beyond the function of school. I could see the five core Lasallian principles embodied in the community and saw a great blessing in the opportunity to be a part of this on campus,” Franks said. According to the Manhattan College press release posed on the college’s website, Franks was previously the pastor of the Roman Catholic Church of Holy Cross and Saint John the Baptist in midtown Manhattan for the past two years. Prior to the merger of the two churches, he was the pastor of Saint John the Baptist from 2011 to 2015 and was parochial vicar from 2008 to 2011. He entered the Capuchin order in 1998 and was ordained into the priesthood in 2008. Franks is described as kind, smart and great at his job by both Ahern and Reidy, and is also not afraid to climb out of his comfort zone. Once, on a dare from some of the friars in Franks’ community he went to auditions that were being held in New York City for the game show Jeopardy in 2001.
“To my surprise, after the whole process I was selected for the show. I was all set to head out to California for taping when I was asked to go to Costa Rica with our community and missed the season’s filming dates. I never had a chance to get on the show, but am often reminded that I should give it another shot,” he said. His brief television experiences don’t end there. Several years ago, someone stopped by the church in the middle of the day and asked him to help with a television program. “I was sent over to a studio in Brooklyn to answer some questions for the taping of Nurse Jackie. It turned out they had a scene for a season finale involving the Anointing of the Sick and they wanted to make things as authentic as possible. I ended up meeting Edie Falco, setting the scene and working with the cast and crew throughout the week,” Franks said. As Franks steps into his new role as chaplain, he has one message for the students of Manhattan College. “Among Franciscans, the greeting ‘Peace and All Good’ is often used and dates back to our founding by St. Francis of Assisi. In beginning this journey as Chaplain of Manhattan College I extend that as a wish for our Lasallian community. As the world sadly so often experiences the opposite, I hope that we can find peace for ourselves, share it with one another, and know the goodness of God in all we do,” he said.
Students and Faculty Respond to New York’s One-of-a-Kind Excelsior Scholarship Cheyenne Ubiera Contributor
Change is coming in the world of higher learning in the form of the Excelsior Scholarship. Under this program, which will be phased in over the next three years, New York state residents attending CUNY or SUNY schools may be eligible for a tuition-free education starting this fall semester. The Excelsior Scholarship is the first of its kind in the United States. It allows students whose families make under $100,000 annually to be eligible for free tuition at two-year and four-year public state colleges. Though Manhattan College, a private institution, does not fall under the umbrella of this program it does affect many views on education. David Caiafa, a junior economics and urban studies major and a native of New Jersey,
gives an optimistic view of the program. “It allows students with lower household incomes to be able to go to college without worrying how they will pay for it,” Caiafa said. Caiafa believes the scholarship will have a successful future, saying that it will help lower income communities grow stronger and help the economy grow. “The more people with a college education means more people joining the workforce, driving unemployment down,” he said. Margaret Groake, an associate professor in the government department, received her doctoral education at the CUNY Graduate Center. She has participated in protests over state cuts to CUNY’s budget and
state-mandated increases in tuition. Despite this, Groarke was skeptical of the impact that the Excelsior Scholarship will have on the affordability of a college education. “It won’t be a ‘free’ education …students will still have to pay for room and board, and other expenses,” Groarke said. “And students have to take and pass fifteen credits a semester – a student who drops or fails a class may lose their scholarship.” The effect that the Excelsior Scholarship will have on funding and enrollment is a huge concern for Groarke as she states that Governor Andrew Cuomo has said little about funding CUNY and SUNY to take on additional students as a result of this grant. “Adequate funding of our public universities is a constant struggle in Albany. Of what value will the scholarship be if the governor underfunds CUNY
and SUNY?” asked Groarke. Justin Peralta, an economics and philosophy major in his senior year at MC, shared Groarke’s concerns with the future of the programs. He noted that the Excelsior Scholarship might accelerate a monetary devaluation of an undergraduate degree. “The more people who have a degree in X means all holders of degree x are more easily replaceable,” said Peralta. “Education is always going to be seen as a worthwhile investment, but only because choosing not to go to college is statistically accompanied with less favorable outcomes.” Peralta also believes that the Excelsior Scholarship is a pilot for future programs. “The Excelsior Program isn’t a long term plan,” Peralta said. “It is a stepping stone for progressives to prove that the state should have a stronger presence in regard to college
costs. Secondly, the issue remains that the cost of college itself is inflating rapidly… costs will have to be paid via taxation or some other means.” The future of the Excelsior Scholarship remains uncertain; only time can truly tell whether the program will be successful and spread to other states or fizzle out entirely. Until then, students and professors alike can really only express their hopes and concerns for how the program will turn out. Many private institutions, such as Manhattan College, are concerned that a program like the Excelsior Scholarship can have impacts on enrollment “It’s useful to remember, though, that students and families look at many things when choosing a college, not just price,” Groarke said. “We’ll have to wait and see if this has any effect on who chooses to attend Manhattan College.”
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THE QUADRANGLE
Features
AUGUST 29, 2017
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“MOOMBA”: Remembering the Life and Legacy of Br. Raymond Meagher __________________________ Continued FROM PAGE 1 but Meagher was the first in his family to attend college. As a young adult, he decided to become a Christian Brother, a capacity in which he would serve for 55 years. The Brother Brother Brian Carty, F.S.C, who spoke at Meagher’s funeral service on Saturday, reminisced on their 60 year friendship, which began when they were just teenagers. “The Brother Ray you all knew was the same one that I got to know sixty years ago. Of all of the things I could say about Ray, let me share with you the one aspect of Ray that I believe truly defined him and made him the person we came to know and love,” Carty said. “Ray was a fierce competitor, so losing was not an option.” He reflected on their years in college when the two of them, both biology majors, would challenge each other academically and engage in friendly rivalry over who was the better student. This competitive nature also translated to Meagher’s athletic life as well. In basketball, Carty recalls how Meagher was “all over the court, seemingly inexhaustible”, how he played three-wall hand ball “ferociously” and how he excelled on the football team as a fullback. “This quality of hating to lose and never giving up defined him,” he said. After college, he and Meagher would remain companions, both of them hoping to become Christian brothers, both of their careers parallelling each other’s.
Meagher earned his master’s degree in counseling psychology at New York University in 1971, and later attended Columbia University where he received a master’s in social work in 1978. Carty points out that Meagher earned both of these degrees while working full time, a feat which he attributes to his unflinching determination to do his best. As Meagher’s career unfolded, he would serve at a variety of schools and organizations, including St. Peter’s High School on Staten Island, a residential treatment center at Lincoln Hall in Westchester County, and St. Raymond’s Parish in the Bronx, where he started the Family Outreach Program. In a 2015 interview with The Quadrangle, Meagher spoke about his assignments as a brother and said, “I loved everywhere I went. I never wanted to leave.” His Ph.D. in educational leadership from St. John’s University in 1996 accredited him, as Carty puts it, “to have an even greater impact on the world by allowing him to train the people who would be the next generation of caretakers.” “If someone needed him, he was there. He couldn’t say ‘no’ to anyone who needed him. He set a high standard for himself,” said Carty. “He tried to take care of everyone else. He just forgot to take care of himself.” Carty urged listeners to carry out the memory and legacy of Brother Ray, too: “The story of Brother Raymond needs to be told and each of us here is a story-teller. […] Let the world know that there are people who
Seema Shah and Br. Raymond Meagher. SEEMA SHAH / COURTESY
Br. Raymond Meagher with sophomore Faith LaRock, with her sister Shiela Montouri ‘05. FAITH LaROCK/ COURTESY
truly care about others and who dedicate their lives in humble service to God, and to the people for whom God asked them to care. That is how we change the world.” Meagher taught at MC for 24 years, retiring only two months ago at the age of 74. For 10 years, he was the advisor of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honors society for educators which hosted events at the college such as Safe Halloween, and Winter Wonderland, inviting hundreds of students from local schools to participate. They also traveled to Africa, Palestine, Turkey, Spain, and Italy, to help families and children in need. Brother Ray was popular for his very festive classrooms, which were filled with odd but comforting objects. Beach balls and hula hoops were sprinkled about the floor. Butterflies hung from the ceiling. Where there weren’t lobsters, elephants, and teddy bears hanging on the wall, there was some kind of inspirational or enlightening quote. Meagher would sit behind his untidied desk, which was home to his well-known ear sculpture. “The amazing thing is he made sense of all of this,” said Brother Dennis Lee, F.S.C., in a speech following Carty’s. “Twice a year, I looked forward to hearing from him. Christmas greetings, which would usually arrive in late January, and his graduation message to recent Manhattan graduates, which usually ar-
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Meagher was known for his elaborately decorated rooms, sunny disposition and interactive style in the classroom. rived sometime in June. This year, it came in July. I received that message this past Sunday, the day before he was hospitalized.” Lee continued. “He wrote about his captivation with trapeze artists, who must let go of one trapeze bar, for another one that is swinging towards him, and he asks the graduates if they are ready to let go, and grab the new bar that is coming their way,” he said. The Educator Meagher’s random, whimsical approach to life is also admired by his students. Faith LaRock, a sophomore education major, took Meagher’s class as a freshman. “We are all crazy. Anybody who has taken any of Brother Ray’s classes will know how much he loved that phrase. Brother Ray was one of the professors that truly embodied our education department. Entering Manhattan College, he had a personal mission to touch hearts, challenge minds, and help transform lives; all of
which he achieved, especially for me,” LaRock said. LaRock acknowledges that Meagher’s very unique teaching methods helped bring her out of her shell. “As someone who was always shy and extremely selfconscious, I normally remain quiet in a classroom. However, in Brother Ray’s class that was nearly impossible. He encouraged the participation of all his students and made it a goal to make every student feel special. Rather than using textbooks and flow charts to teach lessons, Brother Ray used weekly demos and told daily stories to teach unforgettable life lessons,” she said. LaRock also treasured Meagher’s ability to teach complex life lessons in simple ways. “Throughout the sixteenweek semester, he was able to instill the importance of knowing, believing, and loving yourself to all his students. Starting from the first week of class, he used a U.S.A puzzle to represent how, just like each state, each student in a classroom is unique and has something different to bring both into a classroom and to the world. Brother Ray’s demo using a three-dollar puzzle helped me realize that I am more important to a classroom then I think,” she said. Meagher was skilled at pinpointing the invaluable qualities that were exclusive to each of his students, perhaps even before they recognized them on their own.
“He emphasized how each student is unique and brings a little color to a classroom in their own way, helping me realize how I should let my color shine. For the majority of the semester, we would start each class by standing up and saying ‘I am awesome. I am amazing. I am great,’ allowing us to remind ourselves that we need to recognize our own importance and embrace our greatness,” LaRock said. Meagher was also famous for incorporating his life motto into his class: “MOOMBA”, which means “let’s get together and have fun” and gave out MOOMBA bracelets to every class. “Brother Ray wanted all his students to have their own celebrations each day. The three MOOMBAs written on the bracelet each represent the celebrations of life, learning, and community. He stressed to his classes that we need to acknowledge how important our lives, education, friends and families are,” LaRock said. As an ode to Meagher, LaRock is committed to making her future students feel as amazing as he made his feel. Carly Telesca, a current education student, refers to Meagher as “one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known.” “Brother Ray exemplified everything a teacher should be. There was not one day I went to his class where it felt like work, and yet he taught me more about teaching, learning, loving, and living than anyone ever has,” Telesca said. In the days following Meagher’s passing, an outpouring of heartfelt posts about him from students and colleagues flooded social media. “The immense sadness at his passing speaks to the immense happiness he brought to the lives of so many people. However, no words could ever truly do justice to just how amazing it was to be a part of one of Brother Ray’s classes, and having the chance was truly a gift. I’ve said before that every single person at Manhattan should have to take a class with Brother Ray, regardless of their major, because every single person could benefit from his wisdom,” Telesca said. Telesca was apprehensive prior to taking Meagher’s class, but that soon changed. “When I heard about all the sharing and personal components his class entailed, I thought I would hate it. However, what I soon learned was that I don’t think there is a person in this world who could feel afraid to open up to Brother Ray,” she said. What made it so easy for even the most quiet students to communicate with Meagher
Brother Raymond Meagher, F.S.C., accepts the honor of Distinguished Lasallian Educator. Christian Brothers Conference/Courtesy.
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Meagher would have his students recite, “There is beauty above me, there is beauty below me, there is beauty in front of me, there is beauty behind me, there is beauty to my left, there is beauty to my right. There is beauty all around me, forever.” and with each other was, Telesca says, the fact that he cared so much. “He made it his job to be involved in the lives of every single one of his students and he cared in a way that was so genuine it made me feel sorry for every single person that hadn’t met him. His impact on my life and the lives of so many people stretches far beyond the classroom. Every moment I spent with him this past semester was a constant reminder that I am in the right place,” she said. Having Meagher as a professor also made Telesca even more passionate about becoming an educator herself. “The best part about being a teacher is knowing that the little time you spend with someone can positively impact them for the rest of their lives, and that is exactly what I hope to do. If I could influence even one of my future students the way that Brother Ray has influenced hundreds, then my goal will have been accomplished,” Telesca said. R.J. Liberto, a 2016 education graduate who spent last year teaching social studies in
the Bronx, reflected on Meagher’s devotion to his students. “Brother Ray was a really great educator and truly loved doing it with all his heart. He tried to instill the passion he had for his students in his students. The best thing I’ll take away from his class was the Beauty Prayer: ‘There is beauty above me, there is beauty below me, there is beauty in front of me, there is beauty behind me, there is beauty to my left, there is beauty to my right. There is beauty all around me, forever.’ He was a sweet guy,” said Liberto. The Mentor Seema Shah, an education major, also spoke about Meagher’s inspirational persona. “As a professor, Brother Ray changed lives. He taught you to not only love the profession of education but to love yourself. There has never been a teacher that emphasized the importance of mental health and positivity as much as he did,” said Shah. Shah highlights Brother Ray’s impact as well, affirming that “because of him, there are now hundreds of phenomenal
teachers. His students were lucky to have a professor like him, because they know what a great teacher is truly like.” When Shah envisions herself as a teacher someday, she is comforted by the thought of Brother Ray: “I don’t know much right now, but I do know that I will always have an angel watching over my future classroom.” Megan Heaney, who graduated in May, said that Meagher effectively created a loving, supportive atmosphere in his class, despite students being from different schools, majors, or class standings. “Once we knew each other’s stories, we couldn’t not like one another and form a community. One of his teachings that will stay with me is that it is proven that most, if not all of what you worry about, never comes true. He wanted everyone to be there for one another and always live in the moment, and not worry about things that will never come true,” Heaney said. Heaney also shares her favorite memory of Meagher. “He was such a loved professor because he would do anything for anyone at any time. This past semester Brother Ray came out to Horan Hall to help me with an R.A. [Resident Assistant] program about diversity late at night. Even though it was late for him, he knew it would be the time when most students could show up and the program would be the most effective,” she said. Meagher also befriended students who never even took his classes. 2017 graduate Dorian Persaud met Meagher on the first day of his freshman year. What connected the two was that Persaud had attended St. Raymonds High School in the Bronx, where Meagher had once served as principal for 12 years. “I was completely lost in what seemed like a huge campus, and he made sure I knew
where everything was when I ran into him,” he said. After this, the two would meet up occasionally. “He would give me guidance, or I’d talk to him about what was going on in my life and he was always willing to listen without judgement. He was part of my inspiration for running for student body president last year,” Persaud said. Diana Boyadjian ’17, remembers stories and lessons that Meagher shared with her. “He was an incredible professor who made every single student in the classroom feel special every single day. Each story he shared with us always had a very important lesson behind it. He didn’t teach us from a textbook, but instead from his heart,” she said. There is no doubt that Meagher was aware of the beauty of life, and worked hard to impart this awareness on his students. Boyadjian expresses that he helped students see the beauty of “life, others, and ourselves” and that she hopes to do the same in her own classroom someday. “He taught us how to come together to make not only our future classrooms a better place but instead the world as a whole a better place. One of my favorite poems that Brother Ray introduced in one of his classes I had with him was ‘I’ve Learned’ by Omer B. Washington, that I still keep a copy of in my desk drawer today. It is a beautiful poem that is a list of all the different experiences we have in our lives and what we learn from them,” Boyadjian said. The poem that Boyadjian mentions seems to echo the exact message of learning and loving that Meagher taught. Its first two lines read, “I’ve learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved.” And Brother Ray was loved.
A group of Kappa Delta Pi members and Brother Ray at the annual Winter Wonderland event. Diana Boyadijan and Megan Heaney/Courtesy
Features
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THE QUADRANGLE
Jaspers Attend Lasallian Women’s Symposium in New Zealand Rose Brennan Asst. Editor
This summer two female Jaspers traveled over 8,000 miles to uncover what a Lasallian identity meant to them as women. The 2017 Lasallian Global Women’s Symposium (LGWS) took place from July 16 to 19 in Auckland, New Zealand at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and was attended by approximately 120 people. Two of them, senior Alannah Boyle and graduate assistant Jacqueline Martin, were representatives of Manhattan College. Martin became involved with the Lasallian mission during her time as an undergraduate at Saint Mary’s College of California. Once Martin later learned of the LGWS, she knew she wanted to attend. Her trip to Auckland was made possible through funding by other Lasallians from various institutions. “I was really surprised at how many different Lasallians whom I had never met before were willing to help sponsor me so I could be a part of this experience,” she said. Boyle, on the other hand, felt that the symposium was relevant to research she was conducting within the Lasallian network regarding women’s issues and the Catholic Church’s response to sexual assault and violence. Like Martin, she received funding from numerous sources, including student life and academic offices. Boyle and Martin were two of ten women from the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) who elected to attend the symposium, along with female students, faculty, and staff from other Lasallian institutions across America. Within the symposium, over one dozen countries were represented. The symposium sought to address the evolving role of Lasallian women, largely due to their presence in the order. While Lasallian brothers account for just two percent of the order’s entire membership, laywomen make up 56 percent, Martin stated. “Lasallian women are critical to the future of the mission, and it would not exist in the capacity that it does without us,” Martin said. Lois Harr, director of campus ministry and social action, believes that women may be able to offer a unique perspective within the mission itself. “I think, as in any realm, we are all better off if everyone’s gifts and talents are put in service of the world,” she said. “Everyone’s experience
A group picture of the cohort of DENA (District of North America) that was represented. Alannah Boyle / Courtesy
These women from DEMA represent 56 percent of Lasallian membership. Alannah Boyle / Courtesy can help make organizations run well, bring good balance to decision making.” Despite their continued presence in the mission, laywomen are distinctly underrepresented in leadership roles within the Lasallian order. The LGWS seeked to address that issue, as well as provide its attendees with the necessary tools to become effective church leaders. The LGWS had several goals, among them to “recognize the distinct role and identity of women in the mission, especially as catalysts of change” and “empower Lasallian women to have a confident collective voice,” according to the organization’s website. However, the central outcome of the symposium was to create an international Lasal-
lian women’s council to address the issues discussed during the meetings. “The priority was to ensure that women are equally represented and heard at every level of Lasallian leadership,” said Martin. “It was amazing to be a part of this symposium because we all had a hand in crafting what the future of our shared Lasallian mission can become.” The theme of the symposium was “Lasallian women as changemakers.” Due to their distinct presence in the ministry, laywomen are beginning to be viewed as powerful and unique voices within the realm of Lasallian leadership. However, some critics of Catholicism might argue that women have traditionally had more subservient roles within
Boyle (second from right) at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Auckland, New Zealad. Alannah Boyle / Courtesy the Church. Citing doctrines such as having only men serve in the priesthood and interpreting a pro-life stance as antiwoman, they may believe that women have no opportunities for self-betterment. To Martin, however, religious devotion and personal empowerment are not necessarily on opposite sides of the moral spectrum. “I don’t think those two things are mutually exclusive, but it is very difficult territory to navigate because of the patriarchal structures of the Church,” she said. “I personally identify as both a Catholic and a feminist.” “As a Catholic, I don’t agree with all parts of the Catholic doctrine. My beliefs and actions are deeply rooted in Catholic Social Thought, which,
in my interpretation does not align with some of the ‘official’ Church positions on specific issues,” said Boyle. “If you love something, you hold it accountable.” Personal empowerment remains a topic of discussion among Lasallian women. Similar to the beliefs of Boyle and Martin, the LGSW demonstrated that religious devotion and empowerment can go hand in hand, as opposed to representing the opposite sides of a coin. “I think that women have long been overlooked critical players of the faith. We are doing much of the work on the ground, and we should be represented in positions of leadership,” Martin said.
AUGUST 29, 2017
Arts & Entertainment
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An Arts and Entertainment Editor’s Summer Reading List THE BOOK NOOK Taylor Brethauer Editor
This summer I set out to do something I probably haven’t done in an extensive manner since middle school: summer reading. My goal was to read at least five books and I somehow surpassed it and ended up reading nine. I use the word “somehow” because I’ve found that nowadays the distractions began piling as high as the books I had yet to read on my shelf, which is a lot. I would buy books, I received them as gifts, I borrowed some from the library—it was always a part of who I am. With all of the books I had yet to read, I decided to pick and choose ones that I had been putting off for too long: older classics, nonfiction or memoirs, suspenseful books or intriguing ones. Here are some of my favorites that I highly recommend. If you like books with many characters and a small town setting… “In the Unlikely Event” by Judy Blume is for you. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a Judy Blume book before, which I know is very near blasphemy. But if this was in fact my first Blume book, it was a great one to start with. Pick a favorite character to follow, really, and Blume weaves together the lives of those who experience three plane crashes in their small town of Elizabeth, New Jersey. This book was heartwrenching but also heartfelt. I found myself cheering for when one female character finally kisses the boy she likes and crying at the aftermath of the first plane crash (which from the title is a dead giveaway, but I also did not see it coming at all). This was the first fictional book I read during the summer and it was one I could not put down. If you never read this classic, you must. I was never required to read “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury in any educational setting, which I think is a tragedy. But I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it. It’s one of those older books that can still be relevant to today. Imagine a dystopian future where televisions are entire rooms you immerse yourself in, where those who are different more than likely end up dead and where firemen don’t put out fires but instead start
Isabel Quinones is one recipient of the Performing Arts Scholarship. Isabel Quinones / Courtesy.
What was on your summer reading list? Taylor Brethauer / The Quadrangle
them to burn books and literature for fear it will teach people too much. What I found fascinating was after I had finished the book, I read about the backstory to it. Although many people believed Bradbury was writing about censorship, he was actually trying to convey his feelings on television and media overpowering and possibly killing off the book industry. Bradbury was certainly on to something there. If you want to laugh out loud and read a great book at the same time… “Bossypants” by Tina Fey is an absolute must-have. I absolutely admire Fey as a comedian and a person. In her autobiography, Fey does an excellent job making her life entertaining, by picking the funniest stories from her childhood, about her parents
or her college experience. It was a hilarious read as she describes her time of working at a Chicago YMCA and her climb to stardom through many improv shows. I don’t often crack up while reading books but this one had me rolling. If a modern fictional story about a hometown tragedy interests you… “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult will pique your interest. I already knew starting the book how Picoult told stories: they are sad and make you cry. “My Sister’s Keeper” already left me numb for a few days after reading. For “Nineteen Minutes” though, I found myself after the book was done thinking about the character progression. Picoult introduces many characters that are victims of a high school shooting, including the shooter himself, a judge
whose daughter is caught in the fire, the lawyer representing the shooter and the detective on the case. Throughout the book, it felt like they were stuck after this tragedy, with no growth or transformation. But after I finished the book, I realized how much they changed and how much they had to change due to the circumstances. It was incredibly moving and Picoult published another great novel. All of these books I read made me think and made me feel—“Orange is the New Black” left me feeling depressed and trapped like I was with Piper in prison, “The Little Prince” made me think of how poignantly this children’s book was put (so much so, in fact, that it’s almost a message directly to adults, too). “The Devil Wears Prada”
had me imagining what it would be like to work for someone like Miranda Priestly and “The Rosie Project” brought me into the mind of a man who believed love could be found scientifically. “Water for Elephants” transported me back to a time when circuses arrived by train one night and left the next morning to perform somewhere else, always on the move to entertain the next town. Reading takes us places where we never would have imagined we would see and I encourage you to take that journey too. Even if you didn’t read any books this summer, it isn’t too late to start one now. It’s a great stress reliever, works your imagination and encourages learning in a fun way. Set a goal and watch as the pile of finished books begins to grow.
Arts & Entertainment
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THE QUADRANGLE
Sophomore Performing Arts Scholar Follows Childhood Dream at M.C. PERFORMER PROFILE Rose Brennan Asst. Editor
Manhattan College’s performing arts scholarships are awarded to just a few standout students every year. One of these lucky recipients is sophomore Isabel Quinones. Originally from Beacon, N.Y., Quinones is currently majoring in childhood and special education with a concentration in math. But her interests extend from the classroom to the stage. Quinones has been in the performing arts realm for “as long as [she] can remember”, notably as a performer during elementary and high school productions. During her time in high school, she appeared in productions such as “In the Heights”, “Footloose”, “Peter Pan” and “Pippin”. Out of all the productions in which she took part, Quinones believes her role as a principal dancer in “In The Heights” was her favorite, in part due to its connection to her national heritage. “As someone of Hispanic descent, I got to dance to my traditional music in this production. I also just had fun with my friends and the role I was given at the time,” she said. Her lifelong involvement in the performing arts led her to apply for the college’s performing arts scholarship. But she had not committed to the school itself just yet. “I wasn’t sure if Manhattan was right for me until I looked
into their performing arts program and met people who were involved. Once I auditioned and saw the possibilities, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” Quinones said. Once enrolled, Quinones became a student quite involved in her on-campus community, particularly as part of Campus Ministry and Social Action (CMSA). She lectors at the college’s weekly masses and is a member of both Lasallian Collegians and the Day of Service planning committee. She also holds leadership roles in other campus organizations. She is an admissions office tour guide, an orientation leader for the class of 2021, a residential representative in student government, and the vice president of Fuerza Latina. However, her largest commitment is to the college’s performing arts department. Among the conditions of the scholarship is being in good standing in at least two of the college’s performing arts ensembles. Quinones’ groups of choice are MC Music Ministry, MC Players and MC Singers. Within these three groups, Quinones cites Singers, of which she is a member of the executive board, as her favorite. “In Singers, we get to challenge ourselves with different styles of music such as classical, religious, Broadway show tunes, and even pop songs. I feel that I made the most friends and connections in Singers,” she said. Quinones serves as the
Isabel Quinones is one recipient of the Performing Arts Scholarship. Isabel Quinones / Courtesy. public relations position on the Singers’ executive board, which has revealed to her that the ensemble does a lot more than just singing. “Being on the board so far this year has already taught me about the many things that go on behind the scenes and I
look forward to the upcoming school year,” she said. Each year, the Singers ensemble travels outside the college to perform at larger venues. Last year’s destination was Walt Disney World in Orlando, which Quinones called “the highlight of [her] fresh-
man year.” “It was surreal to perform there and take in the magic of Disney World with all my closest friends,” she said. “I created bonds and memories on this trip that I know I’ll cherish for a lifetime.”
DON’T MISS THE Quadrangle’s Exclusive Interview with
JOJO IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE STUDENT GOVERNMENT / Courtesy.
Sports
AUGUST 29, 2017
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Inside Draddy Gymnasium’s New Summer Renovations Charles Lippolis Asst. Editor
The 2017 summer renovations to Manhattan College were headlined by a complete re-vamp of Draddy Gymnasium. The main court in Draddy made headlines just two years ago when the athletic department decided to resurface it with a coating of green paint. The unique court shading, while it was not popular with everyone, soon became synonymous with Manhattan’s basketball program. But as the new semester starts, the athletic depar tment ushers in a new set Marianne Reilly of renoKEVIN FUHRMANN/ vations THE QUADRANGLE that head athletic director Marianne Reilly says are designed to benefit both the students and the spectators. “A lot of planning goes into this, it doesn’t happen overnight,” Reilly said. The makeover of Draddy has been several years in the making. During the 2014-15 school year, the full-time student fitness center was successfully moved from Draddy to the then-brand new Kelly Commons building. That move
then allowed for the athletic department to take former gym space and transform it into office space, while also taking the preliminary steps to designing a new training facility for Manhattan’s student-athletes. The next year was when Manhattan introduced the green finish on the main competitive court, home of the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Finalizing steps were also taken in the process of completing the student athlete fitness center and re-arranging office space for the entire department. In the newest installment of this renovation saga, Reilly and the athletic department are excited to display the new hardwood and seating accommodations that Draddy offers. “Everyone really stepped up and really helped us out,” Reilly said. The changes are highlighted by a completely new court that was put in place for the Men’s and Women’s basketball team. While this means the end of the green court era, Reilly is excited to introduce a simple stained court that exudes a classic feel and look. In addition to the new hardwood on the main court, courts one and three were also resurfaced. Court One is used for Manhattan’s Division I volleyball team, as well as recreation activities, but for a long time had not catered enough to the
The Iona Gaels challenge Manhattan MBB on the old court in Draddy Gymnasium. AARON MAYORGA / The Quadrangle. Jaspers who competed on the court. These court renovations saw to a complete resurfacing of the court that benefits the volleyball team while keeping it a functional recreation area. “[Court One] actually looks like a volleyball court now,” Reilly said. The third court is primarily used for recreational sports, but was also resurfaced to help eliminate some of the wear and tear that had built up over time. Next on Reilly’s check list when piecing together the home of Manhattan Athletics was ensuring that everyone who came to enjoy a game was comfortable.
This included both students and fans, which is why there was careful detail when connecting the new seating arragements. New telescope type bleachers are being installed in the next week, as design that keeps the bleachers very tight to the wall when pulled up. Reilly is also bringing in new chair backs, which will be an upgrade from what the school currently offers, while also offering a new bowl look to the stands. “This will give a better angle, no matter what seat you’re in,” Reilly said. These moves were made to optimize egress from Draddy,
which had been a problem for Reilly and the athletic department in the past. In addition to the new seating, all swing down basketball hoops have been added in the gym, so that people can come and go with ease. Most important in Reilly’s mind is the renaissance that this process has been for the college’s athletics. Entering just her second full year as head athletic director, Reilly sees this as a project she is exciting and motivating for herself and the people it benefits. “I’m so greatful, and I know the student athletes are so greatful... they’re so excited,” Reilly said.
The new court in Draddy Gymnasium abandons the Jasper green in favor fo a natural wood color. MICHEVI DUFFLART / The Quadrangle.
Sports
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THE QUADRANGLE
PINSTRIPES & PADRES Two Jaspers Going Pro
Jack Melanson Editor
As the 2016-2017 school year came to a close, a bright and shiny future was underway for a couple of former Manhattan Jasper baseball players. Tommy Cosgrove, a left handed pitcher, and Jose Carrera, a shortstop, both hung up their Jasper jerseys, replacing them with professional uniforms. Cosgrove was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 12th round at pick number 238, while Carrera went un-drafted, later signing with the New York Yankees. Carrera expressed his gratitude for being signed on his own personal Instagram account. “Still feel like I’m still sleeping at home dreaming about all of this,” said Carrera. “It’s truly been a blessing in the sky. I can’t say thanks enough to all the people that have come into my life, given me the opportunity to continue playing this game at a college level, and have believed in me since the first time they saw me out there playing on the diamond.” Like Carrera, Cosgrove
also shared his excitement via Instagram. “Pumped about the opportunity the San Diego Padres have given me to further my career on the mound,” wrote Cosgrove. “Thanks to the greatest teammates and coaches in the world for bringing the best out of me. And thanks to my supporters over the years, you know who you are.” In similar fashion, the new Yankee continued to thank his supporters for helping make his dream a reality. “The woman that made this dream possible by raising me to always put your heart and destination to something you love and to work harder than everyone around you,” wrote Carrera. “Always there at my highest moment and as well as my lowest my truly #1 fan, my best friend, and my ALL. I love you dearly to the moon and back MOM.” As it stands currently, both former Jaspers have found their way to the Padres and Yankees Minor League systems, respectfully. Cosgrove brought his talents to the Tri-City Dust Devils, while Carrera is suiting up for the GCL Yankees East. Cosgrove has since logged
Jose Carrera, left, has signed with the Yankees. GOJASPERS / COURTESY
Tommy Cosgrove, left, was drafted by the San Diego Padres. GOJASPERS / COURTESY
35.1 innings on the professional mound, winning one game and losing three with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.82. In addition, the left-hander is averaging just about one strikeout per innings pitched. Carrera, too, has hit the ground running. In 37 games played, the shortstop is hitting .297 with 9 RBI’s, 3 runs scored, 3 stolen bases, and even a home run to right center. “Got my first home run out
of the way, now back to hitting singles and stealing bases,” Carrera wrote on Instagram. All stats were gathered from the official website of Minor League Baseball, milb.com. As reported by the Baseball Almanac, Cosgrove and Carrera are the 29th and 30th Manhattan College Baseball Players to reach the pros. In the lot also includes Tom O’Hera, who became a professional in 1906, and Mike Parisi, who debuted his career much more recently
in 2008. All and all, the young players (Cosgrove, 21, and Carrera, 22) are stoked for all that awaits them. Carrera, however, will be staying local as he wears the famous pinstripes of the Bronx. “Hard work at the end always pays off, it really does,” Carrera wrote. “Don’t ever stop believing, God always has a plan for all of us. Excited to say that I’m a YANKEE!!”
Summer Recap: What You Missed RikkiLynn Shields Editor
With summer coming to an end, Draddy Gymnasium and Gaelic Park will begin opening its doors to athletes and fans for another great fall season for Manhattan College athletics. While athletes have been training and coaches have been prepping for the upcoming seasons, The Quadrangle did not miss a minute of the action on and off campus this summer. Between renovations, reorganizations, and exciting accomplishments made by a number of our own athletes, we’ve got all the information you need to be informed. The men’s basketball team excelled in the classroom under Masiello this past year, while under his coaching, his players reached a 100 percent
graduation rate. Not only are the current basketball players excelling, so are the MC basketball alumni. Former MC basketball player Larry Lembo will be inducted into three halls of fame this fall and next spring. Manhattan College’s head baseball coach, Jim Duffy, announced he would be accepting a position at Rutgers University in New Jersey. As of now, the interim head coach of MC Baseball is the previous assistant, Danny Benedetti. MAAC baseball also signed an agreement with the the Staten Island Yankees, to use their home field for the MAAC Tournament for the next three years. Senior Brendan Bissett was there to represent Manhattan Baseball on the day the agreement was announced. Marianne Reilly, director of athletics, announced a staff reorganization earlier this sum-
mer. Kathryn Mirance, who previously served as Assistant Athletic Director for Financial Services and Sports Administrator for women’s lacrosse, has been promoted to Associate Athletic Director, Business Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator. Julian De La Rosa, a 2012 MC graduate and three-year letter-winner with the Jaspers’ baseball team has been named the Director of Athletics Facilities and Event Management. Kevin Ross will also now serve as the Director of Sports Communication and Media Relations. Additionally, three assistant coaches have also been promoted to full-time status. Emily Considine of women’s lacrosse, Brad Bolton of women’s soccer and Cat Clifford of softball all have assumed full-time duties. MC’s women’s volleyball members made some sig-
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The Jaspers signed a deal with the Staten Island Yankees to use their home field for the MAAC Tournament.
nificant accomplishments this summer as well. Manhattan’s Allie Yamashiro ‘17 was named a MAAC Honoree for the 2017 NCAA Woman of the year, while Kenza Hall spent her summer interning with Oakland Athletics. Three Draddy Gymnasium courts were redone this summer, along with updates in the locker rooms. Gaelic Park also underwent some renovations this summer,
where the old field was replaced with brand new turf. While classes, practice, and games begin, The Quadrangle is looking forward to covering a great fall season for all sports teams. Don’t forget to check The Quad every Tuesday for weekly sports updates and game schedules.
Int erest ed in sports? The Quadrangle is looking for sports writers. See p. 2 for information on how to join.