Manhattan University WelcomesNew InterimPresident
Managing Editor/News Editor
JaspersDiscussthe2024 ElectionResults
Mary Haley
Marketing Chair / Asst. Features Editor
Manhattan University’s Jasper Vote committee held an event to discuss various opinions of how both President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaigns contributed to the results of the 2024 presidential election.
After Jaspers Vote, the Manhattan University’s voter engagement committee, prepared students for election day with “The More You Know” pamphlet highlighting the different policies from Harris and Trump to inform voters last-minute for election day, they hosted an election discussion event on Nov. 12 to present students with what political science major Lucia Villasamte Mata called, “an open conversation for everything that can come up, like questions,
frustrations, excitements and disappointments.”
One student, who chose to stay anonymous, explained to The Quadrangle how the campus felt after Trump was elected as the next president, and why it was important to them to come to this discussion after the election.
“Campus did feel a little defeated, especially among the females and people of color populations,” the student said.
“I did see one person with a MAGA hat on, but I did not hear anything in my classes. If anything, in my history class we just talked about the logistics of stuff, not really anything opinion-based…I went to [the event] because I wanted to see what the political spectrum on Manhattan University’s campus was like, and also to feel some solidarity with my peers.”
Many topics of the election were discussed, including the outcomes of the popular vote and the electoral college vote, the Senate and House
of Representatives elections, retrospective voting, the marketing of both presidential campaigns, the future of the Republican and Democratic parties and the challenges of the voting process.
Margaret Groarke, Ph.D., the committee’s advisor as well as the chair of the Department of History, Political and International Studies, led the conversation with an update on election results.
Trump was two points ahead of Harris in the popular vote this time and won with 312 electoral votes this election. In 2020, Joe Biden won the election with 306 electoral college votes.
“It’s not a smashing victory, but it’s significant,” Groarke said. “People have been talking a lot about the fact that Biden got many more votes four years ago than Harris got, while Trump is about at the same number. Some people who
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Manhattan University welcomed Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., as the new interim president on Oct. 15, marking a shift in the university’s leadership after Milo Riverso, Ph.D., stepped down after a year of service.
A Rutgers University graduate, Bonato comes to MU with a wealth of experience from his roles at both a previous Catholic university, Saint Peter’s University, and Montclair State University. He has held titles ranging from interim dean to executive vice president and provost at both institutions.
Originally, Bonato was a psychology professor at Saint Peter’s University for 17 years, where he led research with students related to motion sickness and aeromedical topics. This led him to take on his current side role as vice president of Education & Research at the Aerospace Medical Association.
According to an email to the campus community from the Board of Trustees on Sept. 19, Bonato was initially a finalist in the search for a president prior to Riverso taking office. The email stated, “We sought an interim leader who has a demonstrated track record of driving growth and has the depth of experience to be able to jump into the role and immediately make a difference
for our students. The Board was struck by his unbridled passion for educating and empowering students, which we’re confident you’ll see from your first interactions with him.”
Bonato also sent an introductory email to the community on Sept. 19, where he highlighted his priority to be transparent and have a strong presence on campus for students.
“I believe that one of the most important things you can be as a leader is to be present – this is why you’ll see me a lot around campus once I get started,” Bonato wrote in the statement. “I look forward to popping up in classrooms, at club meetings, on the sidelines of Jasper sporting events, and in faculty offices.”
Bonato spoke to The Quadrangle about why having a strong presence on campus is important to him and how he plans to incorporate the students into his decisionmaking.
“In terms of being visible, that is simply a matter of engaging with the university community, and it means going to events that the community goes to, that could be a mass, a sporting event, a club event, all of those things,” Bonato said. “Everything I do is for the students. It might not seem like that, or people don’t see what I do day to day. I can tell you that every time I make a decision about anything, I think to myself, ‘how does this affect
Angelina Persaud
Volume CX, Issue 12
NOVEMBER 19, 2024
The Editorial Board
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
Angelina Persaud Managing Editor
Leyla Mercado Asst. News Editor
Mary Haley Asst. Features Editor
Jill Tuthill Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Emmanouel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
Barbara Vasquez Asst. Production Editor
Elizabeth Kalaj Web Editor
Angelina Persaud News Editor
Mack Olmsted Features Editor
Angelina Perez Arts & Entertainment Editor
Andrew Mannion Sports Editor
Ivy Jaep Production Editor
Mary Haley Marketing Chair
Molly Callahan Video Editor
Thom Gencarelli Faculty Advisor
About The Quadrangle
A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization run by the students of Manhattan University. 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 University 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 @mu_quad @mu_quad
LETTER from the EDITOR
Dear Readers,
Hello, and welcome to issue 12!
This week marks our second to last issue of 2024. I want to thank you all for sticking with us through this rollercoaster of a year. It has truly been one-of-a-kind, and I cannot thank you all enough for supporting us at our highs and especially, our lows. I will undoubtedly have more reflections to share next week, but for now, I will leave it at this.
Both our men’s and women’s basketball teams are once again in season, bringing a new energy to athletics on campus. Last Friday marked one of the biggest games of the men’s season on MU’s campus, Battle of The Bronx. The Jaspers came out victorious against Fordham after an incredibly fought game. The women’s team will take on the Rams tomorrow evening, so stay tuned next issue for more on that. Keep up to date with all things athletics in our sports section!
For the rest of issue 12, we have another packed issue for you all. In news, we are pleased to formally introduce to you the new interim president, Frederick Bonato, Ph.D. We are thrilled to welcome him to campus and hope you will be able to learn a bit more about his plans for the campus community. In the rest of news, we feature an on-campus talk with students about the US presidential election results and Her Campus’ MU chapter making a comeback at the end of fall semester. In features, we talked to student veteran’s about what the Veteran’s Day holiday means to them and spoke with students in attendance at Battle of The Bronx’s tailgate event, Fall Frenzy. In A&E, we have a Jasper Jams with cast picks from MU’s upcoming Players performance and a Book Nook review on “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”. Lastly, in sports, we cover Battle of The Bronx, the men’s and women’s home opener games and a recap of women’s soccer’s successful season. Be sure to check it all out!
Until next time,
Grace Cardinal
Editor-in-Chief
ManhattanUniversityWelcomesNewInterimPresident
FrederickBonato
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students?’.”
Bonato also addressed the recent decline in the desire for high school graduates to attend higher education institutions and how MU plans to remedy the situation with positive enrollment strategies and a diverse approach.
“I think we have to do everything we can to help grow that traditional undergraduate base. I thought we had a great open house,” Bonato said. “I thought the energy was incredible. The faculty, everyone was super positive and I think it was a great event, but now I think we need a more diversified approach.”
He also spoke about the value he places on undergraduate research opportunities and his efforts to support an increased number of academic research projects at MU. He reflected on his experience working with students on motion sickness and aerospace-related topics and the impact he saw firsthand.
“In terms of research opportunities, I think that is something that needs to be encouraged and invested in,” Bonato said. “From my
own experience, I’ve worked with about 70 students in my laboratory directly in research projects throughout my career. I know that those experiences are different from the classroom, they give you practical, hands-on experience, and it changes the perspective that the students have.”
In addition to this research, Bonato also served as editor-inchief of the Aerospace Medical Association’s peer-reviewed journal “Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance” where he reviewed over 300 manuscripts of cutting-edge research prior to publication.
In his final message to the campus community on Oct. 2, Riverso addressed the financial difficulties of the university, stating, “Our University is in a strong position. We have been able to shrink the deficit for the upcoming year. Our tuition discount rate has been lowered by 4% and enrollment is looking to be stable to meet the budget projection. And even with the challenges, so much good has come to the institution with more on the horizon.”
Bonato spoke about his
plans for continued growth and “leaving the past in the past.”
“I think from this point, it’s a matter of growing, and it’s a matter of growing in a smart way, in the right kind of programs, different deliveries of programs,” Bonato said. “I choose to look forward and try to lead people to go forward with me, collaboratively as a group, [there’s] a lot of great people here.”
Anirban De, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Engineering, spoke about his hope that students will be able to connect with Bonato and allow him to serve as a source of leadership for them.
“The President represents the university as its highest officer both inside and outside the institution,” De wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “As a career faculty member, I am sure students will find him approachable when they see him around campus. I hope students will take the opportunity when they meet him to share their thoughts and any concerns with him.”
De also shared his expectations of Bonato, which entails collaborative efforts
with both administration, faculty and students.
“Dr. Bonato brings many years of experience as an academic leader,” De wrote. “I expect him to…provide the best possible college experience for our students. He will listen to the campus community, as well the broader Jasper community outside (including alumni and friends of Manhattan University), to identify ways in which to make Manhattan College strong and sustainable. I look forward to working under his leadership to make Manhattan University stronger and better for our entire campus community.”
John Packes, a junior chemical engineering student, explained that having a president with an active presence on campus is vital to the community of MU.
“I believe there is always room for change, an active presence on campus is a great trait for a president to have and I am hoping to see that from him,” Packes wrote to The Quadrangle. “I would love to be able to see him around campus and the quad. I always love having a spontaneous conversation with a professor
or administrator, and would love to do the same with Dr. Bonato.”
Packes also emphasized that research, from a student perspective, would be an engaging opportunity outside the classroom and is hopeful of Bonato’s efforts to invest in the endeavor.
“I love the idea of more research opportunities,” Packes wrote. “I personally want to do research during the school year and I think the more opportunities for students to do this the better.” Bonato shared a sentiment he felt was reflective of the community of Jaspers at MU: vibrant and welcoming.
“I knew I wanted to come here, but I was unprepared for how vibrant and how hopeful and how really dedicated so many people are here, and I’ve been really enjoying my time with the students,” Bonato said. “Every time I interact with students, I’ve gone to some of their events, at competitions, and I knew it would be good. It’s better than I thought it would be. I look forward to the future.”
JaspersDiscussthe2024ElectionResults
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chose to vote for Biden chose to vote for Trump instead of Harris. Some who voted for Trump didn’t vote for him this time, other people who never voted, voted for him. So we can’t assume that all the people are the same people, and there are four million more eligible voters in the universe of the United States right now.”
Because this year’s election was unpredictable and close to party lines, the discussion included how the marketing of both Harris and Trump’s campaigns led to the final outcome. While Trump had the advantage of being a former president, Harris had the shortest campaign ever recorded in history, 107 days, while also not participating in the primaries. This called for quick marketing strategies that would appeal to young voters.
Students at the event noted that Harris’s marketing strategy seemed to focus heavily on appealing to Gen-Z and using social media platforms like TikTok, which some participants felt was not as effective as Trump’s
approach. Many students agreed that Trump was better at connecting and appealing to working class voters and using language and messaging that resonated with his followers and undecided voters.
Danica Mason, a political science and environmental studies major, explained her opinion on the marketing strategies of each candidate in the weeks leading up to election day.
“The marketing thing is really interesting, because I felt like it was so weird seeing the TikToks [Harris] would make, and I feel like she did not know her audience as well as Trump did,” Mason said. “With Trump, it is his third time running, so I feel like he knows exactly what issues and what buzz words to say that will make his supporters go crazy. I don’t think [Harris] knew how to market herself in the way that Trump could.”
Another topic that was discussed was the experience of voting in college, as many students at Manhattan University voted for their first time in a presidential election, whether by absentee ballot, early voting or going to the
polls on Election Day. Although voting is imperative in any election, students discussed the systemic issues impacting voter engagement and participation, not just on college campuses, but in everyday life.
“I know someone who is [not from New York] who did not vote,” Mason said. “She did not get her ballot in time. It’s not anyone’s fault really, it is just a messed up system that is so difficult, especially for college students. I feel like there should be a way that people can just vote on campuses, because so many people that are in college are not in their state that they can vote in.”
Nate Aaron, an English major at MU, explained that the problem with voting exists not only on college campuses but in people’s daily lives, regardless of their accessibility to the polling booths.
“Election Day is not a holiday,” Aaron said. “People still have to work, people have to pick their kids up from school and prepare dinner and all of those things. There’s sometimes not enough time to sit around and stand in a line for a couple hours especially in states where they know if it will
go blue or red anyway.”
Although the accessibility issue of voting has existed for years, politicians have used this tactic to boost their success in an election. Groarke explained at the discussion how this can happen, particularly with a law that was passed in Florida this year.
“[A student’s] absentee ballot disappeared for a while and then it showed up, so some of that is accidental, and some of it is deliberate,” Groarke said.
“There are people in elected offices who think that they will benefit from fewer people voting, especially certain groups. Previously in Florida, you could request an absentee ballot from every election on… Florida changed the law this year so that each year you have to apply separately for each election to get your absentee ballot. The people who wrote that think that it will reduce the likelihood of some people voting, and I think that’s a sad strategy.”
Villasamte Mata is from Mexico. In an interview with The Quadrangle she explained why American politics is so personal to her, as her threeyear residency in the U.S. taught her to advocate for
herself and recognize the impact of individual actions. She expressed a desire to contribute to the political discourse as a woman and immigrant.
“I think America is a very polarized country, and I think it is very important we learn how to talk respectfully to each other because there is so much information out there that can get lost in the fear of expressing your opinions,” Villasamte Mata said. “We all have an impact, whether you’re American or not. So I am interested [in American politics] because I feel like as a woman and an immigrant, I think it is great that I have the skills to be sociable and open about this.”
Jaspers Vote’s next event will be “Who represents You?,” a way to create change in ways besides voting. The group will be writing to representatives to tell them how the community feels about an issue of choice, and discussing other ways to get involved with making change. It will be held in the Social Action Suite on the third floor of the Kelly Student Commons on Wednesday, Nov 20. at 4:00 p.m.
HerCampusMakes aComebackat ManhattanUniversity
Barbara Vasquez Asst. Production Editor
Manhattan University’s Her Campus chapter is returning to the college this semester, thanks to a new campus coordinator who’s taking on the challenge of reigniting the chapter.
Her Campus is a media platform that offers femaleidentifying college students the opportunity to write and connect with other students around the globe.
“Her Campus is founded by college women, it’s for college students and it’s a leading media platform,” said Deirdre O’Leary, Ph.D., the faculty advisor for MU’s chapter. “It’s really designed to uplift and prioritize women’s voices and women’s issues on college campuses.”
O’Leary has been serving as faculty advisor for the group for a number of years now, and has seen it at its best and worst. She expressed her faith in new campus coordinator, Allyson Haskins, to bring the organization back and have it running full time once again.
“I just had a meeting with Ally about a week ago and she
really is hitting the ground running,” O’Leary said. “Ally is one of those people who, if you want something done, ask a busy person and they’ll get it done. I think she’ll do great things.”
Haskins, a sophomore marketing and communication major, has been writing for Her Campus since her freshman year at the university.
“When I joined Her Campus it was super nice because it was an outlet where I could talk about things that most people considered ‘too feminine’,”
Haskins said. “And I fell in love with it because it never felt like something that was taking time out of my day. It was adding to my life.”
When the organization lost its previous campus coordinator, the chapter’s status at MU was in jeopardy and members were unsure of its standing at the university.
Haskins, saddened by the loss of Her Campus, took things into her own hands to revive it.
“Once it ended up dying off a little bit, I was really upset because I was looking forward to it so much,” Haskins said.
“It was just such a fun thing in my life that I loved. I felt so passionate about it, and I knew so many other girls did too, so the second I saw that there was an opening to revive it I
immediately wanted to take it.”
Since the group isn’t innately tied to MU, some hardships have arisen with its newfound revival.
“It’s been really difficult because there’s a lot of structure that wasn’t there with the school, since we are from a different HQ,” Haskins said. “I’ve been working to try and connect it back more with the school, because it makes it so much easier with organizing events.”
Alongside adding structure to the group, Haskins has also recruited a number of new members and has even added some to their E-Board for the year.
Irene Papakanakis, the creative and editorial director for Her Campus, thinks that the new board will work to help the future of the group.
“I like the fact that we have new faces and new voices to help with the revival, because we’re almost starting from scratch,” Papakanakis said. “We’re trying to make the club bigger, get more involved, get more events and just make it a bigger thing on campus… I feel like a lot of us [previous members] are used to the old way, but getting new voices to say ‘Let’s take your mindset away from that,’ can really help.”
Papakanakis, who expressed her desire to expand Her Campus’ impact at MU, cited this as one of the reasons she transitioned from her role as a writer last year to take on a position on the group’s executive board.
“I realized I wanted to help make the club bigger on campus and get more people involved,” Papakanakis said. “I actually really enjoyed being a member and writing for it, so I thought why not help other people get interested in writing, help other people join, publicize the magazine and take on that larger role.”
The new campus coordinator for Her Campus, Allyson Haskins. @HERCAMPUSMU_ / INSTAGRAM
As for the role the group serves on campus, Papakanakis noted it’s an important vessel in which students can facilitate their creativity and find community.
“I think that it’s great especially since it’s a women’s magazine,” Papakanakis said.
“I feel like women’s voices are always not heard or even suppressed a bit, but having this outlet and having it recognized at our university is great. And within the group itself, we have formed such a great community, almost like a sisterhood. You make really great friends this way, and I love that.”
O’Leary also commented on the contributions students across various disciplines have made to Her Campus.
“One of the great things about a platform like Her Campus is it draws writing and
contributions from students from all the schools,” O’Leary said. “I know that they [MU’s Her Campus chapter] have engineering students writing for them, business students, English students, other liberal arts majors, science students, writing is done by all majors at Manhattan College [University]. It’s really wonderful to have organizations and platforms like Her Campus that showcase student writing but aren’t exclusive to one school or major.”
The new and improved Her Campus holds a lot of potential, which Haskins told The Quadrangle includes potential partnerships and collaborations within and outside the university. To hear more updates about the group, follow their instagram @hercampusmu_, or check out their articles here.
News Manhattan Caucus: Post Election Results
On Nov. 5, the American people made their decision and elected Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States. The results were Kamala Harris winning 226 electoral votes and Donald Trump with 312 electoral votes. The election results were predicted to be finalized a week after election day, but shortly after the election Trump was projected the winner by several major news outlets.
There were seven battleground states during this election, and their results were all crucial to the race. Trump won all seven battleground states and according to the New York Times, his victory was driven by redshifts all across the country. Additionally, Pennsylvania, a major swing state in this election, shifted red in 2016, blue in 2020 and back to red in 2024.
Some voters felt disappointed with the election results, which Harris addressed when delivering her concession speech. As reported by Time Magazine, in an address Wednesday afternoon at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Harris publicly conceded and urged her supporters to keep up the fight for democracy. Earlier that day, Harris spoke to Trump and congratulated him on his victory, and according to Time Magazine she plans to help him and his team engage in a peaceful transfer of power. In her speech, Harris said “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny.” While addressing the American people, she also told her supporters that the “fight” is not over.
Following his victory, Trump made quick moves to announce the members of his cabinet. Trump has announced several candidates for his cabinet that still need to be approved by the Senate. The list is as follows: Florida Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state, Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general, Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, Governor of South Dakota Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary, former Texas Congressman John Ratcliffe as director of the C.I.A., former Democratic house member Tulsi Gabbard as director of the national intelligence, former congressman from Long Island Lee Zeldin as E.P.A administrator, New York District representative Elise Stefanik as U.N ambassador,
former republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health and human service secretary and finally Governor of North Dakota Doug Burgrum as interior secretary, as reported by The New York Times.
While those listed above still need to be approved by Congress before stepping into their appointments, there are positions within Trump’s cabinet that he will not need congressional approval for. These include Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, James Blair, Taylor Budowich, Stephen Miller and Dan Scavino as deputy chief of staff, according to The New York Times.
Trump’s pick for Attorney General Matt Gaetz is currently under investigation over sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and other allegations. Speaker
of the House Mike Johnson said that he plans to launch an investigation on the former representative, per The New York Times.
Trump naming his cabinet is a way for him to set the tone for his administration and
serves as a preface of how he plans to execute his first 100 days. Many of his cabinet picks have been long-time loyal supporters of Trump and his policies. Trump will continue to tap those he would like to serve alongside him in the upcoming days and weeks.
Elaina Batista Contributor
Vice President Kamala Harris at her concession speech, given at Howard University. TIME STAFF / COURTESY
Voices on The Quad: Student Veterans Speak About MU’s Inclusivity Toward the Veteran Community
Laili Shahrestani Staff Writer
Manhattan University is home to a number of student veterans, who emphasize that the campus provides them with an abundance of resources and opportunities to ease their transition from serving in the military to becoming full-time Jaspers.
Monday, Nov. 11 was Veterans Day, a federal holiday in which individuals all around the nation honor and recognize the military services carried out by veterans. Four student veterans, Melvyn Greene, Michael Arhin, Jeremy Samuel and George Conroy spoke to The Quadrangle in regards to their experiences at MU as student veterans.
Melvyn Greene ‘27, political science major
The Quadrangle: How has your experience been connecting with other student veterans and getting involved in the support networks on campus?
Melvyn Greene: For me, I would say it’s been fairly good. When I first came here,
it was awesome. I met a lot of people that helped me in administration and veteran administration buildings, specifically Dr. Bollert. All of them have really helped me meet other veterans, and make this place what it is. We come here together, we study and we talk.
TQ: What specific student veteran programs, events and resources on campus have been the most meaningful to you?
MG: I would say, an asset that the school provides to us is the Yellow Ribbon program. So, for the people who can’t necessarily cover the entirety of their tuition with their own money, they can use the university to cover the rest of the byproduct of the GI Bill. That is the hugest thing for me, specifically, because I know I probably would not be here if it was not for that.
TQ: What do you think is the most important message or value that MU should convey on Veterans Day to student veterans as well as the broader student body?
MG: For the veterans, this is a place for them. This is one of the main places that I think was set apart from everywhere when I was first applying. Just
being able to communicate with everyone on a daily basis. And, we all have a similar background, not just with the military, but life in general. For the students, I’d say to be more interactive with us. If students had more conversations with us, they can learn about skills from the military to help them in their everyday lives, whether it be professionalism, finances or just interacting because we have a lot to offer in those departments.
Jeremy Samuel ‘27, biology major
The Quadrangle: How has your experience been in connecting with other student veterans and getting involved in the support networks on campus?
Jeremy Samuel: It’s been great from the start compared to other colleges I’ve been to. It’s been a lot easier to connect with the other veterans here. I remember the first day I got here. Ever since then, I was told about different opportunities, and was given information on all the offers as far as the GI Bill goes. I’ve just been connecting with others a lot.
TQ: What specific student veteran programs, events and resources on campus have been the most meaningful to you?
JS: I think the school gave us veterans a great director. Dr. Bollert is very approachable and very helpful with not only school stuff, but in all other areas as well.
Michael Arhin ‘27, computer engineering major
The Quadrangle: What would you want students on campus to know about veterans in honor of Veterans Day?
Michael Arhin: It’s all about sacrifice. Once you go to boot camp, you’ve at least had to sacrifice your time,
and possibly your life once you’re active. We’re required to do some things that civilians won’t have to do. It’s all about sacrifice for us.
George Conroy
The Quadrangle: How do you feel about Veterans Day as a federal holiday, and the traditions surrounding it?
George Conroy: Before I joined the Marine Corps, I never even really knew when it was Veterans Day. I’m a peacetime veteran, and I haven’t been to any of the parades or anything, but I think they are important and good to have.
University student veterans celebrate Veterans Day by walking in the parade and honoring the service of former military members.
Manhattan
DAVID BOLLERT / COURTESY
Manhattan University’s Student Veterans Discuss the Importance and Impact of Veterans Day
Laili Shahrestani and Otito Maduegbuna Staff Writer and Contributor
Manhattan University serves as a home base for many student veterans who reflected on Monday, Nov. 11 about the opportunities they have now and what the Veteran’s Day holiday means to them.
The Quadrangle had the opportunity to sit down with some student veterans who have served in a variety of branches across the military and shared their thoughts and emotions about how the meaning of Veterans Day has changed for them before, during and after their time of service.
Juan Ortiz, a former Marine embassy security guard who served in the Marine Corps for six years, shared with The Quadrangle his experience with the holiday.
“Before I joined, I guess I didn’t even really care or even heard about Veterans Day,” Ortiz said. “I think as a veteran, the day’s become more of a ‘I’m glad to be appreciated and
acknowledged’ because we tend to kind of fall through the cracks sometimes.”
According to the Military Times’ 2024 “Best for Vets” colleges, Manhattan University is ranked eighty-fifth in overall best schools for former military service members, and partakes in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which assists with funding tuition expenses for veterans. The student veterans each spoke about the sense of personal meaning that Veterans Day holds to them now that they have transitioned out of the military and into civilian life.
“At least for me, I’m glad for veterans to be acknowledged,” Ortiz said. “It brings attention to the veterans, but it also brings attention to issues and aspects of different problems in the VA or the veteran community.”
Student veterans can find a sense of inclusion and belonging through the Veterans Success Program at MU, which provides student veterans with an abundance of resources and opportunities. This program includes the Veteran Success Center located in Thomas Hall, which is an area for student veterans to collaborate with one another in a shared space.
Tyler Thomason, a student
veteran and a radiation therapy major, spoke to The Quadrangle in regards to how the Veteran Success Center has assisted him in his transition from serving in the military to becoming a Jasper. He mentioned how Manhattan University is a campus that allows student veterans to thrive and achieve their goals.
“My experience has been good here,” Thomason said.
“When I first got here, I wasn’t connected with the Veterans Success Center. I didn’t really come here too much. I was just going to classes because I’m a commuter. But once I started coming here, I was able to connect with a lot more veterans. And it’s been super helpful because I get assistance, such as tutoring for classes. I get a lot of help from the veterans that are ahead of me, and then I’m also able to give guidance to veterans that are just coming in.”
Thomason went on to speak about how Manhattan University has fostered a beneficial environment for student veterans to help them achieve success. He emphasized how the veteran programs around campus have allowed him to partake in new opportunities.
“I think for me, just being a part of the Veteran Success Center has been very beneficial,” Thomason said.
“The school also has a work study program here, which is also really beneficial. I think those two things are really awesome, because it gives us a chance to hang out here and meet other veterans.”
Veteran’s Day is not only a day to acknowledge veterans,
but to bring light to different issues affecting the group.
“I’m glad for veterans to be acknowledged because it brings light to different situations,” Ortiz said. “Although Veterans Day is meant more so to commiserate and bring attention to veterans, it also brings attention to issues and aspects of different problems in the VA or the veteran community. For me, I’m glad for the appreciation and the free food at Applebees.”
David Bollert, Ph.D., is the director of Veteran Services at MU. He spoke to The Quadrangle about how the holiday should be taken seriously by all students, veterans or not.
“I’d like everyday folk to know that most veterans take Veterans Day seriously,” Bollert said. “Veterans are not a monolith. They’re just as complex and nuanced in their political beliefs, religious beliefs and general views. If you think you can stereotype or typecast veterans in general, you’re wrong. I want folks to get to know veterans as fullfledged, three dimensional, complex and nuanced beings that they are like the rest of us.”
MU’s student veterans participate in the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11. DAVID BOLLERT / COURTESY
Student veterans gather together in the Veteran Success Center on campus. @MANHATTANEDU/INSTAGRAM
Voices on The Quad: Fall Frenzy Edition
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
This year’s Battle of The Bronx came with another event before the main show: Fall Frenzy.
Organized by Student Government representatives Colin Ratner and Elizabeth Kalaj, the event featured a free waffle truck, pizza, music and a pre-game appearance from head men’s basketball coach John Gallagher. The evening was sweet with the scent of waffles in the air where students had the option to choose from a variety of toppings, including chocolate syrup, caramel, cookie butter and powdered sugar. The event took place on Jasper Lawn on Friday afternoon and saw a large student turnout. Student
organizations including Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) and WRCM were in attendance.
The Quadrangle took to the event to ask students what they were most excited about for the night, if they thought the tailgate would have an effect on student attendance at Battle of The Bronx and if Fall Frenzy is an event they’re interested in seeing thrown again in the future.
Ella Discala, Sophomore
The Quadrangle: What are you most excited for tonight?
Ella DiScala: Just the tensions of the game, the battle.
TQ: Do you think that this event will have an effect on turnout at Battle of the Bronx tonight?
ED: Yes, I do believe so. I
feel like, especially with the food trucks, I feel like everyone wants [to come.]
TQ: Is this an event you would like to see again going forward?
ED: I always see, like all my friends that go to big schools where they do tailgates before games. And I always want that. I feel like them starting with the basketball team, and doing that would be such a great way to bring the college community together and us Jaspers together.
Maura O’Flynn, Sophomore
The Quadrangle: What are you most excited for tonight?
Maura O’Flynn: I’m excited for the dancers. I think they’re really good, and they’re
gonna do great at halftime.
TQ: Do you think that this event will have an effect on turnout at Battle of the Bronx tonight?
MO: I feel like the food definitely brings another level of attendance for people.
TQ: Is this an event you would like to see again going forward?
MO: I think it’s a really good way to bring people together. I feel like a lot of the school is very divided or people don’t interact that much, but this is a good way to get people to interact and [get] excited for the game.
Matthew Coyle, Sophomore
The Quadrangle: What are
you most excited for tonight?
Matthew Coyle: I’m excited for the basketball game. I kind of want to scream enough to get my vocal cords destroyed.
TQ: Do you think that this event will have an effect on turnout at Battle of the Bronx tonight?
MC: 100%. There’s going to be a lot more people at the game because of the tailgate.
TQ: Is this an event you would like to see again going forward?
MC: Of course, I love when the school makes a bunch of people come out they have a good time together.
Jasper Jams: “And Then There Were None” Cast Picks!
Asst. Production Editor
With the Players’ mainstage production “And Then There Were None” performing live this weekend, The Quadrangle checked in with the cast to see what they’ll be listening to preshow. With these picks ranging from beautiful jazz to faster pop songs, there’s something for everyone in these twelve songs. Sit down, listen and immerse yourself in the experience!
Girl Babe Ooh by Loc Reeder and Rob Nolanpicked by Lochlan Reeder playing Thomas Rogers
I’m very impressed that there’s a published artist going to the same school as me. I could be sitting next to a potential superstar and I wouldn’t know it. There could be ten future famous people in every single one of my classes and I would be completely blind to the fact. It’s awesome.
Love Me Anyway by Chappell Roan - picked by Angelina Perez playing Ethel Rogers
I was obsessed with this song during my first few weeks back at school. Chappell Roan has had a huge jump into stardom the past year, and obviously, I became a fan. Her voice and lyrics are amazing, and most of her songs have such a unique sound that they
stand out so much on my playlist. This song is probably one of my favorites from her, and I’m so glad to have spent the 3 minutes and 53 seconds listening to it again to write this anecdote!
Sailor Song by Gigi Perez - picked by Aaron Schoepf playing Fred Narracott
This song is absolutely beautiful. Perez’s vocals and the instruments combine to create a song that is full of emotion and moves me near to tears. The lyrics are devastating and so impactful, detailing the best and most terrifying parts of love.
No One Comes Close by Infinity Song - picked by Jill Tuthill playing Vera Claythorne
I love the mixing of vocals throughout the song, and the sweet lyrics lifted my mood after listening. The last minute or so of this song includes instrumental buildup and riffs—there’s quite a bit going on, but it all works in harmony, making for an absolutely amazing listening experience.
Both Sides of the Story by Phil Collins - picked by Owen Sweeney playing Phillip Lombard
This song transports me to my bed at home, waking up at 7am on a Saturday morning because my mom has decided to blast Phil Collins on her
Alexa while she busies herself in the kitchen. I really want to be annoyed but I can’t, because Phil Collins is admittedly awesome. This song really cements that impression of him in my head.
Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar - picked by James Cullen playing Anthony Marston
The last “heartbreaker,” that Benatar sings before the song delves into a near minute long guitar solo is my absolute favorite part of this song. I cannot wait to walk around listening to this song in my headphones and feel really cool.
I Will by The Beatlespicked by Landen Scofield playing William Blore
I first listened to this song while stalking my best friend’s playlists, trying to figure out what selection of songs to put on a custom vinyl I was planning on getting for her birthday. I never got her the vinyl, and she ended up growing out of collecting records. But, whenever this song plays I think of her. Music and love are such powerful things, and I think “I Will,” really emphasizes the overlap that happens between the two.
No Control by David Bowie - picked by Kevin Cullen playing General Mackenzie
David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, whatever you know him as, he is such an interesting musician to me. He reminds me of an alien in the best way possible. Everything about him, from his style to his music– this song especially– has a slight extraterrestrial quality to it. It’s very cool.
Round Midnight by Adam Blackstone - picked by Olivia Bailey playing Emily Brent
I may need to move away from the mindset of equating jazz music to coffee shops, but not right now. I’m so close to abandoning the work I’m doing at the moment, heading to the nearest cafe I can find and ordering a hot cappuccino (that’s how you know I’m focusing on the vibe– I’m an iced drink girl through and through) to sip on slowly while looking out a window and contemplate something (not sure what). Maybe there’s a lit candle on the table and it’s starting to rain. Maybe I’m wearing a scarf for some reason. Who knows.
Nancy From Now On by Father John Misty - picked by Robert Nolan playing Lawrence Wargrave
I’ve only ever heard Father John Misty from his song with Lana Del Rey, “Let the Light In,” but after listening to this song I’m inspired to look into him some more. He has such a
nice, soothing voice, and this song really shows it off well. I love this pick.
John Wayne by Lady Gagapicked by Grace Coutu playing Dr. Armstrong
Gaga’s Summerboy was one of my favorite songs of the summer, and she’s made absolute hits like Just Dance, Telephone and so many more, so seeing this song on the list for review really excited me! And I think for some, this song would rank as high as the songs I listed above, but it’s not exactly my cup of tea. It kind of reminds me of a song that would play while Glen Powell’s running in slo-mo through a tornado in the 2024 Twisters movie, or in the background of a truck commercial. Definitely give it a listen if you’re into pop-rock songs with an ever so slight country twinge, though!
Us by Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift - picked by Irene Papakanakis playing The Voice
Wow. I barely listen to Gracie Abrams or Taylor Swift, so I wasn’t sure what to expect with this song but it absolutely blew me away. This is definitely one of my favorite new songs I got from these recommendations. The music in the background reminds me of a different song that I cannot place for the life of me, but the chorus is genuinely addictive. I’ve been listening to this song on repeat while writing this excerpt–I really can’t get enough of it.
Barbara Vasquez
Book Nook: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo arts & eNtertaiNmeNt
Elizabeth Kalaj
Web Editor
“Smash the patriarchy, sweetheart” is the dedication of the novel “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”. These words alone and the fact that the novel shares an author with “Daisy Jones and the Six” inspired me to read the book. This book is a standalone read, which also made it appealing to me. Taylor Jenkins Reid is notorious for creating complex female characters that can be received in various ways throughout their novels.
The book has two major timelines going on at once. There is a writer named Monique who gets randomly recruited for a job to ultimately write Evelyn Hugo’s memoir. During this process, we are introduced to her life as well, recently separating from her partner and struggling to make ends meet. The story will flip between Monique’s life and Evelyn’s, with the story being written as the vessel for flashbacks and memories shared. Additionally, the novel was organized into seven parts: each one being named in chronological order of Hugo’s husbands.
From the time she was fourteen years old, Hugo had the sense of a cruel work and started using her body and her womaness to get what she wanted. Due to her experiences in the world, she saw men as a means to an end, and her first husband was. From there, she had met people that had given her connections to acting in Hollywood. That was when she met her second husband, “Goddamn” Don Adler.
“I melted underneath him. In the right moment, for him, I’d have done anything he wanted. He had flipped a switch on me. A switch that changed me from a woman who saw making love as a tool into a woman who knew that making
love was a need. I needed him. I needed to be seen. I came alive under his gaze. Being married to Don had shown me another side of myself, a side I was just getting to know. A side I liked,” the novel reads.
This was how Hugo spoke about her husband about six weeks into marriage at the age of 18. Two weeks later, he started hitting her.
Hugo had been used to believing that she was the person in power, even though she was so young. After this experience, she finally found a way to divorce Don without squandering his reputation. Then, Hugo received allegations regarding her sexual identity when hanging around best friend, Celia St. James too often for Hollywood’s desire. To combat these allegations, Hugo manipulated a singer into marrying her for a night and divorcing her the day after. She got what she wanted and was then able to hang out with St. James stress free. However, Hugo and St. James then came to terms that they were in love, but Hugo refused to give up her career for a love filled with threats from the world. And so, they both moved on. Hugo married another for equal publicity for their movies, then married longtime friend Harry Cameron. Both Hugo and Cameron had monogamous relationships with St. James and her husband, John Braverman. This was a way to ensure they can all be safe and in love, without fear of ruining their reputations.
“I even heard rumors that the four of us were swingers, which wasn’t that crazy for that period of time. It really makes you think, doesn’t it? That people were so eager to believe we were swapping spouses but would have been scandalized to know we were monogamous and queer?” the book reads.
Jenkins Reid did an amazing job at portraying a woman’s tribulations in a man’s world, while also removing her need for male validation because
she is in love with a woman. Hugo was used to portraying that even if a woman does not love men, she still has to work to appease them. Additionally, Hugo is a beautifully written example of how being a lesbian not only jeopardizes her career, but her overall safety in the world. The need to fight against everything one loves as if it is a tradeoff for safety and security is a major theme in this book.
After seven years with Harry and Celia, Evelyn started putting her career before her romantic relationship during the filming of another movie. Celia had left her.
“She always made sure the bad was outweighed by so much good. I . . . well, I didn’t do that for her. I made it fifty-fifty. Which is about the cruelest thing you can do to someone you love, give them just enough good to make them stick through a hell of a lot of bad,” Hugo says in the book.
The way Hugo portrays her own story to Monique who is representing her is essential in understanding who she is as a person. She is older and more understanding of her own life, having much time to reflect over every decision. With this memoir, she wanted to show the public that she was both softer than she was portrayed but that she should also be held to a regular standard instead of a “perfect” one.
More marriages pass, landing at her final one, “agreeable” Robert Jamison. This was Celia’s older brother who had agreed to marry due to Celia being ill. In this case, Hugo and St. James were able to live out the rest of their days without any external issues.
“Me, I’ve always gone after what I wanted with everything in me. Others fall into happiness. Sometimes I wish I was like them. I’m sure sometimes they wish they were like me,” the book reads.
Hugo reflected on how happy she was once she was able to officially be with Celia.
The cover of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestseller, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn
She later faced regret for “wasting” time she could have had prior to Celia’s death, but she always admitted that no matter what she did, she always tried her hardest. I fell in love with this book because of how complex Evelyn Hugo was written. She was strong, manipulative, hard working, desirable, full of love and a simple woman all at the same time. She showed that having a kind heart and making many mistakes can all be true. She also showed many
different ways to approach a world that can be extremely cruel to people.
Overall, this book keeps people guessing, pulls on heartstrings and always brings in a new aspect to be excited about. If you are a woman or have love for one, I highly recommend this book. If you are just trying to figure yourself out, this could be the read for you.
Hugo. AMAZON.COM / COURTESY
Battle of The Bronx: Manhattan Jaspers Take Down Fordham Rams In 78-76 Win at Draddy
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
In this year’s rendition of the “Battle of The Bronx,” the Jaspers upset Fordham University 78-76.
The Jaspers came out redhot from the tipoff, putting up an early four points for the lead. Senior guard and forward Wesley Robinson moved in for a successful layup with an assist from freshman forward Will Sydnor, while senior guard Shaquil Bender powered through for a successful driving layup, all in under the first minute of gameplay.
MU was able to get seven unanswered points on the board before the Fordham Rams guard Japhet Medor put up two points with a step back almost four minutes into gameplay, making the score 7-2 Jaspers.
Throughout the game, Fordham struggled getting clean looks but not following through. Medor put the Rams’ first three-pointer on the board more than two minutes after the Jaspers scored their first with an assist from senior guard Zach Riley, closing the point deficit to 7-5 Jaspers.
After a bit of back-andforth, the Jaspers found their groove once again, putting another 10 points on the board before the Rams were
able to respond. These plays included a layup by freshman forward Fraser Roxburgh, the first dunk of the game made by Bender, a jumper made by freshman forward Alijah Curry and another three-pointer from Roxburgh with an assist from Bender, leading the score to a 19-7 lead by the Jaspers.
The freshman players were leaders in the game, with the class putting up nearly half of the game’s points. Sydnor was a stand-out, single-handedly putting up 24 points throughout the battle.
Sydnor, who grew up in the Bronx, spoke about what it meant to win the iconic competition in his hometown.
“It meant a lot to me,” Sydnor said. “I’m from around Fordham Road, very close, more close to Fordham than I am to here. So it was a really good feeling to be able to come here and play for Manhattan, and know that we are the best team in the Bronx.”
Roxburgh, another standout in Friday night’s game, competed at a professional level previously in Australia’s NBL.
“Definitely the last year and a half, two years, from me being in the NBL, competing against grown men in the NBL in Australia, has definitely helped me physically compete in this league,” Roxburgh said.
As for what the team did to prepare for their win, Roxburgh credited the coaches and the
Draddy Gymnasium was packed with supporters for the Battle of The Bronx game. GRACE CARDINAL / THE QUADRANGLE
The Jasper men’s basketball team won against the Fordham Rams in Battle of The Bronx last Friday, Nov. 15. GRACE CARDINAL / THE QUADRANGLE
team’s preparation work.
“Heaps of credit to the coaches, definitely,” Roxburgh said. “But also our preparation, locking in in practice, doing the right things, the trials and tribulations, learning from each other. It’s all about the mistakes and learning.”
After multiple missed opportunities by the Rams, they were able to get some points back on the board with free-throws after a foul against Bender. Their next serious shot came as a three-pointer from junior forward Romad Dean who had an assist from senior guard Jackie Johnson III. The ball was almost immediately turned over to Jaspers’ junior forward Masiah Gilyard, who soon made two more plays for the Jaspers, putting another four points on the board for an 11 point lead by the Jaspers, 2312.
The Jaspers ended the half with a less than comfortable lead, pausing at 28-32, after the Rams were able to find their footing in the last minutes before the buzzer.
The Rams returned after halftime ready to take the lead for the first time in the game, with Johnson III scoring a three-pointer only seconds into active play.
The Jaspers did not allow
a close game for long, with Sydnor swooping in with a layup to gain another two points for the Jaspers. Bender also understood the assignment at hand, driving in for another successful layup with an assist from sophomore guard Jaden Winston, giving the Jaspers a 36-31 lead.
The third minute of the second-half was action packed, with Sydnor putting another five points on the board for the Jaspers. These points were not left unanswered by the Rams this time, with freshman guard Matt Zona going in for a smooth layup.
Gilyard weaved his way in for another successful layup, regaining the Jaspers’ 11 point lead from the first half, putting the game at 46-35.
The Rams came back from their timeout ferociously, but to no avail. The Jaspers maintained their blockout of the Rams at the net.
The Jaspers’ Devin Dinkins, a redshirt sophomore guard, was integral in the second half of the game, making eight successful free throws for the team.
Head coach for the Jaspers John Gallagher described Dinkins as “differentiating” for the team’s success this season.
“He’s a differentiating guy,”
Gallagher said. “He was a top 100 recruit coming out, he went to George Mason…He was the difference in the toughest piece.”
The Jaspers were able to continue maintaining a comfortable lead of at least 10 points throughout most of the second-half, until the Rams once again found their footing in the last three minutes of gameplay. Fordham went on to score 24 points in these last minutes which were riddled with fouls and free throws. With just nine seconds left in the game, Winston sank a free throw. This was closely followed by a three-pointer from Rams’ Medor, closing the score to 76-73 with a Jaspers lead, only five seconds left in the game. Dinkins sank two final free-throw points, bringing the score to 78-73. The final play of the game was a buzzer-beater three-pointer from the Rams’ junior guard Will Richardson, which ended the game 78-76, for a narrow Jaspers win.
“This is a program win,” Gallagher said. “This can propel us into really good things through the year. Is it the end all be all? No. But for us, as we continue to move forward, you get confidence from evidence, and tonight’s an evidentiary win that we can put it together.”
Manhattan University Women’s Basketball Triumphs for First Home Win
Julia Ciampa Staff Writer
The Lady Jaspers dominated the Long Island University Sharks on the court Thursday night, with a final score of 73-50. At the first home game of the season, the Jaspers were ready to claim their victory.
Senior forward Petra Juric led the team to victory, scoring a total of 25 points for Manhattan University, only missing one shot throughout the game.
In a post-game interview, Juric mentioned the ways in which knowing the nature of her team helps her performance greatly.
“I think honestly last year we were learning how to play well together, and this year we know where to look for each other on the court much easier which helps,” Juric said.
The Jaspers started off the first quarter strong, with Juric scoring two points on
an assist from Ines GimenezMonserrat. Following Gimenez-Monserrat’s assist, Juric scored a three-pointer, with an assist from junior guard Hana Muhl.
However, the Sharks were ready to fight back, continuously scoring back-toback, reaching 16 points by the halfway point of the first quarter.
The quick comeback from the Shark’s didn’t intimidate the Lady Jaspers, as sophomore forward Tegan Young struck back with a layup and another assist from Monserrat. Towards the end of the first quarter with a score of 19-18, Juric’s layup extended the Jaspers lead to a first quarter score of 21-18.
In the second quarter, senior guard Nitzan Amar was another star player that came to the court eager to score more points. Amar’s performance and strategy to win was highlighted in this quarter, as her dedication to score was present.
Late in the second quarter, Amar scored three points.
Keeping the Jaspers lead with a score of 26-22, Amar’s layup
with an assist from forward Leyla Ozturk locked in another three points for MU. With less than a minute, Amar’s jumpshot gained the Jaspers yet another three points to tack onto their lead.
Amar’s efforts led the Jaspers to a comfortable halftime lead of 35-27.
Reflecting on her performance on her first home game of the season, Amar mentioned the importance of keeping the energy up on the court during the games.
“I think we started off really good, and then our energy started to dip down, but then we picked it right back up,” Amar said. “When we have fun, we play much better, and score much more.”
The Lady Jaspers were eager to fight back in the third quarter, as the overall momentum of the game changed, and the spectators were hoping for a MU win. The Jaspers subbed in Teagan Young and Brianna Davis, who showed off their dynamic to extend the Jaspers lead to 13 points by the end of the third quarter.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, both teams were ready to do all that it would take
to win. In the first minute of the quarter, Amar scored a three point shot, assisted by Ozturk. Ozturk’s seamless layup scored the Lady Jaspers another two points, with another assist from Monserrat. Ozturk striked again, with a victorious jump shot gaining MU another two points.
In the middle of the final quarter, the Sharks began to tally up more points, with a score of 43. This didn’t intimidate Ozturk, as she executed another layup, leading the Jaspers to a score of 61-43.
In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Young reentered the court, getting the chance to sneak in another two points. Shooting the last basket and gaining the final points for the Jaspers, junior guard Alyssa Costigan led the team to a score of 73-49. With only a few seconds left, the Jaspers claimed their win, with a total score of 73-50.
Ending their game with a victory, women’s basketball head coach, Heather Vulin, reflected on the team’s performance in a post-game interview.
“I thought it was an overall good team win, but I feel like
our goal as a team is to be great,” Vulin said. “So there are definitely some areas that we have to clean up, and we had far too many turnovers. I don’t feel like we controlled the boards like we were capable of controlling, but this group has been really special and I really enjoy being in the gym with them. I really think there’s a lot of wins in the future if we can stay healthy.”
As the season has just begun, Vulin shared some insight into what she will focus on in the upcoming practices for the games to come.
“I think right now we haven’t reached our potential in terms of being able to execute and dominate certain areas,” Vulin said. “Right now we have been scoring the ball well, getting 70 every game that we’ve stepped onto the court for, and even today we had over 20 assists which was phenomenal! But, defensively, I just don’t want it to be a shootout and just outscore the other teams. Defense will definitely be an emphasis, and cleaning up our offense to execute some strategies better.”
Senior forward Petra Juric giving her all to make a hoop during the game. VINCENT DUSOVIC / COURTESY
Student Kaylee Stowell captures senior point guard Nitzan Amar’s strategic plan before shooting one of her high-scoring shots.
KAYLEE STOWELL / COURTESY
Jaspers Get First Win of Season Against Mercy Backed By 28 by Shaquil Bender and Double-Double From Will Sydnor
Rosario Staff Writer
Manhattan University’s men’s basketball (1-1, 0-0 MAAC) returned to Draddy Gymnasium with a win for their home opener last Tuesday to face off against Mercy University (0-3, 0-0 ECC) defeating the Mavericks 88-71.
This is the first game for the Jaspers since returning from College Park, Maryland following the 49-79 loss to the Maryland Terps.
The Jaspers struggled at home last year, with a record of 3-10. Their record away from Draddy was no better, sitting at 4-12.
The Jaspers’ starting five included Jaden Winston, Shaquil Bender, Will Sydnor, Wesley Robinson and Masiah
Gilyard. The starting lineup included three returning players and two newcomers.
Mercy opened up the scoring with a corner three by guard Taj Chiles. The Jaspers’ first points of the game came off a free throw by Robinson.
To open the game it was clear that the Jaspers were the more physically dominant team but relied heavily on the outside shots rather than taking down low. Defensively, the Jaspers seemed heavily susceptible on the inside.
At the second media timeout in the first half, it got a little sloppy for the Jaspers as the Mavericks were able to force the Jaspers into eight turnovers resulting in an eight point lead for the Mavericks.
After the seven-minute mark, the Jasper offense found its rhythm, closing the half on a 23-5 run. Sydnor scored nine points during the run, while
added seven. MU led 40-34 at halftime.
The second half opened up the same way the first half ended. The Jasper offense continued to run and gun on the Mercy defense. While the scoring was slow to start the half, viewers of the game could see that the momentum shifted in favor of the Jaspers as the lead grew to 12 points as the Jaspers opened up the half on a 12-4 run.
“I think we just got the jitters out of us,” Bender said, speaking about the difference between the first and second half. “First home game for some new guys. We hadn’t played it for eight days so I feel like once we got settled in, it was like we knew they weren’t winning, or they couldn’t stop us.”
It may not be a full preview of the season just yet, but the Jaspers utilized an eight-man rotation with the starting five including Devin Dinkins, Fraser Roxburgh and Alijah Curry. At the second media timeout of the first
half, Dinkins provided nine points and three boards. As a transfer from George Mason University, Dinkins will be pivotal for Jaspers’ success for the rest of the season as he can provide consistent scoring for Gallagher’s bench.
Besides the early run for the Jaspers that extended their lead, baskets were traded for the rest of the second half as the lead stayed within high single digits to around 15 points. Draddy was electric for the home opener but it got especially loud as Bender made a layup through contact for an and-one to extend the lead to fifteen points.
With just over a minute left, Gallagher cleared his bench, signifying the Jaspers’ win. The final score of the game was 88-71. Players of the match were, no question, Sydnor and Bender. Sydnor had a double-double in his second career collegiate game and Bender had 28 points to lead the Jaspers in scoring.
“It felt amazing,” Sydnor said about his first collegiate win. “We came out. We did
what we were supposed to do. We could have jumped on it earlier, but we did. We did what we were supposed to do and it felt great.”
Turnovers were a key reason the Jaspers took the early deficit tallying eight turnovers in the first eight minutes of the game. The Jaspers were able to limit turnovers the rest of the game as they turned the ball over six times after that.
“Weren’t rushing,” head coach John Gallagher said in terms of the early turnovers. “We were taking what the defense gave us. Anytime that we just react to the ball. We say the ball has eyes. It finds the right guys at the right time. I thought Shaq, Will and Devin did a great job of controlling the game anytime that happens.”
Overall, it was a slow start for the Jaspers, but they seemed to click once they got the flow going in the second half.
MU’s next game will take place on Nov. 22 as they take on the Army in Draddy Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
Isaiah
Bender
Manhattan’s Will Sydnor taking a shot in the paint during Manhattan’s win over Mercy University. ISAIAH ROSARIO / THE QUADRANGLE
JasperSoccerWomen’s Had a Season to Remember
Isaiah Rosario Staff Writer
Manhattan University’s women’s soccer 2024 season was certainly one for the record books as the Jaspers had their best full season since 2017 when they went 10-7-3 overall and 6-2-2 in MAAC play.
The team was able to make it to their first MAAC Championship since the 202021 season. MU lost to Rider in the quarterfinals 2-1. This year was certainly different as they defeated Siena 1-0 following a goal by Olivia McMaster with 76 seconds left. This win was the Jaspers first playoff win since 2017.
Sami Derrico commented on the memorable moments from the match and how the Jaspers improved this time.
“I think if you ask most of the girls are probably going to say [their favorite memory was] the Siena game the second time around, because the first time, we were not having a good game, it was a rough game,” Derrico said. “We did not show up as a team, and then to come back and beat them one nothing in a game with one minute left, I’m just going to hang on to forever … I think that was one of the best games we’ve played all year, with all of us all together ... that was our championship game.”
Despite not getting the result they were looking for in the semi-finals against Fairfield, head coach Brendan Lawler is still proud of what his team was able to accomplish this year. Emotions were certainly prevalent against Fairfield for Lawler as he saw his group of seniors walk off the pitch for the last time.
“I’m proud of the seniors,
proud of the way they came in as freshmen when they were being recruited in a pandemic when I couldn’t even watch them play, and they couldn’t see the campus,” Lawler said. “They were really leading us all year. Anytime you get doubledigit wins, anytime you win a playoff game and anytime, you get players on all-MAAC teams, trusting the process of believing in what we were preaching and reaping the rewards from it. We were very happy, very proud.”
The current women’s soccer seniors include Corrine Jackson, Maddie Feller, Sami Derrico (Redshirt senior), Brooke Zimmer, Makena Ward, Nicolette Caneda, Ianah Mackey (Redshirt senior), Julia Nicholas and Amrit Arora.
Derrico was a standout player offensively this year as she had seven goals on the season with four assists. Derrico totaled sevent goals with the Jaspers.
On the other side of the ball, the standout for the Jaspers defensively was the backline anchored by MU goalie Molly Brunk. Brunk tallied 10 clean sheets for the Jaspers this season, which was the most by Jasper goalie since the 2015 season.
“This year our team defense, our communication was just on top,” Brunk said about the Jaspers’ defense. “I felt like there was not any miscommunication at all between us. We were working as a single movement together, and all of us were going to go one way or the other. I think that the communication, and especially the chemistry is there. I think all of us were like ‘We’re not going to get scored on this year. This year, this is going to be really good.’
I think that chemistry and communication, being able to work together really just set us apart from other defenses in
the MAAC.”
Another high point of the season for the Jaspers was getting the first iteration of the Stowell Bowl. MU’s Kaylee Stowell had the opportunity to play her twin sister Megan Stowell for the first time, as she is a forward on Siena. Moments like those are what made this season special for the Jaspers. Siblings have played a vital role in the success of this Jasper program. Derrico, a transfer from UConn, was struggling at her previous university. Her sister Emily Derrico, who is on the women’s lacrosse team at MU, insisted Sami take a visit to MU. The rest is history, as
the university gave Derrico some of her best friends and moments she has had thus far.
“This program just means a lot, especially coming from a program that did not treat me well,” Derrico said. “ I don’t want any of the girls to take it for granted. I’ve told them over and over again, that we are so lucky to have the chemistry that we do and the support that we do, whether it be from the school, the admin, our coaches, but even just each other, that was the biggest thing. So I did not take any piece of it for granted. And I’m really happy that I chose here because it gave me some of
the greatest joys of my life so far.”
This season is just a precursor for what is to come for this program, as Brunk believes that the program has unfinished business.
“We made it to the semifinal, I think next year we’re trying to push to finals and prove something that we left on the field,” Brunk said. “Obviously Fairfield was an upset that we lost but I think it just gives us something to attack more in the future, and I can’t wait to keep using my leadership skills and keep continuing this fantastic team chemistry that we have.”
