Students RepresentMU AtUNDay OfThePoor Conference
Jill Tuthill Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
PamelaChasekReceivesthe KakosExcellenceinScholarship Award
Leyla J Mercado Asst. News Editor
Pamela Chasek, Ph.D., professor of political science at Manhattan University, is one of three Kakos School of Arts and Sciences professors honored with an Excellence Award. Chasek will receive the Kakos Excellence in Scholarship Award for service and teaching. The other honored professors are expected to receive their awards in the spring semester.
The award is representative of Chasek’s work in academia, as it recognizes her contribution and commitment to MU’s current and future generations of scholars.
While balancing teaching her classes, she’s also authored multiple other projects as well as led international environmental meetings to showcase her scholarship.
Chasek, who’s currently writing two books while on sabbatical, shared what receiving this award means to her, and further discussed the impact of the academic community and colleagues who have supported her over the years.
“It’s exciting to see your work recognized,” Chasek said. “People see your teaching everyday, people see you in the office everyday, but not everybody reads your scholarship because we all have our own specialties. I’ve been recognized by the International Studies Association, when I won a Distinguished Scholar Award from them two years ago, but it is good to know that my Manhattan colleagues recognize the work I’ve done.”
Chasek’s work has not only played a vital role at MU, but beyond the world of academia as well, which is extremely important to her through
personal efforts and her educational mission.
“From my point of view it’s really important to write policy-relevant pieces that are not only being read by other academics, but also being read by policymakers, by people of the United Nations, by people in government, and nongovernmental organizations,” Chasek said. “I think it’s important to write things that are relevant beyond just academia. Getting citations is fine, but actually having people put to use what you wrote is really important. I try to write things that are relevant to people both inside and outside academia.”
Chasek’s effect on the educational landscape has been significant on students surrounding her as well. Mohammed Matabbar, an MU senior who majors in political
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Olivia Appel and Aaron John represented Manhattan University at the United Nations Day of the Poor on Nov. 15, an event hosted by Caritas Internationalis, Fordham University and Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
According to Appel, a senior philosophy and peace and justice studies major, and John, a freshman psychology major, each host sponsored various speakers that provided insight on trends regarding human rights and resources.
Fordham’s speakers focused on the spiritual aspects of issues affecting people around the world including food, religion and the housing crisis.
“They did talk about the housing crisis and that it was getting a little better, because the requirements to have a house were that you have to have four solid walls and a solid ceiling,” Appel said. “And a lot of countries have been improving in that sense. They also had a career panel talk, which was really interesting.”
Appel’s testimony was reflected in The Good Newsroom’s coverage of the event.
According to the website, it was, “Held at the Church Center for the United Nations on First Avenue in Manhattan, more than 100 academics, graduate students, and representatives
of charities including Caritas Internationalis and Catholic Relief Services attended the World Day of the Poor event on Friday, November 15.”
Appel and John got the opportunity to speak to six individuals who all were experts in their respective fields in human development. This included individuals who were employees at a range of institutions, such as the Red Cross, Caritas Internationalis and Good Shepherd Services, a local Bronx-based organization that aids young students by providing tutors. One of the speakers was also an employee of the UN security council.
At the end of the conference, Appel, John and other student representatives were invited to tour the United Nations headquarters directly adjacent to the event.
“We represented Manhattan University, because graciously enough, we were invited by the Catholic Relief Services since they reached out, because they know Brother Dan very well,” John said. “I’m a freshman on the soccer team and I’ve just been talking to him and building a relationship with him.”
Appel went on to tell The Quadrangle why she’d recommend the experience to any interested students.
“I would definitely recommend it, for sure,” Appel said. “I think it’s a very, very cool experience with an opportunity to see where all the work takes place for a lot of
Volume CX, Issue 13
NOVEMBER 26, 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
LETTER from the EDITOR
Dear Readers,
Hello, and welcome to Issue 13 - the last of fall semester, and for 2024!
While we are heading into a much needed break, students are in one of the busiest times of the academic year. Be sure to take the break to rest up, get ready for finals and prioritize your mental health. No matter how you’re currently feeling, the semester will be over in two short weeks. This being said, help is always available if you need it on campus with the Counseling Center. They are always available for walk-in appointments. In my experience, talking out my stressors with those who are there to listen can actually be what helps the most.
As it is our final issue, we sadly must bid adieu to our many senior masthead writers. While they will all move into senior writer roles in the spring, I would be remiss to not shout out all of their hard work this last year. Our managing and news editor Angelina Persaud has helped me keep this paper running smoothly week to week, and I could not be more grateful for her help. Our features editor Mack Olmsted, A&E editor Angelina Perez and web editor Liz Kalaj have all been incredibly beneficial to our staff over the many years they have served. Lastly, our assistant A&E editor Jill Tuthill will be graduating at the end of this semester. We wish her the very best, and will miss her bubbly presence week to week.
Speaking of masthead, it is with absolute honor and excitement that I inform you all that I will be continuing in my role as editor-in-chief for 2025! I am sincerely touched that our staff believes I am the right fit to lead this publication through another successful year of journalism. I have learned that it is by no means an easy job, but it has been the most rewarding and transformative experience of my life. I have no doubt that 2025 will have even more learning curves in store, but I know that with our hardworking and dedicated staff we will navigate through just as we did this past year.
And that brings me to you, readers. Both of the issues we were able to print in my time as editor-in-chief this last year were due entirely to your generous donations. My heart is always warmed at the outpouring of support we receive when we need help, and I cannot thank you enough. Your presence as part of our journalistic tradition does not go unnoticed, and I assure you it will stay that way.
For those celebrating, I wish you a bright, happy and family filled Thanksgiving. See you all in 2025!
Until next time,
Grace
StudentsRepresentMUAtUNDay OfThePoorConference
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
social movements and human rights movements especially. I definitely do recommend it if any student gets the opportunity, especially if they’re interested in international studies at all. The UN is a pinnacle example of that.”
Appel also went on to say that the experience is excellent for those interested in this type of work for their career after college graduation.
“Definitely the entire
experience is a great experience for networking as well, if you’re interested in this type of field work, because a lot of people from different organizations and different United Nation departments were there,” Appel said. “You would be able to introduce yourself, get cards and hopefully get internships as well.”
Appel also noted that there is an excess of personal
benefits in going to the event and representing a university.
“I think the overall experience was very heartwarming to meet other people that have this hope for a
better future for our world, and seeing people actively wanting to make a change and seek change was very good,” Appel said.
PamelaChasekReceivestheKakos
ExcellenceinScholarshipAward
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
science, further discussed Chasek’s long-lasting impact.
“Dr. Chasek deserves this award because of her passion and dedication to the field,” Matabbar said. ”She’s played a pivotal role in mentoring me and guiding me throughout undergrad and now into law school. She’s been a remarkable and inspirational figure in my educational journey and with her guidance in Model UN and pre-law advising. I don’t know where I would be without her. I’ll forever be extremely grateful.”
Matabbar fostered a great sense of professional and personal growth through connecting with Chasek. He went on to tell The Quadrangle more about her one of a one-ofa-kind persona.
“There’s so much that makes her standout,” Matabbar said. “She truly is exceptional in all aspects. There are countless other individuals, students,
alumni and even faculty who can proudly say the same. Her approach has left such a lasting impression on many, whether academically or personally.
Through her genuine care and personal investment, her respect and passion resonates far beyond the classroom.”
Jazi Riley, a senior and double major in political science and philosophy, reflected on Chasek’s scholarship and persona and what it meant to her throughout her undergraduate experience.
“Personally, she’s been a professor that I’ve gotten close to because she allows us to,” Riley said. “I think that shows that those student relationships are meaningful, full of respect, and she sees us as individuals. Our relationship has allowed me to want to seek out career connections. There are people in the United Nations, and things I feel I’d be intimidated to reach out to, but because a successful woman has given us
confidence and emboldened us to engage so much, I think it’s a confidence booster.”
Riley went on to mention that Chasek has been vastly different from any other professor or scholar she’s encountered.
“She’s tenacious,” Riley said. “She has a fiery and fierce energy to her. When she walks in the room and she’s present you know it. She’s actually one of the first professors who even though we have a personal relationship, she grades you harder because of it. Dr. Chasek has made me a harder worker.”
As Chasek’s impact to those around her has been proven to be undeniable, she elaborated on what these years of scholarship have left her with.
“What I wished I had known was the challenge of balancing everything,” Chasek said.
“You have to balance your teaching, your scholarship, your service to the university, and your home life. The
one piece of advice I give to everyone is that it really does take a village to raise your kids, and you need a support network both at work and elsewhere.
Having a group of people who you collaborate with in writing and in scholarship is also really important.”
Chasek also went on to discuss her upcoming career plans and the lasting influence she hopes to leave on the student body.
“I’m working on two books now,” Chasek said. “Plus, I
have a chapter coming out in another edited volume. I’m hoping that the next edition of our Global Environmental Politics textbook will continue to inspire people around the world to get interested in these topics. Everything I write about comes into my classroom one way or another. The people I’ve met along the way, the writing I’ve done, all of that comes into the classroom and hopefully it’ll inspire students to go into this field.”
Caritas Internationalis Logo WIKAPEDIA / COURTESY
Appel and John got the opportunity to speak to six individuals who are experts in their respective fields in human development. NATIONAL CATHOLIC REPORTER / COURTESY
MarkPottinger,Ph.D., WinsPrestigious AwardForResearch
Karen Flores Staff Writer
Mark Pottinger, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Communication, Sound and Media Arts, has been awarded the Richard Sussman Essay Prize for his article entitled “Ritter’s Musical Esthetics, Der Freyschütz, and the Certainty of Nature in Early NineteenthCentury Germany.”
Pottinger was sent an email from Heidi Schlipphacke, the vice president of the Goeth Society of North America, to congratulate him for being chosen as recipient.
“I am writing in my capacity of Vice President of the Goethe Society of North America (GSNA) and as chair of this year’s essay prize committee to give you the good news that we have chosen your article.. as the winner of the Richard Sussman Essay Prize,” Schlipphacke wrote.
“The essay prize committee found your essay to offer an elegant and original analysis of the linkages between Ritter’s scientific findings and the aesthetics of ‘Der Freyschütz’.”
Schlipphacke also wrote that the essay portrayed an elegant and original analysis. Recipients for the award are
chosen annually based on their ability to discuss Goethe’s contributions to the sciences and his role in the history of science.
According to Schlipphacke, “The Richard Sussman Essay Prize is awarded annually for the best essay published on Goethe’s contributions to the sciences and on Goethe in the history of science.” The guidelines also state that the essay must be written by a North American scholar or a current member of the GSNA.
In Pottinger’s abstract, it states that his article is about Johann Wilhelm Ritter, a German physicist, philosopher and chemist, and his musical aesthetics with regard to the opera “Der Freischütz.”
“This article presents Ritter’s musical aesthetics in relation to the sound of nature in Carl Maria von Weber’s romantic opera Der Freischütz, which premiered in 1821 at the newly-built Königliches Schauspielhaus in Berlin,” Pottinger’s article states. “By connecting Ritter’s musical aesthetics with that found in Der Freischütz, the opera can be seen as something more than a simple light work for entertainment or even a mere German nationalist text: an imaginative way of perceiving the inner workings of nature as a space of renewal and lifeaffirming certainty.”
Pottinger spoke to The
Quadrangle about how he uses the acoustics of nature to understand how an opera such as “Der Freischütz” reflects ideas across different fields of studies.
“I try to understand how music, sound and ideas of nature all relate to one another in the nineteenth century, and I center that around opera, because opera is an amalgam, a combination of the visual, the literary, the sonic, as well as the haptic forces that allows us to define meaning in the world,” Pottinger said. “I use those forces as understood in opera to act as sort of a mirror of what’s going on in terms of the world, of perspectives on nature, perspectives on science, and also perspectives on sound.”
Pottinger explained the role that romanticism has played in his research and how it is connected to the sciences.
“I’ve always been fascinated by romanticism, which is a belief that there are unseen and unknown forces in our world that are more powerful and more real than what we see,” Pottinger said. “William Herschel had a prism with white light, sunlight coming through, and he actually had a mercury thermometer on the outside. And that’s how we discovered infrared, and realized that it is actually more powerful than the visual spectrum. This idea that this is not just some sort
of literary or fantastical artistic expression, but that scientists are realizing that there is an invisible space that is more real than the visible space that we have and it continued with other discoveries.”
Pottinger has a book coming out next year titled “Science and The Romantic Vision in Early 19th Century Opera,” where he delves into four other operas and explains why he is passionate about it.
“I’m passionate about it because I want to believe that there is a world that is unseen, that is more real than what we believe and some might say it’s kind of revolutionary though because all revolutions start with ‘what I see in front of me’,” Pottinger said. “In this belief, I think there’s hope, there’s a sense of desire and one for possibility, and I want to live in that kind of world.”
Mark Pottinger receives the Richard Sussman Essay Prize for his academic research. MARK POTTINGER / COURTESY
Manhattan Caucus: Do Presidential Cabinet Appointees Need Specific Qualifications?
In recent weeks, Presidentelect Donald Trump has begun tapping potential members for his cabinet. Just eight days ago, Trump tapped former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz as his pick for attorney general. This pick was met with controversy from the American people, as Gaetz is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice for misconduct. As a result of this public controversy and outcry, Gaetz retracted his candidacy for the position on Nov. 21.
According to the New York Times, Pam Bondi, Trump’s new nominee for attorney general, was elected as Florida’s first female attorney general in 2010. Bondi was a member of the Democratic party up until the year 2000. She emerged as a Republican in the race for attorney general in 2008. After leaving office in 2019, Bondi joined Trump’s defense team during his first impeachment trial. Additionally, after President Joe Biden won the 2020 election, Bondi supported Trump’s claims of election fraud.
In an effort to persuade Republican senators to confirm Gaetz as attorney general, vice president-elect JD Vance took to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in an attempt to sway the vote.
According to CNN, Vance stated that the meetings “went great.” CNN stated that the president-elect did not tell Gaetz to drop out, but that Gaetz did not have the votes in the Senate to confirm his position. As attested to by CNN, Trump took to X and stated that Gaetz’s nomination, “was unfairly becoming a distraction.”
Throughout his campaign, Trump claimed he had nothing to do with Project 2025. He stated this on the national stage
of the presidential debate, according to the official debate transcript on ABC News. On Friday, Trump nominated Russell T. Vought to oversee the White House budget and help determine whether federal agencies comply with the president’s policies. Vought is a leading figure in Project 2025 who oversaw the planning of executive orders and other unilateral actions that Trump could take during his first six months in office.
Another one of Trump’s controversial picks for his cabinet is his choice for education secretary, Linda McMahon. As reported by The New York Times, McMahon formerly ran World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) for decades. During Trump’s first term in office, McMahon ran the Small Business
Administration. As of now, McMahon has been named in a sexual abuse lawsuit for, “failing to stop a ringside announcer for World Wrestling Entertainment from grooming and sexually abusing children in the 1980s and 1990s,” according to The New York Times. According to the article, Melvin Phillips Jr., the organization’s ringside announcer who passed away in 2012, is accused of sexually abusing five young boys. By permitting Phillips to continue working for the company, McMahon and her husband were charged with criminal negligence. The McMahons have accepted these allegations of mistreatment.
The presidential cabinet is comprised of 16 positions, which are a direct reflection of president-elect Trump and how he plans to use the next four
years of his administration. In addition to McMahon, Bondi and Vance, Trump’s nominees for these offices are as follows, as of Nov. 23: Marco Rubio as Secretary of state, Pete Hegseth as Defense secretary, Kristi Noem as Homeland security secretary, Lori ChavezDeRemer as Labor secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and human services secretary, Doug Burgum as Interior secretary, Doug Collins as Veterans affairs secretary, Scott Bessent as Treasury secretary, Brooke Rollins as Agriculture secretary, Howard Lutnick as Commerce secretary and transition co-chair, Sean Duffy as Transportation secretary, Chris Wright as Energy secretary and Scott Turner as Housing and urban development secretary,
according to The New York Times. It is important to note that all of the above must be approved by congress before officially moving into their positions come January. In the coming weeks, it is expected that Trump will continue to solidify his cabinet, in both Congress-approved positions and not.
Elaina Batista Contributor
Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s new nominee for attorney general. PETE MAROVICH / THE NEW YORK TIMES
Manhattan University Leads Thanksgiving “Giving” Drive for Waldo Sanctuary
Emmanouel Sofillas
Asst. Sports Editor
As the holiday season approaches, Manhattan University students and faculty have united to organize a Thanksgiving “Giving” Drive aimed at supporting the families living at the Waldo Sanctuary, formerly known as the Manhattan College Overlook Apartments.
This initiative, deeply rooted in compassion and the university’s Lasallian principles of respect for all persons and inclusive community, seeks to provide essential items for those in need while fostering a spirit of service among students.
When asked what inspired the initiative, Jubilee Aguilar, a campus minister at Campus Ministry and Social Action (CMSA) and a key driving force behind the effort, shared how their involvement with The Friends of Waldo Sanctuary, a local community organization dedicated to supporting migrants as they adjust to life in the neighborhood, played a pivotal role.
“I’ve been attending monthly meetings with other community organizers, discussing ways to support the sanctuary and make migrants feel welcome,” Aguilar said. “I saw other groups creating Amazon lists for supplies and
brought the idea to Father Edward and Father Bob. They enthusiastically supported it, and we decided to focus on a Thanksgiving Giving Drive to collect toiletries and other essentials for these families.”
This effort highlights the importance of recognizing the immediate needs of local families, especially during a season of gratitude and giving. The collaboration between campus organizations, community leaders and students demonstrates the power of collective action to create meaningful change.
Araceli Cayetano Ambrocio, one of the leaders at CMSA, emphasized that the drive is about more than just collecting items, it’s about fostering community, bonding and raising awareness.
“One of our main goals is to create a sense of togetherness during Thanksgiving,” Cayetano Ambrocio said. “While many of us are preparing to spend time with family, it’s important to remember there are others in different situations. As Manhattan University students, it’s our responsibility to support our neighbors.”
This sentiment reflects the alignment with Manhattan University’s Lasallian values, which encourage service and inclusivity.
“This initiative promotes respect for all persons and inclusive community–core principles we live by,” Aguilar said. “It also encourages
students to engage in community service and connect with those around us.”
Gabrielle Blair, a junior and secretary of the Black Student Union (BSU) who also played a key role in organizing the Thanksgiving Giving Drive, shared that the initiative has brought in a wide range of donations, from everyday essentials like toothpaste and shampoo to crucial items such as menstrual products and baby supplies. These contributions are vital in meeting the specific needs of the sanctuary residents, many of whom are children.
“One of the most exciting donations is menstrual products because they’re always in demand,” Blair said. “Baby products, like diapers and baby shampoo, are also incredibly valuable since many of the residents are children.”
Organizers stressed that even small donations can make a significant impact.
“An act of kindness goes a long way,” Aguilar said. “Even a dollar bar of soap can change someone’s life. It’s all about shifting perspectives and realizing how much impact even a small gesture can have.”
The drive has seen widespread support across campus, but not without its challenges. One of the most notable hurdles has been encouraging students, many of whom feel financially constrained, to participate.
“Some students think, ‘I’m a broke college kid, why
should I donate?’,” Aguilar said. “But we’ve been trying to shift that mindset by showing that even a small effort can make a difference. It’s about understanding that giving, even in the smallest ways, can create a ripple effect.”
Despite these challenges, the response from the Manhattan University community has been overwhelmingly positive. Several student organizations, including the BSU, psychology club and Pen & Sword have stepped forward to lend their support.
“It’s refreshing to see the generosity on campus,” Blair said. “Clubs are not only participating but also reaching out with ideas for future initiatives.”
For the organizers, the drive’s success isn’t solely measured by the number of donations but also by the level of student involvement and the initiative’s broader impact on the campus culture.
“We’ll measure success by how many people show up to donate, volunteer and participate in activities like organizing pantry goods and helping with the Friendly Fridge initiative,” Aguilar said.
“The fact that other clubs are already expressing interest in future projects shows that we’re on the right track.”
The drive is only the beginning of what the organizers hope will become a long-term commitment to supporting the sanctuary.
Discussions are already underway for future initiatives, including a clothing bank, a library with books for English as a second language learners and tutoring programs for children at the sanctuary.
“We’re talking about creating sustainable support for these families,” Aguilar said. “It’s not just about onetime service project during Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s about making a year-round effort.”
These plans demonstrate the drive’s potential to spark a culture of continuous service and inspire other students and organizations to get involved.
For the organizers, the most rewarding aspect of the drive has been witnessing the immediate impact of their efforts.
“Knowing that what you’re doing is helping people in realtime is incredibly fulfilling,” Blair said. “It’s almost like instant gratification to see how much these donations mean to families in need.
As the Thanksgiving “Giving” Drive draws to a close, the organizers are making a heartfelt appeal to the community.
“If you have ideas or want to start something, reach out to CMSA or one of our offices,” Cayetano Ambrocio said. “We’re always here to help organize drives, plan service days, or advocate for social justice.”
PRSSA at Manhattan University Holds Internship Panel to Prepare Jaspers for Success
Laili Shahrestani Staff Writer
On Nov. 21, the Manhattan University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted an internship panel discussing the importance of applying for internships during college and providing students with guidance on how to secure a position.
The event featured several panelists who shared their personal experiences and insights in regard to navigating through the internship process.
PRSSA is a nationally recognized organization that tailors its efforts toward promoting professional development among students and encourages them to partake in opportunities that may lead to future success. The internship panel revolved around the idea that college students should engage in new experiences and explore intern roles to better prepare themselves for the workforce.
Mia Porritt, a junior and the president of PRSSA, expressed
how internships are a direct way for students to take their first steps into finding a career post-graduation. She spoke about how working as an intern is a solid starting point and opens the door for future job opportunities.
“Internships are so important for students, because if you join one you really like and you excel in it, then they could possibly hire you,” Porritt said. “You can build your career off of that. Also, internships can be for people that don’t have any experience. I think that’s definitely a really good place to get your foot in, even if it’s just a startup for you.”
Panelists at the event gave advice to student attendees about how to stand out when applying to internships and how to ace an interview. Several of the speakers emphasized how showcasing your personality is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates.
Anna Schmidt, a junior and a communication and sound studies student, added onto the idea that including personalized details during an interview is one distinct way to set yourself apart from others.
“For one of my interviews, I had like a million bingo things in the background, but I played
into it,” Schmidt said. “I told them I am hosting sorority bingo this weekend, and was just trying to make it really personable. I wanted to really try to be myself.”
In addition to revealing your personality in an interview, panelists also encouraged students to work on having a strong portfolio or resume. Speakers at the event encouraged students to take part in extracurricular activities around campus, as well as form a strong network on job platforms like LinkedIn.
Colin Ratner, a senior and the executive vice president of student government, spoke about how his involvement in several different extracurriculars around campus set him apart from other candidates. Ratner currently works as an intern for Red Bull, where he is a student marketeer team lead.
“What set me apart from everyone else was the amount of things I had on my resume that were long-term,” Ratner said. “Long-term shows loyalty. Also, just being involved with everything in all different facets. For example, I was involved with Scatterbomb, student government and even leading my own club. Be a big fish in a small pond.”
Panelists at the PRSSA Internship Event gather around after sharing their insights.
Panelists expressed the importance of applying for internships to fellow Jaspers.
LAILI SHAHRESTANI / THE QUADRANGLE
Speakers at the event highlighted how PRSSA is a way for students within all different majors to learn about new opportunities and gain professional experience.
Maggie Shediac, a junior and the publicity and recruitment coordinator for PRSSA, spoke about how the organization opens the door for an abundance of rewarding experiences, allowing for students to be one step closer to success.
“PRSSA provides so many networking opportunities,” Shediac said. “We hold events with alumni or professionals that work in an industry, and students can chat with panelists, get to know them a little bit, connect with them
on LinkedIn and communicate with them further. It’s been really helpful for me, especially to get to know others and connect.”
Players Fall Mainstage: And Then There Were None
show has been on his mind as a play since last October.
Victoria Schiller Contributor
Friday, Nov. 22 was opening night for the Manhattan University Players’ fall mainstage production, where the cast performed their rendition of “And Then There Were None”, based on the novel by Agatha Christie.
The show ran from opening night to Sunday, Nov. 24 and was directed by Marty Marchitto. The play tells the story of ten strangers who are invited to a weekend getaway on a private island, all accused of getting away with murder by a host who is yet to make an appearance. As the days become nights, the guests one by one meet their demise in manners that match that of a framed nursery rhyme.
Following the show, The Quadrangle caught up with several cast members to discuss the production.
Kevin Cullen, a junior English major with a theater minor, starred as General Mackenzie, a skittish older man who yearns for his late wife throughout the entirety of the two acts. Cullen initially pitched the show to Players at the end of last semester. This
“This show for me was a passion project,” Cullen said. “I read this story for the first time in eighth grade and ever since then, it stuck with me. The characters in it are so interesting and complex. Agatha Christie is a master of leading you off with common tropes. A lot of her best stories have characters who you naturally eliminate as a possibility for a murderer and then it comes all the way back around to them. I thought it’d be a really good challenge for Players with the challenging characters, the mystery and making it subtle without giving the reveal away too early.”
Not only is “And Then There Were None” a passion project for Cullen, but he revealed that the character of General Mackenzie was his favorite in the book.
“General Mackenzie has been one of my favorite characters and I did not expect to get him,” Cullen said. “I didn’t even audition for him. He is one of the most interesting characters in the show. Even though he’s one of those characters that doesn’t last long, you remember him. He stands out as one of the favorites because he’s a broken and tired man who figured it out and knows what’s going on, and he’s okay with that.”
This fall was Owen Sweeney’s first official semester and mainstage with the MU Players. A junior business analytics and computer information systems major, Sweeney played the role of Phillip Lombard, an arrogant and flirtatious guest who has no problem telling the truth.
“It was really awesome, but very startling at first,” Sweeney said. “I didn’t expect to get a big role, but I really loved it. It was a great time and everybody in Players is great. It’s a super fun environment. I really love it.”
Sweeney offered The Quadrangle insight into what the auditioning process was like, as well as the practices and run-throughs leading up to opening weekend.
“We did auditions in late September,” Sweeney said. “It was a round robin style and I was here for maybe two hours. Two or three days later we got our cast list. The process leading up to this was a lot of fun. It was so much fun that I was showing up on days I didn’t even need to be here. Building the set with everybody was great and all the cast members are so much fun to be around. I wouldn’t change anything about the way this year worked for me.”
Many of the cast members have a plethora of experience in theater. The Quadrangle talked to cast members about
how this experience compared to previous for them.
Robert Nolan, a senior computer engineering major, played the role of Justice Wargrave, a judge who treats every situation eerily similar to a court case. Nolan has been a part of Players since his freshman year and talked about performing at MU and his role on stage and behind the scenes.
“I never worked in a black box, but I prefer it way more to an auditorium setting,” Nolan said. “That’s what I like about it here [MU Players], but I’m tech director for this club, so I do a lot of the tech stuff and it’s really nice having free range to be able to have influence on the set, along with being able to build it as a group of people, as opposed to having people ahead of you, you build it as a team of people.”
The Quadrangle discussed with cast members which scenes were their favorite and why.
Lochlan Reeder, a senior sound studies major who played Thomas Rogers, the
sarcastic and humorous butler of the mansion, told us his favorite part of the production.
“The whole section of the first act from when the murders are revealed until the end of the act,” Reeder said. “It’s just figuring things out and it’s really intense because everyone’s like, ‘who did what? What’s true, what isn’t?’ That’s when the play really gets rolling.”
Grace Coutu is a childhood education major in her sophomore year and played Edith Armstrong, a successful doctor who may care a little too much about her reputation.
“My favorite scene is Act Two: Scene two,” Coutu said. “It’s the five of us sitting in that room in the red light. I really love how that’s set up. I love the tension in it.”
Players will reconvene in the spring for their musical, which is yet to be announced following the retraction of rights for the originally planned production of Guys and Dolls.
The MU Players performed “And Then There Were None,” as their fall mainstage performance.
arts & entertainment
Album Class Resurrects, Setting Up For Another Spring Performance
Andrew Mannion Sports Editor
In the spring semester, Andrew Bauer, director of performing arts and adjunct professor for music and theater, will be teaching the next rendition of album class, in which students will dissect a historic rock album both creatively and technically.
The class revolves around picking a specific rock album which has had a significant cultural impact. They then break down the musical component of a portion of the album and see how the album was constructed from its roots. In past semesters, the class has done albums such as Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, as well as Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.
After weeks of rehearsal,
the class ends with one final performance which is open to any and all students who wish to see it. With some students a part of the band, others can focus on sound engineering or lighting, and it leads to wellpracticed covers of some of the greatest music over the years.
Bauer has taught the class eight times, and his goal has remained the same - to teach students how to truly break down complex musical pieces into their individual instrumental components. He spoke on how the class is taught and what he hopes to accomplish.
“When you listen to something and then you transcribe it to an instrument, you’re going to recreate the compositional process that the artists were doing in a way,” Bauer said. “Not from their own ideas, but you’re going to experience what they experience actually playing
ANDREW MANNION / THE QUADRANGLE
this music, and that gives you a total inside view of the material, and in a very dynamic and interactive way.”
Bauer emphasizes that this type of education can only be found at Manhattan University. Being the only class which has forced students to master each album to a performance-capable level, there is much value that the album class provides to not only the students who take it, but Manhattan University as a whole.
“It sets us apart from any other academic higher education institution that I know of now,” Bauer said. “You have lots of institutions, colleges and universities doing the history of rock, or maybe in a class about Elvis Presley, but they don’t actually perform the music… What sets us apart is we’re actually reconstructing the album, and I think that that gives anyone a much greater understanding of the music when you actually have to
perform the music.”
Landon Scofield, a student who has taken the class in the past, talked about the impact the class had on him. Even with an extensive resume in the performing arts, he said that the album class gave him a new perspective on music which he had not seen before.
“Album class is probably the best class I’ve taken at this college, and it taught me some very important things about music and performing,” Scofield said. “Prior to this class, I only ever performed in musicals or choirs, and never really took in account the relationship between vocalists and the instrumentalists. Once I realized that I gained a newfound appreciation and respect for instrumentalists that I will never forget.”
After taking the class last year, Matt Regalado plans to take the course again this spring.
“I’m really looking forward
to being a part of (album class), and looking forward to playing some guitar, maybe doing some singing,” Regalado said. “I’m really looking forward to fostering relationships with some new bandmates, and learning how to play with some new people.”
Andrew Bauer, director of performing arts and professor of album class. MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
Album class prepares for another new rendition, hosting performances in the spring.
arts & entertainment Jasper Jams: Farewell A&E
be the last you see our names in this section.
Arts and Entertainment Editor
As the semester comes to a close and the final arts and entertainment (A&E) article for fall 2024 is published, Jill’s and my time as your editors comes to an end. We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring you A&E news throughout the year, and we’re excited to see how the Jasper Jams will continue to evolve in the future. This final 2024 edition of Jasper Jams may not directly reflect the bittersweet feelings I’m experiencing as we wrap up this chapter, but that’s the beauty of music, it allows us to connect our emotions with the songs that resonate with us in the moment. This may be our last time signing off as A&E editors, but it certainly won’t
Phoebe Bridgers - I Know The End
Phoebe Bridgers opens the song with a reference to Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, yearning to be home and out of where she is, saying her comfort is her room. Every Saturday morning, listening and editing A&E articles as they come in, I was able to find comfort in my room knowing I would be back there another weekend reading and writing.
Favorite lyrics: “Man, I hate this part of Texas / Close my eyes, fantasize / Three clicks and I’m home”
ABBA - Slipping Through My Fingers
While I have no doubt whoever takes over this section
will do a wonderful job, it is sad to see my time as an editor finished, slipping onto the next person. Like this song, the feeling is bittersweet watching both The Quadrangle and myself grow up as time goes by. I cannot wait to see the wonderful articles pitched for future issues.
Favorite lyrics: “Slipping through my fingers all the time / I try to capture every minute / The feeling in it, slipping through my fingers all the time”
Lord Huron - The Night We Met
The Night We Met is a classic heartbreak song that is guaranteed to make anyone who hears the first cord bawl into their hands. I am writing this article during the second day of the play I am in, “And Then There Were None”. I owe
The Quadrangle everything for allowing me to get back into theater. Take me back to the night I realized it.
Favorite lyrics: “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do / haunted by the ghost of you / Oh, take me back to the night we met.”
One Direction - Night Changes
I have always been a Directioner and I will continue to love them forever. Similar to this song and it’s beautiful lyrics, as a senior I am getting older and it is my time to graduate in May and it is all I have been thinking about as the days of this semester come to a close. I can almost remember entering the Quad room my freshman year not knowing this publication would change my life forever. Favorite lyrics: “We’re only getting older, baby / And I’ve
been thinking about it lately / Does it ever drive you crazy / Just how fast the night changes?”
Sabrina
Carpenter - Don’t Smile
I have learned as senior year slowly approached and reached that I haven’t allowed myself to cry yet because then it would feel too real. Just as the song mentions crying when it’s over, I’ve shed a few tears reminiscing on my years loving this section and putting my heart into it. Through this song, I am reminded that it is okay to indulge myself into the sadness that is graduating.
Favorite lyrics: “Don’t smile because it happened, baby, cry because it’s over / (I want you to miss me)”
Angelina Perez
The Lady Jaspers Emerge Victorious Over the Fordham Rams For Second Year With 65-58 Win
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
The Lady Jaspers took on the Fordham Rams in Wednesday night’s Battle of the Bronx. Despite a stiff start to the game, the Jaspers took home a 65-58 win against the Rams.
The Jaspers were at a disadvantage before game play even began - playing without their star senior forward Petra Juric due to illness.
“Petra is, in my opinion, one of the best players in this league,” head coach Heather Vulin said. “So not having her tonight was a huge loss, but the two words I wrote on the locker room board was ‘no excuses’. I told them, we have enough talent to take care of business tonight, and it may look different from our other games, because obviously, when you don’t have your 6-foot-3 center, it’s going to look different. But I was really impressed with how they believed in each other and played really hard for each other.”
Fordham put the first points of the game on the board with a two-point jumper from Chaé Harris and a layup from Rose Nelson, starting the game off at 4-0.
Three minutes into the first quarter, the Jaspers were able to get their first points on the board with junior guard Brianna Davis going in for a layup with an assist from graduate forward Leyla Ӧztürk.
Throughout the first quarter, the Jaspers continuously struggled with running their shot clock down to nothing and handing multiple turnovers to the Rams.
Fordham put up four more points in the form of a two point jumper from sophomore guard Amiyah Ferguson and a layup from Taylor Donaldson, bringing Fordham’s lead to 10-2. They soon extended this lead with two good free throws from junior forward Kaila Barry, giving the Rams a 10 point lead, 12-2.
It was in the last three minutes of the first quarter that the Lady Jaspers finally found their groove. Senior guard Nitzan Amar sank the ball from downtown with an assist from sophomore guard/forward Teagan Young, starting what would be a 10-point unanswered run for the Jaspers. Seven of these points came from Young herself, who scored a new career-record of 20 points in the game.
“It’s a nice mark in my career,” Young said. “Overall, it was just a really good win. We came in today, really battled, and the team put it all out there on the floor, and found me, and that’s how it goes.”
Vulin expressed her excitement for Young’s accomplishment on the court.
“Anybody that listens to me knows I love Tegan Young,” Vulin said. “She’s just a really wonderful human being, a tremendous basketball player, incredible teammate. She does things the right way, and I’m really happy for her, because, like I said, she does things the right way. She’s usually the first one in for practice, getting extra shots. She’s always working on her craft and enjoying working on her craft. So for her to have that breakout game tonight, I was super happy for her, especially in a fun environment like Battle of the Bronx.”
The Jaspers came back from a tied 12-12 first quarter ready to take their first lead of the game. Junior guard Hana Mühl sank a three-pointer with an assist from Amar for the first points of the second quarter, giving the Jaspers a 15-12 lead. The tables had turned, with the Rams now struggling to sink shots and maintain possession of the ball.
Directly after a steal from Mühl in the fourth minute of the quarter, Amar made a layup, once again beginning what would be a 15-point unanswered run for the Jaspers, their longest of the game.
The Rams made their first points of the second quarter with a three-pointer from Ferguson who had an assist from Donaldson.
VINCENT DUSOVIC/COURTESY
With three minutes remaining in the quarter, Ӧztürk saw her first points on the board with a jumper, bringing the Jaspers 19-15. The Rams were determined to regain their lead, with jumpers from Ferguson and Nelson closing the gap to another tie, 19-19.
Amar once again broke the Rams’ hold with a two-point jumper. The last minute before halftime saw a struggle between the teams, with Rams tying the score up 2121 with 32 seconds left. The Lady Jaspers’ Davis refused to enter the half with a tie, throwing up the ball for a buzzer-beater three-pointer that erupted Draddy and brought the score to 24-21.
“It felt really good,” Davis said of her buzzer-beater shot. “I know whenever I space out on the floor that the point guards are gonna find me. They have good eyes. They always make the right plays.”
The Rams opened up the third quarter tying the game once again, with a long-range shot from Donaldson bringing the score to 2424. The Jaspers responded quickly, with Inés Gimenez Monserrat landing a three-pointer, shortly followed by a layup from Young, bringing the game to 29-26.
From downtown, Monserrat blew the Jaspers lead wide open to 35-26. The Rams once again attempted to tackle the point deficit with three minutes left in the third,
with a layup from Karissa Antoine assisted by Ferguson bringing the score to 38-28.
Young, playing a hardfought game, quickly opened the Jaspers lead back up to 13 points with a three-point basket, bringing the score to 41-28 Jaspers.
MU put up another four points in the last minute before the buzzer with layups from Young and Amar. With one second left on the clock, the Rams’ graduate forward Irene Murua shot up a triple, ending the third quarter at 47-38 Jaspers.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the first points were scored by the Rams’ Donaldson, who put six points up with two shots from behind the arc in the first minute, bringing the score to a one-play 47-44.
The Jaspers forced a turnover and Amar turned it into a two point driving layup, extending the team’s lead to 4944. Shortly after, Young shot a three-pointer that once again erupted Draddy, setting a new career high for herself shooting 20 points single-handedly in a game, bringing the score to 5244 Jaspers.
The last two minutes of the game saw the Jaspers with a 58-45 lead. The Jaspers’ Mühl
fouled out with less than two minutes left in game play after receiving her fifth call of the game. The Rams’ Donaldson had a good three-point shot around the one-minute mark, closing the score to 58-51 Jaspers.
With one minute to go in game play, the Rams put up four points, Ferguson and Nelson both coming through with layups. The Jaspers made two successful free-throws out of four opportunities, bringing the score to 63-55 Jaspers. As she consistently did throughout the game, Fordham’s Donaldson threw up a triple with eight seconds left, bringing the score to 6358 Jaspers lead. The last points of the game were free throws made by Amar with just seven seconds left on the clock, bringing the final score to 6558, Jaspers win.
“I’m really proud of this team,” Vulin said of the win. “Obviously, the Battle of the Bronx is a rivalry game. Both teams leave everything out there, and obviously both teams went on a run and really battled till the very end. So it was a great game, [I] wish Fordham best of luck the rest of the season, but [I’m] really proud of my team.”
The Lady Jaspers took down the Fordham Rams 65-58 in Wednesday night’s game.
Manhattan Men’s Basketball Stuns Army at the Buzzer
forward Fraser Roxburgh bringing the score back to a tie, 19-19 with 11 minutes left in the half.
The Manhattan University men’s basketball team defeated the Black Knights of Army on Friday night with a final score of 80-79. With the Jaspers coming off an impressive win against their cross town rival, Fordham, the team looked to continue their winning ways.
The first points of the game came from the Jaspers, with sophomore guard Jaden Winston shooting a layup that got two points on the board. Shortly after, Army shot two layups, bringing them in for their first lead of the game, 4-2.
The first half saw a wellpaced match between the Jaspers and the Knights, with the largest lead of the first half coming after a jumper from Army’s senior guard Isaiah Caldwell, who brought the score to 19-14 eight minutes into game play. The Jaspers didn’t allow this lead for long, with a layup from senior guard/ forward Wesley Robinson and a three-pointer from freshman
The score continued to flipflop, with the Jaspers taking control back by the end of the half. A last minute triple by redshirt sophomore guard Devin Dinkins was the deciding shot before halftime, bringing the Jaspers to a foreshadowing one-point 39-38 lead.
Moving into the second half, the Jaspers kept their momentum through an off rebound by freshman forward Will Sydnor. A missed layup and rebound off of junior guard Masiah Gilyard occurred with a great tip in and freethrow right after, which left the score at 44-43, MU in the lead with 17 minutes left in game play.
With an intense crowd, and a total of 14 lead changes, the complexity of the game was constantly changing throughout the night.
The 16th minute of gameplay alone saw 10 points added to the board, with five going to each team.
With 13 minutes left, the Knights were able to handle the Jaspers, gaining a six point
lead after a layup from junior forward Jorn Evanson. A pull-up from Knights’ senior guard Jalen Rucker, who put up 20 points altogether in the game, brought Army to 60-52. The Jaspers began to close this lead after a seven-point unanswered run, which closed the deficit to within one shot, 71-69 Army lead. The last minutes of the game kept Army ahead. After a dunk from Robinson in the last 20 seconds of the game, it was looking like the game would come down to a one-point win for the Knights, 79-78.
The last three seconds of game play shocked Draddy, as Robinson quickly led MU to victory through a turnover by Dinkins, which led into a timeout followed by a sub in and out and a turnover by Army. Shaquil Bender then made a steal at the last second, which was followed by Robinson making a buzzerbeating jumper. The score was 80-79, leaving the Jaspers ecstatic after a shock win.
Robinson finished with 11 points, three assists and nine rebounds. He shot five of nine from the field, and helped lead the team to the win. He was able to work quickly on his feet, securing
a win through his clutch play in the final moments, with his determination on the court being vital.
Robinson spoke about his last minute defeat, quick tactics and what this win means for the Jaspers’ future this season.
“I’d say the back to back getting stops,” Robinson said.
“The resiliency of this team is unbelievable, and I really think we can go far in MAAC play.”
Winston, another crucial player in Friday’s game, also put up a remarkable performance. Through skillful execution and rightful decision making, Winston helped drive the team to their victory. He finished with 17 points, five assists and five rebounds. Shooting seven of 15 from the field, Winston made it his priority to demonstrate that the Jaspers are here to win.
When asked about what was working offensively, Winston explained it as “perfection.”
“Nothing in particular,” Winston said. “I feel like we ran the offense to perfection. It was just me getting the shots, teammates giving me confidence and finding me into my spots … I’ve had the confidence in all of our guys. That’s what we feel like. We
don’t worry about offense. It could be anybody’s night any given night. We’re all in the gym, we all work out and we all have confidence, so my teammates telling me to keep shooting, despite the misses affected my performance tonight.”
John Gallagher, the head coach of the men’s basketball program at MU, spoke on his view of the night’s climatic game.
“I think anytime you see us go one on one, it’s not going to end well,” Gallagher said. “We had a bad stretch. We were down eight or nine. I call the time out. I draw something up, and we get a wide open shot. Dinkins got fouled and he makes two foul shots. That sequence saved us and it was 60-52 or 60-51,” Gallagher said. “Then we went and stopped and then they kept scoring, but we kept hanging and they executed perfectly out of the defensive. They called full time out, we put Wes on the ball. I went into full denial, I said if they throw over the top they throw over the top. If they throw over the top, we steal it and a miracle happens.”
The Jaspers look to continue their winning streak on Tuesday as they match up against the Cavaliers of Virginia.
Owen McWalters & Leyla J Mercado
Contributor & Asst. News Editor