“We Do Journalism”
the Quadrangle
Visit Our Website mcquad.org
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924
Volume CIV Issue 2
NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
Library Reduces Semester Hours Lauren Raziano Social Media Editor
Hurricane Ida Devastates NY The Major Deegan Expressway experienced major flooding leading drivers to abandon their vehicles. MATT SWEENEY / COURTESY
Historic Storm Causes Campus to Close Down
Jilleen Barrett & Megan LaCreta
Managing Editor / A&E Editor & Staff Writer While the storm that hit New York City Wednesday night was only the remnants of Hurricane Ida, the impact throughout the city was severe. Manhattan College and its surrounding area were not excluded from the storm’s trail as the community received a flash flood warning and later, a tornado warning. Sean Curley, a third floor resident of Overlook Manor, had issues with a severe leak in his apartment resulting in a hole forming in the ceiling. “Around 9:30 pm our ceiling started to leak,” Curley said. “I went downstairs to report it to public safety and they told me I was the 5th person to tell them that a room was leaking. Public
IN NEWS: Hurricane Ida Disrupts Campus on p. 1
FREE
safety wrote my name down and told me there was nothing they can do till [the next day].” Since no one was able to help them, Curley and his roommates attempted to do something about the leak themselves. “We tried stopping the leak ourselves and even went to the apartment above us,” he said. “We think that the window above us was leaking on the floor above us ... We ended up just putting a container down to catch the water and some of the ceiling that fell through the night. We ended up sleeping in the living room in case the leak got worse.” Curley mentioned that several workers came to fix the leak as well as their air conditioner, which was affected by water damage. The Quadrangle reached out to Physical Plant about how the storm affected their work otherwise but they did not respond in time for pub-
IN FEATURES: James Patterson Award Recipients on p. 5
lication. Commuter Gustavo Aguilar had similar issues in his own residence in Yonkers. “During the heavier parts of the storm [Wednesday night], I was also in the mix of trying to pump out all the water from my basement as many others were doing,” Aguilar said in a message to The Quadrangle. “We were fortunate enough that we weren’t completely flooded in and that we were able to get ahead of the flooding.” The subways being shut down affected commuters and professors’ travel plans for getting to campus the next morning. Despite the college being prepared for a day of in-person classes after a delay until 11 a.m., the campus had to be closed for the day according to Provost Steven Schreiner. “The storm impacted the __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
With more students returning to campus, many rely on the 24 hour library access to internet and quiet for studying, but O’Malley Library has made the decision to cut its operational hours. William H. Walters, PhD, FCLIP, the Executive Director of the Manhattan College Library sent an email on Aug.31 to the Manhattan community stating that the Library will scale back from its previous 24/7 open access. This Fall, the library building will be open Monday through Thursday: 7:30 am to midnight, Friday, 7:30 am to 9:30 pm, Saturday, noon to 8:00 pm, and Sunday, noon to midnight. In the email it mentioned the change in hours as a response to low overnight use of the building (as indicated by hourly headcounts). Walters wrote in an email to the Quadrangle, “We looked at the headcounts of the past few years—not just the most recent year. We considered the absolute numbers, the trend over time, and the overnight headcounts relative to the daytime headcounts. In particular, we relied mainly on pre-COVID data when making this decision.” “The College and the Library are always evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the services we offer, with the goal of operating efficiently and lowering our operating costs. In this case, there were several main considerations.” Walters wrote. A high end operating cost is also Manhattan College’s location, “A key factor here is that both labor and maintenance expenditures are especially high in New York City. In contrast, many other library expenditures don’t vary much (if at all) based on location.” Walters wrote. Louis Giacomo, a senior civil engineering major, is disappointed in this change. “I am directly affected by the noon opening on weekends, as I run the steel bridge club out of the library on Sat-
IN A&E: Movies on The Quad Return on p. 8
urday mornings. This now means that the rest of my day is delayed by having to wait to use the software necessary for the club. It is unfair to students who need to use the library in the morning on a weekend.” Louis wrote. Giacomo offered a possible solution, “The library hours will definitely affect my academic and extracurricular activities. If the school doesn’t have enough money, they should keep at least two floors open rather than running the whole library 24/7 and nobody using it. That way the school can save money on resources and still provide students with an equal library like most other colleges have.” Emilia O’Neill, sophomore, major in Psychology and double minor in Spanish and Digital Arts & Humanities, said that limiting library hours may impact students studying because the 24 access allows for a quiet place to focus at all hours of the day. “ Although I understand the reason for limiting the hours, I think it is a loss for many students. Personally I feel way more focused and determined when I’m working in the library and if there are people in your room it can be hard to stay focused on your studies. The study rooms, the alumni room, honestly even the chairs scattered around the library, all were very instrumental to my success, as well as my friends last semester. “ O’Neill said. The future of the library hours “ will be determined later in the semester. There’s an excellent chance that we’ll have extended hours during finals and the week before, but I’m not yet sure about midterms and other times.” Walters wrote. O’Neill thinks that others students may struggle with completing their tasks because the library provides students who prefer to study at later hours. “I think for some students who have difficulty with time management or who are overly tempted to spend time with __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN SPORTS: Kerri Gallagher in New Role on p. 10
Opinions & Editorials
2
the Quadrangle Volume CIII, Issue 7 March 16, 2021
The Editorial Board
Anna Woods Editor-in-Chief Maria Thomas Managing Editor
Jilleen Barrett Managing Editor
Nicole Fitzsimmons News Editor
Kyla Guilfoil Asst. News Editor
Jilleen Barrett Arts & Entertainment Editor
Kelly Cwik Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Christine Nappi Features Editor
Caroline McCarthy Asst. Features Editor
Pete Janny Sports Editor
Josh Sawyer Asst. Sports Editor
Lauren Raziano Social Media Editor
Kelly Kennedy Asst. Social Media Editor
Brian Asare Photography Editor
Nicole Rodriguez Production Editor
Adrianne Hutto Jocelyn Visnov Asst. Production Editors
Madalyn Johnson Katherine Heneghan Web Editors
Nicholas Gilewicz Faculty Advisor About The Quadrangle A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news or ganization run by the students of Manhattan College. We strive to cover news around campus and the greater community, publishing weekly in print and daily online. Our goal is always accuracy, relevancy and professionalism. The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the College or the student body.
Join The Quadrangle
THE QUADRANGLE
Op-Ed: The Man in the Library Pete Janny Sports Editor
Some may only recognize him as a man who works in the library. But to me and so many others, his presence was a blessing for all of us in pursuit of our various academic goals. The 2021-2022 academic year marks my senior year, and my first year without the heroic man in the library. For that reason, the start of this new school year is equal parts refreshing and bittersweet. Indeed, a sense of new life and new beginnings spring forth from every corridor on campus. We are finally together again on campus; a moment we’ve been waiting for ever since society shut down on that fateful day in March 2020. As a tight-knit community, our possibilities are limitless and our shared presence on campus will guide us to a better future. The opportunity to learn is tugging at our hearts and minds once again now that we can attend in-person classes. This reality is worthy of celebration and renewed optimism. In the same breath, it’s easy to reminisce on the regularities of life before the pandemic. Realistically, not everything will be the same now as it was before. Certain memories may
be stuck in the past while some past relationships may never see broad daylight ever again. As we reach the metaphorical fork in the road, we can either lament this passage of time, or instead use the lessons learned to mold a better future for ourselves and others. What made the late nights in the library much more tolerable was having a friend by my side through it all. I know working the night shifts was never a preference for him, but he never complained or acted differently. His consistency taught me the importance of repetition as well as the value of hard work. Others saw the same goodness in him just as I saw my first semester freshman year. We talked about many things. About our shared love of the game of basketball. Our faith. Our highs and lows and our goals for the future. But what always struck me was the humility and care he showed toward me, making me seem like the most important priority to him when I was around him. I knew he was far too generous in his time with me—and the unceasing credit he gave me— but that is who he is: a man for others. We talked about his future away from the library. I could sense the obvious disappointment in him about not returning, but he wanted no part
of excuses or sympathy. He viewed it as a new opportunity in life despite the challenges and adversity that comes with it. It reminded me that life is not always fair and it’s up to us to adapt and move forward. The man in the library knows that life lesson better than anyone I ever met. A college career is analogous to the lifespan of a person. There are different chapters that make up the overall journey. It’s a miscellaneous bag of highs and lows, people and places, and peers and professionals. For me, those late nights in the library epitomize the crazy journey. I think I speak for many when saying I am grateful for not having to spend those moments alone. Now more than ever we should make a conscious effort to support each other. Because in the end, we are always better together.
Join our weekly meetingsTuesdays at 4 pm in Kelly 4.12 .
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 @mcquad @mcquad mcquad
SUBMIT YOUR OWN LETTER OR OP-ED Letters to the Editor or an op-ed may be submitted to thequad@manhattan.edu by Saturday at noon to be considered for publication. Profanity, vulgarity and hate will not be published. The Quadrangle reserves the right not to publish a letter.
News
SEPTEMNER 7, 2021
3
Library Reduces Semester Hours __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
their friends before completing homework, could easily fall behind without the resources provided at the library. All in all, I think the reduced hours could negatively impact students’ grades who historically have worked on their homework later at night.” O’Neill said. O’Neill is hopeful the library will be able to accommo-
date students by the end of the semester. “At the very least, I think they should at least go back to 24hrs for the last 3weeks or so of the semester to allow more time for students to prepare for final projects and exams.” O’Neill said. Walters wrote, “We do not yet have a solution for this. If students have any ideas about that, we’d be glad to hear from you.”
The O’Malley Library will no longer be open 24 hours a day. MATT SWEENEY / COURTESY
Historic Storm Causes Campus to Close Down __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 region, which means that there will be students, faculty, and staff who have no power and may be dealing with other issues from the storm, including lack of transportation to campus,” Schreiner wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. However, there was some confusion about whether or not professors were allowed to hold online classes. Bridget Chalk, Ph.D. explained the faculty received an email which she interpreted to mean that she was not supposed to host online classes that day. “All classes scheduled for today and this evening are cancelled,” the email from Schreiner read. “This is a regional event where many are without power and dealing with other issues (like flooding). We can not expect everyone to be fully available today. This means you can not ‘require’ your students to attend a ‘remote’ class.” Chalk explained she felt strongly about cancelling her classes, which she did at 8:30 a.m. before this email came out at 10:40 a.m. She said virtual learning did not make sense when so many people in the area would be without power or dealing with other issues caused by the storm, though she understands why other professors may have held them anyway. “I also was looking at the news and there’s been massive flooding, all through New York City and all through Westchester there’s tons of power outages, so I also knew that many commuters, one, would not be able to get to campus, and two, might not have access to the internet or to a computer,” she said. “So that all went into my decision before, before the provost email came through to not hold classes today.” Chalk also noted that the late guidance from administration made professor’s decisions more difficult. “I think that those professors who did decide to hold remote classes were being con-
scientious, in that they wanted to make sure that their students weren’t missing any time, and we’re very used to at this point holding remote classes,” Chalk said. “I think that there was a complicated framework for decision making and I explained my decision making to you, but I could see where some of my colleagues might make a different decision, particularly without explicit guidance from the administration beginning early [that] morning.” Helen Pfeffer was one of the professors who understood the provost’s email differently. As opposed to cancelling her class, Pfeffer held it on Zoom but did not penalize students if they did not attend. When asked about the decision to close campus, Pfeffer said, “I was not surprised. But I did feel that the information could have been gotten to us more quickly. I’m sure it was the right decision. But I thought we kind of learned about it, almost too late to make plans. I already had my plans for remote class in place. When I got the information from the Provost about everything being canceled, I decided to let things stand and just see how it shakes out.” Diego Lojano, a junior civil engineering major, usually takes an hour-long commute to campus by bus. However, traffic delays caused by flooding would’ve added nearly another hour to his commute had classes been held in-person. While Lojano did not have to worry about traveling to campus, he still had one concern: joining a class online. While two of his classes were cancelled, one of Lojano’s professors decided to hold class virtually, causing confusion. “The actual name of the email [from my professor] was like ‘all classes will be remote today’, so I’m pretty sure [attendance] is supposed to be mandatory,” Lojano said. Lojano expressed disappointment in the decision to hold class. “Not many people right now have either power or the resources, like me for example
Parts of Van Cortland Park were unde water as a result of the hurricane’s imapact MATT SWEENEY / COURTESY yesterday,” Lojano said. “My room got flooded, basically my whole apartment ... right now I’m at my aunt’s, but there’s other people that don’t have the resources, so they could have been stuck in the flood. Having them go to an online class while they have to worry about their belongings and all their stuff and stuff like that, I don’t think it’s optimal.” Some students have a more positive view on professors utilizing online learning in certain circumstances, such as Liam Sawyer, a junior computer engineering major. “Especially since going into junior year, it’s all my core classes now that I need,” said Sawyer. “It’s actual things that I need to know career-wise and everything. So that would have been nice to at least have an option for [remote class].” Brandan Samaroo, a senior electrical engineering major, felt the same way as Sawyer as he wanted the chance to get settled in during the first week of classes. “I think personally they should have done at least some classes virtually, just so that we kind of feel a grasp … we could have been even met for like 15
or 20 minutes, at least, just to sort of get to know our professors or just to get settled in a little bit more,” Samaroo said. “I know it wouldn’t be ideal but I think it would have been a little bit better.” The decision whether to integrate remote techniques, and how to communicate these choices, will be challenges
facing the college throughout its return to a fully in-person semester. With the growing threat of extreme weather, as a result of climate change or simply the mid-Atlantic winter, we will have to see what a snow day —or a post-flash flood day— looks like in the Zoom era.
Flooding from Hurrican Ida closed off many sections of Van Cortlandt Park MATT SWEENEY / COURTESY
4
Features
THE QUADRANGLE
Manhattan College Gets Thrifty
Adrianne Hutto & Isaiah Rosario
Asst. Production Editor & Staff Writer ATTENTION ALL THRIFTERS, Manhattan College is opening its very own thrift store on campus. “TurnStyle” will be coming to campus in late September and will provide students with an amazing thrifting experience within walking distance of their dorms. For those who do not know, thrifting allows shoppers to find new homes for once-beloved clothes and jewelry. Not only is thrifting an environmentally friendly alternative to fast fashion, but it also allows for more creativity and self-expression for less. Thrifted items have been loved by a previous owner, but are usually in good shape with enough life left to be useful to a new buyer. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students will all be invited to donate their lightly used clothes to either swap with other clothing items or just simply donate their clothing.
The event is organized by Student Engagement and Student Government. The idea was the brainchild of Student Body Vice President and founder of TurnStyle, Liola Moody. Moody brought TurnStyle to life because of her love for thrifting and her love for the Manhattan College community. Moody is currently a senior at Manhattan with a double major in both Political Science and International Studies. With this event, the new student body administration is already proving to be interested in providing engaging student life. Liola’s main reason for the creation of TurnStyle was to build something that would both help people around the community and to get students more involved on campus by bringing people’s love of thrifting to Manhattan College. “Since I was in Student Government since I was a freshman, I have always noticed that our community outreach could always be furthered, it is something that we could always build on,” Moody said. “The idea is at the end of the
determined cycle, all of the clothes from TurnStyle will be donated to High Schools in the Bronx Area for underprivileged students.” TurnStyle will be subject to 2 locations for the 2021-2022 academic year. The first-semester location will be on the 5th floor of Thomas Hall and then change location to Kelly Commons in the second semester. In regards to hours of operation, Moody explained that TurnStyle will follow a schedule much like that of a regular school day. “We will abide by all major religious holidays, anytime the school is closed we will be closed, and the hours of operation would be from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” Moody said. By the second semester, TurnStyle will open up part of the store to feature student products which will allow students to profit off the items they gave up. TurnStyle is opening up very soon and Moody is very excited to see her idea come to fruition. “I could not be more excited,” Moody said. “To be able to
present [my idea] and then not only to get greenlit and then have my space, then the president telling me that he really loves the idea, one it is very humbling but two it is an amazing amazing experience to see something that you created to get off the ground.” Additionally, there are many students on campus who are avid thrifters and eager to go to TurnStyle. Sophomore Alanna Cordero explained that she had yet to hear about the event coming to campus, however, this did not prevent her from being excited about the idea. “An on campus thrift shop seems not only like a great idea but a perfect example of providing accessible sustainable fashion to everyone whether they’re dorming or commuting,” Cordero said. Cordero also emphasized the importance of an event such as this for the thrifting community. “I think it’s going to create an affordable and fashionable way for students to express their individual sense of style and create a new space with
interests such as thrifting to meet,” Cordero said. “Oftentimes thrift stores start to get popular and it, one, becomes harder to find pieces and, two, takes away from those who depend on it, so it’s a perfect way to find sustainable fashion within the community.” Another Sophomore, Elena Willobee also explained that they were unaware this event would be taking place. After learning TurnStyle is coming to campus they explained how important this could be for Manhattan College. “I feel like thrifting has become a big thing and a very sustainable business so it’s great to see them expand,” Willobee said. Currently, TurnStyle is looking for student volunteers to help with the shop. For those in need of volunteer hours for any on-campus organizations, TurnStyle is looking for student workers. If you are interested in volunteering for Turn Style please contact Liola Moody.
has participated in a research opportunity via the William Thieke student research fellowship. Cefalu finds that all her experiences at the college contributed to her success. “I’m incredibly grateful to Manhattan for helping me with my public speaking skills and connecting me with professors that value my success,” Cefalu said. Fellow scholarship recipient Ayanna Horsford ‘23, a biology major and chemistry minor with a concentration in pre-health, was honored to have received the accolade and described her thoughts on the importance of alumni involvement in the lives of current students. “Alumni of Manhattan College [have] an idea of the financial struggles that may arise as a student,” Horsford said. “Manhattan College is an institution that provides several opportunities for students to succeed and prepare for life after graduation. I believe that once one graduates, it is important to be able to give back to the community that has given so much to you. It is extremely helpful to have someone [like James Patterson] that has taken the tools of Manhattan College to the next level support current students that are trying to do the same.” As a member of the college community, Horsford has been involved in numerous activities. She is an admissions tour guide and is the Scalpel Reporter for the pre-health honor society,
Alpha Epsilon Delta. Horsford also serves as the vice president of the Black Student Union and the social media coordinator for the American Chemical Society. Rachel Mojica ‘23, a biochemistry major, was originally born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States when she was 16. Ever since her high school days, she has been volunteering in local hospitals and health centers. She credits her volunteer experience as her motivation to become a doctor in the future. Additionally, Mojica has participated in the Her Honor Mentoring program and currently serves as the vice president for the American Chemical Society. She has also conducted research with faculty on bacterial infections to enhance her experience in medicine. Mojica also finds that alumni are very thankful for their
time at MC, describing how it reflects a positive image on the college community. “It shows they are grateful for the education they received at Manhattan,” Mojica said. “It decreases the financial burden for students which also decreases the academic strain they may face since they don’t have to worry as much about finances.” President Brennan O’Donnell also commented on the Patterson Scholars program and its significance to the student body and school community. “Jim and Susan Patterson have been among the strongest supporters of the College for many years and in many ways,” O’Donnell wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “The Patterson Scholars program grew from a question that Mr. Patterson had about what the College does to recognize and support
students whose performance in their first two years really stands out.” The program was designed around rewarding high-achieving students who excelled academically and were dedicated to pursuing their careers in the future. As O’Donnell describes, the program has awarded more than $1 million to 186 in its 10 years of existence. According to O’Donnell, the Pattersons plan to maintain this program for the foreseeable future. He is extremely grateful to the alumni of MC stating that they are a vital part of the college community. “Manhattan and all similar colleges depend on the generosity of alumni and friends,” O’Donnell said. “We are blessed to have so many people who, having received an excellent education and great support from the College, want to give back.”
James Patterson Scholarship Recipients
Lauren Raziano & Angelina Persaud Social Media Editor & Staff Writer
Famed author and philanthropist James Patterson has further enhanced the experiences of several Manhattan College students through his generous scholarship donations. Scholarship recipients are each awarded $5,000 based on various factors including merit, need and involvement in the Lasallian tradition. Scholars were invited to a meeting facilitated by the Office of the President and were then selected from a pool of candidates. Rosalia Cefalu, a junior business analytics major, was elated to receive the scholarship. “I felt proud of myself and extremely grateful,” Cefalu said. Cefalu emphasized the benefits of the scholarship program, stating that it gives the school and alumni a chance to acknowledge students for their efforts. Cefalu also stated that alumni giving back to their alma mater and investing in student success is a prime characteristic of Manhattan College’s history. Over the course of her college career, Cefalu has served as an officer for the Sigma Delta Tau sorority and even earned an additional scholarship for her active membership. She also works as a tour guide with the Admissions Office and
From left to right, this years recipients are Rosalia Cefalu ’23, Rachel Mojica ’23, and Anna Horsford’23. BRIAN ASAIRE / THE QUADRANGLE
Arts & Entertainment
Back to School Fashion Finds
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
5
FASHION FINDS
With classes back in session and students on campus, an outfit for class is no longer just the pajamas or sweatpants some have gotten used to wearing for online lectures. Being back in the classroom, students can now show off their personal style while getting back to a new normal. Interviews compiled by Kelly Kennedy.
Mars Ross ‘23, Communication
How would you describe your sense of style? “I would describe my style as eclectic and nostalgic. I love to collect all kinds of clothes that are unique and then find ways to fit them in my style. Even things that are ugly at first still have potential when styled right because they’re so unique!” Is there anyone who you look to for fashion inspiration? “I definitely look to the 60s/70s for fashion inspiration, I think fashion at this time had really fun shaping of garments and colors that make outfits more interesting. This was also the time when women felt they could dress more freely, with shorter skirts, crop tops, and higher heels especially platforms. I really appreciate their boldness to wear what they like and it inspires me a lot.” What is a staple item in your wardrobe? “I have so many items I love in my closet but I would have to say my favorite staple is my rainbow scarf. It’s hard to describe but all the different colors are woven together and create a really pretty fringe on the ends. I actually got this scarf from my mom who wore it in the 70s, which is why it’s so special to me. I like to wear it as a normal scarf, a shawl, or as a headband. It always adds some color to my outfits and makes me feel like a real hippie.” When going to class, would you say you dress more for comfort or do you dress to impress? “For class I always try to wear outfits that represent my style and make me feel confident. I try to stay comfortable as well though, I have to stop myself from wearing my favorite platform boots and wear more comfortable shoes even though I know the platforms look better! Shoes are the main thing I sacrifice for comfort because of all the walking we do on campus and especially because of all the stairs! Other than that, style rules over comfort for sure!” What is your go-to outfit for class? “My go-to outfit is normally boots, bell bottom pants and then whatever top and jacket I have in my closet that compliment the pants. Most of my clothes come from the thrift store or vintage clothing, so I have all kinds of unique tops and accessories that add to outfits, instead of just being a normal or boring piece that wouldn’t be noticed or appreciated.”
Reese Hollister ‘23, History
How would you describe your sense of style? “I’d describe my style as mostly loungewear. I like to stay cozy and comfortable in the home and when I go out.” Is there anyone who you look to for fashion inspiration? “I look up to my siblings for fashion inspiration, each of us have our own style that meshes well with our personalities. [My sister] Gemma glass blows so she has a lot of cute workwear, and [my brother] Rye works in a programming office so his look is clean with long pants and shirts of various materials.” What is a staple item in your wardrobe? “My staple item is terry cloth shorts, which is like a towel. They are supremely cozy and ludicrously breezy.” When going to class, would you say you dress more for comfort or do you dress to impress? “I dress for comfort rather than to present myself. My mantra is: look well, dress clean, feel good.” What is your go-to outfit for class? “For my go-to outfit, I’d have to go with my new Carhartt work shorts, which I bought from factory seconds for a discount despite no flaws, a belt and a white tee.”
Nicole Leone ‘23, Marketing
How would you describe your sense of style? “I would describe my style as trendy but also stylish because I don’t want to look like every other girl.” Is there anyone who you look to for fashion inspiration? “Yes, I look up to influencers a lot but recently I’ve been really into Addison Rae’s style. She is my age and she doesn’t just have one aesthetic, her style is an all around type of look going from cowgirl to y2k to casual to unique outfits.” What is a staple item in your wardrobe? “My staple item is definitely my hoop earrings because I feel like even if I’m just wearing a sweatshirt or a casual outfit then it can definitely dress it up and make it look more stylish.” When going to class, would you say you dress more for comfort or do you dress to impress? “When I was in highschool I used to always dress to impress and put makeup on everyday with a cute outfit in mind. But now that I’m in college I mostly dress comfy but cute.” What is your go-to outfit for class? “I’ll typically wear sweatpants with a cute crop top or when it’s hot I’ll wear a big t-shirt with biker shorts and nike socks. However, don’t be fooled by the way I look going to class because if you see me on the weekends I always try my best to pair a nice outfit together.”
the Quadrangle
Open Meetings Tuesdays 4 p.m. in Kelly 4.12. Looking for writers, photographers and graphic designers.
Feat
6
Students and Faculty Share Their Thought VOICES ON THE QUAD After Manhattan College has decided to require vaccination and conduct classes fully in person, students and faculty share their thoughts on returning to campus and their experience learning and teaching remotely. Interviews were conducted before MC’s decision to require masks indoors. Interviews compiled by Kiersten Thomas.
Juliette Cazzari, Junior
Communications major with a concentration in public relations What is your opinion on the decision to be back fully in person? I personally love the decision on going back to in-person classes. I feel that I did not do my best mentally when I was taking classes fully remote. I think the jump from online to fully in-person is difficult for some students, so I do think the option to be online should still be offered. However, I know that I will perform better with in-person classes and I would get more out of my time at Manhattan College by living on campus. What was learning remotely like for you? Learning remotely was difficult for me. Although my grades either stayed the same or improved, it was mentally draining to constantly be staring at a screen without any in-person social interactions. I am fortunate enough that I was able to receive the vaccine and I feel comfortable returning to campus. Are there any concerns about coming back given the COVID variants? I do have some concerns about the other COVID variants and the vaccine’s ability to fight them. I feel that MC will most likely have to return to a mask mandate eventually as the semester progresses. However, I still am optimistic and grateful to be back in person. What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to meeting new people, seeing my professors, and having a more ‘normal’ college experience.
Thom Gencarelli, Ph.d
Founding Chair and Professor of the Communication Department What is your opinion on the decision to be back fully in person? I think that it [education] works better when we are in the presence of one another when we’re together in that place … I’m happy that we’re going to be back the way we always did things … but I don’t think we’re back to normal yet … This is still happening, and I really worry that we’re going back into this, and it may all blow up again and I worry about that for my students and I worry about that for the institution. How was teaching remotely for you? I had two classes where I was perfectly comfortable with being remote, but I thought that the third class I should come in and that was because the third class was studio television production, and we needed the studio, we needed the equipment, we needed to work together as a crew, and the students needed to learn what they were expecting when they signed up for the class … I wound up doing all three classes remotely … I think, for the communication department, and those of us who are interested in communication and media, we learned some things about remote education, virtual education, online education that reinforced what we had suspected would happen. I think we learned some things that we did not necessarily anticipate. What challenges did you not anticipate? When I’m doing it [teaching] through this means, this medium, these devices, these apps, I’m fighting against all of the other things that my students come to see as the purpose and point of this means, this medium, these devices, these apps and all of the ways in which there are so many things that are so much more interesting than what we’re doing ... well, even beyond that, in a class of thirty people, I was seeing ten of them, and a bunch of black screens. Are there any concerns about teaching fully in person given the COVID variants? I think I’m going to go in wearing a mask and I’m wearing a mask, not because I’m worried about myself, I’m wearing a mask, not as a political statement, I’m wearing a mask because I care about other people. Even though I’m vaccinated, even though I’m asymptomatic, I could be a carrier … so, at the same time, I think when I’m in the room with people, I’m going to have to take it off … so I’ll take my mask off while I’m talking but other than that I don’t know what else we can do and what we should do and I think, again, we’d have to think of each other and respect each other and try to realize that we are all in this together. What are you looking forward to this semester? I’m looking forward to it working. I’m looking forward to beginning next Monday, and ending in December, and we get through it without any more calamity, we get through it without any more, just any more experience of what has been so unfortunate for everybody involved in what is the Manhattan College community. Is there anything else you would like to add? I am certainly done with sitting. I [am] lucky to have an office at home where I can close my door and do my work … but that is not my work life as I wanted to live in and that’s been it for every single thing I do, whether it’s teaching my classes, meeting with students, doing my research and writing, conferences, everything has been sitting in front of this damn screen, and looking at myself, which I really don’t like either.
tures
THE QUADRANGLE
ts on Returning to Campus Fully In-Person Chelsea Fedigan, Junior Business Analytics major
What is your opinion on the decision to be back fully in person? I definitely think it's time that we're fully in person. I was a little surprised when they didn't offer any remote classes, because I know some schools have done the hybrid and certain classes are remote. I was a little surprised about that but I was planning on living on campus regardless. I would have appreciated the option for remote classes but I can understand why they want everyone back on campus, it's totally understandable. What was learning remotely like for you? It worked really well for me actually. I think all of my professors handled hybrid classes really well and they made sure that they were interacting with remote students as well as the in person students. So I had a really positive experience with it. I think if anything it made it easier to go to office hours or to be more interactive with people and even breakout rooms. I know that it's not like everyone's favorite thing but I thought that it was just an easier way to communicate with people. Are there any concerns about coming back fully in person given the COVID-19 variants? I'm really happy that I saw, I think 85 percent of students are fully vaccinated, I'm surprised that they're not requiring masks indoors, I was planning on doing that regardless, but I guess it would make me feel like 100 percent safe if they did require masks indoors. So I'm a little concerned about that but I'm making my own decisions to protect myself. What are you looking forward to this semester? I'm really excited to just see everyone in person again because since I was remote all last year like I would do Google meets with my friends and stuff like that, but it's just been so long since I've seen everyone in person … I think in person classes are going to be more interactive hopefully than remote classes so I'm just excited for the conversations again.
Michael Grabowski, Ph.d
Chair and Associate Professor of the Communication Department What is your opinion on the decision to be back fully in person? The good news is that as long as people are vaccinated, the rates of transmission and the rates of illness are much, much lower. So I suspect that we will be a population that does not get sick as much as the surrounding community, we have to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated to beat this virus, but in the meantime, we're taking precautions and I'm recommending that people mask up when they're together indoors for a long period of time. How was teaching remotely for you? Most of our classes were taught remotely. I had two rules. For the pandemic, the number one rule above all else was to keep people alive and so we wanted to make sure that we prioritize the safety of the students and especially before vaccines were available, we were very concerned about that, and then of course, the second rule under that rule was to try to provide the best education we could, considering the circumstances. What difficulties did teaching remotely pose for you? I'd say the most difficult part of doing this is a lot of our work, especially in production, it’s hands-on and so trying to convey that information over a screen proved to be challenging. I ended up building a three camera studio in my home office and so I was able to do live demonstrations through that so that helped a bit, but not being able to help students work with equipment was challenging. What are you looking forward to this semester? I'm looking forward to seeing people … just seeing people on campus is just such a joy … we're here for students and I'm glad we were still able to offer education last year, but seeing heads and shoulders and screens and sometimes just letters, sometimes people will turn off the cameras on the screen. That was just so disheartening and so to have people together, working together in the same space, that's going to be a real joy for this year.
Megan Amore, Sophomore Communications major
What is your opinion on the decision to be back fully in-person? I think it is a good idea to be back fully in person though with the rise of new covid variants, anything being “back to normal” is a bit nerve wracking. I think it is important to be all together as a community, as long as there are measures to keep everyone safe, and I am excited for that to happen after being remote all of last year. I do feel more comfortable and safe coming to campus and learning in person knowing that the college required vaccination. What was learning remotely like for you? Learning remotely was challenging but I didn’t mind it. Sometimes it was tough to stay focused but my professors did everything they could to make remote learning feel normal and inclusive. I am looking forward to in person classes but I will definitely miss being able to wake up five minutes before class, turn my camera on and be ready without having to even leave my room. Are there any concerns about coming back given the COVID variants? New covid variants have definitely raised some concerns for me, and I’m sure for many others but I trust there will be enough safety measures on campus to feel protected, and knowing essentially everyone on campus is vaccinated eases most of my concerns. What are you looking forward to this semester? I am looking forward to so much this semester! Though it will not be my first year of college, it will be my first year living on campus so I am excited to get involved in things, meet new people, and really become part of the Manhattan College community.
7
Arts & Entertainment
THE QUADRANGLE
Jasper Jams: First Week of Class Completed! JASPER JAMS
Emily Rumsey Staff Writer
The first week of classes is finally over! Whether your classes went really well or if you ended up dropping some it’s all in the past now, and it’s time to celebrate the first weekend of class! The songs for this week are all boppy, carefree jams to unwind and motivate yourself for the semester. So whether you need an uplifting boost after some syllabi were a few pages longer than expected, or if you’re looking for a fun soundtrack for your weekend, look no further than the songs in this column! The Feeling - Sammy Rae and the Friends Sammy Rae and the Friends only seem to produce hits, a conclusion supported by my intense dive into their music over the summer. I also recently found out that Sammy Rae is a former Manhattan College student in a great article printed last week (which is available to read at mcquad. org). The jazzy tones of their music and the incredibly talented horn section are some of the main draws to Sammy Rae, and “The Feeling” is a great introduction to the incredible intersection of jazz and rock and roll. In addition, “The Feeling” is a fun jam that reminds you that loving yourself is an important part of relationships,
lest you get too lost in everyone else’s feelings. Diddy Bop - Noname, Cam O’bi, Raur y “Diddy Bop” is a slower song than the others in this playlist, but the message that comes out of it is one of motivation and excitement for the future. This song represents seeing the bright side of things, and remembering the good times when looking to the future might get too difficult. Noname wrote this song about the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, which might not be expected considering the reputation of Chicago and being unsafe. However, it represents what just a change in perspective can do to one’s outlook. Doses & Mimosas Cherub A classic party song always gets you in a good mood. Released in 2014 off of Cherub’s album “Year of the Caprese”, “Doses & Mimosas” has all of the great qualities of a mid 2010’s hit. The song combines a fun use of synths and a bright, poppy chorus. This song is about just letting the party take you along as it progresses, promoting a go with the flow attitude. An important attitude to keep present while we enter the beginning of the Fall semester. Tungs - The Frights If you were on Tiktok
around summer of 2019 you might recognize this song. I chose this song almost entirely because of the summer vibes. Maybe not all of us are ready to commit to the new semester and are trying to hold on to as much summer as possible. This song has a groovy bass line that invites you into the song and then keeps your attention with funky lyrics and bright drums. This song is definitely my first choice if I need to relax in the Quad between classes. Dang! - Mac Miller, Anderson .Paak If you like Mac Miller you probably know this song. This is one of my favorite songs by Mac Miller because of how upbeat and groovy it is. The song was composed by Anderson .Paak and also features him on the track. This song almost has a big band feel, with the great use of horns throughout the song. I would definitely recommend putting this song on if you need an extra skip in your step when heading to class or the library. Animal Spirits - Vulfpeck This song came up in the recommendations while making this playlist, so I’m not as familiar with Vulfpeck. However, this song instantly hooked me with the almost jolly piano intro. This song is called “Animal Spirits”, which is a reference to the animal spirits of the Zodiac. The song is about a love story
between someone who likes astrology and someone who does not believe in it. If you’re one of those people that rolls their eyes when someone asks you for your star sign, this song might not be for you. Disco Man - Remi Wolf Remi Wolf started releasing music in 2019, but really exploded in 2020 with her song “Photo ID”. The song gained quick popularity on TikTok, and was featured in the Netflix show “Grand Army”. On that same EP, “Disco Man” is another great hit by Remi Wolf. The song is less electronic than “Photo ID”, and gives Wolf a chance to show off her powerful vocals. This song’s upbeat groove makes it a great song to have an impromptu dance party to, which could be a great source of stress reduction throughout the semester. Guru - Coast Modern This song literally screams summer and relaxation. Pairing that vibe with a chill beat and a sprinkle of elevator music (in the best way), and you have “Guru” by Coast Modern. Coast Modern, a duo based out of Los Angeles, wrote “Guru” about a man struggling to decide whether or not to change for the woman he is seeing, who he is just in awe of. This song is great if you’re looking for something to listen to while walking to and from class, or a study jam. However, it does also
work great as a song to sing in the shower, if that is more up your stress relieving alley. Champagne Supernova Spree Wilson Spree Wilson is someone who I had never heard of before finding this cover. The cover is of “Champagne Supernova” by Oasis, but Wilson manages to take the song and make it sound completely his own. He did this by using a more hip hop beat, and sprinkling in references to The Fugees and A Tribe Called Quest, as well as changing the melody a bit to solidify it into his style. Not only is Wilson extremely talented for making such a great cover, the cover is also super fun to listen to. The song is upbeat, jazzy, and makes for a great song to hype yourself up for class. Gotta Get Away - Vista Kicks Vista Kicks is a rock and roll band from Northern California, outside Sacramento. Their tone definitely seems to be influenced by that West Coast state of mind, and “Gotta Get Away” is no exception. The song has a groovy guitar line that you just can’t help but bop to, and the beach vibes are off the charts. This song was chosen almost entirely because my mind’s eye saw a relaxing drive along a coastal highway when it popped up on my Spotify feed, and I think all of us could use a fun coastal drive right now.
Scan here to listen to The Quadrangle’s playlist!
Arts & Entertainment
8
THE QUADRANGLE
Student Engagement’s Movies on the Quad Returns with Event Hosted by Black Student Union and Sigma Delta Tau Kyla Guilfoil & Karen Flores
Asst. News Editor & Staff Writer Manhattan College’s Black Student Union (BSU) and Sigma Delta Tau (SDT) the college’s sorority, teamed up to host a Movie on the Quad last Friday night. This is the first Movie on the Quad that the BSU and SDT have co-hosted at MC. Ashley Baptiste, senior and co-president of the BSU, told the Quadrangle that she had discussions throughout the summer with SDT’s VP of Diversity and Inclusion, Jilleen Barrett, about co-hosting events this semester. “A long-term goal of BSU has been to increase collaboration with different clubs on campus,” said Baptiste. “Jilleen and I met to discuss what events we would like to see on campus and for BSU and SDT. We decided on an educational event and a community engagement event. When I heard that Student Engagement was hosting weekly movie nights, I thought it was a wonderful way for us to get involved and start off the semester right.” Baptiste explained that the specific movie, “Soul,” was chosen by herself and Barrett after the two received a list of movies from Student Engagement. The pair mutually agreed that the film was a perfect choice to start off the movie series on the Quad. Soul, a 2020 Pixar movie, tells the story of a middle school teacher named Joe
Gardner whose life passion is jazz but has struggled to create a stable and successful career out of it. When he is given the opportunity of a lifetime, he takes a fall that leads to him going to a different realm where he works towards getting his old life back. “The movie ‘Soul’ teaches the lesson that even though the future is unclear we should accept change with an open mind,” Baptiste told The Quadrangle. “In lieu of the current transition that we are all enduring from a virtual to an in-person environment, this movie is a perfect fit.” In addition to the movie, there were activities on the quad from 7 pm to 8pm, with the movie beginning at 8. These activities included music provided by David Morris and Clockwork DJ, games of cornhole, as well as hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages that were available to all students. Both resident and commuter students were present, mingling as music played waiting for the movie to begin. Students sat together on blankets and park chairs relaxing after the ending of the first week of classes on campus. As the sun began to set, sparklers were handed out to students to celebrate the event. “Buzzing, mate!” Brandon Joseph-Buadi, a marketing major, said in regards to how he felt about the event. “Both are great organizations. All for it!” he told the Quadrangle as he and his friends sat on the grass listening to the music and waiting with anticipation for the start of the movie.
“I think movie nights are a cool way to bring people together and enjoy a fun movie. I’m excited to watch ‘Soul’ since I’ve never seen it before,” said Ryan Truhn, mechanical engineering student. Truhn was sitting with friend Julia Ettere, who graduated in 2021, who told that Quadrangle that she was “excited to be here to support BSU and the sorority and to enjoy a nice night on the quad.” Throughout the event, students chatted, ate and celebrated the end of their first week of classes. “I think the transition from online learning to in-person learning has been hard on everyone,” said Baptiste. “It is exciting to see friends and professors again but change is challenging. Events in which you can bring the campus and community together to celebrate the beginning of a new semester are crucial. This semester has begun with full speed and students need a second to step back and enjoy this return to being fully in-person and spend time with friends and fellow students.” The next event to be co-hosted by BSU and SDT will be a resume-building workshop later on in the fall semester. For further information on this event and any other events hosted by the BSU or SDT, reach out to bsu@manhattan. edu or sigmadeltatau@manhattan.edu
Students sat together on blankets and park chairs relaxing after the ending of the first week of classes on campus. KAREN FLORES / COURTESY
Editor’s Note: Jilleen Barrett serves as Arts & Entertainment Editor and Managing Editor for the Quadrangle.
Manhattan College’s Black Student Union (BSU) and Sigma Delta Tau (SDT) the college’s sorority, teamed up to host a Movie on the Quad last Friday night.
KAREN FLORES / COURTESY
Sports
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
9
Trio of Minor Leaguers are Best Ambassadors for Jaspers Pete Janny Sports Editor
Manhattan College is not known as a hotbed for baseball talent. Still, that doesn’t mean they don’t churn out professional baseball players when the opportunity calls for them. The last player from Manhattan College to play in Major League Baseball was Mike Parisi, a pitcher from Huntington, New York. In 12 appearances in 2008 for the St. Louis Cardinals, Parisi pitched to the tune of a 8.22 ERA in 23 innings. He never made it back to the big leagues after that inaugural campaign but the symbolism of his arrival has given validation to the dreams of the next generation of Jasper baseball players. In today’s game, the Manhattan baseball legacy has received a boost from three recent alums. Parisi may have already reached the end goal— appearing in Major League Baseball—but Joe Jacques, Tom Cosgrove and Fabian Pena are the present and future of baseball royalty linked to the college. All three players currently reside on different rungs on the minor league ladder – an industry that has become increasingly hard to survive in thanks to a significant cut of minor league affiliate teams
during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a textbook example of survival of the fittest that has made the journey for the trio of Jaspers all the more inspiring. And it’s an easy arrangement to remember: Pena in Single-A, Cosgrove in Double-A and Jacques in Triple-A. A native of Cuba, Pena was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 25th round in 2018 and started this season in Triple-A Sacramento, where he hit two home runs. The rest of his time has come at Single-A San Jose, where has four home runs and 13 runs batted in across 26 games. A three-time All-MAAC selection while at Manhattan, Pena left school after his junior year to pursue greener pastures in the pros. He remains third in school history with 58 doubles and 10th with his 18 home runs according to Go Jaspers. The Giants organization has a heralded catching corps starting with future Hall of Famer Buster Posey in San Francisco and then Joey Bart in Triple-A, with Pena primed to be a reliable depth piece for the organization for a long time. Jacques, a 33rd round pick of the Pirates in 2018 who hails from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, has put the Pirates on notice with his ability to get outs in relief. He has compiled a 3.77 earned runs average in 2021 across 31 games for the Indi-
Former Jasper pitcher Tom Cosgrove is working his way up the San Diego Padres farm system and is now with Double-A San Antonio. RIVERDALE PRESS / COURTESY
anapolis Indians, the Triple-A team for the Pirates. “I’m a sidearm lefty reliever which isn’t very common, so I just focus on being in tune with my body and mechanics,” Jacques told the Quad. “Being loose and athletic in my pitching delivery are two of my keys.” Jacques’ path to Triple-A was a fast climb, getting a taste of three separate levels of the Pirates system in 2019 before earning the call to Triple-A to start the 2021 season. The oneyear hiatus from minor league ball in 2020 was a chance for Jacques to reset and double down on his efforts to show he belongs in the big leagues. “I really took advantage of the time I had to develop in a better ball player,” Jacques said of the pandemic’s blessing in disguise. “It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself when life puts you in a position like that, especially because every day counts in baseball, but I know this was the opportunity to take the next steps in my career.” The revolving door of relief pitchers that has become common practice in the Major Leagues would benefit any prospect like Jacques. The long season—163 games to be exact—is a crucible for injuries and inconsistent performance that makes the demand for relievers even higher. Especially a struggling team like the Pirates will crack open their trove of talented prospects this September when rosters expand, although not to the extent of the full 40-man roster like past seasons, according to the Portland Press Herald “I think about pitching in the big leagues every day and that won’t change until I get there,” said Jacques, who referenced the 2013 National League Wild Card game, a 6-2 win over the Reds, as an example of what baseball means to Pittsburgh. Just as Jacques will be vying for one of a few roster spots with the Pirates, Cosgrove will be doing the same with the San Diego Padres, who have fallen out of contender status during the second half of the season. Cosgrove, a native of Staten Island who was a 12th round pick of the Padres in 2017, has increased his stock expeditiously by putting together his best pro season in his fourth campaign. In 17 games for the Double-A San Antonio Missions, he has pitched to 2.18 ERA with 26 strikeouts to only six walks. Cosgrove credits his new role as to why he’s making great strides in his first season
Former Jasper catcher Fabian Pena currently resides at Single-A San Jose in San Francisco Giants farm system. RIVERDALE PRESS / COURTESY against Double-A hitters. His mental preparation has also had an impact. “I was hurt for a while and it made me just want to be out there and not be too concerned with results… I’ve been playing better because of it,” Cosgrove told the Quad. “I’ve also moved to the bullpen instead of being a starter which I think is a much better fit.” The transition from starter to reliever is an adjustment for arm activity at first, but it’s one that Cosgrove seems to be embracing. He does not need to be the starting ace like he was during his time in Riverdale— still sixth in school history with 225 strikeouts—to still get outs and make a living doing what he loves. After all, baseball has been a constant for most of his life. “I’ve always known I was going to play until I couldn’t,” Cosgrove said. “I didn’t necessarily always dream of playing professionally, baseball was just something I liked to do. It became a goal my freshman year of college.” Besides just getting an opportunity, Cosgrove also learned new pitching strategies since joining the Padres Organization. In some cases it meant defying convention in
order to execute pitches better. “I am a completely different pitcher than I was in college,”Cosgrove said. “I would say the main thing is how I use different parts of the zone to attack hitters. I use the top part of the zone now, rather than the bottom which is how I was conventionally taught growing up.” Playing professional baseball is never always a smooth upward trajectory. The unknown of injuries, such as Cogrove’s elbow surgery before the pandemic, and the need to make adjustments at your position is easier said than done. But it’s hard work that is the engine behind it all, and a necessary lesson to pass down to those with similar dreams as you. “If you’re good enough, someone will find you,” Cosgrove said. “The scouts that are hired to find players are good at their job and they’ll find you.” As Jacques says “you have to believe in yourself even if no one else does.” What else they’ll find is the small school that made it happen for you. “Manhattan’s a great place and it’s good for people around the country to hear about it,” Cosgrove said.
Sports
10
THE QUADRANGLE
Gallagher Poised for Success in New Role Whit Anderson Staff Writer
Manhattan cross country is eager to make their return for a full season this fall after the pandemic wiped out last year’s campaign. However, the return to normalcy also brings a change in leadership. Kerri Gallagher, the team’s head coach since 2016, will now take the reins from Matthew Centrowitz as the director of the cross country program. Gallagher, the runner, first made a name for herself at the 2016 Team U.S.A Olympic Trials. Her dedication to the sport has only strengthened over the years, including learning the ins and outs of coaching under Matt Centrowitz at American University and then Manhattan College. “Working with Matt was a great experience and opened a lot of doors for me,” Gallagher said of Centrowitz’s role as a coaching mentor. “I’m so grateful for the time I had with him as his athlete and coaching with him. As the years went by and my role changed with our transition to Manhattan, it was cool to see how I went from working for him and learning from him to working collaboratively with him to build a program. We both had a lot of fun with that.” The news of Centrowitz stepping down as director came as a surprise to some after only
being hired by Manhattan in 2018. However, Gallagher made it clear the decision was in the best interest for all parties involved, paving the way for the next era of Manhattan cross country. “It was not very surprising since we both knew the time would come at some point,” Gallagher stated. “The way we both looked at it, he is at the end of his coaching career and I’m at the beginning of mine. Without knowing exactly how long we would work together at Manhattan, we both knew in the long run we were preparing for the next step. I’m excited for him as he moves on to new ventures outside of college coaching.” On top of being promoted to director, Gallagher was also appointed to the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Committee. In this role, she will have major influence in track and cross country’s operations, which in turn will hopefully set up Manhattan runners with a better future. “ I’ll be working alongside some of the best coaches and administrators in the sport to work toward creating the best possible championship experience for the student-athletes of the NCAA,” Gallagher said of her expectations for the committee. “I am looking forward to building relationships, learning from my peers and
contributing to the growth and development of the sport that has given me so much over the years.” Although Gallagher now has two major responsibilities—directing the program and working for the committee—coaching this program will be at the forefront of Gallagher’s focus in the grand scheme of things. On the women’s side, one name to look out for is Andria Scaglione. She had a great freshman year in making AllMAAC, as well as finishing first in every meet she ran in. Now a junior, Scaglione will likely be a common fixture among the top finishers at meets this season. On the men’s side, Pelle Nogueira is a name to watch as he enters his final season as a graduate student. He was the Jaspers’ top finisher at the 8K MAAC Championships en route to earning All-MAAC honors last time out. Other athletes to look out for include Liam Farrell, Michael Hennelly, Nicola Scaglione, Rory Graham, along with nine incoming athletes joining the cross country roster this season. Every runner will have a chance to make a name for themselves as the season progresses. “I’m excited to get back to normal training and racing,” Gallagher said. “With all the uncertainty last year, we had to be very flexible and in some
Despite not recruiting him, Anderson gave Roberts a fair share of chances to contribute but ultimately not enough to keep him around. Additionally, the arrival of Fordham transfer Joel Soriano made Roberts the odd man out in the rotation for St. John’s. That’s where the Jaspers come into the picture. It’s no secret Steve Masiello has been increasingly active on the transfer market over the last two seasons after acquiring Ant Nelson and others in 2020. The Jaspers beat out teams like LSU, Central Florida, and South Florida among others for Roberts’ services, with the allure of New York City making the Jaspers stand out. “He said he was gonna push me to get better every day and he has,” Roberts said of Masiello. From Masiello’s standpoint, bringing Williams on board feels like a throwback. When Manhattan won back-toback MAAC Championships in 2014 and 2015 under Masiello, Rhamel Brown and Ashton Pankey gave the Jaspers a deadly duo in the frontcourt. This time around Roberts and Warren Willaims could be a modern-day version of that mis-
match for opponents. On paper, Roberts and Williams complement each other well. Williams is an adept finisher on offense but has had to work hard to improve his defense since debuting in 2018. Meanwhile Roberts needed a learning curve, too, but in his case offense was the weaker aspect. “He’s [Masiello] going to help me offensively so I can be more of a threat,” Roberts said. If last season was a sign of things to come, then the best of Williams and Roberts may still await. Each player excelled in multiple facets, such as shot-blocking and field goals percentage, with Williams leading the Jaspers and Roberts pacing St. John’s in the latter category last season. The possibilities in the frontcourt should make every Jasper fan excited heading into the season. “I think it’s gonna be unstoppable honestly because his work ethic is like mine,” Roberts said of the exciting tandem he and Williams look to create. “We both have a dog mentality so the workouts we have I push him but he always pushes me too.” Going from the Big East to the MAAC should also give the
Kerri Gallagher, the team’s head coach since 2016, will now take the reins from Matthew Centrowitz as the director of the cross country program. GO JASPERS / COURTESY areas take the pressure off. I of the late great Ed Bowes, the think now the team is ready to legendary Lou Vazquez will diput some of that pressure back rect this meet and has a deal in on and go after some big goals.” place with HOKA to carry the The Manhattan College weight for sponsorships. Cross Country Invitational Gallagher is another big will also be making a return name who will help oversee the this October after being can- annual meet, which has special celed last Fall. This meet, held meaning for her. across the street at Van Cort“The Manhattan College landt Park, hosts hundreds of Cross Country Invitational is high schools from all over the one of the biggest and most Northeast with thousands of competitive high school races young runners competing. in the country,” Gallagher said. With such a big event, the “It takes a lot of planning, dedplanning process is never too ication and creativity to put on early to get started on. In place such a large event.”
Roberts Finds Golden Opportunity with Jaspers Whit Anderson Staff Writer
Same city, new threads. That’s the life Josh Roberts is living after relocating from Queens to the Bronx this summer. Roberts is one of the prized additions to the men’s basketball team this season after spending three seasons at St. John’s. But regardless of which borough he’s playing in, Roberts is proud of his connection to New York City. It’s that positive aura that will endear himself to the Manhattan fan base. Roberts’ family is from New York but he grew up in Alabama. His journey to playing college hoops in the Big Apple came by way of Montverde Academy, the prep school powerhouse that has produced a slew of NBA players from Joel Embiid to D’Angelo Russell to this year’s first overall pick Cade Cunningham. Coming from a school with that basketball pedigree groomed Roberts for the next level at St. John’s. He appeared in three seasons for the Johnnies, and played under two coaches in Chris Mullin and incumbent Mike Anderson.
experienced Roberts a leg up. While physical and intense in its own right, the MAAC however is not known to be a league traditionally built on the success of post players, as opposed to the bigger conferences. Having two of them in the 6-foot-9 Roberts and 6-foot-9 Williams could make for a devastating combination for the Jaspers on any night. The fresh start at Manhattan is unfinished business for Roberts in many ways. Considering both St. John’s and Manhattan’s struggles for much of the last half decade, the same individual and team goals left unchecked at St. John’s for
Roberts will now be applied to his new situation in Manhattan. Him and his new teammates are intent on doing what it takes to bring winning basketball back to Draddy like old times. “We came here to be great individuals and to also be a great team so we talk about it frequently,” Roberts said. Roberts and Marquette transfer Jose Perez expect to have plenty to say about the future direction of Manhattan basketball. However, it will be a long grind back to the top if they can indeed pull it off. “We can never forget the mission of what we all came here to do.”
Josh Roberts will don the Kelly Green and White uniforms this season after playing three seasons at St. John’s. STORM THE PAINT / COURTESY