Issue 3, Spring 2018 - The Quadrangle

the Quadrangle THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924

Volume XCVII, Issue 3

www.mcquad.org

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

Mentors and Mentees Gather to Share Wisdom and Dinner

On Feb. 1 students and their mentors gathered together to celebrate a successful year of learning through mentorship in Kelly Commons. See the full story on page 4.

KELLY GROGAN / THE QUADRANGLE

Manhattan Chimes in on President Trump’s SOTU Jess Solan Staff Writer

On Jan 30., President Trump delivered his first State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. Trump’s’ presidency has always sparked a lot of controversy, and onlookers are not typically sure what to expect from him.

“Presidents usually use the State of the Union address to highlight their accomplishments of the previous year and set forth their legislative priorities for the coming year.

So while the current president is not as conventional as past presidents, I still figured that he would take this opportunity to do just that,” said Pamela Chasek, Ph.D., a professor in the government department.

“He really didn’t set too many legislative priorities in any amount of detail, with the exception of the four-point immigration plan,” mentioned

Chasek, “Unlike previous Republican presidents, he did not urge caution on budget deficits at all. He also didn’t address a number of issues including Russian election meddling, climate change, gun violence, the #MeToo movement, or China.”

While he did include other social issues in his address, Trump seemed to focus more around economics.

“We enacted the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history,” Trump included.

Though members of the democratic party were not expecting Trump to address topics that were considered more liberal issues, they were still disappointed to see that he did not. __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Heating Issues on Campus Continue To Worry Students and Faculty John Garry Contributor

Multiple members of the Manhattan College community have spoken about their dissatisfaction with the heating and cooling systems on campus.

Chrysostom Hall, Leo Hall, and O’Malley Library were all singled out as being particularly uncomfortable.

“I haven’t had a class there since freshman year but… [Leo Hall] was usually very warm inside,” said junior Rory Hannigan. The resident of Horan Hall continued, “In the dorms we have heating and cooling units that we have control over.”

However, not every student is happy with the heating in their dorms. “The heating in Chrysostom is way worse,” said Aristides Lourdas, a freshman who lives in Chrysostom Hall. “There is none, most of the time. It’s so darn cold at night.”

Richard McKeown, direc-

The heat levels in Leo Hall have students and faculty concerned.

ANJA POLLOZI / THE QUADRANGLE tor of Physical Plant, was asked about the issues students and faculty have been experiencing.

“Physical Plant does its best to adhere to the New York City guidelines for tenants which states: Heat must be provided between Oct. 1 and May 31, i.e.

‘Heat Season,’ under the following conditions: [during the daytime] the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 de-

IN FEATURES: Inside the new Fuerza Latina’s first meeting of the bible study group on p. 8 semester on p. 3

IN NEWS:

grees fahrenheit. [During the nighttime], the inside temperature is required to be at least 62 degrees fahrenheit.”

McKeown had a series of screenshots of the boiler control software. The temperature in O’Malley Library, Chrysostom Hall and Leo Hall are recorded as hovering around 69 degress fahrenheit throughout the day and night.

IN A&E:

MSA celebrates World Hijab Day on p. 7

However, these figures reflect only the temperature at the location of the system sensors. Due to a variety of reasons the temperature in different parts of the building may be higher or lower.

McKeown brought up a few factors that might throw off the heating and cooling system on campus. “Portable heaters… throw off the many individual sensors trying to regulate heating zones. This plays havoc to our systems causing systems to shut off prematurely, so some areas remain cold. When physical plant tries to adjust for this, some zone will then overheat.”

Oftentimes measures taken by students and faculty to regulate the temperature may be counterproductive in the long run, according to McKeown.

“Many times the problem can be a window has not been closed properly, or a radiator valve has been closed by the previous occupant. This happens mostly in classrooms.”

New York City natives will

recognize this as a familiar problem. Due to the heating laws described above and the complexities involved in the heating of large buildings, residents of New York often find themselves unable to control the heat in their offices, classrooms, and apartments.

McKeown stressed the continued efforts made by the physical plant staff to maintain the Manhattan College campus, and their commitment to the Manhattan College community.

“We handle each complaint with a personal approach, when our firemen on shift is made aware of an issue he will respond and inspect the area in question. Overall I believe most areas are comfortable.

Physical plant staff is dedicated to our community. Our preventive maintenance program continues to grow to keep all our thousands of systems running.”

IN SPORTS:

Behind the scenes with event staff on p. 10

Opinion & Editorials

2

the Quadrangle Volume XCVII, Issue 3 FEBRUARY 6, 2018

The Editorial Board

Taylor Brethauer Editor-in-Chief Stephen Zubrycky Managing Editor Jack Melanson News Editor

Haley Burnside Joseph Liggio Asst. News Editors

Megan Dreher Features Editor

Lauren Schuster Asst. Features Editor

Rose Brennan Arts & Entertainment Editor Managing Editor

Alexa Schmidt Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor

John Jackson Sports Editor

C. Garrett Keidel Asst. Sports Editor

RikkiLynn Shields Catherine Goodyear Social Media Editors

Anja Pollozi Photography Editor

Alyssa Velazquez Production Editor

Samantha Walla Asst. Production Editor

Gabriella DePinho Michevi Dufflart Web Editors

Mohsin Ahmed Shannon Gleba Copy Editors

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

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

Join The Quadrangle The Quadrangle’s staff holds weekly open meetings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in Kelly Commons Room 412. All are welcome to come and join the club.

Connect with The Quadrangle

mcquad.org @mcquad @mcquad mcquad

THE QUADRANGLE

Letter to the Editor Timothy Hamling writes:

In the summer of 2015, I flew south to Texas for a week with the college’s L.O.V.E. program. Our reason for this journey was to volunteer as Camp Counselors at a small children’s camp in Meridian, Texas that specializes in providing an amazing camp experience for children with severe medical issues. The week we went, each camper in attendance had some form of kidney disease, with issues ranging from transplants to dialysis to varying levels of kidney failure.

The name of the camp is Camp Reynal, which is a play-onwords of the medical term for kidney illness, “renal disease.”

Because of grants from the National Kidney Foundation, Camp Reynal did not charge any money at all for the campers. Each child attended for free and received all the medical support they needed at no charge. Our purpose at camp was to make sure the kids could focus on having fun and forget about their illnesses.

After spending a week with the campers and seeing how strong they were despite life’s setbacks, we were devastated to leave at the end of camp and return to New York. Even after such a short time spent at camp, I knew I wanted to return. The next year, I led the trip back to Texas.

We were upset to learn in the fall of 2016 that Campus Ministry was replacing the L.O.V.E. Texas trip with a new one. Not only would we be unable to help at camp again, but without a group of students from Manhattan College, Camp Reynal would be understaffed, and would have to limit the number of campers they allowed that summer. We were devastated. Without the L.O.V.E. program’s help, Camp Reynal would have to deny camp access to a large number of campers. Because of this, I felt that it was important to take another group of Jaspers back to Texas so that we could volunteer again.

Despite the tremendous setback, we still did everything we could to send a group to volunteer at camp the following summer.

Even without support from the school, we were still able to gather interest in a small group of students, and come the summer, we found ourselves flying south once more with old faces and new ones too.

This semester, we began a campaign to raise awareness about our trip to Texas. Unfortunately, the chances of L.O.V.E. Texas being resurrected are very unlikely, so we decided to have our own info sessions and created an instagram page to show the wonders of Camp Reynal to the rest of the MC community. If anyone is interested in learning more about camp, or has questions about the experience, I encourage you to attend our info session happening on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 3:15 p.m. in the Social Action Suite on the 2nd floor of Kelly. If you would like to stay updated, feel free to follow us on Instagram, @jasperstaketexas.

Camp Reynal is important to the hundreds of kids that attend every summer and I would love for as many Jaspers to experience the magic of camp for themselves firsthand.

T IMOT HY HAMLING is a senior computer sciene major from North Haven, Conn. He is also a senior writer for The Quadrangle.

SUBMIT YOUR OWN LET T ER

Letters to the Editor 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.

CORRECT IONS In the article “Sophomore Brenton Foster Jumping to New Heights”, the photo caption was for the previous week’s article about the women’s basketball team. The picture was actually Foster and his coach after a meet.

News

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

3

Fuerza Latina’s First Meeting of the Semester Lauren Schuster Asst. Editor

This past Wednesday, the board and members of Fuerza Latina held a meeting to discuss the club’s upcoming events and plans for the spring semester. After going over the club’s upcoming events, Isabel Quinones, the club’s vice president, encouraged all of the members in attendance to share any ideas that they had that could improve the club and help it grow.

“We are still kind of regrowing [as a club] and we’re small still, but I think we could be really big with the help of just branching out and having different events,” Quinones said.

First in their lineup of events for the semester is a lecture given in Spanish by the catcher for the New York Yankees, Gary Sanchez, which Fuerza Latina is co-sponsoring with the help of Student Engagement. “[Gary Sanchez] went through a lot to get here and he’s so successful and I think a lot of students can kind of look up to his success and know that [they] can do something amazing too,” Quinones said.

Another upcoming event being planned by the club is a screening of a documentary called “Don’t Tell Anyone,” which is about a young woman who is an undocumented immigrant and a recipient of DACA. “[The film shows] what she goes through on a day-to-day basis and I think it could relate to students on campus too that might be going through that,” Quinones said.

In addition to planning

these events, the board members of Fuerza Latina have been working on re-establishing the club’s presence on campus over the past semester since the club had not been active for several years prior.

------------------------------

“We are still kind of regrowing [as a club] and we’re small still, but I think we could be really big with the help of just branching out and having different events,” Quinones said.

_____________

Jovanny Pena, the club’s secretary, said, “[The board] thought [re-establishing the club] would be a fun way to be involved on campus while also hanging out.”

The board members hope to make Fuerza Latina a club where Hispanic culture can thrive and they can share their culture with their fellow students.

“There’s so much to us [as Hispanics], more than just the food we eat and the music we listen to. We have our own backgrounds and traditions, and I think it’s really important to share with those who might not have experienced that kind of tradition before,” Quinones said.

Among the club members in attendance were freshmen Laura Flores and Taylor HartyMoffatt.

Flores said, “I joined [Fuerza Latina] because I am Hispanic. I knew that in college the

majority of people that go to college are white, so I wanted to go to an environment where I could see other people who are like me. You know, we all go to college, we’re all Hispanic, so it’s kind of cool being with people who share the same cultural background who are kind of going through the same thing you are.”

Harty-Moffatt said, “I’m not Hispanic at all, but I grew up in New Mexico, [...] and I love the culture so much, [but] I was only really familiar with Mexican culture, so I wanted to join this club and expand [my knowledge of] Puerto Rican, Cuban, Argentinian, you know, just other Hispanic cultures.”

Fuerza Latina’s first event of the semester, the lecture by Gary Sanchez, will take place on Friday, Feb. 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the Great Room in Kelly Commons.

Last semester, Fuerza Latina co-sponsored a carnival in Jasper backyard with Delta Kappa Epsilon and raised over six hundred dollars for the relief of Puerto Rico and Mexico. @MC_FUERZALATINA / COURTESY

Fuerza Latina looks forward to bringing more events to Manhattan College students in the spring semester. @MC_FUERZALATINA / COURTESY

Manhattan Chimes in on President Trump’s SOTU __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “These things are always very carefully orchestrated,” said Thom Gencarelli, Ph.D, a professor in the communication department. “Those things are left out not for the sake of time, but for the sake of what they do to the whole of the narrative.”

Gencarelli was hoping immigration issues would be further discussed, and is not a supporter of Trump’s policies on immigration. He and others are concerned for the immigrant students on campus, as well as around the country.

“We are in a situation where there is a great deal of uncertainty...With respect to the immigrant student population, how does that kind of thinking

affect their being here and trying to [succeed in their education]?” Gencarelli questioned.

Chasek is also concerned for immigration policies’ effects on students, as well as their effects on colleges in America as a whole.

“The most immediate impact on Trump’s policies for students at Manhattan College and colleges around the country are in the number of foreign students. Due to the uncertainty around the travel ban and the issuance of visas to study in the United States, there has already been a 7 percent decline in foreign students enrolling in US universities and a 40 percent decline in students from the Middle East...If they are deported, they will not be able to complete their education. Decreasing enrollments at colleges and universities could

lead to cuts in programs, financial aid and increased tuition,” said Chasek.

Alannah Boyle, a senior peace studies and philosophy major, included that she wanted to hear other issues discussed, such as discrimination and sexual assault.

“I think that the State of the Union is always highly watched by a president’s base, and not usually watched by people that don’t agree with them,” said Boyle. “So I think the message probably resonated with his base which was definitely his goal.”

“I thought that the Democratic party was just kind of a mess. There was the people’s State of the Union, there was Joe Kennedy’s response, there was Bernie Sander’s response, so it was kind of hard to say what the Democratic party’s

response was [as a whole],” Boyle included.

Chasek was most concerned about one topic in particular.

“He called on Congress to give government agencies the power to oust federal workers, hinting that if they were not loyal to the administration they should be fired. Many interpreted this to be aimed particularly at the Justice Department and the FBI due to the Russia investigation, but if you were to give Federal employees a loyalty litmus test, that undermines the entire purpose of career Federal employees who work to serve the country, not the President. Many work through both Republican and Democratic administrations,” Chasek said.

Chasek may not resonate much with Trump’s address,

but she does still encourage ideological diversity among students on campus.

“What is most important at Manhattan College and in other communities is that we don’t let are different beliefs and ideas fracture the sense of community. We must all listen respectfully to each other and, in some cases, agree to disagree. We should open our ears and our minds to perspectives different from our own and do our best to understand.”

Boyle agrees that during this controversial presidency, it is still important that students stay united.

“I think leaning on our LaSallian traditions is very important,” Boyle included, “We’re all Jaspers, we have to protect each other.”

News

4

THE QUADRANGLE

Mentors and Mentees Gather to Share Wisdom and Dinner Alexa Dawid Contributor

The Manhattan College Mentor Program celebrated another successful year with its annual program dinner on Thursday, Jan. 31 in Kelly Commons.

The event featured keynote speaker Steven Plate. Plate currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Capital Planning at Port Authority of NY and NJ. Previously, he was responsible for the planning and construction of $15-20 billion projects such as the One World Trade Center Tower and the September 11th Memorial and Museum.

Plate captivated mentors and mentees with his heartfelt address regarding hard-work, integrity, and his accomplishments in civil engineering.

“If you look at what we had

here when we go handed this project [One World Trade Center], it was a hundred-foot hole in the ground, over 16 acres with millions of people around.

-----------------------------“Take advantage of everything presented to you, especially as a freshman,” said Mark Santos, a mentor for freshman engineering student Joseph Carrier. _____________

Everyone had given up on New York City; they said they can’t build a big project again. We took that as our mantle. We took that personally,” Plate said.

The night continued with

Students are encouraged to sign up for the Mentor Program in their first two years in order to get the most out of the program during their college years.

KELLY GROGAN/THE QUADRANGLE several awards. Jen Frankola was recognized as a Distinguished Mentor for her work

The Mentor Program celebrated another successful year with its annual program dinner on Thursday, Jan. 31 in the Kelly Student Commons.

KELLY GROGAN/THE QUADRANGLE

For more information about getting involved in the Mentor Program, students are encouraged to contact the Center for Career Services, which coordinates the program and event.

KELLY GROGAN/THE QUADRANGLE

-----------------------------The Mentor Program is one of MC’s most successful and popular organizations.

Starting in 1988 with only 14 students, the program has grown tremendously throughout the year. _____________

as an attorney with Lewis Johs Law Firm and her contributions to MC. The Mentee Award was presented to Amanda Fischer, a Senior Marketing Manager at Updater.

Fischer acknowledged her own success as part of her willingness to utilize mentors, and she advocated for others to do the same.

“Never be afraid to search for new mentors. You’ll find great ones here, but keep looking,” Fischer said.

The Mentor Program is one of MC’s most successful and popular organizations. Starting in 1988 with only 14 students, the program has grown tremendously throughout the years. The Center for Career Development pairs members with a working professional in your area of interest to spend time familiarizing and gaining opportunities in the industry.

The program formally holds a meet and greet and

farewell dinner, but all other activities are at the discretion of the mentor and mentee. Some of the suggested activities include shadowing the mentor at his/her workplace, resume editing and reviewing, conducting mock interviews, attending networking events, and taking part in conversation about the mentee’s future career goals and expectations.

Joseph Carrier, a freshman in the School of Engineering, said his mentor assisted him with a couple classes and gave him helpful advice regarding the engineering world as part of this year’s program.

Carrier’s mentor and a Civil Engineer for Skanska USA Building Inc. Mark Santos valued his time with the Mentor Program and hoped he was able to pass his understanding of ambition and determination to his mentee.

Santos urged, “Take advantage of everything presented to you, especially as a freshman.”

The Mentor Program can be applied to by liberal arts, business, and science students during their freshman and sophomore years to participate as sophomore and juniors. Students in the school of Engineering can apply during orientation to participate as freshmen.

Pre-health and pre-law students may participate their sophomore or junior year.

For more information contact the Center for Career Services.

News

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

5

Horan Elevators to be Replaced RikkiLynn Shields Editor

Beginning last semester, rumors have been circulating all throughout campus in regards to the replacement of the elevators on campus. While it seems as if almost all of the elevators have some sort of issue, students have been questioning for months, if not years, when the elevators will be replaced.

There have been rumors going around with this one stating that the reason it is taking so long is because the company the installed the elevators went out of business, which means that to replace the elevators, it will be much more expensive than anticipated.

Sophomore Isabel Quinones, the School of Education & Health Vice President and the VP of the Resident Student Association explained why more clearly why it is taking so long, and what is helping solve the problem most.

“The elevators original company had gone out of business so it is very difficult to get them repaired when they do break down. I think the petition truly sparked initiative and will help pick up the process and show that this is a really important problem and needs to get resolved as soon as possible for the safety of our residents, students, faculty, and staff.”

While Chrysostom Hall remains without an elevator, and Lee Hall is the most newly renovated building, this leaves the one Jasper Hall elevator and the four elevators in Horan Hall left to be causing most of the problems.

Quinones worked with the Resident Student Association to find a way to replace the elevators as soon as possible.

“In the beginning of last semester, Pat and I worked hard to get an understanding of what students wanted changed on campus specifically in the residence halls. It was clear that residents in Horan were getting fed up with the elevator issue. Pat and I then organized a tabling event to get a petition signed by as many student on campus as possible. This was very successful and we got a lot more signatures then expected.

This helped show that we need a change in Horan,” Quinones said.

Senior and Vice President

The outdated elevators in both Jasper Hall (left) and Horan Hall (right) often force students to climb many flights of stairs.

ANJA POLLOZI & TIM HAMLING / THE QUADRANGLE

of Residential Affairs, Patrick Estanbouli helped create the petition last semester to have the elevators fixed, and stood for an entire day in Thomas Hall asking for students to sign the petition.

“The student government, specifically the resident student association, has worked closely with residence life in trying to get the elevators replaced. The RSA supported multiple work order programs put on by the RA’s in Horan Hall as well as having a petition program for students in which over 200 students signed in favor for replacing the Horan and Jasper elevators,” Estanbouli said.

Estanbouli and Quinones both stated that while, the replacement has been approved for the near future, they are not 100% sure when this replacement is set to happen.

“There is a projection that

it will happen between 1 to 3 years and we are working on having it happen sooner than later,” Estanbouli stated.

From what both Estanbouli and Quinones know, the four Horan Hall elevators are set to be replaced before the Jasper Hall elevator, due to the four elevators having the most issues.

“It’s taken so long because in the past there hasn’t been as many problems and this time we just persistently worked on pushing this problem to the administration and doing what we could to get students involved and their voices heard,” said Estanbouli.

There have been many issues regarding the four elevators in Horan Hall, and students are left to take the stairs, sometimes even more flights up than they’d rather.

Junior Noah Alexander has experienced problems with the

elevators in Horan on numerous occasions, and is looking forward to their replacement.

“The elevators stink like buns. Replacing them will be revolutionary for the building.”

While Horan students are excited to hear about the much anticipated elevator replacement, students in Jasper Hall aren’t as excited to hear that their elevator won’t be the first to be fixed.

Senior Amy Duong has lived in Jasper Hall for two years, and has experienced enough troubles with the one elevator.

“I never use the elevators because the second time I used it, it stopped on the floor, then dropped a foot down further than where it was supposed to stop. The inspection cards should also be placed inside the elevators and not just available at physical plant. The elevator

needs to be replaced because the one we have right now is just a hazard.”

While we have yet to know a set date that any elevator on campus will be replaced, Estanbouli, Quinones, and all of Student Government is excited to see that what they are working so hard towards is actually becoming a success.

“It is really amazing to have this task moving along and we feel very proud to have gotten the gears in motion for the progress of such an important campus concern.”

There may not be any specific changes next to come on the Student Government agenda, however, Estanbouli, Quinones, and all of Student Government is looking forward to making as many improvements as possible while they’re here.

Join The Quadrangle WE’RE LOOKING FOR WRIT ERS / GRAPHIC DESIGNERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS / VIDEOGRAPHERS

Weekly Open Meetings TUESDAYS @ 4 P.M. IN Kelly 412

Arts & Entertainment

6

THE QUADRANGLE

Aspiring Historian Shows Her Talents at MC Rose Brennan Editor

Though she is only a freshman, secondary education major Lexi Salerno of Long Island, N.Y. is already making waves in the Manhattan College performing arts department.

Like many musically-inclined people, Salerno’s experience with music began very early on.

“My mom is a pianist and a voice teacher, so I grew up in a really musical household, being exposed to various types of music,” she said.

Salerno had always been involved in music, but her devotion to it truly began at the age of 12, when she began selftraining in opera.

Throughout high school, she participated in various women’s ensemble choirs at her school. She was nominated for both the “Most Theatrical” and “Most Musical” senior superlatives.

In addition to participating in performing arts at school,

Salerno also cantored at her church, where her mother was the director of the music ministry.

It was actually through the church that Salerno found connections to MC. Originally, she had wanted to go to Pace University, but at the advice of her guidance counselor, she applied to one other school in the New York City area.

Once she received her acceptance letter, Salerno received an email about the performing arts scholarship and decided to audition. But according to her, her audition was a bit out of the ordinary.

“I sang ‘Batti, Batti [O Bel Masetto]’ which is a Mozart aria, which was in Italian,” she said. “It’s actually, I believe, 12 pages, and Andy [Bauer, director of performing arts] said he would stop me, but he didn’t!”

In order to maintain her scholarship eligibility, Salerno must maintain membership in at least two of the college’s performing arts ensembles.

She chose to participate in the MC Singers and the MC Music

Ministry.

Her participation in Music Ministry remains something near and dear to her heart, as it was how she began her musical journey.

“I grew up doing churchrelated music and I’m a cantor at [my home church], I sing for weddings and funerals,” she said. “And so I liked coming to a new place, starting a new chapter of my life, but being able to do something that I had done for most of my teenage years.”

Music is a large part of Salerno’s life, but it is not the only part. She is concentrating in history within her education major, and she spends a lot of time doing research on various periods of history. She hopes to one day achieve a doctorate in her field, likely with a specialty in European history.

“If I’m not asleep or I’m not in class, I’m probably researching history topics, organizing my thoughts to eventually write books. I try to stay motivated to work towards a career path,” she said. “The teaching aspect

PERFORMER PROFILE

Salerno participates in both MC Singers and MC Music Ministry to maintain her scholarship eligibility.

LEXI SALERNO / COURTESY of it is really appealing to me.” dream role that I would have

Nevertheless, like many is probably either Kim in ‘Miss performing arts students, Saigon’ or Tuptim in a producSalerno still dreams of playing tion of ‘The King and I,’” she certain characters from her fa- said. vorite musicals on the stage.

“I would have to say a

A Reflection on Interconnection of Humanity THE BOOK NOOK Gabriella DePinho Editor

“The Bridge of San Luis Rey” by Thornton Wilder was published in 1927 and was a 1928 recipient of the Pulitzer Prize; the novel frequently thrown into high school courses or frequently forgotten is a little book that packs a big punch.

The novel follows the story of five interconnected people who died when the bridge of San Luis Rey collapsed in 1714, as they crossed it for varying reasons. From a distance, a friar, Brother Juniper, witnesses the collapse and decides to take it upon himself to prove that the collapse of the bridge that led to the death of the five was an act of God. The narratives of their lives as told in the novel are a summary of Brother Juniper’s life work to know the individuals’ life stories.

The first story is that of two people on the bridge: the Marquesa de Montemayor, and within her story, that of her servant girl, Pepita. At the start of it, the Marquesa’s story is hard to follow and become engaged with as it is told in a confusing, rambling manner but as you continue to push through, it becomes clear that this is an intentional reflection of the old woman.

After braving through the beginning part of the Marquesa’s story that is less gripping because of its seemingly disordered narrative and conversa-

tion, the novel quickly becomes a page turner.

The Marquesa’s story and legacy centers around her complicated relationship with her daughter, Doña Clara, whom she loved dearly and wrote to often but whom had a strong disdain for her.

As we follow the Marquesa’s story, we learn of Pepita’s story: she is a young, hardworking girl who was raised at the Convent of Santa María Rosa de la Rosas, who, for the time being, in her loneliness and silence works for the Marquesa.

The second story is that of Esteban who for most of his life had been part of a set, that set being Esteban and Manuel, the twins who were also raised at the convent. As they grow older the brothers’ relationship becomes strained but does not break. Manuel dies from an injury and his death sends Esteban into great despair.

The third story is that of the last two people on the bridge: Uncle Pio and Camila Perichole’s son, Don Jaime. Uncle Pio made the Perichole into the greatest actress in all of Peru, which she then gives up to be a respected lady. Uncle Pio, years later and desperately still attached to her, visits the Perichole one last time and because of that visit ends up travelling with Don Jaime.

The narrative ends by jumping around to different people, times and places. It first jumps back to the Brother Juniper, then to the day of the service for those who died, and lastly,

to a year after the bridge collapsed, ending in a simple way with a quite poignant revelation.

The novel works well for two reasons: the reader is not spoon fed all the details and facts and because the stories of the five people are deeply interwoven.

No concrete final assumptions are made for the reader, rather it is up to the reader’s understanding of life, purpose, and religion to determine all of what really happened and why it happened.

Wilder streamlines the life stories that Juniper tracked and compiled, leaving out the unnecessary details Juniper is described to have found as necessary and does not delve into the specifics of Brother Juniper’s findings; in doing this Wilder forces the engaged reader to, in a way, become Brother Juniper and do the same work he did.

Each individual character’s stories are all dependent on one another’s stories - Uncle Pio appears in the Marquesa’s story, the Perichole appears in Esteban’s, the Abbess in both Esteban’s and Pepita’s stories - as is accurate to the truth of how life is lived by each and every one of us. No character or event would be the same if any character had lived any other way or if one of the five that died on the bridge had not been there. In this way, the fiction feels historical, honest and real.

Despite the novel being 90 years old, the story explores

“The Bridge of San Luis Rey” is often thrown into high school course curriculum.

GABRIELLA DEPHINO / THE QUADRANGLE themes that will still touch the heart of any reader in any day and age. The novel delves into the complicated yet simple themes and questions of/about various kinds of love, whether or not there is a greater purpose in life, what makes a life complete, remembering the dead, moving forward and forgiveness.

As I read the last, impactful sentences that sent shivers down my spine in the late hours of the night, I finished

the novel and was left with more questions than I had had at any other point in the book.

I found myself re-reading passages, searching for missing answers and in the moments after frustratedly accepting there would be no answers, I realized the true artistry of the book because I realized such is all of life.

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

Arts & Entertainment

7

Muslim Student Association Hosts World Hijab Day Event Rose Brennan Editor

Feb. 1 marks a significant day which honors Muslim women who wear the hijab.

This year, the Muslim Student Association brought the celebration of World Hijab Day to Manhattan College.

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) took to the campus quadrangle from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday afternoon to raise awareness about the hijab, even offering the opportunity for students to wear one for a day. Members of the MSA executive board estimated about 40 to 50 people who attended the event decided to wear the hijab that day.

World Hijab Day was the first major event hosted by the MSA this semester. And according to Rabea Ali, the club’s president, the event was a necessary one.

“I just felt like it was something this campus needed, considering that fact that any sort of information about Islam, Muslims and especially the hijab is so misconstrued on this campus, so it was kind of something we needed to do, and if not us, who?” Ali said.

Donya Quhshi, treasurer of the MSA, believes that there are many widely held beliefs about wearing the hijab that are simply not true.

“There’s a lot of misconceptions about the hijab, about Muslim women: that we’re oppressed, that we don’t get to make our own choices,” she said. “The truth is a hijab is our own choice.”

“It doesn’t make us oppressed. It doesn’t silence us,” Ali said. “If anything, on this campus, I would say that I’m plenty of people’s first exposure to the fact that anyone that wears a hijab isn’t quiet and just automatically silent, because I’m like that loud, annoying person who’s the first to shoot

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) took to the campus quadrangle from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday afternoon to raise awareness about the hijab, even offering the opportunity for students to wear one for a day.

ROSE BRENNAN / THE QUADRANGLE people down and they’re like, ‘You? You sure?’”

The club distributed flyers with information about the hijab, including answers to widely-held misconceptions about the women who wear them.

While some of the misconceptions were serious, some of the club’s responses to them were humorous.

In response to the question of whether women who wear hijab do so at all times, the flyer said, “We do not shower and sleep in them. Women do not need to wear the hijab at home or around close family, just in public. Also, we do have hair under our hijabs...it is not the gateway to Narnia.”

Both Ali and Quhshi wear the hijab on a daily basis.

“I wore the hijab way before I was required to wear it, because it was my choice, because I really loved it. And I

Isatou Kebbeh, right, vice president of the MSA assists a student participating in World Hijab Day. ROSE BRENNAN / THE QUADRANGLE

saw my mother wearing it, and I saw my whole family wearing

__________________________

“There’s a lot of misconceptions about the hijab, about Muslim women: that we’re oppressed, that we don’t get to make our own choices,” said Quhshi. “The truth is a hijab is our own choice.” __________________________

it,” Quhshi said. “I never saw it as something that oppresses me, or something that I have to

wear, that I have no choice in.”

“I started in the fourth grade, and it was kind of one of those things where it was cultural rather than religious.

And then I went to the mosque more and more, and kind of found the religious meaning of it, and was totally down for it,” Ali said.

During middle school, Ali lost someone dear to her, leading her to forgo the hijab and her religion for some time. But a few years later, her love for Islam resurfaced.

“In high school, reality struck, and I kind of fell in love with my religion, and that brought me back. And kind of, since then, I’ve kind of been more serious about it,” she said.

The MSA was not the only student organization participating in the event. A few members of the fraternity Alpha Phi

Delta helped with the event in order to show their support for the MSA’s mission.

“It’s really great, like everybody that’s come to the table is just super happy, and they just want to learn and understand,” said Alpha Phi Delta member Gabriel Campbell. “It’s a super great environment, and kudos to the ladies [of the MSA] here for standing in the cold, being able to say all this with a smile on their face.”

“Alpha Phi Delta started based upon people getting oppressed,” said Michael Moon, another member of Alpha Phi Delta. “About a hundred years ago, it was a group of Italian kids, and at the time, a lot of them were being pushed down and told they weren’t as good.

And this event really portrays that, especially the fact that there’s still a lot wrong.”

World Hijab Day was the first major event hosted by the MSA this semester.

ROSE BRENNAN / THE QUADRANGLE

Features

8

THE QUADRANGLE

A New Group on Campus Studies the Bible Victoria Hernandez Senior Writer

A Bible study group recently started meeting on campus. Its purpose is “to look at scripture, to reflect, to talk, to share experiences and learn from one another,” said Tom Franks, F.S.C., the Manhattan College chaplain.

Fr. Tom lead the hour-long gathering where this past week, five students attended to read, converse and have some cookies and hot chocolate. For Fr. Tom, looking at the Bible is a way to have a conversation with God. “Scripture is a chance to hear what God has to say to us. This isn’t meant to be a class, it’s to look at it from the perspective of faith,” said Fr. Tom. While students said they had low or moderate knowledge of the Bible, Fr. Tom joked he had a “pretty extensive knowledge” of it. The group looks to serve students’ “longing for reconnection” with their faith in the Manhattan College campus.

Since joining the Manhattan College community, Fr. Tom wanted to find ways for students to gather to discuss and grow in their faith.

“It’s important in these college years to develop a faith that is really our own, rather than simply things that have been handed on to us or expected from us. When students came to me asking

about forming a Bible study group I thought that this was the opportunity to create a forum for these kinds of conversations,” he said.

Elizabeth McCabe, a sophomore exercise science major, was inspired to start the group with fellow sophomore Shannon Forty for a couple of reasons.

“I have always been interested in learning more about the contents of the Bible. I have heard a lot of readings during Mass in my 13 years of religious education, but I want to deepen my understanding of what I already know,” McCabe said.

For her, the group is also a way to take time off from school and spend time growing her faith.

“There is a lot going on politically, socially, etc. so when things get tough or confusing, turning to faith can help with a lot in our lives. Finding brothers and sisters in faith on campus always helps, whether its meeting new people or having someone to talk to who is going through the college experience and all that accompanies it with you,” McCabe said.

According to McCabe, too many clubs on campus involve academics.

“They can help boost your career or add to a resume.

This group, however, helps build us into better Christians and hopefully better faith filled people. That goes a long way in personal development”

Fr. Tom Franks, Manhattan College chaplain, lead the hour-long gathering where students attended to read and converse.

ROSE BRENNAN / THE QUADRANGLE McCabe said.

For Shannon Forty, a biology major, this is the group that had been missing on campus since her freshman year.

“When I was looking for colleges, I chose Manhattan College, partially because of its Lasallian association. But to be honest, I was a little disappointed with the lack of a faith presence on campus my freshman year. I am very grateful that we have an active Campus Ministry and Social Action, but the emphasis over the past year has been very much on the latter. I’m hoping that this group would provide a platform for people who are looking for a place to talk

freely about their faith,” Forty said.

What makes this group different than any other on campus, is the aspect that everyone in the group determines the topics and direction of study.

“I am happy to be a facilitator of the conversation and offer some points from my own experience, but students are really meant to learn from one another about the Bible and how to live out their faith. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers and this isn’t an academic group, we are all working together to find and apply the presence of God to daily life,” Fr. Tom said.

Forty hopes many more join the group.

“I would encourage everyone to come to a meeting, even if you are not Catholic or Christian, or if you have no prior knowledge of the Bible. I know that when I had Religion 100 I was intrigued and interested to learn more about this one book that has had such an influence on the world’s entire history,” Forty said.

As Fr. Tom said, “Part of the blessing of the college experience is exploring new ideas and opportunities.”

This weekly program meets every Tuesday in Cornerstone at 8 p.m.

One Student’s Take on a Worldly Experience: England ABROAD REFLECTIONS Deirdre Ledley Contributor

While other MC students enjoyed being home and off duty during the Christmas break, 12 female students embarked on a journey that took them across seas to London, England for an up-close learning experience.

For two weeks, these 12 students traveled alongside Heidi Laudien, Ph.D, who started this program as one of the first intercession trips. For her tenth year doing the program, she brought famous British literature to life once more that stuck with sophomore English major, Christina Harney.

“What was really cool was the fact that we read all these plays by famous playwrights at night, and then the next morning we would wake up and see them be performed live. As a student, I have never experienced that before,” Harney

said.

Laudien described the course as Literary London. Her main goal for the course was to study these works and then the next day show the girls where they were originally produced.

For example, they read “Julius Caesar” and then went to the famous Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s first performances were shown.

Harney expressed her fascination about witnessing some classic literature that she read in high school be displayed right in front of her in a country that she had never traveled alone to.

Manhattan offers these two week programs for eager students willing to cross borders and see what they learn in class come alive right in front of them. Some students choose to go abroad for a whole semester, but these two week programs give the perfect amount of taste to a new environment.

“My favorite location we went to was Bath. It was such a cute town. The Roman Baths are beautiful and it was so cool to see in person,” said Harney.

This trip let 12 girls really get to know each other and form a bond as they lived in tight quarters for two weeks straight. Going to a foreign country alone can be kind of nerve wracking although, all the girls were in the same boat.

Because the trip only had girls attending, no one felt left out. They came back with pictures and stories to share with friends and family. On top of that, they also received a memorable trip with a credit under their belt.

“I have never flown on a plane by myself before and definitely did not travel to a different country alone so I was pretty nervous. But I trusted myself to go because I knew all the girls were coming from MC. Everyone was so nice that

we all connected easily, even with Dr. Laudien, she was so easy and fun to be around,” said Harney.

Because these trips last only 14 days, the trip goes by fast and you are constantly on the go the entire time. The students really indulge themselves into the culture and sights that they see while being there.

“I did not feel like I did not have enough time to finish my work while still wanting to sightsee. The course is designed to make sure you have time for everything plus a little extra left over,” Harney said.

The attendees really get their money’s worth being away because they were occupied by everything they had to visit before they return home.

College students tend to look forward to time off during breaks so having to do school work especially during the Christmas break could turn away possible students. Har-

Sophomore Christina Harney traveled alongside Heidi Laudien, Ph.D, in London, England.

CHRISTINA HARNEY / COURTESY ney, however, had a different opinion on the matter.

“One of the best two weeks of my college career,” said Harney. “I would absolutely go again and do as many as I possibly can. You learn so much in such a short amount of time and being an English major, the trip was well worth it.”

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

Features

9

Springfest 2018:

Student Reactions to Jesse McCartney VOICES ON THE QUAD With Springfest soon approaching, and the artist having been released in the Quad’s first issue, we asked four students what their thoughts are on this years Springfest artist– Jesse McCartney?

Interviews conducted by RikkiLynn Shields

Crista Peyko Junior “I’m really so pumped that he’s coming, the 13 year old child in me dream is coming true. ‘Beautiful Soul’ is my jam.”

Carly Brownell Sophomore “I’m really excited about Jesse McCartney coming for Springfest! I feel like 10-yearold me is thriving.”

Isabel Quinones Sophomore “Jesse McCartney just released a new song and I am hype.

I think Spring Fest will be a lot of fun because of the activities Student Government is planning. It’ll be a good Saturday away from studying for the end of the semester.

I’m excited for another springfest at Manhattan and to see Jesse McCartney. I think it’ll be a fun time and to hang out with my friends.”

Donovan Riley Sophomore “I’m pretty excited about Jesse McCartney coming to MC! Since I’ve been here, we have had some historic performers come for Springfest at Manhattan College. Since the release of Jesse McCartney’s performance, I can say that I am truly thrilled.”

Get The Quadrangle in your inbox!

Sign up for our new monthly newsletter by scanning the QR code on the left.

Sports

10

THE QUADRANGLE

Behind the Scenes of the Sixth Borough C. Garrett Keidel Asst. Editor

The Athletics Facilities and Event Management Department plays a large role on campus. Those who work in the department make sure that all athletic events on campus run smoothly and efficiently for all those who participate and watch the events.

Timothy Schultz is the Assistant Director of Athletics Facilities and Event Management here at Manhattan College.

This is his first year in this position at the college, and he is looking to make sure that the events happening in Draddy Gymnasium and Gaelic Park run smoothly and according to plan.

“There’s always something going on so its always busy,” said Schultz. “There’s never really any down time, and if there is down time, then it feels like there is something we can do.

I’ve been working in Athletic Facilities for six or seven years now. There’s always something that can be done to improve upon what you’ve been doing.

We always have something going on, it’s why I enjoy it so much.”

As Assistant Director of the department, Schultz is responsible for much of the overseeing and managerial aspect of the group.

“I work with the staff and

graduate assistants to oversee and maintain both athletic facilities we have on campus in Gaelic Park and Draddy Gymnasium, along with overseeing and managing all the home events we have; implementing projects to improve the gym, the field and the overall experience,” said Schultz. “It entails a lot of different things, a lot of moving parts, but we all work together to make a successful facility.”

There are about 60 students who also work for the Athletic Facilities and Events Management department as a part of the work-study program. The main responsibilities are to implement and execute the plans set forth to make sure the events are set up, run, then broken down successfully.

“We have two group of students, one group works in just facilities and their main role is at the front desk to track and maintain the amount of people coming in,” said Schultz.

“They’re also tasked with different roles throughout the day.

They could be doing laundry, they could be folding stuff, they could be putting other stuff away, setting up for events, or helping out with other people in the department. They’re placed pretty full for the most part. They can be here during the week, weekends, opening shifts, or closing shifts.”

“Then we have gameday workers, and their roles and re-

sponsibilities are working said event,” said Schultz. “So if we have a basketball game coming up, we staff anywhere between 18 and 20 students to come in, set the court up, set the bleachers up, help with the overall setup of tables, chairs, Jasperclub, concessions, everything going on in the concours, to things outside that are associated with that game. So they are here for setup, the game and then for breakdown.”

Mary Harsch is a sophomore chemical engineering major who also works in the Athletic Facilities and Events Management Department as a part of the work-study program. When it comes down to what she has learned through her experience, one thing immediately comes to mind.

“It is really important to communicate what you’ve been doing to other people because if you don’t tell them that you’ve already set something up they’re going to pull out the equipment,” said Harsch.

“Once they go to set it up, then they’ll realize it has already been done and have to put it back away. That wastes a lot of time that we could be using to finish setting things up or tearing things down.”

Jillian Calandra is a junior communication major who plays on the Women’s Lacrosse team, along with her work in the Athletic Facilities and Events Management Depart-

The students who are staffed for basketball games set up and break down the court, bleachers, concessions and Jasperclub.

XIAOYANG WU / THE QUADRANGLE ment. Her life as an athlete heavily influenced her decision to work in this department.

“As an athlete, I really appreciate the people who set up and help with our games to make them run smoothly,” said Calandra. “So I wanted to be able to give back to other teams and help them out as well. Also three of my teammates work with me so we all do it together and it’s really fun.”

Calandra and Harsch both commented on how they’d like to shed some light on the hard work of their bosses and those who work in the Athletic Facilities group.

“I really hope that people

appreciate my bosses,” said Calandra. “I know that a lot of it is behind-the-scenes work for each game, and it definitely keeps each game running smoothly and efficiently for all spectators.”

“I think that the administration of our facilities and events department can be underappreciated at times,” said Harsch. “They do a lot of work to make sure that these events run incredibly smoothly. That includes making sure that we know what we’re doing, and making sure we look professional so that when people come in they think well of our school.”

Last-Second Three-Pointer Lifts Marist Over Manhattan 62-59 John Jackson Editor

The Manhattan Jaspers lost to the Marist Red Foxes by a score of 62-59 on Tuesday night in Draddy Gymnasium.

The Jaspers came into the game having dropped three of their last four matchups. They stood at 10-12 overall and 5-5 in conference play which was good for sixth place in the MAAC. The loss against the Red Foxes, who came in at 4-17 overall and 2-7 in the MAAC, kept Manhattan in sixth place and prevented them from tying Quinnipiac for fifth.

“I give Marist credit,” said head coach Steve Masiello.

“They did things to win the game that we didn’t.”

After Pauly Paulicap opened up the scoring by connecting on a free throw, the Red Foxes made it an 8-1 Marist lead 2 minutes and 41 seconds into the game.

Manhattan quickly turned things around however, by going on a 19-3 run to make it a 20-11 Jasper lead with 11:15 re-

maining in the first half. Sophomore Aaron Walker Jr. and seniors Zane Waterman and Rich Williams combined for 17 of the 19 points during the run.

Manhattan wouldn’t relinquish the lead they took earlier in the half, but Marist did make it a close game multiple times.

They turned a nine-point deficit at the 11:15 mark into a onepoint deficit at the 9:09 mark.

Then after Manhattan opened an eight-point lead with 4:02 on the clock, Marist cut it to three with 31 seconds left. Marist closed out the half only trailing 29-26.

Marist had a lot of missed chances in the first half. Although they outrebounded Manhattan 22 to 10 and had both a better field goal percentage (45 percent to 37 percent) and three-point field goal percentage (60 percent to 42.9 percent), they still ended up being the team that trailed.

The Jaspers did not come out in the second half and dominate, but they did keep things under control for the first nine minutes and 18 seconds. They led by as much as eight at two

separate points and led by more than two for all but 30 seconds during this time.

Ryan Funk helped shift the momentum in the favor of Marist with a three-pointer at the 10:41 mark which made it a 43-41 Manhattan lead. While Waterman responded with a layup, Brian Parker made it a one-point game with a three at the 9:32 mark and Connor McClenaghan gave Marist the lead with a three at the 7:00 mark.

Over the next four minutes and four seconds, the lead changed five times. Manhattan took hold of the lead with 2:56 left with a three-pointer

by Thomas Capuano and they expanded it to a five-point lead with 1:33 left on the clock.

With nine seconds left and Manhattan up by one, Aleksandar Dozic fouled Williams, giving him two foul shot opportunities. He missed the first, but made the second to give Manhattan a two-point lead.

However, it was not a lead they would hold onto as Funk made a three-pointer with less than a second on the clock to give Marist a 60-59 lead. Two

free throws by David Knudsen would wrap up a 62-59 Marist victory.

“It’s frustrating to beat yourself,” said Masiello. “Selfinflicted wounds…that frustrates me.”

The script flipped in the second half as Manhattan was the team with more rebounds (19 to 14), a better field goal percentage (50 percent to 37.9 percent) and a better threepoint field goal percentage (50 percent to 36.8 percent). Like Marist in the first half, Manhattan was the team that was outscored in the second half despite getting more rebounds and shooting more efficiently.

“I’ll watch tape and see, but from from my viewpoint I thought we competed and played hard,” said Masiello.

“We just didn’t execute and do things we needed to win.”

The Jaspers started off MAAC play by winning four of their first six games, but they’ve been a downward trend since. However, when asked if there is any one thing that may be causing this trend, Masiello kept things in perspective.

“It’s college basketball,” said Masiello. “It’s cyclical.

You got to stay with it. You can’t break down, you can’t get high when you’re doing well and you can’t get too down when you’re doing bad.”

Despite the loss, Williams and Waterman both turned in solid performances. Williams finished with 19 points (seventh most this season), six rebounds (tied for fourth most this season), one assist and two steals. Waterman ended with 17 points (tied for fourth most this season), eight rebounds (tied for sixth most this season), one assist and one steal.

“There were things that we should’ve done tonight that we didn’t do that I was disappointed in,” said Masiello. “But I think we did some things well so you always want to take positives and negatives and learn from both.”

Sports

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

11

How Does She Do It?

Lisa Fajardo Breaks Manhattan College’s 3,000 Meter Record JASPERS TALK Alexa Schmidt Asst. Editor

On Jan. 26, junior Lisa Fajardo set a new school record for the 3000-meter indoor race.

She broke the previous record by four seconds, ending up with a time of 9:39:00 which was good for ninth overall and fourth among college competitors.

The Quadrangle: How did you get into running, and how long have you been running?

Lisa Fajardo: I started running just a few months before I started my freshman year of high school, and my mom has been running distance since she was in her thirties. So I kind of really had no interest in it, but my parents really wanted me to so some kind of sport or activity in high school, so my mom just figured since she was a runner it’d just be easy if she could just get me into it.

TQ: We heard you broke the school record for the 3000 meter. Congrats! To put it into perspective, how many times around the track is that?

LF: 15 times.

TQ: What kind of meet was this?

LF: This was the Boston University Terrier Invitational, so it’s actually one of the bigger meets in the country, especially around this time. There was

one other meet at the armory that was run, so it was kind of like the country was divided, half were at one meet and half were at the other. But it was very big so coming top ten at a meet like that was a really big deal for me because the last time I ran there I think I came like 60th place. So coming in ninth was big.

TQ: What was the race like?

How was the competition?

LF: The competition level was really high because they have some professional runners running in the race and it’s broken up into multiple sections, and I was in the fastest section, so that’s the one the pros run in, so if there’s faster people in the front, that just pulls the whole race to be a fast race, so I was pretty nervous because I was one of the slower runners in the section. So I just kept my head on and knew to kind of ignore what the people in the very front were doing, and eventually I made my way up closer in the middle of the race.

TQ: What was your immediate reaction? Did you know you broke the record as soon as you crossed the finish line?

LF: I forgot about the record, I was kind of just going for a time that I felt like I was capable of running, and I was trying to go for like 9:45 or better, so I knew the record was in

there, but when I finished I was just really happy to be under 9:40. So then my coach came over and was like, you broke the school record. I totally forgot but I was really excited.

TQ: You’ve broken a lot of records before, but does this record-breaker feel any different?

LF: Yes because the 3000-meter race is my favorite event, I like it better than cross country, I like it better than the mile or the 5k, so to have that record means a lot.

TQ: What other races do you run?

LF: So for track I run basically the mile, the 3k and 5k, but mostly the 3k and 5k. I just do the mile for some speedwork, or if I’m running in the distance medley relay.

TQ: How did you prepare for this race?

LF: Basically the same way I’ve been preparing for the rest of the season. We weren’t really gearing specifically towards the 3k, it’s kind of like I do the 5k training and then kind of target the 3k pace in the 5k training. That’s pretty much how we prepared.

TQ: Do you have any prerace rituals?

LF: I have a lot, but a big one is if I’m here [at Manhattan College] the night before the race I have to eat at Broadway Joe’s. I have to have spaghetti

Junior Lisa Fajardo set a new school record for the 3000-meter indoor race, beating the last record by four seconds.

GOJASPERS / COURTESY and chicken.

TQ: You and another teammate won the MAAC Performer of the week. How does that feel?

TF: That’s really great. It’s actually so impressive for our school because me and Charlene Pohl both got it, so that’s both from MC. Last week Paige Chapman got it and then the week before I got it, so it’s kind of like MC is taking over the MAAC so far. So hopefully we can keep going for that.

TQ: What else would you like to accomplish this season?

LF: There’s another meet that’s going to be in South Carolina when we’re on spring break and my coach has the 3k record there, so we thought it’d be pretty cool if I could get that record. Just to take hers.

TQ: That’s it, but do you have anything else to add?

LF: Just wishing everyone the best of luck because people are competing in the Metropolitan Championships, and that’s kind of like the stepping stone to the MAAC Championships, so it puts us in good spirits if we do well there.

Sports

12

THE QUADRANGLE

Protect the Culture: A Mission Statement From Pauly Paulicap

Sophomore transfer Pauly Paulicap ‘s high energy is noted as his most unique quality by his teammates and coach.

XIAOYANG WU / THE QUADRANGLE

Charles Lippolis Senior Writer

In an interview with The Quadrangle before the season, Men’s Basketball head coach Steve Masiello offered a statement on each of the newcomers to the 2017-2018 team.

Without prompt, Masiello jumped to address unknown sophomore transfer, power forward/center Pauly Paulicap, first.

“He brings great energy and passion to the game of basketball, and reminds me a lot of Rhamel Brown,” Masiello said.

Masiello would also praise his character, his motivation, and selflessness; but for those in touch with the history of Manhattan basketball, a preseason comparison to Brown is just about the highest praise a transfer can receive.

Brown donned the green and white from 2010 to 2014, and after being the first Jasper ever to receive MAAC Defensive Player of the Year honors for the 2011-2012 season, Manhattan’s power forward/center retained the title for the final two seasons of his career. He finished his career a MAAC champion in 2013, Division I’s active leader in blocked shots and he still holds the three highest single-season block totals in school history.

Paulicap was going to have some big shoes to fill.

Regardless, Paulicap attacked his first month in Division I basketball with the energy and passion that Masiello saw in September, and the country took notice. The 6’8”, 220-pound transfer from Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. was averaging 7.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks into December, and his current 2.46 blocks per game is still good for top-25 in NCAA Division I. In just his second year of NCAA eligibility, Paulicap has come into his own as one of the best shot blockers in the country; similar to Brown.

“I see a lot of connections, he’s a real good person,” Paulicap said. “I feel like we are similar in a lot of ways.”

While their game and frame might be similar, Paulicap’s high motor is a quality that not only separates him from Brown, but from the rest of Manhattan basketball. For Paulicap, keeping his energy level high comes from a basic change of his perspective.

“I feel like with the grind and with the process a lot of people lose focus on having fun,” Paulicap said. “So I just try to have fun all the time.”

This exciting and energetic behavior has quickly turned Paulicap into a fan favorite and a team leader. Senior guard Rich Williams is the last player remaining from Manhattan’s back-to-back MAAC Champi-

onships in 2014 and 2015, and sees potential in the team’s young leader.

“The best way I could describe [Pauly] is a room being dark, and a light coming on,” Williams said. “He’s got special things coming.”

Even for the coaching staff, Paulicap’s lively attitude took some getting used to.

In a December interview with the New York Post, Masiello mentioned that Paulicap is “...probably the first player I’ve had that has more energy than I do.”

Jasper nation has also taken notice of Paulicap’s energy and have shown their appreciation with energy of their own. In a matchup with Canisius on Jan. 19, chants of “Pauly!, Pauly!” ringing from the Sixth Borough inspired the first-year Jasper to continue to have fun while competing.

“Man, I love it,” Paulicap said of the crowd. “That energy was just so electric, and it just made me feel so good.”

What goes untold by basketball is how Paulicap has become the man he is today. Per the New York Post, Paulicap spent most of his teenage years in search of stability. There was little to be had at home with his mother, and less to be had out in the world. He would spend nights with friends and support groups for homeless youth, unable to actualize his potential

due to circumstances he grew up in.

This was before the family of a close friend to Paulicap brought him into their home, nurtured him, and allowed him to discover basketball as a junior in high school.

“If I hadn’t played basketball, God only knows where I would be now,” Paulicap said. “But basketball has really changed my life, and it’s opened up a lot of opportunities for me.”

Some of the opportunities were goals Paulicap had his eyes set on: goals like graduating high school and removing himself from a situation that had seemingly consumed his family. Others were unexpected, such as having the opportunity to fly to Belfast this winter with the team.

Even with the progress that Paulicap has made up to this point in his life, it has not blinded his sight of who he is and where he is from.

On Jan. 13, Paulicap posted a picture to Instagram with the caption, “I play to represent a shithole country #HaitiStrong” in response to comments made

by President Donald Trump.

For the young man from Long Island, the post was a way to express his unwavering pride in the struggles he has lived through that define him.

“I represent not just my culture, I represent my family,

I represent the Jaspers, I represent everyone I support and where I’m from,” Paulicap said.

Of all these components to an exceptionally complex individual, becoming a Jasper is among the newest and most relevant aspects of Paulicap’s character. In his first encounter with Masiello, Paulicap gained a sense of what the culture would be like if he were to come to Riverdale.

“I could tell he wasn’t going to be the coach to be my friend the whole time,” Paulicap recalled. “I knew that he was going to push me to a whole other level.”

Now, after experiencing success as a Jasper and being welcomed into the community, Paulicap has taken a new perspective on being a part of Manhattan College.

“My number one thing is I just try to protect the culture,” Paulicap said. “You just got to grind it out, and I think that’s the most important thing about being a Jasper.”

With the toughness and perseverance that has guided him to where he is today; Paulicap is set to overcome any obstacle, and is looking forward to spreading his positivity and work ethic in the years to come.