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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924
Volume CIX, Issue 3
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
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Manhattan College Fires Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life Matthew Lewis Mack Olmsted & Zoe DeFazio
Jasper Summer Research Program 2024 Community presentation of completed summer research projects on the 5th floor of Kelly Commons. ADRIANNE BILOUS/ COURTESY
The Beauty of Physics: SPS Wins Best Chapter Award
Following allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a Manhattan College student and revelations of sexual performances distributed on X, formerly known as Twitter, and OnlyFans, Manhattan College fired Matt Lewis, associate dean of students and director of residence life, on Nov. 29, 2023. The college considers personnel matters private and refused to comment on Lewis’s specific situation but did not deny the allegations. “Once the College was made aware that one of its employees engaged in activities that may be in violation of Manhattan College’s Code of Conduct, it took immediate and decisive action to protect the well-being of all concerned,” the college wrote in a statement to The Quadrangle. “Upon the conclusion of its investigation, that employee was terminated from the College. Manhattan College is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, and we will continue to take appropriate action as necessary to uphold those standards.” The night Lewis was fired, he posted on X, “Well… someone at work found my alt (X account) and OF (OnlyFans) and now I’m losing my job.” “Alt” refers to an alternate social media account a user uses to share different content aimed at a different audience from their main account. One of Lewis’ followers on
Manhattan College’s Society of Physics Students (SPS) chapter received the Outstanding Chapter Award from the national organization, placing them in the top 10-15% of chapters with the distinction. This marks the second time in four years that the chapter has earned national recognition for its efforts. According to manhattan. edu, the criteria for the award fall into three broad categories, “participation in national SPS events, outreach programs for youth, community service and increasing student recruitment efforts.” The website also mentions that the SPS is the “social hub
and informal advising network” related to the physics honor society Sigma Pi Sigma. One of the biggest achievements the chapter gained recognition for was participating in the STEM Outreach Day hosted by the college last year. The chapter played a significant role in planning the event as well as coordinating with the college community to immerse children from grades K-12 in a variety of STEM experiments. Rebecca Coglianese, a physics major and current vice president of the club, spoke about her involvement and how she found the club after switching her major to physics. “I was inspired to join in my freshman year, after I changed my major to physics, to find a community with interests similar to mine and to get an in-
IN NEWS:
IN FEATURES:
IN A&E:
IN SPORTS:
Rush Week for MC Greek Life on pg. 6
Meet the Greenstreets Band on pg. 8
Draddy Game Suspended During Lockdown on pg. 11
Angelina Persaud Managing Editor
Seniors Receive George J. Tamaro Scholarship on pg. 4
troduction to the professional world of physics,” Coglianese wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. She also spoke about the involvement SPS has with other societies and clubs on campus to further promote STEM outreach and engage the community. “SPS loves to collaborate with other clubs!” Coglianese wrote. “We collaborated with Pi Mu Epsilon, the Mathematics Society, for STEM Outreach Day in April 2023, serving underrepresented communities in the Bronx. Many activities were conducted bilingually in English and Spanish.” She also noted that the Pi Mu Epsilon event gained the chapter further recognition as __________________________
Features Editor and Senior Writer
X replied, “Gosh Sir, that is so insane, is that even possible? How can they just fire you for that?! Sending you so much sympathy and strength Sir!!” To which Lewis replied “Thanks boy, but they definitely can.” Shortly after The Quadrangle attempted contacting Lewis, the posts were taken down and a Quadrangle reporter was blocked from both Lewis’ main and alt X accounts. Multiple attempts to contact Lewis by The Quadrangle were unsuccessful. Lewis began his role as director of residence life in January 2023 and later took over the additional role of associate dean of students. During his time at the college, Lewis and his partner lived directly adjacent to undergraduate students on the eleventh floor of Horan Hall, one of the apartment-style residence halls on campus. Lewis shared living facilities including a common room, laundry and garbage facilities with students. There have been no allegations that anything inappropriate occurred between students and Lewis in his room on campus. The Quadrangle has learned that Lewis has exchanged sexual photos with a student who was unaware of his position at the time. Following an exchange of messages, Lewis proposed meeting at a location off campus. Lewis did not show up; when the student learned of Lewis’s position, they shared the information with friends, one of whom anonymously reported the situation to the college. The Manhattan College __________________________
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News
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Volume CIX, Issue 3 FEBRUARY 6, 2024
The Editorial Board
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief Angelina Persaud Managing Editor
Angelina Perez Engagment Editor
Brooke DellaRocco News Editor
Angelina Persaud Asst. News Editor
Mack Olmsted Features Editor
Mary Haley Asst. Features Editor
Angelina Perez Arts & Entertainment Editor
Maizy Swift & Jill Tuthill Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editors
Isaiah Rosario Sports Editor Maizy Swift & Ivy Jaep Production Editors Mary Haley Social Media Editor
Andrew Mannion Emmanouel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editors Barbara Vasquez Asst. Production Editor Nicholas Gilewicz Faculty Advisor
Elizabeth Kalaj Web Editor
About The Quadrangle A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news or ganization run by the students of Manhattan College. We strive to cover news around campus and the greater community, publishing weekly in print and daily online. Our goal is always accuracy, relevancy and professionalism. The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the College or the student body.
Join The Quadrangle The Quadrangle’s staff holds weekly open meetings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in Kelly Commons Room 412. All are welcome to come and join the club.
Connect with The Quadrangle mcquad.org @mcquad @mcquad mcquad
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LETTER from the EDITOR Dear Readers,
Seeing your response to last weeks issue on social media and our website felt so rewarding. In a time where our print issues are few and far between, it is encouraging to see how successful our publication can still be even in an online format. While our entire team here is passionate about the work we do, regardless of the response it receives, it is always nice to hear that what we are doing is appreciated, important, and necessary. Please, keep circulating our stories to get them to those who need to read them. Whether you are a student, alumni, family member, or anyone else reading our content, we appreciate your support and want to keep hearing your voice. While this weeks issue may not be quite as jam-packed as issue two was, we still have some great content to share with you. In news, we have a long-awaited story on Matthew Lewis’s departure from the college, as well as some highlights about our amazing faculty. In features, I spoke with students involved in planning rush week for their Greek Life organizations, and man, do they all work hard. In A&E, we highlight a new band on campus and some of 2024’s most trendy fashion finds. Lastly, in sports, we have another week of basketball updates for you. This issue also contains some of our newest writer’s first pieces. Be sure to check them out if you get the chance. Looking back, I know my first article ever published on this site was far from perfect, but nothing beats the feeling of seeing your name in a byline for the first time. So please, let’s help them celebrate the accomplishment that it is to officially become a published writer. As classes start to pick up for the semester and we’ve returned to the gloomy reality of gray winter skies and weekly tests and quizzes, I encourage you all to carve some time out each week for something that brings the sunshine back into your life. Whether it be visiting a local cafe for a warm latte (Mon Amour is my personal favorite), going into the city to do some shopping, or even just Facetiming friends and family from your hometown, taking that time for yourself is so important for maintaining your mental health. Thank you all for giving us a reason to keep writing. Your support, whether vocal or behind the scenes, is deeply appreciated. Every single one of you matters. Until next week,
Grace Cardinal
Editor-in-Chief
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News
THE QUADRANGLE
Manhattan College Fires Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life Matthew Lewis
__________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
consensual relationship policy prohibits sexual and/or romantic relationships between employees and undergraduate students. Violations of this policy can result in disciplinary action and possible termination. Additionally, Lewis has an OnlyFans account where he sells pornographic content of himself, as well as a graphic X account where he posts sexually explicit content containing videos, images, and text–some of which referred to him at work. Towards the end of his time with his previous employer, Hampshire College, Lewis posted on X asking his follow-
ers if he should “masturbate in his office”. In March 2023, Lewis posted again on X that he’s been “having some fun in Manhattan” with a photo that X covered with a sensitive content warning. Lewis’s position as director of residence life made him responsible for the educational leadership, policy formation, software implementation and direction of the college’s student residential life program. During his tenure, Lewis had a seat on the school’s Student Life Committee, where in October he suggested that the college should buy larger beds for the Jasper Hall housing facility, according to meeting minutes acquired by The Quadrangle.
The residence life department has long been trying to find strong footing, having gone through four different residence life directors over six years. William Atkinson will be the replacement interim director of residence life, according to the college. Atkinson has spent more than eight years with the college, starting with his role as an interim area coordinator. He then moved up the ranks in residence life over the years, with his current title being assistant director of residence life for housing operations, according to his LinkedIn.
Former dean of students and director of residence life. LINKEDIN/COURTESY
The Beauty of Physics: SPS Wins Best Chapter Award __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the co-president at the time, Sarah Rosen ‘23, and Kate Cappabianca ‘23 from the math society were both named “New Yorkers of the Week” by NY1 Spectrum News. Bart Horn, Ph.D., is a physics professor and has been the advisor for the SPS since 2018 and assists students with various chapter activities. “I’m very proud of them,” Horn said. “It’s nice to have all their hard work recognized. We’ve been named a distinguished chapter several times in the last few years and we’ve gotten an outstanding chapter only a few times.” Horn also emphasized the diversity among majors when it comes to enrollment in the club. He noted that the chapter is not exclusive to physics majors and that having multiple backgrounds contributes to the variety of events they host.
A stargazing event held by SPS during the semester. REBECCA COGLIANESE/COURTESY
“That also includes folks in related majors, such as mathematics, adolescent education… it’s brought in a number of people together and not just physics majors.” Currently, SPS is in the process of planning their upcoming events for the spring semester with hopes of traveling to Buffalo to watch the solar eclipse. “SPS officers are scheming heavily, about how we’re going to try to observe the total solar eclipse in April, because these happen every couple of years,” Horn said. “They’re pretty rare. This one is going to go through the western and northern part of New York State. And here in New York City, it’ll be 89% covered. So we’re trying to see if we can do some kind of expedition.” Horn encouraged students interested in joining the club to contact him via email at bhorn01@manhattan.edu.
News
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
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Five Seniors Receive George J. Tamaro Scholarship Andrew Mannion Asst. Sports Editor
The George J. Tamaro Scholarship was recently awarded to five civil engineering seniors at Manhattan College who demonstrated some of the top academic performance within their major with an interest in the deep foundations industry. The students who won the award this year are Daniel Angel, Amadeusz Biela, Orlando Blanco, Samantha Perricelli and Emily Specht. These senior civil engineering students each received a $5,000 award to help with their studies. Specht, one of the recipients, mentioned how the financial award of the scholarship is only the start of the benefits of winning the award. “This scholarship is going to help this semester’s tuition for me, but I think it is good exposure for other companies to see us in this field,” Specht said. “I’ve gotten another scholarship with WTS, (Women’s Transportations Institution), and they actually had a gala where they brought the scholarship recipients in. It just gets you more exposure and connections to other professionals in this field, which I think is re-
ally good.” The scholarship is named after a former MC graduate, George J. Tamaro. Tamaro is a slurry wall specialist known specifically for his work on the World Trade Center, WTC7 and the Freedom Tower. He has received a multitude of awards throughout his career, including the DFI Legends Award and U.S. Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. According to the Deep Foundations Institute website, “The scholarship is named for George J. Tamaro, the first-ever DFI Legends-Engineer Award recipient and an innovator in solving difficult foundation problems. The fund provides $15,000 in annual scholarships to undergraduate civil engineering students in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Manhattan College.” Tamaro received a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in civil engineering, before receiving master’s degrees in civil engineering and architectural technology from Lehigh University and Columbia University. Additionally, in 2011, he received an honorary doctorate of engineering from Manhattan College. MC selects students worthy of the scholarship by judging
George J. Tamaro on the job after the 9/11 attack. GEORGE TAMARO/COURTESY based on financial need, academic promise and a significant interest in the industry of civil/geotechnical engineering. Blanco, another scholarship recipient, remarked on how he was able to thank the clubs that helped him learn what he knows today. “I participate in workshops with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and I always try to do my best to provide funding,” Blanco said.
“I think that’s very critical because the American Society of Civil Engineers have these conferences, and they’re not free. So I always have to do my best and try to provide something to try to help out.” Recipients have also remarked on the responsibility that comes with earning this scholarship. Blanco mentioned that numerous people helped mentor him into the engineer he is today and the obligation
he feels he now has towards the other younger engineers at MC. “It’s very important to show students that are just coming in, whatever major, show them a piece of the industry and [give] the opportunity to talk to the alumni, and maybe even have them as a mentor,” Blanco said. “I’ve had mentors and people that helped me out and it’s brought me to where I’m at today.”
Mathematics Professor Lawrence Udeigwe Doubles as Jazz Musician SCHOLARSHIP AND RESEARCH CORNER
Jocelyn Visnov Senior Writer
Lawrence Udeigwe, Ph.D., is an associate professor combining two of his passions, math and music, which has recently earned him a feature in the upcoming issue of Diversity in Action magazine. An accomplished member of the MC community since 2014, Udeigwe indulges in musical endeavors after class and on the weekends. Udeigwe is a trained vocalist and jazz musician, with the piano being his primary instrument. Throughout his career, he’s learned to balance being both a professor and a musician. “My training in music is in jazz, so I learned jazz piano and jazz theory and jazz composition,” Udeigwe said. “Most of my songs have that underlying jazz element in it. But it also has some other influences, a little bit of soul influence and a lot of afrobeats influence, because I’m from Nigeria.” Udeigwe noted that sometimes he would wake up early to practice music before com-
ing to the college to teach each day, then later leave only to play again at night. “It used to be very difficult for me, but it’s become a system I’m familiar with,” he said. “It’s difficult because being a professor is very, very time consuming, especially if you’re teaching and doing research.” According to manhattan. edu, Udeigwe has also previously served as an Affiliate Research Faculty for brain and cognitive sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has received a number of grants for his research. He has also explored areas where math and music theory intersect. He was first approached about being interviewed for Diversity In Action over the summer and completed a phone interview with the magazine in the months to follow. Being highlighted in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of the magazine not only expands opportunities but also diversifies these respective fields. According to their website, “Diversity in Action is a digital and print publication dedicated to supporting and promoting diversity in science, technolo-
gy, engineering, the arts and math.” Udiegwe has also gone on tour accompanied by a drummer and a bass player, performing throughout New York and surrounding states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Udiegwe hopes more students and members of the community will consider listening to his music and looks forward to recording more songs in the future. You can give his music a listen on Spotify or Apple Music. “I would like more people to listen to my music, to play live music and to support live music,” he said. “It’s very important. I do recorded music and I don’t play out that much anymore, but I would encourage students to go to listen to jazz. It’s a collective culture that we need to preserve together.” Muhammad Ghaffar, an electrical engineering major, noted his excitement for his professor. “He’s always excited about what he teaches and I’ve noticed the more students are involved the more excited he becomes,” Ghaffar wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “He’s
one of the first math professors I’ve seen that genuinely cares a lot about the implications of
math in real life. I’m glad he is getting this part in the magazine, the man deserves it!”
Professor Lawrence Udeigwe released “Today” on Spotify in 2023. @UDEIGWE/COURTESY
News
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THE QUADRANGLE
George Giakos Earns Distinction as Top Industry Leader in AI Emmanouel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
George Giakos, Ph.D., has been honored with the prestigious title of one of the world’s top industry scientists by the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Alliance (AIIA). Giakos is also a distinguished faculty member at Manhattan College and a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Giakos, along with students from Manhattan College, led the way in developing an innovative technology known as “polarimetric dynamic vision sensor.” This new technology utilizes artificial intelligence to capture images. According to manhattan. edu, “Polarimetric imaging systems can capture hidden details and information that ordinary cameras miss and can be used for many applications including medical imaging, environmental monitoring and art restoration.” Giakos felt extremely grateful to receive this recognition from the AIIA, especially as he is very passionate about this topic. “Artificial intelligence without science cannot exist,” Giakos said. “I have been incredibly honored to be named one of the world’s top industry scientists by the AIIA.” With the merging of both artificial intelligence and sci-
ence to create new technology, Giakos mentioned that the efforts of students could not go unnoticed in the project. “This award resonates with the meritorious efforts of our undergraduate and graduate students, fueled by perseverance and excellence, working jointly as teams on research projects that can benefit technology and humanity,” Giakos said. Jack Griffin, an undergraduate student who contributed to the research, shared his experience with Giakos. “For me at least, it was very easy to fall in love with coming down to the lab and doing something new each day, setting up an experiment or even just taking [image] captures,” Griffin said. Giakos currently holds 20 U.S. and international patent awards and has authored over 350 technical papers. His research spans across prestigious institutions including NASA, and he has served as a faculty fellow at both the Air Force Research Laboratory and Naval Research Laboratory. Giakos is well-known for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and electrical systems. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my research team, consisting of my distinguished colleagues, and enthusiastic, and highly knowledgeable students at Manhattan College,” Giakos said. Giakos continued to elab-
George Giakos, Ph.D. MANHATTAN.EDU/ COURTESY orate on how this recognition will excel in opening numerous opportunities for the future, as well as in the science realm. “My role in AIIA consists in promoting the practical application of artificial intelligence across various industries, fostering economic development and societal progress, and facilitating industry connections,” Giakos said. “I will collaborate with numerous scientists and
professionals through our alliance to drive the rapid development of global artificial intelligence.” Christian Munch, another student at MC, had a unique experience doing research with Giakos, where his passion was reignited. “I just want to say that I’m grateful for Dr. Giakos,” Munch said. “[He] allows us to do this research and see how our major and all of our work
from previous classes applies in the world. It renewed my interest in the field because I was fading off and wasn’t really enjoying it as much. I came into the lab my senior year of undergrad and it renewed my interest completely because I saw what it could do.”
Features
February 6, 2024
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Ready, Set, Rush! MC’s Greek Life Jumps Into Rush Week Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
Ready, set, rush! This past week, Manhattan College’s Greek life organizations geared up to welcome potential new members (PNMs) for their spring rushes. The college is home to four Greek life chapters, including Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity (DKE), Alpha Phi Delta fraternity (APD), Alpha Pi Phi sorority (APP) and Sigma Delta Tau sorority (SDT). While only a week – or sometimes two – in duration, rush weeks can take months to plan. John Packes, rush chair of DKE, explained to The Quadrangle the extensive planning involved in creating two weeks of events. “It takes an extensive amount of planning, it’s not even just on my end,” Packes said. “I have to work with the social chair, the president and pretty much the entire E-Board (executive board) to make sure that the days we plan work. We have to get the rooms set up in Kelly at least two weeks in advance, we have to order t-shirts from a guy around a month in advance, and we have to get flyers up around campus. We have to communicate with the school [and] the head of student engagement.” Coming into the new year, one organization is revamping its rush to include more surprises for PNMs. Gabriella Celentano, vice president of membership recruitment for SDT, explained some changes that she’s made heading into this semester’s rush. “I’ve kind of changed a lot… I took this from other schools, the way they do their Bid Day is that someone in the sorority has a sign with their [PNM] name on it,” Celentano said. “And then they [PNMs] run home to the girl with the sign with their name on it. So I’m doing that, it’s called Bid Day Buddies.” Celentano also explained that this year, the Bid Day theme is going to be a surprise for PNMs, another change from years past. While APP’s rush events finished up last week, Olivia
Sigma Delta Tau’s Upsilon rush class. @SDTMANHATTAN/COURTESY
Appel, recruitment chair and social chair for the sorority, reflected on the best parts of their spring rush. “I think it was definitely just the excitement to see how people would react to different [events],” Appel said. “During our rush event, we have different tables with different activities. We just let everyone feel out which one they want to do. The one activity that did get the most hype, I will say, is the mason jar painting. Everyone seemed to love it.” Frank Maro, president of APD, told The Quadrangle about his favorite rush tradition. “At the end of every rush, we do an invite-only event, where people who we’re really close with we figure ‘hey, these guys are good people, we kind of want them around more’, and then we do this special event,” Maro said. “One year,
we did paintball. It’s fun because we get the money to do it, so we might as well just go all out. Just have fun with your friends and have fun with the rest of the brothers too.” Michael Riccardo, vice president of APD, talked about what his fraternity looks for in PNMs. “Our biggest goal is getting people that we can vouch for,” Riccardo said. “Good people that are willing to put in the work when we do philanthropy events, more recruiting, it’s about the betterment of not only our fraternity, but campus as a whole…We just want to make sure that we’re picking the right people.” Maro talked about the importance of working towards breaking the negative stigma surrounding Greek life in the US. “In the United States, there’s a huge stigma about
fraternities, that they’re bad,” Maro said. “At Manhattan College, I think we pride ourselves in having a very good group culture. Here, we don’t want to portray the same energy as other big fraternities at bigger schools…it’s not like what people think it is, how the stigma is around fraternities. It’s actually really great.” No matter what Greek life organizations students might consider joining on campus, all of them agree that Manhattan College’s Greek life brings a positive, welcoming atmosphere to campus. Packes concluded by encouraging students to rush Greek life at MC because it provides a supportive environment with friends all around, all the time. “I mean, we go to a small school and there’s not a lot that goes on, just in general at school and nearby, and it gives
people something to do any day of the week,” Packes said. “Whether you want to go grab food…want to watch basketball games, football games - it just gives you stuff to do and people to help you out when you need them.” Celentano encourages anyone who’s interested to put themselves out there and attend rush events, even if they’re not sure about joining. “If they don’t like it, if they don’t vibe with it, it’s not like a signed contract through all three days of rush,” Celentano said. “Obviously, if you get sick, if you don’t want to go, if you just aren’t into it, you are more than welcome to come on day [one] and put yourself out there and not show up again, and that is totally fine.”
Features
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THE QUADRANGLE
Summer Research Opportunities at Manhattan College Matthew Schule Staff Writer
Want to participate in summer research? Look no further, Manhattan College has three different opportunities this summer: The Jasper Summer Scholars, the Branigan Scholars Grant, and the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences Summer Research program. Recently, the program advisors and Center for Career Development (CCD) held an information session explaining what the programs consisted of. The leaders of this info session included assistant director of the Center for Graduate School and Fellowship Advisement Adrianne Bilous, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences Bridget Chalk, Ph.D. and Ashley Cross, Ph.D. Such research opportunities at MC are fully funded fellowships lasting from the end of the spring semester to around early fall semester. Students from every school
have the opportunity to create a proposal exploring a specific area of interest which they will research throughout the summer alongside a professor. Students can apply for all grant opportunities, but may only receive one if selected. To apply, students must create a three-to-four-page proposal overviewing the significance of their inquiry, a description of how they will execute the project and the goals and objectives they hope to achieve through committing to this work. They will also present their research, upon completion, to the MC community. “The grants awarded to our scholars provide the means by which students can pursue their academic passions and strengthen their skills of critical thinking and analysis, all while developing the kinds of knowledge that will be invaluable in their professional lives or postgraduate studies,” Chalk said. The Jasper Summer Research Scholars fellowship entails a $3000 stipend, alongside extensive guidance provided through the Center For Gradu-
ate School and Fellowship Advisement as the research participants progress through the course of their research. Additionally, students may live on campus during the summer alongside fellow peers pursuing their research in order to foster a greater sense of community among those contributing to their intellectual passions. The Branigan Scholars Grant is similar to the Jasper Summer Research Scholars program, with a few key differences. Established through the Edward Branigan Fund, this fellowship is enhanced with the added support of the National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant. This grant is restricted only to students within the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences and may only be used for humanities-based projects. Before students can present their work to the Manhattan College community, they must present their research before the Branigan Committee for a final review. Only around 30 students are selected for the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences Research
MC Student presenting their research before the community. ADRIANNE BILOUS/ COURTESY
Student presenting their finalized research on a posterboard for faculty member. ADRIANNE BILOUS/ COURTESY fellowship. Students receive a stipend as well as eligibility for free housing on campus over the summer. Students will need to have their proposal signed by their faculty sponsor and the department chair of their major. This grant will also require students to present their work through an oral presentation alongside a five page report of the types of research methods used and what results they obtained. They will then be required to submit the results of their work to a peer-reviewed scientific journal or present their work at a regional or national science conference within two years of completing their research. Senior biology major Skye Lehr, who completed a summer research project last summer, spoke to The Quadrangle about how doing research has impacted her time at the college. “Completing a research project has definitely made my time at Manhattan [College] something I can be even more proud of,” Lehr said. “I was able
to accomplish something that a lot of people don’t get to do in undergrad and I think it was a really special opportunity.” The possibilities for research provided by Manhattan College allow students to make the most of their talents and interests by putting them into practice and giving them a direction and a platform to share their passions with the world. Another student interested in applying for a research grant this summer, Stephanie Peterson, spoke of this opportunity. “I am eager to apply for this opportunity, as it offers a unique perspective distinct from my regular classroom activities,” Peterson said. “Additionally, I just recently had the experience of studying abroad during winter break which has inspired me to continue the learning journey.” The deadline for submitting a proposal to any of the three research grants is Feb. 25, and all are encouraged to take advantage of such opportunities.
JANUARY 30, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
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From Practice Rooms to Local Bars: Meet The Greenstreets Angelina Perez
Arts & Entertainment Editor/ Engagement Editor Manhattan College’s newest Indie band, The Greenstreets, initially formed by a student singer and songwriter has already created a buzz around campus since officially re-forming last semester. Alex Ellison formed the group in the spring of his sophomore year of high school. In addition to Ellison, the group consists of drummer Stephen Perrillo, pianist George Callaghan and guitarist Santiago Corets. The group was able to share their origin stories as musicians and as a band through an interview with The Quadrangle and their inspirations and plans for listeners as they take on more bars throughout New York City. “When college first began they put up a Facebook class of 2024 page to introduce yourselves online, so I put one up and was skimming through people’s stuff, and then I saw [Callaghan], and I was in a moment in my life where I was by myself musically, and I wanted to meet new people,” Ellison said. “And the first person I wanted to meet was a pianist. And lo and behold, my prayers were answered.” Perrillo studies biology and chemistry at MC, and for the first time this past September, during his senior year, he learned he had space for two liberal arts gen-ed classes. He eventually decided on a higher-level English writing workshop class and a music course that would ultimately change his life for the better. “I play the drums and guitar, so I figured it would be cool to learn another instrument, so I signed up for piano,” Perrillo said. “During the first few weeks, I came to practice after class, and I saw George working with our professor on multiple occasions. Alex would often come in and join him.” Piano skills professor James Behr was the one to introduce Perrillo to what was made up of Greenstreets at the time, Ellison and Callaghan, knowing they were in search of a drummer. “[Behr] knew that I played other jazz instruments from
Meet The Greenstreets - (from left to right) drummer Stephen Perrillo ‘24, guitarist Santiago Cortes ‘23, pianist George Callaghan ‘24 and songwriter Alex Ellison ‘24. GEORGE CALLAGHAN / COURTESY conversations in class, and one day George and Alex came in, and he said in front of them to me, ‘Oh, these guys have a band together, and they’re looking for a drummer’,” Perrillo said. “The look on both their faces was funny, and I get it, we were strangers, so I went, ‘Hey man if you’re down, I’m down, I know he is kind of pushing it onto you guys but it’s all good if you guys aren’t interested’.” As it turns out, the two were interested and Callaghan signed up the trio for the annual WRCM bash. Up until the performance, they imagined their band was at capacity, until a few funky chords made the group change their mind. “It’s funny because when I signed us up originally, it was just the three of us,” Callaghan said. “And then that very week Santiago asked to sit in during one of our practices, and started playing the guitar.” From an open mic night to the production of Abbey Road for last year’s album class, Corets recalls his version of the invisible string theory with his bandmates.
“I performed at a coffee house back in the fall of 2022, and they posted me on Instagram, and that is where George followed me, but it wasn’t until our album class last spring that we officially met,” Corets said. When asked what music The Greenstreets draw inspiration from, bands such as The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day were discussed, but musical scenery beyond the 80s was what they ultimately chose to amplify in their music. “The chord structures, lyrics, arrangement, and instrumentation are all different and unique from anything I’ve listened to,” Callaghan said. “It has all sorts of other styles like rock and Indie alternative mixed into folk, so people with different listening backgrounds will have a desire to listen to it.” Callaghan told The Quadrangle about his development of love for music from his mother, who saw something in him he did not initially see. He has been pursuing piano for the last eight years and decided it was what he wanted to do full-time once he came to MC.
“My brother and I would always play sports as kids, and my mom suggested we venture out and try to learn an instrument or do something in the arts,” Callaghan said. “She tried to sign both of us up for lessons, and I was adamant about not wanting to take lessons. Three months later, I saw my brother enjoying it, so I wanted to try it. Then, I took lessons for about eight years at the same place, and my brother quit after two years.” Perrillo reflected on his history with different instruments in his life and how it all ended up bringing him back to the drums. “Through several different journeys with different instruments, I feel that each one of them was highlighted by not only what my musical interests were at the time, but where I was in life,” Perrillo said. “I played the saxophone as a kid, and then I started playing the drums in middle school. In high school freshman year, a friend of mine who also played drums played Smells Like Teen Spirit on acoustic guitar, and I
was shocked that you could make a sound like that, so I picked it up until college - since you can’t play it in the dorms. So, coming back to the drums felt like a unique full-circle experience.” The group has had multiple performances since forming last fall, from bars to bashes, their most recent gig was at one of many Irish bars in the Bronx, Keane’s Bar, on the other side of Van Cortlandt Park. They played to a hefty crowd of MC students from 9 pm. to midnight during a winter storm warning. The warning, however, did not stop people from showing up and enjoying the band’s music throughout the night. In addition to stockpiling material to record their upcoming album, the group has decided to take their talent to the Upper East Side, where they will be playing at the music venue Pianos this upcoming Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 pm. Tickets are available in their Instagram bio @green_streets_band.
Arts & Entertainment
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THE QUADRANGLE
Spring Into Second Semester with MC’s Jazz Band Anna Segota Staff Writer
Manhattan College’s many music programs are gearing up for the spring semester, including the Jazz Band, which currently has a record-high group size. The jazz band, led by director Geoffrey Mattoon, has experienced quite the uptick in interest this academic year, drawing a wider audience at their fall concert and having a larger number of student musicians participating in the group. At the end of every semester, the MC jazz band hosts a showcase where they perform around 10 complex jazz pieces they’ve been rehearsing. Alongside the entire band, there are smaller, more intimate ensembles and collaborations with other student musicians through vocal accompaniments. In the past, the fall semester concert has taken place after the “lessons and carols” service inside Smith Auditorium. However, the jazz band’s
most recent performance occurred in Kelly Commons. The club has been working to get the word out about their concerts, eager to show the student body and administration the work they’ve put into their pieces. “We put up posters all around, and I personally invited the president, the provost and the brothers,” Mark Dusovic, president of the jazz band, said. “Along with that, we had people posting on Instagram, which really worked for us.” This year, though, they have reached around 25 members who have dedicated themselves to their instruments, one of the largest groups the program has seen. “This has been my first time playing in a band this big,” Matt Regalado, a junior guitarist who joined the jazz band in the fall, said. “It’s like high action; you get the chart in front of you, and you have to learn how it goes on the fly. It’s given me a nice challenge and made me want to improve.” Moving into the spring semester, the jazz band aims to have more opportunities for the upperclassmen to showcase their talents while passing
The Jazz Band preforming at their fall semester concert back in December. @MCMUSICANDTHEATRE / COURTESY
The Jazz Band hard at work in rehearsal. @MCJAZZBAND / COURTESY down the mantle to the younger musicians to keep the program going. The jazz band also wants to include more modern instruments and styles of jazz in their performances and continue to evolve. “Our goal is always to allow our senior students a chance to shine, doing improvising and soloing, preparing for their concert, and then to allow them to impart that skill to the younger students, so that they can take that tradition and build upon it,” Andy Bauer, director of Manhattan College’s performing arts program, said. The jazz band has been able to pull from the large catalog of music they already have the rights to, to avoid copyright costs for new pieces. “I want to challenge them,” Mattoon said. I don’t want to repeat songs, so I’ve been able to kind of rehash some of the older music that was ordered before I was here, for the previ-
ous director. Fortunately, from the past budgets, we’ve had enough equipment that we haven’t had to purchase anything new lately.” The jazz band has reached new heights but has no intentions of slowing their growth. The group is now starting rehearsals for their next concert, which will take place in the latter half of this semester.
Arts & Entertainment
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
2024 Fashion Trends: What’s In and What’s Out
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FASHION FINDS
Sabrine Daoud Contributor
As the new year brings new trends, it also leaves some in the past. Manhattan College students talked to The Quadrangle about what trends they hope stay and what needs to go entering into 2024. Nayelis Minaya, junior, global business and marketing major. The Quadrangle: What are some ins and outs of fashion trends in 2024? Nayelis Minaya: I know ballet flats got a comeback. I want it to stick around. I’ve always been a flats girl. I feel like I’m just such a classic person, very simple, very neutral. This is so bad, but an out is ripped jeans. TQ: On MC’s campus, we see a wide range of styles. What have been some of your
favorite trends you’ve seen incorporated in fellow students’ wardrobes? NM: I love it when very artsy people wear flowing dresses. They look so feminine but so edgy at the same time. TQ: Where is your fashion inspiration rooted from? NM: Okay, so there’s this influencer named Kelsey Simone, and I’ve been following her for the longest time, and that’s usually where I get my inspiration. Brian Odour, senior, electrical engineering major. The Quadrangle: What are some ins and outs of fashion trends in 2024? Brian Odour: What I want to see come out is panda dunks. If you still have panda dunks, you’re basically just wearing Air Forces. I want to see more expression of who people are through their outfits. I have a love for soccer and sports, so
Nayelis Minaya, junior global business and marketing major NAYELIS MINAYA / COURTESY recently, I’ve been wearing a lot of jerseys and trying to incorporate my fits around that.
pants that people wear. People need to look more into that brand and their other pieces.
TQ: On MC’s campus, we see a wide range of styles. What have been some of your favorite trends you’ve seen incorporated in fellow students’ wardrobes?
Colin Cook, freshman, civil engineering major.
I respect and can compliment you if you have a nice pair of shoes, even if they’re ugly. I noticed a more alt-fashion that has been growing among my friends.
The Quadrangle: What are some ins and outs of fashion trends in 2024?
TQ: Have you contributed to any micro trends you regret today or feel helped your style?
BO: I see a lot of people wear a lot of unique pieces that are just out there. I saw this girl wear high-top spikey boots and have her whole outfit revolve around that, which was cool. I liked the diversity and uniqueness because of its creativity and how much it stands out.
Colin Cook: I think wearing pants that fit and belts are in. When I was younger, I would wear size 40 pants and had to wear three belts to hold them up. I’m tired of seeing sweatpants.
CC: When I was younger, I grew up skateboarding, so I would buy a lot of skate tees, but I don’t know if that was something I enjoyed, and I sold all of them on Depop whenever I got tired of them.
TQ: What attracts or steers you away from some fashion trends today?
Brian Odour, junior electrical engineering major. BRIAN ODOUR / COURTESY
BO: Essentials hoodies. The Fear of God brand is more than just a hoodie and sweat-
TQ: On MC’s campus, we see a wide range of styles. What have been some of your favorite trends you’ve seen incorporated in fellow students’ wardrobes? CC: I mean, of course, I enjoy looking at people’s shoes.
Sports
11
THE QUADRANGLE
Draddy Locked Down and Game Suspended After Reports of Firearm on Campus Isaiah Rosario Sports Editor
Jan. 25 was a night that students of Manhattan College would never forget. At around 7:38pm, a Jasper-911 email was sent to students, faculty, and staff about a possible suspect with a gun on campus. The college’s campus was sent into immediate lockdown as requested by public safety. The New York City Police Department responded quickly and began an investigation into the situation. During lockdown, the college’s women’s basketball team was playing Marist College at home in Draddy Gymnasium. One of the cheer coaches notified public safety of the incident just before halftime. After the cheerleaders and dance team were notified of the lockdown situation, they went behind the bleachers for an extended period of time. “I think that the cheer coach did a really good job,” dance team member Brooklyn Schriver said. “She stepped in and handled it really well. She was one of the ones who told the public safety officers what was even happening in the first place. I would like to commend student engagement too, they did a really good job.” Once the public safety of-
ficers in the gym were notified, the officers and athletics workers began locking all doors and barricading all potential entrances to the gym. The overhead announcer made the fans aware of the ongoing situation by stating that there was an ongoing issue on the college’s campus resulting in a lockdown. He also announced that the game would be suspended until further notice. “I just felt really nervous especially because we were in such a big public area,” dance team member Annie Rasetina said. “If someone did have a gun or was actively shooting, I felt like [Draddy] was such a targeted area that someone can go to with such innocent people. I also just found it very strange that it took the cheer coach having to go up to public safety to explain what was happening rather than public safety already knowing.” The lockdown occurred during halftime and both Marist and the Jaspers were locked down in their locker rooms. Around 15 to 20 minutes later, it was announced on the overhead speaker that despite the ongoing lockdown, play would resume and the teams would begin to warm up for the second half. The cheer and dance teams did not return to the floor for the second half. After the bas-
From Left to Right: Jade Blagrove, Anne B;air and Ines Gimenez Monserrat during a timeout on the Jan. 25 game versus Marist College. @MANHATTANWBB / COURTESY ketball teams went back out on the floor, the cheerleaders and dancers were moved to Alumni Hall and shortly after moved to the locker rooms. They stayed there until the lockdown was lifted. “Our coach gave us the option [to go back to the floor], she didn’t want to incite her views on us because she herself didn’t think it was appropriate,” cheerleader Victoria Aulov said. “She gave us the choice. ‘Do you guys feel comfortable performing?’ We said yes and then we told her but we don’t think it is appropriate and that’s all she needed to hear to tell them that we are not performing and we will not be go-
ing back out there.” After the game, forward Jade Blagrove said that some of the international players were visibly emotional and shaken up because they were not used to the concept of guns. “I’ve never experienced something like this, thankfully, and so this was definitely new, and I know how I react in a situation like this,” cheerleader Mikayla Brown said. “I would have liked to see more control over the situation from people who have more information about what’s going on. We just listen to what people tell us.” Freshman Riley Deane was a spectator of the game and ex-
perienced the lockdown firsthand wanted to give a message to administrators regarding the situation that took place on Jan. 25. “I want them to care more about the students, put the students first, and care more about them instead of their reputation,” Deane said.
Sports
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
12
Jaspers Fall to First Seeded Quinnipiac Maizy Swift
Production Editor/Asst. A&E Edtior The Jaspers (5-13, 2-7 MAAC) have returned home from their annual Buffalo trip following an 84-78 win against Niagara University on Jan. 28. The Jaspers also faced a difficult match against the firstseed Quinnipiac Bobcats (16-4, 7-1 MAAC). The game began with a three-pointer by Shaquil Bender; however, Quinnipiac quickly scored as the Jaspers and the Bobcats went back and forth trading baskets with a score of 16-12 with 11 minutes to go. Perry Cowan went on to score a three-pointer raising the score 16-15 in favor of the Bobcats. However, Quinnipiac quickly came back with a three-pointer making the score 19-15. Despite being behind by six points, the Jaspers didn’t open the game shooting the ball. They shot 25% from the three and 30% from the field. As the game continued, Quinnipiac continued to extend their lead, raising the score to 25-18. The ongoing issues with turnovers were evident in the first half of the game, as the Jaspers had eight turnovers with five minutes to go in the first half. As the game continued, the Jaspers had some trouble scoring, mixed with some sloppy defensive errors. However, they scored seven unanswered points in the last two minutes of the game to bring them within one with thirty seconds left in the half. The run for the Jaspers ended after the Bobcat’s Matt Balanc scored a step-back three. The score at the half was 35-31. Within the first five minutes of the second half, the Jaspers had six turnovers, which allowed the Bobcats to gain eleven points. With thirteen minutes left, there were 18 turnovers in total allowing Quinnipiac to steal 22 points leaving a score of 50-38. Seydou Traore got a poster and Jasper hit four of their last five shots bringing them back into the single digits. Draddy erupted with spirit as a glimpse of hope was shone on the team. However, hope was lost as the Jaspers lost to Quinnipiac 77-
Player Seydou Traore makes a poster during the second half of the game. WYATT KOPELMAN / COURTESY 71.
Head Coach John Gallagher gave high praise to his roster following the tough loss to Quinnipiac. “Credit to our players,” Gallagher said. “I mean, our practices the last three weeks have been unbelievable, and I’ve changed programs many times, and as a head coach I can’t tell you how proud I am of the players inside in this building in this locker room.” The Bobcats were able to capitalize on the Jaspers’ mistakes throughout the game. The Jaspers turned the ball over 20 times and allowed Quinnipiac to score 22 points off those turnovers. Gallager spoke about the issue after the game. “It’s something we’re gonna have to focus on in the next 40 days, they know it and I think we will embrace it,” Gallagher said. Gallagher also gave some insight as to what Xinyi Li, a freshman forward on the team, means to him as a coach this season as he dropped 12 points on perfect
shooting. “I just told him he was perfect from offense, he ran great offense,” Gallagher said. “If he can clean up on the defensive side of the ball, there’s more minutes out there for him. I just think at the end of the day, if you look at the best mid-major teams in America … what they have is a role definition … if you’re coming in off the bench, you’re going to have to be a great stopgap rebounder, help defender and there are some things that on side that I’m go-
ing to work with Li personally on.” This game was a great learning experience for the team, as Quinnipiac is one of the best teams in the MAAC and one of the best mid-major teams in the country. “I feel like we still have a lot left to show, it was a good teaching point for us just keep playing hard the whole game but we still have a lot to show,” Traore said. Bender, a junior guard, said the team hopes to work more
on certain aspects of their playing which helped them come back up in the second half. “We just started slowing down, letting them come to us in our offense,” Bender said. The Jaspers have a game against Fairfield on Feb. 4, where hopefully their experiences in this game will pay dividends for them.