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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924
Volume CIX, Issue 4
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NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Stephen Squeri, Responds to MC CFA’s Vote of No Confidence Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
MC Seniors Toast to 100 Days Until Graduation @MCSTUDENTENGAGE INSTAGRAM/ COURTESY
Ronald Gray Transitions Away From Manhattan College Isaiah Rosario Sports Editor
Ronald Gray, Ph.D., vice president of student life and dean of students, will be transitioning away from Manhattan College after over a year and a half at the helm of student life leadership, as announced in an email sent from the Office of the President last week. The main reason Gray decided to transition away from the college was due to him wanting to be more present for his family, especially as his kids are getting older. Despite his transition away from MC, Gray hopes to continue working with students and making sure they are
IN NEWS:
Alumna Receives Prestigious Payne Fellowship on pg. 5
successful no matter where he goes. He joked in his interview with The Quadrangle, saying that working with students keeps him young and keeps him up to date. “My team has been freaking amazing,” Gray said. “They’re just high-quality people, highquality professionals. I can’t say enough about them and how much they love the students and support the students. I love the students and how they’ve embraced me and all the things that they’ve done for me and with us. It’s just an amazing ride.” Gray told The Quadrangle that he expects to leave his position sometime in the coming months. There is no negative association between the college and Gray as he
IN FEATURES:
Seniors Raise a Glass to 100 Days to Graduation on pg. 8
“treasures every moment of working here.” During Gray’s tenure at MC, he would have liked to see a couple more things come to fruition. He highlighted the need to see more student organizations develop and grow, such as fraternity and sorority life. Furthermore, Gray gave praise to the student-athletes within the college. Gray stated that with the amount of work that they put in, they should be celebrated for their accomplishments. “I just hope that our students, no matter whether it’s soccer, lacrosse, baseball or basketball, that [athletes] continue to engage with __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Last week, Manhattan College faculty took part in a vote of no confidence against President Milo Riverso, Ph.D. Out of 210 full-time faculty members, 147 participated in the vote, which resulted in 89% casting a vote of no confidence in Riverso, as first published by The Riverdale Press. Additionally, 7% abstained from voting, and only 4% expressed disagreement with the motion. The motion of no confidence was sent to the Board of Trustees and the president on Jan. 29. In the motion, the faculty cited that their decision stemmed from four different concerns. First was that, “The administration terminated faculty on the grounds of financial distress without providing tenured faculty with the notification and severance as contractually required by the Faculty Handbook.” The rest of the section went on to explain that the administration was “acting upon the claim that tenured faculty have fewer rights and protections than non-tenured faculty,” another direct breach of the Faculty Handbook. The second point covered the administration’s “blatant disregard” of the Faculty Handbook, which states that faculty have the right to oversee curricular decisions, including the decision administration made in Jan. to eliminate 20 programs. The faculty claimed, “This will undermine some of the
IN A&E:
Jasper Jams: Valentine’s Day Edition on pg. 10
college’s distinctive strengths, such as our ability to meet a variety of student interests and needs, and undermine our ability to survive the current crisis.” Third, faculty members stated that the administration has refused to adhere to the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) definition of tenure, as reported in the Riverdale Press. The AAUP’s definition of tenure combined with the definition listed in the Faculty Handbook also listed specific protections to which tenured professors are entitled under the 1940 Statement. According to the AAUP’s website, “A tenured appointment is an indefinite appointment that can be terminated only for cause or under extraordinary circumstances such as financial exigency and program discontinuation.” Lastly, the faculty addressed the lack of transparency from administration. Faculty also cited the sudden shift from a “last in, first out” policy to arbitrary reasons for termination, including laying off faculty based on their enrollment numbers and course caps compared to others. The letter from the faculty made it clear that President Riverso’s recent hospitalization due to a hip injury after a fall was not a factor in their decision to petition. The motion garnered a response from Stephen Squeri, chair of the Manhattan College __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
IN SPORTS:
Track and Field Impresses at Championship on pg. 11
News
FEBRUARY 13, 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,
Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re celebrating with your sweetheart, a galentine, or having a self-care night alone, take some time to enjoy the things, and people, you love in your life. While it may be one of the less serious holidays in our yearly repertoire, it provides a phenomenal opportunity to tell the people that you love in your life just that. Use the day to reach out and appreciate those who have been there for you from day one. I promise you, they’ll love to hear it. It’s hard to believe that we’re already entering our fifth week back at school. Our seniors just toasted to 100 days until graduation, an event that seems so far but will come so fast. In my opinion, spring semester always whips by twice as fast as the fall. With the warm weather and spring break approaching, there’s so much to look forward to that it can become easy to let some of the less-fun aspects of life fly by in the background. Try to slow it down when you can, and absorb both the good and not-so-great around you in these moments. As I’m sure our seniors will tell you, once you start reaching that 100 days mark, you’ll wish that you had. This week’s issue is one of my favorites so far - not because we provide a lot of hard-hitting stories - but because of the diversity of clubs and students showcased. One of my favorite aspects of Manhattan College is that we are a place that truly has something for everyone, and I think this week’s issue in particular showcases that. To anyone our writers spoke with this week, thank you for talking to us, sharing your opinion, and letting us provide a look into the window of your worlds with our readership. Please keep reaching out to us. We have received many comments on our website, emails, and even in-person feedback about our recent issues. We always want to hear your opinion on what we’re doing great with and what we can improve upon. Open communication is the lifeblood of our publication, and your support means everything.
That’s all from me for now - until next week,
Grace Cardinal
Editor-in-Chief
News
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THE QUADRANGLE
Letter from the President February 5, 2024 The Manhattan College Community, Let me begin this message by acknowledging how difficult the past several months have been for me personally; for our valued Board of Trustees; for my senior staff; and, most importantly, for the affected faculty and staff members as they relate to the down-sizing of a number of positions within the Manhattan College community. These decisions have not been easy nor have they been pleasant – far from it – but, unfortunately, they were very necessary and, frankly, overdue. In that regard, I sincerely appreciate the Board’s recent statement of support of my leadership in view of the faculty’s recent resolution. What I have had to do here at Manhattan is occurring throughout the country at colleges and universities large and small. While I truly wish that our financial realities were different or that there were other viable alternatives, neither is true. It is in this light, that I would like to share some background leading to recent data-driven decisions. During the past four-to-five years, Manhattan College has experienced an approximate 30% decline in student enrollment due to various factors, including an overall change in how higher education is viewed in the U.S. (including almost daily discussions in the media about the long-term values of higher education) and the pandemic which saw us lose significant numbers of students, particularly those residing on campus leaving us with numerous dorm rooms unoccupied. This decline in the student population, however, was not matched by an accompanying decline in our operating costs (primarily costs for faculty and administrative salaries). This imbalance has led to annual deficits for each of the last five years, and we are projected to have another deficit this year. Combined those deficits will exceed $50 million. Next year we are projecting a similar deficit as the prior two years. Consequently, I was left with no choice but to act – and act decisively, as you would if faced with similar issues in your own households. As such, I needed to right-size the faculty and staff to develop a sustainable financial model for the College while maintaining the high quality of educational life for our students and the broad College community which defines Manhattan College. The alternative would be to increase tuition costs to such an extent, however, that it would severely compromise our enrollment and our important Lasallian Catholic mission. While I cannot predict what the future of higher education will be globally, I emphatically can say that it is my intent to have Manhattan College be a leading proponent of the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, and business going forward. We are a strong institution with a proud history of over 170 years and our educational mission must and will continue. We can only accomplish this sustainable future, however, by developing a clear and precise vision to modernize how we deliver our educational experience. Working with the Board, administration, and faculty, I am committed to developing a plan that will bring forward the best technological resources and methodologies to meet the demands of society and industry by equipping our students with strong career-ready capabilities along with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. Over the next several months, our vision will be further refined as we engage with all the stakeholders within our College community. I remain optimistic about the future of the College and I will engage the community on further developments. I will continue to urge that we all work together to bring eager and bright students to the Manhattan College campus. Thank you for the opportunity to share these thoughts with you. Milo E. Riverso President
News
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Stephen Squeri, Responds to MC CFA’s Vote of No Confidence __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Board of Trustees, that was less than well-received by the faculty involved in the original vote. “I was not at all surprised by the response of the chair of the Board of Trustees,” Marlene Gottlieb, a recently terminated tenured Spanish professor wrote in a statement to The Quadrangle. “The Board chose Dr. Riverso so that he, an experienced businessman, could forcefully address the deficit the college was facing. That is the fiduciary responsibility and the primary function of a Board.” Squeri responded to the motion of no confidence by saying that he respects the Council for Faculty Affairs (CFA) right to evaluate the college’s leadership and collect the opinion of the faculty on issues.
“We do, however, respectfully disagree with the reasons provided which supported the vote,” Squeri wrote. “Additionally, while we recognize the impact of the necessary actions taken by President Riverso and his team have had on our valued faculty, the Board of Trustees unanimously stands by those decisions which were taken to ensure the long-term financial stability of the College and its ability to pursue its mission for generations of students to come.” Squeri went on to explain that the Board of Trustees specifically chose to elect Riverso due to his skill set, longterm vision for the college and his ability to help MC address the challenges faced as a result of the effects of the pandemic. “Dr. Riverso’s plan, which was presented to and endorsed by the Board, includes a number of difficult but necessary steps
to put the college on solid financial footing and focus our resources on the areas that are delivering the greatest value for our students and the entire College community both now and in the future,” Squeri wrote. “We understand that not everyone will agree with the outcome, but we believe that the steps the administration has taken were appropriate and necessary.” Gottlieb went on to express her disappointment in the college’s process for addressing the issue, including the lack of faculty committees that would have been able to work towards solutions in a mutually collaborative manner with administration. However, Gottlieb acknowledged that while there may have been layoffs and program restructuring even if the college followed the guidance of the AAUP and the Faculty Handbook,
that was in an advisory board meeting, he’ll ask us for concerns that we have or things that we notice or things that we want to talk about,” Kilpatrick said. “He’s always very receptive to that. It’s really refreshing to see someone that has that ability to be an active listener and to genuinely show their interest in what people present.” The job position for the role of Vice President of Student Life is currently open for applicants on the college’s website. Gray wanted to make sure to leave a piece of advice for the next candidate who steps into the position. “Stay flexible, stay open, work with your colleagues,” Gray said. “Listen to the students and have fun with it. It can be a position where you’re worried about the student’s well-being and you’re worried about making sure that you are complying to laws and all the policies and procedures, but maintain a positive attitude … just get your team together and rely on them and be transparent with them.” Both Kennedy and Kilpatrick emphasized the need for students to be part of the selection process for the new vice president of student
life. The board members also mentioned initiatives that they would like to see out of the new vice president. A few initiatives that were mentioned were that they would like the future vice president to be more transparent about club budgets and help create a change for freshmen as they transition from high school to college by giving them more resources.
if the decisions were made in collaboration with faculty they would have been more carefully considered. “However, I have two concerns,” Gottlieb wrote. “First, where was the Board and its oversight of the former president and vice presidents of Finance and Facilities that led to the deficit the college is now facing? Why wasn’t this problem identified and addressed over 3-4 years ago? My second concern is the process and manner in which the deficit has been addressed.” The letter from Squeri concluded by saying that the administration and the board are dedicated to working in the best interest of faculty and students. “Importantly, the Board and the administration has been and remain committed to treating impacted individuals with the utmost respect and fairness,” Squeri wrote.
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“Engagement with our faculty, staff and students remain essential throughout this process, and, as we have in the past, we welcome your perspectives as we continue to focus on the best interest of our entire College community.” On Feb. 5, Riverso sent out an email acknowledging the recent deficits and the no vote of confidence from the CFA. Riverso wrote, “These decisions have not been easy nor have they been pleasant – far from it – but, unfortunately, they were very necessary and, frankly, overdue. In that regard, I sincerely appreciate the Board’s recent statement of support of my leadership in view of the faculty’s recent resolution.” The Quadrangle reached out to the office of the president for additional comment but did not hear back by the time of publication.
Ronald Gray Transitions Away From Manhattan College
__________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
athletics because the studentathletes here are phenomenal and they put so much energy into their sport, and we should be able to celebrate them with that and encourage them.” The email from the President’s Office about Gray’s departure was certainly a surprise to many students on campus, especially those who worked closely with him, such as the members of Gray’s student advisory board. “I think it’ll have a big impact,” advisory board member Elizabeth Kennedy said about Gray’s departure. “I think by him not being there, the space for everybody to become ‘One Jasper Nation’ as he called it isn’t there anymore. I think that if he was still here, there would be more time to implement these things … it sucks because he was starting to make changes and now it’s just stopped.” The creation of Gray’s advisory board allowed students to have a role in student life on campus. Another member of the board, Charles Kilpatrick, said that Gray’s ability to listen to people was one of the most impactful parts of Gray’s tenure at the college. “It’s really remarkable that he can show people that he’s actually listening, whether
The advisory board members also mentioned initiatives that they would like to see come out of the new vice president, including the vice president having more transparency about club budgets and more resources for freshmen as they transition from high school to college.
Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, Ronald Gray, Ph.D. posing with Brother Jasper. LINKEDIN/COURTESY
News
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THE QUADRANGLE
Saran Camara ‘21 Receives Prestigious Payne Fellowship SCHOLARSHIP AND RESEARCH CORNER
Jocelyn Visnov Senior Writer
Manhattan College alumna Saran Camara ‘21 was recently named a 2024 Payne Fellow at The United States Agency For International Development (USAID), making her the first Jasper in the college’s history to receive this prestigious award. The competitive fellowship program awards selected participants for their dedication to international development and foreign service. The Payne Fellowship provides participants with mentors, summer work placements located in Washington D.C. and scholarship tuition assistance towards a graduate degree in international affairs or related fields relevant to USAID. According to usaid.gov, the fellowship is managed under Howard University with 80% of all Payne fellows identifying as being minorities or members of underrepresented groups. “The Payne Fellowship Program, named after the late Representative Donald M. Payne Senior (D-NJ), was established in 2012 and is now celebrating its 10th anniversary,” the press release read. “Since the beginning of the program, 89 Payne Fellows have become USAID Foreign Service Officers.” Participants of the Payne Fellowship are enrolled in approved graduate degree programs while also participating in the fellowship. While the program is managed by Howard University, fellows may apply and attend
graduate programs at other universities. Payne fellows who successfully complete the program and exceed specific entry requirements are eligible for five years of service as Foreign Service Officers. During her time as an undergraduate student at MC, Camara was academically involved in the campus community. As an economics and finance major in the O’Malley School of Business, a member of the Epsilon Sigma Pi honor society, a peer tutor at the Center for Academic Success and a developmental economics research fellow, Camara was constantly striving for new opportunities. She also worked as a Women Inspiring Successful Enterprise (W.I.S.E) fellow, where she interned with the Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation as an accounting assistant, helping low-income tenants apply for rental assistance programs. Camara received her bachelor’s of science degree from the O’Malley School of Business in 2021. According to her LinkedIn profile, she has since worked as a financial analyst for Syneos Health. Applicants for the USAID Payne fellowship go through a competitive selection process. According to paynefellows. org, “The selection panel will consider candidates’ academic work, statements of interest, letters of recommendation, and honors and awards, as well as their community, extracurricular, and leadership activities,” the website read. “Consider-
2024 USAID Payne Fellow, Saran Camara. @MANHATTANEDU INSTAGRAM/COURTESY ation will be given to qualified applicants who, in addition to outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement, demonstrate financial need.” According to a press release, the USAID has expanded their acceptance to their flagship Payne Fellowship program, going from 15 to 30 accepted fellows in 2022. Camara is one of just 30 fellows select-
ed to participate in 2024. Camara’s recent success was shared across the college’s social media accounts, @manhattanedu. “The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship program recognizes exceptional individuals committed to international service, and Saran is truly a standout,” the caption read. “This accom-
plishment not only highlights Saran’s dedication and passion for international development but also showcases the excellence and potential within the Manhattan College community. We are incredibly proud to have a pioneer like Saran paving the way for future generations of Jaspers!”
Features
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
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JCAL at MC Makes Quit Kits Lauren Raziano Senior Writer
Jaspers for Clean Air and Lungs (JCAL) is a studentrun organization at Manhattan College that educates students about the risks of smoking on campus through inclusivity and education initiatives. In March 2023, MC received a one-time $19,900 grant from the Truth Initiative, a high-profile anti-smoking organization. JCAL is spearheaded by two student ambassadors, Aaliyah Dyer and Mariam Ahmed. Aaliyah Dyer is a sophomore biology student who joined the club when her roommate, Vivian Nartey, asked her to join. Sophomore psychology major Mariam Ahmed is a Truth student ambassador who is motivated to help students in any part of their anti-smoking journey. “This club is for anyone in any part of their smoking journey, if you are trying to quit or have even thought about smoking,” Ahmed said. “At the end of the day, it’s about helping people and trying to help or move them across their journey. Especially being health majors, we found this amazing opportunity to get leadership action, get involved and be a part of a community.” The Truth Initiative has been able to award grants to more than 180 minorityserving academic institutions, community colleges and women’s colleges to help them become smoke or tobacco-free. The three Truth campaigns focus on environmental protection, social justice topics and mental health support. To support this larger organizational goal, JCAL hosted a “healthy heart, healthy lung” event for students to make quit kits. The quit kit included gum packets, Jolly Ranchers, gummy bears, a stress ball, chapstick, stickers and a phone number contact card for antismoking resources. The bags will be at different student centers throughout campus, such as the Multicultural Center, the WGRC, the counseling departments, the veterans center and the human resources department for staff members. “Today is our healthy heart, healthy lungs quit kits making
JCAL student leaders, Mariam Ahmed and Aaliyah Dyer, and club members create quit kits at their recent event. LAUREN RAZIANO/THE QUADRANGLE event,” Nartey said, “With the whole Valentine’s Day theme, we are trying to implement the idea that going smoke-free is also a form of spreading love because you’re taking care of each other by looking out for each other and looking out for our bodies.” The students also are planning to be a part of the Jasper Day of Wellness on April 22, to promote healthy lifestyles and hopefully host more events like the wellness walk in the fall. Anne Mavor, the director of health services and the administrative leader of JCAL, has a goal to make MC a smoke-free campus by the end of 2024. During the fall 2023 semester, a health services survey was sent to all Manhattan College students
and staff to collect data and opinions about the views of the community on tobacco and secondhand smoke. Mavor reported that they received over 800 responses with an important factor that MC members are bothered by secondhand smoke. “We are a pretty nonsmoking campus, but there are enough people, 22%, that are bothered by smoke on campus,” Mavor said. “We are trying to get the policy changed as there are still smoking areas. The grant has a policy that motivates the college to go completely tobacco-free, so we are in the process of spreading that awareness.” Dyer is looking forward to seeing the new tobacco-free campus policy be implemented. “Personally, I want to see the new policy takeover,” Dyer
said. “ I want to see what will happen on campus because I see many students smoking around Horan Hall and on the steps. I want to see what changes will happen after the policy.” Although the grant and club were faced with some negativity and stigma around smoking on campus, the leaders emphasized that the club is more than the policy they want to implement. “One thing is we’re extremely inclusive, we always try to emphasize the fact that it’s for anybody and it doesn’t matter where you are in your journey, even if you still are doing it,” Nartey said. “I feel like at the same time the club is about educating. It’s about creating a safer environment for those who are smoking and those who aren’t because
maybe those who are smoking don’t know the extent to which it’s affecting their health.” JCAL hopes to educate the importance of creating a safer environment for smokers and non-smokers and incorporate the values of MC to have a healthier campus community. “There is a beauty in implementing change and it’s so rewarding to be a part of it,” Nartey said. “We are able to provide a community that’s welcoming and safe for all types of people. We are focused on diversity and inclusivity, the true morals of Manhattan College so it’s rewarding to be able to implement that through our club and goals.”
Features
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THE QUADRANGLE
Business Students Learn to Navigate the Sticky World of the Beverage Industry Anna Segota Staff Writer
Former Manhattan College rowing coach Kathleen Hickes, territory sales manager at Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., gave a talk to Manhattan College business students about navigating life after college and being a woman in business. Hickes’ presentation went through her career in the beverage industry, covering advice she wanted to share with young professionals and how her unconventional route to where she is now ultimately helped her succeed. Hickes is a graduate of Bucknell University, with degrees in international relations and Spanish and a minor in economics. Hickes never initially planned to enter the beverage industry, but after college she found herself employed as a pre-sales account manager for PepsiCo, doing what she described as “grunt work.” After starting at PepsiCo, she continued in the industry, moving on to work for the Coca-Cola company. Hickes has worked for many big-name brands, such as Kraft Heinz, before finally landing at Keurig Dr Pepper. Since Hickes did not originally get her degree in business, she worked up the ranks, starting with bluecollar jobs, before entering into management and administrative positions. Hickes was able to offer a different perspective on how to navigate climbing the ranks because of her unique experiences and her background as a woman in the industry.
Hickes spoke to students on Tuesday, at an event organized by MC’s marketing club, accounting society, WiB organization, and Beta Alpha Psi chapter. @womeninbusiness_mc /COURTESY “It gave me more credibility coming into my first role, I don’t think my branch had seen a female in management before, my direct reports are all older than I am,” Hickes said. “It’s nice to be able to look at what’s happening in stores and have an accurate picture versus just
Kathleen Hickes is the territory sales manager at Keurig Dr Pepper for all of Westchester county, the Bronx, and Upper Manhattan. PRNEWSWIRE.COM / COURTESY
pushing priorities on them.” Students resonated with what Hickes spoke about and were able to see different aspects of the business world and the beverage industry represented in her journey. “I liked the speaker because it was the first speaker I’ve ever heard who wasn’t starting out in the business industry,” senior finance major Morgan Schuyler said. “It was really cool to see that there really are opportunities for anyone.” Hickes went over what she thought were the most important attributes to have as a woman in business, including being an advocate for yourself, having a growth mindset and learning how to golf. Hickes currently manages sales for all of Westchester County, the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.
Hickes was able to speak to students about working in her current position, which includes advertisement campaigns with marketing and securing deals. She spoke about the different types of questions that come up in her line of work and how to adequately deal with them. “If you’re looking to be in sales or marketing like me, know the basics,” Hickes said. “Know your ‘P&Ls’ (profit loss statement), and know your competition. If you’re planning on going to Coke, know what Pepsi’s doing, if you’re planning on going to Pepsi, know what Coke is doing.” While the focus of Hickes’ presentation was on women in business, an array of students from across the O’Malley School of Business came out to hear her speak.
“I think I liked the speaker a lot because I haven’t heard a lot of different perspectives on what it’s like to work in a sales department, especially the beverage side of it,” senior marketing major Madeline Addington said. “Seeing all her different perspectives and the ‘grunt’ part of the job in the beverage industry was interesting.” Hickes gave her ideal advice to event-goers, so they could walk out with ideas for their future goals. She ended the presentation by talking with students about their interest in the beverage industry. “Always be willing to volunteer to help out at work,” Hickes said. “Always be volunteering to join a new committee, [and] always jump at new leadership opportunities.”
Features
Seniors Raise a Glass to 100 Days Until Graduation
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
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Mary Haley
Asst. Features Editor/Social Media Editor With champagne and hors d’œuvres, seniors celebrated the beginning of the end to their Manhattan College careers at the senior toast event hosted by student engagement and student government. The event marked 100 days until the undergraduate graduation ceremony on May 18. The event was held in Kelly Commons and was the first official senior celebration for the spring semester. Senior vice presidents of student government, Lauren Raziano and Alyssa Ferrara, announced the dates of many other important senior events such as the graduation fair on April 23, where seniors can buy caps, gowns, cords, graduation frames, senior formal tickets and senior shirts. Seniors can also get their graduation portraits taken by appointment from April 29 to May 10. Brother Robert Berger commenced the toast with a prayer to recognize the seniors and how far they have come since entering Manhattan during the pandemic year. Gabriella Sandoval spoke with The Quadrangle about how she feels about graduating and celebrating the past four years with her classmates, while also holding the responsibility of organizing these events for her peers as vice president for social life. “I think it’s about seeing everyone else have a great time,” Sandoval said. “So long as at the end of the day my class is happy and making memories together, I am happy with whatever the outcome is. It’s just been so memorable.” Sandoval worked alongside Sharon Ortega and John Bennett from student engagement for the past 2 months to kickstart the graduation celebrations with this toast. She explained that while student government and other clubs on campus can announce they are hosting big events like the senior toast, student engagement is the backbone of
Seniors toasted to the 100 day countdown to graduation. MARY HALEY/THE QUADRANGLE
the success of these events. “[Student engagement is] very supportive of everything we want to do,” Sandoval said. “It’s definitely hard, but it wouldn’t be possible without student engagement.” Although excited to start this countdown, seniors also felt bittersweet while reminiscing on the time they have spent at Manhattan and the memories they’ve made. Senior Nicholas Pesa came to Manhattan College as a freshman in 2020, and told The Quadrangle about experiencing his first college party after being unable to see people due to COVID-19 restrictions. “It was after COVID, so people could actually do things. It
was euphoric,” Pesa said. “It was my first college party ever, it was so fun.” Pesa also explained that this graduation is especially exciting since he was a part of the 2020 high school graduating class, where most schools had little to no ceremony for seniors. “In high school, I didn’t have a graduation, so I finally get to have one that means something,” Pesa said. “I finally get to experience one [graduation] at least, it’s like my first big graduation.” Other seniors were sad to end this chapter of their lives, but were happy to be toasting to their lifelong memories made at Manhattan College. Morgan
Schuyler explained how she is going to miss the more simple parts of college, like regular dorm living. “My favorite memories are just the times like going into my friend’s room in the middle of the night just needing to talk to someone, and being so close to all of my friends,” Schuyler said. “My closest friends are here. I’ve known them for so long, and I am toasting to how grateful I have been to have had this experience given to me.”
Arts & Entertainment
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THE QUADRANGLE
MC Learns About Hip-Hop Diplomacy Mack Olmsted Features Editor
Brown Jewel, a music producer, educator and beatmaker, came to Manhattan College to give a presentation on hiphop diplomacy during this semester’s first Pizza and Sound event. The Pizza and Sound program was primarily introduced to students to give them the opportunity to learn about music, technology and sound while enjoying a slice of pizza with other members of the MC community. In the past, the Pizza and Sound program consisted of guests who talked about echolocation in bats, how sound is used as an imperial force and numerous other topics. When the founder of the program, Mark Pottinger, Ph.D., heard about Brown Jewel’s experience with hip-hop diplomacy, he knew it was the perfect fit to become a topic for the program. During the event, Jewel talked to students about hiphop culture and how it shapes
other cultures around them. great time,” Chiara Giambroni, Jewel is a part of the Next Lev- junior sound studies major, el organization, a diplomatic said. “The C-battle was definiteproject where the US govern- ly the best part,” ment has used hip-hop culture Overall, event-goers to connect with other nations showed appreciation for the recreationally and bridge com- event as they learned about the munities. culture within hip-hop diploma“I think it’s important be- cy. cause hip-hop culture is everyLochlan Reeder, a junior where you look,” Jewel said. sound studies major, tries to go “It’s not just here in the States, to every Pizza and Sound event it’s all over the place and every- he can attend. one’s trying to uplift each other “I think learning about the and find ways to support and program and hip-hop diplomamake changes in the communi- cy was interesting,” Reeder ty. I think you have the power said. “I’ve never heard of it beto do so through hip-hop and fore. Kind of hearing the beneit’s the easiest connection be- fits and some of the weird nucause music is universal.” ances of it was great.” Jewel engaged with audiAfter the event concludence members throughout the ed, junior Elisa Ortiz told The event and even brought four Quadrangle she admired the event-goers to do what she de- experience of listening to the scribed as a compliment battle guest speaker and giving an(C-battle). A C-battle is a prac- other kick at mixing tapes. tice Next Level does, similar “I thought the speaker was to a rap battle, where two in- amazing,” Ortiz said. “I want dividuals go head to head, but to go speak to her because I’ve instead of rapping, they compli- tried mixing stuff before, and ment each other. hearing her talk about it made The game seemed enjoy- me think maybe I should take able to the audience as they another whack at this.” laughed at the compliments the At the end of the event, Jewparticipants gave each other. el felt grateful for MC allowing “I had fun learning about her to give her presentation the history of hip-hop. It was a and reflected on the evening
surrounded by engaging students. “I honestly hope they [event-goers] feel inspired,” Jewel said. “I never even knew hip-hop diplomacy was a thing when I was in their shoes so I
hope it planted a seed, even if they’re not interested in it.” For students who are interested and want to learn more about hip-hop diplomacy, Jewel suggests looking at nextlevel-usa.org.
Guest speaker artist, Brown Jewel MACK OLMSTED/THE QUADRANGLE
What’s New This Semester with Manhattan College’s Manhattones Catherine Diakou Staff Writer
This past week, Manhattan College’s acapella group the Manhattones held auditions for their upcoming semester. Preceding this semester’s auditions, the group had a total of 13 members on board. After losing many senior members following graduation in the spring of 2023, Manhattones took on a good number of new members this past fall season. President of the club Landon Scofield began his journey with the small a cappella group in the Fall of 2022. “I just thought, I’ve never been in a full a capella group, it would be fun to do,” Scofield said. Joseph Belfoire, secretary for the Manhattones, explained how the group adjusts when taking on new members. “We really want balance in the group,” Belfoire said. “We try to make sure we have at least one retaining member from each group that can help teach the new people.”
Isabella Kola, vice president of the group, mentioned that one of the main qualities amongst all the members is their love and commitment to the ensemble. “Everyone who’s here wants to be here,” Kola said. “It’s not just about singing for us. We’re kind of like a family.” Belfoire further explained that one of his favorite parts of being in the group is knowing everyone on a personal level. “It’s a smaller group, more community-oriented…you’re not just a face in a crowd,” Belfoire said. Though previous experience is not a requirement, Scofield, Kola and Belfoire all mentioned that their love for musical performance started long before entering college. “I love choirs, I love performing arts,” Scofield said. “It was a huge aspect of my life in high school.” “I’ve been a theater kid since I was seven,” Kola told The Quadrangle. Kola described some of the challenges she faced while balancing the performing arts with an hour-long commute. She pointed out that joining this
group has been a great way to get involved in performing arts and on campus as a commuter student. “I wasn’t going to audition at first, but the people around me convinced me, and I’m so glad I did because I found such a wonderful community in this club,” Kola said. The singing group doesn’t confine themselves to one genre, but opens the floor to suggestions from members, allowing members to work on their technique across various genres. “Definitely the best benefit to Manhattones is that we are very flexible in the songs that we can sing, we can be pretty democratic when it comes to what songs,” Belfoire said. We can actually have the freedom to ask people what they want to do, and then we do them.” Since the Manhattones perform almost exclusively in concert settings, Scofield says that the group looks forward to performing whenever they get the opportunity. “I’m looking forward to our biggest event which is the spring concert,” Scofield said. “We get Singers, we get orches-
tra, we get Music Ministry, any other performing arts group we have, and we all just have a little concert for friends, family and to support the arts in the chapel here.” While the group does perform in person, they also share
their performances on their Instagram account, @mcmanhattones, giving them even more opportunities to showcase their talented group with the Manhattan College community and the surrounding public.
Audition flyer for the Manhattones @MANHATTONES INSTAGRAM/COURTESY
FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
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Jasper Jams: 8 Love Songs to Get You Ready for Valentine’s Day Barbara Vasquez Asst. Production Editor
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seems like everyone has been craving some good old love songs. Well fear not, because this playlist has been perfectly curated for just this reason! This compilation of songs has a range of love songs that everyone and their mothers have heard of, to ones that may be new to you. Either way, this playlist will get you in the mood for spending Valentine’s Day any way you please. Africa - Toto This song is a certified CLASSIC. For a while, I thought this song was overplayed and even a little cringey, but listening to this song without any preconceived notions of it has made me see it in a different light–it’s a sweet love song about devoting oneself completely to something; whether that be another per-
son or the continent of Africa. It’s up to you. Favorite lyrics: The wild dogs cry out in the night / As they grow restless longing for some solitary company. Space Age Love Song - A Flock of Seagulls This is just a perfect song in my eyes. It has a repetitive drum beat and some silly raygun adjacent sound effects that give it that signature 80’s pop song feel. The lyrics are repetitive and sweet and always put me in a good mood. Favorite lyrics: And you made me smile / For a little while / I was falling in love Drive- The Cars This song is a bit melancholy, but the beginning of this track always kind of reminds me of the scene in a rom-com when the love interests lock eyes for the first time. I don’t exactly know why, but I think that has definitely contributed to my obsession with it. This song is just amazing, and though the meaning is a bit sad, I like to look more on the bright
side and think of it as telling the story of two people loving and trusting each other so much that they can go to them during all the lows in their lives. Favorite lyrics: Who’s gonna hold you down when you shake? / Who’s gonna come around when you break? Wonderwall - Oasis While this song is not a true love song, I just had to include it because none of my playlists are truly ever complete without Wonderwall. It’s one of my favorite songs of all time, and some of the lyrics are so sincere I feel like it fits right in with the other love songs on here. If you listen to Wonderwall and aren’t filled with some sort of indescribable emotion, we cannot be friends. Favorite lyrics: I don’t believe that anybody / Feels the way I do about you now. Har vest Moon - Neil Young A bit of a softer song, Harvest Moon never fails to tug at my heartstrings. It’s such a sweet song that tells a story of
a love that has lasted through the ages. Neil Young’s voice accompanied with the sweet instrumental just does it for me every time. Favorite lyrics: When we were strangers I watched you from afar. / When we were lovers I loved you with all my heart. Forever
- The Beach Boys Another sweet, sweet song about loving someone so much you would do anything for them. The Beach Boys keep their signature sound while still slowing it down a bit to make the song just a bit more emotional. This song is beautiful and really encapsulates the perfect love they talk about in the movies. Favorite lyrics: If every word I said / Could make you laugh / I’d talk forever. 17 - Pink Sweat$ Sticking with the slower song theme I seem to have going on, 17 has a slight R&B vibe to it that just makes this song that much better to listen
to. This track tells the story of young love, and how the right person can have the same effect on you even years into your relationship. Pink Sweat$ breathy vocals really sell the story for me, and I find myself always restarting this song once it reaches the end. Favorite lyrics: I can see a thousand years / When I’m looking in your eyes. Lover - Taylor Swift A love song compilation would not be complete without the love song icon herself, Taylor Swift. As someone who’s not too well versed with her songs, Lover just drew me in immediately the first time I heard it. It’s a beautiful song, and its lovely lyrics make it the perfect song to listen to for Valentine’s Day. Favorite lyrics: And at every table / I’ll save you a seat, lover.
Sports
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THE QUADRANGLE
Track and Field Continues to Impress at Metropolitan Championships Brooke DellaRocco News Editor
Manhattan College’s Track and Field team took home a couple of wins at last week’s Metropolitan Championships, now turning their focus to the rest of the season. Senior Alex Kristeller has recently moved up into seventh place in the NCAA Rankings for weight throw, after throwing 22.19m at the Dr. Sander Invitational, and continues to impress alongside his teammates. At the Indoor Metropolitan Championships, Kristeller won first place in the weight throw with a throw of 20.48m and grabbed first place in the shotput with 14.55m. Last week Kristeller was named MAAC Men’s Field Performer of the Week. When asked about these exciting achievements, he only had hope for future improvement. “The throw that put me seventh in the country didn’t feel that great,” Kristeller said. “I’m hoping to get a little bit of a better mark before the season’s over.” Graduate student Andria Scaglione similarly had a great performance at the Metropolitan Championships.
Snatching first place in the 5,000-meter run, with a time of 17:52.69, she was able to defend her win at last year’s outdoor Metropolitan Championships, with two other MC athletes on the podium alongside her. “I was able to kind of strategize with my other teammates and we were able to grab 1, 2, 3, [spots],” Scaglione said. “In prior years, usually I’ve been the only one racing it. Working with them and trying to accumulate points that way was really fun to do this year.” Similarly to Scaglione, Kristeller owes a lot of his success to the coaching methods and techniques shown to him by coach Patrick McGrath. Director of the Track and Field and Cross Country teams, Kerri Inman, spoke very highly of McGrath’s and Kristeller’s efforts to be at the top of their game. “Paddy’s not one to miss an opportunity to compete and be at the top level,” Inman said. “He really developed that weight throw for Alex and he’s PR’d significantly in his first year here with us at Manhattan. That’s just a huge credit to Alex and who he is, and a huge credit to Paddy and what he’s able to do.” Kristeller hopes to
Alex Kristeller at the indoor Metropolitan Championships 2024. GOJASPERS / COURTESY focus solely on his athletic performance in preparation for the MAAC Championship on Feb. 24-25. When asked about how he prepares mentally
Andria Scaglione at the crosscountry Metropolitan Championships 2023. GOJASPERS / COURTESY
for such a big upcoming competition, he answered without hesitation. “Lots of chocolate milk and lots of naps,” Kristeller said. “You kind of figure out new things every time you compete; new things that you need to focus on, to bring with you to the next competition. I’m going to figure those things out. Then I should be able to really do well at MAACs along with the rest of the team.” Following the MAACs the team will immediately be preparing for the outdoor season and the upcoming championship in May. As the intensity heats up for the athletes, many graduate students, such as Scaglione, are coming to terms with the tail end of their MC Track and Field career. “I’m just trying to kind of soak everything in and be more present,” Scaglione said. “Honestly, for this season, I’ve kind of just been trying to keep it simple. Take every race as it
comes and not really plan too far ahead.” Inman has a strong relationship with Scaglione, coaching her all five years that she has been at the college. As track and field launched into the last competitions before the outdoor season, Inman expressed her major excitement for Scaglione’s finish to the year and her gratefulness for being able to be such a present support system. “It’s fun to run fast and win championships and that’s what we’re here to do,” Inman said. “All the challenges that she’s gone through and that she’s navigated [are] to come out on the other side to enjoy what seems to be a comeback year. She wasn’t guaranteed it, we didn’t know if it was going to happen, but I’m glad she’s getting to enjoy that to a degree. It’s been really rewarding.”
Sports
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
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Women’s Basketball Team Racks up High GPA Recognition Angelina Persaud
Managing Editor / Asst. News Editor Manhattan College’s women’s basketball team is dominating in two places at once this semester: on the court and in the classroom. During the men’s basketball game against Quinnipiac on Feb. 2, it was announced that the women’s basketball team collectively earned a 3.7 cumulative GPA for the fall semester. This marks the second time the Lady Jaspers have received recognition for their academic excellence off the court. The first recognition came from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) in 2023, which honors the top women’s basketball teams for their academic prowess. According to the 2023 article on manhattan.edu, “The Jaspers’ combined GPA of 3.576 ranks at number 21 and is among the highest of all Division I teams in the New York metropolitan area.” Anne Bair, a senior psychology major graduating a year early, plays a guard position on the court but manages her athletic life “like a full-time job.” “Organization is super important,” Bair said. “Being a division one athlete is a fulltime job in itself, being really on top of your schoolwork as well as basketball and any other extracurriculars you might have…and also just continuing to build good relationships with your professors.” Guard and forward Ines Gimenez Monserrat, a junior environmental studies major, explained that keeping an open line of communication with professors is crucial to success. “Talking and building a relationship with your professor is very important too,” Gimenez Monserrat said. “As a transfer I had to go to study hall, so they set up hours for you that you have to study.” When it comes to being
Women’s basketball team pictured above. GOJASPERS / COURTESY in a competitive environment constantly, the team agreed that it helped to shape their mindset when tackling academic subjects. “It’s just about [being] competitive with myself and always wanting to do the best that I can do in the classroom as well,” Bair said. “Just holding myself to a high standard, and that’s what our coaching staff expects from us as well.” Petra Juric, a junior computer science major, is a forward for the team and also echoed a similar sentiment about having a supportive, builtin network with her teammates. “I think it helps to work within a team environment all the time,” Juric said. “You can talk with your teammates
about how to deal with certain problems. I think that also helps in the classroom.” Although making it to the MAAC Championship is on their minds, the team also has their own plans to succeed in the classroom and achieve their personal goals. Forward Jade Blagrove, a senior psychology major spoke about her academic goals coming to life in the midst of the season. “My academic goals were to make the honor society for both psychology and for Epsilon Sigma Pi, and I made both,” Blagrove said. “I was very happy with that.” The Lady Jaspers remain in high hopes for the rest of their season while keeping their eyes on the MAAC tournament.
“I think we’ve grown a lot as a team,” Juric said. “We had a lot of new people, I think eight new people at the beginning of the year. It took us time to learn how to play together. But now I think we’re doing pretty good.” Gimenez Monserrat also noted the close-scoring games the team has had, which gives them motivation for every game. “Every game we play in confidence, like if it’s a final … every game is super close,” Gimenez Monserrat said. “There’s never a 20-point win or something like that … it’s just gonna help us prepare for the championship.” As Blagrove says, there is an emphasis on being a student as much as being an athlete, a priority that the team has
learned to balance. “[Coach Heather Vulin] always says ‘you’re a student before you’re an athlete’, so she really hammers on being successful in the classroom,” Blagrove said. “I think she was very proud of our academic performance.”