“We Do Journalism”
the Quadrangle
Visit Our Website mcquad.org
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924
Volume CIX, Issue 5
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20, 2024
FREE
The Center for Career Development Bids Farewell to Director Rachel Cirelli Angelina Perez
Engagement Editor/Arts and Entertainment Editor
Scatterbombs First Performance of the Year Scatterbomb joins together to strike a pose after their performance. JOCELYN VISNOV/ THE QUADRANGLE
Jasper Central: The New One-Stop Shop for Student Service Needs Barbara Vasquez Asst. Production Editor
Manhattan College recently introduced students to the brand new Jasper Central that is to act as a one-stop shop for students to access all student services in one place. Located in room 3.60 of Thomas Hall, Jasper Central is a newly implemented office combining student accounts, bursar services, financial aid and registrar all in one convenient location, right in the middle of campus. Previously, the space in Thomas Hall was dedicated solely to the financial aid office, while bursar services and registrar were both located across the quad in Memorial Hall. With the newly combined
IN NEWS:
New One-Stp Shop for Students on pg. 1-2
offices, students are able to conveniently deal with any problems they may have. Vice president of enrollment management, Karen Vahey, Ed.D., recalled her time as a college student needing to go from building to building in order to do something as simple as register for a class, all because student services were inconveniently separated. “Things like that were still happening here all these years later, and so in an effort to really provide better service, we created the center [Jasper Central],” Vahey said. “Students should focus on academics, your athletics, your clubs and not have to worry about a campus run around.” Jasper Central has been a few months in the making, according to Vahey and her
colleagues. Originally called “One-Stop,” the office was first thought of towards the beginning of the fall semester, and President Milo Riverso, Ph.D., was a big driving force behind the combination. “Jasper Central was a vision that President Riverso had, and he really drove the idea of improving customer services [for the students],” Vahey said. “He really set the vision for this.” Jasper Central has merged the existing staff from the previous service offices and will cross-train them so that everyone in the office is knowledgeable and able to offer help in any area needed. This was one of the biggest changes from how things were __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Rachel Cirelli, director of the Center for Career Development (CCD) for the past nine and a half years, has decided to step down from her position following the twentyfifth anniversary of the CCD mentorship program. Cirelli told The Quadrangle the most rewarding part about her job was working closely with students, especially those whom she created a bond with. Cirelli said multiple students visited her frequently with questions and updates throughout the years. “I think there’s some intimidation to visit career offices,” Cirelli said. “It’s not good to be directionless in college, it’s too expensive and takes too much time and effort. I recommend making an appointment with a career counselor - start to come up with a plan and don’t get hard on yourself. You don’t have to know why you’re coming, but as long as you’re trying to make the most out of your education or thinking about your career, that’s such a big intention.” Cirelli continued to remind students to focus on themselves and keep their goals in vision as MC continues to go through many changes. “It’s a challenge making sure that students focus on what’s important, which is themselves and utilizing their education to get a job,” Cirelli said. “We have to remember as administrators we’re here to take care of the students.
It’s not [ a student’s] job to make me feel better. I have my support system.” Cirelli announced to The Quadrangle that she will still be working as a career development director but with medical students at a hospital closer to home. “I just turned 40 this year, and I had my first mammogram, and I found out I had breast cancer,” Cirelli said. “I ended up having to go through treatment, and I’m now cancerfree. We want doctors to take care of us but someone has to take care of them when they’re the most vulnerable. When they’re going through school, they are exhausted and battling their own demons.” Cirelli had a goodbye message for both students and the college as she moves into a new phase of her career. “I challenge the next generation of [students] to show the world all the different things Manhattan College students can do,” Cirelli said. “[Students are] winning fellowships, they’re becoming doctors, are involved in politics and a million more things. I want to thank [MC] for all the ways you helped me grow. I’m so different now than I was when I started, in a good way, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience and build my career here with all of you.” Megan McShane, associate director of the CCD, reflected on Cirelli’s expertise in career development and told The Quadrangle what it was like to have her as a supervisor. “Rachel is a person who __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN FEATURES:
IN A&E:
IN SPORTS:
Lockes Valentines Day Special pg. 5
Jazz Trio Highlights Faculty Musicians on pg. 7
Jasper Baseball Swings Into New Season on pg. 11