the Quadrangle
MUHostsAnnualPresident’s Dinner
TheBoardofTrusteesandothermembersof theJaspercommunityjoinedtogether for the celebration. @MANHATTAN.EDU/ INSTAGRAM
ManhattanUniversityBetaAlpha PsiWinsSecondPlacefor“Best Practices”atNationalConvention
Andrew Mannion Sports Editor
This past weekend, Beta Alpha Psi traveled down to Atlanta, Georgia, to compete in the 2025 BAP Conference which included students Grace Martin and Kathy Vu taking home second place in their presentation of “Best Practices: Impacting Inclusiveness in Your Chapter.”
Held at the Crowne Plaza in Atlanta, the national convention is aimed to bring together some bright business minds who are still undergrad students. This provides students with the opportunity to share ideas and gain advice between like minded peers.
The conference is centered around bringing together chapters across the country, and to share ideas on how to be a great professional in the
business world. After winning second place, Martin and Vu have been invited to compete at the international conference in San Antonio, Texas.
“Winning second place has demonstrated how much we have accomplished as an honor society, especially as a smaller university,” Martin said. “Although other schools had impressive events, I think we stood out by emphasizing how we integrated a variety of majors, clubs and initiatives within our chapter. We also highlighted the diversity of our members and the unique barriers we face as a smaller university in the Bronx, which no other schools had touched upon. I think our members will feel more motivated to stay engaged and take initiative as their dedication makes a big impact.”
A chapter placing this high certainly brings its fair share of recognition. Having been so
highly rated on a national level, Vu spoke about how earning second place speaks to the success of the club.
“This brings recognition to our chapter and highlights our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment,” Vu said. “For our chapter members, being able to see our chapter succeed on a national level encourages more members to get involved and take on leadership roles that continue to drive our efforts of creating an inclusive community.”
Also presenting at the conference were Andrew Berg and Roen Crameri with their presentation on “Best practices: Impacting your Community.”
The presentation covered the different impacts that Beta Alpha Psi has on the Riverdale community. Berg spoke on his presentation in San Antonio.
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Elizabeth Kalaj Senior Writer
Manhattan University has welcomed a new provost to the Jasper community. Kenneth Sumner, Ph.D., now serves as the provost and vice president of academic affairs as of Jan. 27, 2025.
In his previous role, Sumner served as associate provost and acting dean of the graduate school at Montclair State University. Throughout his professional career, he has also served as the chair of Montclair’s psychology department and co-chair of their University Strategic Plan.
The search committee for the new provost consisted of various administrators, students and faculty including associate provost and English professor, Bridget Chalk, Ph.D.
The search committee focused largely on distinguishing candidates who had experience in higher education leadership with an understanding of the Manhattan University community, including its Lasallian values, academic structure and student identities. In addition, the committee considered the position’s relationship to faculty.
“One thing that is so compelling about Dr. Sumner [is that he] has a Ph.D. in organizational psychology,” Chalk said. “He has not only had experience as an administrator, but he is also an expert in how to maximize
the productivity and efficiency of a structure, motivate, incentivize, organize and build sustainable structures. I think all of those things are essential for the role, being that the provost has an aerial view of the whole institution.”
When speaking to The Quadrangle, Sumner agreed that his psychology background will contribute to his future success in this role.
“I have learned to approach things by taking what I have learned from my scholarly endeavors and interpersonal experiences and I can try and make things better,” Sumner said. “One thing about me is I am a hopeful person by nature. I am always hoping for change, hoping to make things better for students specifically.”
Sumner was originally drawn to the job opening because of the reputation that President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., shared about the institution. Sumner and Bonato had worked in the same administration at Montclair State University, which greatly contributed to him applying.
Sumner expressed that the interview process for the administrative position was rigorous and tough in many ways, but meeting the different students and getting the opportunity to talk to them is what ultimately compelled him to accept the offer and join the MU team.
“When I came out of the meeting with the students, I left thinking, ‘God, this place
Volume CXI, Issue 3
FEBRUARY 4, 2025
The Editorial Board
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
Emmanouel Sofillas Managing Editor
Brooke Della Rocco News Editor
Laili Shahrestani Features Editor Mary Haley Asst. Features Editor
Leyla Mercado Arts & Entertainment Editor
McWalters Asst. Sports Editor
Barbara Vasquez Production Editor
Mary Haley Marketing Chair
Andrew Mannion Sports Editor
Ivy Jaep Production Editor
Vasquez Web Editor
Gencarelli Faculty Advisor
About The Quadrangle
A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization run by the students of Manhattan University. 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 University 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 4.12. All are welcome to come and join the club.
Connect with The Quadrangle mcquad.org
LETTER from the EDITOR
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Issue 3!
Sometimes, watching the news can feel like it’s doing more harm than good. It can be difficult to watch a 24-hour cycle of what feels like never-ending issues that are bigger than ourselves. I know that even for myself this week, it seemed easier at many times to try to shut off the TV and get away from everything going on in our world.
This being said, I implore you all to continue using reputable journalism to inform yourselves. There is power in knowledge. When things feel bigger than me, I find solace in the fact that there are people dedicating their lives to bringing us every fact possible so we can stay up to date about what’s going on. This week reminded me what a privilege it is to do this job, and a privilege to be a beneficiary of it.
This week, I wrote a piece on the presence of ICE in the Bronx community and the university’s reaction. As I mentioned before, there is power in knowledge, and I hope you will use the story to inform yourself both of what’s going on nationally and here in our local community. It may not be a pretty story, but it is important, and something many students on our campus have been eager to speak out about. I am thankful that this week, and every week, we are able to be a platform for their voices.
In other news this week, you will find pieces about our new campus provost, MU’s BAP honor society winning second place at a national convention and professor Mehnaz Afridi presenting at a public library exhibition on the Holocaust. In features, we cover an English department book swap event and the new Greek club on campus. In A&E, we talk with Manhattones about the upcoming semester and give you a Jasper Jams to wake you up even on the coldest of February mornings. Lastly, in sports, we cover swim & dive’s senior meet, ultimate frisbee’s season kickoff and Friday night’s men’s basketball game vs Iona. I hope you’ll check it all out!
Until next time,
@mu_quad @mu_quad mcquad
Owen
Barbara
Thom
ManhattanUniversityWelcomesKenneth SumnerasNewProvostandVicePresidentof
AcademicAffairs
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Kenneth
Sumner, Ph.D., joins the Jasper community as new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
MANHATTAN.EDU/COURTESY
is really good,’” Sumner said. “After talking with them, I understood that there were a lot of really great things going on here. The students are wonderful. They talk, advocate and are mature. It was the best meeting I had.”
Bonato spoke to The Quadrangle about his excitement regarding Sumner joining MU’s administration.
“I am very grateful for all the work and dedication that Dr. Rani Roy has put into the role of interim provost and I am grateful that she is not leaving the team,” Bonato said. “I am also looking forward to working with Dr. Sumner. He comes with a lot of experience, is really student centered and his dedication to them is undeniable. He also comes in here with a lot of creative ideas which I think are really needed in higher education.”
Much of Manhattan University’s administration, including Bonato and Sumner, have been hired within the last year, making the team fairly new. However, Bonato expresses his gratitude for the community he has inherited.
“The way we work together, do not shy away from the challenges and look towards the future optimistically is pretty remarkable,” Bonato said.
Sumner has a deep understanding of university institutions on many levels. Being that he has been both faculty and staff in previous roles, he understands the importance of listening and working with every person in order to accomplish what is best for the students. He emphasizes the need for student, faculty and administrative roles in order for universities to thrive.
Sumner expressed his excitement in joining the Manhattan University community, and had a message for all the people within it.
“I want people to come into my office to say hi and know what a provost does because we do a lot,” Sumner said. “There are so many complicated aspects of the university, but I want people to understand that in terms of their academics and their home, they can always come to the provost’s office, say hi and grab a girl scout cookie.”
ManhattanUniversityBetaAlphaPsiWinsSecond Placefor“BestPractices”atNationalConvention
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“As part of the ‘Impacting Your Community’ segment, Roen Crameri and I showcased the variety of service projects that we organize,” Berg
said. “These included Alex’s Lemonade Stand and the Van Cortlandt Park clean up events. We also documented the increase in volunteer
engagement within Beta Alpha Psi, as a direct result of our uptick in membership. Having the opportunity to represent our chapter and Manhattan
University was an honor and rewarding experience.”
With the success gained at the convention, the honors society made sure to take advantage of the attractions that Atlanta has to offer. With so many memories made in Atlanta, Martin spoke on some of her favorite parts of the trip.
“My favorite memory was probably the “World of CocaCola” museum we visited right
after the competition ended,” Martin said. “We got to try a variety of flavors of soda and juice from around the world, and got to learn a lot of history about the company. It was a fun way to celebrate after the competition.”
After a successful trip to Atlanta, Beta Alpha Psi will now gear up to take on Texas at the international level.
ImmigrationEnforcement andtheRepealofDEI:What ToKnowHereatMU
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
The first weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency have seen arrests made across the country by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, along with the repeal of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs (DEI) and a surge of other executive orders.
One of the first acts of the Trump Administration was removing restrictions on “sensitive locations” including schools, hospitals and churches that were protected under the Biden Administration from ICE. While no sightings have yet been reported in schools, many districts are concerned and preparing for the possibility.
In his inaugural speech on Jan. 20, Trump promised to declare a national emergency at the southern border. Stronger border security is a platform Trump ran on in 2016, 2020 and again in the most recent election cycle. During his first term in office, Trump became known for the start of construction on a border wall between the southern U.S. border and Mexico.
“Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders,” Trump began in his inaugural address. “First, I will declare
a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my Remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.”
ICE agents were first identified in the local Bronx community around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, according to an article published on NBC. It was later confirmed on social media by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that at least one undocumented person was arrested during the event, which she was present for.
These arrests come on the heels of the Trump Administration calling for an end to all DEI programs nationwide.
The Manhattan University community is in tune with the situation nationally and locally.
In an email sent to students from the Office of the President the evening of Jan. 28., Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and safe campus.
“I write to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus student body. This commitment
has been one of our core values since our founding over 170 years ago. It is unchanged and strong. Discrimination of any group, and preferential treatment of any group, are not acceptable or tolerated,” the email began.
“As a Lasallian Catholic institution, dedicated to transformative learning, our core values of respect for human dignity and an inclusive community are essential to our mission. While New York law requires it, regardless of that legal obligation, we have long been dedicated to fostering a campus where all students and employees can thrive, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or background. Our commitment to a diverse community is inherent to this educational heritage. We are proud of our diverse community and believe that it makes our campus a richer and more vibrant place to learn and work. Please rest assured that with the cooperation of everyone in the campus community, Manhattan will continue to be a University where all students, faculty and staff can feel welcome, valued and respected,” the email continued.
Bonato concluded the statement with a reminder for students to utilize the mental health resources on campus, including the free and confidential Counseling Center.
Slides from a Jan. 21 post on La Fuerza’s Instagram account informing students of what to know about Trump’s first week executive actions and other resources to check out.
In addition to Bonato’s statement to students, faculty were sent an updated statement from the Office of the General Counsel with policy reminders about protocol when law enforcement comes to campus. The Quadrangle obtained the statement from an anonymous faculty member.
“With all of the recent media attention regarding actual or anticipated visits by various Federal, State or Local law enforcement agencies, I thought it prudent to remind all of you (and ask each of you to remind your reports) of our standard practice in such instances. In such cases, simply direct the officer/ agent to the Office of General Counsel (Jim Ryan) or to Bill Cook as the Director of Public Safety,” the statement said.
“While law enforcement will usually report in at the main guard booth and security is trained to address them, should you or your reports encounter an officer or agent elsewhere on campus, simply follow the procedure noted above. Also, please be courteous but do not otherwise engage as you are not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the University in these situations. Finally, should you be contacted by phone, digital media or through the physical service of a document such as a summons or subpoena, please refer those inquiries to the OGC. If any of you have any questions, please direct them to Jim for further guidance,” the statement concluded.
Multiple clubs on MU’s campus have been vocal about ICE’s presence nationwide, in addition to the repeal of DEI programs and other Trump Administration executive orders. Many have dedicated their social media pages to posting resources for those who may need them and reminders of the legal rights each individual is entitled to.
Martina Eichorn, president of La Fuerza Latina, a club dedicated to honoring and celebrating Hispanic culture, wrote to The Quadrangle via email about the importance of using their platform to inform the campus community during this time.
“Manhattan University is a Hispanic Serving Institution, meaning that at least 25% of our campus is Hispanic,” Eichorn wrote. “There are millions of immigrants in this country and some of those people go to this school or are born from immigrants. It’s important to keep students informed about Trump’s immigration policies because it affects us directly, but also misinformation spreads quickly online and in the news.”
Eichorn appreciates MU’s response on the current issues, and encourages all students and those in the local community to educate themselves and stay informed with accurate, reliable information. Eichorn herself has created a space within Fuerza Latina to ensure everyone has access to the news that directly affects them and their communities.
“I created Noticias Latina, a dedicated space within Fuerza Latina to share news that directly impacts our communities,” Eichorn wrote. “With so much negativity flooding our feeds, my goal is to provide clear and easily accessible information. I also want to make sure we can highlight the positive stories that often get overlooked with everything going on.”
Eichorn, a daughter of immigrants herself, feels a personal connection to deportations across the nation.
“As a first generation American and the daughter of immigrants, my identity deeply shapes my opinions on migrant deportations,” Eichorn wrote. “My parents came to this country and faced immense challenges…In this country their education was devalued, and [they] were often treated as outsiders. Despite this, they worked tirelessly to build a better life, sacrificing everything for our family… It is such a privilege to not have to worry about my family being separated. The thought of families being torn apart is unimaginable. I could never fathom the pain of being separated from my loved ones, and that perspective fuels my strong feelings on this issue.”
Mehnaz Afridi Presents at Lakewood Ohio Public ExhibitionLibrary
Mary Haley
Asst. Features Editor/ Marketing Chair
Manhattan University’s Mehnaz Afridi, Ph.D., professor of religious studies and philosophy, was a featured speaker at the Lakewood Public Library in Ohio on Jan. 25 for their photo exhibition and program discussing the Holocaust. Officially titled “Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust,” the program will run through March 31, with a goal to foster a conversation about peace, community and resilience.
Afridi introduced the Besa documentary during the event, followed by a Q&A session where she reflected on her book, “Shoah Through Muslim Eyes,” and broader research into Muslim rescue efforts during the Holocaust. Her work, which highlights stories of Muslim communities risking their lives to save Jews, has been internationally recognized for its unique approach to bridging understanding between Jewish and Muslim communities.
According to manhattan. edu, “Afridi also is a U.S. State Department Member on the delegation for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and serves as a member of the Committee of Ethics, Religion,
and the Holocaust at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.”
“It’s important to humanize each other,” Afridi said. “This exhibit shows the courage of those who risked their lives to hide Jews and protect them, reminding us of the humanity that can shine even in the darkest times.”
Besa, as explained by cleveland.com, is, “the code of honor shared by Albanians of all faiths, instructs that a stranger in need who knocks on your door is your brother and that you shall save and protect him even at the risk of your own life.”
As director of the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith (HGI) Center at Manhattan University, the remembrance and discussion of the Holocaust and the people who helped save Jews is especially important to Afridi. Afridi tries to extend these conversations into the classes she teaches, which include the Holocaust, genocide and Islam courses, as well as Muslims in America and religion and the Holocaust.
“Most of the students that take my classes know that is my message,” Afridi said. “I’m trying to introduce people who are peacemakers. There are still problems of anti-semitism, but also Islamophobia and racism. This is sort of like, how to talk about these issues rather than blame people for them.”
In 2015, the HGI center
garnered significant attention with a visit from the thenpresident of Albania, Bujar Nishani. The president’s visit celebrated the university’s commitment to fostering peace and understanding.
“He was impressed that a Muslim professor running a Holocaust center would organize such an exhibit,” Afridi said. “It was a proud moment for the university, reflecting our Lasallian mission of community building and peacemaking.”
As the exhibit at the
Lakewood Ohio Public Library continues into the spring, additional speakers will continue the conversation about history, humanity, and resilience. Afridi emphasized the importance of this initiative, not only for preserving the memory of courageous acts during the Holocaust but also for fostering meaningful dialogue in today’s world.
“The Holocaust was a catastrophe for Jews,” Afridi said. “But it also teaches us that we must find ways to live together and understand each
other, whether it’s addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, or racism. These events are a way to move forward, even in divisive times.”
Afridi’s work with the HGI center extends beyond the Holocaust, encompassing events like the Armenian genocide and current issues surrounding extremism. Later this month, MU is hosting a speaker on Feb. 27 to discuss extremism both domestically and globally.
The exhibit took place at the Lakewood Ohio Public Library. JOHN BENSON / COURTESY
English, World Languages and Literature Departments Host Book Swap Event
about these books and well, traded them with each other!”
Victoria Schiller Senior Writer
On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the English, world languages, and literature departments hosted an informal book swap for all English and Spanish majors, minors and concentrations. Students and faculty gathered in the Miguel Hall lounge, ready to offer a book from their collection and hopefully gain a new favorite read. The Quadrangle attended and spoke with several students and faculty members about the first book swap of the semester.
Adam Koehler, Ph.D., chair of the English department, shared how this event came to life.
“The idea came from the students,” Koehler wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “A senior English and communication double major, Amaya Behsman, approached me with the idea and it just sounded too good. She said, ‘Everyone meets up to talk about what they’re reading and trade books?’ and I thought, ‘Of course!’ I just emailed the faculty and the students and everyone came with their books and we chatted in the lounge about what we loved
The Quadrangle also asked Koehler why events such as the book swap are important for the English and foreign language departments and what he hopes students will gain from these events.
“A rich reading life is important for all of us,” Koehler wrote. “A book swap is a chance for us to be together as a community, to hear new perspectives about what we’re reading or thinking about and to remind ourselves what we’re here for, which is to participate in the life of the mind together. We should all be reading books for fun, conversing about what these books mean to us and hearing about each other’s interests and where they overlap. These are simple but essential for us as people. I hope they saw that they have a smart, warm and engaged community who also cares about these things.”
The Quadrangle also spoke with several students who attended the event. Behsman explained why she decided to participate.
“I came to the event to reconnect with my professors and English major friends after the winter break and to get new book recommendations from trusted sources, especially because I’m graduating soon,
so seeing people and talking about books is valuable to me,” Behsman said.
Amy Forster, a sophomore majoring in English and special education, also attended the book swap. The Quadrangle asked what book she brought to the event and if she was looking for anything specific to add to her collection.
“I brought ‘Nine Lives’ by William Dalrymple,” Forster said. “It was a book I got in my first-year religion class during the first semester last year and I really loved it. Professor Koehler picked that up, and then I actually took one of Professor Koehler’s books, which was ‘Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay’ by Michael Chabon, which seemed really interesting. He’s a Pulitzer Prize winner, and I liked the last Pulitzer Prize winner he [Koehler] recommended, which was ‘A Visit to the Goon Squad’ by Jennifer Egan. I was going in with an open mind.”
Behsman and Forster shared that they would like to see more events like the book swap in the future, and offered ideas for potential upcoming events.
“I’d love another English event,” Behsman wrote.
“Even if we did a thing at An Beal Bocht Cafe, or a writing workshop of some kind would be cool.”
“I think it would be really interesting to do blind dates with a book,” Forster said. “I think going on trips to bookstores would be really cute, and a book trivia night with different things about books and we could make teams to win a giftcard to Barnes and Noble.”
A second book swap, as well as future events––such as the English department’s very own English night at An Beal Bocht Cafe––are currently in the works for the coming weeks.
Flyer created by Amaya Behsman for the Book Swap. AMAYA BEHSMAN / COURTESY
Manhattan WelcomesUniversityNew Greek Club
Mack Olmsted Senior Writer
Manhattan University welcomes the Hellenic Student Association as the first Greek culture club on campus. The club was founded by three freshmen: club president Ioannis Rountos, treasurer Aristides Milonas and social media chair Chryssanthe Kontogianis. The club’s faculty advisor is Georgios Koimisis, Ph.D, an associate professor of economics.
The idea was sparked by Milonas when he was touring the campus during his orientation last summer. He asked some MU staff members if there was a Greek club, but there was not, so he made it his mission to put together a team that would later form the Hellenic Student Association.
“I got together with a couple
of Greeks that were interested in starting this club, and we worked at it all semester,” Rountos said. “We went through the necessary loops, talking to the administration of the school. Toward the end of the semester, by finals week, we had a set group, we had an advisor and we were submitting forms to student engagement.”
One of the main goals of the club is to spread appreciation and share different aspects of Greek culture. They plan to experience Greek culture by going to festivals, restaurants and different Greek events around New York City that foster a welcoming environment.
“I’m looking forward to just exploring the area,” Milonas said. “I want to see how many Greek places there are in the city, because I’m from Long Island, so I don’t really know much about the city, the Bronx and just this kind of area. I want to see how many other people we could really get interested
More information about Greek Club can be found on their Instagram page, @mugreekclub. ARISTIDES MILONAS /COURTESY
The Hellenic Student Association’s executive board, including Aristides Milonas, Chryssanthe Kontogianis and Ioannis Rountos. ARISTIDES MILONAS /COURTESY
in, how big we can grow and how big the events can get over time.”
At the club’s first meeting, the executive board introduced themselves and discussed their ideas for the semester. Kontogianis explained to The Quadrangle how she felt about the meeting and upcoming events.
“I am looking forward to the club a lot,” Kontogianis said. “We’re trying to do as much as we can. It should be a lot of fun. And we’re trying to plan just as many events as we can. So, as discussed in the
meeting, maybe some Greek nights and other events. We want to do some activities that are technically not club affiliated, that are just Greek related. Overall, we’re trying to just get people involved.”
For students interested in learning more about the new Hellenic Student Association, they can stay up to date on Instagram: @mugreekclub. More information can be found on their page about upcoming meetings and a sign-up for the email list.
“I just want people to know
that we’re really focused on giving the best experience for everyone,” Rountos said. “We do have forms out about what people would like to see happen, and if anyone has any ideas, or like even a faint idea, and they don’t know how to make it happen, they can suggest it to us. At the end of the day, we’re looking for professional oriented events with speakers, more relaxed game nights, maybe some movie nights, possibly restaurant trips and maintain experiencing Greek culture.”
Manhattan University Manhattones on the Search For New Members arts & entertainment
Flynn Myers
Contributor
On Jan. 20 in Thomas Hall, the Manhattan University acapella club, Manhattones, held their spring 2025 auditions. The auditions for the group are traditionally held semesterly, with the spring auditions usually aiming to fill in any leftover spots. As they now prepare for their upcoming performances, such as their spring concert on April 27, the group has hope for
what’s to come.
For their spring auditions, Landon Scofield, senior adolescent education/English major and president of Manhattones, discussed his thoughts on the turnout for these auditions. He emphasized that since they are technically in the middle of a school year, less people tend to audition due to prior commitments. Regardless, the group is still having a successful season due to their fall tryouts.
“We didn’t get a lot of auditions this semester unfortunately, but that is the
norm for spring tryouts,” Scofield said. “Most people when the spring semester rolls around are already committed to the clubs they want to be a part of so there are definitely less auditions in the spring. But in the fall we had a lot of talent auditions and normally see a lot of people there.”
As for future events, the Manhattones continue their preparation for their spring concerts, and other outings. Isabella Kola, senior biochemistry major and vice president of the club, discussed the regular schedule that the group follows as well as how excited she is to see what the spring semester has in store for the group.
“We have group rehearsals and sectional rehearsals once every week,” Kola said. “In previous semesters, outside of practicing singing we go on little trips out to the city like the San Gennaro Festival. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities for outings this spring as the weather gets nicer. In terms of music gigs, everything we do is in preparation for the Spring concert in April which we are all super looking forward to. Plus, little gigs here and there with basketball games to sing the national anthem, singing for school ceremonies, etc.”
Since they will not be holding any further auditions for the spring, the next audition season will be held in the fall for anyone that is interested. John Deljuidice, a junior computer
engineering major and secretary of the Manhattones, discussed what new things he would like to see implemented for the Manhattones group, such as funding and being granted official club status.
“Well, we have a lot of members who are seniors currently, so the first hope is that we have enough interest coming into next year that we have a full group,” Deljudice said. “I hope we just keep going. We’d like to get official
recognized club status, which I don’t think we have yet, so that we can have a budget that would improve the amount of stuff we can do. But right now, we keep the interest up and keeping everybody happy and sounding good.”
Manhattan University Manhattones. @MUMANHATTONES / INSTAGRAM
Jasper Jams: Waking Up in Winter
Flynn Myers
Contributor
The winter season is already harsh and cold, leaving us running from place to place in hopes of getting out of the blistering, freezing air. This winter is no different - I find myself tired in the mornings and not wanting to venture out throughout the day. When the first alarm on my phone goes off, and I’m faced with the fact that I have to climb out of my covers and throw a million other layers on, I go through a wide array of emotions. From irritating puffer coats to thermals and don’t even get me started on gloves - these jams will get you going when nothing else does
Messy by Lola Young
This is a perfect song that wakes me up and gets me confident for the day. I know that this is a very popular song currently, it satisfies the bouncing emotions of the morning. The song itself connects deeply to winter mornings for me due to Lola Young’s confidence and rage.
Favorite Verse: “You told me, “Get a job,” then you ask where the hell I’ve been/And I’m too perfect ‘til I open my big mouth/ I want to be me, is that not allowed?”
Illusion by Dua Lipa
The fast beat and repetition in the song make it a very exciting listen. The song is very upbeat and can make a morning feel very fast paced. No it can’t make the cold go away, but it can definitely keep you awake.
Favorite Verse: “Don’t know who you think that you’re confusin’/I be like, ooh, it’s amusin’/ You think I’m gonna fall for an illusion”
Altar by Kehlani
Though this one is a sadder song, I find it to be enjoyable. The beat, rhythm and the lyrics combined are melodious. The song is reflective and catchy and is great for the middle of the day when walking from class to class.
Favorite Verse: “Soon I’ll see your face/ Don’t know why I ever thought you were far away/I should’ve known
better/ If I set a flame and I call your name”
Love Me Not by Ravyn
Lenae
The building of the beat in the song is like bread and butter. The singer has a unique voice that compliments the differentiating tempo to the song, also a very great walking song. Makes it feel almost warm outside. The lyrics are telling a story of going backand-forth through emotions and I feel it can be listened to in the early afternoon.
Favorite Verse: “And, oh, it’s hard to see you, but I wish you were right here/ Oh it’s hard to leave you when I get you everywhere/ All this time I’m thinkin’ we could never be a pair”
Say You Love Me by Fleetwood Mac
I’m taking a swift turn with this one, the tempo is way too good to pass up. The vocals are layered in such a perfect way and it’s very rhythmic. I am a Fleetwood Mac fan so if you love them you’ll love this one. The perfect song for getting homework done or traveling through the windy weather.
Favorite Verse: “I guess I’m not as strong as I used to be/ And if you use me again, it’ll be the end of me/ ‘Cause when the lovin’ starts and the lights go down/ There’s not another living soul around/ You woo me until the sun comes up/ And you say that you love me”
Take It Easy by Eagles
As the late afternoon hits, I find it hardest to skip out on a nap or focus on work. This song has softer vocals, but also has a fast tempo to keep you awake. The lyrics are very catchy and can be paired with a good walk to a coffee shop or relaxing on campus.
Favorite Verse: “Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy/Lighten up while you still can/ Don’t even try to understand/ Just find a place to make your stand and take it easy”
Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths
When you start winding down after the hectic day that took you for a spin, this is a perfect song to relax to and do your final tasks before making
the journey back home. The smooth vocals and dynamic background instruments crafted a well thought out song that is soft.
Favorite Verse: “Haven’t had a dream in a long time/ See, the life I’ve had/ Can make a good man bad/ so for once in my life/ let me get what I want”
I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday
Finally, at the end of a long day there is nothing like some jazz. A cold evening and the warmness of a jazz song work beautifully cohesive together. This song in particular is very calming, light to the ear and I find it’s great to listen to before resting. The honey-like vocals and smooth piano and trombone offer a great winding down mix.
Favorite Verse: “I’ll always think of you that way/ I’ll find you/ In the morning sun/ And when the night is new/ I’ll be looking at the moon/ But I’ll be seeing you”
Jaspers Swim Hosts Senior Day Against Iona
Elizabeth Kalaj Senior Writer
The Manhattan University swimming and diving team bid farewell to six seniors on Jan. 25 during the team’s Senior Day meet against Iona.
The six seniors included Joe Brennan, Vinny Tramontana, Islam Yousri, Grace Dillon, Kate Maio and Natalia Vélez-Serrano. Each was presented individually with a plaque to commemorate their athletic careers at MU. The seniors delivered speeches highlighting their academic and athletic accomplishments, as their loved ones waited for them at a tunnel formed by their teammates.
Joe Brennan, senior accounting major and captain of the swim team, placed first in the men’s 100-yard breaststroke, completing the race in 58 seconds against Iona. He also achieved a personal best of 55.62 seconds during the men’s 100-yard individual medley. Reflecting on his last home meet, Brennan shared what the moment meant to him.
“Being able to see my family and knowing that they made the trip from Florida to come up and watch me swim at my senior meet along with a bunch of friends in the stands is a great feeling,” Brennan said. “Going against Iona is always fun and everyone brings the
energy. I have been swimming for fifteen years and with my race specifically, I swam against my best friend of thirteen years on Iona’s team. Just knowing that both of our families were there and it was our Senior Day, there was so much excitement around it. I was not nervous at all, I just went out and had fun.”
Grace Dillon, a senior digital media art major and a Jasper swimmer, was also honored at the meet. She has been competing on the MU swim team since her freshman year and is now closing out her career after 14 years in the sport.
“Senior Day is such a nice send-off,” Dillon said. “It is very sweet to be able to have everyone on deck because my parents have been at every meet and my sister and her husband, who were also at the meet, were swimmers for just as long as me. So swimming has always been part of our whole family.”
Both seniors reflected on the transition of coaches during their four years and expressed confidence in the future of the team. They praised their head coach Brian Hansbury for leading an organized program that swimmers can feel both relaxed and excited about.
The Quadrangle asked Brennan about his favorite memory while being a Jasper swimmer.
“My favorite meet at MU had to be MAAC’s 2024,” Brennan said. “I won the 100 breaststroke and I also broke
Graduating seniors receive plaques in honor of closing out their MU swim career. Pictured (left to right): Grace Dillon, Kate Maio, Natalia Vélez-Serrano, Joe Brennan, Vinny Tramontana, and Islam Yousri. GRACE DILLON / COURTESY
the school record, which I broke that morning as well. It was just a great feeling winning that and then seeing the team celebrate that.”
Leticia Fontes, a sophomore on the swim team at MU, placed third against Iona in the women’s 100-yard breaststroke. She reflected on the seniors’ season coming to a close and what that means to
her as an underclassman on the team.
“The senior meet is always a great time to show what it is to be a senior and a studentathlete at the same time,” Fontes said. “I think the impact of the seniors leaving makes me sad because they have been here during my entire time on the team, but seeing them is also encouraging and inspiring
to see how long they have been here and how much they have accomplished. It makes me want to accomplish the same things they have because we have so many successful people leaving. It is a bittersweet feeling, but we are all very proud of our seniors and I am grateful to be part of a team that celebrates each other all the time.”
Manhattan’s Ultimate Frisbee Team Prepares for Semester
Laili Shahrestani Features Editor
With the start of the spring semester, spring sports begin to ramp up as well. Teams, like ultimate frisbee, are putting in the effort to ensure a successful season.
The Manhattan University ultimate frisbee team has been gearing up for this semester by training for hours on end, eagerly anticipating the new opportunities and achievements this season will bring.
Members of the ultimate frisbee team are hoping to land a spot at regionals again this semester and gain victory after not being able to attend last season due to budgeting issues.
Nicolino Marcoccia, a senior and an athlete on the ultimate frisbee team spoke about how he thinks his team has trained vigorously enough to participate in the regional championship again this season, despite the hardships that they faced last year with being able to play.
“Our team worked diligently last semester to prepare for our season this semester,” Marcoccia said. “Our goal is to build off of our successes from last season when we made regionals but were unable to attend due to a lack of fundraising. We have to put in a lot of effort and are hopeful that we will not only qualify for regionals, but make an underdog run in the tournament.”
To perform successfully on the field, members of the team strive to build strong relationships with one another to maintain a positive environment. Athletes express that it is important to encourage one another and partake in outside activities such as team bonding events to strengthen the camaraderie of the team.
Bryan DaSilva, a senior and member of the ultimate frisbee team, emphasized how the athletes constantly support one another both on and off the
field, which ultimately allows for more room to grow as a team.
“We want to keep the positive vibe up and keep doing what we’re doing,” DaSilva said. “We motivate each other by building friendships within the team on and off the field. We bond like one big family. Sometimes, we bond by throwing parties at the frisbee house, have open practices with new players and hold fundraisers such as bake sales to engage with the community.”
In addition to fostering friendships, members of the ultimate frisbee team have also expressed that simply feeding one another words of encouragement or positive reinforcement pushes them to perform better.
Christian Molina, a senior and ultimate frisbee team member, added onto the idea that motivating one another during practices develops an environment where individuals are pushed to train at their highest potential.
“We offer encouraging words and advice to one another,” Molina said. “This cultivates a comfortable team, where anybody at any skill level can advance at the sport.”
The MU ultimate frisbee team is hoping to participate in several games and scrimmages this season, in addition to their regional and sectional tournaments.
Molina spoke about what the potential future of the ultimate frisbee team will look like in regard to their event schedule for the upcoming season.
“We have our sectional tournament on April 12 and our regional tournament on April 26- 27,” Molina said. “We will also have games before these tournaments, but the schedule is still to be determined.”
frisbee athletes strike a pose after their win last season.
Members
frisbee team
Ultimate
Manhattan Men’s Basketball Makes a StatementIonaAgainst
Owen McWalters
Sports Editor
With the Manhattan University men’s basketball team coming off an impressive win against their conference rival Mount St. Mary’s, the Jaspers looked to keep their momentum going against another conference rival, the Iona Gaels, on Friday night. The stage was set for an intense game, but the Jaspers made it clear from the start that they were not going to let up.
From the opening whistle, Manhattan took control of the game. Will Sydnor set the tone on the first possession, making a smooth midrange jumper that gave the Jaspers an early lead. The confidence and energy carried through the entire first half, as Manhattan built a commanding 42-24 lead by halftime. The game never felt in doubt after that, as the Jaspers won by a final score of 76-55.
The crowd was electric. Despite the Jaspers leading throughout the game, the 6th Borough came out to show support for their fellow Jaspers.
Masiah Gilyard had an incredible performance. Gilyard played 25 minutes and was the second leading scorer for the Jaspers. He finished with 15 points while shooting 7/10 from the field. He also ended the game with seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
When asked about what it was like to play in front of a packed house, Gilyard reflected on the atmosphere.
“Everyone that came helped us tremendously,” Gilyard said. “Playing in that environment is something unreal. Jasper Nation came out tonight and they show that
they really support us.”
Sydnor also had an outstanding performance. He played 30 minutes and was named the player of the game for Manhattan. Not only did he lead both teams in scoring with 23 points, Sydnor set the tone for the Jaspers on the defensive end as well. He finished the game with six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
When asked about what was working for him offensively, Sydnor commented on his game-time strategies.
“Finishing at the rim, midrange pull-ups, catch and shoots, all of that,” Sydnor said. “I work on everything all the time, so when we get to the game, it all comes natural.”
Manhattan outperformed Iona in nearly every statistical category. The Jaspers had a higher field goal percentage, a higher free throw percentage, more rebounds, more steals and fewer turnovers.
When asked about what it was like to see his players rise to the occasion, head coach John Gallagher commented on the team’s performance.
“It was a great crowd,” Gallagher said. “If you look at the Fordham game here, we really showed up. If you look at this game, in these rivalry games, I feel comfortable. My old coaching partner, Mike Martin at Brown, used to have a great line. He used to say, ‘Are you gonna be on purpose or you gonna be off purpose?’ We were on purpose tonight.”
The Jaspers look to extend their winning streak against the Sacred Heart Pioneers on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Asst.
Will Sydnor, #9.