Issue 11, Spring 2021- The Quadrangle

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Volume CIII, Issue 11

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Special

Opinions & Editorials

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the Quadrangle Volume CIII, Issue 11 April 11, 2021

THE QUADRANGLE

LETTER to The Editor Dear Readers,

The Editorial Board Anna Woods Editor-in-Chief

Over the past year, we have all faced tremendous challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As I am certain that many of you have utilized green spaces Jilleen Barrett Maria Thomas in that time, I wanted to wax poetic about the benefits of Managing Editor Managing Editor volunteering to clean up your local favorite spots.

Kyla Guilfoil Nicole Fitzsimmons In my time at Manhattan College, I can trace much of my Asst. News Editor News Editor success back to Van Cortlandt Park and Brust Park. It is in Kelly Cwik those spaces that I gained research skills which I applied to Jilleen Barrett Asst. Arts & Arts & Entertainment Editor Entertainment Editor advocate on behalf of the community with. I have spent many Saturday mornings ripping out invasive species and planting Caroline McCarthy Christine Nappi the towering oaks of tomorrow alongside fellow Jaspers Asst. Features Editor Features Editor and Riverdalians. These spaces taught me the importance Colleen McNamara Pete Janny of performing meaningful work with a community benefit Asst. Sports Editor Sports Editor aspect. It was then that I realized I wanted my life to revolve around helping others and the environment that we are Kelly Kennedy Lauren Raziano Asst.

Social Media Editor Social Media Editor surrounded by and are indeed a part of.

There is a simple satisfaction in walking by a tulip bed Brian Asare Emily Hollar Photography Editor Production Editor you planted in the fall that has come to bloom in the spring, Asst. Photography Editor reminding you of what is truly important in life. No matter Adrianne Hutto how difficult life or school became, I always had the beauty of Nicole Rodriguez Jocelyn Visnov Production Editor nature to appreciate and comfort me.

Asst. Production Editors My favorite aspect of volunteer work is that regardless of Madalyn Johnson what goes on politically at a national level, we always have the Katherine Heneghan power to effect change in our communities. The importance Web Editors of raking up a pile of leaves for the city compost program Nicholas Gilewicz will never be diminished. Picking up trash will always be a Faculty Advisor positive action in the neighborhood.

About The Quadrangle As we prepare to end another semester in what has A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a undoubtedly been an insane 12 months, I ask that you take news or ganization run by the students of a few hours to lend a helping hand in a green space of your Manhattan College. We strive to cover news around campus and choice. Your mind and body will thank you. 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

Sincerely, Matt Sweeney

Join our weekly meetings via Google Meet by scanning the QR Code.

SUBMIT YOUR OWN LETTER OR OP-ED Letters to the Editor or an op-ed may be submitted to thequad@manhattan.edu by Saturday at noon to be considered for publication. Profanity, vulgarity and hate will not be published. The Quadrangle reserves the right not to publish a letter.

APRIL 20, 2021

Opinions & Editorials

Is the Hamburger Worth the Damage?: The Environmental Case for Going Plant-Based.

Jocelyn Visnov

Asst. Production Editor People who choose a plantbased diet are often assumed to be picky eating tree-huggers who want to talk about kale and make things awkward at dinner parties. In reality, this is entirely untrue. There are a variety of reasons as to why people choose to consume a plantbased diet, including concerns for health, ethics or animals.

However, a lesser known case for going plant based is the ugly truth of how animal agriculture and meat consumption are extremely damaging to the environment.

According to the US National Library of Medicine, the industry of livestock and meat production contributes to more than 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Production of

livestock follows closely behind the use of electricity as the second most polluting industry contributing to climate change.

Even the use of cars and transportation is less pollutant compared to the emissions released to put meat on the shelves at supermarkets.

In addition to the release of CO2 caused by livestock raised for meat production, there’s harmful methane gasses being released as well. While the methane gasses released by livestock are small in comparison to other harmful gasses, there is one significant contributor to methane gas emissions in the livestock industry.

Yup, you guessed it: cow farts. Cows used for milk and meat production release methane gasses from their stomachs and into the atmosphere, thus contributing to the overall greenhouse effect from meth-

ane gas.

One pound of hamburger meat can typically make about four meat patties. But, is that barbeque cheeseburger worth the harm to the environment?

In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, meat production requires an immense amount of water usage for each portion of product manufactured.

According to studies done

by UCLA, that singular pound of meat can require up to thousands of gallons of water to produce. The amount of water it takes to provide grass to feed cows which are raised for livestock can range between 2,0008,000 gallons of water, which eventually produces only one pound of meat.

So, next time you’re at a barbeque and see a plate of 10 measly hamburger patties waiting to be served, take a minute to visualize the roughly 20,000

gallons of water it took to get them onto that plate.

Contrary to its carnivorous counterpart, plant-based diets are actually very environmentally friendly.

One gallon of non-dairy milk, such as oat milk, requires less than a third of the amount of water as one gallon of milk from a cow. In terms of land usage, non-dairy milks require less than 80% of land used for cows and dairy farming.

In addition to water usage, the total CO2 released in producing certain meats is significantly higher than that required for production of plant based foods. For example, studies have shown that one pound of beef releases nearly 27 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. Whereas one pound of tofu only releases around two pounds of CO2 from start to finish.

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Plant based diets are often seen as very controversial.

However, in the way of environmental impact, the proof is in the dairy-free pudding.

Switching to a primarily plantbased diet can significantly reduce your total carbon footprint and lessen your land and water waste, helping you lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

Submit your own op-ed!

Submit a Letter to the Editor or your own op-ed to

thequad@manhattan.edu

by Saturdays at noon to be considered for publication.

the Quadrangle

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THE QUADRANGLE

Managing Food Waste on Campus Jocelyn Visnov & Zoe DeFazio Asst. Production Editor & Staff Writer

According to RESET.org, nearly one-third of food produced for human consumption worldwide eventually becomes food waste. Between the process of growing, harvesting, producing, and transporting food, there is a significant amount of waste behind the food that gets thrown away, even at Manhattan College.

Mary Stahl, an environmental science major, is an active participant when being environmentally friendly. She is concise about how much waste she produces and has used her experience to the proper advantage on discussing how MC can potentially do better.

The main concern involving waste seems more to be about how much students produce rather than how much the dining facilities do.

“Manhattan College currently has no way for students and faculty to choose sustainable waste disposal options,” Stahl wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “The school only recycles major items from facilities, nothing from the residence halls! When planning Sustainable Food Week last semester, I tried very hard to get dining to take part in our composting efforts. Although they did donate some coffee grounds from

Starbucks, college campuses have a unique opportunity to be a more closed-loop system and set high standards for sustainability which we are extremely lacking!”

Stahl then went on to say just exactly how MC can be more mindful of waste and certain ways students and faculty can help campus be more enlightened about food waste and how to discard it.

“I think we need to reframe how we understand food waste as students and as members of the college community,” Stahl wrote. “It’s not realistic to have just open bins for compost in the residence halls or across campus. But only using the argument of compost being smelly or attracting pests deters from the reality that we can compost on campus. We are a small school, which has a lot more positives when considering the leadership roles students can really take and guide change across our campus with.”

The question of how much do Manhattan College students recycle and take part in discarding waste is still up in the air. There are ways MC students can potentially be more environmentally friendly when it comes to food waste.

Environmental science major, Nina Björkman, advises students to internally ask questions regarding recycling to better themselves and the environment campus creates.

“I think if we start to ask

questions about it most of us will realize that we could do a lot better - right now I feel like it’s not very talked about, and the school isn’t exactly bragging about it’s trash handling system either so to find out what we do with our waste/trash requires people to ask questions and do some research.”

Björkman suggests a way for students to be more conscious of waset and put it to good use.

“I would love for the school to start composting, either by its own program or by having a company picking up the organic waste, because that would make a big change in the amount of trash that we generate here at MC,” Björkman said.

Björkman has taken the initiative to take matters into her own hands and help MC with food waste.

“I am considering starting up a small composting project in OV for the fall to see how that would work,” Björkman said.

Composting appears to be the common theme anong how Manhattan can discard food waste in a healthy, environmentally cousincess manner. The system that could be created regarding composting bins can be beneficial to students, especially those who are environmentally friendly and those who are an environmental studies major.

Until the college can implement a composting system,

Björkman suggests ways for students to be more aware of waste.

“Don’t throw out food, try to minimize single-use items etc. I know this is especially hard during covid, but there is always something we can do.

I use my own water bottle and utensils, for example,” Björkman said.

Julian Silverman, professor of chemistry and environmental science, gave some insight on the issue. While oftentimes being safe and practicing sustainability come hand in hand, this is not necessarily the case during a global pandemic.

“So, one part to think about is that we’re in this balance of safety and sustainability right now right safety is more important, arguably, but we’re going to shift hopefully back to the other side,” Silverman said.

Having worked closely with various environmentally conscious organizations, Silverman said about various environmental efforts around food waste on campus.

“The rooftop garden on the garage does and has implemented some of the compost that’s been generated,” he said.

“One of the challenges is that every student on campus did it, there would be way too much right so we need to look for outlets to use that kind of food waste differently.”

In addition, Silverman mentioned that the partnership with Aramark has led to new conversations on waste management

around campus dining.

“Aramark joined us really this last year and there’s been lots of stuff going on and they’re also a much bigger company than those of years past,” he said. “And so we’ve been in conversation with people on their energy side and people more on the Facilities and Planning side.”

Silverman also works with students who are in the process of collecting data to further address the issue of food waste on campus.

“One thing that we’re working on cures specifically is, is just getting numbers, getting the number of pounds of waste a year,” he said.

Food waste is just one facet of waste and sustainability being addressed on campus.

For those looking to further research this problem, Silverman suggests expressing interest and staying determined and vocal about the issues which are most important to you.

“You know we’ve had programs on campus that have tried to address this before, there are old composters I think by Leo, that are just sitting there,” he said. “But the biggest challenge is you know students are our greatest motivator, but you also need to know you guys graduate in four years so we need to make sure that there’s a club or an organization that’s really promoting this.”

Are Manhattan College Students Environmentally Conscious?

Kyla Guilfoil and Nicole Fitzsimmons Asst. News Editor & News Editor

While activism and awareness has increased over the years with the rise of social media and accessible environmental information, there are still many misconceptions around the topic of sustainability and environmental justice. And, because major corporations and government officials have not made structural changes to address the severity of our climate crisis, many citizens are not actively conscious of their environmental impact.

The Quadrangle took to social media to hear from some members of the Manhattan College community via the Instagram account @mcquad.

Three polls were posted onto the accounts story for 24 hours, with an average of 127 answers to each question.

The first poll read, “Do you consider yourself to be environmentally friendly?” and received 135 responses, 83% voting ‘yes’ and 17% voting ‘no’.

The second poll asked “Do you

use reusable items daily?”, with 126 responses, 92% voting ‘yes’ and 8% voting ‘no’. The last of the polls read “Do you pay attention to your daily waste?”, with 121 responses, and 49% voting ‘yes’, while 51% voted ‘no’.

These answers demonstrated that a limited, random sample of Instagram users in the MC community were in fact using reusable items and considering themselves as environmentally friendly, but we’re not aware of their personal waste.

This small poll could indicate that while there is a certain level of environmental awareness on campus, the awareness pertains to more common knowledge issues, like using reusable water bottles.

These answers align with the thoughts and opinions expressed by Julian Silverman, program director of The Center for Urban Resilience and Environmental Sustainability and environmental science, regarding the levels of environmental awareness on campus.

“I think that most students are aware of important environmental challenges such as climate change, but they may not fully understand the scale of

the problems or how they can make a difference. It’s difficult these days to go online or read the news and not hear about local or global environmental issues,” Silverman said.

Despite environmental issues being addressed on the media frequently, there seems to be a disconnect between taking in the information and actually helping. Dart Westphal, director of the environmental studies program, thinks that more could be done on campus regarding issues like recycling and transportation.

“Just because people are thinking about it more doesn’t mean we’re doing everything we need to do,” Westphal said.

“I mean, the best example is recycling, the college really doesn’t recycle much besides cardboard. So, all those recycling things all over the campus aren’t really going anywhere.

And I think that’s the first of many steps that the school has to take. I mean, thinking about how the space gets used, how people travel, who gets to work here, these are all things that people have been talking about.”

The Quadrangle used the same instagram account to ask

community members to share their suggestions for having a better effect on the environment.

“Vote and call representatives. The people in power have the biggest impact,” sophomore Giuseppe Tuminello said.

Other suggestions included using no waste shampoo from freshman Morgan Schyuler, turning the lights off when not in the room from freshman Stephen Perrillo, and to use less single use plastic from freshman Joey Talenti.

While environmental awareness on campus could be improved, students and faculty on campus have found that it has increased in recent years.

“I think the administration is paying attention to things that they haven’t for a while, more than they have in a long time,” Westphal said. “There was an environmental statement that the school made a number of years ago under a previous president that is now being looked at again. And, I think that the people that are thinking about how they’re going to handle the facility, and their partnership with Aramark, has just given an opportunity to really think about it a

lot harder. And, I think the construction of the Kelly building was a big change in terms of having to think about the environment every time you build something.”

The Center for Urban Resilience and Environmental Sustainability, or CURES, on campus is one example of something students can take part in to help change the overall environmental consciousness for the better.

“CURES is currently assessing how well we are addressing sustainability on campus, and what can be done next,” Silverman said. “We’ve identified that there is buy-in from students and staff for environmental issues and opportunities can be found both here and in the Bronx with other Lasallian institutions.”

Another way for students to increase their environmental awareness is to take courses on campus that educate students about the environment and its many components. While there is a lot of work to be done, students and faculty depict a good starting ground for environmental awareness to grow on campus, especially in recent years.

Features

April 20, 2021

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NYWEA Offers Home to All Environmentalists Gabriella DePinho Senior Writer

The students in Manhattan College’s chapter of the New York Water Environment Association see their club as a space where students can explore and pursue their environmental passions. While the ongoing pandemic has prevented the club from offering its usual, numerous in-person activities, the club has remained active and dedicated to its mission.

According to the organization’s website, NYWEA was founded in 1929, “by professionals in the field of water quality as a non-profit, educational organization” and though membership continues to be diverse in activities and backgrounds, “all are concerned and involved with protecting and enhancing our precious water resources.”

Liz-Marie Lee, a senior civil engineering major with a minor in environmental engineering, was the Manhattan College chapter’s president for the 2020-21 school year. As a longtime member of the chapter, Lee is very passionate about NYWEA’s mission.

“Our primary focus is water quality and the new technologies that are emerging in water quality,” she said. “So that’s our primary focus, but we do a lot of environmentalism and volunteer work here as well.”

Since the fall, the club has promoted a Tibbetts Brook and Putnam Trail cleanup, sustainable food week events, general member meetings, a tree bed cleanup, a young professionals panel, opportunities to work in the college’s rooftop garden and a NYWEA metropolitan area water industry career showcase. While the club offers a wide range of activities and supports other campus environmental groups’ endeavors, it just means that students of all majors can find something they want to do within the club.

Lee also loves that NYWEA offers a lot of professional and academic opportunities. Students can attend the regional conference to learn more about water issues and present research. Lee was actually able to present research at a recent conference, research that she only conducted with NYWEA’s vice president, Lauren Finnegan, because NYWEA introduced them to their area of interest.

“We were exploring topics in risal filtration, which is basically how to make surface water more clean by just removing heavy metals in the water and using plant roots,” Lee said. “So that was just our sophomore project and we’re like ‘oh my God we’re sophomores and we just got picked to do this big research thing, that’s incredible.’ And now that has actually opened the door

for many opportunities.”

NYWEA even offers scholarship opportunities. Matthew Sweeney, a former executive board member of the club and a senior civil engineering major, was a 2020 scholarship recipient. The most recent Jasper to receive a NYWEA scholarship before Sweeney was LisaMarie Nilaj in 2016. Prior to that, stretching back to 1999, at least one Manhattan College student, if not two, won a scholarship nearly every year.

Finnegan, another senior civil engineering major, also cherishes the research opportunity she had with Lee, but finds that her favorite events were volunteer events.

“It’s really fun to get out there in the environment and actually make a difference,” she said.

While the pandemic has hindered some of their in-person plans, the club was still able to have some meaningful events this year.

“We have a lot of remote students, so we weren’t able to do a lot of the in person speaker talks that we planned but we’ve kind of adapted to that,” Finnegan said. “We’ve moved them virtual and we’ve actually been able to get more speakers that way just because speakers don’t have to come to campus and we still had a good turnout for outdoor events just with masks.”

While Finnegan and Lee are

NYWEA executive board members Lauren Finnegan (left) and Liz-Marie Lee (right) work together in the rooftop garden each week. Rooftop gardening is just one opportunity Manhattan College’s chapter of NYWEA supports on campus.

GABS DEPINHO/ THE QUADRANGLE looking ahead towards graduation, they know the club will be in good hands.

“We wouldn’t have NYWEA if it weren’t for the dedicated students every year who always make sure it continues on,” Lee said.

While they both look back on their time as members of NYWEA fondly, they want to continue to encourage students to join and see the club grow, even when they’re gone.

“Anyone can join the club, it doesn’t just have to be environmental engineering students,” Finnegan said. “It could be any major. This past year we’ve actually gotten a lot of people from different majors and different areas of study on campus and it’s been really great to have people from different areas of campus.”

Environmental Studies Program Prepares Students for the Future Kelly Cwik and Megan LaCreta Asst. A&E Editor and Staff Writer

Manhattan College offers a unique experience in its environmental studies program.

Part of the school of liberal arts, the program uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with a well-rounded education regarding environmental issues.

Professor Dart Westphal is the director of environmental studies at MC, described the program’s mission.

“Environmental Studies in liberal arts is about advocacy and policy,” Westphal said. “So, how does the environmental movement make change happen, in terms of government or in terms of marketing or in terms of any of the ways we convince people to be more environmentally sustainable.”

Westphal explained that students in the program take a wide variety of classes. The liberal arts curriculum ranges

from environmentally-focused politics, religion and literature classes, and also requires credits in environmental economics and science.

Dillon Kadish is a senior environmental studies major and geography minor. Kadish expressed how important the interdisciplinary aspect of the program is.

“It’s incredible to know that our program can span the business, engineering, science, liberal arts, and education schools,” Kadish wrote. “I believe the future of academia and professionalism lies in our ability to find and strengthen intersections, and the environmental studies department does just that.”

Kadish’s future goals involve influencing policy makers to affect lasting climate sustainability. He is one of many students in the program who aspire to make real change happen. Another student, senior environmental studies and political science major Petros Leriadis, who is from Athens, Greece, wrote about his own career goals in the field.

“My career aspiration in

the environmental studies department is to potentially work in the European Union or the United Nations on behalf of Greece,” Leriadis wrote. “I would like for my country to become even more environmentally friendly and sustainable in order to guarantee a safe future for the next generations.”

Leriadis and Kadish’s goals align with the focus of the environmental studies program at MC. Westphal explained the importance of having the program in order to create future leaders to make everlasting change.

“The way we use the environment as humans is going to change radically over the next fifteen, thirty years,” Westphal said. “And there need to be people that understand the broad parameters of that change, because every vocation, every job that anyone has is going to have to consider the drastic changes and how we handle our environments so we have to get our students prepared and have our students then prepare others for how will this change is going to take place.”

To harness these interests

and prepare students for their careers, the program connects individuals with outside organizations, such as the Bronx River Alliance.

Kadish noted how the program has benefited him by exposing him to different viewpoints. The program has also allowed him to gain experiences in the fields of work he is passionate about.

“The program gives me perspective. It teaches me how the world works, and it teaches me multiple ways to look at the world around me,” Kadish wrote. “This helps me relate to different sectors and different employers in a unique way.

Already, I have worked in academic research, in sustainability/resilience planning for a medium-sized city, and led the policy division of a New York City Council campaign focused on climate change. Without the program, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that.”

Similar to Kadish, the program has allowed Leriadis to expand on his abilities and understand the effects individuals have on the environment.

“The most enjoyable as-

pect of being part of the environmental studies program is the ability to observe the world and its history through a different lens,” Leriadis wrote. “Understanding that every single human action has specific environmental effects, is the beginning of truly comprehending our world and its issues. Only then can we find proper solutions.”

There are numerous ways to get involved with the environmental studies program and with other organizations focused on environmental topics. The program offers a minor which requires two science and three humanities courses.

Leriadis summed up the importance of having such a program at MC and beyond.

“I believe that the environmental studies program is very vital for Manhattan College since our future will be directly defined and shaped by climate change,” Leriadis worte. “We must educate the next generations about these matters.”

Features

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THE QUADRANGLE

Student-Run Rooftop Garden Begins to Sprout Amidst Spring Weather Kiersten Thompson & Adrianne Hutto

Staff Writer & Asst. Production Editor Students on campus may have noticed planters on the roof of the student parking garage. These planters are a part of an initiative run by the Environmental Studies department called A Green Roof. The Green Roofs, which collect rainwater and help to cool the roof, was started by Nathan Hunter, a Manhattan College alumni who now works for the Bronx River Alliance. Another one of these roofs can be found on the top of Kelly Commons, working to serve the same goal.

The garden is now overseen by the Director of Environmental Studies Department, Professor Dart Westphal.

Westphal explained that the garden is maintained in large part due to the help of student volunteers. The vegetables harvested from the garden are donated to a farmers market run by teenagers at the Amalgamated house, which is a part of a housing co-op started by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union years ago.

“The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance has a teen program with teens all over the place who work at the market and they have a garden too in the park down over there so we bring all the veggies together and supplement them and they are sold by the teens as a part of their teen program,” Westphal said.

“This is done in tandem with the teen program which allows students to get an early college credit for the program over the

summer.

The main focus of the program is not the plants themselves, but the dangers of the rainwater falling off of the roof.

“All the rain falls down on this roof goes into the sewer and we try to prevent that as much as we can, the whole city of new york is trying to prevent that,” Westphal said.

Looking down from the roof, there is a noticeable valley, with Riverdale Hill on one side and Kingsbridge Heights on the other. All the rain falls down into Tibbetts Avenue, named for Tibbetts Brook which used to be in its place.

“When the stormwater fills, because it goes to the same sewers as the toilets, all the sewage and all the rainwater goes in the same pipe and when the pipe is too small to handle it, when it rains a lot the pipe overflows into the [Harlem] river,” Westphal said.

This problem is increasingly relevant as it is the worst one in the city. The big project being worked on right now is called Daylight, which is an attempt to resolve the rainwater runoff problem. The goal of the project would be to make a stream that could run down from a small waterfall in Van Cortlandt Park to the sewage system, acting as a sort of greenway and allowing for less overflow. This project will be carried out over the summer.

Nina Bjorkman, a junior environmental science major, through the Environmental Honor Society, started working on the rooftop garden this year.

She has had prior experience with her family’s garden, having grown crops like potatoes, onions, and carrots. However,

she has learned much about sustainability from her time working on the rooftop garden and how it doesn’t have to “look pretty all the time”.

“I feel like a lot of things now that people brand as sustainable have to look so classy and clean … I just feel like it’s easy to kind of put a stamp on sustainable stuff and say they’re supposed to look a certain way, they’re supposed to be minimalistic … no plastic, but I mean our irrigation system is made out of plastic, for example, because what else are we supposed to use? Are we supposed to use metal? Well … that degrades over time,” Bjorkman said.

Bjorkman will be staying on campus during the summer for the Women Inspiring Successful Enterprise (W.I.S.E) program and hopes to use that as an opportunity to work on the rooftop garden. She is currently working with other students from the Environmental Honor Society on the garden outside of Lee. Dillon Kadish, a senior environmental studies major, started working on the rooftop garden in his freshman year. He previously had around six years of experience with community gardening, doing a lot of butterfly/bee gardening in his home state of Florida. Kadish thinks that community gardens can help tackle the problem of food insecurity that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. However, he notes that steps must be carefully taken to make sure this solution is effective.

“The rooftop has taught me how vital urban agriculture can be,” Kadish wrote in an email.

“During the COVID pandem-

Green roof on the top of the student parking lot prepares for revival as students begin summer internships.

ADRIANNE HUTTO/ THE QUADRANGLE ic, food insecurity around the world has risen incredibly, and New York City is no exception.

Projects like our rooftop garden have the ability to affect food insecurity in a big way. We can use urban agriculture to create food security, but it needs to be done intentionally. In New York City, community gardens created in lower-income areas with the main goal of fostering food security often end up being the first step to gentrification and

Tomato sprouts, which are watered daily to prevent dehydration, are soon to be moved to the outside garden beds.

ADRIANNE HUTTO / THE QUADRANGLE

displacement. This is because landlords start to raise rent prices as a result of the garden, which is highly sought after in the city. To stop this damaging practice that only exacerbates the problem, we need to be taking concrete steps towards rent control to help mitigate food insecurity at the root.”

Currently, the garden is currently growing everything from tomatoes, beans, and zucchini, to thyme, oregano, and basil. However, is it not just environmental studies majors who are encouraged to participate in the cultivation of this project.

“We try to get somebody from each of the different schools, if we get one from every school that’s the best but we don’t always,” Westphal said.

For students interested in helping out with the rooftop garden, Wednesdays from noon to one there is always someone there. Take the elevator up to the 5th floor of the garage and take the stairs from there. However, if the given time is not feasible, students are welcome to reach out to Professor Westphal to find a time that works for them (dart. westphal@manhattan.edu).

Features

APRIL 20, 2021

7

Manhattan College Fights for Sustainability Caroline McCarthy Asst. Features Editor

Is your plastic bag’s fifteen minutes of fame worth the 500 years of infamy it will spend in a landfill? According to the New York Sanitation Department, single-use plastic bags are used for an average of 12 minutes, only to be discarded to waste away for over 500 years, leaving harmful toxins behind to further pollute the environment long after it’s gone.

Local food distributors in the Riverdale area reportedly disavow the effectiveness of the ban, which was officially pronounced in New York City

in October of 2020, despite the threat of a $500 fine. The ban originally took action on March 1, 2020 but was delayed by a lawsuit enacted by plastic bag manufacturers and convenience store owners.

Shortly thereafter the delay of the ban, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the use of single-use plastics for fear of contracting the virus through surfaces. This increase included the use of plastic cutlery, medical waste, personal protective equipment, and of course, bags. The environmental detriment caused by this exponential increase in global waste will not be measurable until years after COVID-19 is over.

The ban’s delay was lifted in the court of law in August

An example of the reusable bag given to students in an attempt to limit waste.

THE QUADRANGLE/ COURTESY

of 2020, but the Department of Environmental Conservation allowed the delay to continue in light of COVID-19 causing retailers to dissuade customers from using reusable bags.

Belinda Mager, Director of Communications at the New York City Department of Sanitation states that plastic bags are not considered recyclable materials in the city’s curbside pickup program.

“In New York City, residents use more than 10 billion single-use carryout bags every year and it costs the City more than $12 million annually to dispose of these bags,” Mager said. “Single-use bags make up about 2.5 percent of our waste stream.”

According to Mager, the sanitation department collects more than 1,700 tons of single-use carryout bags per week, leading to 91,000 tons of plastic and paper carryout bags each year.

“These products, particularly lightweight single-use plastic carryout bags, are a major contributor to marine and other litter,” Mager said. “Single-use plastic bags often end up blowing into the streets and onto the branches of trees, creating unsightly street litter. When rain carries them into catch basins, they pollute the City’s waterways, posing a threat to marine animals that often mistake these bags as a food source.

They can even get tangled in the sorting equipment in the recycling facility.”

Despite these environmental implications, the ban was delayed due to legal defense reasons.

Manhattan College freshman Katie Rachman saw the need for disposable bags, but believes the delay of the plastic bag ban and continuation of use will only harm the New York City area.

“Though this was just a few months, I think that the delay still had a negative effect on the environment,” Rachman said.

“I understand that early in the pandemic, there were many unknowns and that postponing the ban made logical sense.

But, overall I think this was not the right decision and that the transition to paper would still have been effective and possible.”

According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine entitled “Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations,” demand on plastics has an expected increase of 40% in packaging uses and 17% in other forms of use, such as medical uses.

Paper products offer a more sustainable solution as they decompose in 5-10 years, but still heavily contribute to unnecessary waste. The New York City Curbside and Containerized Municipal Refuse and Recycling Statistics showed a daily collection of 119.1 tons of paper waste in the Bronx as of February of 2021.

Manhattan College instituted grab-and-go dining at Locke’s Loft to ensure safety while navigating the spread of the virus. Grab-and-go meals were essential to the return of students at the college, though had detrimental effects on the attempted progress for environmental sustainability.

Meals are currently being distributed in throw-away containers differing in materials, some being plastic, plastic-coated paper, or paper boxes. Single-use plastics like cutlery, cups and straws are located in abundance at varying parts of the dining hall and paper bags are provided for the transportation of food to the dormitories, where students are encouraged to eat their meals.

Manhattan College has recently implemented a reusable bag initiative, providing students with and encouraging them to use green reusable bags when traveling to/ from Locke’s Loft. As of Monday, April 19, 2021, paper bags will no longer be provided in Locke’s Dining Hall and students will be expected to use their provided reusable bags.

This initiative, pioneered

by Manhattan Student Government Association, is set to not only reduce our carbon

footprint but also decrease the workload for the college’s custodial staff, which Residence Life Director Charles Clency has called “challenging.”

“Decreasing our carbon footprint on campus is simply a benefit to us all,” Clency said.

“Residence Life and the College are constantly looking for ways to be more sustainable on campus. The implementation of these reusable bags puts MC one step closer to meeting that goal.”

Rachman, who reportedly uses 15-20 bags/food packaging items per week, 2 sets of utensils a day, and 3-4 plastic cups per week, feels the initiative may not resonate effectively with the average Manhattan College student.

“I think that the initiative is a good step, but I’m not sure if students will use them,” Rachman said. “I sometimes stop by Locke’s on the go, and then realize I don’t have my bag with me and have to use paper.”

Clency urges students to become accustomed to carrying reusable bags at all times, to avoid potential instances of being at Locke’s Loft without a way to carry food back to the dorms.

Rachman believes other options for sustainability, such as encouraging students to use their reusable water bottles, straws and cutlery, may be more obtainable. Manhattan currently has a restriction on reusable water bottles being used at any of the beverage sites at Locke’s Loft for sanitation purposes. Instead, single-use plastic cups and paper straws are located at either end of the water-filling/soda stations.

“I understand that during the age of a pandemic, single-use plastics are essential to keeping everyone safe,” Rachman said. “On the other hand, the amount of waste per week is incredible. If Manhattan can try and focus on using more recyclable paper options or open up to allowing students to use their own reusable containers, this would help reduce the use of single-use plastic.”

Features

8

THE QUADRANGLE

The Environmentalists of Manhattan College Discuss Food Waste, Sustainability and Advocating for Change on Campus Kyla Guilfoil

Asst. News Editor Although it is one of Manhattan College’s smaller departments, environmental studies students are passionate about improving sustainability around campus. Through the department, as well as environmentally active students in the different environmental-focused clubs on campus, students have developed new initiatives to improve the environmental impact made at MC. Mary Stahl, a first-semester senior and environmental studies major, has spent the last three years advocating for sustainability– particularly in regards to food waste. Through her studies, Stahl discovered that she had a passion for food sustainability and accessibility, and decided to take that to action. Stahl played a vital part in beginning the Manhattan College Environmental Newsletter, which published its first issue in October 2019.

Stahl is also an active contributor to the rooftop garden on campus, which is located on the top level of the parking garage across the street from Hayden Hall. At the garden, Stahl explained that there are multiple beds for the vegetable and spice garden, a compost facility and a rainwater capture system that is used to water the garden.

“There is hopefully going to be a green wall, some kind of hydroponic system,” Stahl said.

“There was one going up there for a while but then it kind of fizzled out so we’re looking for engineers to kind of take that over.”

Along with a green wall, Stahl thinks that there’s much more that can be done for sustainability on campus.

“I’ve been fighting with [administration] to try and reduce food waste for forever,” Stahl said. “Since Aramark took over, it’s been a lot of logistical issues because they have this sustainability statement on their website, it’s really something that people could so call them out for, but they’re just fine with it. And it’s just complete BS. So you go to Locke’s and it’s like what is this stuff?

None of this is sustainable, I’m eating stuff out of a bag.”

One of Stahl’s suggestions was for the college to donate its food scraps to the compost facility. Although the compost facility at the rooftop garden is not designed to handle large amounts of food, Stahl believes that there is plenty of room to expand. She mentioned that

it would be especially helpful if there could be a way to take residential waste from the OV kitchens where students are cooking. And, beyond administration, Stahl believes that change is possible. She is happy to see how the program has grown since she first came to MC, and believes the environmental studies majors can enact change.

“I think on campus there’s a lot that students can do,” Stahl said. “I think because we’re such a small campus it’s so easy to become a leader for change. I have seen me and my fellow students, and students before and after me, have been.

One advocate can do so much for whatever interests you, and I recommend just reading and looking up different arguments, because there’s so many components to environmental science, so you can pick one and just go down a complete rabbit hole. I think on campus you can just pick anything and I think that more than people think can be done. Just find something you’re passionate about and get involved.”

Stahl knew from a young age that she wanted to be engaged with nature. Growing up on Long Island and coming from a family of environmentalists, it seemed to be second nature for her to choose a focus in environmental studies.

Brandon Alvarez, senior civil engineering major with an environmental engineering minor, shares this deep rooted love for the environment. However, Alvarez’s came from within the concrete jungle, as he grew up just a few miles from campus in the Bronx.

While Alvarez did not choose to major in environmental studies as Stahl did, he chose a career path that will enable him to put the study of the environment into action.

“So for me, the environmental scientists will identify issues and really study it, and an environmental engineer will come along and really help quantify and try and come up for solutions for things, and the real numbers aspect of it rather than the study aspect of it,” Alvarez said. “I actually started school doing preverternary, and I realized it was not for me.

I’m a lot more technical of a person, so I chose engineering and I kind of strayed away from it, but then found a way that I could be an engineer, but also help the environment and make life better for the wildlife.”

Alvarez has been committed to staying engaged with the environment while he continues with his engineering degree, citing volunteerism to be

one of his top priorities. He has dedicated so much time to Van Cortlandt Park that he is what they consider a “super steward,” meaning that he goes to training on his own time to perform street care work, forest care work, or work removing invasive species throughout the park.

Alvarez also held a position as an intern at Van Cortlandt Park where he helped park staff remove invasive species from the lake during the summer. Now, Alvarez is taking on a bigger leadership role, and is the publication editor for the New York Water Environment Association on campus.

As part of that role, Alvarez planned an event to perform a street clean up outside of Kelly Commons. The Parks Department came to the event to provide tools to the twenty student participants, and also shared a crash course of city infrastructure with the students. And while Alvarez is deeply committed to serving the community, he emphasizes that each person can play a small but important role in being sustainable.

“It doesn’t have to be a 100 percent lifestyle change overnight,” Alvarez said. “Even if you do one thing, like steer away from plastic bottles, or cutting your shower time down, everything you do helps.

So start with small things.”

Alvarez shared that he has a tabletop compost at home, and carries metal straw and utensils with him to the dining hall to cut down on his own waste.

“I always have my metal straws in a little pouch, and I keep a fork and spoon in there too,” Alvarez said. “So when I go eat, I don’t grab plastic utensils, I grab my own and go wash them off real quick. And that’s just one little thing I do to help.

I’m not perfect, every once in a while I go grab my Starbucks and my Dunkin, and it comes in a plastic cup, but at least I have my metal straw, that cuts down on a percentage of the waste.

So I think in order to make the change at the school, it starts with the individual, too.”

Alvarez shared that since the beginning of the pandemic, environmental organizations on campus were beginning to address waste issues on campus. However, it is a complex issue, and one that has not yet been solved. Alvarez does hope that there can be a decrease in the amount of plastic packaging used on campus.

Nina Bjorkman, a junior environmental studies major, agrees that the amount of plastic packaging on campus is out of bounds.

“I’ve realized that the amount of trash that I generate right now makes me feel bad, it genuinely makes me very concerned because it’s beyond me, I can’t do anything about it [because of COVID], but it’s very frustrating to see because I know that there must be a better solution,” Bjorkman said.

Bjorkman is an international student from Sweden, and is conscious of how much she buys and consumes. However, she still faces difficulties.

Bjorkman noted how Dining Services has discouraged the use of reusable water bottles and mugs in the dining hall as part of new COVID guidelines, which has forced her to use paper and plastic cups when she is picking up water or tea from Locke’s.

Bjorkman does think that students can help by getting their own pair of reusable utensils, especially if they’re eating in their room or dorm building.

“I think that the easiest thing you can do is get a spoon, fork and knife that you can use in your room. So you can wash it easily and reuse it. It’s such an easy thing,” Bjorkman said.

Even further, Bjorkman hopes that the school would more effectively address composting and recycling. As Stahl noted earlier, much of the unused food or food scraps at the college is not composted or donated.

“It’s just so difficult because there’s just so many things we need to implement, but it would just be nice to see an initiative for the school to do some more recycling stuff,” Bjorkman said. “Especially now with all of this packaging in Locke’s. I would love to see something like maybe we get a batch of three food boxes that get turned into Locke’s and washed, so that we could at least get like a cycle of less waste.”

Nonetheless, Bjorkman echoed Alavrez in pointing out that it is still important to be mindful of smaller things on an individual level, such as turning off lights, using reusable items and shopping for sustainable or second hand clothing.

Wade Wiedemann, a sophomore environmental studies major, also spoke to The Quadrangle, specifically about clothing waste.

“I’ve been doing a lot of research into fast fashion and textile waste, like how a lot of clothes end up in landfills, so I’ve been trying just to fix up my own clothes or not buy as many new ones,” Wiedemann said.

Wiedemann encourages others to try and fix their old

clothes or buy new styles from second stores as well, as it is such an easy and affordable way to be sustainable. He also works to take public transportation as much as possible to avoid driving cars, and helps out in the rooftop garden on campus.Wiedemann added that he helps out at a garden outside of Lee Hall with fellow environmental studies students, such as Dillon Kadish, a senior environmental studies major. Wiedemann is conscious of increased food waste on campus.

“With Locke’s, the food portioning is crazy,” Wiedemann said. “I feel like there’s so much food waste, because they decide how much they give you, and always give too much.

And I feel really wasteful when I’m not going to eat that much.

And also with the individual plastic containers.”

Wiedemann admits that they were not always especially environmentally conscious, but that their coursework, as well as their exposure with projects such as the rooftop garden, have helped open their eyes even further.

“I definitely wasn’t always environmentally conscious,” Wiedemann said. “I have a background in science and am really interested in science, and I feel like environmentalism is the practical application of that.

And I feel like for me because I know there are a lot of other applications, but I feel like for the world [environmentalism] is how you can really help people.”

Stahl echoed this sentiment, explaining that being individually sustainable can have an incredible impact on the local community. Stahl explained that even on campus, if everyone made an effort to reduce their waste, that would mean 4,000 people were lessening the stress on our local Bronx community. By paying more attention to our daily waste, our community has the ability to affect water quality, air quality, waste management and wildlife quality.

“I think that if we think about it more as a closed loop in our heads, what are we interacting with and what do we have control over, you realize it’s greater, and you realize that the impact you have is more than just miniscule, little decisions, it actually does affect a lot of people and the natural environment,” Stahl said. “Any major is completely connected to the environment. Whether or not you believe it, you’re interacting with it.”

APRIL 20, 2021

Features

9

The Environment at Manhattan College In celebration of Earth Day, the Quadrangle looks back on photos through the years of the environment that surrounds the Sixth Borough.

All photos taken by Brian Asare.

Arts & Entertainment

10

THE QUADRANGLE

HerCampus Manhattan Joins National Initiative to Write Greener Jilleen Barrett & Kelly Cwik A&E Editor & Asst. A&E Editor

HerCampus Manhattan is taking part in a new challenge encouraged by the national HerCampus organization to promote sustainability on college campuses. During the “green week” challenge, contributors to the college’s chapter of the magazine will focus all articles on different aspects of the environment.

Casey Schellberg, a sophomore childhood and special education major, is a contributing writer for the Manhattan College chapter of HerCampus and wrote about her view of the initiative in an email to The Quadrangle.

“Green Week x HerCampus is an initiative to share environmental awareness across

campus, empower each other with sustainable practices and most importantly, celebrate [Green] week,” Schellberg wrote.

Schellberg detailed what she planned to focus on in her own article.

“I am writing an article about how I am staying green in a takeout world,” she said.

“Everyday we see thousands of plastic containers, plastic silverware, and paper bags being used and thrown away on campus due to dining being completely take out only. In my article, I suggest simple and inexpensive ways college students can make take out dining more sustainable and green.”

Bridget Turro, another contributor to the popular online magazine, detailed how the Manhattan chapter plans to collaborate their efforts with affiliated chapters in order to ex-

pand the reach of their articles.

“We are collaborating with our sister chapters, from the University of South Florida, the University of Miami, and Lasell University,” Turro wrote in an email. “We all are passionate about saving the Earth and doing what we can to help prevent climate change so we thought doing Green Week would be a great way to spread our message through all of our campuses!”

Schellberg wrote more about why she personally feels the topic is important to discuss amongst college students.

“It is important to highlight Earth Week at HerCampus because it allows our members to write about environmental needs as well as how to make sustainable and green changes to our lives as college students,” she wrote.

This is not the first time

HerCampus Manhattan has attempted to use their platform to invoke social justice. Turro pointed out that the chapter has raised awareness for other causes in the past.

“Here at HerCampusMC, one of the main things that we feel it is important is to be activists in what we are passionate about,” Turro wrote. “With the following that we have on campus, we feel that we should use it in a positive way. In the past, we have done stuff for Women’s History Month and Black History Month so we thought that this would be perfect for us.”

The national organization has recently made an effort to promote other challenges like green week starting in Feb. 2021. Their official chapter challenge document for the month of April reads: “As Spring arrives and we

see new growth and flowers in full bloom, let’s celebrate our Earth by taking care of it and making sustainable choices! Take time this month to appreciate the outdoors, take action to protect this planet’s beauty for future generations and consciously decrease your negative impact on our environment!”

For participating in the challenge, HerCampus Manhattan will receive 10 points.

According to the HerCampus handbook, points are used to measure how often individual contributors submit articles for their chapter’s website. This incentive encourages each chapter to participate in challenges such as green week.

More information on the green week collaboration can be found on the HerCampus Manhattan Instagram page, @ hercampus_mc.

Bringing Fashion Finds to Earth Week Lauren Raziano Social Media Editor

FASHION FINDS The toxicity of fast fashion and constant new trends can be tough on the wallet and even worse for the environment. If you are searching for a better local alternative option, go to My Unique Thrift, located at 218 W 234th St, The Bronx, NY 10463.

My Unique Thrift is very popular with the local community and with daily donations and discounts, the merchandise is cycled through very quickly with new things always on the racks. If you are lucky you can find hidden gems that are squeezed between two other items or something that is undervalued. Other options is to try to buy an outfit that you normally wouldn’t buy for yourself at full price.

With a loyal local fanbase, this Bronx thrift store has gained attention from Manhattan College students, thus inspiring this article. Why ride to Brooklyn to check out the L train or search through bins when MC has an explosion of styles and trends sitting in our backyard? From Levis to Nikes, it is practically impossible to walk into My Unique without leaving with a handful of finds.

To the right are some of the best gems and deals found at My Unique Thrift: 218 W 234th St, The Bronx, NY 10463.

SF AIR FORCE 1 Mid ‘Obsidian’ Retail: $180 Price at My Unique: $29.99 These navy suede Air Force one’s in the men’s section are a great deal! The show is accessories with gold details and the shoes can be cleaned to give a fresh appearance. These shoes can be worn dressed down for a casual school or with a fun street style outfit.

Nike Hyperdunk 2015 Retail: $70 Price at My Unique:$29.99 Add a fun new sneaker to your collection with these bright blue Nike Hyperdunk basketball shoes. The men’s footwear section that has racks above the clothes always has some good finds for casual or sporty wear. Make sure to check every section, regardless of size, because sometimes shoes can be misplaced.

Ga Milano Faux Leather Jacket Retail: $125 Price at My Unique: $39.99

Comme des Garçons Play Converse Chuck 70 Hi Retail: $150 Price at My Unique:$7.99

This was my personal choice and buy from My Unique. I actually found these designer sneakers in the Kids section, While this piece was found in the men’s which goes to show that you should always check every row and section besection, it can be for any gender as cause there are hidden finds throughout leather jackets are coming back into the racks. style. For an edgy look, sport it with darker jeans and for a warmer look put on a summer dress and fancy it up with the leather jacket.

Levi Strauss Black Jean Shorts Retail: $70 at Free People Price at My Unique: $9.99 These jean Levi shorts are just what everyone is looking for as the weather gets warmer. Why spend $70 on a new pair from Free People when you can save for a second hand item?

From Levis to Nikes, it is practically impossible to walk into My Unique without leaving with a handful of finds.

LAUREN RAZIANO / COURTESY

Arts & Entertainment

APRIL 20, 2021

11

Jasper Jams Goes Green JASPER JAMS Maria Thomas, Alexa Schmidt & Gabriella DePinho Managing Editor & Senior Writers

To get in the spirit of our special issue, this edition of Jasper Jams will also have a bit of a green thumb – or, a green play button. The songs on this playlist celebrate the earth or come from artists who have made sustainability a part of their brand. We hope you’ll enjoy our diverse selection of tunes.

Gabs’ Picks Dead Sea - The Lumineers The Lumineers partnered with the nonprofit REVERB (not to be confused with Reverb, the music gear supplier) to shoot for a carbon neutral tour in 2020. While the tour was cut short, REVERB claims it was one of the first “largescale climate positive tours” in the world as it cut carbon emissions emitted by the tour and fans by 150%. The band uses a lot of natural imagery in their lyrics, so I picked this track to commemorate their work towards positive climate impact and their imagery choices.

Black and Blue Bird Dave Matthews Band Like The Lumineers, the Dave Matthews Band worked with REVERB to have a carbon neutral tour in 2019. While they worked with REVERB for that tour, REVERB claims that every Dave Matthews Band tour since 1992 has been carbon neutral, which means that paying attention to the environment has been part of the band’s brand for nearly two decades. Dave Matthews Band has a lot of great songs, so it was hard to pick, but either way, it’s always a good idea to support a carbon neutral band.

Broken - Xiutezcatl Xiutezcatl is a 20-year-old Indigenous hip-hop artist and activist who addresses cultural issues head on in his music.

Though born in America, he moved to Mexico as a child and was raised by his father in his Mexica culture. This song directly addresses issues of colonization and climate change through rap over subtle piano and violin that back him. If you’re passionate about environmentalism, Xiutezcatl is someone to keep your eye on — in both music and in his activism.

Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell The first Joni Mitchell song I learned was “Circle Game” at summer camp when I was twelve. Since then, I’ve come to really like all of Mitchell’s music. This song is about the fact that people traded a really wonderful, natural world for our “modernized” and climate challenged world. As she succinctly puts it in her song, we “paved paradise, put up a parking lot.”

While the song does not offer much hope or any solutions, it reminds us that we don’t always know what we have until it’s gone, so if anything, let it encourage you to get out there and enjoy any natural spaces by your living space.

Maria’s Picks Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) - Mar vin Gaye This is my top song pick for the Green Issue because this song is about climate change and pollution. With a smooth and solemn voice, Gaye remarks “Where did all the blue skies go?”. He also mentions seas slicked with oil, radiation, and fish filled with mercury.

This is a sorrowful ode to the environment, and the closing melody becomes dramatic and eerie to remind listeners that although this is a beautiful song, global warming is an impending future for Earth.

Morning Has Broken Cat Stevens These are the ultimate sunrise vibes. There is a great deal of nature imagery in this song, which makes me nostalgic for mornings spent in the great outdoors. There is also something so poetic and cathartic about Cat Steven’s voice and lyrics that makes me feel peaceful. This song describes the tranquility of dawn, with Stevens saying “Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from Heaven / Like the first dewfall on the first grass”.

Waters of March - Art Garfunkel While this classic Brazillian song has been sung by many, my favorite version (that I’ve heard thus far) is Art Garfunkel’s. This song perfectly encapsulates the imagery of summer for me, although many are reminded of spring. The lyrics are a series of natural images which coincide to create a beautiful mental mural of spring, accompanied by a light and rhythmic melody.

In My Life - The Beatles There were many Beatles songs that fit the category of Green Issue Jasper Jams. Some honorable mentions are “Here Comes the Sun,” “Strawberry Fields,” and “Blackbird,” but ultimately I had to go with “In My Life”, not necessarily for the direct mention of nature, but for the feeling it gives me.

Off the Rubber Soul album, this song reflects on how things rarely ever stay the same, which is such an integral part of nature. To me, it is reminiscent of riding a bicycle through a forest on a sunny summer day. Lennon reflects on the nostalgia of all the memories that make up one’s life in a way that makes me tear up -- happy tears though.

Alexa’s Picks The Sun is Still Shining The Moody Blues My parents are big fans of The Moody Blues, and their love got passed down to me.

The Moody Blues mixed rock and classical, made synthesizers cool, and brought philosophy into mainstream rock.

While most of their songs are vastly different, “The Sun is

Still Shining” gives the best advice through the lyrics, “Now that we’re out here open your heart / To the universe of which we’re a part.”

planet. Although this song offers no solutions to the problem, it is scary that this issue remains prevalent today, almost half a century later.

Doctor My Eyes Jackson Browne Jackson Browne doesn’t have the happiest songs, but you can’t deny that his lyrics are meant to provoke thought and meaning. This song is about a man who endures the hardships of life, and comes to ponder them, accept them, and wonder what it means for his fate. When listening to this song, you can do a bit of your own soul searching, and consider how much you can change in your own life, including the impact of your personal decisions.

Clear Blue Skies - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young “Clear Blue Skies” appears on the ninth album of the band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

With the repetitive lyrics of “clear blue skies,” the song asks us, is this too much to ask for? Time keeps running, and we must keep up with it as things change beyond our measure, including how we address and continue to come up with solutions for environmental concerns.

Don’t go near the water Johnny Cash Who can resist Johnny Cash’s deep voice? Composed in 1974 during the height of the environmental movement, Cash’s song describes how clean water gets poisoned as it flows through the cities. While this may not be scientifically accurate today, the message remains clear: take care of the

Scan here to listen to The Quadrangle’s playlist!

Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo’ole This is probably one of the most well-known songs because of “The Wizard of Oz.” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a well-known Hawaiian singer-songwriter, musician and activist. This version’s ukulele and soft melody is the best when played on a sunny day.

It reminds us that together, we can create and hope for a better future.

Sports

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THE QUADRANGLE

Flint Finds Solace in its Sports Culture Matt Sweeney & Pete Janny

Staff Writer & Sports Editor The city of Flint, Michigan primarily gets the national spotlight for the tragedies its people have endured. The perseverance that the city showed in spite of its drinking water crisis has been well-documented. This underdog attitude and blue-collar mentality is seen through the long line of elite athletes Flint has produced.

Flint is most known for being the birthplace of General Motors. However, what is likely less known is their proud sports history. From Kyle Kuzma to Terry Crews to Claressa Shields, Flint has helped raise no shortage of athletic heroes.

The city played a part in shaping the careers of dozens of professional athletes, including 29 basketball players, 35 football players, 10 baseball players, six boxers and athletes from various other sports.

“We’ve been able to express ourselves through sports,” said Klenton Sparks Sr., a Flint native who is the associate director of education at Florida Career College and a longstanding member of the PGA of America. “Even though Fint has had its share of negativity, we have always had recreation to express our talent. Our roots are in our ability to show our talents, and that has never been questioned.”

Sparks chose the game of golf as his outlet. His love for golf has to do with the social nature of the game, which has broken down barriers for black golfers like himself.

“I learned how to play golf at the age of four from my father,” Sparks said. “Golf breaks down all barriers and golf is business, cultural, social, and economics.

A discussion that goes on in a country club benefits everyone because even though it’s private it becomes public. Golf is a bastion of social growth.”

Once upon a time many of these professional athletes were just like any other child in Flint who were subjected to poverty and crime. The catalyst for these adverse social conditions was the closure of many GM factories, which undermined the city’s economy.

When the city’s drinking water supply system switched to the Flint River in 2014 due to budgetary concerns, the water crisis followed which propelled Flint into the national conversation. The result of this water source switch was widespread lead contamination in Flint’s drinking water that posed severe health threat. The event created an environmental ca-

tastrophe that exposed the negligence and mismanagement of the city and state government as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.

As people of color were most impacted in Flint, the city’s star athletes made their voices heard and raised funds for struggling families. For instance, Glen Rice Sr. and Mark Ingram Sr. stood in solidarity with their fellow citizens by organizing the Fresh Flint Festival, an event for city residents meant to promote the importance of fitness and healthy living. For 11 years running, Flint native and Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee has donated turkey dinners to residents for Thanksgiving.

The fallout from the water crisis led to Flint becoming an annual destination for Manhattan College Lasallian Outreach Volunteer Experience (L.O.V.E.) trips. Over the course of the week spent there, the students work with local organizations to support relief efforts surrounding social justice issues such as access to clean water.

“My favorite part about Flint was the people,” said Michevi Dufflart ‘20, a former civil engineering student who went on L.O.V.E. Flint in January 2020. “Everyday we visited somewhere different, but no matter where we went we were greeted with open arms and the people were very willing to share their experiences in stories.”

“We became a family,” Sparks said about his relationships with the L.O.V.E team.

“They didn’t just come to do a spirit week. They came to learn and left with a different soul.”

Tragedies may seem impossible to move on from initially, but resilient communities often see no choice but to move on with passage of time. Cultural interests such as sports can add stability to troubled situations. If not for the platform that athletics affords, many athletes would likely never be able to overcome the difficult situations that they’re born into.

“In Flint there’s a working town and the administration knew the children needed something to do,” Sparks said.

“Sports in Flint was our outlet from factory life. And it’s not just a Flint thing for sports, it’s a Michigan thing.”

“I think the number one thing that really stuck out to me in Flint was hearing that the crisis is not the most major thing in their life, which is what I gathered from the media,” Dufflart said. “In fact, what the people in Flint wanted us to do was carry their stories so that we could tell others what the media didn’t show, which is

that they were strong, resilient and so much more than the crisis.”

The L.O.V.E. team enjoyed spending time around leaders who were also decorated athletes.

Shelly Sparks, sister of Klenton Sparks Sr., invited the team to check out the Flint Development Center where she serves as the Executive Director.

Before her career in civil service, Sparks played basketball at Southern University, an HBCU school, and is one part of Flint’s proud history of excellence in athletics and leadership.

The team’s interactions with former basketball players didn’t end there.

They crossed paths with Linnell Jones-McKenney, a Flint basketball legend in her own right who is affectionately known as “Coach.” Jones-McKenney worked hard to accomplish her dream of playing professional basketball and did so by surpassing the limits placed on women in a time when basketball leagues were exclusively for men in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She went on to play for Ferris State, Saginaw Valley State and finished out at Kentucky State University, where she was inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.

After college, “Coach” continued to live out her dream by competing in the Women’s Professional Basketball League upon getting drafted by the St. Louis Streaks with a fourth pick in the 1980 draft. Afterwards, she reached a historic milestone by becoming part of the

first class of American women to be signed to the European Women’s Professional Basketball League.

After amassing three MVP awards and five All-Star selections while playing in Italy, Jones-McKenney felt the time was right to give back to her home community in Flint.

Today, Jones-McKenney works as the program director for the Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village where she also manages their youth basketball program for children from 8 to 17 years old.

“She was very animated and passionate about her work,” Dufflart said of Jones-McKenney’s service to Flint.

On the landmark front, nothing quite compares to the sporting memories associated with the Berston Field House, located off North Saginaw Street.

Founded in 1923, the Berston Field House has served as the hub for North Flint community activities for almost a century, according to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

Boxing legend Claressa Shields is one of many giants to have trained at Berston and is a favorite among “Flintstones,” as the locals refer to themselves. “T-Rex’’ has dubbed herself the “Greatest Woman of All Time,” or G.W.O.A.T, in the sport of boxing and she may not be exaggerating.

According to the New York Times, Shields became “the first undisputed champion, male or female, in two weight divisions in the four-belt era.”

At 26, Shields is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of seven boxers ever—male or

female—to have held all four major world titles in boxing concurrently, according to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics website.

She epitomizes the fighting spirit of Flint in every way possible.

The magic of sports in Flint even extends to the highest office in the United States.

While campaigning for President Joe Biden in Flint last fall, former President Barack Obama swished a three on the basketball court of the since shuttered Flint Northwestern High School, where the aforementioned Claressa Shields, Glenn Rice Sr. and former world heavyweight title-holder Chris Byrd all went to high school. Unfortunately, the school succumbed to the growing trend of educational institutions closing their doors due to low enrollment. Consequently, Charter schools have cropped up to make up the difference in educational opportunities for residents, though their very existence in the city is hotly debated since they are privately funded.

No matter what, the children of Flint have many local athletes to admire and emulate.

And by investing in the younger generations of “Flintstones”, the city will in turn be investing in the next great wave of Flint athletes.

“All the athletes that come from Flint don’t feel like we’re famous,” Sparks said. “They don’t think of us anything else than ‘Flintstones.’ They give back but I don’t even see it as giving back… they are just helping.”

The 2020 L.O.V.E Flint Team took in a basketball game at Mott Community College MICHEVI DUFFLART / COURTESY

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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN COLLEGE | SINCE 1924

Volume CIII, Issue 11

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NEW YORK, APRIL 20, 2021

Vaccination Information and Locke’s Reopening: A COVID-19 Update Nicole Fitzsimmons News Editor

Spring is in Full Bloom at MC The blooming cherry blossom on the miniature quad is the first sign of spring in The Bronx.

LAUREN RAZIANO/ THE QUADRANGLE

Jasper Hall Closed to Returning Students for Fall 2021 Semester Gabriella DePinho & Kyla Guilfoil Senior Writer & Asst. News Editor

Manhattan College Residence Life has determined that no returning students will have the ability to reside in Jasper Hall for the fall 2021 semester. This has not yet been announced in a singular public message, but through emails to students who have recently selected their housing assignments for the upcoming academic year.

The emails were delivered after the Priority Housing Lottery, meaning that some students were required to choose a new room in either Horan Hall or Lee Hall. However, Charles Clency, director of Residence Life, stressed that students who had already chosen room assignments in Jasper

IN NEWS:

MC Plans to Return Fully On-Campus on p. 3

were allowed to make new assignments without losing a residency space.

“The change was made after Priority Housing Lottery, which unfortunately affected several students who selected to stay in Jasper,” Clency told The Quadrangle. “However, each resident had a chance to be reassigned without losing their place in the Housing Lottery process. It would be more manageable to make assignments in Jasper after CDC / NYS Dept. of Health new (communal bathrooms) guidelines are available, instead of attempting to de-densify Jasper again.”

This decision references the recent de-densification of Jasper Hall, which required many student residents in the dorm to relocate to Horan Hall or Lee Hall for the remainder of the semester. Clency had previously explained to The Quad-

IN FEATURES: Koru Mindfulness to Ease Stress on p. 5

rangle that Jasper Hall is specifically concerning during the pandemic, as one positive case on a floor results in a full floor quarantine due to the communal bathrooms.

And while many students suspected Jasper Hall would be completely shut down for residency next year, Clency confirmed that was a rumor.

“Contrary to the rumor, Jasper is not closed for the 2021-2022 school year, however, Residence Life is currently not allowing rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to select assignments in Jasper,” Clency said. “Once MC develops a strategy on how we will populate the building under NYS Dept of Health guidelines, Residence Life will move forward with assigning spaces in Jasper.” __________________________

In an email sent out on April 15, Manhattan College recorded a positive test average of 1.3%, as a point of comparison, New York City’s average is 3.4% on Tuesday, April 13.

During the last 14 days, 1530 tests were completed on campus with 6 positive results and 108 results still pending.

During this same time period throughout the last 14 days, Health Services processed an additional 460 results from off-campus testing sites with 18 positive test results recorded for on-campus individuals.

These results are a decrease from last week, where the positive test average was 1.8% on campus and 4.1% in New York City.

The email begins with important information regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, reminding students that all New Yorkers that are age 16 and older are now eligible to receive the vaccination. This includes out-of-state students who reside on campus, who are still considered New Yorkers.

There are also links in the email to Center to Disease Control documents noting the myths and facts about the COVID-19 vaccines, and the information about the recent recommended pause of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine.

For any students who have been vaccinated, it is important to upload the verification of the vaccination to the link located in the email. To be considered fully vaccinated, it must be two weeks after you have received the second dose in a 2-dose series or at least two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccination.

Since March 28, when the vaccination portal was made official, 273 employees and 183

students have uploaded verification of their completed vaccination.

More information about quarantine and vaccinations on campus can be found in the public dashboard link noted in the email.

The college still reminds students that social distancing protocols are in place, and vaccination guidance for upcoming semesters will arrive soon for students to gather more information on protocols of the campus.

“In addition, everyone is still required to maintain social distancing, wear masks and complete the daily symptom tracker. A formal vaccination policy for the summer and fall 2021 semester is forthcoming,” the email stated.

Surveillance testing is also still required for all students, and the COVID compliance status will continue to be updated.

It is also encouraged that students let the Manhattan social media team know about their vaccination.

“We’re highlighting members of our community who have been vaccinated and will share photos on our website and College-wide social media platforms to share the good news. Share a photo or some words about why you’ve been vaccinated,” the email stated.

Another important piece of news announced in the email is that the college will be increasing the indoor dining capacity to 50% beginning on Monday, April 19. It is still encouraged that students continue to follow the social distancing guidelines and signage on campus as well as maintaining cleanliness and washing hands before and after eating.

For more information regarding COVID-19 on and off-campus, students can contact the Jaspers Return email or call the office at 718-862-6398.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

IN A&E:

New Bookstore in Riverdale on p. 8

IN SPORTS:

Return of Manhattan Soccer on p. 12

News

14

the Quadrangle

THE QUADRANGLE

LETTER from The Editor

Volume CIII, Issue 8 March 23, 2021

The Editorial Board Anna Woods Editor-in-Chief

Maria Thomas Managing Editor

Jilleen Barrett Managing Editor

Nicole Fitzsimmons News Editor

Kyla Guilfoil Asst. News Editor

Jilleen Barrett Arts & Entertainment Editor

Kelly Cwik Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor

Christine Nappi Features Editor

Caroline McCarthy Asst. Features Editor

Pete Janny Sports Editor

Colleen McNamara Asst. Sports Editor

Lauren Raziano Social Media Editor

Kelly Kennedy Asst. Social Media Editor

Brian Asare Photography Editor

Emily Hollar Production Editor Asst. Photography Editor

Nicole Rodriguez Production Editor

Adrianne Hutto Jocelyn Visnov Asst. Production Editors

Madalyn Johnson Katherine Heneghan Web Editors Nicholas Gilewicz Faculty Advisor 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

Dear Readers, Happy Green Issue! This labor of love is our final special issue of the semester. We are so happy to have it published just in time for Earth Week.

Make sure to read the MC Announcements email to check out some of the events that are happening this week.

This week is a perfect time to try something new in the name of environmentalism, whether it be trying a new low-waste recipe or being more conscious of your consumption of singleuse plastics.

No matter how you celebrate Earth Week I hope that you incorporate some longterm habits that make your daily life more sustainable.

Until next time.

Sincerely,

Anna Woods

Editor-in-Chief

Join our weekly meetings via Google Meet by scanning the QR Code.

Last week, in the Sports article entitled entitled “COVID Season Ends in Heartbreak for Women’s Soccer” by Pete Janny, one of the photos was incorrectly attributed to GoJaspers. The photo was taken by Carolo Pascale.

News

APRIL 20, 2021

15

Jasper Hall Closed to Returning Students for Fall 2021 Semester

__________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

While it is clear that no returning students will live in Jasper Hall next fall, it is uncertain how many freshmen will reside there. The recent decision towards Jasper Hall drew attention to its neighboring dormitory, Chrysostom Hall, as it is similarly designed to Jasper as a communal, traditional dorm style residence. However, Clency explained that Chrysostom was not including in the decision because it is already designated for new and incoming students.

Clency also confirmed that no resident assistant positions will be threatened by this decision, saying, “This decision does not affect the resident assistants; their positions are secure.” Additionally, the construction in Horan Hall to redesign suite-style dorms into apartment-style dorms will not be affected due to this redistribution of residency, according

to Clency.

This decision comes after a year of lower residency rates at the college, as many students did not return to the dormitories due to COVID. However, for those that were planning on living on-campus next semester, some are very disappointed in the decision to close Jasper Hall to returning students.

Kevin McGoldrick, a freshman accounting major, expressed having difficulty in finding a double room for the 2021 fall semester.McGoldrick applied for housing with just himself and one of his roommates from the original four-person suite in Lee Hall.

“As we had a late pick for lottery housing time, as well as due to the limited number of double rooms in Lee and Horan, we only had the choice of Jasper 5th floor for picking housing,” McGoldrick said.

“Residence Life reached out to me and provided my roommate and I a choice to get into Horan. We took this option

and were placed in a double room. I believe that the school should have provided all available rooms for those who were 2 people for the roommate lottery, as there were no options to pick for Lee or Horan.”

McGoldrick’s experience is one that demonstrates how the late changes to Jasper Hall resulted in unclear choices for returning students’ residencies.

“I received multiple lottery choice time emails, but each one crept later and later in the day, leaving my roommate and I no choice as the double room options in the school’s bigger halls,” McGoldrick said. “I understand that many rooms are designed to be four people, but there are variations throughout campus.”

This disclarity and chaotic housing experience is not singular to McGoldrick. Jack O’Donnell, a sophomore environmental studies major, also spoke with The Quadrangle about the inconsistencies in his

housing arrangements.

O’Donnell shared that while he had to quarantine multiple times this semester due to positive tests on his floor of Jasper Hall, he still enjoyed living there and had planned on returning to Jasper next fall.

“We planned to live in Jasper because it’s where we always lived and our friends were going to live there,” O’Donnell said. “The closing of Jasper completely changed my plans.

I feel that was really irritating to me and to many people who thought they had their plans all set up for next semester, who now have to change their plans and now less rooms are available in the other halls making it more difficult to find desirable housing.”

O’Donnell shared that now he and his roommate are attempting to find housing in Lee Hall or Horan Hall for the upcoming semester.

While the decision may have inconvenienced those students hoping to return to a

dorm they enjoy living in, their plans come after a year of floorwide quarantines in Jasper and mid-semester de-densification efforts. While students will now be filling previously vacant spots in Horan Hall and Lee Hall, Residence Life does not expect an issue with overflow residency applications.

“Currently, Residence Life does not foresee any overflow concerns regarding housing on-campus in the Fall 2021, but we are prepared to welcome such issues if they present themselves,” Clency said.

As Horan was used as a quarantine space this year, it is unknown how the move of more students to Horan will affect quarantine space or if the college will still need to use Horan as a quarantine space in the fall.

For now, returning students will need to choose housing assignments in Horan Hall and Lee Hall, and the future of Jasper Hall seems to be that of freshmen territory.

CMSA and Jesuit Refugee Services USA Pair up for Virtual Advocacy Day Victor Franco & Alexa Schmidt

Staff Writer & Senior Writer The annual Advocacy Day took place virtually on April 15, where students had the opportunity to meet with US congressional leaders. Students had the opportunity to learn about issues that refugees face, and to advocate for them by encouraging leaders to take action. The Campus Ministry and Social Action Suite partnered with the Jesuit Refugee Services USA, an international aid organization of the Catholic Church, for this effort.

The mission of JRS, according to their website, is “To accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees, and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS is currently present in more than 50 countries, addressing, educational, social, and emergency needs of the refugees and displaced persons they serve. They are available to refugees and displaced persons regardless of race, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs.”

Conor Reidy, campus minister in the CMSA, attended last year’s event, and participated again this year. Reidy was asked by the JRS to be the

point person to help coordinate meetings with the representatives from New York State.

Representatives from Senator Gillibrand’s office, Senator Schumer’s office from the Office of Congressional Representative, Caroline Maloney from New York District 12 and Congressional Representative Paul Tonko from District 20 in Albany were present at the meetings.

Each Zoom appointment with the representatives from either the Senate or the House lasted about a half an hour. Although students and faculty did not meet with the representatives themselves, they met with the people in their offices, who are experts in foreign policy and in immigration and migration.

“We talked about three key issues that were really important that we ask them to advocate on behalf with specific asks for policies that they can support or policies that they can draw their support, away from in order to aid, asylum seekers and refugees,” Reidy said.

The first key point was to restore asylum at the US border, the second point was to protect refugee resettlement, and the third was to talk about supporting funding for refugee educa-

tion. Marilyn Carter, director of commuter services and outreach, has been involved with Advocacy Day for several years and echoed the need for access to education.

“Advocating for what you believe in is always good,” Carter said. “Advocating collectively for a common cause is even better. We all know that tuition is skyrocketing and the cost of textbooks are astronomical.

Students need as much aid as possible to help pay these costs. It is even more prevalent now that the economy has been shut down for a year and thousands of people have lost their employment.”

Reidy believes that Manhattan’s participation in this advocacy will not only garner new relationships but also help students find their voice.

“I think that [MC] will be affected by just gaining new relationships with other Catholic universities and organizations and high schools throughout the New York area because we’re really coming together as New Yorkers to advocate to our congressional representatives, so it’s a wonderful way for students not only to make their voice heard on policy issues especially if that’s something they’re interested in, like if you’re studying politics or in-

ternational relations.”

“This is such a wonderful way to get your foot in the door at a congressional level by saying that you were a participant advocacy day like this and getting familiarized with the ins and outs of how Congress works. But I also think it helps to create new bonds across universities and across schools with places like Iona or Fordham, or the College of Mount St. Vincent that are also participating these days,” Reidy said.

“The school’s impact on advocacy is always a positive. Our General Counsel heads our lobbying and has the “ear” on what is going on in our government.

To be informed brings knowledge and power. I believe we are moving in the right direction,” Carter said.

For Reidy and Carter, getting involved with social justice was their way of figuring out who they are, and what change they are able to make happen.

“I had some really formative experience on things like doing local community service, going on international service and immersion projects, and taking some really incredible community based learning classes at my university where I took what I was learning in the classroom, and had it enhanced and expanded upon and reiter-

ated by what I saw in the local community,” Reidy said. “And I think those relationships and those classes made me really passionate about social justice at every level.”

A large part of Carter’s life has been dedicated to advocacy. Carter originally applied to law school to be a defense attorney, but was scheduled to start working for a college support program that ultimately changed her career path.

“I felt education would allow me to reach more students, help them when they stumble and encourage them to get back up. I grew up in Harlem way before gentrification and did not like what I saw. I knew then that advocating for others was the right choice for me,” Carter said.

Although this advocacy day normally does not happen online, participants were able to adapt and have a hand in local politics, while also having the ability to fight for what they believe. This event falls into Manhattan College’s Mission Month in April, in which the Lasallian mission drives much of the social justice work brought to campus.

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THE QUADRANGLE

Students Establish Opportunity for Prospective Nurses to Unite Nicole Fitzsimmons News Editor

Manhattan College’s first-ever pre-nursing club has recently been established. This club will provide resources and opportunities to aspiring students looking into the nursing profession post-graduation, or those who are interested in learning more about the field.

Kelly Rojas ‘21, Tatiyana Benitez ‘21 and Stephanie Fandino ‘22 are the three Manhattan College students who had the idea to co-found this club.

Even though two of these students are seniors, they are happy to see that the club will have an opportunity to stay at MC after they graduate.

The process of setting up the club was quick, but something senior Kelly Rojas has wanted to do since her sophomore year at Manhattan.

“I have had this idea since sophomore year to start a student-oriented club,” Rojas said.

“It’s really inspired by people who are interested in nursing, and, just the goal is to kind of introduce a new career to Manhattan College since we don’t have one yet. And, I’ve spoken to a lot of students who are interested in nursing, so we figured that it was going to be a good outlet, or specialty for some students.”

This club will provide resources to students who are looking towards a career in the medical field, specifically nursing, which is a process that requires a lot of dedication and work. At Manhattan, this is a perfect opportunity for firstyear students to gather a plan of study that will help them stay on track for this career.

“In our first meeting, we had a little gap where we spoke about the timeline to becoming a nurse and we addressed it toward freshmen all the way to seniors,” Rojas said. “We were giving tips on what you could do as a freshman or sophomore to kind of spark your nursing

career to see if you even like it.

I feel like it is something that is just so new, we’re just introducing the idea. So, I feel that the timeline that we set, for a lot of students, which includes internships and shadowing and that sort of stuff and just looking for schools, that’s something that we kind of expose them to in the beginning.”

The process of going into the medical field is also mentally tolling for some students.

The pre-nursing club hopes to be a group that students can turn to when they feel this way.

“Planning to go into the medical field, there’s a lot of work, there’s a lot of anxiety and stress, and it’s hard to do alone, you know,” Benitez said. “So, the kind of goal is also to help create friends and people that are going through the same things you’re going through to help support you get through that.”

However, the club is not for just those who are considering nursing as a profession, or

are majoring in the health sciences. The pre-nursing club at Manhattan encourages all majors to join to explore their opportunities in the medical field.

“All of the accelerated nursing programs don’t really require you to be a bio major or health major, which is why we’re advertising it to all majors at Manhattan College, because all you need is the prerequisites that the schools offer you,” Rojas said. “So, you can be an engineering major. And, I’ve gone to a lot of information sessions from pre-COVID, where there’s engineers, and there’s different people in different studies that end up choosing nursing. So nursing is very versatile and can be appealing to people because it’s a specialty in which you can grow.”

It is instead encouraged to major in something you would actually enjoy as a means to balance the stresses of jobs, internships, and experience with a curriculum that can not overload the pressures of the

profession.

“I think picking a major that you genuinely like is really important,” Fandino said. “Because, a lot of these healthcare fields, you feel like you need a lot of experience. But, if you’re in a major that you don’t actually enjoy, and you’re trying to pile other stuff, it’s kind of going to tear you apart. So I think taking your prerequisites and classes that you need, but just picking a major that you genuinely enjoy.”

To further help with the process of becoming a nurse, the club has already established an affiliate with a medical representative. In the future, the club plans on bringing up medical professionals to speak at events, creating firsthand advice and experience for students.

For more information about the first pre-nursing club at Manhattan, send an email to prenursingclub@manhattan. edu.

Connect with the

Quadrangle mcquad.org @mcquad @mcquad mcquad Manhattan College’s first-ever pre-nursing club has recently been established. @MC.PRENURSINGCLUB / COURTESY

Features

APRIL 20, 2021

17

Interfaith Discussion Panel Julian Tiburcio Contributor

Campus Ministry and Social Action and the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center held the Interfaith Discussion Panel on Tuesday, April 13. Speakers from the Black Student Union, the Muslim Student Association, the Jewish Student Union, along with Brother Carlos Pinto-Corredor participated in a discussion about the influence that their religion and faith have had on them amidst the many social, political, and racial justice issues that have occurred in the past year.

The panel began with a question about how faith and religion has shaped their political experiences this past year, considering the social, political, and racial justice issues that have occurred.

Mamady Ballo, President of the Black Student Association, expressed how her identity as a Black, Muslim, American woman has mobilized her to advocate for herself and others like her, and how that has strengthened her faith.

“I had to first educate myself more on being a Black woman in America,” she said. “[I had to] figure out, ‘Oh, this is what I deserve and this is what people of my same background deserve’...This is the time that I need to pray for my brothers and sisters. It’s not

only affecting me anymore; it’s affecting the whole world.”

Faith has also functioned as a tool for helping people overcome some of the division that these recent events have caused. Brother Carlos Pinto-Corredor, a Christian Brother, said that he sees faith as a force for good, and supporting those who are being oppressed and violated is one way to practice that and overcome some of the division.

“My faith as a Catholic allows me and calls me to see others as equals,” he said.

“Even with different cultural, religious experiences, beyond that, human dignity is what is above that and is what calls me to do good.”

The panelists went on to talk about their religious communities and how they have been affected by these recent political injustices. Heba Alomari from the Muslim Student Association shared how her community has grown closer and more understanding based on their experiences.

“So, my Muslim family and friends, even Muslim classmates, were brought closer by these political issues, because as Muslims, we’re all constantly faced with racial injustices, such as the Uighurs in China, and the Muslims in Burma, and the Palestinians in Palestine,” she said. “We’re all faced with discrimination and we all know how it feels, and because we all know how it feels, we’ve always

stood with whatever minority group that faced political discrimination.”

Pinto-Corredor also noted that members of his faith community may differ in their opinions and interpretations of social and political issues, so it’s important to listen to other people’s opinions and experiences.

“I think that as a member of a community, in relationship with faith, we need to be open to learn about the other, their uniqueness, and the interpretation of faith in different places,” he said. “In the past year, when I see some statements and ideas about abortion, about racial justice, about gender issues, there are positions that I

disagree with. It’s challenging sometimes, because you say, well, one thing says religion, another says the social-political arena, so where I am placing myself in [that] is sometimes challenging.”

The panelists finished their discussion by discussing the level of influence, if any, that religion and government should have on each other.

Alomari offered some insight in favor of this idea, while Ballo and Pinto-Corredor argued against it.

Artur Polyak from the Jewish Student Union shared a more neutral stance on the subject. He emphasized how religion can strengthen some-

one’s character and build social awareness and community, potentially making it beneficial in government. However, he also recognized that people have different beliefs and that a government ruled by one religion would have issues serving a wide range of people.

He suggested teaching and implementing concepts from different religions in schools and in government so that people could reap the proposed benefits of it in a balanced way.

“What you learn in religion, that’s what you’re learning. You’re learning how to be a better person, how to be even more and more [socially] aware,” he said.

The Interfaith Panel took place over Google Meet on Tuesday, April 13. @MC_CMSA / COURTESY

Speakers from the Black Student Union, the Muslim Student Association, the Jewish Student Union, along with Brother Carlos Pinto-Corredor participated in a discussion about the influence that their religion and faith have had on them amidst the many social, political, and racial justice issues that have occurred in the past year.

JULIAN TIBURCIO / COURTESY

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THE QUADRANGLE

Manhattan College “Mayor” Matt Sweeney Recognized

by Irish Echo’s 40 Under 40 Samantha Walla Senior Writer

I first met Matt Sweeney on a Friday or Saturday night in a Greystone apartment, everyone eager to shake off the week and their responsibilities that came with it. Elbow to elbow with solo cup-handling students, he told me about the issue of water drainage in Van Cortlandt Park. When we parted, I heard him move on to another partygoer, allowing an insuppressible passion to run wild.

Sweeney, or “the mayor,” as he is affectionately known on campus, began his interest in environmental engineering and public service as a freshman.

These interests have cinched his reputation not only in the Riverdale community, but by the Irish Echo, a prominent Irish American newspaper.

The Irish Echo’s annual 40 under 40 list highlights Irish Americans on their way to becoming prominent members of their communities or fields.

The list is composed of lawyer and doctor-types, well into their careers, VPs and this year, Matt Sweeney.

As a prominent member of the Manhattan College and Riverdale community, Sweeney has served as chairperson of the Neighborhood Relations Committee for two years, former vice president of MC’s chapter of the New York Water Environment Association, and a WRCM DJ. His proudest achievement (on Riverdale soil, at least) is the community cleanup of Dogwood Junction, which he organized last fall.

Sweeney admits that this semester is a lot. Between the course load of his final semester, a research project and his internship at Langan Engineering, he’s flying around the city more than usual. Sweeney will continue his internship, at which he surveys and remediates properties, before returning to Manhattan as a grad student.

As he explained the basics of his internship responsibilities, I was reminded of the charisma that originally struck me when we first met, only strengthened by the experienc-

es he had leading up to senior year, void of the exhaustion and fear that overwhelms so many students in their final semester.

“So, pretend [you] are buying something, an empty lot or a building... You’ve got some money, you don’t want to be buying something with a massive amount of contamination,” Sweeney said. “You’ll hire my company to come and basically figure out what contamination, if any, is on the site.”

This position sends Sweeney around the city as a sort of contaminant detective, doing everything from soil drilling to site research, including work on the new Disney headquarters under construction in Manhattan. As he moves into his fifth year at Manhattan College, Sweeney hopes to explore his interests in public service and urban planning.

These passions, along with a recommendation from friend and mentor Rob Walsh, Director of Strategic Plans at Manhattan College, cinched his nomination for The Irish Echo’s 40 under 40. After a period of voting, the virtual event recognized Sweeney and 39 other notable Irish figures on Friday, February 26.

“I did not expect to be nominated,” Sweeney said. “Mostly because I don’t have a career to speak of yet.”

The push to include Sweeney in the nominations came from Rob Walsh, completing a pair well known around campus for chatting up students sitting on the Quad before heading to Kingsbridge Social Club for a slice of pizza, while talking over master plans to transform the college and Riverdale community.

Walsh was initially struck by Sweeney’s passion for removing invasive species of plants in Van Cortlandt Park, described as an “eight-eyed octopus the size of the Empire State Building.” Since that moment, a friendship has bloomed.

“He has two siblings, deployed onto different parts of the campus. And that’s why we see him on the Quad, then down at Leo, then at Kelly…

I’ve been tempted to have Public Safety trail him, to see where he meets up with his twins.” said Walsh. “We’re onto you Sweeney.”

Sweeney recalls a funny moment from the ceremony, which normally takes place in New York City. The event took place after a month and a half of anticipation, with family and friends in attendance. This included Sweeney’s father, who has the same name. When the time came to present Matt Sweeney, he realized that he had not been granted access to speak.

“They tried to let my dad in,” laughed Sweeney. Sweeney recounted the snafu complete with the Irish accents of the presenters.

Sweeney noted that the event, which lasted several hours, was a great boost for him and his career. Despite his age and relatively short career as compared to the others recognized, he attested that he will live up to his award.

Sweeney, or one of his clones, still finds time for hobbies. Sweeney enjoys hiking, fishing and gardening (he makes his own hot sauce), as well as building his vinyl collection. His favorite record? At the moment, Sweeney points to a German printing of Help! by the Beatles, which he enjoyed playing for his German grandmother. He attests that this answer is always changing.

Matthew L. Sweeney ‘21, Civil Engineering major.

MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY

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APRIL 20, 2021

19

Christian Program Cru Becomes an Official Club at Manhattan College Madalyn Johnson Web Editor

Manhattan College’s Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) is a program that provides a very inclusive and welcoming community for students who want to talk about their faith and Christianity. In 2019, Cru at MC was introduced and started as a small group of people who would meet regularly to get to know each other and practice bible study. Now, Cru will claim club status heading into the fall semester.

Cru was founded in 1951 at the University of California in Los Angeles by Bill Bright and Vonette Zachary. Since then, Cru has expanded to become a worldwide nonprofit organization that sets out to reach many Christian communities, ranging from athletes to high school students to military families. The organization has also gone just beyond spreading the truth of the Word to local communities. Cru was involved in the release of the Jesus film project, JESUS, in 1979, which became the most translated motion picture. Founder Vonette introduced a legislative law in 1988 that President Ronald Reagan would sign, declaring the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.

Today, Cru programs exist in 190 countries.

Officializing Cru as a club has excited program members, especially Cru leaders. Nick Corrado, a junior majoring in civil engineering, describes how the officialization of the club doesn’t exactly change what activities members can participate in, but significantly gets the word out about the program.

“It’s not so much what people can do differently,” Corrado said.“But it’s how many people know about it. We have been trying to make it more public.

We hung up posters and have the website presence, and we have our email address now set up. So, just kind of getting the word out that people have an opportunity to do this.”

For Corrado, joining Cru wasn’t only to learn about Jesus and study Christianity. He felt that Cru gave him a chance to reflect on his personal life and relate to others about the difficulty of college.

“I just wanted an opportunity to come together with a bunch of people, who wanted to know about Jesus and who wanted to talk about him and talk about what’s going on in our lives,” Carrado said. Sometimes it’s difficult to have those conversations about, ‘Oh, I’m doing good, this is happening’, or ‘I’m doing really bad,

this is not going so well in my life’. So it was an opportunity to talk with people about all those things.”

Corrado shared that what he has loved most about being an active Cru member is seeing people gradually change as they participate and become more involved in the program.

“Other people that I have watched have started seeing things from a spiritual lens which I think is a very transforming way to live,” Corrado said. “It’s not just going to school and going to classes, doing work. It’s, ‘Wow it’s a beautiful day. God blessed us with the sun and everything today, and it’s another awesome day.’”

Sophomore and civil engineering major Brixhilda Jaku is another member who is pleased to see that Cru is receiving club recognition. She joined the club as a freshman to make more friends on campus and loved how accepting the program was.

“I started going to Cru meetings freshman year in October, I found the flyer somewhere and I really wanted to join the community,” Jaku said.

“Even though it [Manhattan College] is not a big school, I still was trying to find friends and people who had common interests. In the first meeting, everybody was so welcoming, and I felt a really good vibe in the place, and I really liked it.”

Wanting Cru to become an official club when Manhattan was restrictive about club activity on campus amid COVID-19 was concerning to Jaku. Although this semester has been hard on students involved in clubs, eager to resume back to in-person activities, Cru was fortunate enough to undergo an easy and fast process to become a club.

“We’re very thankful for Manhattan College for giving us the opportunity to open like a new club, especially with the pandemic, you might think things would take longer, but it was very fast,” Jaku said. “We just had to submit the request, we found someone to approve us, and from there it was very easy when we didn’t really expect it. We’re very thankful.”

Jaku is mainly grateful for the approval because of the lack of interaction members have experienced this semester when meeting virtually. Along with the other leaders, Jaku’s goal for this fall semester is for Cru to have meetings in person for the sake of the experience students can have when joining a Christian program that values connections face to face.

“We’ve had some people come to the meetings online, but it’s definitely a different experience when you’re in per-

son,” Jaku said. “Sometimes there are internet problems, and there’s a different vibe when people bond with each other more, rather than virtually. Our goal next year is that we have a stronger community, and we build stronger relationships with other people.”

One student who is pleased to see Cru become a club in time for next semester is someone who sadly won’t be present when clubs resume in person.

Senior Sam Szabo is a kinesiology major and proud leader of Cru. Although he won’t be a member when Cru begins their first academic year as a club, Szabo is appreciative of the memories he made with the program and, even more so, happy that he got to witness students grow closer to Jesus.

“It’s really rewarding to see, you know, people grow in Christ,” Szabo said.

“There are members who didn’t know how to pray, who Jesus was, but throughout the meetings gained an understanding of what Jesus did on the cross and the gospel and how to pray,” Szabo said. “It’s one thing to just be able to talk amongst each other as friends,

In 2019, Cru at MC was introduced and started as a small group of people who would meet regularly to get to know each other and practice bible study.

@MANHATTANCOLLEGECRU / COURTESY but it’s also really amazing to see how God meets people in these meetings.”

Regardless of students’ religious beliefs, Szabo stresses that Cru is a perfect fit for students seeking to find a close group of friends to relate to and feel comfortable with when expressing their true selves. “[Cru] is more than just a group where we talk about things, we’re more like a fam-

ily,” Szabo said. “It’s a really close-knit family where there’s no judgment. We don’t care what background you’re in, but our ultimate goal is to shine the love of Jesus to anyone who attends and eventually throughout the whole campus.”

To learn more about Cru at Manhattan College, visit https://www.cru.org/communities/campus/us/manhattan-college/.

Cru will officially obtain club status at the start of the fall semester.

SAM SZABO / COURTESY

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LWGRC Hosts Take Back the Night for the First Time Since the COVID-19 Pandemic Kelly Kennedy & Nicole Fitzsimmons

Asst. Social Media Editor & News Editor On Monday April 12, The Lasallian Women and Gender Research Center held their annual Take Back the Night event. This event is usually held every year but had to be put on hold when the pandemic hit last March, and MC is grateful to have this opportunity to host it once again.

Take Back the Night opens up a safe space to hold discussion about sexual assault and offers survivors a safe space. It was held both in-person in Kelly Commons and virtually so all students were able to attend.

Christina Trichilo is a junior at Manhattan College who is co-committee leader of Take Back the Night.

“Take Back the Night is important because it allows for student who have been affected by sexual violence to have a safe space on our campus,” Trichilo wrote in a message to

The Quadrangle. “It also lets these students know they are not alone. Take Back the Night is a Safe and Brave Space, which was created by Dr. Roksana Badurdoja. This allows us to foster a safe space for survivors filled with support. Under Title IX, those at Take Back the Night are not mandated reporters, so students may freely discuss their stories without worry.”

The event kicked off with an introduction and then four student performances. Students Timothee Razakamiadana, Regina Ricardo, Leicy Oritz-Jupiter and Diane Yomkil performed songs and poetry to start the night.

Junior Gabrielle Panassol was performance overseer for Take Back the Night. Panassol mainly contacted performers and organized that part of the event. After putting in so much work she found this was her favorite part of the night.

“The event was beautiful!,” Panassol wrote. “I went remotely but I heard the performers sing and read such beautiful songs/poems about being so

much more than the abuse they suffered and it was just overall so beautiful. My favorite part was one of our performers, alumni Leicy Ortiz-Jupiter and her poetry, it was absolutely beautiful.”

After the performances, discussion was led by guest speaker Rachel McKibbens.

McKibbens is an American poet originally from California and joined Take Back the Night virtually. She shared her story and read a few of her poems.

“I’m extremely happy to be here,” McKibbens said. “I love hearing all of your voices, I love that you are out here, just really, truly leaning into your joy and solidarity with each other.”

She read from a few of her poems which students found very moving. These poems detail her experiences of sexual assault and harrassment.

“Some of us were born in bodies that are truly valued in this country,” she read. “Some of us are born in bodies that are often hunted, made invisible, defy all social norms, bodies that are considered inconvenient. Some of us reside

in bodies that get followed that get left behind. Some of us reside in bodies that have been used against us, or bodies that are expected to sign up for war when they turn 18. Some of us reside in bodies that are expected to commit crimes that happen. Laws written against them, that can get away with murder, that are punch lines that are not meant to last. We often reside in bodies that rarely feel like they even belong to us at times.”

Students really appreciated McKibbens coming to speak, Trichilo details it as her favorite part of the night.

Trichilo says, “My favorite part was listening to Rachel McKibbens. She performed a few poems which were all so beautifully written and had such a powerful impact on me and others at the event as well.”

After McKibbens’ talk, grARTitude was hosted by senior Ireland Twiggs following a quick intermission. GrARTitude opens a creative space for students to begin with gratitude and creatively tackle their experiences. Twiggs gave students

two prompts and students used this to create personal art.

Soon after was an art display. Take Back the Night opened up for art submissions from students to be displayed at the event. The Lasallian Women and Gender Research Center has always been known for displaying students’ artwork in their office, and this opens up for students to express themselves and showcase their work. This part of the night was hosted by Renee Duran and senior Micaela Beatty. Artwork was displayed on a powerpoint featuring paintings, drawings and poems.

After the main events, a candlelight vigil was led by Christina Trichilo and Julia Etteree. This candlelight vigil is usually held on the Quad but this year was adjusted to include remote students. The night ended with a moment of silence to show respect for all those affected by sexual violence, closing a very powerful and moving night.

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Phoebe Bridgers Headlines Virtual Springfest Jilleen Barrett, Kyla Guilfoil & Anna Woods A&E Editor, Asst. News Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Springfest returned to Manhattan College with a virtual performance by Phoebe Bridgers, the 4-time Grammy-nominated indie-rock singer. The Student Government planned the online performance to include question and answer sessions with Bridgers between songs. Bridgers performed an hour set, switching between multiple acoustic guitars and a bass.

John Bennett, director of student engagement told The Quadrangle via email that planning for the annual event is a year-long process.

“Planning for Springfest is really a year-long discussion - the start date to discuss it is really the first day the VP of Social Life is elected it always seems,” Bennett wrote.” “This year honestly it was easier to plan than in the past - but for all the wrong reasons! But knowing that we couldn’t do large gatherings and the typical carnival or barbecue on the quad, without having to plan the logistics for those events, we kind of knew what we were able to provide the entire time.”

Despite the challenges that the pandemic brought, the night was a success. Bennett commended the work that Student Government put into the event and other virtual events this past year, which helped the event go smoothly.

“Student Government has done an exceptional job hosting virtual lectures and concerts, and what has seemed like almost a weekly basis at some points during the year,” Bennett wrote. “So by this point, we had to down to a science how to run these type of events.”

According to Bennett, selecting the headliner for the concert is “solely up to the students.”

“So Student Government and more specifically the VP of Social Life heads this aspect up, comes up with an initial wish list,” Bennett wrote. “Then we take that initial list and speak with agents, go back and forth, and the list gets shorter, we see who’s realistic and who’s not, who’s available and who’s not, and then the students really end up giving their blessing for the final decision on who they’d like to pursue. For the most part, the process remained the same this year as years past in that aspect.”

Caroline King, sophomore international studies and history major, had the opportunity to host the event along with the student government Vice President of Social Life Isabel Gardner. King told The Quadrangle that Gardner knew she was a fan of the singer and invited

her to ask Bridgers questions during her set.

“It was so awesome to get to talk to Phoebe, of course, I was a little bit nervous but once we got started it honestly felt like talking to a friend,” King said. “She’s just so relatable and chill, we had such a great talk about different music artists we both love like The 1975 and The Cure and I’m actually still in shock that I had the privilege of getting to talk to such an amazing artist.”

Bridgers entered the Zoom call sitting before a galaxy-themed tapestry and wearing her signature skeleton sweatshirt, performing solo for the evening. She was welcomed by King and Gardner before launching into her first performance. The opening song was “Garden Song,” the second track on her 2020 album, ‘“Punisher.”

King and Gardner then prompted her with a few questions, leading Briders to share her latest music inspirations.

Bridgers said that lately she has been thinking about Brittney Howard in her own writing, and that her last album was a “masterpiece.”

“I think I create the most music when I have people to steal from, you know, like when I hear a song or whatever, that I really love and wish I’d written, then, then it makes me write,” Bridgers said.

However, Bridgers also shared that sometimes lyrical music can be too much for her to bear.

“I listened to a lot of instrumental music lately, because I find music too emotional sometimes like I have to really focus like I’m watching a movie if I am hearing something good, so instrumental music just feels like a great answer to that,” Bridgers shared during the session.

Bridgers transitioned back to her music, playing one of her most streamed songs from the “Punisher” album, “Kyoto”, before breaking into an anecdote at a previous show.

“I always think about random bull**** when I’m playing, like my mind just kind of wanders but if I think about the music, then I forget words to songs I play all the time,” Bridgers said, laughing. “Actually one time I did that in San Francisco, I would like, I was playing like my most popular song, and just like blacked out somehow on stage, like just had a full, just, like I was astral projecting or something one moment and then I realized that I had like sung entire first chorus twice. Like I was just doing it again. It was fun, people just laughed, but I felt like I was on acid, so weird.”

The slip up didn’t seem to phase her, though, and her delicate voice led off the next song, “Moon Song,” soon after.

King and Gardner also took the opportunity to ask Bridgers about her collaborations with

other artists, specifically Matthew Healy of the band The 1975. Bridgers told the hosts about her down-to-earth experience with the “handsome pop stars,” citing Healy to be “funny and self aware.” Bridgers also shared that she was actually sick when she recorded the vocals for their collaboration, a song called “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” on The 1975’s latest album, “Notes On A Conditional Form.”

“I was actually really sick that day that I recorded those vocals,” Bridgers said. “Yeah, I always get sick on days of shows, like, I had had to do steroids for a show in London.

And so, I don’t know if anybody’s ever had sinus infections, and you shouldn’t ever do steroids unless you’re going on stage, and it’s like a full on emergency, but it was my only show in like six months and of course I got super sick like the day before. And then, I was just like, it turns you into like a god.

But then the next day you wake up and your voice is gone, your immune system is s***, and your eyes are like so puffy, like don’t ever do it. But that’s how I met The 1975, which was an awesome story.”

This anecdote added to the very casual and lighthearted conversation Bridgers engaged with during the event. She stuck to very authentic introductions to her songs, introducing “Chinese Satellite” as a song about “jogging, and how there is no God”, and then the next song, “Funeral”, with the simple phrase, “This one’s another big bummer.”

Bridgers also did not avoid answering authentically to King and Gardner’s questions throughout the event, later discussing the implications of politics upon famous performers.

“I feel like my rule with it is like, if it impedes your ability to enjoy it, then don’t listen to it, you know, which sometimes happens with Morrissey,” Bridgers said. “Like, I can make excuses for his like earlier music and be like ‘he was an icon’ and then, like, once he started getting like weird and alt right I’m like, it’s not enjoyable to listen to this, that’s all I’m thinking about, whereas The Cure is just pure enjoyment. People with shady beliefs, and also abusers– if we

didn’t listen to abusers, like, so much music would be gone, which is so f***ed up, but it’s true. I think it’s an individual choice, and I mean I have a lyric about the John Lennon thing where it’s like, I’m not saying you can’t listen to John Lennon, I’m saying you have to acknowledge that just because he’s a genius doesn’t mean he didn’t hurt people, you know, like, people make so many excuses for people who are f***ed up and really talented.”

Bridgers shifted then to respond to King and Gardner’s questions about her own career during this tumultuous time.

Bridgers shared that she realized that she takes a lot of pleasure in structure, and that the pandemic resulted in much of her structure suddenly disappearing. She said she feels like she has turned herself into a “petri dish,” where she has added in all of structure to her life that she hadn’t noticed before.

For her music, especially, Bridgers has also been trying to grapple with the loss of traditional structure due to the pandemic.

“I still have no idea how many people actually like my music,” Bridgers told the hosts.

“Like that’s not in like a weird, martyr-y way, but usually you just look around a room and you’re like ‘oh damn, people like my record’[at shows]. But with like the ethereal internet, like there are f***ing hot musicians with 40 million followers and nobody likes that records or whatever, like nobody buys them or their listeners on Spotify, there’s just no real-life metric right now for what the world looks like for me, so that’s been true.”

Bridger’s comment was a deep look into breakout musicians of 2020, who haven’t had the opportunity to tour or perform their new music to actual crowds of fans in person. This is definitely the case for Bridgers, who was nominated for her first Grammys this year in four categories, including Best New Artist, Best Rock Performance (Kyoto), Best Rock Song (Kyoto), and Best Alternative Music Album (Punisher).

Despite this, Bridgers wants to hold off on live performances until there aren’t any necessary COVID guidelines.

“I think my fear is that I go

back and it’s like half or something like I just don’t want to play like a socially distance f***ing concert, it would give me so much anxiety,” said Bridgers.

“It would be like, even if it’s like small and it’s only people who are actually vaccinated, which is very polarizing because of class issues and whatever, like I have a problem with like a rich old white ladies who won’t get vaccinated because they think that Steve Jobs is poisoning us, but like I do think that there’s a huge issue with getting the word out about vaccines and like trust in the government, are you kidding me like, there’re so many reasons why certain groups of people shouldn’t trust the government so anyway there’s like a huge rant, but I just want to play music again when it’s like none of that s*** is on the table, you know, like when it’s just the music.”

Throughout the night, Bridgers pointed out social issues in her responses, indicating an awareness for her platform as well as acknowledging the complex issues that face society as we attempt to reenter the world.

Bridgers transitioned back to her music, again changing out guitars and tuning into the correct key. She opened the next performance with a quote she had heard from a journalist, saying, “A journalist said this, which I really, really like and it made me cry reading it because it’s so true. And I didn’t realize it when I was writing it, but it’s not a love song, it’s a song about the effects of love on a person who is in love, and it hurts me.”

She began singing “Me & My Dog”, a song from an album titled “boygenius,” which Bridgers recorded and sang with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus, who are both indie-rock singers as well. The song is one of six from the 2018 EP. To finish out the performance, Bridgers turned first to her most streamed song “Motion Sickness” from her 2017 album “Stranger in the Alps” before slipping into her closing track, “The End is Near” from “Punisher” which shifted to a minor key over which Bridgers harmonized in a crescendoing style, concluding the night with her mesmerizing voice.

After the event, Bridgers joined students involved in The Quadrangle and Student Government for a quick meet and greet.

JILLEEN BARRETT / THE QUADRANGLE

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Arts & Entertainment

THE QUADRANGLE

Jasper Jams: Post-Springfest Playlist JASPER JAMS Gabriella DePinho & Emily Rumsey

Senior Writer & Contributor While this year’s Springfest looked a lot different than years past, students still had the chance to enjoy live music, albeit virtually. Grammy-nominated alternative artist Phoebe Bridgers took Jaspers’ screens by storm with beautiful lyricism, insightful commentary and lots of guitar changes and you can read more about it on page (wherever the article is).

Whether or not you previously identified as a Bridgers fan, it’s undeniable that she put on a great acoustic set. If you liked what you heard and want to hear more or similar, then this column is for you.

Gabs’ Picks Me & My Dog - Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker While this song features two artists, Bridgers performed this song solo during Springfest. This song comes from the collaborative 2018 ep “boygenius.” All three musicians are credited on every single one of the ep’s six tracks.

An incredible break up track, the song highlights Bridgers’ smooth vocals.

Heat Wave - Snail Mail While Snail Mail does show up as a “Fans Also Like” artist on Spotify, I was introduced to this song during the early days of the pandemic, as a suggestion from a classmate.

Snail Mail is the indie rock solo project of the singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan, who is 21, and has been releasing music since 2016. This track is a contemplative love song that features Jordan’s strong writing and vocals.

Your Best American Girl - Mitski I was first introduced to Mitski back in high school at the recommendation of one of my best friends, who has one of the most expansive tastes in music out of anyone I’ve met.

While I brushed her Mitski recommendation off at the time, I came around to love this track, as well as her other work. While the first minute of the track features soft vocals and guitar, the song explodes into drums, electric guitar and firm vocals after the 1:25 mark doesn’t look back. The song masterfully wrestles with love and issues of identity in a really beautiful way.

Sur vival - Adult Mom Adult Mom began as the solo project of Stevie Knipe in 2012, but now oscillates

between solo project and collaborative band. If you like Bridgers’ vulnerability, you’ll like Adult Mom. Adult Mom said on their bandcamp page for this song that it’s a song “(on queerness, parents, abuse surviving).” Adult Mom is bold and honest in their lyrics, and is a good listen for anyone whose favorite part of Bridgers’ songs is her poetic lyricism.

Shut Up and Kiss Me Angel Olsen Olsen has been releasing music for nearly a decade and this track is her most streamed song on Spotify. This track comes from her 2016 album “MY WOMAN” and I remember hearing it for the first time in high school and feeling super cool for knowing it. Olsen is a singer-songwriter and falls on the edge of the indie folk and indie rock line. While this song is more on the indie rock side, all of her music is worth checking out if you tend to like the indie folk side of things better.

Emily’s Picks Motion Sickness - Phoebe Bridgers This song is my favorite out of Phoebe Bridgers’ discography, which I know sounds basic because it is also her most popular song. I think she shows

off her impressive lyrical skills, and the harsh grunge guitar riff in the beginning is such a great attention getter. This song is definitely a no-skip on a lot of my playlists, and I think it’s a great introduction to Phoebe Bridgers and who she is as an artist.

Heaven Or Las Vegas Cocteau Twins The Cocteau Twins are maybe a little old school, but they’re also one of the spearheads of the dreampop subgenre that Phoebe Bridgers also falls under. “Heaven Or Las Vegas” is the title track of their 1990 album, and it definitely embodies the sound of the album. With smooth instrumentals, intricate vocals, and an excellent use of a synthesizer, “Heaven Or Las Vegas” creates the groovy vibe that dreampop is famous for.

Breathe in, Breathe Out Melody’s Echo Chamber This song I found while writing this article, and if you’re more a fan of Phoebe’s “Stranger in the Alps” album then this song might be for you. It has a grungy guitar line that reminds me of the style of “Stranger in the Alps”, though this song is a little more fast-paced. The chorus has a funky bass-line that makes the vocals pop in a great

way. Definitely a song I’ll be listening to more!

Burning Airlines Give You So Much More - Brian Eno This is also another oldie, and definitely someone that most people under the age of 50 have never even heard of, but this song has such a great guitar riff I just had to recommend it. If you like the collaboration album “Better Oblivion Community Center” by Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst, then you’ll definitely like this.

It’s a bit more cheery than Phoebe, but it’s got a good vibe and it’s a very well crafted song.

When You Sleep - my bloody valentine Another dreampop classic, as well as a classic from everyone’s emo phase. This song has a special place in my heart since I did experience an emo phase, but aside from that it’s also a great jam. The introductory synth is a great attention catcher and the dark and harsher guitar paired with softer vocals is a great combination (my bloody valentine’s style contribution to the dreampop subgenre). Phoebe Bridgers makes great use of the same combination in a lot of her music as well, so if you like her stuff you’ll definitely like this song.

Scan here to listen to The Quadrangle’s playlist!

Sports

APRIL 20, 2021

23

Manhattan Baseball Still Soul Searching In Midst of MAAC Season Pete Janny Sports Editor

The return of Manhattan baseball to Van Cortlandt Park has made for one of the better highlights of the academic year thus far. The excitement being generated around the program has been a breath of fresh air during the dog days of the semester.

The Jaspers are currently 3-11 overall with a 3-3 record at VCP. Their first win of the season came against Rider by a score of 8-1 in the second game of a doubleheader on April 2.

Then, they were able to use the momentum from that win to sweep the doubleheader vs.

Iona on April 7.

The home field advantage appeared to be on full display against the Gaels, as the Jaspers took the first game 8-1 before capping off the day with a 13-1 blowout.

“You can just see the energy level of playing at home,” head coach Mike Cole said. “Most of the guys we have experienced what it was like to go to Dutchess Stadium so they have an understanding of it and being able to just walk across the street now makes life a lot easier.”

The Jaspers broke open the first game in the sixth inning with five runs that gave them an insurmountable 8-1 lead. Sophomore Kyle Lesler notched his first career victory in game one by pitching a scoreless fifth inning. On the sunny afternoon, the Jaspers offense came out to play from the get-go and was led by three hits and two RBIs from junior Jake Knop in game one.

Senior Will Trochiano, who has served as the Jaspers’ lead-off hitter this season, continued his strong season by adding two hits and scoring twice in that first game.

Head coach Mike Cole is excited to see Trochiano fulfilling

Will Trochiano, a native of Morganville, New Jersey, had struggled to stay healthy early in his Manhattan career, but is now batting a team-high .333 while also tied for the team lead in home runs with two.

GOJASPERS / COURTESY

his potential at the top of the lineup in his fourth season in Riverdale. Trochiano, a native of Morganville, New Jersey, had struggled to stay healthy early in his Manhattan career, but is now batting a team-high .333 while also tied for the team lead in home runs with two.

“He’s finally healthy which is the most important thing,” Cole said. “This is really his first year of playing MAAC games and he’s an older kid that’s had some success when he’s been healthy.”

In game two, junior Jonathan Barditch set the tone with a two-run home run over the left field fence that highlighted a five-run first inning for Manhattan. From there, the Jaspers never looked back on their way to scoring a season-high 13 runs. Five Manhattan players recorded at least two hits, as Barditch finished 2-of-4 and three RBIs. Teddy Sabato registered his win of the season in allowing one run over four innings pitched.

“To get going early gave everyone confidence in the lineup,” Cole said about the 13-1

win in game two. “We strung together a bunch of good atbats, stayed in the strike zone, and when we got some pitches to hit we did damage.”

One of the bright sports early in the season was freshman Trevor Santos. Having established himself as the starting left fielder, Santos recently won MAAC Rookie of the Week due to his performance across six games. In those games, Santos registered at least one hit in five of them and batted .467 (7of-15) altogether. He’s batting .303 on the season, making him one of three players on the roster to be batting over .300 with at least 30 at-bats.

“I think Trevor has a chance to be a really good hitter at Manhattan,” Cole said. “He’s a little more advanced than other freshmen when they get here.

When he gets his pitch he doesn’t try to do too much and he has a really good left-handed swing.”

Some factors that have contributed to the disappointing team results this season have been the lack of consistency in both facets of the games. As a

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team, the Jaspers are hitting just .242 and have seen their team ERA balloon to 5.98 after losing four games to Canisius two weekends ago.

The lack of production in the middle of the order has been the most glaring deficiency for the offense. Key players such as Jake Knop, Richie Barrella, Matt Padre and preseason MAAC Player of the Year Nick Cimillo have seen their batting averages dip below .200 in the early going after getting limited opportunities to practice as a team before the season started. But having been around his veterans for a few years, Cole knows it’s just a matter of time before they start swinging the bats like they are capable of. If that happens, the Manhattan offense will be tough to deal with for opposing pitchers.

“Early on COVID hurt us because we only had five team practices in a 30-day period, and it’s hard to get back into things,” Cole said about his team being thrown into the fire. “Those guys have had a ton of success in their careers and I think they may be pressing a little bit. Those guys are old enough that they are one

Q

swing away from getting back on track.”

The Jaspers resumed their schedule at Siena this past weekend for four games against the Saints. Prior to that, Manhattan’s second doubleheader vs. Iona scheduled for April 14 at VCP was postponed due to a COVID-19 case within the Gaels’ program. The postponement marked the second time Manhattan had to make changes to their schedule after their own COVID-19 problems pushed back a home series against Niagara. The Niagara series will be made up with doubleheaders on May 4 and 5 at VCP, while the plan for the Iona series has not been announced yet.

“Everyone around the country has had to make a lot of sacrifices,” Cole said. “No one kid on the team has complained. They show up to play everyday and are trying to get better. Hopefully we’ll be playing our best baseball here at the end of April and into May.”

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THE QUADRANGLE

Overcoming Obstacles: Jasper Dancers Place Fourth for D1 Jazz in 2021 NDA Virtual Nationals Nicole Rodriguez Production Editor

The Jasper Dancers have once again broken Manhattan College Jasper Dancer history.

Following their 2019 National Championship title in Division 1 Hip-Hop and the cancellation of the 2020 championship due to COVID-19, this year the Jasper Dancers received their highest score to date for Division 1 Jazz placing 4th in the nation in the 2021 NDA Virtual Nationals.

After a physically and emotionally challenging season, this achievement serves as a testament to what the team is able to accomplish with their dedication, ambition, and perseverance. After COVID-19 deprived them from trying to defend their national championship title last year, the Jasper Dancers entered this new year hopeful.

“With no basketball games to attend, the Jasper Dancers kept dancing, and kept working behind closed doors,” Madeline Donahue said. “Working on our technique, our social media presence, publishing some ‘game day dances’ to be posted on our pages to cheer on the basketball teams, and two showcase dances to show that we were still working on ourselves.”

Despite having limited practices, face masks, positive COVID-19 cases, and new rules and regulations for the virtual competition format, the team was still able to overcome these challenges and compete on the highest stage at the 2021 NDA Virtual Nationals.

“All girls had to wear face masks while practicing which influenced the way in which they breathe while dancing,” said Quad alum former Jasper Dancer Megan Dreher’ 20 who

Bri DeLeo is a senior midfielder for the Manhattan women’s soccer team.

GOJASPERS / COURTESY

Manhattan College Jasper Dancer made history by receiving their highest score ever in the NDA D1 Jazz Division. @MANHATTANCOLLEGEDANCETEAM / COURTESY now serves as coach for the team alongside Taylor Malangone’ 20. “It also limited the times we were able to practice in Draddy due to how many teams were allowed in the gym at any given time. It affected how we competed because the school was not allowing any overnight travel, which meant there was almost no possibility of us competing in person at Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida.”

She continued.

“It also affected our practice time because we had a few COVID scares as well with some girls testing positive, meaning we couldn’t practice in person. Not to mention the mental toll this pandemic took

The dance team held a virtual information session April 18 at 5pm to learn more about tryouts.

@MANHATTANCOLLEGEDANCETEAM / COURTESY

on the girls. We were short on time and definitely burnt out, but the girls were able to overcome these challenges for the success of the team and I am so proud of them for that.”

Preparation for the competition itself differed from years past seeing as the team was under a time crunch. In a typical year, routines for Nationals are started in November, whereas this year, the team began working on their jazz routine in January.

“Because of girls having to quarantine as well as the limited time we had, we unfortunately had to make the tough decision to not compete in the Hip Hop category to defend our title,” Dreher said. “It was a very hard decision to make, but we wanted to make sure we put our best out there for the world to see, and we didn’t feel that could happen with only a month to learn, clean, and perfect a routine. The deadlines for virtual submission of routines were also about two weeks prior to the actual in person event, so we had less time than normal.”

Even with limited preparation time, the team still made the most of every practice in order to best perfect and display their routine on video.

“Although our practice time was a fraction of what it normally would have been, each practice was definitely action packed,” Donahue said.

“We would do our dance in

small groups to analyze how each person looks to aim to achieve uniformity. We would sit and watch our videos on a projector after practices to see what looks strong and what needs work.”

In the process of creating their video submission for the virtual competition, the team was met with additional factors to keep in mind, such as having to keep their masks on for the performance.

“We had to practice performing with our masks on because your performance quality is something that is judged, so with a mask on it’s hard to give 100 percent of your performance, and have it read through a video,” said Donahue.

Similarly, the team was not allowed to edit their video submission at all and was not allowed to dub the music over the video in order to prevent cheating.

“The main rule enforced for the virtual competition was that you can only submit an unedited video,” Donahue said. “This means it has to be a super strong version of the dance, where you can hear the music adequately.

It was definitely tough having to redo the dance five plus times to be comfortable with a video.”

Senior Kimberly Heller was grateful for the experience to compete virtually as it presented the opportunity for friends and family to watch their performance which otherwise would not have been possible.

“One thing I loved about the virtual competition experience

was the way our friends and family were able to watch our performance, unlike any other year,” Heller said. “Seeing my best friends sitting in Draddy and my parents on Zoom watch some of my last dance performances would not have been possible if we went to Daytona, unless they hopped on a plane to see the competition, and in that way I am grateful for this experience.”

While there exists certain advantages to performing their routine on video, nothing compares to the in-person experience of competing in Nationals at Daytona Beach.

“One advantage was the ability to take multiple videos of the routine and pick the best one, but you really do miss the adrenaline rush from performing live and for an audience,” Dreher said.

When faced with obstacles and adversity, the Jasper Dancers continuously grow and improve. They are fueled and ready to compete next year where they hope to return back in-person.

“I think the best thing to focus on is significant improvement from year to year,” Dreher said. “As long as we are showing consistent growth, then that’s a win for me. I am so proud of their humility and their passion. They know what it takes to win, and I think a program like this will continue to set records and turn heads for years to come.”