The Quadrangle, Issue 1 Spring 2023

the Quadrangle

Sociology Department Announces New Criminology Major

Jocelyn Visnov Editor-in-Chief

MC Basketball is Back

Students gathered in Draddy Gymnasium to support the men and women’s basketball season at the start of the Spring 2023 semester. GO JASPERS /COURTESY

Sister Remigia Kushner and Sister Mary Ann Jacobs Honored with Catholic Teaching Awards

Adrianne Hutto Production Editor

Sister Remigia Kushner and Sister Mary Ann Jacobs were awarded for their work as Catholic educators. Kushner, the education department chairperson, graduate director and professor, was given the 2022 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award from the Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State.

Kushner has been teaching at Manhattan College since 1990 and explains that she had not always intended to be an educator but that teaching found her.

“When I went to high school, the building that is the Motherhouse for the group of Sisters I belong to would take the high school kids downstairs to the gym, and they would bring the sisters down who were just signed up to belong to the community,” Kushner said. “I never met such a happy group of people and I thought to myself, I have to get me some of that. And sure enough I did, and I haven’t been sorry a day, really and truly.”

Kushner explains that her work as graduate director has allowed her to work with amazing students studying to be school-building leaders. This has given her the opportunity

to watch as students flourish in higher education. Those, to her, are the moments that make being an educator so important.

“When COVID hit, everybody was worried about the students and the teachers,” Kushner said. “But these two folks in the Advanced Leadership Studies program, Amber and Reina, put something together to help parents. Nobody else was working with the parents and they put together an absolutely wonderful program. They’ve been using it all over New York State. It’s just a mar-

The sociology department will soon expand to offer a new bachelor’s degree in criminology, beginning next fall. The new 33-credit major offered within the School of Liberal Arts will expand on the criminology concentration currently offered as one of several tracks within the sociology major.

The creation of the new major was spearheaded by Assistant Professor Madeleine Novich, Ph.D, who serves as the director of criminology and criminal justice programs.

“I came to Manhattan College in 2008.” Novich said. “And my team and I developed a number of criminal justice classes, specifically Modern American Gangs, Mass Incarceration and Collateral Consequences and Ethics of the Criminal Justice system to name a few.”

The current sociology department will become newly dubbed as the “Sociology and Criminology” department upon receiving board approval for the new major. The idea for a second major within the department stemmed an increased interest in classes surrounding the criminal justice system by MC students.

“Anytime I started teaching new classes they would fill up to capacity,” Novich said. “And so we as a department recognized that this was a topic that the students really wanted, and they wanted to major in it. Sociology is a fantastic major, but really the students indicated that there should be a criminology major as well. And this also

makes us more competitive, like most schools that have criminology majors.”

The department currently offers three tracks of study within the sociology major as well as a 15-credit minor. The concentrations offered within the major include geography, social services and criminology. When the new major becomes official, the department will no longer offer the concentration in criminology.

“We’re going to be phasing out the concentration, so you can either major in sociology or criminology,” Novich said. “I think a lot of people will end up double majoring because the tracks between criminology and sociology are very similar. But by doing a strict Criminology major, it allows for students to be required to take criminological theory, which they wouldn’t have to take before, and do criminal justice related research. And so this is what differentiates in a couple of ways, there’s much more theoretical training in criminology than is required with sociology.”

Classes offered as part of the criminology major will also be cross-listed with other classes surrounding social and criminal justice which are currently taught by MC. The sociology department hopes to eventually expand their staff in order to teach additional courses that are specific to the study and research of criminology and the criminal justice system.

An article written by David Koeppel on the schools website stated that “The curriculum

Volume CVII, Issue 1

JANUARY 24, 2023

The Editorial Board

Jocelyn Visnov Editor-in-Chief

Kyla Guilfoil Managing Editor Lauren Raziano Multimedia Editor

LETTER from the EDITOR

Dear Readers, Hello and welcome back to campus! My name is Jocelyn Visnov, and I have the privilege of being Editor-in-Chief of the Quadrangle this year.

Angelina Persaud News Editor

Angelica Niedermeyer Features Editor

Kyla Guilfoil Sports Editor

Brianna Coppola Asst. Features Editor

Mack Olmsted Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor

Andrew Mannion Isaiah Rosario Asst. Sports Editors

Grace Cardinal Asst. News Editor Karen Flores Arts & Entertainment Editor Mack Olmsted Maisey Swift Asst. Production Editors

Rebecca Kranich Social Media Editor

Zoe DeFazio Angelina Perez Web Editors

Adrianne Hutto Production Editor Nicholas Gilewicz Faculty Advisor

Mary Haley Asst. Social Media Editor

If you’re reading the print version of the paper, to the left you’ll find a very talented list of writers and editors. This masthead, along with many other wonderful writers not listed, will be working hard to excite and inform the MC community while bringing you your campus news each week. Among this list you’ll recognize several names of Quad veterans including Kyla Guilfoil, who previously served as Editor-in-Chief, and who I am lucky to have as my right-hand woman as she takes on the roles of Managing Editor and Sports Editor.

A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization 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.

In addition to the traditional print issue of the Quadrangle, I would encourage you to check out our website (mcquad.org) for stories old and new. The Quad also posts weekly updates on Instagram and Twitter (@mcquad for both) as well as Facebook (The-Quadrangle). As journalists, we are here to serve the MC community. Whether you’re reading the print or web versions of the newspaper, or following along on social media, I hope you’ll find the Quadrangle to be an excellent resource for keeping you informed and involved in the happenings of the college and surrounding community.

The Quadrangle is always accepting new writers and editors to join our team. If you’re interested in writing with us, please feel free to come to our weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 4pm in Kelly 4.12. Practicing good writing and communication skills are beneficial to all majors and career paths, so I hope more Jaspers will consider joining the Quadrangle regardless of your major or previous writing experience.

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.

If you have any potential pitches or stories that might be of interest to the Quadrangle please feel free to email us at thequad@manhattan.edu with your ideas. You can also write to me directly at jvisnov01@manhattan.edu or by using the “Letter to the Editor” function on our website.

This position is not one I take lightly. I love this paper and I hope to lead with the same passion, grace and creativity that I have seen from EIC’s in the past.

I hope you’ll join us each week and follow along as we continue this journey of journalism together. Until next week!

Sincerely,

Sociology Department Announces New Criminology Major

will be embedded in the Lasallian principles of excellence in teaching, respect for human dignity, reflection on faith, an emphasis on ethical conduct, and a commitment to social justice.”

Richard Divirgilio is a senior double majoring in sociology and psychology. Having taken a plethora of sociology classes during his time at MC, he expressed his admiration for the department.

“My favorite part of the sociology department is how every professor I have ever had has challenged and ultimately expanded the way that I think about the world,” Divirgilio wrote. “They try to make the class material interesting and grounded in current events.”

The sociology and criminology majors will prepare under-

graduate students for a number of potential career paths in fields such as law enforcement, social work and civil service. Sociology and criminology students may also decide they want to pursue a graduate program in any of these fields.

Jake Delfel, a senior sociology major who hopes to eventually attend law school following his graduation from MC, explained his hopes for the department’s expansion.

“I think the addition of the criminology major will cause a lot more traffic within the sociology department as a whole,” he wrote. “Especially for those who may want to enter some form of law or law enforcement (among other things) will probably declare it as a major. So, I have no doubt it will be successful.”

Sister Remigia Kushner and Sister Mary Ann Jacobs Honored with Catholic Teaching Awards

vel, the contribution that our students make when they do their work. So that’s the best thing.”

Jacobs, an adjunct professor of education at Manhattan College for 29 years and full time professor for 12 years, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi, NJ, for her dedication to Catholic

education. Jacobs has served on the high school’s Board of Trustees for over 10 years, in addition to being a founder and active member of the Academic Excellence Committee and serving as a presenter of professional development for the faculty and staff.

While Jacobs did not attend the high school, she received her undergraduate degree in education from Felician University, where the high school students partake in an early college program. She explained that the award is granted to those who do community and education service for the school with the intention of serving others.

“I see the school as an outgrowth of our own mission in reaching out particularly to those in need,” Jacobs said. “They’re very committed to that as a school, their commitment to the needs of others, particularly through social justice and it ties into what we do here at Manhattan. So, it all comes together for me.”

Jacobs explains that it is a privilege to be able to help students to become future educators. “My own mission and truly the mission of our School Building Leadership Program is to provide more learning opportunities for more students,” Jacobs said. “So, being able to serve in a school like Immacu-

late Conception is a privilege. I work every day in helping our adolescent educators to become future teachers.”

Jacobs gave a brief acceptance speech when she received the award. “It is a great grace that God should permit us to assist in the spread of his kingdom,” Jacobs said in her speech. “These are the words of Pauline von Mallinckrodt, the founder of my community – the Sisters of Christian Charity. How similar are the words of Blessed Mary Angela: You dear Lord, have singled me out… as she described her conversion so that in all and by all, God may be known, loved and glorified. What an awesome calling, and an incredible life for both of these women. What a legacy this is for our Immaculate Conception young ladies –past, present and future - called to be strong, confident, self-reliant, humble, generous, loving, God-centered women who change the course of history every day.”

Their recognition for receiving these awards comes prior to Catholic Schools week, which honors Catholic education in the United States.

Brother Daniel Gardner, FSC, president of Manhattan College, shared his sentiments towards Kushner and Jacobs and their dedication to Catholic education.

“Sister Remigia Kushner and Sister Mary Ann Jacobs have dedicated their careers to supporting Catholic education both at Manhattan College and throughout the Tri-State area,” Gardner said. “The awards they received are well deserved and a reflection of their commitment to the generations of students that have been fortunate enough to benefit from their leadership and wisdom.”

Both women encourage students to thank a teacher or educator in their life. Kushner emphasizes this by making a connection to the gospel from the previous Sunday.

“The three kings went to follow the star and at the end of their trip, there was the revelation,” Kushner said. “And I think to myself, ‘you know what, teachers are constantly on that trip, and they don’t get the revelation. They just get the journey and it’s when you and your colleagues graduate and you take your place in the world, that’s the revelation.’

The good that our work does as teachers, I think it’s a beautiful thing and if you have the opportunity ever to say thanks to a teacher, I think it’s wonderful, because you wouldn’t be here if somebody didn’t teach you to read and help you know how to navigate some of the problems you have to go through in school.”

Dr. Novich with law enforcement officers who came to speak with one of her classes.

MADELEINE NOVICH/COURTESY

Sister Mary Ann Jacobs (far left) and Sister Remigia Kushner (center) were both awarded for their work as educators. MANHATTAN.EDU/

FiveSTEMStudentsReceive SignificantScholarshipfrom Stephen&AlexandraCohen Foundation

Angelina Persaud News Editor

Senior assistant dean of The School of Liberal Arts, Diana Cruz, was recognized for her 20 years of service at MC and was presented the Distinguished Lasallian Administrator Award on Wednesday.The honor came as part of the annual Staff and Administrator Convocation.

At the convocation, the future of MC was discussed and explained by President Daniel Gardner, FSC, before recognizing many members of the community for their years of service for the college. Many awards were given out by President Gardner and vice president of human resources, Barbara Fabe.

At the convocation, the Distinguished Lasallian Award is given every year to three members within MC: a faculty member, a staff member and an administrative employee. The award is given to members of the community embodying the spirit of St. John Baptist de La Salle and advancing the Lasallian mission of the College through their work. Cruz received the Distinguished Lasallian Administrator Award.

The award was established in 1987, during the global Lasallian education movement. Each year Manhattan College pursues nominations for the prestigious award. The award is honored after Saint John Baptist de La Salle, because he is famously known as the founder of the Brothers of The Christan Schools.

According to Manhattan. edu, “Distinguished Lasallians are people who exemplify the highest of Lasallian values to students, colleagues, and community members. They are persons of faith who teach by example and give life to the Lasallian values that animate and sustain the core identity that inspires the mission of Manhattan College as a Lasallian Catholic college.”

Angie Thrapsimis, academic advisor for the School of Liberal Arts, has been working with Cruz for 15 years. Thrap-

simis said she and Cruz have a good dynamic in the office, advising students and making sure that they are on their most successful path for their college career so that students graduate with the knowledge they need for the next chapter in their life.

“She’s most deserving. She is an inspiration. She’s a role model. She’s my mentor and friend. She’s devoted not only to the students but to the college, her colleagues, everyone she tries to help absolutely everyone in all areas, multifaceted assistance,” Thrapsimis

said.

Cory Blad, Ph.D., dean of the School of Liberal Arts, has also had many years of experience working with Cruz. Blad told The Quadrangle he appreciates Cruz’s hard work and is grateful to work alongside her.

“She is an incredible person in every way, shape and form. She is a good friend …she is incredibly rare. She’s talented, she’s skilled, she’s unbelievably intelligent and we are deeply fortunate to have her here,” Blad said.

Days before receiving the award, Cruz expressed her

gratitude to be given the prestigious award to The Quadrangle.

“I’m a little shocked. I didn’t know about it until last week. I’m very honored to be receiving this. It’s very nice and it’s a lovely gesture on part of the college and people who decided I should be the recipient of this,” Cruz said.

Before Cruz received the Distinguished Lasallian Award, Blad decided to write a citation where he celebrates Cruz’s character and why she deserved to earn this extraordinary award.

“It takes a special person to tolerate a state of liquidity of constant change,” Blad wrote. “It takes an extraordinary person to enjoy that professional reality. Of course, intelligence and skill are the foundation for that exceptionalism. But even more influential is your sense of purpose. And interest is here because she believes in our shared work of education for the purpose of creating opportunities in a better world.”

Four of the five Cohen Scholar recipients.

TheFriendlyFridgeisBackwiththe HelpofRiverdaleCommunitySupport

Zoe DeFazio Web Editor

On Jan. 7, the Friendly Fridge located on Broadway, just down the street from Manhattan College, was found vandalized, according to volunteers. The unnamed perpetrator placed a can of toxic oilbased black paint upside down inside the refrigerator, leaving the paint to cause irreversible damage to the motor and flooding.

One day after the discovery of the vandalization the two organizers of the Bronx Friendly Fridge, Sara Allen and Selma Raven, created a GoFundMe

with an asking price of $3,000. That amount would cover the cost of a new refrigerator, the safe and proper disposal of the vandalized one and funds to help create a door to lock the refrigerator to prevent another incident, the pair said.

“I’ll be honest with you, we didn’t know what to expect. Hundreds of people started reaching out asking how we can get you a new one. I mean, literal people from Seattle, Los Angeles, all over the place,” Allen said.

The Friendly Fridge ultimately raised just over $12,000, more than several thousand dollars over the original goal.

Now, a new fridge with increased safety precautions

proudly stands in the space of the old one.

Allen and Raven are the activist organizers of the Bronx Friendly Fridge. Allen and Raven have been working together since 2020 to raise awareness for equitable access to healthy food.

Their passion for helping stems from Raven’s son, who was an activist for food and nutrition-based systemic problems. Raven’s son passed away in 2013, but his legacy carries on through his mother. On the seventh anniversary of his passing, Allen and Raven created the Bronx Friendly Fridge.

“The Fridge began as a memory of my son, but it’s powered by the community,”

Raven said.

Allen continued by sharing how the idea was created, “We saw on Instagram that a friend of mine has started a community refrigerator in Harlem. And that was the fourth community refrigerator that was situated in New York. And we looked at each other, and we said, we’re gonna do that. So that night, we bought a refrigerator on craigslist.”

At the start, Raven and Allen were both accepting financial donations to help fund the fridge and buy produce. As time went on and the pandemic continued, the two knew they needed more help.

“When we first started in the pandemic, it was really people donating money so that we could buy food at cost and put it in the fridge for people who needed it,” Allen said. “But the model has changed since the pandemic has, I’m not gonna say that the pandemic has ended because while the virus may be under control, a lot of people have really fallen behind financially and are clamoring to get caught up.”

According to Raven, The Friendly Fridge moves up to 9,000 pounds of food a week with over 250 people visiting every day in search of food and materials.

“We also work with a whole bunch of churches, synagogues and charter schools like Atmosphere Academy and they give us their extra food,” Raven said.

The two of them hope to expand on the Friendly Fridge and create a quick-stop shelter for individuals in need. As of now the refrigerator and the pantry located directly next to the refrigerator are the only setups Allen and Raven have. The two don’t even have storage for the tables for distribution, but luckily for them, local shops have helped them along the way.

“We have no storage and we didn’t for a while. But now we store our tables at the liquor store, [Shamrock Wines & Liquors]” Raven said.

Raven continued by explaining the process of how the refrigerator was first turned on. An unnamed employee at The Last Stop, a bar also located on Broadway approached Allen and Raven and offered to plug the refrigerator in at The Last Stop. Raven continued by discussing the implications of food waste and how Manhattan College and Aramark should work with the Friendly Fridge.

“He allowed us to plug it in, that’s how we actually began,” Raven said. “So, you really are humbled by how this has grown. And we still need a lot more, a lot more support. Manhattan College though, thank

God for the students. The students raise money, they do [food] drives. But the organization as a whole as a Catholic institution should be really working better with us.”

Richard Berroa, owner of Claudy’s Kitchen, a quick-style takeout restaurant also located on the strip by the fridge, aids the Friendly Fridge by also providing meals from his restaurant.

“We saw that people were coming hungry and looking for food.” Berroa said. “So, whatever food extras that we had we put out there instead of wasting it, throwing it away or donating it and that’s how the relationship started with Sara [Allen] and Selma [Raven], who are the biggest providers of the Friendly Fridge and are the founders. So from there, it just evolved, that people started seeing us putting stuff in the fridge and people were asking if they could donate for us to put in the fridge. So, we started doing that. We started offering donations on the website, and people could buy meals however many they wanted, and we put it in.”

The Bronx Friendly Fridge consists of many volunteers from various backgrounds who come intermittently. However, there are some volunteers who come frequently and share their passion for helping alongside Allen and Raven.

Volunteers such as Debbie Pellish, Barbara Pehlivanian, Amaury Perez, Margarita Martinez, Clement King and Mayra Seldano come to Bronx Friendly Fridge and are the most frequent volunteers. The six of them work regularly supplying food, distributing food, setting up tables and helping anyone in need as much as they can.

The Friendly Fridge’s mission is to provide the Bronx community with supplies for everyone who may need them.

On Friday, Jan. 20, the Friendly Fridge provided tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, eggplants, carrots, various beans and legumes, popcorn, chips, clothing, aloe vera plants and vitamins.

Allen encourages MC students to come down to Broadway and see what the Friendly Fridge is all about.

“Encourage people to show up in the way that works best for them,” She said. “I think some people feel like in order to donate, you have to bring 20 sandwiches or a whole carload of groceries. It can be as simple as just a banana or an apple or a sandwich or even extra salad dressing. Just show up in the way that works for you.”

The newly renovated Friendly Fridge ready to be stocked with fresh produce and warm meals. ZOE

MCStudentsPracticeMindfulness

Brianna Coppola

Asst. Features Editor

Manhattan College offers a new space for students to take a moment for themselves. The zen room was created by the counseling center to practice relaxation techniques, cope with stress and practice mindful meditation.

The small space with dim lighting sets a peaceful mood. The room reflects its name ‘zen’ which means to be guided by intuition rather than conscious effort, according to Merriam-Webster. In the corner is a comfortable chair with a phototherapy light sitting next to it and some stress balls for students to release tension. Full of warm and peaceful vibes to help relax, the zen room is open to schedule a slot Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Jennifer McArdle, director of the counseling center, put together this environment for students to use whenever they see fit. This space was created nearly a year ago in the spring of 2022, located in Miguel Hall on the fifth floor across from the counseling center.

“It really was received well by students and they were excited about it,” McArdle said. “It’s filling up because people have a need for it”

The zen room has been a popular spot among students to use before and after classes and during midterms and finals, explained

McArdle.

McArdle discussed several benefits of the space that can meet the needs of students. The room offers a SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) light that helps students who suffer from depression, particularly in the winter months.

“They can reserve the zen room and use the light therapy for like 15 minutes, which can help depression during the darker times of the year,” McArdle said. “And then we have sound therapy like the ocean and rain falling.”

McArdle described how influential the zen room was to students, especially after COVID-19 and the lockdown.

The counseling center also emphasized the privacy and respect of their students and ensured that their needs will be met.

“We’ve noticed that a lot of students since they came back from lockdown, you know of COVID, that a lot of them had therapists online,” McArdle said. “They continue to work with and do well with, but they need the privacy to meet with them virtually. So, a lot of students reserved that room so they can meet with their therapists virtually and then we have a sound machine outside that protects their privacy.”

The zen room, created to relax students and relieve stress, has benefited students all around campus. It gives students the opportunity to take a moment for themselves, to better and strengthen their mental

and physical health.

McArdle discussed the possibility of creating another space that is similar so that more students can use and have access to. Aside from the zen room, McArdle recommended some other ways for students to relax.

“Van Cortlandt Park is beautiful, it’s safe and it’s a nice place to just go and walk the track or go through some of the trails,” McArdle said. “Look at Fieldston. It’s just beautiful to just grab your headphones or not, and just go through so much beautiful nature.”

McArdle was particularly excited about one location, where she hopes students take advantage of it.

“There’s another place that I think a lot of people don’t know about but it’s called Wave Hill and it’s a walking distance from here and it’s absolutely gorgeous, with river views,” McArdle said. “And you know students can go and there’s a student discount. I think Wednesday’s are free and it costs $10 to go but if you show a student ID, it might be $3. So there’s a lot of places that you could just go and walk around here.”

McArdle discussed how focusing on your mental health and taking moments for yourself is important, just like how we take care physically such as going to the doctor and getting checkups.

“You have to just say I need to unplug. I need to take a break. I need to do something

really good for myself,” McArdle said. “Because if not, we just go go go and that causes stress, anxiety and burn out, and then that can even lead to depression.”

MC students around campus have used this space several times and have spoken about how it’s impacted them and helped them mentally and physically. However, there are some students who have not heard of the zen room, but described their favorite ways to take time and reflect.

Zachary Schwab, a senior at MC, has never heard of the zen room but still finds ways to relax and be in the moment.

“I mean during finals and such because mental health is really important during those times to take care of yourself,” Schwab said. “Really just take a moment to step away from everything. I know what I do is usually if there’s really stressful work, I’ll just take like a 15 minute break. I’ll go listen to some music that I really enjoy. Go for a walk and that’ll help me destress during those really stressful times.”

Elizabeth Manzoni, a senior at MC explains some ways she takes moments for herself during stressful times.

“I like to talk to my friends and my family usually around midterms or finals to calm myself down,” Manzoni said. “I’ll also take walks around the Quad, so that’s very relaxing to me.”

Whether it be using the zen room, listening to music

or taking a walk, it’s important for students to be able to relax and just breathe for a second. Learning to step away from a busy life and take a moment to become recentered can improve mental health.

The counseling center at MC is always available to help students talk or to relax in privacy. The center is located in Miguel Hall on the fifth floor in room 501. Students can call to make an appointment at (718) 862-7394 or (718) 862-7292 or email at jegan01@manhattan. edu. More information is on the MC website and the announcements page, where they post

The zen room, created to relax students and relieve stress.

BRIANNA COPPOLA / THE QUADRANGLE

Sophomore’sHistoricalResearchBecomesPublishedonthe HistoryNewsNetwork

Jocelyn Visnov Editor-in-Chief

Alyssa Spinosa has shed light on the legacy of recently deceased feminist icon Charlene Mitchell. With the help of Professor Adam Arenson, Ph.D, Spinosa’s research on Mitchell was recently published to the History News Network.

Spinosa is a sophomore majoring in history with a minor in philosophy. She conducted research on Mitchell’s story as part of her coursework for HIST 300: Historical Methods taught by Arenson, professor of history at Manhattan College..

Spinosa decided to focus her research on Mitchell when she discovered that Mitchell was the first woman of color to receive a nomination to run for president.

“What really interested me was I thought Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to run for president because she’s widely reported as so, which is false,” Spinosa said. “But that’s because she ran as a Democrat while Charlaine Mitchell actually ran as a communist, which really interests me.”

Spinosa explained that this common misconception in history made for a slightly more strenuous research process.

I based my research around.”

From her research, Spinosa learned that Mitchell’s run for president was unlike traditional campaigns at the time.

“So, she ran as a communist, but not in a way that a traditional American would think.” Spinosa said. “She kind of presented this campaign as an economic-based campaign, rather than communism as a replacement for democracy.”

Mitchell had chosen an unexpected partner to be her running mate.

“Her running mate was a white male, which is something I didn’t expect.” Spinosa said.

After reading that Mitchell had recently died over the holiday break, Arenson was reminded of Spinosas recent research and reached out about trying to send her work to be published.

After learning that the History News Network was potentially interested in publishing Spinosas work, the two worked together to shorten the originally 17 page research paper into a size suitable for the website.

“There was definitely a lot of need to cut it down.” Arenson said. “And really to focus on the key moments that would interest the wider public, right? Some of what’s in the paper is like the historiography talking about the ways in which Charlene Mitchell has or hasn’t been written about, and really everything had to be stripped down to really make the point as quickly as possible.”

Communism in a way that was not a threat to their democracy. Mitchell emphasized what we would now call democratic socialism, in her effort to advocate for Communist values within the U.S. political system in the height of the Cold War.”

The piece ends with a conclusion statement about other political icons who made history but gained more recognition.

ALYSSA SPINOSA/ COURTESY

“It was actually really difficult to find sources on her just because she is so underrepresented in history,” Spinosa said. “A lot of the sources I found were interviews and press conferences. And within her campaign, she had this one pamphlet, which is kind of what

As a history scholar, Arenson has previously had his work published to the History News Network. Arenson now strives for similar success from his students.

“I am definitely very focused on helping students, you know, find the right topics and then write them in the most compelling way,” Arenson said.

Their work was posted to the History News Networks website on January 8th, 2023 under a joint byline. The published piece explains Spinosas findings with a more in depth explanation of the untraditional campaign.

“As Ms. Spinosa’s research has discovered, Mitchell constructed a campaign that presented Communism as an economic solution to the racism embedded in America’s capitalism.” The article read. “This allowed Americans to perceive

“In 1972, Shirley Chisholm ran for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the Presidency,” the article reads. “Hillary Clinton became the first major-party nominee in 2016, and Kamala Harris the first woman and first person of color to be Vice President in 2020. This is history you do know. But Charlene Mitchell deserves to be better known – for her decades of activism and labor organizing, alongside Angela Davis and other Black leaders, in and out of the Communist Party. And for her run for President.”

Spinosa expressed her gratitude for Arensons help and dedication during the process. “Without him [Arenson] this would not have been possible,” she said.

Alyssa Spinosa hopes to evntually attend law school after graduating from MC.

NewMockTrialTeamBringsOpportunitiesforPre-LawStudents

Kelly Kennedy Senior Writer

Last August, four students had an idea to bring a new club to Manhattan College, where students could come together and compete simulating a real-life trial through the American Mock Trial Association. Mock trial is present at many schools across the country, and is now finally a part of the MC community.

The club was created by Anthony Campolo as president, Brielle Scavonne as vice president, Joseph Brennan as treasurer and Alicia Camargo as secretary. Campolo and Scavonne both participated in mock trials in their high schools, and had the idea to bring the club to MC. They brought the idea to Adriane Bilous, PhD, the Assistant Director of the Center for Graduate School & Fellowship Advisement, who now serves as their advisor.

“When Anthony came to me in September, he said, ‘I had spoken to brother Dan, and we had this idea. You know, can you help us?’ I thought this was brilliant,” said Bilous. “It’s not just a way for students at Manhattan College to develop, you know, speaking skills, critical thinking skills, but it’s really a way for us to get on the national stage as a pre-law program.”

Mock trials are a great opportunity for students to build their skills in a courtroom, as well as improve their public speaking skills and make new connections.

“So, mock trial is a great program where you could compete in an actual courtroom, you get a fake case, but it’s pretty much like a real case,” Campolo. “And you get to argue based on the affidavits that you’re given the exhibits that you’re getting, you get photographs, audio tapes, and so you really get to get creative with the arguments that you use.”

Campolo said he hopes the addition of the club will draw more pre-law students to MC.

“The reason why we brought it to Manhattan College is that it really is a revolutionary thing from Manhattan College since there really was no existing strong pre-law piece to the school,” Campolo said. “Our hope is that this opens up a whole new branch for Manhattan College to have a lot more pre-law students coming in. This club can also aid students who may not know if they want to go into law school, to help them decide. So, we’re hoping this would increase Manhattan College’s en-

rollment of students for years to come.”

On Sunday, Jan. 22, the team competed in their first scrimmage against Iona. This scrimmage was held here at MC and gave the students a chance to practice before their first competition in Connecticut this Feb.

The team has been preparing for months and has made great progress as they prepare to compete. Some of the students who auditioned last semester have never even participated in a mock trial before, but now the team is confident as they are going into their first competition. There are around 25 members, and 10 of those students will go on to compete in Connecticut.

“It’s not just a kind of team building, but also to prepare their defense, prepare their witnesses, prepare their opening statements.” said Bilous. “So, a lot of that initial work was kind of bringing a lot of the first year students up into that lingo, so that they had a fair chance to compete and audition for this team. We have incredible firstyear students, and so they are on par with those sophomores and juniors.”

This new team founded by students has created a great opportunity for those involved to gain experience and help them on their path of deciding to go to law school.

“I’m excited to see everyone’s individual growth and seeing everyone that’s on our team and kind of how they started off from tryouts and seeing how they do in the courtroom,” said Camargo.

The mock trial team is currently being coached by MC Alum and Bronx District attorney, John Miras.

“It is just amazing to see an alum get excited, and come back to help,” Bilous said. “And seasoned doesn’t even begin to describe him as a lawyer, but he’s going to be there on Sunday when we host Iona college and coach our students. So we’re really excited to have an alum coming back to bring out a new kind of development in the pre-law program.”

“This is a senior homicide counsel attorney for the Bronx,” Campolo said. “So, this is a very well-versed, very experienced attorney in trial, which is very important. What we’re talking about is a mock trial where a lot of attorneys, contrary to popular belief, will never actually see a trial. They’ll just advise and kind of consult based on the law. So, to have somebody with his expertise in the trial and in the court

system has truly been invaluable.”

The club has also given prelaw students their own community here at MC, as pre-law programs are growing.

“It’s almost as if we’ve built this kind of family, this pre-Law School. Camaraderie is fantastic, even for students who don’t want to compete and just be a part of that community. It’s very important. Especially when you’re trying to navigate

the challenges of law school and getting accepted into law school as well,” said Campolo.

Students interested in joining can reach out to any of the executive board members, or check out the club webpage at www.manhattan.edu.

“We’re always looking for new members as well. They could find us on the College’s actual website in the club section on your Manhattan mock trial, and you could contact

either Adriane Bilous, our advisor, or myself. There’s also a website where you can actually fill out a survey, put your name, what position you’d like to try out for either witness or attorney, and why you’re interested in a mock trial to just be a part of the email list and the Google Classroom so at least you get access to the materials,” said Campolo.

Members of the executive board at their first scrimmage against Iona. ALICA CARMAGO/COURTESY

Feel The Electric Rush With Thrush

pass the time.”

Karen Flores Arts & Entertainment Editor

Manhattan College has many rocking bands on campus, including Thrush.

Michael Kurtis, a sophomore computer engineering major, is one of the four members of Thrush. Three of them are MC students, while one member is off-campus. Kurtis is a vocalist and bassist in the band. He has been involved in the performing arts for several years with COVID playing a role in his journey.

“I play bass. I also sing a little bit sometimes,” said Kurtis. “I’ve been singing for about four years. I at one point did have a person who helped me get all the techniques down But I don’t take lessons anymore. I learned to play guitar probably a year after I began singing. Four years of singing and about three years of bass guitar. It was right around COVID that I started doing it as something to

Joining a band had always been an intriguing idea to Kurtis. He recalls meeting his friend Jack Schiller, a sophomore marketing major, and says that their friendship played a big role in the creation of this band.

“I came to Manhattan College and I was just walking around and I bumped into Jack. We had mutual friends and were familiar with each other. It turned out he lived right next door to me. We found out each of us played instruments and the rest was history,” said Kurtis.

Peter Johannes, a junior sound studies major, is the third member of Thrush. He is a vocalist and plays the electric guitar. Johannes spoke fondly about his first encounter with Kurtis.

“I saw him, he was wearing a Nirvana shirt. It’s a musical interest that we share,” Johannes said. “I thought ‘Michael here kind of looks like Nirvana when he has the full beard.’ So I told

him that he kind of looked like Nirvana. And then the rest is history.”

Schiller added that the band Nirvana remains one of the band’s favorites.

“We started kind of having Nirvana and grudge music in common. We’d say they are one of our inspirations,” he said.

Johannes told The Quadrangle that he had suggested the name ‘Thrush’ as a joke before joining the band when they were brainstorming band names. His friends loved the name and it stuck with them.

“Before this current lineup existed, we played with our other friends who are musicians themselves and we were trying to come up with a name for a while. I wasn’t even in the band during this period,” said Johannes. “They would just go on for hours throwing ideas for names out there. We kind of gave up on serious band names and one fateful day, me, the person who wasn’t even in the band was like, how about thrush, thinking that they

MICHEAL KURTIS/ COURTESY

wouldn’t take it seriously at all. And then everyone was like, no, actually, I like that. Jamie is our friend. He was in the original lineup of these guys playing music and he was a big part of why we chose the name.”

When it comes to music composition and songwriting, the trio likes to keep a balance between creating and complementing each other during a jam session.

“We all kind of have our areas of specialty in terms of writing,” Johannes said. “We each have our own little parts. Jack will write the riffs, I’ll write guitar parts that are more chordbased. We will usually come up with an idea for a song by ourselves by doing our small parts and then we just jam with it. It’s a process where anyone can add anything and then the final product is not any one person’s idea.”

Schiller talked a bit about the band’s repertoire and expressed that their music is currently a work in progress.

“We don’t have any music out yet. We’re working on it. We’ve been recording the past few days. Our drummer lives about two hours away from us so it’s a bit cumbersome to go over to his house and record but we have things in the works,” said Schiller.

When asked what genre they would consider the band to be in, Johannes expressed

the band’s hope to create music that has yet to be heard.

“I wanted to be in a punk band. But I feel like it’s hard to be in a specific genre. Especially because punk music has been around for decades and we want to do something that hasn’t been done before,” Johannes said. “I feel like a lot of bands and rock musicians are very stuck in the past. And I don’t want to box myself and I want to be able to play whatever we want and not worry about us being a legit part of this scene or genre.”

The members all agreed that they draw inspiration from different artists and point out that when it comes to creating music and listening to music, there are perspectives that come together to form something unique.

“It’s interesting because one thing I’ve noticed is people will ask me lately what’s my favorite thing to listen to. But I don’t know how many months I’ve spent trying to listen to new stuff and just you know, expand, and explore something I’ve never heard before. It can reflect in your music,” said Kurtis.

Thrush has previously performed at MC in Cafe 1853 and has upcoming performances. For more information, follow them on Instagram @thrushband

(Left to right) Michael Kurtis, Peter Johannes and Jack Schiller playing a gig MICHEAL KURTIS/ COURTESY .

Jack Schiller, Micheal Kurtis and Peter Johannes (on the ground). The three members of Thrush.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection Welcomes Their Newest Intern

Mack Olmsted Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor/Asst. Production Editor

Manhattan College’s very own Lauren Driscoll is going overseas this summer to take part in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection internship program. The Guggenheim Collection partners with various educational institutions, usually universities and very selective colleges from all across the world.

MC has partnered with the program since 2019. Unfortunately, the program had to be suspended for two years due to COVID-19, but now it’s back for students to experience.

Driscoll said she is very grateful to be given the opportunity to become a part of the internship program. She first gained an interest in art through photography and filmmaking at a young age. She explained how photography and film, like other forms of art, are a gateway into society and really capture the world in a moment in time.

The Guggenheim Collection program has no application process and is catered to art history majors, especially

those looking to be a part of an artistic profession. However due to the small number of art history majors at MC, sometimes the program extends to art majors and digital media art.

The museum holds a lot of value for artists and art admirers alike. According to Manhattan.edu, the museum is very meaningful and holds a lot of importance within the art history community.

“The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is among the most important museums in Italy for European and American art of the first half of the 20th century.”

Driscoll shared her thoughts about the trip ahead of her and how important it is for artists to learn from other artists’ pieces and really take away the work that went into them.

“As an artist and as an enthusiast of the arts, I like how it shapes society today, it reflects today’s modern world, and I just think it’d be an honor to learn and contribute to the team at the museum. So really, it’s just the collection in general. It is just something that I think is really important to to-

day’s art and the world in general.” Driscoll said.

The process of choosing the students to participate in the program is done through the department of art history and digital Media Art. At the end of the fall semester, the department board talks about what students are graduating, and what students might be a good fit for the position, taking a lot of different factors into account, and come to an agreement on a student they think would make the best fit for the position.

Students who take the internship usually gain various skills working for the museum. They may work in the ticket office, guard galleries, work in the bookstore, work in the publication’s office and work directly with the director.

Director of the art history and digital media art department, Daniel Savoy, Ph.D., is in charge of the board that picks the students who take this internship position. He emphasizes on how significant the program is for students who are chosen and choose to participate.

“It’s a really glamorous place to be at the Grand Canal

in Venice and the Guggenheim Museum for a month over the summer,” she said. “It looks fantastic on your resume. It’s a wonderful experience. You learn everything. You learn so much about every different department in a museum, you get real hands-on experience with people at a really high level in that industry…I think it’s had a huge impact.”

Driscoll is hoping to learn and gain life lessons during her time in Italy. She explains what she is looking to gain out of the experience and how it will improve her as an artist.

“I hope to get a broader understanding. It’s like I said, it’s one of the most important museums dedicated to both European and American art and I think being able to study abroad in Venice and be immersed in Renaissance culture, like the buildings, it’s all so beautiful, Everything. About that city is art. Being immersed in a culture like that and immersed in a museum that cultivates this unity between European and American art, I think will help really strengthen my knowledge of art and help me gain that broader understanding of different styles.”

Driscoll showed her gratitude to those who helped her gain where she is today. She is very grateful for everything she has learned at MC and is excited to see how the experience will improve her as an artist.

“I just want to thank the faculty here, especially Dr. Savoy. And my family, everyone who’s who has supported me because I never expected to have gotten this opportunity. And I guess I want to thank the people that believed in me along the way.”

Editor’s Note: Karen Flores did the reporting for the article.

Jasper Jams: Quadrangle Staff Picks

Mack Olmsted Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor/Asst. Production Editor

Despite the fact that journalists get inspired through words, another way that they find inspiration and relaxation is through music. Our Quadrangle staff is made up of so many different backgrounds, majors and ages which translates into the different genres of music we all love.

Ranging from pop music to alternative music, the playlist below is composed of song suggestions from members of The Quadrangle who wish to share their favorite music with everyone on campus. You might be surprised at the musical jewels you’ll find in this playlist. Grab a drink, put on your headphones and jam to the playlist below. You might find yourself enjoying and relating to the same music as the writers behind The Quadrangle newspaper.

You’re on Your Own, Kid

- Taylor Swift

Suggested by: Caroline McCarthy, Senior Writer.

Normally I would never listen to Taylor Swift but I ended up actually enjoying the song and sort of related to the fact that at some point or another everyone needs to work in life on their own.

Gorilla - Little Simz

Suggested by Rebecca

Kranich, Social Media Editor.

I’m not going to lie, I am not the biggest fan of rap music, but I did like the sound of Gorilla. I really liked Little Simz’s beat rhythm. Overall it sounded really cool and it flowed very smoothly.

Wait in the truck - Hardy and Lainey

Suggested by Angelina Persaud, News Editor.

The story of this song is really interesting. It’s about a man killing another man because he was being abusive to his significant other. I really liked how the song argued if what he did was right or wrong and it makes you question if his actions were justified or not.

Suspicious Minds - Elvis

Suggested by Isaiah Rosario, Assistant Sports Editor.

I’m a fan of Elvis so I was excited to re-listen to Suspicious Minds. While Elvis’ music can get slow from time to time, it usually picks up and goes back to a faster beat which sounds awesome in your ears.

Low - Sza

Suggested by Zoe DeFazio, Web Editor.

I would say that people who like R&B music would enjoy this song. It has a very nice beat to it and is relaxing to listen to. I liked the flow of the words and the voice of Sza and Travis Scott complementing each other very well. Overall it was a good listen.

Chateau Lobby #4 - Father John Misty

Suggested by Jilleen Bar-

rett, Senior Writer.

Chateau Lobby had a good mix of being mellow yet upbeat. I liked how the music was sort of happy and sad at the same time while also telling a story. Father John Misty did a great job of blending it all together to make this song and story.

Get free - Lana del Rey

Suggested by Angelica Niedermeyer, Features Editor.

I usually hate slower songs, but Get Free was really interesting. I liked it because I found myself somewhat relating to the song and how I at one point or another wanted to change the way I live life. The song flowed great and Lana Del Rey has an amazing voice that everyone should give a shot at listening to.

A house in NebraskaEthel Caine

Suggested by Megan LaCreta, Senior Writer.

This song was not exactly my cup of tea. It was very slow and never really picked up the beat. It seemed very relative to me and just seemed a little boring to me. Nevertheless Ethel Caine has a great voice, the ending sounded great just hearing the sound of the intrustaments without the lyrics and if you like longer country songs you would have a blast listening to A House In Nebraska.

AM Radio - The Lumineers

Suggested by Grace Cardinal, Assistant News Editor.

AM Radio sounds great, it

has a nice beat to the song and the lyrics were amazing. I am really glad that this song was suggested because it just has an amazing message about being unique and feeling like an outsider but to never give up on your passion. I think it’s an awesome message that everyone should live by.

Wildflowers - Tom Petty

Suggested by Adrianne Hutto, Production Editor.

I really like Tom Petty’s music, especially Runnin’ Down A Dream, but Wildflowers was a little different. Now don’t get me wrong it was still really good but it was just a little slow,

but saying that the song itself is really positive and I enjoyed listening to it. It’s a positive song with a positive message about how you should be happy and deserve the best life possible.

Last Train Home - John Mayer

Suggested by Jocelyn Visnov, Editor-In-Chief.

John Mayer’s Last Train Home is a great song. The music is upbeat and mellow at the same time. And the sound itself is kind of soothing. Obviously not everyone is going to like this song but those who like soft rock will really enjoy it.

Lauren Driscoll, candidate for the Peggy Guggenheim internship, with her camera LAUREN DRISCOLL/ COURTESY

Manhattan Basketball Falls to Iona in Overtime

Caroline McCarthy Senior Writer

The roar of the sixth borough was described as a hostile environment for the Iona Gaels on Friday night as the Manhattan College Jaspers battled into overtime on their home court. Draddy Gymnasium was packed to the brim with Jasper fans and their Iona rivals cheering on their respective teams until the Jaspers fell 84-76 in overtime.

“Great atmosphere,” interim head coach RaShawn Stores said. “I want to thank the 6th Borough, Manhattan administration and everyone for coming out. The alumni and student

sections - it was a great atmosphere for these young men. I am so proud of this team and to see the support tonight.”

Possibly the most noticeable person in the gym - presumably because of the multiple cardboard cut-outs brought by Iona fans - was former Manhattan head coach Steven Masiello, who has found a place on his former mentor Rick Pitino’s coaching staff after being terminated by the Jaspers just weeks before the start of the season.

As reported by LoHud, Masiello was a ball-boy for Pitino when he briefly coached the New York Knicks. He then walked-on to Pitino’s University of Kentucky roster and was

a member of the Wildcat’s 1998 championship team. Later, Masiello coached under Pitino for the first time as one of the top-assistants at University of Louisville for six-years before taking a head coaching position at Manhattan in 2011.

Last year, Masiello took on his mentor for the first time and the Jaspers beat Iona 7472 in this rivalry match. Now, he has found refuge on his former-rival team’s bench as the Director of Basketball Operations for the Gaels.

“That was for Masiello,” said Iona’s second leading scorer Berrick JeanLouis in regards to the win.

The Jaspers, though projected to lose this game, held their own against the Gaels. The score tied five times during regular play and the lead changed four.

A three-pointer by Nick Brennan in the second half changed the tone of the game for Manhattan. This shot sparked a 9-0 run for the Jaspers, putting them just three points behind the Gaels at 5148. James Jewell, a new member on the Jaspers’ roster, and Josh Roberts were key players during this stretch.

“I’m very impressed with them,” Stores said. “It’s a team full of guys who are blessed and grateful for their moment. When nobody believed in most of them or some of them, you’re starting to see these young men shine.”

In the final three minutes of the second half, the Jaspers came back from a 15-point deficit to tie the score at 68. Iona took the lead three times in the final two minutes, but the Jaspers stayed right there with

them. Roberts tied the game at 65 with a layup with 61 seconds left on the clock. Osborn Shema earned a three-pointer for the Gaels, which Stewart countered with just twenty seconds remaining.

The Jaspers took a small lead at the beginning of overtime, only to be rescinded by a 13-2 run from the Gaels in the final minutes.

The top scorers for the Jaspers included Stewart with 18 points - nine of which were essential three-point shotsBrennan with 12 points off nine 3-points shots, and Jewell, Nelson and Watson with 10 points each.

Top scorers for the Gaels were Walter Clayton-Jr. With a game-high 21 points and JeanLouis with 18 points.

Masiello joined former-mentor Rick Pitino’s (right) coaching staff as Director of Basketball Operations. (From left to right) Ricky Johns, Steve Masiello, Taliek Brown, Rick Pitino.

LAURA MCARTHY/COURTESY

Iona fans l held a Masiello cardboard cut out behind the visiting team’s bench.

LAURA MCCARTHY/COURTESY

Joe Jacques: From the Bronx to Boston

Isaiah Rosario Asst. Sports Editor

Joe Jacques ‘18, a walk-on Manhattan College baseball alum, has been drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the Rule 5 draft.

The Rule 5 draft allows baseball teams that do not have a 40-man roster to select specific players from other teams.

Jacques took The Quadrangle through the moment he got drafted by the Red Sox.

“I was at home and following the MLB Draft tracker, as well as listening to the teams announce each pick,” Jacques wrote. “At that time there were 40 rounds in the draft, so it took hours each of the three days. I was unsure if I was going to be picked based on conversations I had with scouts that day. I ended up shutting my laptop after the 32nd round because it was getting too stressful at that point. Of course, I was picked in the 33rd round. I was more emotional than I have ever been in my life. To this day, that is one of the most special moments in my life.”

Jacques’ journey to the MLB was not an easy one, as he was not highly recruited out of high school, or coming to college to play baseball.

Former head coach of the Jaspers, Jim Duffy, spoke to The Quadrangle about Jacques’ journey to collegiate ball.

“He took a leap of faith coming to Manhattan College,” Duffy said. “One of the really big parts of Joe Jacques’ story is that he wasn’t highly recruited even to come. I have to admit, I didn’t go out and recruit Joe Jacques and watch him pitch in high school.”

Despite not actively recruiting Jacques, Duffy knew of Jacques because of his location.

“I knew who he was, I knew where he was from and his high school,” Duffy said. “He went to Red Bank Regional High School, which is fairly close to where I live…I think I saw him pitch once.”

Playing baseball at Manhattan is something that Jacques had on his mind since the day he stepped foot on campus.

“[Jacques] showed up at the baseball office the first day of class when he was a freshman at Manhattan. He enrolled at Manhattan College as an accounting major on his own and showed up and said, ‘My name is Joe Jacques. I want to try out for the baseball team.’ I told him, hey, I know who you are and I’m thrilled that you’re

here and he went through the tryout process… and he makes the team as a freshman.”

Jacques took Manhattan by storm in his first year with the Jaspers as he started on the mound for game two of the MAAC tournament in the Jaspers’ biggest game of the year. Although that was a major moment in his first year, it was difficult for Jacques to pick one moment during his time with the Jaspers to label his favorite moment. After some thought, Jacques labeled it down to one moment.

“That’s tough because my years in Manhattan were some of the best years of my life,” Jacques wrote in an email. “Personally, a moment I look back on often is when we beat Monmouth in the MAAC playoffs my junior year. I grew up in Monmouth County, right in their backyard, and never received any interest from them. I ended up pitching the best game of my career that day. It felt good being able to stick it to them and show them what they could have had.”

Being drafted into the league means a lot of players as they finally get the chance to prove themselves in the major leagues, and it was no different for Jacques.

“It was something I worked towards every day, so it was a very surreal accomplishment to achieve,” Jacques wrote. “Beginning my journey as a true walk-on at Manhattan and turning into becoming a draft pick, made it just that much more meaningful.”

Duffy’s reaction was filled with emotions as a player he coached was drafted into such a historic organization.

“I was just thrilled,” Duffy said. “I was not shocked. I know his potential. I know the type of kid that he is. He’s always been a professional, even in college. He’s always carried himself like a pro. He’s worked like a pro. He’s trained like a pro. That’s where he belongs. So just happy for him and his family. To be honest, I wasn’t overly surprised.”

Support is also rolling in from current head coach David Miller, as he also knows what it is like to be selected in the rule 5 draft.

“I am very excited for Joe,” Miller said. “Being selected in the Rule Five draft with the Boston Red Sox is an honor that required a lot of hard work and dedication. I didn’t have the pleasure of coaching this young man at Manhattan but look forward to following his

career and meeting him soon. As a former Rule Five draft pick myself, I understand what Joe is about to go through over this upcoming spring training and I wish him nothing but the best. The Jaspers are rooting for you”.

There is no greater feeling for a coach to watch his players succeed in higher levels of their sport. Duffy spoke about what this meant for him.

“It’s great,” Duffy said. “That’s the best feeling as a collegiate coach, to see the players that have come through your program, and then to go on to higher levels on their own in professional baseball, it’s it’s a proud moment for me and I appreciate what he’s doing because it does have a positive emotional effect on myself and it’s very reflective of the Manhattan program which I’m really happy about.”

Jacques’ professional career started in 2018. Since

then Jacques has played in 123 games for multiple clubs, pitched an ERA (earned run average) of 3.71, pitched 182 innings, won 12 games and lost eight and totaled 187 strikeouts.

Jacques goes to the Red Sox intending to be a reliable pitcher for the Red Sox and someone who Alex Cora feels comfortable with in tough situations.

“The goal is to be able to be a reliable pitcher out of the bullpen, where Alex Cora wants to put the ball in my hand with the game on the line,” Jacques said. “I have prided myself on being dependable throughout my career, and I plan on continuing to do that in Boston.”

Jacques being drafted is not only big for Manhattan but also for the MAAC conference. Jacques and Duffy both spoke on what this means for the MAAC.

“I think it’s a great reflection

@GOJASPERS/COURTESY

of Manhattan College Baseball and is a great reflection of the MAAC conference,” Duffy said.

“Sometimes you don’t have to go to a big, huge high-level, power five programs school to attain your goals. The MAAC conference is an extremely competitive baseball conference. With extremely high-level academic institutions. So you can have your cake and eat it too in the MAAC. Joe Jacques is a great example. You can come to earn your degree, do it close to home, get drafted, go on to pro, and have a chance to play in the Major Leagues.”

“The MAAC has gotten a lot more attention and respect over the last few years because of the handful of draft picks it’s had,” Jacques wrote. “It’s always good to be able to represent a smaller conference and help put them on the map more.”

Manhattan College Alum Joe Jacques was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the Rule 5 draft.

The Season is Not Over For Manhattan’s Women’s Basketball Team, Despite Current Standing

Maddie Mulkigan Senior Writer

After an upset win against the current second seed Siena, the Manhattan College Women’s Basketball team remains stuck at the bottom of the MAAC rankings as they approach the second half of their season. While the Lady J’s can’t seem to set their footing during MAAC conference play, the team is motivated to use a chip on their shoulder to determine what the outcome of their season will be.

“Flat out, we’re all competitors,” head coach Heather Vulin said. “Nobody’s happy to be in any place besides one. It is what it is. It’s unfortunate that we are placed where we are right now. As I’ve said, in many interviews before, the best thing about this game is that there are opportunities, upon opportunities upon opportunities, we will have a chance to, you know, rise in the ranks.”

While the eighth-place standing is looming in the distance as the Jaspers approach the second half of MAAC play, the win against Siena was the best chance that the team has

had in proving their skill and ability to the rest of the conference.

“That was sort of a statement game for us,” Dee Dee Davis said. “Going into that game Siena was, I think the number one team in our conference, they were tremendous on the offensive rebounding category, rebounding in general senior. We were firing on all cylinders. So it was really nice to put it all together for 40 minutes and sort of send a message to everyone else saying, you know, what those rankings mean? Nothing. But on a good day, this is how good we can be.”

While the team has maintained a positive attitude through the devastating losses they’ve faced, they are not ignoring the basketball tactics that they need to improve on.

“An issue we’ve had this year is just valuing the basketball,” Vulin said. “I really feel a number of our losses could have been wins if we had done a better job of valuing the basketball. I think that’s something that we’ve been getting better with every game. I think we definitely have the talent and the framework to win back games and compete for a cham-

pionship. But it comes down to execution.”

Coach Vulin and the rest of the team are looking to take the momentum that the Siena game provided them with and apply it to the problems that are evident on the court in the losses that they’ve faced. However, some of these issues are out of the team’s control.

“One of the things that I’m really proud about this group is we’ve had a lot of adversity with some injuries this year,” Vulin said. “I’ve been holding them accountable to not blame the injuries, but even with those injuries, we still need to find a way to win. It just means a lot to me, you know, seeing that they understand that and that we’re going to figure out how to, you know, win these games with whatever people are eligible to play.”

Despite the number of injuries that the Jaspers faced so far this season, Davis has remained a consistent performer

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on the court and there was no stopping her against Siena. She scored a career-high 37 points in her 35 minutes of play, which led to her earning both titles of MAAC Player of the Week and Metropolitan Player of the Week. When it comes down to the moments that the Lady J’s need her most, Davis is always ready to step up to the plate.

“I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t feel any pressure at all, at any point during this season,” Davis said. “But in a way, I’m trying to shift my mindset to believe that it’s good pressure. It’s respect, you know, people believe in me, and I’m very, very happy to be in a position and a part of a program that believes in me so much that they want me to do well. I would say, you know, I do feel somewhat pressure, but at the end of the day, it’s for good reasons. And I’m very, very grateful and appreciative to feel the pressure that I do.”

With Davis putting up per-

sonal records and sweeping every individual title in the Tri-State area this past week, it is clear that she and the rest of the Jaspers are not satisfied with their season just yet. If the team can display a performance as they did against Siena, the MAAC is going to have a lot to worry about when it comes time for playoffs. Even with the team currently in eighth place, Jasper fans should remain excited about what’s to come in the second half of the 20222023 season.

“In the end, your ranking doesn’t matter at the championship game, and you’re still going to play a good opponent,” senior Jade Blagrove said. “So you just have to be able to beat everybody. We need to play with a chip on our shoulders. You need to be ready to beat everybody because other teams are also ready to beat us and we’ve just got to prove that we’re better.”

Dee Dee Davis and Emily LaPointe in the free game. GOJASPERS/COURTESY

Dee Dee Davis (1), Emily LaPointe (11), and Anne Bair (2) take the court against the Siena Saints.