Issue 2, Spring 2020 - The Quadrangle

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Volume CI, Issue 2

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NEW YORK, JANUARY 28, 2020

Changes to Access Control Implemented for Spring Semester Jessica McKenzie & RJ Giannachi Asst. Features Editor & Contributor

ResLife Responds Students may now sign in three day guests at a time, an increase from last semester’s limit.

LAUREN SCHUSTER/ THE QUADRANGLE

Manhattan Kicks off Election Year With ‘All In’ Bronze Award Pete Janny & Anna Woods

Sports Editor & Asst. News Editor

Manhattan College was recently awarded a bronze award for its performance in the “All In” Campus Democracy Challenge.

This challenge is open to any accredited, degree-granting, post-secondary institution that aspires to enhance the political engagement of its students. The central purpose of the initiative is to give students the tools they need to become as politically conscious as possible both during their time in college and after graduation.

The best indicator of a school’s performance in this undertaking is the rate at which its students turn out to vote.

To enter the competition, each school must first fulfill a list of minor requirements.

First, the school must select a primary contact from their own administration to repre-

IN NEWS:

Leo Fire Alarms Interrupt Class Time on p. 3

sent them. After doing this, each school is then required to assemble a committee made up of representatives from the most important groups on campus, including the student body and senior administration.

From there, each school must formulate an action plan that outlines the steps they will take to bolster voter turnout and overall political engagement among students. All schools that participate are recognized, however, only institutions that record voting rates of 50 percent or higher earn a platinum seal, which is the highest distinction.

Manhattan was honored with a bronze seal as a result of their voter participation falling somewhere between 20 to 29 percent of students for the 2018 midterm elections. Manhattan was one of 31 institutions to receive the Bronze Seal, with some of the other notable honorees being SUNY Cortland, SUNY Oswego, and the University at Albany. There are three seals better than bronze: silver, goal, and platinum.

IN FEATURES: Catch Up on Winter Break L.O.V.E. Trips on p.6

Manhattan’s 2018 Democratic Engagement Action Plan, which is located on the “All In” website, details the concrete ways in which the school has increased political awareness on campus. Their plan was developed on the basis of three goals: register unregistered students, make it easier for students to vote, and motivate students to vote.

The document of the plan, which dates all the way back to October 31st, 2018, at one point states, “Last year we set up registration tables on several occasions, and this fall we are doing it again… In the longer term, we hope to talk with the administration about the best way to make registration easily available to every student.”

One student who has a firsthand experience of trying to convince more students to register is Chelsey Leveque. Her appreciation for voting is best captured when she’s working at one of the registration tables __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Residence Life has adjusted some regulations to the access control policy for spring semester. An email was sent to all Manhattan College students on Jan. 13 describing the revisions to the policy, effective immediately.

In addition to students now being able to host day guests between 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, they are also allowed to host three day guests instead of two.

Overnight guests are no longer required to carry paper passes with them at all times during their time on campus.

MC students are still required to submit overnight guest requests on the MyHousing Portal within 24 hours of the guest’s stay. A list of approved guests is provided to Public Safety and the Residence Life staff.

Despite the adjustments to access control, some students still feel that portions of the policy need to be modified. “[Residence Life] should let people who live in the other buildings spend the night in other buildings without the hassle. They should still need to sign in, but they shouldn’t need [24 hour] prior notice.

They still pay to go here,” said Tucker Pellegrino, a sophomore political science major.

Over the past semester, the board of student government held multiple meetings with the Residence Life administration.

The student government presented feedback from the student body, constructing open discussions about how access control could be made more accepted on campus.

“When access control was

IN A&E:

Learn How To Decorate Your Dorm on p. 9

first implemented [fall 2019], there was a lot of push back from the student body … we had been working with administration to make some changes,” said Luke Malpica, senior civil engineering major and Assistant Vice President of Residential Affairs.

Malpica has been involved with Residence Life since his junior year when he worked as an RA. Over the past two years, he has witnessed Manhattan College’s access control policy change dramatically.

Until fall 2019, all students with Manhattan College Identification held access to any dorm building on campus, whether or not they lived there.

Access control now only grants them entrance to the building in which they live, unless they are hosted and signed in by a resident of another building.

“I think a lot of [student complaints] were due to the initial shock of losing a certain aspect of our freedom. At the end of the day … it’s just as much of a safety concern as it is anything else,” Malpica said.

Students are no longer allowed to scan their Manhattan College app on their phones for building access. Students often violated the app by sending screenshots of the electronic ID to non-MC students, and now must carry their ID cards at all times.

“Scanning [my phone] was so easy and flexible, I didn’t need to worry about having my ID,” said senior Tuuli Menna, finance major.

While many MC students are not fully satisfied with the implements, anonymous surveys concerning student opinion on access control have been sent in a school-wide email.

These surveys are typically conducted every three years. __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

IN SPORTS:

Fresh Air Fund Recognized at Basketball Game on p. 11

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the Quadrangle Volume CI, Issue 2 JANUARY 28, 2020

The Editorial Board Gabriella DePinho Editor-in-Chief

Maria Thomas News Editor

Nicole Fitzsimmons Anna Woods Asst. News Editors

Alexa Schmidt Arts & Entertainment Editor Managing Editor

Jilleen Barrett Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor

Christine Nappi Features Editor

Jessica McKenzie Asst. Features Editor

Pete Janny Sports Editor Managing Editor

Caroline McCarthy Asst. Sports Editor

C. Garrett Keidel Social Media Editor

Samantha Walla Production Manager

Brian Asare Photography Editor

Sophia Sakellariou Production Editor

Emily Hollar Asst. Photography Editor Asst. Production Editor

Kelly Kennedy Nicole Rodriguez 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 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.

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.

THE QUADRANGLE

Manhattan Wins ‘All In’ Bronze Award for Voter Turnout __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 on campus.

“Throughout the semester, I run the voter registration table for the Social Action Suite at various hotspots on campus.

From the entrance of Thomas Hall to the ground floor of the Commons, you would most likely find me asking students if they’re registered to vote or aware of how the voting process operates -- just to get their attention. At my table, you would find informative sheets that summarize the basics of voting and explain reasons to register, as well as sample ballots to give students a first-hand view of what they can expect on Election Day,” Leveque said.

From her own experiences on campus, Leveque views the student responses to the measures being taken as nothing short of an enigma.

“Based on tabling alone, the school’s level of engagement seems to be moderate to some extent,” Leveque said. “Most days students walk by me with an affirmative expression and pick up a few flyers, while others avoid eye contact entirely, completely uninterested in anything political.”

Margaret Groarke, PhD., an associate professor of political science, whose work is dedicated to community organizing and voter registration, has been working on increasing turnout on campus.

Groarke touted one particular meeting in which members of the school administration came together to brainstorm about how to best prepare students for the upcoming election.

“We had a meeting with some staff and a bunch of students and we kind of talked about three things. Helping people overcome the obstacles, like ‘How do I register?’ And the

really hard thing, ‘How do I get an absentee ballot?’ ... Secondly, making sure people know enough about the election that they feel like they can sensibly cast a vote. Lastly, helping people understand how important it is; making people realize that it does matter whether or not you vote and that it’s a good thing to do. So we’re going to work on those three things,” Groarke said.

Leveque was also in attendance at that meeting and walked away feeling a lot more confident about the current state of political engagement at the school than she did prior to attending it.

“After having participated in the Voter Engagement Meeting held at the Social Action Suite -- it has widened my perception of how politically engaged many of the school’s faculty members and students are.

With more than 20 passionate individuals present, it was fascinating to see everyone come together to brainstorm ways to promote voter engagement on campus,” Leveque said.

Groarke was pleased with the news about the bronze medal because it is reflective of the progress that has been made over the last few years.

“22 percent might not sound like a very high percentage of turnout, but for midterm election ,which usually has lower turnout, it’s pretty good,” said Groarke.

She continued.

“Turnout had been 8 percent in 2014, during the last midterm election … so 22 percent is a big increase. However, there’s a lot of room for growth,” said Groarke.

Leveque has also taken solace in knowing that Manhattan is indeed improving the political scene on campus despite what her own personal experi-

ences have indicated at times.

“This recognition in itself indicates how eager, engaged, and politically aware our Jasper community is. It’s encouraging to learn that driven students expressed their dedication to voter engagement in this way,” Leveque said of the bronze seal achievement. “ I truly believe that activities like this should be organized and advertised more expansively, in order to get other students involved and excited about the political process.”

Izzy Frazza, Vice President for the freshmen class echoed those sentiments.

“I think that the Quad covering this topic is a terrific step towards ensuring that students are aware of the upcoming election and their ability to participate in it. I would suggest more lectures and opportunities for open conversations here on campus, said Frazza.”

Looking forward to the presidential election at the end of the year, Leveque hopes the school takes the necessary steps to inform students about every candidate running. After all, if the school runs the risk of not organizing events that help educate voters, there may end up being a sentiment of indifference among students toward the outcome of the election.

“I think the most important thing our school can do is to further educate the student body on the background and beliefs of the candidates that are up for election. The main reason why a lot of young adults don’t vote is that they don’t understand who they are voting for and why they’re doing it. As opposed to entering their polling site with a blind eye, Manhattan College should equip students with the information necessary to fully understand what every candidate stands for,” Leveque said.

CORRECT IONS Last week’s Men’s Basketball score was incorrectly reported at Manhattan 65, Monmouth 58. The correct score was Monmouth 65, Manhattan 58.

Michael Bennet’s percentage of the polling numbers was 1 percent, which was misrepresented in he January 21 edition of Manhattan Caucus.

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SUBMIT YOUR OWN LET T ER 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.

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JANUARY 28, 2020

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Changes to Access Control Implemented __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Complaints can also be submitted through the senate’s anonymous complaint box or during assembly meetings which are held every other Wednesday.

“There have been significant changes [to access con-

trol] and I recognize that, but we are now more in line with [the access control policies] of other colleges,” said Charles Clency, who has been director of Residence Life at MC for just over a year, and has worked in Residence Life at various other colleges for 26 years.

Clency hopes that with the

new policy of allowing students to host three day guests, the lives of students will be enhanced holistically.

“Conduct [violations] had dropped pretty significantly from implementing access control … [MC students] aren’t guests, this is their campus, and they are welcome in the

buildings, but we also want them to conduct themselves properly because we want the buildings to be taken care of.

Knowing who’s in the buildings helps us to be more safe and more secure,” Clency said.

Even though there are no planned further changes to the access control policy for

this semester, students are still encouraged to voice their opinions on the subject matter.

“There is always room for improvement with any policy.

If [students] are having issues with access control, please voice those issues and we’ll open the dialogue again,” said Malpica.

False Alarms in Leo Frustrate Faculty Sophia Sakelleriou Production Editor

A fire alarm wails with the shriek of warning that danger is near, yet the classroom of Dr. Michael Plugh’s senior seminar class does not move from their seats. The door is closed to block out the sound as the alarm continues to wail and Plugh continues to teach.

This is the new norm in the Leo building. The frequent triggering of alarms have deemed routine evacuation not necessary and other professors are in agreement with Plugh’s actions.

The Leo Engineering Building of Manhattan College’s south campus has experienced several disturbances from fire alarm systems in the past few years. From multiple alarms going off in one day to flashing lights remaining on for hours at a time, these alarms disrupt the college’s learning environment and faculty and students alike are fed up.

“I can’t even count the number of times [the alarms have gone off], but certainly several times a year. You’ll have an alarm go off and then it’ll go back on again. Students stand up and sit down and leave the room and go back in the room,” said Plugh, a professor of communication at Manhattan. “We always move to evacuate, we sometimes pause in the hallway to see what other people or doing or hear if anyone’s calling out false alarm, but we eventually leave unless it gets turned off.”

Plugh’s colleagues within the communication department have echoed his sentiments.

The communication department office is located near the Corlear entrance of the Leo Engineering Building. Dr. Robert Coleman, a professor of communication, and Kaitlin Scheie, an administrative assistant, work within that department all year round and both agreed that the problem has worsened since construction on the south campus started in 2017.

“In the beginning [the department] would go out and ask the Dean’s office and

they wouldn’t know. Everyone would start evacuating and then we would be told that it’s just a false alarm, but nobody came around telling us that there was gonna be fire alarms,” Scheie said. “Some days we would get a heads up like literally one time the guy popped in and said there’s gonna be a fire drill and I told the office and the fire alarm went off with one minute notice and there’s classes going on.”

However, Coleman argued that being notified is “the exception not the rule,” going so far as to say that the times they’ve been notified that there’s going to be a fire alarm is probably one out of 50 times that the fire alarm went off.

“On some occasions, the fire alarm would not only go off once a week, but multiple times in one day. There were times when the fire alarm went off four to five separate occasions in one day,” Coleman said.

Coleman also said that the alarms have gone off at least 50 to 60 times in the past year and a half alone. Yet, Scheie thinks it is much more than that and the problem disrupted her work all summer long.

“The strobes could go off for hours,” Coleman said. “As a matter of fact, last week when I had class in the computer lab the fire alarm went off, of course as usual. The alarm was silent, but the strobe went off and it is in fron to my computer classroom in front of all my students. With that strobe going off its really terrible. You can get a seizure from it, I’m serious, or you can at least get headaches.”

Many members of the Manhattan College community who frequent south campus point to the ongoing construction as the cause of the problem. In late 2016, the college announced plans to renovate its south campus. This includes the Leo Engineering Building, RLC and the Mahan Physical Plant Complex as well as the adjacent area between West 238th and West 240th Street.

Dr. Plugh explained that fire alarms have been disruptive since he arrived at the college

in the fall of 2016, but noticed the problem has worsened since construction started.

“Since construction started [the disruptions] have gotten worse, but at least that’s a thing I would be alarmed by. I know there’s construction going on next door so the possibility of some sort of hazard is very real,” Plugh said. “This makes it even more frustrating when they happen accidentally all the time, since I know that [the alarms] could be real in a way that they weren’t before.”

Fire alarms are understandable when necessary. After all, their purpose is to alert people of danger so they can move to safety in a timely fashion. However, their frequency and irregularity have decreased reaction time, even during drills when the college community should be reacting as they would in the case of a real fire so they are prepared when one occurs.

The south campus construction was overseen by Andrew Ryan, the college’s vice president of facilities for 11 years.

He oversaw the construction of the Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons, the Patricia and Neil Higgins ’62 Engineering

and Science Center, and major renovations to Leo, De La Salle Hall, and Smith Hall.

However, Ryan stepped down this past year, leaving the position void. Matthew McManness, Manhattan College’s vice president of finance, is serving in an interim role with the facilities team until a new hire is found and must deal with these challenges in his wake. One of which is the fire alarm situation on south campus.

“We are very aware of the disruptions. Each of the disruptions are handled expeditiously and thoroughly reviewed. It’s important to note that we are attempting to do major renovation work while the facility is being used and therefore, some disruptions will occur,” McManness said via email.

The construction environment has created several triggers for the alarm systems.

“The cause of the disruptions vary. One alarm was triggered by dust outside the building entering an open window. Another alarm was due to a leak that shorted out a device that causes the alarm to be tripped. There have been some alarms triggered by ac-

cident when operating the fire alarm panel,” McManness said.

“In all, we have attempted to keep the disruptions as minimal as possible. The system is new and has required followup training by the school personnel operating it. Each alarm is taken seriously and steps are taken to prevent repeat occurrences.”

McManness said via email that the project managers on the construction indicated that there have been no further fire alarm disruptions since the fall 2019 term.

Scheie recalled only one incident over the break where an alarm went off without a warning, and the department was informed that it was just a test and they did not have to evacuate. Aside from that, she noted that the disruptions have greatly diminished and, along with other members of the department, hopes it stays that way.

“It’s a real phenomenon that’s affecting us in this building because at a certain point you stop believing there’s a fire and you linger, and that’s a big problem,” Plugh said.

Construction on Manhattan’s South Campus is projected to be finished by Fall 2020.

SOPHIA SAKELLERIOU / COURTESY

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News

THE QUADRANGLE

manhattan

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Caucus

In Unprecedented Move, New York Times Endorses Two Candidates for President Rose Brennan & Megan Dreher Senior Writers

For the first time in history, the New York Times formally endorsed two Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election on Jan. 19. And, also for the first time in history, both of the selected candidates were women.

Among the still-crowded field of 12 candidates for the Democratic nomination, two candidates in particular caught the eye of the editorial board of the New York Times. Those candidates were Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

The New York Times has endorsed presidential candidates as far back as 1860 with the endorsement of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Since then, the Times has endorsed 40 candidates for the general election, and 24 of those 40 have gone on to win and hold office.

While the incumbent President is a member of the Republican party, the Times has not endorsed a Republican

candidate for the general since 1956, showing favor to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower over Democratic candidate Adlai E. Stevenson. While these endorsements are for the Democratic primary, they offer insight as to where the Times editorial board is leaning for a candidate in the general election.

Members of the Manhattan College community expressed mixed reactions to the Times’ endorsements. Camryn Kidney ‘21 is a native of Massachusetts and while she has been a supporter of Warren since her questioning of the current Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos at the senate confirmation hearing in 2017, she was impressed that both endorsed candidates were female.

“In terms of representation for women, I think that’s very important. Being able to see someone like yourself and say ‘Wow, people like me really can break glass ceilings as large as reaching the presidency’. But I also think that in different ways, Warren and Klobuchar really could be considered the strongest candidates, especially Klobuchar whose politics I agree with a little bit less but still she is the perfect candidate

for someone who wants someone more moderate like [Joe] Biden, but doesn’t want them with all of the baggage,” said Kidney.

Even still, Kidney has chosen to commit her support to Warren, who is comfortably coming in at third place in recent polls.

“She always seems up to date on what the big issues are right now. I think that really resonates with a lot of voters.

She is very open to learning and wants to listen to people, taking what they have to say and implementing it into their campaign. The more she does that the more support she’s going to garner,” said Kidney.

Jonathan Keller, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of political science at the college, and is much more skeptical of the dual endorsement by the Times. His belief is that the endorsements represent two different parts of the Democratic party, but ultimately the endorsements are and will continue to be meaningless for both Warren and Klobuchar in the candidacies.

“They want to represent the two parts of the party, Klobuchar is the centrist, moderate Democrat and Warren is the leftist progressive. In a

different era, it would be a big boon to both of them, especially Klobuchar who is not doing well in the polls. A lot of people think that if she could gain some momentum could actually do very well.”

When asked if this endorsement will do just that for Klobuchar, Keller answered no, for Klobuchar and Warren alike.

“We are living in a moment now where elite opinion is of much less value than it used to be. Institutions that carried a lot of legitimacy and weight, like the New York Times, were very valuable to have support from. When Barack Obama got that endorsement, it was very valuable because he was a somewhat unknown commodity, running against well known politicians. It’s not against the New York Times, it’s that we’re living in a total moment where elite, expert opinions from these institutions carry a lot less weight.”

With the Iowa caucus approaching, it is the support of local newspapers like the Des Moines Register and any New Hampshire newspapers that these candidates should be seeking support from, in Keller’s opinion, that will hold

any sort of weight. Even so, Keller calls this influence, or lack thereof, of journalistic or even political endorsements a “degradation of our respect for elite opinion.”

The Times’ editorial board first chose to elaborate on their decision to endorse Warren.

Calling her a “standard bearer for the Democratic left,” the New York Times highlighted Warren’s major strengths as a candidate, including her commitment to anti-corruption legislation and her serious plans for policy-making, calling upon her mantra of “I have a plan for that.”

Klobuchar, however, is a much more moderate candidate. The New York Times views her as a less polarizing candidate than those further to the left.

“Her lengthy tenure in the Senate and bipartisan credentials would make her a deal maker (a real one) and uniter for the wings of the party — and perhaps the nation,” the editorial said.

To close, the article simply said, “May the best woman win.”

Editor’s Note: Rose Brennan is also an editorial intern at The Riverdale Press.

Graphics by Samantha Walla

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JANUARY 28, 2020

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Peer Ministry Aiming to Grow Across Campus for Spring Semester Jessica McKenzie Asst. Features Editor

In September 2018, Campus Ministry and Social Action (CMSA) welcomed Peer Ministry program onto campus. The program started with the work of Fr. Tom Franks and Kaitlyn von Runnen, a senior at the time. It continues to evolve and grow, encouraging students of any background and any belief to join the group.

Peer Ministry focuses heavily on evoking meaningful and intentional conversations for the students within it, much like the other clubs on campus that the CMSA works with, such as Agape Latte or service immersion social justice L.O.V.E. trips.

“We decided that we needed to grow a space on campus where peers can have these deep conversations in an intimate, safe and brave space, so that they can talk to each other without fear or shame,” said Conor Reidy, who works closely with CMSA at Manhattan as a faculty member.

Peer Ministry holds many events to reach out to the community, especially spiritual excursions. Last semester, Peer Ministry visited Christ Church in Riverdale and walked their labyrinth to think and reflect on their lives. This semester, Peer Ministry is invited to attend a talk at Fordham University with Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest who wrote the book, “Barking to the Choir.”

Peer Ministry has partici-

pated in events to help the less fortunate such as the Midnight Run, in which students make sandwiches and bring them to people experiencing homelessness at night.

“It’s really nice when you give food to someone in need.

They’re really happy. For me, it’s been great to give back,” said Christina Collado, a sophomore mechanical engineering major.

In addition to being an active member of Peer Ministry, Collado also serves as a sacristan for every Sunday church service on campus.

Peer Ministry at MC is making an effort to follow in the footsteps of the peer ministry program at Providence College, which has hundreds of members on their campus. For

each year a student attends the Peer Ministry program during their college career, they focus on different themes and goals.

Freshman year encourages socialization, sophomore and junior year encourage spirituality, and senior year focuses on community service.

Though Peer Ministry does include some religious aspects in discussion, students of any or no faith are welcome to join.

“You have to enter these spaces, whether it be as a person of faith and a person who may not be of that faith, open to having conversations that cross boundaries and borders,” Reidy said. “We have conversations about who we are, so that students are respectful and understanding of each other,” Reidy said.

Peer Ministry at MC meets Wednesdays, 12-1:30 p.m. in Cornerstone, Miguel 209. The first meeting is scheduled to be Feb. 12.

“I feel like [Peer Ministry] has a really strong, tight-knit community. It’s a small group but a good one because we all know each other and we’re not afraid to breach the topics that we discuss,” said Jeremy Capuder, a junior computer science major and peer minister of the group.

A Peer Ministry open house is being held Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Miguel 216, and Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 12-1p.m. in Miguel 209.

Local Café Brings A Relaxing Vibe to the Manhattan College Community Gillian Puma Senior Writer

From Starbucks to Dunkin Donuts, students have a multitude of coffee shop options to get through their day. While other students may resort to local delis for their coffee run, one local cafe has brought a new setting to the typical coffee run.

Located on 234 W. and 238th St. is a small cafe known as Mon Amour. The cafe offers a variety of beverages served hot or cold as well as food options such as baked goods, breakfast foods, salads, flatbreads, pizzettes, paninis and desserts. However, what makes Mon Amour stand out from the typical cafe setting is that they offer a variety of wine and beers for their customers as well.

The cafe was opened by Jeffrey Garcia in November 2015.

Garcia owns the cafe alongside his wife, Yahaira. They can both be seen working at the cafe at different times.

“Initially my partner and I who opened up this place noticed there was a deficiency in the area with coffee shops,” Garcia said.

The cafe was originally supposed to be a wine bar, but when Garcia went to see other restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn he realized coffee and wine were a good mix.

“We figured why not do the coffee in the morning and transition into wine and beer in the evening,” Garcia said.

Garcia also shared his experience in the restaurant industry.

“I worked in a restaurant when I was younger. I was a bar-back and a bus-boy and things like that. But I never cooked other than cooking at home or cooking for myself,” Garcia said. “I like the kitchen and inventing new things.”

One of the sandwiches on Mon Amour’s menu is one of Garcia’s original creations known as “The Jeff.” It is one of Mon Amour’s popular breakfast sandwiches.

Mon Amour’s menu is also growing in variety, with the intention to add new salads on the menu. This past summer the cafe added smoothies to their menu.

“We didn’t think it was going to be that busy for the smoothies in the winter, but a lot of people kept coming in for it so we implemented it back into the menu,” Garcia said.

Garcia also discussed the design of the cafe’s interior.

“We try to create a place where people felt like they were walking into their home,’’ he said. “As you can see, we created an area like a living room where the TV is, and then the cooking area is like an open concept kitchen.”

The college community has also responded to Mon Amour’s services. In 2018, Assistant Director of Web Communications Christine Loughran named the cafe on a list titled “Riverdale’s Best Coffee For College Students On A Budget.” The list can be viewed on Manhattan’s

Mon Amour is located conveniently on 234 W. 238th St. GILLIAN PUMA / THE QUADRANGLE website.

Students have found comfort in the cafe for other purposes as well.

“It’s a great place to eat or even pick up something quick.

The prices are extremely negotiable and the food was very

good. The service was also extremely generous,” Senior Kristen Friedman said.

Rob Walsh, the college’s Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships, is also a regular at the cafe.

“Those in the Manhattan

College community who have discovered this neighborhood gem enjoy a comfortable place, good food and pastries, and a great cup of coffee,” Walsh said. “Those who haven’t been there yet are really missing out.”

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THE QUADRANGLE

Making a Difference T L.O.V.E Nicole Rodriguez & Maria Thomas Asst. Production Editor & News Editor

During Winter break, three groups of students travelled to three distinct cities to spread love through acts of service.

The Lasallian Outreach Volunteer Experience (L.O.V.E) is a program stemming from the Social Action Suite in Kelly Commons. The program is an immersive experience which promotes the Lasallian mission of concern for the poor and social justice.

This winter, the three groups went to New Orleans, Lousianna, El Paso, Texas and Flint Michigan.

Students are asked to give up their phones and be present in each moment, embracing the immersive nature of this experience. Those who attend L.O.V.E. have the unique opportunity to learn about different cultures in a hands-on way.

Students who are going on a L.O.V.E. trip spend months preparing and fundraising. It is clear that the students who visited New Orleans, El Paso and Flint found the hard work and preparation to be well worth it.

New Orleans Annie Arriviello, a freshman marketing major, was one of seven people on the New Orleans L.O.V.E. trip. It was Arriviello’s first L.O.V.E trip, and she would not change a thing about the experience.

“Going on the L.O.V.E New Orleans trip was one of the best experiences of my life. The city of New Orleans is so beautiful.

On our trip, we learned a lot about social and racial injustice. We visited countless nonprofits and spoke with so many different people about political issues. This trip inspired me to be an active member of my community and volunteer around NY. For anyone looking into going on a L.O.V.E trip, I highly recommend it. You’ll come back a better person than you left,” Arriviello said.

Arriviello said one of the most special parts of the trip was unplugging from technology and social media.

“We actually didn’t use our phones on the trip. We were practicing simple living, which was one of my favorite parts. It was so nice to be so present,” Arriviello said.

Camryn Holly, a junior communication major, said, “I was inspired to participate in a L.O.V.E. trip because a lot of my close friends have either gone on multiple L.O.V.E. trips or led them and came away with a lot of positive things to say about them, so I wanted to experience one for myself.”

Camryn describes that the main focus of the trip was to work with those on cleaning up the social and environmental effects of Hurricane Katrina.

“For the week that I was in New Orleans, myself and my team met with lots of local grassroots organizations and talked to them about their experiences. Most of them were fighting for things like envi-

Large oak trees such as this one are a trademark of New Orleans.

ALANA PONS/ COURTESY

Camryn Holly, Annie Arriviello, Olivia Stewart and Stephanie Zandel pose for a picture.

ALANA PONS / COURTESY ronmental and racial justice, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” Holly said.

Holly walked away from the experience understanding the mission of a L.O.V.E trip: to be immersed.

“It’s one thing to read about [Hurricane Katrina] and hear about it growing up, but it’s another thing completely to sit down with community members who have actually lived through it and talk to them about what it felt like and what they are aiming to accomplish going forward. And not only that, but how these systematic injustices were already so prevalent before Hurricane Katrina, and how the storm highlighted those injustices” Holly said.

When looking back on her experience, Holly encourages everyone to participate in a

L.O.V.E trip.

“It really made me think deeply, not only about the systematic issues the community faced in New Orleans, but also how a lot of those same issues take place here in the Bronx as well, just in a different context,” Holly said. “I think it’s really valuable to have an experience not only where you’re learning so much and experiencing a new place, but where you can also apply it to life when you return to campus.”

El Paso The El Paso L.O.V.E. trip provided student participants with the opportunity to experience the El Paso and Ciudad Juàrez borderland through visits to local nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Students also gained a

better understanding of the harsh realities of those impacted by living in the borderland through listening to their stories.

Senior education major Danielle Rivas was among the student participants on the El Paso trip this winter break.

“The experience was honestly different than anything I’ve ever done before,” Rivas said. “We were able to visit with individuals, like border patrol and immigration lawyers, to learn more about immigration in addition to getting to see firsthand what the situation actually is.”

By meeting with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, participants learned more about the complexities of immigration law, and that migration is not simply a black

Features

JANUARY 28, 2020

7

Through Winter Break E.Trips and white issue.

Sophomore history and peace and justice major Eunice Nazar further expanded on this idea.

“We were able to meet with many non profit organizations who shared a common goal, yet it was very interesting to see the many different strategies they took in terms of achieving it ––while one organization took a legal approach, another focused on providing shelter and another focused on teaching immigrants their rights through community organizing,” Nazar said. “They taught us the complexities of immigration law. We were able to experience how it felt to cross the border and we were able to better understand the true struggles many asylum seekers and undocumented individuals face,” Nazar said.

Nazar described herself as being blessed enough to have partaken in the El Paso L.O.V.E. trip.

“From learning deeper about migration issues, to meeting amazing advocates and making new friends, this trip was such a great experience. This trip helps to shape you as an individual and as

an advocate. It truly showed me the beauty of what happens when communities work together towards fighting for those struggling to be heard,” Nazar said. “This trip has further taught me that there are many strategies one can take in order to contribute and fight against the injustices that are occurring.”

Nazar aspires to lead a L.O.V.E. trip in the near future herself and encourages anyone interested to partake in this monumental experience.

“I wish everyone can take part in this experience. It’s one thing to learn from textbooks, it’s another to hear someones story firsthand. One of the ladies from the organizations said something that is so true––seeing is revolutionary. So go and see,” Nazar said.”

Flint Co-leaders Jana Clark and Brianna Remache led this year’s L.O.V.E. trip to Flint over winter break. The team composed of six other Manhattan College students and supervisor Rachel Bowers. The group applied their passions for environmental justice work as they explored the water crisis that

A statue at a museum of Mardi Gras Indian culture.

ALANA PONS / COURTESY

Olivia Stuart and Annie Arriviello stand in front of a mural in a sculpture garden.

ALANA PONS / COURTESY has burdened the city of Flint, and its intersections with race and poverty.

Throughout the duration of this service immersion trip, students were able to engage with local community partner organizations such as Genesee County Habitat for Humanity, Flint Development Center, Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village and St. Luke’s N.E.W. Life Center. Students also had the opportunity to meet with the newly-elected mayor of Flint and experience Flint’s history and culture by visiting the Flint Institute of Arts as well as the infamous Flint Farmers Market. In addition, they attended a local community college basketball game, volunteering at a public charter school and listened to guest speakers at the Firestone Center where they stayed.

Clark described the most rewarding aspect of the trip to be seeing the experience come together as a whole.

“Going on such an experience requires at least a semester of preparation, whether that means attending training, conducting weekly team meetings, hosting fundraisers, or preparing reflection materials to utilize during the trip itself,” Clark said. “In the end, every hour of work put in to make this trip happen was more than worth it, and I could not have done it without the aid of my co-leader and trip advisor,” Clark said.

While each L.O.V.E. trip is unique within itself, the strengthened drive to make a difference and inspire others to do the same is common among

all student participants.

Senior civil engineering major Miah Cohall, became extremely interested in learning about the water crisis and how this, among other issues such as job loss, population decline, and educational system failure, have directly affected the residents of the city.

“The whole trip was incredibly rewarding, as I felt that we truly did help the community partners that we worked with.

For example, at the Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village, we helped clean up the game room space and put together different game tables for the students to enjoy. Program Director Linnell McKenny was incredibly grateful for our help and stated that the room had looked the same since the summer, and would not have been changed without us. From our short time at the center, the room became functionable and was ready for students to enjoy and use for the start of the programs on Monday. Reactions like McKenny’s were seen by each community partner we worked with, and it felt amazing to be welcomed by the members of Flint in such a short amount of time, and assist with whatever needs were presented, in any way we could.

Flint is a city of extremely passionate and talented residents, who many are using their gifts to create positive change and help the next generation understand and utilize their full potential. Meeting such inspirational individuals reinstalled my hope for humanity, and provided me with more pas-

sion and purpose for my future career in environmental engineering,” Cohall said.

For junior civil engineering major Matt Sweeney, the Flint L.O.V.E. trip held a lasting impact.

“I believe that I was able to glean lessons from my experience that I hope to use in my future career endeavors, carrying forward the spirit of Flint to all that I do. We grew together as a team and I genuinely believe that everyone on my team are fantastic human beings that will make a tremendous impact in bettering our world for all. The same is to be said for the different folks we worked with in Flint. L.O.V.E. Flint has sealed for me a commitment to improving water quality around our nation and planet so that no person shall have to suffer from water-related diseases one day,” Sweeney said.

According to each student participant, L.O.V.E. trips are an experience that you will forever remember and cherish.

“I would strongly encourage everyone to participate in a L.O.V.E. trip because it is a truly unique experience unlike any other,” Clark said.

“These experiences encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and lean into discomfort; you won’t regret it. It is an opportunity to meet new people both from the college and from the community you will be immersed in for a week. No matter what your major or interests may be, there is something for everyone to learn and explore,” Clark said.

Arts & Entertainment

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THE QUADRANGLE

WRCM Ready to Rock the Block for Third Semester Gabriella DePinho & Pete Janny Editor-in-Chief & Sports Editor

As the spring semester starts and students get back into the groove of things, WRCM is keeping campus groovy. WRCM, Manhattan College’s radio station, is back for its third consecutive semester. While WRCM has already made impressive strides since its rebirth in Feb. 2018, the club has set their sights even higher this semester in hopes of furthering their reputation as one of the premier clubs on campus.

The high moment of WRCM’s successful comeback came last semester when the club’s total number of shows had ballooned to 52, a big jump up from the approximately 30 shows that were featured during the spring 2019 semester.

The increase in shows has given the radio station more versatility. Some find their niche with the station through their love of music; others use the club’s platform to jumpstart their own talk shows.

In the eyes of club leadership, it is the diversity that makes WRCM a natural fit on a college campus. ”Diversity is a big thing that stands out amongst our shows,” said junior Alyssa Tipton, who serves as WRCM’s Social Media Director and Graphic Designer. “You can never really get bored of listening to the station because all of the shows have their own unique style and theme to them.”

As WRCM’s Graphic Designer, Tipton has taken a lead role in creating the club’s merchandise collection, which is known for its colorful t-shirts and stickers. These unique items are staples around campus, worn to class and in Locke’s and slapped on students’ water bottles and laptops. These items have kindled a greater awareness among students of the growing popularity of WRCM. “I like being the graphic designer specifically because I get a lot of creative leeway as far as my designs for the station go,” Tipton said, whose other leadership responsibilities include managing the station’s Instagram account and helping format the website. ‘It’s really cool seeing people around campus wearing or showing off my merch, whether it be stickers or shirt.”

Every club has to do their part to ensure that they present themselves in the most

accurate light possible. One misconception about WRCM is that one’s involvement is conditional on prior experience with the equipment but new DJs quickly come to learn that is not the case.

“One thing I love about WRCM is how simple they make it to do something such as being on-air and hosting your own show,” freshman DJ Kaylin Flam said. “It’s something that anyone can learn how to do and it’s really easy to get the hang of.”

“The on-boarding process was pretty simple and quick.

The board does a great job running the station and effectively communicating with all the DJ’s,” said senior DJ Piotr Zarzecki, who got his start with the station after helping his friend and fraternity brother, Anthony Bradley, cover an extra time slot in the fall semester.

Being that WRCM is student-run, DJs have lot of freedom in how they run their shows.

“The name of my show this semester is “Conversations and Good Vibrations” which is the first show of the week on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. During the show I play music, which varies in genre, and either talk about little known facts or current interesting news. It’s just an hour where I hangout and entertain anybody willing to listen,” said Zarzecki.

Flam also plays a wide variety of music on her show “Treble Time,” and even provides analyses of each song.

“I do play a lot of songs from different genres and occasionally, I do artist profiles, where I talk a little bit about the artist in between playing their tracks throughout my time slot, which I want to do more of this semester,” Flam said.

This past semester freshmen Emily Daly and Emily Lavelle started their own show called “Em and Em” that is premised on their favorite rock music. In 2020, “Em and Em” will continue to prioritize rock music, but with a greater emphasis on live bands.

“Our show is almost entirely based around rock music through the ages, but we each have our own special preferences in the genre,” Daly said. “We want to keep the same genre base that we have going now but we want to include more live show experiences.”

While Flam, Daly, Lavelle all have many shows ahead of them being that they are still only freshmen, Zarzecki is on a countdown to his May graduation date.

“I decided to give WRCM

a try my senior year because I realized that outside of MC I wouldn’t have been able to have another opportunity to host a radio show. It’s been great seeing the students get really involved in the show and watching this part of student life really pick up steam. I think it’s a great outlet for creative Jaspers seeking something unique from their college experience,” he said.

While WRCM’s booth is located in the Research and Learning Center, club leadership is hoping to expand club reach beyond the booth. Tipton hinted that the college community will be in for some pleasant surprises this semester.

“We have a lot of different plans in motion so I don’t want to give everything away, but I think the main campus will hopefully be seeing a lot more of us this semester,” said Tipton.

Nevertheless, the club has already expanded in ways unanticipated by founding members. Tipton has been onboard since day one, giving her a heightened sense of pride of how far the station has come in such a short period of time.

“I feel like I was part of the club when it was still just an idea, and the founder, Sam Walla, my roommate, started actually putting everything in motion. We started out as just a small group of friends, and I certainly didn’t expect WRCM to be as big as it is now, but I can for sure say that it has exceeded my expectations,” said Tipton.

She continued.

“I think the reason why the station has become so successful is the amount of heart and dedication that goes into it. Ev-

TOP: WRCM streams out of The Research and Learning Center Monday through Friday.

BELOW: DJs are trained on soundboard and microphone operation before beginning their weekly broadcasting.

AEDAN RONEY / COURTESY

ery roadblock we faced we persisted through until eventually, we started gaining popularity and momentum throughout the campus. That is when the club started to grow into what it is now and the e-board grew from four people to 12.”

The shows are set to re-

sume on Monday, Jan. 27 and will be featured at a fixed time during each school week for the remainder of the semester.

There are 14 new shows slated to debut this semester.

Editor’s Note: Samantha Walla is the Production Manager of The Quadrangle

Arts & Entertainment

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Making your Dorm Room Home Maria Thomas News Editor

As the new semester kicks off after a long winter break, some on-campus residents of Manhattan College can start to feel homesick. After living with luxuries like space to move around, a private room and maybe even multiple bathrooms for nearly a month, it is normal for Jasper’s to feel cramped in a residence hall. Other students desire a change in their living environment. One way to battle these feelings is to make your dorm room feel like home.

Wall Art from the Heart Wall art can make or break a living space. What do you want to look at every day? Maybe it’s a picture of you and your family, or a tapestry of your favorite animal; find something that speaks to you in a positive way.

Embrace Less Space Having smaller living quar-

ters than you are used to can be a great motivator to get organized. Utilize storage bins to pack away items that you use less frequently. Consider installing bed risers to create more storage space in the room. ing

Get Lighting that’s Invit-

Lighting is so important. It sets the mood of a room. Dorm room lighting can be harsh and bright, whereas lighting from the right lamp can provide an inviting, golden hue to your room. Don’t be afraid to invest in multiple sources of light, because different lighting might be required for different things.

Cover the Floor + Home Decor Rugs, accent pillows, and throw blankets are great ways to dress up a space and add a personal flair to an otherwise uniform dorm room. Consider getting a rug to make the room feel more comfortable, even if

you’re living in a dorm with carpet floors. Accent pillows can tie a room theme together and add extra comfort.

Expel Bad Smells In small spaces, regular odors of food and shoes can be amplified. Candles are a safety hazard in dorm rooms, and room spray is typically a temporary fix, so a great way to freshen up your room is by investing in an essential oil diffuser. Simply add water and your essential oil of choice into the diffuser and experience its therapeutic effects as it deodorizes your room.

Saving Money in Spring 2020 Making your room look great doesn’t have to be expensive! Before you hit the mall, check discounted stores such as Home Goods, Marshall’s, and TJ Maxx. Consider heading into the city to scour vintage furniture stores for unique finds.

Essential oil diffusers are a safe, dorm-approved alternative to candles.

MARIA THOMAS / THE QUADRANGLE

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[ABOVE] Supplemental lighting can improve the overall mood of a dorm room.

[LEFT] Wall hangings such as tapestries cover cinderblocks and add personality.

MARIA THOMAS / THE QUADRANGLE -----------------------------------------------------

Join the Quadrangle

Weekly Open Meetings TUESDAYS @ 4 P.M. IN Kelly 412

Sports

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THE QUADRANGLE

2020 Super Bowl Predictions VOICES ON THE QUAD Next Sunday is arguably, one of the most popular sports games to watch during the year. This 2020 Super Bowl features the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are favored to win, but they will have to get past the 49er’s tough defense. Tune in for the football, for the half-time show, or just for the good old advertisements. Here’s a fun fact: if the 49ers win, they will move into a three-way tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins at six apiece. See what Manhattan College students have to say about the upcoming game.

Moira Delaney Senior Who are you rooting for this Super Bowl?

The 49ers are going to win this year because of how much they’ve improved this season, they have a great lineup and a strong defense, and they weren’t the team they were at the beginning of the season.

How do you plan on watching the game?

I’ll probably watch the game at an apartment with some friends and good food.

Eoghan McGee Senior

Peter Martino Senior

Who are you rooting for this Super Bowl?

Who are you rooting for this Super Bowl?

I believe that the 49ers are going to win the Super Bowl this year because they have the second best defense in the NFL and the Chiefs are really good, but they keep getting off to slow starts in the playoffs this year. So I really think that that’s going to happen again, which, when it comes to the Super Bowl, obviously, not the place you want that to happen, and against a team like the 49ers with an incredible defense. it’s very very hard to come back. But the 49ers have an amazing defense, a really good offense, and I think they’re just a better overall team. The 49ers are wearing white jerseys, which traditionally in recent history, if you wear the white jerseys you’re basically going to win the Super Bowl. I don’t know if that is just a coincidence but it’s been going on for like 10 to 15 years now it seems. So I think they gotluck on their side and they have skill on their side both offensively and defensively. And they have I think the better coach.

I’m a New York sports fan, so obviously I have no stake. I’ll probably root for the Chiefs just because I really like Patrick Mahomes, I think he’s a really good quarterback. The San Francisco 49ers also won a lot of Super Bowls, and the Chiefs have only won a couple, so let’s go for another one. I’m going off of players, who’ve won in the past, but I think the Chiefs will win. I think they have a better team, a better offense, but I’m not sure how their defense stacks up against the 49ers because they have a really good defense.

How do you plan on watching the game?

I’ll probably see what my friends are doing and go up to see my friends who live in Greystone.

How do you plan on watching the game?

I plan on going to my friend’s apartment to watch. Every year we try and do something, and now that this is our last year in college together, it’s pretty big, we follow football all year round. So, obviously we want to have as much fun as possible.

Get some food, make some food, have a little shindig if you will, and have as much fun as possible come February 2.

Bryan McKeon Junior Who are you rooting for this Super Bowl?

-----------------------“Get some food, make some food, have a little shindig if you will, and have as much fun as possible come February 2.”

------------------------

The San Francisco 49ers. They have the better defense, they have the best running game in the league, and best offensive line. Their offensive weapons cater best to their quarterback. 27 to 24, Rasheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman both have over 100 yards rushing, and Jimmy Garoppolo throws for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

How do you plan on watching the game?

Just watching it with friends.

Interviews Compiled by Alexa Schmidt

Sports

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Jaspers Recognize Fresh Air Fund Caroline McCarthy Asst. Sports Editor

For most people, New York City is perceived as the peak of diversity, intrigue, and opportunity. What most fail to see is the alternative perspective, which consists of being trapped in a mundane grid, filled with the same people, lifestyle, and being defined by limited opportunity. The Fresh Air Fund works to expose inner city kids controlled by the latter circumstances to enriching outdoor activities and to expand their horizons beyond the streets of New York.

On Saturday, Jan. 4, the Fresh Air Fund was recognized at Manhattan College during women’s basketball game against Niagara. The organization recently renamed one of their camps, “Camp Junior” in honor of Lasandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, a Bronx local who was tragically killed in gang related violence in 2018.

His mother, Lisandro Guzman accepted an award from Manhattan College for her exemplary work in the program.

Guzman stated in an interview, “We’re so happy to be here [Manhattan College] and to continue blessing everybody who has been supportive for Camp Junior.”

On gameday, campers assisted in activities such as organizing and participating in timeout events, mopping the court,

and announcing the players.

The Fresh Air Fund was created in 1877 and founded by Reverend William Parsons, a minister in Sherman, Pa. What began as a local parish’s desire to host inner city kids and allow them to experience the great outdoors transformed into an organization that would serve more than 1.8 million New York City children.

The camp is completely free for qualifying New York residents. Children involved may either be placed into a host family or attend a two-week camp at one of their five sleepaway options, or at Camp Junior in Harriman State Park.

A typical day at camp includes outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, and also incorporates lessons in problem solving, relationship building and developing inner strength.

According to the Fresh Air Fund’s website, sixty percent of participants had never been outside of the city prior to enrolling. Dyona Davis, a sophomore on the MC women’s basketball team, was part of this statistic. Davis participated in the Fresh Air Fund for “three or four summers,” starting at age 12.

For Davis, the first summer she attended the Fresh Air Fund was a formative time in her life. She told the Quadrangle, “One Summer I wasn’t on my best behavior, so my mom came in the room and said ‘I

Members of the Fresh Air Fund get recognized at the women’s basketball game over the winter break.

GOJASPERS / THE QUADRANGLE found a program that allows me to send you away.’”

The Fresh Air Fund prides itself on the opportunity to help bring inner-city kids out of their comfort zones and allow them to flourish in different circumstances.

“Being an inner city kid, you grow up with people who look like you, act like you, talk like you, when you get out there it’s just a different vibe. Diversity is my biggest takeaway from all three summers,” says Davis.

Their motto, as stated on their website, reads, “We transform limited opportunity into limitless potential through generosity, partnership and sun-

shine.”

Davis lived with a host family in New Hampshire where she was immediately welcomed with fresh air, room to run and a family excited to meet her.

During her summers, she grew with the family’s two biological children.

“There was such a brothersister vibe. I mean we got in arguments just like siblings,” Davis said.

She continued, “Everyday was like, you woke up and they said ‘what do you want to do?’ and as a kid that was like ‘wow so many options.’”

Davis shared that her favorite activity with the host family

was fishing. She recounted on the family’s kindness as they bought her a rod and drove her to a spot far away from their own pond to ensure she got the best fishing experience.

Davis’ inspiring story is best described by this statement on The Fresh Air Fund’s website: “We believe that investing in a child’s journey through life provides an opportunity for young people to learn, grow, and thrive in our city and beyond.”

The Fresh Air Fund is an organization focused on giving inner-city kids a summer they will never forget.

New MC eSports Team Sets Sights on MAAC Tournament Lauren Schuster Senior Writer

When you think about attending a Manhattan College sporting event, there is one thing that probably does not come to mind: video games.

Starting this semester, however, Manhattan College is looking to change that. During a general interest meeting for the newly conceived Manhattan College eSports team, recreation coordinator Deanna Hewlutt proudly announced the school’s plan for getting the team up and running.

The school’s goal is to give the team the same treatment as other sports teams, including having them participate in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) this upcoming March. Like MC’s basketball team, the eSports team will travel to Atlantic City, N.J. to compete against other MAAC schools. Looking to the future, they even have hopes to even-

tually set up scholarships for the program.

“In the spring we’re going to start out competing in Rocket League and Super Smash Brothers, and the goal is in the fall to expand to at least two or three other games that other MAAC schools are participating in,” Hewlutt said.

Beginning in February, the eSports team will hold practices and play against other MAAC schools in virtual competitions for six weeks, all leading up to their big weekend of in-person competitions in Atlantic City.

“If I’ve read correctly, the MAAC is actually the only conference that is doing their eSports competition in conjunction with their basketball tournament,” Hewlutt said.

“Also, if we win the MAAC conference there’s the opportunity to go compete in the National Conference, which is also an in-person tournament as well, so that would definitely be awesome if our first year that we get up and running we’re able to go and compete nationally.

Whether we win or not, people would know that we’re here and people would know who Manhattan College is.”

Freshman civil engineering major Isaac Regalado is among the students looking to join the new team.

“Currently, with the two games they have, I am leaning more towards Smash than Rocket League, but I do hope that in the fall they add Overwatch and League of Legends, because Overwatch is my favorite game,” Regalado said.

For Regalado, being a part of the gaming community started out as simply a way to escape everyday life and have some fun, but it soon snowballed into something bigger.

“As I grew up, I saw that it was getting bigger and bigger and I enjoyed it, it connected me with a lot of friends I know now and a lot of friends that I know online,” Regalado said.

“It’s great to hang out with them and goof around sometimes by playing video games.

It’s a really cool connection

to have with people. It really crawled into my life I guess, and made it better.”

Graduate student J.T. Taylor was also in attendance at the interest meeting. For Taylor, this is not the first time that he has been a part of bringing together the gaming community within his school.

“I did tournaments at my undergraduate school and I was one of the founding members of my undergraduate school’s games club too,” Taylor said.

For Taylor, the new eSports team is an opportunity to bring together a subgroup of the Jasper community that might not necessarily find each other in the same way otherwise.

“More broadly, I think it’s important for all colleges to kind of move in that direction because it’s just an attractive thing for colleges to have, people want to do that,” Taylor said. “But for Manhattan College specifically, I think eSports taps into the team community nature of what traditional sports has too, and inclusive

community is one of our values as a Lasallian school, so having that community in the tight knit way that competitive sports can bring I think is a cool thing for people who are interested in video games as well.”

For Hewlutt, bringing together the MC gaming community is a great new way to both showcase students’ talents and bring out Jasper pride.

“In terms of why I think it’s important, eSports, it’s a growing market, from literally the small competitive league all the way up to the professional,” Hewlutt said. “The students on campus, they’re playing it. We have a Games Club, if you walk by, you see students playing some of the same games that we’re playing all the time. Kids are playing in their dorms, so it’s an opportunity for that community to get together, play together as a team, and also represent Manhattan within our conference and hopefully nationally.”

Sports

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THE QUADRANGLE

Women’s Basketball Bounces Back With Beatdown of Iona MS: MANHATTAN 54, IONA 32

Sophomore Courtney Warley and Senior Pamela Miceus team up to defend an Iona player during the Jaspers’ home win over the Gaels this past Saturday.

GOJASPERS / THE QUADRANGLE

Pete Janny Sports Editor

The Manhattan College women’s basketball team (810, 5-4 MAAC) has shown a lot of great things this season on the court. The team started off 3-0 in MAAC play and were playing their best ball all season.

That’s until the team turned in two disappointing performances last week against Marist and Fairfield in which the team was outscored by a combined 45 points across the two games. The real damage was done on Thursday night at Fairfield where the team suffered an ugly 87-47 loss.

Having the chance to host the Iona Gaels (4-12, 3-4 MAAC) at home this past Saturday afternoon proved to be the best cure to their recent woes. After winning both matchups against the Gaels a season ago, the Jaspers turned in their most dominant performance of the season in a 54-32 blowout in front of a relaxed crowd at Draddy.

After scoring 17 points at Fairfield two days earlier, freshman Emily LaPointe showed off her offensive tal-

ent early on that set the tone for her team-high 12 points in a game that Manhattan led for all but seven minutes of.

Down 11-8 with two minutes left in the second quarter, Manhattan responded with two threes from sophomore Sydney Watkins and LaPointe respectively that positioned the Jaspers with a slim 14-13 advantage after one period of play.

The defensive energy was noticeably better from Manhattan in the second quarter on their way to out scoring the Gaels 11-5 for the period. Iona was unable to get into a rhythm from anywhere on the offensive end as the Jaspers held them to 15.4 percent shooting (2-of-13) for the quarter to propel themselves to a 25-18 lead at the break. While the Gaels were simply missing a lot of shots in that second quarter, the Manhattan defense definitely contributed to their shortcomings.

Manhattan’s defensive aggressiveness in the quarter was highlighted by two shot clock violations on Iona and three emphatic blocks from senior Pamela Miceus.

She would finish the game with four rejections, further proving why she’s one of the MAAC’s elite shot blockers.

Things went from bad to awful for Iona in the second half.

After a made jumper by Shyan Mwai at 8:32 in the third quarter cut the Manhattan lead to 28-20, the Jaspers’ put together a 20-0 run over the next eight minutes to take a commanding 48-20 lead heading into the final quarter of play.

Unsurprisingly, seven of those 20 points came from LaPointe.

Iona missed a lot of close shots on offense in the third quarter and had no defensive answer to Manhattan’s offensive surge. With the Gaels starting to look demoralized on the court, Manhattan made sure to feed junior Courtney Warley often out of the break to try to get her going on offense. Six of her 11 points on the afternoon came in the third quarter off of a few nice passes that set her up for easy layups.

In addition to scoring 11 points, she added 11 rebounds and five steals.

“She’s like a unicorn,” Vulin said when talking about Warley’s versatility. “There are times when I switch her on to the other team’s top guard player so it shows I trust her.”

Coming into the game, Warley knew Iona was a favorable

matchup for her due to Manhattan’s height advantage over the Gaels.

“We knew going into the game that the bigs would have a size advantage and my teammates did really well finding me today,” Warley said.

Iona’s scoreless drought carried over into the fourth quarter until Paulla Weekes converted on a layup down low that made the score 4822 with 7:25 left in regulation.

The basket did nothing useful for the Gaels but snap a scoring drought that lasted 11 minutes. The Gaels only scored 14 points in the second half after only pouring in 18 in the first half.

Manhattan only shot 20 percent (3-of-15) in the fourth quarter, but that did not factor in. What was most frustrating to Vulin in her team’s win was Manhattan’s carelessness with the ball at times. The Jaspers turned the ball over 22 times in total after giving the ball away 18 times at Fairfield. Vulin was at least happy her team became more disciplined with the ball as the game progressed.

“We had 13 turnovers in the first half and only one in the second half so credit to my team for making that adjust-

ment,” Vulin said of Manhattan’s increased discipline in the second half. “A lot of them were dead ball turnovers so at least Iona didn’t have a chance to run with the ball.”

Vulin was happy to see the Manhattan defense return to its typical form after struggling in recent performances. Her team finished with 14 steals, while forcing 24 turnovers from Iona.

“We scored 22 points off their TOs so that was definitely a difference maker in this game,” Vulin said. “Because we were so locked in, we really made it a tough night for Iona.”

While Warley was happy with the way the team responded after Thursday night’s loss, she recognizes there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

“I think it was definitely a step in the right direction but we still have a lot to learn from both the Fairfield game and this game,” Warley said.

Manhattan will hit the road to play Rider (14-2, 7-0 MAAC) in Lawrenceville, New Jersey on Thursday, January 30th before coming home to face Saint Peter’s (5-12, 2-6 MAAC) on Saturday, February 1st. Tip-off for that home game is slated for 2 PM.