Issues 9-13, Spring 2020 - The Quadrangle

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Volume CI, Issues 9-13

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NEW YORK, MAY 12, 2020

In-Person Classes Suspended Due to Coronavirus Threat Gabriella DePinho & Pete Janny Editor-in-Chief & Sports Editor

We’re Still Here!

Though COVID-19 forced an early end to the semester, we’re still writing and celebrating.

NICK GILEWICZ / THE QUADRANGLE

Students Return from Study Abroad Due to COVID-19 Christine Nappi & Jess McKenzie Features Editor & Asst. Features Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 17.

Manhattan College students participating in this semester’s study abroad programs are now returning to the United States due to the 2020 novel coronavirus pandemic.

The programs were supposed to continue until the end of spring semester, but students have been advised to go home as soon as possible.

President Trump enacted an international travel ban this past Saturday, March 14 for all U.S. citizens. Various other countries, including those where students are studying, launched similar protocols to ensure the safety of their citizens.

“It’s just really crazy,” junior Rachel Roca said. “I’m very sad to be back.”

IN NEWS:

Class of 2020 Commencement postponed on p. 8

Roca recently returned home from the Budapest Semester in Mathematics study abroad program in Hungary.

After Hungary declared a state of emergency and closed all public universities, program directors advised all students to leave the country immediately.

“I found out I had to leave and then got on a plane less than 12 hours later so it was a very sudden process,” Roca said. “I didn’t get to say goodbye to friends I made there or the places I visited, so I think that made it difficult because it was so sudden.”

Roca never imagined something like this would happen, and says the severity of it sunk in when she got home. Despite the global hysteria surrounding the idea of traveling during this time, Roca claims to have had a good experience when flying home.

“American officials were asking a bunch of questions, mostly about what was in our bags and if anyone could’ve tampered with it, where did you

IN FEATURES: Joe Chionchio lends a helping hand on p.16

travel in the past two weeks, how were you feeling and if you’d been in contact with anyone,” Roca said. “Other than that I personally didn’t have any issues.”

Now that Roca is home, she is unsure of how her program is going to continue and is worried about the status of her education. The program was initially going to conduct online classes while the students remained in Hungary, yet the state of emergency and Trump’s protocol made them do otherwise.

Budapest Semester in Mathematics is an external study abroad program from the college. Roca is nervous about her credits because only one of her classes in this program is offered at MC, yet the college’s math department has worked with her to count other courses. As of now, the program is aiming to host online classes for it’s students, yet Roca finds that this will be challenging be__________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Editor’s Note: This story was originally publishhed online on March 10 and was continually updated as new information became available. The story is up to date as of March 18.

On the evening of Monday, March 9, the Manhattan College community received an email from college officials about plans to move classes online starting on Wednesday, March 11, through the week of March 23 in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The announcement came after several other universities and colleges made the same decision.

The email, sent at 7:44 p.m., that announced the cancellation of Tuesday’s classes and the decision for online classes came hours after other universities and colleges in New York City and New Jersey made similar decisions. As news broke about nearby schools suspending in-person classes, Manhattan students anxiously awaited a decision from their own administration.

Iona College decided to start spring break early by canceling classes for the rest of this week, while Columbia University and Fordham University decided to start online classes this week. Manhattan College now joins Fordham and Columbia in immediately beginning to host online classes.

The email sent out to students to announce this decision opened with, “Out of an abundance of caution and in light of recent developments related to coronavirus (COVID-19), all classes are suspended for Tuesday, March 10 and will resume online on Wednesday, March 11. Students and faculty

IN A&E:

Students turn to art and exploration in quarantine on p. 28

should use Tuesday to make sure they are equipped to move to online learning beginning March 11, including having hardware, software, printed materials, bandwidth, and all other resources necessary for success.”

Some students left campus after receiving the Monday night and other students have scrambled to arrange plans to leave campus. The email encouraged students to leave campus as soon as possible, but informed students that if needed, they could stay on campus through Friday, March 13, at 8 p.m.

Students will have spring break as it was regularly scheduled, but will not return to campus after the week off.

“All classes will continue to meet online during the week of March 23, after our scheduled undergraduate spring break.

A decision will be made during that week as to whether we will resume face-to-face classes during the week of March 30,” the email stated.

Although students will be allowed to return to campus at the conclusion of spring break, the school recommends students stay at home during the period of online classes.

The email also stated, “Students are encouraged to stay home during the week of March 23, but will be allowed to return to the residence halls on the evening of Sunday, March 22. If a resident opts to return to the residence halls during the week of March 23, Residence Life requests those residents to notify our office through the MyHousing Portal

by Friday, March 20.”

During this time, the college is standing by their initial request for students to choose against traveling, especially to __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

IN SPORTS:

Anu Awonsi reflects on track a nd f ield success on p.

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Opinions & Editorials

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the Quadrangle Volume CI, Issues 9-13 MAY 12, 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.

Connect with The Quadrangle

mcquad.org

THE QUADRANGLE

LET T ER from The Editor Hi readers!

Going from running around non-stop to coming to a screeching halt was a jarring transition for me; I’m sure many can relate. I’ve taken time that I would normally spend in meetings or working myself to the ground to just sit and think. And one thing that keeps coming to mind is: If I went back to November and told my newly-elected self everything that was going to come in just the next five months, I would absolutely not have believed it.

What I’ve come to learn in thinking all of these things is that no matter how hard you work and plan, you are never truly prepared for the future. As someone who has always been filled by great trepidation by the future, this has been hard to come to terms with. Sometimes, you can only handle life one day at a time, and I’m learning to be okay with that.

The one thing that has carried me through these times has been the fact that I am not truly alone. I was lucky to be sent back to a family that loves me enough to be quiet as I conduct video interviews. I have friends to call and catch up with.

But most importantly, I have had such an incredible, dedicated staff, and a supportive moderator in Nick Gilewicz. It is thanks to the tireless work of the writers, editors, social media editor and web editors that The Quadrangle has continued to be functional this semester. The Quadrangle is truly one of my favorite things and the thought of losing it to coronavirus was devastating, but everyone came together and made our continued operation possible. The love and friendship I have experienced in these few weeks has truly moved me and leaves me speechless every time I think about it. Additionally, Nick has been one of my biggest supporters during the transition to an online only publication and I do not know if I would have had the same courage in this endeavor without his support. Thank you all so, so much.

My dear seniors: I am so, so sorry that we do not get to send you off with the wonderful celebration that you deserve. A virtual Quaddies ceremony is not the same as getting to hug each other and walk away with one last print edition. I hope this little PDF comes close to that last print edition. Thank you for your tireless dedication to this paper, for your endless wisdom, support and love. The Quadrangle will not be the same because you have been part of this club. I am not the same because I have known you.

Thank you, readers, for making my first semester as EIC as memorable as it has been. No matter the state of the world in the fall, I promise, we’ll be back.

@mcquad @mcquad mcquad

Gabriella DePinho Editor-in-Chief Sincerely,

MAY 12, 2020

Opinions & Editorials

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LPH Members Reflect on Community in the Age of Coronavirus Throughout the months of March and April, members of Manhattan College’s chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honor society, wrote reflections about communication and their lives in the age of the current coronavirus pandemic. Their thoughts range the full spectrum of emotions and consider a number of different aspects of technology, communication, and community. Each member comes to the reflection with a different idea: read more poetry, rise to the challenge, reach out to loved ones, be a helper, appreciate a helper, live day to day, hope people stay this empathetic. Below are some of the many reflections these members wrote. These reflections do not speak for the group, but present a wide variety of ideas that these bright individuals want to share. We were unable to put all pieces in print, but all pieces published by The Quadrangle can be found at mcquad.org.

Ali Magnani, LPH Member Emily Dickinson once wrote, “In this short Life that only lasts an hour / How much – how little – is within our power.” Given the present circumstances, communication and community are now more important than ever. Reaching out to family and friends and caring for those around us is essential to remaining resilient and strong as a society during these difficult times. Emily Dickinson’s poem “In this short Life that only lasts an hour” resonates with the present circumstances because the poem emphasizes how our ability to remain positive is more powerful than our disability to control what we simply cannot.

I particularly find Dickinson’s poem comforting because the poem reassures me that I have the ability to remain positive during these difficult times. Although I may not be able to control what is occurring around me, I can control how I respond to the present circumstances, and that in itself is powerful. Personally, I believe that poetry, along with being insightful, is also healing. To my fellow Jaspers who are struggling during these difficult times, I encourage you to either visit Poetry Foundation or pick up a Norton Anthology and read poems by the likes of Emily Dickinson or William Wordsworth, among others. In the reading and sharing of poetry, there is solace and hope, and the reminder that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

More than anything, the present circumstances have taught me that I am stronger than I think and that there is more good than bad in the world. Everywhere you look there is a helping hand and a smile to remind you that this too shall pass. While life as we know it may change to accommodate the present circumstances, the spirit of our Manhattan College community will remain unaltered and unparalleled. Communication and community are shining brighter than ever, and I am grateful for each and every Jasper’s effort to uplift our community. I am inspired by the outpouring of love and support, and I hope I too can make a difference in the lives of fellow Jaspers by sharing my thoughts on the present circumstances.

Cristian Forletta, LPH Member Living in such a strange time, one that will be written about in history books, one that brings such uncertainty with each passing day, is undoubtedly something the world never saw coming, let alone the Manhattan College community. We have experienced so much loss these past couple of weeks that it has become almost impossible to keep track of it all: loss of jobs, loss of human contact, loss of commencement ceremonies, and even loss of loved ones whom we never thought could be affected by such a horrible illness.

No one has been exempt from being affected by the state in which we currently live. This virus supersedes sex, race, religion, political party, geographical location, and any other factor that has ever gotten in the way of reaching a united global community. While I don’t propose to have the solution to achieve world peace or end world hunger, I do propose that we are being given an opportunity to build from the ground up this united global community, which starts at a small scale, building to engulf the entire world.

We are resilient beings, and have adapted our methods of communicating with each other to a varying degree of success, but now more than ever it is vital to look out for one another. Reach out to those you love while you can. Make a phone call, send a text, write a letter, reach out to your neighbor, maintain and build the relationships you have while creating new ones via social media. Become more creative than you have ever been. Send a message through art. Simply put, make your presence known to those around you, share what you have to offer, and spread positivity to any and everyone you may come across, whether that be physically or virtually.

While there isn’t any one certain way to overcome all of the obstacles that have been thrown our way, there is a way to help each other through it all.

It is important to remember the difference between being bruised and being broken. We are all experiencing today’s world in different ways, and from personal experience during this time, I know it’s easy to feel helpless, lost, and defeated. “… things get broken, and sometimes they get repaired, and in most cases you realize that no matter what gets damaged, life rearranges itself to comestate for your loss, sometimes wonderfully” – Hanya Yanagihara (A Little Life, 2015).

Gabriella DePinho, The Quadrangle’s Editor-in-Chief & LPH Member When Manhattan College announced that classes would be online until at least March 29, I called my mom to talk about when I would get picked up; when I hung up with her, the immediate next thing I did was email Nick Gilewicz, The Quadrangle’s advisor, and asked him in simple terms “What now?” Nick and I spoke on the phone for a half hour, making a roadmap for a few weeks, which has turned out to be our roadmap for the rest of the semester. I will admit that when classes were moved online for the rest of the semester, I was devastated. I felt like I was being robbed of time with professors I love, putting a print product out and other things I was so excited for.

In writing a letter from the editor that was posted online, I wrote “To be filled with such great grief means we have been filled with such great love,” and I stand by that belief. The whole world is mourning: mourning loved ones who have passed, funerals that could not be held, birthdays that could not be celebrated, weddings that have been postponed, births of newborns that could not be family affairs, canceled graduations, events that people were looking forward to with joy. Anything you can think of that you are sad to be missing out on – going to grab a coffee, sitting in a classroom, going to a concert, taking the subway – are all community-oriented and love-filled moments of existence. Everything we do in the presence or company of other people is a moment of community. Though we’ve been isolated to our homes, where we may have people we love, we have been robbed of experiencing our communities – the fleeting and the cultivated ones. Though we have incredible communication technology, video chats, text messages, and DMs cannot replicate the true spontaneity of in-person human interaction.

As a communication student, I so often think about the minefields that are social media, digital data collection and large media corporations creating an oligopoly: things that genuinely trouble me. I am not forgetting problematic aspects of the Internet, technology and content ownership but it is hard to not binge-watch Netflix or Disney movies and take “personality” quizzes that tell me what kind of bread I am (but are probably collecting data on me) as I cope with this pandemic. I’ve learned it’s okay to not stay focused on issues of media diversification and digital privacy right now as I am trying to stay afloat right now; heck, I was never going to solve those issues on my own. It is okay if the best thing I can do each day is survive my own anxiety. Right now, I am choosing to focus on the fact that the Internet and technology, as problematic as they can be, are allowing for love to transcend time and space and I am quite grateful for that.

Some of the new members of the Lambda Pie Eta chapter at Manhattan College with Michael Plugh, the moderator, at the fall induction.

GABRIELLA DEPINHO / THE QUADRANGLE

Opinions & Editorials

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THE QUADRANGLE

LPH Members Reflect on Community in the Age of Coronavirus __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Rose Brennan, Senior Writer for The Quadrangle & LPH Member From the grand scheme of things, our society has never been more connected. We not only have telephones, but texting, video messaging and chatting, and countless other ways to “connect” with each other. But even though we have all of these media at our disposal, it is nevertheless difficult to truly “connect” with people, especially in unprecedented times like this.

Sure, I can FaceTime my friends at any time, but it just isn’t the same as sitting across the table from them, and being able to hug and kiss them hello and good-bye. Plus, I don’t have to worry about a poor Internet connection in that circumstance. But truthfully, all of us are doing the best we can, and luckily, we can find at least some way to make something good out of it all. And I am finding that in much smaller things lately.

I have someone in my family who is immunocompromised, so I’ve essentially been inside for the past 45 days. This has led to an experience which is isolating and seemingly hopeless. But being cooped up inside all day makes me consider the smallest things as uplifting and positive. On the occasion I do go outside and see another living soul, albeit also with a face mask, we wave to each other, as if to say “Nice to see you and I hope you and your family are okay.” We’ve had countless people offer to do our grocery shopping for us, because we can’t do it ourselves. We’re finding new ways to have fun with our loved ones who are far away, because companies are creating new apps and softwares that let us do that because they are keeping everyone in this situation in mind.

I keep thinking back to something Mr. Rogers said: “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Obviously, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are clear examples of this. But I think now, we are all helpers, because we are all doing our part to keep each other safe and, if we are able to do so, do good deeds for our loved ones and for our neighbors. I usually consider myself a helper. But now that I am in a position where I can’t be, at least not in a traditional sense, I am invigorated by other people stepping up and helping me and my family in our time of need. Because of them, I remain hopeful of our ability to recover from this and, hopefully, to emerge from it much kinder and more grateful people than we were before.

Sam Walla, LPH Member & The Quadrangle’s Production Manager I don’t think about this everyday. Most days, in fact, I think about nothing. Some of my favorite time-wasting tasks include putting on running shoes and wandering around the house aimlessly until the sun goes down, opening and closing Instagram, and arguing with my sister over who gets to eat the last banana. Occasionally, I’ll feel sorry for myself about missing out on all of the best parts of junior year.

But there are some nights where I’ve exhausted every distraction possible and the magnitude of our reality catches up with me. Maybe I’ve got an overheard statistic rolling around in my head, or I read a thought-provoking Instagram caption. These days, it doesn’t take much. Amidst hours of isolation, things have become clearer to me. Problems that I have the ability to ignore due to jampacked days and distractions make themselves known. Character flaws that can be glossed over by An Beal nights are still around. While much of the world struggles to adapt to a frightening situation, I am trying, for the twentieth year, to adapt to myself. There becomes a point in life, where you are no longer a child. Problem solving turns away from, “Someone should…” and “What if they…” to “What am I going to do about this?” There is a point where you either become who you thought you would, or you make excuses. Right now, I’m making excuses. I could come out of this with Chloe Ting abs, a journaling practice, or a freshly knitted sweater. Focusing my time on any of those pursuits would not make me a bad person. But I have always seen myself as someone who would eventually challenge the systems in place and go out of my way to help others. But I am still waiting for an opportunity instead of making one for myself.

This pandemic is a litmus test for personality. With normalcy stripped away, we can see how we truly act, and if the patterns we’ve laid out for ourselves are equivalent to what we believe is right.

For me, the results have been far from what I had expected. I have been gentle with myself to a fault.

I’m not one to scoff at self-care practices, but there becomes a point where a face mask is just a face mask. I know that attempting to help others is what would make me feel as though this time was not wasted, and I have been avoiding it out of complacency. From introspection comes action, and the last two months have given me all of the self-searching I can handle. It’s time to move.

Madison Smith, LPH Member It’s astonishing to think how much our world has changed in a matter of weeks. Just a few short days ago, I was on campus, doing homework, preparing for my classes as usual, and planning out my week ahead. Today I sit in my living room, confined to my house for an unknown period of time due to a scary new disease and its dangerously rapid spread. I’m not ashamed to express my fear, anxiety, and stress during this unpredictable time; I’m upset about my school year being cut short and the fact that multiple opportunities and events were taken away from me and many others. I’ve struggled to see the silver lining in this whole situation, and I’ve wondered what the greater lesson could be.

Waking up this past Saturday morning, I felt something I hadn’t felt in quite some time: a sense of calm. The week before had been nothing short of difficult: it was spring break, and my plans, just like many others, were cancelled; we were told we would not be returning to campus this year; and my internship, which I loved, was cut short. It seemed as if I would never hear good news again, as cancelation after cancelation was announced. Being a highly productive and busy individual, it seemed as if the current state of our world is not on my side. And that’s when it truly started to hit me: I’m not alone in this.

Something unique about this whole situation is that it affects all of us in some way, shape, or form, and there’s many individuals who have it much worse than me. What about our college seniors, who spent four years working towards a goal that they may not even be able to celebrate? What about those who are elderly or immunocompromised, who fear for their lives every time they step outside? What about those who don’t have a safe space to shelterin-place in, and who may be at higher risk in their own homes as opposed to being in public?

And then I remembered the digital age we’re all currently living in. An upside? We still have the ability to communicate instantly with each other, no matter how many miles apart we may be. I have a group chat with a bunch of my extended family members, and I’ve been talking to them everyday regularly, which we never did before. I make sure to check in on all my friends from both school and home, which was something that, on a normal day, would slip my mind.

On top of that, I’ve been able to spend more time just being.

On a typical day, I’m jumping from thing to thing, running across campus, and hardly getting a second to sit down and actually think about what’s going on around me. I’ve been able to take the time to reflect and relax in ways that I previously did not have the time for, which I consider myself lucky to be able to do. I’ve observed such beautiful acts of solidarity among my communities, and I’ve been able to find commonalities with people I previously was not close to. I believe this trying time is meant to be a learning moment for us all; to listen, reflect, and recognize that above all else, we’re connected as fellow human beings. Currently, our days may be dark and stormy, but, good news: there’s a sunny day waiting for us ahead.

Topher Nuzzo, LPH Member In times of tragedy, our need to stay in touch as humans still persists. Communication is a vital part of who we are and affects our mood, self-confidence, and overall well being. Now more than ever, the importance of online forms of communication are being showcased, and the way we interact with certain media will never be the same. Whether it be in a live-streamed concert to raise money for a particular charity or a facetime call to our loved ones, our mobile devices have become vessels for joy and positive change. I know that things are never going to be the same. Things aren’t going to return to “normalcy” because we are actively creating a new normal, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I find myself talking to friends and loved ones now more than ever before by playing online board games with friends, Facetiming family members, and just reaching out to see how people are. Without others to surround myself in a digital setting, I think I might go mad. As an extrovert who normally derives energy from being around people, it’s been particularly hard to spend my time with the same three people every day, and I’m one of the lucky ones. I know that this is temporary, but the way that we interact with others now certainly isn’t. This time in isolation has given us a new appreciation for those who we normally have around, and that appreciation can and will carry on until after social distancing comes to an end.

So our social lives have been affected but where does that leave all other aspects of our lives? Human touch as we know it is diminishing. Handshakes are questioned, hugs are discouraged, and the constant fear of germs is persistent. I think that for some time, things will be different, but we will begin to slowly allow ourselves to feel more comfortable with touch once again. Without it, love just wouldn’t be the same. So we adjust ourselves, and eventually, we forget, and we fall back into the same rhythm as before, but it will always be in the back of everyone’s minds.

Communication persists, and so do we.

News

MAY 12, 2020

5

In-Person Classes Suspended

__________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

places abroad.

“Effective immediately, College-sponsored student domestic AND international travel will be suspended until further notice,” the same email states hours after the L.O.V.E Trip heading to Arizona for spring break was cancelled. “This is an update from the policy as of Friday, March 6, suspending all personal international travel for all students.”

Amidst this uncertain time time, the college is reminding students to trust in the Lasallian values that are central to the school’s mission.

“It abruptly reminds us of our profound connection to one another, as part of the human family,” the message states in its closing remarks. “As a Lasallian institution, let us draw

upon the opportunity of this moment to renew our commitment to respect and care for each member of our campus community.”

On Monday, the Times reported that the number of coronavirus cases in New York state had swelled to 142, including 98 in Westchester County and 19 in New York City. With the outbreak getting worse in Spain, Manhattan students studying abroad there have been informed that they will need to return home.

UPDATE AS OF MARCH 11, 9:00 p.m.

In an email to the Manhattan College sent at 5:50 p.m., President O’Donnell reminded the Manhattan College community that as of today, with the exception of the ongoing MAAC tournament, “all Manhattan College non-conference athletic competitions and trips

will be canceled until at least, Monday, March 23.” This decision cancels a trip for the women’s rowing team to Florida and a track and field trip to Boston.

Prior to this decision, Manhattan College athletics had already decided yesterday, March 10, to close home games at Gaelic Park and other venues from fans and spectators.

The email once again reiterated that the college has no confirmed cases of coronavirus among the campus community. However the email stated, “several individuals have self quarantined for monitoring per CDC guidelines” and the college expects that additional individuals will need to do so in the weeks ahead.

The email also shared some new preventative measures the college will be taking. Employees returning from international travel are required to remain

home for 14 days to ensure they are symptom-free. During spring break, Sodexo will clean and sanitize all classrooms and common spaces. Office buildings will systematically be closed during the break to allow for Sodexo staff to access and sanitize spaces for coordinating cleaning.

UPDATE AS OF MARCH 12, 10:00 p.m.

It was announced today that the ongoing MAAC tournament, as well as all upcoming MAAC athletic competitions, all practices and other related athletic activities have been canceled for the rest of the spring semester. This follows all of the spirit squads being sent home from the MAAC tournament.

At 6:00 p.m., President Brennan O’Donnell and Provost Bill Clyde hosted a town hall to address community

questions and concerns. In the live town hall, they confirmed there are no suspected or confirmed cases at Manhattan College. For more coverage on what was addressed in the town hall, read “Manhattan College Hosts Virtual Town Hall, Addresses Concerns.”

UPDATE AS OF MARCH 18, 12:30 p.m.

Manhattan College has made the decision to move online for the remainder of the semester. Our story, “Manhattan Moves Online For Remainder of Semester” has more details on this.

Manhattan College Hosts Virtual Town Hall, Addresses Concerns Gabriella DePinho Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 16 and has been lightly edited.

President Brennan O’Donnell and Provost Bill Clyde held a virtual town hall on Thursday, March 12, to address community questions and concerns regarding Manhattan College’s shift to online classes as the threat of the coronavirus grows throughout the United States.

The two administrators addressed virtual attendees for 50 minutes, answering questions and further explaining decisions that have been made in the past few days. The town hall was moderated by Tamara Britt, Manhattan College’s general counsel and the co-chair of the newly formed emergency response team’s communication unit. The other co-chair is Lydia Gray, executive director for marketing and communication at Manhattan College.

“It’s pretty obvious that we’re in uncharted waters here,” O’Donnell said to begin the town hall. “The external realities are really unprecedented that we’re dealing with as an institution. We are a complex institution and we have many, many moving parts with regards to our operation, which require hard work and vigilance to make sure that we’re doing the best we can in order to make sure we’re serving our students, our faculty, our staff and administrators.”

The administrators af-

firmed that the college’s decision to move to online classes was not taken lightly and was made with students’ best interests in mind. They stated that the college does not have any confirmed or suspected cases of the coronavirus in the Manhattan College community and promised a commitment to continuing to deliver quality education to students. O’Donnell also announced that the college has made a new page on the website to answer frequently asked questions, post updated information and post general health information.

They also reminded listeners that though classes have moved online, the college is still open and operating, with resources such as the library and Information Technology Services (ITS) available for students.

O’Donnell commended the community’s response to the unprecedented circumstances.

“The other good news is that I think that we’re finding in the community, and we’re very grateful for this, a great deal of the can-do spirit,” O’Donnell said. “I’ve been seeing that in all sorts of ways.”

Clyde confirmed that administration had reached out to faculty at the end of February and encouraged them to start considering how they would move their courses online. Clyde was confident in the faculty’s ability to make this shift because of the number of courses Manhattan College already offers online throughout intercessions; however, he acknowledges the scale of this change is also unprecedented

for the college.

“It absolutely was heavylift[ing] to get the courses put online and [be] able to deliver and get to students involved,” Clyde said.

Clyde recognized the challenge facing the community, but much like O’Donnell, he ultimately commended the Manhattan College community for adjusting to the change.

“The stories I’ve heard have all been about people pushing through it and showing the kind of grit that Manhattan College students and faculty are frankly known for,” Clyde said. “That’s not a surprise, but that’s great and important in this case.”

Moving courses online has been a challenge for everyone involved, but Clyde believes students can still get the quality education they paid for and are anticipating.

“It’s critical that we work to ensure that the students achieve the same learning outcomes as they would expect from them in the on-ground environment, the normal face-toface,” Clyde said. “We believe that can happen. I think the faculty are working very hard to creatively figure out ways to make that happen, but it’s a collaboration. The students need to be dedicated to that, the students need to attend all sessions and use the resources available.”

Students are still required to attend classes and the absence policies set by the college remain in place. According to Clyde, faculty members are encouraged to report students who do not respond to

or engage with the professor’s chosen methods of remote learning. Additionally, faculty members have access to a Moodle page with resources to help them in the transition to online learning.

Clyde shared an anecdote of lab professors filming themselves while completing the lab and sending data to the students for the students to do the lab report as normal. In the question and answer part of the town hall, Clyde also quelled rumors by stating students would continue to receive letter grades in their courses, rather than courses changing to pass/ fail scales.

On Friday, March 13, a petition, “Make Spring 2020 a Pass/Fail Semester at Manhattan College,” went live on change.org. As of Friday night at 9:15 p.m., the petition had obtained 321 signatures.

While other schools have already made the decision to move to remote learning for the rest of the semester, Manhattan College has not made the same decision, but has not ruled it out entirely. The college also announced plans to evaluate during spring break, whether or not students will be returning on March 30, rather than during the week of March 23 as they originally stated.

“I would say that when we decided to go online, we recognized that with the uncertainty of this crisis, really not knowing what’s happening, with where we are with testing and how many cases we can anticipate being discovered over the course of the next couple of weeks, that we wouldn’t

make the shift to online if we didn’t think we could sustain it through the remainder of the semester,” O’Donnell said.

There are no plans to end courses early or to shut down the residence halls, so for right now, the administrators said that students should not expect to receive a refund for either the semester or their room and board.

As of publishing commencement was expected to occur as planned. O’Donnell confirmed they “have not gotten that far” in their thinking about whether or not spring commencement will be canceled. Since then, an announcement was made that commencement was canceled.

A question about the progress of spring sports was sent in prior to the announcement that went out earlier that afternoon that all spring sports competitions and practices would be canceled. O’Donnell shared that he spent most of the day on Thursday on the phone with presidents of other colleges in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and that they unanimously voted to end the basketball tournament, shortly before the Lady Jaspers were set to take the court. The vote to cancel all spring sports immediately was also a unanimous decision.

The Office of Health Services is not equipped to test Manhattan College community members for the coronavirus.

If a student, faculty or staff member suspects they may have coronavirus, they are encouraged to go to a hospital or facility that would be equipped to test them properly.

6

News

THE QUADRANGLE

Manhattan Moves Online for Remainder of Semester Gabriella DePinho Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 17.

Manhattan College has made the decision to move to online classes for the remainder of the spring semester. The announcement came to students on Tuesday, March 17, at 4:35 p.m. as students were in the middle of their regularly scheduled spring break.

The decision to move online for the remainder of the semester comes following a number of other area colleges and universities, such as Fordham University, New York University, and Columbia University, made the same decision.

The email from O’Donnell opened with expressions of gratitude to everyone who had been practicing social distancing and to faculty, who have been working to adapt classes to an online format. The email became serious in a matter of one sentence. O’Donnell wrote, “I write today to provide updates and especially to inform you of several important—and difficult—decisions.”

The first decision O’Donnell shared with the community is the college’s decision to move to an online format for the remainder of the semester.

“In light of our responsibilities to our students, employees, and community, and in compliance with the strict guidelines and requirements being set by the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention and New York City and New York State health departments, it is clear that we will not be able to bring our faculty and students back together for face-to-face instruction this semester,” O’Donnell wrote.

“Therefore, we will continue all courses in an online format for the remainder of the semester.”

The email also stated that all employees should work remotely whenever possible and that all in-person events at Manhattan College are suspended until further notice.

Manhattan College plans to minimize the number of students on campus, requiring all, except students with extenuating circumstances, to vacate the campus.

As the college plans to promote social distancing,

students will only be able to retrieve their stuff by appointment. Students should expect correspondence from the Office of Residence Life with more information about this process.

In addition to this information, O’Donnell also shared that “the MAAC commissioner notified all presidents of MAAC institutions that two officials who worked at last week’s MAAC Basketball Tournament have tested positive for coronavirus.

We are closely monitoring the situation and attending to the needs and concerns of students who may have had contact with the official.”

Though a brief mention, this may raise some concern as the men’s and women’s basketball teams, the pep band,

the Jasper dancers, the cheerleading squad, members of the student government executive board, members of the Office of Student Engagement, members of the sports production unit, two writers for The Quadrangle and other members of the Jasper community were all at the MAAC tournament.

The email made no mention of a suspected or confirmed case within the Jasper community.

Manhattan College officials are able to be reached with questions and concerns at their emergency response team email, covid-19info@manhattan.edu.

Students Return from Study Abroad Due to COVID-19 __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 cause students in the program are scattered all over the world.

“It’s going to be really difficult because everyone comes from different places and a lot of the programs are problem based, so I don’t know how collaboration is going to be able to work,” Roca said.

“I’m pretty worried about it because if I can’t get credit for the semester, I will have to stay and I won’t be able to graduate on time.”

Despite her concerns and heartbreak for leaving Hungary abruptly, Roca is thankful to have had this experience.

“I had an amazing experience in Budapest and I’m just really sad it’s over [and] it’s still sinking in” Roca said.

“It’s crazy not even having the words for it, I can’t even wrap my head around it.”

Current junior French minor Nicole Nuñez arrived in Paris, France on January 5, 2020 prepared to take 15 credits worth of classes between then and June 4.

In light of all restaurants, shops, schools, museums and universities closing throughout France, she is now participating in online classes. She will be travelling home on March 19.

“France is proactive [and] … acting earlier than other countries to try to reduce the spread of the virus,” Nunez said. “I feel safe in Paris.”

One thing that has particularly shocked Nunez about the country’s reaction to the virus is how much quieter the streets of Paris have been now that they lack the usual tourist traffic.

Nunez is understandably

disappointed and shocked that her study abroad experience has been cut short by this pandemic.

“I was meant to be in Paris for five full months and my study abroad has been cut

just started creeping up. Then overnight, it seems as though thousands were diagnosed and died.”

Prior notes how her study abroad experience has drastically changed over the past

-----------------------“I had an amazing experience in Budapest and I’m just really sad it’s over [and] it’s still sinking in” Roca said. “It’s crazy not even having the words for it, I can’t even wrap my head around it.”

-----------------------down to half of that,” Nunez said. “I have been preparing my entire college career for my study abroad and the chance to fully immerse myself in the culture and language that I have been studying.”

Molly Prior, junior communication major, had planned to spend spring semester abroad as well. She was studying abroad in Madrid, Spain.

On Thursday, March 12, all 17 students in her program were forced to evacuate Madrid.

“I really don’t think anybody could have prepared or anticipated just how bad this outbreak is going to be,” Prior said. “I remember a few weeks ago when the first case arrived in Spain, and then the numbers

week. All classes have moved online. Society in Spain has shifted in that citizens are not to leave their homes except in the case of an emergency.

“Everyone was really on edge over the past few weeks of how dangerous this really was and whether we would actually be sent home or not,” Prior said.

She had been preparing to study abroad for most of her time as an undergraduate.

The coronavirus has impacted many students in a multitude of ways, yet having to return home so quickly was unimaginable for those embarking on study abroad trips.

Despite their emotions about being sent home, they are hoping for the best regarding the

Junior mathematics major Rachel Roca was enjoying a semester abroad in Budapest, Hungary before her short-noticed return to the United States due to the growing pandemic caused by COVID-19.

RACHEL ROCA / COURTESY pandemic.

“I am extremely devastated about having to have been sent home … I understand how bad the situation has gotten now and that we really did need to go home, even though it

doesn’t make me any less sad,” Prior said. “I only hope that this situation can get better and improve.”

News

MAY 12, 2020

7

Manhattan College Implements Pass/Fail Grading System Christine Nappi & Jilleen Barrett Features Editor & Asst. A&E Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 12.

Manhattan College announced on March 27 in an email to students that they will have the option to receive a pass or fail grade, rather than a letter grade for the spring 2020 semester. This decision was made to accommodate students as they transition to online classes for the rest of the semester due to COVID-19.

The announcement was released by Provost and Executive Vice President William Clyde, Ph.D., after the administration collaborated with the student government to meet the needs of the student body.

“Given where we are and the situation that we’re all in right now, the primary goal, and maybe the only goal, relative to learning is to be able to allow the students to learn what they need to learn in this new environment,” Clyde said. “It seemed clear that the anxiety related to grades was getting in the way of students focusing on learning, so removing that fear, removing that anxiety, seemed important and valuable.”

The grade that a student would receive with the pass/ fail system depends on their letter grade in a class. If a grade is better than a C, it would be

August Kissel Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 16. It has been lightly edited for print publishing.

Right now, the news can feel like a constant source of negative energy and stress. Even more so, as journalists it is our job to report on the happenings of the world, and the impacts of COVID-19 in our own college community. This can be draining to both our journalists and our readership.

Inspired by the work of our peers, the Jasper’s on a Mission Campaign, the offices that are working tirelessly to convert their programming to online resources for the student body, our amazing Student Government team and of course John Krasinski’s “Some Good News,” we wanted to provide little briefs and blurbs of good

a High Pass (HP). If it is below a C but above an F, it is a Low Pass (LP). If the grade is a failure, it would not be put towards their graduation requirements.

Any classes that are converted to pass/fail will not be counted when calculating GPAs. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will be able to choose one of these options after final grades are published and before June 1, 2020. Graduating seniors will have until May 15. The email also states that students will be able to convert the grades from pass/ fail to letters before graduation through self-service – but once transcripts are finalized, they cannot be amended. In addition to regular courses, summer courses in 2020 will also follow the pass/fail system.

The administration and the student government worked to provide many options for students, after getting a consensus on the topic from the student body via survey.

“Something that the student government wanted to emphasize is that the hope was to make this grading policy as flexible and equitable as possible, giving all students, regardless of their major, the freedom to choose to display letter grades or high pass/low pass on their transcript,” Student Body President, Kaylyn Atkins said.

Although it may be challenging for some to discern what grading system is best for them, the wide array of options for students is meant to help decrease their stress, allow-

ing them to focus on learning, Clyde describes.

“We tried to make it that it really gives students plenty of options,” Clyde said. “It reduces the anxiety, and yet if they feel like later on they made the wrong decision, they can fix it.”

The student government began to address the pass/ fail option after noticing other universities across the nation transition to this system.

Atkins developed a survey to gather student opinions which ranged from being for and against pass/fail. From there, the student government drafted a proposal to meet the needs of all students and presented it to Clyde, who then accepted it and relayed the message to the rest of the college.

“I don’t think it’s fair to require a pass/fail grading system, but rather give students the freedom and opportunity to go that route if they believe it’s best for them,” Atkins said. “[We made] our pass/fail system optional and on a classby-class basis. Students have the option to choose if they want one, a couple, all or none of their classes to be pass/fail which is different from some other colleges in the country who have switched to pass/ fail.”

Although the pass/fail grading system can be helpful, survey results show how students express concern that this may be frowned upon by honor societies, graduate school programs and future employers.

The email states that students should consider this before

making any final decisions.

Atkins, who plans to pursue a law degree, describes that in her experience, many admissions counselors will be understanding if a student opts for pass/fail.

“The admissions team is aware that this semester was like no other,” Atkins said. “Additionally, due to the fact that most colleges [and] universities across the country have adopted some form of a pass/ fail system, this will not taint a specific student’s application in any way.”

Johanna Gavigan, a sophomore mechanical engineer, has experienced mixed feelings about the change in grading.

“As an engineering student, pass/fail is a great thing for some of the harder classes… if that meant it wouldn’t hurt our GPA,” Gavigan said. “The issue comes where if an employer looks at your transcript, they might question why there aren’t specific letter grades during this time, and why a student chose to opt for pass/fail.”

She added that she feels the policy is just and that the provost went about instating it correctly.

“I think MC opted for pass/ fail because they want the students to be focused on learning the material rather than having to worry about getting a good grade,” Gavigan said. “I also think they understand how stressful and sad of a time this is for some people, especially in the New York, New Jersey areas.”

Atkins describes that part

of the reason why the college wanted to give this option to students was to accommodate those who may not be adequately equipped to finish their semester from home.

“I felt as though many students are not on an equal playing field when it comes to attempting to focus on schoolwork and not having access to technology, the best WiFi and/or live in a household that constantly demands your attention,” Atkins said. “Therefore, providing an alternative that could help instead of harm a student’s GPA is why I advocated so much for it.”

If students are unsure if they should opt for pass/fail, Clyde recommends they focus on learning and reevaluate after seeing their grades. He encourages students to speak with advisors and officers of career pathways to see which option will help them best achieve their academic goals.

“I know it’s a challenging, different environment and the truth is, when you get out in the world, you’re going to be expected to learn on your own from online resources anyway,” Clyde said. “In some sense, this is preparing you for something that the world is going to expect of you when you go out.

But, I still understand it’s a really challenging situation for you, for the faculty for everybody.

Do the best you can to learn all you can.”

news for our readership.

If you want to share some good news with us please feel free! It can be about yourself and new hobbies, puppies you’ve adopted since we’ve all returned home, your neighbors sewing masks for frontline healthcare workers or leading zumba classes from their porches. This news can be about the work of local businesses all over the country converting their work spaces into creative ways to support local hospitals. It can also be learning about what celebrities are doing to help all over the world.

We want to highlight the awesomeness of our community and how we are doing our part in the world right now.

Please share your good news with us! Either over email or The Quadrangle instagram, we want to hear your good news.

Thank you for reading, stay home, stay safe and treat people with kindness.

A factor y in Mexico donates 64,000 sterile medical masks with the help of New Yorkers.

A company named Indepesa based in Mexico makes masks for the Mexican medical system. They usually do not export their products to the U.S. Through an unanticipated connection, the brother of a friend of a friend, Indepesa promised to ship (for free!) as many masks as the three friends could buy to New York City. These friends created a GoFundMe to reach out to their friends and family to buy as many masks as possible on March 23, and since then their GoFundMe skyrocketed and they have been able to buy 64,000 masks to donate to organizations like God’s Love We Deliver, a food delivery service to the homebound and the elderly, as well as hospitals in New York City, Atlanta, Seattle and California. This good news was organized by just four peo-

ple.

Small Businesses in the Five Boroughs work to support local hospitals.

A local whiskey distillery in Brooklyn called Môtô Spirits has converted their workspace into creating hand sanitizer for the Bronx based Lincoln Hospital. Môtô Spirits is a small distillery that focuses on creating race based whiskies that were sourced during the owner’s motorcycle journey around North Vietnam. Upon seeing a community need and a solution they could provide, Môtô converted their distillery into a hand sanitizer factory. They, at no benefit to their business, completely converted their space to provide free hand sanitizer to hospitals in need. The company has promised that until all of this is over they will continue to make hand sanitizer at no cost to those on the frontlines.

Harr y Styles creates a t-

shirt and 100% of the proceeds go to COVID-19 Research Former One Direction Member and breakout artist, Harry Styles released his sophomore solo album December of 2019. His album has taken the world by storm. He, like all other artists, have had to cancel their tours in order to abide by CDC social distancing regulations. Since then, Styles has found other ways to use his platform for good. He and his team designed a t-shirt stating “Stay Home, Stay Safe, Protect Each Other” and on the back it says “This T-Shirt Fights COVID-19, Treat People with Kindness” quoting his hit song “Treat People with Kindness.”

Styles states that 100 percent of the proceeds are going to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization.

Good News!

News

8

THE QUADRANGLE

Commencement Postponed for the Class of 2020 Amid Coronavirus Concerns Jilleen Barrett & Caroline McCarthy Asst. A&E Editor & Asst. Sports Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 16. It has been lightly edited since online publishing.

Commencement for the Manhattan College class of 2020 has officially been postponed to an unconfirmed date due to COVID-19 concerns.

This news was announced in an email from President Brennan O’Donnell to the student body on April 3.

Although this is disheartening for the graduating class, President O’Donnell communicated that the seniors would be honored in some way– just not on May 15.

“All commencement events that normally would have taken place in May will be rescheduled to this future date: Spring Honors Convocation, Baccalaureate Mass, and Commencement ceremonies for

graduate students and SCPS, and of course for the great class of 2020,” he stated. “In addition, Student Life is working with Student Government on how best to conduct the social events that are such an important part of the celebrations.”

Kaylyn Atkins, the student body president, didn’t make any final decisions about the fate of commencement but tried to participate in the conversation about this complicated situation as a voice for the entire senior class.

“I know that a lot of seniors were opposed to having any type of virtual commencement,” she said. “What I can say is that there will be a virtual celebration or video from the Office of Marketing and Communication, but that’s just to honor us because we also didn’t want May 15 to just go by as a regular day.”

“I’d rather have graduation like a year late rather than have a virtual commencement,” says Carly Brownell, a graduating International and Peace Studies Major. “I think it’s nice that they’re not automatically mov-

ing to a virtual graduation like some places are.”

Atkins confirmed that there was not a commencement speaker scheduled for the original day of the ceremony. The speaker was supposed to be chosen by President O’Donnell and a team of administrators.

Although Atkins has inquired about the speaker since her first semester as student body president, she confirmed that there wasn’t anyone finalized by the time they were forced to postpone.

“The main reason that [President O’Donnell] gave me was that there were complex schedules… but I don’t know exactly why [the people they reached out to] couldn’t come,” Atkins said.

Commencement being postponed poses questions of availability and ability for graduating seniors to return to campus – specifically those who do not live locally. With the added financial pressure of returning to MC with family members and themselves, students have shown concern and hope for commencement to be

just as meaningful and special as the original would have been in May. Brownell commented on the delayed commencement, worried about the students whom it would affect.

“I know people who are in New York now that are planning to move away for different things, says Brownell, “So I’m not sure how [a later commencement] would really work for them.”

Brownell lives in St. Petersburg, Florida and had the original intent of residing in New York City after graduation, but because of the virus will most likely have to return home.

“Nobody’s hiring right now.

You know, you can send in your application for jobs posted 30 days ago, but there’s just nothing new,” said Brownell, “So that’s kinda scary.”

Throughout the crisis, the Career Center has stayed very helpful and positive, constantly reminding students to reach out for assistance in finding a job during these trying times.

“Sharon D’Amelia sends us an email every single week say-

ing stuff like ‘Hey guys don’t give up hope! Remember I’m still available and feel free to set up a meeting,’” says Brownell. “[S]he’s been so helpful. I love the career center.”

The commencement ceremony would have been a high-risk gathering considering the social distancing policies that have been put into effect in New York City. Atkins noted that there are about 750 seniors, and with their guests there could have been roughly 2,800 people packed into Draddy Gymnasium.

Due to the coronavirus and current social distancing measures implemented by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, it is inarguably not feasible for commencement to be held on its scheduled date.

However, Manhattan College has ensured that the graduating class will have their moment, together, to celebrate their years as Manhattan College Jaspers

The Operations of Summer 2020 Courses in the Midst of COVID-19 Nicole Fitzsimmons Asst. News Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 22.

Manhattan College’s commitment to safety has paired with their strategy to grow the enrollment for undergraduate summer courses. During the summer of 2020, all classes will be conducted online or remotely with a discount for all undergraduate students.

In an email sent out to the student body from Assistant Registrar for Scheduling Annie-Laurie McKenney on April 6, it is stated that all Summer 2020 classes will be held either online or in a remote learning environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also stated that tuition has been discounted 30% for all undergraduate classes, excluding School of Continuing Professional Studies classes.

Over the past several years, the college has been working to increase their summer offerings through various new programs, such as new study abroad short courses, and experimenting with different discounts. The discount is in

line with these efforts and promotes the idea of offering more courses this year in hopes of providing students with more opportunities during this chaotic summer in particular, says Provost William Clyde.

“Summer enrollments have been rising significantly at Manhattan for the past several years and we hope that will continue this year. It seems like the summer plans of students (and everyone) may be disrupted, with many work and internship opportunities in question.

Given that, this summer may be a good opportunity for students to catch up or get ahead with classes. Since registration is ongoing, we will have a better picture once each session begins as to how this Summer’s enrollment numbers compare to those of previous years,” he wrote to the Quad.

A major difference during this year’s summer classes will be the manner in which they are conducted. In the past, most classes offered in the summer have been held in the traditional, on-campus format (two days a week, 3 hours a day for 7 weeks) fashion. There have been courses that have been previously designated as solely online classes, which were

first offered in 2012 when the efforts to expand the summer program first started. Those classes will meet in their normal format. However, courses that have previously been traditional on-campus courses will now meet remotely. There is a distinction between the types of online learning that are occurring: online classes and remote learning.

Online courses, noted as ONL on the Self Service website, have no weekly scheduled meeting times. Students will be able to complete work independently by following the course schedule.

In the document released

by Manhattan College titled “Information for Summer 2020 Courses” it states, “The instructor may or may not offer live video conferencing sessions on an occasional basis but individual meetings with the instructor, or collaborative group work may also be required.”

Remote learning courses, noted as REM on the Self Service website, have regularly scheduled weekly meeting times that students will attend via videoconferencing.

The document also states that, “These sessions will occur at the same scheduled time(s)

each week as listed on the official course schedule posted on Self-Service. Live class video sessions will be a minimum of two hours each week, not more than two hours per day, and not more than six hours each week. In addition to the live class sessions, students will be expected to complete work independently by following the course schedule. Individual meetings with the instructor, or collaborative group work may also be required.”

However, it is important to note that the document opens by stating “Both online and remote courses can be completed from any location as long as the student has the necessary hardware, software, and a reliable internet connection.”

There will be no on-campus instruction during Summer 2020, and other programs are still up in the air. Since no course labs will take place at Manhattan in the summer, it is hard to distinguish plans for different programs.

“It’s too early to know whether research labs for things like the Jasper Summer Research Scholars program will be available or whether the residence halls might be open for those or other programs.

Those decisions will probably be made in May,” says Clyde.

Junior civil engineering major Matthew Sweeney, with expected graduation in May 2021, is planning on taking the courses Steel Design and Structural Analysis II, both offered during Session I of the online summer course schedule. In an email to the Quad, he expresses his appreciation for the 30% tuition discount, and states that it will help relieve the burden a bit.

Furthermore, the discount has even played a role in encouraging him to take another class and achieve a minor during the summer.

“I have taken summer classes in the past and I think that professors are currently figuring out how to hold their classes online, so hopefully summer classes shouldn’t be prohibitively difficult because of the online format,” says Sweeney.

Having taken summer classes in the past, he is no stranger to the usual operation and nature of the courses. The current procedures of online classes and labs during the Spring 2020 semester may not be truly representative of how students are currently learning online.

News

MAY 12, 2020

9

Steven Scheiner Appointed New Provost Gabriella DePinho Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 22.

Early in the fall semester, it was announced that Bill Clyde would step down from his role as provost and vice president of academic affairs. The search that began in October officially came to a close on April 1 when President Brennan O’Donnell announced that Steven Schreiner would be filling the role as of July 6.

Steven Schreiner, who is both a Ph.D. and a P.E., comes to Manhattan College from The College of New Jersey where he has served as the dean of the school of engineering since 2008. At TCNJ, Schreiner led the development of several new academic programs in both STEM and the humanities, as well as the development of new facilities.

When searching for a new provost, O’Donnell was not only looking for someone with the right experience in program development, but for someone who understood Manhattan College’s mission.

“I think the most important thing for me, really, was ‘does he get who we are’,” O’Donnell said. “The provost is such an important position that it’s got to be somebody who understands what kind of an institution we are, what our mission is, what our strengths are academically, and what our ambitions are in terms of what else we want to do in order to build the institution.”

Schreiner was one of three candidates that came to the college’s campus for final round interviews, which included meetings with faculty, students and a number of administrators, as well as a tour. Schreiner was a late addition to the search committee’s final round interview-

ees. The other two candidates had been announced alongside a third candidate, who removed herself from consideration after accepting another job at another higher education institution.

“I told the search committee this that I was very proud that all of the finalists who came to campus, all of them, talked to me about how the more they met people at Manhattan College, the more excited they were to potentially be offered the job,” O’Donnell said.

Schreiner’s interview took place on March 5 and 6, just days before Manhattan College moved to remote learning due to the coronavirus pandemic, something the president is grateful for.

“By the time that we really realized that we were going to have to make the shift to virtual and remote instruction, we had already determined that we wanted to offer the job to Steve Schreiner,” O’Donnell said. “I was frankly delighted with his courage in doing this, I mean, it’s a tricky time. I was a little bit concerned that there would be an element of saying, ‘well the cards are all up in the air, this not a great time to make a major sort of, you know, decision and, and move’. But, he really just navigated through that very, very well, very strongly.

And he wanted to come here and we wanted him here.”

While the president is confident in his decision to offer the job to Schreiner, he notes that Clyde has done an excellent job in the role.

“Bill Clyde was always all about students and the students and the faculty and the mission,” O’Donnell said. “That core of sort of always asking the question ‘what kind of support does the faculty need in order to serve the students in light of the mission?’ That was his constant concern. And I think that guided pretty much everything that he did while he

Steven Schreiner comes to Manhattan College from The College of New Jersey, where he served as the dean of the School of Engineering. He will begin his role as provost in July of this year, taking over from Bill Clyde.

MANHATTAN COLLEGE / COURTESY was here.”

Though Schreiner is different from Clyde in background, O’Donnell believes they are similar in terms of commitment to the college’s mission.

“I think when all is said and done, he really shares that kind of core commitment to the sense that we have a very strong mission,” O’Donnell said. “And we need to innovate, and we need to change and we need to adapt, and he has experience in doing that.”

Schreiner will be filling the role after Clyde’s 10 years in the role. Clyde has overseen program and department developments on campus, from the most recent creation of the Digital Arts and Humanities (DAsH) minor to the first committee he created – the retention committee – which led to the development of a number of resources, such as the Center for Academic Success and the

Multicultural Center.

“I’d say the biggest overarching thing I tried to foster is a culture of collaboration and an entrepreneurial mindset,” Clyde said. “I think the president’s been doing this too. The administration has been working through this [and] having the faculty, the students and everybody in the community think that they can bring great ideas forward and have them fully vetted to see how they’re aligned with our mission and strategic plan. And wherever possible, we’re going to support great things moving forward.”

Clyde will not be leaving Manhattan College in July but he will be assuming a faculty role. While serving as provost, Clyde taught Intro to Economics for the Arches program several times. However, this came as a challenge, because his role as faculty member and provost

Bill Clyde served as provost for 10 years, overseeing the development of the CAS and many programs, such as the DAsH minor.

MANHATTAN COLLEGE / COURTESY

would occasionally conflict with each other, as he had important tasks in both roles that needed to be attended to at the same time.

One such instance was the day of November 15, 2018, where a major snowstorm ended up shutting down New York City. He was teaching his class but watching the snow continue to fall outside and while trying to teach his course, he was distracted with whether or not he should call for class cancellation for the rest of the day. When class got out, Clyde called the snow day, a decision, he says, he would have made earlier if he could have.

“That’s one of those things where, when you’re provost, you’re the only one that can do that and you’re responsible to do those things,” Clyde said.

While Clyde will miss the high-energy and data analysis aspects of being provost, he is looking forward to returning to full-time teaching, as well as picking up some research, dedicating time to two boards he is on and other projects he has not been able to get to in recent years.

“I’m very much looking forward to redirecting my energy to those things and making a difference in those places where I can,” Clyde said. “I like teaching and one of the challenges of teaching is that when you’re teaching, you really need to make that your focus.”

Clyde was supportive of O’Donnell’s decision to select Schreiner to fill in the role.

“I think he’s a great candidate,” Clyde said of Schreiner.

“I was wholly, wholly supportive of the president making the decision to hire him. I am really excited about him coming in.”

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THE QUADRANGLE

Manhattan College Launches First-Ever Spirit Week August Kissel Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 18.

On the week of April 5, Manhattan College’s Office of Student Engagement and Student Government Team created and launched Manhattan College’s very first spirit week, which also happened to be online. Students were encouraged to post, tag and share their Jasper spirit on social media, and each day a new Jasper would win a prize for sharing their spirit.

Inspiration for spirit week came from taking an example from Sacred Heart University, and the idea was brought up at one of the first Virtual Student Government meetings.

“Spirit Week was chosen specifically for this week (April 5-10) to start the Monday after Springfest and Spring Weekend would have taken place.

So, while we didn’t get to have Isaac Slade and the Fray’s music in Draddy, a barbecue on the Quad, or a Yankees game on Sunday, we were still able to offer some shape and form of school spirit, and so many students participated on a daily basis, which was really great to see. Definitely something I would like to see Student Government continue to hold too, even when we’re back on campus,” said Executive Director of Student Engagement John Bennett.

“I brought up the idea to the Assembly and everyone loved it so the e-board and I got to planning it out. All we needed to do was plan what we thought would be fun for each day, what

prizes would be awarded, how are we going to choose the winners, and what week we would start it. We figured that starting it the week after we were supposed to have Springfest would be nice to give students something to look forward to as that event was canceled,” added Student Body President, Kaylyn Atkins.

Each of the days encouraged new ways to demonstrate your Jasper spirit. The first was Spirit Sunday, students were encouraged to show off their favorite Manhattan College gear.

Motivational Monday followed with students sharing inspiring quotes and activities that they use to keep their energy and motivation high. This was the favorite of Atkins. “My favorite day was Motivational Monday, just because I loved the positive vibes and quotes students shared that meant most to them. I’ve been having trouble juggling all of my responsibilities and staying motivated so seeing uplifting pictures inspired me to get some work done,” said Atkins.

This was followed by TikTok Tuesday, where students worked together to make TikToks despite the distance between themselves and their friends.

On Workout Wednesday, students shared pictures and videos of themselves working to stay fit while being at home.

Next was the classic Throwback Thursday, where students shared some of their favorite first memories at Manhattan College. Vice President for Club Administration, Anna Rosario, stated that this was her favorite day of the week.

“My favorite day was definitely

This posted was shared on Student Engagement’s Instagram page, as well as @MCStudGov’s page. A number of club Instagram pages, as well as students reshared this graphic to their stories to encourage their peers to participate. @MCSTUDGOV / COURTESY Throwback Thursday because being a Senior now, it was really nice having to scroll through my pictures to orientation in 2016. This spirit day forced me to reminisce, I even shed

Anna Rosario, current student government vice president of club administration, participated in the virtual spirit week and posted this old snapchat from her freshman orientation in June of 2016 for Throwbakc Thursday.

ANNA ROSARIO / COURTESY

a few tears thinking about all the amazing people and memories that I have been blessed to have at the College.”

Last, was Pet-Friendly Friday, where students highlighted the furry friends that have been so much help to everyone during this period of uncertainty.

In true Jasper fashion, students took to their Instagram stories by storm, posting their best selfies in MC gear, creating and sharing master TikToks, showing off their best workout videos and digging deep in the archives for photos of their favorite memories on campus.

Each day these posts were shared on a variety of social media accounts, expanding the reach of everyone’s school spirit. At the end of each day, a winner was announced and they were able to collect their prize.

Student Government and Student Engagement saw this week as a success. “In my opinion, I do think that the virtual spirit week was defi-

nitely a success, we had a lot of people participate. I do think it helped build Jasper spirit from a distance; both for our current students as well as accepted students. Accepted students are deciding whether Manhattan is the place where they can spend the next four years, they won’t have an opportunity to go to campus and experience our Jasper charm. Spirit week kind of gave them a small insight at how proud students are to be Jaspers,” said Rosario.

Based on this success, Student Engagement and Student Government hope to make Spirit Week a part of major Student and Social Life events on campus, such as SpringFest, QuadChella, Manhattan Madness, and more. Their goal is to keep the Jasper spirit high, even when students are near and far from campus.

Despite the distance, the first Manhattan College Spirit Week has demonstrated that it’s always a great day to be a Jasper!

News

MAY 12, 2020

11

Education Majors Get Lost in Shuffle to Online Classes Gabriella DePinho, August Kissel & Alexa Schmidt

Editor-in-Chief, Senior Writer & A&E Editor Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 4.

As lab instructors figure out how to create virtual labs and other educators figure out video chat technology, many professors and students are making do in these peculiar times where social distancing and online classes are now the norm due to the coronavirus.

However, for some students, the classroom cannot be moved online and course requirements cannot be changed.

With Manhattan College switching to remote learning for the rest of the semester and New York City’s Department of Education’s choice to move to remote learning until at least April 20, students majoring in education at Manhattan College are not able to complete their required fieldwork for the semester. On Monday, Mar. 30, New York State finally shared with administrators and instructors what options students have in moving forward.

Karen Nicholson, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education and Health, said they “had hoped and part of the state’s guidance to that, if possible, they would have been allowed to continue [their hours.]”

“What we’re looking at doing instead is maybe having the students do a video of their best lesson even though they wouldn’t have any students there initially,” Nicholson said.

“And then put it up online so that their students or anyone who wanted to look at it could,” she said.

The department recognizes that parents are facing a lot, trying to do their work at home and trying to school their children at the same time.

“So maybe half an hour

like one day we would have a preschool story,” Nicholson said. “For the first graders or third graders we are trying to think of creative ways that we could get our students actually experience but also serve as a resource to the community because we know that everyone is overloaded and a little bit stressed by the situation.”

Students at Manhattan College have the choice to major in childhood education (first to sixth grades) and adolescent education (seventh through twelfth grade). The state splits education categories into more categories: pre-kindergarten to Kindergarten, grades one through three, grades four to six, grades seven to nine and grades 10 to 12. Prior to student teaching, a student needs to spend 50 hours in classrooms in each of the categories; for Manhattan College students, that means at least 100 hours.

In those 100 observation hours, students observe the teacher, help out around the classroom, and learn about classroom dynamics.

Manhattan College students spend an entire semester student teaching, easily surpassing the required hours

by New York State. In student teaching, the student eventually builds up to teaching classes all day, every day.

Nicholson said the staff is working on an excel file that details the hours students were scheduled for, how many hours they had completed and what they needed. Keeping track of field work hours carefully is important at MC because the college attaches a certain number of hours to courses the department’s students take.

Moving online allows a student to complete the assignments a professor has designed for a course but does not allow them to complete the course’s field work component.

Jennifer Bueti, a junior English and adolescent education double major, was completing 25 observation hours but only

got through about half of them before classes moved online for the semester.

“I haven’t heard specifics from anyone on what we will do now,” Bueti wrote in an email to The Quadrangle on March 26. “Rumors have been that the hours will be carried over to complete in future semesters but no one is quite sure how that will work.”

Bueti has the opportunity for her hours to roll over into the fall semester because she has until May 2021, but for members of the class of 2020, their hours and teacher certification process should have been wrapping up this semester.

As information about the closing of the New York Public schools was released, students were unsure about how this would impact their ability to follow the timing of their programs.

“The education department has been taking COVID-19 seriously since the beginning.

From the immediate close of NYC Public Schools, our staff has shown support in helping us get through this. At first, it was extremely stressful. We were waiting for the state to release information and accommodations for us. But, while we waited for the professors were thinking of ways to get us involved in our school community to complete our requirements,” said senior Math and childhood education major, Faith LaRock To become a certified teacher, it is necessary to complete the edTPA, which is “a performance-based, subjectspecific assessment and support system used by teacher preparation programs throughout the United States to emphasize, measure and support the skills and knowledge that all teachers need from Day 1 in the classroom,” but being out of the classroom makes that all the more difficult.

“One of the requirements

for the edTPA is a set of video clips of the teacher candidate teaching real-life students in a classroom,” Megan Carmody, a graduating adolescent education and English major wrote in an email on March 26. “This, needless to say, is impossible for me to complete due to school closures. I know I’m not the only person in this position, but the uncertainty of how we are going to accomplish all of our requirements is still nervewracking.”

The state announced that there are other options for students who were supposed to complete the edTPA but are unable to because of the video clip requirements, including taking an additional exam, recording a virtual classroom session, or filming videos at home, without students present.

For students that are missing out on classroom time, professors can get creative with those classroom simulations.

“So we can do some of the simulation kind of activities like reviewing videos,” Nicholson said. “And then all of them have the same experience because when they go out in the schools, they all have different experiences. And this way, we’ll give them a shared common thing that they’re discussing in relation to their working class.”

An example of this work and flexibility has been highlighted by LaRock.

“It can be difficult to complete our hours during online schooling. New York State is working on accommodations for student teachers across the state. Manhattan College has given us lists of ways that we can log hours, slowly, to get closer to the 40 days needed.

We can sign up for online tutoring programs, or help make lesson plans for our cooperating teachers to use. But, this is going to take more time to finish our hours,” she added.

If students have almost finished their hours for this semester, and they only need five

more, then those could be added to another course in the fall.

“We’re looking at both combinations, some of our programs, and the state requires a minimum of 100 hours,” Nicholson said. “Some of our programs have significantly more than that. So if they only needed hours, we really wouldn’t have to do anything because they would still be on track. So we’re looking at several options. I really like the one where they look at some clinical things like viewing videos like maybe making some videos that they can critique and look at together. I think those are strong experiences,” she said.

Though being removed from the classroom limits the opportunity for students to complete fieldwork, it has also invited some of them to think and get a new perspective on things they have learned in the classroom.

“I definitely think that this [situation] is a really interesting thing to look at as an education major because they always say technology in classrooms should be utilized and enhanced and now we are doing it,” said Matthew Blackwood, a sophomore English and adolescent education major. “Now we’re in a place in our education experience where we’re only learning from technology and how effective is actually online learning? It just becomes really interesting as an education major, trying to figure out what’s working, what’s not.”

While education students put their fieldwork hours on hold for now and continue to complete their coursework online, one thing is certain to Blackwood: nothing can replace the traditional classroom.

“I do think [online learning] is not as great as face to face class, but I think we all know that, and it’s definitely hindering my education,” Blackwood said.

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Local Businesses Cope With COVID-19 Pandemic Kelly Kennedy & Lauren Schuster

Asst. Production Editor & Senior Writer Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 4.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manhattan College along with universities across the country have shut their doors. An early campus evacuation leaves the surrounding neighborhood of Riverdale quiet, where it was once busy with thousands of MC students. And with new social distancing laws in place, quiet may just be an understatement.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, as businesses deemed non-essential are forced to close and citizens are urged to stay at least 6 feet apart at all times.

Local businesses suffer due to lost revenue, and MC students are left wondering what will happen to their favorite delis, pizza shops, and Friday night spots.

Essential businesses are allowed to stay open, but must enforce strict social distancing laws as “New York State on Pause” was put into place March 22. According to the message displayed on the official New York State government website, “All non-essential workers are directed to work from home, and everyone is required to wear a face covering and maintain a 6-foot distance from others in public.”

As of current policy, these laws will be in place until at least May 15. Although it is expected that these laws will be extended and social distancing will be enforced for much longer due to the current state of New York.

This means many businesses around MC campus have been forced to close for now, including Fenwick’s Bar & Grill, ILiV Cycling, and Davey Cuts.

Essential businesses in the area which have remained open have been forced to make many changes to how they would normally operate.

Fontenova Tapas is a Mexican-style restaurant and bar located near campus which has become a popular hang-out spot for students. They have remained open but switched to focusing on takeout.

“Our normal week started coming up with taco Tuesday and the weekends where we saw most of our crowd come and enjoy our delicious paellas and tacos,” said Mordecai Morales, the acting manager. “After the pandemic started – COVID-19 – we had to close our doors for our community, but we are still open for delivery and carry out. We have signs

on our door steps and we still are welcoming our community to come and order takeout and our famous margaritas.”

They have also reduced their hours.

“We used to be open from Tuesday till Sunday from 3 pm til 2am,” Morales said. “Now we’re open everyday for delivery and carryout till 11pm for delivery and until 8pm for carryout.”

Another popular bar for MC students is An Beal Bocht Cafe.

This place used to be busy all weekend, but now they too have had to make many changes because of COVID-19.

“When Manhattan cancelled classes before spring break we noticed less MC students coming in, but the ones that were around for a few more days were definitely coming in,” Keith McDermot of An Beal Bocht said. “The night the bars were to close was very busy because people wanted to have a last hurrah, but that was when MC students were already on break. It’s tough to foresee what the future will be like when we’re able to reopen.

We have a lot of MC students that patronize An Beal Bocht, but they’re not the majority of our customers.”

While MC students are not the majority of customers, McDermot says they’re definitely a part of the fabric of the community.

“That being said, their lack of presence will be felt, because they’re not just customers but part of the neighborhood and community we have around the bar,” he said.

Manhattan College students are consistent customers at many of these venues, and their disappearance is enough to cause a dent in the Riverdale community. Social distancing laws closing New York for the time being just adds to the lost sense of community.

For now it appears things won’t be changing for some time, which will sadly postpone An Beal’s plans to continue their fundraiser for the Purple Hat Foundation.

“We have done a fundraiser at An Beal Bocht every year, for the past 10 years, I believe, for the Purple Hat Foundation,” McDermot said. “It is a charity that raises money for Musicians on Call, which coordinates musicians to go play for sick children in hospitals. The founder Jermey bar-Ilan’s son had passed away from cancer as a teenager and in his memory he has been very active raising money for cancer research and Musicians on Call.”

This music event is something many MC students look forward to each year.

“The fundraiser was an all day music event, which fea-

The neon lights at An Beal Bocht are out for a forseeable future.

LAUREN SCHUSTER / THE QUADRANGLE tured 20+ musical acts, from solo performance to bands,” he said. “The bands donated their time and the purple hat was passed to collect donations.

Unfortunately it was scheduled to take place while we’re forced to close so we’re not sure when we’ll be able to host it, but once we have a better understanding we will reschedule.”

Even though the event is currently postponed, they will still be collecting donations.

“There was a GoFundMe set up to raise money to help the staff at An Beal while we are out of work,” McDermot said. “It was closed so the funds

could be divided out, but there was talk of starting a new one.

We’ve already seen a humongous outpouring of generosity so I wouldn’t ask MC Students to contribute. The best thing for MC Students to do is repatronize An Beal when we’re able to open up again.”

Since it is unknown when they will be able to reopen, managers know every dollar counts.

“We are taking orders at Fontenova Tapas 718.618.7133 and for questions or concerns please call us at 347.666.1931 or at 347.236.8214 and online ordering @uber eats @grub-

hub,” Morales said.

While the restaurants may be missing their customers, McDermot feels the priority is staying safe.

“Clearly safety is everyone’s priority now but we cannot wait to get back to work and see all the wonderful people that make An Beal the place it is,” McDermot said. “We look forward to seeing the MC Students when school is back in session!”

A new, popular off-campus spot for students, Fontenova Tapas, has adjusted their hours in light of the pandemic. @FONTENOVATAPAS / COURTESY

News

MAY 12, 2020

13

Summer Internships Take a Turn Due to COVID-19 August Kissel Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 4.

Manhattan College and it’s students are about to finish out the semester completely online and are now trying to make plans for the transition into the summer. For many this means summer internships and post graduate positions beginning remote, delayed start dates, and prolonged job searches due to strict social distancing measures.

With this transition, students have expressed anxiety about the future and what to expect from the economy. This fear is stemming from the 2008 recession and an uncertain future.

In order to support students, the Center for Career Development has continued programming.

“The services offered by the Center for Career Development have continued on-line,” Sharon D’Amelia, the associate director of career development said. “We all continue to meet with students virtually to assist with resumes and cover letters, mock interviews, job and internship search and any other career related questions. The staff meets every day to update each other on what they are working on. Employers continue to post jobs and intern-

ships through Handshake and many have also offered on-line sessions. The office is also offering virtual career sessions on Wednesdays at noon with a counselor.”

Students have begun to search for remote internship opportunities to fill in what would have been summers filled with commutes on the One Train and living in the Bronx.

This rings true for the students who were selected to be a member of the Women Inspiring Successful Enterprise (WISE) program. Rising senior Patricia Wright was accepted by the program and placed to work at the Lighthouse Guild, the nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss. She would be assisting and overseeing the divisions of volunteer recruitment, reading services, and special events for clients.

Wright stated in an email interview that she has not heard from the Lighthouse Guild about whether or not her position would transfer to online work.

“Currently I am a little unsettled,” Wright wrote. “I was really looking forward to doing hands-on work with visually disabled clients. Since my goal is to be a special education teacher I felt the Guild was the perfect match for me to gain experience with a disabled population I have not worked with before as well as gain adminis-

trative experience for later on in my education career.”

Rachel Cirelli, the director of career services, has been leading the Office of Career Development team, as well as the WISE program through this process. While the economy has seen some dips, that does not mean the internship pool has been completely diminished. The Center and the WISE program have seen success in helping students search for online internships.

“We are pleased to see that many of our employers seem pretty comfortable offering our students remote opportunities, especially if they had already received an offer earlier in the semester,” Cirelli said.“For example, American Express hired two of our students for their competitive summer internship program, and decided weeks ago to go remote. Those students have received clear updates and timelines and are looking forward to their summers.”

The Center of Career Development has also been creating working from home tips for students who will be working from home for the summer.

D’Amelia advises students to start their day as if they would when they were leaving the house.

“Make sure you have a dedicated space to work that is organized and clean with the proper equipment to do your job,” D’Amelia said. “Get

dressed for work. Instead of just sitting in your pajamas, get dressed up as if you were going to work. You will feel better about yourself. Make sure that your family members or friends that you live with know that you are working so they do not distract you. Also, make time for a walk outside to get some fresh air while on your break.”

Cirelli advises that students use this time to get a jump start on their job search and professional development.

“Take this time to reconnect with past supervisors and those in your professional network,” Cirelli said. “Learn a new skill that may give you a leg up in the work world, like computer, software, and other skills. Even if you aren’t looking for a job or internship, make an appointment with a counselor in our office to start planning out your time here at the college. They will walk you through all of our offerings so you feel ready and prepared moving forward.”

As the end of the semester winds down, Wright has also shared how she is using her time in quarantine to benefit her resume and understanding of her future career, along with tips for her peers at Manhattan College.

“My tips for other MC students are, yes, COVID is making life more difficult especially for those looking for internships but instead of seeing what we are missing out on due to COVID think about all the

things you now have time to do,” Wright said. “I am taking this time at home to work on building up my skills for my career. For example, I am studying for my certifications exam for the CST and EAS so I can be prepared when I have the opportunity to take them. I am setting a goal of learning a new word in sign language a day so I can work with deaf, hard of hearing children, or children with other disabilities that mainly communicate through sign. I am also trying to take the time to learn more about google classroom features from my mother who is also an educator so I can use the program in my future classrooms.

I would suggest making a list of goals to have for yourself that you want to accomplish by the end of the summer.”

Sociology Department to Introduce New Geography Minor Shannon Gleba & Lauren Schuster

Staff Writer & Senior Writer Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 4.

Starting in the fall semester of 2020, the sociology department at Manhattan College will begin to offer the opportunity for students to receive a minor in geography.

Currently, students majoring in sociology may choose to concentrate in one of three subjects: criminal justice and criminology, social services, and geography. But, this minor will allow students from all majors and schools to learn important analytical skills in geographic information systems.

“The new geography minor is an exciting complement

to the Sociology Program as it adds the dimension of spatial analysis to the critical study of our social world,” Ricardo Dello Buono, a professor of sociology, said. “This is a very useful skill to enhance the employment possibilities of liberal arts majors.”

The geography minor is spearheaded by Robin Lovell, Ph.D., who joined the faculty at MC last year.

“Students from across the campus can take a series of skills-focused geographic information systems (GIS) and human geography courses, preparing them for entry level jobs that involve spatial analysis of human or environmental systems,” Lovell said.

The minor is different from the concentration despite both programs having some similarities.

“The minor is slightly more focused on building GIS and physical geography skills, while the Sociology Concentration is focused on integrating human geography and sociology disciplinary concepts,” Lovell said. “Both the minor and concentration consist of five courses each, all within the sociology department.”

Professor of sociology and chair of the department Cory Blad, Ph.D., is looking forward to students improving their GIS skills because these analytical skills are becoming more important in many fields as time progresses.

“We’re trying to shift the sociology department a little bit into kind of an analytical skills direction,” Blad said. “So, we’re kind of emphasizing social analytics in ways that are going to be more immediately transfer-

able to, you know, when people are asking, ‘Well, what am I going to do with this degree?’

You’re saying, ‘Okay, well, you’re going to get this skill, this skill, this skill and this skill, and those are going to be what you know, you can do with your degree.’ And, geography and those GIS skills are wonderful examples of that approach, you know, develop the skills, then you’ll get the job.”

Right now, during the COVID-19 crisis, Lovell’s students are using their skills to analyze maps of the outbreak.

“There has been a lot of the spatial analysis since the Coronavirus outbreak,” Lovell said.

“We spent a lot of time discussing the data, visualization, and trends that the online Johns Hopkins map shows.”

In the future, Lovell has plans to continue the work al-

ready being done on campus in the subject of geography, but also has some new goals in mind.

“I would love to showcase some of the great work the students have been doing since Spring 2019,” she said.

Some of the work students have already done include topics such as sustainable fishing in Long Island Sound, car insurance rates and how they relate to demographics, and energy efficiency in NYC. Lastly, Lovell hopes the program can lead to a revamping of the map of Manhattan College, and to make it more interactive.

“I hope to create an interactive map that can integrate with other great community initiatives on campus, like showing locations with free food after catered events end,” Lovell said.

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THE QUADRANGLE

Accepted Students Days in the Coronavirus Era Katie Heneghan & Maria Thomas

Web Editor & News Editor Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 4.

Every spring Manhattan College hosts a series of Accepted Students Days that offer aspiring students an opportunity to get to know more about the school before college decision day, which is typically May 1st each year. This year however, college admissions and decisions look a little bit different.

In lieu of campus closure due to COVID-19, Manhattan College has suspended all tours for the time being, and instead hosted a virtual Accepted Students day.

This year, accepted students got the chance to attend the event via various online platforms such as Google Meet and the Youtube Studio. The college held the school-wide events on April 15th, 18th, and 22nd, allowing students ample time to tune in.

For students who are currently high school seniors, the college enrollment process has been very different from previous years. Many students are expected to make decisions about where to attend college for the next 4 years without actually seeing the physical campus. This is one of the many challenges the coronavirus pandemic has put on students and their families. The college hoped to ease some of that worry and fear of the unknown by providing an interactive experience, with stories from current Jaspers, and a virtual tour of the school as well as a welcome speech from President Brennan O’Donnell.

Accepted students were given the opportunity to split off into zoom calls with the departments they were interested in. Michael Grabowski, Ph.D., is the chair of the Communication Department, and thought the event went well.

“While I was prepared to talk about the coursework and the different concentrations, the new students wanted to know about living on campus and student clubs. We were able to talk about writing for The Quadrangle, DJing at WRCM radio, making productions with MC-TV, being a part of PRSSA and AAF, performing for MC Players and Scatterbomb,and writing for Lotus Magazine. I am really impressed with how much our students do!” said Grabowski via email.

Interim VP of Enrollment Management, Colette Geary, was in charge of much of the planning that went into the Accepted Students Days. Geary

organized the event in hopes of maintaining some of the same excitement about being an accepted student, and to showcase what makes Manhattan College special.

“We were able to provide the opportunity for our accepted students to learn about our academic community by meeting so many of us: from Admissions staff, to current students, to our faculty and the deans.

We all worked together to offer an authentic and meaningful accepted student experience that was ultimately received in homes across the world,” says Geary.

Grabowski shared the same sentiments.

“I think our best part of our program are the people who teach and learn here,” Grabowski said. “It is important for prospective students to see who we are.”

Students were able to move through the day with ease, allowing them to get a glimpse at just about everything Manhattan College has to offer.

Current students played a major role, acting as virtual tour guides and providing perspective whenever possible.

“We have always made a point of having current students talk with the new students. We think it’s always better for new students to hear from their peers to get an honest assessment of what it’s like to be a student here,” said Grabowski.

Although the event took place online, this element of Accepted Students Day carried over to the virtual experience, with students from every communications concentration tuning in to share their experience.

“This year Katie Heneghan, Caroline McCarthy, Ally Mejia, Alexa Schmidt, and Grace Taggart all met with accepted students to talk about the program. I am grateful they took the time to help orient students to what the Communication major is like,” said Grabowski.

Senior Tour Guide Ryan Kwiecinski has been working with families of prospective students to try and assist in their decision making and provide an important perspective on life at the college.

“Currently we are doing a lot of outreach with prospective students. Myself, along with some other tour guides, have been spending a lot of time talking to students and their families and showing that we care and helping answer any questions that they may have during these tough times,” said Kwiecinski.

While hosting an online event is not the same immersive experience as hosting an on-campus Accepted Students Day, Grabowski was grateful for the opportunity, as it gave accepted students the chance to meet some of the Manhattan College community.

“I think it went as well as

could be expected, but I don’t think meeting online is any substitute for meeting someone in person. However, given the circumstances we are living through today, this was the best option and was much better than nothing at all or showing a vague video. It is important for students to meet us and each other, and to learn what we are all about,” said Grabowski.

The O’Malley School of Business followed a similar direction. Dean Donald Gibson told the Quadrangle via E-mail about the experience.

“Our purpose was to give a taste of what our terrific business school and its community of faculty, students, and staff are all about,” said Gibson.

The O’Malley School of Business also utilized student voices in offering advice and perspectives on what it’s like to be a Business student at Manhattan College.

“We had over 14 current students providing their perspectives on their majors, clubs and activities they recommend, reasons for choosing Manhattan College, and advice they had for prospective students.

It was wonderful to see their passion and excitement as they spoke about Manhattan College and the O’Malley School of Business. They especially noted the strong relationships they had developed with faculty and the range of internship and career opportunities they were

able to access as part of the School,” said Gibson.

While the event was unprecedented, Gibson believes it was a great success given the circumstances and online platform.

“I think given our options for reaching out to Accepted Students during this critical enrollment time, having live interactions between our community and prospective students was a great way to provide a sense of who we are and why we could be a great match for them.”ready being done on campus in the subject of geography, but also has some new goals in mind.

“I would love to showcase some of the great work the students have been doing since Spring 2019,” she said.

Some of the work students have already done include topics such as sustainable fishing in Long Island Sound, car insurance rates and how they relate to demographics, and energy efficiency in NYC. Lastly, Lovell hopes the program can lead to a revamping of the map of Manhattan College, and to make it more interactive.

“I hope to create an interactive map that can integrate with other great community initiatives on campus, like showing locations with free food after catered events end,” Lovell said.

Manhattan College advertised the virtual accepted students day as “Jaspers, Join In!” and frequently posted about it on social media. They even offered an extra virutal event on May 3rd, extending the deadline for submitting deposits.. @MANHATTANEDU / COURTESY

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Newman Civic Fellow: Priya Varanasi Recognized for Committing to Change in Local Community Alexa Schmidt

Arts and Entertainment & Managing Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 4.

Known to many people as a friendly face around campus, sophomore Priya Varanasi has been named a Newman Civic Fellow. A double major in peace studies and political science, Varanasi has received this prestigious fellowship that recognizes community-oriented students who are committed to change and solving public problems.

The fellowship officially starts in September of 2020, with a national convention in Boston in November, and ends in May 2021. Varanasi was nominated by David Witzling, Ph.D., and Margaret Groarke, Ph.D, professors of the English and political science departments, respectively.

“When I was nominated, I really had no idea what it was and was just honored that I was given the opportunity,” Varanasi said. “What I knew on first glance is that it’s for people who are of course civically engaged, and are looking to better their communities and government. I was so honored to receive the award because I think one of the biggest questions many of us have to face is to what scale and what reach… how far reaching do I want my work to be? And it just happened for me that I got to go into politics for a local campaign starting with a local election in the Bronx in Westchester,” Varanasi said.

Varanasi worked on New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi’s campaign in 2018. The Bronx and New York City became Varanasi’s focus, and her commitment to the community includes the area surrounding the college at the local level.

“I’m not sure what the fellowship, [at large], how they actually define community, but for me, local is what it’s come to me,” Varanasi said.

Varanasi’s job at the State Senate has offered her a new perspective when it comes to traveling and navigating the different neighborhoods in the Bronx.

“When I was working on Senator Biaggi’s race when she was campaigning, we spoke to commuters at train stations, which was really my first way

of understanding how to connect with strangers and talk about issues that are important to you, and that you think will be important to them,” Varanasi said. “And just getting to know New York, just commuting from Inwood and then taking the Bx12 [bus], all the way out east,” she said.

Varanasi continued.

our school actually runs the gamut in terms of socio economic background, not actually having students of those different socioeconomic backgrounds connecting and so that’s that’s sort of been my focus on campus right now,” she said.

Varanasi, like many others, appreciates the work of the

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“I’ve been looking to get to know faculty who are activists themselves and that’s how I’ve started now, because for a really long time, my work was really just campaigns and then working at my job for the State Senate,” Varanasi said. ”

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“I go to the fifth precinct Community Council meetings most months so getting to know police officers in the area, getting to know the precincts that people will go to, the precinct council meetings, the people who go to community board meetings, I think that’s how my job has impacted me is actually knowing, just learning who our elected officials are because it was relevant to me and my job,” Varanasi said.

“Many of us don’t know who our electeds are and what they do for us. So many of us don’t know what a community board does. I learned those really fundamental aspects of local politics through actually being part of it and doing work,” she said.

When it comes to Manhattan College’s campus, Varanasi has recently gotten into activist work surrounding issues of students who commute and students of color on campus.

“I’m making sure that we have resources to feel connected to each other and actually feel included,” Varanasi said.

“I’ve recently had a lot on my mind about the way we name buildings and actually how to create a space where residents and commuting students get to better connect with each other because I feel that that’s actually lacking right now on our campus. And so often that difference actually means where

Multicultural Center and the Lasallian Women and Gender Resource Center, both located in Kelly Commons.

“I’ve been looking to get to

Sophomore Priya Varanasi has been named a Newman Civic Fellow after being nominated by David Witzling and Margaret Groarke, two professors she has taken at MC. MANHATTAN COLLEGE / COURTESY know faculty members who are activists themselves and that’s how I’ve started now, because for a long time, my work was really just campaigns and then working at my job for the State Senate,” Varanasi said.

Varanasi continued.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity [the fellowship] provided in terms of mentorship,” Varanasi said. “I was really honored to be nominated

by Dr. Witzling, Dr. Groakre, and I was honored that I got to sort of pick them and see them as my mentors in this really

official way. So I think that’s also one of the most important opportunities that actually brought me to the fellowship is just acknowledging that relationship that I get to have with my professors,” Varanasi said.

Varanasi, as a representitive of Team Biaggi presents a comunity member, Sally Dunford, with a proclamation in honor of her retirement from over 25 years of service as the Executive Director of West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center. @SENATORBIAGGI / COURTESY

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THE QUADRANGLE

Making the Most of a Quarantine: Joseph Chionchio Lends a Helping Hand Sophia Sakellariou Production Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally publishhed online on April 11. It was lightly edited to add additional information.

When Manhattan College students received an email the night of Monday, March 9 that classes would shift to online in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many were taken aback.

Some celebrated, but once the reality set in that the semester may be over, students were distraught; Especially seniors who’s final months of revelling in their hard work of the past few years, had it pulled out from under them.

Joseph Chionchio of Bay Shore Long Island was one such person. A senior finance major, Chionchio was devastated about all the things taken away from him– his senior year of college, his final season as a Jasper baseball player, separation of his friends– but rather than revel in his misery, he decided to do something about it.

“I was sick of feeling sorry for myself,” Chionchio said via email. “I realized everyone was going through something, this

drivers to help me out.”

This is the first business Chionchio has started and credits his success to his previous position as President of the Investment Club, explaining that running that organization simulated what it’s like to run a business, but on a smaller scale.

Since the launch of Smart Shop, business has been booming for Chionchio. Some challenges he’s faced include shopping in under an hour to meet delivery times, as long lines and social distancing measures add time to a typical shopping trip. Another challenge has been meeting the high demand of customers without the help of other drivers. However, after putting out advertisements, Chionchio was able to accrue more drivers, increasing his output from two to three household deliveries in a day, to four and five.

Smart Shop customer Nancy Zuch found out about the service through her daughter Morgan who graduated with Chionchio and saw the advertisement on Facebook. To Zuch, Smart Shop served as the missing link to keep her in control of protecting her family

other logistics. He hopes to be able to reach the greater tristate area in the future. Chris Sorgie, Principal Digital Marketing Consultant at WSI, has been helping Chionchio with the marketing of Smart Shop.

“Joe is high-energy and absolutely committed to making his business a success, and his heart is in the right place – he started this business to help those in need and is expanding it for the same reason,” Sorgie said via email. “We have fasttracked development of his website and at the same time, are developing a digital marketing campaign to deliver his core messages to the right audience at the right time … If I can help Joe deliver groceries and at the same time help flatten the curve, my business will benefit in the long run.”

Smart Shop is looking for drivers as well as customers. The website should be launched within the next two weeks, but in the meantime, interested parties can follow the company on Instagram and like them on Facebook @ smartshopli.

Since Chionchio originally launched Smart Shop in Long Island, Smart Shop has expand-

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“I realized everyone was going through something, this impacts everyone … I thought there was a way I could help my community by [allowing] a large scale of people to stay home and I could shop for them.”

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impacts everyone … I thought there was a way I could help my community by [allowing] a large scale of people to stay home and I could shop for them.”

So was born Smart Shop– a food and grocery delivery service for those in Chionchio’s community who are unable to leave their homes and shop for themselves. Like any good businessman, he saw a need and created something to meet that need and do the best by his community.

“I saw other services were backed up for weeks and I could deliver within hours,” Chionchio said. “It took me about a week to get my branding and marketing in order, and I finally had my first customer.

Ever since then my services have been in high demand and I had to start looking for other

as grocery shopping was the only task that required her to leave her house.

“My daughter has a compromised immune system, my husband is a heart attack survivor and I have asthma so going to the grocery store was of real concern when it came to protecting my family,” Zuch said. “[Chionchio] was so helpful. I gave him a very long list of things I needed and he even texted me alternate options the store had if what I wanted was out of stock. He delivered everything to the driveway while wearing gloves and wiped everything off. I’m already making a second list for [Smart Shop].”

In terms of Smart Shop’s future, Chionchio has hired a marketing agency, WSI, to create a website for Smart Shop as well as handle payments and

ed to serve Rockland County, New York; Westchester, New York and North and Central Jersey, as more students have signed on to deliver in these regions.

ABOVE & MIDDLE: Joseph Chionchio started Smart Shop as a way to help others during the pandemic that cut his senior year short.

JOSEPH CHIONCHIO / COURTESY BELOW: Part of what made the cut to his senior year so bitter is that Chionchio would not get to play one last season with the Jaspers.

GOJASPERS / COURTESY

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Vlogging Through Quarantine Jilleen Barrett Asst. A&E Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 29.

Now that all classes are online, many Jaspers are taking up new hobbies to avoid getting cabin fever during quarantine.

One of these students is senior economics and finance major, Ian Scheuer. Scheuer has been making vlogs on his Instagram account @schu.vlog.

Scheuer is involved with many extracurriculars on campus, giving him little time to pursue film. As vice president of the Gaelic Society, a member of the executive board for the investment club and a javelin thrower for the track and field team, he doesn’t typically have time to produce videos. He started making vlogs after the school announced the suspension of face to face classes, and now has no plans of stopping.

“I’ve always been interested in editing and producing and stuff like that but my schedule at school didn’t really permit time for that,” Scheuer said.

“So, with this lockdown [I’m] kind of sitting around at home and [have] this free time. I think it just opened a window to try something new, and I’m really starting to like it.”

Scheuer’s vlogs focus on different aspects of his life.

They range from a video on the experiences of his rescue dog, Coop, which was told from Coop’s perspective, to his relationship with his father. In his most recent post, he shows the process of creating a quarantine inspired song with his cousin made entirely of random sounds. The first vlog on the account, “Vlog 1: No More Chonk” takes a look at how part of his routine of going to the gym was affected by the lockdown of his home state New Jersey. He was inspired to make these types of videos by famous YouTuber Casey Neistat.

“I was a huge Casey Neistat fan when he was vlogging,” Scheuer said. “He was like my idol in high school [and] growing up, and then he stopped [vlogging], and I just kind of had a longing to see stuff like that again so I just thought,

why not make it.”

As of right now, Scheuer is vlogging on Instagram using IGTV and he’s working on starting a TikTok account. He feels that these are better platforms to grow while establishing a noticeable presence as a vlogger.

“I really do think that Instagram, TikTok and other social medias… [provide] more of a chance to grow and get views,” Scheuer said. “I feel like you have to be a very established creator on YouTube to have a mass following, but it’s a lot easier and more convenient for people on Instagram or TikTok to watch your videos or share them.”

Though Scheuer’s videos have the same nature as those on Buzzfeed, he’s not sure that he’ll be making a career out of vlogging. For right now, he’s just focusing on having fun with it and learning more about making videos.

“It’s really something to look forward to,” Scheuer said.

“In the future when this lockdown is over, I’m gonna get a lot more of my friends and family [involved].”

Senior Ian Scheuer has started a vlog on Instagram to pass the time during stay at home orders IAN SCHEUER / COURTESY

Seniors Saddened by Unexpected Break in Semester Jilleen Barrett Asst. A&E Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 15, prior to the announcement that the semester would be completed remotely.

Although this unexpected lapse from students’ time on campus has caused difficulties for everyone at Manhattan College, seniors are particularly affected. Some of the issues concerning the class of 2020 are those that come with online classes. These strains are considerably unfortunate to deal with at the end of senior year.

Mike Hackett, a communication major with a concentration in public relations, explained the difficulties of taking digitally based classes from home where he doesn’t have access to software that is necessary for the projects he has to complete.

“Only one of my classes can essentially function in the online format, but even that class is heavily dependent on

group work which will make it a little more difficult,” Hackett said. “I also will not have my professors readily available to take a look at my projects as I am working on them which will definitely affect my process of completing assignments.”

Shannon Colford, a double major in communication and Spanish, detailed how using Google Hangout and other online methods of education to complete her classes has kept her from learning as effectively.

“As a student who sits in the front row in all my classes, I find I learn best if I am fully engaged in class with a pencil in hand and avoiding the distractions of technology,” Colford said. “That being said, since the switch to online classes, I have felt less immersed in the material.”

Engineering majors are impacted the most in terms of online classes, considering most classes require technology and programs that are not accessible off campus. Michael LaValle, who has a concentration in civil engineering, is ex-

periencing this hardship.

“Moving to online classes is tough because I have classes that require some in depth programs that are not accessible off of campus and there are classes in which I have large group presentations that we have to find a new way to give,” LaValle said.

Alyssa DeRosa, a communication major with a concentration in broadcasting, voiced her apprehension about the fate of the commencement ceremony in May. “My biggest concern is that they’re going to cancel graduation because if they did my mom would be absolutely devastated,” DeRosa said.

In addition to the drawbacks of online classes, many of them have internships or other obligations that will force them to stay on campus despite the encouragement from MC to stay home.

DeRosa interns for Dr. Oz in addition to working on Broadway as an assistive hearing device representative, and in the communications depart-

ment under Michael Grabowski, Ph.D. “We’re fortunate enough that Dr. Grabowski closed the office through spring break,” DeRosa said. “We also had to cancel the alumni networking event that was supposed to take place when we got back from break. I was looking forward to it as I don’t really have that much set up for next year.”

On Thursday, March 12 it was announced that the rowing team would be terminating their spring season via their Instagram @manhattanrowing.

Colford, a member of the team, communicated her thoughts on the season ending suddenly.

“My team had planned to stay on campus and row for the first half of spring break and then we were supposed to have our first race of the season on March 18 down in Florida,” Colford said. “Between the cancellation of my rowing season and the drastic educational changes, this week has been tumultuous to say the least.”

The most devastating part for many seniors though, is the

way this will change their social lives during their last semester at Manhattan College.

“I am sad that we aren’t on campus for the majority of this month, especially since it is our last semester,” LaValle said.

“For some of us, we may go and have a job out of state after graduation and may not be able to see our friends that frequently anymore so I am hoping that we can get back into campus for regular classes again before the semester is over.”

Despite how upsetting this may be for them, most seniors seem to be staying positive.

“As I talk with others, the fear is very much present that [the interruption of regular classes] could be more long term,” Colford said. “Between the move to online classes and the abrupt ending to my season, I am getting hit with the realization that the conclusion of my college days is near. I wish that this reminder had been more of a whisper than a slap in the face, but it is a reality that seniors have to rise to the occasion to overcome.”

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THE QUADRANGLE The interviews were compiled by Jilleen Barrett, Gabriella DePinho, Pete Janny, Caroline McCarthy, Christine Nappi, Alexa Schmidt and Anna Woods.

Rabea Ali

Kaylyn Atkins

Kerr y Cavnagh

Megan Dreher

Jiuxing “Paul” Fucao

Rabea Ali’s Manhattan College story isn’t quite like everyone else’s. As a management and marketing double major and religious studies minor, Ali spent four years commuting from Rockland County to the Bronx and at first, really did not enjoy it.

“I came to campus, I fell in love with MC and so I stayed,” Ali said. “I hated my freshman year, considered transferring and then things right around the end started to turn up.”

She found herself getting involved with the Muslim StuKaylyn Atkins, a political science and international studies major, has become a household name on the Manhattan College campus. During her time at Manhattan she has been involved in Model UN, Student Court, the Kairos retreats and became the second woman of color to be elected student body president in the history of the college.

Atkins entered Manhattan as a civil engineering major after winning a week-long engineering competition in high school. However, she eventually found that wasn’t her thing.

Everyone who knows Kerr y Cavanagh, a chemical engineering major, is aware of how much the Society of Women’s Engineers (SWE) means to her. She served on the executive board in her junior and senior years. As a junior, Cavanaugh traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota for a national conference. As a senior, Cavanaugh was Vice President of SWE, and played a lead role in the logistical planning for the chapter’s trip to the national conference in California.

“SWE is one of my favorite The smiling face and trademark hair of Megan Dreher will surely be missed next semester on the sidelines of every basketball game, in the Quadrangle Newsroom, at Student Government meetings, and in countless other spaces at Manhattan College.

Dreher had the full college experience between extracurriculars and top notch academics. She graduates as next-inmerit for Valedictorian and is planning to pursue further education at Boston College Paul Fucao is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, whether you’re saying a quick hello or sitting down with him to chat. From being an orientation leader to a resident assistant, to working with student government, and performing arts, Fucao is a man of many talents. He is also a former tour guide, the man behind social media pages for the visual and performing arts departments, and the main photographer for Players, proving he can do it all.

During his time at Manhattan, Fucao studied management and marketing, and added a minor in digital media arts.

“Because management and marketing have a lot of stuff

dent Association, the Commuter Student Association, joining student government, going on Kairos, leading Kairos and starting the women in business club.

“My college experience began [with commuting] and because commuting my freshman year was a nightmare, that’s how I realized I needed to have such a tight ship,” Ali said. “It was also the first thing I got involved with, was the CSA, because they had donuts.”

For Ali, being involved with a number of things that put her

“My sophomore year of high school I said I wanted to become a lawyer, ‘’ said Atkins. “But I just pursued the engineering route because a lot of my family are in the STEM field. I quickly realized that I didn’t like the fact that I couldn’t speak on my opinions in engineering courses.”

Atkins recalls never speaking up for herself. However, after a racially charged incident during her freshman year that experience pushed her to come out of her shell.

“When the incident happened I started speaking up things I have been involved with during my time at Manhattan,” Cavanaugh said. “It was apparent to me early on that there was a community out there, particularly among the female engineering students.”

Cavanaugh served as VP for Academic Affairs for the “Best of the Bronx” Party during the 2018-19 academic year. Cavanaugh also served as Class VP for two years.

“If I can pinpoint the place where I learned to not take ‘no’ for an answer it was student government,” said Cavanaugh.

“I’ve learned a lot through all the clubs and activities I’ve involved myself in,” says Dreher. “Confidence is the first, the second is a genuine empathy for others. I realized how much I loved Manhattan College and the people who made this campus great. Finding myself in positions where I could use my platform to speak on behalf of the people was such a privilege.”

One of Dreher’s biggest triumphs during her time at Manhattan College is the creation that are interchangeable with each other, they complement each other quite well,” Fucao said. “And then in my second year, I realized that I’ve been doing photography forever, and I play the piano and I figured that for marketing, I could do more on the creative side of things. Because not only am I learning like the signs of marketing because it’s a lot of numbers, but now I also know the creative side of things.”

Fucao plans on continuing his education for a fifth year at MC to get his masters in computer science.

“I got an email last week that I got into the official program,” Fucao said. “I’m not try-

in meetings with administrators and other students taught her some valuable lessons.

“They all taught me how to advocate for myself and how to make change. And some days, it doesn’t seem like a lot, but if you look at how I started and how I’m ending, I can very clearly see some changes,” Ali said.

While she has certainly had a big impact on MC because of her leadership and advocacy, Ali cites Kairos as having a big impact on her.

“Because going on that reand I kind of argued with the administration on the punishment that they gave him,” Atkins said. “I just didn’t agree with it. So I would be remiss if I didn’t say that but that situation with him had an effect on why I even switched to School of Arts because after that I realize that I like given the fact that I had a lot to say and people are willing to listen.”

As a junior, picked up involvement in student court and ran for the SGA executive board. As the 2nd woman of color elected as student body president, she recognizes the Cavanaugh also served as a two-year Resident Assistant and was active in CMSA She went on L.O.V.E. Dominican Republic in 2017, and was set to participate in L.O.V.E. Bethlehem before the decision was made to cancel it.

“They [LOVE trips] have helped me get out of my comfort zone and be vulnerable and to listen to different populations and hear different perspectives,” Cavanaugh said.

During her time at Manhattan, Cavanaugh took advantage of internship opportunities at and distribution of the second special edition of The Quadrangle: The Taboo Issue under her tenure as Editor-In-Chief.

“I was so honored to have received so many compliments on that issue from students, faculty, and administrators on behalf of my staff,” says Dreher.

“It just made me so proud to run the Quadrangle and have such an incredible staff working with a shared vision.”

Dreher also spent her senior year serving as the Undergraduate Co-Director for ing to rush it. It’s going to be fun because I got the letter and I was super excited. Because you know in times like this, everything is uncertain. So I’m staying for one more year.”

To describe his college experience, Fucao admitted that it wasn’t “smooth sailing,” but a constant journey.

“I’m trying to improve while being surrounded by insanely talented people,” Fucao said.

“Here, people do things not because they have to. I’ve just constantly been inspired by all the people that do all the other things on this campus. I’m really glad I’ve been inspired by so many people that are so multitalented and that they do the

treat was so impactful and then being able to be a leader and give back to that experience, was life changing,” she said.

“And that really is the community I built my senior year and those are the people I know walking away from this, we’ll always stay in touch.”

It took her four years to learn, but one lesson she wants to impart on other students is the issue of balance.

“Just figure out that balance of what you want to do, what you love to do and what you can let go of.” importance of being a role model to other students of color.

“We need to give students of color a platform to speak because what I found by speaking to other students of color is that they don’t feel as comfortable or as willing to have that platform and like run for leadership positions on campus,” Atkins said. “So I think that me becoming student body president really sent a message.”

Atkins is currently a finalist in two of the most selective fellowships in the country. Her plans for the future include a gap year before law school.

Air Products, Tarte Cosmetics and Shell Chemical. Her time spent last summer at Shell in Louisiana led to a full-time position with the company which she will begin this summer.

She hopes to have a seminal effect at Shell by paving the way for future Manhattan graduates to be hired by them.

“I am super excited and I think it will be great to expose Shell to Manhattan College,” Cavanaugh said. “I am hoping I can be a good representative of what can come out of Manhattan.” the Center for Ethics alongside Faculty Director Heidi Furey.

She already knows MC has impacted her deeply.

“I loved my time at Manhattan, it has completely shaped the trajectory of my life,” she said. “I don’t know quite where I’ll end up...academia, law, politics...but I do know that whatever I do, I will always credit my drive, determination, and grit to all I did at MC. I don’t have to be memorable, but Manhattan will always be memorable to me.” things they love.”

In addition to being inspired by those around him, Fucao reflected on the tight-knit community at MC. “I’ve had awesome professors, the ones that are still here, the ones that retired recently,” Fucao said. “But they’re like family to you. You go to your professors, you only talk about your assignment, but you should definitely talk about your life. They help you out with things that you never would dream. It’s times like these that you really see how Manhattan comes together as a community. It really goes to show that everyone cares about each other here.”

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The Quad 10 is similar to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential, except on a Manhattan College-scale. The ten following members of the graduating class of 2020 have all left their own unique impact on Manhattan College and represent the best parts of our community. This list was put together by The Quadrangle’s editorial board.

August Kissel

Pam Miceus

Isabel Quinones

T.J. Stuart

Leon Wu

August Kissel, an international studies major with a double minor in Spanish and religious studies, was busy during her time at Manhattan College. She wrote for The Quadrangle, led Kairos trips, created new programs for the Lasallian Women and Gender Center and the Campus Ministry and Social Action Suite. She also studied abroad in Italy.

One of her most significant memories from her time at the college is when she was just a sophomore, Kissel was chosen to lead a L.O.V.E trip.

When Pam Miceus arrived on campus, she was a regular college freshman who had retired her basketball shorts in favor of a heavy mechanical engineering course load. But after one year off the courts, Miceus tried out as a walk-on and never looked back.

Miceus also picked up a job in the Center of Academic Success as a tutor because she frequently spent her time in the library tutoring others. But her free time was spent perfecting her craft on the court.

“Coach [Heather] Vulin never treated me like a walkon,” Miceus said. “From the Isabel Quinones is one of the few students who can say that she did it all; from her involvement to indulging in plenty of J-del iced coffee, she has had the full Manhattan College experience.

Her involvement first began when she entered college as a performing arts scholar, eventually becoming the treasurer of Singers and a music coordinator for music ministry.

In addition, Quinones was The Vice President of Residential Affairs for student government, the Co-President for the Kappa Delta Pi honor society, and was an active retreat go-er.

T.J. Stuart, a marketing major in the O’Malley School of Business, was a force for the Jaspers on the mound, compiling a 3.38 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 194.1 innings pitched across four years. In 2018, Stuart pitched his way into the Manhattan record books with 10 saves on the strength of a MAAC-best 2.57 ERA in 63 innings pitched. Stuart finished off his junior season in 2019 with the second most wins in the MAAC, with eight, which came as part of complete game performances, ranking him

“When I found out I was leading Ecuador, I remember I was in D.C. on a school trip for Manhattan and I started sobbing in the bathroom because I was so excited.” Kissel recalled.

Kissel considers Manhattan College to be a truly special place, and notes the people, including her close group of friends and several administrators, have been her inspirations to become the more outgoing and confident person that she has become since she arrived on campus as a freshman.

“Jackie [Martin], Connor day I came back, I was a year rusty off of playing basketball and that showed.”

She added, “The common rule about being a walk-on is just kind of like being the glue for the team, but she also took it upon herself to make me better as a basketball player and expect the same level of play and ability from her recruits.”

Her hard work paid off. She became a regular fixture on the court and, in her junior year, she was given a full athletic scholarship.

“That was my biggest accomplishment because of that transition I made from not be“As I got more involved on campus, that’s when I really started to find my place, and that’s when I found myself a lot happier,” Quinones said. “I was very happy with being able to kind of contribute towards something I felt [was] bigger than myself.”

Yet, her most rewarding experience was serving on the executive board for student government.

“It’s provided the most opportunities for me,” Quinones said. “I was able to meet a bunch of different administrators and faculty members and collaborate with them on solvfirst in NCAA division 1 in complete games for that season.

Although his senior season this spring was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic, Stuart was yet again one of the MAAC’s top pitchers.

Stuart is grateful for his time as a student-athlete at Manhattan. The way he sees it, his individual journey as a student-athlete was a microcosm of the larger mission of Manhattan student-athletes to work hard and cultivate friendships with one another.

“Life as a Manhattan Col-

[Reidy] and Kathleen [Von Euw] have been phenomenal mentors to me,” Kissel said.

Although Kissel fits into the culture at this school perfectly, she didn’t always know that this was where she wanted to attend. Eventually, she figured out that Manhattan was the school for her.

“I don’t know what it was, but everything kept coming back to Manhattan,” Kissel said. “That’s how I knew that this was the better place.”

Kissel would go on to assume many leadership roles ing an athlete to being an athlete and just how tough it was to work on yourself, hard, every single day, day in, day out,” she said.

Miceus said, “Knowing that was seen from my coaches, my teammates, how happy they were for me, that was unbelievable.”

Miceus and her team, who consider each other family, were robbed of one last chance to play together because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Something about sports is there is rarely any unfinished business,” Miceus said. “You can sometimes pin a loss on a ing campus issues, and hearing student voices– especially resident students.”

When first touring MC, Quinones thought it was the perfect fit for her; the real campus-like feel, accessibility to downtown and the five-year education program was just what she was looking for. As a first-gen college student, she was excited to join the Jasper family.

“The location appealed to me, the [education] program appealed to me and everyone seemed really excited to be there,” Quinones said. “I just had that gut feeling [where] lege athlete is not always glamorous, but what I think is special about the type of athlete that is attracted to Manhattan College is that we embrace that challenge,” Stuart wrote to The Quadrangle. “Knowing that other student-athletes go through the same daily grind as you, creates a mutual respect for one another.”

Away from the diamond, Stuart made a name for himself while serving as President of MAAC Student Athlete Advisory Committee. He learned about planning meetings, net-

in the upcoming years, including a position as a resident assistant in Horan Hall. She is clearly a strong leader now, but she had to grow just like anyone else.

“Manhattan’s super special in the way that it gives us so many opportunities to try all these things but also fail at them and [it provides] a safety net,” she said.

As for life post graduation, Kissel will be working with Immigrant Counseling Services through Northwest, a Jesuit volunteer service in Oregon. ref or something didn’t go your way but you always have the opportunity to leave everything on the court. So having unfinished business is something that will linger for a long time.”

Though her time on and off the court at MC ended abruptly, Miceus has one last message for the MC community.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to O’Malley Library,” she said.

“I extend my thank you there.

They put in really long hours, they’re always super helpful and they’re your friends.”

Manhattan College was originally not on Leon Wu’s list of schools to attend after serving in the military. After checking out MC from a friend’s recommendation, Wu appreciated the small classroom size, the Lasallian values, quality education and its close proximity to New York City.

If you’re ever down at Gaelic Park, chances are, you’ll see Wu on the sidelines taking photos of Jasper nation.

“I remember I decided to bring my camera to one of the soccer games in my sophomore year I think was 2018,”

Wu said. “And like, I just really had fun. It’s capturing those little things. So I reached out [to Kevin Ross] and was like, can I just volunteer with you guys?

And, you know, in the process I discovered, it’s all about storytelling, right?... But I just like to look for the little things nobody really pays attention to or get paid to take photos of. So the emotions or team dynamic,” Wu said.

In addition to taking photography, Wu was a member of the Air Force ROTC detachment, as well as the Student Veteran Association.

“I wanted to be an officer and I wanted to lead,” Wu said.

“And ROTC was a way for me to kind of do that seamlessly.

You know, like, we’re all just college students, some of us have never left the house until college. So what better way to get out of your comfort zone and be involved?”

When asked to sum up his college experience, Wu said that he “loved every single moment of it.”

“I am a firm believer that when you come into a place, you should leave it better than it was before,” Wu said. “So

that’s why I liked to be involved with a lot of organizations on campus just so that I can perhaps make a little bit better.

The college experiences are what you make of it. I worked very hard to get to where I am right now. If you really want to do well in school, you definitely have to work hard, but I think that you know, at the same time that has provided me with a lot of opportunities.”

Post graduation, Wu will be commissioned in the Air Force as a second lieutenant, as well as attending the Air Force Institute of Technology.

everything kinda feels right. It just seemed like the perfect fit for me.”

After graduation, Quinones will be remaining on campus to earn her master’s degree as part of the five-year education program. She hopes to remain in the area and teach in the city.

Her experience at Manhattan is one she wouldn’t trade for the world.

“I love the people at Manhattan, and I feel like everyone says that, but I’ve met my best friends [here],” Quinones said.

working and being an empathetic leader.

“Being in a room, surrounded by like minded student-athletes, looking to improve and provide the best experience for their peers, is something I am thankful to have been a part of,”Stuart said.

Stuart will put his professional baseball ambitions on the backburner for now, resuming both his baseball and academic careers at Florida Atlantic University where he will balance his time playing baseball and pursuing an MBA.

Senior Farewells

20

THE QUADRANGLE

Rose Brennan -

Staff Writer, Asst. A&E Editor ’17, A&E Editor/Managing Editor ’18 ’19, Senior Writer I never thought a day would come where I would have no words that came to mind. But this is the dilemma that faces me now, because as vast as the English language is, there are no words to describe how this newspaper helped me become the person I am today.

There are so many emotions I associate with The Quad. Frustration. Determination. Joy. Gratitude. But I think Saint Paul said it best

Megan Dreher -

when he wrote, “But the greatest of these is Love.”

I love this paper. I love writing for this paper. But most of all, I love the people who worked alongside me every day to make the paper a reality.

More than the printed edition itself, you are all the heart and soul of The Quad.

My fellow seniors, I am so very sorry we did not get to laugh and cry together at our last meeting the way we

wanted to. But I have particular gratitude for each of you.

Lauren, thank you for always being the first person to read my drafts. August, thank you for being the very first person on my Quad journey that I met on our interview day. Michevi, thank you for being the most remarkably consistent member of The Quad. And Meg, it was an honor to manage you and to be your holder of things.

To my fellow writers: this

paper is a gift to be cherished.

I have nothing but the utmost faith in you to carry on our near-century-long tradition of doing the best journalism we can.

Our late adviser Thomas Callahan always said that journalism is the first draft of history. And what an honor it was to contribute to the history of this college with nothing more than the words I wrote as a member of this incredible paper.

Staff Writer, Asst. Features Editor ’17, Features Editor ’18, Editor-in-Chief ’19, Senior Writer

The most special things in this life are fleeting, and oh boy, was the Quadrangle special.

I came in here as a freshman so painfully unsure of my abilities as a writer and thinker, let

alone as a journalist. By some miracle, that girl who walked into her first Quadrangle workshop on her 18th birthday is surely not the same girl who walked out of Kelly 4.12 for the

last time back in March.

She walked in scared.

Scared she wouldn’t meet the standard or the quality of the journalism produced by the paper’s staff on a weekly basis.

She didn’t write a single article by herself until her Sophomore year when she quite literally had no other choice. When she finally did, she was terrified to misstep, to push too hard, to not quite get it right. But she did it, and surprisingly, she did it well.

She then slowly started to come out of her shell. She took a position on the masthead, she pitched her own ideas, she invented her own column, she started to speak up. She was getting the hang of things. She felt comfortable, she felt confident.

She somehow landed the position that she never imagined she could handle. She tackled some of the toughest

decisions she would have to make as a leader. She took on administrators who (at times) seemingly dreaded the publication’s existence. She fought until she cried, and then she fought harder. But she never did it alone. She had a team who trusted her, supported her, praised her, and most importantly, called her out when she was wrong. She had a team that led her to be the leader she was slowly but surely becoming.

She bowed out gracefully when it was time to retire. She watched the legacy continue.

And she will continue to watch the paper reinvent journalists just like her for generations to come.

There are no words to express my gratitude for how the Quadrangle has shaped me. From TJC, to my fab 5 2020 ladies, to everyone who has made that cramped closet

feel like home. You have made my time at Manhattan College worth every second. You are responsible for my flourishing. You are home. Thank you all for being the strongest support system a girl could ever ask for. I am so proud of what this paper has accomplished, and will continue to accomplish for ever and ever until everyone up on the hill can’t take it anymore (and when that happens, you write harder). Please know how special you are, and also remember how special this is. A safe space to think, write, laugh, tell truths, and most importantly, exist. That’s journalism. YOU are all the living embodiment of journalism. Keep doing journalism. Keep being journalists. As long as you’re living that truth....you’ll never f**k it up.

All my love, Megan

ally do love this newspaper, and I am forever grateful to Taylor Brethauer ‘19 for seeing that in 2017. Without her, I never would have become a web editor and known how much I truly enjoy celebrating other people.

I knew I enjoyed celebrating people when I wrote articles about their accomplishments or achievements, but being a web editor made this even more apparent.

When I posted stories online, I read what I posted, and week after week, I would watch my fellow dedicated writers grow.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t do a mini cheer when I

changed a byline from “contributor” to “staff writer” or when I noticed that an article someone was diligently working on for weeks was finally done. These moments, and many others like them, made me happy and very proud of the news we delivered each week.

To everyone who was part of my brief, but incredibly rewarding journey here, thank you. My time spent with the Quadrangle will certainly be one of my most beloved college memories.

And to all the staff, keep doing journalism and remember, “Don’t- well, here’s hoping you know the rest of this quote.

Michevi Dufflart -

Staff Writer, Web Editor ’17 - 19, Senior Writer What started as a few lazy Sundays in the Quadrangle’s office quickly evolved into a great love and appreciation for the art of journalism.

I didn’t think I was capable of telling stories, but that all changed when I joined the Quadrangle in Spring 2017.

After nearly two months of weekly meetings, voracious readings of the Quad, and strong encouragement from a good friend, I finally threw myself into the deep end.

There’s a quote that says “Great things never come from comfort zones,” and sure as day, they do not. Writing my first article made me step so far out of my comfort zone, but

without that step, I wouldn’t be here writing this today.

My first article was the first of few, but I’m very proud of those few and the process it took to create them. They taught me to appreciate the journalistic process and also how to listen to my own audio recorded voice without cringing, but I digress.

In all seriousness though, these few articles showed me, above all, that I am capable of telling stories. Some stories I told on my own, but others I told with the help of other incredibly talented Quad writers and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Although I never said much during weekly meetings, I re-

-----------------------“Look at these fun & funky photos we took together!!”

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Senior Farewells

MAY 12, 2020

21

August Kissel -

Staff Writer, Web Editor ‘17 - ’19, Senior Writer I was so nervous about my first Quad meeting, so much so I sent my parents so many outfit options because I wanted to impress this group of upperclassmen who seemed so cool.

I decided on a floral blouse and a denim skirt for anyone who was wondering. I left that first meeting feeling important and excited to be a part of a group so early in my college career.

The Quad gave me my first friends at MC and I will forever be grateful for that privilege.

My freshman year was filled with Friday night’s scrambling to get articles finished before midnight and sitting in classes with Thomas Callahan listening to his stories and endless

wisdom.

Callahan always focused on how our Quad Class was the first group of all women, and would tell us that we would grow to be great journalists and leaders. He would tell us this through a series of stories about his life and what he has learned being a journalist, professor, and being human.

While I believe that Callahan was right, there is so much energy and power in the group of girls the Quadrangle decided to put into one room every Tuesday, what was even more special that I don’t think anyone of us saw coming was that group of five girls grew to fit a much larger group of people, a

group of budding journalists, future philosophers, engineers, social justice advocates, and music nerds, but Kelly 4C always had space for all of us.

While my last Quad meeting was not as I expected, I can proudly say that the nerves have gone away, and I am even more grateful to say that my friends have stayed. We can go forward knowing that we were the first all girl Quad Squad and certainly not the last. And we can go forward knowing that the Quad will always have space for anyone who wants to write, to learn, and to do journalism.

Thank you friends, it’s been a wild ride!

cause I had to go to the series for an extra credit in one of my classes. I never realized how serious this story was going to be until I saw the entire room packed with students and faculty members. Meeting Hayes was such a surreal moment, especially as someone who wanted to pursue a career in political journalism. The article was not only my first full page story, but it officially marked my transition from a contributing writer to a staff writer. I will always be thankful that Haley Burnside gave me the opportunity to write the story.

Throughout the years it has been a privilege to write for the paper. I’ve gotten the opportunity to meet so many amazing

people, from Rachael Denhollander to Kal Penn. I found a passion in both political and entertainment writing through The Quadrangle, and I would like to apply that passion in my future endeavors. Even though my senior year was cut short due to unfortunate circumstances, I’m more than thankful for the opportunities that I earned this year as a writer.

I’d like to thank my friends and family who have read and shared my stories. Your support has meant a lot to me through the years. I would also like to give a special shout out to Mon Amour for framing and displaying my article in their restaurant. It has definitely been one of the most significant

moments in my career as a college journalist. Finally, I would like to thank Tom Callahan for being one of my biggest inspirations in writing. No professor rooted for me harder than Tom did, and I will continue to write in his legacy.

Moving forward I am currently interning with PR agency Woke Media, which is owned by fellow Jasper alumnae Jessica Poulin. Woke Media has given me the opportunity to learn more about pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, and I am more than thankful for the position I have with them.

Wherever life may take me, you will always find me writing and sharing my thoughts somewhere.

When I first started at Manhattan College, I knew nothing about the student newspaper.

Once I arrived on campus I began to attend the weekly meetings, but was too terrified to commit to writing a story. My high school didn’t even have a newspaper, and I was terrified of messing up. Luckily, I made an important friend my first semester. Her name is Rose Brennan, and she has now been my best friend and roommate for three years. Rose was (and is) a recipient of the Quadrangle scholarship, who helped me learn what it means to be a journalist. The first story I ever worked on was coverage of the original 2017 Women’s March, for which Rose and I traveled all the way to Washington, D.C. with other members of the Manhattan College community.

Needless to say, after that experience, I was hooked, and I sit here today a much better person for it.

Rose is also far from the only friend I’ve made on this newspaper staff. I can stand

here with full honesty and say that I consider you all to be my family. We do incredibly important work together, and I will miss every single one of you when I am gone. The Quad has been my home for the past four years. Its meetings are something I’ve looked forward to every Tuesday of my undergrad career. I’ve never missed a single meeting, no matter what else life has thrown in my way.

And don’t be mistaken, life has brought us all a lot of challenges along the way.

To my fellow 2020 classmates, we have been through a lot together, and I wouldn’t want to have done this with anyone else by my side. We all deeply mourn the loss of our former faculty advisor, Thomas Callahan. There are times to this day that I find myself revisiting emails and notes from him when I need a moment of encouragement. If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that I wouldn’t know what it truly means to be a journalist if he hadn’t been a part of my life.

We have also grown to love our current faculty advisor, Nicholas Gilewicz, who has helped us to adapt to the changing times we are living in and see the field of journalism in new and unique ways.

Now, as our time together comes to a close in an extremely unpredictable manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are left with the things that can never be taken away from us.

We are left with our memories of four years well spent, and we are left with the knowledge and practical skills we need to be successful in journalism and in life. We have done journalism together, and now we must do post-grad life on our own. But that will never change the fact that we are proud Quadrangle alumni who know how to speak truth to power and will, in whatever we do, make the world a better place by doing it.

So long, Quadrangle, and thank you for the memories that will last a lifetime

Gillian Puma Staff Writer ‘17-‘19

Since I was in highschool, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in writing. Entering Manhattan College as a journalism major, I had no idea what I was going to write about.

One minute I wanted to be a music journalist and the next I wanted to be a political journalist (thanks to the 2016 election that I was forced to witness my first semester of college ever).

However if I could go back and

redo my college experience, I would have definitely joined The Quadrangle sooner.

I didn’t join The Quadrangle my freshman year because I was intimidated by the talent the staff writers had. I constantly found excuses to not go to meetings and not put myself out there. It wasn’t until the start of my sophomore year when I took my Intro to Journalism class with Tom Callahan. Tom encouraged me to start writing for the paper, and from that point on I never looked back.

My sophomore year I pitched the idea of writing about the lecture series Chris Hayes was doing in Nov. 2017.

I honestly only pitched it be-

Lauren Schuster -

Staff Writer, Asst. Features Editor’18, Social Media Editor’19, Senior writer

Features

22

THE QUADRANGLE

Tiny Talk with Anthony Otero Nicole Rodriguez

Asst. Production Editor Editor’s Note: This story was originally publishhed online on May 4.

In an attempt to revive campus culture for students amidst COVID-19, the Multicultural Center has continued their weekly interactive programs online. On Wed. April 8, students tuned into a virtual installment of the “Tiny Talks” series with award-winning author, blogger, comic book aficionado and college administrator Anthony Otero.

Otero is a former contributor to the Huffington Post and has published two books. His first book “Hanging Upside Down,” is a fiction novel exploring the pressures men face after divorce, including continual bad decisions in their love lives. His second book “The

Book of Isabel” is a sequel to his first novel, that follows up on the main character Louis’ life. In addition to these two novels, Otero’s short story, “La Casita de American Heroes” is featured in the Eisner Winning Comic Book Anthology “Puerto Rico Strong” with all proceeds going towards disaster relief and recovery programs in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

With a third novel currently in the works, Otero shared his different approaches to writing depending on the subject matter.

“When I used to write for The Huffington Post or when I write for different websites, the approach is a little bit different,” Otero said. “I’m usually trying to explain something either factual or non-factual.

Usually for a blog post you’re really writing your opinion, unless you’re reviewing like a game or a movie, that’s a little

different because you kind of know what you want to say. You map it out and you write it. For creative writing like my novels, that’s a whole different creative process because you’re actually creating something out of nothing so you have to be completely motivated and you have to find a way to block things out happening around the world and just get it done.”

While Otero identifies as Afro-Latino himself, he considers identity to be fluid and recognizes that a very broad spectrum of intersectionalities exists. He further explained how the identities most salient to him, being Afro-Latino in addition to Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian, have influenced his writing and his market.

“When I wrote the books, my intended audience were just to be men whether it was Black men or Latino men,” Otero said. “What ended up happen-

ing is mostly women have read the books as far as I know.

Those are the ones who usually give me the most feedback, but I will say that it plays out in in very subtle ways by writing, because I didn’t necessarily write to say this character is Afro-latino and I’m going to do everything possible to to let the audience know that that’s exactly what he was. That wasn’t the case. He’s a man that’s going through some crazy stuff, most to much of which is his own fault, but he just happens to be Latino. He happens to be Puerto Rican. It comes out subtly when he’s talking to his parents, when he’s you know making food or anything like that because that’s kind of the way the world is. You walk through the world as an individual who just happens to be an identity of whatever.”

Otero discussed how he has been able to adapt as both

a college administrator and writer amidst the COVID-19 shutdown.

“As an administrator for Rutgers University it has been a struggle because you lose a lot of student interaction,” Otero said. “I work for the student centers and I am usually used to seeing so many students and I am not seeing that now but there is still a lot of work to do on the back end in terms of closing out the year and trying to figure out what is going to happen next year or over the summer with students and training.

As a writer, I have been writing, but I haven’t been creatively writing. What is happening is that I am writing for things that are necessary whether it is for policies and procedures for work or you know applications for other things. I think what I really want to do to get back in the swing of creatively writing is just to read.”

Shaping Positive Mindsets Amongst Waves of Negativity: Alexandra Xuan’s Weekly Newsletters Nicole Fitzsimmons Asst. News Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 1.

From a lack of motivation to extreme stress, life amidst the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a complete roller coaster at this point. Alexandra Xuan, a junior economics major with minors in global business and Arabic, has created an outlet for herself and other students to find solace during these chaotic times.

Xuan is no stranger to the fear and difficulty that has come from the COVID-19 pandemic. Under layers of stress, bad news and life adjustments, she began to search for a way out of the constant cycle of negativity by developing a weekly newsletter for students that supports positive feminist news.

“I was never really conscientious about the news that I was consuming at this time,” Xuan said. “It appeared to be like an endless cycle of alarming news that did nothing but scare us, and there is nothing wrong with having fear– I think that’s a natural feeling to have every once in a while, especially now in times of uncertainty.

However, I would expect feeling fear for a prolonged period of time to be dangerous to our mental health. I wanted to do something about this.”

Xuan began to search for new activities and hobbies that would occupy her mind in posi-

tive ways. In turn, she sought out positive news stories, despite the large amount of unavoidable negativity in recent weeks. While it was hard to find any good news in general, Xuan specifically noticed the lack of good news surrounding women, even prior to these uncertain times.

“Somehow, after scrolling through some artsy feminist Instagram feeds, it sparked in my mind that even prior to these uncertain times, a substantial amount of the ‘positive’ news about women that were published probably had to do with a male perpetrator in an assault case who was finally sentenced,” Xuan said. “News like this is not news that we, as women, should keep reading about, as this may instill a certain notion that Hollywood is probably always bad for actresses, women should stay away from male CEOs, etc.”

In an effort to counter the way women are portrayed in the media, Xuan wanted to create something that would remedy this narrative. She wanted to focus on news about female executives of big companies, successful female entrepreneurs or on the celebrations of female accomplishments outside of women’s history month.

As a result, Xuan started the “[SHE]DONIST DISTRICT,” which is a weekly newsletter that empowers women with positive feminist news stories.

Positivity is a key force in these newsletters, and they usually begin with a news section about women, and continue

with anything that promotes productivity such as Zoom call tips, activities, arts or skincare favorites. The newsletter usually concludes with a bright inspirational quote by one of her favorite instagram pages. “[SHE]DONIST is a wordplay on hedonist, which by definition is someone who seeks pleasure and avoids suffering,” Xuan said. “These newsletters are meant to bring a smile or a boost of positive motivation to readers on Monday mornings, and since it is meant to do so for an audience that consists of predominantly women, the ‘she’ was placed at the beginning. Though, again, these newsletters and this community are open to everyone.”

To create these newsletters, Xuan scrolls through multiple news sources as she usually would during her morning.

Since starting the newsletters in March, she began to focus on women’s news sections, specifically on the ones that struck her as positive, motivational or emotionally moving. While the subsequent sections vary weekly, she sets aside time on the weekends to accumulate all the articles and write briefings on each. In the first newsletter that was sent out, she highlighted gratitude towards health workers, workers in the front lines and female celebrities who have used their platforms to help or donate. Coincidentally, the first newsletter was sent out in March: Women’s History Month. She linked articles that celebrated the most influential women of our time, along with

The above image is the logo that Xuan uses for her newsletter, which she uses to empower women.

ALEXANDRA XUAN / COURTESY other ideas and recommendations at the end to boost productivity, induce self care and to recommend things to watch, read or listen to.

In the near future, Xuan plans to create a community on social media for [SHE]DONIST DISTRICT and to also grow the platform for more people to feel inspired. Her goal for this community is to have a place for readers to respond, comment, suggest and interact. Currently, these newsletters are sent to Manhattan College students, students at other colleges, graduate students and people who are working full-time. The reactions have encouraged Xuan to take the newsletters further.

“I have personally gotten texts about how this project has brightened people’s moods or has inspired productivity,”

Xuan said. “These comments have really made me feel a sense of purpose.”

What began as a passion project has become something motivating for members of the MC community and beyond.

Xuan has offered a spark of optimism in the midst of negativity. In the hopes of growing the [SHE]DONIST DISTRICT community, she is also interested in collaborating with anyone who is interested or has experience. Access to past newsletters, or an opportunity to sign up for them can be found here.

“I believe using positive reinforcement in journalism for women would be a game changer that should have been made many, many, many years ago,” Xuan said.

Features

MAY 12, 2020

23

Journalism Prevails: Perserverance Through a Pandemic Megan Dreher Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 2. Headline has been lightly edited.

If a journalist is known to have any talent, it is surely their ability to adapt to fast-paced, ever changing situations with accuracy and ease. The Quadrangle and its journalists are no exception. The work of a journalist stops at nothing to bring news to their readers, even when the world around them is shutting down.

Working as a weekly publication on Manhattan’s campus, the paper has run in print since 1924 and is currently publishing its eleventh volume under the tenure of Gabriella DePinho ‘21 who took the reins in January of 2020. DePinho and her staff had much on the horizon that they were set to accomplish, but no one expected that their time together would be cut short for the spring semester.

As a global pandemic rapidly approached, hitting New York City especially hard as one of the COVID-19 epicenters of the United States, Manhattan College made the decision to move all classes online on March 9, 2020 until the end of March, and later amended that decision to remain online for the duration of the semester. In accordance with these cancellations, all on campus activities–sporting events, club meetings and college sponsored events, were cancelled as well. While students said their goodbyes and closed chapters in their books, The Quadrangle team picked up their pens and kept writing.

As students, The Quadrangle staff suffered losses, hardships and difficulty transitioning to online platforms of learning just as everyone else affected by the pandemic.

“I definitely did not expect this challenge to come my way, and the prospect of online learning was difficult to swallow,” said Alexa Schmidt ‘21, The Quadrangle’s Arts and Entertainment Editor and a Managing Editor. “Losing quality time with friends and teammates was honestly devastating. Everything that everyone was looking forward to slipped through our fingers with absolutely no warning. It was bittersweet to have to end our year that way.”

Some members of the staff even had foresight of the college’s closure from a journalistic standpoint. Pete Janny ‘22, Sports Editor and Managing Editor of the Quadrangle had followed the pandemic unfold and watched other colleges and universities close. He ultimately knew Manhattan would follow suit.

“I think Manhattan College made the right call by taking the same approach as other schools in the area,” Janny said. “I had written an article for The Quad about the virus just a week or two prior to the news, and from the research that I did, I figured that online classes were a possibility. Quickly after finding out, I had a lot of thoughts rushing through my mind about my classes, my friends, my family and The Quad. I had a bad sense that our lives were going to change for a lot longer than initially projected, and as a journalist, I did start to wonder how it would affect my writing routine.”

Despite the uncertainty, DePinho and her team insisted on continuing to operate the publication as it always has, by the students for the college community. She wrote in a statement put out by The Quadrangle’s Instagram account on March 11 that the paper was not “shutting down,” rather they were “adapting.”

“It is a challenge for us to prove to you, our dear readers, our commitment to delivering the news to you in a timely fashion,” DePinho said in her statement. “It is a challenge for us to get creative in our reporting and storytelling. It is a challenge for us to rise and be the best we can be.”

Since then, The Quadrangle has exclusively operated through digital means. Stories are updated on the newspaper’s website in a timely fashion in efforts to keep readers up to date and informed on current Manhattan College news. Though the school is operating remotely, the stories never stop.

Reflecting back on this decision to operate as an online-exclusive platform, DePinho admits that her motive stemmed from self-preservation of a title she worked hard to obtain.

“One thing that I was continuously excited about that I felt like I was losing was being Editor-in-Chief of The Quadrangle,” DePinho said. “I had worked so hard to prove myself a worthy leader to my peers and I was getting the hang of this thing and then I was being asked to figure it out all over again. All the editors-in-chief before me got to leave MC with a full portfolio of every issue they published and I don’t get that. If we’re not back in person in the fall, I get eight issues and a lot of saved web links. I’ll be honest, part of my passion in keeping us running online was with a selfish motivation because I had worked so hard that I refused to be Editor-inChief of nothing, or a non-operating publication.”

But that drive and determination is what has kept the publication afloat while journalists, including DePinho herself, continue to write stories remotely.

She turned her fear and frustration into action, and called upon

her staff to do the same.

“I kept telling my family I didn’t care if I would be the only one writing, we were going to have a publication, the Quaddies, I was going to be Editor-in-Chief of a functioning publication, even if it was sinking and I was the last person standing,” DePinho said.

“I don’t know if that’s super selfish of me but I almost don’t care that I was being selfish because being angry and upset fueled me to action, rather than just being sad and mopey.

If I hadn’t had that reaction, I don’t know how successful of a leader I would have been for the staff right now.”

This online platform has presented some of its own challenges. Roles have taken new form, some have gotten more demanding, and some have mellowed. But all remain essential.

As an editor, Schmidt has acknowledged that her responsibilities to the paper have changed. She has pointed to a new transparency that is present between all members of a functioning paper, but she also admits that the missing puzzle piece in the operation is what she misses most.

“Since moving online, communication between the EIC, other section editors and writers needed to be completely transparent,” Schmidt said.

“Getting things done online is just not the same as doing them in person. Obviously, we aren’t putting out a print copy of the newspaper, so that relieves me of some responsibilities. However, I will say it’s also one of the things that I miss.”

Janny echoed these sentiments, describing the difficulties in covering sports stories remotely, especially with no spring sporting events to cover.

But, he noted that there were more valuable lessons to be learned throughout this situation that everyone has had to face. The demand to meet deadlines quickly transformed into the desire to stay connected with his writers, ensuring health and safety during this tumultuous time.

“Sadly, I have not had as much to do for The Quad in terms of editing and writing,” Janny said. “In the beginning of quarantine, I was really pleased to see that there was still interest from my peers in writing about sports. The stories that arrived in my inbox were very good and I enjoyed editing them and reading them. As the weeks went on and this situation grew worse, I had trouble getting pitches taken, which is completely understandable.

I hope I did enough to stay engaged with my fellow journalists and to make sure that they were getting enough opportunities to write. But at the end of the day, what I knew was most important was being supportive and interested in their

own personal lives. We all love writing, but during a time like this, it was more about friendship and good health.”

Katie Heneghan ‘22 currently serves alongside Madalyn [Maddie] Johnson ‘22 as Web Editor for the publication.

In addition to working as an essential worker at a coffee shop at home, she has seen an uptick in her duties for The Quadrangle, especially in regards to timeliness.

“I am currently responsible for making sure stories get online as soon as possible after being sent to me,” Heneghan said. “I monitor our views and see which stories drive the most traffic to the website. As an online-only publication, it’s important that stories are posted in a timely manner.”

This experience, while difficult to navigate, has staffers such as Heneghan noting how their perspectives have changed in regards to the roles and responsibilities of The Quadrangle, and those of journalists on a global scale.

“Usually, with everyone on campus, I am able to meet with people in person, approach students on the Quad or in Lockes and interview them, but that has completely changed,” Heneghan said. “We are all now reaching out to students and staff and various sources spread out across the country, and I am truly amazed how quickly our journalists have adapted to this transition in order to produce amazing content.”

DePinho credits the paper’s continued success online to her masthead, the team of journalists she organized to hold editorial positions back in December when she began her tenure.

“I managed to make this work solely because of Alexa, Pete, Christine, Maria, Katie, Maddie and even Garrett,” DePinho said. “If it were not for their dedication to running their sections, uploading content to the web and using our social media effectively, nothing I could have done or would have done would have made any difference. I think my passion was a driving force in keeping us all on track, but beyond that, I can only take credit for the few stories I wrote. They’re the ones who did everything from pitching story ideas, to editing, to posting online and getting the word out. I am truly so incredibly amazed by them and so grateful for them.”

She also credits the success to the dedicated journalists who have continued writing stories solely because they enjoy doing so.

“A lot of people have expressed gratitude that I’ve kept this running or have told me that I’ve done a great job, but it hasn’t been without the hard work of a lot of dedicated people who love doing journalism, telling stories and writing histo-

ry and so the whole staff needs to be recognized for absolutely rocking this transition,” DePinho said.

Though there is no “I” in “team” and there has been quite a bit of teamwork happening to keep The Quadrangle alive and well, DePinho notes that the biggest lesson she has learned is the capacity to care for oneself in a time of crisis.

“I hope the whole staff takes away the same things I’ve learned from this, that it’s okay to be a little selfish sometimes and put yourself first,” DePinho said. “I am grateful for everyone who continued to write, for their continued dedication and enthusiasm. I’m just as grateful for the people who needed to put their mental health first and stop writing for the semester because I really value people who understand themselves and their limits and I could really learn from them. Every person– whether they wrote a lot online or not at all– has been part of the team that has made us such a respectable paper on campus and without them, our credibility online wouldn’t stand.”

While social distancing might have prevented journalists from gathering at weekly meetings or at production lasting well into Sunday nights, or even members of the MC community grabbing a copy of The Quadrangle on their way to class, DePinho hopes that the message of The Quad and all the organization stands for still rings true for writers and readers far and wide.

“Being part of The Quadrangle is about being part of something bigger than yourself– you’re part of a team and you’re a part of the campus community in such a unique way,” DePinho said. “And at the end of the day, whether you can’t hit a deadline or you’re writing thousands of words a week, you are never alone in this whole process. You have people who will help you out in a pinch, people who will praise you when you’ve done a good job, people who will guide you when you’re feeling lost, readers looking forward to your coverage and people looking to you to write and tell the stories of the MC community. You are valuable to the paper. You are valuable to the community. You are valuable to me.”

In her last line of the original statement sent to followers of The Quadrangle’s Instagram account, DePinho wrote, “We will not stop doing journalism.”

The pandemic may persevere, but The Quadrangle will too.

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MC Singers Have Been Ground Due to COVID-19 Gabriella DePinho Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 19 and has been lightly edited for printing.

While many students had made all kinds of plans for spring break, one group of students had their sights set on the golden coast. However, they’ve been grounded for now.

The Manhattan College Singers were set to fly to San Francisco for spring break to perform alongside the choir at fellow Lasallian college, Saint Mary’s College of California, but due to coronavirus concerns, the trip has been postponed indefinitely.

The group was planning on taking a total of 35 to 45 people to California, a number which included performers and their coaches, Andy Bauer and Geoff Mattoon, but when planning for the trip initially started, the group had hoped to go to Europe.

“Since fall of last year, there had been talk of Singers doing a tour in Europe,” said Naomi

Uy, a senior and member of the group. “Unfortunately, those plans fell through when school administrators decided they could only cover a small amount of the trip, making it unaffordable for most students” With Europe out of the question, the Singers executive board still wanted to plan an unforgettable trip to top the group’s trip to Canada at the end of the 2018-19 academic year.

“Back in September, October, Jenn [Bueti] and I were brainstorming ideas for a trip and San Francisco was on the list of cities we came up with,” said Audrey Sabatino, a senior and the vice president of the club. “Andy Bauer then told us about a fellow Lasallian college – St. Mary’s College of California – that was in the San Francisco area, and we thought connecting with the school and meeting students in their choir could make for a really fun trip.”

After deciding on a city, the board had to begin planning right away in order to secure flights, hotel rooms and make sure the performances could happen.

“The planning was an ongo-

ing process that took up until a few weeks before the trip,” said Grace Droege, the secretary of Singers. “Everyone worked really hard to coordinate and plan out the trip.”

As plans became finalized in the early part of the spring semester, the threat of the coronavirus spread throughout the United States. The threat hit nearer to home when New York confirmed its first case on March 1. After that, more and more cases started to pop up and people started to get more anxious. The Office of Health Services first sent two emails out to the student body, one at the end of January and the other at the end of February, prior to the confirmation of the first case in New York.

On March 3, the Office of the President sent out an email which stated, “we are discouraging students, faculty and staff from any nonessential international travel as we continue to monitor developments provided by the CDC, the New York City Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health.” The same email confirmed that international L.O.V.E. trips were canceled, however, the Singers trip

was still on, but the anxiety was growing.

“When the coronavirus first became a point of discussion through the media, we didn’t think the trip would be canceled,” Uy said. “We knew it was a possibility if the virus became something serious but, at that point, it was barely a concern for us.”

Sabatino said, “I definitely saw several headlines about coronavirus in San Francisco specifically, so I had wondered how that would affect our trip.”

Ultimately, the trip was canceled, not by the club, but by the college.

“Our plan was to wait for the school’s decision, meaning we never planned to cancel the trip on our own,” Droege said.

“We knew the decision was out of our hands and even out of the administration’s hands.

Ultimately, this was the safest decision for our students as disappointing as that is.”

While the students understand the decision, they are still sad to see that plans to explore a city they had never been to before or the chance to meet more students were canceled.

“I’m really bummed,” said member Allison Powers. “I

know it’s for the best, but it’s really hard. We had a really great trip planned and we were working really hard on some complex music that we were excited to showcase.”

Uy said, “It’s a tough pill to swallow and I don’t want to end my college career like this but there’s not much we can do.”

While the trip has been canceled for now, the members of Singers still have a lot to look forward to if Manhattan College returns to in-person instruction at the end of the semester.

“If the school reverts back to in-person instruction, the only thing I have left to look forward to is the Spring concert,” Uy said. “I’d be so grateful if I had the opportunity to perform with Singers one last time but only time will tell how the virus plays into this semester.”

The group also hopes to be able to reschedule their trip to California. The students had planned to perform the same repertoire of music they had prepared for the spring concert which was scheduled for May 3.

The Show Will Not Go On: Spring Musical Cancelled Jilleen Barrett Asst. A&E Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 23 and has been lightly edited for print publishing.

The Manhattan College spring musical The Addams Family has been officially cancelled. The same day that the student body received an email that classes would be held online for the remainder of the semester, the Instagram account @playersmc announced that the show would not go on.

Andy Bauer, music director and coordinator of performing arts, expressed his disappointment that the hard work put into the show would not be recognized in the way they had hoped.

“We definitely want to do something this semester so that the students can show the work that they’ve been doing on this, because we’ve all been doing so much work,” Bauer said. “We want to do something so that the students can in some way publicly perform something from the show and we’ve got a couple irons in the fire … as far as how we might

do it.”

James Caldwell, the director of the musical and a professor in the department of music and theatre, communicated that it is important to him that they exhibit the talent and dedication of the students. However, they have not figured out how exactly they will execute that.

“We’re just getting back from break, and I really wanted to make sure that the students had a break,” Caldwell said.

“But we’re exploring, we will explore every option in that capacity.”

Caldwell made sure to mention that he wants to do something that will represent all of the students involved in the musical, regardless of their position.

“I’m heartbroken for the designers, I mean, the people who designed and built the set,” Caldwell said. “I am heartbroken for all… every single actor in the show that worked hard, learning their lines and learning very challenging choreography.”

His job as director includes the responsibilities of finding the costumer, choreographer, casting the show, and “making sure everything, when it comes

together, is speaking the same language.”

Gabby Kasper and Megan Lawlor are seniors and have been involved in Players since freshman year. Lawlor, who played Morticia, explained how disheartening it is not to see their last musical take the stage.

“I mean, I think I can speak on behalf of everyone in saying that we’re all devastated,” Lawlor said. “I mean we understand, of course, what happened but it’s, it’s still completely gut wrenching to put so much of yourself into a project and have it kind of fizzle out in front of your very eyes.”

Lawlor and Kasper, the assistant director, each put about 12 hours a week aside to rehearse and prepare since auditions in November. There were about 10 other seniors involved among the cast and tech crew as well. It is unlikely that they will attempt to reproduce the show next spring, considering the number of students from this year’s graduating class that would not be able to partake.

“They’re just gonna move on and find a new show just because this kind of hurts now,” Kasper said. “[It’s] a little weird to try to like recast a show that

This would have been the playbill cover and flyer.

JOSEPH VENTURINI/ COURTESY

already was very much on its way to fruition.”

Despite how unfortunate this is for those involved, Caldwell feels that it was important to call the show off because of the concerns about the

coronavirus on campus.

“There are people I know that have compromised immune systems at our school,” Caldwell said. “I would much rather protect someone’s life than do a musical.”

MAY 12, 2020

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Jasper Jams: Quarantunes for Working From Home Alexa Schmidt & Gabriella DePinho A&E Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 4.

We always love trying to find new music and trying to curate the best playlists possible, and now that we’re at home with a lot of time to bake bread, learn Tik Tok dances, and call loved ones, we’ve also got the time to curate some awesome playlists for you. This first one is quarantunes to listen to while you’re working from home, hanging with your family and trying to stay sane.

Daydream by The Aces: Gabs’ Pick I first found The Aces when they collaborated with another band I really like, Smallpools.

Their sound is similar to other alternative pop bands you might know and love BUT The Aces is the girl band we deserve, which is what makes them so wonderful.

Talk It Up by Sammy Rae: Gabs’ Pick I’ve recently gotten into this jazzy-singer-songwriter-pop genre of music and Sammy Rae (& The Friends) is my newest obsession in the genre. You’d be surprised by how many bands and artists fit into this aesthetic.

Sad Tonight by Chelsea Cutler: Gabs’ Pick I’ve been using this social distancing time to listen to artists I haven’t had the chance to check out before. A few people I know post about Cutler’s music a lot, so I figured I’d listen to her discography now that I have the time. I’m glad I checked her stuff out because I like her a lot.

Technically this is a love song, but I interpret it as a love song between friends. I miss my friends dearly. I miss the harmless poking fun of each other, late night chats and squabbles that absolutely don’t mean anything. The indication of a true friendship is making up with just a look – a look that can only be understood by the other.

This Is The Day by The The: Gabs’ Pick So now that I’ve been home, I’ve had the chance to watch some new movies, including the 2018 film version of David Levithan’s novel Every Day. They use this song in the movie which is how I found it and it’s a pretty good “coming of age”esque song. I keep listening to it and thinking that the day my life surely changed was, March 9, when classes first got moved online.

Never Going Home by Hazel English – Alexa’s Pick This song leaves me with this intense longing feeling for experiencing the Spring at Manhattan College. When the weather finally starts to warm up, the flowers bloom and quad days are endless. English’s voice is dreamy enough to make me believe I’m back on campus.

Is Ever ybody Going Crazy? by Nothing But Thieves: Gabs’ Pick I’ve been a Nothing But Thieves fan since high school, so I always listen to every new release and this is their most recent one. I know they definitely wrote and recorded this song before the pandemic began, but the title is a bit ironic right now, considering how people are acting over toilet paper in their local supermarkets.

Work it Out by Knox Hamilton – Alexa’s Pick

Freaking Out by Arizona – Alexa’s Pick I discovered Arizona on Spotify as a recommended artist, and I’m glad I listened to their algorithm. Fitting into the dance-pop genre, they’re a good band to put on when you need that dance session after sitting down for hours trying to work on a paper.

New Religion by The Heydaze- Alexa’s Pick Being at home all the time has become monotonous, and I’m tired. When lyrics say, “It’s hard to wake up in the morning,” I felt that. All jokes aside, The Heydaze is the perfect

pick-me-up for finally dragging yourself out for that run that you really don’t want to go on.

Someday by The Strokes – Alexa’s Pick I finished the TV show, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” when this song came on. Fan

of the band, and became a bigger fan of the show. In case you were wondering, this show was created by the same producers of “Gilmore Girls,” and like most shows, I hate the main character but love the supporting characters.

A Guide To Loving Yourself As-Is in “Over The Top: A Raw Journey To Self Love” BOOK NOOK Kelly Kennedy

Asst. Production Editor Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 5.

Two years ago in 2018, the reboot of “Queer Eye” came out on Netflix. A reality show about five gay men who make over the lives of straight men in need; it’s nothing less than a modern masterpiece. Everyone was talking about it, especially about one of the gurus, Jonathan Van Ness. Jonathan appeared as a completely confident and hilarious hairdresser, with absolutely no hesitation to be anything less than his true self. Van Ness defies almost all heteronormative standards,

and yet it seemed as if the hurtful comments of others had no effect on him. It seemed as if he only ever radiated pure joy, which may lead viewers to wonder how he acquired this model of self-love and positivity.

A year after the show’s first season aired, Van Ness came out with his autobiography, “Over The Top: A Raw Journey To Self Love.” In his autobiography, he dives deep into his childhood life, years of bullying, coming to terms with his sexuality, and all the hardships. Van Ness discusses his trauma by comparing his life to the gorgeous gymnasts he idolized as a kid. To maintain a level of privacy, Van Ness uses extravagant Russian aliases for some of the real-life characters in his story. It’s easy to assume

that someone on television can have it all, and that it is oblivious to the pain ordinary people feel. But after reading, it’s obvious that it was a long and hard journey for Jonathan to become who he is today.

As Van Ness says in his autobiography, “There’s a rhyme and reason behind my effervescent spirit, and no, I did not wake up like this. It took a lot of trauma and tears to become the person you see today.”

Van Ness’s book is available as an audible version, which he narrates himself. His emotion and iconic language known to all “Queer Eye” fans adds another dimension to his stories.

And while Van Ness is able to maintain an uplifting tone to his book, that doesn’t stop him from digging deep into the not

so picture-perfect times in his life.

Van Ness grew up in a small midwestern town, Quincy, Illinois. As someone who knew his sexuality and was true to himself from a young age, there were many who tried to bring him down. He was deemed too bold, too loud, too feminine. He spent his childhood dreaming of getting out, but when he did the troubles didn’t stop there.

He goes into sensitive topics that can be triggering to some, discussing topics such as sexual abuse, mental health and drug use. By discussing these harsh subjects, it makes his story just so raw, and readers get to truly see the good, the bad, and everything that made him who he is today.

Readers learn to never

judge someone until they can “walk a mile in their shoes.”

There is so much that goes on behind the curtains that he never let on as a television personality. But through all the hardships he never let anyone change him, and after everything he’s been through, he came out on top.

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THE QUADRANGLE

Springfest Cancelled In Response to COVID-19 Gillian Puma Staff Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 5.

The Spring Fest event that would have been held on April 4 in Draddy Gymnasium has officially been cancelled in response to COVID-19. Spring Fest getting cancelled isn’t the only change that has occurred to the Manhattan College campus over the past few weeks, as students have officially moved out of the residence halls, and classes have moved to an online platform for the rest of the Spring semester.

Spring Fest was going to be set up differently this year compared to other years. Instead of one day, the celebration was going to extend into two days. Saturday students would enjoy activities and music on the quad.

Students would have the option to see The Fray’s Isaac Slade perform in Draddy Gymnasium, followed by food trucks in the Jasper parking lot when

the concert was over. Day two of Spring Fest was going to be a special surprise provided by the student government.

“We bought Yankee tickets for the student body and were planning on giving them out that Saturday,” V.P. of Social Life GinaMarie Napoli shared.

“The student government board and myself thought it was a great idea to make spring fest two days instead of just one,” she said.

If students didn’t want to attend the concert, they would also have the option to attend a Yankee game the day after the concert.

Executive Director of Student Engagement, John Bennett, also shared his input on the sudden cancellation of the event. A lot of money was lost in planning the event, considering the changes were so sudden.

“To speak on the budget aspect, a lot was already spent on the weekend,” Bennett said.

“From agent fees to the rental of the stage, speakers and the like which were being kept in

a warehouse for us already, all those sorts of things were already paid for,” he said.

The Yankee tickets were also already paid for, and the Yankee season has been put on hold in response to COVID-19.

“Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much discussion on Spring Fest,” said Student Body President Kaylyn Atkins.

However there has been discussion on making up the event. Atkins said, “I have been in contact with John Bennett and Student Engagement [in addition to the Division of Student Life] has expressed that they are open to discussing if we want to put forth efforts to enhance Quadchella or next year’s Spring Fest.”

The future of Spring Fest and how it will be “made up” will not be in the hands of the current student government board. “Spring Fest artist for next year definitely does not have to be Isaac Slade,” Atkins said. “That will be up to the opinions of the student body and next year’s student govern-

ment executive board and assembly,” she said.

While there hasn’t been a response from Slade himself on the cancellation of the event, Bennett was in contact with his agency.

“Because this is really a worldwide issue and a mandate regarding crowds and the like, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise the cancellation,” Bennett said. “It’s not like we woke up one morning and had a change of heart and wanted to disinvite him. We’re not wed to him in the future by any means either,” he said.

Students will also not be refunded for the event, as it is free to students unless you invite guests from off-campus.

“We never charge students to attend Spring Fest,” Bennett said. “We are always really conscious of keeping on-campus events free for students to just show up and attend without having to sign up so they feel welcomed within their own,” he said.

There has been disappointment expressed between stu-

Perfect Pride Podcasts C. Garrett Keidel Social Media Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 6.

Due to public health concern with the status of COVID-19 in New York City, Mayor Bill De Blasio announced in late April that all nonessential public events would be canceled for the city, through the month of June. The mandate includes the canceling of New York City’s 2020 Pride parade and all preceding events. 2020 marks one year since the World Pride celebration(s) of 2019, and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots; not to mention this would have also been the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in June, 1970.

Manhattan College in 2019 also celebrated its first ever pride week with the help of the MC LGBT Club. With the canceling of on-campus events for the rest of the semester, along with the cancelation of Pride events for New York city through June; many LGBT+ people(s) and allies are seeking an alternative to celebrate. An answer to that during a time of quarantine and social distancing? Podcasts.

If you are looking for ways to connect with the LGBT+ community during this transi-

tion period into pride celebrations, here’s some recommendations.

The Deviant’s World, Eric Cer vini, Ph.D Host Eric Cervini is an award-winning LGBTQ+ historian, and graduate of Harvard summa cum laude in 2014; receiving a Ph.D from the University of Cambridge. Episode titles of the podcast include, “In Search of a Lesbian Bar”, “Learning from AIDS in the Age of COVID-19”, and many more.

This podcast brings commentary and celebration of LGBT+ historical moment(s). US Senator Tammy Baldwin, reviewed Cervini’s work as “a compelling work that should be on the reading list for everyone who cares about the quest for full civil rights for all Americans.”

His work highlights LGBT+ history and culture, and Pride is rooted in that historical background. This podcast should be on everyone’s list(s).

Shame on You, Jordan Power and Brad Price Best friends, Jordan and Brad set out in March 2019 to “imagine if they were invincible to shame, not just about being gay, but in general. Join [Jordan and Brad] as they spark a revolt against society’s norms.

Guests include ex-boyfriends, gay men, and others plagued by messages of shame.” This show can be a bit graphic, but

for members of the LGBT+ community, the normalcy of our emotions/feelings is equal above all, and the show starts conversations without stigmas that typically are brought with them. Shame on You is loud, proud, and in your face. This thought and opinion provoking show should be on everyone’s list wishing to celebrate a remote pride this year.

RuPaul: What’s the Tee with Michelle Visage, RuPaul Charles and Michelle Visage Whether or not you are a fan of the multi-Emmy award winning television show RuPaul’s Drag Race, this podcast offers nearly 6 years of interviews with LGBT+ figures, entertainment celebrities, and allies.

Interviews from your favorite contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race are scattered throughout, and explore the variety of guests on the show. This show has a guest for all audiences including Susanne Bartsch, Vanessa Williams, Adam Lambert, and Bruce Vilanch. From “Ru” and Michelle talking by themselves about life in New York City, to conversations with community icons like Mathu Anderson, and your favorite interviews with contestants on RuPaul’sDrag race; the show offers a modern combination of LGBT+ infotainment that’s perfect for this Pride season.

dent government and student engagement in response to the sudden cancellation of the event.

“I would just like to personally thank GinaMarie and the rest of the Social Life Committee for all of their hard work put into this event,” Atkins said.

“There are so many student leaders who were also planning other events, and I want to let them know that it is okay to grieve or be sad about lost memories,” she said.

Bennett also shared his emotion towards the students disappointment, as he is a Manhattan College alumni.

“We understand the disappointment completely and will do everything in our power to make sure we do something in consultation with the student leadership that makes people happy,” he said. “From a Student Engagement perspective, making students happy and keeping them engaged is our goal. We’re certainly trying to provide as many of our services as possible right now to keep that going,” Bennett said.

Arts & Entertainment

MAY 12, 2020

27

Senior Shows Off Eclectic Style ON-CAMPUS FASHION FINDS Lauren Schuster Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 4.

Today’s stylish Jasper is senior student Megan Carmody.

Carmody is originally from Rumford, Rhode Island and is majoring in adolescent education with a concentration in English.

The Quadrangle: How would you describe your style?

Megan Carmody: I don’t think I could really describe my style. Not because it is particularly unique or anything, but because it really varies day to day. I don’t like to limit myself to following one “aesthetic” or “style.”

TQ: How have you noticed your style change as you’ve grown older?

MC: Yes, my style has changed a lot. But, I think that’s more due to the fact that I don’t have to wear a uniform anymore so I have more opportunity to wear something I think is fun or to try different looks out. Back then it was more about labels.

TQ: Would you wear what you wore in high school now?

MC: Some outfits yes but mostly no. I tried to be preppy then and that is not a good look for me. The first thing I did upon graduating was dye my

hair pink.

TQ: What are some of your favorite places to shop?

MC: My favorite places to shop are really anywhere. I think you can find something with potential in any store. But, I currently shop a lot at thrift stores, Dolls Kill, and classics like Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21.

TQ: Tell us where your outfit is from!

MC: My skirt is from a thrift store, my turtleneck and jacket are from Forever 21 and my hat is from a street fair. There was a lady with a tent that was selling hats from the material she ripped off of old couches at her reupholstery shop. That’s one of my favorite things I own because I ended up at that tent for like an hour while she put different hats on me.

TQ: If you were given $1,000 to spend in one place, where would you spend it and why?

MC: I don’t think I could pick a single store but, I’d definitely spend it just on shoes. I think when wearing a simple outfit, the shoes make the whole thing.

TQ: How do you plan your outfits?

MC: I typically start with one thing I really want to wear and then build around that. So for example with my outfit from the picture I chose the hat and then I looked for things in my closet that would compliment

it. And I also do the same with shoes. I guess I’m more of an accessories first kind of girl.

TQ: Do you have a favorite piece of clothing?

MC: Yes. My Doc Marten Mary Janes. I wear them anytime I get the chance. Winter or summer, with pants or skirts, I even brought them to Ireland even though they took up half of the allowed weight for my suitcase.

TQ: Any tips on staying both comfy and cute in quarantine?

MC: My tips would be to wear whatever makes you happy right now! If you got a new pair of jeans and are excited about them, throw them on.

You may not get to show them off to others but, anything to boost your mood in a time like this is worth it. Same thing with if you don’t want to change for three days. If that’s what makes you happy then that’s the look for you.

Freshman Develops Own Unique Sound During Quarantine Rose Brennan Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 29.

For Bronx native Bianca Perez, performing arts was always a cornerstone of her life.

And though she is only just beginning her tenure at Manhattan College, she certainly hit the ground running.

The freshman sound studies major got her start by singing in her church during her elementary school years. This is a passion she’s continued at the college as a member of Music Ministry. She is also a member of some of the college’s other choral groups, including Singers, Manhattones and Performing Hearts.

But singing isn’t Perez’s only form of expression. Af-

ter years of singing, Perez discovered the magical worlds of dance and theater performance in high school.

“I have sung for a long time, but I’ve been studying acting and dancing seriously for a year now. I also play the ukulele and recently started recording my own music,” she said.

Like the rest of the world, MC performing arts ensembles are on pause for the time being due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But for Perez, the coronavirus will not stand in the way of honing her craft.

She is writing her own music and continues to “perform” on her Instagram stories to make sure she doesn’t get rusty.

She is also taking online acting and dance classes, and while the pandemic causes grief in many aspects of daily life, Perez is finding joy in one thing it has given her: time.

“[I’m] studying up on my scales and chords of the ukulele, songwriting and audio recording,” she said. “Doing this really enhances the education I am getting at the school and I am happy to have the extra time to do so.”

Outside of performing arts at MC, Perez is involved in other programs. She’s one of the first sound studies majors at MC, and she is also a member of WRCM, the college radio. Unsurprisingly, Perez’s show was all about theater. She would cover the latest news and other goings-on in the world of Broadway, and would even play music and hit songs from the shows corresponding with that week’s news.

Like every actress on her way to stardom, Perez has a dream role. For quite awhile, she’s had her eyes set on Nina from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In

the Heights.” She was in the show last year, but as an ensemble member.

“I absolutely fell in love with [Nina’s] character,” Perez said.

“Although I was not ready to play her yet, I know my time will come.”

Perez has already found a home in the performing arts community at MC. She also has some advice for people who want to get involved with some of the performing arts programs, but might feel uncertain.

“You should not miss the opportunity,” Perez said. “Every ensemble on campus is so welcoming and makes you feel like home right from the start.”

She continued.

“Performing arts gave me a new set of interests I never knew I’d love so much. Being a part of even one group can definitely make a difference in

your life.”

Perez participated in Players’ One Acts.

ISABELLE GUTTIEREZ/ COURTESY

Arts & Entertainment

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THE QUADRANGLE

Mastering the Art of Quarantine: Social Distancing Through Creation and Exploration Sophia Sakellariou Production Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 10.

With all of the newfound free time that quarantine has afforded those who are not at work on the front lines, many have struggled with how to fill their time. After all, Netflix can only fill the void for so long.

That is why it is the perfect time to start a new hobby or pick up an old one, and fall in love with creating again. A few students have mastered the art of quarantine by making art or enjoying the natural art found all around us.

Mackenzie Conroy, a junior political science major with minors in urban studies and digital arts has been using her time previously spent on Manhattan’s campus painting.

“I have been painting for as long as long as I can remember,” Conroy said. “All of my birthday presents always involved art and for career day in kindergarten I dressed up as my art teacher.”

Her work is inspired by everyday life, beginning with fruits and vegetables she started painting in a high school studio class, to more recently, people. Women are a big subject of her work and she ex-

periments with fun colors for them and their surroundings.

Conroy said even though her subjects have branched beyond produce, she sticks to the same color schemes so all of her work looks cohesive.

“Anyone who’s ever seen my class notes knows that all I do is doodle, so a lot of the paintings I make start off as things I think of during school,” Conroy said. “I like painting so much because it doesn’t matter if it comes out perfect or not. As long as I’m enjoying what I’m doing that’s all that really matters and I can always rely on my grandparents to like it even if no one else does.”

Like many, Conroy has found time in quarantine to be frustrating with online classes and the great shake up in routines. Painting has been her outlet, filling entire days at a time since once she picks up a project, it’s difficult to step away as she immerses herself in the leisure activity she loves.

“Having an escape where I can focus on one thing for like 5 hours and complete it is very satisfying,” Conroy said. “I also have way more freetime now and all of the supplies that I couldn’t fit into a dorm room.

While I’ve been home I remembered what an important part of my life art is and I’ve actually decided to pick up a digital media arts minor for my senior

To Notarbartolo, hiking is a great means of social distancing.

MICHAEL NOTARBARTOLO/ COURTESY

year.”

For some, art is not made, but can be found outdoors. Junior marketing major Michael Notarbartolo has capitalized on the social distance mandate by filling his time doing something he loves– hiking.

“I am a firm believer in the cross section between nature and spirituality, so I really feel an almost ethereal connection to nature when I hike,” Notarbartolo said. “It really gives me a sense of grounding and provides me with an ultimate feeling of clarity that I can’t describe in words. I’ll sometimes break down in tears because of how damn amazing it all is.”

Notarbartolo began hiking during his senior year of high school, taking inspiration from his AP Environmental Studies class. When the weather was nice, him and his friends would pile into a car and cruise through the Hudson Valley looking for new trails and adventures. Their colleagues at school even labeled them the “Mountain Goats” and “Hiking Squad.”

“I was so fascinated by the inner workings of nature and the environment, and really how the earth is so unforgiving, yet so phenomenal at the same time,” Notarbartolo said.

“It feels as if I am completely disconnected from society, but still connected to a sense of community. Where everything that surrounds me talks and feels like a dream.”

Notarbartolo has experienced this poetic journey throughout the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions. In love with this region, it’s hard for him to choose a favorite trail, but said the Coxing Trail on Mohonk Mountain in New Paltz, Overlook Mountain in Woodstock, and Breakneck Ridge in Cold Spring, hold a special place in his heart.

Notarbartolo hopes everyone takes this time to go out and explore a bit of what nature has to offer.

“I feel that we’re all rooted from nature and there exists a sort of ecological spirit inside us that we must connect with from time to time,” Notarbartolo said.

There’s nothing like finding love in an old hobby to fill copious amounts of free time.

However, there is something to be said for the excitement of finding a new one and the joys and pitfalls of being a novice. Senior secondary education major Megan Lawlor has picked up her knitting needles during quarantine after learning to knit this past February.

Women are often the subject of Conroy’s work. She enjoys playing with the colors between them and their surroundings.

MACKENZIE CONROY/ COURTESY Learning the bulk of her knowledge from Youtube tutorials, the greatest lessons came from a lot of trial and effort.

“Since I just learned to knit, I’ve basically only ever knitted during the quarantine so it’s given me the time to expand on my skills,” Lawlor said. “I also sew clothing so I’ve always been a fan of creating clothing from scratch. I love giving handmade gifts As corny as it sounds, there’s something special about spending time working on a gift for a loved one, especially if you can’t be with them physically.”

Lawlor has found knitting to be a great activity to help pass the time in quarantine. She’s currently knitting a shawl for a costume she plans to wear next

year at New York Comic Con, “assuming it still happens.” Her favorite project so far? The Harry Potter inspired sweaters she made for her and her sister.

“We both have always loved Harry Potter so it was only a matter of time until we got our own Weasley sweaters,” Lawlor said. “And after all, it’s much cheaper to make it than to buy them and this way I can customize them to fit us perfectly.”

Next time you find yourself wondering what to do next when the hours inside seem endless, take a note from these students– pick up a paint brush, get outdoors, or knit a garment for a friend. That last episode of Tiger King will still be there when you get back to Netflix.

Lawlor has picked up knitting during quarantine.

MEGAN LAWLOR/ COURTESY

Sports

MAY 12 2020

29

Manhattan’s Valiant Effort in the MAAC Tournament Comes up Short MBB: MANHATTAN 61, FAIRFIELD 43 QUARTERFINALS: SIENA 63, MANHATTAN 49 Whit Anderson & Pete Janny

Staff Writer & Sports Editor Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 17.

In what was supposed to be the ultimate showdown to determine which team represents the MAAC in the now cancelled NCAA Tournament, the underdog Manhattan Jaspers (13-18, 8-12 MAAC) put on quite a fight.

The Jaspers came into last Tuesday’s game against Fairfield (12-20, 8-12 MAAC) as the ninth seed, after losing seven out of eight games to close out the MAAC regular season.

However, that didn’t stop them from dominating the Stags en route to a 61-43 win in the opening round, despite losing to the Stags 66-50 just four days earlier at Draddy. The Jaspers’ run came to end in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night with a 63-49 loss to the one seed Siena Saints (20-10, 15-5 MAAC).

Head coach Steve Masiello chose to have sophomores Tykei Greene and Elijah Buchanan come off the bench against Fairfield in the opening round. This gave other players a chance to make their mark early.

Two players who rose to the occasion were Christian Hinckson and Tyler Reynolds. They combined to hit three triples within the first five minutes – two from Hinckson and one from Reynolds. Reynolds had a very solid night overall, hitting three out of his four attempts from behind the arc to finish with nine points. It was evident he didn’t want this game to be the last of his career.

There was no other way to describe the first half other than to say it was ugly basketball. Both teams went on prolonged scoring droughts. After Hinckson hit a three at the 15:51 mark, the Jaspers didn’t make a field goal until a jumper from Pauly Paulicap with 4:17 left in the first half.

For over 11 minutes, Manhattan couldn’t put the ball in the basket. Somehow, they still found a way to not let Fairfield gain a lead. This was

Pauly Paulicap registered his tenth career double-double during the MAAC tournament.

GOJASPERS / COURTESY largely due to their phenomenal defense, particularly on Fairfield’s two biggest scoring threats: Landon Taliaferro and Jesus Cruz.

In their last matchup at Draddy, the two Stags’ players combined for 42 points on 17of-27 shooting from the field.

But on Tuesday, both only mustered 11 total points on a combined 3-of-17 shooting. The Jasper game plan was designed to contain the duo, and they executed it to perfection.

A three by junior Nehemiah Mack with a little over a minute remaining in the first half temporarily gave Manhattan a 19-18 lead, before a free throw

by Fairfield’s Wassef Methnani tied the score at 19 entering the break. Mack finished with seven points and seven rebounds, while doing all the dirty work.

Manhattan only shot 27 percent from the field in their first half of tournament play. However, they kept themselves in the game by going 4-of-8 from behind the arc and outrebounding the Stags by a 23-18 count.

Fairfield shot an abysmal 20 percent, largely due to Manhattan’s disruptive defense.

Right out the gate in the second half, Paulicap took over.

Fresh off his All-MAAC Third Team selection, Paulicap got to work in the low post to score two quick buckets to give the Jaspers a 26-23 lead with 16:49 left. Fairfield had no answer for him down low, as he continued

to live in the paint on his way to pouring in 18 points for Manhattan. He was also a force on the boards and the defensive end, adding 12 rebounds and two blocks in what might have been his best game as a Jasper.

Paulicap was phenomenal, but it wasn’t a one man show for Manhattan. The solid three-point shooting from the first half carried into the second, with Reynolds and Samir Stewart combining for four more threes over a four-minute span. This shooting exhibition opened up a 41-29 lead with 10:17 left, and Manhattan would never look back. The 18-point victory made for one of Manhattan’s best victories of the year.

With a matchup with Siena set for Wednesday night, Manhattan had to switch their focus to an incredibly tough Saints team. Led by the recently named MAAC Player of the Year Jalen Pickett, the Jaspers had to find a way to stop him and the best offense in the conference.

Right from the jump, there was no doubt Manhattan was going to make Siena earn everything they wanted. The Manhattan defense focused their attention on Pickett, doubling him almost every time he brought the ball up, to force other Siena players to make plays on offense. While Siena tried to make adjustments, Manhattan was executing sol-

idly on offense. Paulicap scored his team’s first seven points, and then Reynolds hit a three to make the score 10-10 with 13:02 remaining in the first half.

Siena needed other guys to step up if they wanted to avoid an upset, and this is exactly what they got from Manny Camper and Sammy Friday IV. Both found ways to score at will to give the Manhattan defense head aches all night. Friday and Camper finished with 12 and 15 points, respectively, to pace the Siena attack.

Siena’s growing confidence took their lead to 27-17 with just over seven minutes left in the first half. This lead was partly fueled by a 14-7 rebounding advantage. In addition, the Saints’ physical play on offense was bothering Manhattan big men Paulicap and Warren Williams.

At the half, Manhattan trailed 34-25. The Jaspers played fairly well for their standards, but they needed to be better in order to offset Siena’s explosive offense.

The Jaspers needed a fast start to the second half in order to have a chance to come back. Unfortunately for them, they weren’t able to gain any momentum on either side of the ball.

The Manhattan offense stayed inconsistent, with too many missed shots and turnovers leading to fastbreak opportunities for Siena. This, on top of giving up multiple threes,

blew the game open. The Saints led 54-36 with 8:00 left and had an 11-0 advantage in transition points. Manhattan continued to fight, but Siena cruised the rest of the way to a 63-49 victory.

With the Jaspers’ run officially over, Coach Masiello reflected on the season, saying, “I think we had times where we played brilliant basketball, and I thought we had times where we didn’t recognize ourselves.

At the end of the day, there’s no substitute for experience, and that’s what we got these last two years… now it’s time to get the results.”

There is still a lot of untapped potential for Manhattan, but questions still remain as to whether they can be put it all together. Fortunately, Paulicap, who registered back-to-back double-doubles in the tournament, will be back next year after his request to the NCAA for another year of eligibility was granted. Paulicap has completed three seasons at Manhattan after one season at Harcum College. He led the Jaspers in scoring this season with 10.4 points-per-game in what a nice bounce back season for him after playing in only 10 games last season. Paulicap and the core of rising juniors headline next year’s team.

Sports

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THE QUADRANGLE

Lady Jaspers Catch Tough Break At Worst Time Pete Janny Sports Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 17. It has been lightly edited.

What a way to go out.

As conferences around the country chose to cancel their tournaments last Wednesday due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Manhattan women’s basketball team were bracing for the worst. What was supposed to be an exciting final run for the team turned into a quick stay after the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference called off their tournament 30 minutes before tip-off between Manhattan and Quinnipiac on Thursday.

Sadly, the fate of the tournament went downhill rather quickly after news broke of NBA player Rudy Gobert’s infection with COVID-19 on Wednesday night. Around 10 p.m. that night during a men’s quarterfinals match-up between Saint Peter’s and Iona, the MAAC announced that the rest of the tournament in Atlantic City would continue with only family members, event workers, and essential media in attendance.

The news would only get worse on Wednesday with the biggest conferences opting for cancellation as the day progressed. It got to the point where the MAAC, along with the Southwestern Athletic Con-

ference and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, were the only conferences not to shut down their tournaments. The SWAC was the next domino to fall at 1 p.m., leaving it between the MAAC and MEAC to see which conference would be the last standing. Shortly after 2 p.m., Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports confirmed everyone’s worst fears on Twitter: “Sources: The MAAC has cancelled its conference tournament in Atlantic City due to Coronavirus” read his tweet.

“If the NBA was going to set that precedent, then they weren’t going to let college athletes who weren’t getting paid play,” Manhattan head coach Heather Vulin said.

Senior Pam Miceus started to feel concerned about the fate of the tournament after seeing what other conferences were doing. Although not surprised by the decision, Miceus is rightfully disappointed about the abrupt ending to their season.

Miceus is one of four seniors — along with Julie Hoier, Tuuli Menna, and Emma Bedeker — who will leave the program in a better place than when they arrived. Three years ago, the Jaspers won eight games in Vulin’s first season, when these seniors were only freshmen.

Manhattan’s constant improvement over the last few years is what led to this 15-win season.

“Once we [the team] heard that news it was obviously really tough being a senior,” Miceus said. “We have four

seniors on our team. We really wanted to do something great our last year playing for our team. We’ve been working our entire lives for these opportunities.”

Upon hearing the news, Vulin’s first order of business was to inform her staff, which proved to be one of the toughest responsibilities of her coaching career. As heartbroken as Vulin is for her players, she realizes that the team’s success this season would not have been possible without the dedication of her coaching staff. Most of her staff has been with her since day one on the job and have helped foster the winning culture now in place.

“Everyone keeps talking about the players,” Vulin said.

“This is my fourth year. Most of my staff has been with me this whole time. We ended the season on an incredible note winning six of our last seven. I really felt we found a recipe for success and possibly earning an NCAA berth.”

Looking back, leaving for Atlantic City a few days before their scheduled game against Quinnipiac turned out to be a smart decision. Despite not having the chance to play a game, the players are grateful for the fun they had together off the court while in Atlantic City.

“Moving the MAAC tournament to Atlantic City changed the entire feel of the tournament,” Miceus said. “Being there, watching the men play,

we got to see our dance and cheer team perform. We saw some great basketball games…

The only thing that lacked was not playing a game. But everything else there made it a great team trip.”

The most special moment of the trip came when freshman Emily LaPointe was named MAAC Rookie of the Year at the MAAC Postseason Awards Show on Wednesday morning.

LaPointe, who led the team with 12.5 points-per-game, won the award in unanimous fashion after winning MAAC Rookie of the Week seven times during the regular season. And while the announcement came as no surprise to any, the moment was still unbelievably satisfying for all involved.

“Having Emily recognized was a special moment,” Vulin said. “We all love her and are incredibly proud of her. Every time she has to do public speaking she makes me more proud. She’s a really bright and dynamic young lady who’s also really good at basketball. Every individual award is actually a team award because we really feel the team puts the individuals in a position to be successful.”

Miceus has a lot to smile about looking back on her career. Going from walk-on as a sophomore to a starter as a senior has made for an inspiring story. She leaves the program in a three-way tie for tenth on the program’s all-time blocks list with 71 career blocks.

“Being a walk on, I came onto the team only looking to help. That was my only goal,” Miceus said. “I was able to learn day in and day out even though I wasn’t playing. The Play Green mentality enriches growth. Every year for our underclassmen it’s all about growth so I’m glad that they treated me as a player and not just a walk on.”

Vulin has a lot to be excited about moving forward as she will be retaining a solid core from this year’s team. Health permitting, she fully expects her team to reach even greater heights next season.

“I really feel the last two years have been really emotionally trying,” Vulin said.

“Two years, we had three ACL injuries. This past year we had one ACL. We were able to finish fourth and third with all the loss of talent that we had to lose.”

Still, it will take Vulin and her players a little while to get over such a sad and strange ending to their season. The way the Jaspers had been playing of late — having won six of their last seven games — would have made them a tough out in Atlantic City.

“This year I really felt we had a chance to make noise,” Vulin said. “We were playing our best basketball. Our kids were playing at an elite level so I felt bad they didn’

Spirit Squads React to Premature Ending of MAAC Tournament Kelly Kennedy & Madalyn Johnson

Asst. Production Editor & Web Editor Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 20.

Manhattan College’s men’s basketball team was fortunate enough to play at last week’s MAAC tournament before its abrupt cancellation on March 12th due to the coronavirus outbreak. The tournament was held for the first time at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, instead of Albany, New York, where it has taken place in previous years. The Manhattan College Jasper Dancers, cheerleaders, and pep band also attended to cheer on both teams despite the rapid schedule change.

On Thursday morning, before the tournament was shut down permanently later that afternoon, the spirit teams decided to get a head start out of

Atlantic City following an announcement from the MAAC on Wednesday night regarding the tournament’s plans to proceed with only family members of players and essential media in attendance.

“We were told that due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases, the tournament board members had decided for everyone’s safety to send us home” says freshman Marisol Gindhart, an MC cheerleader.

“They wanted to decrease the number of people that could be exposed.”

Despite the inevitability of their departure, it is no surprise that no one was very happy about the sudden change in plans. The MAAC tournament is something the spirit teams have worked towards and anticipated since the beginning of the academic year, and it is especially sad that their seasons had to end this way.

The spirit squad members were excited about the tournament’s move to Atlantic City

this year because of the prospect of performing close to the beach. After weeks and months of rehearsal, they were ready to show off their skills.

The Manhattan College Jasper Dancers learn between seven to ten dances and practice three days a week starting in early September. Kaitlyn Marquette, coach of the Jasper Dancers, shared that the sudden news for all Manhattan College students to evacuate campus the week before spring break surprisingly didn’t set back the team in any way.

“I wouldn’t say it affected our trip in any way,” Marquette said. “My team was extremely excited to attend the MAAC tournament, and they weren’t going to let the news change that or hinder their experience as a team.”

Understandably, the early cancellation of the tournament was hard for the team to handle, according to Marquette.

Deep down they knew there was a good chance they would

not be able to perform again as a team.

“The team was absolutely devastated when they found out,” Marquette said. “Nothing can prepare you for the ‘last time dancing as a team’. It came as a shock to them and my heart was broken, especially for the seniors that will never get this experience back.”

The pep band joins the Jasper Dancers in heartbreak over the tournament’s abrupt ending.

“I was really sad, but I really felt bad for our seniors,” junior pep band member Mia Serrano said. “They worked so hard to have their last season cut short.

The rest of us were just really sad. However, we’re just trying to stay positive throughout all this. All of us were so thankful for the short time we did get in Atlantic City.”

With the basketball season now over and the pandemic in full swing, all three spirit squads will have to wait until next season to perform again.

And despite this unfortunate ending to the season, Gindhart knows social distancing is essential at this time.

“We were sad about leaving the tournament early but we understand that at this time some very difficult decisions had to be made,” says Gindhart. “The pandemic as a whole is a very scary thing to me because it is so unpredictable. Every case seems to be different and no one is sure how to really prevent the spread of the virus or how to treat it. I hope that by having everyone in quarantine we can give our medical providers more time to figure out the best course of treatment.”I felt bad they didn’

Sports

MAY 12, 2020

31

Junior Anu Awonusi Reflects on his Success With the Men’s Track and Field Team Jessica McKenzie & Shannon Gleba Asst. Features Editor & Staff Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 31.

Anu Awonusi is a current junior on the Manhattan College men’s track and field team. A management major from Ireland, Awonusi has shined as a thrower during recent indoor and outdoor track seasons.

In the outdoor 2019 season, Awonusi set a personal best in the shot put at the Sam Howell Invitational with a throw of 17.11 meters, earning fifth place overall. Awonusi also finished second in the shot at the Metropolitan Outdoor Championships, recording a distance of 16.09 meters. Additionally, he competed in the discus throw at Mets, earning sixth place with a 46.05-meter performance, according to gojaspers. com. This past February at the 2020 MAAC Indoor Championships, Awonusi won the shot put event and was named the Most Outstanding Performer.

Like other spring sports, the track and field team’s upcoming outdoor season has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, Awonusi is busy preparing for competition next academic year. The Quadrangle caught up with Awonusi to talk about his run of success on the men’s track and field team and what his goals are moving forward.

The Quadrangle: How long have you been doing field performance?

Anu Awonusi: I’ve been doing track and field for about

7 years.

TQ: How did you start field performance?

AA: When I was in high school one of my teachers got me to try it out during the summer term when the rugby season was finished.

TQ: What made you choose Manhattan? Describe your experience there so far.

AA: Manhattan College being so close to New York City was definitely a huge part of me choosing to come. What has kept me here is the people and community here at MC. The MC community is full of incredibly kind and inspiring individuals; the sense of unity is unmatched here.

TQ: Describe the timeline of your indoor season and your most proud achievement from it.

AA: This indoor season was a bit of a slow start for me. I was dealing with some injury over the preseason which then put a pause on some of the progression. Once [I] got over that, things started to pick up specifically at the BU invitational where I really felt good. I think that my biggest moments this indoor season would really have to have been between winning MAAC with outstanding performers and then going to IC4A’s and hitting a personal record of 18 [meters]!

TQ: Describe how you felt winning the Most Outstanding Field Performer award this year at the MAAC Championship.

AA: I was absolutely shocked and was in no way expecting it to happen. It’s for sure a huge highlight for my career. The MAAC has a great

Junior student athlete Anu Awonusi is a standout thrower for the Manhattan College men’s track and field team.

GOJASPERS / COURTESY amount of talent so to be picked out of the bunch was incredibly heartwarming. The hope for any athlete, I think, is to always perform at the top of whatever level you are at so to be recognized for that is something I will not forget.

TQ: How was the experience of going to the MAAC Indoor Championships this year different than in years past?

AA: This year was definitely different mainly because I was one of the favorites going into the conference, but I’m also an upperclassman so I felt the responsibility to really set the tone for what was expected from us as a team. In previous years, I [was] led [by] the example of incredible seniors and juniors who really set the tone of what it meant to go out and “Do your job.” It’s a mentality of going out and giving your very best each time.

TQ: What was the most memorable team experience you had this indoor season?

AA: I think as a team my fondest memory from the indoor season would have to be any of our overnight trips. We always have the best times on those weekends. Lots of laughs and fun happens.

TQ: What are you most looking forward to next season?

AA: I’m looking forward to being with the team again!

I’m excited to get back and go at it again. Looking forward to defending my MAAC title, hoping to claim an outdoor title, but ultimately I’ve got nationals in my sights so that will be the biggest goal and thing I’m looking forward to.

TQ: Describe your relationship with your teammates.

What makes you all unique?

AA: I think the one word I would use for my teammates would be intentional. It’s what makes our team different; each person intentionally invests into each other on and off the field.

It is my favorite thing about us we all intentionally invest into making our teammates better.

TQ: Do you have a routine when it comes to practice? How has that routine changed with school moving online?

AA: Our coaches have been very good at giving us tools to help us stay active. The trick that I’ve adopted is keeping my workout schedules at the same time they would normally occur!

Senior Finds Solace in Exercising, Alone and With Others Rose Brennan Senior Writer

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on May 4.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized many aspects of our daily lives. It’s changed how we shop for groceries, how we go to classes and how we interact with others.

It has also changed the way we exercise, and now that we don’t have the opportunity to run around a campus rife with stairs and hills, it’s a little more difficult for students to break a sweat while stuck at home. But for senior Tomo Dugan, the opportunity to exercise and stay healthy is still there; he just has to get creative with it.

Dugan’s home state of New Jersey is abiding by many of the social distancing regulations that are commonplace near New York, which essentially became the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in America. New Jersey closed nonessential businesses, required people to stand at least six feet apart and closed the parks in the county where Dugan lives, which has been particularly tough for him.

“I love exploring nature at either [Van Cortlandt Park] or my usual park at home,” he said. “I have had to adjust my route to include road running or a few distance parks that aren’t closed.”

With the closure of nonessential businesses, including gyms, there are less opportunities to get active. But Dugan

also recognizes that a pandemic can take a toll not only on people’s physical health, but their mental health as well.

“Obviously no one can go to gyms, and we don’t have our usual daily commutes either to work or classes,” Dugan said. “I think my own and a lot of my friends’ mental health have taken a toll, which makes it more difficult to motivate yourself to move.”

However, sheltering-inplace has given people a lot more time than they’re used to having. Dugan is using the time to find new workouts and to devise a few of his own with his friends and family, including at-home workouts with his brother.

Exercise is important, in the midst of a pandemic or otherwise. But according to Dugan,

exercising does much more than just keep you healthy in times of crisis.

“It helps you keep a routine, feel normal, and gives you a sense of goals and purpose,” he said. “It’s easy to forget about physical health during a crisis, but daily exercise can really make you feel happier and healthier. Physical exercise also helps mental health, since it can make you feel accomplished, calmed and refreshed.”

Another aspect of getting exercise is being held accountable. This is easy in non-pandemic times, with gym buddies or other friends with whom people can exercise. But in an age of social distancing, it isn’t always easy to exercise with friends, or as easy as it used to be.

But in the same way technology enables people to still do both work and classes remotely, it can also re-introduce friends and other people into each other’s exercise routines.

“It’s easy to feel disconnected and disheartened with an essentially cancelled end of the semester,” Dugan said. “But working out with others is a good way to keep a connection.

I have done workouts with my brother in our family room or even gone on runs at the same times as my friends.”

He continued.

“There’s a great inspirational benefit of working out with someone else. You don’t want to let them down.”

Sports

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THE QUADRANGLE

Jasper Dancers Title Defense Gets Interrupted by COVID-19 Katie Heneghan, C. Garrett Keidel, and Maria Thomas Web Editor, Social Media Editor & News Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on March 28.

The Jasper Dancers are an integral part of each and every basketball game at Manhattan College. Unbeknownst to many, their season goes beyond that of your typical winter sports schedule, as the Jasper Dancers compete in the NCA & NDA Collegiate National Championship in Daytona Beach every April. Last year, the Jasper Dancers were national champions in the Division 1 Hip-Hop Category. This time around, the team was preparing to defend their title and to build off that success. But on Mar. 15, just days after the team returned home from this year’s abbreviated MAAC basketball tournament, head coach Kaitlyn Marquette found out via Facebook that the competition — slated for April 8-12 — would not take place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Jasper Dancers begin their prep for NDA Nationals and basketball season beginning in August. That’s the beginning of a long journey that spans the entire basketball season and continues into April for their competitive dance season.

Sophomore and first-year Jasper Dancer, Alyssa Ruest, told The Quadrangle via email, “The Jasper Dancer season is pretty crazy right from the start. We start by going to NDA camp in August then our season starts only a few weeks after we get back to school for the fall semester.”

She continued.

“During all of this, we are also attending basketball games during the week and on weekends. Then around November, we start learning our nationals choreography. Then once spring semester hits and we start getting closer to nationals we start adding more weekend practices and the spring semester is solely dedicated to nationals.”

For a collegiate dance team, NDA Nationals is the biggest event of the season. Coach Kaitlyn Marquette explained the scale of the competition, and how its cancellation was felt all throughout the country.

“Not only are there just dance teams, but there are cheer teams as well. And I would bet on it that there are hundreds of teams between

The 2019-2020 Jasper Dancers team pose for a picture at the start of the school year.

KAITLYN MARQUETTE / COURTESY the dance teams and the cheer teams,” Marquette said. “Then you’re looking at thousands of dancers and cheerleaders that were planning on participating in this event from all over the country. Every division, every size school, small or large. Everyone comes together for this one moment.”

Although the Jasper Dancers compete at a Division 1 level, they are considered a spirit squad as opposed to a varsity team, given their club status at the college. The NCAA announced that spring sport Division 1 athletes would receive an additional year of eligibility due to the cancellation of their seasons. This, however, does not apply to the Jasper Dancers, meaning that they don’t qualify for another year of eligibility, and their work in preparing for NDA Nationals will not be compensated for.

For seniors, this news is especially devastating. Taylor Aloisio is one of the four seniors who has been on the team since the class of 2020 arrived at Manhattan College in August 2016.

“I was personally heartbroken,” Aloisio said. “I’m a senior this year, so that would have been my last time going to Nationals. So it was really upsetting to hear that my season and my time as a Jasper dancer was just over in a matter of seconds.”

Aloisio continued.

“I’m slowly moving on and realizing that nothing can change, so I just gotta keep going and think about the memories that I do have.”

Part of what contributes to this feeling of unfinished business was the opportunity to defend their title in the HipHop category. The team was

looking forward to proving that they could win that title again, and to return home champions for the second year in a row.

“Last year we all had the amazing opportunity of winning nationals and becoming national champions, so we really wanted to go down and kind of show that we weren’t a one hit wonder and that we are a force to be reckoned with,” Aloisio said.

Sedraya Fletcher, four-year Jasper Dancer and social media coordinator for the team, shared similar sentiments to that of Aloisio.

“It’s still hard for me to put into words how Nationals being canceled impacted me,” Fletcher said. “It’s hard for me to really wrap my head around.

I’m grieving honestly. I go from being sad, to being angry, to being in denial and somehow convincing myself that if all of this ends soon enough maybe it can still happen. But it won’t happen…I knew I was going to have to say goodbye to the team eventually but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye so soon.”

Given their inability to retain eligibility, dance teams do not get the same luxury as varsity athletic teams in that there is no “next year.” The routines they create and practice are tailored to that season’s group of dancers, and can not simply be recycled for next year.

Furthermore, Coach Marquette commented on how this season’s routines told the story of the team in a very personal way.

“The two dances that we did create this year are very special to us, and they’re very special to me as a coach for this specific group of dancers,” Marquette said. “Six of the 15 that I had on the team are seniors,

and they’ve been with me for the most part since they were freshmen.”

Marquette continued.

“I kind of wanted to create these dances to send them on their way, in a sense that their journey has finally come full circle, and this is what everything has led to. So can we do the dances next year? I mean, I’m sure we can. But will the passion and emotion and the story that we’re trying to tell be the same? I don’t think so.”

Although the team missed out on a chance to compete to display the fruits of their hard work and months of preparation, they recognize that the season ending early is upsetting from more than just a competitive standpoint.

“A lot of us will never dance like this ever again,” Aloisio said. “We’ll be able to dance through other means, but in an organized way, we’ll never be able to do it like that again, so it was especially sad for the seniors.”

The circumstances of nationals being canceled has driven the team to build even more personal connections, according to Fletcher.

“We all have come to understand that these events and circumstances are out of our control and we must move forward controlling what we can,” Fletcher said. “That includes telling each other how much we mean to one another and not taking any second for granted because nothing is promised.

Even though we are still really hurt, we all know that this team will forever have a special bond and the Jasper Dancers that come after us will dance for the girls that didn’t get their one last shot at making finals or defending a national title.”

She continued, “During my time as a Jasper Dancer, it has always been the journey that created an inseparable team and the best memories. There is nothing I would change about this season. I believe it happened the way it did, and with the group of women that it did, for a reason…It wouldn’t be a journey if we knew what was coming next and what an amazing journey being a Jasper Dancer has been for me.”

Through the difficulty and heartbreak, Coach Kaitlyn Marquette has gained a new outlook on what is important to the Jasper Dancers.

“I think this experience has really put a lot into perspective for all of us — that it isn’t all about the competition,” Marquette said. “It isn’t all about the trophies and the National Championships. It really is more about the journey and the time that we have together.”

Regardless of this devastating ending, Marquette is positive that the team will come back even stronger for future seasons.

“We are going to push through this as a team and as a program, and we are not going to let this setback affect our future. We still carry that 2019 hip-hop title, and we are going to continue the fight to keep defending it, but it’s going to come from a different place. It’s not going to come from ‘we just want to win’. It’s going to come from, ‘we want to tell our story and we want to showcase our journey’, and I really want the Manhattan College community to look out for that moving forward,” said Marquette.

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The Case for a Joseph Cappo Field Ahead of Manhattan Baseball’s 2021 Return to VCP Pete Janny

Sports & Managing Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 21.

Baseball has always been more than just a game in New York City. Around these parts, it’s a tradition; a way of life for many. The beautiful simplicity and patriotic disposition of the sport makes it easy to be romantic about. And here, in New York, baseball’s brightest moments have poetically come during the darkest of hours.

In many ways, New York and baseball have grown up with each other.

Yankees fans share a profound appreciation for Lou Gehrig and his powerful 1939 farewell address. Dodgers fans were gifted with a trailblazer in Jackie Robinson who in 1947 persevered against the destructiveness of racism. Mets fans will never forget that emotional night in 2001 when Mike Piazza gave thousands of mourning New Yorkers a reason to cheer with one swing of the bat.

In a city rich with baseball lore, these are just a few of the stories in the city’s baseball history that are so inspiring. And here, at Manhattan College, it was the impact of one kid who forever left his imprint on the school’s baseball program. The slightest mention of this one kid to this day — even 47 years after his arrival on campus — never fails to bring joy to the faces of those who knew him and came to learn about him.

That kid is Joseph Coppo ‘75: a true gentleman and righteous servant of the game of baseball.

Coppo was everyone’s friend. The type of young man whose respect for the game of baseball and pride of being a Jasper would have made the great Brother Jasper proud.

From 1973 to 1975, Coppo represented the Manhattan College baseball program by way of virtue; his team-first attitude earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. For his senior season in 1975, Coppo was given the honor of team captain by then head coach Dave Curran on the merit of his leadership and rectitude.

Not to mention, Coppo, the baseball player, was pretty special as well. Known for his pitching prowess and power at the plate, Coppo paced the Jaspers in ERA (3.32), innings pitched (46.2), and slugging percentage (.493) his senior season.

Away from the diamond, Coppo had a loving nature about him that was irresist-

ible. He was wise and mature beyond his years, making him the ideal role model for just about anybody. Despite his commitments to baseball and academics, Coppo was also an RA and was a natural fit for the role given his calm and warm demeanor.

“The most balanced and mature guy,” said Kevin Monaghan ‘77, a former NBC Executive who was a resident student of Coppo’s. “He was an all-American type that would help people; was nice to kids on the team; was a leader; and just a great guy.”

After he graduated Manhattan College in 1975 with a degree in marketing, his charitable outlook on life only grew stronger. In fact, the true measure of Coppo’s warmth was the life he lived after college.

In 1973, Coppo met his future wife, Pat, and the couple went on to having four kids: Kathleen, Joe, Matthew and John.

Prior to meeting Coppo, Pat had no connection to baseball.

But once the two started dating, she often found herself watching his games with a scorebook in hand, signaling to her the type of magical effect Coppo had.

“Joe and I actually met at Manhattan in 1973, so I have a special place in my heart for Manhattan College, as well as for the mutual friends who introduced us,” Pat Coppo said.

“When we first started dating, I knew virtually nothing about baseball and truthfully didn’t have much interest in watching it. But that was part of Joe’s magic. You wanted to be a part of whatever was important to him. So before I knew it, I was sitting at Van Cortlandt Park, watching the Jaspers play ball.

Not only was I watching the game, but Joe had me learning how to keep score. He gave me my own personal scorebook, and I spent inning after inning filling in symbols, letters and numbers. To this day, I remember that dreaded backwards K symbol and what Joe’s mood would be like if he struck out looking.”

As a fledgling businessman, Coppo moved out to California for his career in 1976, and stayed out there for 13 years working in the bond business.

In that time, Coppo made stops in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and started a family with Pat. He also developed a close bond with John Salter ‘79, who was a business partner and a fellow Manhattan alum. Naturally, Coppo became an important mentor for Salter, showing him what it took to be the best possible family man and businessman he could be. According to Salter, the key words that

Joe Cappo headlines an article written about himself and the Jaspers.

THE CAPPO FAMILY / COURTESY gave away Coppo’s identity at the beginning of every phone call were “hello sunshine,” which summed up the warmth he radiated.

“Joe loved to heal and he loved to teach,” said Salter, who chose Coppo as the godfather of his daughter Genevieve.

“His belief and the way he treated people spoke volumes to his business acumen. He had an ability to get along with so many people and he was the type of person that you want as a friend, a business partner, a teammate, and an associate.

He was never one looking for praise. This was a tenet I try to follow myself.”

He continued.

“He was one of the best people you would ever want to meet. He would give you the shirt off his back. Every time he answered the phone he would say ‘hello sunshine.’”

Although appreciative of his time in California, his heart was always in New York, home to so many friends and family. New York was also the backdrop of his childhood years, having grown up on Long Island in a

small town called Baldwin before attending Maria Regina High School in Uniondale.

When the opportunity arose in 1992 to relocate for work, the Coppos moved to New Canaan, Connecticut, a quaint town located 35 miles north of New York City.

Joe was finally back home, working in New York City.

New Canaan proved to be a natural fit for the family.

The children enrolled in good schools and played sports in town. And Coppo, firmly established in the municipal bond business by now, would make the reasonable commute to the city each morning for work before making the quick turnaround to get home in time for his coaching duties in the evening. Fittingly, fatherhood enabled Coppo to forge a new bond with baseball, this time as a coach rather than a player.

This second act in baseball, as a coach, seemed to be even more meaningful to Coppo, for it provided him an outlet to teach valuable life lessons to his own children and many others. Coaching was Coppo’s

way of giving back to baseball and his preferred method for mentoring children. It was never about wins or losses with Coach Coppo – what mattered most was teaching and encouraging the youngsters who were lucky enough to play for him.

This style of coaching helped endear him to many in town.

“Joe had a life-long love of baseball that grew into something more important than his own enjoyment,” Pat Coppo said. “He became passionate about encouraging children to enjoy playing sports at whatever skill level they possessed.

He didn’t care if they were the least athletic in the town – he simply wanted a child to have the opportunity to play and have fun, all while learning a new life skill. More than anything, I think that he wanted them to know the meaning of teamwork.”

Those who were closest to Coppo had no trouble tracing the origins of his loving heart. __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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The Case for a Joseph Cap __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 The way Coppo lived his life aligned with the example set forth by his parents, Joe and Eugenia Coppo. From an early age, Coppo was precocious and humble, making him seem like an unofficial assistant coach for his Little League teams his father coached. And even though he was the best player on most ballfields growing up, there was not an entitled bone in his body.

Tim Sheridan, a Little League teammate of Coppo’s during their childhood years in Baldwin, will never forget the generosity of Joe and his family. Having known both Joe and his parents, he knows exactly who Coppo emulated as a kid.

“He [Joe] mentored me on how to be a ball player which boiled down to how to stand in the field and what to watch out for when being pitched to and all the little nuances,” said Sheridan, a practicing attorney in North Carolina. “Once my mom got her masters degree she started looking for a job. She started doing a lot of substitute teaching and subbed all over the place. I learned that it was Mr. Coppo who got her into the Baldwin Public School System. I don’t know how it worked out but it became my mother’s career for 15-20 years in Baldwin. When it really hit home for me was when Mr. Coppo passed away.. It was a snowy day when my mom said ‘I’m going up to the funeral home.’ When we got there Mrs. Coppo [Joe’s mother] and my mother had a discussion that I was privy to hear. She told my mom, ‘Mrs. Sheridan you didn’t have to come all the way up here. We appreciated your thoughts and got your flowers.’

My mother, with tears in her eyes, looked at her and said, ‘I owe everything to your husband.’ She was so ever grateful what he [Joe’s father] did for my mom and my family.”

By late 2000, Coppo’s track record of success in the municipal bond market led to his hiring as vice president for municipal bonds with Cantor Fitzgerald: an honor that befit his work ethic and good character. Nevertheless, Coppo’s mindset stayed the same, in that no matter how well things were going for him in his professional career, his family and friendships were always his top priorities. And so, carrying with him the spirit of family and friends, Coppo would report to the 104th floor in the north tower of the World Trade

Center every day for work.

No stranger to consistency, he would make the same trek from New Canaan to the World Trade Center with the help of a 6:45 a.m. Metro North train.

At 48 years old, Coppo was living the rewarding life he had always deserved.

But on September 11, 2001, one of the darkest days in the history of this nation, Joseph Coppo, and 2,752 other innocent lives at the World Trade Center, were taken from us far too soon.

Those voids left behind

Sports journalist and bestselling author Mike Lupica was in attendance that day. Lupica became familiar with Coppo through Little League coaching circles during his time as a New Canaan resident. So moved by his story, Lupica has written a series of 9/11 reflections about Coppo in the New York Daily News that captures his impact on New Canaan and the unforgettable scene at his funeral mass.

“Through the fog of memory, I believe Joe’s funeral was on a Saturday morning,” Lupica

the kids from his last team in their uniforms and understood completely in the moment that while this was an occasion of tremendous loss, especially to Pat and the kids, it was also a celebration of Joe’s life, and the life of our town, and how he had enhanced the lives of not just the players on that team, but all the teams. I had no plan to write a column until I saw those uniforms, and the kids going up to present the Gifts. It is the single most beautiful moment I ever saw in that church. I will never forget it. Not will any-

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“He had a real warmth of character and it was just something you felt every time you were around him,” Murray said. “I didn’t know him until high school, but it felt as if I knew him forever. He had an amazing ability for leaving people to feel better about themselves.”

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can never be filled. How could they? Those were our heroes.

Joe was a constant source of inspiration to those that knew him.

On the night of September 22, Mike Piazza’s home run at Shea Stadium provided an emotional boost to a city that was hurting beyond belief. The moment allowed for a temporary escape from the stretch of emotional days that both preceded and followed it. The very next day, September 23, was set aside for Joe, who you can only imagine must have been smiling down on Shea just the night before. With heavy hearts, around 1500 people packed St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan to bid farewell to a man who did his part to make the world a better place.

Not everyone there knew Joe, but everyone shared in the heartbreak of having lost him.

On this day, his ability to bring people together was on display one last time, in a way only he knew how. And through the rush of emotions, there was one specific moment that encapsulated the beautiful life Joe lived: during the presentation of the gifts, the U13 baseball team he had coached that summer — featuring his son, John — journeyed down the aisle bearing baseball equipment belonging to Joe. The gesture was a reminder of the confluence of baseball and mentorship that enhanced Joe’s life.

said to the Quadrangle in an email statement. “And I remembered at the last minute that it was the day of his funeral. I jumped into the car and drove into town and stood at the back of the church. And then I saw

body who was there that day.”

Coppo seemed to have a way with people that allowed him to leave a lasting impression on them. No matter who you were, you always felt a sense of comfort and belong-

ing while in his presence. Years before his fast ascent up the college basketball coaching ranks, current Louisville men’s basketball assistant coach Luke Murray crossed paths with Coppo. Murray played football with Matt Coppo. Prior to that, Murray — accompanied by his father, famous actor Bill Murray — would spend time with Coppo on the sidelines at St. Luke’s football games back when Murray’s older brother and Joe Coppo III were teammates at the school. Like he did with most people, Coppo left a lasting impression on Murray with his friendliness and upbeat manner.

“He had a real warmth of character and it was just something you felt every time you were around him,” Murray said. “I didn’t know him until high school but it felt as if I knew him forever. He had an ability for leaving people to feel better about themselves.”

Murray was also in attendance on that somber day at the church. Despite the overwhelming grief felt in that moment, there was one eulogy delivered that struck a chord with Murray. To this day, the message has never escaped him.

“Our offensive coordinator at the time was a guy named Dave Benko, and he had known Mr. Coppo forever. It’s something I have never forgotten, when he was speaking on the altar he said that ‘I wasn’t

Manhattan College President Brennan O’Donnell speaks to the crowd at a 1010 WINS event this past February, celebrating the Jaspers’ return to Van Cortlandt Park.

ROB WALSH / COURTESY

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MAY 12, 2020

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ppo Field, Ahead of 2021 Joe Coppo’s best friend but he was mine,’” Murray said. “And it was really powerful to think that Joe probably had a lot of people he was really close to and that he felt really strongly about and maybe I am further down the pecking order in his mind, but he is at the top of it in mine. I have carried that with me and I think about it all the time. It’s one of the most special things I have heard someone say about another person.”

One of the most beautiful parts about sports is the hope and inspiration they impart during the hardest of times.

Coppo used sports, specifically baseball, as an outlet for showing his truest desires. He was an exceptional teammate and a loving coach. Fittingly, some of the deepest reminders of his goodness have come during triumphant moments in sports.

“The whole sequence of his passing and that season we had that year have always been really important to me,” Murray said. “Matt and I’s first game that year [2001] was against Long Island Lutheran.

We played on the road out on Long Island and I remember the feeling in that nothing compared to the sort of ferocity and energy and spirit we had going into that game and it was all for Matt. Nothing has ever felt that way in a game.”

He continued.

“We probably felt like we could have played Penn State that day and we won like 65-0 and it was a feeling that I never had before where we were going to give everything we had in his honor. We ended up winning every game that year and the New England Championship… it was all driven by Mr. Coppo.”

Then, there are the memories of Piazza’s home run and the World Series in the Bronx, which will forever be synonymous with the city’s incredible spirit of resiliency in the aftermath of 9/11. It is with these moments that we can best understand why such a good man like Coppo gravitated to baseball.

“I actually just finished a column about sports in the midst of the coronavirus for the Daily News; about how sports brought us together after Sept.

11 but can’t do that right now, because we are forced to be apart as a country,” wrote Lupica. “But those of us old enough to remember what it was like the night Mike Piazza hit that home run at old Shea when baseball returned to the city that night. And no one around New York in October, and then into November, will ever forget how three comeback wins for the Yankees lifted the spirits of

The college worked with the city’s parks department to restore the field so it would meet NCAA regulations for use this season. With the season now canceled due to coronavirus, the movement to rename the field after Cappo is the central goal of some members of the Jasper community who were eager for the team’s return to VCP. BRIAN ASARE / THE QUADRANGLE a wounded city. I went down to Ground Zero for a column the night of Game 6, before flying to Phoenix the next day to be there for Game 7, and listened to that game with first responders on a car radio. And they all told me the same thing: What the Yankees were doing uptown didn’t change what had happened downtown. But it sure made people feel better for three hours or so, over those three nights. That winter I was at a party with Joe Torre, and we were recalling those games, and he said that ever since the Yankees lost that Game 7 in the bottom of the ninth, people kept consoling him for his loss.

Joe said, “What did we lose?”

It summed up what sports can do. How it can bring us together and make a great big place like New York feel like a small town. I always figured Joe Coppo would have understood all of it completely.”

To this day, Coppo’s loving memory lives on in many w ays, especially in the realm of sports. In 2004, he was posthumously inducted into the Manhattan College athletics Hall of Fame, a prestigious club composed of just over 250 alums. And, in 2002, Coppo was forever immortalized in the New Canaan community when Waveny Park Little League changed the name of its field

to Joe Coppo field. It was their way of properly thanking Coppo for his tremendous service to the league.

Bobby Valentine, former New York Mets Manager and current Athletic Director at Sacred Heart University, joined in on the celebration that day to memorialize Coppo. Valentine will always remember that field for being a source of inspiration to the New Canaan community to carry on Coppo’s loving example.

“I have been to the park [Waveny] many days since and I always think about that day when many kids are playing out on that field,” Valentine said during an interview call with the Quadrangle. “I think about how elated the [Coppo] family was and what a great job Mike Lupica did that particular day in presenting… and hopefully the namerights and the memory of everything that Joe did for the community will live on forever.”

In a lot of ways, it feels like destiny that Coppo wound up at Manhattan College and left the type of seismic impact on this place that he did. His path to the Bronx was far from direct. Out of high school, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds, but instead pursued a collegiate career. After starting out at Saint Francis University, Coppo transferred to Manhat-

tan for his sophomore year and the rest is history. Thankfully, Coppo ultimately found his way to the Bronx.

In 2021, the Jaspers’ baseball program will return to Van Cortlandt Park for the first time since switching their home field to Dutchess Stadium back in 2015. As a token of their appreciation, Alumni and administration have created a proposal in hopes of getting the ball field named in honor of Joseph Coppo. The overarching goal is for Joseph Coppo Field at Van Cortlandt Park to serve as a playing space for not only the Manhattan College baseball team, but for local youth teams as well. This vision, to dedicate the Jaspers’ ball field to a man who loved being a Jasper and loved mentoring children, was spearheaded by Rob Walsh, a special advisor for strategic partnerships, and President O’Donnell himself.

Given the field’s location within a public park, the success of the proposal is contingent on approval from a few important community entities, including Bronx Community Board 8 and the New York City Department of Parks. The alumni and administration leading this campaign are calling on the rest of the school community to rally around this project in honor of a special man and a special fam-

ily. A petition has been created at change.org to allow people to endorse this initiative.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of people who have been working tirelessly on this project for so many months. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by great friends like Kevin Monaghan and Fred Marro who have never forgotten Joe for a minute, but having President Brennan O’Donnell and Rob Walsh be so enthusiastic and supportive is extraordinary – and very humbling,” Pat Coppo said. “In general, Joe just tried to make things better – better fields, better fundamentals, better opportunities.

For Joe to know that children from all parts of the Bronx would have a dream field to play on would thrill him.”

Manhattan baseball is coming back home to the birthplace of their brand. It is here, at Van Cortlandt, where they have given us the most magical of moments. Coppo’s playing days in the 70’s are a flashback to the glory days of Jasper baseball, and to simpler times in this world. His presence has graced this place before, and now, his field of dreams — Joseph Coppo Field — should be the face of our baseball program’s glorious return home.

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Spring Sports Athletes Reflect on the Cancellation of the Spring 2020 Season Madalyn Johnson Web Editor

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published online on April 3 Only a few weeks have passed since the MAAC’s announcement on March 13 that all spring sports would be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unsurprisingly, the news left many athletes disappointed and shocked about the abrupt ending to their spring season. And while many would agree it was the right decision, that does not make it any easier to come to grips with. There is so much preparation that goes into each season and so much bonding time between teammates. Every team each year is unique in terms of its players and skill sets. Sadly, the opportunity to compete with this year’s specific collection of players has now likely passed for most teams. But as life has moved forward since the decision, athletes seem to have become more accepting of this sad reality, figuring out ways to keep motivated in anticipation of next spring.

Grace Steinthal, a junior on the women’s lacrosse team, is from White Plains, New York.

Being from New York herself, Steinthal knows just how bad the coronavirus outbreak is in her home state. She believes Manhattan College is taking the right precautions given the state’s current struggles.

“I’m just watching the news and all the things our president is saying about social distancing and everything,” Steinthal said. “I think they definitely made a right call at the right time due to the circumstances they were facing.”

Steinthal recalled her initial emotions upon finding out about the news. Naturally, she felt shocked at first, but all along she knew it was a possibility given the growing trend

This year’s women’s rowing team, with a number of seniors, unkowingly rowed for the last time in a November regatta GOJASPERS / COURTESY of cancellations in sports. This season was meant to be her third year of eligibility, but that experience will now have to wait until next season.

“I would really just say I was just shocked, I think in the moment,” Steinthal said. “You kind of knew what was coming because we definitely saw a lot of prior cancellations so we kind of knew in the back of our heads it was coming.”

As sadness and disappointment were settling in, Steinthal thought about the seniors and how the decision would affect them. This year’s women’s lacrosse team features nine seniors, most of whom will probably not have the time to use up their final year of eligibility next season. A lot of the pain from this situation has to do with the reality that these seniors will never be able to take the field together one last time.

“I mean you obviously didn’t want to hear it, but we were shocked and devastated,” Steinthal. “Obviously, it was very hard especially because our team is built on our seniors and we really pride ourselves on like our senior class and what they do so it was really

tough to hear it.”

Given the odd and upsetting circumstances caused by COVID-19, Steinthal was reminded not to take for granted her senior season. Next season, Steinthal and her teammates plan to play in honor of this year’s group of seniors.

“It’s really sad and we feel for them hard but they set examples for our freshmen and sophomores and even our junior class,” Steinthal said. “Going into next season, we have something to prove for them.

Especially, we’ll be playing for them every game and just knowing that like any game can be our last.”

Sophomore Emily Hughes of the women’s rowing team explained that she and her teammates were upset when hearing their season was canceled, but accepted the fact the decision had to be made.

“Everyone was definitely very upset and very emotional,” Hughes said. “I think everyone was understanding as to why, you know, the cancellation was happening, and I think it was definitely very hard but being together helped and our coach was very kind, consid-

erate and empathetic to the situation which we were going through,” Hughes said.

Hughes admitted how tough it was to lose this year’s seniors so suddenly. She knows better than most how hard they worked day in and day out and how dedicated they were to the women’s rowing program.

“I am in a different boat to them just because I’m a sophomore,” Hughes said. “I had the full freshman experience of getting my whole season and fortunately, I have two more years in which I can compete.”

She continued.

“But I feel disappointed and I feel sorry for my seniors because our seniors are so wonderful and I’ve just seen how much hard work that they’ve put in through practice. It’s not easy to be positive at 4:30 a.m. and it’s not easy to always put in 100 percent at 5 a.m. practices, but you know, I really saw that our seniors were positive and they were leaders on and off the water.”

Like most athletes returning to competition next year, Hughes will look to turn this disappointment into motivation.

“I think it’s going to motivate us even more for next year,” Hughes said. “I’m even more excited to start the fall season to show how much my team has grown and, you know, how much everyone’s put in hard work and how we’re going to persevere through the situation. I think we have especially just something to show for the seniors who won’t be able to come back and just work hard for them.”

On Monday, the NCAA announced that athletes on spring sports teams will retain a year of eligibility as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Quadrangle plans to follow up on the specifics of that announcement to see how it may impact the future plans of spring sports teams.

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