FEBRUARY 2, 2022 • VOLUME 92 • ISSUE 14
The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929
ILLUSTRATION BY CONNOR LAWLESS
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative condition that is believed to be caused by repeated trauma to the head. Most studied cases have come from athletes from sports such as football, boxing, ice hockey and many others. Unfortunately, very little is currently known about the condition as it is still being researched. It can only be diagnosed after the patient has passed and their brain can be examined. There are many potential symptoms of the condition, ranging from memory loss and dementia to speech impediments and even depression. As of 2022 there is no cure for the condition.
“I WISH I NEVER PLAYED HOCKEY”
DANIEL PASSAPERA/CHRONICLE
NEWS P.2: RAPID TEST VENDING MACHINE
A rapid COVID-19 test vending machine will be installed on campus for student access
PEYTON MCKENZIE/CHRONICLE
OPINION P.5: BLUE LIGHTS
Associate Opinion Editor Michael LaRocca shares his frustration with the lack of emergency lights on campus
Former Quinnipiac men’s hockey captain struggling with life-threatening p.6-7 CTE symptoms, severe anxiety CONNOR LAWLESS/CHRONICLE
A&L P. 8: SPB WELCOME BACK WEEK
The Student Programming Board kicked off the spring semester with weeklong events
Catalytic converter thefts return after period of inactivity By NICOLE MCISAAC News Editor
Two Quinnipiac University students reported their vehicles’ catalytic converters stolen last week, following a slew of the same thefts last semester. Chief of Public Safety Tony Reyes said there are no current suspects, and it is unknown if the two incidents are connected. He said the university is collaborating with the Hamden Police Department to obtain any information, and Public Safety will con-
tinue to have officers patrolling around campus parking lots to prevent future incidents. “It’s information sharing, it’s making the connection and then it’s vigilance,” Reyes said. “And, we’ll keep doing that.” A catalytic converter is a component of a vehicle’s exhaust system located between the engine and the muffler. These parts are targeted by thieves because they are made out of highly valuable metals, such as platinum, palladium or rhodium.
ILLUSTRATION BY CONNOR LAWLESS
Some indicators that a catalytic converter has been removed include a loud roaring sound that increasingly gets louder when pushing on the gas, a sputtering sound when changing speed and the vehicle not driving smoothly, according to Allstate. Thieves typically remove the parts off of vehicles with a battery-operated cutting machine or saw, Reyes said. Despite some distractions individuals might be enduring while driving, Reyes said the noise of a missing catalytic converter is very distinguishable when you are behind the wheel. “When the catalytic converter gets taken out, your vehicle is going to make a lot more noise when you’re driving,” Reyes said. “If you have the radio blasting or if you’re on the phone, you might not pick up on it. But it’s actually pretty distinct.” Gabriella Shulenski, a sophomore chemistry major, said she parked her 2009 Honda CRV in the Eastview parking lot on the York Hill campus on Jan. 23. Upon returning to her car the next day, Shulenski said she immediately noticed a noise coming from the vehicle when attempting to start the car. “It was like a popping sound,” Shulenski said. “It was a really loud noise that my car has never made.”
From there, Shulenski called the local tow truck company, Wheelers Auto Service Inc. When the mechanic arrived, Shulenski said she was immediately informed that half of her catalytic converter had been removed. She filed an official report with the university and Hamden PD on Jan. 25. Reyes told The Chronicle that Shulenski’s file noted the incident was an attempt to steal the vehicle’s parts, but no full catalytic converter was missing upon inspection. However, as a result of the incident, Shulenski said she feels frightened to leave her car in the university’s parking lots. “I’m just kind of worried for the whole Quinnipiac community,” Shulenski said. “... If they’re not even safe in Public Safety’s hands, then who do they have to trust?” Two days after Shulenski’s reported incident, another student said her catalytic converter was stolen after being parked at North Lot on the Mount Carmel campus on Jan. 27. Shannon Flaherty, a senior media studies major, said she noticed her vehicle running differently and assumed it was sparked by cold weather or other issues in her car. She said she continued with her tasks and parked her vehicle overnight at her off-campus house. See CATALYTIC CONVERTER Page 2