March 29, 2024

HOW 02115 BECAME THE PRICIEST U.S. ZIP CODE PER SQUARE FOOT

“Housing [in Back Bay] is not affordable unless you’re a multimillionaire or billionaire, and that is a constant challenge,” resident and Chair of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay Martyn Roetter said.

This does not come as a surprise — the zip code has long

By Meghan Hirsch | News Correspondent

been revered as one of the ‘high-end’ areas of Boston. While the high prices are currently credited to the large volume of workplaces, new developments and investor properties, it was not always this way.

Roetter says, like any area, Back Bay has had its ups and downs throughout the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

“It has gone through periods of great growth and prosperity and then periods of decline,” Roetter said.

With its tumultuous history, Back Bay was initially

conceived for wealthier Bostonians, segregating them from their lower-class counterparts. Remnants of Back Bay’s original intent can be seen in many of the institutions still present in the area, such as the Museum of Fine Arts.

“It’s no mistake that the [Isabella Stewart] Gardner Museum, a private home for the daughter of a New York City industrialist, is here,” Northeastern history professor Jessica Parr said. “It’s no mistake why it’s the original home of the Museum of Fine Arts — it’s a swanky part of Boston.”

NU students take part in South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By Devyn Rudnick | News Correspondent

An estimated 1 million people, including many college students dressed in green hats and gold beads, packed the streets of South Boston March 17 to celebrate Irish culture at the city’s annual hallmark St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

By 1 p.m., visitors from across the globe and Northeastern students alike lined the South Boston, commonly known as “Southie,” parade route in anticipation of the city’s famous celebration. Lively spectators ranged from small children to elderly couples, all hollering at the passing parade floats.

With the sun shining through scattered clouds, bagpipes, bands and Minutemen marched up West Broadway following the parade route to Andrew Square. In addition to

elaborate floats and dancing Pixar characters, the parade featured several military units and advocacy groups organized by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, or SBAWVC. Northeastern students took part in the festivities.

“It’s my first time doing St. Patrick’s Day in Boston, so I didn’t really know what to expect, but when people started singing country music, I knew it would be fun,” said Lauren Berish, a firstyear psychology major at Northeastern University.

Young children and seniors waved to onlookers while they strutted and twirled through the street. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was in attendance along with Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Rep. Stephen Lynch.

LIFESTYLE

‘Dune: Part Two’ is a perfect sequel

Read about how ‘Dune: Part Two’ makes its mark in the sci-fi genre.

CAMPUS

Students

Photo

Photo by Kayla Shiao

Photo by Brian Daniels

HOUSING, on Page 2

LUCKY CHARMS, on Page 2

A residential building in the 02115 zip code. The area was recently ranked as having the nation’s most expensive residential real estate per square foot.

Photo by Jessica Xing

Parade onlookers put their hands up as a green and orange trolley bus passes. They reached up to try and catch necklaces and candies from floats and parade participants.

Photo by Devyn Rudnick

Businesses, developments contribute to Back Bay ranking first in pricey real estate

With the creation of the MBTA and widespread adoption of cars during the 20th century, more people began traveling outside the city. Many residents moved out of neighborhoods like Back Bay and into the suburbs, which led to decreased inner-city housing development.

In the 1980s, Boston entered another era of industrialism, followed by the 1990s and 2000s tech boom, making Boston’s Back Bay desirable once again, Parr said.

Housing [in Back Bay] is not affordable unless you’re a multimillionaire or billionaire, and that is a constant challenge.

— Martyn Roetter Resident and Chair of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay

Dietmar Offenhuber, associate professor of public policy and urban affairs and art and design at Northeastern, said Back Bay is now a central office and business hub of Boston.

“Companies are attracted to the area, which means they need to find housing for employees with high salaries,” Offenhuber said.

With Back Bay housing a high volume of workplaces, and employees in those spaces wanting to live close by, professionals who can afford high rent costs fill many residential spaces in Back Bay.

Alexandra Conigliaro Biega, a principal real estate agent at Compass, said many are attracted to the zip code because of the proximity to the Charles River, ample green space and public transportation.

“It kind of checks all the boxes,” Biega said.

Because of these desirable features, prices in the area have continued to rise.

“It goes up and down but longterm it has been straight upwards,” Biega said, referring to real estate costs in the 02115 zip code.

New developments like One Dalton cause part of this upward trajectory. Biega said the 61-story tower, with a Four Seasons Hotel on the lower floors and private residences on the upper floors, has skewed 02115’s metrics.

“If you have a normal volume of sales and then there’s a spike for about 150 units that sell for a high number, that’s where you’re seeing that drive up in price for square foot,” Biega said.

Though the new luxury tower has

been fruitful for some real estate agents and driven up 02115’s price per square foot, some residents are not happy with the development.

“There are too many buildings aimed at the top 1%,” Roetter said. “They get approved by the Boston Planning and Development Authority, and it’s just very hard to get housing that’s affordable.”

One Dalton is not the only new luxury building in the zip code. In fact, real estate agencies and websites market many of the new developments in 02115 as luxury buildings meant to appeal to young professionals working in the city.

Offenhuber said the new developments near Northeastern are a prime example of this.

“New buildings generally do raise the prices because new housing, unless it’s specifically designated as affordable, is generally marketed as luxury housing,” Offenhuber said.

Roetter said investors buying properties to list on websites like Airbnb as short-term rentals is another obstacle to the area’s affordability.

“Investors come in and buy residences and think they can make more money with short term rentals, which reduces the residential stock,” he said.

New luxury buildings and investment interests all contribute to high costs throughout the 02115 zip code, which forces many residents to look elsewhere for housing.

“There’s more pressure on other poorer neighborhoods with more financially accessible housing, which is why we see the gentrification of these other neighborhoods,” Parr said.

Despite these setbacks, there have been pushes from groups like Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation and government agencies to provide affordable housing in the state. Roetter said there have also been efforts among Back Bay residents to increase housing options, including the transformation of a building to house previously homeless people.

Though small-scale neighborhood action is one way to approach housing inequity, residents like Offenhuber believe it needs to be an effort spearheaded by the city.

“They need to try and build more planning competency within the administration rather than controlling housing through financial incentives,” Offenhuber said.

Though Boston may be able to implement certain solutions going forward, costs are still on the rise.

Back Bay serves as a magnifying glass into a larger trend of increasing costs and subsequent gentrification, which seem to be indicative of larger trends across the United States.

“This is not unique to Boston,” Roetter said. “It’s happening across the country.”

Boston celebrates Irish heritage in annual, time-honored Southie celebration

spectrum of parade festivities.

Throughout the several hours of the parade, people reached for the sky, hoping to catch the green goodies

and candy flung from floats.

While performers sauntered in shamrock glasses and leprechaun beards, people sat atop the shoul-

ders of their friends for a bird’s-eye view and knocked beers with fellow onlookers.

Despite the parade’s chaotic nature, with condensed crowds and large amounts of alcohol, residents of all backgrounds look forward to the celebration.

Some nearby businesses offered St. Patrick’s Day promotions to direct foot traffic, and themed parties took over the weekend in preparation.

“It’s been a little crazy, but we’ve had a fun time,” said Maddie Moskowitz, a first-year psychology major at Northeastern.

The gleeful traditions have continued for centuries. According to SBAWVC’s website, the festive banquets and parades first commenced in 1737 among the city’s Irish immigrant population as an expression of solidarity.

South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day parade then began in 1901.

Generations of politicians, performers and first responders have since marched through the city.

Massachusetts is home to a large Irish population, with 19.8% of residents being of Irish descent.

Boston’s many Irish pubs and his-

torical sights showcase Irish culture year-round.

St. Patrick’s Day is not nearly as prominent in the rest of the country, making Boston’s celebration even more coveted by the out-of-state visitors and residents that participate.

“My friends and I heard about [the parade] and had to see it for ourselves,” said Vanshika Anand, a first-year international business major at Northeastern.

“This is so new to me. You don’t hear about celebrations like these where I’m from in California.”

No matter where people come from, the city welcomes everyone to wear their best Celtics attire and uphold over 120 years of Irish tradition.

This time-honored parade is one way Boston residents preserve Irish culture.

“Even if it’s just the fun aspects, we are keeping the holiday alive,” said Alexis Matthews, a first-year business administration major at Northeastern.

HOUSING, from front

Residents poured onto the balconies of their homes and kids climbed fences for a better look at the broad

LUCKY CHARMS, from front

One of many residential spaces available for rent in the 02115 zip code. The area was recently ranked as having the nation’s most expensive residential real estate per square foot.

Photo by Jessica Xing

Parade spectators cheer while dressed in green clothing and shamrock bead necklaces for St. Patrick’s Day. An estimated 1 million people were in South Boston for the parade March 17.

Photo by Devyn Rudnick

NU student biker launched to social media stardom, documents cross-country trip

By Grace Gilson News Correspondent

Last summer, Sam Westby, a Northeastern student pursuing a doctorate in psychology, was catapulted to social media stardom when he began documenting a cross-country cycling trip with his father on Instagram.

Westby’s short-form video series showed people the highs and lows of interstate biking and gas station feasts. The videos resonated with audiences and Westby’s account has amassed over 50,000 followers since its creation.

Since completing his cross-country endeavor in 2023, Westby has diversified his Instagram content to other bike-related videos including a pedestrian and cyclist bridge clean-up, a bike trip from his apartment to the airport and, most recently, a staggering world-record attempt of the largest GPS drawing created by a lone cyclist.

Westby had a passion for biking even before he entered the limelight, which he said his family imparted upon him.

“I grew up doing bikepacking and bike touring with my dad and my brother and my mom,” Westby said. “I think our first trip was when I was 9.”

Bikepacking is a combination of biking and backpacking where cyclists camp during the nights of longer journeys.

Over the years, Westby and his father, Chick Westby, endeavored to bike longer distances together. They first came up with the idea to go cross-country biking together in 2021.

However, their initial plans didn’t pan out, and the trip was put on hold until summer 2023. For Chick Westby, the trip was an opportunity to bond with his son.

“You learn a lot about your kid when you’re one-on-one like that, and we’d never had that chance before,” Chick Westby said. “And then, when this came up, I just thought, ‘We have to jump on this thing.’”

The duo initially began posting on social media to communicate with friends and family while on the road, but when the videos started racking up views, their goals changed.

“[Sam’s] intention was just a way to keep family and friends informed so we don’t have to worry about how we’re gonna text everybody all the time,” Chick Westby said. “I think he’s fueled by the input from people and to see [people] getting joy out of it.”

As the likes and messages came flooding in from users watching their journey, Sam Westby was surprised by the amount of support and connection his posts fostered.

“Oddly, the comments and the messages are all wholesome,” Sam Westby said. “I’ve gotten almost no hate at all on the internet, except for when I talked about infrastructure.”

As his audience grew, the videos took on a new purpose of showing people that biking can be accessible.

“Those are some of the things that I was hoping people would get out of it, like, ‘Hey, this is doable,’” Chick Westby said. “‘It’s just a guy and his son.’”

After Sam Westby returned to Boston, one video in which he

cleaned up a public bridge caught the city of Boston’s attention, and he was invited to Mayor Michelle Wu’s 2024 “State of the City” address.

“We just love someone calling attention to this bridge and showing community pride,” said Hannah Fong, a transportation planner with the City of Boston. “It was like a new type of way of bringing attention to civic space and building community around it.”

Building a community of cyclists in Boston can help improve accessibility for everyone, Fong said.

“I think his videos also make biking seem really approachable and community-minded,” Fong said. “Building community has helped to get more people involved and stay informed and engaged about what’s happening in terms of the city’s decisions and plans about biking.”

Sam Westby believes his videos can help show Bostonians that biking in the city doesn’t have to be intimidating.

“Just me showing myself biking around the streets gives people a bit more familiarity, I think, about just what biking in the city looks like,” he said.

In a departure from his cycling advocacy content, Sam Westby devoted his spring break to chasing a world record for the longest GPS drawing completed by a solo cyclist.

A GPS drawing is an art method where an individual uses GPS to track and record themselves completing a large-form image on a preplanned route of roads and paths.

A new video series documenting

his attempt kicked off Feb. 29, and he completed the challenge March 9. His accomplishment has not yet been recognized by Guinness World Records.

In addition to drawing a 1,067-mile shoe using a GPS tracker that followed his route down dirt roads, Sam Westby also fundraised to support Shoes That Fit, a non-profit that provides shoes to low-income children.

By the end of the world-record attempt, Sam Westby had raised over $11,000 for Shoes That Fit and had once again brought his audience a mix of feats in both biking and advocacy.

“Thank you to everyone who donated,” Sam Westby said in his final Instagram post for his attempt. “It’s always a little nerve wracking to do a fundraiser. Overall, tough but fun ride.”

Northeastern student’s nonprofit helps unhoused women with makeup needs

By Nikhil Jagannath News Correspondent

Samantha Asprelli is empowering Boston’s unhoused women, and she’s doing it with makeup.

Give n’ Glow is a nonprofit organization that collects donations of lightly-used makeup or skincare products and distributes them to women in at-risk situations. This unique service aims to help women emotionally through the difficulties of homelessness, and Asprelli started it all.

“I was involved with Project 351 … a nonprofit led by youth in Massachusetts,” the second-year business administration major said. “The founder of Project 351 is a woman … She believed in the power of young people to give back. That’s exactly what I saw in myself.”

Since August 2023, Give n’ Glow has provided hundreds of products to disadvantaged women, Asprelli said. Instead of wasting these cosmetics, they are donated to those who can’t budget for their own. Anyone, from large makeup companies to skincare hobbyists, can contribute to the cause through a simple donation.

Boston’s On The Rise, a shelter organization that serves unhoused transgender and nonbinary communities, sees a need for makeup that

Give n’ Glow has filled.

“We get a lot of donations from community members and other organizations, but having partnerships with organizations that are more specialized makes our lives a lot easier,” On The Rise Director of Development Andrea Kalsow said. “Our participants want and really appreciate the makeup. It makes them feel special, it makes them feel beautiful, it makes them feel like a person.”

Asprelli, a self-described “women’s advocate,” saw an important need for affordable beauty in Boston’s unhoused population.

“When you look at our society, sometimes makeup is needed for women to be taken seriously,” she said. “Give n’ Glow helps homeless women take a step up.”

Give n’ Glow has received donations from major brands such as First Aid Beauty and local companies like Flyte 70.

Additionally, it has events with many of Boston’s charitable groups like Women’s Lunch Place.

“[Give n’ Glow] matched up really well with our whole plan for the guests,” said Stacey Zellen, program manager at Women’s Lunch Place. “It’s really important to make sure that we are empowering the ladies.”

Makeup is just one part of the mis-

sion. After the women pick out new makeup from a spread across the table, Asprelli and a partner organization host a mental health workshop. These empowering sessions help unhoused women see more than just their circumstances.

“There are so many things these women have been affected by,” Asprelli said. “Are beauty products going to be the sole reason they get out of their homeless situation? Absolutely not. But [self-expression] can be the catalyst for their mental health while they’re fighting.”

Boston’s rehabilitation systems for unhoused individuals are difficult to navigate. Advocates like Zellen know too well the lofty 10-year timelines, language barriers and unaffordable prices that burden this process.

“Folks that we’re working with, they’re often contending with multiple, overlapping challenges,” she said. “If just daily survival is what’s going on for you, it can be really hard to stay on top of all the things you have to do.”

Give n’ Glow’s workshops and cosmetic donations are key to motivating these women through their difficulties, Asprelli said.

Zellen notes the mental health benefits of Give n’ Glow’s services, and how the organization helps homeless women find control in their lives.

“[Many people] have control over what [they] do, and our guests are in a position where they’re not,” Zellen said. “They have no control over where they sleep, where they eat, how many times a day they eat, where they can go to the bathroom. Giving [unhoused women] a little bit of empowerment with makeup or a new outfit makes a difference in their self-esteem.”

But while Give n’ Glow has earned many successes, difficulties finding products and partners stand in the way of its cause. Reaching out to well-established organizations is harder with the new nonprofit’s smaller reputation.

“I’m telling you the stories of one yes, but we have 100 nos behind that,” Asprelli said. “Our biggest struggle is getting a diverse array of skin tones for concealer and foundation. We’re waiting for the partner to say, ‘Whatever you need, we’re there for you.’”

The generational gap between Asprelli and other nonprofit leaders has created additional challenges.

Many charitable groups look for senior organizations when selecting partners and choose professionals over students. But where many would see obstacles, Asprelli sees opportunity.

“The challenge of being young and using that challenge as a turning point to success is so necessary,” Asprelli said.“You’re playing catch-up all the time. But I’m going to play until I beat them.”

When you look at our society, sometimes makeup is needed for women to be taken seriously. Give n’ Glow helps homeless women take a step up.

— Samantha Asprelli Founder

Sam Westby poses for a photo. Westby rose to social media stardom last year after documenting a cross-country cycling trip with his father.

Photo by May Pham

Review: ‘Dune: Part Two’ lives up to its hype

By Ian Dartley News Correspondent

“Dune: Part Two” had an uphill battle to match the great sci-fi sequels. The follow-up to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, “Dune,” has been filled with casting hype, extensive press tours and praise leading up to its release.

Picking up right where “Dune” left off, “Part Two” follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he journeys into the deserts of planet Arrakis with the native Fremen, earning Chani’s (Zendaya) and Stilgar’s (Javier Bardem) trust while doing so. Meanwhile, his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) of the secretive society of witches — the Bene Gesserit — sows the seeds among the people that Paul is the “Lisan al Gaib,” the Fremen’s long-prophesied savior.

The ensuing plot sprawls from Giedi Prime, the grayscale home planet of the Harkonnens — whom Paul seeks revenge against for killing his father — to the sands of Arrakis. While Paul struggles with the idea that he may be the Fremen’s savior, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) plots to finish what he started in the first film: wiping out the Atreides and assuming control of the coveted Arrakis.

“Part Two” is every bit as grand and epic as promised. Clocking in

at 2 hours and 46 minutes, its pace is breakneck, and there is rarely a moment to breathe. Pauses in white-knuckle action are often dialogue-heavy, but the story moves forward smoothly.

One of the weaker points of “Dune,” of which there are few, was its storytelling. Exposition often felt wordy, and there was a creeping sense that the film existed solely to prop up the then-unconfirmed sequel. In “Part Two,” Villeneuve’s vision for a mainstream, once-thought-unfilmable adaptation of a sci-fi epic is fully realized.

The improvement in the storytelling lies in writers Villeneuve and John Spaihts’ healthy mixture of trusting the audience to follow the plot’s many tendrils and knowing when to provide a helpful line of exposition.

This allows scenes to truly breathe: As the worm riding and black-and-white gladiator arenas fill the screen and legendary composer Hans Zimmer’s score pounds with chants, drums and guitar strokes, the creeping thought that “Part Two” is a true, cinematic event becomes increasingly undeniable.

While heart-palpitating storytelling is nothing new for Villeneuve’s work, the history behind translating the “Dune” novel from page to silver screen is rife with trial and error. David Lynch, a master of strange and uncanny films, tried

his hand at bringing Arrakis to life in 1984. The film flopped, both critically and financially, and seems to be the butt of a joke among fans rather than a respected attempt at filming the unfilmable.

The trial and error of the past lends to the spectacle of Villeneuve’s vision now. Many works, such as Cormac McCarthy’s western opus “Blood Meridian,” are thought to be unfilmable. Longtime fans of the “Dune” novel likely never could have imagined Paul riding the massive sandworm, Shai-Hulud, on the big screen.

Such moments, and many others in “Part Two,” fit the grandiose nature of the film, but what is equally impressive is the translation of the novel’s themes.

The novel is rife with ideas. Truthfully, almost any theme under the sun can be pinpointed as being a core component of the book. The films synthesize religious propaganda, prophecy and colonialism and extrapolate them across a complicated-but-not-so-complicated story of rival houses jousting for power — a true push and pull to reign supreme.

Working in lockstep is the religious influence of prophecy and the manipulation of the native population of Arrakis, the Fremen. They are forced to believe Paul is their savior, and their gradual turn from honorable to zealot is the backbone of the film. Bardem’s Stilgar

aptly personifies the radicalization a promised messiah can cause. Introduced in the first film as a stern leader, by the end of “Part Two,” he becomes a fanatic follower of Paul after a series of events that Lady Jessica orchestrated, “naturally” fulfilling the Fremen prophecy.

The juggling act of weighty themes is a difficult one to pull off — especially in a blockbuster sci-fi film engineered for mainstream audiences. The manipulation of the Fremen and the ensuing chaos is believable, not just through slick writing that trusts the intelligence of the audience, but powerful performances that provide the necessary gravity and stakes.

Chalamet, an icon among younger audiences for his roles in “Lady Bird” and “Wonka,” delivers a cavalcade of range as the film’s protagonist. His transformation from an unsure warrior fearful of becoming a leader to a tragic, determined pseudo-dictator forced into a holy war is gradual at first but accelerates during the film’s back end. As he storms the Fremen war council and professes himself their leader, it almost felt as if the floors of the theater were quaking under his bellows.

Matching Chalamet’s command in the climax of the film was Austin Butler’s Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, the nephew of the Baron. Butler’s Oscar-nominated performance as

Elvis was acclaimed by as many as it was derided — especially as the “Elvis accent” still follows Butler to this day. In “Part Two,” Butler sheds the glitz and boisterousness of the past and turns in a ruthless and calculated showing as the film’s primary villain.

He snarls, ponders and mocks — ultimately, Butler injects the film with a chaotic malevolence necessary to juxtapose Chalamet’s reserved, yet igniting presence. Across the board, from the film’s headliners to Ferguson, Bardem and even some surprise appearances, the ensemble delivers a collective, unique shotgun blast of performances that litter the lengthy film with exciting personalities. Simply put, the characters are just plain fun to watch.

As much of a triumph as it should be a stamp of approval on studios’ willingness to take these risks, “Dune: Part Two” is a once-in-alifetime movie. A passing Halley’s Comet in film form, this combination of up-and-coming and legacy actors, an acclaimed director at the top of his game, pristine work from the visual effects team and a roaring score fulfills more than one rare achievement in filmmaking. It is not only a respectful adaptation of an iconic book, but an independent vision chock full of relevant themes and a proud entry into the short list of legendary blockbuster sequels.

Review: ‘Pretty Woman: The Musical’ steals audiences’ hearts — just like its lead actress

By Heidi Ho News Staff

The Emerson Colonial Theatre opened its production of “Pretty Woman: The Musical” Feb. 27 to the delight of showgoers. Based on the 1990 romantic comedy of the same name starring Richard Gere and an Oscar-nominated Julia Roberts, the musical did a thorough job of translating the classic story from screen to stage.

The show centers around Edward Lewis (Chase Wolfe), a wealthy businessman and investor, and Vivian Ward (Ellie Baker), a young woman who recently resorted to prostitution after falling on hard times. It begins in a Hollywood strip of bars and other adult establishments where Vivian and her roommate Kit (Lauren Esser), a fellow prostitute, begin arguing over rent, their landlord having earlier burst into their apartment to demand $300 in overdue payments. While Kit doesn’t seem bothered by their pending eviction notice, the more responsible Vivian scrambles to collect the funds by scouting out men willing to lighten their wallets for a fun night in town — or in bed.

During the song “Anywhere But Here,” Vivian reveals that this isn’t her ideal way of making a living, though, as she longs for a life away from the streets.

Baker sings, “The sidewalk doesn’t suit my soul / I’ve got to make some changes and take control” and “I can see where I want to be / It couldn’t be more clear / Anywhere but here” in a heartfelt, hopeful tone.

Amid the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, a lost Edward pulls up in his luxurious silver 1989 Lotus Esprit SE sports car, seeking directions to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel for a business matter. Vivian offers them up, but not before charging $50.

As it turns out, Vivian is a car aficionado and, before long, they both end up in Edward’s penthouse hotel — an ironic spot given his fear of heights, though he ultimately doesn’t seem to mind being multiple stories above ground level. Needing a companion for his social outings, Edward decides to hire Vivian for the entire week he’s in town.

In the scene where they settle on a rate, Edward asks Vivian to name her price. She suggests a measly few hundred dollars, denoting her low self-esteem, and Edward counteroffers with $3,000. Captivated by the cash, she takes it.

Throughout the week, Edward falls in love (“Something About Her”) with Vivian’s quirky behavior that deviates from the stereotypical hooker, and the musical ends with them together romantically.

Maintaining the film’s comedic nature in the musical, there was one scene in particular that made the audience giggle more than usual. When one of Edward’s colleagues enters his hotel room, Edward tries to remove any trace of a woman’s presence. The bellboy, Giulio (Connor Kabat), grabs Vivian’s wig and mimes it as a mop, earning hearty laughter that echoed throughout the auditorium.

An exquisitely decorated set made it clear there was thought put into each artistic element. The classic

Hollywood Sign was strategically placed on stage so that the actors and audience appear to be stationed “behind” it, with the letters appearing in reverse order to both groups. One interpretation of the intentional placement is to show the audience what goes on “behind the scenes” in Hollywood.

The costumes were equally well-developed, with each scene having its own unique wardrobe that helped contextualize what was happening on stage. From posh dresses and blazers in the “Rodeo Drive” scene to sexy brassieres and knee-high boots in prostitution alleys, the clothes actors wore were unforgettable.

The original film’s fashionable looks clearly influenced showgoers as well, with multiple attendees sporting their favorites from the musical or movie. One attendee wore an ornate black lingerie set and thick black eyeliner while another donned the iconic red gown from the scene where Vivian and Edward see the opera.

Along the same lines of “opera,” the vocals were on point. As Kit, Esser made her impression on the audience with her robust vocal belts, drawing thunderous applause each time, while Wolfe’s voice had a country twang that perfectly suited his solos, “Everything About Her” and “Freedom.” Violetta (Sarah Wang), the main character in the opera’s storyline, had an amazing solo that transported guests to the tragic story of “La traviata” by Giuseppe Verdi. About a courtesan falling in love with a nobleman, the song mirrored the story of Edward and Vivian, albeit with a tragic twist. The clever choice of song created great

juxtaposition, allowing viewers to discern the similarities and differences between the two tales.

Where “Pretty Woman: The Musical” fell short, though, was in its choreography: Bland, unembellished choreography sold the talented actors short. Dance numbers should add to the scene and have a novelty factor, but, in this case, they seemed unoriginal and lacked complexity. If the musical ever has another run, it has great potential to adjust choreography to better suit the production.

Another area that, understandably, felt outdated was the cliché trope of “man saves woman” and Vivian’s theme of “she’s not like other girls.”

The reason is straightforward: The musical was based on a 1990 film that reflected the societal values of the time. When writing the musical, which was first released in 2018,

the creative team could have — and perhaps should have — tried to modernize the story. That said, avid “Pretty Woman” movie fans must be satisfied since the musical closely resembles the successful film.

Despite the musical’s weaknesses, it was an overall success. The audience gained insight into timeless themes, such as the harsh realities of prostitution and its class connotations. It was also enjoyable to see that Vivian’s character was multifaceted, going beyond what the title claims and breaking stereotypes of what a sex worker is.

The musical served as a reminder that society is slowly becoming more accepting of sex workers because, after all, they are just like anyone else trying to make ends meet. Vivian’s tenacity and ambition highlight the importance of a dream, because what is a pretty woman without her dream?

Rae Davenport sings into a bottle during a musical number in “Pretty Woman: The Musical.” Through the musical, audiences gained insight into the harsh realities of prostitution and its class connotations.

Photo courtesy Matthew Murphy, Emerson Colonial Theatre

By Meghan Hirsch News Correspondent

For many, creating a documentary in just one month with strangers in a new country sounds like a nightmare, but for six Northeastern students, it was the experience of a lifetime.

The group, on its English Culture and Documentary Filmmaking Dialogue of Civilizations in London last summer, created a documentary titled “The Beatles and Beyond: A Lasting Legacy,” which has now been nominated for an award at the Garden State Film Festival and submitted for a Student Emmy.

Students partaking in the dialogue program grouped together based on interests and potential documentary ideas. Clara McCourt, Kaia Reed, Mimi Freund, Daniel Rateau, Luke Medalla and Mari Boschetti decided to form a group at a pre-departure meeting.

Rateau, a second-year music industry and communication studies combined major and writer for the film said the group shared a “collective bond around the idea of music,” which brought its members together.

“We originally went in with the idea of covering an artist from each decade to show the evolution from the ‘60s to the present day,” said Medalla, a second-year media arts and communication studies combined major and editor of the project.

Though the group’s members shared a passion for music, they had varying levels of production experience, which, they believe, contributed to the film’s success. Medalla said that before beginning their work, they sat down and discussed what each group member thought they would be good at — soon after, everything fell into place.

“It was kind of a collage of people from all different majors … so our group was kind of perfectly composed

of all the different elements we needed,” Medalla said.

Once the group was solidified, it got to work researching and planning.

“We really had to hit the ground running once we landed,” said Freund, a third-year psychology major and producer for the film.

After its preliminary research, the group touched down in London with plans to focus on the legacy of British music.

However, after its first interview with Richard Osborne, a professor of music and creative industries at Middlesex University in London, the group realized one topic seemed to link all its research and interviewee responses.

“Everyone wanted to talk about The Beatles,” said Boschetti, a fourth-year business administration and communication studies combined major.

After this initial interview, the group “tailored the future questions for our second two interviews,” Freund said.

The group then interviewed Richard Porter, a Beatles historian and tour guide, and Matthew Worley, a professor and author of a book titled “Let’s Spend the Night Together: Sex, Pop Music and British Youth Culture, 1950s-80s.”

From these interviews, the group began forming a structure for the documentary, picking out themes each subject had touched on such as political statements and “Beatlemania.” The group also drew on answers from the interviewees to understand The Beatles’ lasting legacy and influence on more modern bands such as Electric Light Orchestra and Oasis.

Reed, a third-year communication studies and media arts combined major, was apprehensive to focus interviews solely around The Beatles.

“I was afraid that some of the men we interviewed would be like ‘You’re asking me about The Beatles, really?’” Reed said.

But the interview subjects thankfully disproved Reed’s apprehensions, and she recounts them as being very excited to share their perspectives.

McCourt, a fourth-year journalism major and the film’s director, attributes the interviewees for making the film so successful, saying “they became central characters just like John, Paul, George and Ringo,” and also participated voluntarily for free.

From there, the group let the interviews guide its b-roll collection and structure for the film. Of course, no Beatles documentary is complete without a trip to Abbey Road, which the group looks back on as one of the most special days.

“We left our building at 5:30 [a.m.] to get on one of those red buses … and it was magical because it was completely empty and the light was perfect for shooting,” McCourt said.

The group’s day at Abbey Road also brought memorable footage thanks to an older couple it ran into coincidentally, who happened to have been inside Abbey Road Studios.

“They recorded a video of the inside of the studio and said, ‘Do you want us to send you this so you can use the inside of Abbey Road in your documentary’ … I was like, ‘Yes,’” Medalla said.

Once the shooting and interviewing were complete, the group started scripting. It had to make ample cuts since each interview ran longer than the 10-to-12-minute documentary length it was aiming for.

“We wanted to tell a very cohesive story, and the idea of a cohesive story does not always include the most fun fact or the most interesting thing about The Beatles,” Rateau said.

After forming a cohesive script — one that Reed described as “chaotic-good” — the group started editing. Medalla says it was primarily his

responsibility to translate the script, archival footage and sound bites into something more visually pleasing.

Once Medalla had a rough cut, he invited his group members to screen it in one of their tiny London residence halls. McCourt remembers her and Boschetti shedding a few tears.

“It was a great feeling … we had been working towards this for about three or four months and we had something that we’re all proud of … it was a great feeling,” McCourt said.

The group then screened the film for its class, which also led to some waterworks.

“I remember all of us looking at each other like, ‘Oh my God, we made someone cry, we’re doing our job,’” McCourt said.

The tears were indicative of what was to come, and Rateau said exciting things have been in motion since finishing the film. Freund said that she didn’t expect anything in terms of awards, but the group is very excited about the response.

The group submitted the film to other festivals and is now awaiting responses. Most of them maintain that even though the accolades are great, they are most thankful to have participated in the experience.

“I think it was the best experience at Northeastern I’ve had,” Freund said — and she’s not alone.

Reed and Rateau went so far as to say it had profound impacts on their lives, and Boschetti called it “true experiential learning … which is the best way to learn.”

For some of the members, it shifted their career trajectories.

“I fell in love with it, so I’m looking for jobs in the entertainment industry, which is not something I saw myself doing,” McCourt said.

Rateau also discovered a new skill that could potentially turn into a career.

“Scriptwriting is something that I would definitely be interested in doing, either as a side thing or, like, even if my whole entire life trajectory changes, I would love to go down that route,” Rateau said.

For Reed and Medalla, who were already interested in production, the experience reinforced their passion.

Now, the film will have its own legacy and continue connecting younger audiences with The Beatles and their music, which McCourt says was one of the group’s primary goals.

“I think The Beatles mean so much to so many people and we didn’t want to mess it up,” McCourt said.

NU students’ no-budget documentary celebrates Beatles’ legacy, creates its own Column: Oscars bring show-stopping looks

By Claudie Bellanger News Correspondent

Awards season concluded March 10 with the 96th Academy Awards, and the event left viewers with enough to talk about until next season. With Ryan Gosling’s theatrical performance of “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie” and Vanessa Hudgens’ pregnancy announcement, the best-dressed stars contributed a taste of modern elegance to Hollywood’s biggest night.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

As a long-time ambassador of the house, it was no surprise Jennifer Lawrence hit the carpet in Dior. A pattern on the carpet, however, is a head-turner. Lawrence, a presenter for the evening, wore a black and white polka-dot gown that featured a corset bodice and a matching shawl, all of which took over 1,500 hours to complete. Her hair, an ode to old Hollywood, was styled down in a sleek side part. Swarovski diamond accessories completed the ensemble.

Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli

One of the most talked about looks of the night was Emily Blunt’s dress straps levitating above her shoulders. Blunt’s stylist, Jessica Paster, said the dress was a last-minute choice out

of three contenders on the morning of the awards show. Paster said she knew the look would be talked about, but that was the point. Paster and Blunt have worked together for years and decided it was time to take a risk on the carpet. Funnily enough, Blunt’s “Oppenheimer” co-star, Florence Pugh, also sported a floating shoulder look.

America Ferrera in Versace

The Best Supporting Actress nominee channeled “Barbie” in a pink chainmail gown. America Ferrera’s stylist, Karla Welch, said the gown was the perfect “bye to Barbie.”

Donatella Versace said the pink and chainmail combination was an intentional mix of force and femininity.

While Ferrera may not have won the trophy, she won the hearts of Versace lovers with this look.

Margot Robbie in Versace

Margot Robbie, also dressed in Versace, wore a similar chainmail dress in a darker hue, ending her months of “Barbie”-inspired attire. The belief she was snubbed of a nomination for Best Actress may have driven her anti-“Barbie” choice, or perhaps the actress is marking the start of a new era.

Nonetheless, Robbie shined in the

strapless gown, which featured draping at the waist.

Colman Domingo in Louis Vuitton

Colman Domingo continues to be one of the best-dressed men this awards season. Domingo, nominated for Best Actor for his role in “Rustin,” put a spin on a classic suit by adding gold-toe cowboy boots. Not many people could pull off a Western twist on the carpet, but Domingo’s execution was beautifully done, raising standards for men’s award show attire.

Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton

Bella Baxter, Emma Stone’s quirky character in the Oscar-winning film “Poor Things,” would certainly adorn a similar look to Stone’s playful carpet dress. The actress’ strapless mint gown stood out with its dramatic peplum waist and mermaid-esque train. However, it did not withstand the evening. As Stone walked on stage to accept her Academy Award for Best Actress, the crowd became acutely aware of the broken zipper on the back of her dress. As she recited her acceptance speech, Stone said that her dress had ripped during Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” — which would later result in backlash for Louis Vuitton.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Louis

Vuitton

It appears that Louis Vuitton dresses winners, as Da’Vine Joy Randolph won both Best Supporting Actress award for “The Holdovers” and the admiration of onlookers on the carpet. Randolph showed up and showed out in a beautiful blue sequin dress, completed with drastic feather sleeves and a flowing train.

Anya Taylor-Joy in Dior

Similar to Natalie Portman at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the infamous 1949 Christian Dior gowns inspired Anya Taylor-Joy’s red carpet dress. The silver, multi-tiered dress was breathtaking, coated in scallop cuts and crystals. Despite its undeniable craftsmanship, the house ambassador’s gown did not receive the same rave reviews as Portman’s did last year. Perhaps it is time Dior found inspiration from another gown in its archives.

Zendaya in Armani Privé

After a notable absence at last year’s awards, Zendaya returned to the Oscars this year as a presenter. Styled by the notorious Law Roach, she stepped away from the futuristic looks she’s been sporting on the “Dune: Part Two” press tour and into old Hollywood glamor. Rose-colored silk

outlining emphasized the embroidered palm trees adorning her couture gown. Contrasting pink and black tones seemed an intentional choice, as it is the year of “Barbenheimer.”

Lily Gladstone in Gucci x Joe Big Mountain

Lily Gladstone’s dress was much more than an article of clothing — it was an homage to her culture, merging well-known Gucci with Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain.

Gladstone has been working with her stylist, Jason Rembert, to incorporate Indigenous elements into her looks this award season. An intricately embroidered cape by Joe Big Mountain and Ironhorse Quillwork completed the royal blue gown.

Cillian Murphy in Versace

Cillian Murphy, one of the night’s biggest winners, wore a custom suit inspired by archival Versace. Rose Forde, Murphy’s stylist, said, on a noisy carpet, she wanted Murphy to stand out in a natural, nonchalant way. Murphy’s look was complete with a silk shirt, an Omega timepiece and a custom “Oppenheimer”-inspired brooch by Sauvereign. The 18-karat gold brooch featured eight concentric trapeziums, a shape that appears in the interior components of the atomic bomb.

Clara McCourt points at the camera display while Mimi Freund, Daniel Rateau and Kaia Reed look on. The documentary was nominated for an award at the Garden State Festival and has been submitted for a student Emmy.

Photo courtesy Clara McCourt

NORTHEASTERN RANKS UNIVERSITY FOR MONEY RAISED AT RELAY FOR 1

1 5 4 3 2

Over 1,500 students packed Matthews Arena March 22 to participate in activities and walk the sport facility’s track to raise money for the American Cancer Society, or ACS. Northeastern students and organizations raised over $165,000 through Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser dedicated to putting an end to cancer and funding research which culminates in a 12-hour event beginning at 6 p.m.

Many teams raise money through word of mouth, social media promotion and fundraising tables set up on the track at the event. Northeastern, which had 66 teams competing, was the No. 1 university in the country for both number of participants and money raised.

The event began with a speech from Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Learning Ken Henderson, who is a cancer survivor, as well as speeches from other survivors and partners with ACS. One of the speakers was Louise Santosuosso, vice president of development at ACS, who supports ACS on Campus, Northeastern’s campus group that plans Relay for Life.

Cancer survivors then took the first lap around the track.

“It means a lot to know we’re making such an impact and funding cancer research,” said Kate Bigbee, a third-year human services major and social chair of Sigma Kappa. Sigma Kappa raised over $13,000 by the end of the event at 6 a.m. March 23, the most of any participating organization. “Just getting to work together as a team to raise the most money means a lot to us because we’re so passionate about it.”

As a team, Sigma Kappa worked on outside initiatives to raise money for ACS before the event began. Many sorority members started fundraisers on Facebook or posted bingo card fundraisers on their Instagram stories, Bigbee said.

“Five dollars doesn’t seem like a lot, it’s like a cup of coffee, but when you ask everyone to donate it, it adds up,” she said.

While Northeastern’s fraternity and sorority life

By Val O’Neill | Deputy Campus Editor

plays a large role in the university’s Relay for Life, students are encouraged to create their own teams, walk individually or join the “catch-all” ACS on Campus team, said Riley Yarbrough, a fourth-year health science and business administration combined major and team development lead for Relay for Life.

“It’s so symbolic and meaningful in a way that sparks hope,” she said.

Relay for Life also includes the Five Star Program, where teams can participate in five challenges throughout the year to gain stars. The challenges can be anything from small fundraisers to bringing supplies to the relay event. Once a team has five stars, it can receive special perks at the event like preferred seating and time slots to set up their fundraising tables.

Yarbrough oversees the Five Star Program and said her main job is “getting people excited about next year’s relay.” She works with Northeastern staff and faculty as well as on-campus organizations to encourage students to join teams and come to Matthews to raise money to end cancer.

“It’s so exciting because there’s this buzz, and I think that’s what really does it for us and sets us apart,” Yarbrough said.

Northeastern hosted its first in-person Relay for Life event since the university ended COVID-19 protocols in March 2022. While the fundraiser has not raised as much money as it did before the pandemic, Yarbrough said Relay for Life is not just focused on the money, but also on the support, energy and excitement for next year.

At midnight, event attendees participated in Luminaria, a candlelit ceremony where names of people who are currently fighting cancer or have passed from the disease are placed on the track and participants walk the track to honor them.

“Once you hit midnight, it becomes a very special, intimate event because there’s [fewer] people here,” Bigbee said. “It becomes a big community and there’s a lot of tears shed but it’s very special to be with

people you know and come together.”

While the event attendees, the night a variety of fun activities hours, such as performances three-legged races friend,” where students whipped cream in

“I think the fact makes a big difference and how much we third-year political pha Epsilon Phi, which feels like they’re actually something. It’s not For Zoe Carter, a faculty and staff recruitment recruitment chair for sentimental and fun.

“Being able to come energy towards this worthwhile,” said Carter, from pancreatic cancer having fun. People University pride “The legacy of Northeastern a big relay participant, most money out of keeps people coming caring for the cause too.”

In 2023, Northeastern’s $140,000, placing third to an article published website. In 2022, the For Yarbrough, Relay “We walk the track ends; we walk it together community in this an end,” she said. “Because

Photos by Brian Daniels

Cancer survivors walk the first lap with a banner that reads, “Survivors.”

Students hold up signs that collectively read “$165, 757.”

Norick Mathias poses in a go-kart.

Paws poses as people walk behind him.

Relay for Life participants walk around the track.

RANKS TOP MONEY FOR LIFE 2

and people you don’t know and proved to be emotional for many night was also one to remember, with activities occurring over the 12 performances by on-campus groups, and opportunities to “pie a students could donate money to throw their friends’ faces. that it’s an interactive fundraiser difference in how much [we’re] able to do want to come,” said Eliza Sollers, a science major and member of Alwhich raised over $5,000. “Everyone actually part of something and doing a passive event.”

a third-year health sciences major, recruitment chair, and external for Relay for Life, the event is both fun. come here and celebrate and put this cause is something that’s so Carter, whose aunt passed away cancer in 2017. “You see people want to be here.” was in full effect at the event.

Northeastern continually being such participant, the fact that we’ve raised the all the colleges repeatedly, I think coming back,” Sollers said. “It’s part of cause but also pride in Northeastern Northeastern’s Relay for Life raised over third for money raised, according published on the Northeastern facilities the event raised over $150,000.

Relay for Life is a symbol of hope. track to represent that the fight never together to represent that we’re a and we’re never alone and we have “Because we want an end to cancer.”

4 5

3

Men’s hockey: After season of adversity, what does future hold for Huskies?

By Esha Minhas News Staff

The Northeastern men’s hockey season was filled with highs and lows. Consecutive losses and major injuries riddled the early part of the season, but the Huskies weren’t finished. In January, the team regrouped and began to settle into a rhythm, earning huge wins against some of the best teams in the country and claiming its second straight Beanpot victory. But it wasn’t enough to execute the team’s main goal: making it to the NCAA tournament. Northeastern’s Hockey East quarterfinals loss to Boston University shut down any opportunity of a tournament appearance.

“Getting to the NCAA Tournament is our goal coming in every single year, and it’s not going to change next year,” said head coach Jerry Keefe after the loss to BU March 16. “So from that standpoint, it’s disappointing. You know that that was the ultimate goal.”

The week after the season’s conclusion, the roster was already shifting, with three notable departures. On March 18, after four seasons with Northeastern, senior forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine entered the transfer portal. Per NCAA COVID-19 protocol, Fontaine’s class is the last to

be granted an extra year of eligibility.

On March 20, junior forward and captain Justin Hryckowian signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars. Two days later, Hockey East’s 2022 Defensive Defenseman of the Year Hunter McDonald signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. McDonald signed as just a sophomore, so his departure was a shock to Northeastern fans.

The loss of two key leaders, including the Huskies’ team captain, could cause concern, but Keefe said he isn’t worried.

“As far as the leadership goes, that’s one thing that I thought was a strong suit of ours. Justin is a phenomenal captain. I think that’s where [our team’s] culture comes in,” Keefe said. “Our captains learn from the guys before them. Justin did a great job, and now it’s up to the next group to carry that on.”

The roster is still full of star-studded talent. In their freshman years, goaltender Cameron Whitehead and forward Dylan Hryckowian had outstanding seasons.

Whitehead had 1,005 saves throughout the season, the most out of any Hockey East goalie, and a .917 save percentage, the thirdhighest in the conference. In massive games against top-10 teams and playing in the Beanpot in front of

thousands of fans, Whitehead held his composure and did not falter under enormous pressure.

“The sky’s the limit for [Whitehead],” Keefe said. “He played in all the big games. He likes the pressure, and that’s what you need your goaltender to do.”

Dylan Hryckowian had seven goals and 34 points this season, going toe-to-toe with some veteran players on the team. His ability to set up players for shots was close to unmatched. He was second in assists for Northeastern — his brother the only one to top him. Dylan Hryckowian also thrived under pressure, most notably in his overtime game-winning goal against BU Jan. 30.

“Dylan had a phenomenal freshman year. That’s one of the best freshman years in the 13 years that I’ve been here,” Keefe said. “We’re looking for him to be our go-to guy next year, to keep building on what he did this year and continue to get better, which we know he will.”

The team will miss the Hryckowian-to-Hryckowian connection on and off the ice. Assisting each other on several goals this season, they were a dynamic duo, combining for nearly a quarter of the team’s total points.

“[Dylan Hryckowian’s] a driven kid, just like his brother. The Hryckowians are special kids,” Keefe said.

“They put the work in, they care, they want to be players. We’re expecting huge things from Dylan next year.”

Throughout the season, Keefe talked about the team needing to find its confidence and swagger on the ice. The six-game win streak in January and February, which included three victories over top-10 teams and a Beanpot title, helped the Huskies find it.

“The Beanpot is a big deal for our program and the school,” Keefe said. “There’s a lot of pressure that goes into it. Any time your team can win big games like that, on the big stage and against your rival opponents, that’s a championship trophy. [I’m] really proud that our team was able to win that.”

Other young stars for the Huskies include sophomore forward Jack Williams, who was the second-highest scorer on the team with 17 goals, sophomore defenseman Vinny Borgesi with 34 points this season and sophomore forward Cam Lund with 11 goals on the year, the

fourth-highest on Northeastern’s roster. While the challenging season may not have been what the Huskies originally hoped for, they overcame tremendous adversity. They were repeatedly considered the underdogs but proved they had the potential to take on any team in the league, with six teams in Hockey East consistently ranked in the top 20 nationally, and come out on top. The Huskies were the only school to beat both No. 1 Boston College and No. 2 BU.

“We’ve got a phenomenal group of kids,” Keefe said. “[There’s] a lot of leadership and

How Northeastern women’s hockey persevered through tumultuous season

By Amelia Ballingall Sports Editor

Regroup. Restructure. Rebuild.

It felt like the end of an era when

the trio of Alina Mueller, Chloé Aurard and Maureen Murphy exited the ice at the end of the 2022-23 season.

People looked at the Huskies with uncertainty, wondering what would be next for the program after losing the top line in women’s college hockey.

Northeastern came into the 202324 season ranked fifth in the country, picked to finish at the top of Hockey East, but scoring struggles plagued the team for months as it searched for its next high-production line. By the end of the season, Northeastern had slipped to No. 12 in the Pairwise rankings and fell short of a conference championship, breaking a sixyear winning streakstreak. But the Huskies still fought to the very end.

“A lot of people doubted us going in, even at Christmas break, even at Thanksgiving break,” said fifth-year forward Katy Knoll. “There [were] a lot of questions as to how we would finish the season and I think we did the best that we could and I think we changed a lot of people’s minds about us in the second half of the season.”

Northeastern had a strong out-of-conference schedule, with four of its seven non-Hockey East matchups against top-15 teams, and those games had mixed results. After splitting the season-opening series with No. 11 Penn State, the Huskies lost to No. 13 St. Cloud State in a shutout during the Ice Breaker Tournament but redeemed themselves with a win over No. 14/13 Yale in January.

“We always look to try to play competitive teams,” said head coach

Dave Flint. “We want to try to get those teams that are top-10 teams for out-of-conference to strengthen our schedule.”

Facing those difficult teams didn’t make Hockey East play any easier for the Huskies. Uncharacteristic shutout losses to Merrimack College and the College of the Holy Cross in October 2023 highlighted Northeastern’s scoring difficulties, as the Huskies dropped from last year’s 3.8 goals per game average to 2.4.

“We lost to a couple of teams that we normally wouldn’t, but that’s hockey and that just goes to show how competitive the conference was this year,” Knoll said. “Overall, that’s a good thing to see the conference becoming more of a threat and every team improving.”

In the second half of the season, the Huskies settled into a rhythm, going 10-0-2 between Jan. 13 and Feb. 17. With a top line of graduate student Peyton Anderson, junior Skylar Irving and Knoll, Northeastern finally began producing. Irving took on a new role as playmaker with a team-leading 22 assists. A heavy shooter, Irving’s 163 on-goal attempts were a strong component of Northeastern’s late-season success, as Knoll and Anderson picked up her rebounds and Irving tallied 13 goals of her own. The top line was responsible for 41.5% of the team’s goals.

“Things were kind of up in the air and no one really knew what to do,” fifth-year goalternder Gwyneth Philips said. “But as we kind of started going through, people started to step into bigger roles, different roles, and trust that someone was gonna kind of do what needed to be done, and I think just gaining confidence in each other helped.”

Despite finding momentum,

Northeastern struggled against familiar foes like the University of Connecticut and the University of Vermont throughout the season. The rival Huskies, the No. 10 ranked team in the country and the eventual Hockey East champion, were a constant thorn in Northeastern’s side. In four games this season, Northeastern was only able to notch two goals against UConn and was never able to beat them, going 0-3-1 against the team, including an overtime loss in the conference tournament championship.

Northeastern suffered a similar fate against Vermont. The team only faced the Catamounts in the last weekend of the regular season, collecting a loss and a tie that put a damper on the Huskies’ senior night.

The Vermont series also put an end to a 12-game non-losing streak Northeastern had begun in January after regaining captain and graduate student Megan Carter from a six-game injury.

Northeastern’s most notable moment came in the crown jewel of the season, the Beanpot tournament, as Northeastern claimed the first-ever win at TD Garden. In a great forward stride for women’s hockey, the local competition finally moved to the location the men had been playing at for decades, and in front of more than 10,000 fans, Northeastern took down Boston University in overtime in the title game to claim the coveted trophy on Boston hockey’s biggest stage. Irving scored both of Northeastern’s goals in the 2-1 victory and was named tournament MVP.

“The atmosphere is crazy and I felt like that was one of our better games all season, with just how we were playing, the energy on the bench,” Irving said. “Honestly, it was so fun just

seeing all the fans, like the DogHouse.

That was awesome for me, seeing their support and then we were able to win in overtime, that was even better.”

In the face of the offensive struggles, Northeastern’s defense stood sturdy throughout the season, averaging just 1.28 goals against per game, good enough for fourth in the country.

One defensive star was sophomore Jules Constantinople, who stepped up on the top pairing alongside junior Lily Yovetich in Carter’s absence. Constantinople scored her first goal this year, part of her 16-point contribution (4 goals, 12 assists), and tallied 62 blocks, second only to Carter.

“We were using her a lot on the power play and she’s come up with some good power-play goals,” Flint said. “I think she just got stronger as the year went on because I think she was playing with more and more confidence.”

Carter still led the team with 72 blocks despite missing a month of play and also acted as enforcer with 42 more penalty minutes than any other Husky. The captain also found offensive momentum to round out her game as the year wound down, with four goals in the last five games of the regular season.

Behind the Huskies all season long, except for a two-game break after Beanpot, was the backbone of the team, Philips. Philips, who played more minutes than any other goalie in the NCAA, ended the season with the top save percentage in the country (.955), giving her a career .958 to break the national record. She also holds the second-lowest career goals against average in NCAA history with .96. The goalie was designated a top10 Patty Kazmaier finalist and Goalie of the Year finalist, and was named

to the Division 1 All-American First Team.

“What she accomplished in a short period of time is amazing,” Flint said. “I don’t think I realized until like three weeks left in the season that she was in contention to break the record for career save percentage … she had big shoes to fill with Aerin Frankel’s graduation and she rose to the occasion and was amazing for the last two seasons.”

At the end of the season, Hockey East honored many Huskies for their accomplishments. Philips and Carter were named to the conference’s first team, Anderson and Constantinople to the second, Knoll and Irving to the third and forward Allie Lalonde to the all-rookie team.

The culmination of the season means the end of the collegiate careers of Philips, Knoll, Anderson, Carter and graduate student forward Peyton Cullaton.

These five-year members contributed to some of the highest points in program history, including multiple Beanpot wins and bids to the NCAA tournament, but in their absence, there’s plenty of young talent that’s already been stepping up.

While the 2023-24 season was not the Huskies’ best year in recent memory, it showed perseverance and flexibility in the face of adversity, and Northeastern still found success in shining moments.

“We did it this year without the last class and they can do it again without my class,” Philips said. “Every year is going to be a little bit different with different personnel but you just kind of have to find what’s going to work and just keep believing in each other and eventually you’ll get to where you need to be.”

Justin Hryckowian skates next to Merrimack’s net March 13. The captain departed Northeastern at the end of his junior season after signing with the Dallas Stars.

Photo by Sofia Sawchuk

Men’s basketball: History repeats itself as another disappointing season comes to a close

By Sofia Garrett Deputy Sports Editor

In the 2022-23 season, the Northeastern men’s basketball team stumbled to a 10-20 overall record and a 6-12 conference finish, ranking 11th out of the 14 teams in the CAA. The Delaware Blue Hens shut down the Huskies 77-74 in the second round of the CAA Men’s Basketball Championship, putting an end to a subpar season.

Northeastern optimistically entered the 2023-24 season looking to rewrite the narrative — and it seemed possible. The CAA preseason poll placed the Huskies at No. 7 in the conference with 84 votes, jumping four spots from the final 2022-23 standings last season.

The addition of graduate student guard Luka Sakota also brought new energy to the roster. The 6-foot-6-inch transfer from Harvard University, where he served as team captain, entered the program this season looking to make a splash. In his junior year with the Crimson, Sakota averaged 11.3 points per game, the second-best on the team. However, his performance declined during his senior year, in which he only averaged 7.1.

Over 2,000 fans packed Matthews Arena Nov. 6 for the team’s opening game against the Boston University Terriers — the greatest showing at home for the team since 2015. The Huskies went on to win the matchup 67-58, redeeming themselves after losing the 2022-23 season opener to BU.

Unfortunately, Northeastern lost momentum quickly, and history repeated itself.

Just like last season, the Huskies fell in the second round of the CAA Championship March 9, as Stony Brook University secured a 75-65 win. Falling short of its goal of making a deeper run in the tournament, Northeastern finished the season with little advancement from the previous year.

A 12-20 overall record and 7-11 in conference play left the Huskies 10th in the CAA, just one notch up from 2022-23.

A lack of offensive success burdened Northeastern throughout the season. Ranked 12th in the CAA for points per game, the Huskies struggled to find an offensive edge in close matchups. Many of the team’s games came down to the wire, as it couldn’t eke out victories as the clock ran out.

The Huskies lost eight games by one or two possessions during the season.

On Dec. 6, they suffered a 73-71 loss to the Vermont Catamounts, followed by another 2-point defeat Dec. 16 against the Virginia Cavaliers — a team that went on to enter March Madness as a 10 seed. Two months later, Northeastern was shut down in a 77-73 loss against the College of Charleston, the No. 1 team in the CAA.

These tight games could’ve flipped the script on Northeastern’s sub-.500 season had players come in clutch to secure victories. Northeastern’s point margin sat at -2.9 for the season, the third lowest in the CAA.

The transfer of senior guard Jahmyl Telfort to Butler University left a gap in Northeastern’s roster, as he was last season’s leader in points with an average 16.4 per game and 491 total. He went on to rank second in scoring for the Bulldogs this season.

Despite Northeastern’s lackluster finish, multiple players shined throughout the season.

Graduate forward Chris Doherty led the team in points, averaging 13.6 per game on 52.2% shooting from the field and 73.7% from the free throw line. This was a noticeable jump from his average 8.9 points per game in the previous season.

He also recorded a career-high 27 points Jan. 27 against William & Mary.

Doherty was the Husky’s top rebounder (6.7) for a third straight season, the seventh Husky since 1960 to achieve such a milestone. His versatility on the court also notched him as the team leader in blocks with 0.8 per game.

Other returning players also tallied new career-highs.

Sakota delivered as the second-top scorer, with an average 10.3 points per game, but his 37.3% shooting from the field left something to be desired. He also missed six games due to injury — a brutal hit for a team relying on his abilities coming into the season.

Woods averaged 10.1 points a game this season — third-highest behind Doherty and Sakota — making him a promising player for Northeastern going forward.

The 2023-24 season did not offer the success that Northeastern hoped.

Sophomore guards Harold Woods, Rashad King and sophomore forward Jared Turner each broke their personal records in single game scoring with 25, 22 and 19 points, respectively.

basketball will return

Second-round loss in CAA tournament ends Northeastern women’s basketball season

By Dylan Cohen News Staff

The Northeastern women’s basketball team (10-17, 5-13 CAA) entered the postseason for the CAA tournament March 13 after its unusual regular season end, where the team forfeited three conference games. Despite its struggles this season, Northeastern was able to pick up a 66-60 win at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. against the University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks (5-25, 3-15 CAA) before falling to the Towson University Tigers (2011, 11-7 CAA) 78-69 in the second round of the playoffs.

Freshman forward Sophia Carlisle opened up the game strong with a layup 17 seconds into the first quarter. Though Carlisle did not get any playing time until the Jan. 12 regular season win against UNCW, she ended the year starting in four consecutive games and was the leading scorer with 15 points in this playoff win.

The Seahawks then stole the lead, going on an 8-0 run in only one minute. Still, the Huskies were able to come ahead 14-12 by the end of the first quarter with contributions from senior guard Derin Erdogan, freshman guard Yirsy Quéliz and sophomore guard Marian Turnbull.

Carlisle continued to dominate throughout the second quarter with three layups. This was the high-

est-scoring quarter for either team with 39 total points scored, and Northeastern clung onto its lead at the end of the half, finishing 33-32.

Scoring slowed down in the third quarter, with both teams scoring less than 15 points. The Huskies went 4-of-12 in field goals, down from their 9-of-14 mark in the previous quarter,

and 2-of-8 in threes, with senior guard Maddie Vizza tallying both.

Fouls added up against Northeastern late in the frame, which allowed for four free throws for Seahawks freshman guard Taylor Henderson to tie up the game at 45 apiece.

Though fouls slowed down the Huskies in the third quarter,

UNCW got into trouble when it tried to slow the game with eight personal fouls, as 10 of Northeastern’s 21 points in the final quarter came from free throws. Quéliz led the pack through the fourth quarter with seven points, and the Huskies ended up on top 66-60.

In this CAA opening round victory, Erdogan notched her first double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, coming close to a triple-double with nine assists. Three Huskies were double-digit scorers — Erdogan, Quéliz and Carlisle.

Although the Huskies struggled with controlling the ball all season, averaging 18.1 points against off turnovers, they improved against the Seahawks, allowing just 14. However, they ended up right back where they started when they played Towson the next day.

The Huskies faced the sixth-seeded Towson Tigers for round two of the CAA tournament March 14. Northeastern forfeited its regular season game against the Tigers, so this was their first time meeting since the 2022-23 season.

The Tigers opened up the game with a layup from junior forward Quinzia Fulmore and traded baskets with the Huskies throughout the first quarter, tying the game three times. Northeastern fell behind the Tigers after going 0-of-3 from three, ending the quarter down 23-15.

Towson continued to build its lead through the second quarter as it tallied 18 more points compared to just 13 from the Huskies, who were trailing by 13 by the end of the half. The Tigers earned 20 second-chance points this half, but none for the remainder of the game.

Five three-pointers by the Tigers in the third quarter left Northeastern with its biggest deficit of the game, down by 26 with 44 seconds left in the frame. Carlisle received a technical foul in the final minute of the quarter, allowing for two Towson free throws.

Down 68-44 to start the final quarter, the Huskies hadn’t lost hope just yet. Northeastern went on a few runs throughout the frame, outscoring Towson 25-10, and even trimmed the Tigers’ lead to single digits towards the end. Even with a 7-0 run to finish the game, it wasn’t enough for the Huskies to reign victorious and advance to the next round of the playoffs, as they fell to Towson 78-69.

Erdogan scored 30 points in this loss, nearly half of Northeastern’s total points. This was the second-most points by Erdogan in a single game this season, just behind her 32-point performance against Delaware Jan. 5. The Huskies were not selected for the NCAA tournament, so the loss against Towson marked their final game of the season. Despite struggles with injury, this game was a strong final push to finish out the season.

Chris Doherty jumps for a basket against Hampton Feb. 24. Doherty led the Huskies in average points (13.6), rebounds (6.7) and blocks (0.8) per game.

Photo by Molly McAlevey

The Huskies group together during their game against Hampton Feb. 24. Northeastern finished the season with a 12-20 overall record.

Photo by Molly McAlevey

Derin Erdogan holds possession of the ball over Campbell University Jan. 28. Erdogan was the team leader in points, averaging 15.6 per game.

Photo courtesy Annelise Balentine

Ali

Northeastern is known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to education. With initiatives like the co-op program and the N.U.in program, it continually seeks to differentiate itself from other universities and offer students distinctive opportunities for growth and exploration. However, this commitment makes it difficult to assess the university’s performance in comparison to other institutions that adhere to more conventional educational models. Unlike traditional study abroad programs many universities offer, the N.U.in program stands out for its integration of academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities in diverse global settings for first years. Rather than solely learning from classes, students have the opportunity to grow through their experiences of traveling around their chosen location, meeting local people and adapting to cultural changes first-year students. This emphasis on experiential learning is essential

for fostering transformative study abroad experiences that go beyond the confines of the classroom.

While this uniqueness is undoubtedly appealing to students seeking a study abroad experience, it also presents challenges in terms of identifying the most effective methods for grading while studying abroad.

Although Boston University offers a similar program where students get to study in London for a semester, the students’ grades are ultimately averaged into their grade point average. Since there are few comparable programs at other institutions, Northeastern faces difficulty in comparing the N.U.in program against similar offerings, making it challenging to assess whether the methods the N.U.in program employs are the most effective for studying abroad.

Northeastern’s recent decision to record N.U.in students’ grades on their transcript has sparked discussions about balancing academic rigor and experiential learning in study abroad experiences. While some may question removing the previous flexible grading system, which excluded grades students received while on N.U.in from their transcripts, I argue Northeastern made the right choice in prioritizing academic accountability and fostering a culture of excellence within the N.U.in program.

Despite providing students a safety net, the previous grading system could inadvertently undermine the academic seriousness of the N.U.in program. By allowing only a portion of Northeastern students to have pass/fail grading, the system risked diminishing the

As far as Northeastern’s N.U.in locations go, Belfast is quite possibly the most random.

Located in Northern Ireland, Belfast is one of the newer N.U.in locations as of fall 2023 and appears to be one of the least popular. To my knowledge, only one person, out of my cohort of 88, had picked it as their first choice.

My own journey to Belfast began in line for a roller coaster at Universal Studios in Florida when I was accepted into Northeastern. I had never even heard of its N.U.in program and spent 30 minutes (unfortunately, only a third of the time I was stuck in line) trying to frantically Google the program.

When I got home, I received an email from the program outlining

value of academic achievement and potentially incentivized students to prioritize exploration over scholarly engagement.

Removing this option sends a clear message that Northeastern is committed to upholding high academic standards and ensuring students are adequately challenged during their study abroad experiences. Moreover, it’s important to consider the fairness to students on campus who worked equally hard to gain admission to the university and who may not have the option for pass/fail grading in their coursework for a semester.

It is important to recognize that other study abroad opportunities Northeastern offers, such as Dialogue of Civilizations and traditional study abroad programs, do not typically include a pass/fail grading option. Maintaining the decision to eliminate the N.U.in’s former grading system creates consistency in grading policies across various programs offered by the university, promoting fairness and equity among students participating in different global education initiatives. By aligning the N.U.in program with these established standards, Northeastern demonstrates a commitment to maintaining academic integrity across all of its study abroad experiences.

While Northeastern’s innovative spirit drives it to pioneer new approaches to global education, the lack of comparable programs at other universities may hinder the exchange of ideas and best practices in the field. Collaborative efforts with peer institutions often lead to greater innovation

and improvement in program design and implementation.

Despite these challenges, Northeastern’s commitment to innovation remains a cornerstone of its educational philosophy. By pushing the boundaries of traditional academic models and embracing novel approaches to experiential learning, Northeastern provides students with unparalleled opportunities for personal and academic growth. However, as the university continues to innovate, balancing the pursuit of uniqueness with the need for collaboration within the broader higher education landscape is essential. Doing so will ensure that Northeastern remains at the forefront of global education while leveraging peer institutions’ collective wisdom and expertise.

By eliminating the pass/fail grading option, Northeastern reaffirms its dedication to providing students with challenging and meaningful study abroad experiences. The decision underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and prepares students for success in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Moreover, it promotes a culture of accountability and intellectual growth, encouraging students to fully engage with their academic coursework and cultural surroundings while abroad.

Nia Thompson is a first-year behavioral neuroscience & philosophy combined major. They can be reached at thompson.jah@northeastern.edu.

the 11 locations and explaining that each Northeastern college only collaborates with a few of them. I was also 17 at the time, meaning that I was age-restricted from several locations. These constraints left me with three options: Thessaloniki, Dublin or Belfast. By the time I paid my deposit, the other locations had filled up, and Belfast was the only choice left. I spent the next few months researching the Troubles and fielding jokes about Guinness pints before finally arriving in Northern Ireland.

I have friends who had such an amazing experience that they’ve seriously considered switching to Queen’s University Belfast full-time. I also have friends who will break out into stress hives any time I mention Northern Ireland. My experience falls in the middle. I don’t think I will return to Belfast anytime soon, but it was an interesting experience.

All N.U.in locations have similar benefits: immersing yourself in a new culture, getting a “dry run” of college with a smaller cohort and the opportunity to travel on the weekends. Those opportunities are the main reason I am glad I was in N.U.in. If those are your primary reasons for considering the program, and you don’t mind a relatively peaceful semester on the outskirts of a small city, then Belfast is an option to consider.

I personally would have enjoyed more of a city experience, so the 40-minute commute from our dorms to the city center was definitely a downside. However, the Queen’s University Belfast campus itself is gorgeous and is only about a 15-minute walk from the dorms. The city is relatively small but has a good mix of restaurants, cafes, shops and pubs. The nightlife options are somewhat limited, but there are definitely clubs, as well as a cheap student bar on campus.

It is also very easy to meet people and make friends, either while going out around the city or on the campus itself. Everyone I met was very friendly and most people in the N.U.in program ended up having many local friends.

Academically, the classes are not particularly difficult, and the grading conversion is very favorable. In Northern Ireland, anything above a 66 is considered an A, so while professors obviously grade more harshly, it is not as difficult to maintain a high GPA. There is a limited selection of classes to choose from, however, so make sure that the location offers courses you find interesting. You are also not limited to classes with other N.U.in students and will often end up placed with actual Queen’s University students — only two of my classes were solely composed of N.U.in

students, and I took one course that only had one other Northeastern student.

I also feel obligated to mention Belfast’s odd obsession with the Titanic. Its history was the sole topic for a week of the mandatory culture class, an entire unit in my globalization anthropology class and even used as an example in my foundations of psychology lectures. There is a field trip to the Titanic museum as well, where you learn about Belfast’s role in building the ship.

Another important aspect of Belfast to prepare for is the unpredictable weather. If you do pick it as your location, invest in an umbrella and rain jacket to carry with you at all times. I’m convinced that the only reason I was sick for a month in Northern Ireland was that I consistently got caught in the rain.

Drawbacks aside, being in Belfast made for an interesting semester. Like attending college on the Boston campus, the experience you have is what you make of it. If you do end up in Belfast, have fun. But, whatever you do, don’t mention that the Titanic is only famous for sinking.

Sencha Kreymerman is a first-year psychology major. She can be reached at kreymerman.s@northeastern.edu.

Photo by Jessica Xing

Photo by Jessica Xing

Op-ed: Taylor Swift brings fans to NFL

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just want an excuse to eat some wings, Americans everywhere watch the Super Bowl. The 2024 game, which took place Feb. 11 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, saw the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers and eventually claim a 25-22 victory in overtime.

But the final score wasn’t the only thing on the public’s mind that night. This year, the players shared the spotlight with global pop star Taylor Swift.

Swift started publically dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in September 2023, and since then, she has made an appearance at 13 NFL games, including the Super Bowl. Swift and Kelce’s romance has garnered mass media attention, as Swift’s relationships always do. Reactions have come from outraged football fans to obsessed Swifties to Republicans who believe the couple is part of an elaborate Democratic plot to help President Joe Biden win the election in November.

A lot of NFL viewers, especially male fans, are less than happy about Swift’s appearances at her boyfriend’s games. Many say she diverts attention away from the field, and shots of her on the jumbotron have been met with boos from the crowd.

Unfortunately, this isn’t surprising. In a world where women have been slowly gaining power in previously male-dominated fields, football has remained an almost exclusively male space. While there is a female equivalent of the NFL — the Women’s Football Alliance, or WFA — there is no female equivalent of the Super Bowl, and last year, the WFA championship received fewer than 1% of the Super Bowl’s 200 million viewers.

Other sports are making strides toward gender equality, and women’s games are becoming more popular, evidenced by the fact that 1.12 billion and 889,000 people watched the last FIFA Women’s World Cup and WNBA Finals, respectively.

It could be argued that the contact nature of football makes it physically harder for women to participate, explaining the deficit of female players. But this shouldn’t stand in the way of women’s football. In ice hockey, a sport famous for its contact nature, a new women’s league — the Professional Women’s Hockey League, or PWHL, is currently in its inaugural season. The league’s opening game between New York and Toronto averaged over 800,000 viewers. It’s important to note that while body checking has previously been illegal in women’s hockey, the PWHL allows

checking as long as it’s done with the clear intention of gaining possession of the puck. This adjustment more closely aligns to the contact rules of the men’s game and demonstrates that women are perfectly capable of playing contact sports. Despite this, football still appears to be holding onto the gendered norm that sports are played by men, for men.

However, since 2020, the NFL has seen a 141% increase in women working in football operations and coaching. Forty-six percent of NFL fans are women, and in high schools, 24% more girls are playing football and flag football compared to previous years. Now, with Swift’s recent involvement, even more women are entering the conversation. To add insult to injury, they’re doing so in a way that most men don’t approve of: through the lens of Taylor Swift.

The notion that Swift is diverting attention is unfounded. Aside from the fact that she’s barely on screen — 54 seconds during the 2024 Super Bowl broadcast — football has never just been about the game itself. In my admittedly limited experience, the day after the Super Bowl, more people are talking about their favorite commercial than the play that led to the winning touchdown. Money has, and always will be, at the heart of the NFL.

Analysts estimate that Swift has generated over $300 million for the league since she started dating Kelce, leading people to question if their relationship is real or just a profit-generating scheme. This isn’t the only conspiracy theory floating around. A

recent poll by Monmouth University found that almost one in five Americans believe Swift is part of a covert government ploy to to help Biden win reelection in November, with some going as far as to say that the Democratic Party rigged the Super Bowl for a Chief’s victory. Of those who believe this theory, 83% said they would vote for Trump in the fall.

While their theory is a considerable reach, Swift does have a history of ties to the Democratic Party. In 2018, she broke her long-held political silence and endorsed Democratic politicians Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper in the Tennessee midterm elections, referring to their Republican opponent Marsha Blackburn as “Trump in a wig.” This endorsement was a major talking point in the 2020 ‘Miss Americana’ documentary. Then, in 2020, she endorsed Biden and Kamala Harris’ campaign, and a poll by Whitman Insight Strategies found Swift to be the second most influential celebrity in Biden’s win, after LeBron James. Last month, the New York Times reported that Swift would be the Democrats’ “biggest and most influential endorsement target.”

Currently, Swift has not endorsed Biden’s 2024 presidential campaign, despite taking to Instagram last week to encourage fans to vote on Super Tuesday. President Biden recently joked on Late Night With Seth Meyers that any plot between Swift and himself is “classified.”

It is unsurprising that Republicans would have a bone to pick with Swift. Aside from her ties to the opposing

party, she’s morphed from a pretty teenage girl — rich, but constantly under the thumb of her label, Big Machine Records — into a 30-something, powerful business person with seemingly no plans to settle down and get married anytime soon. The older Swift gets, the more she takes control of her own work, and the more she uses her platform to advocate for liberal ideals. With this, she becomes less appealing to Republicans.

Republicans may be tired of the pop star, but the current political agenda against Swift reduces her to just a pawn in Biden’s game. It also implies that Swifties, her predominantly female fan base, would cast their vote for the Democrats this fall just because their favorite singer told them to instead of coming to the decision themselves.

With the 2023 NFL season over, the media circus surrounding Swift appears to be returning to normal. To me, this has all served as a reminder of the fact that Swift still irritates many men, especially when her presence and content are forced upon them.

Whether you view her as your idol, an unwelcome guest at a Chiefs game or Biden’s puppet, Swift’s empire and her relationship with Kelce are seemingly here to stay, and it seems that NFL fans are going to have to accept her presence on the sideline.

Lily Cooper is a second-year bioengineering and biochemistry combined major. She can be reached at cooper.li@ northeastern.edu.

Op-ed: Moving forward with displaced clubs

When I first got the text Jan. 22 that NU Sci, Northeastern’s only student-run science magazine, would lose the office space in Curry Student Center it’s had for over 10 years, I felt conflicted. I recognized that Northeastern’s plan to replace some of the last remaining club offices with a bookable event space is a step forward toward equity among clubs — only a handful of the university’s clubs had actual offices. At the same time, I mourned the loss of a hard-to-comeby, intimate community space that was truly a home for the people in our club.

NU Sci has not made a statement on the decision, and while I serve as editor-in-chief of the publication, I write as a student affected by the choice. Our clubs were not consulted in the development of future plans for the space or our own future accommodations until after the decision was made. The university missed an opportunity to get direct input from the students it aimed to serve. I hope that as we continue to strive toward equity among clubs, administration can work transparently with student

organizations to develop solutions that recognize the incredible value these offices created.

With storage solutions readily available and an existing system for booking meeting spaces, this loss isn’t simply about logistics; it’s about the emotional and social value that our office space held to us. NU Sci issues dating back to 2009 lined the walls of our side of the joint office with Tastemakers Magazine. Posters were stuffed in every random corner, and a mysterious action figure hung from the ceiling. Our office suite was complete with a shared meeting room with NU Live Music Association, NUTV and a random assortment of props associated with NUTV’s latest projects.

It was where friendships within and between the clubs grew. It was a space I could pop into at almost any point in the day and find at least one other club member already there, ready to work together, talk about science communication or share the latest celebrity gossip. In that office, we built a deep and intimate community centered around a shared passion.

In a world that is increasingly moving toward isolation, community spaces like these are essential for finding meaningful connections. A Gallup poll found that over one-quarter of Americans ages 19-29 feel at least fairly lonely — a higher fraction than any other age group. The rising number of Americans experiencing loneliness and its associated negative health consequences prompted the U.S. surgeon general to declare loneliness an epidemic in 2023.

On college campuses, clubs and other extracurriculars play an essen-

tial role in making friends, especially for first-years thrown into a new city for the first time while knowing virtually no one. In a survey of 3,000 college students conducted by Inside Higher Ed, students who spent at least 11 hours a week participating in extracurriculars were 24% more likely to find it easy to meet new people and make friends than students who didn’t participate at all.

Intimate community spaces are essential for building these relationships. Yet, as Northeastern’s Boston student population continues to grow — outpacing the construction of new public spaces — providing this sense of community through club offices has become unviable.

To accommodate new students in the past six years, Northeastern has added over 800 dorm beds in 60 Belvidere St. which was formerly known as 39 Dalton St., or the Sheraton Boston Hotel. The university also added 300 beds into the Midtown Hotel. LightView opened 825 beds to Northeastern students. The university squeezed 900 more beds into East Village and International Village and recently announced a plan for a new 1,300-bed residence hall. During this same timeframe, the only major building to open with new community space that clubs could conceivably use was EXP.

Ideally, Northeastern should only expand the size of the student body if it can accommodate the additional students in every aspect of the college experience, not just bed space. However, since convincing Northeastern to shrink the student body size is out of the question, we’re left with turning to

new models for creating community settings on campus.

In my time at Northeastern, I’ve developed my own personal measurement of the strength of a community space. The more likely I am to run into friends there randomly, the stronger the sense of community. While spaces like dining halls and Snell Library could technically count as community spaces, they’re so public and unstructured that I rarely run into friends in the same way I did in the NU Sci office. But there’s only one place on campus that scores even higher than the NU Sci office: the LGBTQA Resource Center.

Not only does the center create a comfortable space to build community with those who share an identity, it also offers deep and enriching programming, connects students with Northeastern staff and faculty, remains open to the public so anyone can join the community space and it is home to a handful of clubs. Out in STEM, NU Pride, the Pan Asian American Queer Alliance, A Space NEU and more all hold meetings in the space, and when they’re not meeting, many club members hang out, do homework or chat with the center’s staff.

This phenomenon isn’t unique to the resource center; clubs around campus have partnered with Northeastern organizations that both align with the club’s mission and have community spaces. For example, NU SHARE hosts meetings in the Center for Intercultural Engagement’s space and The News, while independent, hosts meetings in the Journalism School’s lounge and classrooms.

Northeastern’s displaced student

publications can follow this blueprint through a partnership with the Center for Student Involvement, or CSI, and its space, the Programming Lab. CSI has contacted NU Sci and Tastemakers and shared plans to accommodate displaced clubs. It includes revamping the Programming Lab, which neighbors the old offices, with meeting rooms, staff offices and community space with tables and chairs. The plan would also allow clubs to store materials in the Programming Lab, book meetings in the Lab and potentially host larger general meetings in the new neighboring event spaces.

This gives me hope. Not only could this space provide much-needed intimate community space, but it could also allow our clubs to build more relationships between clubs and with Northeastern staff — all while being more inclusive and space-efficient.

However, I’m still hesitant. Another lesson from the whole ordeal: Transparency builds trust and community, while secrecy builds resentment. This decision to displace our clubs came as a surprise, robbing us of our ability to contribute to a vision for the future until we were already packing.

I hope the university and student government are listening to our stories so that they can begin to understand the importance of these community spaces — for the sake of our organizations and the rest of our over-500 student clubs. This way, as Northeastern moves away from club offices, we can preserve their most cherished and powerful role.

Noah Haggerty is a fourth-year applied physics major. He can be reached at haggerty.no@northeastern.edu.

Photo by Elizabeth Scholl

Photo by Mars Poper