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NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Volume CXIV, Issue 4
The Anxieties of the Young and Jodi Kantor’s “How to Start” María Castaño Arts & Entertainment Editor
MU Hosts Fall Career Fair
The Manhattan University annual fall career fair will take place Tuesday, Sept. 22 in Kelly Commons @MANHATTANEDU / INSTAGRAM
Time to Act: A Pivotal Moment in History for the United States On Sept. 17, Manhattan University (MU) invited New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera to campus to commemorate Constitution Day. “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,” as it’s formally known, marks the final day of the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention on Sept. 17, 1787, when the framers ratified the Constitution after securing approval from the nine
states then required for a majority. Rivera, who has represented the Bronx’s 33rd Senate District for over 16 years and chairs the Committee on Health, started the discussion with an opening summary of the Constitution. “The Constitution sets up a series of institutions, and that is what I want to linger on today,” Rivera said. “Because it will assist us in thinking about where we are, not where we started, but about you folks that are going to outlast me.” Rivera shared his perspective on the Constitution, noting both its importance and its shortcomings, and stressed
IN NEWS:
IN FEATURES:
Grace McKeown & Erioluwa Akin-Salami Contributors
KSAS Introduces Compass Program pg. 5
Jaspers Participate in Annual Blood Drive pg. 7
that the institutions it establishes require careful stewardship. The document, he explained, is the moral structural foundation the country is built on, and it falls on the citizens to protect it. “Bonsai trees need to be consistently trimmed, watered, and requires close attention so that the tree could still be there 1000 years later,” Rivera said. “Similarly, when thinking about the institutions we have been given, we need to care for them, especially, the three branches of government: Executive, Judicial and Legislative.” Margaret Groarke, __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Jodi Kantor came to Manhattan University (MU) to present her latest book as part of the James Patterson Speaker Series: “How to Start: Discovering Your Life’s Work.” The book follows a selfhelp narrative, based on a question a student asked her about how young people are supposed to find their life’s work, as attributed in the preface of the book. Specifically, Kantor’s work seeks to guide young people on how to navigate finding a fulfilling job and purpose in an increasingly uncertain environment. The book was officially released on April 21, according to the Little Brown & Co. publishing house, and was brought to campus by the suggestion of Helene Tyler, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, who moderated the event. Kantor acknowledged the generational differences between the workforce she entered and the one that exists today. She explained to the audience that she wanted to avoid falling into false optimism, while writing the book was to focus on tangible solutions recent graduates can adapt to navigate the highly competitive and AI-ridden entry-level job market. “I want each of you to look for a craft,” Kantor said.
IN A&E:
The Sixth Borough Film Festival Opens Submissions pg, 9
“[A craft is] some special skill or expertise that other people don’t have. It’s what makes you valuable in the workplace… you have something you know how to do that prevents you from being treated as disposable or interchangeable… Any of us who are employees can be fired at any time, but your craft can never be taken away from you.” This idea of having a craft to help differentiate yourself from other candidates is one Kantor explains in more detail in its own dedicated chapter in the book by the same name. She went on to explain how to substantiate and justify a craft. “By this I mean, what are other human beings going to need over the course of your working career,” Kantor said. “I’m asking you that because I don’t want your career to be like a lonely paddle up a river. I want you to be buoyed by the rushing river of other people’s needs.” Kantor reflected on the implications that the intrusion of artificial intelligence has for younger people, explaining that her approach of craft and need is born from her understanding of this generation’s anxieties. “Your generation is being told something terrible because of AI,” Kantor said. “[The] implicit, or sometimes even explicit, message that you’re not needed. That AI is going to render entry-level workers superfluous... Anybody who has spent time in the workplace can tell you that __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN SPORTS: Games of the Week pg. 12
News
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Volume CXIV, Issue 4 September 22, 2026
The Editorial Board
Barbara Vasquez Editor-in-Chief Maddie Rosado Managing Editor
Maddie Rosado News Editor
Leyla Mercado Features Editor
Zendrah Bonnick Asst. News Editor
Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
Maria Castaño Arts & Entertainment Editor
Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Joshua Reichard Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Emmamuel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
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LETTER from the EDITOR Hello everybody,
Welcome back to issue 4! We are now over a month into the year and time is flying by. Even though it’s still September, the weather has started getting colder and classes are getting a bit more serious. I am very excited for this change in weather and fall in general (happy equinox!), but will definitely miss seeing a packed quad on a warm summer day.
Misha Jabal-Abadi Production Editor
Regardless of the weather, there will always be something happening at this school, and The Quadrangle will always be there to report on it. In this week’s issue, our writers covered a number of different events on campus – let’s dive in.
Leyla Mercado Asst. Social Media Editor
Jayden Gonzalez Nicky Lombardo Photo & Video
In news, we discuss two speakers who visited MU: Pulitzer Prizewinning reporter Jodi Kantor and New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera.
Nishat Parvez Faculty Advisor
Aureliano Morales Web Editor
Kantor, the journalist who first broke the Harvery Weinstein case, came to MU to speak on her book “How to Start: Discovering Your Life’s Work,” her book helping young people navigate their passions and career. Rivera came as part of MU’s Constitution Day celebration, highlighting the importance of action amongst the youth.
Lois Boateng Social Media Editor
About The Quadrangle A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news or ganization run by the students of Manhattan University. We strive to cover news around campus and the greater community, publishing weekly in print and daily online. Our goal is always accuracy, relevancy and professionalism. The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the University or the student body.
Join The Quadrangle The Quadrangle’s staff holds weekly open meetings on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in Kelly Commons. All are welcome to come and join the club. If interested, please email thequad@manhattan.edu!
Connect with The Quadrangle mcquad.org
Further in the section, Christina Cercone, Ph.D. has been named assistant dean of the school of engineering after years as faculty advisor. The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences has also introduced its new compass program, inspired by the O’Malley School of Business passport program, designed to get students more involved in campus life. Finally, our Manhattan Caucus covers President Trump’s recent moves regarding media censorship and its implications – as editor-in-chief of a news organization, I definitely recommend giving this one a read. Next up in features, we cover MU’s annual blood drive, and some fall fashion finds around campus, in celebration of the very-welcome season change. In arts and entertainment, you can read about the return of the Sixth Borough Film Festival for its second year! This is one of the coolest things, in my opinion, that we have at MU, and it’s super exciting to see the ball is already rolling for the next festival. Additionally, you can read our editor’s review of “A Small Place” by Jamaica Kincaid, a book about tourism and neo-colonialism. Check it out! Finally, in sports, we bring the discussion to the general population and get some students’ opinions on our Jasper teams. In our games of the week, you can read about women’s volleyball first win of the year and catch up with both soccer teams’ last non-conference games of the season. That’s all for this issue – give it a read a stay tuned for next week! As always, please feel free to email us at thequad@manhattan.edu with any inquiries or potential story ideas. We love to hear from our readers! Sincerely,
@mu_quad @mu_quad mcquad
Editor-in-Chief
News
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THE QUADRANGLE
The Anxieties of the Young and Jodi Kantor’s “How to Start” __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
we need young workers. This is how we get fresh life, fresh ideas, fresh talent into the workplace.” In a separate interview with The Quadrangle, Tyler discussed Kantor’s narrative in “How to Start” and what sets her approach to career development and finding purpose apart from more traditional perspectives. “I don’t think she offers fake [optimism],” Tyler said. “I think there’s a difference between fake optimism and hope… [and] what choice do we have but to put one foot in front of the other and try to take in all of the information that we can and make reasoned and sound decisions with it? That’s not fake optimism. That’s resisting a fatalist mindset.” Building on this idea, Kantor mentioned during the event that, on pages 11-13, she highlights the importance of not settling for such an integral part of our lives as our jobs, since they are key to finding happiness. “Work is how we spend our time,” Kantor said. “I
have never met somebody who was miserable at work but a happy person. We spend so much time at work it tends to determine our emotional temperature… [So] just because times are difficult, don’t settle too early… Above all, this is the most important thing in the book… Don’t give up before you start.” Tyler reflected on Kantor’s social awareness, noting how it comes through in the nuanced understanding she brings to the book. There is a recognition that her advice wouldn’t apply equally to everyone who reads it. “I think a lot of advice that I’ve heard people give to young people starting out will feel targeted to a specific population and completely misses the mark for a whole other segment,” Tyler said. “I appreciated how Kantor paid attention to how her advice could be received and put into action, depending on where the student would be coming from... and given the genuine socioeconomic diversity among our student population, I was glad to see that.”
Open to the public, the event pulled in a wide cross-section of the MU community, from faculty to alumni and current students. Benjamin Rosado, a sophomore digital media art major, went to the event with no prior knowledge of who Kantor was and left feeling content with what the event presented. “I wasn’t familiar with Kantor before this event, but going helped me feel more connected to her life story,” Rosado said. “It [made] me feel more confident as to what I can do as a student to prepare myself for when I am going into the real world.” The event resonated with Rosado, who found Kantor’s story relatable yet uplifting for students to hear. “I think she gave good advice,” Rosado said. “She went through a relatable experience [dropping out of law school]… [And] she was realistic about it, but in a way that wasn’t discouraging. Some people would [say] don’t follow your dreams at all, [but] she didn’t say that.” For Rosado, that realism was the point – proof that ambition and practicality
didn’t have to cancel each other out. “You need to be responsible, and you need to have a plan,” Rosado said. “I think that’s something that a
lot of college students need to hear. A lot of students have in their heads that [their] dreams aren’t worth it. When in reality, you just need to be a hard worker.”
Promotional poster for Jodi Kantor’s James Patterson Speaker Series event. @JPHP_MU / INSTAGRAM
Time to Act: A Pivotal Moment in History for the United States __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Ph.D., professor and the department chair of history, political and international studies, coordinated the campus event. In a separate interview with The Quadrangle, Groarke shared that youth, often overlooked, can have an impact by attending community board meetings, lobbying
elected officials, forming organizations, engaging in protests, public speaking and political education. “I teach a class called ‘Youth Power and Politics,’ and every major effort for change in the country has involved a lot of young people.” Groarke said. “We’re not going to continue to evolve as a country without the political participation of young people.” Groarke explained that
Professor Groarke opening the floor for NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera GRACE MCKEOWN / THE QUADRANGLE
she believes young people can drive meaningful change to our political system. As a professor, Groarke recognizes Constitution Day as a holiday set in place to teach and remind U.S. residents what the Constitution is truly about. “The reason that we celebrate Constitution Day is because the members of Congress who wrote that law felt that it was important to American Democracy,” Groarke said. “[And] that Americans understand our political system, [as well as] their rights and constitutional obligations.” Groarke continued to argue that youth engagement is the most effective way to counter unconstitutional actions by the current administration. “If the youth are not involved, the issues the youth want will not be issues Congress spends energy on,” Groarke said. “The 65-year-old old guy is not thinking about the same problems as a university student.” Danica Mason, a senior political science major and the lead coordinator of Jaspers Vote, a club that works to increase voter participation, especially
NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera speaking to MU students. GRACE MCKEOWN / THE QUADRANGLE among students, spoke to The Quadrangle about her perspective on youth engagement at MU. “70% of students are registered to vote,” Mason said. “Recent polls show that youth are showing up demographically throughout the whole
country. This participation must continue, for it is every citizen’s obligation to do so.” Nearly 250 years after the framers signed it, the message from Constitution Day was straightforward; the Constitution only works if the next generation shows up for it.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
News
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Christina Cercone Named Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering Emmanouel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
Christina Cercone, Ph.D., has been named assistant dean of Manhattan University’s (MU) School of Engineering. In her new role, Cercone will work to enhance the student experience through new initiatives and expanded support services. Among her priorities are developing engineering ambassador programs, expanding recruitment efforts and creating more opportunities for students to connect with the dean’s office. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be in this position,” Cercone said. “I know how important it is to have solid leadership in the dean’s office, and one of my goals is making sure MU stays at the forefront of engineering education.” Cercone emphasized that her work will focus on building a welcoming environment for all engineering students. She plans to work closely with admissions to create new events and activities for prospective students,
including expanded open house programming and engineering awareness days, while also ensuring current students have direct access to administrative support. Chris Lalo, a freshman civil engineering major, shared his thoughts on Cercone’s appointment. “I’m really excited to have Cercone in this role,” Lalo said. “She seems genuinely invested in helping students succeed, and I think having an assistant dean who actually understands our field will make a huge difference in how supported we feel as we progress through the program.” Cercone’s path to the assistant dean position began with her work as a faculty advisor in the civil engineering department, where she developed a deep commitment to mentoring students. Her experience advising student teams has given her insight into the varied needs of engineering Christina Cerone, Ph.D. is the new assistant dean of the School of Engineering. students, from firstMANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY generation students seeking resume guidance, to those navigating career planning in with a different need, strengthening networking supported and valued and learning how to work and course selection. connections within the throughout their time at “Every student comes with each student’s needs engineering community. MU, and where student is important,” Cercone said. Anna Schmitt, concerns are addressed “We have first-generation a sophomore civil promptly and effectively by students here that have the dean’s office team. just basic questions about engineering major, spoke to The Quadrangle about “For me, success in this how to build a resume or Cercone’s new position at role means making sure that utilize their experiences, the university. students feel they’ve been and they really value the “Cercone really listens taken care of while at MU,” input we can provide as to students,” Schmitt said. Cercone said. “One of the faculty. Everyone’s needs “She makes it clear that things we pride ourselves on are different, and that’s one she wants students to feel here is being student-first, thing I’ve learned, [is] just and we want to make sure being able to meet students welcome in the dean’s office and that she’s here that experience is being had where they are.” to help with whatever we by all of our students... That Cercone will work need, whether that’s course would make me really proud closely with Associate Dean to say I accomplished during Parisa Saboori, Ph.D., to selection, career advice or just having questions about my time in the dean’s office.” implement new initiatives the program.” Cercone will have her designed to enhance student Going forward, Cercone office in the dean’s suite opportunities. Additionally, by the end of September. the engineering ambassador has set clear goals for her tenure. She hopes to create She invites all engineering program will provide an environment where students to stop by her office students with leadership engineering students feel and introduce themselves. development while
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News
THE QUADRANGLE
Kakos Compass Program Introduced to KSAS Students the habits that contribute to a rich and rewarding college Sarah Rolka experience.” Asst. Features Editor Along with the program, a new app will be developed Introduced this semester, by IT in collaboration with the Kakos School of Arts another university. “Beginning next month, and Sciences (KSAS) at Manhattan University (MU) MU will have an app will roll out a program available to all students that called the Kakos Compass will include a calendar of eligible events and allow you Program. The initiative was to record your attendance developed by Dean of KSAS directly from your phone,” Marcy Kelly, Ph.D., Associate Chalk wrote. “Until then, Dean of KSAS Brian Chalk, attendance can be recorded Ph.D., the KSAS Student using ID swipe machines Advisory Board, and, in and/or QR codes.” Chalk, in a separate collaboration, Interim Dean interview with The of the O’Malley School of Business (OMSB) Grishma Quadrangle, explained the Shah, Ph.D. It’s designed idea for the program took to get KSAS students more shape about a year ago, involved in campus culture inspired largely by the and the surrounding New success of OMSB’s Passport Program. York City community. “About a year ago, I In an email sent to all was talking to Marcy Kelly, KSAS students, Chalk commented on the [dean of the KSAS], about program and how the KSAS the possibility of developing community will benefit from a similar program for Kakos, and the idea is to encourage it. “The primary goal of students to attend events on Kakos Compass is simple, campus, to become involved to encourage you to make in the culture on campus, the most of your time at but also to reward them in MU by taking advantage some way for experiential of the many academic, learning and internships,” cultural, professional, and Chalk said OMSB has run its community experiences available beyond the Passport Program for more classroom,” Chalk wrote in than a decade. The program an email to KSAS students. was started by professor “In many cases, you’ll be Aileen Farrelly, former earning points for activities assistant dean for career you already participate development at OMSB, in; we simply want to someone Shah credits as recognize and encourage the driving force behind its
success. “We had an assistant dean… Aileen Farrelly,” Shah said. “[She] developed the program and ran it. She’s really the brains behind it… I was very excited that the Kakos School was going to start something very similar to the Passport program. Imitation is the best form of flattery, and it [did] demonstrate how successful our program has been.” The KSAS Student Advisory Board helped kickstart the program with its feedback, according to Kelly. “We formed a student advisory board last year,” Kelly wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “They mentioned that they never knew what activities were going on around campus. [Students] felt that the MU email [and Moodle announcements] that used to come into everyone’s inbox each morning was not helpful… [Eventually] we asked the students if we created an app, how we could get more students to attend events... it was through that conversation that the Kakos Compass was born.” Ruya Afridi-Dennis, a sophomore biology major and member of the KSAS Student Advisory Board, described what was specifically asked of the board. “In one of the first meetings, [we were] asked what are the problems we
A view from inside campus. SARAH ROLKA / THE QUADRANGLE have with our school in our respective situations and majors within Kakos,” AfridiDennis said. “[There are] other students who came from history, English, [and various majors] who said, ‘Oh well, the engineers get a lot of funding, they have a lot of events and a lot of alumni connections, and we don’t.’ It’s really important that we advocate for our school and make this ourselves so that we have equal opportunity.” For Shah, that spirit of collaboration is the through line connecting Kakos
Compass to the broader direction MU’s schools are heading. “I think that overall, in the university, there’s just more ‘reaching across the quad,’ as they would say,” Shah said. “I think we’ve all realized that we [administration] have a very common objective, which is to provide the best experience for our students, and we know that having incentives [and] having programs that bring students to events and get them engaged on campus leads to a really good student experience.”
News
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Manhattan Caucus: Trump Announces Intent to Further Restrict Media Access to Government Amid Nationally Increasing Censorship Zendrah Bonnick Asst. News Writer
On Friday, Sept. 18., amid growing concerns of media censorship, President Donald Trump announced that he would be banning various media outlets from the White House which included CNN, MSNOW and Politico. Trump made the announcement on the social media site Truth Social stating, “I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW.” Later, Politico published a response,“The claims that POLITICO received government subsidies are false and have been thoroughly debunked.” In a separate Truth Social post, the president also added, “Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the
United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America.” Contrary to this, CNN denounced the presidents claims of “fake news” on X (formerly known as twitter). “CNN stands fully behind our White House team and their fair and accurate reporting.” “We have a right under the U.S. Constitution to do that reporting without hindrance or interference from the government. Should the ban which President Trump threatened go ahead, it would be an illegal assault on that fundamental and constitutionally-protected right” Politico echoed similar sentiments, citing their constitutional right to exercise their freedom of speech and the press stating, “[Politico] will continue to report on this White House and future ones. We will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights against any attempt to restrict them.” Both outlets referencing
the First of the Ten Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that compose the Bill of Rights; which protects the freedom of the press and the ability to petition the government as a right granted to prevent against tyranny that cannot be legislated against. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” the amendment states. This dispute between media and the current administration has occurred after years of increasing censorship in media and to restriction news media for access to government buildings, including an attempt to restrict the Associated Presses access to the White House, Jan. 2025. More recently, the
administration has moved to restrict press access to the Pentagon. In Oct. 2025, the Pentagon releases a 21-page document replacing the previous one-page document that stated rules of press access to the Pentagon. The document includes restrictions on the press’s ability to move through the facility as well as prohibiting “solicitation.” Consequently, the government has relieved pushback from various media outlets including the New York Times. The Pentagon defended the policy in a statement: “However, if you solicit the disclosure of such information or otherwise encourage DoW [Department of War, formerly Department of Defense] personnel to violate laws and policies concerning the disclosure of such information, such conduct may weigh in the consideration of whether you pose a security or safety risk... Solicitation may include direct communications with
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specific DoW personnel or general appeals, such as public advertisements or calls for tips encouraging DoW employees to share nonpublic DoW information,” The Pentagon added: “The First Amendment does not permit journalists to solicit government employees to violate the law by providing confidential government information. The press’s rights are not absolute and do not override the government’s compelling interest in maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.” In a civil case brought by The New York Times against the Pentagon over the policy, a judge sided with the Times in March. In response, Times lawyers wrote: “The First Amendment flatly prohibits the government from granting itself the unbridled power to restrict speech because the mere existence of such arbitrary authority can lead to self-censorship.”
Features
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THE QUADRANGLE
MU Community Participates in Annual Fall Blood Drive Emmanouel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
Students, faculty and staff gathered in Smith Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for Manhattan University’s (MU) annual fall blood drive, giving members of the campus community an opportunity to donate blood throughout the afternoon. The drive, held from noon to 6 p.m., welcomed donors between classes and other activities. Particpating students went through registration and health screenings before donating, while others stopped by to learn more about the process. For some students, having the drive on campus made the decision to participate even easier. Sofia Martinez, a junior psychology major, spoke to how accessibility to the event is no problem. “I kept seeing information about it around campus, and I figured I had enough time between my classes to come by,” Martinez said. “It’s convenient when something like this is happening somewhere you already are every day.” Martinez also explained she was unsure what to expect from the donation process before arriving at Smith Auditorium. “I thought the whole thing would take a lot longer,” Martinez said. “Once I got there, everything was pretty straightforward, and there were other students going through the same process.” Students from different majors and class years took part in the drive, including several who were donating
blood for the first time. Daniel Kim, a sophomore civil engineering major, explained he had considered donating before but had never gone through with it until the campus drive. “I was definitely nervous about the needle because I had never done it before,” Kim said. “But once you actually sit down and get started, it’s not nearly as bad as you build it up to be in your head.” Kim added that seeing other students participate helped make the experience more comfortable. “There were people coming in before class, after class or whenever they had some free time,” Kim said. “It felt like everyone was there for the same reason, even though we didn’t necessarily know each other.” The six-hour window allowed students to fit donations around their academic schedules, with donors entering Smith Auditorium at different points throughout the afternoon. Alyssa Patel, a freshman communication major, said she stopped by after finishing her afternoon classes. “I think having it from noon until 6 p.m. gives people a lot of flexibility,” Patel said. “Not everyone is going to be available at the same time, so having that larger window makes it easier for more students to participate.” Patel additionally commented that she also appreciated seeing an event that brought together students from different parts of the university. “You’re normally around people in your classes or
The blood drive on Wednesday, Sept. 16. EMMANOUEL SOFILLAS / THE QUADRANGLE people in your major,” Patel said. “Here, there were people I probably would never have interacted with otherwise, and everyone was participating in the same event.” For students who had never donated before, the event also provided an opportunity to become more familiar with how blood donation works. Marcus Thompson, a freshman business analytics major, said he decided to participate after hearing other students discussing the drive. “I didn’t really know what the process was going to be like,” Thompson said. “I knew what donating blood was, obviously, but I had never actually seen how everything worked from
beginning to end.” Thompson also noted that the experience was more relaxed than he expected. “I think the biggest thing was just getting myself to walk in,” Thompson said. “After that, you have people explaining what to do and where to go, so it becomes pretty simple.” The annual drive also served as a visible reminder of blood donations on campus. With Smith Auditorium serving as a central location for the event, students passing through the area throughout the day could see the drive taking place and learn more about participating. Martinez explained campus events can make students more likely to take
part in activities they might otherwise overlook. “There are so many things happening during the semester that you might hear about and forget,” Martinez said. “When something is right here and you can actually see other students participating, I think you’re more likely to stop and consider doing it yourself.” As the drive continued into the evening, Thompson commented he hoped students who participated for the first time would consider donating again. “Before today, it was one of those things I knew existed but never really thought much about,” Thompson said. “Now that I’ve actually done it, I’d definitely be more open to doing it again when there’s another drive.”
Features
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
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Fashion Finds : A Warm Autumn Begins! Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
“It was official, a new season had begun… After all, seasons change…” Carrie Bradshaw says at the end of “I Heart NY,” an episode from season four of Sex and the City. The episode notably features the Empire State Building in place of the Twin Towers during its iconic opening credits. When it aired, the episode became an unofficial tribute to New York and the events of Sept. 11, 2001. More than a week has passed since the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and the weather has begun to shift with it. For the first time this semester, temperatures have dropped into the 60s and below, signaling the arrival of cooler fall days. On campus, students can be seen trading summer staples for the warmer tones and layers associated with autumn. With temperatures expected to remain in the mid-50s to 60s in the coming weeks, Danir Angrikov, Lisbeth Turbides Baez, Allison Francisco, Lindsay Quintanilla and Ivana Caminero share what they wore on a warmer fall day and how the changing season and weather may influence their style. Danir Angrikov, a freshman in the associate degree program The Quadrangle: What exactly are you wearing, and why did you pick it out?
up hoodies or jackets… For summer it’s a little too hot for you to wear these, but for fall it’s quite nice. But it can be cold also, so maybe like a warmer flannel shirt or a jacket. Lisbeth Turbides Baez, a sophomore biology major on pre-med track The Quadrangle: What exactly are you wearing, and why did you pick it out? Lisbeth Turbides Baez: I’m wearing some fuzzy slippers with some gray [sweatpants] I got from Aeropostale. And I’m wearing a black long sleeve shirt, and I wore this because I have my …organic chemistry lab, so we have to fully cover up. TQ: Would you say that the weather and the season can affect what you wear? LTB: I definitely agree that the weather determines what I wear. I think in the summertime I’m more [wearing] light colors, pink, yellow, light blue. And when it comes to the winter, I [wear] more brown, I [wear] more cardigans. I love a good cardigan… Definitely my vibe. Allison Francisco, a sophomore biology major on the pre-med track The Quadrangle: What exactly are you wearing, and why did you pick it out?
DA: It’s mostly Uniqlo, I believe. I just like this shirt, flannel shirt because it’s really… soft and comfy. And the pants, just pants. They fit nice. The shoes are On [Cloud]. Socks are also Uniqlo.
Allison Francisco: Today I’m wearing my Adidas Sambas. I’m wearing pink Aeropostale long pants… I’m wearing a gray long sleeve. I wore this because I like being comfy on Fridays, at least once a day a week, I want to be comfy.
TQ: Would you say that the weather and the season can affect what you wear?
TQ: Would you say that the weather and the season can affect what you wear?
DA: [I get] cold really fast. I can [wear] some zip-
AF: I feel seasons definitely determine my
Syuzanna Abajyan, Ivana Caminero, Lisbeth Turbides Baez, Allison Francisco and Lindsay Quintanilla posing as a group with their outfits. SARAH ROLKA / COURTESY aesthetic for the month... My wardrobe definitely does change depending on the season. Right now, I’m wearing darker colors. I like wearing darker makeup, like a smokey eye. I definitely like to tap into that mood. Syuzanna Abajyan, a sophomore biology major The Quadrangle: What exactly are you wearing, and why did you pick it out? Syuzanna Abajyan: I am wearing bright blue jean shorts today, with just a regular t-shirt, it’s kind of cropped; I’m wearing Crocs with socks. I’m wearing this only because today is on a warmer side, so I felt like I [couldn’t] now wear long sleeves and leggings… TQ: Would you say that the weather and the season can affect what you wear? SA: I feel like the weather definitely changes my aesthetic, because in the summer I would just put on regular shorts, shirt… but fall makes me want to dress up more… Be cute, wear as much stuff, just dress up. I feel like during colder weather, I want to [also] do more heavy makeup with [my] hair done, get just dressed up with fur coats. When it’s winter and snowy, I feel that it matches [the
season].
to wear something long for my lab - otherwise I would Lindsay Quintanilla, have worn shorts. a sophomore political science major TQ: Would you say
that the weather and the The Quadrangle: What season can affect what exactly are you wearing, you wear? and why did you pick it out? IC: I do feel like the weather does impact what Lindsay Quintanilla: I wear, because during I’m wearing these pumas summer I [wear] more I got with jeans and a shirt shorts, tank tops, tube tops that someone thrifted for I’m going to the beach… In me; I wear it because it’s a the cold weather, like fall and loose shirt and I like to be winter, I have more longer comfy. stuff, like long sleeves, long pants, just so I could keep TQ: Would you say myself cozy and warm. that the weather and the season can affect what The upcoming weeks you wear? bring us deeper into the
autumn season, especially LQ: For me, it’s what with the autumn equinox they [Angrikov et al.] were happening on Sept. 22. saying; if it’s fall or cooler weather, I’m not going to really go for lighter colors that give more spring or summer [vibes]… Ivana Caminero, a sophomore biology major on pre-med track The Quadrangle: What exactly are you wearing, and why did you pick it out? Ivana Caminero: I am wearing white Canyon Asics, long flared jeans, blue jeans and a grey shirt. And I wore this because this is the first thing I grabbed in the morning and because I had
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Arts and Entertainment
THE QUADRANGLE
The Sixth Borough Film Festival Opens Submissions for 2027 Nicholas Melendez Staff Writer
Following the debut of the Sixth Borough Film Festival (SBFF), the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences at Manhattan University (MU) will host the event for a second year. The festival, running April 2-4, 2027, will feature work from filmmakers of all ages and from around the world. The Quadrangle spoke with SBFF Program Director Michael Grabowski, Ph.D., a professor of communication, sound and media arts and director of the university’s game design program, about the work that goes into organizing the festival and the opportunities it provides for filmmakers and students. “[The film festival is] an opportunity for people to come and see both short film and feature films produced by filmmakers that don’t necessarily get commercial distribution,” Grabowski said. “[It’s] an opportunity to from 30 countries, and I just see work by up-and-coming saw an entry from Greece, filmmakers, established another one from India, independent filmmakers, another one from Japan, and anyone who wants to another one from Dubai,” Grabowski said. contribute to the art.” The international As the festival returns, submissions give the MU has continued to expand festival an opportunity to its involvement in film. The university has added a film bring a range of filmmakers minor and continued its and perspectives to the community while partnership with Lionsgate MU showcasing work from both Great Point Studios in Yonkers. Through the emerging and established partnership, MU currently independent filmmakers. The Quadrangle also offers two film classes at spoke with Jason Tiziano the studio during the fall semester, with two more in Silva ’26, a communication development for the spring. alum who concentrated in The courses provide media production, about students with hands-on his involvement with the experience at a professional festival. “[The SBFF] gives facility where television and students and filmmakers a film projects are produced, chance to showcase their connecting classroom learning with the film work and have people actually see it,” Silva said. industry. Grabowski also pointed “As someone who loves this to the scope of this year’s kind of work, it was really cool to be part of something submissions. brings everyone “We had over 200 entries that
The Sixth Borough Film Festival returns for its second year at MU. @SIXTHBOROUGHFILMFEST / INSTAGRAM together and celebrates the work we’ve created along with other filmmakers.” Silva edited and produced the festival trailer and a “Welcome to the Film Festival” short shown before screenings. He also helped create social media videos and assisted with festival preparation. “It makes me proud to have been a student at MU,” Silva said. “Seeing students and faculty come together to create something like the film festival shows how much creativity, passion and talent there is at MU.” Students have also contributed to the festival through its social media and press efforts. Sadie Fox, a senior double English and communication major, worked with the festival’s social media and press teams last year. She described the experience as an opportunity to learn more about the industry
while working alongside her peers. “[The SBFF] was a great opportunity to network with directors and meet people in the film industry,” Fox said. “I had a great time learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of a film festival
and working with peers… It makes me feel proud of [the] communication department and how much we’ve grown since I came to MU. I love the community we have here and hope it continues to grow.”
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Arts and Entertainment
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Book Nook: A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid
María Castaño
Arts & Entertainment Editor
“A Small Place” by Jamaica Kincaid situates you in the middle of Antigua, an island in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean known for its beautiful climate and beaches. It is a tourism haven for people around the world, and the book’s main critique is towards the systems that keep it that way. Kincaid offers a poignant critique of tourism in relation to neo-colonialism and how Antigua’s status as underdeveloped, with an economy and education system that seem to be actively hostile to its own people, are all calculated efforts made by corrupt government officials and the influence of exterior institutions like the British government to maintain colonial structures of power and the tradition of extraction and exploitation. The book begins with Kincaid talking to you about you as the tourist. She immediately places the reader in a position of complicity as she narrates the story as a tour guide of Antigua and highlights the conditions of the country as being entirely catered to the tourist to the point of
hostility toward the locals. At this point, there is an emphasis on the escapism the tourist seeks when visiting a place with almost artificial beauty, such as Antigua, and Kincaid makes the poignant connection between this escapism and the fatalistic conditions the locals must go through. To substantiate her point, Kincaid makes a lot of political commentary on the corruption of Antiguan politicians and the prevalence of neo-colonialism affecting Antigua, emphasizing the Department of Tourism as the wheels that help to uphold the colonial-esque system of subjugating the locals into being pushed to work within the tourism industry, where they serve wealthy white foreigners. Another neo-colonial force Kincaid criticizes is part of a documentary called “Life and Debt,” directed and produced by Stephanie Black, with some narration by Kincaid herself, that focuses on the International Monetary Fund and its predatory lending conditions that restrict the development of a country’s market. She mentions the public library multiple times throughout the story as a symbol of colonial times, since it was built by the British during their time in
Photo of book cver “A Small Place” by Jamaica Kincaid. AMAZON.COM/ WEBSITE Antigua, and places multiple conflicting meanings on this symbol as a type of childhood refuge where she first cultivated her love for
reading and learning. The colonialism. “A Small Place” is a library was damaged by The Earthquake, as the locals book full of irony that call it, in 1974 and has had demands the reader’s a sign that says “repairs are attention as it forces you to see the problems with pending” for decades. What makes Kincaid’s a system we often think of narrative fascinating to as innocuous. Tourism in me is how she deals with the Caribbean and other the relationship between underdeveloped countries the colonized or native, has a specific pattern as she calls them, and the that rhymes with colonial colonizers. She makes the structures of power to resentment that fills the limit the access the locals relationship evident in her have to any sort of tool of narration but also mentions liberation or agency. This book was eyethe difficulty of having parts of your oppressor opening to me, as I be inextricable from your realized the political and own individual and cultural moral weight that comes with the escapist tourist identity. To make this point, she and realized that issues talks about being forced such as gentrification are to use the language of the threats not only to isolated colonizer to denounce these communities but to whole issues and how this causes countries that are forced the native language of the to receive with open arms island, which is used by the expats and the wealthy most locals, to be subjugated and, in return, must ignore in favor of the academic and and accept the systems in political English language, place that perpetuate their replicating the oppressive reality. power dynamics of
Sports
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THE QUADRANGLE
Is MU a Sports School? Jaspers’ Thoughts on MU Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Manhattan University’s (MU) sports coverage usually comes from the athletes’ or coaches’ perspectives – in this article; however, The Quadrangle sought out the students’ perspectives on what they think of the sports teams. Though the academic year has just begun, MU athletics have already started in full swing. Jaspers golf and cross country have made appearances in tournaments already, and both soccer teams are in the midst of their season, playing numerous home games. F r e s h m a n communication major Kieran Gausman spoke to The Quadrangle about his
first impressions on the school’s teams. “I’ve only been here for a couple weeks,” Gausman said, “But I’ve been able to go to a couple soccer games. It’s exciting to watch them play, and it gives you something to do.” Gausman went on to talk about what sports he’s most looking forward to. “I’m definitely excited for basketball season,” Gausman said. “I’ve seen a couple clips online of Manhattan Madness, so I’m looking forward to that.” Manhattan Madness is MU’s “pep rally” for the university’s basketball teams. Typically held towards the end of October, right before their seasons begin, the event introduces the teams’ rosters in a night full of music and campus energy. Like Gausman, freshman
Manhattan Madness occurs in October each year. KAYLEE STOWELL / COURTESY
“Battle of the Bronx” refers to the annual basketball game against Fordham University, MU’s neighborhood rival. BRENDEN WILLSCH / COURTESY Liam Cashin named Manhattan Madness as one event he’s planning on attending. “I would definitely say Manhattan Madness,” Cashin said. “My cousin went to Manhattan, and he mentioned that that’s something to definitely go to, so I’m looking forward to that.” Cashin also mentioned his plans to attend the Battle of the Bronx, MU’s annual basketball game against non-conference rival Fordham University. Battle of the Bronx and Manhattan Madness are MU’s two biggest sporting events every year, drawing more student attendees than any
other game on campus. Ethan Rosa, a junior finance major at the school, transferred to MU from Florida State University last year. For Rosa, coming from a bigger school and attending a smaller university revealed some differences between the two. “It’s definitely different,” Rosa said. “For example, at Florida State, we had a football team, but having a smaller school definitely has its advantages.” Rosa explained to The Quadrangle what those advantages were for a small school like MU, compared to a school like Florida State. “Smaller schools tend to have more of a community
feel to it,” Rosa said. “At a bigger school, you don’t have a chance to know the players, but here there’s a good chance you’ll have class with one, and it creates more of a reason to support.” With the addition of two new Division 1 level sports teams this year, the MU athletics schedule is more packed than ever before, and students are sharing classes with more athletes than ever before. To stay updated with any team’s competition schedule for the upcoming year, including home meets, visit gojaspers.com.
Sports
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Jasper Games of the Week
Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Women’s Soccer The Manhattan Jaspers women’s soccer team returned to Gaelic Park on Saturday afternoon for its first Metro Conference home game of the season against Niagara. The Jaspers earned a 1-0 victory over the Purple Eagles, improving to 4-2 overall and earning their first conference win. Niagara applied pressure early, but senior goalkeeper Molly Brunk made a save in the seventh minute to keep the game scoreless. Freshman forward Baileigh Johnson recorded Manhattan’s first shot on goal just before the 22nd minute, forcing a save from Niagara goalkeeper Julia Poissant. Manhattan broke through in the 32nd minute when freshman defender Estelle Raspe delivered a cross into the box to team captain Lauren Ahearn, who found the back of the net to give the Jaspers a 1-0 lead. Manhattan held the advantage at halftime, with Niagara recording just one more shot on goal before the break. The Jaspers continued to create opportunities in the second half. Olivia McMaster, Johnson and Ahearn each forced saves from Poissant, while Johnson added another shot
on target in the 66th minute. McMaster nearly added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute, but Niagara’s defense kept the deficit at one. Manhattan’s defense held strong in the final minutes, allowing just one shot in the second half to secure the 1-0 victory and its first Metro Conference win at Gaelic Park. Ahearn scored her fourth goal of the season, leading the roster, while Brunk made one save to record the 21st shutout of her career. Johnson led the Jaspers with three shots on goal. Manhattan outshot Niagara 10-4 overall and held a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal. The Jaspers will be back to play on Wednesday, Sept. 23, when they travel to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to face Marist at 7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball The Manhattan Jaspers women’s volleyball team earned its first win of the season Tuesday night, defeating Central Connecticut State 3-2 (2523, 26-28, 25-20, 19-25, 1614) at Detrick Gymnasium. The victory was also the first of Head Coach Brooke Alverson’s collegiate career. The Jaspers played strong in the first set behind kills from Brooke Johnson and Emma Francesconi. Emilia Kuzniar later extended Manhattan’s lead to 14-10, while a service
ace from Abby Morreale put the Jaspers ahead 1918. After the set was tied at 22, Manhattan scored three of the final four points, capped by a kill from Hanna Kaczynska to take the opening set. The second set was a stalemate with no team being able to take the lead. 11 ties through the first 22 points before CCSU took a 13-11 lead. Morreale’s kill later put Manhattan ahead 24-22, but the Blue Devils rallied to win the final three points and even the match at one set apiece. Manhattan responded in the third set, with Katie Powers recording a kill to tie the score at 15. Powers later added a service ace to make it 20-20 before the Jaspers scored five straight points to take the set 25-20 and regain the match lead. CCSU controlled much of the fourth set, taking a 17-8 advantage. Manhattan answered with five straight points, and Francesconi’s service ace cut the deficit to two. The Blue Devils regained control, however, winning 25-19 to force a decisive fifth set. Central Connecticut State jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the final set before Manhattan responded with three straight points. The Blue Devils later led 11-6 and reached match point at 14-12. The Jaspers refused to let the match slip away, scoring the final four points, including the winning point on a CCSU attack error, to complete the comeback. Francesconi finished with 12 kills, while Kaczynska added 11 and Powers recorded 10. Powers also posted her second consecutive double-double. Manhattan recorded 10 service aces, its second match this season with at least 10. Junior setter Ori Briger led the Jaspers with 28 assists. Men’s Soccer
The Jaspers win against Central Connecticut State in 5 sets. VINCENT DUSOVIC / COURTESY
The Manhattan Jaspers men’s soccer team fell to UMass Lowell 2-1 Friday night at Cushing Field in their final non-conference match of the season. The loss dropped Manhattan to 2-4-0 in the season.
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Lauren Ahearn, #27, scores the winning goal of the game. VINCENT DUSOVIC / COURTESY The Jaspers showed off their offense, with Tycho van Haaren and Cristiano Marsilii recording shots on target within the first three minutes. Mouhamadou Diagne and Ziv Dahan added chances as Manhattan continued to pressure the Riverhawks through the opening 15 minutes. UMass Lowell broke through late in the first half to take a 1-0 lead. Manhattan continued to create opportunities after the break, with Marsilii and Dahan each adding shots. Freshman goalkeeper Philip Isaksson, making his first collegiate start, played the first half before Gaspar Homar took over in goal and made two saves. The Jaspers finally found the equalizer in the 85th minute. Following a foul in the offensive midfield, van Haaren delivered a free kick into the box, where defender Nicolo Donadio headed the ball into the net for his first
collegiate goal. The Riverhawks answered in the final seconds, scoring the gamewinning goal off a free kick after a yellow card to Giovanni Rivera. Donadio led Manhattan with five shots, including two on target, while Marsilii added four shots and two on target. Dahan recorded three shots, with one on target. Van Haaren finished with one shot on target and an assist. Isaksson made two saves in his first collegiate start, while Homar finished with three saves. Despite the loss, Manhattan outshot UMass Lowell 1813. The Jaspers look to start Metro Conference play on Saturday, Sept. 26, when they travel to Siena for a 3 p.m. match at Hickey Field. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.