the Quadrangle
MUHosts2025ManhattanMadness
Theuniversity’sannualpeprallydrewstudentstoDraddyGymnasiumforthe introductionofthemen’sandwomen’sbasketballteamrosters.
ProfessorWinstonPeters NamedInterimPresident oftheBronxEconomic DevelopmentCorporation
Maddie Rosado Staff Writer
Winston Peters, program director of Manhattan University’s entrepreneurship center and an adjunct professor of marketing, has been named interim president of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) as of October 2025. Selected by the BXEDC board to guide the organization through a period of transition, Peters will lead efforts to strengthen economic opportunities and foster growth for businesses.
The BXEDC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in the Bronx, focuses on
Manhattan Madness 2025 pg. 10 “We
Imposes
expanding opportunities for local businesses and strengthening community prosperity. The BXEDC’s goal is to support and grow existing Bronx-based businesses while offering incentives to attract new businesses to the borough.
To accomplish this mission, the organization works closely with community groups, government leaders and private investors to deliver key resources, including funding opportunities, business development assistance and strategic support. With programs such as commercial development and microloans, along with regular community roundtable discussions, the BXEDC helps ensure entrepreneurs have access
Hosts BOO! at MU pg. 5
to the tools necessary for growth. By focusing on job creation, innovation and sustainable economic progress, the organization also remains a driving force behind the Bronx’s continued development and prosperity.
Dean of the O’Malley School of Business Hany Guirguis, highlighted the significance of Peters’ appointment as interim president of the BXEDC. He emphasized the position’s importance for Manhattan University, as it will open up more opportunities for students and the greater Bronx community.
“His appointment is expected to enhance the
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Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
Manhattan University has announced a new commuter residential program for students looking to live on campus during the winter months. The announcement was made on Oct. 15, with applications opening the same day.
According to an email sent to MU commuters, the goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to avoid icy commutes and unpredictable weather in the colder months. The plan includes prorated housing and meal plans that are available to students from Nov. 2 through March 13, 2026, with additionally priced winter break housing options available.
Director of Residence Life Ronnie Genee spoke to The Quadrangle about how the idea for the program came to fruition.
“I started my career working with commuters,” Genee said. “Recently, I’ve been thinking about what we can do to help commuters out more? And hearing students saying, ‘Oh, I just had to travel an hour and a half,’ and I know with New York winters, it gets bad. So I was thinking about how could we make the experience better? Since I oversee Res Life, I thought, okay, one thing that we can do in Res Life is at least offer some temporary housing…to alleviate any of those concerns so that students can just focus on their academic experience. We came up with this program
Monthly Meeting Recap pg. 7
so that students can actually stay on campus without having to commit to a full year of being on campus.”
Commuter students have shown interest in the program, with the office receiving four applications, with eight others started but not completed, as of the time of writing.
Vice President of Student Life Kristell Lowe spoke about one students’ email that stuck with her.
“One email that Ronnie shared with me last week actually really touched me,” Lowe said. “[It] was one student who, in her exact words were, ‘I wanted to thank you for this program. I’ve literally been praying for an opportunity to live on campus, and I’m so excited,’ and mission accomplished. If we’ve made one student excited about it, and we’re giving them an opportunity to do something they cannot afford to do, I’m so excited about it. It was a very moving email. It was very touching.”
With a 70% commuter rate on campus overall, and an even higher percentage in the School of Engineering specifically, Lowe believes that the program is an opportunity for a more unified campus.
“The School of Engineering is almost 80% commuters,” Lowe said. “Factually, some of those students do not set foot on the main campus. They just don’t have the luxury to. So for that reason, we try to bring programming down there, and we arrange for events, for pop up food and pop up surprises,
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Volume CXII, Issue 9
OCTOBER 28, 2025
The Editorial Board
Grace Cardinal Editor-in-Chief
Emmanouel Sofillas Managing Editor
Laili Shahrestani Features Editor
Leyla Mercado Arts & Entertainment Editor
Barbara Vasquez
Maizy Swift Production Editors
Amy Forster Asst. Production Editor
Mary Haley Marketing Chair
Brooke Della Rocco News Editor
Mary Haley Asst. Features Editor
Andrew Mannion Sports Editor
Owen McWalters Asst. Sports Editor
Barbara Vasquez Web Editor
Maizy Swift
Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editors
Thom Gencarelli Faculty Advisor
About The Quadrangle
A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization 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 4 p.m. All are welcome to come and join the club.
Connect with The Quadrangle mcquad.org @mu_quad @mu_quad
LETTER from the EDITOR
Dear Readers,
Hello, and welcome to Issue 9!
These two weeks are some of my favorite of the entire academic year. Over these short 10 days, the campus community celebrates Manhattan Madness, the university’s annual pep rally kicking off the beginning of the D1 basketball season, and Halloween Weekend, when students celebrate and excitedly show off their creativity in costumes both on and off campus. The energy during this time is always infectious, and it’s something I know I’ll miss most when I’m not here next fall.
As for what our staff has been working on (in addition to this week’s jam-packed issue), we’ve begun preparing for our fall special issue. While the theme remains a surprise until publication, I can promise you that this one will be worth a read. I’m also excited to officially announce that this fall’s special issue will hit stands in print two weeks from today, on Nov. 11!
On this note, we’re still fundraising for our spring special issues and other expenses. You can donate anytime through our GoFundMe. For those on campus, our staff is also discussing ideas for additional fundraisers for the rest of this semester and into the spring – stay tuned for more!
For Issue 9, we have plenty of exciting coverage for you. In news, we cover a new commuter residential program introduced by Residence Life last week, professor Winston Peters being named the interim president of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation and a Manhattan Caucus focused on the new media restrictions imposed by the Pentagon. In features, we cover KDP’s annual Boo at MU event and a student O’Malley School of Business forum. In A&E, we cover WRCM reviving their magazine and bring you a special middle-eastern Jasper Jams. Lastly, in sports, we cover Manhattan Madness and Games of the Week. We hope you’ll check it all out!
Until next time,
Grace Cardinal
Editor-in-Chief
MUResidenceLifeIntroducesWinterWelcome ProgramforCommuters
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anything we can do to reach them. But the reality is, I think some people who have been crossing paths for maybe a year, two years, would finally get to have the conversations that they haven’t had up to now.”
As for how this compares to what the department expected regarding student interest, Christina MacNair, associate director of Residence Life, says that the office is open to whichever direction the program goes.
“It’s not hurting us to put it out there, and then if it comes to fruition that a lot of students are interested in it, we can build it then into the program and just kind of take it from there, and make it better, and get feedback from them and see what interest there is too,” MacNair said. “Honestly, we were happy with any amount. Or if people came back and they were like, ‘Oh, we don’t like this idea, but we need this,’ I think we’re just in the process of adjusting to what people’s needs and wants are. So we’re pretty open to anything at this point.”
Students who apply into the program will have differently priced options depending on where they hope to live and the meal plan they want to choose.
The most affordable housing option being offered to students is suite-style living, while the most expensive is converting a double room into a single. Students will also be able to choose from a standard or high use dining plan. For oncampus living from November to March with a meal plan, commuter students interested in the program are looking at paying anywhere from $8,492 to $11,407, depending on the options they choose. The cost of this roughly four-month stay is fairly in line with what it costs residential students to live on campus for a regular full-term semester in a double on a standard meal plan, which clocks in at around $9,575 total.
As for the deadline to apply, Genee explained that the office intentionally left out a date for a reason.
“We purposely didn’t put a date,” Genee said. “The most ideal situation is before November 2. So by the end
of next week is the ideal point, so that we are prepared and everything. But if someone came in even November 15 and said, ‘I decided I want to live on campus for now until March 13,’ we would work with them.”
The program hopes to not only make life easier for commuters, but to contribute to MU’s campus community and all that comes with it.
“The more the merrier,” Lowe said. “I think also when people are here for a shorter amount of time, and there’s a temporary aspect to it, it does feel a little more special, almost like, the first night of camp, where everybody is excited to be here…so I think it will benefit campus because it’s more people, it’s students that may not have enjoyed it until now, so I’m sure they’ll be excited about it. More people in Lockes, more people roaming around on campus. I mean, nothing but great things can come from that.”
Genee hopes that no matter what the outcome of the program is, students make the decision that’s best for them.
“I believe in the Residence Life experience, and I believe that it’s an important part of your experience going away
and living on campus,” Genee said. “Before March 13, if they say to us, ‘I just want to stay here for the rest of the academic year,’ we’ll convert them to a regular license. They’ll just pay whatever money is left over and the fees. But if they decide to leave, that’s fine too. And then if they decide to come back, if we do offer this program next year, they can do that as well. Like I said, the point of the program is to give commuters
that option to stay on campus during the inclement weather. And so if that’s their plan, to do that every year, and we’re able to offer it every year, great. If financially it was more of a hesitation to live on campus, this gives them the option to try it out. So I think my hope is really whatever the student wishes to get out of the experience, they get out of the experience.”
Horan Hall, a suite and apartment-style residential hall at MU. CUPPEK PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY
ProfessorWinstonPetersNamedInterimPresident oftheBronxEconomicDevelopmentCorporation
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Innovation Challenge, improve the university’s visibility, provide numerous internship and consulting opportunities for our students and strengthen our connections with the Bronx communities,” Guirguis wrote in an email to The Quadrangle.
Guirguis made note of the ways Manhattan University and the O’Malley School of Business can actively contribute to the BXEDC’s mission. He pointed to the university’s resources, programs and initiatives that provide both expertise and support to the Bronx community.
“Manhattan University and the OMSB [O’Malley School of Business] offer the expertise and commitment needed to support the BXEDC through our Entrepreneurship Center, Innovation Challenge and academic programs,” Guirguis wrote. “Thus, many projects can be
initiated and supported by Manhattan University to further the Bronx Economic Development Corporation’s critical mission.”
Melody Flores, a junior accounting major and president of the entrepreneurship club, has fully embraced the opportunities mentioned by Guirguis. She explained that the guidance and support from Peters, as both a professor and the director of the entrepreneurship club, create a space where students can engage in hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
“He goes above and beyond by organizing events with successful entrepreneurs, giving us the opportunity to ask questions, learn from realworld experiences and better understand what it takes to start and grow a business,” Flores wrote in an email to The Quadrangle.
Initially, upon hearing the news of Peters’ appointment, Flores shared her personal excitement. Her reaction
illustrates the significant impact Peters has had on his students while advancing the mission of the BXEDC.
“I was so excited for him because I knew he had been working toward this goal for the past year, and had always spoken passionately about the role,” Flores wrote.
Flores continued to highlight not only Peters’ dedication to student learning, but also the personal impact he has on those around him. Peters’ enthusiasm and commitment to nurturing growth, both for students and the university, are evident in the opportunities he creates and the excitement he inspires.
“I remember the first question I asked him was how he felt about it, and his expression showed genuine shock and happiness,” Flores wrote. “He spoke about how this opportunity would open doors not only for him but also for the school and the entrepreneurship club.”
Flores’ comments highlight not only Peters’
passion, but also the broader impact of his appointment. Peters’ leadership is creating opportunities for university students to engage with community projects and local startups.
“It bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical experience, giving students a chance to network, intern and collaborate,” Flores wrote.
In a recent interview posted to the BXEDC’s Instagram account, Peters reflected on his new role and shared his devotion to continuing the organization’s mission. He expressed both gratitude for the opportunity and a commitment to advancing economic development initiatives throughout the Bronx.
“I am honored to step into this new role with The Bronx Economic Development Corporation and continue building on the impactful work already happening across the borough,” Peters said.
Peters acknowledged
that the work of the BXEDC is a team effort and spoke about his hopes for the organization’s future.
“I’m grateful to work alongside an incredible team that’s driving real change for Bronx entrepreneurs, small business owners and community partners,” Peters said. “I’m hitting the ground running and committed to expanding access to capital, cultivating partnerships and attracting new businesses that strengthen the Bronx’s economic future.”
As Peters steps into this role as interim president, his vision reflects both optimism and urgency, calling on the BXEDC, Manhattan University and the wider community to move forward with goodwill and purpose. He emphasized that the borough’s progress is rooted in collaboration and a deep commitment to its people.
“The Bronx has always been a hub of resilience and innovation and together, and we’ll keep that momentum moving forward,” Peters said.
ManhattanCaucus:Pentagon ImposesNewMediaRestrictions, PressGroupsCondemnMove
Hegseth demanded that reporters leave their Pentagon workplaces if they did not acknowledge regulations.
Journalists who cover topics related to the Pentagon’s defense department can no longer report on information unless it has been authorized by the government. As of late September, reporters who do not sign a statement agreeing to these new rules will have their press credentials revoked.
According to Politico, the initial memo sent to reporters read that all, “information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official before it is released, even if it is unclassified.”
Multiple press associations have condemned the new rules, and believe it would fundamentally change their ability to cover not only the Pentagon, but also the U.S. military.
The National Press Club has denounced the requirement as a, “direct assault on independent journalism at the very place where independent scrutiny matters most: the U.S. military.”
In response to the backlash from the press, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “The press does not run the Pentagon - the people do.”
The opposition of these new regulations was almost unanimous among the news outlets.
As reported by AP News,
Journalists claim these regulations enforce punishment for speaking on anything other than what Hegseth authorizes them to share.
The Pentagon has claimed that these new requirements and changes are, “common sense.” The Department of War (DoW) released a 17-page document outlining the new rules for the media.
In the document it states, “DoW remains committed to transparency to promote accountability and public trust… However, DoW information must be approved for public release by an appropriate authorizing official…even if it is unclassified.”
The document also states that reporters who report news outside of these regulations could be deemed “a security or safety risk.”
When Trump was questioned on the matter, he backed his defense secretary’s new rules, saying, “I think he finds the press to be very disruptive in terms of world peace…The press is very dishonest.”
Reporting on the U.S. military affairs will continue from a distance, but according to AP News, this has not stopped reporters from challenging the system.
Numerous news outlets have weighed in on the
issue. The National Public Radio’s (NPR) Editor-in-Chief, Thomas Evans, affirmed the organization’s commitment.
“NPR is taking this matter seriously,” Evans said. “We’ll be working with other news organizations to push back. We’re big fans of the First Amendment and transparency and we want the American public to understand what’s being done in their name.”
AP News said in a statement, “The restrictions impede the public’s access to information about their government and limit the people’s right to know. AP remains focused on continuing to produce strong independent coverage of the Pentagon in the public interest.”
Additionally, in a joint
statement, NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and Fox News said, “Today, we join virtually every other news organization in declining to agree to the Pentagon’s new requirements, which would restrict journalists’ ability to keep the nation and the world informed of important national security issues.”
In total, ABC News, The Associated Press, The Atlantic, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, POLITICO, Newsmax, NBC News, NPR and the The Washington Post declined the policy and cleared out their desks on Oct. 15
The newly announced Pentagon press corp with those who agreed to the policy include mostly international, independent and conservative
outlets, including Breitbart News, Frontlines, The Gateway Pundit, Human Events, Just the News, LindellTV, The National Pulse, One America News Network, The Post Millennial, The Washington Examiner and The Washington Reporter.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell took to X announcing “the next generation of Pentagon press corps,” explaining how these new regulations allow media outlets to “circumvent lies of the mainstream media and get real news directly to the American people.”
On X, Hegseth responded to public statements from The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Washington Post with the “waving hand” emoji “��”
Elaina Batista
Asst. Social Media Editor
An image of The Pentagon in Washington D.C. WAR.GOV / COURTESY
KDP hosts Boo at MU for the Halloween Season
Sarah Rolka Staff Writer
Boo at MU, previously called “Safe Halloween”, is an annual event at Manhattan University hosted by the education department’s honor society, Kappa Delta Pi (KDP). Each year, children and their families from the Riverdale area are invited to trick-or-treat and partake in other games and activities in a safe environment around campus.
On Oct. 24, KDP hosted Boo at MU once again. Kendall Tullino, senior childhood education major and copresident of KDP, spoke to The Quadrangle on why it matters for KDP to host this event each year.
“I think it’s a great way to bring the community together in a safe and fun environment,” Tullino said. “We are very welcoming and we love to host this event every year…It’s good to know that we have a welcoming environment where families and children can come to have fun with the college community.”
Tullino also commented on how she personally felt hosting the event with KDP.
“I love this, I’m having a great time,” Tullino said.
“It’s great to see the families loving it, it’s great to see the kids loving it. And I think as an education major, it’s nice to see that what we are doing is making an impact in the community.”
Scarlett DeMasi, an education major and secretary of KDP, added her thoughts on why the event matters and why it’s hosted every year.
“This is one of the most popular events that KDP hosts, and we have such a great time doing it because it’s a great way to get the community involved,” DeMasi said. “And this is the best way for all the clubs to be together at once. It’s a great charity event.”
Activities held by clubs and sports teams on campus included trick-or-treating, coloring activities and much more.
MU’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), hosted an activity called “Media Monster Mash.” Kara Horne, secretary of PRSSA and senior communication major with a concentration in public relations, spoke to The Quadrangle about what their activity entailed.
“We’ve been having the kids decorate blank stickers, telling them they can draw whatever they want and tying it into PRSSA by [calling it] ‘designing their own logos’,” Horne said. “And also we’ve been giving out lollipops.”
Horne also touched on how the club came up with the idea of decorating the stickers and making them into logos.
“Mia Porritt thought of it, our president, and we did this
two years ago and it was a hit, so we wanted to do it again,” Horne said.
MU’s chapter of Her Campus chapter was also holding activities for the kids during the event. Irene Papakanakis, a junior adolescent education major and the creative and editorial director for the chapter, was helping out in the club’s room. She spoke to The Quadrangle about what activities they were hosting, and why she thinks Boo at MU is important to host each year.
“We have some coloring sheets for the kids, but also since we are in the Her Campus room, we do have some writing activities for the older kids,” Papakanakis said. “I think it’s important because MU focuses so much on community and interacting with it and this is a wonderful way to do that. Also, it brings so much joy to our community and the kids here.”
Lauren Ahern, junior marketing major and a member of the women’s soccer team, also spoke to The Quadrangle about what activity her team was facilitating for the event, and how she felt loaning a helping hand.
“We’re having coloring pages and we also have candy for the little kids,” Ahern said. “It’s
awesome that us older kids get to interact with little kids… learning how to interact with those types of kids, it’s really cool.”
A parent and the assistant director of operations and special projects in health services at MU, Michele Reyes, spoke to The Quadrangle about her thoughts on Boo at MU as a whole. She mentioned how she and her daughter were enjoying the event, and whether or not they would be back next year.
“It’s good…she enjoys it,” Reyes said. “It’s something for the neighborhood. It’s something safe and good for the kids.”
The welcome banner at the Boo at MU event. SARAH ROLKA / THE QUADRANGLE
The quad during the Boo at MU event. SARAH ROLKA / THE QUADRANGLE
OMSB Forum Provides Insight into Student Government
Jabal-Abadi Contributer
On Thursday, Oct. 24, two elected students from the O’Malley School of Business (OMSB) held their semesterly meeting to give students the opportunity to learn about what the Student Government Association (SGA) does, how they connect with the other clubs on campus and how students can voice current thoughts on the school year.
The presentation was held by two OMSB representatives, Andrew Berg and Amelie Barrios. Berg and Barrios kicked off the event with an icebreaker activity at the start of the presentation, which allowed students to feel comfortable asking questions, bringing up current issues and more. During the activity, Berg, a senior finance and accounting double major, and Barrios, a junior management major, shared their insight into their majors, acknowledging that the majority of their audience was studying in either the same or similar fields.
After the icebreaker, Berg and Barrios spoke about their current goals, with one being to bring more student engagement to campus. They explained how each class – freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors – elect two individuals to represent their class in SGA, alongside two other representatives from the other schools at MU. While Berg and Barrios serve as the representatives for the OMSB, there are also representatives for the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering.
Attendees were also made aware of other types of representative roles in student
government, such as those who represent students who are commuting as well as resident students. It was emphasized that there is always someone to go to for future reference, whether it’s for financial aid or anything club-related.
“In the future, if you are a club leader and you’re responsible for managing your club budget, the vice president of finance is someone that you may want to be in contact with,” Berg said. “If you have any concerns over the budget, or even if you want to request additional funds. And just know they are open to all students, so you don’t have to be a member of the student government to attend those meetings. Anyone
in the school, any student, is allowed to attend them.”
Throughout the presentation, Berg also emphasized other important concepts, such as how open student government is, how they want students to learn more about what they do and the process that goes on behindthe-scenes, whenever they have to make any decisions.
After the presentation concluded, The Quadrangle spoke with Keira Muller, a sophomore accounting major. Muller commented on how she enjoyed the interactive aspect of the forum, and appreciated how students were able to partake in a discussion-based environment rather than just a
lecture.
“I love how interactive this was, and I hope we have more really interactive stuff going forward. It was a lot better than a lot of the lecture-style club events that we often have here.”
Katie Reidy, another sophomore accounting major also made a comment to The Quadrangle about how she found the event to be insightful and engaging. She emphasized that she is looking forward to future meetings and mentioned how she feels more educated about student government following the event.
“I definitely know more about what the student government does and
everything they’re able to accomplish,” Reidy said.
Misha
Andrew Berg and Amelie Barrios presenting at the OMSB forum. MISHA JABAL-ABADI/ THE QUADRANGLE
arts & entertainment
WRCM Revives Magazine and Prepares for Their New House Night
the people of WRCM.”
We Are College Music (WRCM), Manhattan University’s student-run radio show, held a general meeting on Oct. 22, where they discussed plans on how to maintain their current influence on campus. The Quadrangle had the opportunity to attend the WRCM meeting, and learn more about how they have been steadily growing in influence over the past year.
Ronan York, a senior communication major with a minor in film and marketing, as well as the president of WRCM, led the meeting with updates on upcoming events. He announced a Halloween Bash in collaboration with Lotus Magazine scheduled for Nov. 1, featuring performances by Help Wanted, Lingerie Town and Luka. York further introduced House Night, an open mic event set for Dec. 1, where participants can share poetry, music or stand-up comedy. This indoor event, replacing the Winter Bash due to weather, will offer drinks, club merchandise and baked goods.
The club is also looking to revive the previously popular WRCM Magazine. York announced his search for students to join the magazine’s committee, hoping it can be published by the end of the Spring 2026 semester.
“We want people who are interested in helping create the magazine … from design to the marketing to the writing that is put into the magazine, we want to offer you guys another creative form where you can express yourself,” York said. “We want to have pages dedicated to people who have shows, and if they want to write a little something about it. There’s also sections regarding different genres of music or different mediums of music. We want to have this magazine really centralized on music and
The WRCM Magazine would help to expand the club’s reach and make its activities more diverse, offering something for anyone on campus to express themselves creatively in multiple ways within the same club.
Sam Wofford, senior communication major with a concentration in media production as well as vice president of WRCM, explained how the magazine would connect with the digital media they produce and focus on.
“We have so much freedom to host events on campus, and we can really make it our own,” Wofford said. “So these events are just really good examples of those two things. The magazine is kind of like a re-implementation of an idea that was in the past, and it’s just going to be a fun way to bridge physical media with our digital listening platform.”
WRCM has diversified what it offers on campus within the last year, without having grown significantly in size and with a limited budget. York spoke to The Quadrangle regarding this.
“We barely had a budget when we did our bash last year, but we made it work,” York said. “We got the $5 decorations from Target, and then hung those up all outside the quad. We put most of our budget towards getting pizza from Broadway Joe’s. And the bands were gracious enough to just come and perform with no charge, it was really nice.”
Wofford also elaborated on what interest in WRCM looks like considering the amount of events it holds per semester.
“The club has not grown a crazy amount in size, per se, with the amount of people, but it’s grown in the scope of what we do,” Wofford said. “When I first got here, all WRCM did was the radio shows … but now we have our hands in all of these different pots. We also do live events, we also do collabs with other clubs, we will play music at events … we’ll do ‘Boo at MU’, we’ll do all these
other events. So now we’re branching outside of the radio booth, which, previously, in my freshman year, there wasn’t really any of that.”
WRCM faced a period of inactivity over a year ago. Now, thanks to the efforts of the new E-Board, it has regained influence on campus. The bash events have helped them rebuild, and their presence in social media helped to make them more recognizable.
Grace Coutu, a junior childhood education major with an English concentration and the media manager of WRCM, spoke about the behind-thescenes of the clips posted on the WRCM Instagram page.
“So that’s really Billy
Walker’s thing to be thanked for,” Coutu said. “He is a part of the Manhattan Media Network, and they are the ones that provide us with the cameras and things that we can use to record the show. It’s a really fun thing. We love having the cameras in the show. People can talk about whatever they want, and if they end up on the video, they can get a post up.”
The reach of the WCRM goes beyond the student body, and its 24/7 radio show creates a space for people to voice their opinions, with some being localized conversations that cater to everyone on campus.
Wofford further spoke on how the club seeks to become a part of the routine of people on campus.
“I think it gives students a collective thing that anybody can tune into and hear from their peers, like I hear about people going to the gym and turning on WCRM,” Wofford said.
“Professors turn on WCRM whenever they have a few minutes. It’s just a really nice thing for people to feel connected to each other. And also, it’s just a great way for people to just talk into the air. Whether it’s venting, or just talking about what they’re interested in. People can talk about almost whatever they want on the show, so it’s just a great way for students to have that space.”
A flyer advertising the WRCM and Lotus Halloween bash event.
Maria Castano Staff Writer
Jasper Jams: Beats from the Middle East
Laili Shahrestani
Features Editor
If you ask anyone who k As someone who grew up in a Middle Eastern household, born to two Persian immigrant parents, I can wholeheartedly tell you that no genre of music will ever compare to Persian music. Yes, maybe I am biased, but that does not mean I am wrong - listen for yourself!
My Persian identity means everything to me. I am so honored to be writing my first-ever Jasper Jams based on songs that represent my culture. Every song on this playlist is tied to a memory – letting loose on the dance floor at Persian parties, going on family road trips to Las Vegas or spending time at my grandma’s house.
Persian music dates back to the Achaemenid Empire, one of the most ancient civilizations in the world. Since then, it has modernized and developed into what it is today. Many Persian artists also tend
to use instruments such as the setar, tombak and kamancheh to create the distinct beats you may hear in each song –all instruments that are also thousands of years old. Now it’s time to step out of New York City and step into the Middle East.
Ey
Joonam - Sami Beigi
We are starting off super strong here, with one of my favorite Persian songs. It is definitely a party song - one that makes you want to stop whatever you are doing and get on the dance floor. The song name directly translates to “my love” and has to do with the theme of showing gratitude for being able to have a partner who you admire so deeply. Overall, it is a super heartfelt and sweet song, but also very upbeat, and makes me want to get on my feet.
Dokhtare Irooni - Andy
Now this song is super special, because it translates directly to “Iranian girl”. As an
Iranian [Persian] girl myself, I really do appreciate the lyrics of the song, as they do nothing but serve as tribute to the beauty, elegance and significance of Iranian women. It is also a classic, and never seems to get old, no matter how many times it is played.
Shabe Royaei - Aaron Afshar
Aaron Afshar has got to be the best Persian artist out there, by far. There were so many songs for me to choose from, but it would be a crime for me to not include “Shabe Royaei”. I grew up listening to this song, and even got to hear it live last year, which was absolutely incredible. The song uses a lot of metaphors to convey a sense of longing and deep love for somebody. You can definitely feel the emotion and passion in Afshar’s voice, which ultimately makes it that much more meaningful while listening.
Gol Pari Jon - Armin Nosrati
This song is probably one of the most “hype” and upbeat songs of all time. It never fails to put me in a good mood, and definitely knows how to get a party started. What’s so unique and interesting about this particular song is that it is mostly composed of banter between a beautiful woman and a man who is trying to get her attention. This song is just super light-hearted and so fun to sing along to with friends and family.
Man Aamadeh-AmGoogoosh
Now what would a Jasper Jams be without the most iconic and prolific woman singer from Iran - the one and only Googoosh? This song is so elegant and timeless, and is definitely on the slower end. In contrast to the songs above, this particular song was released in 1975, giving you a taste of what Persian music used to sound like a few decades ago. Her voice is so powerful and definitely
a beautiful representation of Persian women.
Gentleman - Sasy
Despite the English title, this song is a Persian track that is so catchy and stuck in my head more than it should be. Every time this plays, I feel like I am ready to get up and start moving, which seems to be a recurring theme throughout this entire Jasper Jams. There is something about the hightempo background music that is what makes this song so fun to dance along to.
Zendegi Ba Tou - Moein
I am closing off this Jasper Jams with another oldie. This song is nearly three decades old, and still one of the most popular songs across the Persian community. Not only is Moein’s voice super rich and calming, but it is also so nostalgic to me. This song reminds me so much of my dad, as it was something he would play in the car every time we would drive around together.
Manhattan Madness 2025
on Thursday, Oct. 23.
Manhattan Madness 2025, held
JOSEPH TORRANO / COURTESY
Manhattan Madness 2025: MU Community Comes Together for Annual Event
The Manhattan University community came together for an annual tradition this past Thursday, Oct. 23. Manhattan Madness, the school’s fall pep rally, brought many students to Draddy Gymnasium to celebrate. Both the men’s and women’s basketball team rosters were formally introduced to the community, as well as performances from the Jasper Dancers, the Manhattan University Cheer Team and the Pep Band.
This year, there were multiple events held at Madness. On top of the performances mentioned, the men’s and women’s basketball players also competed in a slam dunk contest and a threepoint shot contest. The crowd continued to cheer as members of the dance team competed in a “dance-off” right in the center of the court.
The Jasper Dancers spend time and energy creating their dances, ensuring that their performances are sharp, clean and detailed.The Quadrangle spoke to the dance team co-
captains Annie Rasetina and Brooklyn Schriver about the event and how they prepared.
“We start in the beginning of October… choreographing, figuring out formations and teaching it to our dancers,” Rasetina said. “There’s five songs in our dance. From there, we go into a song and specifically clean all the little details of the performance, like where your hand goes and what your pinky finger is doing… There’s a lot of tricks and a lot of fun things in our performance.”
involved in Manhattan Madness works together to put on the event each year.
Each team and group
Schriver gave insight into the collaboration between teams, and how Madness gives the community a preview of what to expect at basketball games for the rest of the year.
“Pep Band will play the music, and then we’ll dance to it,” Schriver said. “[The Jasper Dancers] and Cheer will do stunts to it. When the basketball teams tunnel out each player, we get to cheer them on. It’s a lot of fun, because it’s the kickoff of the season. We get to not only see [the basketball teams’] debut, but then they also cheer us on. It sets the pace going forward at games.”
As seniors, Rasetina and Schriver want to show the community their progress and how they lead their team, but the pressure is still on for them.
“There’s a certain legacy that you have to uphold,” Schriver said. “Now, being the captains, and being the ones making the dance for Madness, it’s a lot of pressure.”
Another important part of Manhattan Madness is the student-designed t-shirt that accompanies the event every year. Many students submitted their own t-shirt designs, and the student body voted on which shirt they wanted to be given out at the event. Schriver’s design won the vote this year.
The Quadrangle spoke to Paul Harrison, a junior electrical engineering major, whose favorite part of Madness was seeing which shirt design won.
“The thing I’m most excited about every single year for Manhattan Madness is the unique shirt design that our student body comes up with,” Harrison said.
Students can attend regular-season basketball games to see more from the Jasper Dancers, the cheer team and the Pep Band. The first men’s team home game is on Nov. 4. and the first women’s team home game will be Nov. 3.
Women’s Basketball guard, Hana Mühl, hypes up the crowd. JOSEPH TORRANO/ COURTESY
Joshua Reichard Staff Writer
Members of the student section at Manhattan Madness.
JOSEPH TORRANO/ COURTESY
Games of the Week
Zeke Jazwinski Staff Writer
Women’s Volleyball
The Manhattan University women’s volleyball team fell in a close five set match to Saint Peter’s University at Draddy Gymnasium on Friday night.
The Jaspers came out strong in the opening set, taking four of the first five points capped by an Emma Francsconi kill. The Peacocks rallied late with a 7–2 run to take the set 25–20. Manhattan stormed back in the second with a dominant 16–4 stretch, highlighted by a dual block from Abby Morreale and Sarah Emmons. Two late kills from freshman rightside Hanna Kaczynska put the set out of reach for the Peacocks and the Jaspers evened the match at one.
Even play marked the third frame, but back to back Peacock attack errors gave the Jaspers a 20–17 edge. Kaczynska’s 16th kill of the night clinched the set, putting Manhattan ahead 2–1.
The fourth set featured another battle. A late Manhattan surge tied the game at 23 after a block by Kaczynska and Katie Powers, but Saint Peter’s responded with two straight points to steal the fifth from the Jaspers.
with six unanswered points. The Jaspers weren’t able to respond and the Peacocks secured the 15–13 win.
In the final set, the Jaspers built a 5–2 lead after consecutive attack errors, but the Peacocks were able to calm the storm
Some high points of the game include Kaczynska setting a new career–high
with 24 kills, while Powers led the blocking effort with eight. Manhattan dominated at the net, out-blocking Saint Peter’s 15–7.
Emmons posted a season high with 45 assists, while the team’s best hitting clip came in the second set at .345.
The Jaspers look to bounce back at Draddy Gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 25, to face Rider University at 4 p.m. in another MAAC showdown.
Womens Golf
The Manhattan University women’s golf team wrapped up its first ever inaugural fall campaign this week at the Lady Dolphin Invitational, hosted by Le Moyne College at the Bellevue Country Club in Central New York.
Freshman Giana Zinke opened play with a steady bounce back performance, getting a birdie on the third hole after starting with a bogey and par. Peyton “Beans” Factor provided a needed spark late in the round, scoring a birdie on the 17th hole to keep the Jaspers in it on Monday afternoon.
Nawel Ben Latief looked sharp on the back nine, collecting birdies on both the 13th and 17th holes. In Tuesday’s final round, the Jaspers made up ground on the front nine, posting five birdies as a team. Maddison Long led them with back-toback birdies on the sixth and 10th holes to highlight the day’s strong finish.
The Lady Dolphin Invitational was a successful way to conclude MU’s first competitive season, as the Jaspers now look ahead to use this season as a stepping stone before their spring debut in 2026.
MU’s women’s golf team concluded its inaugural fall campaign at the Lady Dolphin Invitational in Central New York.