“We Do Journalism”
the Quadrangle
Visit Our Website mcquad.org
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY | SINCE 1924
Blood Drive Smith Auditorium
Wednesday September 16 2026 12 P.M. - 6 P.M.
Blood Donors Needed! To make an appointment, scan the QR code:
MU Commemorates 25 Years Since Sept. 11 Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
MU Honors Lives Lost on 9/11 JAYDEN GONZALEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
Addition of Artificial Intelligence Minor Raises Discussion on the Impacts of AI Erioluwa Akin-Salami Contributor
Over the summer, Ma Beginning this fall semester, Manhattan University (MU) will offer a new minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI), open to students across all schools at the university. The program is designed to provide interdisciplinary instruction in the fundamentals of AI.
FREE
NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Volume CXIV, Issue 3
implement this change. When asked about the new program, Michael Grabowski, Ph.D., director of the game design and production majors and professor in the communication, sound, media arts and film department, explained that while public concerns are real, students may still need to be able to adapt to the changes in technology.
The Quadrangle spoke with members of the MU community for their perspective on the universities’ decision to
“We cannot pretend that AI does not exist,” Grabowski said. “As with most technologies, there are always benefits and risks. Thus, with the addition of this minor, we are given the opportunity to look critically
IN NEWS:
IN FEATURES:
Never Forget: 25 Manhattan Caucus: More on Ground Zero Years Later on Sep 11 pg. 4 pg. 5
at where we should and should not use AI.” Within the MU community and amongst the public, there is growing concern that AI will destroy creative jobs such as scriptwriting. However, Grabowski believes that it is unlikely that AI will replace human beings in aspects of writing and art creation. The reason behind his belief – AI lacks humanity. “Human beings are storytelling creatures,” Grabowski said. “Humans have the advantage of experience that AI lacks, and people want to read and __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
another voice for the panel. A community member also suggested William Cook, director of MU’s Public Safety, while Brett reached out to Reverend Andrea Raynor of MU’s Campus Ministry & Social Action as other panelist speakers.
Manhattan University (MU) commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks this past Friday with a prayer service outside the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers, Grishma Shah, Ph.D., followed by a conversation interim dean of the O’Malley and reflection panel in Smith School of Business, served Auditorium. as the panel’s moderator. Panelist and alumna In an interview with The Susan Fiorentino ’12 Quadrangle, Shah explained spearheaded the event, how reflecting on her own working with Alumni grief from Sept. 11 prepared Relations to bring the event her to guide the panel. to campus. For Molly Brett, director of Alumni Relations, the panel was an opportunity to amplify voices and bring forward stories that may otherwise have remained untold.
“I’ve spent so much time around this process, the grief, what happened,” Shah said. “I just felt like I would know the right questions to ask.”
Throughout the event, each panelist took turns further introducing themselves and speaking in remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks. While their experiences that day varied widely, each speaker returned to a common thread: the way tragedy pushed them toward community. It was then after that Margaret Groarke, Ph.D., For Kelly, that professor and chair of the community came in the department of history, aftermath of a personal political and international Her brother Bill was __________________________ studies, recommended loss. Colleen Kelly, co-founder CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 of Peaceful Tomorrows, as “We thought having this event was a wonderful idea,” Brett said in a separate interview with The Quadrangle. “But the question was, how are we going to get more people involved? So from there we started reaching out to the MU community.”
IN A&E:
Meet the Trade Eight Band pg, 8
IN SPORTS: Mens’s Soccer Bounces Back pg. 11
News
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Volume CXIV, Issue 3 September 15, 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
Misha Jabal-Abadi Production Editor
Lois Boateng Social Media Editor Leyla J. Mercado Asst. Social Media Editor
Jayden Gonzalez Nicky Lombardo Photo & Video
Nishat Parvez Faculty Advisor
Aureliano Morales Web 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 @mu_quad @mu_quad mcquad
2
NOTES from the EDITOR
3
News
THE QUADRANGLE
MU Commemorates 25 Years Since Sept. 11
__________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
among nearly 3,000 people killed that day. In the years that followed, she became involved in volunteer work, which helped her build a community of her own. This eventually led her to cofound Peaceful Tomorrows. “It was through friends of mine that I was able to meet other family members who had lost someone on Sept. 11,” Kelly said. “And then through that bond, we then went on to organize and to launch our group, Peaceful Tomorrows. Our motto is, we’re kind of the best friends that we never wanted to meet.” Where Kelly’s connection to that day came through loss, Cook’s came through being a first responder. Cook, director of Public Safety at MU, was a New York City police detective during the Sept. 11 attacks. When Cook was called into work, he arrived at Ground Zero after both towers had collapsed. He spent the following two months working 12-hour shifts at the site, conducting
security, searching for remains and escorting people in and out of the area. “I ended up getting to Ground Zero... I got there probably at 12:30 p.m., and both buildings were already down,” Cook said. “And what I remember most about it is the smell, the fumes, the ash. It was awful.” For Fiorentino, Sept. 11 was not experienced at Ground Zero, but through its ripple effects on her family. She was 10 years old and living on Staten Island, home to many first responder families, when her school dismissed students early that day. Both her father and uncle were first responders working in New York City. “As I got older, I learned about the PTSD from that day,” Fiorentino said. “I kind of blocked out a lot of what happened after, so I really don’t have memories from that time.” Similar to Kelly, Fiorentino found her own community in the years
that followed. She became involved with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, where she helped establish a network of children of first responders and during the COVID-19 pandemic, selfpublished a book featuring more than 40 of their accounts. “If this tragedy didn’t happen, I would have never met these beautiful people who are part of my life forever because we are tied together by this event,” Fiorentino said. “Sometimes I felt like they were the only people who understood me.” Raynor’s connection to the day came through her work supporting others in crisis. She was leading a hospice team meeting when she first learned about the attacks. In the weeks that followed, she served as a chaplain at the temporary morgue at Ground Zero, where she spoke with responders during overnight hours. “Being around reliable witnesses... I believe that it helped my healing process,” Raynor said. “I hope it helps young people who were not alive or present that day to
Music Ministry performing during the service. JAYDEN GONZALEZ / THE QUADRANGLE understand more than the terrorism part of it. Hearing individual stories is what makes things real, it brings it down to a personal level. That is going to help us keep not only the memory alive, but the lessons of that day alive, so that we don’t become hardened to tragedy.” We continue to remember and honor the members of the MU community whose lives were lost that day: Robert Baierwalter ’79,
Michael Carroll ’84, Joseph Coppo ’75, Michael Duffy ’93, Kevin Frawley ’90, Richard Gabriel ’71, John Gallagher ’91, Salvatore Gitto ’78, Joseph Holland ’91, Lt. Joseph Leavey ’77, Michael J. Lyons ’93, Brian P. Magee ’73, Robert McCarthy ’90, Richard Morgan ’59, Dennis Moroney ’84, Timothy O’Sullivan ’64, James Quinn ’99, Robert Regan ’75, Antonio A. Rocha ’90, and John Tobin ’76.
Addition of Artificial Intelligence Minor Raises Discussion on the Impacts of AI
__________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
watch literature that has a human feel to them.” Grabowski has an interdisciplinary academic background, including studies in electrical engineering and history, alongside his work in the liberal arts. He continued to express support for liberal arts majors considering a minor in AI. “These [humanitarian] disciplines have become even more important [with the development of AI],” Grabowski said. “Nowadays, companies hire these majors, such as English or philosophy, to train and work alongside their AIs. It will give them an advantage.”
“Especially political science majors, because these are the people who will make the AI policies,” Merisier said. “I want the people, who will one day be in the room where they make decision on AI policy, to be well informed.” Another common concern surrounding AI is its environmental impact; one Merisier said he has witnessed firsthand. “When I worked at a power plant, there were measures to clean out the emissions that come out of it,” Merisier said. “But from what I understand, there is barely any of that there at data centers and AI facilities. All of it causes pollution” Contrary to this on June 4, the United Nations published a statement on the impact of AI on the environment, in the context of the global climate crisis.
Some students at MU hold a similar stance to Grabowski. In fact, Isaiah Merisier, a senior electrical engineering student at MU, told The Quadrangle how “Artificial Intelligence he feels AI related courses is not only responsible could be applied by liberal for worrying amounts of arts students.
earth-warming greenhouse gases: the technology’s environmental footprint is also expanding at a pace that could strain the planet’s natural resources,” The UN stated. “Greenhouse gas emissions, particularly those linked to training large models, tend to be prioritised, but this approach overlooks other environmental costs... [As for energy use] the scale is striking: one widely used AI service is estimated to process around 2.5 billion prompts per day, consuming hundreds of gigawatt-hours of electricity each year.” Lawrence Udeigwe, Ph.D., professor of mathematics and the director of integrative programs for ARCH Iniative at MU shared the concern that AI has detrimental effects on the environment, but he does not believe this kind of change is unprecedented. Considering the creation of the internet and cars, he believes that every change, including AI, is disruptive but will stabilize with time.
Manhattan University announces on its website that AI is now available as a minor for all schools across the university. MANHATTAN.EDU/COURTESY “AI is a new phenomenon,” Udeigwe said. “Everything that changes starts [off] jagged.” Udegiwe also believes AI is something all majors should familiarize themselves with. To graduating students concerned that AI could limit their job prospects, Udeigwe told The Quadrangle that he believes AI is eliminating
some jobs while creating new ones, and that this shift will continue over time. “It is revealing to us the jobs we should not be doing anymore,” Udeigwe said. “We used to send money through people, workers, now from the comfort of our phones we are able to transfer money anywhere. People lost jobs because of this, but so many more gained.”
News
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
4
Manhattan Caucus: Days Before the 25-year 9/11 Anniversary, Mamdani Administration Released Information About Air Quality at Ground Zero Zendrah Bonnick Asst. News Editor
On Friday, Sept. 11, the nation came together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Many reflected on the lives lost, the events that occurred in the wake of the attacks, the “War on Terror”, the passing of the Patriot Act and the islamophobia that only increased in prevalence following the attacks. In addition, many remembering the communities that worked to assist each other following the attacks. On Sept. 11 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked: American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in
a field in Pennsylvania and American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into The Pentagon. In the initial attacks, 2,977 people were killed at the World Trade Center and The Pentagon; including all passengers and crew onboard all four flights.
On Sept. 8, of this year, during a press conference, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a record of air quality at Ground Zero. The records showed that documentation indicating that toxic air conditions were present at Ground Zero had existed for years. The mayor stated the reason the public was uninformed about this information was due to a “cover-up” across several mayoral administrations.
illnesses than were killed on the day itself.”
According to CDC over the past 25 years, “Over 96,000 people have been diagnosed with a physical and mental health condition,” as a result of the attacks. In another statement released Sept. 11, the CDC’s World Trade Center Health Program said, “An estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants, risk of physical injury, and physically and emotionally stressful conditions in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks.” Mamdani also announced the launching of the NYC 9/11 Document Portal that is intended to share with the public information “that can shed valuable insight on air quality and health concerns.”
“People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air,” Mamdani said. “Now, close to 25 years later, more people According to the New have died from 9/11-related York Times, “the documents
seem to suggest that New Yorkers were instructed to return to the ground zero area before it was safe to do so... Mr. Mamdani allocated $34 million for lawyers to review and redact records that would eventually end up on an online portal for the Sept. 11 records.” The initially released documents include over 170,000 pages that are accessible to the public, with more to be published in the coming months. According to the NYC Document Portal, “Some of these documents were in the City’s possession but, until recently, the vast majority of these documents were in the possession of the World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company, Inc., a federally-funded entity, created in 2004 to handle 9/11 related claims.” The New York City Mayor also signed two executive orders. The first
established Sept. 11., as an annual day of remembrance and service for those lost because of the attacks. The second updating city preparedness, the mayor said “[The executive order] will also modernize the city’s existing continuity framework to ensure we are prepared to respond to the threats that our city faces today.”
5
Features
THE QUADRANGLE
Never Forget : 25 Years Later on September 1 1 Jayden Gonzalez Photographer
Features
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
6
Community Engagement Fair Brings Local Organizations to Campus Barbara Vasquez Editor-in-Chief
Manhattan University (MU) hosted the community engagement fair this Friday, Sept. 11, in an effort to open community service opportunities to students. The fair, sponsored by the James Patterson Honors Program (JPHP) and MU community engagement, brought 12 local organizations to campus that do service work around the neighborhood. Opportunities ranged from nearby community cleanups and outreach to postgrad communes and youth service. Altagracia Faith and Justice Works were just one organization that made an appearance at the fair. A Catholic nonprofit, the group is centered on empowering community leaders to “put faith into action” through service and social justice opportunities. The Quadrangle spoke to Tiffany Lee, executive director of Altagracia, about what drew them to the fair. “We’ve been working with MU for almost 10 years now, and we’ve loved working with students in a variety of different ways,” Lee said. “We’ve had students come for one-time volunteer opportunities... we’ve had interns stay with us for
multiple years and really get invested in the work that we’re doing. So, we always love the opportunity to come out, meet new students and get to share our work and invite people to be part of it.” Altagracia offers a number of different possibilities to get involved, from helping with their online outreach to in-person community service, lending a hand at their community fridge in Inwood. “As a very small but mighty nonprofit, we have lots of different opportunities,” Lee said. “... We can use lots of different support, different talents, gifts and expertise.” Across the street from MU’s main entrance sits the Methodist Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation, another group that showed out at the event. The Methodist Home is a 120-bed facility providing both rehabilitative support and hospice care to nearby residents. For MU students, the home provides an opportunity to complete service hours and develop professionally, all while connecting with community members. Denise Bernal, director of therapeutic recreation and volunteer services at the Methodist Home, said the partnership benefits both sides. “We are neighbors, so it’s always nice to have part
JPHP students checking in with peer leaders JAYDEN GONZALEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
of the students come and share their abilities and talents, and just engage with our residents,” Bernal said. “... maybe we’ve had some students come in, not sure of what to do with their professional lives, and they discover different areas that they would potentially be interested in working in. That’s always nice to help them shape and develop.” The community engagement fair did not only offer students opportunities for the present, but for postgraduation as well. The Center at Mariandale, a spiritual retreat center, tabled at the engagement fair and spoke to students about what they had to offer: various social justice opportunities throughout the academic year, as well as a 10-month residency at the center, with community service hours as the only cost of living there. Liam Myers, the representative for the Center at Mariandale table, had been through the program after college. For him, it provided the space for him to figure out exactly what he wanted to do while also servicing his community. He also detailed other opportunities students could join in on, like their upcoming day of reflection focusing on water and spirituality, joined by Kevin Ahern, Ph.D., associate professor of religious and peace studies at MU. “I think it’s so important, when you’re in college, to take in as much as you can,” Myers said. “It’s four years where you’re really able to build what you’re studying, see what’s in the community. I think it’s always a gift when you’re able to be a part of something in your area.” There were several more local groups for the MU community to get involved in, all within minutes from campus. The Stewards of Brust Park, for example, is a volunteer-founded group, giving students the chance to clean up and revive the ecosystem of the community’s greenspace.
The Riverdale Rapid Response Group notifies the local community about ICE activity to protect our neighbors JAYDEN GONZALEZ / THE QUADRANGLE For those looking to get involved with food insecurity, the Friendly Fridge Bx relies on volunteers to help stock up their pantry and feed the community. The Riverdale Rapid Response Group monitors ICE activity in the area, alerting locals when the organization is nearby. Jaslene Beau, a sophomore sociology major at MU, has been seeking community service opportunities over the summer to no avail. Coming to this fair gave her the chance to learn more about these organizations, face-toface. “I’m interested in a lot of different things, like working with the community, working with kids, working soup kitchens, Friendly Fridge, nature... all those things,” Beau said. “But I was especially hoping to find something that could help me get experience in my major, so hearing some of the programs where you can work directly with people was very good.” For Beau, community engagement is something she prioritizes.
“It’s important to me because I want to feel more connected to the community,” Beau said. “I want to get out there, have more experiences, and I want to contribute to something as a whole.” The community engagement fair drew hundreds of students to the quad over the event’s length. For both the campus and neighboring communities, the fair was a meaningful way to build connections with one another. “We’re realizing all the ways that we’re interconnected,” Lee said. “There are MU alums that are now working with these community organizations, [and] the connections go on and on. I think the impact for students right now, I hope, is really meaningful that you have direct access to community organizations that are inviting you to get involved, and take on important roles, leadership, and just get involved and taking action.” To stay updated on MU and its work with the nearby community, follow @mu_ communityengagement on Instagram.
Features
7
THE QUADRANGLE
Movement Is Medicine: Lyala Jones Brings Pilates to MU Leyla J. Mercado Features Editor
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, Lyala Jones, also known as Fashion Hendricks, a Pilates instructor and longtime hairstylist, led an hour-long Pilates class for Manhattan University (MU) students through the Office of Student Engagement. Pilates, a mind-body exercise method with a history spanning more than 100 years, was initially embraced by professional dancers in the early 20th century. According to merrithew. com, the full-body, lowimpact workout promotes strength, stability, proper posture, flexibility, balance, body control and body awareness. Pilates can also help improve alignment and flexibility while reducing the risk of injury. Jones described her teaching approach as a blend of two competing philosophies within the Pilates community. “Online, there’s a big fight between classical and contemporary Pilates,” Jones said. “The classical
police are out there fighting against the contemporary police, so I like to add both.” Jones discussed how she draws from both schools of thought rather than choosing one side.
yoga girl, but Pilates really pushed me to use more body weight training.” Feldman added that the shared struggle among participants became part of the experience.
“I like to mix my classical and contemporary, so nobody’s in a fight, and then I push sculpt in there so we feel a burn and have a little fun,” Jones said. “That’s my style, we’re here to have fun.”
“My friends and I were just watching one another struggle midway through it, so that was one part that really made me laugh,” Feldman said. “It felt right and was overall a really good time.”
Pilates, often taught through group classes, relies heavily on the energy in the room. Jones explained she pays close attention to that dynamic when running her sessions.
Jones said the most valuable part of teaching comes after class, through the encouragement participants give one another, something she considers central to building community in a group setting.
“I pay attention to who came into the room,” Jones said. “I did have a different playlist, but when I saw some people in the room looking like you all had some vibes, I’m like, ‘oh, this is the playlist.’” Henriette Feldman, a senior international studies and Spanish major, said the class pushed her outside her usual routine. “Doing this Pilates class really pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it was so worth it,” Feldman said. “I am usually a cardio and
“Pilates is for anybody and everybody,” Jones said. “That’s what I really love about it the most, because the movements all can be modified.” Jones emphasized that philosophy shapes how she runs her classes day to day. “I encourage all of that, encourage modifications,” Jones said. “What I love about group classes, you’re feeding off of everybody. I don’t want to quit because
A flyer advertising the event to students on campus. @MU_RECREATION / INSTAGRAM the person next to me is not Jones encouraged quitting.” students who might be Jones also pointed to hesitant to try a class for benefits of Pilates beyond themselves. the physical, describing its effect on participants’ “For people who feel mental well-being. that Pilates is scary, it’s not, all you’ve got to do is show “Mental, for sure, because up to one class,” Jones said. it’s mind, body connection,” “Movement is medicine.” Jones said. “The endorphins kick up like, tenfold when For more information on the class is over. So, if you’re classes, visit Jones’ website, feeling depressed, or down, nycmatpilates.com, or or something like that, come follow @nycmatpilates on do Pilates.” Instagram.
Jaspers Vote Hosts Voter Engagement Training in Soical Action Suite
Jayden Gonzalez Photographer
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Arts and Entertainment
8
Meet the Legacy of Album Class: Trade Eight! María Castaño Arts & Entertainment Editor
liked us all playing together, so he decided to group us all.” Febus described Beckett as an attentive bandleader.
The remnants of last spring’s album class have “He’s [Beckett] very taken shape as the new band much aware of the band,” Trade Eight, formed by Febus said. “He knows Manhattan University (MU) what everyone’s playing, alumni Kevin Beckett, Sam what everyone’s doing, and Wofford and Billy Walker, he’s a good frontman. He who acts as their social gives attention to a lot of the media manager, alongside band. He doesn’t keep it on current students Mary himself, even though he’s Calden, Ivan Rocks, Alex the one singing most of the Parra, Aidan Febus and Jose time.” Arroyo. Because the band is Beckett, the band’s relatively new, members lead singer and guitarist, consider themselves brought the group together primarily a cover band after playing Billy Joel’s while they work to develop “The Stranger” alongside their own sound. Arroyo them and other students explained that the process in the spring. The gig at blends spontaneous local bar An Beal Bocht performance with more Cafe marked the band’s structured rehearsal. first performance together outside of the classroom “During the rehearsals, if setting. Since then, they’ve it’s a song that doesn’t have played at The Heritage Bar a horn line in it, I’ll make a over the summer, and are horn line up, or someone set to perform next at MU’s will make something up, and Halloween Bash on Oct. then we’ll just try it until it 23 in the quad, followed by works,” Arroyo said. another show at An Beal Bocht Cafe on Oct. 24. Arroyo explained that improvisation carries over Febus, a junior into live shows as well. biochemistry major and the band’s saxophonist, said “You’ll have something Beckett used Billy Joel’s in your head that you think music as a way to blend the would sound really cool in members’ varied musical this moment,” Arroyo said. backgrounds into a cohesive “Start playing it, and the sax sound. player, Febus, would catch on to what I’m playing. We “We all played in [album have so many people in the class], and it was that Billy band, so trying to control Joel old-time rock and roll,” our sound is a challenge, but Febus said. “Beckett really
Trade Eight band members. Pictured (left to right): Mary Calden, Ivan Rocks, Alex Parra, Aidan Febus, Jose Arroyo, Kevin Beckett and Sam Wofford. @TRADDEEIGHTBAND / INSTAGRAM it’s also very rewarding.” Febus, Arroyo and Rocks are all members of MU’s jazz club, reflecting the band’s roots in the genre. Febus explained his own interest in saxophone began in childhood, listening to salsa and merengue with his father, though he described himself as “mainly a jazz guy.” Rocks, a civil engineering major, who plays drums for the band, said those varied backgrounds give the group creative freedom as they look ahead. “At the moment, the goal is simply to play with each other more and develop a band identity over time,” Rocks said. “Because we all like different things, it’s a total hodgepodge of all sorts of different sounds. We’ll play rock music, folk music, jazz rock fusion, some ska, some punk, a pop ballad. We do everything.”
Trade Eight Instagram's profile picture. @TRADDEEIGHTBAND / INSTAGRAM
The band’s name carries a double meaning, referencing both a jazz technique and the number
of people involved with the group. Calden, a junior English and communication major, who plays piano and sings for the band, explained the musical reference. “Arroyo came up with this name, and it references trade loosely,” Calden said. “In music, especially in jazz, when you play you can trade solos, and so they’ll say trade four or trade eight, as in bars. So, it’s like someone will solo for eight bars, and then someone solos for eight bars, and then they respond to each other.” Arroyo, who came up with the name alongside Febus, said the “eight” also accounts for Walker’s role with the group. “Technically we’re a seven-piece,” Arroyo said. “But our good friend, Walker, we always include him as a member of the band because he’s always there with us and he’s always doing [social media] stuff. So, he’s the eighth member.” Several members have expressed interest in writing
original music for the band. Arroyo further discussed that the process is already underway. “We actually do have a lot of originals that are being worked on currently,” Arroyo said. “Beckett has a lot of stuff that he has written, and we’ve definitely worked on it. I feel like just starting with covers is a great way to get the sound together first, and then bringing in writing. I think that’s the point where we are now.” Calden said the band reflects the range of artistic talent within MU’s performing arts department. “[Trade Eight] is a cool manifestation of the music at MU and the different people in the performing arts department with so many different interests,” Calden said. “It’s turned into a really, really cool thing and it’s made some cool music, so it just goes to show how much is under the surface here that you don’t necessarily know about until that all shows up.”
9
Arts and Entertainment
THE QUADRANGLE
Constant Dopamine Kicks Off Semester with New Material
to each show. The final product is a blend of each performer’s individual take on a given bit or joke, pieced Staff Writers together into something that feels both cohesive and Manhattan University original. (MU) students gathered “A lot of our shows are in Hayden Hall on Sept. 11 and 12 for performances by kind of rehearsed on their the recently funded student- own, independently,” Hicks run comedy group Constant said. “I’ll rehearse the Dopamine, marking the monologue in the shower or group’s first shows of the in bed as I’m lying at night.” semester. Beyond scripted material, Constant Dopamine Constant Dopamine also formed in the spring 2026 incorporates improvisational into select semester when Colby Hicks, techniques a junior political science scenes, allowing performers and communications to lean into their comedic double major, set out to instincts and giving the show bring his love of late-night a more natural, spontaneous comedy sketches to the feel throughout. campus community. Since For Hicks, the group its founding, the group has focused on writing original represents a vision he had jokes and sketches, then held onto for some time performing them live in before finally bringing it to an effort to bring humor life. With four successful and levity to the campus shows now behind them, he said watching the turnout community. and support has meant a The Quadrangle spoke great deal to him personally. with Hicks before the “I was pretty proud group’s first run-through of the week, gaining insight and impressed by just the into the process behind amount of people that came putting together a show. to the show,” Hicks said. To keep performances “The effort that I get from all running smoothly, members these people is incredible.” rehearse on Wednesdays While no dates have been and Thursdays leading up
Nicholas Melendez & Ariana Cariddo
Declan Boyle (left) and Colby Hicks (right) in a talk-show style segment of the show. BARBARA VASQUEZ / THE QUADRANGLE set for future performances, Hicks said the group intends to keep building its presence beyond the stage. Members plan to continue posting skits on YouTube as well as Instagram and are also looking ahead to filming content in collaboration with Manhattan Media Network (MMN) in the near future. At its core, the event is designed to bring students together in a shared space to unwind and laugh. Audience members were encouraged to interact with performers throughout the show, even given props and being called to come on stage, and the energy in the room reflected a crowd eager for a good laugh after a long week of classes.
Alexander Katkin, a MU and the constant supply of student who attended the it sounds pretty helpful,” event, commented on the Katkin said. group’s shows and how they consistently deliver Students interested an engaging experience in following Constant for audiences. He was Dopamine’s upcoming initially enticed by the literal shows and skits can find meaning of the group’s the group on Instagram at name. @constant_dopamine. To find full-length sketches “It’s a comedy show and past recordings from that’s named Constant their live shows, check Dopamine, so [I thought] out their YouTube @ dopamine is pretty good, ConstantDopamine.
Grace Coutu, a senior childhood education major, attended a Constant Dopamine performance last semester and said she has been looking forward to another one ever since. She encouraged students to keep an eye out for the group’s flyers posted around campus advertising future shows.
Alex Delo (center) chugging milk, with the support of his castmates, during a sketch. BARBARA VASQUEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
“If I had to describe the show, I would say it’s like if Players and Scatterbomb had a baby,” Coutu said. “It’s kind of like an improv show, [but] scripted. Like live SNL.”
Audience members were called to be part of the show, with interactive segments like golden tickets and Q&As. BARBARA VASQUEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Arts and Entertainment
10
Jasper Jams: Harry Styles: Together, Together Tour Review Joshua Reichard
Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Like most, I didn’t get tickets to Harry Styles’ Madison Square Garden (MSG) Residency during the online presale. I was discouraged, but knew that I needed to attend, so I was determined to go. My friend and I had luck at the MSG box office in the past, so that’s what we decided to try. We arrived around 10 a.m. on the day of the show we wanted to attend, and quickly found the spot where fans were queuing up for a chance at tickets. About 50 people were in front of us in line, and we were halfway down the barricade, so we were feeling confident that we would be leaving with tickets. After two and a half hours of waiting for the box office to open we were finally at the front of the line and got escorted inside the venue to buy tickets. After being offered relatively good seats, we immediately bought them. The show itself was an
amazing experience. It was full of hits from all four of Styles’ albums, and the crowd was great. Everyone was excited to be there, and fans knew nearly every word to every song.
the show, and this song did exactly that. Styles uses the entire stage for this song, dancing around the perimeter and giving fans, in all sections, a chance to see him. The electronic and disco aspects of this song make it a fun song to dance to anywhere, especially surrounded by thousands of other fans chanting the lyrics.
The setlist did a great job of showcasing the variety of music that Styles has created. Many upbeat dance songs were played, allowing fans to jump and dance along. A few slower performances were also included, allowing Satellite the crowd to connect with Styles the music and each other. If you’re on the fence about going, I highly recommend it. Styles is playing 30 shows at MSG, with newly announced shows across the country. Below are some of my favorite songs that were performed, and why. Hopefully it convinces you to get tickets!
Dance No More by Harr y Styles
by
Harr y
“Satellite”, a classic from Styles’ third album “Harry’s House,” gets revived on this tour. The backing instrumentals have changed, however, with a distinctive trap-focused background. This makes the song even more fun to hear live, as it makes it easier to dance to. It’s fun to know that hearing this song live is the only way to hear this remix.
Are You Listening Yet? by Harr y Styles The opener of the show, “Dance No More,” is a hit. “Are You Listening Yet?” The opener of any concert begins a fun part of the needs to set the tone for show. The next few songs
are banger after banger, and everyone looks like they need a break after jumping for so long. Style takes a long dance break during this song, encouraging fans to sing while he dances. There are red and white flashing lights that light up the entire room. He skips around the stage, engaging with fans and making sure every part of the stadium gets to see him perform.
released, “Sign of the Times” is different from most other songs on this tour. Styles stands in one place with a guitar and microphone, a sharp contrast to many other points of the show. This song provides an opportunity for the music to be powerful by itself, without all of the elaborate production of the show. Fans know this song well, singing every word alongside Styles.
Kiwi by Harr y Styles Notably left off the setlist for the European leg of his tour, many fans were happy to have it included at MSG. With a mention of New York in the lyrics, the crowd goes feral for this song. Styles remains in the center of the stage for this song, moving around in a circle singing different parts to different sections of the venue. The vibrations from fans jumping up and down in unison could be felt throughout.
Aperture by Harr y Styles
The ending to the show, “Aperture,” is a moment for his fans. After singing the song accompanied by flashing lights and the crowd jumping, the music ends, and Styles repeats “One, two, three, four,” with fans repeating the last line of the song, “We belong together.” It’s a moment that shows his deep connection with his fans. He finished the show by walking the perimeter Sign of the Times by of the stage, waving at fans, Harr y Styles making sure everyone gets a chance to say goodbye. His first solo song that I can’t recommend.
Sports
11
THE QUADRANGLE
Men’s Soccer Looks to Bounce Back from 2-0 Loss to Columbia Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
The weather was warm and comfortable this past Saturday, Sept. 12, as the Manhattan Jaspers men’s team took on the Columbia Lions. The Jaspers were looking to keep the team’s momentum going following their two-game winning streak against Maritime and Howard. The Lions were looking for the sweep of the Bronx, as they had beaten Fordham in their last game days prior. The first half of the game was a defensive battle with no goals allowed and no shots on target for the Lions. The Quadrangle spoke to head coach Tom Giovatto about whether this was his intended strategy heading into the game. “You want to get your numbers behind the goal,” Giovatto said. “You want to be in a good, organized shape, which we did, and when we win the ball, we want to go forward, which I think we did at times. We’re
just a little bit unlucky with the final pass. I thought there were opportunities open, but we couldn’t capitalize.” As many great coaches have said, at times, you can learn more from a loss than a win. The Quadrangle asked Tom if there were any moments he could build on from the game. “First of all, [Columbia] is a very good team – they can really dictate the game, their possession,” Giovatto said. “But I felt like we did an excellent job, especially in the first half. I don’t think they had any real shots. Even in the second half, I felt we were good enough, but we had ourselves down on a set piece, which is one of our strengths, so I was really disappointed [for Columbia] to get that goal. When you’re chasing the game a little bit, it’s going to open up and stay close for a second.” about what they can do After a tough game, The before entering conference Quadrangle sought some play. players’ perspective to see how they were dealing with “I mean, these days, we the loss. Cristiano Marsilii, have got to get healthy and graduate forward, spoke
The game ended with a score of 2-0. VINCENT DUSOVIC / COURTESY see,” Marsilii said. “We had a couple of guys go down today, so that’s unfortunate. The guys that we still have, hurt. So, we have to figure out a way to get healthy. But,
just to continue working, to get better every single day, get our shape better defensively. And I think we’re getting closer.” Cristiano Marsilii was named Metro Conference offensive player of the week earlier in the season; he was one of many newcomers to the Jaspers team this year. The men’s soccer team has introduced 28 new players to their roster just this semester, with a mix of freshmen and transfer students. As a graduate student, Marsilii brings both skill and experience to the team, already leading the team in goals alongside senior forward Ziv Dahan. According to GoJaspers, “Marsilii has logged eight shots in the previous two games, with four on target, and posted game-winning goals in the last two.”
Cristiano Marsilii, previous Metro offensive player of the week, led the team with 2 shots on goal. GOJASPERS / COURTESY
The Jaspers look to bounce back against UMass Lowell in their next match on Friday, Sept. 18 before starting conference play against Siena the following Saturday.
Sports
SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
Jasper Games of the Week
Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Men’s Soccer The Manhattan Jaspers men’s soccer team was back in action at Gaelic Park last Sunday afternoon as they took on Howard University. The Jaspers came into the match looking to build off their home victory over Maritime after losing their first two games of the season – and they did just that, with a commanding 4-2 victory over the Bison. The Jaspers got on the board just four minutes into the match when graduate forward Cristiano Marsilii stole the ball from a Howard midfielder and beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one to give Manhattan the early lead. Just three minutes later, Marsilii helped create another goal, with junior
12
defender Max Asplin-Rowley also marked head coach Tom playing a free kick into the Giovatto’s 150th Division I box before the ball found men’s soccer victory. sophomore Nicolo Donadio, who added to the Jaspers’ The Jaspers improve to advantage. 2-2-0 on the season and will look to continue their strong Howard found their way start when they return to to score, but Manhattan action. quickly responded after a handball in the box resulted Women’s Soccer in a penalty kick. All eyes were on Marsilii as he The Manhattan Jaspers converted for his second women’s soccer team goal of the afternoon. After opened Metro Conference the Bison cut the deficit play last week on Saturday to one in the second half, afternoon, as they took on the Jaspers answered Siena at Hickey Field in once again, with graduate Loudonville, N.Y. The Saints defender and captain came away with a 1-0 victory, Andrea Campoli scoring dropping the Jaspers to 3-2-0 the final goal of the match on the season. on a header, off a set piece from forward and midfielder It was a quiet start to Tycho van Haaren. the match, with senior forward Lauren Ahearn Marsilii finished with two recording Manhattan’s first goals and an assist, while the shot on goal in the opening Jaspers outshot Howard 19-6 10 minutes, forcing a save and held a 10-2 advantage in from Siena goalkeeper Cate corner kicks. The victory
The Jaspers defeated the Bison 4-2. VINCENT DUSOVIC / COURTESY Burns. Five minutes later, senior goalkeeper Molly Brunk made her first save of the afternoon, but the Saints would score shortly after on a rebound from Anna Swyers to take a 1-0 lead. Brunk continued to keep the Jaspers within one, making another save in the 28th minute. Neither team was able to find the back of the net before halftime, sending Siena into the break with the lead.
Women’s soccer continues conference play this weekend. GOJASPERS / COURTESY
The second half remained a defensive battle, with both teams continuing to search for opportunities. Manhattan brought increased pressure
late in the match, including a shot from freshman forward Baileigh Johnson in the 79th minute that forced another save from Burns. Despite pushing until the final whistle, the Jaspers were unable to find the equalizer and fell 1-0. Manhattan outshot Siena 10-9, while shots on goal were tied 4-4. Brunk finished with three saves in the afternoon. The Jaspers will look to bounce back in their next match against Niagara as they continue Metro Conference play on Sept. 19.