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NEW YORK, OCTOBER 20, 2026
Volume CXIV, ISSUE 8
MU Radiation Therapy Students Attend 2026 ASTRO Annual Meeting Manhattan Madness Packs Draddy Manhattan University hosted its annual Manhattan Madness pep rally this past Thursday, Oct. 15, introducing the school’s basketball team roster. NICKY LOMBARDO / THE QUADRANGLE
Manhattan Caucus: Sexual Misconduct and Rape Culture in Higher Education On Sept. 18, the Cornell University Newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun,, published a story by Cereese Qusba on what is now known as the “Cornell Seven” Case. The article covers a lawsuit and accusation of gang rape made by the plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe, who was 20 at the time. The lawsuit named seven Chi-Phi members: Matthew Ingalls, Johnathan Newell,
Winston Lee, Gillio Lopes, Diego Sarabia, Scott Norris and Scott Kretzschmar. The lawsuit names the seven fraternity members as defendants; the fraternity had 57 members total, who were a part of the Snapchat group chat that invited the members to participate in the alleged gang rape in 2024. On Oct. 1, New York Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Sentor Nathalia Fernandez brought co-sponsored bills that, according to the New York State Senate, “Prohibits
IN NEWS:
IN FEATURES:
Zendrah Bonnick Asst. News Editor
Manhattan Caucus: Sexual Misconduct in Higher Education pg. 3
Mike Strug Talks Networking with Students pg. 5
the use of intoxication of the victim as a defense in sex crimes,” which was permitted by what’s commonly referred to as the “Voluntary Intoxication Loophole”. The “Voluntary Intoxication Loophole” has been subject to criticism by sexual assault survivors in the past. The “Voluntary Intoxication Loophole” refers to a legal defense related to the intoxication of victims and, if they consent to intoxication, the loophole __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
“I would say [for] myself, I was able to attend the Leyla J. Mercado conference as a student Features Editor / Asst. Social Media when I was a senior at MU, and so being able to be on Editor the opposite side of that, I just think is so amazing and Senior radiation therapy it’s so full circle,” Oliveira students at Manhattan said. University (MU) attended The four senior students the 2026 American Society that attended the conference for Radiation Oncology were Taylor Wagner, Ava (ASTRO) annual meeting Giambrone, Scarlet Chavez in Boston from Sept. 26 to and Giannie Restivo. 30, joining clinicians and In a LinkedIn post, researchers at the field’s Wagner reflected on her largest scientific conference. experience at the event. The trip lets students “This was an incredible hear from leaders in opportunity to learn from radiation oncology and meet leaders in the field of professionals, MU alumni radiation oncology, expand and students from other my knowledge, and connect programs. To earn a spot, with professionals and students submit a letter of fellow students who share intent, and the department my passion for radiation then reviews how each therapy,” Wagner wrote. applicant works with their For Wagner, the trip clinical team. also reaffirmed her path Angela Oliveira, Ed.D., toward becoming a radiation R.T.(T), chair of radiological therapist. and health professions and “As I continue through program director of the my journey toward radiation therapy program becoming a radiation at MU, spoke to The therapist, experiences like Quadrangle about what this this remind me why I chose opportunity means to her this field, and inspire me and those students who to continue learning and attended. growing,” Wagner wrote. “I “As program director, it am incredibly thankful for has meant a great deal to the memories, knowledge me,” Oliveira said. “I feel that and connections I have learning extends beyond the gained throughout this classroom, and attending a experience.” professional meeting with Oliveira told The my students kind of allows Quadrangle that attending us to teach them [more] the ASTRO annual meeting within the broader radiation complements what students therapy community.” learn in MU’s radiation Oliveira’s connection to therapy program. the conference goes back to __________________________ her own time at MU. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN A&E:
Movie Review: The Social Reckoning pg. 8
IN SPORTS: Games of the Week
pg. 9
News
OCTOBER 20, 2026
Volume CXIV, Issue 8 October 20, 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 Mercado Joshua Reichard Dylan Chon Asst. Social Media Editors Nishat Parvez Faculty Advisor
Jayden Gonzalez Nicky Lombardo Photo & Video 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!
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THE QUADRANGLE? Submit your own opinion article or write a Letter-to-the-Editor for a chance to be published in The Quadrangle student newspaper. Email your Op-Ed or letter to thequad@manhattan.edu or visit mcquad.org to submit. We welcome letters from students, faculty, alumni and community members. The Quadrangle strives to share the voices of Manhattan University and appreciates hearing from its readers!
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News
THE QUADRANGLE
MU Radiation Therapy Students Attend 2026 ASTRO Annual Meeting
__________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“Being able to go to the conference allows them to bridge that gap [of being a student to then becoming a professional in the field] … I think that experiences like [this] help students recognize that their education doesn’t end at graduation,” Oliveira said. “They’re entering a field that is constantly evolving, and they’ll have opportunities throughout
their careers to keep learning and contributing to better patient care.” The ASTRO annual meeting keeps MU’s radiation therapy program current, exposing faculty and students to new technology, research and clinical practice. In reference to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), attending annual national conferences further provides radiation therapy students with essential career preparation,
professional confidence and necessary early networking opportunities. As radiation oncology typically relies on heavily specialized, rapidly evolving technology and protocols, solely learning from textbooks does not adequately prepare students to transition into independent clinical practice. Oliveira shared with The Quadrangle what she feels the students truly enjoyed after the educational
experience. “Students recognized challenges from their own clinical sites, such as bladder preparation for prostate treatments, and heard how others approach those same issues,” Oliveira said. “It was especially meaningful for them to realize these were shared challenges and that they could learn from the experiences of the broader professional community. Alongside that practical learning, new technology and advanced practice
opportunities helped them imagine how they could grow within the profession.” The radiation therapy program at MU continues to send students to this conference year after year. The next ASTRO annual meeting will be held next year, Sept. 19-22, 2027.
Manhattan Caucus: Sexual Misconduct and Rape Culture in Higher Education __________________________ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
challenges the level of the victim’s inebriation and incapacitation, shifting focus away from the lack of consent itself. According to the article by the Daily Sun, the seven men listed were required to write essays to receive reduced consequences. “The defendants were offered the opportunity to mitigate their conduct by submitting essays to the University, according to the lawsuit,” the Cornell Daily Sun states. As the news of the Cornell Seven case began to spread, the horror and familiarity of many, the nature of rape culture, and the protection of rapists by institutions and individuals have been largely discussed throughout the country. RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, has stated statistics on the occurrence of reported rapes related to college parties and colleges. “In a 2018 paper on college party culture, law enforcement agencies documented one reported
rape every 20 days for victims aged 17-24. These college-age victims accounted for about onethird of all rapes reported to law enforcement.” In relation to women’s health, the National Office on Women Health states, “One in five women in college experiences sexual assault,” the website states, last updated in 2025. Contrary to this, reported rapes are believed to be under reported by universities. Corey Rayburn Yung, a University of Kansas law professor spoke to CBS about the discrepancies between school reports and student reporting statistics. told CBS, “Schools view sexual violence as a public relations problem.” “The numbers just don’t seem to match with the survey data and even the criminal reporting data in similar jurisdictions... This is indicative … [that] schools are not telling us the full story of reporting and giving an impression that the campuses just don’t have nearly the degree of sexual violence that they likely do,” Yung told CBS. Rape and other forms of
sexual abuse are a global crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a widespread crisis for women and girls. “Violence against women – particularly intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence – is a major public health and gender equality problem and a violation of women’s human rights… about 1 in 3 (31.6%) of women worldwide (840 million women and girls) have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual IPV or nonpartner sexual violence in their lifetime,” the WHO website states. Due to the prevalence of sexual assault in college institutions, a discussion emerged about sexual violence, misconduct and rape culture, with many other cases of sexual abuse and rape in higher education coming to public attention. A common sentiment being that, while rape culture became a more a more widely discussed within the U.S., following the MeToo Movement in 2017, the nation and its higher education institutions have never truly rectified or
reckoned with these issues the president stated. within itself. In 2022, James brought Many pointed to the a case against the current nation’s own leadership as president, alleging he had being representative of a committed financial fraud. widespread national apathy Rape and sexual assault towards the prevalence of are often perpetrated by sexual assault and rape. people the victim already President Donald Trump knows, approximately 80% was found liable for sexually are perpetrated by someone abusing and defaming E. with an existing relationship Jean Carroll in 2023 before to the victim. It is not he was reelected in 2024. uncommon for a victim of Famously prior to the assault to not be aware or now president’s first term in certain, or even deny that 2016, a video resurfaced of they have been raped or President Trump. assaulted. For many, it takes “You know I’m years for them to understand automatically attracted they were a victim of rape. to beautiful — I just start Resources for rape survivors kissing them. It’s like a can be found at RAINN, The magnet. Just kiss. I don’t National Sexual Violence even wait,” President Donald Resource Center, contact the Trump said. NYPD Sex Crimes Report “And when you’re a star, Line: 212-267-7273. they let you do it,” Trump For specific resources says. “You can do anything.” at Manhattan University “Grab them by the p---y,” community members the president elaborated. can seek counseling Upon the Cornell Seven c o u n s e l i n g c e n t e r @ case beginning assigned a manhattan.edu or (718) 862special prosecutor Letitia 7394. The university Title James, the U.S. president IX department is a nonstated, confidential resource and “She’s [James] totally can be found at Memorial corrupt... I feel badly for Hall 101, or file a report to whoever [the defendants] the department. she is looking at because they won’t get a fair shake,”
Features
OCTOBER 20, 2026
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Peace Action NYS Collaborates with The Borgen Project María Castaño Arts & Entertainment Editor
On Oct. 15 Manhattan University’s (MU) Peace Action NYS (PANYS) chapter collaborated with The Borgen Project. Cesar Tavares-Vasquez, president and founder of MU’s PANYS chapter and an intern for The Borgen Project, hosted the event as an introductory presentation on how the organization links reducing poverty to reducing political and economic instability, which can fuel violence and conflict. Peace Action New York State (PANYS) is the state affiliate of Peace Action, which describes itself as the nation’s largest grassroots peace network. The group lobbies Congress and uses direct political action to push for U.S. foreign policy that promotes diplomacy and human needs, according to its website. The PANYS chapter’s recent arrival at MU and its collaboration with The Borgen Project aim to show
The Borgen Project logo. BORGENPROJECT.ORG students how they can take part in politics to improve their communities and influence foreign policy. In his presentation, Vasquez explained that The Borgen Project uses lobbying as its main method of political advocacy. He stressed that individuals have the power to urge members of Congress to focus on particular issues. “There’s hundreds of different issues [congressmen and senators] focus on, so they might not be that well attuned to what is happening in their own Congress and Senate,” Vasquez said. “It’s our job to lobby and spread awareness to them on what things they should focus on… Part of what The Borgen Project
wants me to do [as an intern] is to not just lobby, but to get a lot of people on board with lobbying, or posting things online or going out to the streets, sending messages to other people… [and] emailing and calling congressmen.” In a separate interview with The Quadrangle, Vasquez expanded further on this matter. “I think a lot of people are not aware of how they can basically influence their own government or have a dialog with their government, and so The Borgen Project’s job is basically teaching people how to do that, how to interact with their government more, how to pressure them and basically get what they want as
Cesar Tavares-Vasquez giving a presentation on The Borgen Project and what it focuses on. JAYDEN GONZALEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
constituents,” Vasquez said. Political participation and dialogue are central to both PANYS and The Borgen Project. Bringing the organizations to campus is meant to show students and community members ways to be politically active beyond voting. Henriette Feldman, senior international studies major and secretary of MU’s PANYS chapter, expanded on this idea. “I feel like college students [and] young people are the future of this world and we have the ability to make that more known,” Feldman said. “... I think it’s worth it to spread awareness of that, because sometimes it is overlooked.” Feldman explained that hosting more political figures and events like this on campus can encourage dialogue and a deeper understanding of multiple viewpoints. “I think last year there was… an elected official that came and a lot of people went to his talk,” Feldman said. “But there were also a lot of people who were not willing to go because of his political beliefs. I feel like a lot of the time we just need to push that aside and listen to what other people have to say, because that can give us a lot of insight on what other people think and why the state of the world is how it is.” During the presentation, Vasquez went over the ways The Borgen Project helps people contact Congress about the causes listed in the Action Center section of its website. His main focus
was PANYS’s mission to pursue nuclear disarmament and the federal budget cuts to international aid. “What I’m focusing on is the international affairs budget,” Vasquez said. “You can email them [your representatives] to oppose the budget cuts for the international affairs budget, because that’s the budget that contributes towards foreign aid. What I’m also focusing on is the Block the Bombs Act because the U.S. is sending bombs and arms to Israel, which is fueling their entire invasion of Palestine, as well as the war in Iran. According to the Borgen Project, it only takes seven or 10 people to call Congress for them to actually start focusing on [an issue].” For students looking for ways to get more involved in politics, the approach taken by PANYS and The Borgen Project offers an alternative to relying on social media. Natalia Perez, freshman criminology major, attended the event and said the approach moves young people away from passive advocacy. “I first wanted to join [PANYS] because I want to be more educated on what’s going on in the world and learn how I can help,” Perez said. “Because I feel like all I do is repost stuff and see stuff on my feed, I think that damages a lot of people’s psyche because it’s not great to be seeing [the news] all the time. But it is important to see them and to recognize that these are issues that we have the ability to help with.”
Features
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THE QUADRANGLE
Mike Strug Shares Networking Advice with MU Students Ariana Cariddo Staff Writer
Manhattan University’s (MU) management club hosted an event titled “Build Your Network: Mike Strug at MU” on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 2:30-3:30 P.M. at MU’s O’Malley School of Business (OMSB). The event welcomed Mike Strug, a commercial real estate professional with more than 27 years of industry experience. Strug works with Vanadium Group and is the founder and president of Young Real Estate Professionals of New York (YREPNY), an organization focused on connecting professionals in the real estate industry. Beyond his work in commercial real estate, Sturg is passionate about mentoring college students and young professionals as they begin their careers. In recent years, he has mentored or spoken to more than 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students and has appeared as a guest speaker at more than 50 colleges and universities since the start of 2020. During his visit to MU, Strug spoke about his career and how he was originally from Texas but found his way to New York City. There, he first wanted to be a professor, but through internships and networking, made his way into real estate and finance. Drawing from his own experiences, Strug emphasized that professional growth does not stop after graduation, remaining open to new
The management club hosted Mike Strug to speak about networking in one’s professional career. ANDREW NARINE / THE QUADRANGLE opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths. “School is just the pregame,” Strug said. “And then you go into the workforce, but you’re still learning and growing. You’re going to move around a lot over your career, but that’s a good thing.” Beyond starting his own career journey, Strug highlighted the importance of helping students prepare for life after graduation. Through his work mentoring young professionals, he hopes to help students recognize that career paths are not always going to be linear, and building relationships can open doors to new opportunities. “It’s all about trying to find networks,” Strug said. “For example, MU is a
network, or the club you’re a part of is also a network. Networks help you expand and open job opportunities for you.” For students, Strug’s advice offered them a perspective on how they can begin developing their professional career and start building connections before graduating. The event also gave students the opportunity to reflect on who is in their network, and decide how to begin using it as a resource. Anam Rameez, junior accounting major, attended the event and found the advice Strug gave to be very useful and fulfilling to her career goals. Strug’s emphasis on networking and building professional relationships offered her
a fresh perspective on preparing for her future. “I really like what he said about professional networking for real estate and connecting with students,” Rameez said. “Through them, I can make more connections with people.” While Rameez emphasized the importance of networking, Kevin O’Keeffe, senior accounting major who also attended the event, appreciated Strug’s message about remaining open to change throughout one’s career. “I like how he said our career isn’t going to be set in stone right now, and we can expect change, because we are so young and life is going to keep going and
switching,” O’Keeffe said. As students prepare for internships and careers after graduation, connecting with professionals in their fields can help them learn about potential opportunities and gain a better understanding of their chosen industries. Through events like “Build Your Network,” the management club provides students with opportunities to engage with professionals and explore ways to develop their careers beyond the classroom. The management club’s Instagram, @ managementclub_mu, is set to share updates with events to come for any Jaspers interested in exploring the world of business.
OCTOBER 20, 2026
Arts and Entertainment
Behind the Scenes: Manhattan Madness T-Shirt Competition
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Maddie Rosado
Managing / News Editor
Clara De Leon, a sophomore psychology major at Manhattan University (MU), won this year’s Manhattan Madness T-shirt competition ahead of the event on Oct. 15 with a Knicks-inspired design. The competition, which invites students to submit shirt designs for Manhattan Madness, is run by the Student Government and the Office of Student Engagement. De Leon decided to enter the competition after Ally Haskins, Sigma Delta Tau president and Student Government president, sent a message inviting members to submit designs. De Leon’s design was inspired by the Knicks’ recent win as well as last year’s winning T-shirt design. “When I was designing the shirt, I looked back to last year’s design, but I also wanted it to be Knicksinspired because of their recent win,” De Leon said. De Leon shared with The Quadrangle what tools she used to design the T-shirt. “I used Canva to make the front and the back of the shirt,” De Leon said. “I also put some explanations as to what I thought would be good on the shirt in case they wanted to switch some stuff up.” Gianna Rutigliano, senior civil engineering major and executive vice president of Student Government, collected the entries and narrowed them down. “[The Student Government] gets all the T-shirt submissions,” Rutigliano said. “They all go to the Student Government email. I sent out a form and had everybody [in the Student Government] pick their top three designs so that we could send out [another form] to the entire school [to vote on and
Clara De Leon’s original Knicks-inspired t-shirt design CLARA DE LEON / COURTSEY choose an official winner].” Rutigliano explained to The Quadrangle why a student-run competition matters. “I think it gives students more of a voice … and there’s more of a student appeal [in this competition] than an administrative one,” Rutigliano said. “I also think that the voting allows a lot of different student input, so that you see which designs are truly wanted.” De Leon described her initial reaction to winning. “I was pretty excited because I feel like I don’t typically win things,” De Leon said. “I feel like I have bad luck usually. I think it’s cool that … everybody will have it [the T-shirt she designed].” De Leon’s advice for future entries in next year’s Manhattan Madness T-shirt competition is to choose something timely and bold. “My advice for next year’s competition is for
[students] to choose or incorporate something that’s more relevant to today,” De Leon said. “That’s why I did the [Knicks], because it was super relevant this summer and super popular. But also have fun with the design and use some bold colors.” On the day of Manhattan Madness, some MU students believed the shirt handed out at the event was not the winning design from the competition. The winning submission had been created in the Knicks’ orange and blue, but the shirt distributed to students used green and black, MU’s colors. To clarify, The Quadrangle contacted Nicole Brosnan, director of Student Engagement, who explained that the artist had allowed for the colors to change when she submitted her design. “For the T-shirt competition, the artist who submitted the winning
design submitted a design in orange and blue in honor of the Knicks,” Brosnan wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “However, the artist stated when she [De Leon] submitted the design that she was fine if the design was switched to MU colors.” The voting form also included a space for comments, and several students used it to ask that the colors be switched to MU’s. The winning design received the most comments of that kind. “At the bottom of the form, students could leave a comment,” Brosnan wrote. “The winning design, which had the most student votes, also had the most comments for the colors to be switched to [green and black]. The design was the same, just colors switched, which the artist allowed, and the students voted for.” Despite the mix-up over the colors, Brosnan
considers the contest an important part of Manhattan Madness. “The T-shirt contest is such an important part of Madness,” Brosnan wrote. “It helps include students’ creativity and opinions in the event… While the event helps celebrate our basketball teams and spirit squads, it’s also about bringing the MU community together and creating school spirit. Getting everyone in a matching T-shirt created by a Jasper definitely brings school spirit and Jasper pride.”
Arts and Entertainment
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THE QUADRANGLE
Behind the Scenes: The Arts of Manhattan Madness Joshua Reichard Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor / Asst. Social Media Editor
Manhattan University (MU) hosted its annual fall pep rally, Manhattan Madness, this past Thursday. While the event focuses on MU’s Division I basketball teams, many student arts and entertainment organizations play an important role in building school spirit and creating an exciting atmosphere for the event, bringing together many members of the campus community across disciplines and interests, including athletes, musicians, graphic designers and any students who want to feel more integrated with MU. From the pep band’s live music to Sanctus Artem’s new annual Manhattan Madness banner design event, students had many opportunities to contribute creatively to the tradition and expand the event’s focus past only athletics. The Quadrangle spoke to Jose Arroyo, a senior electrical engineering major and Pep Band member, about the event. “I feel like this school in general has a really big appreciation for the Pep
Band,” Arroyo said. “We have a lot of students who are actively engaging with us, [and] we engage with the students as well.” Arroyo added that the Pep Band’s role in the event extends past playing live music. “The thing about playing live music is we’re not just music,” Arroyo said. “We’re also a part of the student body, and we bring a whole other type of energy to the crowd and to the actual atmosphere.” The Quadrangle also spoke to McKenna Baker, a junior psychology major and the president of pep band. Baker added that preparing for Manhattan Madness can be time-consuming for the band, especially this year as the event was held earlier than usual. “I feel like preparing for Manhattan Madness is a lot different than any other game or any performance because we do have a time crunch,” Baker said. “So I would say it’s pretty difficult, especially because we only had three weeks this year to prepare” The Pep Band also plays at home-based basketball games throughout the year. Baker finds the time commitment for the event and for the regular season basketball games rewarding; however, adding that the
The Pep Band performs in the Sixth Borough. JAYDEN GONZALEZ / THE QUADRANGLE
Sanctus Artem’s banner that welcomed attendees to the event JOSHUA REICHARD/THE QUADRANGLE group enjoys what they do. “We have so much fun, and we enjoy what we do,” Baker said. “It’s worth it being there for two hours and then having the games two to three times a week.” Antoine Orr, assistant director for recreation & wellness, spoke to The Quadrangle about the Pep Band’s involvement in the event, and how the many groups that perform in front of the school shape the experience of Manhattan Madness. “There’s a lot to be said for people who perform in front of crowds,” Orr said. “If you’re a student at this school and you see a [performer], or someone in pep band, you see someone
not being afraid to shine in front of other people.” Orr added that seeing students participate in the event can inspire others to get involved and build confidence among the students. “I think these groups visually stimulate everyone, and it allows students to say, ‘I can see myself doing that’,” Orr said. “It’s a huge confidence booster.” MU’s art club, Sanctus Artem, also got involved with the festivities. This is the second year they have created a banner for the event, which hangs by the entrance to Draddy Gymnasium, welcoming attendees. The Quadrangle spoke
to Denise Robles, a junior digital media art major and Sanctus Artem’s vice president, about the process of creating the banner and continuing the tradition for the second year in a row. “Last year was our first time making a banner, and we really wanted to continue the tradition where our club makes a banner for [Manhattan Madness] every year,” Robles said. “We like involving all the [members], not just our [executive] board. We try to make it an event so people can come and help out if they want to be a part of Manhattan Madness in some sort of way.” Ben Rosado, a sophomore digital media art major and one of Sanctus Artem’s social media coordinators, added that the banner reinforces the inclusivity of the event, and that it exists for all students. “Having a banner made by students that aren’t all necessarily athletes shows that Manhattan Madness is an event for the entire community,” Rosado said. The Quadrangle also spoke to Nicole Brosnan, director of Student Engagement. Brosnan hopes that the campus community recognizes the effort student organizations put into the event. “I hope they recognize how much time, effort, and dedication goes into what [the groups] do,” Brosnan said. “I just hope that people really recognize the amount of time and dedication that it takes on top of being a student.”
OCTOBER 20, 2026
Arts and Entertainment
Movie Review: “The Social Reckoning” Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
“The Social Reckoning,” director Aaron Sorkin’s companion piece to his other widely successful movie, “The Social Network,” was released in theatres on Oct. 8. Met with mixed reviews from critics and regular viewers, my two cents are: it was amazing. The story follows three professionals throughout the three parts of the movie: data scientist and eventual whistleblower against Facebook, Francis Haugen (played by Mikey Madison), at the time an incoming tech (-ish) reporter for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Jeff Horowitz (played by Jeremy Allen White), and the infamous CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jeremy Strong). The timeline and various plot points jump between the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, showcasing both the prepandemic and post-pandemic lives of these individuals trying to expose the truths about Facebook and its algorithmic consequences as we come to know them: The Facebook Files. Mikey Madison’s performance as data scientist and whistleblower Francis Haugen was great. Not showstopping, but not bad; not a forgettable portrayal, a great one. Madison has previously been seen in the film “Anora (2025)” and “Once Upon A Time… in Hollywood (2019); both of these performances have allowed her to break through in her acting career. We see her character’s arc throughout the film from a timid data scientist, who works at Facebook as part of the civic engagement team, to a whistleblower against her former employer who gains her freedom from being “sued into small, little pieces.” Madison’s portrayal of Haugen is an excellent example of knowing that, while you believe in your company and that you love working there, your morals will haunt you until something is said. Throughout the film, we see her go back and forth between decisions multiple times, choosing the one that aligns with her morals and what is right for the people who are on the platform. As an audience member, I
personally rooted for her security throughout the film. I admire what Haugen did against Facebook, and Madison’s performance portraying it was worth watching. Looking at Jeremy Allen White’s performance as journalist Jeff Horowitz, I thoroughly enjoyed his acting. I’ve only seen clips of his other widely acclaimed show, “The Bear,” on FX, but his work on “The Social Reckoning” was entertaining and funny at times. He had some quips regarding Madison’s character, Haugen, and her deciding whether or not to share internal documents from Facebook as a direct violation of her NDA. There are others too regarding the state of journalism at that time and silly remarks towards his two interns. One of White’s lines that stuck out to me, due to its absurdity, was from speaking with Facebook’s Teddy Marks, a media relations executive played by Billy Magnussen– “We’re post-government around here [said by Marks]... Please, please let me quote that [said by Horowitz].” Actor Jeremy Strong’s performance as Mark Zuckerberg–compared to Jesse Eisenberg’s from 16 years ago–I, at least, saw the portrayal of his personality evolve from after “being out of a dorm room for two years” to a CEO still too arrogant to see anyone else as “right.” Strong’s performance reminds me of when Zuckerberg’s Congressional testimony was taking place regarding Facebook, and everyone thought he was a robot – from the way he would take a sip of water to the way he spoke to the members of his trial. Strong’s performance captured those moments through reenactment of the CEO’s robotic demeanor, especially throughout his scenes of rehearsal for his upcoming testimony to Congress. Throughout the movie, however, it made me think about how the world at large, including myself, has been influenced and sucked into the addictive nature of social media algorithms. I sat there thinking how crazy it was to see the implications of the algorithm on the world as it adopted Meaningful Social Interaction (MSI) to optimize and grow
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“The Social Reckoning” movie poster EBAY LISTING / COURTESY engagement on the platform. Throughout trials where the new algorithm was tested, there were already known flaws within it. Reshares had a 30% higher importance rating than a like on a post; the team at Facebook knew that these absurd and extremist posts were the ones to be reshared the most. Additionally, throughout the film and Horowitz’s research, it was discovered that 65% of people who joined these extremist groups, labeled by government offices as such, were brought there because of the MSI algorithm at Facebook and its other media products. Overall, “The Social Reckoning” is an amazing commentary on social media’s effects on its users’ lives. From mental health impacts and routines to extremist ideals and groups and so much more, this film helped call even more attention to the role social media plays. Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong all gave strong performances that helped humanize and visualize the severity of these issues for the audiences of the film. Additionally, the film has great timing to
come out this year in light of Facebook’s recent lawsuits. For some further reading and resources on the topic, check out The Facebook Files from The Wall Street Journal. Congressional testimony was taking place regarding Facebook, and everyone thought he was a robot – from the way he would take a sip of water to the way he spoke to the members of his trial. Strong’s performance captured those moments through reenactment of the CEO’s robotic demeanor, especially throughout his scenes of rehearsal for his upcoming testimony to Congress. Throughout the movie, however, it made me think about how the world at large, including myself, has been influenced and sucked into the addictive nature of social media algorithms. I sat there thinking how crazy it was to see the implications of the algorithm on the world as it adopted Meaningful Social Interaction (MSI) to optimize and grow engagement on the platform. Throughout trials where the new algorithm was tested, there were already known flaws within it. Reshares had a 30% higher importance
rating than a like on a post; the team at Facebook knew that these absurd and extremist posts were the ones to be reshared the most. Additionally, throughout the film and Horowitz’s research, it was discovered that 65% of people who joined these extremist groups, labeled by government offices as such, were brought there because of the MSI algorithm at Facebook and its other media products. Overall, “The Social Reckoning” is an amazing commentary on social media’s effects on its users’ lives. From mental health impacts and routines to extremist ideals and groups and so much more, this film helped call even more attention to the role social media plays. Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong all gave strong performances that helped humanize and visualize the severity of these issues for the audiences of the film. Additionally, the film has great timing to come out this year in light of Facebook’s recent lawsuits. For some further reading and resources on the topic, check out The Facebook Files from The Wall Street Journal.
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Emmanouel Sofillas
Sports
Games of the Week
THE QUADRANGLE
Sports Editor
Women’s Volleyball Women’s volleyball took down the Saint Peter’s Peacocks this past Friday, Oct. 16 with a final score of 3-1, earning the Jaspers their third straight win for the first time since 2023. The Jaspers jumped out early in the first set, scoring eight of the first 11 points behind a joint block from sophomore middle blocker Helenn Montilla and redshirt junior outside hitter Mikalah Curran. The Peacocks pulled within three at 16-13, but a service ace from senior middle blocker Abby Morreale finished a threepoint run to put MU up 19-13. Sophomore outside hitter Emma Francesconi landed the final kill, closing the set 25-21. MU carried that momentum into the second set, as junior setter Ori Briger served back-toback aces for a 13-6 lead. A five-point stretch midway through the set pushed the advantage to 21-12, and the Jaspers took four of the last five points to win the set 2515. The third set began as a toss-up between the Jaspers and Peacocks, with neither team leading by more than three through the first 10 points on each side. Saint Peter’s responded with six straight points to take a 1511 lead, later growing it to 19-14 off a service ace.
Women’s volleyball tops Saint Peter’s 3-1 for its third consecutive win. GOJASPERS.COM / COURTESY Francesconi and sophomore right side Hanna Kaczynska, set up by senior setter Emilia Kuzniar, brought MU back to tie the set at 22-22. The teams tied once more at 23, but the Peacocks took the final two points to win the set 25-23. The fourth set started evenly until the Jaspers rallied for five straight points, doubling up the Peacocks at 16-8. Another ace from Morreale stretched the lead to 18-9, and senior Katie Powers logged the final kill to take the set 25-16 and the match 3-1. Curran led the Jaspers with a season-high 12 kills, while Morreale and Montilla combined for 13 blocks.
MU hit a season-best .536 in the fourth set, and Kuzniar recorded a double-double with 18 assists and 10 digs. Men’s Soccer MU’s men’s soccer team traveled to Jersey City, N.J. this past Wednesday, Oct. 14, taking down the Saint Peter’s Peacocks in a game of 1-0 for the Jaspers’ first conference win of the season. The match began with back-to-back shots on target from freshman midfielder Bjorn Asmundsson and sophomore forward Dohryien Lee within the first 15 minutes of play. The Peacocks soon found their
footing, keeping the Jaspers on the defensive for the rest of the half. Freshman goalkeeper Philip Isaksson, still searching for his first collegiate win, held strong in front of the net. He made five saves over the final 20 minutes of the half, bringing his total to seven as both teams went into the break scoreless. Saint Peter’s kept pushing in the second half, with Isaksson turning away four more shots within the first nine minutes. In the 70th minute, Lee, who came on as a substitute, sent a shot past the right side of the Peacocks’ goalkeeper to log his first goal of the
season and put MU ahead. The Peacocks answered with a late surge of attempts, but Isaksson stopped every single one, holding off a Saint Peter’s attack that outshot the Jaspers 23-6. The game ended with a final score of 1-0 and a clean sheet for the Jaspers. Isaksson recorded a career-high 13 saves, the highest single-game total by any goalkeeper in Metro play this season, as well as the most by a Jasper since Danny DiMarco’s 11 saves against Iona in 2021.
Sports
OCTOBER 20, 2026
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Jaspers Pack Draddy Gymnas Barbara Vasquez Editor-in-Chief
Jasper Nation packed Draddy Gymnasium for the school’s annual Manhattan Madness event on Oct. 16, featuring introductions from the basketball teams, performances from the Jasper spirit squads and giveaways for students. Manhattan Madness is Manhattan University’s (MU) version of a pep rally, hyping up students for the men’s and women’s basketball teams upcoming game schedule. On Thursday, the doors opened for students at 7:30 P.M., greeted by free Manhattan Madness t-shirts and a tunnel of waving cheerleaders before finding a seat. The Pep Band and Jasper Dancers performed as students filled in The Sixth Borough bleachers, and the crowd sang along to the Pep Band’s rendition of “Mr. Brightside” before counting down to the 8 P.M. start time. The Pep Band performs at Manhattan Madness every year, also joining the basketball team’s games throughout the season. As student performers, they work hard to engage with the crowd and amp up the energy, bringing another
level of connection to the event, according to Logan Kappes-Sommer, spirit coordinator of Pep Band. “I think it’s really great to have students who are there every single game, getting people involved,” Kappes-Sommer said. “It gets the crowds to want to be involved... there are players that love to hear [certain songs] and give requests, and things like that. It gives an atmosphere at the school where it’s kind of like a community that’s all involved together.” As the lights dimmed, MU Singers president and senior student Dean Corvino performed the National Anthem, followed by Clara de Leon, student designer of this year’s Manhattan Madness t-shirt and finally, the opening routine of the Jasper Cheerleaders. The cheer team plays an integral part in engaging with students for Manhattan Madness, but for them, this is their first introduction to the student body as well. Alexa Pope, four-time WorldChampion and recently appointed head coach of Jasper Cheer, spoke to The Quadrangle about what this debut means for the team. “Manhattan Madness is our first performance of the season, so we want to make a strong first impression and showcase what MU Cheer is all about,” Pope wrote in an
Student jumping in excitement JAYDEN GONZALEZ /THE QUADRANGLE
MU’s basketball teams introduced themselves at Manhattan Madness. NICKY LOMBARDO /THE QUADRANGLE email to The Quadrangle. “... At Manhattan Madness, the cheer team plays an important role in bringing school spirit to life. We take pride in engaging the crowd, encouraging student participation, and helping create the excitement that makes this event such a special tradition at MU. Our goal is to build enthusiasm for the upcoming season and contribute to a memorable experience for all of Jasper Nation!” The cheer team works on their routine for around a month before Manhattan Madness, focusing on execution and technique and perfecting their performance. “As a coach, it’s always rewarding to see the hard work and preparation that goes into an event like this come to life, especially when you see the pride each group takes in representing the university,” Pope wrote. “It was great to see everyone play a part in creating such a memorable night and continuing this special MU tradition.” Following the cheer team’s performance, the women’s basketball team roster came out for introductions. Each player came on the court to a different song, some more upbeat and some cultural, and engaged with students with dances or t-shirt throwing. The coaching staff followed, with head coach Heather Vulin announcing the team’s first home game against Pace University on Nov. 2 and claiming that this year’s roster is the “strongest offensive team [she’s had]
in her time here,” since first coming to MU in 2016. The Jasper Dancers were up next, continuing the spirit squads’ performances. Like the cheer team, this is the Dancers’ first showcase of the season as well as one of their biggest events during the fall semester. Athena Ambizas, a junior electrical engineering major and captain of the Jasper Dancers, wrote in an email to The Quadrangle explaining that the event is a milestone for the team, especially its newest members. “It’s such an honor to be a part of this amazing event each year,” Ambizas wrote. “It’s such a huge milestone for the team, but especially the rookies. For them, it’s not only the biggest Jasper Dancer event of the fall semester, but it’s their
Jasper Dancer debut! Each Manhattan Madness the Jasper Dancers bring out a brand new team with new talents, skills, and a whole new vibe! It’s the most fun and I look forward to it every year.” With this final performance, the men’s basketball team came to court for their introductions, following the lead of the women’s team with dances and hyping up the crowd further. John Gallagher, head coach of the team since 2023, announced the team’s first season game against the University of Kentucky on Nov. 3 and their first home game against the University of Albany on Nov. 5. A watch
The Manhattan cheer team welcoming students JAYDEN GONZALEZ /THE QUADRANGLE
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Sports
THE QUADRANGLE
sium for Manhattan Madness! party will be hosted for join in on the annual dunking Madnesses, always told us their debut game in Draddy competition with a $100 prize it was high energy,” Estrada Gymnasium, with Gallagher pot, and others participated said. “So, I kind of came in encouraging students to in a shoot-out with basketball expecting it to be high energy. show up for the team. team members. Biance This year they definitely met “This year, I just don’t Estrada, freshman health that expectation.” have a team,” Gallagher said. science major, was one of As an annual tradition “I have a real team.” the students selected for the during the fall semester, most After the team’s dunking contest; though she students across MU attend introductions, the night did not win, she enjoyed the Manhattan Madness during continued with fun contests evening anyway. their time at the school. For and giveaways. Random “My friends who came older students, there’s been students were selected to to previous Manhattan obvious growth in the event. Samantha Schwann, senior mechanical engineer and secretary of Pep Band, was one of two members who joined the group during her freshman year. She spoke on how the event has developed, both in the Band and as a whole. “[When I first joined] it was seeing a lot of people trying so hard to preserve traditions and pass them on...” Schwann said. “... Since then, we’ve gotten so many other people into it. And to see how Madness has grown, I’ve seen just a growth in attendance, and people just sitting there versus actively cheering, clapping, fighting for those t-shirts. It’s been such a change in just seeing The men’s and women’s teams celebrate together. the passion levels of this JAYDEN GONZALEZ /THE QUADRANGLE school increase every year.
Brother Jasper hypes the crowd. NICKY LOMBARDO /THE QUADRANGLE “[Both as a former student It’s awesome.” For many attendees, and now employee] my Manhattan Madness is more favorite part of Manhattan about coming together as a Madness is the Jasper spirit university and celebrating and the shared connection school pride than anything that everyone has with each – this is one of the biggest other, whether you know social nights of the year for them or not,” Haley said. Madness is Jaspers. Mary Haley ‘26, “Manhattan current executive assistant at something that brings out Student Life and recent MU another level of Jasper pride graduate, shared her favorite with people.” part of the tradition.
Highlights from Manhattan Madness. JAYDEN GONZALEZ & NICKY LOMBARDO /THE
QUADRANGLE