MUOfficially Transitions toMicrosoft
FenwicksPub OfficiallyCloses
Mary Haley Senior Writer
Just before the spring semester started on Jan. 7, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Eric Dinowitz and the Bronx Community Board Eight released a statement regarding the supposed closing of Fenwicks Pub on W 238th St.
According to the statement, residents near Fenwicks Pub had been complaining for weeks
about quality-of-life issues.
Among these complaints were experiences of latenight noise, rowdy behavior and after-hours operations.
Assemblyman Dinowitz, Council Member Dinowitz and the Bronx Community Board Eight sought to end the complaints, which led to the New York State Liquor Authority and the 50th Precinct withdrawing Fenwicks Pub’s liquor license. The bar continued to serve alcohol.
“With the confirmation that the business was operating without a valid liquor license, an investigation
was performed by the 50th Precinct and the Vice Enforcement Division,” the statement said. “An operation was conducted by the NYPD, violations were issued, arrests were made, all alcohol on the premises was confiscated, and the storefront was locked.”
The bar did not always have these delinquency problems, though. A 2014 article from The Quadrangle reported that Fenwicks Pub was responsive to neighborhood complaints, as explained by Joe Crotty, one of Fenwicks Pub’s former
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With the arrival of the new year, Manhattan University (MU) has officially made the switch from using Google to Microsoft as its main platform. The transition to Microsoft, which has been long anticipated, was officially announced to occur following the fall 2025 semester. While the transition was initially postponed, many students and faculty began asking why the switch was happening in the middle of an academic year. Most are accustomed to Google, and the change in platforms has introduced unexpected challenges.
When this question was brought to Melvin Lasky, chief information officer of Information Technology (IT) Services, he provided some insight on why MU decided to go through with the transition.
“The main reason we transitioned to Microsoft is really because of cybersecurity… Microsoft’s platform is better at dealing with a lot of the attacks we’ve been getting,” Lasky said.
“You’ve noticed since we’ve transitioned to Microsoft, we have less phishing attacks that have occurred.”
The university has faced obstacles in the past regarding its cybersecurity while using Google applications; some students received emails from unfamiliar groups, including potential scam messages. Through Microsoft’s Authenticator app, MU works towards the goal of strengthening the privacy of its students.
While security was the main reason for the switch, there was another reason for favoring Microsoft over Google. Some students note that Microsoft is commonly used across a range of industries, and early exposure may ease the transition into professional environments. Gerardo Lopez, a junior studying mechanical engineering, believes this to be true.
“Over the summer, I used Outlook, and like all the Microsoft apps you can imagine, I used them,” Lopez said. “So I got really accustomed to it.”
Although this experience made Lopez more accustomed to Microsoft as a platform, the start of the spring 2026 semester still brought on feelings of confusion and unease.
“I started school without knowing where my classes had changed to,” Lopez said.
Since the switch in platforms, some students continue to have a positive outlook on the transition to Microsoft, while others have openly raised concerns. Elizabeth Cortez-Araiza, a sophomore studying chemical engineering and mathematics, shared with The Quadrangle some of the issues she observed during the platform transition.
“It [the Microsoft Authenticator application] is very annoying,” Cortez-Araiza said. “It’s kind of difficult, especially in classes when some professors still haven’t posted their material, since they don’t know what they’re doing or how to work Outlook.”
Since Google is a free platform, many students have
Misha Jabal-Abadi
Asst. Production Editor
Volume CXIII, Issue 1
JANUARY 20, 2026
The Editorial Board
Laili Shahrestani and Barbara Vasquez Editors-in-Chief
Maddie Rosado Managing Editor
Leyla Mercado Features Editor
Maddie Rosado News Editor
Zendrah Bonnick Asst. News Editor
Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor Maria Castaño Arts & Entertainment Editor
Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Emmamuel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
Lois
Boateng
Social Media Editor
Leyla Mercado & Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editors
Joshua Reichard Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Amy Forster Production Editor
Misha Jabal-Abadi
Asst. Production Editor
Alba Kortoci Web Editor
Thom Gencarelli
Faculty Advisor
About The Quadrangle
A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization run by the students of Manhattan University. We strive to cover news around campus and the greater community, publishing weekly in print and daily online. Our goal is always accuracy, relevancy and professionalism.
The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the University or the student body.
Join The Quadrangle
The Quadrangle’s staff holds weekly open meetings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. 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
LETTER from the EDITOR
Dear readers,
Welcome back! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and were able to rest, relax and spend time with your loved ones. While the break felt nice, The Quadrangle and its staff are eager to start off the spring semester strong with issue 1, providing you all with the latest information about what is going on around campus and the broader community.
We are also excited to share that our paper has undergone new leadership for the 2026 academic year, with a brand new editorial board as well as two new Editors-in-Chief - Laili Shahrestani and Barbara Vasquez. This will be our first ever issue serving as your Editors-in-Chief, and we are incredibly excited for this new journey! Both of us are extremely passionate about leading this publication toward success and prosperity during our term, and hope to start that with this issue.
Going into the spring, we have high hopes for The Quadrangle, as our publication is lucky enough to consist of a team full of passionate journalists who are like-minded in wanting the best for our paper. This will also be the first time in decades that The Quadrangle will have not one, but two Editors-in-Chief. As a partnership, we are able to bring new ideas to the table, and work together to make this year the best it could possibly be through our collaborative efforts. We will also be working closely alongside our new Managing Editor and News Editor, Maddie Rosado, who shares our dedication both towards this paper and student journalism in general. Our joint skills and passion, combined with the strong editorial foundation set by our wonderful previous Editor-in-Chief, Grace Cardinal, sets the stage for a great year ahead of us and we could not be more excited for this new era.
Remember to follow us on our social media (@muquad on both Instagram and X) to stay connected with us throughout the semester. You can also contact our email, thequad@manhattan.edu, if anyone is interested in joining, sharing stories or even providing feedback. We always appreciate hearing from our readers!
We hope you enjoy this issue and follow along for the rest of the semester. See you next week!
Sincerely,
MUOfficiallyTransitions toMicrosoft
FROM PAGE 1
used it from a young age due to its convenience and cost efficiency. After decades of familiarity with Google, many students are inclined to continue using its applications for schoolwork. However, Lasky advises against using Google applications, as any work stored on Google Drive will not be preserved.
“If you’re still using Google Drive right now, when Google Drive does eventually go away, that stuff won’t transfer over to Microsoft because the transfer has already happened,” Lasky said. “We really want students, employees and faculty to use the Microsoft platform so that they don’t lose any of their information.”
As the transition continues, the IT department has
Switching from Google Workspace to Microsoft. PSMPARTNERS.COM/ COURTESY
lengthened its hours to support students encountering issues.
“Any student, any faculty, is welcome to come to our office.
We’re open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day, Monday through
Friday,” Lasky concluded.
FenwicksPubOfficiallyCloses
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 owners.
“We call them most of the
time. I actually called them [Saturday]. […] We try to do our part, we work closely with the police, we’re at community
board meetings, we follow all the rules and regulations that they want us to.”
The statement expressed
relief that Fenwicks Pub was closed, as it is a hopeful end to the quality-of-life concerns from Riverdale residents.
“Thank you to the 50th Precinct and the Vice Enforcement Division for their coordinated effort that helped secure this location,” the statement said. “Our residents deserve safe, quiet nights, and this outcome shows what is possible when residents, local community boards, elected officials and enforcement partners work together.”
Fenwicks Pub’s brick-andmortar is just up the street from Manhattan University’s campus, attracting many students. Oftentimes, going out to bars in New York City can become inaccessible and expensive for college students and young people.
An anonymous MU student spoke about why Fenwicks Pub was a solution to this problem, and how it feels that it is now closed.
“I feel like [the closing] is a little bit upsetting, just because we never really got to what [Fenwicks Pub] used to be like,” an anonymous source said. “The only times that I think we went to [Fenwicks Pub] was when it
was very packed and hyped up and had that college bar experience during welcome week, Halloween and Manhattan Madness. It was fun to see everyone from our school there because if you go to bars in the Fordham area, you’re going to see way more Fordham students. So it was nice to have something that was, [MU] centered.”
Jasper’s Deli, a 24-hour deli directly next to Fenwicks Pub on 238th St, would attract many bar-goers late into the night. The Quadrangle spoke to Jay, a Jasper’s Deli employee that has been working there for the many ebbs and flows of Fenwicks Pub’s business.
“I’m looking forward to if somebody comes and reopens it to make it like how it used to be, back even just a few years ago,” Jay said. “[Fenwicks Pub] had strict rules, but all of the college kids felt safe to come. You want students to feel safe to go there. You don’t want people to go there thinking something’s gonna happen.”
The Quadrangle is continuing to investigate this story.
MULaunchesFour NewSTEM-Designated Master’sPrograms
Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
On Jan. 8, Manhattan University (MU) announced the addition of three new graduate programs. These added programs are mainly focused on analytics, but are also targeted towards undergraduate students looking to enter professions driven by data and its comprehension.
The new degrees offered include business analytics, financial analytics and healthcare informatics. Healthcare informatics extends MU’s STEM portfolio in the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences. This degree, targeted towards healthcare workers, will focus on using data in healthcare to provide highquality care and more efficient patient outcomes.
Business analytics can be applied across many industries, including marketing, finance and supply chain. This
program will lead students into careers in data science, operations analysis and analytics consulting. Financial analytics will follow a similar design, focusing on predictive modeling and data applications. This degree is more geared towards a financial data scientist or portfolio risk analyst.
There is plenty of excitement regarding the addition of the new degrees.
Hany Guirguis, dean of the O’Malley School of Business, spoke on how he believes these new degrees benefit MU and students alike.
“Having a variety of graduate programs greatly enhances our school’s credibility, as it shows that the O’Malley School of Business is ready and capable of meeting the challenging needs of today’s business,”
Guirguis said. “It also reflects our ability to offer depth and specialization, while staying responsive to industry trends and preparing students for leadership in emerging fields.”
The design of these degrees has been crafted with the intention of enabling the specific professional development a student is seeking. Ann Clarkson, the executive director of online learning, spoke about how the degrees were curated to build better professionals and equip them to thrive in various roles.
“Each degree is structured to enable students to apply their knowledge immediately upon graduation,” Clarkson said.
“While the programs address relevant theories and multiple perspectives, they place a strong emphasis on practical applications. This approach ensures that graduates are well prepared to enter, or advance within, their professions with confidence and competence.”
Students have also seen this
Dean of the O’Malley School of Business, Hany Guirguis,
program as a positive addition to the degrees offered at MU. Dominic Visconti ‘25, currently pursuing his MBA, shared how he feels fulfilled by the program he is in.
“Over this past half year, I can see the difference in my studies,” Visconti said.
“It’s a continuation of my undergraduate studies and can be much more specific about what I want to do for my career. Adding more programs could help other students find specificity in what they want to
MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
continue to study, and that’s a great thing.”
These new programs have brought a sense of excitement to MU, as administration and students alike find high value in pursuing a master’s degree. In a competitive business industry, the university has further advanced its programs, the goal being to put its students on top. Guirguis elaborated further on how a graduate degree gives students a unique set of knowledge.
“A graduate degree benefits
students by deepening their knowledge and critical thinking while providing advanced skills like analytics and AI [artificial intelligence],” Guirguis said.
“Professionally, it opens doors to high-demand, high-paying roles, often exceeding $100,000 annually, with strong growth projections. It signals expertise and leadership potential, positioning graduates for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.”
Ph.D.
The United States Captures the President of Venezuela
Elaina Batista
Asst. Social Media Editor
The Manhattan University Just On Jan. 3, President Donald Trump gave the order to launch “Operation Absolute Resolve,” capturing the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro.
The operation included U.S. joint forces and special operations forces from multiple service branches.
According to Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the military also networked with multiple U.S. intelligence agencies. Maduro will face criminal court proceedings tied to a 2020 indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice
on multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
The morning after “Operation Absolute Resolve” there was a press conference held by the president and several members of the Trump administration in Palm Beach, Florida. The press conference consisted of President Trump, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine. At the start of the conference Trump stated that there were no American casualties.
It was stated in a press conference that as early as August, the CIA quietly sent a small unit into Venezuela with the goal of providing “extraordinary insight” into Maduro’s movements,
according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
The United States Department of State stated in a report that Maduro “helped manage and ultimately lead the Cartel of the Suns, a Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization composed of highranking Venezuelan officials.”
Within this same report it stated that while holding power in Venezuela, Maduro participated in a corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), also known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
In March 2020, Maduro was charged in the Southern District of New York for narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and
destructive devices. Since then, the Southern District Court of New York has updated the indictment since the recent capture of Maduro. At the beginning of the indictment it states, “...the defendant, is at the forefront of that corruption and has partnered with his coconspirators to use his illegally obtained authority and the institutions he corroded to transport thousands of tons of cocaine to the United States.”
Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, has been recognized as the interim president of the country and describes her first phone call with President Trump as a positive one. Trump stated after a lengthy phone call that Rodriguez is a “terrific person,” adding that the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also been in touch with the acting president.
Nobel Peace Prize-winning
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the opposition primary by a wide margin in 2023, was anticipated to be elected president. Maduro’s reelection a year later was widely denounced as unconstitutional, and Machado was prohibited from contesting him. After the operation Trump backed Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, saying Machado was “not respected” enough to lead the country.
Maduro and his wife are awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison in Brooklyn. U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein presided over the first court hearing on Jan. 5 in the federal courtroom in Manhattan.
Student Government Welcomes Back Students With An On Campus Ice Skating Event
Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
This past Thursday, Jan. 15, Manhattan University’s (MU) student government hosted an on-campus ice skating event located directly on Walsh Plaza. While students finished up their fourth day of classes, they were also able to let loose and enjoy the setup rink without much travel from the residence halls.
Student government has hosted a variety of events over the past few years, mostly focused on improving campus life and student well-being, with this event being no different. Dozens of students gave the rink a go and were provided with complimentary ice skates, free of charge.
Members of student government were looking for an idea to help address a timely challenge: getting students to spend time outside with the campus community, despite the frigid temperatures.
Lamika Randell, the executive assistant of student life, spoke about how student government came up with the
ice skating event to fit the cold weather.
“This event came together through a collaboration between student life and student government as a way to welcome students back at the start of the semester,” Randell said. “The idea formed as we looked for something fun, interactive and seasonally appropriate that would bring students together in a relaxed setting. The Jasper Rink was a perfect fit, and offering hot cocoa added to the overall experience and sense of community.”
With the spring semester typically holding more events towards its second half, the ice skating event served as a way to help pass the time before the weather gets warm. Randell went on to speak about how student government prioritized the constant entertainment of all who participated.
“We saw so many Jaspers brave the cold and come hang out with their friends, which is the goal of any event,” Randell said. “We just want to provide a space and opportunity for students to get together, and this event definitely helped accomplish that.”
Students felt the event was
impactful due to its positive outcome. Anthony DeCastro, a junior at Manhattan University, spoke about how he appreciated the event and the community it fostered.
“I think it’s important for building a community in the school to have events,” DeCastro said. “It was a pretty good time. We had a lot of people come out. It was great to see.”
This is just a start for both student government and the recreation and wellness departments on how they hope to provide students with engaging events. Nicole Brosnan, the director of student engagement, noted how the large showing and great energy helped make the event worthwhile for all who came.
Brosnan emphasized how she would not only help come up with more ideas, but also make student ideas come to life.
“I’d love to see more events like this on campus,” Brosnan said. “We’re always working on new ideas, and we love to hear students’ ideas to see if they have anything they want to see brought to life on campus.”
Randell confirmed that MU’s student government has another event within the month. The men’s volleyball team will also hold events at their future games in order to get the sixth borough cramped in support.
“As part of our continued efforts to bring more excitement and engagement to campus, we invite the entire student body to come out on Jan. 23 for the inaugural volleyball match at
Draddy Gymnasium, sponsored by the James Patterson Honors Program,” Randell said. “On Feb. 5, the energy continues as we come together to support the men’s basketball game, also sponsored by the James Patterson Honors Program. Both events promise nonstop excitement and school spirit.”
Fashion Finds: Spring Semester Edition and the Desire for More Color
Maria Castaño Contributor
With winter still having a tight grip on the Bronx, Manhattan University students seek ways to bring warmth to their everyday lives, as well as at the beginning of the semester through fashion. The Quadrangle decided to ask Jaspers what inspires their style and what fashion trends they hope to see more of this semester.
Shu Amanuma, Linnea Wong and Amanda TaubRuno shared their opinions on necessary, staple pieces and what they want to see more of fashion-wise this semester.
Shu Amanuma ‘27, international studies major with a psychology, political science and business minor.
The Quadrangle: Why did you decide to wear this outfit today?
Shu Amanuma: I’m wearing this red sweater because I wanted to have some
color on. People should have more fun with their outfits…as a way to express themselves.
TQ: Do you have anything you want to see more people wear around campus?
SA: Colors definitely. I think it’s a pity that college students fall back on grey sweatpants and hoodies so much during this time of the year. I would like to see more colors and more creativity when walking around.
TQ: Are there any pieces you consider a “must” in a person’s wardrobe?
SA: A good staple is a good, crisp, white shirt…as well as something navy, some jeans that are easy to style. Jewelry can also add a lot to an outfit. Also personally, I love a good pair of heels - I will die in heels.
TQ: Where do you get your inspiration from?
SA: It’s definitely a lot of Pinterest scrolling. It’s a good place to find inspiration and define your style.
Linnea Wong, ‘27, English major with a marketing and sociology minor.
TQ: Is there any inspiration behind your outfit?
Linnea Wong: Not necessarily. I recently thrifted the tie [because] I’ve been wanting to get a tie for the sole purpose of wearing it as a belt. I’m not sure where I necessarily get my inspiration [personally]. It’s not like a specific person, but mostly just a lot of Pinterest scrolling and having an interest in your unique style, just doing something that’s a little different than just putting an outfit together.
TQ: You mentioned you thrift a lot. Is there a specific reason why?
LW: Number one, money, but also my mom has a lot of cool pieces and pants. These pants are from her when I was younger. I do a lot of thrifting in my attic. Sometimes she makes some of my jewelry. I try to find things [and] I do a lot of upcycling from thrifting with
my sewing machine.
TQ: Do you have any staple pieces?
LW: I have a lot of black tank tops; I feel like those are my staple pieces. I have different staple jewelry, like this necklace, my pearl necklace. Those kinds of things. I think these are some of my staple pants; I love a good cargo pant.
TQ: I also wanted to ask you about jewelry because I see you have a lot on. How do you put it all together?
LW: This bracelet I’ve had for five years, and then this one with the turquoise. I don’t take it off. I also have two pearl bracelets. One of them I got in Italy over the summer and one’s from my aunt. And then my Pandora bracelet, which is very sentimental. I just try to collect things here and there to wear every day. Like I got this one from Australia, and then this one is from Maine.My mom also makes jewelry, so I like to wear her stuff.
TQ: Do you have anything you want to see more people wear around campus?
LW: Way more color. I see my class and I’m like, “damn, no one’s wearing any color.” Like, come on, more color, let’s go! I’m not necessarily wearing so much color right now, but I think people need to come back to color; too much monotone.
TQ: Do you feel like the cold is affecting this lack of color?
LW: I feel like every year I’m wearing black. I guess maybe it is a winter thing. In general I’m always like, “come on guys, let’s do a little [something] more fun.”
Amanda Taub-Runo ‘26, environmental science major.
TQ: Do you have anything you want to see more people wear around campus?
Amanda Taub-Runo: I don’t know, I like how this campus has a lot of different types of styles. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of self-expression on campus, which I like, especially within the [Kakos] School of
Arts. So I like that. And I see a lot of people with colored hair, which I obviously also like. I also like piercings and everything. [Ultimately] I think everyone should try and wear what they like, instead of trying to follow trends.
TQ: Was there any inspiration behind your outfit today?
AT: Not really, instead I was just going for something on the comfier side today.
Linnea Wong smiles for the camera while using a tie as a belt.
MARIA CASTANO / THE QUADRANGLE
Shu Amanuma poses under warm lightning with black boot heels and a red sweater.
MARIA CASTANO / THE QUADRANGLE
Amanda Taub-Runo stands with a comfy outfit of jeans and a zip-up hoodie.
MARIA CASTANO / THE QUADRANGLE
arts & entertainment
Sanctus Artem Club Discusses Semester Goals and End of Year Art Showcase
Manhattan University’s (MU) Sanctus Artem club has a productive semester ahead, filled with engaging, community building activities.
Sanctus Artem can be translated to “pure arts” in Latin, naming it as the only student art club on campus. According to their website, the club “seeks to foster student creativity and collaboration through a variety of visual, performing and literary artsrelated activities…the club provides students with the opportunity to come together, focus their talents and fulfill their artistic potential.”
Senior environmental studies major Lucas Haas discussed his role as president of Sanctus Artem, and how he first got involved with the club.
“I started getting more involved in the club in my sophomore year,” Haas said. “Here at Manhattan [University], they didn’t really offer too many [art classes], so I wanted to get involved in art somehow…I would just go to all the events…It was great. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Sophomore biology major and the events coordinator for Sanctus Artem, Aine Kolpa, discussed the noncommittal nature of the club and how that ties into its mission.
“It is non-committal, so people can join us at any time, without stressing if they can’t make it the next week,” Kolpa wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “The mission of this club is to give students two hours of de-stressing and having fun through different art mediums a week.”
With the spring semester upon them, the club hopes to cultivate a lengthy and exciting lineup of events to host. In the past, they have been extremely active with events such as painting on the quad, a few
Guests view the end of year showcase in a previous year. MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
museum trips in New York City and workshops. Kolpa spoke more in depth about the workshops that the club often puts into effect.
“We love hosting workshops based on holidays, seasons and the university’s schedule, so it is honestly pretty easy to come up with fun ideas that also get people in the mood for different holidays,” Kolpa wrote. “Especially in college, people can feel disconnected from these kinds of things, so I always love coming up with different crafts that can bring in the holiday spirit for students.”
Haas spoke about wanting to implement at least three trips into the city, whether it be to a museum or exhibit, compared to last semester’s two trips. Additionally, the club hopes to foster more collaboration among the arts programs at
MU.
“We hope to collaborate with student government for Valentine’s Day, and we also hope to collaborate with different performing arts groups here on campus for our art showcase,” Kolpa wrote.
“I believe very strongly in connecting the arts here on campus, so it has been a big passion of mine as an E-board member to make this happen this semester.”
Despite the past year’s absence of an art showcase, Haas hopes to bring it back near the conclusion of the school year.
“Later in the semester, we’ll be doing an art show and trying to find some other clubs to collab with,” Haas said. “A potential LOTUS [Magazine] collab, if they’re interested, to showcase some
of their previous designs. Just to really showcase all the art and creativity on campus that we have.”
Despite a small budget for the active club, they have found a successful ability toward stretching what they have to accommodate their plans. Moving forward, the club hopes to maintain its current members, as it has more participants than ever.
“Sanctus Artem has a bright future,” Kolpa wrote.
“Our president, Lucas, and our vice president, Stasia, are laying amazing groundwork for the future, so when they are gone, the club will have a strong foundation. They have gone above and beyond this semester to make the club more active than ever.” Haas left readers with some advice if they are ever on the
fence about joining.
“We welcome everybody,” Haas said. “You do not have to be an artist, so to speak. Just come, and we’ll help you out. We’ll show you some techniques and tricks to make whatever masterpiece that you can handle.”
Brooke Della Rocco
Senior Writer
arts & entertainment
Movie Review: When Loneliness Takes the Shape of Your Love in “Happy Together”
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Would you let go of the things that make you a bad person when they are all you have? What would you do if you find yourself on the other side of the world, abandoned by your lover, with a job you hate, no friends and just a millisecond before you hit rock bottom, your lover comes back with both of his hands broken? What would you do if this obstacle then causes you to have to live with him, take care of him, bathe him and feed him for months, all for him to say he wants to return back to his home country - alone and without you?
“Happy Together” is a movie that analyzes human connection. It delves into the fear of being alone, yearning for someone who can understand you, someone who needs you as desperately as you need them, and what (not) to do when that person tries to leave. Wong Kar-Wai’s approach to negative human emotions is not only mesmerizing with the way he uses color in his films, but also extremely complex, as he acknowledges the struggle lonely people face when the only person they may have is the worst companion they could wish for.
Ho Po-Wing and Lai YiuFai exist surrounded by alienation - not only from the countries they visit but from each other. At the beginning of the movie, it is extremely easy to hate Ho for his actions; he is selfish, toxic, ungrateful and completely reliant on Lai. He is despicable and does nothing but make you wonder why Lai still decides to hang on to him so desperately. That is up until you get to the scene where he’s telling Lai to sleep with him and cuddle, tip-toeing back to their times as lovers.
The scene approaches
where the couple is slowdancing in the kitchen, when a shot of the lamp with the Iguazu falls, representing the longing to be somewhere else - somewhere better where the water flows. A place so massive and infinite you can see it and remember, or even better - forget that ontological loneliness that plagues the life of those without community. And suddenly, for a moment, it’s easy to forget why Lai was mad at Ho to begin with. The intimacy they share and the indescribable feeling of hope that lingers in the air because of how easy it is to be happy in that moment is made clear.
All that was present was the sound of slow music and the weight of one another in their hands. This scene emphasizes the root of yearning within Lai, and is foundational in the understanding of how toxic relationships work based on melancholy and all of the “what-ifs.”
Many have spoken about how desires can warp people, and create them into monsters, dehumanizing those who want beyond the limits and want more than what’s good for them. In some instances, this philosophy can be helpful to understand how to better our human nature. However, Wong takes a different approach and analyzes the cause for such disproportionate yearningthe things that lead people to harm others and themselves in the process of getting something that is not good for them. This movie shows an understanding of the desperation and fear of being an exile and being aided by exploring a queer relationship, while also reflecting on the humanity of these emotions in a way that makes one see these characters as real people. It makes the idea of a queer, Chinese couple slowly dancing under the dim lights all while simultaneously
hiding cigarettes around their apartment to fuel an addiction, as plausible as if you had been seeing their story through a hole in the walls of their apartment.
This movie is a poignant representation of how exiles yearn, and the ugliness that
comes out of people when left desperate for a place to belong.
“One thing I never told Ho Po-Wing was that I didn’t want him to recover too quickly. Those were our happiest days,” Lai said.
Maria Castano
Wong Kar-Wai, Happy Together, 1997. JANUS FILMS / COURTESY
MU’s Club Basketball Team Bests Cornell
Manhattan University’s (MU) club basketball team claimed the win from Cornell University’s club basketball team last Tuesday, Jan. 13 in Draddy Gymnasium. This marked the team’s first major win this season after multiple losses. While the scores so far this season have not exactly been on their side, the team perseveres to stay strong and work hard together to improve.
Head coach of club basketball, Antoine Orr, has started and led the team since October, and continues to work with players everyday. Orr spoke to The Quadrangle as to how it felt to win the game, and also complimented the players for their hard work.
“It felt great,” Orr said. “We started this back in October, and we put the team together relatively quickly. With any type of success you need team chemistry, there needs to be a plan put in place,” Orr added. “These guys have really been working hard to compete throughout the season… Starting the new year off with a win is something that I’m hoping will continue to propel us throughout the season.”
In addition to the team’s on-court improvement, players and staff emphasized how much growth has taken place behind the scenes. Practices have been consistent since the semester began, and the group has worked to build chemistry, adjust to a new coaching style and strengthen communication. The coaching staff noted that this developmental period has been just as important as the games themselves, laying the foundation for the team’s progress.
Brian Astacio, a co-captain of the team, added on to how great winning felt but also how each game is unique.
“There’s a lot of feelings towards getting your first win and playing a big school like Cornell,” Astacio said. “Playing at a big school like that is gonna obviously feel great. But also, meeting new [people], seeing what works and what doesn’t work, every school we play against are
completely different,” Astacio added. “Some of them have similarities, but facing some new opponents is refreshing.”
Beyond the excitement of the win itself, the team emphasized how each matchup helps them learn more about their identity on the court. With the season still developing, players are beginning to recognize patterns in their play and understand how different opponents challenge them in different ways. These early experiences, they noted, are shaping the team’s confidence and sharpening their strategy as they prepare for tougher competition ahead.
Braden Hawkins, another player on the team, added his opinions regarding the overall performance of the team.
“I feel we can all do better,” Hawkins wrote. “The team is getting better, but I don’t feel we are playing to our full potential.”
Despite these critiques, players agreed that acknowledging shortcomings is a key part of their growth. Many of them view honest self-assessment as a strength rather than a setback, believing that recognizing where they fall short is what allows the team to take meaningful steps forward. As the season progresses, this mindset has become a driving force in shaping their commitment to improvement.
“I’m always looking for improvement,” Orr said. “My job and my role is to get the most out of these guys. Whether it’s practice or in a game, I’m trying to dig deep and get these guys to do things they may not think they can do. In the example of Brian [Astacio] and Max [Meilleur], they were chosen as team captains by their peers and their responsibility is different than everyone else’s’,” Orr added. “They have to play well but also have to make sure that team chemistry is taking place or are getting ahead of any issues [during the game]. These guys have to be my right and left arm to make sure that the ship doesn’t sink.”
Many players recognize that improvement is an ongoing process, and they’re beginning to understand how their individual efforts
impact the team as a whole. This awareness has opened the door for others to share their own views on the group’s performance and where they hope to see progress next.
The team gave their thoughts on their own performance, but also through their own opinions on what the team could all improve on as a whole. Max Meilleur, another co-captain for the team, spoke to The Quadrangle about his thoughts regarding this.
“Leading as a team captain… it’s a big role,” Meilleur said. “I feel like my performance reflects on the other players. If I’m performing well and I’m gathering us up after a foul or just getting everybody together on the bench…just getting everyone motivated to play and have a good attitude.”
This is the first time a club basketball team has existed at MU. Thus, there’s more to come. The team commented on their hopes for those upcoming games and the unforeseeable future.
“Obviously, more wins,” Meilleur said. “But coach [Orr] always tells us ‘it’s bigger than basketball,’ so following that understanding that basketball is just a game, you kind of take this outside and figure out your own life.”
Meilleur’s perspective highlights how the team is beginning to embrace the deeper lessons tied to the sport, seeing basketball as a
foundation for personal growth rather than just competition. That broader outlook has become a central theme within the program, setting the stage for the message their coach continues to reinforce.
Orr additionally gave his thoughts as a coach watching a practice or game, making sure they improve and are thinking ahead.
“It’s important because sports, as a whole, shapes all individuals. In our case, when you look at what we go through on a basketball court, it’s no different than what everyone goes through
in life. Time management, communication, meeting deadlines, working well under pressure or dealing with adversity, it’s all the same.”
Orr goes more in detail by what he means with ‘it’s bigger than basketball.’
“My job as a coach is always going to be to push these guys and make sure they’re thinking about the big picture,” Orr said. “This is about the experience more so than it is about the wins and the losses. How are you becoming a better man as you transition from college into the real world? That’s a key message from me.”
Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
Games of the Week
Barbara Vasquez Editor-in-Chief
Women’s Basketball
The Manhattan University (MU) women’s basketball team began their week on Monday, Jan. 11 with a win against Niagara University, posting 74 points compared to the Purple Eagles’ 53.
The win was spearheaded by fifth year forward Colette Mulderig, who posted a double-double consisting of ten rebounds and 24 points throughout the game. Mulderig crossed the 1,000 point threshold in the first half, and led the Lady Jaspers in both of these respects. She is also the first Jasper to score over 20 points this season. Elisa Sole Sanchez, fifth year guard and Brianna Davis, senior guard both posted double digit scores of their own as well, scoring 14 and 11 points respectively.
The Jaspers continued their winning streak against the Mount Saint Mary’s Mountaineers this past Wednesday, Jan. 14 with an ending score of 68-59.
The Jaspers fought hard for the win, with four separate players posting double digits; Mulderig, Davis and Sanchez continuing their performance from the previous game, scoring ten, ten and 18 points respectively and redshirt sophomore forward Kristina Juric posting an all-time career
high of 22 points. The Jaspers are hoping to continue their win streak this Friday, Jan. 16 against Fairfield University, who are currently leading in MAAC standings and are undefeated this season.
Men’s Basketball
MU’s men’s basketball took home a win against Niagara University with a score of 70-79 this past Monday Jan. 11, marking their fourth consecutive victory against the MAAC competitor. Devin Dinkins, redshirt junior guard and Jaden Winston, junior guard led the game in points, capturing 16 points each–contributing around half of the Jaspers’ total.
The Jaspers fell to Fairfield University just days later, on Wednesday, Jan. 14 with a score of 62-98. Despite the loss, freshman Quron Elliott had an accomplished game. Elliott scored 12 points, a career high for the athlete, and sank five of five free throws attempted.
The Jaspers are next expected to face off against Siena University this Saturday, Jan. 17. A win against Siena would result in a tie of the two universities in the current MAAC standings.
Track and Field
The MU track and field team continued their indoor season post-winter break Saturday, Jan. 10 with the TCNJ Lions Invitational, landing top scores and personal bests for
multiple athletes.
Sophomore Thea Dahl and senior Myron Corpuz both led the fields in the weight throw for two first place finishes for the Jaspers. Dahl threw a distance of 16.61 meters, surpassing her competitors by over two meters in her second ever weight throw competition. Corpuz secured the win by a much closer margin with a throw of 16.85 meters, surpassing second place by just .18 meters. Both athletes currently lead the MAAC in the weight throw with these marks.
Freshman Kayla Darius also secured gold in the triple jump with a distance of 11.30 meters, placing her at sixth in the MAAC rankings for the event. Sophomore Oliviah Hussey impressed as well, with a personal best of 7.92 in the 60 meter dash and a second place finish in the 200 meter dash with a time of 25.48.
The Jaspers ended their week on Friday, Jan. 16 competing at the 2026 Gotham Cup Invitational.
Hussey continued her streak of success with a
personal record of 25.20 in the 200 meter race, enough for a first place collegiate finish at the meet and a current third place ranking in the MAAC. Sophomore Ellianne Fernandez followed right behind her, running a personal best time of 25.29. The two athletes competed in the 4x400 meter race as well, securing a second place finish for the relay, completed by Darius and sophomore SaRae Kennard.
On the men’s side, sophomore Thomas Dubnov Raz jumped a season’s best in the long jump, good for second place. Sophomore Christopher Purchia placed fifth in the 400 meter dash, running a personal best of 50.35. Jack Flanagan, senior, also bested his previous record in the 5000 meter run with a time of 15:42:68.
The track and field team is expected to pick up their season next week at the Dr. Sander Scorcher, held at the Armory.
The women’s basketball team celebrate their win against the Mount Saint Mary’s