Caroline ‘23McCarthy Returns asAdjunct Instructor
Mary Haley Senior Writer
After only three years of post-graduate life from Manhattan University (MU), Caroline McCarthy ‘25 is back at MU as an adjunct instructor.
The alumna is teaching news production for social media, a four-hundred-level class in the communication department, which is a course structured to simulate a professional, fast-paced digital newsroom.
FriendlyFridgeBXAdvocates forPartnershipwithGourmet DiningandLocke’sLoftDespite Pushback
Laili Shahrestani Editor-in-Chief
While food insecurity remains a pressing issue around the Riverdale community, efforts for Gourmet Dining to donate leftover food from Manhattan University’s dining hall, Locke’s Loft, to the Friendly Fridge BX — a take what you need, leave what you can community refrigerator just outside of campus gates — have remained unsuccessful.
The Friendly Fridge BX is a nonprofit organization
located on Manhattan College Pkwy, aiming to reduce food insecurity and waste in the local community. The organization has expressed their interest in establishing an official partnership with Gourmet Dining, yet no further action has taken place.
Gourmet Dining has been hesitant to follow through with donating leftover food in the past, due to potential legal concerns, as well as a claim made by an anonymous employee that there was an alleged past lawsuit — which is still under investigation.
Sara Allen and Selma Raven, co-organizers of the
Friendly Fridge BX, say they have been waiting several years to have a formal meeting with Gourmet Dining, in hopes to develop a successful partnership with Locke’s Loft.
“We would love to sit and work out something if possible,” Allen and Raven wrote. “We are all in this together and looking forward to a meeting if that can happen. We have patiently waited since 2021. Our last detailed conversation was with someone from Aramark [the former food servicer of MU], but once the provider
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Each week, students are divided into teams with defined roles such as journalists, media producers and media planners. Given that class time only runs once a week, they must submit a written news story and a corresponding short-form video that gets published on the class’s live website and social media. The class operates on both TikTok and Instagram accounts using the shared username @mu.report. Additionally, during the class time, they review the content, examine analytics and discuss what could be improved in terms of storytelling, formatting and strategy to reach and grow an audience from a new account.
After graduating, McCarthy worked for the New York Post as a digital producer and sportswriter, reporting on the progress of many teams and events, ranging from the WNBA, MLB, to the 2024 Olympics and U.S. Open. She then earned her Master of Science in journalism at Columbia Journalism School, only a few
miles south of her previous alma mater.
Shortly after graduating from Columbia’s J-School in May, she became a general assignment reporter at POLITICO, covering the New York City mayoral race. The role required frequent travel between boroughs as she followed candidates on the campaign trail.
While starting at MU as an adjunct professor, McCarthy will also begin as a reporter for the Pro Buyer Service at Citywire.
“I would have days [at POLITICO] where I stepped foot in each borough in one day, just following [each candidate] around,” McCarthy said. “To have had a front row seat for that was amazing.”
During her time at MU, McCarthy was a communication major with a concentration in journalism and a marketing minor. She was heavily involved in campus publications, holding multiple editorial positions on The Quadrangle’s masthead and producing Lotus magazine issues, Vivacious and Eclectic, as editor-in-chief her senior year. McCarthy credits her career success to many of her involvements at MU.
“When I was on the dance team, we talked about the grit of being a [MU] student,” McCarthy said. “You work really hard at this school. You’re commuting into [Manhattan] every day for internships. You’re fighting a little bit harder than a lot of other people you know that went to college. It’s just a different environment. All the
Volume CXIII, Issue 3
FEBRUARY 3, 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
Leyla Mercado & Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editors
Joshua Reichard Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Amy Forster Production Editor
Lois Boateng Social Media Editor Thom Gencarelli Faculty Advisor
Misha Jabal-Abadi Asst. Production Editor
Alba Kortoci Web Editor
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,
Hello, and welcome back! I hope everyone was able to stay warm this week, considering the crazy snowfall we experienced last week.
As we approach what is now the third week of the spring semester, a variety of new stories have come to light, and our amazing team of journalists have been working extremely hard to share them with you.
That said, we are so excited to welcome you all to issue 3, and reveal all it has to offer. Beginning with campus news, we cover Manhattan University and The Quadrangle alumna, Caroline McCarthy ‘23, who is now back on campus working as an adjunct professor. In addition, we also have insight on the current relationship [or lack thereof] between the Friendly Fridge BX and Gourmet Dining, as well as concerns with MU’s residence life policies. Moving forward, we also cover David Pozo, the recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, as well as how the senate democrats struck a deal to keep the government open in our MU Caucus.
In features, we get a closer look at what went down at the MU club fair that happened last Wednesday in Smith Auditorium. We also cover Sanctus Artem, and their bookmark making event, bringing people of all artistic talents together.
In A&E, you can find coverage of Scatterbomb and their firstever drag show, which was a total hit! In addition, we discuss the collaboration between fashion-magazine, LOTUS Magazine and the Pride Center, as a way to showcase queer voices.
Lastly, in sports, we speak about the addition of a women’s flag football team coming to MU for the 2026-2027 academic year, which I am very thrilled about, as it appears to be a growing sport for many women. We also cover the games of the week, bringing you insight on the recent statistics for all our lovely MU athletics teams.
We’re so excited for you all to give it a read!
See you next time,
Editor-in-Chief
CarolineMcCarthy‘23ReturnsasAdjunctInstructor
opportunities that [MU] gives you, and all the opportunities to work as hard as you do, prepares you so much more for the real world.”
Since returning to MU as an instructor, an entirely different role than as a student just three years ago, the experience has offered a unique perspective. Many of her students now are people she worked with previously in student clubs or in classes.
“I’m not really seeing [the University] in different eyes yet, maybe when I don’t know anybody I will,” McCarthy said. “Right now, it kind of feels like I’m getting up and giving a presentation but it is every class, and it’s just me for three hours.”
Avril Celada Miro, a junior business major and an exchange student from Barcelona, has been studying at MU since the fall 2025 semester. Celada Miro does not have plans to go into the reporting industry, but she finds it easy to connect with the course, emphasizing
the importance of media literacy and content creation for marketing. She spoke with The Quadrangle about how the class encourages students to think critically about how news is produced, along with developing skills she considers relevant in any business setting.
“Although it doesn’t seem useful for my degree, I think it’s really useful because it teaches you different information about news,”
Celada Miro said. “It’s really useful for creating content, because for any business, it’s really important to have a good marketing department that knows how to promote your business, and also that knows how to communicate the adequate messages to its customers.”
Celada Miro and her team completed their first project about the Closing of Fenwicks Pub, a bar frequented by many Jaspers. She served as media producer for the production of the story. While being an exchange student, the subject matter was especially
interesting to report on, as someone who had never been to Fenwicks Pub before.
“I learned that it [was] a really famous pub where it was a tradition to go there,” Celada Miro said. “So it was interesting to investigate and gather information about it. Those are [details] that I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t taken such a subject or worked on this project.”
Real-life, hands-on experiences are a central part of McCarthy’s teaching approach, and she regularly invites guest speakers, many of whom are alumni of MU’s communication department. Molly Callahan ’25 visited the class as a guest speaker during last week’s Tuesday night session.
Callahan, who is now an associate videographer and editor at Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSGS), creates and edits content for teams like the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Callahan graduated this past May with her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a
concentration in media production and a films studies minor. Her presentation to the class as a guest speaker revolved around her day-
was available when I was a student,” Callahan said. “I absolutely would have taken it. I think that [McCarthy] teaches things that I definitely do at my job, and it’s definitely real-world stuff that she’s teaching that’s useful. I was
FriendlyFridgeBXAdvocatesforPartnershipwith GourmetDiningandLocke’sLoftDespitePushback
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
switched, we got nowhere.”
The Friendly Fridge BX is affiliated with several corporate partners, and protects all their donors from civil liability under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act. According to Dawn E. Johnsen, former attorney general in the Office of Legal Council for the U.S. Department of Justice, this legislation protects donors against criminal and civil liability, as long as the food was donated in good faith
and without intentional misconduct.
Allen and Raven made it clear that institutions of higher education are included in the definition of “qualified direct donors” located in the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983.
Rev. Edward Beck, C.P. codirector of Campus Ministry at MU, has played a pivotal role in developing the current partnership between Zaro’s Bakery and the Friendly Fridge BX. Beck is still hopeful to have future conversations with Gourmet Dining about
donating leftover food from Locke’s Loft to the Fridge. He reiterated the fact that donating these leftovers hold no legal consequences.
“THERE IS LEGALLY NO LIABILITY,” Beck wrote in an email.
According to the legal criteria given by Johnsen, Beck’s statement is proven true.
Keith Marciniak, district manager for Gourmet Dining, has also claimed there to be little to no leftover food to donate at the end of each night.
“We pride ourselves on not wasting a lot of food, so there’s usually not a lot of leftovers in Locke’s,” Marciniak said.
However, many MU students have witnessed the opposite.
Isabela Sofis, a junior at Manhattan University, said she has witnessed excess food being thrown straight into the garbage can at the end of each night.
“At the end of each night, we just watch the workers throw away all the food into the garbage,” Sofis said.
“All the food in the salad bar I’ve seen gets thrown away, sometimes even before Locke’s closes.”
In addition, Marciniak insists that employees at Locke’s Loft know to donate
food to the cause.
“All the managers and the culinary team are aware that anything and everything that could be donated would be donated,” Marciniak said.
But Beck, Selma and Raven say Zaro’s Bakery is the only food institution on Manhattan University’s campus to frequently donate to the fridge.
Kevin Henriquez, general and on-site manager of Gourmet Dining at MU, responded to the claim made by students regarding there being excess food thrown out each night.
“There could be multiple factors such as items falling out of the proper temperatures, or food that has been exposed to potential cross-contamination from the self-serve station… we run our own food waste program here on campus,” Henriquez said.
However, Raven went on to express how several other institutions around the community have already been donating without any issues.
“Horace Mann and the Riverdale Country Schools already donate here,” Raven said. “We even have big companies giving us food. Madison Square Garden and Global Citizen. We are licensed to do this.”
As for MU’s food wastereduction program, Locke’s
Loft has installed a “Waste Not 2.0” tool into the wall. This is a tablet-based tool that functions as a way to digitally track how much food is being wasted, by allowing staff to input data into its system. The machine serves as a tracking tool, and identifies strategies on how to reduce food waste using the data given. However, the tool differs from a repurposing tool, such as a compost machine or food recycler.
Allen went on to express how she would still like to revisit the conversation about creating a partnership with Locke’s Loft, despite pushback.
“What we’re aiming for is a partnership in which we can pick up any extra food, even if it’s one tray,” Allen said. “We will even go so far to sign an additional waiver. We did it with five of our corporate partners… we also have an attorney we can use.”
Raven expanded on this. While the partnership between Locke’s Loft, Gourmet Dining and the Friendly Fridge BX remains stalled, Beck, Raven and Allen all hope to revisit the conversation.
“We are even willing to go pick up the food ourselves,” Raven said. “There is so much need. And they are just up the street.”
DavidPozoReceives
PrestigiousBenjaminA. GilmanScholarship
Leyla J. Mercado
Features Editor / Asst. Social Media Editor
On Jan. 8, Manhattan Manhattan University (MU) student David Pozo, a senior criminology major with a minor in computer science, has received the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. This is a program that is federally funded to provide financial support to U.S. undergraduate students who face limited financial means in order to study or intern abroad.
Selected through a competitive application process, applicants are additionally assessed on how their experience abroad will contribute to their academic, professional and community goals.
Pozo, who felt the scholarship was representative of access and not having to choose between financial responsibility and academic opportunity, spoke to The Quadrangle about his initial emotions when he found out he was a recipient of the scholarship.
“When I found out I had been selected as a Gilman Scholar, my first reaction was honestly disbelief,” Pozo said. “I had originally put in my application without putting too much thought into it and just thought, why not? Once it really sank in, I felt a mix of pride, relief and gratitude. This wasn’t just a personal win for me. It felt like validation of the work I’ve put in navigating college with limited financial resources and staying committed to my goals, even when the path wasn’t always straightforward.”
In addition to his own reflections, members of the MU faculty also acknowledged Pozo’s academic achievements and character.
Madeline Novich, Ph.D.,
an associate professor of sociology at MU, wrote to The Quadrangle about Pozo’s persona and work ethic.
“David is a hardworking, dedicated and serious student with a genuine passion for criminology,” Novich wrote to The Quadrangle. “He consistently demonstrates strong preparation, focus and intellectual curiosity in the classroom. David exemplifies the goals of the criminology program through his deep commitment to understanding the many facets of criminal justice from a scholarly and empirical perspective.”
She further referenced his very broad range of interests, consisting of law enforcement, juvenile justice and contemporary ethical challenges. He approaches each with enthusiasm and critical engagement while remaining an engaged student who is eager to learn and grow.
“The criminology program is a rigorous, cutting-edge program that prepares students to think critically, write at a graduate level and analyze advanced empirical research,” Novich wrote.
“These skills position students well to compete for prestigious scholarships and to succeed in demanding academic and global learning environments.”
Pozo currently has plans to study abroad in Argentina. He was initially drawn to the country due to its complex social history, the country’s roots and cultural norms.
“While abroad, I’m looking forward to gaining firsthand exposure to a different justice system and expanding my understanding of Latin American society through immersion beyond the classroom,” Pozo said.
Kelly Marin, Ph.D., department chairperson of social and behavioral sciences and professor of psychology, spoke on what it means for
Pozo to receive this scholarship within this department.
“I think it represents the amazing things that our students are doing and the opportunities that our students have,” Marin said. “Our students are great. The thing about our students is that they have a lot of curiosities and really do a great job at bridging some of their interests.”
Marin also spoke to how Pozo has distinguished himself academically as well as professionally in order to receive this honor.
“One thing that really stands out are his curiosities… he has a lot of different interests, and he’s really taken advantage of a lot of different opportunities at the university but also outside of the university,” Marin said. “Obviously, he is a really great student and pursues a lot of
different opportunities and gets them, which is great.”
Pozo feels that the Gilman Scholarship makes this opportunity possible for him by removing financial barriers that he would have otherwise faced. He has made it evident that due to this scholarship and his efforts, he can focus on his academic growth rather than financial stress, with hopes that this experience with study abroad shapes his future by strengthening his commitment to studying justice through a global lens.
“I am incredibly proud of David,” Novich wrote to The Quadrangle. “I hold him, and all of my students, to very high standards of academic performance, ethical behavior and professionalism. Because of that, while I am proud, I am not surprised by this accomplishment.”
For Pozo, the significance of this achievement lies in the influence he leaves on other students like himself.
“I hope my achievement shows other students, especially those from underrepresented or financially limited backgrounds, that opportunities like this are attainable,” Pozo said. “Studying abroad and receiving national scholarships can feel out of reach, but they aren’t reserved for a select few. I want other students in criminology and the social sciences to see that they should pursue opportunities that push them beyond their comfort zone.”
*Sarah Rolka contributed to reporting for this article.
Student David Pozo. DAVID POZO / COURTESY
MU Residence Life’s New Policies Spark Concerns Over Fairness and Room Checks
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
As Manhattan University’s (MU) Residence Life enforces new safety regulations for the 2025–2026 academic year, students and Resident Assistants (RAs) say the changes have resulted in inconsistent enforcement, unpredictable room checks and growing concerns about fairness.
MU’s Residence Life annually updates its housing regulations. These policies are typically finalized and communicated weeks before the start of each fall semester. As a result, due to the drastic changes made in contrast to previous academic years, students may unknowingly purchase and move in prohibited items over summer break without realizing they are banned.
According to Manhattan University’s website, “all noncollege issued furniture” such as personal furniture is prohibited in the dorms, and decorative material such as posters “shall not exceed 20% of the total area of the walls.”
While Residence Life says the changes are intended
to address safety concerns, the updates have prompted ongoing discussion and concern among students and RAs.
A current RA at MU, who requested anonymity due to concerns about retaliation, spoke with The Quadrangle about their experience with the new policies.
“[Residence Life’s] reasoning for new rules was to address safety concerns,” the RA said. “Unfortunately [to prevent potential safety issues], we have to take some items away from our residents.”
Ronnie Genee, director of Residence Life, commented on the matter, sharing that enforcement of this policy would remain flexible, provided the item is eventually removed from campus.
“Students have in theory 72 hours to retrieve their item so they can take it home, ship it or remove it from campus,”
Genee wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “We are very flexible with this time frame and work with students who request more time before they can make shipping or travel arrangements.”
Genee went on to emphasize Residence Life’s commitment to student safety and policy compliance.
“We remain committed to
balancing student comfort with safety and compliance, and we appreciate opportunities to clarify the purpose and process behind these policies,” Genee wrote in an email to The Quadrangle.
While Residential Life claims that health and safety remain a priority, room check procedures have changed significantly.
“Now it’s not just us going to do the room checks, it’s our boss [Genee] going in the rooms too,” the RA said. “We just sit there, stand there with a notepad or write stuff down.”
Another RA, also granted anonymity for similar reasons, said that enforcement during room checks remains inconsistent.
“Violations during a room check can go 50/50,” the RA said. “Some lamps and stuff like that, they’ll just pass by and not look at it.”
RAs have also raised concerns about how room checks are conducted, saying that some residents may be unfairly targeted.
“Before we went into a room, he would ask, ‘What do you think about this guy?’,” the RA said. “It feels like a lot of profiling.”
A bulletin board outside MU’s Residential Life office encouraging students to apply to become a RA.
MADDIE ROSADO / THE QUADRANGLE
Although The Quadrangle contacted Genee for comment on this statement, no response had been received at the time of publication.
Cassidy Weiss, a junior psychology major and current MU resident, shared her experience with The Quadrangle regarding the updated room check procedures and housing rules.
“I feel like having your own furniture is important,” Weiss said. “It makes your room feel more like home here. These new rules kind of make it feel like a prison.”
Weiss did not encounter any issues during her room check, which Genee was present for, but says the new Residence Life policies have created a restrictive living environment.
“I would never blame anything on my RA because she’s just doing her job,” Weiss said. “But I think they’ve gone way too far with the rules.”
In contrast to Weiss’ account, RAs have described experiences that paint a starkly different picture.
“He [Genee] ripped things [wall decor] off the wall,” the RA said. “He ripped paint off the wall… Said ‘That’s a fine.’ And then packed up and walked out.”
Once again, Genee did not respond to The Quadrangle’s request for comment by the time of publication.
Manhattan Caucus: Senate Democrats Strike a Deal to Keep Government Open
Elaina Batista
Asst. Social Media Editor
In an effort to avert a government shutdown, politicians on Capitol Hill have been demanding changes to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. On Jan. 29, senate Democrats claimed to have secured a short-term deal with Republicans to keep the government open, with President Trump supporting the agreement.
Senate Democrats refused to keep the government open until the administration agreed to revise its immigration plans. This temporary agreement will give lawmakers time to negotiate topics such as asking ICE agents to wear
body cameras and remove their masks. Additionally, ICE agents must use the same level of force as state and local law enforcement.
This deal consists of five spending bills to fund a larger part of the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. This deal also includes a stopgap measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks while they continue negotiating potential metrics for immigration officers.
It also divides the DHS bill from a bundle of bipartisan budget legislation that will finance vital agencies until Sept., including the Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development departments.
The deal came in opposition to the spending package, which includes $64.4 billion for the Department of Homeland Security as well as an array of government agencies, including the Pentagon and health programs. Every Democrat opposed moving forward, as did several Republicans, citing various spending objections.
Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York and minority leader, stated that House and Senate Democrats were “on the same page” regarding a list of limits they sought to impose in order to fund the Homeland Security Department.
Additionally, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, stated, “No one thinks we’re going to solve every problem, every single problem, in one
fell swoop. But the American people are demanding that something gets done, and of course, to pass legislation and enshrine this into law. We need our Republican colleagues to come along with us.”
After the death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents, Democrats demanded significant change and reform to the Department of Homeland Security. On Jan. 28th Schumer says, “Until ICE is properly reined in and overhauled legislatively, the DHS funding bill doesn’t have the votes to pass.”
President Trump took to Truth Social and wrote, “Republicans and Democrats have come together to get the vast majority of the government funded until September… I am working hard with Congress to ensure that we are able to fully
fund the government without delay.”
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham told reporters that he was one of the senators who opposed the agreement, calling it a “bad deal.” The South Carolina Republican protested a renegotiation of the DHS funding package, claiming that ICE agents were “demonized” and that their treatment was “unconscionable.”
While Graham states that he supports the reforms that are being proposed by the Democrats, he stated on Thursday that he wants a vote on legislation cracking down on those jurisdictions that don’t comply with federal immigration laws, an idea Trump also backed this past month.
DespitetheChill,MU ClubsBringtheHeat atSpringClubFair
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
On Jan. 8, Manhattan M As the new semester welcomes students back to campus, Manhattan University (MU) comes alive with a fiery spirit during the annual spring club fair, despite the freezing temperatures. Hosted in Smith Auditorium, the event allows student clubs to recruit new members mid-year, while providing an opportunity to explore a wide range of organizations on campus.
Nicole Brosnan ’23-’24, the director of student engagement, shared with The Quadrangle that hosting the spring club fair provides a chance for students and clubs to connect.
“We’ve had a lot of clubs report that they get a lot of interest in the fall, and then things trickle out over the semester,” Brosnan said. “The spring club fair gives clubs another chance to connect with new students and add members who are interested in joining these various groups.”
Following Brosnan’s comments, Keller Peterson, a senior mechanical engineering major and captain of MU’s ultimate frisbee team, explained how hosting a booth at the club fair allows his team to bring in new participants.
“Our main tournaments are in the spring,” Peterson said. “This semester, we would normally be ramping up practice times and commitment levels, but given our numbers situation, we’re looking for consistent members who enjoy being a part of the club.”
While Peterson emphasized the goal of adding new recruits to the team’s roster, Mario
Ballard, a junior mechanical engineering major and member of MU’s ultimate frisbee team, noted that the club’s strong sense of community is what truly attracts students.
“It’s the sense of community that people really enjoy,” Ballard said. “The club has a lot of great people to make friends with, joke around with and have fun with. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun.”
Peterson continues to encourage students to get involved, stressing that the team is always eager to welcome new members.
“A good way to reach out to us is on Instagram at ‘manhattan_university_ ultimate’,” Peterson said. “We are always open to welcoming new members.”
Beyond athletics, groups such as Alpha Pi Phi are using the spring club fair to connect with students and attract those interested in joining. Danae Cecena, a senior finance major and president of the sorority, shared that the group’s focus for the semester is simply on building community.
“We’re just focused on getting new girls this semester,” Cecena said. “We really love to provide a welcoming environment where we can build a sisterhood.”
Cecena went on to describe how the sorority stays active on campus through regular meetings, community-focused events and fundraisers.
“Our sorority usually meets once a week to organize events and to get everything together,” Cecena said. “We typically organize events aimed at raising funds for women’s organizations… and we plan on continuing this mission.”
Cecena reflected on the personal connections and
Peterson and Mario Ballard pictured at the spring club fair representing the Ultimate Frisbee team. ANISSA LATIF / COURTESY
lasting friendships she has built through the sorority.
“I’ve made my closest friends here in the sorority,” Cecena said. “It can even be a great way for people to connect with others who have graduated or are already established in their careers.”
While Cecena noted the strong bonds and networking opportunities within Greek life, other student-run clubs, such as The Rainbow Jaspers (RJs), also focus on fostering community and inclusion on campus.
Ashley Karlosky, a junior communication major and president of the RJs, spoke
about the group’s goals for the spring semester.
“Our goal is to be educational and fun, helping students learn about the community while providing a place on campus where they feel supported,” Karlosky said.
“We organize events to make LGBTQ+ students and allies feel comfortable and safe, while also fostering a strong sense of community.”
Karlosky added that the group offers engaging activities with multiple ways for students to stay connected.
“We do a lot of arts and crafts, and educational events or activities,” Karlosky said.
“Our Instagram handle is ‘@ mu_lgbtq’. That is the easiest way to stay involved, because we’re always going to post there.”
Brosnan noted that while the university provides the space and resources for events such as the spring club fair, it is the students’ energy and enthusiasm that truly bring them to life.
“We book the space, we get the tables set up,” Brosnan said. “But other than that, the space is brought to life by the students and their passion.”
Keller
Sanctus Artem hosts Bookmark Making Event
Gabriella Dickson Staff Writer
On Jan. 27, Manhattan University’s art club Sanctus Artem, which is Latin for “Sacred Art”, hosted a bookmark making event in De La Salle Hall. At this event, students were able to showcase their talents and express their creative sides through the crafting activity.
Lucas Haas, president of Sanctus Artem and a senior environmental studies major, spoke to The Quadrangle about what is in store for the event.
“For today’s event we are making bookmarks,” Haas said. “We were trying to come up with some fun new activities that we haven’t done before, and this is one of them.”
Since joining the club his freshman year, Haas has taken the initiative as the current
club leader to make activities enjoyable for everyone on campus.
“I think it’s a great way to motivate people to read and to also just get creative,” Haas said. “Like me, myself, I don’t read much on my own unless I have to. So this is definitely a good event for that. New year, new goals you know?”
Denise Robles, a sophomore and digital media arts major spoke to The Quadrangle about what Sanctus Artem means to her.
“I love it. It’s fun,” Robles said. “I just love doing anything artistic anywhere…It’s fun to do it with people, but it’s also fun to do it by yourself.”
Robles also spoke to The Quadrangle about why she feels that it’s important for the club to be open to people of all artistic backgrounds.
“Everyone likes different types of things,” Robles said. “So instead of having just one type of specialty, we do different
kinds of things, different types of mediums. We do painting, we do drawing, we even do other things like arts and crafts.”
Haas also commented on the importance of the club being open to people of all artistic backgrounds.
“It’s very important because, of course, we want to be able to serve everybody,” Haas said. “And this serves as a nice therapeutic space. People can come and chill out for two hours or for as long as they want. We want to be able to be a safe haven for folks who just want to show their creativity.”
Maddie Napaver, a first year at Manhattan University and chemical engineering major, spoke to The Quadrangle about why she thinks it’s important for Sanctus Artem to be hosted weekly for students.
“I think it [Sanctus Artem events] gives people a good routine,” Napaver said. “I think routine is still important no matter how old you are, or no
matter what your daily life is like. On Tuesday’s, I know I have an hour and a half time period where I just come here, hang out and spend my time coloring.”
Napaver further spoke about how Sanctus Artem is inclusive toward all students on campus.
“I think it’s just a very welcoming space,” Napaver said. “So, whoever wants to come in and do an arts and crafts project, no matter if they’re a beginner, or if they consider themselves an artist, they can. It’s a time [for everyone] to have fun and relax.”
Lucas Haas, giving a thumbs up on the previous Sanctus Artem event hosted last year GABRIELLA DICKSON / THE QUADRANGLE
arts & entertainment
Scatterbomb Performs Drag at MU
rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
On the night of Jan. 30, Scatterbomb, the Manhattan University (MU) improv comedy troupe, held its first-ever drag show in the Hayden Hall auditorium. The event brought in a large crowd, anticipating the night’s event. The event consisted of performances of improv comedy and lip-syncing, all while performers dressed in drag and showcased their drag personas.
The Quadrangle acquired interviews with a few of the Scatterbomb performers from the event: Ashton Herb, Lucia Kobayashi and Giada Dougherty.
Drag has a long history, being an art form tied to the performing arts and queer culture. In recent years, there has been an increase in negative public attention directed towards drag queens and the queer community, with an emphasis on transgender individuals.
Ashton Erb, a junior sociology major, commented on the importance of events like these at a time when there is a
“I think that there’s such a huge significance when it comes to allowing students to express just queer culture in any form on this campus,” Erb said.
“From at least my perspective, I do know that there is a good amount of groups and little peer groups here that are very against queer representation.” Erb said, “So, I think that it’s very important that people who identify with that and who support our allies and the queer community have a space.”
Lucia Kobayashi, a junior political science major, commented on her feelings about performing.
“Drag is something that I really enjoy, as a cis person who doesn’t do drag in my free time,” Kobayashi said.
Later, during an interview, Scatterbomb troupe member Giada Dougherty, a sophomore communications major, recalled what led the troupe to perform a drag show for the first time as a club.
“We usually like to do themes every show to keep everyone engaged and excited,” Dougherty said.
“And when we were picking
this theme show, we were like, why not just do drag?... [Jason Matute, Scatterbomb president, had] the idea because he did drag over winter break,”
Dougherty said. “We were like, why not do a drag theme show?
... How about we just do a lip sync? How about we just go all
in, drag, do the lip sync for your life?”
When speaking with The Quadrangle, Kobayashi shared more of her thoughts on having a self-space that allows her own self-expression to flourish.
“I really enjoy it, and I think that everyone could gain a lot from the community and the society of drag,” Kobayashi said. “I don’t think that it’s something that you need to be a certain gender or a certain sexuality to do. It’s something that you can do and be yourself, and everyone is loving and accepting, and it’s nice to find a community like that when most communities aren’t like that.”
Dougherty elaborated further on this point, discussing what she hopes the significance of such an event will do for the MU community.
“It’s refreshing that all of us participated, no matter what sexual orientation someone is, or sexuality, we all came together and we all put respect on an art that has a lot of stigma around it,” Dougherty said.
Kobayashi, being a fan of the art form herself, came in a look which was designed as a homage to drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya
Zamolodchikova. Kobayashi shared further thoughts on participating in the drag show.
“I hope that the impact of events like these is that straight people will start watching Trixie and Katya, and then I also hope that people just start going to things on campus that they don’t typically do,” Kobayashi said.
Dougherty commented on inclusive events, citing this event as a reminder of how queer identities remain an immutable aspect of art and the human experience.
“Doing it on campus, especially a Catholic campus, it’s honestly pretty awesome... because it’s like we don’t care,” Dougherty said. “We like what we like. It’s 2026, drag and queerness are never going to go away, ever. If anything, I hope it becomes more prominent and prevalent and normal because this is normal. Just like how improv is an art, drag is an art, and we just need to keep supporting the arts, especially if it’s cooler.”
Zendrah Bonnick
Asst. News Editor
Photo depicts Lucia Kobayashi in drag inspired by drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova.Muppets show last week.
ZENDRAH BONNICK / THE QUADRANGLE
Photo depicts Lucia Kobayashi in drag inspired by drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova.Muppets show last week. ZENDRAH
Lotus Magazine and the Pride Center Collaborate to Showcase Queer Voices arts & entertainment
Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
Lotus Magazine and the Pride Center have collaborated to create a section called “Queer Feature” as a part of the “Featured Voices” column on their official website. This new column allows queer voices to be highlighted in relation to fashion and other related topics.
So far, five voices have been featured, including Sadie Fox, Eloiza Sanchez, Visiting Professor Theodore Kerr, Kristina Bopp and an anonymous submission. Each participant wrote on the topic of the intersection between fashion and queer identity, highlighting it as a medium for self-expression and authentic individuality.
Sienna Gallus, a junior psychology major, student worker at the Pride Center and asst. editor-in-chief at Lotus Magazine, spoke to The Quadrangle on why it’s important that this collaboration was created.
“Fashion has always been such a big thing in the queer community,” Gallus said. “It was how we could recognize each other… And it’s how we can kind of escape the binaries of the world, the expectations of the world, really just live on the outside as we are on the inside … It’s [also] a way to reclaim your identity, especially in spaces where your identity might be overlooked.”
Theodore Kerr, a visiting professor of sociology, commented on why it’s important to help highlight these voices through forms of written or spoken dialogue.
“I think it’s important because it’s a way to bear
witness to how people are already using fashion to name their identity,” Kerr said. “When we write about it, when we talk about it, what we’re doing is we’re honoring the fact that people are already doing it. It’s a way of supporting existing customs, traditions and norms.”
Kerr also noted that it is to show up and support those finding their way in life, however it may be.
“All people deserve to be affirmed in the way that they’re choosing to figure out how to live this life,” Kerr said. “If fashion is the way that some queer people are asserting their identity, then I want to be able to bear witness to that and help it out.”
Throughout history, fashion has allowed individuals to be able to express themselves freely. Sadie Fox, a junior communication and English major, wrote to The Quadrangle on how fashion is a way of expressing oneself.
“Fashion is a way to express yourself and your identity, which can often be difficult for members of the LGBT+ community, especially when first coming to terms with their sexuality and identity,” Fox wrote. “I feel like when I was first coming out, I relied heavily on queer media and influences to help me navigate what it all meant. I hope someday to be able to influence others in a similar way.”
New York has, throughout time, been a refuge for all kinds of people, especially the queer community. Some areas of New York were safe havens for the community that allowed affirmation of one another, and have allowed the culture to develop and grow into what it is today.
Kerr agreed with this
statement and added his own thoughts on how New York is a big hub of so many cultures, where one can feel safe and build a community.
“The writer Sarah Schulman often talks about how queer and trans people almost come here [to New York] as a form of refugees,” Kerr said. “It’s like they can’t be out in their hometown, they can’t be their gender, their sexuality in their hometown. But in New York, they can.”
Fox adds to this by writing how, recently living in New York, there are no “bounds” that constrict people to dress a certain way, and that this allows for experimentation within
style, but also how finding that style adds to finding your identity as a person.
“As someone who recently moved to NYC, I feel as if it has also allowed me to freely express myself and my sexuality, especially through fashion,” Fox wrote. “There isn’t a specific style or aesthetic to living here, which allows for greater expression and experimentation.”
This collaboration between the Pride Center and Lotus Magazine highlights these queer voices and brings attention to the ways that fashion and queer identity are so intertwined with one another.
Fashion allows individuals to express how they’re feeling and how they want to be seen. For queer people, it helps them affirm themselves in their identity, as well as recognize each other when needed.
“All of us have constructed a poem, and that poem is based on the choices we made about our outfit,” Kerr said. “So, what we wear or don’t wear is telling a story. That’s the poem we construct about ourselves visually every day.”
Photo
sports
Jaspers Add Women’s Flag Football to Program for 2026-27 School Year
Manhattan University (MU) has announced women’s flag football as its eleventh women’s athletic program. Additionally, MU announced Frank Jennaco as the team’s inaugural head coach. The program is set to begin play in the fall of 2026 and plans on recruiting new members until then.
Jennaco, a celebrated figure in the sport known for his exceptional coaching record, spent two seasons at the College of Staten Island, coaching the Dolphins women’s flag football team. He led the team to a 17-3 record over two seasons, including a dominant final season in which the Sharks went undefeated at 11-0.
Given his success, Jennaco became a prime candidate for the Jaspers’ head coaching position. Jennaco has made it clear he wants nothing but success for the program. He spoke to The Quadrangle, emphasizing that support from MU’s community can turn the team into a dominant force in the Northeast.
“The resources, the vision and the belief they [MU’s community] have shown to our program and in the growth of women’s flag football, we are positioned to build something special,” Jennaco said. “MU is poised to become a leader in Division I flag football across the Northeast, and with the
elite athletes we plan to recruit, the potential of this program is limitless.”
Following the inaugural season, the women’s club flag football team has experienced navigating the challenges of being a new program at MU.
Lauren Rosenberg, a player on the team, shared her thoughts on how flag football has grown at the University.
“The club program has grown immensely, and I’m thrilled to hear women’s flag
football will be expanding to the Division I level,” Rosenberg said. “This is a new opportunity for girls to play flag football at the highest collegiate level, which is awesome. With recruiting and engagement across the country, I think this will increase participation at youth and high school levels, making this a growing sport for girls and young women.”
While Division I teams receive priority access to “field time” at Gaelic Park, the club
team initially had concerns about practice availability.
Sarah Esposito, another member of the club team, spoke about her excitement for the sport’s growth.
“When I heard a Division I team was coming to MU, I got nervous about what that meant for our club team, wondering if we were getting phased out, losing our field time or facing other scenarios,” Esposito said. “With high hopes that we are still allowed to have a club team here at MU, I feel as though the Division I team and club organization can work together.”
After working through the challenges of an inaugural season, the club team has seen immediate changes within both chemistry and skill. Rosenberg spoke about what she believes are the most important priorities for a team in its first season.
“[While] being a new
program, I think it’s important to really focus on team bonding right away,” Rosenberg said. “Chemistry and friendships off the field help contribute to success in games more than people realize. I have no doubt that as the first Division I women’s flag team, the players and coaching staff will leave a legacy for many to follow at MU.”
The future appears bright for the Jaspers women’s flag football program. Jennaco remarked that he is honored to be driving long-term success at MU.
“It is truly an honor to serve as the inaugural head coach of women’s flag football at MU,” Jennaco said. “Competing at the Division I level is a goal I have worked toward throughout my career, and achieving it represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.”
Andrew Mannion
senior Writer
Games of the Week
of the second half, sophomore Fraser Roxburgh hit back-toback three-pointers that kept the Jaspers lead at seven.
Men’s Basketball
Manhattan University (MU) Men’s Basketball team (9-14, 5-7 MAAC) held off the Broncs of Rider University (218, 1-10 MAAC) by a score of 9590 inside Draddy Gymnasium on Friday evening.
Redshirt junior Devin Dinkins, who was named Preseason All-MAAC First Team before the season, led the charge with 22 points. He started the game off hot with a pair of threes after Rider jumped out to a 4-0 lead.
It was back and forth between the two schools until freshman Quron Elliott jump-started the Jaspers with a fast break score, off Jaden Winston’s second steal of the game.
At the start of the second half, the Jaspers started to pull away with a three-pointer by sophomore Marko Ljubicic that made the Jaspers lead stretch to a game-high seven points.
Just under the halfway point
The Broncs were able to cut that lead down to one by making their last three out of four layup attempts, but the Jaspers were able to hold on during the ending stretch and complete the series sweep this season.
The Jaspers look to continue this momentum against Mount St. Mary’s on Sunday.
Women’s Basketball Manhattan University women’s basketball team (516, 5-7 MAAC) dropped its conference matchup to the Iona Gaels (14-9, 7-5 MAAC), 65-51, inside Draddy Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
Iona opened the game on a 6-0 run before Manhattan responded with an and-one from Senior Brianna Davis to cut into the early deficit.
The Jaspers remained within striking distance throughout the first quarter, with Graduate Student Colette Mulderig’s layup late in the frame pulling Manhattan within three, which is the closest this game would be before the Gaels extended the lead to nine heading into
the second.
Free throws helped keep Manhattan close in the second quarter, as the Jaspers converted all four of their attempts at the line. Graduate
Student Agar Farrés Garcia knocked down a layup just before halftime, sending the Jaspers into the break trailing 33-25.
Manhattan was unable to generate sustained offense
coming out of halftime, as Iona continued to control the pace in the third quarter. The Gaels capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to push the lead into double digits, forcing the Jaspers to play from behind for the remainder of the contest.
Despite multiple defensive stops, Manhattan struggled to convert on the offensive end as Iona maintained its advantage entering the final period. Graduate student Elisa Solé Sanchez connected on a 3-pointer to open the second half and slow an early Iona push, but was quickly called for a technical foul, which killed the Jaspers’ momentum.
Mulderig and Davis each reached double figures as the game progressed, while Farrés Garcia added her first Division I 3-pointer late in the contest. Despite winning the final quarter, it was no match for the lead that the Gaels built and the Jaspers would end up falling 6551. The Jaspers look to right the ship this Thursday at Rider.
Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
The women’s basketball team fell to Iona this past Saturday,