AmbassadorCharlesA. Gargano’79Makes$1 MillionDonation
Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
This past December, Manhattan University (MU) received a $1 million donation from Ambassador Charles A. Gargano, a member of the class of 1979. In recognition of the gift, the red brick arches flanking Memorial Hall will be designated as the Charles A. Gargano, P.E. ’79 Arches.
A native of Italy, Gargano moved to Brooklyn at four years old. After high school, he pursued higher education
at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, before completing a second master’s degree in civil engineering at MU.
Gargano has held a variety of positions throughout his career. After earning his professional engineering license, he served as the deputy administrator of the Urban Mass Transit Administration in 1981, where he has played a major role in various major federal transportation projects. Gargano later became the U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago from 1988 to
1991. After that role, he became the vice chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In that role, he helped rebuild New York City after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Beyond this gift, Gargano has also established a scholarship for students at MU. The scholarship is intended to assist highachieving students with financial need.
Ambassador Gargano has been a strong representative of the Jasper community. His
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Laili Shahrestani Editor-in-Chief
Brooke Johnson, a sophomore political science student at Manhattan University (MU) has been selected among a number of other applicants to serve as a 2026 Carol Coston Fellow.
The Carol Coston Fellowship is a nationally recognized, year-long paid opportunity that operates under NETWORK - a Catholic advocacy organization that aims for change at the federal level through Catholic social justice and reform work.
Upon receiving notice of her acceptance into the fellowship, Johnson emphasized how through this opportunity she will now be able to find a common ground between two major areas in her life: her faith, as well as her passion for social justice work.
“I think this has bridged together two very important pieces of my life, being my faith and my passion for social justice,” Johnson said. “It’s given me the perspective that those things can be very intersectional, and that I can take two things I love and make a difference in the world.”
Johnson spoke about her upbringing, and being raised Catholic. She mentioned how being brought up with Catholic values and ideals is what set the foundation for her interest in social justice work, and helping those in need.
“I grew up Catholic, so I was always taught from a young age to be very involved in community service and helping out my neighbors,”
Johnson said. “It’s something that has definitely stuck with me.”
When it comes to Catholic social justice work, Johnson’s outlook on giving back to the less fortunate align greatly with the values shared by Campus Ministry and Social Action (CMSA) at MU. Both Johnson and CMSA hold the same outlook on lending a helping hand to those in need, as it is an integral part of the Christian and Catholic faith.
Reverend Andie Raynor, a campus minister at MU, expanded on this point, emphasizing the importance of taking care of the community and how doing so ties back to faith.
“If you are a person of faith, an inherent part of that is social outreach and helping your fellow person,” Raynor said. “It’s for the Christians and Catholics among us. It’s about following the teachings of Jesus, who tells us ‘if you have two coats, give one away.’ It’s very important that faith doesn’t stay an internal part of our lives, but faith is what motivates us to give to others.”
In terms of helping out the community, Johnson mentioned that one issue she is specifically passionate about is food insecurity. She spoke about how she hopes she can participate in social justice work that will assist in helping combat this issue.
“I would say food insecurity is definitely an issue that is very close to my heart, especially since a lot of people’s access to food has been cut down in these past years,” Johnson said. “And around Riverdale,
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Volume CXIV, Issue 2
JANUARY 27, 2026
The Editorial Board
Laili Shahrestani and Barbara Vasquez
Editors-in-Chief
Maddie Rosado Managing Editor
Zendrah Bonnick Asst. News
Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
Joshua Reichard Asst. A&E
Emmamuel Sofillas Asst. Sports
Misha Jabal-Abadi Asst. Production
Leyla Mercado, Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editor
Maddie Rosado News Editor
Leyla Mercado Features
Maria Castaño Arts and Entertainment
Zeke Jazwinski Sports
Amy Forster Production Editor
Lois Boateng Social Media 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 Room 3.02. All are welcome to come and join the club.
Quadrangle
LETTER from the EDITOR
Dear readers,
Hello everybody and welcome to Issue 2!
I hope everyone stayed warm and safe during the snowstorm this weekend, and enjoyed their day of virtual (or if you’re lucky, cancelled) classes! Though we’re not going to be seeing as much snow throughout the week, it’ll still be below freezing most days. Be sure to bundle up and protect yourself and your fellow Jaspers from flu season.
As for this past week’s issue, The Quadrangle has a lot of stories to share with you all. Beginning with campus news, we cover sophomore Brooke Johnson and her appointment as a 2026 Carol Coston Fellow, as well as a recent $1 million donation made by Ambassador Charles A. Gargano, ‘79. In response to the gift, the brick arches connecting the quad and MU’s main entrance will be renamed to the Charles A. Gargano, P.E. ’79 Arches. In our Manhattan Caucus, you can find a rundown of the current situation regarding President Donald Trump and the reality of his plans with Greenland.
In features, we have my personal favorite story this week covering the new puppy on campus, Santo! Santo is just ten-weeks-old and already full of life - if you haven’t had the chance to visit him yet, I highly recommend you do. You can visit him in Cornerstone, located in Miguel 209, from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. throughout the week. We also cover MU’s Greek life beginning their rush season. If anyone is interested in rushing any MU sorority or fraternity, be sure to give it a read for some more details!
In A&E, you can find coverage of a recent film screening of Neptune Frost, put together by MU’s Rainbow Jaspers, BSU, Pride Center and Film Society, as well as what MU Singers has in store for the upcoming semester. We end off the section with a wonderfully curated Jasper Jams, featuring all the 2016 hits that dominated my musical.ly years (R.I.P.).
Lastly, in sports, we discuss our men’s volleyball team’s historic first win against Harvard, and the passing of MU track and field legend Fred Dwyer. Dwyer was one of the most successful head coaches the track and field program has seen, and his loss was felt around the campus community.
That’s about it for issue 2 - we hope you give it a read!
See you next time,
Barbara Vasquez
Editor-in-Chief
MUSophomoreBrookeJohnson Chosenasa2026CarolCoston Fellow
there’s so many food banks and communities that need food.”
Margaret Groarke, Ph.D, professor and the department chair of history, political and international studies, served as one of Johnson’s professors. Groarke admired Johnson’s dedication toward social justice, and recommended that she apply for the Carol Coston Fellowship.
“The way I heard about the opportunity was through my professor, Margaret Groarke, who reached out to me,” Johnson said. “I’ve been in a bunch of her classes, and I definitely have a real passion for social justice. And last
summer, I interned with the League of Women Voters in New York City, and that was a super interesting and fruitful experience.”
When speaking to The Quadrangle, Groarke spoke highly of Johnson, and emphasized how her prior experience working as an intern for the League of Women Voters was an additional reason why she felt as if Johnson was qualified for the position.
“She [Johnson] is smart, dedicated…can handle a lot, and her previous involvement at her internship working with the League of Women Voters made me feel like she would be great in this role,” Groarke said.
With both faith and social
justice work being of high importance to Johnson, she felt as if she could now put her ‘faith into action.’ Raynor emphasized how Johnson is a great example of what it means to embody this principle, and how she is an inspiration to many.
“As a campus minister, it is so encouraging to see students put their faith in action,” Raynor said. “In a university setting, it’s combining your intellectual understandings, your faith understandings and and really an understanding of the world in politics. So to see a student recognized from our institution, and seeing how they’re putting their faith into concrete action is inspiring to many.”
AmbassadorCharlesA.Gargano’79Makes $1MillionDonation
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contributions have supported the university’s core mission: provide higher education to its students. President Frederick
Bonato, Ph.D, spoke on Gargano’s representation of the university.
“Ambassador Gargano has worked tirelessly to ensure that all citizens are granted the same possibilities
for success, not just the privileged few,” Bonato said.
“He is a public servant in the truest sense, combining vision with execution, heart and strategy. The mission of
MU prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement and service to their fellow human beings. Ambassador Gargano is our mission personified.”
This impact extends to students through alumnisupported improvements across campus. Student Government President, Patrick Kantor, shared with The Quadrangle how alumni contributions have impacted his education.
“One of the more noticeable features is the incredible infrastructure that alumni donations help build,” said Kantor. “As an engineer, having the opportunity to use the labs in Higgins really helps better my understanding of the concepts I’m learning, and I’m sure other students have experienced this as well.”
The MU alumni association plays a central role in the university community, with alumni networks connecting Jaspers across New York City and multiple industries. Kantor spoke on the effects of a strong alumni association and Gargano’s efforts to improve this connection.
“It’s the part of this school
that I feel quite strongly about,” said Kantor. “There are limitless opportunities within New York City through fellow Jaspers, and Ambassador Gargano is an incredible example of this. Our school has an unparalleled alumni network compared to its size.”
In an article published on the university’s website, Gargano described his connection to the university and why he supports the institution that provided his civil engineering education.
“My heart is always with Manhattan University, and being a permanent part of the brick and mortar solidifies my belief that with an education and those who help along the way, it is possible for anyone to succeed and, in turn, provide others with the tools for success,” Gargano stated in the university’s article. “Manhattan isn’t just a place to get a diploma; it’s a community where men and women from all walks of life learn from the examples set by the Christian Brothers. It is a true honor to be part of this legacy of service through the gift of education.”
Brooke Johnson, 2026 Carol Coston Fellow BROOKE JOHNSON / COURTESY Ambassador Charles Gargano ‘79, makes
Greenland’s Strategic Importance Draws Renewed U.S. Attention
Elaina Batista
Asst. Social Media Editor
The Manhattan University Jus In the beginning of January, President Trump intensified his push for making Greenland part of the United States, arguing that it was vital for national security. Trump and even some of his advisors argue that Greenland is essential for the protection of the United States and even parts of Europe against Russia and China. On Jan. 17, the president announced that he would apply an extra 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland. It would begin on Feb. 1, and increase to 25% on June 1. The tariffs he said would apply “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 21, Trump announced that he
had reached a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and proceeded to withdraw his tariff threat of ten percent, regardless that both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale.
This discussion of Greenland is tied to Washington’s proposed “Golden Dome,” a multilayered missile defense program designed to counter aerial threats. While presidents prior to Trump have also viewed Greenland as a strategically valuable military location, its importance extends beyond defense considerations.
Greenland is home to significant natural resources including oil, gas and rare earth minerals. Furthermore, as the Arctic ice melts due to the climate issue, northern shipping routes may become more accessible year-round, increasing the significance of the area.
U.S. interest in Greenland originated in the 19th century when then Secretary of State William H. Seward proposed purchasing Greenland and
Iceland from Denmark after acquiring Alaska from the Russians in 1867. Trump first announced his interest in Greenland during his first term in 2019, but was shut down by Greenlandic and Danish authorities and the topic was quickly picked back up after the 2024 election.
The notion of Trump invading Greenland lacks any viable legal or political pathway, as such an action would violate the sovereignty of a NATO ally. Nevertheless, Trump and his aides maintained that they were never seriously contemplating an invasion; rather, their refusal to rule it out publicly was intended to enhance Trump’s negotiating leverage.
At a press conference earlier this month, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, stated, “We are not in a situation where we believe a takeover of the country could happen overnight.” Additionally, Tillie Martinussen, a former member of Greenland’s parliament, stated “We’re not just a block of ice,” she said in an interview on Wednesday. “We are human beings. We have elderly people
Map of Greenland. ELAINA BATISTA / THE QUAD
here who are so afraid right now. We have children that are afraid of the United States.”
She continued to say that some Greenlanders have been scared of invaders, that people have been gathering emergency supplies and some hunters are taking out their rifles.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that if the deal goes through, “...the United States will be achieving all of its strategic goals with respect to Greenland, at very little cost, forever.”
Campus Ministry’s New Mascot: Santo the Lab
Mary Haley Senior Writer
Campus Ministry and Social Action (CMSA) welcomed a black Labrador retriever puppy at the beginning of the semester. Ten-week-old Santo spends his time at Manhattan University’s (MU) CMSA cornerstone room, and also at Rev. Edward Beck and Rev. Robert Joerger’s priesthouse in Pelham, NY.
Beck and Joerger adopted Santo with many goals in mind. In order to spread further awareness of CMSA being a resource on campus, the two priests explained how their main goal since arriving at MU in October of 2024, was to have the ministry space feel safe and approachable for students of any, or even no, faith background. Oftentimes, the idea of stepping into a religious space can appear intimidating for many.
“Especially during exam time, students will come in, and if they’re tense, they can come hold the dog and it helps,” Joerger said. “I think it’s communication and building community. You’ve got a lot of people who don’t even know each other coming in to sit around here and just throw
toys around [for Santo]. The phones go down and people start engaging with each other and with us.”
Santo, named after the Spanish word for “saint,” is a black Labrador. Known to be an extremely affectionate and gentle breed, black Labradors are often trained to be therapy and service dogs. Along with serving the students, Santo also has a more personal responsibility as he begins to grow up.
Beck opened up to The Quadrangle about his hearing impairment, and mentioned how Santo is being trained as a service dog to alert him to important sounds such as doorbells, alarms or knocks.
Santo’s training combines self-guided programs and videos with support from an experienced trainer who has spent decades working with Labradors as guide dogs.
“Socialization is really important at this stage. [Santo] is only ten weeks, and between eight and 18 weeks, they have to be socialized,” Beck said.
“They try to meet as many people, [hear] as many sounds and as many toys [as they can].
Socialization has been really a big part, and the university has been great for that, with all different people, languages, the
buses, fire engines, subways and the cars.”
There are big plans in store for Santo’s involvement in the campus community. Santo will be at CMSA’s February retreat titled, “Love is in the Air, Love of Self, God and Others.” It will run from Feb. 13 through Feb. 15 at the Thomas Berry retreat house in Queens, and is open to students of any faith tradition, or none at all. The retreat is meant to be a nonjudgmental space for reflection on relationships, spirituality and personal well-being.
“There’s no price of admission, and I think that’s our job here,” Joerger said. “You’re within a college environment, particularly one that has its roots in Catholic Lasallian tradition. Here we grow not only intellectually, physically and emotionally, but also spiritually, and those people have that search, and enjoy the search.”
Ilda Xhediku, the assistant administrator of CMSA, told The Quadrangle how Santo has given her another reason to be enthusiastic about her work at CMSA, as well as how she’s seen his impact on the students.
“Santo has brought so much joy,” Xhediku said. “We see students gathering together for him…I saw students with their
headphones on and not really communicating, but with Santo, everything has been different.”
Santo’s influence has caught the MU community by storm, amassing over 200 followers on his Instagram account: @ santothelab.
“There’s a way that an animal brings out things in people and can build community, even on a team or in an institution
that makes people feel they’re never going to be judged by an animal,” Beck said. “They don’t have to perform for an animal. You don’t have to look your best for an animal. You know, it’s like they just show up and they represent something, and I think that we have found that. So I think that he’s the CMSA mascot.”
Santo, the ten-week-old Black Lab and CMSA mascot. MARY HALEY / THEQUAD
Rush Season is in Full Spring Features
Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
With winter still having With the beginning of the spring semester underway, this current period marks the start of rush season. Manhattan University’s (MU) different chapters, known as Sigma Delta Tau (SDT), Alpha Pi Phi (APP) and Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE), begin their operations to welcome in a new group of sisters and brothers.
Amelia Boswell-Penc, SDT’s vice-president of recruitment and rush, writes about what is entailed with rushing, especially here at MU.
“Rush week is honestly such a fun and enjoyable experience to be a part of,” Boswell-Penc wrote. “All you need to do is show up and let us welcome you in. We have three main nights: Philanthropy Night, Academic Night and Sisterhood Night; each night has a fun dress code theme so you can get excited and creative while getting ready...”
Anthony DeGaetano, DKE’s rush chair, additionally shared his thoughts on what the rushing process looks like, and commented on how it’s a time to meet new people.
“Rushing in general is a great way to meet some of your closest friends,” DeGaetano wrote. Rushing is the process for [someone] to learn what it means to be part of a fraternity. It’s a chance for potential new members and current members to get familiar
with each other. We usually do organized events where you can meet new members, learn about the values of the fraternity you are joining and see if it’s a good fit for you.”
Each person The Quadrangle spoke to emphasized how important it was to not feel intimidated by rushing. They said they make the experience open and welcoming to everyone who’s thinking of joining.
“Throughout the week, you get to talk to different girls each night, play games, do a craft, learn something new and start building friendships from the very beginning,” BoswellPenc said. “It’s truly nothing to be afraid of.”
Ally Haskins, current president of SDT, added on to the topic that people shouldn’t feel intimidated, since in the end, it will be worth it because of all the people you meet and connections you make.
“…It can feel nervewrecking and long since it takes place for three nights in a row and social batteries may feel low,” Haskins wrote. “But I wish I could tell all potential new members how amazing it will feel to connect with new people and meet girls that will become your friends for life…”
Many current members of Greek life never initially thought that when they came to college, they would rush. Former SDT president and current sisterhood chair, Maggie Shediac, spoke to The Quadrangle about her experience rushing for the first time, and commented on how she never saw herself as a part of Greek life in the beginning.
“I know how intimidating it can be, I never thought I was going to join a sorority when I was looking for colleges,”
Shediac said. “But I ended up rushing the spring of my freshman year, and it was definitely intimidating walking into a room full of girls who I’ve never met before, but that was kind of the best part of it…Even though it’s scary, it’s totally worth it.”
Haskins additionally commented on her first rush experience, and agreed that while it was intimidating, it was entirely worth her nerves in the end.
“I was super-duper nervous when I first rushed, but I immediately met who became my ‘Big’ and her friends, who made me feel so welcomed,” Haskins wrote. “Since then, I’ve gotten to meet so many more amazing people and it genuinely changed the trajectory of my college life completely.”
Greek life isn’t just for
resident students. Commuters are also encouraged to rush as well. Shediac remarked on how they try to be as accommodating as they can for everyone.
“We have a good amount of commuters and we actually have a position on the director’s board - the commuter chair. She organizes events for the commuters,” Shediac said. “... We try to be as accommodating as we can…definitely don’t let that stop you from joining.”
DeGaetano agreed with that statement, and added that when a few commuters rushed for the first time, they ended up holding even higher positions, displaying that it’s not hard for commuters to feel welcome at DKE.
“It [rushing] is most definitely an option for commuters,” DeGaetano wrote. “Our current president, vice president, sergeant at arms and treasurer all rushed as commuters. Them holding such high executive board positions shows that
commuters have no problem contributing and feeling valued in the fraternity.”
For freshmen, rushing will be an option come this spring semester. Riley Kopceuch, a freshman looking to rush this semester, wrote to The Quadrangle her thoughts on what she wants to gain from this experience, as well as her general feelings heading into the new season.
“The hope for rush is always to make it into the sorority and be inducted, but I feel like there is so much more to rush than being labeled as a Sig Delt,” Kopceuch said. “During rush, you get the opportunity to meet and talk to so many people that you might not have had the chance to speak to regularly on campus…I am extremely excited to rush.”
To stay up to date with each of MU’s different chapters and upcoming events they have, follow their Instagrams: @ sdtmanhattan, @dkemanhattan and @alphapiphi_mu.
The 2026 Vision board for Sigma Delta Tau’s ‘26 season. @SDTMANHATTAN/INSTAGRAM
Subway inspired ad for the start of the rush season for Sigma Delta Tau. @SDTMANHATTAN/INSTAGRAM
arts and entertainment
MU Screens Neptune Frost
Zendrah Bonnick Assistant News Editor
On the night of Jan. 22, Manhattan University (MU) students and faculty gathered on the first floor of the O’Malley Library for a screening of the 2022 film, Neptune Frost, directed by Anisia Uzeyman and Saul Williams. The event was hosted by multiple clubs, consisting of the Black Student Union (BSU), the Rainbow Jaspers, the Pride Center and the MU Film Society.
The film Neptune Frost follows its protagonist Neptune, an intersex person and escaped coltan miner. Coltan is a mineral ore used in technology like cellphones and computers.
Neptune is portrayed by actors Cheryl Isheja and Elvis Ngabo. The film explores various themes such as gender, marginalization, anticolonialism and revolution through punk music in an Afrofuturist setting. The most prevalent theme in the film, however, is the continued colonial exploitation of African countries for minerals. The movie is set in Burundi.
Sienna Gallus, a junior psychology major and women and gender studies student at MU, discussed how she pitched the film while working as a student worker for the Pride Center.
“I pitched this as a film we can do with BSU, because I saw [Neptune Frost] in high school,” Gallus said.
She discussed having previously seen the film, what elements of the story stood out to her, and led her to suggest Neptune Frost.
“The gender binary is deconstructed by [the film],” Gallus said. “There is a different representation of how people can show up, without gender defining that. And it’s an aesthetic you have never seen. I feel like the Afrofuturist punk aesthetic is not super mainstream.”
Ashley Karlosky, a junior communication major and president of the Rainbow Jaspers, gave a statement on what she hopes those in attendance of the event gained from the experience.
“Our overall goal is exposure and understanding, and this movie was just another step into a beautiful direction that we hope to continue,”
Karlosky said.
Rocco Marinaccio, Ph.D., and director of the Pride Center, spoke with The Quadrangle about this event, commenting on how the collaboration between clubs came to be.
“We’ve had conversations with BSU about collaborating on an event, and so we thought this would be a perfect film for that event,” Marinaccio said. “Since we were doing a film, we invited the Film Society as well.”
Later, Vivian Nartey, a senior communication major and co-president of the BSU, discussed the club’s reaction to the invitation to collaborate, as both clubs have been awaiting an opportunity to partner.
“We received an email from the Pride Center, a while ago, just kind of talking about a collab, and wanting to do some sort of film screening, and we were definitely on board,” Nartey said.
Marinaccio went on to describe upcoming plans for the BSU, Pride Center and Rainbow Jaspers to collaborate again.
“We will be doing another collaboration with the BSU, the Department of English and World Languages in Literature,
later on in the semester,” Marinaccio said.
“There is an exhibit at the New York Historical Museum, and it’s on the gay Harlem Renaissance. So, we think that’s a great event for all of us to collaborate on,” Marinaccio elaborated.
Nartey also shared plans for upcoming film events for the BSU.
“I think we’re going to do another film screening for Black History Month,” Nartey said.
Karlosky went on to describe what she hopes attendees will take away from films and collaborative events
like these.
“I think now more than anything we need to forget about labels that separate us, even more when it comes to being a minority,” Karlosky said. “I think right now it’s just a time when there is so much oppression, and so many unjust things happening to so many communities … We hope to collaborate more in the future, and this was just a step in that direction. Our overall goal is acceptance, because we’re all up against the same thing, and I think that’s what really matters to us. That’s why we do these initiatives.”
Image of title screen for film Neptune Frost, text in photo reads Neptune Frost
What’s Next for MU Singers? Reflecting on Fall and Looking Ahead
Joshua Reichard Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor
With the beginning of the spring semester, Manhattan University’s (MU) Singers, the school’s choir, prepares for new events and initiatives. As they get back into the swing of things, The Quadrangle spoke with Singers to reflect on their success from the fall and to get insight into what’s next for the group.
Singers is a traditional SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) choir that performs at multiple campus events throughout the year and hosts its own concerts open to the public. Andrew Bauer, director of the performing arts department and Singers, spoke about the group’s plans for the spring semester.
“We do an annual spring concert, a joint concert between Singers and [the] Orchestra, we often also perform at churches in the New York City area, in particular St. Paul’s church in Lincoln Center,” Bauer said.
Many members of the Singers are also involved in the MU Players musical production of Into the Woods, including Bauer, who serves as the musical director for the performance.
“We’re excited for our spring musical, which is Into the Woods,” Bauer said. “That’s going to be a great performance.”
While they look ahead to new events, the Singers are still proud of the work that was done during the fall semester, particularly their Festival of Lessons and Carols, a concert held last December in The Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers. Isabella Suero, a senior sociology major and the co-president of MU Singers, touched on the work behind the event.
“We put a lot of time and effort into Lessons and Carols,”
Suero said. “I’m extremely proud of my choir. Everyone did such an amazing job.”
The Singers Festival of Lessons and Carols was especially meaningful for Suero, as it was her final one before graduation.
“It’s just such a proud moment, especially being a senior,” Suero said. “This was my fourth Lessons and Carols.
I’ve done it every single year.
It’s bittersweet, being my last one, but it turned out so well.
We were also featured on News 12, which was really cool. We got a lot of praise.”
Looking ahead, Suero spoke about a possible performance of Fauré’s Requiem Mass at the spring concert.
“We have a big spring concert, typically we try to do an entire piece,” Suero said. “Hopefully, this year we will be performing the entire Fauré’s Requiem Mass. There’s still a lot of tweaking to do because we also have to consider the
orchestra… There’s a lot that goes into the songs we do.”
Many newer members of Singers are also looking forward to what the club has in store for the spring semester.
Sophia Whitmore, a freshman education major, spoke to The Quadrangle about the things she anticipates from this club.
“I’m very excited, I liked doing Lessons and Carols, so I’m excited to see what kind of concert we do at the end of the semester,” Whitmore said. “I
like learning new music.”
MU Singers is open for new members at the start of each semester and encourages anyone interested in singing with the group to attend rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Thomas Hall.
“Anyone from the community who is interested in joining, now would be a good time, since it’s the beginning of the semester,” Bauer said. “We’re open for new members.”
MU Singers Perform at their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY/FACEBOOK
Jasper Jams: 2016 Anthems
Joshua Reichard
Assistant Arts & Entertainment
If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve most likely seen 2016 “throwback” posts, and you may be asking yourself how the internet has already become nostalgic for a time that feels like it just ended. Starting in December of 2025, many TikTok users began posting videos with captions along the lines of “2026 will be the new 2016,” and users described ways in which they were channeling 2016 “vibes” in the new year. Some of the world’s most famous celebrities and brands caught on to the trend and began posting their own 2016-related content as well. You might be wondering what these “vibes” are; just ask any young person.
They’ll point to pop music bangers topping the charts, endless Snapchat filters, rose-gold iPhones, makeup looks most
wouldn’t dare wear today, and teenagers snapping selfies in ripped jeans while holding Starbucks frappuccinos against pink Los Angeles skies.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) journalist Issy Phillips offered a perspective on the recent trend that is accurate in many ways.
“For a lot of young people, 2016 felt like the last time that mass culture was actually shared,” Phillips said in a TikTok. “Before everything splintered into aggressive algorithms and our hyper-curated online selves.”
In many ways, 2016 was the last time we all felt connected. If you’re looking to channel those 2016 vibes, I’ve offered up some of the biggest hits in music from that year below. You can add them to your playlist if you’re chasing that feeling of online unity accompanied by palm trees, pastel colors, and retro filters.
Don’t Let Me Down by The Chainsmokers (feat.
Daya)
The Chainsmokers are hard to ignore when discussing 2016. The DJ duo soundtracked much of the year with their electronic and EDM beats, often accompanied by vocals from some of the industry’s most popular singers. “Don’t Let Me Down” is a classic that anyone remembers.
Panda by Desiigner
Nominated for best rap performance at the 59th annual Grammys, this song was all over the internet in 2016, being featured heavily on now-defunct social media app Musical. ly. A catchy hip-hop song, “Panda,” easily transports you back to 2016.
One Dance by Drake
“One Dance” lives comfortably at number 3 on Billboard’s 2016 yearend Hot 100 singles list. This song became nothing less than a soundtrack for
the year, and beyond, being Drake’s most-streamed song ever on Spotify with almost 4 billion streams. This song features dancehall and afrobeats influences, making it easy to dance to.
Let Me Love You by DJ Snake (feat. Justin Bieber)
It would be naive to disregard Justin Bieber in the context of 2016. He provided many of the year’s top hits with his 4th studio album, Purpose. While “Let Me Love You” is separate from his album, this DJ Snake collaboration is memorable as one of the most famous songs of the year.
Closer by The Chainsmokers (feat. Halsey)
2016 really was the year of The Chainsmokers. Another classic of theirs, “Closer” (feat. Halsey), is currently the 16th most-played song on Spotify. You couldn’t escape this song that year; it was on the radio seemingly every time you turned it on, leaving everyone wanting to know more about the “roommate
back in Boulder.”
Cheap Thrills by Sia
Sia was another figure you couldn’t avoid in 2016. Her face, hidden behind massive bob wigs and bows bigger than her head, was everywhere that year. “Cheap Thrills” peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first time the Australian singer topped the charts. The latter remix with Jamaican rapper Sean Paul gained even more traction and was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group performance at the 59th annual Grammy Awards.
Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd (feat. Gucci Mane)
How can anyone forget this song? It was the soundtrack of the viral “mannequin challenge,” in which participants freeze in action while a camera moves around the scene. Many famous people, including dozens of professional sports teams, even got in on the trend.
Men’s Volleyball Receives its First Program Win at Harvard
Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
In just their third game as a program, the Manhattan University (MU) men’s volleyball team secured its first win in program history. In the final game of the two against Harvard, the Jaspers won in straight sets: 25-18, 28-26 and 25-23.
In the first set, MU found itself in the driver’s seat early. Points from outside hitters Kasen Owens and Sam Morreale allowed the Jaspers to keep a healthy lead in a backand-forth game all the way to 11-6. Soon after, Harvard trimmed the lead to three at 1310. The Jaspers responded with a 6-0 run, with a service ace from opposite Blake Perkins growing the lead to nine points. Late kills from Owens helped the Jaspers close out the first set, 25-18.
The second set began with Harvard finding its groove. The Crimson took the first two points of the set and soon after surged to secure nine of the next 11 points. Down six, MU wouldn’t back down. On the back of two service aces from Perkins, the Jaspers gained momentum and brought the game to an even 24-24. Harvard broke the tie and moved within one point of taking the set before MU won four of the next five points to take the set, 28-26.
The third set saw the Crimson and Jaspers trading points until Harvard led 7-6. The Jaspers jumped out to a four-point lead soon after, winning six of the next seven points. Harvard battled back to tie the game at 22-22. Kills from Owens and freshman Kai Patchell sent the Jaspers to their first win in program history.
After dropping a game to Harvard the day prior, this was a resounding rebound performance for the team. With just a couple of games under its belt, this win spoke to the team and what it has in store. Owens spoke to The Quadrangle about what he felt had to happen for the Jaspers to win against Harvard.
“I feel like as a whole team we came in with a different mentality after the loss the day prior,” Owens said. “Everyone came with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove, including me, which I believe helped drive us to our successes.”
As cohesively as the team played together, the players, as individuals, also played astoundingly well in the win.
Perkins was a points machine against Harvard, leading the Jaspers with 14.5 points, including 10 kills and four service aces, as a freshman. Perkins said he has become more comfortable with each passing game.
“We were able to throw Harvard out of system and funnel most of their attacks to a defender,” Perkins said. “I think I’m starting to hit my stride and finding confidence on the court, thanks to my
teammates and coaches.”
Andrew Mannion/
The win became even more impressive given the roster construction. With the majority of the team in its freshman season, the Jaspers are projected to improve with each game. Head coach Chris Schortgen spoke about what the win means, for not just the players’ development but also the team’s current skill.
“This historic win for our program is a step in the right direction for our young players,” Schortgen said. “Accomplishing this with four freshmen on the court vs. an established program gives us
confidence that we are ready to compete and work toward our goals.”
With the season just beginning, there is plenty of potential on top of what the team has already accomplished. The Jaspers realize what they can truly accomplish after this win and have made it clear they will continue to build on it.
“The goal is the same for us,” Schortgen said. “Believe in each other, believe in our future and work together toward building the best men’s volleyball program in the country.”
Men’s Volleyball secures their first win in program history at Harvard.
Courtesy
MU Mourns Track and Field Legend Fred Dwyer
University tribute article.
Manhattan University (MU) is mourning the loss of Fred Dwyer, former head coach of track and field and the longest-tenured coach in the program’s history. His decades-long leadership shaped generations of student-athletes and helped define the identity of MU’s track and field program.
Dwyer became head coach in 1969 and quickly established a record of renowned success. A tribute by his alma mater, Villanova University, highlighted Dwyer’s many achievements.
“In 1969, Dwyer was named head coach of track and field at MU and led the cross country team to a 7-0 campaign … He guided the Jaspers to the 1973 NCAA indoor title, four IC4A championships and 19 Metropolitan Championships. Dwyer was the NCAA coach of the year in 1973 when the Jaspers won the NCAA indoor title and his cross country squad won an IC4A championship. Dwyer coached at Manhattan until 1993, producing 41 All-Americans and four Olympians. His athletes established world and national records in addition to breaking approximately 250 school records during his head coaching career,” according to the Villanova
Joe Ryan ’81, former associate head coach for sprints and hurdles at MU, who was personally recruited from Ireland by Dwyer in 1977, reflected on the coach’s enduring impact, describing him as a leader whose quick wit, strong sense of humor and firm commitment to fairness and discipline left a lasting mark on both athletes and the program.
“I had a very good relationship with him,” Ryan said. “He had a fantastic sense of humor, he was very proud of his Irish heritage, and he was very personable. But he was also very tough and very fair. That’s one of the reasons why I believe he was such a successful coach.”
Ryan also reflected on the lasting bond Dwyer created among his athletes, describing a culture that went beyond the track.
“Anybody that was coached by Dwyer, when we get together, we always talk about him, and we always feel like we’re members of a very, very unique club,” Ryan said. “We kind of went in as boys, and he did mold us into men.”
Beyond his mentorship, Dwyer’s leadership was defined by both his grit and resourcefulness, qualities that became central to the identity of MU’s track and field program. Ryan shared
Fred
pictured competing in the mid-1950s at Madison Square Garden during the Millrose Games, facing an international, world-class field. Mary’s Mountaineers.
how Dwyer’s determined mindset helped the program succeed time and again.
JOE RYAN / COURTESY
“For a period of time, we didn’t have an indoor track… It wasn’t built until my sophomore year in 1979,” Ryan said. “I remember we used to take the subway down to 168th Street just to practice. We kind of took on that New York toughness… the attitude that you always have to find a way to get it done.”
Dan Mecca, who served 31 seasons at MU and is one of only six head coaches in the track and field program’s 100-year history, first met Dwyer in 1986.
Having worked alongside Dwyer before succeeding him as head coach, Mecca, now retired from coaching at MU, reflected on the high standards and strong commitment that defined Dwyer’s approach.
“He was tough because he loved the program and the sport, and he expected the best from everyone,” Mecca said. “He knew what each athlete needed to succeed … whether it was
tough, honest feedback or a personal conversation. I think that’s what made him such a great coach… everything was developed with excellence.”
Dwyer’s influence on MU’s track and field program extends far beyond wins and championships. His commitment to excellence, leadership and building a culture of grit and integrity shaped generations of athletes and coaches alike.
“I hope the current athletes understand the history of the program,” Mecca said. “I want them to remember Fred Dwyer as a leader who cared, who developed his athletes, and who expected everyone to give their best, athletically, academically and in life.”
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
Dwyer
Fred Dwyer pictured with former MU coaches and Olympic champion Lindy Remigino at