the Quadrangle
NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Kakos School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) held a an event headed by Dean Marcy Kelly, including a student-led panel and guided tours, for potential students.
BillyWalkerAcquires MagnoliaBakery Internship
Sarah Rolka
Asst. Features Editor
Billy Walker, a senior communication major with a concentration in media production, has recently landed an internship with Magnolia Bakery as a content creator and outreach intern in New York City.
In this position, Walker will have the opportunity to support their marketing team by creating content for social media and help grow the bakery’s influencer network. Walker spoke to
The Quadrangle on how it felt to get the call from Magnolia Bakery that he got the job.
“Kind of surreal…The whole job kind of fell in my lap,” Walker said. “It felt really rewarding and successful finally getting the call. But I was happy [and] relieved after all the hard work I’ve done.”
Walker’s hard work can be seen all around campus and on social media, most notably being Manhattan Media Network’s (MMN) co-founder and president, WRCM radio’s technical director and an admissions ambassador. Over this last summer,
Walker worked with the admissions department as a tour guide for Manhattan University (MU) and additionally helped out with the department’s new social media account. Anissa Latif, assistant director of communication, events and technology, commented on his work at admissions and recognizes his hard work.
“[I’m] so proud of him, but not really that surprised [that he landed the internship],” Latif said. “Having worked with Billy for quite some time now, he is super creative, this
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
On Feb. 9, Manhattan University’s (MU) quad was transformed into a set for the filming of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” The visit marked the show’s third official appearance on campus this academic year, following careful coordination with university staff.
A week prior to filming on campus, The Quadrangle received approval from NBC to speak with two members of the production team, providing insight into the detailed arrangements needed to shoot on an active university campus.
On the day of filming, The Quadrangle spoke with Katy Nolan, assistant location manager for Law & Order: SVU, about her role and the production process.
“My job is basically constant event coordinating… There’s two different types of days,” Nolan said. “We have prep days and set days. During the beginning of our prep days, we’ll have a concept meeting. That’s when we’ll sit down and go through scene-by-scene.”
During these meetings, the team plans each scene in detail and coordinates with all departments to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“We review the director’s vision, the writers’ initial concept, the customer’s ideas and where we want these scenes to take place,” Nolan said. “Immediately after that, we begin scouting locations for filming.”
After about eight prep days of organizing and planning, Nolan and her colleagues move into set days to begin filming.
“Some places really need a lot of preparation to make the scene work, while others not so much… And MU has been great,” Nolan said.
Following Nolan’s statement, Harry Cruz, location assistant for “Law & Order: SVU” agreed, emphasizing how accommodating MU’s staff makes the production process.
“The fact is that the staff here are very accommodating and even if we can’t do something, you’ll find a way to work around it,” Cruz said.
Despite the possible challenges of filming on a university campus, Cruz noted that the process is fairly routine, even with the curiosity of passing students.
“Filming here is pretty much how it normally goes, the only difference is the students… Some students that are walking around during filming, and watch out of curiosity, but usually stay at a distance, which we don’t mind,” Cruz said.
Ioannis Rountos, a sophomore civil engineering major, commented on the matter, stating that the filming production did not disrupt the regular flow of campus life at MU.
“It was pretty cool seeing the production crew… It didn’t really affect my class schedule too much… I think they worked well between MU students,” Rountos said.
Following Rountos’
Volume CXIII, Issue 5
FEBRUARY 17, 2026
The Editorial Board
Laili Shahrestani and Barbara Vasquez Editors-in-Chief
Maddie Rosado Managing Editor
Leyla Mercado Features Editor
Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
Zeke Jazwinski Sports Editor
Emmamuel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
Lois Boateng Social Media Editor
Leyla Mercado & Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editors
Maddie Rosado News Editor
Zendrah Bonnick Asst. News Editor
Maria Castaño Arts & Entertainment Editor
Joshua Reichard Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Amy Forster Production Editor
Misha Jabal-Abadi Asst. Production Editor
Alba Kortoci Web Editor
Thom Gencarelli Faculty Advisor
About The Quadrangle
A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization run by the students of Manhattan University. We strive to cover news around campus and the greater community, publishing weekly in print and daily online. Our goal is always accuracy, relevancy and professionalism.
The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the University or the student body.
Join The Quadrangle
The Quadrangle’s staff holds weekly open meetings on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in Kelly Commons. All are welcome to come and join the club. If interested, please email thequad@manhattan.edu!
Connect with The Quadrangle mcquad.org @mu_quad @mu_quad mcquad
LETTER from the EDITOR
Dear Readers,
I hope you all had a wonderful week, as well as a great Valentine’s Day weekend. This issue, The Quadrangle has many great stories and news coverage for you all, as well as a special announcement!
Starting off, The Quadrangle is pleased to formally announce that we will be collaborating with the Manhattan Media Network! We felt as if this is a long-time coming, and have many exciting ideas in store, hoping to expand our newsroom to the next level. That said, stay tuned, and follow: @mu_quad on Instagram to see all updates.
Now, let’s move onto issue 5!
As we see in our news section, NBC’s “Law and Order: SVU” is back filming on campus, which is super amazing to see from behind-the-scenes. I grew up watching that show with my mom, so seeing the filming process will never fail to excite me. In addition, news highlights senior Billy Walker, who landed an internship at Magnolia Bakery, as well as dives deeper into the Trump administration and the revoking of EPA, as better understood in our Manhattan Caucus.
In features, we learn more about several Manhattan University students who made their way up to New York’s capital, Albany, for student advocacy day. We also get a deeper look on the career fair, and what networking opportunities it brought about. On a similar note, we see that MU alumni, John O’Connor makes his way back to campus to explain the importance of networking.
Moving onto our A&E section, it is shared that LOTUS Magazine has revealed their theme for spring 2026, being “metamorphosis.” As someone who is also a part of LOTUS, I am thrilled about this theme, and cannot wait to see the work that gets put out. In addition, we have a Book Nook written by me, about “The Kite Runner” which is my favorite novel of all time - touching on themes very familiar to me, as I come from Middle Eastern heritage.
Last but not least, in sports, we have a Games of the Week, highlighting the ups and downs of various athletics teams across the board. We also learn about SAAC, and how they are aiming to raise $1,000 toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and we will see you in the next one!
perspective, Robert Cole, MU’s executive director of marketing, shared his own thoughts on working with the
Law & Order: SVU team in an email to The Quadrangle.
“While I cannot speak for the production team, I am confident that MU affords ‘Law & Order: SVU’ a professional and welcoming
atmosphere for filming,” Cole wrote in an email to The Quadrangle.
Cole continued, noting that he believes part of MU’s appeal to the production crew lies in its versatility and visual opportunities for filming.
“Many of the university’s buildings have distinctly classic architecture,” Cole wrote. “With such an extremely picturesque campus, MU can appear to be many different locales, thus it makes sense from an economy of filming.”
Cruz added that the production team values the university campus for more than its visual appeal, emphasizing that “Law & Order: SVU’s” experience at MU always ensures a favorable environment for filming.
“Usually, if a school is willing to work with us, we’ll
definitely be back. We’ve already been back at MU twice this season… That just really shows how much we really like it here,” Cruz said.
BillyWalkerAcquiresMagnoliaBakery
Internship
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
is what he’s good at. Over the summer, he was working in our office as one of the tour guides and we had just started our admissions social media account, and so he was supportive and helped us create some content over the summer.”
Latif also acknowledges his work with MMN, and how his passion working there also showcases Walker’s creativity either in-front or behind a camera.
“If you see all the [work] that he’s been doing with MMN, you know his face is everywhere,” Latif said. “He’s not afraid of a camera and he’s really creative, so it’s not a surprise that Magnolia [Bakery] reached out.”
Walker comments on the experiences he’s accumulated over the years and mentions how they all have, in some way, helped bring him to where he is now professionally.
“I would say all the extremes I’ve done so far, regardless [of] what it is, whether it’s social media or not, has 100% set me up for this internship and probably other internships and jobs in the future,” Walker said.
Sadie Fox, a communication and English double-major with a sports media concentration, has worked closely with Walker over the last few years. Fox spoke about working together with him and how that process has been.
“It’s been really fun,” Fox said. “I feel like, creatively, me and him are kind of in-sync at this point from working together for so long. So it’s [been] a lot of bouncing ideas back and forth off each other and it’s been really fun.”
Fox additionally mentions that Walker has been a great mentor throughout the years to everyone and that they’ve been able to grow together as a club.
“I actually met him before I came to [MU], he was my tour guide,” Fox said. “And then when I got here, I joined MMN and he was a great mentor that first year, and now it’s become us working hand-in-hand, and it’s been super fun getting to grow together as a club and getting to do all that fun stuff.”
Walker mentioned that since he’s started interning at Magnolia Bakery, they’ve been surprised at the high quality of work he’s put
Image from Billy Walker’s post on landing Magnolia Bakery internship. LINKEDIN / COURTESY
together and that yet to him, it just feels like second nature.
“I just sat down for an hour at Magnolia [Bakery] in their office and just edited a bunch of videos together of all the Valentine’s Day products and they’re like, ‘We have never been this prepared for a holiday season before’,” Walker said. “And I
was like ‘Really?’ because this is what I do almost everyday. This is like second nature.”
Walker also explained that he feels very grateful for this opportunity and that landing this internship has been the “icing on top” to all of the hard work he’s accomplished.
“I’m hoping this really sets me up, I hope this is like the layer on top,” Walker said.
“Not to have a cake analogy, [but] we did it all, and this is going to be the icing on top. This is going to set me up for, hopefully, the rest of my future…I’m just super grateful that this happened and everything that’s happened to me while being a student here.”
Law & Order: SVU production crew pictured, waiting and ready for lights, camera, action.
ANISSA LATIF / COURTESY
Law & Order: SVU transforming the quad into a full-on set, swapping out banners to bring the scene to life.
ANISSA LATIF / COURTESY
ManhattanCaucus:Trump AdministrationRevokes EPAAuthorityOver ClimateChange
Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editor
On Feb. 12, The Trump administration revoked the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to regulate climate pollution. By eliminating the endangerment finding, the administration will be able to quickly reverse other rules that decrease climate pollution from power plants and oil and gas activities, albeit this would require additional regulatory processes.
Stating, “We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding,” calling the policy “disastrous.” When asked at the White House what he would say to Americans who are concerned about the cost of his actions to public
health, Trump claims that the repealing of the regulations has nothing to do with public health stating, “Don’t worry about it, because it has nothing to do with public health. This was all a scam, a giant scam.”
And further stating that it “was a rip off of the country by Obama and Biden.”
The EPA endangerment finding was signed in 2009 during the Obama administration. It projected concentrations of six key greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a “threat to the public health and welfare of current and future generations.”
Trump said that he believes that climate change is a “con job” and has also withdrawn the United States from the Paris Agreement.
Former President
Obama posted on X about the endangerment finding, “Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change — all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money.”
White House EPA administrator Lee Zeldin explained that all greenhouse gas emissions regulations pertaining to light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles were in place after the endangerment determination was lifted. Stating, “No longer will automakers be pressured to shift their fleets towards electric vehicles.” The White House claims the move will save Americans roughly $2,400 on vehicles produced in the future.
Karoline Levitt, White House press secretary, claimed that the repeal will lower costs
for Americans and would save the public around $1.3 trillion.
In an EPA press release Zeldin stated, “The Trump EPA has finalized the single largest act of deregulation in the history of the United States of America. Referred to by some as the holy grail of federal regulatory overreach, the 2009 Obama EPA endangerment finding is now eliminated.”
Former EPA administrator, Gina McCarthy, who served under the Biden administration called the actions of the Trump administration reckless. “This EPA would rather spend its time in court working for the fossil fuel industry than protecting us from pollution and the escalating impacts of climate change,” McCarthy stated.
Additionally, the American Lung Association and the
American Public Health Association announced they would sue the administration, calling the regulatory appeal “unlawful.” Along with those two associations, President of Earthjustice Abbie Dillen, stated “The Trump administration is sacrificing our health, our safety, our economy, and our future by abandoning its core responsibility to keep us safe from extreme weather and accelerating climate change.”
The repeal is expected to face legal challenges, and its long-term impact will depend on how courts respond and how future administrations address climate-related regulations.
MU Students Advocate at Albany
Stephen Philippeau, a junior studying computer science at MU, about participants’ advocacy for CSTEP.
Last week, on Feb. 10, numerous Manhattan University (MU) students boarded a bus to the State Capitol in Albany. While in Albany, they participated alongside students from various other schools on student advocacy day. Various discussions were held at the event between students, lawyers, legislators and other government officials. Some of the topics discussed focused on the funding of accessibility and opportunity programs, which included the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
CSTEP is a program created to help underrepresented demographics and people from low-income backgrounds to access undergraduate and graduate education in STEM fields. TAP is a program centered around increasing opportunities by providing tuition assistance.
The Quadrangle spoke to
“We advocated basically for increasing the funding and restoring the cuts [to CSTEP]... and also increasing funding for students,” Philippeau said. “Federally, the current Trump administration has already been targeting opportunity programs such as CSTEP and even programs outside of diversity and opportunity programs; and even just general science programs.”
Max Bennett, a senior majoring in English at MU, told the newspaper about his perspective on the event.
“There was a sense of community with all the schools there, because even though I never met any of them [before], we are all essentially fighting the same fight,” Bennett said.
“We all just want each other to succeed but also have the possibility to succeed. So, there was a sense of we’re all in this together, even if we just met. Because even the people that I went with, I’ve never met them before.”
Ivon Guzman, a freshman majoring in psychology at the
university, gave further depth on this event’s significance, given the federal budget cuts by the Trump administration.
“Advocacy day sort of gave me hope, especially with our politics now,” Guzman
said. “Many people feel their voices aren’t heard and many politicians say what people like to hear, but don’t actually act upon it. It was a refreshing experience to take matters into your own hands and see all these people who are also [doing the same], trying to make change.”
Later, Philippeau discussed CSTEP as a program that benefits employment.
“We discussed with the legislators in Albany that, given these current changes in the national landscape, CSTEP is unique because it allows New York State to at least maintain a STEM pipeline, and recruit locally,” Philippeau said.
“Because the qualifications for CSTEP are also for you to be a resident in the state.”
While speaking with The Quadrangle, Guzman also described firsthand experience with the impact of programs like TAP.
“I’m also a TAP recipient... three of the things that were going to be cut I use and are part of the reason why I am where I am,” Guzman said. “As a first year, I really wanted to just [get] out there. I always wanted to be more involved politically and since these things have such a direct impact on my education, what reason do I have not to make my voice heard?”
During his interview, Bennett told The Quadrangle that while he doesn’t personally use the programs he advocated for, he remains informed rather than ignoring political issues.
“I feel like you generally have to turn off the TV whenever the news is about to talk about it. Because there’s no way that you don’t know what’s going on,” Bennett said.
“I’m not saying that you need to know everything, but there’s no way that you don’t even know the basic foundation of it.”
Zendrah Bonnick
Asst. News Editor
Photos of Student Advocacy Day in
The2026Spring CareerFairat MU
Gabriella Dickson Staff Writer
On Tuesday Feb. 10, Manhattan University (MU) held a career fair that was open to all students across different majors to network, find their places in the workforce and discover new possibilities as students of MU. The career fair, which is held every year during both the fall and spring semesters, was occupied by many different companies and were eager to connect students.
Julie Anna Alvarez Rivera, director of the Center for Career Development, spoke to The Quadrangle about why she thinks the career fair is important for the students.
“It’s important because the employers get to have
‘face’ time with you,” Rivera said. “You get to ask questions in person, learn about new internships and post-graduate opportunities and really get to know first hand what is available.”
As the director of the center, it is Rivera’s job to help students with networking. She helps guide them into entering the workforce by not just acquiring students with the proper skillset, but also advising them on what they could possibly do in the future.
The Quadrangle asked Rivera about how going to the career fairs held here on campus can impact students’ chances at entering the workforce or finding a good career path.
“...By showing up to the career fairs, you’re showing a certain level of commitment
was held Tuesday, Feb. 10. MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
and interest to the employers that are there…” Rivera said. “It gives them [employers] a sense of ‘Oh, there’s some real interest and real commitment to this.’ That makes them more interested in you as a student and as a candidate that they would take another look at and potentially hire.”
Shu Amanuma, a junior international studies major, spoke to The Quadrangle about how attending the career fair can help with entering the workforce and finding jobs in your career path.
“I think it’s never going to [have] any negatives,” Amanuma said. “The more you go up [and talk] to people the more things you hear [in general and from] the past experiences of alumni, regardless of if the company you’re talking to has nothing to do with your major, it’s always an insightful experience because personal
and individual experiences are what makes up these career paths.”
Amanuma also commented on some tips she has for students who are interested in joining the workforce, or are going to attend the next career fair during the fall semester.
“My tip is definitely targeted towards liberal arts students,” Amanuma said. “I feel that civil engineers have enough opportunities at career fairs because most companies that come to [recruit at MU] are civil engineering companies… These construction companies are huge corporations, which means they aren’t just hiring engineers. They still need to hire HR, logistics, whatever else there…Put yourself out there.”
Shannon Jaworsky, a freshman electrical engineering major, spoke to
The Quadrangle about why she thinks the career fair is important for students.
“It’s definitely important to get students connected to alumni and other [employers] that didn’t go to [MU],” Jaworsky said. “Like companies around the area that are looking for internships, looking for people to work. It helps these companies recruit more people and it helps the students get out there and get experience.”
Jaworsky also mentioned some tips she has for students who are possibly thinking of attending the next career fair.
“Make sure you dress nicely to make a good first impression,” Jaworsky said. “And don’t be afraid to talk to people, because otherwise, there would be no point in going.”
The 2026 spring career fair
Julie Anna Alvarez Rivera from the center for career development.
Alumni John Ryan O’Connor Presents the Importance of Networking
Asst. Production Editor
On Wednesday Feb. 11, Manhattan University (MU) alumni John Ryan O’Connor came back to campus to share his experience entering the sports and entertainment industry, while also providing helpful tips he has learned during his time.
O’Connor was a marketing major with a concentration in talent acquisition, and took electives in public relations, sports and entertainment. While he was sharing his experience entering the work field, he focused on the importance of networking, as well as maintaining connections, and how they can help students in the long run.
O’Connor, now working at Madison Square Garden, and being the project world manager for the FIFA World Cup, spoke to the challenges of entering the sports and entertainment industry. While starting as an intern for LeagueApps,
“Sports and entertainment, unfortunately, can be such an
industry where it’s really hard to break into, but once you do, it’s a little bit easier to move around and find your path.”
O’Connor said. “I just wanted to kind of emphasize that if you’re really passionate about breaking into the industry, reach out and connect.”
Brain Litvack, CEO and co-founder at LeagueApp, and the boss of John O’Connor has shared similar insight on his LinkedIn account.
“...Besides putting in the work with your summer internship, your relationship with team sports inspires the LeagueApps team.... So, we’re going to support your team and invite everyone else out here to join us,” Litvack posted.
Reflecting upon O’Connors message, Giavonna DeBono, a junior business management and global business major with a finance minor spoke to The Quadrangle about one of the parts that impacted her most during his presentation.
“John spoke about his experiences and advised everyone to never burn bridges,” DeBono said. The sports industry is very small and making a good impression
could land you your dream job.”
O’Connor went on to emphasize that students may need assistance in finding a place to start networking. He suggested making these connections was through the alumni program at MU, which is in place to connect current students with alumni to help them as they enter the same or similar working field.
O’Connor elaborated on his experience as being a part of such a program back when he was an MU student himself.
“I was fortunate enough, my junior year, to get paired with an alumni, Michael Peche,” O’Connor said. “He works for Netflix, and he was great. He just sat down and let me talk his ear off and just listened to me. [He] kind of reassured me he was [in a similar place when] he was getting into management. Similar tech talent acquisition background, and [so] I used him as a point of release, if that makes sense” O’Connor said.
DeBono also shared further advice that was of value to her. She emphasized the importance of reaching out to mentors who can be people who make the student to employer transition easier.
“The best piece of advice [O’Connor] shared was the proper way to network,” DeBono said. “Reaching out to alumni, and asking them to have a quick conversation is a great way to get your foot in the door for any company.”
O’Connor commented on this way to network, and mentioned that he is now able to step into those shoes of becoming a mentor to students as a part of the Manhattan Mentor Program.
“I really utilized the mentor program to have adults to look up to, careers to inspire me, and that’s what I try to do now as a part of the Manhattan Mentor Program.... If I could be that little point of ease for a student,
or help make this process any easier, I’d love to,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor also elaborated on the importance of passion, making it clear that there isn’t any mold you need to fit into when it comes to the career of your choice.
“It’s definitely a unique experience but I think my aspirations were very similar,” O’Connor said. “Like I sat in a lot of classes where a lot of people had similar interests as me, and I think I spoke to someone after the discussion, and they said they ‘really want to work in sports and entertainment, but they’re not a huge sports player.’ [Yet] I think it’s like you have that drive, that passion,
that hard work and I think that’s something that kind of goes across all companies, all majors, everything…”
Photo of Presenter: John Ryan O’Connor MISHA JABAL-ABADI / THE QUADRANGLE
Misha Jabal-Abadi
Group photo of everyone who attended the presentation.
arts & entertainment
Lotus Magazine Unveils Spring 2026 Theme: “Metamorphosis”
“metamorphosis” is relevant not just to her personally, but to the magazine’s overall journey and evolution.
On Feb. 7, Manhattan University’s (MU) Lotus Magazine officially announced its spring 2026 theme “metamorphosis,” unveiling the concept on Instagram with a visual definition of the word, and a collage of creative teasers previewing what readers can expect from the team this semester.
Ivy Jaep, editor-in-chief of Lotus Magazine and a senior marketing and global business major with a minor in management, explained to The Quadrangle that the foundation of this semester’s theme, and each idea that conceptualizes it, comes from the organization’s deep sense of diversity and collaboration.
“There’s around 30 of us on the team,” Jaep said. “And with so many different styles, opinions and cultures coming into one room, we check so many boxes with all these different insights and ideas. I think that’s why it seems effortless, because when you put that much creativity in one room, it just flows and pours out.”
With such ever-growing creativity, Jaep continued to emphasize that the theme of
“Beyond my personal opinion on ‘metamorphosis’ and how it aligns with me, I would say it goes the same for the club as well and how much we’ve grown,” Jaep said.
Jaep then described the process of choosing the new theme, giving everyone the opportunity to contribute ideas and vote on what it should be.
“We open up a Google form for everyone to submit just a single word, which we then vote on… After all the votes were in, ‘metamorphosis’ did win,” Jaep said. “And as it turned out, Abby Booth did come up with the concept.”
Abigail Booth, assistant fashion and beauty editor and a sophomore communication major with a concentration in public relations, spoke to The Quadrangle about the inspiration behind the theme.
“To be honest, I’ve been on a real ‘bug’ kick recently,” Booth said. “Really thinking about the transformation that a caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly, I think it is truly incredible.”
Booth went on to explain that, although her initial inspiration did come from insects, “metamorphosis” also holds a more personal meaning for her.
An introduction to Lotus’ new theme, presented in a photo collage. @LOTUSMAGAZINEMU / INSTAGRAM
“For me, ‘metamorphosis’ has been about coming to this school from a small hometown, growing into myself, and being surrounded by people who are growing too,” Booth said.
As Booth reflected on her personal experiences, she also described that finding a community within Lotus Magazine has given her the opportunity to fully embrace her own journey of selfdiscovery.
“I think Lotus truly embraces that growth and authenticity,” Booth said. “I was honestly ecstatic when I found out it got picked, and it kind of made me feel like, yeah,
I’m in the right place.”
Mia Porritt, social media director and senior communication major, agrees with this sentiment. Porritt explained that the magazine’s collaborative environment inspires members to push their creativity beyond their individual contributions.
“I created the phrase ‘create beyond yourself,’ because I think Lotus is so much bigger than just an individual,” Porritt said.
Porritt then offered an exclusive glimpse into how the team is bringing the theme to life across their social media platforms.
“While channeling
‘metamorphosis’ through our socials, we really want to leave it to interpretation,” Porritt said. “I’m really making sure it’s more of an ambiguous, looser concept. We want people, especially our writers and our shoot directors, to play around with it and make it their own.”
As anticipation grows for Lotus’ spring 2026 fashion show and 18th print issue, the team’s creativity and collaboration set the stage for a semester of bold ideas and exciting content.
“I don’t want to give away too much, but on our Instagram, keep an eye out for teasers,” Porritt said.
Maddie Rosado Managing / News Editor
arts & entertainment
Book Nook: “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
Laili Shahrestani Editor-in-Chief
Back in 2022 — my senior year of high school — I remember sitting in my AP literature class, listening to my teacher explain how we were reading a 400-page novel about war, invasion, monarchy and so on. I imagined it to be something similar to what you would read in history class: extremely heavy and extremely informational. While that remained true, it ended up being so much more than that.
“The Kite Runner,” by Khaled Hosseini changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. For the first time, I was met with a book that was relatable to me, my family and the hardships my parents faced as immigrants from the Middle East. The novel does an excellent job of highlighting the resilience and endurance of us Farsi-speaking people, while also shedding light on the hardships that come along with carrying this identity.
At its core, “The Kite Runner,” follows Amir, a young Sunni Pashtun boy from Kabul, Afghanistan, who comes from a wealthy family, and his bond with Hassan, the son of his father’s servant, who belongs to the Shia Hazara minority group. Although the boys grew up in the same vicinity and share a deep bond, their relationship is shaped by the deep-rooted social, religious and economic divisions in Afghanistan during that time.
The novel revolves around the annual kite-flying tournament that is deeply significant to Amir, as he sees it as a chance to win his father’s approval. Hassan, being deeply loyal to Amir, runs the final kite, promising to retrieve it and bring it back to Amir “no matter what.” However, it is at this time that Hassan is cornered and violently assaulted by another Pashto named Assef, who openly expresses extremist beliefs and hatred towards the Hazara minority group. Hassan, being a part of this minority, is oftentimes subjected to discrimination and seen as “less-than” the other ethnic and religious groups. While Amir
still respects Hassan deeply, despite their differences, he ultimately betrayed him. Amir stood by and watched his best friend get assaulted and did nothing to stop it — choosing silence over courage.
This moment of betrayal became a heavily significant turning point in the story, leaving Amir to never be the same. On the other hand, Hassan’s suffering was just one example of the many injustices minority groups, such as Shias or Hazaras are subjected to. While I am not a Hazara, my family comes from a Shia background, and I can relate to Hassan in the sense of feeling like an outcast or having been treated differently by extremist groups. Despite Amir’s silence, Hassan continued to show forgiveness and loyalty to Amir. This behavior sparked even more guilt in him, making Amir feel incredibly ashamed.
This shame ate Amir up more and more each day, leaving him no option but to push Hassan away as a coping mechanism. He ended up accusing Hassan of stealing, betraying him once again. However, this time, the betrayal stemmed from the fact that Amir could not look Hassan in the face anymore without feeling intense guilt — he wanted him gone. This just goes to show Amir’s sense of high-status and the power dynamic between the wealthy and the less fortunate in Afghanistan.
After Hassan and his father flee, Amir is left with a sense of relief that ends up being shortlived. Not long after, we see Afghanistan go through intense political change. The Soviet invasion causes Amir and his father to immigrate to America, leaving Hassan nothing but a guilty memory. While Amir starts his new life in the U.S., Afghanistan continues to suffer under the Taliban. The Taliban enforces its tyrannical and radicalized interpretations of religion on the community, leaving people suffering and under extreme oppression. Similarly, my parents once had to flee Iran after the Iranian Revolution, which shifted Iran from a monarchy to a theocratic dictatorship, now known as the Islamic Regime. The novel and
my parents’ experiences show that these governments do not reflect the true values of Islam, but rather demonstrate examples of governments that use radicalized interpretations of religion as a means of control.
Years later, when Amir reaches adulthood, he receives a call informing him that Hassan has been killed by the Taliban, and that Hassan’s son Sohrab has been left orphaned. Amir, a man who has been living the better half of his life under extreme guilt, saw this as a way to make things right. Unlike his childhood self, who chose silence over courage, this time Amir traveled back to Afghanistan, fully aware of the risks, to confront his past.
After long hours of traveling, Amir is met with Assef again, who now serves as a Taliban official. However, this time around , instead of running, he confronts him face-on and rescues Sohrab. By saving Hassan’s son, Amir felt as if he was one step closer to making things right.
After the rescue, Amir receives a letter written by Hassan before his death. In this letter, Hassan expresses forgiveness and loyalty despite all the betrayals.
While the letter does not fully erase Amir’s guilt, it clarifies that what he was doing was on the right track. Amir ends up taking Sohrab back to the U.S., where he raised Sohrab as his own. In the final part of the novel, there is a full-circle moment, ending with another kite-flying scene. This
time, Amir is the one running the kite for Sohrab, reversing the roles from his childhood. He tells Sohrab that he will run the kite for him “a thousand times over,” representing what Hassan once said to Amir.
“The Kite Runner,” as great a story as it is, feels very personal, showcasing themes that are familiar to me. It is through the story of Amir and Hassan that gives me a better picture of life in the Middle East before invasion, after invasion, and how the economic and religious disparities played a role in that period of time. It is also through this novel that it highlights how guilt can’t ever be fully erased, but opens the door for growth moving forward.
sports
SAAC Aims to Raise $1,000 for Make-AWish Foundation
Features Editor / Asst. Social Media Editor
Manhattan University’s (MU)Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is fundraising for the Make-AWish Foundation, aiming to raise $1,000.
In reference to Go Jaspers, everyday more than 70 children are diagnosed with a critical illness, relying on donors to help make their wishes come to life. MU’s SAAC is committed to this mission, knowing that each wish granted transforms fear into confidence and anxiety into hope for a child.
Isabella Canizzo, a senior English major with minors in religious studies and psychology, is a student-athlete on MU’s track team and the Vice President of SAAC. Canizzo spoke to The Quadrangle about what motivated SAAC to partner with Make-A-Wish.
“We partnered with MakeA-Wish in years prior, but we wanted to tackle an organization that works directly with helping those in need outside of athletics and outside [MU’s] campus,” Canizzo said.
As the group remains optimistic, efforts to reach their $1,000 goal continue as the spring semester progresses. Through partnership with other on-campus athletic teams, Canizzo emphasized the importance of this goal and its meaning for the rest of the SAAC members.
“We wanted to do something bigger… fundraise for something bigger and kind of set the bar high,” Canizzo
said. “To give little kids a chance to get better and chase their dreams is huge for us.”
SAAC hopes to bring positivity to the community by hosting events at various MU Division I collegiate games, while building camaraderie within its teams, engaging with fans and connecting with the wider community.
Julia Hendricks, a junior history and criminology double major, is a student-athlete on MU’s track team and SAAC’s community service chair. Hendricks spoke with The Quadrangle about how SAAC hopes the fundraising money
will benefit many Make-A-Wish children.
“There are so many ways the $1,000, and hopefully more [money], can make an impact for Make-A-Wish kids,” Hendricks said. “I think it’s important to remember that money isn’t all going to the same place, and when you raise $1,000… you’re really giving money to tens, if not hundreds of kids with illnesses across the country to make their wishes come true.”
Hendricks continued to explain that the impact of this fundraiser is evident, and every small donation helps create an
even bigger difference.
“It’s a great project to have because at the end of the year the students can look back and see one collective donation and clearly see how their contributions over the year has made a difference,” Hendricks said.
Hendricks told The Quadrangle that during her time as SAAC’s community service chair, she has come to appreciate the effort that goes into organizing these projects and events.
“Being the community service chair has been an awesome experience, and I
think it’s something that more clubs should incorporate… It’s really important to have someone dedicated solely to these events because they are pretty intense to schedule bureaucratically.”
SAAC will continue fundraising and updating MU’s student body about their progress and ongoing mission to help children in need as much as they can, while encouraging everyone to get involved and support their efforts.
Leyla J. Mercado
SAAC fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. JULIA HENDRICKS / COURTESY
sports
Games of the Week
Women’s Softball:
On Sunday, Feb. 8, the Manhattan University (MU) Women’s Softball Team played against the Bradley Braves, winning their first game of the 2026 season at the H-E-B Field. The team had a double-digit run and finished with a score of 10-3.
Freshman player, Natalye DeBus, scored two runs by hitting a ball over the fence. Another freshman player, Mia Magriz, hit a triple for the team within the first inning. Brianna Estevez, a sophomore player, hit a two-run shot bringing the game to 5-3 within the third.
The victory for the Jaspers was a great way to start off the season. Estevez, DeBus, freshman Sophia Kiseloski, and freshman Kaitlyn Moody, got together 2 RBI with 8 in total. Overall, Manhattan had five home runs, which is a record for the team this early off in the 2026 season.
Women’s Lacrosse
The MU Women’s Lacrosse Team played against The Pride from Hofstra University on Wednesday, Feb. 11, during their two-day road trip. Hofstra scored five goals in the beginning of the game, but Julia Kerr, a sophomore player on the team, was able to score midway for Manhattan in the opening quarter.
Seniors Naomi Aristone, Laren Maher, and junior Audrey Ziff caused a turnover. Ziff was able to take control within the second frame; however, the Pride was able to have thirteen points by half. Redshirt Junior, Sophie Pasnak, had 10 saves within the full 60 minutes of game time.
Ella Brunette, freshman on the team, put the Jaspers on the board 46 seconds into the final quarter. Ella Hircsh,
a sophomore, was able to score the final point, ending Manhattan with five total points.
Despite the match ending in a loss, the Jaspers look forward to picking up next week in their next game on Feb. 18 at MU’s Gaelic Park.
Women’s Basketball
MU’s Women’s Basketball Team took a win over Niagara
this past Thursday, Feb. 12, ending with a final score of 60-42 inside MU’s Draddy Gymnasium.
The highlights of the game included eighteen points scored by Brianna Davis, senior player of the team, and sixteen points by graduate student Colette Mulderig. In the first four minutes, Hana Muhl, a senior, had the ball in the defensive end of the court, going coast to coast on the first Jasper
bucket of the game. Mulderig collected 6 points within the opening and scored four points in the free throw. The first two scores of the second half were made through the teamwork of Mulderig and Davis, putting the deficit at 3. Player Elisa Sole Sanchez, another graduate student, collected 5 points bringing the Jaspers into the lead. Tatianna Collins, a freshman, scored the last score of the first, putting Manhattan
down after 10 minutes. A 20-5 run occurred, and Davis was able to score within the final four seconds of the game, giving a 12-point advantage. Sanchez collected a total of 13 points within the game. The best rate for shots for Manhattan was within the third quarter. Agar Farres Garcia, a graduate player and forward, had a record high 16 rebounds for her career.
Maizy Swift Senior Writer
Manhattan Jasper Womens Softball plays and wins against Bradley Braves. GOJASPERS.COM / COURTESY