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Volume CV, Issue 2
COVID Update: Isolation Period Shortened to Five Days for Some Cases Jilleen Barrett
Managing Editor/Features Editor
Snow Arrives on Manhattan’s Campus Students wake up to 6 inches of snow after winter storm advisory on Friday night. ALUMNI RELATIONS VIA MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
Smith Auditorium’s Name to be Changed to Honor Stephen J. Squeri ‘81, ‘86 Angelina Persaud Assistant News Editor
Alumni, chairman and CEO of American Express Stephen J. Squeri ‘81, ‘86 made a $10 million donation to the Invest in the Vision Campaign at Manhattan College. In honor of his contribution, the building that contains Smith Auditorium and the Chapel of De LaSalle and His Brothers will be formally renamed to Squeri Hall. The Invest in the Vision campaign encompasses a wide range of plans and upgrades to keep the college’s infrastructure and campus life
IN NEWS:
Change to COVID Measures on pg. 4
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updated with current social and economic standards as well as providing an enriching experience for future generations of Jaspers. According to manhattan.edu, the primary goals of the campaign are to “Keep current with new academic technologies, expand student and faculty resources, enhance curricula to meet market challenges and provide facilities Jaspers need on north and south campuses”. The site categorizes areas of spending that are specific to the campaign and the main components that will be implemented through dona-
IN FEATURES: New Sorority on Campus on pg. 5
tions and fundraising. According to the MC website approximately $50 million is reserved for academic endowments and scholarships, $35 million for mentoring and student activities and $80 million for facility upgrades. Squeri’s donation was geared towards the facility enhancement aspect of the campaign. The Squeri family has had connections with the MC community beginning with Mr. Squeri’s father, who earned a bachelor of science in business management in 1954. __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Each semester seems to bring adjustments to COVID guidelines at Manhattan College. This semester brings one of the most significant changes the school has seen since classes went online in spring 2020 — a shortened isolation period. According to a OneManhattan email sent on Jan. 28, students and employees who test positive for COVID will be required to isolate themselves for a shortened time period of five days assuming they test negative via a rapid test or show no symptoms of the virus. “Beginning on Monday January 31, the College will implement the latest guidance from the CDC, New York State and New York City,” the email read. “Any student or employee who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for five days. If you then test negative on a rapid test, you can have a modified return to campus for an additional five days, instead of the previous 10-day requirement.” Esmilda Abreu-Hornbostel, Ph.D., co-chair of OneManhattan and dean of students, told The Quadrangle that the school is advising students to have an off-campus isolation plan coordinated, as there are limited spaces on campus to house sick students. “We have encouraged everyone to have an isolation and quarantine plan with their families,” Abreu-Hornbostel wrote in an email. “We find that those that can go home for quarantine or isolation often choose this option for additional family support and care while they are sick.”
IN A&E:
However, there are other options such as the NYC Hotel Program, which all Manhattan College students are eligible for if they test positive, according to a previously written Quadrangle article. There are also a few rooms the college can provide if necessary, and Abreu-Hornbostel said the locations of these rooms vary based on CDC requirements for bathrooms and availability. Students in those spaces are able to order food from campus dining services during this time. “Those students that cannot go home, are offered the NYC Hotel Program if they qualify and if there is space,” Abreu-Hornbostel wrote. “If this is not available or they don’t qualify, then we have a small number of Quarantine/ Isolation rooms on campus in a designated area where they can be attended to. The OneManhattan team works to provide information and unpack the various options with the students.” Abreu-Hornbostel explained that after the five days, while the student may be released if they test negative, he or she will have to adhere to a separate set of COVID-related rules compared to the rest of the community. “At the end of the five isolation days an antigen test is administered and if negative, the student is given a green pass with an ‘M’ for monitoring and is permitted to leave their rooms with a mask. There is a strict mask wearing policy for the additional five days,” she wrote. “The students would continue to sleep in their isolation room if they are Residents for five more days, but are able __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN SPORTS:
Scatterbomb’s Sydney Jaspers Rcognized for 2021 MAAC Wyatt on pg. 7
Championship on pg. 10
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Opinions & Editorials
2 Volume CV, Issue 2 February 1, 2022
The Editorial Board
Kyla Guilfoil Editor-in-Chief Anna Woods Managing Editor
Jilleen Barrett Managing Editor
Nicole Fitzsimmons News Editor
Angelina Persaud Asst. News Editor
Megan LaCreta Arts & Entertainment Editor
Zoe DeFazio Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
Jilleen Barrett Features Editor
Karen Flores Asst. Features Editor
Caroline McCarthy Sports Editor
Lauren Raziano Isaiah Rosario Asst. Sports Editor
Kelly Kennedy Social Media Editor
Josh Grewal Asst. Social Media Editor
Mars Ross Photography Editor
Adrianne Hutto Production Editor
Jocelyn Visnov Mack Olmsted Asst. Production Editors
Jocelyn Visnov Lauren Raziano Web Editors
Nicholas Gilewicz Faculty Advisor About The Quadrangle A tradition since 1924, The Quadrangle is a news organization run by the students of Manhattan College. 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 College 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 412. All are welcome to come and join the club. Connect with The Quadrangle
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News
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
COVID Update: Isolation Period Shortened to Five Days for Some Cases
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to attend classes and get their own grab-and-go meals. The students would be required to wear masks for the additional five days and would not be allowed to go to events or the Fitness Center.” While isolation measures
change, variants continue to spread, which is why in order to avoid having to isolate, director of health services Anne Mavor advises students to be cautious. In an email to The Quadrangle, she explained the school’s decision to move classes online for one week was motivated by the number of people who needed to isolate
as COVID rates went up in the area. “Research shows one infected person can spread and infect another three to four people,” Mavor wrote. “The College has collected data over winter break and with the return to campus testing. The infection rates have been at 25 percent in NYC and this neighborhood
According to a OneManhattan email sent on Jan. 28, students and employees who test positive for COVID will be required to isolate themselves for a shortened time period of five day
MANHATTAN.EDU/ CURTESY
… This rate is much higher than our fall semester cases. We need to be careful and stay home when sick, get tested and be vigilant with mask wearing. The college, after seeing the number of infections being submitted, offered the one week remote learning to allow any students and employees the opportunity to recover and not miss class.” Mavor also mentioned that students who have had COVID in the last 90 days should continue to be careful, especially since there are several variants. She also reiterated that the vaccine “does not prevent infection,” but rather “prevents serious illness.” In order to continue avoiding serious illness and isolation at any length, Abreu-Hornbostel and Mavor agree that everyone should get vaccinated and boosted if possible. In a previous interview with The Quadrangle, Provost Steven Schreiner said the number of unvaccinated people on campus is “in the upper nineties.” “We are encouraging everyone who is eligible for a booster to receive one as soon as possi-
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ble,” Abreu-Hornbostel wrote. “This is strongly recommended because those that are not boosted or not vaccinated will be required to quarantine for five days and then wear a mask for an additional five days if they are exposed to anyone with COVID-19. Alternatively, those that are exposed and boosted will not be required to quarantine (if they are asymptomatic) and are instead able to mask for 10 days post-close contact.” As for whether the booster will be required on campus anytime soon, Mavor says that decision is up to President O’Donnell. “The college President is following guidance from many resources and will provide direction,” Mavor wrote. “The current guidance is that the booster is highly recommended for our community health, the individual’s and the greater community.” Editor’s note: A quote from a previous interview conducted by Caroline McCarthy was used in this article.
Smith Auditorium’s Name to be Changed to Honor Stephen J. Squeri ‘81, ‘86 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Thomas Mauriello, vice president for college advancement at MC, reflected on the Squeri donation and the impact it will have on the campaign. “Steve Squeri’s leadership gift is a testament to his family’s love and support of Manhattan College” Mauriello wrote in an email to the Quadrangle. He also highlighted the longevity of alumni donations and how they have a long-lasting impact on both current and future students. “The Squeri family’s generosity not only allowed us to surpass our capital campaign goal, but it will positively impact students at Manhattan College for years to come,” Mauriello wrote. Manhattan College president, Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., explained the importance of the campaign’s initiatives and its success rate over the course of its implementation. “Our consultants said it would be a stretch for us to get to $150M in cash and pledges over ten years. We decided to challenge ourselves and set the more ambitious goal of $165M. With the Squeri gift,
we’ve gone past that goal and are currently over $173M. We are continuing to push that number higher” O’Donnell wrote in an email to the Quadrangle. In addition to upgrading current learning facilities, the campaign is also focused on financially supporting the education of MC students. “The area where we’re really seeing donor enthusiasm is in funding of endowed scholarships,” O’Donnell wrote. “These funds are helping current students and, as part of our endowment, will be the foundation of our ability to provide donor-funded scholarships for generations to come.” He also highlighted an appreciation for alumni donors who continuously invest in the future of the college and are willing to give back to current students. “Mr. Squeri has been a very generous donor for many years. As the second largest single gift in our history, it is significant symbolically as well-as an investment in the future of the College and its mission” O’Donnell wrote. Brother Jack Curran, Ph.D., vice president of mission at Manhattan, explained the importance of the Lasallian heri-
Building that contains Smith Auditorium and the Chapel of De La Salle and his Brothers ANGELINA PERSAUD/ CURTESY tage in implementing the facets of the campaign. “It’s about making sure people like you are successful in the sense of not only having a great job, but also contributing to society and serving your fellow human beings with integrity and ethics,” Curran
said. He also stated the generosity of MC alums and their willingness to contribute to the college has provided for an enriching experience for both students and faculty. “They want to show that gratitude by enabling the next gen-
eration of folks to have this opportunity. The campaign is an affirmation of the fact that people are willing to give so generously back to this place and that says a lot about the quality of this place.”
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News
THE QUADRANGLE
Return to In-Person Activity Brings Changes to COVID Safety Measures Across Campus
Jocelyn Visnov
Web Editor/ Asst. Production Editor
As Manhattan College continues to monitor the state of the pandemic, several COVID safety precaution policies have been modified for the Spring 2022 semester so that students and staff can safely continue to gather in-person. With the transition to in-person instruction, study spaces like O’Malley Library and the Kelly Commons have again become lively with students and staff meeting masked-face to masked-face. Unlike last semester, in order to enter the Kelly Commons, you must first swipe your MC Identification Card for the front entrance doors to unlock. This is one of several changes made to increase security measures in the building. Upon entering the building, showing your Green Pass on the Glance app to the security desk is now a mandatory procedure for being granted access to the rest of the building. However, with guests, prospective students and other guests who do not have access to the Glace app, procedures are slightly different if they re-
quire access to the buildings. In order to be granted access, they must fill out the Daily Symptom Tracker and provide proof of receiving their initial COVID vaccines, and a booster shot. Links for guests to fill out the Daily Symptom Tracker are available by scanning the QR code located at the security desk. Along with either showing your Green Pass or completing the Symptom Tracker if you’re a guest, continuous wearing of proper face-coverings are mandatory in most spaces across campus. KN95 or N95 masks were made available to students during One Manhattan Booster clinics. “If you don’t have a Green Pass, I’m not letting you in. And not just here, [in the Kelly Commons] really anywhere on campus,” an anonymous source said. The same policy goes for individuals who do not have a mask or proper face-covering with them while entering on-campus facilities. If you do not have a mask, security may not grant you access to the building. A similar policy goes for entering the O’Malley Library. If you’re a student or staff member, you are required to wear a mask and show your Green Pass in order to continue to use
the library. William Walters, the executive director of the O’Malley Library, explains that being granted entrance to library facilities is a different procedure for those who have access to the library other than MC students. “For library patrons other than current faculty, staff and students, which would be alumni or faculty from other institutions who are borrowing privileges here, we do check their vaccination cards. They are required to be vaccinated. So for them we’re going to need to see a photo ID, their access card, which is basically giving them library privileges” Walters said. Walters and other staff members continue to survey the premises, ensuring that students continue to wear masks while using the library. Kate Behrens, an MC student who works in the O’Malley Library, explains that staff continue to monitor policies for fair and easy library use. “We do our best to stay on top of it.” She said, “But sometimes, especially when it’s crowded during finals week and midterm week, it gets a little bit hectic. But I think the administration and the library crew, they’re doing everything that they really can do to stay on top of green passes.”
Several COVID safety precaution policies have been modified for the Spring 2022 semester so that students and staff can safely continue to gather in-person.
MANHATTAN.EDU/ COURTESY In addition to increased COVID safety precautions, students are only to use library study rooms if you have the number of people with you that is posted on the door. For example, if you have a group of three students in your study group, you should not be using a study room meant for eight people. As for most spaces on cam-
pus this semester, staff and administrators ask that students fill out the symptom tracker each day, and show their Green Passes upon entering most buildings. Check your MC email address for information from OneManhattan about continued updates and safety policies.
The U.S. News & World Report Recognizes the Part-time MBA Program at the O’Malley
Victor Franco Staff Writer
The O’Malley School of Business’ master in business administration program was acknowledged by The U.S. News & World Report 2022’s “Best Part-time MBA Rankings.” The program provides students a chance to continue their education while pursuing other responsibilities such as full-time jobs or taking care of family members. The program consists of three MBA concentrations: business analytics, finance and economics. Richard Ross, the Co-Director of the MBA program, believes that professors of the MBA program dedicate themselves to the success of their students, leading to the increasing success of the program. “I was proud first because I feel I’m a part of a successful program and watched the general excitement and efforts of the professors,” he said. Ross assures that many students are also fully dedicated to the program, which helps justify its recognition. “I know the level of
enthusiasm and loyalty that students have for our program,” he said. “Students have a strong association and relationship with their professors and the program”. Ross also credits the alumni connections at MC as a driving factor that has fostered the growth and continued success of the program. “The strength of our alumni network, who have provided jobs for our students, mentorship and opportunities is notable,” Ross said. “They come back and speak to our students about the workforce, current trends and information about what’s going on out there in the work world. We just have a very strong program with very strong support from professors, from alumni and from the business community as a whole.” Provost Steven Schreiner, Ph.D., expressed gratitude towards the program’s recognition since it helps demonstrate the student and faculty effort to improve the academic reputation of the school. “For me, it’s evidence of how the school is rising in its national recognition, if you will,” Schreiner said. “And I think that, to me, it was just a wonderful affirmation of what
I think we already do, is that we have very, very good programs.” The continued efforts of the faculty from the O’Malley School of Business has created an increasingly valuable level of education for students with quality professors, usually immersed in their own industry while teaching. “The School of Business is on a trajectory, an upward trajectory, and I continue to see innovation in their programming,” Schreiner said. He also described plans for expansion of the business school’s programs as a way to further encourage students and faculty in their careers. “We’re starting a new master of science in accounting, for example, and that’s because we think that there’s a group of people who can benefit from our educational processes,” Schreiner said. “I think part of what we try to always do, one thing that makes Manhattan special is our experts, our instructors. It’s our full time faculty, and our part time faculty even, particularly when you get to the graduate level, but really undergraduate as well.” Joseph Adarkwah is currently a part-time student in
the MBA program who plans on graduating with an MBA in finance and economics. Adarkwah enjoys the part-time program because the flexibility allows him to manage the other responsibilities he holds. “The flexibility of the parttime MBA program is very helpful and allows me to juggle between work, school, family and social life as well,” said Adarkwah. Adarkwah is proud of the outcome of being in the program, he explains how the MBA program has gone hand in hand with his professional life. “The program broadened my scope and perspective on issues, especially concerning economics and finance,” Adarkwah said. Taking classes that are adjacent to his professional field allows Adarkwah to implement what he learns in the program into his career. “Even after leaving the walls of Manhattan College the lessons taught are going to carry for the rest of our lives and I think it’s something wonderful,” he said. As for how the program will continue to grow and advance, Don Gibson, the dean of the O’Malley School of Busi-
ness, hopes to keep increasing accessibility for students with a fully online version of the program. “We are launching a fully online version of the MBA program and also beginning to invite high-achieving undergraduate students to come into the fifth-year MBA program,” he said. Gibson believes the program offers students an opportunity to practice and enhance their skills while interacting with both the faculty and students who offer different perspectives. “One of the benefits of a part time program is that you have working adults in it which makes for a richer discussion,” he said. The part time MBA program ranking is encouraging for students and faculty in assuring Manhattan College as an effective choice for future success. “We have had a terrific MBA program for the last 12 years or so and it attracts strong students and we’re growing especially in the last two years,” Gibson said. “So I feel like it’s an appropriate recognition on that list.”
Features
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
MC Welcomes a New Sorority to Campus
Isaiah Rosario Asst. Sports Editor
Manhattan College has officially gained a second sorority: Alpha Pi Phi (APP). The chapter will begin recruitment as
early as the fall 2022 semester. As of Jan. 19, there are currently six sisters in this sorority who make up the chapter’s executive board. Vice President Jamie Robbins spoke to The Quadrangle about the initial creation of the chapter.
All current members of Alpha Pi Phi, from left to right, are Gabby Sandoval, Pamela Moleri, Katie Feeley-Leetz, Jamie Robbins, Adrianne Hutto, and Maddy Rapuano.
ADRIANNE HUTTO / THE QUADRANGLE
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“It was actually kind of just a coincidence … I have an apartment by campus and, you know, the girls came over one day, and we were doing some homework, I don’t know what we were doing,” Robbins said. “But then it was just suddenly like, I was thinking of rushing the sorority [Sigma Delta Tau] but there’s only one sorority on campus, choices are really limited … I want to rush and maybe be a part of Greek life, but I don’t know if I just have one option.” The current executive board of APP consists of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, MDO (rush coordinator), EPO (philanthropy head) and an MSO (teacher figure towards rushees). Robbins explained that anyone who identifies as female and non-binary will be able to rush once the chapter begins recruitment next fall. “We allow all self-identifying women and people who identify as non-binary and who identify with pronouns they/them. We are all-inclusive, no one should be turned away,” Robbins said. Alpha Pi Phi is looking to continue the celebration of diversity at Manhattan College. “With diversity, we’re not
looking for a certain type of cookie-cutter person to like, apply for us,” Robbins said. “At the end of the day, it’s really about personality, and if we can vibe together how well you like to talk to other people, like … we promote that [diversity] by not just looking for physical attributes in welcoming you into our sorority.” Alpha Pi Phi is working with numerous organizations, such as an Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk, women’s homeless shelters in the surrounding area, and Bras for a Cause. Bras for a Cause is a fundraising event that will be held once a semester, in which people can drop off old bras, new bras and new underwear that will be donated to a woman’s homeless shelter. With the opening of this new chapter on campus, APP will look to collaborate with the other sorority on campus, SDT, as well as collaborate with the other fraternities on campus for fundraising events. Alpha Pi Phi also looks forward to working with their other chapters. “We definitely look to co-sponsor different events with them,” Sandoval said. “I’m hoping that with the other sorority [Sigma Delta Tau], we could do something with
that women’s shelter together to really just kind of empower all these women and bring them together for a really good cause.” The sisters of Alpha Pi Phi stated that they are not looking for competition with the Sigma Delta Tau. They are looking to expand options for students on campus who are interested in Greek life. “We’re here to just expand Greek life. We’re not here to go in competition with the other sorority,” Treasurer Catherine Feeley-Leetz said. “We want to be friends with [Sigma Delta Tau]. We want to be friendly with all the Greek life already here on campus. We want to do things with them and work together.” A common sentiment that the sisters brought up was how unique the sorority is. “We all have something unique that we bring to the table and I think that’s what sets us apart from the other Greek Life chapters on campus,” secretary Gabby Sandoval said. “It’s really like a place for everyone. and there’s something for everyone. I don’t know, I think we all just kind of like mesh beautifully.”
called the International Movement of Catholic Students. This is a network that’s trying to mobilize students to work for social conservation and justice. So I’m hoping to sort of work with students at Manhattan College and other places to get them involved in sort of global organizing, and I think that’s important. There’s a lot to learn from that.” The group was recognized by Pope Francis for their efforts towards social justice in a statement sent on his behalf from Cardinal Pietro Paraoin, the secretary of state of the Vatican. “It is his hope that this meeting will contribute to the formation of future leaders in academic and professional life who, inspired by the truth and beauty of our faith, will cooperate in the extension of Christ’s kingdom and in shaping a society of ever greater justice, peace and fraternal solidarity,” Pete McHugh wrote in an article featured on manhattan.edu.
Reverend Thomas Franks, college chaplain, has known Ahern since their years together at Fordham University, where they began their work towards uplifting the Catholic Church and its social justice goals. Franks believes the statement from Pope Francis is a testament to his, and the entire movement’s, commitment. “I think it’s fabulous,” Franks said. “I know, Dr. Ahern has such a deep commitment to and love for the church. And I think that’s why, you know, he’s worked with the Pax Romana group over these five years in his presidency and prior to that, as a student, leader and programming, you know. He really sees the role of everyone in the life of the church contributing to it and for everyone bettering the world. So I think, you know, getting the acknowledgement from Pope Francis, as they were preparing for their meeting as he was transitioning out of the presidency was well deserved, and I think, a beauti-
ful moment for him.” Ahern will remain involved in the ICMICA in the future, hoping to continue inspiring students around the world to organize and recognize their ability to change society. “I really want to work with students and prioritize, trying to help work with students interested and social organizing, especially related to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and social justice, and network those students with students and other countries, to see how they can work together and maybe give students opportunities to advocate on behalf of college students at the United Nations,” Ahern said. “The other thing I’d like to do is to continue to work with faculty, colleagues and spaces to reflect on, you know, what does it mean to be a faculty member at a college and what are our social and ethical responsibilities in the world today?”
ICMICA Pax Romana, Led by Professor Kevin Ahern, Recognized by Pope Francis Nicole Fitzsimmons News Editor
Kevin Ahern, Ph.D, finished up his presidential term of The International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs — also known as ICMICA Pax Romana — this past December. The achievements the group had during Ahern’s time in this role were recognized in a personal statement released by Pope Francis. According to their website, ICMICA Pax Romana is “a global community of Catholic intellectuals and professionals engaged in the world with a spirituality of action.” Ahern’s position as president allowed him to connect various regions of the world in the movement towards uplifting the Catholic church and its values. “One of my jobs was to coordinate the communication,” Ahern said. “So, we had more
than 65 national organizations, some university professors, some scientists and engineers, other professionals who are committed to social justice and social transformation. These national groups, a lot of them operate kind of independently. So, the role as the international team was to coordinate communication between them, especially between groups from different continents.” Beginning at Fordham University, where he received his bachelor’s degree, Ahern has always been passionate about student’s organizing for and representing the church in larger conversations of social justice. He plans on continuing to help students mobilize in the movement following the conclusion of his presidential term. “I’m staying involved, especially in trying to work with organizing students in the United States to be involved in the student movement that’s connected to ICMICA,” Ahern said. “So we have a student movement
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Features
THE QUADRANGLE
Embracing Identity Through Fragrance: Bonita Fierce Candles Ignites Latinx Heritage and Culture in the Home Christine Nappi Senior Writer
Strike a match, light a candle and immerse yourself in Latinx culture. As the sweet scent of coconut and eggnog flows from the Coquito candle and wafts through the air, you’re instantly reminded of family holiday traditions. You feel nostalgia, comfort and like you can embrace who you are. But most importantly, you feel at home. This experience is the goal of Bonita Fierce Candles, a premium, eco-friendly candle company dedicated to celebrating Latinx heritage and home. Founded by Melissa Gallardo ’19, Bonita Fierce aims to help individuals reignite and embrace their Latinx culture, while also bringing representation of Latinx culture to the fragrance industry. “For Bonita Fierce Candles, it really just is all about embracing who you are and where you come from, no matter what spectrum of the culture you come from as a Latino, or Latinx or Latina because there’s so much multiculturalism within our space,” Gallardo said. “We’re embodying not only just the smells, but the cultural aspect of it.” Gallardo describes how growing up she always felt at a crossroads of being a Latina in America, and never felt like she could be her true, authentic self. When she came to Manhattan College, she started to learn more about her heritage and embrace her true identity. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, Gallardo began making candles as a form of self-care, and realized in turn that the scents she grew up with weren’t represented in the fragrance industry. From there, she was inspired to create Bonita Fierce Candles as a way to bring diversity to the candle industry and help others become their true selves. She officially launched her company in November 2020. “It was so important to me because I want to see representation in a space where there isn’t a lot of BIPOC representation,” Gallardo said. “There isn’t a lot of representation for Latinos in this space. If you go to a big box store, you will
not see a Latino owned candle brand, and it’s an area where I want to see growth … I want to make sure that my brand represents Latinos, our culture and continuing on in an equitable space.” Gallardo creates a wide variety of coconut soy candles, and prices range from $15 to $38. Some of the candle scents include cafecito con leche, a coffee scented candle, mucho amor, a fruity floral candle and abuela’s bakery, the after-fiesta-desserts scented candle. However, these are only a few of the meticulously curated scents. Gallardo also has “The Cultura Collection,” that has candles with Spanglish quotes, such as “Greetings from Mi Casa,” and “No Drama Por Favor.” She hopes that these candles will bring customer’s memories to life, whether it reminds them of their abuela’s cooking, salsa dancing or Walter Mercado’s horoscopes. Her goal is to ensure Latinx customers can see themselves in these candles. “I want to make sure that all my customers see themselves in these candles,” Gallardo said. “I also just wanted to make sure that they have an experience that they see themselves and I want them to make sure that they’re, they’re coming back and saying, like, this reminded me of a memory [and] this smells like a memory I’ve had as a child.” Gallardo makes all of Bonita Fierce’s candles by herself, along with the help of some family members in her garage. She described experimenting with different waxes when she first started, as well as different oils and wicks before settling on coconut soy wax with a wooden wick. On an average day, Gallardo can make anywhere from 80 to 100 candles, and she is currently experimenting with scents for her spring and summer collections. After creating candles, Gallardo then markets them to her target audience of millennial and Gen Z Latinas. She first started networking with friends and colleagues, but since starting has used skills she learned as a communication major at Manhattan College to promote her product. Specifically, Gallardo learned how to hone in on her brand and pitch her content to media outlets.
Melissa Gallardo ‘19 is the founder of Bonita Fierce Candles, a premium, eco-friendly candle company dedicated to celebrating Latinx heritage and home. MELISSA GALLARDO / COURTESY “I’ve been able to use the by myself in my garage.” Bonita Fierce even more. In skills that I’ve learned over the Since obtaining media the future, she hopes to break years and just put it back into coverage, Bonita Fierce has into the perfume industry and entrepreneurship, and it really grown tremendously. Gallardo expand Bonita Fierce’s product worked out well because you has partnered with big name base. know when you have a great brands such as Google, BuzzGallardo describes that her brand story it really just res- feed, Estrella Julisco and ABC success with Bonita Fierce onates and shines,” Gallardo to give her candles as corpo- Candles wouldn’t have been said. “I learned how to present rate gifts. She describes how possible without the supportmyself, build my brand and these deals have not only in- ive community behind her. She then just show the world what creased brand awareness, but encourages anyone looking to I’m doing.” have also helped her increase pursue entrepreneurship to Gallardo received her sales. When she first started, pursue their business ideas and first major media hit in spring Gallardo was making a couple to find a community that will 2021 from Cosmopolitan, and hundred dollars a month, but support those ideas too. was featured an additional two now has reached five-figures “If you have an idea, don’t times in the magazine. After a month. She predicts Boni- let it sit on a shelf — figure out that, she was featured on ABC’s ta Fierce will reach six figure your game plan, figure out how Eyewitness News and Good sales within the year. you’re going to get the money, Morning America as a Latina On top of running her busi- what it’s going to take, build business owner for Hispanic ness, Gallardo is also a free- your savings for it [and] set a Heritage month. Gallardo de- lance media professional where goal for yourself and just start scribes being both excited and she’ll work a couple months in somewhere,” Gallardo said. shocked for her and her brand the industry and then take off “By starting somewhere I regetting so much attention. to focus on Bonita Fierce. She ally also mean building a com“It was surreal in both expe- is currently a Digital Content munity because no business riences [on ABC and GMA], to and Merchandising Coordina- isn’t built on, you know authensee myself on screen,” Gallar- tor at Redbox and is also pur- ticity and having a community do said. “It was really surreal suing a Master’s Degree in me- to back you up. You want to to see how much momentum dia management at The New be your most authentic self in came [in] and all of that brought School. yourself and in your brand, and great business and brought so Despite being a student you want to build a group of much brand recognition and and working as a freelancer, people that also resonates with just so much credibility for a Gallardo plans to pursue entre- that feeling.” brand that I’m still working on preneurship full time and grow
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
Arts & Entertainment
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Meet Sydney Waitt, Scatterbomb Stage Stealer Megan LaCreta A&E Editor
Sydney Waitt is Scatterbomb’s grandma. At least that’s how Waitt, a senior peace studies and political science double major, would describe the role she’s taken on in Manhattan College’s popular improv comedy group. “I wouldn’t give myself a role other than I’m like the grandma, but that’s self proclaimed. I didn’t have to be voted on or anything,” Waitt said. Waitt is the longest-running member of Scatterbomb, and first joined the group in her freshman year. She had taken an improv class in high school and enjoyed the experience, but didn’t start performing until college, a similarity she happens to share with one of her comedy inspirations. “I’m a big fan of Amy Poehler as a person, but also of her work on SNL, and I learned that she didn’t even get into comedy until she started doing improv in college, and she’s never done anything before and that’s where she got her start,” said Waitt. “So I think that’s kind of funny, and I think that’s kind of a cool similarity between us.”
Waitt, fifth from the left, and her Scatterbomb “grandchildren” at their Halloween performance, dressed as Charlie Brown characters
SYDNEY WIATT/ COURTESY Over her years in Scatterbomb, Waitt has developed a keen sense of comedy. She explained that when a scene hits a plateau, it’s important to start a new one to keep energy high. The energy of the group is also how Waitt knows a show is about to be a great one. “You can usually tell it’s going to be a good show because everyone is kind of excited and jittery,” said Waitt. “Almost like a bit of nervous energy, but it’s excited nervous energy.” Scatterbomb is known for its high-energy shows, and outrageously funny scenes. Waitt recalled one of her favorite memories from her four years in the group. “One of my very first shows, I distinctly remember that there was a scene where Meredith Taylor, who was an alumni of Scatterbomb, I think for four straight scenes played a dog, and was on her hands
and knees and barking and panting for half the show … I literally had to leave the show and go to the bathroom, I was laughing so hard,” said Waitt. Waitt is looking forward to her last semester in Scatterbomb. The group’s first show is scheduled for Friday, February 4th. They also plan to bring back “Scatter-prom,” a show with costumes and free T-shirts for the audience that has been put on hold due to the pandemic for the past two years. As far as life beyond graduation goes, Waitt doesn’t have any hard plans to continue with comedy, and is focusing on her grad school applications. Waitt reflected on the lessons she’s learned in Scatterbomb that will stick with her, whether she pursues comedy in the future or not. “I think that out of everything I’ve done in college, Scatterbomb has probably taught
me the greatest life lessons in terms of conversation, in terms of meeting others. Being as quick on your feet as possible is always a really good and solid skill to have, with job interviews, first dates, anything. You always want to be the wittiest person in the room, and [Scatterbomb] has really helped with that.” Looking back on her four years in the group, Waitt remarked on the advice she would give to her freshman self, when she first auditioned for Scatterbomb. “Really cherish relationships, have fun, learn everything you can about everyone, because these are the days that twenty years from now, you’ll laugh about and reminisce on,” said Waitt. “It’s important to make as many memories as possible.”
Arts & Entertainment
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THE QUADRANGLE
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: An Inside Look at Life as a Woman In Hollywood BOOK NOOK
Kelly Kennedy
Social Media Editor The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a New York Times bestseller and a historical fiction novel detailing the fabulous and scandalous life of Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo. An actress known for her beauty, many husbands and risky films, Evelyn decides to tell the story of her life at the age of 79 to a young journalist so the world can know the real truth about her life. Organized in sections dedicated to each husband, the reader gets to know all the juicy details and secrets of Evelyn’s life starting from her youth. Evelyn grew up as a poor Cuban American woman in New York City in the late 1940s, and after her mother died, she knew she had to get out of her abusive household. Her life was less than glamorous, and all she ever dreamed of was moving to Hollywood to become a famous movie star. But at the age of 13, she had no money and no authority — all she had were her looks. Strikingly beautiful, young Evelyn used this to get her neighbor, Ernie Diaz, to fall in love with her. He was in his twenties and was about to move to Hollywood to work on film sets, so Evelyn married him to hitch a ride to the place where she knew she could get her career started. Shortly after moving to Hollywood, Hugo is scouted out at a local diner by film producer Harry Cameron. She then gets her start by co-starring in romantic comedies, but she wasn’t moving up the ladder as quickly as she would like. Once
A hard cover copy of the book by Evelyn Hugo.
JENNIFERPRINCE.ART / COURTESY again, she uses her beauty and her body to persuade the head of Sunset Studies, Ari Sullivan, to give her the role of Jo March in the upcoming adaptation of “Little Women.” Evelyns’s career begins to skyrocket as “Little Women’’ begins filming. At this time she had already divorced her first husband and is now married to the golden boy of Hollywood, Don Adler. As one part of Hollywood’s newest it-couple, she’s loved by all for her beauty, and now she is also becoming known as a talented actress as well. But most importantly, the
set of “Little Women” is where Evelyn Hugo meets Celia St. James, a beautiful new actress starring as Beth March. At first Evelyn is intimidated and jealous of Celia’s pure talent, but instead the two decide to become friends to help eachother grow in Hollywood. Celia would get fame by being seen with Evelyn, and Celia would teach Evelyn how to become a better actress. What started as a professional relationship turns into more as they spend more time together, and Evelyn begins to realize how she isn’t able to take her eyes off of her. In a time in American his-
tory where homosexuality is unnacceptable, Evelyn and Celia must keep their relationship completely hidden from the world or else risk losing their careers and way of life. Through the ups and downs of their relationships and life in Hollywood, Evelyn’s true lifestyle is completely unknown even while being one of the most famous women in the world. Known to all as one of the most provocative women in Hollywood because of her roles and many husbands, Evelyn continues to do whatever she can to grow her fame and keep her love for Celia a secret.
This novel takes the reader through the highs and lows of what it truly means to be a Hollywood star, with glamorous appearances but also the struggles behind the scenes. It provides a true inside look to what life is really like as a woman in Hollywood, where the reader sees Evelyn often exploited for her body and for her beauty throughout her career. While those watching her onscreen see her life as mesmerizing and fabulous, Evelyn quickly learns that the fame she’s always dreamed of is much more difficult than she would have ever imagined.
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Sports
Women’s Basketball Transfer Blagrove is Heating Up the Court
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
Kyla Guilfoil Editor-in-Chief
Sophomore Jade Blagrove has proved herself a critical player for the Manhattan College Women’s basketball team. A transfer student, Blagrove has claimed a spot on the starting lineup in the past five games, including wins at the team’s two most recent games. A native of Barendrecht, Netherlands, Blagrove first committed to play at the University of South Florida. After her freshman season, Blagrove decided to transfer to the Bronx. “Before I was in a program [where] they were very successful, they were like a top 25 program,” Blagrove said. “I
just had people ahead of me that were just better at that moment.” Blagrove was under the assumption that the upperclassmen would graduate giving her time to grow in the program. However, with the extra year granted to seniors after COVID canceled their last season, Blagrove did not want to go through another year on the sidelines. “I didn’t really want to do the whole process again of not playing,” Blagrove said. While no coach can promise a recruit exact minutes on the court, Blagrove felt that Manhattan offered a better opportunity to grow as a player and explore New York City. “[Head coach Heather Vulin] sent me a DM on Instagram,” Blagrove told The
Quadrangle. “When I saw the word ‘Manhattan’ I was really like, ‘Wow, this is cool.’ I was really looking for a school that had a good location. That is really important to me because I also like to explore outside of basketball, and it will also be easy for my family to come over and my friends.” Blagrove started speaking with Vulin and felt that her leadership style offered the right environment for her. According to Blagrove, Vulin took the time to get to know her during their first conversation, asking Blagrove about her personality and playing style. This was important to Blagrove, as other coaches had focused their questions only on her basketball skills and stats. After getting to know the assistant coaches as well, Blagrove felt that the Manhattan
“During her first season at MC, Blagrove gains traction on the starting lineup” GOJASPERS/ COURTESY
coaches sincerely cared for their players. Blagrove also appreciated Manhattan College’s full-female staff for the women’s team. To Vulin, Blagrove was an obvious recruit. Vulin told The Quadrangle that she and the assistant coaches at MC are drawn to international recruits because of the success that they’ve had with international players in recent years. As an international student and a highly skilled player, Vulin saw Blagrove as a fantastic addition to the team. “[Blagrove] had committed to USF so we really didn’t get a chance to really recruit her the first time around,” Vulin said. When Blagrove’s name was put in the transfer portal, Vulin and her team wasted no time getting in touch. They believed, based on their previous evaluation of Blagrove, she would be an instrumental addition to their team. Vulin reached out to Blagrove and immediately started building a relationship. “I feel that my staff and my players do a phenomenal job of really making people feel comfortable in answering questions that they have and really getting people excited about Manhattan College,” Vulin said. Since Blagrove was being recruited during the pandemic, she wasn’t able to visit campus before committing. Instead, Blagrove arrived in the Bronx in summer 2021 for summer training with the team. According to Vulin, the summer session is critical for developing basketball skills and conditioning, but also team building. “In the summer, it was something a bit hard for me because I was the only international at the moment,” Blagrove said. “Everyone left on the weekends and I was here as an international, but it did give me the opportunity to explore the city.” Blagrove noted that the location of MC was a huge incentive for her. She loves spending time shopping, finding new foods to try and exploring the parks throughout the city. The accessibility of these experiences added to the training that she received on the court leading up to the fall semester. “I’m really happy that I came earlier because it gave me an opportunity to also connect with my teammates before,” Blagrove said. “I’m really happy that I had the time to check in with all the girls to
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hang out with them and do the workouts too.” The extra training also helped Blagrove take her playing to the next level. After teammate Petra Juric became injured with a concussion, Blagrove earned a spot on the starting lineup. For the last five games, Blagrove has proven herself on the court. “I’m very happy that I get the opportunity now to show what I can do for the team,” Blagrove said. “Those chances you really got to grab, like it’s hard on the court. It’s like everyone is on the team, but still everyone is competing with each other.” Going forward, Blagrove wants to continue developing as a player. She told The Quadrangle that after the difficulties of the pandemic, she finally is hitting her stride, and can prove herself even more to the team. “I’m just excited to give [my contributions] to the team, and team-wise [the main goal] is to win a championship,” Blagrove said. “That is what I’m working towards and I feel like by improving myself I can help the team to get that championship because that’s really what we’re working for.” Vulin sees growth for Blagrove in the years to come. “I think [Blagrove]’s going to have a special career here,” Vulin told The Quadrangle. “Because she’s very consistent about how hard she plays. Sometimes you coach athletes where one thing goes wrong, and they can’t move on. Jade has done a really good job of going on to the next play, trying to learn from her mistakes and just competing. So we’re very excited about the future here.” Vulin added that Blagrove is a reliable and flexible player, so she is able to play her in both the top forward position as well as in the center. According to GoJaspers. com, Blagrove is currently the top-six point scorer for the Lady Jaspers this season with 98 total points and a scoring average of 5.2. Her season highs include scoring 14 points against Siena on Jan. 15 and eight rebounds against St. Peter’s on Jan. 25. For the 2021-2022 season thus far, Women’s Basketball has a record of 11-8 overall and 6-4 for MAAC games, with Blagrove continuing to fight for her starting position and the team’s victory at the MAAC Championships.
Sports
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
Jaspers Recognized for 2021 MAAC Softball Championship John O’Connor Contributor
The Jasper women’s softball team made history last spring by winning the MAAC championship for the first time since 1999. After a 6-3 win over the no. 2 seed, Canisius College, the Jaspers finished their regular season with a winning record of 22-14. The Jaspers advanced to the NCAA softball championship, where they were defeated by the sixth seed, University of Arkansas, and eliminated by a second loss to Stanford University. The Jaspers had a final record of 22-16. Manhattan College will be honoring their MAAC accomplishment during the men’s basketball game on Sunday, Jan. 30. The team will be presented with their championship rings during a halftime ceremony. “We haven’t seen the rings yet, I think it is supposed to be a surprise,” Jessie Rising, senior pitcher for the Jaspers, said. “We are kind of messing in new territory.” As the season gets into full swing, Rising describes the team mentality as opportunistic, something her coach, Cat Clifford, instills upon them at every practice. “Even though it’s freezing outside like, you get to be out
here you get to play,” Rising said. “She says there’s 22 of us. There are 21 or 22 jerseys, like anyone in the country would kill to be in a Division I spot wearing a Manhattan jersey.” Monmouth University women’s softball has proven to be a major contender in the MAAC, so when Manhattan won three out of four games against Monmouth in April of last year, they knew there was something special about this team. “When we beat [Monmouth University] three out of the four times it was like wow we are good,” said Gabriella Mazzotta, a third-year member of the team. “We’re better than we think, we could beat any team.” This triumph was one of many moments of clarity for this team. To Kaitlyn Flood, a junior catcher and infield player, the Jasper’s victory over Marist College in last year’s playoffs proved to her this team had what it takes to bring home the title. “When we had to play Marist, we’d never played them before, we still beat them knowing they had one of the best pitchers in the conference,” Flood said. “ I think that was like a moment where like, wow, we’ve already been on other teams you have to play besides them. So we really do have it.” As the 2022 season approaches, the Jaspers are preparing to defend their title.
Even with six of their nine starting players having graduated after the 2021 season, the team feels confident because of their new talent, especially freshmen pitchers Ava Metzger and Gabi Mills. “Yes, we lost a lot of strong players but we brought in a lot of strong freshmen and I’m really confident with our two pitchers especially,” Mazzotta said. “I think they’re gonna contribute a lot.” While many teams would take such a big hit to the roster as a year for rebuilding, the Jaspers are preparing to pick up right where they left off. Flood explains that the incoming freshmen have a maturity typically only seen in more seasoned players. “I think another strong suit they have is different habits like they don’t have the mindset of a freshman, they’re not scared.” Flood said. All eyes will be on the Jaspers as they open up the 2022 season at the McNeese St. Cowgirl Classic in Lake Charles, Louisiana. “I think going there is going to be like a telltale of how hard we worked versus other people because these are great teams and I think it’s then starting to iron out all the mistakes,” Rising said. “So it’s not about going there and getting wins even though we want to win. It’s about ironing out all the things
that we’ve been trying to iron out to get back to that title.” Rising has seen this team grow and transform over her past four years as a Jasper and feels as if this is the first time that she’s felt such a connection both on and off the field. “We genuinely just want to help pick each other up,” Rising said. “ It’s selflessness, it’s for the team and I don’t think I’ve fully seen it like I do now in four years.” As she heads into her final season with the Jaspers, Rising most looks forward to seeing her teammates experience everything they may have missed out on due to the pandemic four years on the team.
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“Even though last year was as exciting as it gets, it gets more exciting than that,” Rising said. Due to COVID-19, the team only experienced conference games, keeping them local but disrupting parts of the bonding process. “Like the road trips with each other and just the experiences … I think that will make us better too because we get that experience on top of it rather than being very restricted by COVID,” Rising said. With the 2022 season nearing closer, Rising and her teammates continue building those bonds to take into their games this spring.
Wnning the MAAC tournament. GOJASPERS/ COURTESY
Jaspers In Search of a Home Base Caroline McCarthy Sports Editor
Manhattan baseball brought “baseball back to the Bronx” last Spring when they returned to playing home games at Van Cortlandt Park — a field that violated MAAC standards in 2015 and sent the Jaspers to Dutchess Stadium in Wappinger Falls, NY. The team played there from 2015 until the 2021 season. Now, the Jaspers are on the hunt for yet another home base. Like most city schools, the Jaspers’ resources are limited when it comes to space for a full-sized collegiate baseball field. Van Cortlandt Park, the Jaspers’ original field, seemed like a convenient spot to house the team. But with the field being the property of the New York City Parks Department, there were renovation and privacy issues that became too much for Manhattan to bear. “The conditions aren’t the best and we all wish they were better,” junior outfielder Mike
Campbell said. “Compared to other fields [Van Cortlandt] field is super underdone and doesn’t have the same look, feel or play. The outfield has divots that are pretty dangerous and sometimes we have people sleeping in the dugout when we arrive for our games or practices.” His teammates, who asked to remain anonymous, shared a laugh while describing themselves as a “blue-collar team” and told stories of practices spent picking weeds from the outfield while stepping in what was assumed to be human fecal matter. A few players suffered minor ankle injuries during the 2021 season after Manhattan College had made what they called the necessary renovations to the field. “85 percent of the game is played in the infield,” said Manhattan College athletic director Marianne Reilly. “So we did a great job renovating the infield and the backstop.” According to Reilly, the Manhattan athletic department was aware of the divots in the field but did not feel it was sus-
tainable or financially smart to do major repairs on a public field. “Remember, it’s still not our field. It’s the New York City Parks Department’s,” Reilly said. “So there comes a point where you say how much money you can invest in it and be able to secure it.” Reilly confirmed that the drawbacks of Van Cortlandt’s field led the Jaspers to look for yet another place to play this Spring. Manhattan College has since announced the Jaspers will be playing their home contests at Clover Stadium, formerly named Palisades Credit Union Park, home to the Rockland County Boulders. A representative of Ramapo County confirmed that the Jaspers would be sharing field time with other collegiate and professional teams, making scheduling difficult. “I would say the majority of our games are going to be there,” Reilly said. According to Reilly, one possible option for the remain-
der of home games that cannot be scheduled at Clover Stadium would be the Jaspers traveling to their rivals, the Fordham Rams’ home at Jack Coffey’s Field in the Bronx. “There were some weekends coach Cole could not work out,” Reilly said. “So what we’ll do is we’ll have a couple of days maybe over at Fordham.” According to the GoJaspers website, the Jaspers will play seven games at Clover Stadium. The first game played at the new stadium will be on Mar. 16 against Long Island University. Despite the scheduling complications, Reilly said the move will allow the Jaspers a more formal Division I experience. The stadium is equipped with locker rooms, spaces for alumni events, press rooms, the ability for ESPN broadcasts, stands, concessions and most importantly, a well-kept field. “No matter what we did to Van Cortlandt Park it would never match up with some of the other competitors’ pro-
grams,” Reilly said. While the 30-minute drive to Pomona, NY is not as convenient for student-athletes or fans as the 3-minute walk to Van Cortlandt, the team is excited to make the move. “Rockland [Clover Stadium] isn’t ideal as most college teams have a home field and their own facilities, but it will be nice to have a playable field that looks great and plays well,” Campbell said. The athletics department expects the new stadium to aid in the recruiting process for new players. Thus, making Manhattan baseball a better allaround program. “Really, you know, we all make sacrifices in athletics and I think they’re willing to make this sacrifice for the greater good,” Reilly said. “That was my goal when I first came was to bring the boys back [to the Bronx]. And I’m happy we did, but for the long haul I’m not sure it’s going to work.” The Jaspers will open their season against the University of Notre Dame on Feb. 18 in Deland, Florida.