The Current Volume 34 Issue 10

FEATURES | p. 5 The Reel celebrates films with free movie screenings

THURSDAY March 14, 2024

ARTS | p. 9

Student writes and directs Disney jukebox musical

SPORTS | p. 12

Women's rowing makes a comeback

THE CURRENT

VOLUME 34 ISSUE 10

NSU's student-run newspaper, housed in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts

Student government election campaigns begin

By Bryce Johnson Voting for the Undergraduate Student Government Association president, executive vice president and senators begins on March 18 and closes on March 29 at noon.

The candidates come from two parties: Shark Surge and DRIVE (Diversity, Resilience, Innovation, Vision, Excellence).

Shark Surge wants to amplify and reflect the voice of the student body. DRIVE is promoting unity within the NSU community, making all students feel integrated and connected with each other.

“You can run as an individual or you can run as a party. In the

past, you had to run as a party and they stopped doing that,” Gerard Wheeler, assistant dean of Student Engagement, said.

Shawnie Allen, senior exercise and sport science major, and external affairs director of USGA, urged students to research both parties.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

Anne Sylvie Jean Louis, junior psychology major and presidential candidate, answers a question during the presidential debate.

See STUDENT GOVERNMENT, page 4

Comedy starring Wonder Women John Cena highlights premieres in Miami influential leaders

COURTESY OF CENTER FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS

PHOTO BY NICOLE SHAKER

Mako Radio Station Manager Alex Hernández, junior international relations and international security studies major, interviews John Cena at the premiere of "Ricky Stanicky."

By Nicole Shaker and Alex Hernández John Cena, Zac Efron and William H. Macy co-star in the new comedy movie "Ricky Stanicky", directed

by Peter Farrelly, known for movies like “There's Something About Mary” and “Dumb and Dumber.”

Cena attended a red carpet event on Feb. 21 at Regal South Beach for the premier, where attendees got a first look at the film before its March 7 release on Amazon Prime.

See JOHN CENA, page 8

Women leaders discuss their experiences in high-ranking positions at a panel in the 2022 Wonder Women event.

By Bryce Johnson For Women's History Month, NSU's annual Wonder Women event will be held in the Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on March 25. The event is hosted by the Center for Academic and Professional Success, H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Office

of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, and The Women’s Success Series.

Rita Shea-Van Fossen, associate professor of management in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, coordinates the Women's Success Series, of which Wonder Women is a part.

See WONDER WOMEN, page 3

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EDITORIAL | March 14, 2024

The Current

THE CURRENT Letter from the editor The Student-Run Newspaper of Nova Southeastern University Located in the Don Taft University Center Room 328 @makonews / makomedia.nova.edu NEWSROOM

Phone: 954-262-8455 makonews@nova.edu

Bryce Johnson Editor-in-Chief Nicole Shaker Co-Editor-in-Chief

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING

Phone: 954-262-8455 thecurrentad@nova.edu

Kai Dear Business Manager Michael Tomlinson Distribution Manager

Brielle Aguayo Art Director/ Reporter

Ana Sofia Aguiar Azambuja Web Editor

Danna Bertel Features Editor

Josh Leatherman Sports Intern

Alex Hernández Music Writer

Chris Delboni Mako Media Network Director

Bella Giaquinto Sports Editor Isabella Fernandez de Cueto Sports Writer Abraham Velasquez Sports Writer Adam Sadik Health Writer Ronald Martinez Reporter Daja Long Reporter Francesca Abarca Reporter Jules Batchker Reporter Nicole Gomez Graphic Designer

The Current serves Nova Southeastern University from its location in room 328 of the University Center. The Current is NSU’s established vehicle for student reporting. All community members are invited to contribute.

Editorials, commentaries and advertisements in this publication reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its officials, The Current or other advertisers. The Current will not publish unsigned letters except under special circumstances

Mike Lynn Mako Media Network Assistant Director Dr. Megan Fitzgerald Mako Media Network Faculty Adviser Joyce Moed The Current's Faculty Adviser Dr. Eric Mason Digital Faculty Adviser Dr. Mario D'Agostino Sports Desk Adviser Dr. Aarti Raja Science/Health Desk Adviser Dr. Shanti Bruce Chair, Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts

at the discretion of the Editorin-Chief. The Current reserves the right to edit.

Contributing writers must not be directly involved with their coverage. Coverage by contributing writers must be meaningful and of interest to the NSU community. The Current reserves the right to edit, publish, or deny submitted works as it sees fit. The Current shall remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility or otherwise create bias, real or perceived.

Dear Readers, Hello! Thank you for picking up Issue 10 of The Current, NSU's student-run newspaper.

I'm Bryce, and as The Current's editor-in-chief, I am excited to share with you the latest issue, along with Nicole Shaker, our co-editor-in-chief.

Welcome back from spring break! Whether you took an exciting vacation or stayed home and relaxed, I hope you were able to enjoy your time off after midterms.

With more than half the semester behind you, I want to encourage you to make the most of your time at NSU. March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate women’s accomplishments. If there are any women who inspire and empower you, take a moment to show them appreciation. Even giving a quick phone call can make someone's day.

St. Patrick's Day is March 17, a time to wear green clothing, go to parades and celebrate Irish culture. If you're looking for ways to celebrate, you can read here what local Irish restaurants are planning.

Mako Media Network had the opportunity to attend the premiere of "Ricky Stanicky" and interview John Cena, professional wrestler and actor. You can read more about it here and stream "Ricky Stanicky" now on Amazon Prime Video.

Other stories in this issue include the recent lawsuits surrounding Stanley tumblers, virtual gambling

Bryce Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Current.

in video games like "FIFA," professional soccer coming to campus next semester and the Annual Juried Students Exhibition opening March 27.

The Current, alongside Mako TV and Mako Radio, is part of Mako Media Network. You can watch the latest episode of Mako TV tomorrow on its YouTube channel, and listen to Mako Radio's Off the Record podcast tomorrow at noon on 88.5FM WKPX Sunrise. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or story pitches for any of the branches, you can find us in the UC in room 328.

The reporters, designers and editors came together to deliver this issue. Thank you for supporting us as we take pictures, conduct interviews and write stories that share the thoughts of NSU's community.

Happy reading, Bryce Johnson

Help rank NSU by participating in College Pulse Survey The Wall Street Journal, along with Statista and College Pulse, has opened a survey for students to share their experiences while in college. The survey counts for part of the overall ranking the Wall Street Journal gives to colleges.

Don Rudawsky, vice president for Institutional Effectiveness, said the survey is confidential and anonymous.

"We'll get some summary information from it that we will use at the administration to consider the kinds of things that students would like," Rudawsky said. "If we do well, that always makes your education appear better and then looks

good for the world really, that you went to NSU and you were proud."

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is open until early May. Bryce Johnson contributed to this report.

For more information: Scan this QR code to take the survey.

Corrections: Issue 9, published on Feb. 22, 2024 Cleaners protest use of potentially unsafe product Members of 32BJ service employees International Union handed fliers out off campus.

SEIU also said that the flier did not indicate that H30 has any connection to the death of Graciano Del Valle Nuñez.

The Current regrets the errors.

NEWS | March 14, 2024

The Current

3

FROM THE FRONT

WONDER WOMEN "What we see in the classroom are these amazingly sharp women, but when they go for that top job, they go, 'wait a minute.' And they kind of hold back. What we wanted to do is have events, have classes that can help build that confidence,” SheaVan Fossen said. “We had a dean that saw that vision, and when I was hired here, he said, ‘We'd love to, at some point, have a women's leadership program and we'd love you to be a part of it.’ And that got me to definitely come to NSU, and get started. But we're now the sixth year into it, and it is really just heartwarming, and hopefully we will continue to do it for many years to come.”

Shea-Van Fossen said the event will feature a variety of high ranking women as keynote speakers in a moderated discussion, including

Tamara Chase, CEO of Chase Roofing; Katina Brown-Burgess, OB-GYN in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine; Denise Mendez, principal software engineer at Microsoft; and Carmen Rodriguez, director of NSU’s Marine Environmental Education Center. Kyle Fisher, vice president for NSU's Public Relations, Marketing, and Creative Services, will moderate the discussion.

Johnny Kevorkian, associate director of Employee Relations in CAPS, said the winner of the $500 Wonder Women award will be announced at the event.

“Undergraduate students can nominate a student based on traits that we've set for a Wonder Woman, which is leadership, academic excellence and career focus, community service, integrity, ethics

and women's empowerment,” Kevorkian said.

Shea-Van Fossen said the scholarship is open to any undergraduate student. Nominations close on March 17 at 11:59 p.m.

“Those that end up being our top folks, not only are they doing amazing things, but they're also helping others. And I have said over and over again that I will celebrate the day that we have one of our gentlemen that is one of our finalists for this scholarship, because they're helping to empower women and make them just as successful,” Shea-Van Fossen said.

Last year, around 37 students were nominated for the award.

Shea-Van Fossen and Kevorkian hope to see more this year.

“I'd like to just see more students come and support, whether they're

nominated or not, because we bring in some amazing panelists, some amazing women leaders with amazing stories and backgrounds and advice for students,” Kevorkian said.

Other events for Women's History Month include: Chat N’ Chew Empowering Women’s Voices on March 14 at 12:30 p.m. in Rosenthal 204 The Educational Journey of Women’s Rights on March 20 at noon in the Don Taft University Center Spine.

COURTESY OF CENTER FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS

The panelists pose for a photo with the winner for the Wonder Women scholarship in 2022.

The hidden effects of games of chance

By Luqman Gberno, Elimar Villamizar and Santiago Arango Last year marked another consecutive year of record profits for the American gambling industry, with sports betting posting $10.9 billion in revenue alone, according to USA Today. The gambling houses are cracking open their coffers to land sponsorships with high rollers like Kevin Hart, Lebron James and John Cena. The casinos are on a hot streak, but who loses when they win big?

Sohan Masters, exercise science major, said losing is part of the gambling experience.

“I think a way to have a healthy relationship [with gambling] is to always expect to lose. Like, just

bring 100 bucks and say, ‘OK I'm willing to lose it,’” Masters said.

Masters said he is by no means a regular gambler, but even he can see the danger in it.

“Over the summer, I gambled for the first time in my life. It was really addicting. It took a lot of power for me to not stay there for too long,” Masters said.

Compulsive gambling is a mental disorder recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and has increasingly impacted the lives of young people.

“Compulsive gambling is akin to compulsive drinking or drug use.

It triggers something within them, part of their genetic makeup and their environmental experiences,” Ralph Cash, full-time faculty in the

Department of Clinical and School Psychology, said.

Cash explains that most compulsive gamblers are young people, with the habit often starting in their teenage years or early twenties. A period when young people make the step into adulthood and face its challenges for the first time.

This compulsion does not exist in a vacuum. Cash suggests that gambling goes hand in hand with other disorders.

“People who have gambling disorders might also have other kinds of behavior disorders, mostly related to compulsions, like obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with OCD might also develop gambling disorder, and vice versa,” Cash said.

People with conditions like OCD

can be the most vulnerable to addiction in this regard.

"Once it starts, it tends to last a very long time in a person's lifetime, usually destroying significant parts of their life, such as relationships, jobs and educational status," Cash said.

For more information: Scan this QR code to assess your gambling behavior.

4

NEWS | March 14, 2024

The Current

FROM THE FRONT

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

"I feel like you should care. You want to see who is going to be able to advocate for you and for your student needs, and be able to stand up to those higher ups that they want to make change," Allen said.

On the executive board, the president and executive vice president are the only members voted on this year. This year, there are no chief financial officer candidates. Other members on the e-board, like internal affairs director and chief financial officer, are appointed by the president. Outside of e-board, Allen said the senators are voted on, too.

Manas Peddiboyina, senior public health major and current USGA president, finds it bittersweet to step down from his position.

"It's exciting because I know the future is bright. I know there's some great candidates who are running for our next election, but I also am reflecting on my year," Peddiboyina said. "I've always been involved in student council, student government, literally from middle school,

and it just means a lot to me in the sense that I'm so passionate about it."

In Shark Surge, Daniyal Baig, junior business major and upperclassman senator, is running for president. If elected, Baig hopes to improve campus life by implementing a recycling program, comedian shows, more on-campus housing and other resources.

"We want to make the campus more fun because at the end of the day, we want you guys to make your voice heard,” Baig said.

Alongside Baig, Arun Jagarlamudi, junior public health major and chief court justice officer, is running for executive vice president.

"Being in USGA for two years, I've learned about how hard it is, but yet how gratifying it is, to work on a bill, get that implemented, followed through and then seeing those results," Jagarlamudi said.

In DRIVE, Anne Sylvie Jean Louis, junior psychology major and diversity senator, is running

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA ACEVEDO

Arun Jagarlamudi, junior public health major and executive vice presidential candidate, answers a question at the presidential debate.

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA ACEVEDO

The Shark Surge campaign party poses at the presidential debate.

for president. Jean Louis hopes to bring halal and kosher food options to campus, implement a LGBTQIA+ course elective on history and culture, and further DRIVE’s goal to promote unity.

"Our goal is to bring the NSU community together to uplift the student voices," Jean Louis said.

"I think one of the biggest things about student government is making sure that those different populations of different groups are really having their voice heard."

Peddiboyina encourages the next USGA president to stay grounded.

"It's so, so important to remember who you are, why you're doing this, what your passion is. Also during the year, don't lose yourself.

Follow what you think is right, keep an open mind, but at the end of the day, trust what you believe and trust what you have to say," Peddiboyina said.

Once voting opens, students can use their NSU credentials to log into SharkHub. The election results will

be announced on March 29 at noon in the Flight Deck. The new elected officials will be sworn in on April 17 at 3 p.m. in the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation.

During his time at NSU, Wheeler saw the most students vote in the previous USGA election.

"Last year was the biggest voting that we've ever had since I've been here and that was only 1,200 people. So 1,200 people only voted out of 6,000 students," Wheeler said.

Peddiboyina also encourages students to vote in the election and learn as much as they can about each candidate.

"At the end of the day, this is your school as a student. It's so, so crucial to make your voice heard," Peddiboyina said.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

Anne Sylvie Jean Louis, junior psychology major and presidential candidate, poses alongside her campaign party, DRIVE.

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA ACEVEDO

Gerard Wheeler, assistant dean for Student Engagement, discusses the importance of voting and choosing the right candidate.

The Current

FEATURES | March 14, 2024

5

The Reel celebrates films with free movie screenings

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon NSU’s annual film series, The Reel, is wrapping up its seventh season by showing “Asteroid City” at 6 p.m. on March 21 in the Mailman-Hollywood Auditorium.

The movie is about a convention for junior astronomers in a desert town placed under quarantine.

The Reel has previously shown Hidden Figures, Jaws and M3GAN. Yair Solan, assistant professor of literature and film in the Department of Humanities and Politics, said student interest is a major factor in how The Reel chooses which films to show.

“In curating The Reel's film programs, I try to select movies that would spark student interest and prompt engaging audience discussions. I aim for a mix of different genres and themes for a diverse set of films across the year, from Hollywood blockbusters to Oscar winners and international films,” Solan said.

Aileen Farrar, associate professor in the Department of Humanities and Politics, also shared that films are selected based on the diverse audience and discussion they can bring.

“We have selected films with the

COURTESY OF YAIR SOLAN

Attendees of The Reel's screening of "M3GAN" in September 2023 participated in a discussion led by Jeremy Weissman, assistant professor of philosophy.

intent of making visible diverse values, rights and issues, and so oftentimes, the discussion helps to bring students of multiple disciplines and backgrounds together,” Farrar explained.

Farrar and Kate Waites, NSU emeritus professor of literature, founded The Reel in 2017.

“When we founded The Reel, we wanted to create a friendly environment where audiences could simultaneously enjoy film and have open discussions on important and current political and cultural issues,” Farrar said.

After Waites retired in 2021, Solan became a co-coordinator of The Reel alongside Farrar. By winter 2023, Solan was the sole coordinator.

After the screening of a film, NSU faculty members lead discussions on how it relates to film, philosophy, history, politics, legal studies and literature.

“The audience discussion opens up a space for attendees to offer their thoughts about the movie while bonding as a community over the shared experience of watching and thinking through a film

together,” Solan said.

Those who attend the screenings are encouraged to bring any questions they have about the film.

“Altogether, these forums provide impactful settings where everyone can exercise, share and learn more about their personal and professional voices,” Farrar added.

The screening is co-sponsored

by Fin Films and SAGE, NSU's Society of Anime, Gaming, and Entertainment.

“The Reel usually partners with at least one or two student organizations for each program based on the film and the club's focus,” Solan said.

Overall, The Reel series provides attendees free screenings of films throughout the academic year, with its discussions afterward giving the audience a voice for their viewpoints, guided by the expertise of the faculty hosts.

“Feel free to bring some friends to The Reel's screenings and you might also meet some new friends at our shows,” Solan said.

For more information: Email Yair Solan, who will lead the discussion after "Asteroid City," at ysolan@nova.edu.

NSU inspires Carey Courson to study communication the Shepard Broad College of Law as the executive assistant to Dean Athornia Steele. Now, she is the administrative coordinator for the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

Courson's decision to go back to school, after previously being enrolled in Broward College, was also influenced by Dr. Shanti Bruce, department chair of DCMA. “Dr. Bruce definitely encouraged me. She really believed that it was something that I should try, and I COURTESY OF CAREY COURSON should challenge myself. But perCarey Courson, junior communication sonally, I think I just had this conmajor viction to be a part of all the things that I was exposed to here," CourBy Brielle Aguayo and son said.

Bryce Johnson Bruce was glad to have Courson work alongside her and wanted to Carey Courson, junior commu- see Courson push herself further. nication major, was inspired to “Carey is a fantastic colleague. pursue her bachelor’s degree by She has so many creative talents in her mother, Linda Wade-Gardner. addition to her expertise in project Similar to Courson, Wade-Gardner management,” Bruce said. went to school later in life to earn a Courson wanted to immerse hermaster’s degree. self in the department's activities “My mom is someone who after seeing all the arts events it encouraged me to go back to school. hosts.

She worked really hard. She didn't "I was so excited to go to the perhave a lot of opportunities,” Cour- formances and I was so excited to son said. “I think there is this part get to know the artists that were of her that's proud that I’m going visiting, and to watch their instalback to school. She always taught lations go up with the exhibits," me anything's possible, no mat- Courson said. ter what age, what stage of life you Courson is currently enrolled in are.”

Practicum B, where she completes When Courson began her jour- projects for Mako TV. ney at NSU in 2013, she worked in "It's always fun to teach everybody

new things and it's always fun to see how willing to learn everyone is, and that's especially Carey," Madison Kasper, sophomore marketing major and Mako TV general manager, said. "She's always super willing to learn new things and be put into situations that she's not usually put into. She's just really a team player."

Courson just recently got the chance to try reporting.

"She reported for the first time at the Senior Art Exhibition and I know she was super nervous about it beforehand, but it came out really well and she did amazing. It made me very proud," Kasper said.

With Courson's dual role as a student and employee, she appreciates the chance to interact with so many students and faculty in DCMA. “I love being part of DCMA because I feel like [there are] so many creative people. Since I've been in this department, I've had the opportunity to witness a lot of great performances, to meet a lot of talented people," Courson said.

"As a whole, I really enjoy just coming to work every day and getting to interact and work with people who care about each other, the students and the product that we're putting out. If there's ever an issue, we all are willing to work together and make the best thing possible.”

When Courson is not focusing on her academics, she coordinates department meetings, and

for the last two years has planned major donor events to support the department's Mark Lyndsay Duncan Legacy Endowment for the Arts, as DCMA’s administrative coordinator.

Rebecca Fazio, senior art + design major and office assistant for DCMA, works with Courson.

“From the day I met her and she became one of my bosses, she's always gone above and beyond, and I feel like we're a great team and we try to go above and beyond on everything that we can," Fazio said.

"Specifically one thing that she goes above and beyond with is the staff and faculty meetings that they have once a month. She makes that a really good experience for everybody. She creates a theme depending on the month, does decorations and she orders the food.”

Courson's goal is to create a legacy at the department.

“I want people to think that what I did mattered in their lives, not that I need to be recognized, but just that there once was a special person when I was struggling and she helped me work things out and then I accomplished my goal, whether it's personally, professionally, academically," Courson said.

"Because so many times people get stuck on that little obstacle, and if they don't have that support, they could easily get stuck or they could easily back away."

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FEATURES | March 14, 2024

The Current

Gambling mechanics in video games lead to concerns

By Roberto Zuniga, Anaum Hussain and Ronald Martinez

Since 2003, various video games have used loot boxes, in-game purchases that players can buy for randomized prizes. Loot boxes have been so successful that companies are making more money from them than the actual video game itself.

Melissa Bianchi, associate professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, said that because players don’t know the contents of the loot boxes they are buying, this money-making strategy can be considered virtual gambling.

“They’re sort of like a gambling mechanic, where a design company will randomize what kind of digital artifact you can get from that box.

Some boxes give you more prizes

than others, but they all have various percentages of what will be delivered from that box,” Bianchi said.

Loot boxes make more than $15 billion annually, with video games like Counter Strike: Global Offensive, FIFA, Rocket League and Overwatch being some that make the most money out of loot boxes.

Although video games like Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch are rated for mature audiences, others like FIFA and Rocket League are rated E for everyone, making them accessible to children.

Bianchi explained how loot box mechanics were popularized by first-person shooter games and were based off of trading card games such as Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering, where individuals would purchase booster packs in the hopes of getting rarer cards.

Concerns reached the Austrian government in March 2023, where the Austrian Court System claimed that loot boxes in FIFA should be classified as gambling, citing a study that claims that the loot boxes cause "financial and emotional harm to children." Another research paper, "Video game loot boxes are psychologically akin to gambling," was published in June 2018 by Nature Human Behaviour, a scientific journal. Written by Aaron Drummond & James D. Sauer, it took 22 games with loot box mechanics and determined that 10 of them, including FIFA, meet psychologist Mark D. Griffiths's criteria for gambling.

Mehtab Singh, freshman biology major, said he wasn’t aware that playing FIFA could lead to potential gambling addiction, citing how he himself has spent money on the game.

“I knew it was rated E for everyone, but I didn’t know it could lead to potential gambling. I can see now how buying so many FIFA points or packs and stuff could lead to more gambling like: ‘Oh I want the best card, oh I want Messi, oh I want Ronaldo, I want to get the best team of the year or person of the year.’ I can see now that it can be seen as gambling,” he said.

Consumers should be aware of the addictive nature of loot boxes in video game and video game media they consume.

“You know, just think it through before you dump money. If this is something that will bring you joy, and you can afford it, support the free-to-play game that needs the financial investment. If it looks predatory, think twice about opening your wallet. Just be a little more critical, more ethical,” Bianchi said.

Sharks Speak: Is there a woman that inspires you and why?

“The woman that inspires me the most would be Ronda Rousey because she inspires women to stand up for themselves and I aspire to be like her,” said Joey Bowman, sophomore business management major.

“The women that inspire me are my big sister, Melissa, and my mom. Whenever I need help, if I can’t go to one of them, I go to the other. I owe them both a lot for making me the woman I am today,” said Samantha Archer, sophomore finance and economics major.

BY FRANCESCA ABARCA

“The woman that inspires me is my mother. She was always taking care of others including my younger siblings and her parents.

She did a lot to teach us well and take care of those around us. She inspires me because she gives me a sense of perseverance to keep going even when things are tough," said Michael Toro, senior biology major.

“The woman that inspires me is my great-grandmother, Lydia Luna.

She grew up pretty poor in Puerto Rico, so she had to build everything herself. She was a single mother who made it out of Puerto Rico by moving to Ohio and establishing a new life for herself. She reminds me that there is always a drive to keep going even when things are difficult,” said Jayleen Spaulding, freshman marine biology major.

PHOTOS BY FRANCESCA ABARCA

FOOD

Local restaurants to feature traditional Irish food and music on St. Patrick's Day

By Francesca Abarca and Luqman Gbenro

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, local restaurants will be celebrating the holiday with live music and traditional Irish food.

The Field Irish Pub & Eatery is a local restaurant on Griffin Road known for serving traditional Irish food all year round, including Shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage. Every year, it brings in a live band to play all day and night on St. Patrick’s Day, as well as the

preceding Friday and Saturday.

“St. Patrick’s Day is our busiest day of the year, and we try to attract even more people by having live music,” said Heather Sullo, general manager of the pub.

The Field regularly hosts acts like The Irish Rovers and the Banyans, two traditional bands who play authentic Irish music.

“Come eat and drink the night away with our variety of whiskeys and beers,” Sullo said.

Another restaurant, Ye Olde Falcon Pub, located on University

Drive, is known for its special beer-battered fried pickles that pair perfectly with a pint of Guinness beer.

Since they serve Irish food including Pot Roast Dinner and Bangers and Mash, all year round, St. Patrick’s Day is just another day for them.

There are many other restaurants celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year.

Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub is having a parade down Hollywood Beach with its famous Guinness

Poutine and Fish N Chips. There will be live music right outside the restaurant and floats with lots of green.

Other local restaurants celebrating the holiday include Shank’s Town Tavern, Kingshead Pub and Restaurant, Harat’s Pub, The Pub Pembroke Pines, Briny Irish Pub and Waxy’s Pub. Check out some of these Irish pubs for authentic Irish food and drinks.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

HEALTH & WELLNESS | March 14, 2024

The Current

7

Lead discovered in Stanley tumblers of Stanley, received two class action lawsuits in California and Washington regarding lead being used in the development of their tumblers.

According to the website Top Class Actions, both lawsuits claim PMI advertised Stanley tumblers as safe while hiding the fact they contain lead.

Reza Razeghifard, professor and chair in the Department of Chemistry and Physics, explained the risk of exposure to lead, even in small amounts.

“Lead has long been associated with various health issues, with emerging studies demonstrating a correlation between lead exposure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults,” RazeghiPHOTO BY FRANCESCA ABARCA fard said. “Blood lead levels and Lisbet Hernandez, freshman psychology major, bone lead concentrations, even at drinks from her Stanley tumbler. levels below 5 mg/dl, were found to be linked with an elevated risk of CVD mortality.”

By Adam Sadik is bad for your health after seeing Matei Popescu, junior biology what the people of Flint, Mich., and chemistry major, is also conRaj Verma, freshman biology had to deal with lead in their water cerned about his drinking from his major, is worried about lead being pipes,” Verma said. “Something Stanley tumbler. found in Stanley tumblers due to its should be done about this because “I do not know if I want to contoxicity. it is not right.” tinue drinking out of it, it is scary “My sister and I both have the In February, Pacific Market to know that there is lead in this,” tumblers; that is crazy. I know lead International, the parent company Popescu said.

Prioritizing mental health with NSU services

By Alia Yiskis Rebecca Fazio, senior graphic design major, entered her sophomore year feeling the stress of college more intensely than ever. Her freshman year was online during Covid-19. Sophomore year was her first in-person experience at NSU. She found relief by regularly attending counseling sessions at the Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being Fazio appreciates the objective insight the counselors offer.

“It helps to have someone with an outside perspective to listen to things going on. It's a good place to vent, even if it's not something major,” she said. “They are also physically on the college campus, so they can give more specific advice regarding Nova.”

NSU, in partnership with Henderson Behavioral Health, offers counseling to all students at the Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being, located on the third floor of the Student Affairs Building. It provides talk therapy with licensed therapists as well as psychiatric services.

Dr. Myron Burns, associate professor at the College of Psychology, said school-offered counseling is similar to therapy at a private practice.

“University students who are away from home for the first time can have a hard time adjusting, especially out-of-state students,” he said. “Your parents are not there to

tell you what to do, so it's up to you to make sure you adhere to your schedule and stay out of trouble.

[There’s] new independence, time management, grades, relationship issues, roommate issues, etc.”

He also said mental health is just as important as physical health, and mental health checks should be done regularly to maintain a healthy mindset.

“Getting counseling is very similar to getting checkups with a primary care physician,” he said.

The Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being offers 10 free counseling sessions, either in person or over Zoom, every calendar year. Students can then get one free session per month for the majority of the school year.

Psychiatric services, with no session limit, are available for a small fee covered by most insurance plans. Students can also be referred to community service providers, transitional services, or re-engagement at the center if services were stopped before the 10 allotted sessions.

Suzelle Guinart, director at the Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being, believes counseling helps students get to know themselves better and learn how to assess the warning signs of stress when they appear.

“Some level of stress is inevitable, but there are ways to manage it, so it doesn’t become debilitating,” she said. “Counseling is a way to create a sense of connection, to remember

Razeghifard said that students should not worry too much about the lead encapsulated in the Stanley tumbler.

“Although lead is used in the manufacturing process used for the vacuum insulation, it does not come in contact with the drink,” Razeghifard said. “However, if your Stanley cup was damaged, then there is a possibility that it may occur, and that you should not use it anymore.”

Lead exposure can cause a multitude of health issues, as it can cause headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, anemia, and weight loss, according to Razeghifard.

Not only does lead exposure induce these health issues, but it can also decrease the birth weight of newborns for expecting mothers.

“For pregnant individuals, they have a high sensitivity to toxins, and even an acute exposure to lead, which can cross the placenta to the fetus, increases the risk of preterm birth and spontaneous abortion,” Razeghifard said.

Other alternatives to the Stanley tumbler that do not use lead in their tumblers include Hydro Flask, YETI and Takeya.

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that you're not alone,” Guinart recommended all students look into it.

“Give it a chance,” she said. "It's all about having a one-on-one conversation with someone who will be in your corner."

For more information: Students can contact the Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being at 954-424-6911 and make an appointment online at www.nova.edu/studentcounseling.

8

ARTS | March 14, 2024

The Current

FROM THE FRONT

JOHN CENA make up the imaginary “Ricky Stanicky” to use as an alibi to get out of trouble. After their spouses and partners demand to meet Stanicky, the trio hires a struggling actor, played by Cena, to play Stanicky.

Viewers watch Cena’s character grow and change as he becomes Stanicky in a more real way than the friends initially imagined.

Cena said the process of shooting the movie was filled with funny and memorable moments.

“You see them all in the lens. We shot it quick, and the days were long, but they were great,” he said.

“Filming comedies are fun. We didn’t save anything to ourselves.

You guys, the audience, get it all.”

He said he’s proud of the end result.

“I’m very happy about the movie.

I hope it makes people laugh,” Cena said. “That’s the one thing [I'm] nervous about [with] comedies.

You hope all the jokes land. I hope everybody enjoys it tonight.”

Attendees, like Miami local Anna Rosario, were impressed by the film.

“I thought it was awesome. We love John Cena. We’re big fans,” she said.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO Rebecca and Sheba Calloway, John Cena poses at the premiere of "Ricky Stanicky." Fort Lauderdale social media influencers, also attended the premiere.

“I love Zac Efron, I love John “Peter Farrelly was trying to make found me,” Cena said.

Cena, and I was curious how they this movie for 15 years. He had a lot The movie centers around three were going to make a story with of other people in mind besides me, friends, played by Efron, Andrew those two,” Rebecca Calloway said. but in a serendipitous moment, it Santino and Jermaine Fowler, who She was especially appreciative of

the movie’s message.

“I’ve been hoping for more comedy movies, so I think they really nailed it with this one. I love the story behind it, how you can always change,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where you start, but how you finish, and you can always change your path. Even though you are dealt wrong cards, that doesn’t mean you have to be a victim of your circumstances.”

Sheba Calloway agreed.

“The storyline was really fun, but it was very inspirational as well,” she said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re planted, because you can grow from anywhere.”

Sheba Calloway especially enjoyed Cena’s portrayal of Stanicky.

“I like how he became Ricky Stanicky, not because he was de-lu-lu, but because that’s who he wanted to become. He wanted to be better,” she said.

Cena said the movie is perfect for college students.

“I’m sure you could use some laughter in your life, and I hope we can deliver that. This is a movie you can stream on Prime Video, so you don’t really have to go anywhere for it,” Cena said. “If you’re kicking it in your dorm room or in your frat house or in your housing in general, and you need a break from the grind of what being a student is, put on Ricky Stanicky and laugh a little bit.”

Gallery 217 opens submissions for Annual Juried Art Exhibition

By Danna Bertel and Kayla McGee Gallery 217, located in the Don Taft University Center, in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, will host the 15th Annual Juried Art Student Exhibition opening reception on March 27 at 5 p.m. Students can submit their artwork from March 18 - 20 to be juried, or selected, by a curator to win a prize.

Submissions are open to students taking at least one art course in the academic year. Various types of artwork are accepted, including graphic design, sculptures and paintings.

This year, the artwork will be juried by Juliana Forero, Coral Springs Art Museum curator.

Art + Design faculty will select art from the submissions to send to Forero, who will judge the pieces and decide on winners. The firstplace prize is $100, second place is $75, and third place is $50. All selected artwork will be displayed in Gallery 217, and prize-winners will be announced at the opening reception.

Artwork that is showcased in the exhibit has the chance of being sold, based on the student artist decision. There is also a faculty

purchase award, which can be won by a student whose art is chosen by a faculty member to be purchased.

"There are a lot of people that end up coming because we have so many pieces in the show, but that means that there's a lot of eyes on your work, and there's always opportunities to sell your work.

There are always pieces that get sold, which makes me happy as an educator," said Kandy Lopez, program director and associate professor of Art + Design in DCMA.

COURTESY OF KANDY LOPEZ

Juried Art Exhibiton 2023.

ARTS | March 14, 2024

The Current

9

Student writes and directs Disney jukebox musical

By Bryce Johnson Brandon Ysibido, junior engineering major, started writing a jukebox musical, a musical that uses popular songs, during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of his high school’s theater production, he came up with the idea of the cast singing Disney songs since it would be easy to rehearse.

“Everybody approached me with their Disney songs. They wanted to sing, and they were all Disney love songs, which made sense. So I started trying to come up with a story to tie them all together just so it's more than people singing,” Ysibido said. “I kept writing it and I started falling in love with the story that I was creating until the story kind of got away from me. It became much more than just a little Disney concert. It had a life of its own. It was magical.”

That musical became “Spellbound.” Written and directed by Ysibido and produced by Stage 2 Productions, a student theatre company within the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

Alex Alvarez, assistant professor of theatre, mentors Stage 2 students along with Dan Gelbmann, associate professor of theatre.

"We are thrilled to support students' creative projects. We hope

PHOTO BY BRYCE JOHNSON

The cast and crew do a read through of "Spellbound."

that 'Spellbound' encourages all members of Stage 2 to create their own work," Alvarez said.

"Spellbound" will premiere on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mailman Hollywood Auditorium as a workshop showing without sets or costumes. The play will feature songs and characters from popular Disney stories in unexpected ways.

“Phillip, who is famously the prince from ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ doesn't end up with Aurora. He ends up with Rapunzel,” Ysibido said. “In the same way that I'm making sure that none of the princes and princesses go along with the ones they're supposed to from the movie, I'm also making sure that no character sings their song from the movie. So each time

you hear the song, it's going to be in a different situation than you were expecting it to be.”

Along with the Disney songs and characters, Ysibido is excited for the audience to experience the story.

“What makes ‘Spellbound’ so unique and so interesting for me is the character of the narrator. In this show, we're following a narrator who's using a magical enchanted book to create the story,” Ysibido said. “Things keep disturbing the story, until she eventually has to get involved.”

Amanda Alonso, junior theatre major, is the stage manager of "Spellbound." Alonso is excited to see the actors and dancers perform in the Mailman Auditorium.

"I don't know if we can for legal

reasons, but this play is amazing and I would love to see it get bigger, because his writing is absolutely amazing and I love the way that he intermixed the storylines and made it such a wonderful production," Alonso said. "I can't wait to see what it turns out to be."

Right after the show on April 5, the audience will be able to provide feedback and share their thoughts on “Spellbound.”

“This is just the first go around of the script. I'm really depending on people's advice and their feedback so that the next time we do it, it's going to be stronger,” Ysibido said.

Ysibido is thankful to the cast and crew involved with “Spellbound."

“I've been working with so many talented people and they've all really given their all to help me.

They have inspired me to keep writing. I started this project many years ago and I had abandoned it at one point, but it's all my friends who have encouraged me to keep going, that it's now going to become a reality. So I owe everything to them,” Ysibido said.

For more information: Email Brandon Ysibido at by115@mynsu.nova.edu.

Junior pursues opportunities Miami City Ballet, American Dance Festival

By Danna Bertel and Kayla McGee Ysabella Lupercio, junior dance and business major, started her dance career at the age of 3.

Since then, she's gained experience in dance production and stage management, finding a passion for working backstage. As a dance major and the performance committee chair for Razor's Edge Shark Talent program, she gets to practice what she loves.

"With the dance program, I have been starting to stage manage dance shows like the student choreography showcase," Lupercio said.

She equally credits the dance program and Shark Talent for pushing her "love and drive" for stage managing.

Lupercio is responsible for organizing and overseeing all performances Shark Talent executes, including the Shark Talent Showcase.

This semester, Lupercio is shadowing Miami City Ballet’s production stage manager Kelly Brown and assistant stage manager Lauren Wickett. She also secured a paid summer internship at the American Dance Festival in North Carolina.

"Shadowing for the Miami City

Ballet has definitely been a great learning experience. To learn about how a professional show comes together from one of the biggest ballet companies has really put into perspective how everything I am learning at Nova really does apply to the real world. Kelly Brown has been patient in teaching and answering all the questions I have asked. I'm so excited for this experience to continue," Lupercio said.

She is looking forward to gaining insight from both experiences.

"I think this will definitely open doors for me to find out more about what I want to do when it comes to dance. There's commercial dance, company dance, and there's Broadway. I think that these internships and these shadowing opportunities will help me figure out what is the route I want to go on and what I want my future to look like,” Lupercio said.

Elana Lanczi, associate professor of dance, in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts has been teaching Lupercio since she was a freshman. Lanczi recommended the American Dance Festival internship to Lupercio.

“I recommended it to a lot of students, but specifically for Ysabella because I knew she was interested in stage management and

production and I know that ADF has a lot of scholarships and internships,” Lanczi said. “She is such a wonderful addition to our dance program. She's been a choreographer, she has helped stage manage dance productions and also been a performer, so she's taken on a lot of different roles during her time here.”

The American Dance Festival takes place at Duke University.

Lupercio will get the opportunity to work on 18 different dance shows with choreographers at several dance companies.

Lanczi said this internship experience will have a great impact on Lupercio's career.

“Top dance companies from all over the world come in and perform there, so she's going to get, in a concentrated period of time, a couple of years' worth of experience, or maybe a lifetime worth of experience," Lanzi said. "It's really an amazing opportunity that she has to work with all these different companies and under a production manager who's really experienced and who's been really well-respected in the dance world."

Lupercio looks forward to a fruitful career in stage management and production and hopes to pass on her knowledge to younger dancers.

COURTESY OF YSABELLA LUPERCIO

Ysabella Lupercio, junior dance and business major.

“A big end goal of mine is to help young dancers find what they want to do, as I'm in my process of finding what I want to do, and stage managing and working in production,” Lupercio said. "Eventually, I would like to open up my own company that helps young dancers find the path they want to take and give them resources to do so."

10

ARTS | March 14, 2024

The Current

MUSIC

PHOTO BY ANDREW ROSE

Mike Lynn, assistant director of Mako Media Network, and Mario D'agostino, sports adviser, host The B-Side podcast with Mako Radio music director Weston Clark and Carey Courson, junior communication major.

Keeping in tune with Mako Radio

By Daja Long and Luqman Gbenro The Ricky Stanicky Premiere Alex Hernández, station manager for Mako Radio, attended the premiere of Ricky Stanicky.

"I had the extraordinary privilege of interviewing the legendary John Cena during the highly anticipated premiere of Ricky Stanicky, and the experience exceeded all expectations," Hernández said.

"From the moment we met, Cena exuded genuine warmth and charisma, instantly putting me and my team at ease. Despite his status as a global superstar, Cena's humility and down-to-earth demeanor were truly remarkable."

Hernández said that throughout the interview, Cena demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect on a personal level, making her feel genuinely heard and valued.

"His genuine interest in our questions and unwavering focus created an atmosphere of authenticity and

mutual respect," Hernández said.

"What truly stood out was Cena's genuine effort to ensure our comfort, going above and beyond to accommodate our needs and make the entire experience memorable.

In a world where celebrity encounters can often feel impersonal, Cena's sincerity and engagement left an indelible impression. We even connected over BTS, and the importance of laughter in a college student’s life."

Sound of the station This week’s top artist for the second week in a row: Ronnie Stone.

For those fans of indie and '80s-style pop, Ronnie Stone has the sound to match your tastes. For next week, Mako Radio will have some more indie and country artists starting to pop up in our charts. Keep an eye out for new music if you are a fan of these genres heading into the new week! To start, here are some new artist recommendations: Maggie Roger’s, TR/ST, Sadie Jean, Briston Maroney and Jordan Lindley.

CURRENT PICKS Want to know The Current staff's favorite songs to celebrate Women's History Month?

Check out Current Picks, our collaborative playlist!

Off the Record In the next episode of Off the Record, co-hosts, Denisia Martimbor and Jonesia Martimbor amplify the voices of resilience and innovation through recurring segments centered around the theme of Women's History Month. From the rhythm of music to the pulse of campus life, every segment is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion. Off The Record can be heard every other Friday from noon to 1 p.m. on our Spotify, live streamed on makomedia.nova.edu, on Instagram @nsu_makoradio and on 88.5FM WKPX Sunrise.

In the Know On the latest episode of In the Know, co-hosts, Daja Long and Luqman Gbenro discussed gender roles and how art both mirrors and influences life. The podcast touches on how gender role stereotypes exist through beauty standards, celibacy norms, parenting expectations and mainstream media’s contribution to the overall discourse.

Monday Noon-1 p.m.

DJ RAY: 90s-2000s Rock 6-8 p.m.

DJ MYSTICMELODY: Indie 8-10 p.m.

DJ SHORTY: K-pop Tuesday 12:30-1:30 p.m.

DJ SIRENA: International

You can listen to In The Know every other Thursday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on our Spotify, live streamed on makomedia.nova.edu, on Instagram @nsu_makoradio and on 88.5FM WKPX Sunrise.

The B-Side The B-Side podcast released a new episode this month featuring co-hosts, Mike Lynn, assistant director of Mako Media Network, and Mario D'agostino, sports adviser. The most recent episode covers the evolution of mainstream country music, influential musicians that have shaped the genre, and how college radio stations charted independent country musicians. The B-Side podcast can be heard every other Friday from noon to 1 p.m. on our Spotify, live streamed on makomedia.nova.edu, on Instagram @nsu_makoradio and on 88.5FM WKPX Sunrise.

Thursday 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In the Know (Week A), DJ VENUS: Jazz/Soul (Week B) 6-8 p.m.

DJ NEPTUNE: Indie/Pop, DJ VENUS: Jazz/Soul 8-10 p.m.

DJ MR. E: Alternative Rock/Pop

6-8 p.m.

DJ BLOSSOM: Soca

Friday Noon-1 p.m.

Off the Record (Week A) The B-Side (Week B)

8-10 p.m.

DJ LYRIC: Pop

6-8 p.m.

DJ ONYX: Alternative

Wednesday 6-8 p.m.

DJ ANT: Indie, DJ MYSTICMELODY: Indie

8-10 p.m.

DJ FAITH: Country-Folk/Blues

8-10 p.m.

DJ RAY: 90s-2000s Rock

MAKO RADIO DJ SCHEDULE

SPORTS | March 14, 2024

The Current

11

USL Super League brings professional women’s soccer to NSU

By Bella Giaquinto Fort Lauderdale United FC, a professional women’s soccer league, is partnering with NSU to bring professional soccer to campus in August 2024. The team is led by local business owner Tommy Smith, with plans in place to modernize the former Miami Dolphins practice facility into a stadium featuring on-site training facilities at NSU. The United Soccer League Super League sits at the same level as the National Women’s Soccer League, and provides athletic opportunities for young women through a youthto-pro women’s pathway, as well as introducing career opportunities to students interested in the sports industry.

“Looking five years from now, I see this as being one of the most competitive leagues in the world,” said Deon Graham, co-founder and CEO for Fort Lauderdale United FC. “This is perfect timing in the soccer industry.”

The inaugural 2024 season will feature eight teams from different areas in the country with additional teams set to join in subsequent seasons. The league will play on the “fall-to-summer” soccer calendar traditionally followed around the world.

When searching for partnership

opportunities in Fort Lauderdale, NSU stood out for Smith and Graham.

“Our daughters, mine and Tommy’s, attend Nova high school so it all started with a competitive high school team getting a lay of the land at NSU and we suddenly came upon the beautiful facility that the dolphins left,” Graham said. “NSU has been brilliant partners, allowing us to come in and build up the stadium.”

Harry K. Moon, NSU’s executive VP, chief operating officer and president-elect, views this as a good partnership for the university.

“We’re right at 70% female in our student population and if you look at Title IX, it is to create a parity across athlete opportunities,” Moon said. “This extends that and is a good partnership for the university.”

In terms of professional play, the league has coordinated with elite youth level soccer in South Florida to bring young women athletes into professional sports.

“We created a relationship with the bigger youth clubs where we are able to identify talent early, change the pathway of development, start to get them ready for the pro game and give them opportunities that usually stop at college,” Graham said.

Graham also wants young women

to know that there’s opportunities beyond just playing soccer, as you can have a long career in sports.

“One of the biggest things for women is they haven’t been able to see their pathway,” Graham said.

“You start as a little girl playing youth soccer and then you go to college but there hasn’t been a lot of opportunities to play beyond that.”

The league has been working toward creating internship opportunities and jobs open to those interested in building a career in the sports industry.

“We are in collaboration with NSU to develop an internship program to get your credits, do what you need to do academically while also getting your experience here with us,” Graham said. “Not only do the students get a firsthand look at a franchise developing on their campus, but there’s opportunities for you to work in the system from game day operations and sports management, to front office, social media, and public relations.”

Aside from athletic and career opportunities, Moon points out the benefits of this partnership from a marketing and financial perspective for NSU. “In the simplest terms, having professional teams at our facilities from a marketing standpoint gives people a greater awareness of the university,” Moon said.

Throughout this partnership, the league will be transforming the stadium in various ways.

“Financially, it's an investment

by Mr. Smith in the university and it will improve the facilities itself from the lighting on the field, new turf, and will increase the seating capacity in the stadium from 2,000 to 7,000 seats,” Moon said. “That will open up the facility for greater use of the university for a variety of functions, be it concerts, aggregation, or perhaps even commencement celebrations.”

The league is looking forward to bringing unity in the community and has high hopes for the future.

“We’re so diverse that we want to make sure to unite the community,” Graham said. “The next three to five years of soccer in America is going to be insane and we’re right here at the tipping point.”

Moon offered advice for young women athletes.

“During my time at Tulane University, I met a fantastic female athlete, Linda Tuero, who was a female member of the men’s tennis team because she was really good and could beat most of the guys,” Moon said. “With that being said, dream your dreams and follow them, don’t take no for an answer and believe in yourself.”

NSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee makes impact off the field

By Isabella Fernandez De Cueto and Olivia Zolk NSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee serves as a bridge between student athletes and school administration, giving members the opportunity to advocate for themselves, get involved in the local community, and learn leadership skills.

Two of the pivotal leaders of the program are Deanna Rivero, manager of Athletic Academic Services and co-adviser of SAAC, and Nyah Pacely, president of SAAC. Pacely, a senior biology major and NSU volleyball player, has seen drastic changes to the group since her first meeting during her freshman year.

“When I first started in SAAC, nobody was really talking about it or interested in it. This year, we have barely enough space in our meeting room to fit everyone coming to our monthly meetings,” Pacely said.

SAAC holds meetings at the beginning of every month for all student athletes, and the E-Board meets biweekly.

“We make our meetings monthly so that they are engaging and contain new and important information. All athletes can come and listen and even voice ideas they may have,” Rivero said.

COURTESY OF DEANNA RIVERO

NSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee engages with the community.

SAAC also hosts a variety of community service events, both on and off campus. Some notable events include a canned food drive with Shark Pantry, a school supply drive with Davie Elementary School, and a toy drive with the Rick and Rita Case Boys and Girls Club.

“These events are important because they encourage our student athletes to build relationships with each other, the on-campus

community, and the local off-campus community as well,” Rivero said.

Pacely’s main initiative as president is to encourage athletes to use their voices.

“Throughout my time, I’ve been able to make some of my ideas into reality by finding and using my voice. I want the athletes to speak up, and we’ve seen some of it already through working with

charities athletes wanted to be involved with,” Pacely said.

For example, SAAC hosted a National Girls and Women in Sports Day event in January, which was long overdue.

“This event was three years in the making, and it was so cool to finally see an event we’ve been trying to develop for so long flourish into a great experience where young girls got to try out different sports,” Pacely said.

Another important aspect of SAAC is the professional development opportunities it holds through regional and national SAAC conventions and Leadership Forums.

At these events, student-athletes get to network, brainstorm, and meet other representatives from other schools. It’s great for them to get this professional experience and it is great for their resumés as well,” Rivero said.

For those who want to get involved with SAAC, Rivero and Pacely have the same advice: “Come to a meeting and see what it’s about. The more the merrier!”

12

SPORTS | March 14, 2024

The Current

PHOTO BY DEVON DEATHERAGE

NSU's rowing team practices their strokes on the intercoastal.

Women’s rowing makes a comeback

By Abraham Velasquez After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nova Southeastern University women’s rowing team is back and ready to compete for the 2024 season. The Sharks will kick off the season with a regatta against Stetson University in Deland, Fla. on March 16.

Before the program was reinstated in September 2023, it had amassed an impressive resume, including six Sunshine State Conference titles (2007 to 2009 and 2011 to 2014). Additionally, the team made appearances in 12 NCAA Division II Championships and produced 18 All-Americans and 65 Scholar All-Americans.

This season, the Sharks have a roster filled with new faces, alongside an experienced coaching staff led by head coach Kim Chavers, and assistant coach Emily Cumone.

“Our primary goal for the season

is to gain valuable racing experience,” Chavers said. “With many of our athletes new to the sport, we’re focused on preparing them for the conference championships and executing races to the best of our ability.”

Prior to taking charge of the rowing program at NSU, Chavers served as the head coach at Michigan State University for three years.

During her tenure at MSU, she led the Spartans to success in both competition and academics, with 166 All-BIG 10 academic award winners, 52 BIG 10 Distinguished Scholars, and 42 CRCA Scholar Athletes. Additionally, she previously held assistant coaching positions at Old Dominion University, Indiana University, and Stetson.

Chavers doesn’t take all the credit for NSU's success; she shares the spotlight with Cumone, who also contributes to the team’s success.

“She’s done a good job of helping

PHOTO BY DEVON DEATHERAGE

NSU's rowing team propels the boat forward while catching the water.

our new athletes navigate this experience and develop their technique and skills,” Chavers said.

Despite having several inexperienced players, the team is optimistic about having a successful season.

Yasmine Chiadmi, freshman from Morocco and finance major, shares her high expectations for the season.

“We’re definitely winning,” Chiadmi said. “My teammates and I have been working hard to improve our skills, and I’m very sure that we’re going to do a great job in our next regatta.”

Chiadmi expressed admiration and trust for Coach Chavers.

“We trust each other because, when rowing you have to trust your teammates and coaches,” Chaidmi said.

Alongside Chiadmi is Sophia Florez, a sophomore from Colombia.

Majoring in business health with a

minor in global engagement, Florez is new to rowing but no stranger to competitive sports. She was attracted to rowing as a way to continue her athletic career.

“I’ve always been a team player and once I got to college I was like, why not try the ultimate team sport, and that's how I got into rowing by wanting to continue my sports career,” Florez said.

Florez, expressed her pride and aims to revive the rowing program's former success.

“Being part of the rowing team means joining something larger, becoming part of a family, I want to build rowing back to what it used to be,” Florez said.

After the season opener, the Sharks will travel to Melbourne, Fla. on March 23, to compete against Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle.

PHOTO BY DEVON DEATHERAGE

NSU's rowing team is rowing on the square on the intercoastal.

SPORTS | March 14, 2024

The Current

13

Sports shorts

By Josh Leatherman Men’s basketball, March 10 For the third consecutive year, the Nova Southeastern University men’s basketball team has won the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, defeating the Barry Buccaneers 87-76. The Sharks begin the NCAA Division II Tournament as the top-ranked squad, as they prepare to defend their national championship.

Women’s basketball, March 10 The No. 14 ranked Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team has clinched a spot in the Division II NCAA Tournament, earning the fourth seed in the NCAA South Region. The Sharks will take on Gulf South Conference member and number five-seeded Lee University.

Men’s baseball, March 3 The NSU men’s baseball team dropped its SSC series to the Rollins College Tars by a final score of 4-0.

Women’s tennis, March 3 The second-ranked NSU women’s tennis team took on Charleston at the USTA National Campus, winning the match with a final score of 5-0.

Men’s basketball, March 2 The top-ranked NSU men’s basketball team finished its regular season with its 12th consecutive win over Saint Leo 98-78 on senior day. The Sharks celebrated Ike Fuller, Shane Hunter, Mike Moore, Trey Doomes and Pipo Grafals pregame. Shane Hunter led the way for NSU with 18 points. Trey Doomes

(14 points, nine rebounds and five steals) and Ryan Walsh (15 points 5-8 3PT) helped close out the regular season.

Women’s basketball, March 2 The No. 11 NSU women’s basketball team celebrated senior day by securing the Sunshine State Conference regular season title by defeating Saint Leo 91-52. The Sharks honored Nicole Scales, India Shepherd, Morgan Kane, Kyarrah Grant and Mia Jones pregame. Morgan Kane led the scoring with 25 points, adding seven rebounds and two blocks. India Shepherd (14 points) and Kailyn Terrell (13) each added to the scoring.

Women’s softball, March 2 The No.15 ranked NSU women’s softball team dropped the SSC series to the Rollins College Tars, losing game one 6-5 and game two of the doubleheader 5-4.

Men’s baseball, March 2 The NSU men’s baseball team fell to the Rollins College Tars in game two of a three game SSC series by a final score of 6-5.

Men and women’s track, March 2 The NSU track team competed at the UT Spartans Invite last week.

Bella Butler and Maggie Ragsdale led the way for NSU, earning second-place finishes in the women's 800 meters and 1500 meters.

Andres Agudelo was the highest finisher on the men's side, finishing ninth in the 400 meters.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

NSU's baseball team celebrates a home run hit by #22 Justin Wachs in the Sharks SSC home opener against Rollins College

Women’s softball, March 1 The No.15 ranked NSU women’s softball team dropped game one of a three-game SSC series to the Rollins College Tars 2-0 at MLK Stadium.

Men’s baseball, March 1 The NSU men’s baseball team opened up SSC play at home winning 6-3 against the Rollins College Tars. The Sharks were powered by a pair of homeruns hit by Boris Peña (4) and Justin Wachs (2). Collin Rothermel collected his fourth winning decision in 6.0 IP with six strikeouts.

Swimming, Feb. 29 The Sunshine State Conference announced the 2023-24 AllSSC Men's and Women's Swimming teams last week. Overall, 15 NSU swimmers were recognized with the honor, including nine AllSSC First-Team selections. Sharks receiving the honor include: Emily Trieschmann, May Lowy, Rafaela Raurich, Emilia Ronningdal, Hailey Williams, Estelle Bauer, Maria Goncalves, Ilaria Murzilli, Neta Shiff, Luca Alessandrini, Inigo Marina, Keith Peristeridis, Marcel Snitko, Gustav Henriksen and Thomas Flower.

Swimming, Feb. 29 The NCAA Division II men's and women's swimming and diving committee announced qualifiers for the 2024 NCAA Division II men's and women's swimming and diving championships. The championships will be held March 12-16 in Geneva, Ohio. Nineteen NSU swimmers were chosen to compete in the competition.

Men’s basketball, Feb. 28 The NSU men’s basketball team picked up a win against the Tampa Spartans 103-69. Ryker Cisarik led the scoring by tying his season-high with 20 points, adding 10 rebounds. Ike Fuller (18 points), MJ Iraldi (10) and Shane Hunter (10) all scored in double figures.

Women’s basketball, Feb. 28 The No. 11 ranked NSU women’s basketball team had its winning streak stopped at 20 games with a nail-biting overtime loss to the No. 16 Tampa Spartans 76-74. India Shepherd tallied a career-high 20 points (6-9 3PT).

Men’s baseball, Feb. 27 The NSU baseball team fell in non-conference play against the Barry University Buccaneers with a final score of 8-5 at Feinbloom Field.

Women’s golf, Feb. 26 - 27 The No. 1 ranked NSU women’s golf team participated in the Lynn Invitational at Boca Woods Lakes course. The team placed sixth overall with Jimena Marques tying for seventh place.

Women’s tennis, Feb. 25 The top-ranked teams in NCAA Division II women’s golf battled for the ITA Indoor National Championship in Kearney, NE. The No. 2 Nova Southeastern Sharks were defeated by the No. 1 Barry Buccaneers with a final of 4-2.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

NSU men's basketball celebrates winning the third consecutive Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championship.

SPORTS EVENTS March 14, Noon

March 14, 2 p.m.

NSU Softball vs.

Kutztown University

NSU Softball vs.

Kutztown University

A.D Griffin Sports Complex

A.D Griffin Sports Complex

March 16, 2 p.m.

March 16, 4 p.m.

NSU Softball vs.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

NSU Softball vs.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

A.D Griffin Sports Complex

A.D Griffin Sports Complex

A.D Griffin Sports Complex

NSU Softball vs.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

March 17, Noon

March 23, 10 a.m.

Women’s Tennis vs.

Flager College

NSU Tennis Complex at Rolling Hills

14

SPORTS | March 14, 2024

The Current

The Current

EVENTS CALENDAR | March 14, 2024

EVENTS CALENDAR

15

MARCH

THURSDAY

14

Pie Day 2024

12:30 p.m. - Parker Building

Chat N' Chew Empowering Women's Voices 12:30 p.m. - Rosenthal 204

Painting a Pot

6 p.m. - Flight Deck Multipurpose Room

Rhythms & Reels

7 p.m. - Mailman Auditorium

FRIDAY

15

Shark for the Win: Lip Sync Battle 12:30 p.m. - Flight Deck

Period Packing Party

4 p.m. - Flight Deck Multipurpose Room

ASA’s Boba Bar

5 p.m. - Mako Multipurpose Room

Self-Defense Class

5:30 p.m. - Recplex

Game and Movie Night

6 p.m. - Carl DeSantis Building, Room 1047

The Magic of Bil Blagg Live 8 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

SATURDAY

16

All Fins in - The Ultimate Service Project 8 a.m. - Don Taft University Center, Shark Fountain

SUNDAY

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

17

4 p.m. - Mako Lawn

MONDAY

Day Time Destress: Slime Making

18

WEDNESDAY

1 p.m. - Au-Rene Theater Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Sunset Yoga Sessions

11:45 a.m. - Don Taft University Center Spine

20

The Educational Journey of Women’s Rights

THURSDAY

21

The Reel - NSU's annual film series

MONDAY

Wonder Women - Women’s Leadership Panel

25

Noon - Don Taft University Center Spine

6 p.m. - Mailman Hollywood Auditorium

5 p.m. - Alvin Sherman Library, Second Floor Cotilla Gallery

A Tribute to John Denver

7:30 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

THE CURRENT'S COMICS

BY NICOLE GOMEZ

| March 14, 2024

The Current

2024 MARCH MADNESS BRACKETS 2024 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship

By Josh Leatherman The Nova Southeastern University men's and women's basketball teams have secured their spots in the NCAA Division II National Tournaments starting on March 15 for the women's side and March 16 for the men's.

March Madness, a yearly event captivating sports fans worldwide, offers the chance to fill out brackets predicting tournament outcomes. Filling out those brackets is a form of bracketology, which is defined as the activity of predicting the participants and outcomes of the games in a sports tournament.

NSU's men's team, reigning undefeated National Champions with a 36-0 record last year, aims to continue its success.

Ranked No. 1 in D2 with a 25-2 record, they seek another title, boasting a recordbreaking performance in the championship game last season. The women's team, making its second consecutive appearance, ranked No. 14 in D2 with a 23-5 record, eyes a strong tournament run after an impressive regular season.

Both teams carry the hopes of their university as they prepare to compete on the national stage once again.

Regionals March 17

March 16

Quarterfinals March 26

March 19

Semifinals March 28

Championship March 30

Semifinals March 28

Quarterfinals March 26

Regionals March 17

March 19

March 16

1 *^Gannon (29-2) 5 p.m.

8 Lincoln (PA) (17-13)

*Nova Southeastern (27-2) 5 p.m.

Benedict (23-7)

4 West Liberty (26-5) 7:30 p.m.

5 Millersville (24-6)

Atlantic

2 *^California (PA) (27-4)

South

1 8

Alabama Huntsville (21-10) 7:30 p.m.

Embry-Riddle (FL) (21-9)

4

West Ga. (26-5)

2

5

5 p.m.

7 West Virginia St. (20-9)

2:30 p.m.

Lee (21-8)

7

3 Charleston (WV) (27-4) 7:30 p.m.

6 Concord (22-7)

Fla. Southern (21-9) Noon Clark Atlanta (25-5)

6

1 *Minnesota St. (29-2) 6 p.m.

8 Arkansas Tech (25-6)

*North Georgia (25-6) 5 p.m.

Wingate (22-8)

8

Catawba (22-5) 7:30 p.m.

UNC Pembroke (23-6)

5

1

4 MSU Moorhead (24-5) 8:30 p.m.

5 Pittsburg St. (21-10)

2

Central

2 Northwest Mo. St. (27-4)

Southeast

3:30 p.m.

7 Southwest Minn. St. (19-12)

8

3 Minn. Duluth (25-6) 1 p.m.

6 Fort Hays St. (23-7)

7

National Champions

1 *Saint Michael's (22-8) 5 p.m.

8 Southern Conn. St. (22-10)

4

4 Daemen (24-8) 7:30 p.m.

5 Jefferson (23-8)

4

2

2:30 p.m.

Emmanuel (GA) (25-6)

7

Lincoln Memorial (24-8) Noon Lander (20-9)

6

3

1

DBU (24-5) 8:30 p.m.

Colo. Sch. Of Mines (24-8)

4 5

Fort Lewis (28-3)

2

3:30 p.m Lubbock Christian (23-10)

7

South Central

2:30 p.m.

7 Post (20-9)

5

1

*West Tex. A&M (26-4) 6 p.m.

Angelo St. (19-10)

3

East

2 St. Thomas Aquinas (25-5)

3

USC Aiken (23-6)

6

8

Colorado Mesa (27-4)

3

Noon 6 Bloomfield (22-9)

1 p.m.

Eastern N.M. (22-9)

6

1 *Uindy (22-8) 5 p.m.

8 William Jewell (21-10)

*#Cal State LA (24-7) 8p.m.

Azusa Pacific (14-16)

8

4 Northern Mich. (22-10) 7:30 p.m.

5 Ferris St. (25-7)

Cal St. Dom. Hills (22-7) 10:30 p.m.

Central Wash. (21-9)

4

CSUSB (23-7)

2

5:30 p.m.

Alas. Anchorage (22-10)

7

Mont. St. Billings (20-9) 3 p.m.

Chico St. (20-8)

6

3 Southern N.H. (21-10)

Midwest

2 Ky. Wesleyan (21-8)

West

* Host Institution # Host Institution with games March 15, 16, and 18 ^ Indicates a split site regional with games played at two locations on March 15, 16 and 19

2:30 p.m.

7 Upper Iowa (21-9)

All times are Eastern time.

Information subject to change.

The eight advancing teams to the Elite Eight will be seeded by the Division II Men's Basketball Committee following completion of the regionals.

3 Walsh (24-5) Noon 6 Lake Superior St. (21-8)

© 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association. No commercial use without the NCAA's written permission.

2024 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship

Regionals March 16

March 15

Quarterfinals March 25

March 18

Semifinals March 27

Championship March 29

Semifinals March 27

Quarterfinals March 25

March 18

Regionals March 16

March 15

1 *Gannon (32-2)

*Valdosta St.(29-2)

1

8 West Virginia St. (21-10)

Miles (22-6)

8

4 Lock Haven (28-3)

Nova Southeastern (23-5)

4

5 California (PA) (23-8)

Lee (21-10)

5

Atlantic

2 *Fairmont St. (26-5)

South

Union (TN) (29-3)

2

7 West Chester (24-6)

Eckerd (19-11)

7

3 Fayetteville St. (27-2)

Tampa (28-6)

3

6 Indiana (PA) (21-7)

Embry-Riddle (FL) (20-9)

6

1 *Southern Nazarene (28-2)

*Catawba (23-5)

1

St. Joseph Civic Arena March 29 8 p.m.

CBS Sports Network

8 Henderson St. (20-11) 4 Pittsburg St. (24-7)

1

2

5 Harding (25-5) 2 Missouri Western (25-5)

Central

Southeast

7 Minnesota St. (26-5) 3 Fort Hays St. (24-7)

8

7

6 Northwest Mo. St. (23-7) 7/9:30 p.m.

8 Mercy (20-9) 4 Jefferson (30-1)

4

3

5 Southern N.H.(17-10) East

2 Assumption (24-5) 7 Franklin Pierce (20-10) 3 Saint Rose (21-6)

5

6 Daemen (20-7)

8

Lenoir-Rhyne (22-8)

4

Ga. Southwestern (25-3)

5

Carson-Newman (22-9)

2

Augusta (22-8)

7

Wingate (22-9)

3

Anderson (SC) (21-8)

6

*Texas Woman's (29-4)

1

7/9:30 p.m.

National Champion

1 *Bentley (26-5)

UNC Pembroke (23-7)

Women's Elite Eight Seed List 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

South Central

6

Colo. Sch. of Mines (21-8)

8

Tex. Permian Basin (24-7)

4

Adams St. (24-8)

5

Colorado Mesa (24-6)

2

Lubbock Christian (21-9)

7

Regis (CO) (26-5)

3

UT Tyler (25-8)

6

1 *Grand Valley St. (29-2)

*Azusa Pacific (28-3)

1

8 Trevecca Nazarene (19-11)

Cal State LA (17-12)

8

4 Northern Mich. (21-9)

Mont. St. Billings (26-6)

4

5 Ky. Wesleyan (21-6)

Chico St. (21-9)

5

Cal St. San Marcos (23-6)

2

Point Loma (18-12)

7

Western Wash.(23-6)

3

Cal Poly Pomona (20-9)

6

2 Ashland (30-1)

Midwest

West

7 Drury (25-6) 3 Ferris St. (22-5) * Host Institution All times are Eastern time.

6 Lewis (23-8)

Information subject to change.

The eight advancing teams to the Women's Elite Eight will be seeded by the Division II Women's Basketball Committee after completion of the regionals. © 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association. No commercial use without the NCAA's written permission.

MATH CORNER Directions and Rules: Please send your answer (no need to send any additional scratch work or justification) to Dr. Jason Gershman, chair of the Department of Mathematics, at jgershma@nova.edu no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27. The correct answer to this question will appear in the next issue of The Current.

All members of the NSU community are invited to submit their answer and participate. Every member of the NSU community who submits at least one answer during the 20232024 school year will be invited to attend a celebration in April as part of Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month.

The undergraduate student who submits the most correct answers during the contest year will receive the grand prize of a $50 gift card courtesy of the Department of Mathematics.

If, at the end of the contest year, multiple students are tied for the contest champion, a tiebreaker question to determine the grand prize winner will take place where the fastest person to answer correctly wins the grand prize.

Question: NCAA’s basketball championships are knows as “March Madness” (where NSU’s men’s basketball team is the defending NCAA Division II national champions.) In 2014, there was a contest where a billion dollars was offered as a prize for predicting the results of all 63 division one men’s basketball games as a “perfect bracket” where predictions on the winners of all 63 games had to be made before the start of the first game. A hotly debated topic at the time was “What is the probability of predicting a perfect bracket?” Find an upper bound on this probability which is equivalent to probability of correctly predicting the outcomes (head or tails) on 63 consecutive fair coin flips.

Answer to the question in the prior issue: 1 Mini Pies; 0 Small Pies; 0 Medium Pies; 19 Large Pies

16

Please join the NSU Mathematics Club and the Department of Mathematics for our Annual Pi Day celebration which will take place on Thursday March 14th from 12:15-1:30 PM outside the east entrance of the Parker Building. There will be free pizza pie, dessert pie, and various circular shaped snacks served. This year’s entertainment is two rounds of Mental Math Bingo which will be played beginning at 12:45 PM…with gift card prizes awarded to the winners of each round.

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5

3