The Current Issue 5 Vol 36 - FOR PRINT

FEATURES | p. 8

ARTS | p. 10

HEALTH | p. 12

Walking above the Wetlands: The Everglades Elevated Boardwalk

New artist-in-residence collaborates with NSU’s dance program

Silent warning in shallow waters

THURSDAY

NOV. 20, 2025

THE CURRENT

VOLUME 36 ISSUE 5

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

NSU athletics celebrates a night of champions

By Madison Kasper Nova Southeastern University hosted a night full of recognition during the men’s basketball home opener against the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Nov. 14.

Before the game started, Jim Crutchfield, head men’s basketball coach, was honored with the court being dedicated in his name.

The court at Rick Case Arena will now be called Crutchfield Court.

Crutchfield has the highest winning percentage among coaches at any level in NCAA history and has coached the team to two national championships in the past three seasons.

Crutchfield said he doesn’t necessarily strive to leave a legacy but instead does his best and if it is recognized, he appreciates it. He said he felt the energy from the NSU community even though the game was stressful for him.

“I loved the crowd tonight. It was just unbelievable to have that kind of support from the university,” Crutchfield said. “You try and enjoy these types of moments

against another really good team, a big night for myself and my family, I enjoyed it and thought they played pretty well.”

At halftime, the NSU women’s swim team received its national championship rings from its win last season. It has won three consecutive NCAA Division II national championships.

Maya Esparza, senior sports management major, said it was really special to see the other athletic programs and the whole community recognizing and supporting them. She credits the NSU community as the team’s motivation to succeed.

“It gives us a reason why we are swimming. We want to bring home a championship for our team but especially for the school,” Esparza said. “It’s a lot of our why, the Shark family is really supportive.”

The night ended with the men’s basketball team beating the University of Alabama in Huntsville 87-79, keeping its 84 consecutive home game winning streak alive.

Jim Crutchfield, men’s basketball head coach, poses with his family next to the “Crutchfield Court” inscription before the men’s basketball home-opener on Nov. 14.

The women’s swim team poses with Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, after receiving its national championship rings during halftime at the men’s basketball game on Nov.14.

PHOTOS BY MADISON KASPER

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz: from survival to advocacy

By Madison Kasper In 2007, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, from Florida’s 25th District, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 41.

During a self exam, she found a lump, despite receiving a clear mammogram just a few months earlier.

When she was first diagnosed, she decided to keep it private to protect her children. She also didn’t want her diagnosis to become her whole identity.

Now as a survivor, she shares her story publicly and openly and uses her platform to advocate for breast cancer awareness and research.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wasserman Schultz gave an exclusive interview with Mako TV last month about her journey.

Q: Congresswoman, what do you remember most about the moment you found out about your diagnosis?

A: I always describe it as this anvil like a crushing weight that just comes down on your chest, and I felt like my head was turning inside out. I just could not believe it. I’m 41 years old. I have three little kids.

How could this be? I never smoked.

I never did anything unhealthy. How could this happen? But it was devastating news because younger women don’t get breast cancer as often, but when we do, it’s often more aggressive, and there are lots of other challenges that come with it.

Q: You were balancing motherhood, a demanding political career and treatment. What kept you grounded during that time?

A: The normalcy of my life. It was helpful to be able to deal with it privately, so that I could control what was going on around me and still keep my life as normal as possible.

Go back to Washington, to interviews, campaign for then candidate Obama and be my kids’ mom and, take them to school and help them with their homework and be able to go out in my district and talk to constituents and handle business.

more questions about my family history. So, there were all these red flags that had I known more about my risk then, I would have been able to take steps.

For more information: Scan the QR code for the complete interview with Debbie Wasserman Schultz:

Q: What is one thing that you really wish you would have known beforehand?

A: I wish I would have known that as an Ashkenazi Jewish woman that I had a much higher risk of carrying the genetic mutation. If I had known, I likely would have had a mammogram before I was 40 years old because I would have asked

See DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, page 8

2

The Current | November 20, 2025

Letter from the editor THE CURRENT 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

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING

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

Antonio Miguel Escorzon Editor-in-Chief

Amaia Flores Social Media Manager

Victoria Ruiz Graphic/Web Designer

Yasmin De Andrade Rodrigues Assistant Social Media Manager

Lila Taricco Graphic/Web Designer Isabella Fernandez de Cueto Sports Editor Marlee Card Reporter/Music Editor Alexandria Munroe News Editor Daria Gross Reporter Isabelle Moreno Reporter Sneha Subhash Health Writer Samiksha Chemukula Health Desk Intern

Chris Delboni Mako Media Network Director Mike Lynn Mako Media Network Assistant Director/ Music Desk Adviser Dr. Megan Fitzgerald Mako Media Network Faculty Adviser Joyce Moed The Current Adviser

Dr. Aarti Raja Science/Health Desk Adviser Dr. Eric Mason Digital Adviser

Madison Kasper Reporter/ Visual Journalist

Dr. Shanti Bruce Chair, Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts

Kai Dear Business Manager Liv Zolk Distribution Manager

The Current serves Nova Southeastern University from its location in room 328 of the Don Taft 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 advisers or advertisers. The Current will not publish unsigned letters except under special

Hello there, Sharks! I hope you enjoy reading the semester’s fifth issue of The Current, NSU’s student-run newspaper. I am Antonio the editor-in-chief.

In this final issue of the fall semester, we covered the Town of Davie’s centennial celebration and our university’s celebration of Veterans Day. We also have spotlights on Dr. Chad Perlyn, executive vice president, chief medical officer and executive medical director of NSU Health, and dean of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, as well as Nicole Glunt, franchise owner of ISI Elite Training and NSU alumna.

You can find out more about what’s been happening around campus in our new series, “In Case You Missed It.” I am particularly excited about its debut because it gives us the opportunity to briefly cover more NSU community events you may have missed.

Thanksgiving is a week away. I love spending time with my parents, where we take trips around South Florida.

I wish everyone a safe winter break and a Happy New Year!

The Current is part of Mako Media Network. MMN also includes Mako TV, NSU’s student-run broadcast news station on YouTube, and Mako Radio, NSU’s student-run radio station on 88.5 FM. If you have questions, comments or story pitches, you can find us in the Don Taft University Center, Room 328.

Antonio Miguel Escorzon, editor-in-chief of The Current.

On behalf of everyone at The Current, thank you for reading and making us part of your day.

Take care, Antonio Miguel Escorzon

Keep up with Mako TV! Scan the QR code to check out the YouTube channel.

Dr. Mario D'Agostino Sports Desk Adviser

Roseline Jean-Pierre Photojournalist

Allen Worrell Web Editor/Reporter

Dear Readers,

circumstances at the discretion of the Editor-in-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.

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The Current | November 20, 2025

3

The Current

NEWS

Davie residents celebrate town’s centennial year

PHOTOS BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

From left: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz addresses the Town of Davie during the city’s centennial year celebration, next to Judy Paul, mayor of Davie, Caryl Hattan, vice-mayor and town council members Michelle Whitman and Susan Starkey.

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon The Town of Davie just celebrated its centennial anniversary with a big party.

“The Town of Davie Centennial Celebration” took place at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds on Nov. 8.

The event included dance performances from the South Florida Cloggers, which is a dance team based in Davie; mechanical bull riding; live music from Jon Saxx, who is a partner of the Davie Jazz Society; as well as from the Whiskey County Band, a country music band; and speeches from dignitaries.

Judy Paul, mayor of Davie, reflected on the last 100 years.

“Fast forward a century and Davie has transformed from a modest community of just over 500 residents in 1925 to a thriving hub of 107,000 people,” Paul said. “Leading such a dynamic community requires vision and an extraordinary ability to adapt

to the ever-changing landscape of our environment and society.”

Town council members and politicians, such as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz from Florida’s 25th District, also addressed the crowd. “[The town is] where my husband Steve and I bought our first home as we began our life together,” Wasserman Schultz said.

She shared that her statement at the event is now part of the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming a permanent, official record of Congress’ proceedings and debates.

“This 100th anniversary is a time to honor the past and the efforts of those who came before us, as well as celebrate the achievements of today and the next 100 years,” Wasserman Schultz said.

The Town of Davie also honored residents who were 90 years and older, including 102-year old Harold

The Whiskey County Band ignites the night with melodies for Davies centennial year celebration.

Smith, a World War II veteran.

Caryl Hattan, vice-mayor of Davie, was happy about the turnout for the celebration.

“I’m so proud of everyone that’s here and all our residents of Davie, and our council and our mayor,” Hattan said. “We’ve been able to keep this rodeo town. You are lucky you have a wonderful administration and a fabulous leadership in Mayor Paul and our council.”

Daniel J. Alfonso, NSU executive vice president for Facilities Management, Public Safety, and Business Services, moved from Miami Lakes to Davie in May. He said because he works at Nova Southeastern University’s Davie-Fort Lauderdale campus, attending the event was important to know more about the local community.

“The mayor talked about how this used to be a community where farming and horses were raised,” Alfonso said. “Holding up those traditions

and bringing people together to an event where they can share, get to know each other and talk to each other is good.”

Felix Gomez, a resident of Davie for 10 years, said after moving from Venezuela, he came to love the town community.

“It’s a good opportunity to share with the kids,” Gomez said. “With food, with people, it is a nice environment.”

Paul said she saw how the town has forged its own path and established a remarkable identity.

“As we stand on the threshold of the next century, I can envision even greater transformations ahead,” Paul said. “But no matter what the transformation is, we will always hold true to our heritage, great history and the marvelous pioneers who have shaped our community.

Agriculture and the equestrian lifestyle are vital threads woven into the vibrant tapestry of Davie’s history.”

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

NSU builds for the future

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon Solar panels Mako Hall, an on-campus residence building, will gain a working alternative source of energy in December from 1,200 solar panels floating atop a nearby lake next to the Bill Gessner Sports Complex, said Carlos Guiovani Caceros, a project manager in Design and Construction.

D3Energy, a floating photovoltaics developing company, converting light into electricity, is working with NSU to install the solar panels.

“We are always looking to broaden the commitment to sustainability and innovation at NSU,” Caceros said. “D3Energy came on board and presented a solution that will not

take any land space or roof space.”

Caceros said D3Energy’s selling point for the project was that NSU was spearheading alternative energy technology.

“This is the first commercial floating solar project installed by a university in Broward County,” he said.

Roadway construction In addition to the solar panel project, NSU is also collaborating with the Town of Davie on its SW 30th Street roadway construction where new lanes for cyclists are being built.

“We are going to be adding a bike lane from the east to the west from College Avenue to University Drive,” Felix Leon, senior project manager in Design and Construction, said.

“There will be two bike lanes: one on the north side of the road and one on the south side of the road.”

The Town of Davie’s project will go westward into Ray Ferrero Jr. Boulevard and SW 75th Avenue.

The anticipated completion is November 2026.

“We expect for the westbound traffic to be fully opened and completed with new pavement and new drainage systems,” Leon said.

After the Town of Davie completes its part of the work, which is up to SW 75th Avenue, NSU will progress the project further toward University Drive.

“NSU will do the continuation of the bike lanes and the road improvements,” Leon said.

PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

Solar panels floating atop a lake next to the Bill Gessner Sports Complex.

4

The Current | November 20, 2025

NSU celebrates Veterans Day

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon The university celebrated Veterans Day at the Armed Forces Service Plaza at Forman Field on Nov. 11 outside the William and Norma Horvitz Administration Building.

Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, spoke during the celebration. He referenced the end of World War I when commemorating veterans.

“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, this nation recognizes, honors and celebrates the veterans who have served this country and looks to those who will serve in the future that are gathered here today,” Moon said. “It is my great honor on behalf of the 22,000 students, faculty, staff and administration of the university to welcome you all today.”

During the event, Nadja West, retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, former surgeon general of the U.S. Army and keynote speaker for NSU’s celebration of Veterans Day, spoke about why celebrating Veterans Day is special to her.

“What I find most valuable about our veterans is that they are citizens who voluntarily raised their hand and made the commitment to support and defend our Constitution, knowing that they might be required to put themselves in harm’s way and to make the ultimate sacrifice,” West said.

Matthew Chenworth, senior director of NSU Military Affairs, hopes that students who attended realize that there are many veterans within the NSU community.

“I just want students to know that

PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, congratulates Jack Gray, Army ROTC cadet, for receiving the Cadet award during the Veterans Day celebration.

service in the military is a very noble cause and an opportunity that exists for them in many different fields,” Chenworth said.

Caitlin Chmelik, junior exercise and sports science major and NSU ROTC cadet, said she attended the event to learn how the speakers grew during and after military service.

“Today is about connecting with the veterans here. We can learn future and past lessons from them,” Chmelik said. “It’s a chance to connect with them and learn from their experiences.”

Zachary Vasquez, senior psychology

major and Army veteran, said it is significant for NSU to celebrate its veterans.

“It’s such a prestigious university,” Vasquez said. “There’s a lot of things going on and I think that when it comes down to it, we need to take a step back and realize that we need to show our support and our appreciation to veterans.”

Daniel J. Alfonso, executive vice president for Facilities Management, Public Safety, and Business Services, is also an Army veteran. He believes Veterans Day is a way to honor the service of military personnel.

“It is important for us to recognize the efforts of those people that volunteered and gave their time and effort and energy to serve this country,” Alfonso said.

After the celebration, Moon said that part of NSU’s purpose is to continue supporting veterans.

“I think it’s very important for veterans who are coming back and integrating back into society. We need to talk to them,” Moon said. “We need to embrace them. They need to know that we are a larger community of one.”

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The Current | November 20, 2025 5

NSU NEWS RECAP

In Case You Missed It

By Alexandria Munroe NSU music ensembles collaborate for the annual Peace Concert The Bossa Nova Chorale, Mako Band and Shark Gold Vocal Ensemble performed at the annual Peace Concert on Nov. 14 in the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. The show, which has been an NSU tradition since 2007, features seasonal and holiday music to match this year’s theme, Seasons of Love.

NSU University School students gain hands-on experience while touring Mako Media Network First-grade students from the

NSU University School visited Mako Media Network on Sept. 12 to learn how news is produced. During the visit, the students created their own newspapers with The Current, took turns running the teleprompter and speaking at the anchor desk with Mako TV and tested out the DJ mixer with Mako Radio.

NSU’s Department of Nutrition celebrates 10 years of growth and education This semester, the Department of Nutrition in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The celebratory reception, which took place on Oct. 23, invited the program’s first graduating class and

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Denisia Martimbor, graduate assistant of Mako Media Network, teaches the first-grade students from NSU University School how to use Mako Radio’s DJ controller.

founding faculty as guests of honor to recognize the program’s growth throughout the past decade.

Shark Talent presents Center Stage to highlight student artistry Shark Talent presented its first two-night showcase, “Center Stage,” on Oct. 17-18 in the Black Box Theatre and the Performance Theatre.

The showcase was entirely student-run and featured different art disciplines like dance, music, theater and visual art.

“It takes a village to put on the showcase, but it’s all effort that we are so willing to put in,” said Cheyenne Howell, junior child development major and president of Shark

Talent. “We want people to absorb the fact that the arts are important [and] the arts are around you everywhere.”

Commercial Music students spread holiday spirit with the Music of the Season concert Today, students in the Commercial Music program will perform in the Music of the Season concert at noon in the Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery. The performance, under the direction of Bill Adams, music and theatre program director and professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, will focus on seasonal music to celebrate the holidays.

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER

First-graders from NSU University School practice being anchors at Mako TV’s anchor desk.

PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

First-graders have an immersive experience learning how to make a newspaper at “The Current,” in Mako Media Network’s newsroom.

6

The Current | November 20, 2025

The Current

FEATURES

NSU alumna to open fitness facilities

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon Nicole Glunt, franchise owner of ISI Elite Training and NSU alumna, plans to open two fitness facilities in Cooper City and Fort Lauderdale.

“I thought it was a perfect way to combine my passion for helping people, [which is] the reason why I went to school to be a speech therapist, and also connects the way I love being active, staying healthy and having that mindset,” Glunt said.

Glunt grew up in Warren, Ohio.

She moved to Fort Lauderdale with her family in 2014 and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida in 2017.

“I knew I wanted to get into a career where I could help people,” Glunt said. “I felt like this was a perfect opportunity where I could kind of go in a path towards helping adults or helping children.”

After graduating from NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2020, Glunt continued to stay in contact with former teachers, such as Tambi Braun, professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.

Braun recalled how Glunt contacted her after graduating in 2020.

Braun counseled Glunt as she worked at Accordius Health, a nursing home in Concord, North Carolina.

“She was going into her dream job

and she was nervous about the fact that we were on lockdown and [if she did] have the right skill set,” Braun said. “And I told her that her calling me as a mentor and making sure that she would provide her patients the appropriate care and she was competent to do what she was going to do made her the perfect person for that job.”

After working at Accordius Health and her later job Carolina Speech & Occupational Therapy, a pediatric wellness and fitness service in Charlotte, North Carolina, Glunt moved back to Fort Lauderdale. During her time at Charlotte, she learned about ISI Elite Training.

“Their headquarters are based there, so from the very beginning, I connected with the brand and what it stood for,” Glunt said. “ISI stands for ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’ and it’s really more than just a place you go to work out.”

By 2023, Glunt became a franchise owner for ISI Elite Training and wanted to bring the enterprise to Florida, as well as move closer to her family.

“We work out for our health, for our confidence — just for a stress relief,” Glunt said. “Also, to be a part of a community, to be a part of something that really lifts you up if everyone’s working for something similar.”

Braun said after learning Glunt became a franchise-owner, she was confident in and supportive of her.

COURTESY OF NICOLE GLUNT

Nicole Glunt, franchise owner of ISI Elite Training and NSU alumna, exercises at the ISI Elite Training headquarters in Charlotte, N.C.

“The [Davie-Cooper City] Chamber of Commerce had seen her new business and I was so proud to know that she had continued in success even though it was different than I expected,” Braun said.

Glunt’s ISI Elite Training facility in Cooper City is under construction, which began on Sept. 6. It is expected to be complete by December.

“I really believe that fitness

helped me throughout my career and throughout my studies at NSU. School, especially grad school, can be extremely stressful at times, so I found working out to be my outlet,” Glunt said. “Exercise was one hour of the day where I felt like I could take that time for myself.”

Sharks Speak: How do you effectively manage your time?

“I effectively manage my time as an NSU student by soaking up everything I learn in classes. As a commuter student, I love finding new study spots for more effective studying. Studying and reviewing before tests is essential, but knowing the difference between studying and cramming helps me do a lot better on exams.”

“To manage time effectively, I start by gathering information about my assignments related to due dates and assignment length. Then, I make a plan for action in my calendar. In addition, I also make to-do lists, sorting assignments based on importance, length, and time remaining.”

“Throughout my time at Nova, I realized that time management is a great skill to have when it comes to balancing my academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Throughout high school and into college, I was taught that my academics come first. I find it easier on myself to get my assignments done first, so I can later have time to relax, hang out with friends, and attend events for my sorority or NSU.”

“I have a whiteboard at home that I tend to write down things that I need to do for the week, sometimes by day, and this helps me keep track of the things I need to do. I’ve also had friends get me on Outlook Calendar, which has also helped me this year.”

Leah Mejia, freshman psychology Aidan Brown, sophomore biology Grace Trent, junior child develop- Matthew McCall, senior communimajor. major. ment major. cation major and Mako TV senior videographer.

BY DARIA GROSS AND GIA STAFFY

The Current | November 20, 2025 7

Shark pride on display: Homecoming Week brings students together

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Sergio Quinonez hosts a guided graffiti class during the Block Painting Arts Festival on Nov. 14. Upon completion, the artwork belongs to NSU.

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

NSU Wake club team members cheer as they cross the finish line in first place during the final round of the 34th annual “Anything that Floats” Raft Race on Nov. 13.

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, rides in a vintage convertible during the Homecoming Parade on Nov. 14.

By Marlee Card The Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement hosted Homecoming Week from Sunday, Nov. 9 to Saturday, Nov. 15. The celebration included events and activities throughout the week.

Malik Smith, coordinator of fraternity and sorority engagement and overseer of the Homecoming Committee, said the events gave students the opportunity to meet new people and show their Shark pride.

“By attending these events, [students] get to see what it’s like to connect with other students that may not have seen on campus before or may not have interacted with each

other before,” Smith said. “These events give them a space to be able to come together and celebrate NSU.” The 34th annual “Anything that Floats” Raft Race, the longest-running Homecoming tradition, took place on Thursday, Nov. 13.

Frank Christopher, senior entrepreneurship, has led the NSU Wake Club raft team to first place every year since his freshman year. Machaela Wommack, senior psychology major, who joined the team this year, said the event brings the NSU community together.

“The school doesn’t get together a lot for things, but I feel like this is one thing that everybody comes

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER

Last year’s Homecoming Queen Anne Sylvie Jean Louis crowns this year’s Homecoming Queen Bethany Sullivan during halftime of the men’s basketball game on Nov. 14.

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Matthew McMillan, owner of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice of Cooper City, hands out samples of his frozen ice to students during the Homecoming Tailgate on Nov. 14.

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Members of the NSU Drumline finish their performance to kick-start the Bleed Shark Blue Pep Rally on Nov. 10 in the Rick Case Arena.

to because it’s fun, and just being able to meet each other and mingle.”

Wommack said. “I think it just represents the Nova community.”

Elia Gorelik, junior biology major, represented Alpha Epsilon Pi and NSU’s chapter of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach in this year’s raft race competition and finished in second place overall. “[The raft race] definitely represents community, teamwork, being able to be together and support each other and show Shark pride,” Gorelik said. “It really brings out everyone’s sportsmanship, and it’s a great time for everyone.”

Other events included the Bleed Shark Blue Pep Rally, the Block

Painting Arts Festival, the Homecoming Parade, and the Homecoming Tailgate, all leading up to the NSU Men’s Homecoming Basketball Game and the crowning of the 2024 Homecoming royalty on Friday, Nov. 14.

Anne Sylvie Jean Louis, first-year graduate student and 2024 Homecoming Queen, returned to campus this year to celebrate homecoming as an alumna.

“It just helped to bring home what homecoming really means, which is coming home to your campus, to your university, really just connecting with all of your friends and loved ones,” Jean Louis said.

8

The Current | November 20, 2025

OH, THE PLACES TO GO

Walking above the Wetlands: The Everglades Elevated Boardwalk

By Marlee Card

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

View of the Everglades Elevated Boardwalk as visitors walk along the path during sunset.

Rising above the wetlands of the Everglades stands the newly restored Everglades Elevated Boardwalk. It opened in August 2025. Located just 10 miles west of the toll booth in Weston on I-75, also known as Alligator Alley, the wooden trail and lookout tower offer a fresh perspective on South Florida’s vast landscape.

Cindy Faerber and Lisa Kidd, retired teachers from Weston, said they love living close to the Everglades because it gives them access to new hiking spots.

“We’re always looking for new hiking trails, and this is a picturesque little slice of the Everglades,” Kidd said. “It’s a must stop and see.”

The boardwalk features educational displays that highlight unique plants, wildlife and history, which show how the Everglades is a vital part of Florida’s ecosystem.

“I love that they have so much information along the route,” Faerber said.

Although the trail didn’t stretch as long as some visitors expected, the

wooden observation tower provides a striking overlook of the wetlands.

“I was hoping for a longer walk,” Faerber said. “But it was really pretty. I was excited for how high up we went.”

Visiting with his wife, Emilio Vargas from Coral Springs admitted he expected a longer trail but said the experience was still worthwhile.

“I was expecting something to go further, to be honest,” Vargas said. “But it’s family oriented, and I believe this is a nice place to spend at least, let’s say, half an hour, one hour, for pictures.”

Faerber agreed that the boardwalk welcomes families.

“We’re going to take our granddaughter back here,” she said. “She’s 2 years old, and we love the playground.

They’ve got a little playground, and she can just run around here.”

For more information: Address: 35000 Everglades Pkwy, Weston, FL 33327

FROM THE FRONT

DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

Jean Latimer, director of the NSU AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Care, speaks about the effects of microplastics in food during the Q&A discussion at the “Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast Panel.”

Q: What gave you the confidence to come out and talk about your diagnosis so openly when you did?

A: I knew I would use my platform to help other women once I was all the way through, and I had the confidence from the doctors that I was taking the steps necessary to dramatically reduce my risk. I just felt a responsibility to be able to make sure that I could find what’s the void, what’s the niche that I could fill? I introduced the EARLY Act, which was the Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act and I created a national education and awareness campaign targeted at young women called Bring Your Brave located at the Center for Disease Control. You can go on the

Bring Your Brave website and there’s an app that you can download. I have launched a cancer survivorship summit, hosted at NSU. I introduced legislation called the Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act that helps make sure that we revamp and structure a pathway for survivors to walk down.

Q: How has survivorship changed your day-to-day life both mentally and physically?

A: No matter how far out you are from having breast cancer, I think about it every single day. I mean, I have physical manifestations, obviously, that remind me every day, and no matter how much confidence my doctors gave me that I did everything I needed to do to beat it and to

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, from Florida’s 25th District, speaks about her second Cancer Survivorship Summit that addresses life after diagnosis at the Amerant Bank Arena on Aug. 28.

remain cancer-free. I still take medication that gives me, at least some of somewhat of a shield.

Q: How do you hope that your openness inspires others that are going through their journey right now?

A: We should not dismiss our health. We, women, so often take care of everyone else except ourselves. It just fills my heart when someone says, ‘I got a mammogram that I had been putting off.’ And even though it’s sad because sometimes they’ll tell me they found breast cancer. They know that it would have been a lot later had I not been able to sort of wake them up and bring it to their attention so that any difference I can make like that, it’s all worth it.

For more information: Scan the QR codes for complete coverage of the “Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast Panel” by Mako Media.

Mako News

Mako TV

The Current | November 20, 2025 9

Spotlight: Dr. Chad Perlyn leads with heart, heals through service

By Madison Kasper Dr. Chad Perlyn, executive vice president, chief medical officer and executive medical director of NSU Health, and dean of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, gave a book that explores the concept of hospitality beyond just food or service to all his students when they received their white coats.

this hard right turn into health care leadership.”

Jennifer Fisher Stafford, executive assistant to Perlyn, said her first impression of him was the way he makes everyone feel seen and heard no matter their position.

“He is someone that likes to consider all of the options and opinions because maybe there’s somebody in the room, whether they have clout or not, that they might have a

keep going,” Alter said.

Stafford said Perlyn inspires her to do more and be more, and he makes her want to be a better person, not just at work.

“He’s just a regular guy that loves his family and just tries to make the world a better place,” Stafford said.

“He really deeply cares about the impact that he makes on the world and the things that he does.”

Perlyn said he realized the most

COURTESY OF NSU PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING, AND CREATIVE SERVICES

Dr. Chad Perlyn, executive vice president, chief medical officer and executive medical director of NSU Health, and dean of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine speaks at the “NSU Veterans Care Program Check Presentation.”

He chose to give “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect” by Will Guidara because he believes making people feel seen, valued and cared for is crucial for the future of patient care.

Perlyn is a pediatric plastic, reconstructive and craniofacial surgeon. He said he grew up wanting to be a physician and surgeon but never thought he would be a leader.

In January of 2010 a catastrophic earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people took place in Haiti, and he volunteered to lead one of the first teams of pediatric surgeons immediately after the earthquake.

“That experience fundamentally changed my life. I didn’t know what leadership was, but I knew what service was. I knew when you have a skill in this world and there are others who need it, I understood the obligation to share that skill and deliver that service,” Perlyn said. “That put me on a very different track than I’d always imagined but that experience and the time thereafter really took me on

great idea or an opinion that maybe nobody else has thought of yet,” Stafford said. “So, he is very inclusive, and he also sets the example and sets the tone for everyone else as well.”

Perlyn mentored Noah Alter, fourth-year medical student at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, when he was applying for residency. Alter said Perlyn has a strong way of articulating his thoughts that is helpful for students that are searching for mentorship.

“He’s extremely wise, very well rounded, has unique and worldly takes. He understands the business of medicine and the aspects of patient care that make plastic surgery unique,” Alter said.

Alter said the biggest thing that he learned from Perlyn is, if something does not work, try again.

“Coming from a guy with an MD, Ph.D., who’s gone through multiple decades of training, it clearly shows you that perseverance will outshine everything. So, what I really learned is that, if it doesn’t work now, just

impactful way he could help change the community and help change health care is by making sure there are amazing health care professionals for the future.

“Knowing that at this point in my career, I can help other young people start their careers and enter a profession that I’ve absolutely loved being a part of, nothing could be more meaningful to me now,” Perlyn said.

As for NSU Health, Perlyn said NSU is the largest provider of health care educators in the state of Florida and is the fifth largest educator of heath care professionals in the nation. He said they are the best at education, but where they have an opportunity to grow is in clinical care, the delivery of care to patients.

“Dr. [Harry K.] Moon [NSU president and CEO] loves to say, and I agree completely, the best medicine is in a place where you treat, where you teach and where you research.

And that is what we are looking to create for NSU Health. And we will do it,” Perlyn said.

NSU launches M.Sc. in Global Health

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine will launch its first Master of Science program in Global Health in Winter 2026.

Dr. Chad Perlyn, executive vice president, chief medical officer and executive medical director of NSU Health, and dean of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, said the M.Sc. program has students learn about humanitarianism.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to understand what care looks like around the world and how care differs in high income countries versus low income countries,” Perlyn said. “What I am excited about is to train the next generation of humanitarians.”

Imelda Moise, director of the M.Sc. in Global Health and associate professor of medical education, said students taking global health can learn how they can contribute internationally.

“Our program is really focused on preparing students to lead, to innovate, as well as collaborate across borders in addressing global public health challenges,” Moise said.

Stachyse Stanis, alumna of the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine and a winter graduate with a Doctor of Medicine degree, said she is excited to return to NSU and get the M.Sc. degree because the program provides students with professional opportunities.

“I believe that continuing my education and getting a master’s in global health is something that will definitely be beneficial to me, not only as a physician, but as a global health leader,” Santis said.

Perlyn said students in the program will understand how global health combines different disciplines, such as medicine, geopolitics, conflict resolution, and geography.

“I hope that those students who come out of our program go on to have very different careers,” Perlyn said. “There are so many opportunities that this education can lead to for our students.”

For more information: Scan the QR code for more information on the M.Sc. in Global Health program.

10 The Current | November 20, 2025

The Current

ARTS

Artist-in-residence collaborates with NSU’s dance program

PHOTOS BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

Artist-in-residence Cuauhtémoc Nájera Ruiz works with the dancers in his Dance Works piece.

Cheyenne Howell, junior child development major and dance minor, works with artist-in-residence Cuauhtémoc Nájera Ruiz on her solo section in his Dance Works piece.

By Alexandria Munroe NSU’s dance program will debut a new piece by artist-in-residence Cuauhtémoc Nájera Ruiz, the former co-artistic director of National Ballet of Mexico, at Dance Works on Nov. 21 and 22 in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.

Nájera Ruiz’s created the piece during his two-week residency earlier in the semester. During his residency, Nájera Ruiz also hosted an intermediate ballet masterclass for students.

Nájera Ruiz’s piece explores ideas of individuality, emotion and self-expression using ballet and contemporary movement.

“The choreography isn’t about something specific,” Nájera Ruiz

said. “It’s about what the dancers are feeling in the moment, about who they are. I want the audience to connect with them and what they’re expressing.”

Elana Lanczi, associate professor and director of the dance program, said that Nájera Ruiz’s residency gave students the experience of working in a professional rehearsal environment.

“They’re rehearsing for longer hours in a condensed time frame, which is what it’s like in a professional company,” Lanczi said. “That kind of experience is rare to get while still in college.”

Cheyenne Howell, junior child development major and dance minor, is one of seven dancers in the piece. She said that working with

Nájera Ruiz challenged her to grow her dance technique and artistry.

“The piece is more of a ballet-contemporary work, which we don’t do a lot of here,” Howell said. “I had to get my ballet skills back and adjust to what he likes to see visually. It’s definitely not something I’m used to, but it’s been a cool process of learning it.”

Howell said that the fast-paced experience was the most rewarding part of participating in Nájera Ruiz’s piece.

“We started with nothing and, in just two weeks, created a full five-minute work,” Howell said. “It’s been really inspiring to learn from someone who brings such a different perspective and background to the studio.”

Howell said the piece differs from

other pieces in this year’s Dance Works due to Nájera Ruiz’s international influences and personality in the choreography.

“It’s his style, his movement and his story,” Howell said. “He shared a lot about his background and experiences in Mexico, and I hope the audience will see that reflected on stage.”

For Nájera Ruiz, the goal of the piece is for the audience to connect emotionally with the dancers and see their individuality.

“If the final result is happy or sad or something in between, that doesn’t matter to me,” Nájera Ruiz said.

“What matters is that the audience feels something real and connects with what the dancers are living on stage.”

The Current | November 20, 2025 11

Dance Works helps students explore emotion and artistry

PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

Victoria Velez, junior dance major, rehearses her solo to “Ne Me Quitte Pas” for Dance Works in Don Taft University Center room 233.

By Alexandria Munroe and Daria Gross NSU’s dance program in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts will present its annual Dance Works concert on Nov. 21–22 in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.

Amaia Flores, junior double major in dance and communication and Mako Media Network’s social media manager, is performing in four pieces.

Flores said that this year’s Dance Works offers a level of variety that highlights the full range of NSU’s

dance program.

“This is the first year I’ve seen Dance Works so varied when it comes to the styles being performed,” Flores said. “As a dancer in multiple pieces, tapping into those different styles and characters is something I love doing.”

One of Flores’ numbers is a piece choreographed by Alonzo Williams, adjunct dance professor in DCMA. She said that Williams’ passion for dance has had a lasting impact on her approach to performing and teaching.

“The type of love he pours into his students is unmatched,” Flores

said. “He inspires me not only as a dancer but as a choreographer.”

Williams said his piece draws inspiration from the shows “Severance” and “Succession” and explores how modern work culture can feel imprisoning. He described the piece as a challenge to the “corporate ladder mindset.”

“I want to encourage the youth that work doesn’t have to be a prison,” Williams said. “Work can be fulfilling, purpose-driven and meaningful, because we can impact people with the work that we do.”

Williams said he wants to create a sense of tension and rebellion

within the audience by making them confront the culture around labor and power.

“Sometimes we have to rebel against what seems to be the norm in order to create something new,” Williams said.

Victoria Velez, junior dance major, is also in Williams’ piece.

She said that the dance is one of the most challenging numbers in the show.

“It’s definitely different and pushes us to move in new ways,” Velez said. “It’s high energy, fastpaced, and combines styles that you wouldn’t think go together, but somehow it works.”

Along with Williams’ piece, Velez will perform a solo choreographed

by Elana Lanczi, associate professor and director of the dance program.

“I spent the whole summer working hard on my technique, and Elana noticed my improvement,” Velez said. “[Elana] told me right after auditions that she wanted to work with me on a solo and that gave me so much confidence.”

Her solo, set to a French love song called “Ne Me Quitte Pas,” explores themes of heartbreak, longing and obsession.

“It’s emotional and very different from the upbeat jazz and hip-hop I usually do,” Velez said. “I’ve had to push through imposter syndrome and prove to myself that I can handle a solo.”

Velez said that performing in Dance Works each year has contributed to her growth as a dancer and helped her develop her emotional range and artistic expression.

“Every piece teaches you something new and reminds you of why you fell in love with dance in the first place,” Velez said.

MUSIC BY MARLEE CARD

Zinadelphia: Takes “The Magazine” around the world

By Marlee Card

The recipe to making your mark in the music industry is often debated.

Whether it’s through years of independent struggle, creating an identity within your music or viral moments on social media, artists always seem to have their own stories for success.

For Philadelphia-born Zinadelphia, her brand is a blend of DIY artistry, neo-soul and jazz-inspired scat vocals and a retro aesthetic that looks like it was pulled straight from the 1960s.

With an incredible unique voice that blends Amy Winehouse with Oliva Dean, her voice alone is attracting listeners from all over the country.

After releasing a string of successful singles—“Mirrorball” (2022), “Love

Language” (2023) and “Cosmos” (2023)—Zinadelphia dropped her second EP, “The Magazine,” in September 2024. Since then, 2025 has been a whirlwind year for the rising artist.

From performing at major music festivals like Lollapalooza, All Things Go and Austin City Limits, to taking her sound across the globe in Paris, London and Manchester, Zinadelphia continues to prove that her soulful blend of vintage flair and modern artistry resonates beyond her Philadelphia roots. Along the way, she has released two new original singles, “Call Up Nancy” and “The Seamstress,” while still performing.

“The Magazine” represents a new era for Zinadelphia. It mixes bold, colorful maximalism with a ‘60s-inspired

flair, pairing darker themes with light, almost playful melodies. It’s a kind of album that feels nostalgic but fresh at the same time.

The album explores themes of self-discovery, femininity and nostalgia, layered over groovy basslines and brass sections that nod to classic soul

and jazz influences. Her lyrics balance vulnerability with confidence, inviting listeners to reflect on love, growth and the search for authenticity. I’d recommend listening to “Love Over Glory,” or “Zinfandel,” both of which encompass a signature sound, soulful powerful voice and radiant energy.

12 The Current | November 20, 2025

The Current

SCIENCE & HEALTH Silent warning in shallow waters which give corals their bright colors and help feed them through photosynthesis. Without the algae, the coral turns white and can die within weeks if it does not recover.

“We’re seeing octocorals bleaching at almost 90% in some species,” he said.

Lopez, who has studied marine microbiology and coral symbiosis for almost 30 years, said this year’s bleaching is especially troubling.

Even soft corals, which have historically survived heat better than reef-building ones, are showing signs of distress.

“That’s not normal, it means the reefs are under serious stress,” Lopez said.

Coral reefs stretch from Jupiter down to the Florida Keys and play COURTESY OF RONEN LIBERMAN a major role in protecting coastThe Muricea muricata, a type of coral, lines, supporting fish populations undergoes coral bleaching in the water off the coast. and driving tourism.

“If we lose our reefs, we’ll have fewer fish, weaker coastlines, and

By Samiksha Chemukula and less tourism,” Lopez said. “These Sneha Subhash reefs act like living breakwaters, absorbing wave energy and keepA few miles off the South Florida ing our shores from eroding.” coast, coral reefs are losing their As concern grows over the decline vibrant color and with it, their life, of these ecosystems, students are said Jose Lopez, professor in the also speaking out about the need Department of Biological Sciences. for change.

“We’ve been pressing the snooze “What’s happening to the reefs button on this alarm for too many is really unfortunate, but that’s years,” Lopez said. “Coral bleaching why it’s important to actually do has been happening for decades, something about it, and try to ethiand now we’re entering what may cally consume,” Sophia Paz, junior be the fourth massive global bleach- marine biology major and president ing event. It’s a warning of what’s of the Nature Club, said. happening to our oceans and to our As reefs weaken, South Florida’s planet.” coastal communities face higher Lopez said when the water gets risks of flooding, poorer water qualtoo warm, usually more than 87 ity and economic losses, Lopez said. degrees, corals push out zooxan“The reefs are part of who we thellae, a type of microscopic algae, are,” Lopez said. “They shape our

shoreline, our fisheries, and even our local economy.”

At the National Coral Reef Institute, Lopez and his colleagues are documenting the widespread bleaching of octocorals across Broward County. This year’s event may be linked to a hot summer with little storm activity, which left the water stagnant and unusually warm.

“We didn’t get enough storms to mix and cool the water,” Lopez said.

“The heat just stayed trapped.”

Lopez said that small changes can make a big difference when tackling the bleaching issue.

“Students can help by recycling, using less plastic, and advocating for cleaner water systems,” he said. “Even choosing biodegradable materials, like the new PHA straws, helps reduce pollution.”

He also encouraged students to get involved with local conservation efforts.

“Learn to dive or snorkel,” he said. “It gives you a real appreciation for what’s down there. To care about something, you have to see it.”

Mansi Gandhi, senior health informatics major, said learning about coral bleaching has made her more conscious of her environmental impact.

“I realized how connected everything is,” she said. “Even small daily choices can affect ocean health.”

Despite the alarming state of the reefs, Lopez remains hopeful.

“There’s incredible restoration work happening,” he said. “From coral nurseries to replanting projects, scientists and volunteers are doing amazing things. We just need more awareness and action.”

COURTESY OF RONEN LIBERMAN

The briareum, a type of coral, undergoes coral bleaching in the water off the coast.

For more information: Scan the QR code for more information on coral bleaching.

The rise of heart rate variability tracking

By Madison Kasper Heart rate variability tracking was originally used by athletes to dictate their training schedule but has now become more popular among non-athletes. According to Baptist Health South Florida, many devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers now include HRV tracking as a feature and many influencers and wellness advocates promote it. As a part of Mako Media Health Update, Aarti Raja, professor in biology, discusses HRV tracking and how it affects people’s health.

Q: What is HRV? A: HRV stands for heart rate variability. So HRV is actually measuring the time between heart

rates and, in reality, there is a fluctuation between heartbeats and that’s normal, but what an HRV tracker does is it actually measures that variability and then it tries to tie it to health and wellness.

This variability is not something that we can just figure out on our own; you need these very unique devices that can pick up these little variations.

Q: Why is tracking your heart rate variability important for overall health?

A: What they are trying to relate is how can the variability give us an indication of how anxious or stressed the person is. If the variability can give us that information, will we be able to change the way we behave and change

our stress factors and, thereby, maybe make our day-to-day life less stressful.

Q: How can certain devices track HRV? A: These devices measure the interval between the heart rates.

This can be done in a hospital, so usually when people go to a hospital they get something called an electrocardiogram, which is an EKG which monitors your heart rate but when physicians do it, they do it over a day, so many minutes and hours. That tracking of what the heart is doing is an indicator of how stressed the system is. Now we have transitioned from, instead of having to go into the hospital to do this, there are now devices that people can wear, and that will

monitor the same thing. It’s not necessarily the same as getting it in the hospital, but it is a quicker way of making an assessment and that’s what these wearable devices are tracking.

Q: Any last thoughts?

A: I would always say one should be careful. You shouldn’t treat [device readings] as medical advice. I would talk to your physician. Also understand what kind of data is offering. Be aware that you are transmitting data back and forth, so that is something to be careful with as well. One thing to remember is that this health information that is being accessed by these wearable devices is not protected under HIPAA laws.

The Current | November 20, 2025 13

The Current

SPORTS

NSU women’s basketball begins a new chapter

By Isabella Fernandez de Cueto NSU women’s basketball started the season 3-0 with a new team. Every player and coach is in their first year as a Shark.

Heather Macy, head coach, as well as assistant coaches Josie Earnhardt and Abria Trice, spent last season at conference rival Barry. They brought five players from Barry in their move to NSU, including reigning SSC Freshman of the Year and sophomore communication major Kaliyah Morales.

“Coach Macy is a huge part of the reason why I came here, for sure,” Morales said. “She’s definitely tough, but she also knows how to encourage and support you, challenge you but also be there. She’s a perfect mix of tough, but also very caring and loving.”

In addition to the five new players from Barry, the team has two freshmen and eight transfers, with three of those transfers coming from other SSC schools. Macy said, the players are all learning and adjusting to her playing style.

“The kids that have been in the system for a year, obviously they’re a little bit ahead because as far as the 10 new ones, this is the first time they’ve heard a lot of our terminology and how we want to play,” Macy said. “But everyone has responded incredibly well, and

the expectations are higher.”

Because all 15 players are new to NSU, they are on a level playing field, each one eager to earn their spot, Morales said.

“There’s a lot more competitiveness here I think because everyone is new to the school and 10 people are new to the program in general, so everyone feels like they have something to prove,” Morales said. “Everyone has something to prove to Coach Macy, to the school and to the conference.”

In their first months at NSU, Macy and the team have looked at the men’s basketball team and their two national championships for inspiration as they envision how they want their season to play out.

“It’s been incredible every day to stay around and watch Coach Crutchfield in his practice environment. I take advantage to stay as many times as I can to watch them practice,” Macy said. “Being around national champions and their work ethic every single day says a lot, I think our players are watching the men’s players and going ‘hey, this is what we would like to do as well, so let’s emulate that.’”

Last season, the NSU women’s basketball team finished 27-7 and advanced to the NCAA South Region Championship game. Kyrstin Green, point guard and senior sports

management major who also spent last season at Barry, believes this winning culture has fueled the team in its preparations for the season.

“The expectation of winning is so much higher here than at Barry, where we were the underdogs,” Green said.

“We’re expected to win almost every time, if not every time, we step on that court, and I love having that pressure on us. We come in giving full effort every day because we have to win and be ready for everybody’s best game when they play us.”

Macy said the team has specific core values that they use to motivate each other in hopes of achieving success.

“Our program standards are discipline, hard work and exceeding expectations,” Macy said. “I hope that it’s more than signs in our locker room and that every day the players are embodying and living that.”

As they set out for a five-month-long season, NSU women’s basketball has one big goal in mind.

“We want to win a national championship, and I definitely think we have the team to do it,” Green said. “We all get along so well together and being able to win with this group of girls is going to be so fun.”

The women’s basketball team plays its first conference game on Nov. 22 at home against Tampa.

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER

Chynna Mattair, senior clinical mental health counseling major, goes up for a layup during the home opener against Florida National University on Nov.18.

For more information: To keep up with women’s basketball, follow @nsu_wbasketball on X and Instagram.

Hard work and team chemistry fuel NSU men’s basketball ahead of 2025-26 season

By Madison Kasper The NSU men’s basketball team was selected as Sunshine State Conference preseason favorites for the 2025-26 season after winning the NCAA Division II National Championship last season. They start this season 2-0 into this season with seven new players and eight returning players.

Nick Smith, associate head coach, said they look for more than just talent on the court when recruiting.

“We pass up on a lot of good basketball players that might, you know, not have the personality we want,” Smith said.

Smith said they try not to set goals of winning expectations and focus more on how they want to play.

“We want people coming to the game with their friends, to say, ‘hey, you know, this is a team we want to root for, they play unbelievably hard and, they play the right way and they’re respectful on the court,’” Smith said. “So, we feel like if we can be the smartest team in the country, that’s probably our one goal, being

the smartest team in the country, and we feel like if we can do that and play really hard, then we’ll give ourselves a chance to compete for championships.”

Dallas Graziani, leadership graduate student, said the lesson he learned from last season that he is taking into this season is staying focused.

“I think we need to make sure we stay focused in every practice, no matter if it’s after a win or a loss, I think the focus needs to be there.

This is going to be a process for the whole season, we’re going to be getting better every day until the last game. So, I think, staying focused, holding everybody accountable and just staying together,” Graziani said.

Ryan Davis, senior communication major, said that team chemistry and being happy for your teammates plays a huge role in the team’s overall success.

“I think that could be the difference in games, like, between teams that don’t have chemistry and the teams that do, it shows on the court. You can tell when guys are truly happy for

each other and are having fun rather than people that are out there just playing basketball and don’t really get along with each other,” Davis said.

Davis said the coaching staff does a great job of making sure the right people are on the floor to make the best impact in the game and everyone gels together.

“As long as we trust Coach Crutch, Coach Nick and Coach RJ’s game plan and we play hard, it’s all going to work out every time,” Davis said.

Smith said what really stands out most from this team is how hard they work.

“I think this is probably the hardest working team we’ve had in terms of guys constantly in the gym. Whether that’s before practice in the mornings or after practice,” Smith said.

Graziani said that when somebody scores, everybody is animated, and they all feel the energy and feed off each other.

“Just kind of playing for each other, and being a close group, that just goes to war every night together,” Graziani said.

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER

Ross Reeves, business administration graduate student, shoots the ball over a Montevallo defender on Nov. 15.

For more information: To keep up with men’s basketball, follow @nsu_ mbasketball on X and Instagram.

14 The Current | November 20, 2025

Sport Shorts

By Isabelle Moreno and Isabella Fernandez de Cueto

Dallas Graziani added 20 points and seven assists.

Women’s soccer, Nov. 10-16 The No. 10 women’s soccer team won the Sunshine State Conference Tournament for the first time in program history. It opened the tournament against Barry, where the Sharks won 3-1, with two goals from Alexa Bereczki and one goal from Maria Jansen. The team faced Florida Southern in the semifinals, where Jansen scored her second goal of the tournament to lead the Sharks to a 1-0 victory. It played Florida Tech in the final, in which the game went to penalty kicks after tying 1-1 in regulation from a Genesis Hernandez goal. The Sharks won the penalty shootout 6-5 to secure the victory. Kajsa Lang, Genesis Hernandez, Ella Niemela, Maria Jansen and Alexa Bereczki were all named to the All-Tournament Team, with Bereczki earning Most Outstanding Player. Genesis Hernandez, Kajsa Lang and Sofia Suarez were named to the All-SSC First Team, with Suarez winning SSC Offensive Player of the Year and Lang winning SSC Defensive Player of the Year. Alexa Bereczki, Freya Jones and Oliwia Loeman were named to the All-SSC Second Team, with Loeman winning SSC Freshman of the Year and Stina Roswall was named to the All-SSC Third Team.

The NCAA South Regional Tournament begins on Nov. 21.

Volleyball, Nov. 14 The Sharks swept the season series against Embry-Riddle with a 3-1 win on the road. Erika Spankus led the Sharks with 14 kills, while Olivia Aniol added 11 kills and Brantley Chipley tallied nine blocks.

Men’s basketball, Nov. 15 The No. 1 men’s basketball team

Women’s Basketball, Nov. 14 The No. 19 women’s basketball team opened its season with a 91-63 victory over Auburn-Montgomery at the SSC-GSC Crossover. Bridie McCann scored 22 points, and Celeste Reed added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

The women’s soccer team celebrates winning its first Sunshine State Conference Tournament in program history after beating Florida Tech in penalty kicks on Nov. 16.

beat Montevallo 94-78 at the SSCGSC Crossover, extending its home winning streak to 86 games. Dallas Graziani led the Sharks with 28 points and seven assists, while Ross Reeves added 20 points.

Volleyball, Nov. 15 The volleyball team secured a 3-1 win at Florida Tech to complete the season sweep. Caiden Largent posted career highs with 20 kills and 21.5 points, while Erika Spankus added 10 kills and a career-best seven service aces.

Women’s basketball, Nov. 15 The No. 19 women’s basketball team defeated Montevallo 81-66 at the SSCGSC Crossover. Kaliyah Morales led with 22 points and five steals, while Markayla Holland added 18 points and nine rebounds, and Hailey Chiles added 16 points and eight rebounds.

Men’s basketball, Nov. 14 The No. 1 men’s basketball team kicked off its season with an 87-79 win over No. 6 Alabama-Huntsville at the SSC-GSC Crossover. Ross Reeves scored a career-high 36 points, while

Men’s soccer, Nov. 10 The men’s soccer team fell in the quarterfinals of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, losing 2-1 to Rollins in overtime. The Sharks’ goal was scored by Santiago Hoyos Lopez, who was also named to the All-SSC First Team, with Liam Healey and Mani Steinbjornsson named to the All-SSC Third Team.

Women’s Tennis, Nov. 7-9 The women’s tennis team went 7-2 in doubles and 13-1 in singles at the Shark Bite Invite in matches against Tampa, Flagler and St. Thomas. Katja Markus and Amina Sagadiyeva led the way in doubles, while Chloe Henderson and Maya Benaich delivered key singles wins throughout the weekend.

Women’s tennis duo wins ITA cup, sets the tone for upcoming spring season

By Isabelle Moreno Kristyna Hranacova, junior management major, and Katja Markus, freshman communication major, won the ITA Cup Doubles National Championship on Oct. 19 in Rome, Georgia for the second time in program history as they make way for the upcoming spring season.

Markus said the win means a lot to her as a first-year college athlete.

“I think it’s so nice for me. It’s my first experience here playing in college.

So, it was so nice to start like this, and I think I felt very good,” Markus said.

For Hranacova, the victory carries a sense of redemption.

“I was supposed to go to this tournament last year, but there was a hurricane, so we couldn’t go,” Hranacova said. “This year, after we won regionals, I was like, ‘OK, let’s go win it,’ because I really believed that we could do it.”

Head coach Doug Neagle said the pair is “very coachable,” and each of their styles of play complement each other.

“They’re willing to try different things, but most importantly, their personalities blend well on the court,” Neagle said. “And then their styles complement each other really well.

And the reason why I say that is Tina’s kind of like a little more aggressive all

over the net, and Katja kind of sets her up nicely to do that up at the net.”

Hranacova agreed that their opposite styles make them effective.

“I think we are both opposite from each other, but that’s why it works, because I prefer to be on the volleys and go to the other side, poach a lot and be active,” Hranacova said. “And Katja is very solid from the back, so she can prepare the point, and I can finish it on the net. So I think that’s why we work that well.”

Neagle believes the national title boosts the entire team’s confidence as they prepare for the spring season.

“Whenever we have any kind of individual success, whether it’s singles, a big tournament win or a doubles team that wins, I say that success is everybody’s success because everybody plays a part,” Neagle said.

“This is really going to help everybody have some confidence, I feel, even as a team.”

The team participated in two tournaments throughout the fall semester in addition to the ITA Cup. They begin conference play in February and will compete in the ITA DII Women’s National Team Indoor Championship on Feb. 20-22.

Neagle explained why this is such a big deal for the team.

“It’s such an individual sport, and we

COURTESY OF KRISTYNA HRANACOVA

Kristyna Hranacova, junior management major, and Katja Markus, freshman communication major, high five during a match at the ITA Cup in Rome, Georgia on Oct. 16-19.

finally have an opportunity to play on a team, which is amazing in this sport,” Neagle said. “They’ve been playing junior tournaments, always just playing for themselves and you know, for their coaches, for their families, but they never had the team around them.”

Markus and Hranacova’s national win has left its mark on NSU women’s tennis, and the Sharks are ready to ride that momentum into the spring.

For more information: To keep up with women’s tennis, follow @nsu_ wtennis on X and Instagram.

The Current | November 20, 2025 15

EVENTS CALENDAR

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER THURSDAY

20 FRIDAY

21

Music for the Season Noon - Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, Cotilla Gallery Shark Bites International Food Festival PreWaiver Signing Noon - Don Taft University Center Athletics Hall of Fame Shark Bites International Food Festival 5 p.m. - Library Quad

NSU Dance Works 7:30 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center Shark Pride Friday: Under the Night Light 6 p.m. - Commons Lawn

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

The NSU men’s basketball team celebrates winning the 2024-2025 NCAA Division II National Championship title.

Global Village Noon - Library Quad

SATURDAY

22

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

TUESDAY

2

2nd Annual “A Toy for Every Heart” Christmas Toy Drive Noon - Carl DeSantis Building, Room 3046

THURSDAY

4

Christmas with the New York Tenors 8 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

SATURDAY

6

Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Nutcracker 7 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

SATURDAY

13

OPDS: The Nutcracker 6 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

SUNDAY

14

Ritmo Dance Studio - End of Year Showcase 5 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

THURSDAY

Black Belt Spectacular 2025 6 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

18

2025 SPECIAL MOMENTS

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

Nominees for Student of the Year Overall stand on stage and represent their colleges at the annual STUEYs.

PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

Students celebrate College Radio Day.

For more stories, check out our website at makomedia.nova.edu or scan the QR code!

AMANDA M. DELBONI JOURNALISM ENDOWMENT FUND The Amanda M. Delboni Journalism Endowment Fund was established to support NSU’s journalism program, including student scholarships, mentorship and shadowing opportunities. Donating to the Amanda M. Delboni Journalism Endowment Fund supports NSU journalism education and prepares students for industry careers.

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFORMATION

16 The Current | November 20, 2025

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DAVIE TENNIS ENERGY VETERANS PEACE

DANCE WORKS HOLIDAY PERLYN AWARENESS FITNESS

GLUNT HOMECOMING EVERGLADES DANCE ZINADELPHIA

MATH CORNER 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 Friday, Dec. 5. The correct answer to this question will appear in the next issue of The Current in the winter semester.

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 2025-2026 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.

100 students were randomly asked about their candy preferences regarding three popular candies before trick-or-treating.

33 Students like Candy Corn, 47 like Snickers, and 38 like Skittles. 8 Students like both Candy Corn and Snickers, 16 like both Snickers and Skittles, and 12 like both Skittles and Candy Corn. 2 Students like all three candies. How many of these 100 students don’t like any of these three candies?

Answer to the question from the last issue: a) .0199 b) .0001

THE CURRENT’S COMIC

PICO PIZZA

BY LILA TARICCO