The Current Volume 35 Issue 6

NEWS | p. 4 Cotilla Gallery exhibit celebrates NSU’s 60th anniversary

THURSDAY NOV. 21, 2024

FEATURES | p. 6

NSU twin sync: These students are born with a lifetime connection

SPORTS | p. 14

NSU women’s cross country team advances to NCAA Championship

THE CURRENT

VOLUME 35 ISSUE 6

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

Members of The President’s 64 reflect on their time with President Hanbury

By Bryce Johnson Whenever Miranda Brohman, member of The President’s 64 and graduate student in the Marine Science program, sees NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, he asks about her interest in scuba diving. She appreciates that he sent her an article about his time scuba diving.

“No matter what challenges President Hanbury’s faced, he’s always figured out ways to make it better, no matter if it’s hard or takes a really long time. He just has a really good heart. He’s just always trying to help anyone in any way, any fashion,” Brohman said.

Hanbury will step down as president on Dec. 31.

One of his accomplishments is starting The President’s 64, a group of 64 students who regularly meet with the NSU president, interact with donors and represent the university at special events.

Hanbury fondly remembers his years spent with P64.

“I have had these last, almost 15 years, lunches with members of The President’s 64,” Hanbury said.

Some accomplishments P64 was

COURTESY OF SAINTVILLE IMAGES

NSU President George L. Hanbury II poses with members of The President’s 64 at the end of semester dinner on Nov. 12.

able to achieve with Hanbury are making the Shark Shuttle more reliable, allowing students at University Pointe to get a meal plan and implementing working security cameras in the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center.

NSU Athletics: A legacy of success and a promising future

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

Hanbury is proud of the NSU accomplishments that work toward Vision 2025, supporting NSU’s core values of integrity, academic excellence, community, diversity, innovation, opportunity, scholarship/ research and student-centered.

“I’m proud of the students and

how they have developed. Seeing them grow knowledgeable in their disciplines,” Hanbury said. “We’ve unleashed their potential to be leaders.”

See THE PRESIDENT’S 64, page 4

Marvel actor talks about his career at the Miami Film Festival GEMS

PHOTO BY MIA ALVARADO

NSU President George L. Hanbury II holds the 2023 NCAA men’s basketball championship trophy with NSU President-elect Dr. Harry Moon.

Actor Sebastian Stan talks with Scott Feinberg, executive editor of awards at The Hollywood Reporter, for a live recording of the “Awards Chatter” podcast on Nov. 3.

See NSU ATHLETICS, page 13

See SEBASTIAN STAN, page 10

2

EDITORIAL | November 21, 2024

The Current

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 Bryce Johnson Editor-in-Chief Brielle Aguayo Art Director/ Reporter Nicole Gomez Graphic Designer Alexandra Acevedo Assistant Graphic Designer Francesca Abarca Features Writer Marlee Card Music Editor Alex Hernández Music Writer

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING

Phone: 954-262-8455 thecurrentad@nova.edu Kai Dear Business Manager Jahan Durdyyeva Distribution Manager Andrew Rose Social Media Manager Amaia Flores Assistant Social Media Manager Yasmin De Andrade Rodrigues Social Media Content Creator Chris Delboni Mako Media Network Director

Bella Giaquinto Sports Editor

Mike Lynn Mako Media Network Assistant Director

Isabella Fernandez de Cueto Assistant Sports Editor

Dr. Megan Fitzgerald Mako Media Network Faculty Adviser

Adam Sadik Health Writer Sneha Subhash Health Writer Anaum Hussain Reporter Antonio Miguel Escorzon Reporter Luqman Gbenro Reporter Allen Worrell Web Editor 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 or other advertisers. The Current will not publish unsigned letters except under special circumstances at the discretion

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

Letter from the editor

Dear Readers,

Hello Sharks! Thank you for picking up The Current, NSU’s student-run newspaper. My name is Bryce Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Current, and I want to welcome you to our last issue of the semester.

This issue includes a new special section on Homecoming, led

by Brielle Aguayo, our art director.

Be sure to read through it to learn about the pep rally, raft race and other events.

Thanksgiving is next week on Nov. 28. Whether you’re spending time with your loved ones or staying on campus, I hope you’re able to enjoy the holiday and appreciate the little things in life.

We’re getting close to the end of the year, and before you know it, it will be time for finals on Dec. 2.

We’re almost there, and I have faith that you’ll do well on your tests and exams.

The new year will be the start of a transition that impacts everyone at NSU, as George L. Hanbury II, NSU president and CEO, steps down from his position.

This issue has other articles you won’t want to miss, like celebrating NSU’s 60th anniversary, Sebastian Stan’s appearance at the Miami Film Festival GEMS on Nov. 3 and the 2024 Peace Concert.

The Current is part of Mako Media Network, also home to Mako TV, NSU’s student-run broadcast news

Bryce Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Current

outlet, and Mako Radio, NSU’s student-run radio station. If you have the time and want to talk with us, our newsroom is in the Don Taft University Center, Room 328. Feel free to stop by during the day.

Thank you all for supporting The Current. We’ve had a wonderful run this semester, and we can’t wait to be back next semester to bring you quality stories, photos, comics and games on the back. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in January 2025.

Happy reading, Bryce Johnson

OP-ED | November 21, 2024

The Current

3

Stable isotopes and unstable times: Insights from the Honors College Program

By Corinne Renshaw As a student in the Farquhar Honors College, I’ve found that honors courses encourage critical thinking and ethical consideration, equipping students not just to excel academically but to engage with the world in a meaningful way.

The program taught me that knowledge, at its best, is a tool for positive change.

When I first enrolled in HONR 2010T The Nuclear Dilemma three years ago, I mistakenly thought it

would be about nuclear energy as a power source. Instead, it explored the history of nuclear weapons and their impact on humanity. This unexpected shift in focus became one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey, framing how I approached my subsequent honors courses and life in general.

The honors program has encouraged me to look beyond technical knowledge and delve into the ethical responsibilities that come with knowledge. I often wear a T-shirt with Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s quote, "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." This quote resonates deeply with what I’ve learned: meaningful change requires collaboration, often involving compromises to gain wider support. It reminds me of the atomic scientists — Curie, Einstein, Oppenheimer and others — whose groundbreaking discoveries were repurposed in ways they may never have intended, revealing the complex responsibilities that often

Thanksgiving break is too close to finals to enjoy it

By Vanessa Qu Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, tradition and relaxation. It is a time away from work and class, where we can be with our families and friends. However, for NSU students, that might not be the case this year.

This year, Thanksgiving is on Nov. 28. While we do have Nov. 28 and 29 off from classes, finals start the very next Monday, Dec. 2, leaving many unable or unwilling to go home and see their families. For out-of-state students flying home for Thanksgiving, they would have to fly back to campus for finals, only to leave again less than a week later. For students who are staying on campus, such as myself, it means not being able to go home at all during the break due to time constraints and travel prices.

Thanksgiving has always been close to my heart. I can share a meal and

catch up with long-distance friends and family. However, living in Seattle means a minimum seven-hour flight back home, as well as hundreds of dollars spent, only to do the entire trip again in a couple of days, which isn’t feasible in my case. And for those who will be headed home for the long weekend, there is without-a-doubt the looming stress of finals, which will be conducted the very first day back on campus. Instead, my Thanksgiving this year will be spent ordering takeout and enjoying an empty room to study in instead of spending a relaxing weekend with my loved ones, which isn’t exactly what I imagine when I hear the words “Thanksgiving break.”

And while it is not entirely the university’s fault, there should have been a lot more consideration put into the creation of the academic schedule, as it affects how thousands of students will be spending the holiday. The current schedule is inconvenient and forces students to choose between quality time with their loved ones and studying for their final exams. This is a lot more than just a mere scheduling issue, but instead a choice that will affect many NSU students.

Vanessa Qu is a freshman biology major and practicum student.

accompany scientific achievement.

I took HONR 2020D Invasive Species Ecology and Management, and HONR 1010D Honors Seminar: Water & Sustainability. In those courses, I saw firsthand the environmental consequences of human negligence. From the zebra mussel infestations in the Great Lakes to pollutants in watersheds, the impact of invasive species and contamination on ecosystems was a stark lesson on the unintended consequences of human activity. These courses didn’t just teach me facts; they challenged me to consider the limits of policy and how environmental harm, once unleashed, is often irreversible. The question I carry forward from these experiences is: how do we inspire society to care about these issues when they become the norm?

Similarly, HONR 1000N Honors Seminar: Genetics and Genealogy, and HONR 1000W Honors Seminar: We Are All Biased: Social Stratification, further deepened my understanding of our shared history and the biases that shape it. Learning about environmental injustices, such as those in Flint, Michigan, and Love Canal,

New York, underscored how the environment and social justice are intertwined. These courses pushed me to explore environmental sociology, where understanding cultural perspectives is as crucial as understanding ecological impacts.

Reflecting on these courses and experiences, I would absolutely encourage students to consider joining the honors program. It’s not simply about the material you study; it’s about the perspective you gain.

The honors program didn’t just give me insights into the subjects I studied. It shaped how I see my role in the world. As Ginsburg’s quote reminds me, we must fight for what matters, in ways that inspire others to join us. It’s a legacy that’s not only personal but one I hope to share, encouraging others to bring their curiosity and passion to this program and see where it might lead them.

Corinne Renshaw is a senior double major in environmental science and marine biology.

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NEWS | November 21, 2024

The Current

FROM THE FRONT

THE PRESIDENT’S 64

Sri Vaishnavi Konagalla, senior biology major, first started at P64 when she was a sophomore. She remembers when Hanbury recognized her at a separate event for her research.

“I think that being able to be in a position where the president of the university knows your face, if not your name, it just reminded me NSU does really care. He as a president does really care about getting to know as many students as he can,” she said.

Vivian Dang, member of The President’s 64 and graduate student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, also feels remembered by Hanbury every time she sees him.

She appreciates that she’s able to share details about herself with him.

“It’s been an honor to serve under President Hanbury for the past few years as his P64 ambassador,” Dang said.

Yatin Srinivash, graduate student in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, was a

member for around six years. In his undergraduate graduation, Hanbury remembered him and congratulated him and his parents.

“I just found it incredibly personal that he was able to recall who I was in graduation,” Srinivash said.

Alexandra Lens, member of The President’s 64 and graduate student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, appreciates that Hanbury is student-oriented.

“He’s like everybody’s grandpa, like he’s proud of everybody and he loves to hear people’s opinions and feedback. And that’s something I really appreciate about him the most,” Lens said.

Hanbury also frequently speaks at events for the Veterans Resource Center, which is where Nicholas Swansburg, P64 member and graduate student in the doctoral Clinical Psychology program, works.

“He’s a wealth of knowledge and he’s a very passionate man. It’s always good to be around people that are passionate about what they’re doing,” Swansburg said.

Mike Lynn, assistant director of Mako Media Network, was a member of P64 from 2020 to 2022.

“I liked being a part of historical moments in NSU’s history. More specifically, I liked being a guest speaker during the grand opening at the Alan B. Levan Center and getting a chance to meet Alan Levan,” Lynn said.

Madison Kasper, junior marketing major and Mako TV’s general manager, started P64 this semester. Her favorite part is the connections she gets to make with donors and other P64 members.

“There’s so many people that you never knew existed, and being in P64, you get to meet the other people who are leaders and want to make the campus better at NSU,” Kasper said.

Nicole Gomez, graphic designer for The Current and junior art and design major, also started P64 this semester. She’s enjoyed meeting the other members and Hanbury.

“He seems like a very respectable person. From the times that I have

interacted with him, he’s been very personable and welcoming.”

Robert “Bubba” Baroniel, assistant director of Athletic External Affairs, was a member of P64 when he was a student in 2014-2015. He said it was a privilege and hopes that it will engage more alumni.

“I would love, as an alum, to create that society and network of P64 members, not just while they’re here, but after they’re gone,” Baroniel said.

Whatever the future holds for NSU, Hanbury is confident that it will continue to succeed under the guidance of Harry Moon, NSU president-elect, executive vice president and COO, in January 2025.

“I think we’re going to see that preeminence come to fruition. Not just me talking about it, but actually showing how, under his leadership, we will be preeminent and recognized throughout the nation as preeminent,” Hanbury said.

Levan Center welcomes new interim director

By Bryce Johnson Kelley Shanley, former president and CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, became the interim executive director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation in October.

Shanley said there are many similarities between his roles at the Broward Center and the Levan Center.

“At the Broward Center, we often worked with artists to help them become better entrepreneurs. So we had a lot of artists that were really great at producing art, but they needed help understanding how they could draw an audience in,” Shanley said. “Here at the Levan Center, we work to get their idea to a point where it’s a viable product in the market.”

Shanley said the Levan Center is hoping to get more involvement from students and faculty.

“I think in my interim role, I’m going to start working out some of those scenarios with some of the colleges here and other partners to find ways that we can collaborate and bring students in to help advance what’s happening here at the Levan Center,” Shanley said.

COURTESY OF KELLEY SHANLEY

Kelley Shanley, the interim executive director of the Levan Center.

Cotilla Gallery exhibit celebrates NSU’s 60th anniversary

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon and Bryce Johnson NSU will celebrate its 60th anniversary on Dec. 4.

The Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center is hosting an exhibit to celebrate NSU’s 60th anniversary in the Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery. It opened on Nov. 11 and will run until Jan. 26. It’s free and open to the public.

George L. Hanbury II, NSU president and CEO, said he’s proud of how the Alvin Sherman Library has grown since it first opened in 2001. At the time, it was Florida’s largest library.

“We are the only university or college that has its library open to the public in the entire state,” Hanbury said.

Gena Meroth, university archivist, said the exhibit of the 60th anniversary displays historic moments and note the achievements of past NSU presidents.

“It is our celebration of 60 years of the university,” Meroth said.

Bernadette Bruce, editor of MAKO

Magazine, designed the exhbit.

“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary and welcome NSU’s seventh president, former Chairman Ron Assaf’s words resonate: ‘Nova’s evolution is revolutionary.’ Take a moment to explore the dreams, deals and defining moments that have shaped NSU’s journey,” Bruce wrote in an email to The Current.

The NSU Archives used the content from its archival collection, reproducing it to display in the Cotilla Gallery.

The exhibition displays the documentation in archives, key dates and achievements of past NSU presidents during their time of service.

It also uses information from NSU’s 50th anniversary book, “The Making of Nova Southeastern University: A Tradition of Innovation, 1964-2014”

by Julian M. Pleasants.

“The 50th anniversary book helped frame the research because the first 50 years of work had already been documented at that point,” Meroth said.

“We focused heavily on what happened between years 1950 to 1960.”

Additionally, the exhibit includes the last 10 years of NSU achievements.

PHOTO BY ANTONIO MIGUEL ESCORZON

Marc Crocquet, vice president for Business Services, visits the exhibit.

The NSU Archives used sources outside of the university to add to the exhibit, including content about NSU from the Michigan State Archives and clippings from national newspapers.

The exhibit shows a timeline of NSU, from the signing of the charter which created the university on Dec. 4, 1964, to the present day of Dec. 4, 2024.

“I think my favorite part is just the story it tells,” Meroth said. “To have

something so impactful to the community, to the students, to the donors, researchers and everyone who worked at the university to see that it started just as an idea.”

For more information: Email Gena Meroth, university archivist, at gmeroth@nova.edu.

NEWS | November 21, 2024

The Current

5

NSU Athletics gives tribute to President Hanbury

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

President Hanbury gives a fins up with students and staff during the tribute.

By Isabella Fernandez De Cueto NSU President George L. Hanbury II was honored with a tribute at halftime during the men’s basketball homecoming game on Friday, Nov. 15.

“President Hanbury has done so much for the university, so I was really excited to celebrate him and his accomplishments,” said Avani Kulkarni, senior neuroscience major and member of the Homecoming Court.

President Hanbury was presented

with a framed NSU Sharks basketball jersey by May Lowy, senior management major and women’s swimmer.

He was joined on court by Interim Director of Athletics John Sung, Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic External Affairs Robert Baroniel, and several coaches across the athletic department.

Members of the Homecoming Court, Inter-Organizational Council and Campus Life, as well as the president of Panhellenic Council, also accompanied Hanbury and athletics during the tribute.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO May Lowy, senior management major and women’s swimmer, hands NSU President George L. Hanbury II a framed NSU Sharks basketball jersey.

“President Hanbury has opened a lot of opportunity for the girls within Panhellenic Council and other student organizations, so it was really nice to be able to give him something like this to recognize that,” said Morgan Anderson, president of Panhellenic Council and senior environmental science major.

The Homecoming game ended in a 101-57 win for the Sharks. It also broke the all-time attendance record, with 2,309 fans gathered at Rick Case Arena.

“The atmosphere of the event was

so lively, there were so many Sharks in attendance supporting our school and our president, it was amazing to see,” Kulkarni said.

The tribute ended with a big “Fins Up!” between President Hanbury and the fans, commemorating President Hanbury’s 14-year presidency and 26-year service to the university.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO NSU President George L. Hanbury II waits for NSU Athletic’s tribute to him during the men’s basketball game on Nov. 15.

6

FEATURES | November 21, 2024

The Current

NSU twin sync: These students are born with a lifetime connection

COURTESY OF HAILEY RIBEIRO

Hailey Ribeiro, senior biology major, and Ysabel Ribeiro, senior exercise and sport science major, at the Tinez Farms in Miami.

By Bryce Johnson Ryan Trent, sophomore at Chowan University, says yes, twin telepathy is indeed real. He is the twin brother of Grace Trent, sophomore exceptional student education major at NSU. “The conversation and questions that people ask about, is twin telepathic mind reading real? Yes, it is,” Ryan Trent said. “There are things that I’m thinking that I don’t share out loud, that she will just say out of spite.”

Twins are typically born within minutes of each other. Growing up together presents the unique opportunity of being connected to someone throughout life, according to Brielle Aguayo, senior communication major and The Current’s art director.

For her, there’s a heightened sense of empathy when it comes to her twin brother, William Aguayo. She would feel sad for him when they were both bullied in middle school, and happy when their mom surprised them with a trip to Universal Studios.

“I think anything really emotional that’s happened in our lives, it just goes right through the both of us, and I think that’s a very deep connection that only twins share,” Brielle Aguayo said.

William Aguayo agrees and feels a connection to his twin that can’t be replicated.

“It’s like when I feel her upset, I’m upset. I guess it’s that twin connection thing that you’re born with,” William Aguayo said.

Madison Kasper, junior marketing major and general manager of Mako TV, spent most of her time back home in New Jersey with her twin brother, Tyler Kasper. She said having a twin has taught her how to rely on someone.

“I rely on myself a lot for most things, but I’ve always been able to

rely on him also,” Madison Kasper said.

They became separated for the first time when Madison Kasper came to Florida to study at NSU, while Tyler Kasper stayed in New Jersey. He said things are different at home with his twin sister away.

“Madison’s the more on-top-ofthings person, so I always relied on her, and I have to be a little more independent now,” Tyler Kasper said.

Going to college also separated Grace and Ryan Trent. Growing up, they went to three different middle schools in different states. Despite moving so much, they always had each other.

“Being away from the person that you’ve just been with your entire life, it hurt for the first three weeks,” Grace Trent said. “Without him, it was tough, but because of it, I put myself out there. I joined a sorority, I joined many organizations, and I’m currently president of one of those organizations. And Ryan has pushed me to do things for myself and help others as well.”

Hailey Ribeiro, senior biology major, and Ysabel Ribeiro, senior exercise and sport science major, are triplets. Their triplet sister, Hannah Ribeiro, is a student at Curry College.

Hailey Ribeiro, who lives off-campus in Delray, sometimes feels separated from her sisters. Ysabel Ribeiro lives on-campus and Hannah Ribeiro lives in Massachusetts.

“Sometimes, even just being home, I’m like, I don’t have anyone anymore. Like I feel like I’m all alone. And we used to be everywhere together, do everything together. We all played softball, then we did majorettes,” Hailey Ribeiro said.

Even though going to college separated most twins, it didn’t negatively impact their relationship as much as they thought it would.

COURTESY OF JULIA GOMES

Madison Kasper, junior marketing major and general manager of Mako TV, and her twin brother, Tyler Kasper, pose for a photo on a beach in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Paulina Riojas, 2023 NSU alumna and former general manager of Mako TV, thought her relationship with her twin brother, Abelardo Riojas, would be different when he left for college.

“When he originally left for college and I stayed here, I was really upset, and I was worried about him, of course. I think I broke down crying in front of him because I was afraid that we weren’t going to have the same relationship and we were going to grow apart, but that didn’t happen,” said Paulina Riojas, who works at NBC 6 as a content producer.

Even though they don’t see each other as much, Paulina Riojas enjoys spending time with him whenever she can.

“He is super smart, super talented, but no matter how much older he gets, he can still be a dumb boy. So it’s fun to watch him grow and have him in my life,” she said.

Although these twins feel close to

each other, there are times when they disagree on certain things.

“We argue or we’ve bickered before, like every sibling does, but we have each other’s back, and we get along more than we don’t,” Madison Kasper said. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

For Hailey and Ysabel Ribeiro, they often felt competitive with each other, especially because they played sports.

“Three girls the same age, definitely a lot of butting of heads, a lot of fighting sometimes,” Ysabel Ribeiro said.

But throughout all of the arguments, they have more good memories together than bad.

“My mom and dad are getting older, and it’s just going to be me and my sister left in this world,” William Aguayo said. “She’s really all I got, so I have to keep the future positive for the both of us.”

COURTESY OF GRACE TRENT

Twins Grace and Ryan Trent pose for a photo with their parents, Cindy and Daryl Trent, before their junior prom from high school.

FEATURES | November 21, 2024

The Current

COURTESY OF ELIAS FERNANDES

Mako Media Network poses with its awards at the Fall National College Media Convention.

7

PHOTO BY CAREY COURSON

Brielle Aguayo, senior communication major, and Marlee Card, junior communication major, take photos of Madison Kasper, junior marketing major, and Francesca Abarca, senior communication major, at the Fall National College Media Convention.

Mako Media Network brings home 10 awards from national convention

By Bryce Johnson

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

Mike Lynn, assistant director of Mako Media Network, and Chris Delboni, director of Mako Media Network, pose for a photo at the Fall National College Media Convention.

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, Mako Media Network -- The Current, Mako TV and Mako Radio -- attended the annual Fall National College Media Convention, a national collaboration between the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association, in New Orleans. While there, MMN won 10 awards.

The Fall National College Media Convention is an annual event that brings together college media outlets from across America, featuring panels, workshops and award ceremonies. MMN competed against schools from across the country, beating out several, including Ithaca College.

Mako TV won second place for Best Video Newscast (Division II), second place for Best Video Special Event Coverage (Division II), honorable

mention for Short Documentary and honorable mention for Newscast.

The Current won second place for Best Breaking News Coverage of Diversity (Division II), third place for Best Feature Photo (Division II) and honorable mention for Best Sports Feature Photo (Division II).

Mako Radio won third place for Best DJ Personality and honorable mention for Best Audio Talk/Entertainment Program (Division II).

Mike Lynn, assistant director of MMN, was a speaker on the panel “Whatcha Listenin’ To?: Talking About Journalism Podcasts.”

Seven students from Mako Media traveled to the convention. It was the first time NSU’s Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, which houses MMN, was represented in a large national college media event.

Shanti Bruce, chair of DCMA, is proud of MMN’s accomplishments.

“I am so happy to see Mako Media Network being recognized for their excellent work. The awards are very well-deserved,” Bruce said.

For more information: Scan the QR code to keep up with the latest stories from The Current, Mako Radio and Mako TV

Freshman Sharks Speak: Parting words for President Hanbury

“I would like to thank him for everything he has done for the university, especially the One NSU. I think it really brought the whole community together and I think that is really great for everyone here,” said Colin Kis, freshman public health major.

BY TINA VALDOVINOS

“I feel like he has done an amazing job with the university, and I just hope that he enjoys his retirement and that he still comes back and visits. I do hope he has a good retirement,” said Jholie Malone, freshman finance major.

“I would say, definitely give him big thanks for making my first year very remarkable. I had a lot of fun, I learned a lot and I wish him the best of luck on his new journey,” said James Zapata, freshman finance major.

“Thank you for making Nova the amazing school it is, making my freshman year memorable and making this whole community so tight and amazing,” said Alanis Gonzalez, freshman law major.

8

FEATURES | November 21, 2024

The Current

FOOD

The Field hosts special Thanksgiving menu to celebrate its second biggest holiday of the year

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Owner Alan Craig cuts ribeye on the restaurants traditional Celtic Rock.

By Francesca Abarca Logan McGuire and Alice Henley, Irish residents of Fort Lauderdale, first walked into The Field Irish Pub & Eatery in 2010. Walking in on that day allowed them to return to their cultural origins.

“Look around. There’s this kind of homey feeling to it. If you’ve ever seen ‘Lord of the Rings,’ it has a bit of a shire feel to it almost, and it has been that way since the first time I walked in here,” McGuire said.

The Field Irish Pub & Eatery is a typical Irish pub, where one can find “a little piece of Ireland in South Florida,” as the restaurant’s slogan reads.

McGuire likes that so many things in the pub are made out of wood.

“The tables, the barrels, the floors, the bar, walls, just like the pubs at home,” McGuire said. “This is the spot to bring people to give the feel of being back in Ireland.”

Henley agreed.

“We always bring our friends here for good food and quality time,” Henley said.

In March 2001, The Field Irish Pub & Eatery opened its doors for the first time on Griffin Road in Fort Lauderdale.

Jay O’Hare, who has served as general manager for 22 years, said

the main attraction of the restaurant is the authenticity of the food and Irish culture.

“We have a loyal base of followers, and when someone walks in, they have transported a little bit of Ireland over to South Florida, and it’s just kind of unexpected. It’s not what anyone expects to see,” O’Hare said. “We use meat imported from New Zealand and every dessert and sauce is made in-house by our Irish dessert-maker.”

The owner of the restaurant, 72-year-old Alan Craig, got into the restaurant business after his music career ended.

He developed Dupuytren contracture in his hand, which forced him to stop playing music and gain an interest in business.

“I’m a musician, and my ex-wife and business partner, Hillary, says I’m the only person she ever met who had to buy a bar to get a gig.

And as strange as that may sound, that’s how this all started. When I contracted Dupuytren in my hand, I couldn’t play guitar, and she wanted me to join in on her business idea of opening an Irish Pub in South Florida. I couldn’t resist,” Craig said.

The menu offers six different options of typical, fan-favorite Irish food, including Shepherd’s

PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD

Micky Korn, bartender, makes drinks for customers during lunch time.

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

Owner Alan Craig points to a wall of movie decor that inspired the vision of the restaurant.

Pie and Bangers & Mash. The Field Irish Pub & Eatery is also having a special Thanksgiving menu that includes a traditional turkey dinner that is only served on Thanksgiving during lunch and dinner.

Luis Silva, Fort Lauderdale resident, has been coming to the restaurant since it opened. He knows that he will be greeted with the same kindness from the staff that he was greeted with on the first day he walked in.

“That’s the reason I keep coming back. Everybody’s always friendly and the food here is really, really good. The drinks are good and I like that. There’s no other restaurant like this around. I come for happy hour, and Heather, who is behind the bar, treats me like family. I love sitting here and meeting new people,” Silva said.

Craig said the restaurant is designed in a way that customers can feel its family friendly atmosphere.

“This was originally two houses filled with old Irish antiques. The original owners turned all these rooms into a restaurant, by extending it back there to where we were standing at the host stand and the kitchen, the music room and the patio. We’re actually called The Field because of the movie called

‘The Field,’ which [Alan] loves,” Craig said.

The restaurant’s staff prides themselves on their family values and fresh-tasting food.

“Everyone treats each other like family and we’re all of Irish descent so it feels like being home,” O’Hare said.

Customers like McGuire said they come to the restaurant for the quality food, the live music and the history.

“I tend to come here more often than I’d like to admit, but it’s kind of like an experience in terms of the music and the food,” McGuire said.

For more information: Location: 3281 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Phone: 954-964-5979 Visit: www.thefieldfl.com Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Kitchen 9:30 p.m.), Friday - Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight (Kitchen 10:30 p.m.)

PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO

Shamal Jeffers, cook, prepares a ribeye steak on The Celtic Rock for lunch.

The Current

HEALTH & WELLNESS | November 21, 2024

9

Art therapy alleviates stress for college students

PHOTO BY BRYCE JOHNSON

Janae Curtis, freshman public health major, and Katherine Carballo, freshman art and design major, work through art therapy with Sharon Thieman, adjunct professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

By Sneha Subhash and Adam Sadik Maya Sanchez, sophomore biology major and Razor’s Edge SharkTalent student, finds art to be a powerful outlet for managing stress.

“Being a biology major can be

overwhelming at times, especially with all the exams and lab work,” Sanchez said. “But whenever I start sketching, I can just focus on creating. Art allows me to disconnect from the pressure and relax. It’s my way of clearing my mind and recharging.”

For college students like Sanchez,

stress is an inevitable part of campus life.

Mercedes ter Maat, professor in the Department of Counseling, said one of the most creative and soothing ways to target stress is through art therapy, a form of therapy that uses the act of creating art to help individuals express their emotions, reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being. Throughout her 40-year career, ter Maat has worked with a wide range of individuals, from refugees and immigrants to patients in mental health settings.

“Art therapy allows people to express themselves in ways that words can’t,” she said. “It’s about using creativity as a tool to tap into what’s going on beneath the surface, especially when feelings are too complex or overwhelming to articulate.”

Unlike traditional art-making, which often emphasizes aesthetic skill and technique, art therapy focuses on the process rather than the product.

“In art therapy, there’s no pressure to create something perfect,” ter Maat said. “The value is in the act of creation itself. It’s about expressing your emotions in a non-judgmental space, without worrying about how the final piece looks.”

Sharon Thieman, adjunct professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, said art can help people process life events.

“It’s how I got through life events.

It helps me process what’s going on visually,” Thieman said.

For college students, ter Maat added that art therapy can serve as an outlet for stress relief. She said it provides a sense of calmness and clarity and allows individuals to connect with their inner feelings and release built-up tension.

“We use art as a tool to help people focus on their emotions and experiences in a way that’s safe and empowering. It’s not about creating something for others to see— it’s about what it means for you,” ter Maat said.

Scan the QR code to learn more about art therapy

10

ARTS | November 21, 2024

The Current

FROM THE FRONT

SEBASTIAN STAN

PHOTO BY MIA ALVARADO

Actor Sebastian Stan receives the Precious Gem award at the Miami Film Festival GEMS on Nov. 3.

By Bryce Johnson Alicia Ponds, resident of Lake City, drove six hours to see actor Sebastian Stan at the Miami Film Festival GEMS on Nov. 3. She likes the diversity of Stan’s roles.

“He can go from being a brainwashed soldier to a psychopath who likes to eat women, which is weird, but it’s awesome,” Ponds said.

The Current attended the event, where Stan received the Precious Gem Award at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. Previous winners are Sheryl Lee Ralph from “Abbott Elementary,” Penélope Cruz from “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and Amy Ryan from “Only Murders in the Building.”

Stan also sat down with Scott Feinberg, executive editor of awards at The Hollywood Reporter, for a live recording of the “Awards Chatter” podcast, where they discussed Stan’s life and career.

Originally from Romania, Stan is known for his roles as Carter Baizen in “Gossip Girl,” Jeff Gillooly in “I, Tonya” and Tommy Lee in “Pam & Tommy.” Stan also plays Bucky Barnes in Marvel projects like “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and the upcoming “Thunderbolts*” in May 2025.

Stan talked about the experience of playing such different characters.

“I think no matter how big the project is, it still goes back to those

inner, core rules, which is what is the emotional need of these characters, and what is the honest moment? And you got to commit to it,” Stan said.

In 2024, he portrayed Edward Lemuel / Guy Moratz, a man with neurofibromatosis, in “A Different Man,” released Sept. 20. Stan said people were afraid to be near him due to the prosthetics he wore for the film.

“Some days I would have three or four hours before I would have to go to set, fully as Edward, and I would just go walking around the city. It informed everything, but the feeling was extremely isolating.

It was powerless,” Stan said.

He also portrayed young former President Donald Trump in “The Apprentice,” released on Oct. 11.

When approaching the film, Stan said it reminded him of the American dream and when he first came to America at 12 years old.

“The movie was asking the question of what is the cost?” Stan said.

“This man was sort of a really good example of what can happen as a result when you lose who you are, because you are so focused on one thing that nothing else matters, not even your humanity.”

Lauren Cohen, director of programming for the Miami Film Festival, said his performances in “A Different Man” and “The Apprentice” are the best of the year.

“It’s pretty much, in my opinion, Sebastian Stan competing against himself for the best performance of the year,” Cohen said. “I don’t think any actor has had a better year than Sebastian Stan.”

Madeleine Foy, 2026 film and production major at Los Angeles City College, traveled to Florida just for Stan’s talk.

“I loved hearing him get passionate about certain things when he was answering, especially talking about ‘The Apprentice,’” Foy said.

“I know he has a lot to say about it, I can tell. I agree with him and it’s just cathartic to see it happen.”

PHOTO BY MIA ALVARADO

Actor Sebastian Stan on the red carpet of the Miami Film Festival GEMS.

Scan this QR code to listen to Sebastian Stan’s “Awards Chatter” episode

NSU Art Museum hosts Sensory Saturday event

By Francesca Abarca The NSU Art Museum hosted its second Sensory Saturday event for children on the autism spectrum ages 6 to 17 on Saturday, Nov. 9.

The event is hosted on the second Saturday in September, November, January and March. It started for the first time on Sept. 14. The next event is Jan. 11, 2025.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism impacts social communication and behavior. It can make people sensitive to lights and sounds.

The event had about 25 parents and children. It had four stations for children to be creative, like creating a wearable paper camera, a geometric sticker collage, quiet room one and visual color collage.

Jed-Lee Metayer, museum security officer, has seen the program bring joy to families with children who are on the spectrum.

“I’ve seen so many parents walk in here with a smile on their face from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave. Kids really appreciate one on one time, which is why I’m glad that there’s so many volunteers here. All people who are

doing this at the kindness of their heart, who are excited to help,” Metayer said.

Lisa Quinn, Lillian S. Wells Education Curator, said she received feedback from attendees of September’s event, much of which she implemented for November’s, with the help of volunteers.

“We all met together after the first one, to talk about what worked and what didn’t work and how we can improve. And we also had a run-ofshow meeting prior to this day. So since these kinds of programs need a lot of preparation work, everyone needs to be on the same page right when they walk through the door,” Quinn said.

All of the staff members and volunteers needed to go through training with professional autism coaches so that they may be eligible to receive a KultureCity certification. With a KultureCity certification, programs like this can receive sensory bags for all participants.

NSU Art Museum is also the only organization certified in Broward.

Sensory bags had noise-cancelling headphones, laptops and fidget toys, as well as a pass to a quiet space if they need.

PHOTO BY FRANCESCA ABARCA

One of the children attending the Sensory Saturday event starts planning his geometric sticker collage.

This program is funded by the Robert E. Dooley Trust NSU Center for Autism Endowment Fund, which funds half of the division of research program at NSU. The other half goes to special event programs like Sensory Saturdays.

Janice Dooley-Sheppard, trust donor, believes that it is important to have events like Sensory Saturdays because of her own family.

Dooley-Sheppard remarried, and her current husband has a grandson in his early 30s who is autistic.

“He has severe autism and is nonverbal. I just wanted to do our part for the community and to help with what we can, especially to help

families dealing with an autistic child, knowing all of the problems that come with that,” she said.

Metayer believes that with this program, children on the spectrum can express themselves in a similar way that others are able to.

“The opposite of depression is expression. So the more that you keep things confined within yourself, the more that it becomes part of your subconscious, the more that it eats away at you. It’s important for kids to understand at an early age, you need to express your emotions, but how you express those emotions is the most important part,” Metayer said.

ARTS | November 21, 2024

The Current

11

Peace Concert 2024 brings students together for the holiday season

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER

Bill Adams, Bossa Nova Chorale director and professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, conducts the group during a preview of songs that will be performed at the Peace Concert on Nov 22.

By Anaum Hussain The Bossa Nova Chorale and the Mako Band will perform a variety of songs that blend Christmas, Hanukkah and other winter holidays to share a message of peace.

The annual Peace Concert will take place inside the Don Taft University Center’s Performance Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22. Tickets are free, but students are encouraged

to arrive around 6:30 - 6:45 p.m., as there is limited seating available.

The song list includes a large variety of Christmas and Hanukkah songs and hymns. From Hanerot Halalu, which is a traditional hymn to sing after the Hanukkah lights are kindled, to Hallelujah.

The Peace Concert tradition was started by Bill Adams, Bossa Nova Chorale director and professor in the Department of Communication,

Media, and the Arts, in 2008 when he noticed a need for a holiday concert.

“The Peace Concert is really just the holiday concert, except that we had called it the Peace Concert because we would like for it to be an open and welcoming event for people of any religious denomination or non-religious denomination, and we focus it broadly on peace in the world,” Adams said. “Peace

is not something which is ephemeral. Peace is where we are in the moment, in the room with us making music and the people sitting there listening to it.”

Adams said that the Peace Concert is something that could only happen in South Florida.

“If we were in other parts of the country, we might call [the Peace Concert] a Christmas concert, but because we live in a beautifully diverse community, and we have an incredibly diverse student body at Nova, we wanted to be open and welcoming to all people,” Adams said.

Carlo Ricchi, Mako Band director, hopes that this concert will be a good break for students before final exams begin.

“This is one of the great things about Nova — that we strategize this date and this concert so that it’s before the final exams. And it gives some of the students that are around a chance to distract themselves for an hour, take them back to when they were kids and were listening to some of these songs with their families back home, just so that they can decompress, maybe travel to a different headspace before they go back and dive into the books,” Ricchi said.

DanceWorks allows students to get out of their comfort zone

By Francesca Abarca and Bryce Johnson

DanceWorks, a fall dance show featuring original choreography by guests, faculty and students in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts, was held on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.

The show, which lasted just over an hour, included nine dance pieces. DCMA Alumna Jenna Thornton coordinated one of the pieces, “BEAUTY.” This is the first year that an alumna has come back to choreograph a piece.

Cheyenne Howell, sophomore child development major and dance minor, was a dancer in “BEAUTY,” which involved multiple strings hung across the stage.

She described the piece as powerful.

“The whole concept of the piece was about society’s beauty standards, and the strings were us fighting the beauty standards,” Howell said.

Howell was also in DanceWorks last year, which was in the Performance Theatre in the Don Taft University Center. She said performing in the Miniaci Performing Arts Center was something that she’s been wanting to do.

“It was nice being away from home, because the Performance Theatre is like our home, but

COURTESY OF MORGAN SOPHIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Dancers perform “The She Creators of a New World,” choreographed by Damaris Ferrer, adjunct professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

getting to go somewhere else, be in a professional theater, was really nice, because we felt like we were working even more as professionals,” Howell said.

Rachel Harris, senior dance major, choreographed the eighth piece, “dark[Light]ness,” which highlights the good and bad parts of life and that one is not alone.

“I really wanted to integrate my faith into dance because I don’t usually get to spread that message at Nova. I just picked something that was important to me and then

ran with it from there,” Harris said.

For Harris’ piece, she also created the music, because she said nothing that was already made provided the same powerfulness that she wanted to show off in her piece.

“So that was a really fun experience to just play in logic and make beautiful music tunes. It was crazy because I kept looking for music, and I wasn’t sure what to do,” Harris said. “After a while, I just settled on making it myself because I know what I like and what I want. And what I want was powerful.”

Mika Santo, co-director of STYX The Company, choreographed the final piece of the show, “DEAR DIARY: IM ON THE OTHER SIDE.” Performed by 10 NSU dancers and two guest performers from STYX The Company, the piece touches on the triumph one feels as one walks through life.

Amaia Flores, sophomore double major in dance and communication and Mako Media Network’s assistant social media manager, performed in Santo’s piece.

“My normal style is contemporary, so getting to work with Mika was a dream because her whole piece was outside of my comfort zone,” Flores said. “It’s a weird, different way of moving. There were so many people from STYX in Mika’s cast, like Rachel [Abelenda] and Meagan [Christiansen]. So, it inspired me to move like that, like how can I articulate my body in the STYX way.”

Olivia Knerr, junior double major in dance and exercise and sport science, was in four pieces this year.

She’s participated in DanceWorks for the past three years.

“DanceWorks 2024 was an amazing show. I continue to hear great things on the outside,” Knerr said.

“People who went for the first time, coming to me and saying it was such a great show.”

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ARTS | November 21, 2024

MUSIC

The Current

BY ALEX HERNÁNDEZ AND MARLEE CARD

Sirena’s Aux - Breaking cultural & musical barriers: CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

By Alex Hernández Catriel Guerreiro and Ulises Guerriero, who are known by their stage names CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, are quietly shaking up the Latin trap scene with a sound that’s hard to miss and even harder to pin down.

By Marlee Card

The Argentine duo has caught the ear of Gen-Z with a blend of trap, rock and funk that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Their recent appearance on NPR Music’s “El Tiny” Tiny Desk Concert series on Oct. 4 showcases their unique style and a story of creative evolution. I grew up listening to these beats, and yet I’ve never heard something quite like this.

During their El Tiny cover, most bandmates wore shirts displaying their visas being approved—a quiet but powerful symbol of their

struggles to enter the U.S. after facing obstacles as immigrant artists.

This backstory is relatable to countless others who have experienced the difficulties of being an immigrant. They represent the struggle in an industry where crossing borders can be just as challenging as breaking through genres.

As for the music itself, I can confidently say that their live renditions from El Tiny are even better than the originals. Tracks like “DUMBAI” and “EL ÚNICO” have been reimagined with a mix of brass, percussion and harmonies that breathe new life into their

electronic roots. The fusion of Latin drums with their experimental style takes these songs to another level, creating something that’s not only entertaining, but the band’s performance is incredible.

This particular El Tiny cover should be on your radar for those who haven’t seen the performance yet. It’s a perfect example of how CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso have found a way to blend trap, electronica and jazz fusion with the heart of Latin rhythms—this remix truly is on repeat on Sirena’s Aux.

The Chart Buzz

The NACC Chart reflects the most popular music and artists gaining traction on college and community radio stations across North America. It offers insights into the ever-evolving taste of younger, experimental listeners who gravitate toward authentic and fresh sounds. This issue’s top three artists are from the week of Nov. 12, highlighting the emerging talents and represent a blend of themes and genres that resonate with many college-age students.

1. The Cure - Songs of a Lost World After nearly 16 years after their last release, The Cure returns with their new album, “Songs of a Lost World.” This post-punk band took a melancholy turn with this album featuring themes of loss and endings, layered with strong guitar riffs, synths, and dark melodies. Robert Smith’s unmistakable vocals and lyrics mixed with the chemistry between the bandmates

creates a nostalgic, raw, and emotional experience while listening to the album. They represent a timeless ability to explore deep emotions, with tracks like “Drone:Nodrone” or “All I Ever Am,” that old and new listeners will appreciate.

2. Soccer Mommy - Evergreen Sophie Allison, known as Soccer Mommy, and her gloomy yet beautifully produced album, Evergreen, is second on the NACC Chart. With themes of grief, loss, and resilience, she explores what it means to lose a loved one and the process of healing. Whether it’s sleepless nights, or reminiscing memories, songs like “M” and “Lost” share Allison’s struggles she faces while grieving, expressed through smooth melodies and a tired voice. Listeners are brought along her journey of emotional vulnerability and those going through similar experiences will find comfort and connection in her honest portrayal of the grieving process.

3. Amyl and The Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness Climbing up to third place on the NACC Chart, Amyl and The Sniffer’s new album “Cartoon Darkness” puts out a unique punk-rock sound.

They are known for their high energy performances and songs that hold a raw punk edge full of powerful guitar riffs and punchy lyrics. Lead singer Amy Taylor has a bold voice that brings life into each track, and the guitarist, drummer, and bassist come together to create interesting, and at times lurid tracks such as “Pigs.” This female lead group from Australia has created an album full of angst, humor, and unfiltered emotion for a unique sound on the NACC Chart.

The Chart Buzz was written from the week of Nov. 12, which highlights the emerging talents and represents a blend of themes and genres that resonate with many college-age students.

Shark Saturdays at LIME Fresh Mexican Grill

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER

Marlee Card, junior communication major, DJs at LIME Fresh Mexican Grill.

This Saturday, Nov. 23, Mako Radio DJs will perform live at LIME Fresh Mexican Grill in Plantation for the last Shark Saturday of the semester. Students can enjoy DJ Vibez, DJ Romi and DJ Venus mixing today’s top hits, latin music and R&B classics. Students can use the coupon provided by LIME Fresh to receive one free entrée, exclusive to NSU students. The menu features items, such as bottomless tortilla chips, with your choice of salsa, guacamole or their signature queso, paired with a burrito, taco, quesadilla, fajita platter, or salad. LIME Fresh also offers desserts like key lime pie and churro bites.

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER

Zach Mueller, sophomore engineering major, DJs at LIME Fresh Mexican Grill.

SPORTS | November 21, 2024

The Current

13

FROM THE FRONT

NSU ATHLETICS

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

NSU President George L. Hanbury II talks to Ryan Davis, junior communication major and guard for the men’s basketball team, in the Rick Case Arena.

By Bella Giaquinto A significant change is approaching for NSU Athletics as the sixth president of NSU, George L. Hanbury II, prepares to step down.

Since he was elected in 2010, Hanbury’s leadership and vision has pushed the Sharks to unprecedented heights, resulting in 13 national championships and countless individual honors. As the university transitions to the new leadership of president-elect Dr. Harry K. Moon, executive vice president and chief operating officer, on Jan. 1, 2025, the legacy of Hanbury’s impact on NSU Athletics will continue to inspire the future of the department.

“2025 still talks about preeminence. And that’s why I say I can see preeminence, but we’re not quite there yet. But Dr. Moon’s going to take us, and I think he’s going to take us bigger and better than what I did. So, I’ve enjoyed my time here, but I also realize it’s time for me to step down,” Hanbury said.

Upon taking office, Hanbury sought to create an athletic department for NSU that excelled both on and off the field. To achieve this, he focused on recruiting talented student-athletes who were equally committed to academic success.

“The whole challenge was finding the best coaches to recruit the most talented athletes who also wanted to be student athletes and that’s what we’ve been with,” Hanbury said. “So our challenge was to not only attract athletes, but to attract student-athletes who wanted to expand their knowledge as well as their muscles.”

To further elevate the athletic department, Hanbury recognized the importance of state-of-the-art facilities. These facilities would attract top-tier coaches and provide student-athletes with the resources they needed to succeed.

“The hardest aspect was to build

the facilities that would not only attract the students but to attract the coaches because the coaches need to feel they would come into some place that was really worthy of their skills to attract the best student athletes,” Hanbury said.

Hanbury’s dedication to fostering a well-rounded student-athlete experience is reflected in the department’s academic achievements, including 28 consecutive semesters with a GPA above 3.0, and its athletic accomplishments, such as back-to-back top-10 NCAA Division II rankings.

Interim Director of Athletics John Sung highlights Hanbury’s transformative impact on the athletic department.

“He has supported athletics at a tremendous rate,” Sung said. “He’s helped us get to where we’ve gotten to with our 13 national championships and he has allowed athletics to really represent NSU at the highest level.”

Jim Crutchfield, head men’s basketball coach, recognized Hanbury’s pivotal role in the growth and development of the university, including the basketball program.

“Dr. Hanbury has a presence about him and is more than very presidential,” Crutchfield said.

“With that, he has built this university from one level to another.

This university during his tenure has grown dramatically and he has been the driving force of that. The basketball team is part of this university, so he’s been a part of that, too.”

Having experienced Hanbury’s leadership as both a student-athlete and an administrator, Robert “Bubba” Baroniel shared his insights into the president’s influence on the university.

“Every generation of NSU students, as they move through here and they move through these doors and these buildings, I will always be proud that Dr. Hanbury was my

president,” said Baroniel, assistant athletic director of Athletic External Affairs. “As a student, I always felt I had as great of an experience I possibly could’ve had. I had everything I needed, it never felt like it was a Division II program.”

While Hanbury’s impact on athletics has been felt and appreciated by many, he leaves the NSU community with a lasting piece of advice.

“Just keep giving me a fins up.

You’ll do fine. I think as long as you follow and live by those core values and aspire, always keep your aim above your reach. Follow your passion, not your fortune. Be persistent where you want to go, but most importantly, maintain your integrity,” Hanbury said.

Looking ahead, Sung expressed confidence in Moon’s ability to continue the department’s upward trajectory. Having been a student-athlete himself at Tulane University, Moon brings a unique perspective

to his role as president of NSU. “I think Dr. Moon believes in that same passion and mission of giving student athletes the ability to compete at the highest level,” Sung said. “Something that’s really a huge positive for Dr. Moon is an NCAA athlete. He knows the grind of what it takes to be a student athlete firsthand and he also knows how it can change the course of a student’s life.”

Crutchfield agrees. He said Dr. Moon’s diverse background as a former student athlete and a doctor will benefit NSU athletics.

“I would describe him as a Renaissance man,” Crutchfield said.

When asked about the future direction of NSU Athletics and the possibilities of new additions to the department, Moon provided a statement to The Current.

“When you consider where we’re located—here in South Florida— and where most people love to go and spend time—on the beach or on the water, why wouldn’t we consider some additional sports that take advantage of this wonderful setting? We are already reinstituting Rowing, but why not consider Sailing, too? What about Beach Volleyball? These are some of the sports I see us considering as we move forward.”

Since 2018, Moon has been overseeing most of NSU’s administrative and auxiliary units as well as its clinical health care operations, as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He led the integration of NSU’s 30-plus clinics to create NSU Health, a university-affiliated health care network.

On Jan. 1, 2025, he will become the seventh president of NSU. “When you look at NSU and all of its assets, in addition to the facilities and the academic programs, they are two of the biggest assets of this university: Dr. George Hanbury and Dr. Harry Moon,” Crutchfield said.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

NSU President George L. Hanbury II cuts the net off of a basketball hoop in the Rick Case Arena.

14

SPORTS | November 21, 2024

The Current

NSU women’s cross country team advances to NCAA Championship

By Bella Giaquinto The women’s cross country team is headed to the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship on Nov. 23 after a historic 2024 season. The Sharks recently clinched their first-ever Sunshine State Conference title and secured a third-place finish at the NCAA South Region Championship.

As the team prepares to compete at the national level for the first time since 2015, Jonathan Carter, head cross country/track & field coach, is sticking to the mentality that fueled their recent success.

“We’re just going into it, standing on our core principles of having tenacity, being resilient, and just being relentless in everything we do,” Carter said.

During the SSC Women’s Cross Country Championship in October, five Sharks led the team to earning their first title in program history: Jillian Thorning, Leena Saidi, Eden Toal, Ally Jakubiak and Isabella Grant.

Thorning, the SSC Runner of the Year and sophomore biology major, won the meet with a time of 21:45.2, becoming the third SSC Women’s Cross Country Individual Champion in NSU history to go along with an All-SSC First Team selection. She was also the highest finisher for the Sharks during the NCAA South Region Championship, finishing fourth with a time of 21:14.65.

“I didn’t know what to expect going into this season, so I was kind of surprised,” Thorning said. “But I have no regrets, I’m super happy with how I did and I love the team and I trust that they always go out there and do their job.”

Saidi, senior biology major, was

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

Jillian Thorning, SSC Runner of the Year and sophomore biology major, runs for the women’s cross country team.

not far behind Thorning in the SSC Women’s Cross-Country Championship, earning her second consecutive second-place finish, running 21:58.9. Her eighth-place finish during the NCAA South Region Championship landed her a spot on the All-Region team, accompanied

by Thorning and Grant.

“I think that last year qualifying as an individual was exciting but it wasn’t the same, like this just feels so much happier,” Saidi said. “It’s just seeing my little sisters basically qualifying for nationals, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

The success of the women’s cross country team can be attributed to the leadership of Carter, as he was recently named the first SSC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year. Carter credits the team’s success to the strong bond he helped

his team build over the past year.

“I think the biggest thing that changed and sparked our success was the fact that we had a year to be with the team, to learn their attitudes, their character, and what makes them tick,” Carter said.

“That helped us out a lot in that one year, just getting that growth and learning our team.”

As a transfer from High Point University, Thorning has experienced firsthand the team culture that Carter describes.

“The team instantly took me in, immediately, I really felt like it was a family,” Thorning said. “And the coaches have really supported me and they’ve given me amazing training and opportunities that I never would have had.”

The impact of the team’s culture extends beyond new members, as

Saidi, who is competing in her third season with the Sharks, has also noticed the shift in this season’s environment.

“This year became more of a friendship rather than teammates,” Saidi said.

With the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championship approaching on Saturday, Nov 23 in Sacramento, Calif. Thorning shares the team’s mindset going into the final stretch.

“I think a lot of us are viewing it as a celebration of all the hard work that we’ve done,” Thorning said. “There’s nowhere to go from nationals so we want to race the way that we have been racing all season and compete because it’s our last one.”

Sport Shorts

By Isabella Fernandez De Cueto Women’s soccer, Nov. 18 The women’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive year as the #5 seed in the NCAA South.

They will play Union University on November 22 at 4 pm in Pensacola, Fla. Alexa Bereczki, Genesis Hernandez, Isabel Martinez, and Haley Mettrick were selected to the SSC All-Tournament Team.

Women’s soccer, Nov. 17 The women’s soccer team lost in the Sunshine State Conference championship game to the Florida Institute of Technology 5-4 in penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie in regulation. The Sharks’ penalties were scored by Kajsa Lang, Sofia Suarez, Ella Niemela, and Genesis Hernandez.

Women’s basketball, Nov. 16 The No. 16 women’s basketball team fell 64-56 to the University

of North Georgia on the road. The Sharks’ offense was led by Payton Graber, with 12 points, and Aubrey Stupp, with 10 points.

Women’s volleyball, Nov. 16 The women’s volleyball team defeated Saint Leo University 3-1 in conference play. Elizabeth Price recorded 11 kills, Taylor Stockman recorded 10 kills, and Olivia Aniol tallied seven blocks.

Men’s basketball, Nov. 15 The No. 2 men’s basketball team beat Walsh University 101-57 in its home opener. MJ Iraldi led the Sharks with 28 points, six rebounds and five steals, and Alex Sessoms had 12 points and three steals in 11 minutes.

Women’s basketball, Nov. 15 The No. 16 women’s basketball team beat Clayton State University 111-44, breaking the program record for most points scored in a single game. The Sharks were led

by Delaney Wolfe, who scored 22 points, and Mercedes Simmons, who had 19 points.

Women’s volleyball, Nov. 15 The women’s volleyball team swept Eckerd College 3-0 in conference play. The Sharks’ offense was led by Taylor Stockman, who recorded nine kills, and Kate Mihacevich, who recorded eight kills. Brittany Landrum had nine blocks.

Women’s soccer, Nov. 14 The women’s soccer team defeated Rollins College 3-2 in the Sunshine State Conference semifinals. The Sharks were led by goals from Haley Mettrick, Alexa Bereczki, and Emma Sellden, who scored the game-winner in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Women’s soccer, Nov. 14 Alexa Bereczki was named the 2024 SSC Freshman of the Year.

Sofia Suarez was named to the

All-SSC 1st Team, Tabea Schütt and Alexa Bereczki were named to the All-SSC 2nd Team, and Isabel Martinez was named to the All-SSC 3rd Team.

Men’s soccer, Nov. 11 The men’s soccer team fell in the Sunshine State conference quarterfinals to the University of Tampa 4-3 in penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie in regulation. Kevin Rubaszewski recorded five shots in regulation.

The Sharks’ penalties were scored

by Kevin Rubaszewski, Ade Olumyiwa, and Furkan Artar.

Women’s soccer, Nov. 11 The women’s soccer team beat Eckerd College 3-1 in the Sunshine State Conference quarterfinals. The Sharks’ goals were scored by Genesis Hernandez, Alexa Bereczki, and Haley Mettrick.

EVENTS CALENDAR | November 21, 2024

The Current

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EVENTS CALENDAR

NOVEMBER THURSDAY

21

Green Sharks Sustainability Pot Painting Event 11:45 a.m. DeSantis 3032

Empowerment Expo: Celebrating Black Excellence

12 - 2 p.m. Don Taft University Center Spine

Celebrando Una Cultura Vibrante 12:30 p.m. DeSantis 1047

FRIDAY

22

Shark Pride Friday: Survival of the Sharks

12 p.m. Don Taft University Center Hall of Fame

Global Village

12 - 1 p.m. Don Taft University Center Spine

SATURDAY

30

Computer Skills for Kids

2 - 3 p.m. Alvin Sherman Library Second Floor Lab A

DECEMBER SUNDAY

Warm Wishes Workshop

MONDAY

Yappy Hour

TUESDAY

Bracelet Making Event!

1

12 p.m. DeSantis 2065

Fin Films Movie Night 6 p.m. DeSantis 1124

Game Night & Karaoke Part Two! 6 p.m. Parker 204

2024 Peace Concert

7:30 p.m. Performance Theatre

SATURDAY

23

Shark Saturday at LIME with Mako Radio 6 - 10 p.m. LIME Fresh Mexican Grill Plantation

SAGE Holiday and Karaoke 6:30 p.m. DeSantis 3032

Holiday Movie Night

6 p.m. Rolling Hills 2nd Floor Lounge

SUNDAY

24 25 MONDAY

TUESDAY

26 27 28 29

FREE Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Day 12 - 5 p.m. NSU Art Museum

FRIDAY

3

12:30 p.m. DeSantis 2065

WEDNESDAY The Outlaws: 10th Annual Green Grass & Yuletide Jam

4

8 p.m. Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

End of Semester Thanksgiving Party 12 p.m. DeSantis 1048

Green Sharks Sustainability Embrace Nature Yoga Before Finals 12:00 p.m. Flight Deck Backyard

Gratitude Garden

THURSDAY

5

Fin Films Movie Night

FRIDAY

America's Sweethearts Holiday Show

6 p.m. DeSantis 2065

12:00 p.m. Don Taft University Center Spine

Holiday Party

6 p.m. Rolling Hills A 2nd Floor Lounge

WEDNESDAY Pita and Parsha

THURSDAY

2

12 p.m. Flight Deck Backyard

12 p.m. Flight Deck Backyard

6

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

Lego Christmas Ornaments 6 p.m. DeSantis 2056

Candlelight Yoga and Stress Relief Remedies

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Don Taft University Center

Science Alive STEM Day! 4 p.m. Parker 301

SATURDAY

7

SUNDAY

8

Ritmo Dance Studio - Christmas Around the World

5 p.m. Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

Symphony of the Americas: Holiday Pops!

2 p.m. Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

GAMES | November 21, 2024

The Current

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ANNIVERSARY SEBASTIAN HANBURY MUSEUM CONCERT

STRESS DANCEWORKS DIRECTOR SENSORY PEACE

HOMECOMING PRESIDENT HONORS MOON PUB

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 Wednesday, Jan. 22. 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 2024-2025 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.

Tom the Turkey is trying to escape being turned into Thanksgiving dinner. To fly to freedom, he must travel a 100 mile distance due east into an area unreachable by man. Later, after the holidays are complete, Tom flies 100 miles due west back to his home. Tom flies at the same constant speed on both of his trips but is either aided or hindered by wind resistance. He flies to freedom with a 10 MPH tailwind aiding him and flies back home into a 10 MPH headwind hindering him. How fast is Tom’s constant flying speed if his trip to freedom takes exactly half of the time of his return trip home?

Answer to prior issue: 10/30/50 (October 30, 2050.)

THE CURRENT’S COMIC

MAKO WINS THE RACE

BY NICOLE GOMEZ

16