NEWS | p. 4
Holocaust Museum educates the community against hate
THURSDAY
JAN. 23, 2025
FEATURES | p. 5
Students and faculty help patients in Jamaica
SPORTS | p. 13
Fall sports: A season in review
THE CURRENT
NSU's student-run newspaper, housed in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts
NSU is over the moon about its new president
NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon speaks at the Center for Collaborative Research in October 2024.
By Bryce Johnson
NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon will be honored at an investiture ceremony as NSU’s seventh president on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. in the Rick Case Arena. Dr. Moon officially became
president and CEO on Jan. 1 and took over from former NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, who recruited Moon in 2018 as chief operating officer and executive vice president.
“It’s my hope that in my tenure, we
Car accident damages Mako Hall’s Shark Cage
By Jonathan Paul and Brielle Aguayo
Two days into the winter semester, a residential student accidentally crashed into Mako Hall’s Shark Cage.
Mako Hall did not sustain any structural damage, but the Shark Cage storefront located on the right side of the building, was damaged.
“Nothing happened to the building itself. It’s just the driver crashed into the storefront and broke a total of four windows,”
Daniel J. Alfonso, executive vice president for Facilities, Public Safety, and Campus Services,v said. “It’s boarded up and we ordered the replacement glass.”
can do some things that will have a lasting impact, that will help students, future patients, researchers and the community for a much longer term,” Moon said in an exclusive interview with Mako Media Network. “That’s the exciting part about it, and to be
perfectly honest, in the first few days, I’m having a good time.”
Ashley McCafferty, assistant dean for International Affairs and Signature Programs, said the investiture is the formal event for Moon to become NSU’s new president.
“There’s a changing of hands from the past president to Moon, our current president leading us into the future of NSU and his preeminent university,” McCafferty said.
Arun Jagarlamudi, senior biology major and executive vice president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association, will speak at the investiture. He said when drafting his speech, he wanted to reflect on the past and look to what the future holds for NSU.
“Dr. Moon has an extensive background in healthcare. He was the chief operating officer of NSU Health before coming to the CEO position at NSU, so I can imagine in the next five years that Nova will already be a predominant healthcare destination for pre-meds, perhaps working on our graduate programs and overall NSU Health will be doing really well,” Jagarlamudi said.
See NEW PRESIDENT, page 3
Winter sports: Season preview
By Bella Giaquinto
Men’s basketball
Building upon an impressive 32-3 record from the 2023-2024 season, the men’s basketball team carried its high level of play into this year, currently ranked No. 3 with a 16-1 record. With 11 regular season games remaining until the SCC Conference Tournament starts on March 4, some of the Sharks’ future opponents include Lynn University, Barry University, Saint Leo University, Florida Southern College and Florida Tech. Currently, MJ Iraldi leads the Sharks in scoring, averaging 23.5 points per game. Keep up with the men’s basketball team on Instagram and X at nsu_mbasketball.
Women’s basketball
Currently on a new year winning streak, the women’s basketball team holds a 15-2 record for the 2024-2025 season, with 11 games remaining until the SCC Conference
Tournament on March 4. Aubrey Stupp leads the Sharks, averaging 16.7 points per game. Some of their upcoming opponents include Lynn University, Barry University, Saint Leo University, Florida Southern College and Florida Tech. Keep up with the women’s basketball team on Instagram and X at nsu_wbasketball.
Men’s and women’s swimming
The men’s and women’s swimming teams are having a successful 2024-2025 season. With the women coming off a 2023-2024 NCAA Division II National Championship title, they currently hold a 8-1 record. The men’s team currently holds a 6-2 record. Both teams will compete against Keiser University on Jan. 24, before the Sunshine State Conference Championship starts on Feb. 12. Keep up with both swimming teams on Instagram and X at nsu_swim.
COURTESY OF SARIMA PROVEYER
THE CURRENT
The Student-Run Newspaper of Nova Southeastern University @makonews / makomedia.nova.edu
Located in the Don Taft University Center Room 328
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
Marlee Card Reporter/Music Editor
Bella Giaquinto Sports Editor
Isabella Fernandez de Cueto Assistant Sports Editor
Adam Sadik Health Writer
Sneha Subhash Health Writer
Anaum Hussain Reporter
Antonio Miguel Escorzon Reporter
Luqman Gbenro Reporter
Tina Valdovinos Multimedia Journalist
Roseline Jean-Pierre Photographer
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
BUSINESS & ADVERTISING
Phone: 954-262-8455 thecurrentad@nova.edu
Kai Dear Business Manager
Jahan Durdyyeva Distribution Manager
Amaia Flores Social Media Manager
Yasmin De Andrade Rodrigues Assistant Social Media Manager
Chris Delboni Mako Media Network Director
Mike Lynn Mako Media Network Assistant Director
Dr. Megan Fitzgerald Mako Media Network Faculty Adviser
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
Letter from the editor
Dear Readers,
Hello Sharks! Welcome to our first issue of 2025. I’m Bryce, editor-in-chief of The Current, NSU’s student-run newspaper. This semester is shaping up to be a historic one, and I’m happy to share it with you.
Now that we’re a few weeks into the new semester, I hope you were able to find your stride. For some of you, you’re starting your last semester. For others, you might still be figuring out your place at NSU. Whatever stage you’re at, I’m glad to have you in the NSU community.
On Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. in the Rick Case Arena, NSU will hold an investiture to honor NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon. Classes will be canceled, so students, faculty and staff can attend.
Bill Withem, assistant professor of music in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, will also have an original composition played at the investiture. You can read more about it and Dr. Moon in this issue.
This issue also has stories about NSU’s Academic Diving Program, CampusRun app, the Holocaust Museum in the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center and a recap of NSU Athletics’ fall season.
The Current, alongside Mako TV and Mako Radio, is part of Mako
Media Network. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or story pitches, you can find us in the UC in room 328.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Each of our reporters, designers, photojournalists and advisers appreciate everyone who reads our stories, helps us with interviews and plays the games on the back. Here’s to another fin-tastic year.
Happy reading, Bryce Johnson
circumstances at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. The Cur rent reserves the right to edit. Contributing writers must not be directly involved with their coverage. Coverage by contrib uting writers must be mean ingful 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.
Bryce Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Current
Reflecting on New Orleans tragedy
By Madison Kasper and Brielle Aguayo
New Year’s Day is usually met with celebration and hope for the new year. But not for New Orleans, which started 2025 with the tragedy of a terrorist attack -- a moment in time that will be remembered forever not only by the people who live in the city but
NEWS
FROM THE FRONT
by all who have visited.
Fourteen victims were killed and 35 were injured in the attack on Jan. 1. The terrorist, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove through Canal Street and then made his way to Bourbon Street, where he ran over victims. After exiting his vehicle and firing a gun at the local police, he was shot and killed at the scene.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called it “a horrific act of violence” on the social media platform X.
Last fall, we took a trip to New Orleans for the Fall National College Media Convention. We got to see a city that holds so much history and passion for people of different walks of life. As we roamed the streets, we learned about the culture, listened to music and tried new foods. When we got back to Florida, we could not stop talking about how much we enjoyed our time in this lively city. The thought of someone purposely going after such a beautiful city filled with
NEW PRESIDENT
In high school, Moon was a student-athlete. Before coming to NSU, he was the CEO of Cleveland Clinic Florida. In 2024, he was named Fellow ad hominem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the oldest surgical college in the world. As president, he hopes to strengthen all areas of NSU, including education, housing and health.
“We graduate more physicians than any university in the state of Florida. We may well graduate more physicians than any university in the country. Our contributions to the future of healthcare are profound,” Moon said.
The investiture will also have a speech by NSU Provost Ron Chenail, an original composition by Bill Withem, assistant professor in
a welcoming community has completely shifted our view on the world.
While learning more about the attack, we are still wrapping our heads around the fact that just a few months ago, we were walking the same streets that this tragedy took place on.
Mike Lynn, assistant director of Mako Media Network, also attended the Fall National College Media Convention and walked on Bourbon Street. Lynn said he and his father were in a restaurant on the street where the tragedy happened.
“My father and I walked that same street,” Lynn said. “I think that really changes your perspective quite a bit, because there’s a bit of the very humbling reality that it could very much happen to you.”
Our friend Emily Potter, Mako TV sports anchor, was planning to celebrate New Year’s in New Orleans, but at the last minute chose not to go. She said she’s glad to have reconsidered the trip before going.
“Me and my friends wanted to go for New Year’s, and we decided extremely last minute that it was kind of a lot to do in a short period of time,” Potter said. “I’m a religious person, so I think that was God saying that I didn’t need to be there and kind of looking out for me. And so, I’m thankful to not have gone.”
This attack has dulled what has always been known as a vibrant city, leaving us to feel empathy toward those directly affected who were having what they thought would be a normal night filled with fun and celebration.
We are taking the time to reflect on this tragic event and remind ourselves not to take life for granted. Every moment is precious, and as we continue to live our lives, and be journalists, having empathy for others is something that is important to us.
the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, and a performance by the NSU Bossa Nova Chorale, conducted by Bill Adams, Music and Theatre Program director and professor in DCMA. Jihong Park, associate lecturer in DCMA, will accompany on the piano.
“I think it’s a really exciting time. Not all college students get to see a
changeover from one president to another. We’re really a part of NSU history right now, which I think is incredible to be a part of,” McCafferty said.
Mako TV General Manager Madison Kasper contributed to this report.
COURTESY OF SARIMA PROVEYER
NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon sits with Michelle Clark, dean of the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
CAR ACCIDENT
Alfonso said it will take from eight to 12 weeks to replace the glass. The wood panel will remain temporarily until the glass is repaired.
Although they had to “do a cleanup,” Alfonso said that the Shark Cage is still operational.
Sgt. Kelvin Urbaez, Davie police public information officer, who is assigned to Nova Southeastern
University, said when the police got to the scene of the accident, they initially saw one car hit.
“The [police] heard a loud bang, then multiple bangs, which means a few of the cars were hit and then one final one,” Urbaez said. “So as they’re looking, they go and they see the car against the wall.”
Emily Boyce, sophomore criminal
justice major, got a call from Public Safety the night of the accident saying that her car sustained minor damages.
“I just had a cracked off bumper, some scratches, and a dent. I’m glad that the person who was driving is okay and in stable condition,” Boyce said.
Urbaez said there have been
rumors around campus about the accident, but they are false. The student’s medical condition led to the accident.
“It’s a huge crash in a very unfortunate circumstance of damage, and we’re very lucky that no one else was injured,” Urbaez said.
Holocaust Museum educates the community against hate
By Antonio Miguel Escorzon
To honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27, students can visit the Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Museum of South Florida in the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center, room 2005.
“The Holocaust Museum does a phenomenal job of highlighting stories of both Holocaust victims and survivors and engages local students in tours, classroom sessions and dialogue surrounding these stories,” Gena Meroth, university archivist, wrote in an email to The Current.
Craig R. Weiner, the museum’s founder along with his wife Barbara Weiner, are co-founders of the Holocaust Learning and Education Fund Inc. non-profit. Craig has been educating people about the Holocaust for 12 years.
“Our mission is to teach students and the general public how dangerous hate and prejudice can be,” Craig said.
NSU had been conducting the Holocaust Reflection Contest three
years prior to the Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Museum of South Florida’s opening in 2016.
This inspired NSU and the Weiner family to host the museum in the Alvin Sherman Library.
“It was natural to continue working with this university, keeping in mind that a core value of NSU is community,” Weiner said.
The Holocaust Museum is a resource on campus that shows the historical experiences, which led to the Holocaust.
“We wanted to show how hate and violence built up initially in German society and spread through Europe, which was through the effective use of propaganda,” Weiner said.
The museum houses artifacts from the Holocaust, which illustrate what happened during the time.
“The museum is an emotional and overwhelming experience due to the witness testimony and artifacts that are on display,” Meroth wrote in an email to The Current.
Students have used the Holocaust Museum to understand the dangers of anti-Semitism and bigotry.
Johnathon Vsetecka, assistant professor in the Department of Humanities and Politics, expressed the significance of the Holocaust Museum for HIST 3140: The Holocaust, a course he taught in fall 2024.
“For the course, there is a Holocaust object analysis assignment. I have students visit the museum to find an object in the collection and research its history for a paper,” Vsetecka said.
Aside from highlighting the history leading up to the Holocaust, the museum looks to educate and inspire visitors.
“Every educational institution, whether they be universities or school systems, have both the obligation and responsibility to educate beyond basic courses and textbooks,” Craig said. “We feel that it is incumbent upon educational institutions to help our students leave their school one day as better people, as compassionate and empathetic people, and as leaders that stand up against all forms of hate and prejudice.”
“We host several thousand
students who come here each school year for this education. Teachers are so appreciative of having this facility and educational resources within the community. They rebook their field trip dates several months in advance each year to be sure their students can have this opportunity,” Weiner said.
In addition to middle school, high school and college students, the Holocaust Museum conducts Holocaust education programs for the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Miami FBI.
The museum also has a mission to encourage students and the general public to research things rather than accepting everything they see on social media as fact.
“Much like the propaganda during the Holocaust, social media has become a widespread phenomenon making it very easy to spread propaganda,” Weiner said. “Do not fall into the trap of hate and prejudice if you want to have a successful career one day.”
COURTESY OF CRAIG WEINER
Polo Park Middle School students from Wellington, Fla., visit the museum in November 2024.
Students and faculty help patients in Jamaica
By Bryce Johnson
Paula Anderson, assistant dean of faculty and alumni affairs and associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine, started the annual Jamaica Medical Outreach trips in 2000. On the most recent trip in December 2024, she was able to provide care for people in her mother’s hometown.
“My mom is actually from St. Mary where we provide care, but we never provided care in her neighborhood, and this time, for the first time, we actually did it in her community where she grew up. So that was kind of special for me personally,” Anderson said.
The Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine hosts medical outreach trips to Jamaica every summer and fall. Around 50 students and faculty provide care for Jamaican residents, which can include medical, optometry, pharmacy, dental and nutritional.
Nardia Aldridge, associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, is originally from Jamaica and has been going on the trip for eight years.
“I fell in love with just the opportunity, one, to give back to my country. Two, to be able to just serve a different group of people, because the individuals we see on the trip, they don’t have easy access to healthcare, whether it’s due to finances or geographical location,” Aldridge said.
On one of the trips, Aldridge remembers an older woman who had to use a bucket for a toilet, so she brought her a bedside commode. On the last trip, Aldridge gave a woman with low back pain a pair of sneakers to support her feet, and her pain stopped right away.
“It’s not medication. It’s just a pair of shoes. Things like that are some of the great memories but also why we keep going back as well,” Aldridge said.
Elizabeth Swann, director of Interprofessional Integration and
professor in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, went on the trip in December. She enjoyed seeing how the students interacted with and learned from the community.
“Think of a medical clinic. We went to a church or a community building, and we set up medical clinics and we saw 300 patients. The students did outstanding. We had some great cases, some simple cases,” Swann said. “It was very, very exciting to see the students work, to see them integrate into the community and for me to see them act interprofessionally.”
Mikayla Dunn, graduate student in the Occupational Therapy doctoral program, enjoyed the unity of different cultures and professionals during the trip.
“Not only did we care for the patients that came in, but we were also out running around with the kids and playing games with them and giving donations like shoes and clothing,” Dunn said. “People came back and showed their gratitude just with what they had, like food and crops and things that they may have not been able to give away.”
Alexis Alexander, graduate student in the Occupational Therapy doctoral program, is Jamaican and started her graduate program in May. She said going on the trip gave her useful insights about her program, especially in regards to mental health, and gave her the chance to learn more about her culture.
“I was able to talk to [a patient] and she was telling me her mom passed, and then from the different tips that we gave her for management of her coping skills and different things like that, she basically told us that talking to us about medicine kind of changed her life a little bit,” Alexander said.
Maya Ewan, graduate student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, is also Jamaican. She remembers helping a patient with high blood pressure on the trip.
“My pharmacy team, the medical
team, and even the triage team were able to give her this great care and lower her blood pressure before she left the site for that day,” Ewan said. “I felt again, that gratitude from the patient for what we were able to do for her that day.”
The College of Osteopathic Medicine hosts medical trips that go to other places, like India and Ecuador. The cost for students to go
varies between $1,000 to $3,500.
“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to go on any international trip. Right now, I focus on Jamaica, but the university has so many different opportunities pertaining to international service learning and it’s great if students are able to do that,” Aldridge said.
COURTESY OF ELIZABETH SWANN
Alexis Alexander, graduate student in the Occupational Therapy doctoral program, helps a patient with finger range of motion exercises in Jamaica in December 2024.
COURTESY OF NARDIA ALDRIDGE
Nardia Aldridge, associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, looks over an assessment of a child with Mikayla Dunn and Alexis Alexander, graduate students in the Occupational Therapy doctoral program.
COURTESY OF NARDIA ALDRIDGE
Mikayla Dunn and Jellisa Alleyne, graduate students in the Occupational Therapy doctoral program, discuss the development of a child to ensure she is meeting her developmental milestones.
Recreational scuba discontinued as NSU focuses on academics
By Bryce Johnson
Originally from Wisconsin, Josie Larson, second-year junior environmental science major, chose to come to NSU primarily because of the Academic Diving Program, which was founded in 2012.
“My mom and I toured the diving facility area, talked with some of the diving professionals that work here, and my mind was completely changed by the scuba program,” Larson said.
ADP and the Office of Recreation and Wellness partnered on the NSU Recreational Scuba Club. Over the winter break, students learned the club would be discontinued effective immediately.
“I think the way they went about discontinuing it was a little confusing,” Kate Heffner, ADP dive master, said. “It would’ve made a little bit more sense if they came to us and were like, ‘We want to review your program,’ and then go from there.”
Gerard Wheeler, assistant dean of Student Engagement, said the academic side of scuba would get more focus, and the change would give more opportunities to students who are serious about scuba and diving.
“They eliminated the recreational piece and put more of the focus on the academic program,” Wheeler said. “So that way, it got more resources and funding.”
The recreational scuba club had about 50 members. They would go on dives almost every weekend as a small group.
Larson’s favorite memory in the program was going on her first night dive and seeing a goliath grouper fish.
“It was such an amazing experience going down. I think we went down 70 feet, and I saw so much different wildlife. The instructors I was with, they’re great. I felt so comfortable and safe with them,” Larson said.
Ethan Miller, sophomore marine biology major, said the recreational scuba club was one of the main things that drew him into NSU.
“While Nova is great for marine bio, and while I can still scuba dive without the club, I think the club was a big drawing point for me, and I may have gone somewhere else without it,” Miller said.
Wheeler said the recreational scuba club was primarily run by staff. If students want to start a new club, they would have to run it under the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement.
“It’s the same way we would do the rest of our clubs or organizations, but it would be more student-focused. The students would be the people running it,” Wheeler said.
Charlotte Gifford, sophomore marine biology major, said students interested in diving through NSU will now have to take academic courses, which they might not all be able to do.
“The Academic Diving Program is something that NSU has that is truly unique. There aren’t very many other colleges in the country that have an academic diving program like this,” Gifford said.
Lindsay Scherer, sophomore marine biology major, agrees. She said the recreational scuba programs were beneficial for students who were interested but not marine biology majors.
“I have three other certifications that I’ve gotten outside of NSU, and the one that I’ve gotten here was by far the best experience I’ve had, just because of how professional they are,” Scherer said. “They really care about each individual person and they’re really thorough.”
Wheeler said students would most likely see enhancements to the academic side of scuba in fall 2025.
“They are looking and exploring opening up more sections for it and providing more resources,” Wheeler
said. “They’re trying to be able to give more students the opportunity to do scientific diving.”
Although recreational scuba is discontinued, Heffner is interested in seeing how the academics will evolve in the future.
“I’m pretty excited for what they have in store for the academic side. I think it’s going to really expand and be a really cool thing, but I hope the club comes back,” she said.
Wheeler encourages students to give the new changes time.
“Everybody hates change, let’s be real,” Wheeler said. “Give it time to settle. I think the biggest focus is trying to provide people more resources.”
Assistant professor composes music for NSU’s new president
PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO
The impromptu conception wasn’t the only unconventional thing about the composition. Withem found a clever way to add another layer of personalization to the music dedicated to Dr. Moon.
“His initials are secretly embedded into the music,” Withem said.
“I thought, what if I took Harry K. Moon and converted all [the letters] into musical notes? I looked at them, and I was like, ‘there are some fourths and fifths here,’ and those sound really good on brass instruments, and I thought, ‘oh, this might work.’”
that is felt as well as heard.
“The piece itself works like a buildup. And, if things work out correctly sonically when [the ensemble] is done and we cut off, there’ll be a really beautiful ring of that sound that they’re left with,” Withem said.
This sentiment is echoed by Bill Adams, music and theatre program director and professor in DCMA, who is also set to conduct the NSU Bossa Nova Chorale’s performance of “For the Beauty of the Earth” at the investiture.
By Luqman Gbenro
Bill Withem, assistant professor of music in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, has composed an original piece for NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon’s investiture. The ceremony takes place on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. in the Rick Case Arena.
“Sometimes you sit down with a group of people and you’re like, ‘I think this is a dignified event,’ but
then when the music plays, you’re like, ‘I know this is a dignified event now,’” Withem said.
Withem started working on the composition in October 2024 on his own because he thought it would be something good to have for the investiture.
“I gave it to some of my colleagues and the department chair to listen to just so they could hear what I had done, and from there, they sent it up,” Withem said.
The piece isn’t completely unorthodox. It takes cues from classics like ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ by Aaron Copland, to build something bespoke. Withem said the composition is a marriage of strong known motifs and fun unfamiliar ideas.
“This piece will be original in a way that I could never have written it for any other thing because I would have never selected these pitches just the way they were,” Withem said.
Withem is set to conduct the composition live with an ensemble hired for the event. The live performance is meant to provide an experience
“You’ll get the double whammy. So you get electronic vibrations and human vibrations,” Adams said.
As a newer member of DCMA faculty, Withem hopes his composition will make a good first impression.
“I would like to be able to show people that I’m a composer and this is what I can do,” Withem said. “I think it’s important to support the arts and to remember that art supports our every day life.”
Bryce Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Current, contributed to this report.
Bill Withem, assistant professor of music in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, works in his office.
COURTESY OF JOSIE LARSON
Josie Larson, second-year junior environmental science major and Mia Finley, sophomore marine biology major, pose during a scuba dive.
CampusRun gets it done!
Daniel Herrera, eMerge Americas Adviser and judge of the Emerge America Pitch competition, presents a check to Jack Sardina, senior finance major, and Lilyana Demerdjieva, senior finance major.
By Marlee Card
Last September, Jack Sardina and his business partner, Lilyana Demerdjieva, both NSU senior finance majors, developed and launched CampusRun LLC, a social media marketplace platform that connects busy individuals with college students seeking opportunities, changing the way campus communities interact and collaborate.
“I saw a gap,” Sardina said. “College students are always looking for flexible ways to earn money, and there are so many busy people out there who could use an extra hand. CampusRun bridges that gap, creating a win-win situation.”
With the slogan “CampusRun Gets It Done,” the app is designed to connect struggling college students with busy individuals in need of everyday services, whether it’s dog walking, grocery shopping or a Starbucks run.
“I’ve used CampusRun when I was in a bind, and it has definitely saved me some stressful days,” said Jacob Schmitt, third-year finance major. CampusRun works by allowing users, or “posters” as they are called in the app, to create tasks, such as room cleaning, tutoring or rides. Each individual sets the fee and receives bids from “runners” who want to complete the job. Posters can review bids, view runners’ profiles, ratings and badges, and choose who they want to hire. The app operates like a gig platform, similar to Uber or DoorDash, but with more control for posters to select their preferred runner. Pricing is market-driven, allowing posters and runners to negotiate based on the task’s complexity and value.
“If you are really busy, this app gives you the opportunity to hire somebody to do things for you. Or if you wanna make some extra money,
there are so many different opportunities,” Sardina said. “You can clean somebody’s room, you can go wait in line at a Chick-fil-A, go pick up somebody’s groceries, go pick up a coffee for a professor, all these types of things.”
Through CampusRun, Sardina and Demerdjieva let students to take control of their time while helping others find new ways to earn money.
“I love CampusRun because it was designed by students that truly understand the needs of students and staff in our university campus,” said Jose Brache, academic director for Huizenga Business Innovation Academy at NSU.
Sardina and Demerdjieva had the opportunity to present CampusRun to H. Wayne Huizenga Business Innovation Academy Pitch Competition in 2023. Their presentation secured a $50,000 grant, marking a pivotal moment in the startup’s development.
“That $50,000 was a gamechanger,” Sardina said. “It allowed us to hire a top-tier development team in Brickell who helped us redesign and launch the app within three months. Without that funding, CampusRun wouldn’t be where it is today.”
Navigating NSU’s policies also presented concerns, particularly as a forprofit organization operating on a nonprofit campus. To address these concerns, the co-founders collaborated closely with university leaders and the NSU Shepard Broad College of Law to ensure compliance and alignment with institutional values.
Sardina said they’re grateful for the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Dean Andrew Rossman and former NSU President George L. Hanbury II.
“Their guidance has helped us navigate the red tape and align our goals with the university’s mission,” Sardina said.
CampusRun has achieved significant milestones beyond NSU. After winning another pitch competition at the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation on South Florida Innovation Day, the team earned a spot in the eMerge Americas pitch program.
“eMerge America is the largest tech conference in South Florida, and people from all over the country, let alone the world come here, so it’s an amazing opportunity where we’re going to be able to have our voice heard,” Sardina said. “We have a lot going for us and we have a bright future ahead. We just have to pave the road accordingly.”
Currently tailored for NSU students, CampusRun is planning to expand to the Fort Lauderdale community, allowing busy individuals to help local college students and vice versa. The co-founders envision a future where the app is used on campuses nationwide, while continually improving the user experience.
“If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to help, or we’re here for you. We’re not here for ourselves, we’re here for you,” Sardina said.
For more information:
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Shark Speak: What is the biggest change you expect to happen from NSU’s presidential transition?
“Probably more parking spaces. I think with more commuters as the years pass, I think more parking spots would be really helpful. People are getting late to class because they can’t find parking,” said Thaily Jeanty, freshman child development major.
“It’s my first year at NSU but I am assuming that this presidential transition will follow in the previous president’s footsteps. I’m sure it’ll be some nice big changes that will push NSU forward. Maybe make it No. 1, keeping this great institution innovating, improving and pushing forward,” said Juan Olvera-Espindola, freshman computer science major.
“I would say that the biggest change I’d expect would be to have better labs. The equipment in some labs is very old and it interferes with our learning process. We are supposed to learn and apply it in the labs and sometimes we are not able because of the equipment,” said Uyen Ton, sophomore biology major.
“I’m hoping that the president will take into account that there is not enough housing for students and that he will do something about that. Whether it be decreasing the amount of students NSU accepts per year or start building another housing facility. And I believe since now Razor’s Edge [students] are not required to live on campus, they should not have first selection of housing because that seems unfair to the rest of us,” said Sofiya Bashchuk, sophomore biology major.
COURTESY OF LILYANA DEMERDJIEVA
Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show: So much more
than a tiki bar
By Marlee Card and Brielle Aguayo
Established in 1956, The Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show has been a landmark for locals and tourists, known for the dinner performances, cocktail menu, and Polynesian themed architecture. When it closed in 2020 due to structural issues, guests waited four years for the re-opening.
Elyse and Randy Rasmussen have lived in Fort Lauderdale for more than 50 years, and The Mai-Kai has been their go-to spot. When they heard about the re-opening, they jumped on the opportunity.
“Randy has been tracking the movement of resurrection, shall we say, in the paper. When he saw Mai-Kai was reopening, it was just like, OK, go make reservations,” Elyse Rasmussen said.
The reopening of the restaurant was recently before the Rasmussen’s Anniversary in December 2024, making it a special dinner for them.
“Periodically, on special occasions with the parents, etc, we would be here. And we’re actually celebrating our 41st anniversary,” Rasmussen added.
Upon stepping inside, the Mai-Kai reveals the restored 1950s’ architecture, decorated with authentic Polynesian cultural elements.
Kern Mattei, manager for more than 25 years, took meticulous care restoring the original architecture while modernizing some parts of the restaurant.
“We want to bring a new life to an old restaurant. Our [tiki and artwork] are real artifacts that we’ve collected from those islands, and
some of the pieces are very rare. The original owners were collecting pieces back in the ‘50s,” Mattei said.
Before guests gather in the main dining rooms to watch the fire shows, they are invited to sit at the newly restored Molokai Bar, where they are greeted by Molokai girls, dressed in authentic Hawaiian sarongs.
“On the weekends, we have three shows a night. During the week, we have two shows a night,” Molokai girl Avery Krizanovic said. The seating for the first show starts at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. “They [servers] give you an hour and a half to eat and drink and whatever before the show starts.”
Mattei said the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort took inspiration from the Mai-Kai, specifically the bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
“The designer who designed [Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto] actually came here. I gave him a tour to give him inspiration to design that tiki bar. So they are inspired by us. Disney is like us,” Mattei said.
The restaurant has more than 50 tropical drinks with recipes that have remained the same since the fifties. The drink menu includes everything from Mai-Tai, Zombie cocktails, to the classic Piña Colada.
“We’ve been making them here since the ‘50s. Same recipes. So people who are into tiki cocktails and creative stuff like that will
come from all over the country just to taste our cocktails,” Mattei said.
The menu consists of Polynesian inspired food, where the chefs take classic American dishes with a Polynesian or Pacific Islander twist.
Mattei said the menu also takes from Asian inspiration.
“We do a New York strip, with an Asian glaze. We can do a Hawaiian maple mashed potato. We do some stir fry dishes. We do egg rolls and fried bread noodles, which we get in most Chinese restaurants,” Mattei said. “I love our bao buns, which are new. We do a pork belly with [the bao buns] with the homemade coleslaw in there and a spicy mayo on top.”
Rasmussen said she and her husband appreciate everything about the restaurant.
“The food is good and the show is fantastic. It’s just a fun place to come and celebrate,” Elyse Rasmussen said. “Just the uniqueness. You know, it’s iconic, there are not too many other places like this around.”
Location: 3599 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO
Customers seated in the garden dining section wait for their meals and the show to begin.
PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO
Elyse and Randy Rasmussen pose for a photo as they get ready to watch the fire dancers perform.
RFK Jr. pushes to have fluoride in water removed. What does this mean?
By Adam Sadik
As President Donald Trump takes office, he has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has been outspoken on various health issues, notably advocating for the end of the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water.
Adding the mineral fluoride to drinking water has been practiced since 1945, and according to PubMed Central, has saved an estimated almost $6.8 billion in dental costs throughout the course of a year. This equates to approximately $32.19 per person for a total of 211 million individuals in the U.S.
Students at NSU have voiced their concerns about the implications of
such policies on the drinking water.
“I am worried about it since fluoride has been proven to help prevent tooth decay. I do not know if it would affect me as much because I brush and floss often, but I feel like it would probably affect more low-income people as well as sometimes, they may not have the access to better dental care,” said Matei Popescu, junior biology major.
Mark Cayabyab, faculty member of the NSU College of Dental Medicine and researcher on the oral microbiome, says that while fluoride may be beneficial, there are drawbacks of having it in water.
“Fluoride has been well-established to prevent cavities, because it kills the bacteria in the mouth that cause gingivitis and other diseases. That said, you are also destroying your other bacteria, and there are good and bad bacteria. You might be preventing cavities, but you are also harming the beneficial bacteria. Even in your gut microbiome as well,” Cayabyab said. “In my research, the more diverse an individual’s oral microbiome is, the more anti-viral factors are present that can possibly even prevent certain diseases like COVID-19.”
Cayabyab calls into question the testing regulations and how closely the levels are monitored.
“In our waters right now, it is hard to know how tightly regulated it is. Are they checking it or monitoring it down stream? There is a certain protocol for adding fluoride in the water systems, but there should be a follow-up in people’s homes to know if it is in safe levels,” Cayabyab said.
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Improv Jam 15: Unplanned, but not unprepared
By Luqman Gbenro
The Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts is gearing up for its annual Improv Jam.
Stage 2 Productions, NSU’s student-driven production company, will work alongside This Is Improv, an improv company operated by NSU alumni sisters, Angelica and Alexandra Zadak, to present Improv Jam 15 on Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Don Taft University Center Performance Theatre.
Brooke Bowser, senior theatre major and director of Improv Jam, has been involved in the show for four years.
“We hold a show where the cast puts on a bunch of improv games and then we also involve the audience as well. So everyone is collaborating in the space,” Bowser said.
Along with improvisational comedy, the Improv Jam will also have a jam band made up of NSU students to provide background music and join in on some of the games.
“You know [it’s called] Improv Jam, so the jam is the band. And they
will actually come in, and we will have games that involve them,” Bowser said. “I am so happy to have another form of art on that stage, so it’s more interesting for the audience.”
Bowser’s four years of Improv Jam experience make her familiar with what the performance asks of a cast and what it leaves them with.
“I’ve done it every year since I’ve been at Nova. It completely changed my personality into being more extroverted and confident in who I am,” Bowser said. “What we look for is confidence, if you’re comfortable just going with the bit and [if] you can create a story in your own little world within the time we give you.”
Zach Mueller, sophomore engineering major and Mako Radio DJ, is an Improv Jam cast member. He took to Improv Jam because it meshed well with his passions.
“I enjoy theatre, but I’m more of a comedy and improv kind of guy. I really just like being able to create and do theater stuff out of my own mind. I really enjoy that about the Improv Jam,” Mueller said.
Dance professor makes an impact on his students at NSU
By Brielle Aguayo
Through his dance company, Alonzo Williams, adjunct professor for the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, gave Bianka Texidor, 2024 NSU alum, a scholarship to cover her tuition at NSU.
“Bianka is one of my mentees. She’s more like family,” Williams said.
Elana Lanczi, director of the dance program and associate professor in DCMA, introduced Texidor to Williams.
“I was talking to Elana about scholarship opportunities even before he came around,” Texidor said. “She was advising me to talk to him and see about scholarship opportunities that he may have because of his company.”
Williams graduated from NSU in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in dance. He then went on to complete his master’s also at NSU in Student Affairs.
After he earned his two degrees at NSU, he received another master’s at Hollins University in dance performance studies.
Six years ago, he created his own dance company.
“The company is called the AlonzoWill Creative Dance Company. My name is Alonzo Williams, but the ‘will’ doesn’t actually mean my last name. When I first started the company and I was making the logo, I put a greater-than sign over the will, and ‘will’ actually means ‘God’s will’ is bigger than me,” Williams said.
Within his company, his goal is to expand community outreach
through art initiatives and creativity within diversity. Williams has presented dance pieces with students at Art Basel and at NSU.
He said being an NSU alumnus gave him the ability to connect with students.
Texidor is grateful to have had him as a dance professor during her time as a student.
“I think he makes a huge impact in the people around him, even if it’s like the smallest thing to him. He’s been making a big impact within the dance community at NSU,” Texidor said.
Williams is now a adjunct professor in DCMA and also works as a campus visit experience coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
“I think his ability to connect to young people is really special. I think he is really great at just inspiring people to push past their limits, and also the subject matter that he tackles is really important and hard to talk about sometimes,” Lanczi said.
Williams has done multiple dance pieces that focus on serious subjects, like social justice, racial injustice, immigration community and equality. One piece that was unforgettable for Sara Menco, junior communication major, is “I SEE SCREENS: THE GHOSTLY GRASP OF TECHNOLOGY” at DanceWorks in 2023
“It is so dynamic and we were able to immerse ourselves in a role of truly being consumed by our technology while still conveying the tiredness of it, and it also combined theatrical aspects,” Menco said.
Williams has been able to connect with many students through
dance and be a mentor to them even through their personal lives.
For example, he has had a personal connection with Menco ever since she was in high school. Williams was her dance teacher and is a brother figure in her life, Menco said. Also, he is married to her sister, Jhocelyn Menco.
“He became my dance teacher and later on because I’m a Christian and he’s Christian, he felt that God was calling him to be a brother in my life. So, due to the hardships that I was experiencing with my mom and my sister, he became a family member,” Menco said.
When Williams introduced Menco to the university, she found out about the dance program. She is a communication major and a dance minor.
“I took contemporary dance
techniques with him last fall and it is not weird to take a class with him. It’s actually kind of soothing because I know his demeanor already,” Menco said.
Williams’s passion for dance is combined with always having a powerful message behind what pieces he creates. He will continue to spread awareness as he is an activist for social injustice, and he wants dancers to know they have the potential to succeed.
“I just want people to understand that they’re capable of many things, and don’t compare yourself to others because you’ve been given a gift. You’ve been given a discipline. You’ve been given an ability, and there can never be another one of you,” Williams said.
PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO NSU students perform “I SEE SCREENS: THE GHOSTLY GRASP OF TECHNOLOGY” at DanceWorks in 2023, located in the Performance Theatre on the first floor of the Don Taft University Center.
BY MADISON KASPER
DCMA theatre networking fair provides opportunities for students
By Brielle Aguayo
Nova Southeastern University’s theatre program has always been a place for students to get involved in productions, take classes and learn skills to prepare them for future roles in theater companies.
For the first time, the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts hosted a networking fair in collaboration with Backstage Access on Jan. 19.
“Backstage Access is a group of, organizations, half academic-based and the other half professiona-l based,” said Herman Montero, director of production for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, who started Backstage Access. “The initial initiative was to create a bridge between the graduating student and the working professional.”
Backstage Access partners with universities and colleges like NSU, Broward College and Florida Atlantic University, which also had students attend the fair.
The main goal for this networking event was to provide students with the opportunity to meet and connect with theater companies.
“As an actor, the main thing that you have to really start thinking about is networking. The earlier that you start to network yourself the better. It’s all about the connections that you really have in the industry, the people that you know, the people you talk to that kind of get you into more and more roles,” Justin Jean Pierre, freshman theatre and computer science major, said.
Executive Artistic Director of Art Prevails Project Darius Daughtry, who participated in the networking
fair, said they are always looking to connect with young aspiring theater artists.
“We are multidisciplinary, and so we do everything from full productions to a literary festival on an annual basis. We’re all about creating access to arts and so we go beyond just doing great performances. We’re about how do we make sure that we are impacting and building community and cultivating great energy in society,” Daughtry said.
The Art Prevails Project also does community outreach. When it went to a literary festival last year it gave away 2,000 books to community members, while also having it’s actors and crew members volunteer.
Another company, South Florida Theatre League, offers several types of daily programming.
“We’re a service organization that
works behind the scenes. So we do workshops for actors, designers, directors and theater practitioners. We do things like unified auditions and collective marketing for theater companies,” Andie Arthur, executive director of the South Florida Theatre League, said.
Arthur said if a student buys an individual membership, it allows them to see what’s going on in the theater community. The company offers college student memberships for $20 a year.
“I connected the most with South Florida Theatre League and Art Prevails Project because they seem to be very accessible for student creatives and offer a multitude of opportunities in varying areas,” Jyllian Brown, senior music major, said.
Montero said the purpose of this event is for students and professionals to network. However, the goal is also to break the stigma that there are no opportunities for work in the theatre industry.
“There are two sides to the story. There’s a company that is drowning in work where every individual has multiple hats that they’re trying to wear, and they’re constantly crying out for help, and they can’t find anybody. Then there’s the flip side where the student is trying to find work,” Montero said.
Montero noticed this disconnect and created Backstage Access as a way to connect students with theater companies in need.
“It could be a little intimidating for the student to reach out and talk to professionals. But meanwhile, on the professional side, we are completely open to and we want students to reach out,” Montero said.
Having events like this is meaningful for students because they have the chance to build their own connections, said Dan Gelbmann, NSU associate professor of theatre.
“I think these events are very important to our students to meet the local theater communities, and network with other students from other universities as well as professional industry professionals,” Gelbmann said.
PHOTO
Andie Arthur, executive director for South Florida Theatre League, describes what benefits their membership has on students interested in theater workshops.
PHOTO BY ALEX MUNROE
Darius Daughtry, executive artistic director of Art Prevails Project, discusses what the company does with students.
PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER
South Florida Theatre League representatives discuss their company’s values with NSU students.
Mac Miller: His final piece
As an 18-year-old from Pittsburgh, Malcolm McCormick, better known as Mac Miller, came into the music industry with a simple dream and a mixtape. Unfortunately, after a decade of music production, songwriting and releases of multiple projects, his dream was short-lived when he passed away in September of 2018. On Jan. 17, 2025, his fans were eager to hear the release of yet another posthumous album, “Balloonerism.”
Mac Miller had an indescribable pull that drew fans to him and his music. Whether it was the relatable themes he rapped about, capturing
the struggles and joys of growing up, or the blend of hip-hop, jazz, and funk that made his songs impossible to ignore, Miller created something special. His music resonated deeply, and his fan base grew into a loyal, passionate community that felt like they truly knew him.
His albums fit together like puzzle pieces, starting with his first recorded mixtape with Rostrum Records, “K.I.D.S,” jump starting his career. Miller’s discography provides a direct line in his journey of growth, versatility, and emotional depth. His early releases, “Blue Slide Park,” “Macadelic” and
“Watching Movies with the Sound Off,” showcase Miller’s adolescence, signifying his newfound fame and fortune. But his fans can notice a shift in his lyrics from lighthearted childish rhythms to a poetic introspection, exploring life’s meaning in his later albums like “GO:OD AM,” “The Divine Feminine” and “Swimming.”
Miller was achieving everything he set out to do, but found himself struggling severely with depression, addiction, heartbreak and loss. As his career grew, “The Sanctuary,” Miller’s in-house studio in Los Angeles, was born. “The Sanctuary” gave him a place to escape to, and the freedom to explore who he was as a human and an artist. Without the distraction that fame brings, he dedicated his time to perfecting his work, while addressing mental health concerns and finding his identity as a musician and individual. The experimental mixtape of “Faces” was created there, along with many other posthumous releases. “Faces” is by far one of his most valuable and raw works
The Chart Buzz
The NACC Chart showcases the most popular music and artists gaining momentum on college and community radio stations across North America. This chart provides a small glimpse into the ever-changing music tastes of college students and young adults who appreciate authentic and innovative sounds. This past week’s list showcases both new and re-emerging artists, featuring a dynamic mix of themes and genres.
1. Father John Misty - Mahashmashana
Taking the No. 1 spot during the week of Jan. 7, Joshua Tillman, stage name Father John Misty, reflects on the messiness of humanity with this newest album. “Mahashmashana” originates from the Hindu religion, a Sanskrit word that directly translates to a great cremation ground, but ideally reflects the transcending cycle of life and death. In this album, Misty explores the cyclical nature of existence by diving into themes of life, death, and complexities of human emotion, all while maintaining his distant dark humor. This ability to confront existential questions with a mix of humor and sincerity resembles the emotional highs and lows that many young adults experience.
2. The Cure - Songs of a Lost World “Songs of a Lost World” is the Cure’s first album release in 16 years. The melancholy tone combined with the Cure’s signature post-punk sound offer a reflective listening experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Robert Smith’s distinct vocals and lyrical depth, paired with the band’s chemistry, emphasize the emotional weight of the album. They represent a timeless ability to explore deep emotions with tracks like “And Nothing Is Forever” and “Alone” that old and new listeners will appreciate.
3. Kim Deal - Nobody Loves You More Known for her work as the original bassist and co-vocalist for the “Pixies,” Kim Deal experiments with different genres of music in her first solo album. Stretching from rock to soft lullaby jazz songs, this album consists of themes of personal resilience with “Wish I Was,” and “Nobody Loves You More” being standout tracks.
at the moment. For many fans, this mixtape is more than music, as he delves into his views on life, his struggles with mental illness, and his battle with substance abuse.
When many thought that “Circles,” a companion piece to “Swimming,” would be the last we would be hearing from him, his estate released an album that will take fans even deeper into the mind of Miller. Now enter the final puzzle piece: “Balloonerism.”
“Balloonerism” is said to showcase Miller’s creative genius during one of his most experimental and reflective periods. It blends his signature introspection with the innovative sounds he was exploring during its creation. With raw honesty, emotional depth, and a poignant reminder of the brilliance Mac Miller brought to the music world, “Balloonerism” feels like the final message from an artist who always sought to connect with others through his vulnerability and authenticity.
4. Amyl and the Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness Amyl and the Sniffer’s latest album, Cartoon Darkness, puts out a unique pub rock sound. It is known for its high-energy performances and songs that hold a raw punk edge full of powerful guitar riffs, and sassy 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 like “Pigs,” or “Tiny Bikini.” This female-led group from Australia has created an album full of angst, humor, and unfiltered emotion that adds a unique sound in the NACC Chart.
5. Michael Kiwanuka - Small Changes Coming up on the fifth spot, Michael Kiwanuka’s new album features his soft mellow soul-like voice, with powerful lyricism that convey a sense of self-transformation. Throughout the album, he reflects on the power that small changes have on shaping individuality. For example, his third track, “One and Only,” begins with soft guitar strumming, and blends with smooth, powerful vocals creating a captivating, emotionally rich sound.
SEASON PREVIEW
COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS
The Softball team lines up during the opening of a game from its previous season.
Softball
The softball team starts its 2025 season on Jan. 31, during the Gulf Shores Invitational. It will be competing against Valdosta State University, Lubbock Christian University, University of West Florida, Rogers State University, Oklahoma Christian University and the University of West Alabama. The Sharks will compete in 54 games this spring, with 29 being played at the newly built NSU Softball
Stadium. The NCAA South Regional Tournament begins on May 6. Keep up with the softball team on Instagram and X at nsu_softball.
Baseball
The baseball team’s 2025 season opening weekend starts Friday, Jan. 31 through Sunday, Feb. 2, where it will compete against Catawba College, Delta State University and Wingate University. Some of its future opponents include the University of West Alabama, University
of Tampa, Florida Southern College, and Palm Beach Atlantic University. The regular season closes with a three-game series against Barry University for the County-Line Cup starting on May 9. Keep up with the baseball team on Instagram and X at nsu_baseball.
Tennis
Coming off a previous 20232024 season NCAA Division II National Championship, the tennis team enters the 2025 season with scrimmages starting on Jan. 21., against Keiser University, Hillsborough Community College on Jan. 25, and St. Thomas University on Jan. 26. Some future match opponents include Rollins College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Wayne State University and Saint Leo University. The Sharks will compete in the SSC Championship Tournaments starting April 25. Keep up with women’s tennis on Instagram and X at nsu_wtennis.
Men’s golf
The men’s golf team continues its 2024-2025 season, starting the new year with the Matlock Classic on Feb. 10. Some future opponents include Saint Leo University, Valdosta State and Barry University. The Sharks will compete in the Sunshine State Conference
Championship Tournament on April 13. Keep up with men’s golf on Instagram and X at nsu_mgolf.
Women’s golf
The women’s golf team continues its 2024-2025 season, starting the new year with the World Golf Invitational on Feb. 17. Some future opponents include Florida Southern, Barry University and Lynn University. The Sharks will compete in the Sunshine State Conference Championship Tournament starting on April 13. Keep up with women’s golf on Instagram and X at nsu_wgolf.
Women’s Rowing
The women’s rowing team continues its 2024-2025 season with five regattas remaining for the season. The first competition of the new year is the Stetson Showdown on March 15, followed by competing in the FIRA Championship, and wrapping up the regular season with the Knecht Regatta. The Sharks will compete in the Sunshine State Conference Championship on April 25 and will finish with the Dad Vail Regatta starting on May 9. Keep up with women’s rowing on Instagram at nsu_rowing and X at nsu_wrowing.
Fall sports: A season in review
By Isabella Fernandez De Cueto
During the fall 2024 semester, five sports completed their full seasons— men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross-country, and women’s volleyball. The Sharks earned one SSC championship, achieved four appearances in NCAA tournaments with one sport advancing to the NCAA National Championship, and 14 athletes were named All- SSC athletes.
Women’s cross-country
The women’s cross-country team finished the 2024 season with its first SSC title in program history and the program’s third NCAA Division II Cross Country Championship berth, its first since 2015. Throughout the season, the team finished in the top five in all five of its regular season meets. At the 2024 SSC Women’s Cross Country Championships, four Sharks finished in the top 10 to win the SSC title. Jillian Thorning won the SSC Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Year, while Leena Saidi and Eden Toal earned All-SSC First Team honors and Ally Jakubiak and Isabella Grant earned All-SSC Second Team honors. Head Coach Jonathan Carter was also named SSC Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year. The team then finished third at the NCAA South Region Championship, with Thorning, Saidi and Grant earning All-Region team honors and the team earning a spot at the National Championship, where they finished in 29th place.
Women’s soccer
The women’s soccer team ended the 2024 season with an 8-6-4 record, as well as placing second in the SSC Championship and achieving its third consecutive NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship Tournament berth. The team had a 5-5-3 record to end the regular season, making it the #3 seed in the SSC Tournament. It won its quarterfinal and semifinal matches to advance to the final, where it lost to the No. 1 seed in penalty kicks. This performance landed it in the NCAA Tournament, where they made it to the second round. Alexa Bereczki won the SSC Women’s Soccer Freshman of the Year, the fourth in program history. Sofia Suarez was unanimously named to the All-SSC First Team, while Bereczki and Tabea Schütt were named to the All-SSC Second Team, and Izzy Martinez earning All-SSC Third Team honors.
Women’s volleyball
The women’s volleyball team finished the 2024 season with a 20-11 record and an NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship Tournament berth for the fourth consecutive season. The Sharks started 9-1, which was their best start under Head Coach Kacie Ehinger, and were ranked No. 24 in the country in early October. They finished in sixth place in SSC play and advanced to the NCAA tournament, where they fell in the first round in five sets. Brittany Landrum became the program’s all-time leader in blocks, while Elizabeth Price
achieved 1,000 career points and Taylor Stockman achieved 1,000 career kills and earned All-SSC Second Team honors. Kate Mihacevich earned All-SSC Third Team honors, and Olivia Aniol earned AllSSC First Team, All-South Region Team, and AVCA All-American Honorable Mention.
Men’s soccer
The men’s soccer team finished the 2024 season with a 7-5-3 record and SSC Tournament appearance. The team started the season with winning six out of its first nine games and were ranked No. 20 in the country in early November. This effort led the Sharks to the No. 4 seed in the SSC Tournament, where they lost the quarterfinal match in
penalty kicks. Kevin Rubaszewski and Ade Olumuyiwa earned AllSSC First Team honors.
Men’s cross-country
The men’s cross-country team ended the 2024 season with a sixthplace finish at the SSC Championship and a 16th-place finish at the NCAA South Region Championship. During the regular season, the team finished in the top 10 in three out of its five meets. In its last regular season meet, Jaime Blazquez ran the fifth fastest 8k time in program history. Blazquez also led the team at the SSC Championships and the NCAA South Region Championship as the first Shark to cross the finish line at both, with the team finishing sixth and 16th.
COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS
Women’s cross-country wins its first Sunshine State Conference in program history during the 2024 season.
Behind the scenes: NSU’s compliance office
By Bella Giaquinto
Behind every championship victory and every student-athlete’s success at NSU lies a critical, often unseen force: the compliance office. Yashiva Edwards, assistant athletic director for compliance and NCAA rules education, the athletic program operates with integrity and adheres to the complex rules and regulations governing collegiate sports.
“The compliance office helps us align with the NCAA and make sure that our rules and how we operate stays equitable against every other NCAA institution, so it is a huge part of our athletic department,” said John Sung, interim director of athletics.
Edwards joined NSU’s Athletics in 2019, and her responsibilities expanded in 2020 when she was also appointed as the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee (ADID). Within her roles, she now provides daily support to 15 head coaches, multiple assistant coaches, and more than 300 student-athletes.
“I believe as a compliance office, I should provide service to our coaches, students and our administration so that they can be successful,” Edwards said.
Edwards’ role within the compliance office touches on a wide range
of areas, including informing student-athletes about upcoming legislative changes, ensuring academic eligibility, and overseeing marketing, promotions, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives.
“There’s quite a bit that goes on in compliance since it touches on everything. If you look at an athletic department, and if you really break it down, in most cases it’s like running a business,” Edwards said.
Supporting Edwards within the compliance office are two graduate assistants from Shepard Broad College of Law. The assistantships, introduced in 2023, provide crucial support in managing the high volume of paperwork, tracking deadlines, and ensuring student-athlete eligibility. Edwards sought out law students interested in gaining practical experience within Athletics, whether in areas like intellectual property, NIL, administration, or sports management.
“It has been very helpful working with the law school and having graduate assistants because when interpreting the legislation, you have to know policies, procedures, and intent of laws, so it has been a help with handling that,” Edwards said.
A significant focus for the compliance office, and indeed the entire athletic department, is navigating the
complexities of the NCAA’s one-time transfer exception. Sung touches on the effect this exception has on the compliance office.
“With being such an elite Division II school, we have kids who play at Division I or other Division II schools, and they want an opportunity to win a championship, so they come to NSU,” Sung said. “Our department then has to track all of their grades down and all of their credits and make sure that they’re still eligible, so from what we do every day, it puts more work on our staff.”
Beyond affecting administrative workload, the one-time transfer exception also presents additional challenges and opportunities for student-athletes and coaches. To eliminate such challenges, Edwards ensures each athlete receives the necessary resources to understand the process and implications of transferring.
“When a student requests to speak about entering the portal, they always will have to come through compliance so that communication and information is provided to them prior to going into the portal,” Edwards said. “We do a very good job at providing students with the education they need and I do have an open door policy, as well as most coaches.”
Sport shorts
By Isabella Fernandez De Cueto
Men’s swimming, Jan. 18
The men’s swimming team beat Florida Southern College 131.5130.5. The team won first place in nine events, with Luca Alessandrini and Inigo Marina leading the team with three wins each.
Women’s swimming, Jan. 18
The women’s swimming team beat Florida Southern College 20947. The team won first place in 14 events, with Emilia Ronningdal and Zsofia Kurdi leading the team with three wins each.
Men’s basketball, Jan. 18
The No. 3 men’s basketball team beat Florida Tech 97-70, marking its eighth conference win. The Sharks were led by MJ Iraldi, who tallied a team-high 20 points and shot 75% from the field, and Jamie Qualley, who got 12 points in six minutes.
Women’s basketball, Jan. 18
The No. 20 women’s basketball team beat Florida Tech 72-45 in conference play, marking its eighth straight win. Aubrey Stupp led the Sharks with a game-high 22 points, and Mercedes Simmons recorded 14 points.
Men’s swimming, Jan. 17
The men’s swimming team beat Rollins College 154-108 on the road. The team placed first in 11 events, with Luca Alessandrini and Joshua Parry leading the team with three wins each.
Women’s swimming, Jan. 17
The women’s swimming team beat Rollins College 214-48 on the road. The team placed first in 14 events, with Hailey Williams and Emilia Ronningdal leading the team with three wins each.
Head baseball coach Adrian Morales attests to the changes occurring within the NCAA, highlighting the importance of Edwards’ role.
“So many rules are evolving and changing now with the NCAA, from when I was an athlete to being a coach at Miami-Dade and now here,” Morales said. “Yashiva does a good job at holding us accountable as coaches, we’re lucky to have her.”
Sung also acknowledges the valuable support Edwards provides the entire athletic department, encompassing all aspects of its operations.
“We’re really lucky because Yashiva is fantastic,” Sung said. “Our goal is to give her assistance, and she also has the knowledge of being a former Division I student-athlete which makes her able to understand what student-athletes go through so that really helps them.”
When student-athletes interact with the compliance office, Sung says that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.
“The compliance office isn’t the principal’s office, it is supposed to be a resource for the student-athletes where we’re always trying to find a way to help you and NSU be as successful as possible.”
Men’s basketball, Jan. 15
The No. 3 men’s basketball team defeated No. 8 Florida Southern College in conference play. The Sharks were led by Tyler Eberhart, who scored a season-high 26 points and Ryker Cisarik, who scored 22 points.
Women’s basketball, Jan. 15
The No. 20 women’s basketball team beat Florida Southern College 69-63 in conference play. Aubrey Stupp recorded a career-high 31 points as the Sharks earn their seventh straight victory.
PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE
Yashiva Edwards, assistant athletic director, conducts the monthly coaches compliance meeting.
EVENTS CALENDAR
JANUARY
Pics,
DnD
6:30
FSL
WEDNESDAY
Joyful
Chat n’ Chew: Discussing Problematic Book & Movie Tropes
DeSantis 1052
Personal Branding Noon - DeSantis 2064
Pita and Parsha Noon - Don Taft University Center North Lobby
Spring Festival: Lunar New Year Celebration 3 p.m. - Flight Deck Backyard
Pete the Cat 6:30 p.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Presidential Investiture Ceremony 2 p.m. - Rick Case Arena FRIDAY
FEBRUARY
A Helping Hand: Hygiene Kits for Women In Need 5:30 p.m. - DeSantis 2060 MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
Beyond Borders: Exploring Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality
Noon - Flight Deck Multipurpose Room
Hearts for Moms: Valentine’s Card Drive 12:30 p.m. - DeSantis 2066
THURSDAY
Girls Lunch and Learn Noon- Chadbad House
LSAT & Lolipops 5 p.m. - DeSantis 1133
Pita and Parsha Noon - Flight Deck Backyard
Guys Learning Night 4 p.m. - Chadbad House
Karaoke Night 6 p.m. - DeSantis 2061
Speed Dating: Flirts and Friends 6:30 p.m. - DeSantis 2073
INVESTITURE REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY PREVIEW MOVIE
COMPOSITION
MUSEUM JAMAICA
ALONZO APPS SANITATION FLUORIDE IMPROV SCUBA DCMA
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, Feb. 5. 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.
The song the “12 Days of Christmas” is a great introduction to the mathematical structures of Natural Numbers, Triangular Numbers and Tetrahedral Numbers. As you may recall, the first day the recipient receives one gift (a partridge in a pear tree.) On the second day, the recipient receives three gifts (two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree) and thus by the second day the recipient has cumulatively received four gifts total. At the end of the 12th day of Christmas, suppose that out of all cumulative gifts received, three are chosen at random. Find the probability (rounded to three decimal places) that at least one of these three gifts chosen is a golden ring.
Answer to prior issue: 30 mph
THE CURRENT’S COMIC
