NEWS | p. 5
The impact of Trump’s impending tariffs
THURSDAY
FEB. 20, 2025
FEATURES | p. 7
Guests celebrate 21st Community Fest
SPORTS | p. 14
NSU men’s basketball nears historic record
THE CURRENT
NSU's student-run newspaper, housed in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts
NSU announced as an R1 university
By Bryce Johnson
The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced 187 institutions, including NSU, as Research 1 universities on Feb. 13. Being an R1 institution means that the university spends at least $50 million on research and development and awards at least 70 research doctorates in a year.
Before the announcement, Princeton University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College and Harvard University were already R1 institutions. This year, Florida Atlantic University was also announced as R1. There are eight R1 institutions in Florida, including University of Miami and University of Florida.
See R1, page 4
A community effort brings pickleball to NSU Spotlight: Kolos Schumy, digital art professor
Teams of students play a pickleball match on a court outside the NSU RecPlex.
By Bella Giaquinto
As of this semester, NSU students have access to one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation: pickleball. Due to a collaborative effort between NSU Athletics, Office of Facilities Management, and Recreation and Wellness, anyone with a RecPlex membership can use the new pickleball courts on campus.
“One of our core values is student centricity, so as long as we can produce amenities for the students
that make the life on campus a little better, they can break away from the academics that they’re having to do,” said Daniel J. Alfonso, executive vice president for Facilities, Public Safety, and Campus Services at Nova Southeastern University.
Recognizing the underutilization of the former tennis courts, facilities management took advantage of the popularity of pickleball to create a new space for students to enjoy.
By Hannah Krebsbach
Kolos Schumy, assistant professor for the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, first fell in love with digital art when he was a child.
Schumy was raised to be an artist, as many of his ancestors were artists before him. They pushed him toward the arts from a young age, particularly his mother, a textile artist.
Growing up in communist Hungary, Schumy was “blocked” from anything Western, which meant that computers were few and far between. But, he was able to use the Art Studio software on a Commodore 64 computer.
“Basically, you can change the colors of the pixels with clicks. So, I made an eye when I was 8 years old with just clicks, it took a whole afternoon. That was the first time I did anything like that, and it was just fascinating since people were not used to color screens at that time,” Schumy said.
From this point on, Schumy dedicated his life to art, specifically graphic design and digital art. In
the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts,
the Don Taft University
Hungary, he attended a fine arts high school from 1989-1992 where he received his associate degree in animation and graphic design. He then went on to attend the Hungarian University of Fine Arts from 2002-2007, where he received his Master of Fine Arts degree in visual arts.
See SCHUMY, page 11
COURTESY OF NSU
An NSU student uses a microscope and Petri dish in the former Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography.
PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE
PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO Kolos Schumy, assistant professor for
uses a VR headset in
Center Spine.
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/ Senior Photo Journalist and Reporter
Nicole Gomez Graphic Designer
Alexandra Acevedo Assistant Graphic Designer
Bella Giaquinto Sports Editor
Isabella Fernandez de Cueto Assistant Sports Editor
Marlee Card Reporter/Music Editor
Sneha Subhash Health Writer
Luqman Gbenro Reporter
Antonio Miguel Escorzon Reporter
Anaum Hussain Reporter
Hannah Krebsbach Reporter
Tina Valdovinos Multimedia Journalist
Roseline Jean-Pierre Photo Journalist
Madison Kasper Reporter/ Visual Journalist
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
Allen Worrell Web Editor
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 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
circumstances at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. The Current reserves the right to edit. Contributing writers must not be directly involved with their coverage. Coverage by contributing writers must be meaningful and of interest to the NSU community. The Current reserves the right to edit, publish or deny submitted works as it sees fit. The Current shall remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility or otherwise create bias, real or perceived.
Letter from the editor
Dear Readers,
Hello Sharks! I hope you enjoy the latest issue of The Current, Nova Southeastern University’s student-run newspaper. I’m Bryce, The Current’s editor-in-chief, and this issue has plenty of stories and updates.
Midterm week starts on Feb. 24. Remember to give yourself enough time to prepare for exams, but also take time to relax and destress. If you’re looking for ways to study, this issue has information on NSU resources like the Writing & Communication Center and the Tutoring and Testing Center.
NSU students will perform “Cymbeline,” a play by William Shakespeare, in the Black Box Theatre on Feb. 21-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the community.
This issue also has articles about tariffs, the new pickleball courts on campus, a new exhibit at the NSU Art Museum and a spotlight on Kolos Schumy, assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.
The Current is part of Mako Media Network, also home to Mako TV, NSU’s student-run newscast, 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 to everyone for reading The Current. We’re happy so many people are engaging with the paper, including playing the games on the back page. So far, Grace Wong is in first place in the Math Corner game, with seven correct answers. Be sure to submit your answers to Jason Gershman, chairman and associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Stay tuned for our next issue on March 13.
Happy reading, Bryce Johnson
Bryce Johnson, editor-in-chief of The Current
Why Trump’s proposed tariffs are a bad idea
By Anaum Hussain
The word “tariffs” has been thrown around a lot recently, with President Donald Trump using them against Canada, Mexico and especially China. But what are tariffs anyway?
Simply put, tariffs are taxes on imports paid by the importer. So if there’s a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, the importer pays 10% more on anything imported from China, such as consumer electronics. And that 10% tariff that the importer had to pay usually raises the price for the consumer. So phones, computers and anything that’s built in China will get even more expensive.
That’s not all. Anything that’s imported from Mexico, like Levi’s jeans, or from Canada, like crude oil, will have its prices raised if the tariffs go into effect. While at the moment, the tariffs on Mexico and Canada are on hold, they could go back into effect at any moment.
Now, let’s get into why these tariffs are a terrible idea.
President Trump likes to flaunt these tariffs as making the other country pay and wields them as a weapon, a threat to get other countries to bend to his will. But what he doesn’t seem to realize is that tariffs don’t hurt the other country, they hurt the average American consumer. They were meant as a tool to encourage domestic purchasing and country-made goods, but in the long run all they do is discourage trade and force prices up for anything that isn’t made in America.
And America simply is no longer a manufacturing country. Most manufacturing is exported overseas, so putting tariffs on actual manufacturing countries does nothing but mess with the affairs of the countries that do the work Americans don’t want to do and hurt the average consumer by raising the prices of most products.
Simply put, the tariffs don’t benefit the average American. In fact, when so many of us are living paycheck-to-paycheck, the increased prices will hurt us. And as a college student, I’m sure I speak for a lot of us when I say that I need my phone and laptop. If something happens to either of them, that 10% tariff will add up and force the prices to a level that will be even harder to afford.
That’s right. New phones will be even more expensive.
And with China putting up retaliatory tariffs, it seems it’s only a matter of time before the president increases our own tariffs and raises prices for the American
consumer again. And on and on, in an endless cycle until either ego is satisfied or someone stops it.
In my opinion, President Trump has stepped on a rake and no one in the White House has enough experience being an average consumer to understand just how bad this will be for our country.
So you’d better hurry if you’re looking for a new computer or phone, because the prices will be flying up very soon.
Anaum Hussain, sophomore communication major and reporter for The Current.
NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon wrote a memorandum to the university sharing his excitement about the R1 announcement on Feb. 13.
“Being an R1 university will lead to attracting top talent, increasing research funding, driving economic development, enhancing the value of an NSU diploma, and supporting the communities where we operate,” Moon wrote.
The Division of Research and Economic Development will hold a town hall event on Zoom, where it will explain what being an R1 means for students, on April 14 at noon.
Scan the QR code to register for the town hall event on Zoom:
Case family recognizes scholarship recipients
By Bella Giaquinto and Isabella Fernandez De Cueto
The Case family recognized 11 NSU recipients of the Rita and Rick Case Endowed Scholarship in the Rick Case Arena during halftime of the women’s basketball game on Feb 12. Rita and Rick Case started the scholarship in 2016. This is the third year Athletics has hosted the recognition ceremony.
The scholarship provides undergraduate students and former members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County with an opportunity to attend college, fully funded.
“It’s the idea of giving kids an opportunity to follow their dreams, to have a career, to go to school, to get an education and do what they want to do to best serve the community in the way that they enjoy and what they find a passion in,” said Ryan Case, son of Rita and Rick Case.
Rick Case, whose name has been honored in NSU’s recreational arena since 2017, was the founder and CEO of the Rick Case Automotive Group, and served on NSU’s
Board of Trustees for 18 years. Rick and Rita Case are known for their philanthropic efforts, successful entrepreneurship, and work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, according to the Rick Case Automotive Group website.
Rick Case, who a few years ago died, is survived by Rita, who is the current president and CEO of the Rick Case Automotive Group, and his two children, Ryan and Raquel, and grandchildren.
Ryan Case, who greeted and congratulated this year’s scholarship recipients alongside members of his family, honors the legacy of his parents and their commitment to education and the Boys & Girls Club.
“For me, it’s neat to see it go and continue to go year after year and read the essays that the club members write on what their dreams and passions are and why they want to take advantage of this scholarship to further themselves, their families and their lives,” Ryan Case said.
To select the scholarship recipients, Ryan explained that students write an essay which includes why they believe they should get the
scholarship, what they’re interested in, and what they want their career to be. Club counselors read the essays, along with the Case family, and the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, to determine the recipients.
Demerius Augustin, a scholarship recipient and 2023 NSU graduate with a degree in communication and marketing, shared the
impact the award had on his life as the oldest of seven siblings and a first-generation college student.
“It impacted my life very much because my family didn’t have enough resources to really support me and my brothers, so this honestly helped change the game for me entirely. Just being able to go to school in general was a big accomplishment,” Augustin said.
COURTESY OF NSU
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation surveys the population of resident stingrays.
PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER
Rita and Rick Case Endowed Scholarship recipients pose for a photo after being recognized during halftime at the women’s basketball game on Feb.12.
Recognizing National Eating Disorders Week
By Marlee Card
From Feb. 24 to March 2, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week highlights the impact eating disorders can have on young people across the country. Several organizations are raising awareness and helping those who are struggling.
NSU’s connection with
Henderson Behavioral Health Clinic allows students to access the support and resources they need to address mental health challenges, including eating disorders, according to Natalia Gutierrez, assistant director of NSU’s Center for Student Counseling Services and Well-Being.
“At student counseling, we aim to
create an environment where students can work on both their academic and personal goals,” Gutierrez said.
The NSU Center for Student Counseling Services and Well-Being offers students 10 free counseling sessions, providing them with a resource to address eating disorders, or other mental health concerns.
“Each student comes in with their own unique story, and getting to connect with our students and helping them navigate the next best step for their mental and physical well-being is foundational in our process,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez said the center will take the necessary steps to ensure that all students, regardless of the severity of their mental health concerns, receive the help they need.
“There are also times where a student may need additional and more specialized support. In these cases, we work with them to ensure that they are connected external community partners for continuation of care,” Gutierrez said.
Additionally, the NSU Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon, a nationally recognized sorority, has been partnered with the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders since 1985.
Macie Troncone, vice president of programming, explained the importance of ANAD on campus, and the steps Delta Phi Epsilon takes to eradicate the stigma
around eating disorders.
“[Delta Phi Epsilon] has always been a place that has placed great importance for individuality, valuing people and girls for who they are, not what they look like,” Troncone said. “Being ambassadors for healthy attitudes, bodies and behaviors, within our sisterhood and our sorority, but also within the NSU community, is definitely what we’re striving for.
Troncone said understanding eating disorders is important and they impact individuals beyond just physical health.
“[Eating disorders] are actually a serious issue and potentially life-threatening illness that people struggle with, so just being there for not only just sisters, but if anyone came to me asking about resources, just being able to be there with open arms, and take them seriously,” Troncone said.
Gutierrez said students need to be mindful of their mental and physical well-being.
“At the end of the day, our students safety, health, and well-being are our priority,” Gutierrez said. Students can call the Center for Student Counseling and Well-being at 954-424-6911.
Tatiana Zelman, sophomore communication major, contributed to this report.
The impact of Trump’s impending tariffs
By Luqman Gbenro
President Donald Trump signed three trade-related executive orders on Feb. 1. Two of the orders imposed 25% tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariffs on goods imported from China and energy imported from Canada. The tariffs on Mexico and Canada were paused on Feb. 3, but the Chinese tariff went into effect the following day.
A White House fact sheet published on Feb. 1 describes president Trump’s actions as leveraging America’s economic position to secure our U.S. borders and combat fentanyl.
Albert Williams, associate professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, can see the strategy in the president’s actions.
“[The Trump administration] thinks that fentanyl and [illegal] immigration are national security concerns, and therefore he’s saying he’s going to put these tariffs on you if you don’t take care of the needs that he has for national security,” Williams said. “The overarching goal of the president is to deal with illegal immigration and with the drug issue.”
Williams said that tariffs are typically meant to protect a local industry from being undercut by foreign competitors. Trump’s tariff-based method of bargaining strays from this norm and could prove costly if a deal isn’t struck.
“We’ve gone through a period of free trade with minimal tariffs, and we enjoy all these global goods, so if you put tariffs on these things, you may get less of the goods,” Williams said. “Most economists recognize that when there’s a tariff, prices go up.”
Belay Seyoum, an international business professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College, believes the volume of trade between friendly nations like Mexico and Canada heightens the stakes of these tariffs.
“We trade with Mexico close to a billion dollars a day. And almost the same also with Canada,” Seyoum said. “If you look at the whole of the West European countries, [and] you put all those together, it’s not equal to the trade between Canada and the United States.”
The larger perspective of the tariff negotiations is hard to track because the situation is constantly changing, but the small-scale impact is very clear. Any possible tariffs will impact the average
American heavily.
“We won’t know [the outcome] because these negotiations are very hard to predict,” Williams said.
“People who [will feel] the impacts
the most are people with lower incomes because they already are living on a shoestring budget and living paycheck to paycheck.”
PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD
Dimitri Baptiste, assistant manager of Mail Services, helps load students’ packages to transport on campus.
COURTESY OF RYLEE WEST
Members of Delta Phi Epsilon pose for a photo during the primary recruitment event where they discuss how sisters raise awareness for people who struggle with anorexia.
Importance and value of Experiential Education and Learning units
By Daria Gross
NSU requires undergraduate students to complete a minimum of six Experiential Education and Learning units to graduate. Juliette Kitchens, professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, said ExEL units give students hands-on collaborative
work experience in their respective fields of study. Students can assist in research with professors and get opportunities for internships.
“I think that experiential learning is crucial to a well-rounded education,” Kitchens said. “Particularly in today’s hiring market, employers don’t want to see somebody who has not had any kind of experience.”
More than 200 courses qualify for an ExEL unit, including Intro to Print Journalism, Marine Biology and Lab, Intro to Athletic Training and First-Year Experience. Other opportunities like mock trials, internships, the IN-SIGHT think tank program, SAS Alternative Break, Digressions Literary & Art Journal, Mako Media Network and studying abroad can also qualify for ExEL units.
Daisy Muddimer, junior marine biology major, attends labs, performs dissections and studies plant species as part of the ExEL units.
“These opportunities give me in-field work opportunity and experience that I know I will need in the future for any job I want to have,” Muddimer said.
Kitchens said ExEL units are beneficial for undergraduates who are building their professional resumes
and learning about what they are interested in pursuing when joining the workforce.
“These units provide a number of opportunities for students to learn about their field of interest, both in the classroom and with hands-on fieldwork,” Kitchens said.
Jeffrey Hartman, director of the Office of Experiential Education and Learning & First-Year Experience, agrees.
“The benefit in general for students is their ability to apply the knowledge that you’ve gained in your courses to real-life experience,’’ Hartman said. “For example, when you get to a hospital and you have a particular situation that you need to deal with, you have the experience in your undergraduate time that prepared you for those experiences.”
Hartman said completing ExEL units allows students to see their personal growth.
“With the utilization of ExEL, students have a great advantage of getting unique work opportunities with classmates or professors that many may not get to experience. This can help narrow down students’ interests and set goals for what they want to pursue in the future,” he said.
Students also have the opportunity to turn their course into an ExEL unit as long as the course follows the appropriate process to get accepted by their respective departments.
“There is an application process, so if a college department is interested in having a course approved and receiving ExEL designation, it goes through an application process,” Hartman said.
Students can learn about the ExEL units available to them by utilizing the Center for Academic and Professional Success and meeting with an advisor.
“Taking advantage of these credits is vital for a student’s success, and credits are easy to earn,” Kitchens said.
Additionally, students can reach out to their professors to gain further insight on their graduation requirements.
“Students have come up to me and said, ‘I never would have known about this if it wasn’t for the class itself.’ This allowed them to get outside of their comfort zone and helped influence their path while enriching it,” Kitchens said.
On-campus resources to help students with midterm studies
By Antonio Miguel Escorzon
Midterm week starts on Feb. 24.
The NSU Writing and Communication Center and the Tutoring and Testing Center are two resources open for students who are studying for exams or completing assignments during the week.
Cailin Rolph, assistant director of the WCC, said it accommodates students during midterm week by remaining open.
“We’re open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Fridays, we close at 5 p.m.,” Rolph said.
On Saturday and Sundays, the WCC is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sundays, the WCC reopens at 3 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m.
Zach Timmons, first-year graduate student in the Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media master’s program and graduate assistant coordinator for the WCC, said midterm week is one of the busiest times for the WCC.
“During the midterm, that is obviously when we start getting a little bit more booked and busy, so we have a lot more foot traffic coming in,” Timmons said. “We have a lot more people who will book appointments, not only in person, but also on Zoom over the weekends.”
Janine Morris, associate professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, and faculty coordinator at the WCC, says it helps undergraduate, graduate and professional students of all kinds
with writing assignments.
“We are always here to help students who are working on assignments, papers [and] lab reports,” Morris said. “We have consultants who can help support them in all those different kinds of genres.”
The WCC utilizes writing consultants who are student staff members.
“Writing fellows are basically writing tutors,” Rolph said. “We use the word consultant instead of tutor because we like to encourage them to be as unbiased as possible and to give the students that are visiting the tools to fix [their work] themselves.”
Rolph believes students who visit the WCC and are guided by writing consultants will be more confident in how they write.
“Instead of you see someone’s paper and you’re just fixing their paper, you’re giving them the tools to fix it themselves,” Rolph said. “So [it is] teaching students how to be more confident with their writing, helping them with grammar, formatting [and] with anything; anything to do with the foundational basics of writing. We are giving them the tools.”
Melissa Montagna, associate director of Academic Support Services, said the TTC hosted webinars during the semester such as “Don’t Call it a Comeback Webinar!” and is accessible for students studying for midterms through virtual appointments and extended hours.
“We are open for extended hours
during midterm week to facilitate all of those accommodated makeup, sick exams to make sure students are being able to complete them in a timely manner,” Montagna said.
Montagna said the TTC tries focusing on tutoring students in STEM-based courses and understanding the makeup of the undergraduate student population to target courses that show poor student grade results.
Jada Fenelus, sophomore nursing major, said she has had a positive experience getting tutored at the TTC.
Fenelus said that the tutors at the TTC help her go through her work, being appreciative they are there showing she is not alone and to not be afraid to ask for help.
The TTC provides four services to aid students preparing for midterms: Supplemental Instruction, Peer Tutoring, Peer Academic Consulting and Testing Services. Montagna elaborated on Peer Tutoring. She said the tutor would work with the student to come up with goals that are more realistic for the session.
“[The tutors] really hone in on like what exactly [the students] need to learn, giving them things to work on once they leave here as well,” Montagna said. “So [the students] feel like more, they feel like they are in a position of control and success moving forward, like really getting rid of feelings of stress and anxiety.”
PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER
Writing and Communication Center consultant Gabriella Rahaley, sophomore secondary social studies education major, helps Lucy Correa, freshman biology major, with an assignment.
COURTESY OF MARLISA SANTOS IN-SIGHT fellows engage in beach cleanup efforts as part of their collaboration with Montachem International Inc.
Guests celebrate 21st Community Fest
By Bryce Johnson
The Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement hosted the 21st annual Community Fest at the Gold Circle Lake on Feb. 8. Guests learned about different clubs, organizations and departments. They also participated in activities like the petting zoo, face painting and boat rides.
PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD Kelsey Applegarth interacts with her therapy dogs, Copper and Ellie, from the Animal Assisted Intervention Organization.
PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD
Local children and families gather around animals from Ponies & Petting Zoo of Miami.
PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD
NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon and his wife, Ann-Marie Moon, take photos with families, students and faculty during NSU’s annual Community Fest.
PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD
The club Barbies 4 Breast Cancer tables at Community Fest and gives out free customized shirts to attendees.
PHOTO BY MARLEE CARD
NSU’s Drumline performs around the Gold Circle Lake.
PHOTO BY ROSE JEAN-PIERRE A Kona Ice truck gives out free snow cones at Community Fest.
PHOTO BY ROSE JEAN-PIERRE
The Davie Police Department rides through Community Fest on its horses.
PHOTO BY ROSE JEAN-PIERRE Families gather around animals from Ponies & Petting Zoo of Miami.
Shark Speak: How do you cope with the stress of midterms?
“I definitely recommend Cali Coffee trips with friends, and besides that, a lot of collaborative room time with friends, too, to practice tests all together,” said Shanna Vaysblat, freshman biology major.
BY TINA VALDOVINOS
“I usually like to listen to music after my study sessions and I also try to destress myself with different treats, like something from Starbucks,” said Alexander Velasco, sophomore sport and recreation management major.
“For midterms, I like to study by myself, just like to review all the material and to feel confident. I pray about it, too, and I like to go get ice cream with my mom to try to destress,” said Nicole Capote, freshman Art + Design major.
“I like to listen to music because I think it calms me down. It is also very important to take rest days. It is important to grind and to study long hours, but the importance of taking a break is something that should not be forgotten,” said Peter Sidhom, sophomore biology major.
Sipping, snacking and studying: Ari Bakery Cafe’s recipe for midterm preparation
By Hannah Krebsbach
Shireen Chimal, a sophomore public health major, lowers her stress levels during midterm season by studying at Ari Bakery Cafe.
“Ari Bakery is not a super social place, so there is not a lot of noise. You can definitely focus on your homework while you are there,” Chimal said.
Chimal is not the only NSU student who decides to destress at Ari Bakery Cafe. Lindsay Scherer, sophomore marine biology major, visits bakeries and cafes to study.
“I prefer to study at night on weekends so having a fuel source,
like coffee, nearby is really nice,” Scherer said.
Ari Bakery Cafe, formerly known as Paris Morning Bakery, is a French-inspired Korean bakery. It is a small chain with multiple locations around South Florida, one of them in Davie.
Since this bakery opened, it has been a popular place to study. This is due to its proximity to the school, late hours and quiet atmosphere.
“I would describe Paris Morning Bakery as a very calm and peaceful place that I could just grab something really quick and then focus on my homework,” Chimal said.
The bakery is open from 11 a.m.
to 11 p.m. most days, enabling students to study earlier in the day or late into the night.
“I prefer to study at night because there is less foot traffic in the bakery, so it is quieter and I feel more productive at night,” Chimal said.
For those who prefer late-night studying, Ari Bakery Cafe offers 50% off select baked goods from 9 p.m. to closing. It has a wide variety of options, from drinks to breads and custom cakes.
“I like the atmosphere that cafes provide. A lot of people go there to do work and study, so being surrounded by other people who are also really focused helps me
to focus. The first thing I check before I decide to go to a place is the menu, see if it is a good place to go,” Scherer said.
Ari Bakery Cafe’s menu has extensive options such as the traditional Korean rice dish, ZipBop, with spicy pork, eel, chicken and bulgogi.
It also offers Bingsoo as a seasonal dessert, which is a traditional shaved ice dessert consisting of ice mixed with condensed milk and a variety of sweet toppings such as strawberries or cookie crumbs. All flavors are also topped with a scoop of ice cream.
Aside from its traditional dishes, the bakery offers uncommon twists to French pastries, such as the Croffle, a combination of a croissant and a waffle along with its more traditional bakery items. It has a variety of drinks ranging from traditional boba, lattes, coffees and the occasional seasonal drink such as its “Velvet Heart” frappe for the 2024 Valentine’s season.
PHOTO BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE A customer places an order at Ari Bakery Cafe.
By Sneha Subhash
Daniel Segura, assistant professor in Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, believes wearable technologies like the Apple Watch are an effective tool in the healthcare industry and evolving patient care.
“This is a growing trend right now. The Apple Watch is being integrated with various healthcare systems due to its vast capabilities.
For example, it can help monitor patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular diseases by measuring blood sugar levels and heart rate,” Segura said.
Devices like the Apple Watch have gained widespread attention for their ability to collect and analyze data in real time, offering a significant amount of data that can transform patient care.
Wearing Wellness
Segura, who holds dual doctoral degrees in Healthcare Education and Instructional Technology and Distance Education from NSU and a master’s in Biomedical Informatics, said a standout feature of the Apple Watch is its fall detection, which can notify healthcare providers in the event of an emergency, particularly for elderly individuals.
“If they were to fall, they have the SOS alert, which is able to notify the provider,” Segura said.
This integration of wearable technology and healthcare is vital for delivering timely interventions and preventing serious health outcomes.
In addition to its health-monitoring functions, the Apple Watch has been an asset for fitness, reminding users to engage in physical activity and offering
sleep-tracking capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from sleep deprivation or those looking to optimize their sleep patterns.
“The Apple Watch makes it way easier to stay on top of my fitness. It tracks my steps, reminds me to move and keeps me motivated to work out. It just helps me stay on track without stressing about it,” said Ashley Godwin, sophomore biology major.
Beyond health monitoring, wearable technology can also be integrated with EHR systems to further enhance care.
“Data is gold. The more information we have, the better we can analyze and provide preventive care. Having access to realtime data means doctors can make more informed decisions and intervene earlier when necessary,”
Segura said.
Segura also acknowledges that integrating this wearable data into clinical decision-making presents challenges, particularly in ensuring compatibility with electronic health record systems. He said this reluctance can delay the adoption of wearable technology and slow the process of fully integrating these technologies into everyday patient care.
“The COVID-19 pandemic forced many providers to adapt to telemedicine, and they realized just how effective it can be. However, there’s still resistance in some corners of the industry when it comes to fully integrating these technologies into everyday practice,” Segura said.
Is screen time is taking over our well-being?
By Madison Kasper
Technology has taken over the new generation, and research shows it is taking over people’s health, too.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, “High levels of screen time have been linked with adverse health outcomes, including poor sleep habits, fatigue and symptoms of anxiety and depression.” As a part of Mako Media’s Health Update, Aarti Raja, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, discussed the effect screens have on college students’ overall health.
Q: As college students, we’re always on our phones or our laptops, whether it’s for class assignments or just our entertainment. How does that affect our physical health?
adding to poorer mental well-being amongst us.
Q: How does the use of screens affect sleep patterns for college students?
A: In general, college students unfortunately don’t have the best sleep patterns because they are busy. But the added use of these devices has added to poor sleep patterns. What’s happening is they are sleeping less, so they are averaging less than seven hours of sleep a night. When they are sleeping, the sleep is pretty poor. It is disturbed sleep, so they are getting up every now and then to maybe check their phone or social media.
Q: What tips do you have for college students to improve their overall health?
Q: How does it affect mental health?
A: Spending a lot of time in front of the screen is impacting
A: It is one of the unfortunate downsides of using technology. The main issue tends to be things like strain on our eyes. Eye strain occurs because we are looking at a computer screen for long periods. There is also a change in our posture because we are either bending forward to look at our mini-screens or not sitting upright and straight. There are back problems because of that and going hand-in-hand with the eyestrain. There also seems to be an increase in people having headaches.
an individual’s mental well-being or health in general. People are spending more time on a device than interacting with other people. Not being in a social setting, people are increasingly experiencing loneliness. The surgeon general of the United States at one point indicated that loneliness might be the next epidemic or condition that we all must be worried about. Along with that, we are also seeing things like anxiety levels going up among people. Depression levels are rising among people, and so all these are
A: The idea is to take 20-minute breaks from your devices. Spend 20 looking at something 20-feet away. It is shown to improve or help your vision. If you have poor vision, at least help with your eyestrain, and doing this every 20 minutes when you are in front of a computer can be beneficial for you. Research advocates that you do this 20-20-20 kind of philosophy. If college students can do that, that might help them along the way.
Q: Any last thoughts?
A: Be conscious of it, and I always tell my kids and students we live in South Florida: we have no excuse. The weather is great outside almost throughout the year. If we could spend more time outside and away from our phones and screens, it would help our physical and mental health.
PHOTO BY MIA ALVARADO
(From left) Kylie Wheeler, freshman nursing major; Pritha Patel, junior biology major; Jayden Ross, junior marine biology major; and Teresa Arroyo, sophomore marine biology major, use their laptops in Razor’s Reef.
NSU students to perform ‘Cymbeline’ in the Black Box Theatre
By Antonio Miguel Escorzon
Undergraduate students are performing “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare in the Black Box Theatre in the Don Taft University Center from Feb. 21-23. It is a production of the Department of Communication, Media and The Arts.
“Cymbeline” is a tragic comedy following Imogen, the daughter of the king, as she navigates love, betrayal and mistaken identity.
Alex Alvarez, assistant professor in DCMA, said he invited Nicole Stodard, adjunct professor in DCMA and producing artistic director of Thinking Cap Theatre, to be the “Cymbeline” production’s director because he knows she would have her own take on directing.
“So I knew that we wanted to do a classical piece,” Alvarez said. “I knew that Nicole would not be interested in just rehashing another classical play, but to bring her own flavor to it, to discover it with the cast and to discover it on her own when reading it and adapting it.”
Alvarez invited Stodard because he knew she had an interesting kind of visual eye, palette and aesthetic in directing.
“I am excited for the students to experience working with Nicole,
BY BRIELLE
designers, cast members [and] crew,” Alvarez said. “Nicole has something special to offer our students here at NSU.”
Alvarez believes it is important for students to understand how to work with other theatre directors.
“I think the students are learning how to work with a professional artistic director who has a very specific way of working,” Alvarez said.
“The designers are in the room more frequently than other plays in the past because visual aesthetic is something that’s really interesting
to her. If something shifts in rehearsals, then the designers are there in time to see it shift and are part of the discussion of what then needs to change.”
Alvarez said directors have certain choices, ideas and questions brought to the rehearsal process as it shows students a director is not there to just give them answers on how to act.
“It’s just fun to work with other people and see how other people work. It gives our students a way to just learn how different directors
work and their vision,” said Reagan Singer, junior elementary education major and a set designer for “Cymbeline.”
The student cast and crew have been working on the “Cymbeline” production since the start of this winter semester.
“We had auditions at the end of the second week, took a week off and then started rehearsal,” Alvarez said.
Singer had a positive experience working on the “Cymbeline” production.
“So far the creative process has been great,” Singer said. “I’ve loved working with our director.”
Alvarez said he also enjoyed producing the play, and believes Stodard’s vision of it will bring positivity and excitement.
“There’s going to be music in it. There’s going to be some movement in it. It is going to be a good time,” Alvarez said.
For more information:
“Cymbeline” will be performed at the Black Box Theatre on Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
‘Surrounded Islands’ exhibit reimagined in NSU Art Museum
By Hannah Krebsbach
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale will unveil the recently acquired documentation of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “Surrounded Islands” in a new exhibition on Feb. 23.
Bonnie Clearwater, director of the museum, said the exhibition will include images, scraps of fabric, permits, legal documentation, maps and more.
“We did this exhibit to create a visual for our visitors of what it must have been like to see the original art,” Clearwater said.
In 1983, Christo and JeanneClaude completed their “Surrounded Islands” project, which consisted of completely surrounding 11 islands in Bakers Haulover Cut with a vibrant pink cloth. The fabric remained for two weeks before being removed.
This installation took three years to complete, with around 400 paid workers. Christo and JeanneClaude personally financed the project by creating and selling art, Clearwater said.
“This project really put Miami on the map internationally, not just the art map, but the map as a place of culture and innovation and excitement. And the press it generated was just tremendous,” Clearwater said.
Before this piece, Clearwater said South Florida had been considered a plain, flat landscape — nothing particularly beautiful about it. However, once the project was completed, people began traveling from all over to catch a glimpse of the islands, she said.
“It ties in with the American tradition of the landscape sublime, the big, beautiful paintings from the 19th century of the glorious landscapes and Niagara Falls and
sunsets, all of this was part of the American experience,” Clearwater said.
All the documentation for the project has been permanently donated to the art museum. Along with the physical remnants of the project, the museum will also have a station where visitors can record their own experiences with the piece to create an “oral history.”
“Everyone seems to have a Christo story or a Surrounded Islands story so we will have a kiosk where someone can walk up and make your own Christo history,” Clearwater said.
In an effort to connect with the younger generation, the museum has been working in collaboration with Kolos Schumy, assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts. He has virtually surrounded the museum with pink sharks, the same color of the pink fabric. Visitors will be able to view this by scanning a QR code displayed at the exhibit.
“I think these colorful, playful things just go straight into the brain of these younger people. We also have a large shark attacking the hotel across the street,” Schumy said.
All NSU students automatically have a membership to the museum. They just need to activate it on the museum website using their NSU login information. Clearwater urges
all students to attend the exhibition, not just art students.
She said that the exhibition is multidisciplinary since there are extensive documents on the wildlife living on the island, legal documents from different agencies trying to stop Christo and JeanneClaude, papers containing information about the marine life and ecosystems around the islands, as well as the beauty of the piece itself.
“I think students should come to see it for multiple reasons, but first of all it, was beautiful. The opening quote for the exhibition is from Christo and it says, ‘above everything, it was beautiful,’” Clearwater said.
For more information: Members Preview Reception
When: Feb. 22
Where: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Phone: 954-525-5500
Website: www.nsuartmuseum.org
PHOTO
AGUAYO
Cast members of “Cymbeline” rehearse their final scene of the play, while standing on platforms to also practice their blocking.
COURTESY OF 2024 CHRISTO AND JEANNE-CLAUDE FOUNDATION
Christo works on a preparatory collage for “Surrounded Islands” in his studio.
SCHUMY
Schumy worked in Budapest, Hungary, for many years with different companies, doing things such as photo editing, magazine design and graphic illustration. Then, in 2007, everything changed when Schumy attended Art Basel, an international contemporary art fair.
“I first came to Florida in 2007 just visiting. And one of the main reasons that I am sitting with [The Current] today is because of Art Basel. I worked for a magazine in Hungary at the time and my art people in Hungary told me that Art Basel is the No. 1 art event in the world,” he said.
Art Basel provides a space for artists, art collectors and other prominent individuals in the art world to come together. There are four locations worldwide where this event is hosted, one of which takes place in Miami.
Schumy has been attending Art Basel in Miami since 2007.
“This past December was my 18th year. Every year since 2007, I take off the whole week and I go down to Miami and I take pictures. On my website, there’s a link to Art Basel and it’s like 18 years’ worth of photos, over a million photos,” Schumy said.
Along with Art Basel, two main artists have influenced Schumy’s art and involvement with the medium.
The first artist is H.R. Giger, who is well-known for his designs of the creatures in the “Alien” movies.
“He was an amazing artist. I think that atmosphere, the science fiction visuals he created, inspired all of
the computer games that people are playing today, starting with ‘Doom’ and all those things today,” Schumy said.
The second is Hajime Sorayama who painted hyper-realistic robots that were often displayed on magazine covers.
“It’s very iconic and recently they started making life-sized, or even bigger, sculptures out of his robots,” Schumy said.
Once deciding to move to Florida, shortly after attending Art Basel in 2007, Schumy worked at multiple state schools before making NSU home.
“NSU has given me huge support and freedom to develop ideas and classes that point us toward the future and cutting-edge technologies. They gave me access to devices and funds to create a class just like this one [virtual reality art course],” Schumy said. “So, I can explore and create art that is very fresh and new. I used to work at a state school and there was zero support. We can do things here that I would have never thought we could do.”
One opportunity that Schumy has taken advantage of is the access to the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. He uses Adobe Aero to digitally encircle the museum with various objects. He has done this a few times with “Tetris” blocks and gummy bears before deciding on sharks for the museum exhibition.
“Adobe is a huge company, and they have a collaboration with
Google Maps. So, I got approved to put objects on Google Maps that people can view using a QR code,” he said.
The surrounding of the museum is done in collaboration with the upcoming exhibit “Surrounded Islands” by Christo and JeanneClaude, opening on Feb. 23. The QR code will be displayed alongside the exhibit so that museum goers can view the animations on Google Maps.
Bonnie Clearwater, director of the NSU Art Museum, who has been working with Schumy for about two months, said that this collaboration came about as a result of one of Schumy’s previous students. Tristen Trivett, Community Engagement and Arts education coordinator for the museum, recommended Schumy when discussing a possible collaboration. He then reached out to him and put him in contact with Clearwater.
“Both of them were very enthusiastic in our meeting,” Clearwater said.
Schumy also teaches an extended reality art class with a focus on virtual reality. He built this class “from scratch” along with Raul Perez, senior Art + Design major, who works alongside him in the classroom.
Perez has been working with Schumy for two years, first as a student, then as his teaching assistant. Perez stated that one thing students will benefit from in Schumy’s class is his ambition.
“I have had professors in the past where as long as you do the assignment, they’re complacent. But
Schumy really does care. He pushes you, even if you don’t like it, and oftentimes that makes your work better,” Perez said.
Schumy also likes to incorporate his students’ interests into his art. He often asks students who they would like him to draw, such as celebrities, musical artists, influencers and more.
“I like to ask students who I should draw, and they usually tell me people like rappers, so some of the people on my website, I don’t even know who they are,” Schumy said.
Schumy has made art his life and is dedicated to raising the next generation of graphic designers.
The yellow brick road ahead of the Oscars
By Bryce Johnson
Fin Films, a student-run film club, will host a viewing of the 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, on March 2 at 7 p.m. through Zoom. Elena Gonzalez, senior elementary education major and co-president of Fin Films, watches the Oscars ceremony every year.
“It’s nice that there’s an award ceremony that really recognizes film, and that’s why I care a lot for it to be well done,” Gonzalez said.
The Oscars is an annual ceremony that awards films for multiple categories, such as Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Original Song. This year, the host is Conan O’Brien.
“I hope with Conan O’Brien hosting that we’ll have a better host, because the last few years the main problem has been that the hosts maybe aren’t as funny or that the show takes too long,” said Joshua Guyton, junior law major with a minor in film studies.
Yair Solan, assistant professor of
literature and film in the Department of Humanities and Politics, thinks multiple movies nominated for Best Picture have a good chance at winning, including “Wicked,” “A Complete Unknown” and “Nickel Boys.”
“‘Wicked’ and ‘Emilia Pérez’ are both musicals, and I think they both have nominations in the double digits,” Solan said.
This year, Gonzalez is happy seeing “The Substance” get nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress, as well as “The Wild Robot” for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.
“Usually with the Oscars, they don’t tend to recognize horror, so it was nice that [‘The Substance’] got nominated for Best Picture,” Gonzalez said.
At the same time, Gonzalez is disappointed in this year’s Oscars ceremony. She wishes movies like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” were nominated. She is also disappointed with “Emilia Pérez,” a French movie set in Mexico about a transgender cartel leader. It has 13 nominations, making it the non-English film with the most nominations in history.
Gonzalez feels “Emilia Pérez” is inauthentic to the lives of both trans and Mexican people.
“My biggest offense really is that
they didn’t cast Mexican people for the roles that are supposed to be Mexican people,” Gonzalez said.
Karla Sofia Gascón, an actress from Spain who plays Emilia Pérez in the film, is the first openly transgender person nominated for Best Actress. After Gascón’s nomination, some of her social media posts from 2019 to 2021 resurfaced, where she criticized Muslims and the Black Lives Matter movement.
“All this offensive material from her social media came up recently. And then her reaction to that has essentially led Netflix to cut ties with her and basically not include her anymore in the promotion for the Oscars,” Solan said.
Students can watch the Oscars live on March 2 at 7 p.m. on ABC. For those interested in watching the films nominated for Best Picture, including “Anora” and “Dune: Part Two,” AMC Aventura 24 is holding a Best Picture Showcase marathon on Feb. 22 and March 1.
“It would be cool to see ‘Dune: Part Two’ get Best Picture. I think it’s really good and really deserving,” Guyton said.
The Reel holds a showing of “Barbie,” an Oscar-winning film, on Nov. 14, 2024.
PHOTO BY NICOLE GOMEZ
Kolos Schumy, assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, draws in his Special Topics Digital Illustration course.
MUSIC BY MARLEE CARD
Through the decades of Rhythm and Blues
To honor Black History Month, let’s take a dive into the genre that emerged from African-American musical traditions. According to The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, R&B has stood as a fusion of jazz, blues and gospel since the 1940s.
Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child and Usher are some of the most influential R&B artists. Much of early R&B music drew from gospel’s emotional depth, blues’ storytelling and jazz’s improvisation, seen through artists like Ray Charles and Ruth Brown.
More recent R&B artists are Erykah Badu, Summer Walker, Frank Ocean, Coco Jones and Brent Faiyaz. Most recently, SZA won “Best R&B Song,” for the second consecutive year at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Artists like Ne-Yo, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Chris Brown mix classic soul lyricism with funk and hip-hop.
Even The Weeknd can be seen as an R&B artist, as he incorporates pop and electronic, especially with his newest album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” released Jan. 31.
By the 1950s and 1960s, R&B became more polished with artists such as Sam Cooke, James Brown and Otis Redding, who laid the groundwork for soul music. R&B music even played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, often speaking to the struggles and triumphs of African Americans during the era when many dealt with segregation and inequality.
Moving through the decades, R&B began incorporating funk, artists like James Brown developed a more rhythm-driven sound with tight grooves and dynamic horn sections. Marvin Gaye, with his album “What’s Going On,” addressed pressing social issues, while Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life, ”represented his innovative musicality. This is when we saw bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire and The Jackson 5, Kool & the Gang blend R&B with jazz, soul and pop elements. Powerful female voices started to dominate the R&B genre, such as Janet Jackson and her album
The NACC Chart reflects the most popular music and artists gaining traction on college and community radio stations across North America. They offer insights into the ever-changing taste of younger, experimental listeners who gravitate toward authentic and fresh sounds. This week’s top five artists show the influence of older artists, and rising artists that hold a significant presence in today’s music scene. Many of these sounds may resonate with college students who appreciate the history of music, and the rise of new sounds.
1. Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear Moving up to No. 1, Franz Ferdinand and its album, “The Human Fear,” showcase an interesting take on the band’s music evolution. Lead vocalist Alex Kapranos and bassist Bob Hardy have been producing music together for more than 20 years and they still produce the same energetic and danceable tracks. Yet, with new bandmates adding a new sound, and as they age, this album has a cohesive theme, examining various manifestations of fear and the human experience.
2. Father John Misty - Mahashmashana At the No. 2 spot on the NACC Chart for a consecutive week, Josh Tillman, who goes by Father John
“Control” marking a shift toward a more assertive and self-aware persona influencing the direction of R&B in the late 1980s. Whitney Houston’s debut album “Whitney Houston” and subsequent releases show her powerful vocals, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. After The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson brought R&B to new heights in the 1980s, with Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. His seamless mix of pop, R&B, funk and rock set a new standard for mainstream pop, with songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the title track breaking records and making him a global icon.
The 1990s were the golden era for R&B, as it experienced a blend of traditional soul with hip-hop influences and the rise of neo-soul, a genre that brought back more organic sounds. Known for its vocal depth, poetic storytelling and emotional vulnerability, this period saw artists like TLC and Badu infuse R&B with feminist empowerment, drawing from hip-hop, funk and pop influences. Aaliyah helped define the decade’s R&B sound with albums like “One in a Million,” further shaping its evolution. Meanwhile, Hill’s
The Chart Buzz
Misty, and his newest release, “Mahashmashana,” takes a unique approach to the complexities of life through his lyricism and the dynamic musical landscape. No track sounds the same in this album, from the soulful lead off track of “Mahashmashana,” to the 1970s’ inspired funk and disco groove of “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All,” the intricate compositions make this album a stand-out in his discography. While the album is different from Tillman’s previous works, young adults who appreciate complex arrangements in music will appreciate it.
3. The Weather Station - Humanhood
The Weather Station’s seventh studio album, “Humanhood,” moved to No. 3 on the NACC Chart. Lead vocalist Tamara Lindeman explores interesting musical components, blending acoustic instruments like banjo and fiddle with layers of synthesizers. She explains “Body Moves,” as an “arrangement that has this sort of sweetness, but this sharpness too,” and while it’s a simple song, it’s a vulnerable sound that makes listeners feel as though they are listening in on something intimate.
“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” became a landmark album, seamlessly blending R&B, hip-hop, and soul, with Hill’s powerful vocals and songwriting earning both critical and commercial acclaim.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, R&B was constantly evolving, reflecting and shaping social and cultural trends. The genre’s diversity and innovation in these decades set the stage for the modern R&B we know today. Packed with rich storytelling themes of vulnerability, love and heartbreak, these elements are relevant in artists like Kehlani, Kali Uchis, Daniel Caesar, Cleo Sol, Anderson Paak and Jazmine Sullivan. While musical compositions and production styles have changed throughout the years, these artists have mastered the art of conveying emotional uncertainty through powerful, direct lyricism that explores modern dating culture, self-reflection and even controversial societal topics. R&B music today continues to push musical boundaries while remaining rooted in authenticity and cultural appreciation.
4. FKA twigs - EUSEXUA
Tahliah Debrett Barnett, who goes by FKA twigs, is a British singer, writer and dancer. EUSEXUA is her third album, which has an upbeat vibe with a strong emphasis on dance and pop influences. Having an incredible jump on the charts from 42 to five, her increase on the NACC Chart demonstrates that she has the potential of becoming a popular pop artist of her generation.
5. hemlock - 444
At the No.5 spot, “hemlock” stays in the top five artists of the NACC Chart with their newest album, “444” carries themes that are highly relatable to college students, particularly those navigating personal growth, relationships and reflection. Led by Louisiana vocalist Carolina Chauffe, hemlock takes on a calm angelic style of music. With her peaceful guitar patterns, Chauffe presents her music to focus on life and asks listeners to pause in the rhythm of life, take a moment to consider the time we have before our last breath and just be in the moment.
Kayle Hage, sophomore communication major, contributed to this report.
PICKLEBALL
“This space is for students so we want to make sure that we have things that you guys will actually use and enjoy. If we see something that’s underutilized and we’re able to scrape together some funding to make it into something that you will use more often, then that’s something we’re going to try and do,” Ayanna Stephens, director of Design and Construction, said.
When Alfonso first pitched the idea of pickleball courts to NSU leadership last year, their willingness to fund the project was initially hesitant. The perception of pickleball as primarily an “older people” sport resulted in some pause.
“Some of the folks said, ‘oh no that’s for old people.’ So we waited a few months for when the new fiscal year kicked in, appropriated the amount of funds that we needed
to do it, and then Ayanna and her team did the magic,” Alfonso said. team did the magic,” Alfonso said.
That magic involved a collaborative effort led by Stephens, who oversaw the design and construction, and included key partnerships with President Harry K. Moon, the RecPlex, and NSU Athletics. Within NSU Athletics, head men’s basketball coach, Jim Crutchfield, played a particularly influential role in the court’s design.
“Crutchfield loves pickleball and he was very involved in the design of the courts. We had three courts in the initial design until Crutchfield got involved and was able to work with us and the vendor who installed it, so we were able to get six on here,” Stephens said.
Alongside his experience coaching basketball at West Liberty
University, he also was a former head tennis coach, where he won 11 league titles. Crutchfield’s interest in racquet sports extended to pickleball, making him a valuable asset to the project.
Robert Baroniel, assistant athletic director of athletic external affairs, explains how Crutchfield would play tennis every day at 10 a.m. for many years until he started playing pickleball.
“We connected him with the facilities team and let him be like a sounding board in the design and the construction of the courts, so he was almost like this unofficial consultant,” Baroniel said.
Aside from coach involvement, student input, facilitated by RecPlex management, also contributed to the project. For the past three years, the RecPlex offered portable pickleball courts, where they would set up the nets on existing badminton lines.
“Each week, a couple days a week, when we would put up the nets, we had a lot of feedback that it was popular, with them saying that we wish we could do this more,” said Tom Vitucci, assistant dean for student services and director of recreation and wellness.
That feedback proved to be a good indicator of student interest, as the permanent pickleball courts have become very popular.
“I go on average to play pickleball two to three times a week. It’s a sport that anyone can play and
Sports shorts
By Isabella Fernandez de Cueto
Women’s softball, Feb. 2
The Sharks split their last two games at the Gulf Shores Invitational, falling to No. 24 Oklahoma Christian University 6-5 and defeating the University of West Alabama 1-0. Game 1 saw two RBIs from Lauren Margolis, and Game 2 saw a perfect game from pitcher Cassidy Duskin, a home run from Aubrey Hutzler, and head coach Julie LeMaire’s 500th career win.
Men’s baseball, Feb. 2
The No. 22 men’s baseball team fell 11-3 against Wingate University. The Sharks were led by pitcher Edwin Alicea, who had five strikeouts, and Matthew Corpas, who recorded two RBIs.
Women’s tennis, Feb. 1
The defending national champions and No. 2 women’s tennis team opened their regular season with a 7-0 win over Ave Maria University. Kristyna Hranacova, Isabella Ciancaglini, Sofia Shing, Noemie Dadoun, and Julia Moraes had wins in both singles and doubles.
Women’s basketball, Feb. 1
The No. 21 women’s basketball team defeated Barry University 68-53 in a County-Line Cup matchup. The Sharks were led by Alana Ellis, who had 13 points, and Payton Graber, who had 12 points.
Men’s basketball, Feb. 1
The No. 3 men’s basketball team earned a 103-63 win over Barry University in a County-Line Cup matchup. MJ Iraldi recorded 23 points while shooting 75% from the field, and Alex Mangold had 17 points.
Women’s softball, Feb. 1
The women’s softball team earned a sweep on the first day of the Gulf Shores Invitational, with a 5-1 win over No. 9 Rogers State University and a 7-3 win over the University of West Florida. Game 1 saw a home run and two RBIs from Brenna Lokeinsky, and Game 2 saw two RBIs from Tori Copeland.
Men’s baseball, Feb. 1
The No. 22 men’s baseball team won both games in a doubleheader against Delta State University 17-6 and 8-2. Game 1 saw home runs from Justin Wachs (3-3), Roylan Quevedo (4-6), and Ty Torti (2-2). Game 2 saw five strikeouts from pitcher Christopher Perez and four RBIs from Wachs (2-3).
Women’s softball, Jan. 31
The women’s softball team dropped its season opener 3-1 against Lubbock Christian University in extra innings. An RBI by Cassidy Duskin led to Maliyah Lawson scoring the Sharks’ run, and pitcher Gracelyn Wallace had five strikeouts.
you can learn it on the spot. It’s such good community building and when I go every Tuesday with a group of people, everyone knows us,” said Catalina Cusano, senior international studies major with a minor in philosophy.
Looking ahead, access to the pickleball courts may soon extend beyond students, as the RecPlex and Facilities Management staff are hopeful to provide all NSU staff with accessibility as well. The courts made an impact on the community with the success of the first NSU pickleball tournament, on Jan. 25. NSU Athletics plans to make the pickleball tournament an annual event held in January.
“We hosted our first pickleball tournament and that event was really neat. We had undergraduate students, graduate students, parents who were in town visiting students, people who are just local pickleball lovers in the community, being 60 to 65 years old to 30 to 40, all playing,” Baroniel said.
The diverse participation in the tournament is precisely what brings joy to Facilities Management, who value seeing the courts actively used.
“The reward is in seeing people using it because it’s sad when you build something or create something and it’s underutilized so to see people out here, to drive by and hear the tapping of the ball on the racket all the time, that’s the reward,” Stephens said.
Men’s baseball, Jan. 31
The No. 22 men’s baseball team opened its season with a 7-6 win over No. 3 Catawba College that went to extra innings. Justin Wachs went 2-4, including a grand slam, and pitcher Keyler Gonzalez threw a career-high seven innings with five strikeouts. Jorge De Goti sealed the win for the Sharks with a walk-off single in the 10th inning.
Women’s basketball, Jan. 29
The No. 21 women’s basketball team beat Lynn University 73-61 to earn its ninth conference win of the season. Aubrey Stupp had 19 points and Alana Ellis had 17 points, and the Sharks had 40 points from the bench.
Men’s basketball, Jan. 29
The No. 3 men’s basketball team beat Lynn University 104-88 to win its fifth consecutive game. The Sharks were led by MJ Iraldi, who had 29 points and 11 rebounds, and Ryker Cisarik, who also had 29 points. Dallas Graziani also recorded a double-double (12 rebounds/17 assists) and tied his own mark for second-most assists in a single game in program history.
Athletics announces interim director of athletics
By Bella Giaquinto
NSU Athletics announced on Feb. 13 that Ryan Romero, associate athletic director for athletic operations, has been named the interim director of athletics. Romero has been a part of NSU Athletics since 2001, starting as an assistant baseball coach. As the former associate athletic director for athletic operations, Romero managed the internal and external operations within the department, handling the oversight of athletic facilities and initiatives.
Romero received his master of science degree in general psychology from NSU in 2015.
COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS
Students play pickleball outside the NSU RecPlex.
NSU men’s basketball nears historic record
PHOTO BY MADISON
assistant coach Nick Smith have both contributed to this streak as players and coaches, with Smith playing for the Sharks from 2017-2022.
“It is unbelievably cool to see how far this program has come. Once upon a time, seven or eight years ago, this school was not known for men’s basketball, and I think more people are definitely familiar with us now,” Smith said.
The program itself has grown in recognition, along with how they play the game.
“I think we’ve established our style of play on a national level. There are very few schools in the country where you associate that school with a certain style of basketball, the way they play the game,” said men’s basketball head coach Jim Crutchfield.
play really hard with a fun style, so we have a great crowd and atmosphere to play in,” Smith said.
The Sharks’ home court mentality is also a part of the team culture.
“This program really takes pride in being at home and playing in front of our own fans, and we all kind of just know that we don’t lose at home,” Sunahara said.
The team would both tie and break the NCAA record during the Sunshine State Conference tournament.
The Sharks, however, remain unfazed by the looming record break and are focused on their goal for the remainder of the season.
By Isabella Fernandez De Cueto
The NSU men’s basketball team has won 76 straight home games and are four games away from tying the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball record for most consecutive home-court victories.
The Sharks have not lost a home game since Feb. 15, 2020 when
they lost to rival Florida Southern College.
“I remember that game,” said RJ Sunahara, men’s basketball team member from 2019- 2023 and current assistant coach for the team. “It was a tough loss but helped us in the long run in seeing that we really got to protect home court.”
Coach Sunahara and fellow
“That’s what we’re trying to achieve as a team that plays harder than everybody else, and we’ve managed to establish that as our reputation, which I am really most proud of.”
The team’s style of play is a key part of how the Sharks have been able to successfully use home-court advantage for almost five years.
“Our brand of basketball is fun to watch. I think back to my freshman year when we had 15- 20 fans, and people started to catch on, coming to the games and realizing that we
“Playoff games are so important that the record won’t even be on my mind. In the moment, we’re looking at a conference title and a win that might help us get a better seat in regionals. Ten years from now, I’m sure the record will mean a lot to me,” Crutchfield said.
For more information:
To keep up with the men’s basketball team and its home win streak, follow them on Instagram and X @nsu_mbasketball.
Pre-Game rituals: How NSU athletes prepare for competition
By Eric Tovin and Ryan Tarke
Superstitions and athletics are synonymous. Ask any athlete, and nine times out of 10 they will mention some form of pre-game ritual. Whether it be a pre-game prayer, a hearty meal or mental preparation, even the best athletes leave their fate up to powers beyond their control.
Alex Mangold, men’s basketball player and graduate student studying business administration, has quite the routine before games.
“We are a very superstitious team and that stems from Coach Crutchfield. My pre-game routine is to get a hearty meal from Outback with the team before every game, watch the beginning of the women’s basketball game, and head into the locker room to prepare at halftime,” Mangold said. “Before every game, coach tells us ‘There’s no place I’d rather be’ and we storm out onto the court before the girls’ game ends, I look up at our back-to-back national championship banners, we all have a group prayer before the game and end it off with ‘1-2-3 Sharks!’”
Sofia Suarez, women’s soccer player and junior exercise and sport science major, likes to keep it simple when it comes to pre-game preparation.
“I always need to have a good meal the night before a match. Nine times out of 10, it’s chicken and pasta because it’s what makes me feel the best,” Suarez said. “I also usually
have a snack two to three hours before a match as well. I always wrap my right wrist with athletic tape, and during the national anthem I like to close my eyes and take it all in, say a prayer, and head out there.”
Amanda Bogle, rowing team member and senior environmental science major, prioritizes mental wellness and manifesting before races.
“Before any race, I always make sure that my mental health and well-being is good. To me, it’s more important than being prepared physically, because you can have the physical capacity to excel but not the mental capacity to execute,” Bogle said. “I also like to envision and manifest exactly what I want myself to do during the race, it plays out like a movie in my head and when it’s all done, I open my eyes and lock in.”
Maya Esparza, women’s swimming team member and junior sport and recreation management major, has quite a meticulous routine.
“My strategies stay the same before every race, sometimes it depends on the yardage. Typically I wake up at the same time, I warm up with a 800-yard run, and then I listen to certain types of music. Specifically, the song Bad Girls by M.I.A.,” Esparaza said. “I’m really specific about drinking a Peach Vibe Celsius about 30 minutes before I swim. I also like to talk to my competitors before each race so I can relax and
remind myself that everyone is in the same position. I warm up again 10 minutes before my race, shake my arms, do a little shimmy and I’m ready to go.”
Luca Alessandrini, men’s swimming team member and senior sport and recreation management major, likes to mentally prepare himself for competitions.
“The days before a big meet are crucial. Mentally I always have mixed feelings, fears, nervousness, and excitement. Physically, I could feel extremely good one day and the exact opposite the next. I’ve learned to not trust my feelings as much in
the water before a championship meet because they are not as accurate compared to regular season,” Alessandrini said. “After preparation, I go out with all of my strength and focus on the positive things. I always stick with my routine, which is breakfast two hours before the competition, warmups, stretching, and I try to have fun with my teammates. Then, it’s time to lock in, focus, and visualize my race. I have a word with my coach, moments later it’s just me, the water, my lane, and my thoughts.”
KASPER
MJ Iraldi, senior interdisciplinary studies major, plays against Palm Beach Atlantic University on Feb. 12.
COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS
Maya Esparza, NSU women’s swimming team member and junior sport and recreation management major, on the starting block prepares to dive in the water.
EVENTS CALENDAR
THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY
THURSDAY 27
Personal Branding 12:30 p.m. - DeSantis 1052
Galentine’s Day Party 6 p.m. - DeSantis 2073
Hands on Healthcare Presents: Escape the ER
6:30 p.m. - DeSantis 1052
Sisters of Legacy: A Black History Month Triva Showdown
7 p.m. - DeSantis 2073
Self Love Guided Meditation
5 p.m. - DeSantis 2081
Dress to Impress Game Night
8 p.m -The Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center FRIDAY
5:30 p.m. - DeSantis 2060
Casino Night
6:30 p.m. DeSantis 1052
Pre-Health Alliance Program Social!
7 p.m. - DeSantis 2066
Cymbeline By William Shakespeare
7:30 p.m. - Black Box Theatre
L’Chaim: A Toast to the Jewish Legacy of Broadway
SUNDAY 23
Revenge of the Orgs
2 p.m. - RecPlex
Dr. Rocky Ruggiero: Art, Power, and Politics in the Italian Renaissance 4 p.m. - NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Havdalah
6:30 p.m. - Chabad House
Cymbeline By William Shakespeare 7:30 p.m. - Black Box Theatre
Cymbeline By William Shakespeare 2 p.m. - Black Box Theatre
4 p.m. - Commons Lawn/Quad MONDAY 24
GirlUp: Period Kit Packing Event Noon – Mako Multipurpose Room 131
Midterms Study Social Noon – DeSantis 1054
Yappy Hour Noon – Flight Deck Backyard
Sunset Yoga Sessions
WEDNESDAY 26
Pita and Parsha Noon – Flight Deck Backyard
Soul Nourishment
6 p.m. - Interfaith Room
Greenhouse Campus Ministry Game Night 7:30 p.m. - Commons 123
FRIDAY 28 MARCH
“Pancake Week” (Maslenitsa) Noon - Mako Multipurpose Room
Dating App Safety Noon – DeSantis 1133
MONDAY 3 LSAT & Lolipops 5 p.m. - DeSantis 1133
TUESDAY 4 Tea and Totes 6 p.m. - DeSantis 1133
WEDNESDAY 5
SATURDAY 8
SUNDAY 9
TUESDAY 11
WEDNESDAY 12
THURSDAY 13
“We the Women Broward: Creating our Wildest Dreams”
9 a.m. - The Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Irish Celebration Starring Andy Cooney
2 p.m. - The Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Girls Lunch and Learn Noon – Chabad House
Guys Learning Night 4 p.m. - Chabad House
Women Empowerment 4 p.m. - Flight Deck Backyard
Cupcakes, Charms, and Kinship 12:15 p.m. - Don Taft University Center Spine
RECORD TECHNOLOGY MIDTERM CREDITS BAKERY RECAP
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, March 12. 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.
Graduate Student John Smith and his mother Sally Smith have the same birthday, Feb. 25. On Feb. 25, 2025, John Smith will be exactly half as old as his mother. The sum of the birth years of John Smith and Sally Smith is 3960. In what year was John Smith born?
Answer to theQuestion from the Last Issue: 21 (as 3 contain Snake and two out of {Ox, Rooster, Monkey} and 18 contain Snake and exactly one out of {Ox, Rooster, Monkey} for a total of 21)
THE CURRENT’S COMIC
