The Current Vol.37 Issue 2 by MakoNews

September 16, 2026

Issue 2, Volume 37

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

NEWS p. 3

FEATURES p. 6

ARTS p. 8

SCIENCE AND HEALTH p. 12

NSU student shares experience interning abroad

A free ride through the ‘Venice of America’

NSU Art Museum reflects on 9/11 with “Joel Meyerowitz: Aftermath”

Exercise classes promote workplace wellness at NSU

NSU women’s tennis wins second title: NCAA Division II National Champions

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

COURTESY OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING AND CREATIVE SERVICES

NSU’s women’s tennis became NCAA Division II National Champions for the second time in three seasons. The team had a 4-1 victory over No. 4-seed Catawba. Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, holds the trophy and stands alongside Doug Neagle, women’s tennis coach and Kristyna Hranacova, women’s tennis captain and senior business management major.

| September 16, 2026

Located in the Don Taft University Center Room 328 @nsu_makonews / makomedia.nova.edu

NEWSROOM

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

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING

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

NEWSROOM STAFF Antonio Miguel Escorzon Editor-in-Chief Constanza Andujar Managing Editor

Yasmin De Andrade Rodrigues Social Media Manager Joshua Hyde Business Manager

Lila Taricco Art Director

Chris Delboni Mako Media Network Director

Sebastian Castro Graphic Designer Alexandria Munroe Features Editor Samiksha Chemukula Science/Health Writer

Mike Lynn Mako Media Network Assistant Director/ Music Desk Adviser Joyce Moed The Current Adviser

Daria Gross Reporter

Dr. Mario D’Agostino Sports Desk Adviser

Bryce Johnson Reporter/Film Critic

Dr. Aarti Raja Science/Health Desk Adviser

Sneha Subhash Science/Health Writer Jonathan Paul Sports Writer

Dr. Eric Mason Digital Adviser

Allen Worrell Web Editor/Reporter

Michelle Solomon Multimedia Adviser

Amaia Flores Social Media Manager

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

MAKO TV

MAKO RADIO

MAKO NEWS

Letter from the editor Dear Readers, Hello there, Sharks! I hope you enjoy reading this issue of The Current, NSU’s student-run newspaper. I am Antonio Miguel Escorzon, the editor-in-chief. We have stories on indoor bicycling classes at the RecPlex and the new robots on our Davie/Fort Lauderdale campus. You will also get to know a few of the upcoming events this fall, such as Mako Radio’s College Radio Day on Oct. 2 and the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts’ theater production, “Pippin.” I hope these first few weeks into the semester have been great! I have adjusted well to my first and only online class for the Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media master’s program. I love learning more about public-facing writing and speaking. The Current is part of Mako Media Network. MMN also includes Mako TV, NSU’s student-run broadcast news station on YouTube, and Mako Radio, NSU’s student-run radio

station on 88.5 FM. If you have questions, comments or story pitches, you can find us in the Don Taft University Center, room 328. On behalf of everyone at The Current, thank you for reading and making us part of your day. Take care, Antonio Miguel Escorzon

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

The Current is Nova Southeastern University’s established vehicle for student reporting. Editorials, commentaries and advertisements in this publication reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its officials, The Current advisers or advertisers. The Current will not publish

unsigned letters except under special circumstances at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. The Current reserves the right to edit, publish or deny submitted works. The Current shall remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility or otherwise create bias, real or perceived.

NEWS

NSU student shares experience interning abroad By Constanza Andujar and Antonio Miguel Escorzon Caroline Miller, junior political science major, was one of 14 college students from throughout the country selected for an eight-week study abroad internship in Dublin, Ireland. “It was one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my entire life,” Miller said. “I was surrounded by peers that were from Ivy League schools, from well-known HBCUs [Historically Black Colleges and Universities].” Miller got accepted into the Council on International Educational Exchange’s Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship program, where she experienced studies outside the classroom. The CIEE provides high school and college students opportunities to study outside the United States, in partnership with Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “Studying abroad and going somewhere completely on your own is a really integral part of your young adulthood,” she said. “I think college

COURTESY OF CAROLINE MILLER

Caroline Miller, junior political science major, hugs her peer during the farewell dinner at the end of the internship program.

is a really great time to do that.” During her summer abroad, Miller worked as a legal intern for Daly Hempenstall Solicitors LLP, a law firm that focuses on corporate law, family law and employment law. “I did a lot of making booklets, delivering booklets to the courthouse, which was just down the street from us,” she said. Michelle Chung, junior double major in economics and English at Harvard University, was among Miller’s cohort in Dublin. She interned with Eppione, an employee benefits management platform, as a part of its

sales and marketing team. While they did not work together, Miller and Chung were able to connect throughout their stay in Ireland. “I thought she was a very passionate person, especially about law and what she wanted to do, and I really liked hearing about her school and her life back home,” Chung said. Outside of their internships, students learned about Irish history and culture, while attending networking events and site visits throughout the country. Edna O’Connell, center director for the CIEE in Ireland, said studying

abroad allows students to stand out and make connections. “They would not only experience the working culture of Ireland and get that international experience, [which is] so valuable on resumes now, but also develop relationships that were much more meaningful,” he said. “If you’ve worked with someone for a summer, the chances are you’re going to stay in touch or you might meet up again in the future.” Miller said interning abroad allowed her to experience independence and gain confidence. “Living alone in a different country was scary at times, but honestly very exciting. I got to do a lot of traveling, which was really nice, and I also got to feel more comfortable living in Dublin, navigating myself, using public transport,” she said. “It was honestly challenging, but in a great way.” Miller said students should feel confident about themselves when they apply to study abroad. “These types of opportunities sometimes feel impossible for students until someone gets picked and that person could be them,” she said. “And once you’re there, enjoy every second because it goes by so quickly.”

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

NSU Builds for the Future By Antonio Miguel Escorzon New store construction at the University Center The Don Taft University Center’s first floor is expanding to include a new store called the Campus Store. Barnes & Noble will operate it. “It’s going to be a good addition to the UC,” Mindy Irwin, a project manager in Design & Construction, said. “I think it’s going to help bring students together, as the UC is meant to do.” The store will have items similar to the NSU Bookstore that is next to the Parker Building, including apparel, spirit gear, regalia and books students will need for coursework. Marc Crocquet, vice president of Business Services, said the

Campus Store will bring students convenience. “This new location is ideal,” he said. “It’s just so much closer to where students congregate.” The store is projected to open in January. AutoNation replacement

Field

turf

The turf is being replaced at NSU University School’s AutoNation Field. “This will make it more exciting to do their events and sports because you have practically a brand new field,” Amalia Morejon, a project manager in Design & Construction, said. The previous turf was decaying, so the athletes could not practice

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA STEIN

Construction workers install electrical wiring in the Campus Store.

or play on it smoothly. “If I was somebody that would be using that field for the first time, I would be really excited and happy to see that it was

renovated,” Morejon said. Design & Construction will add a new scoreboard, as well as netting for sports like soccer, football and lacrosse.

September 16, 2026

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

NSU News Recap

By Antonio Miguel Escorzon and Alexandria Munroe

PHOTO BY CONSTANZA ANDUJAR

From left: Daniel J. Alfonso, NSU executive vice president for Facilities Management, Public Safety, and Business Services; Judy Paul, mayor of the Town of Davie, and Caryl Hattan, vice mayor of the Town of Davie, speak with members of The President’s 64 at the new Fin’s Landing Food Hall.

Fin’s Landing opens at the Terry Administration Building The Fin’s Landing Food Hall Grand Opening Celebration took place on Aug. 25 in the Terry Administration Building. The Fin’s Landing Food Hall includes

Brooklyn Water Bagel, which offers bagels and bagel sandwiches; Baba’s Pizza, which serves pizza; The Halal Shack, which provides Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food; Sushi Maki, which serves Asian cuisine; Sambazon, which offers açai bowls; and Fresh Island, which features

sandwiches, salads and soups. Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, said the dining hall adds another place to gather at the university. “Universities are about classrooms and laboratories, but they’re

also about tables – where we congregate, where we get together, we establish friendships, we share thoughts, so it’s an important part of the fabric of our community,” he said.

PHOTO BY CONSTANZA ANDUJAR

ROTC cadets pose for a picture in their sweat-soaked “Sharks Never Forget” shirts after completing 2,100 steps as part of the “9/11 Memorial Stair Climb” segment of the 9/11 Day of Remembrance event.

NSU Military Affairs holds Day of Remembrance for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 NSU Military Affairs hosted “9/11 Day of Remembrance” to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The event started at the Armed Forces Service Plaza at Forman Field, where NSU leaders addressed the audience. “Today, we honor the first responders who ran forward into danger, the

citizens who helped one another, the members of our armed forces who answered this nation’s call, and all of those who still carry the wounds of that day, both visible and unseen,” Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, said. Scan the QR code to read the full story:

PHOTO BY DARIA GROSS

NSU students watch a performance during Sharkapalooza 2026.

NSU hosts 22nd annual Sharkapalooza The Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement and the Inter-Organizational Council hosted the 22nd annual Sharkapalooza at the Bill Gessner Sports Complex on Aug. 21. Ritchy Laguerre, assistant director of Club and Organization Engagement in the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement,

said the event gives students ways to make connections during their time in college. “We want to make sure that we give them the opportunity to really see what NSU is about,” he said. “Sharkapalooza is a great opportunity for the vast majority of our clubs and organizations to come out and table, so the new students can feel involved, see what’s on campus and see what they can join.”

NEWS

Suicide prevention: A conversation that can save a life If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.

By Constanza Andujar Suicide remains the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and the second among people ages 10 to 34, according to the National Institute of Mental Health’s 2025 report. September marks Suicide Prevention Month. Scott Poland, professor in the College of Psychology and director of NSU’s Suicide and Violence Prevention Office, said suicide prevention begins with recognizing warning signs. “I’m an example of somebody who never thought it could happen to my family. At 25, my dad made what I now realize was a goodbye trip. He said things to me, and I just didn’t get it,” Poland said. “I wish I’d have known enough to just say, ‘Are you thinking of killing yourself? Is that it?’ And then I would have had a chance. I know he would have

said ‘yes.’” Poland said warning signs include talking or writing about death and suicide, researching methods, sudden behavioral changes, giving away prized possessions and making a will. However, warning signs can vary from person-to-person. “Unfortunately, from a young age, I had gone through thoughts or attempts to end my life. I was going through a really rough time in my life,” Sebastian Castro, junior Art + Design major and graphic designer for The Current, said. “To the outside world, everyone thought I was OK. I was doing good in school, I had good friends, but behind closed doors, my self-confidence was at the floor.” Poland said that discomfort discussing suicide and the stigma around mental health treatment creates barriers. “There are many myths that surround this subject, largely because we don’t talk about it. If it was up to me, every kid, before they graduated from a high school in this country, would learn what to look for, what to do, how to help

yourself, how to help your friend,” he said. Poland said one of the myths is that suicide is unavoidable. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 90% of people who survive an attempt never go on to die by suicide. “People attach a permanency to [suicide]. It’s really not there. It’s largely situational. We can help somebody get through a difficult day, a difficult couple of days, then there’s every likelihood they’re still gonna be with us,” Poland said. Castro remembers a pivotal moment toward his recovery when his friend, Davide Wouters, reached out and encouraged him to open up to his parents and therapist and seek treatment. “Knowing that there’s a person there willing to listen to you, even though they may not have answers themselves, but just willing to listen, makes a huge difference because it makes you feel like you’re safe,” he said. “The best way to get confirmation that a person needs help is to ask.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

suicide is rarely caused by a single circumstance. Risk factors can include depression, chronic pain, financial problems, addiction, while protective factors center around social connections. Castro said talking about his experience with suicide has made it easier to ask for help when he feels like he’s struggling. “I’m open to talking about it because I hope by normalizing it, it becomes a beacon of inspiration or hope for other people to reach out for help as well, to make them feel like they’re not alone, that they’re not damaged or broken,” he said. Scan the QR code for more information on suicide prevention and mental health resources on campus:

September 16, 2026

OH, THE PLACES TO GO!

A free ride through the ‘Venice of America’ By Constanza Andujar Fort Lauderdale has long been shaped by the water. The city’s 165 miles of navigable waterways have earned it the nickname “Venice of America.” The LauderGO! Water Trolley travels along the New River through the city’s downtown. The trolley is a free transit service offered by the City of Fort Lauderdale that operates daily from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. No reservation or fare is required to board. “It mostly serves our downtown area, which has a lot of businesses and restaurants. It’s about four miles long, and it serves between our Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and our downtown Las Olas,” Maritza Daniel, Transit Services and Operations project manager at the City of Fort Lauderdale, said. Daniel said the service launched in 2014. The four-mile route includes eight stops and takes around 40 minutes to complete, she said.

“It’ll pass by the Stranahan House Museum, you see Huizenga Park, the 9/11 memorial. There are so many Fort Lauderdale establishments that you can hop off of the water trolley and visit,” Daniel said. Carolyn Fazio, 80, has lived beside the New River for 14 years. She was among the passengers aboard the Water Trolley on its first day of service. “It was a very big deal for us, because it’s a fun thing to do,” she said. Since the service launched, Fazio has regularly used the trolley. “The convenience of not having to go across the river with a car and then find parking downtown if we’re going out to dinner. That’s my favorite thing,” Fazio said. “When you live on the river, you might as well take advantage of it.”

The trolley, however, is not only used for transportation. Some passengers simply want to enjoy the ride, without a destination in mind. Elismar Helena de Souza, a tourist from Brazil, boarded the trolley to experience downtown by boat. “I found out about the boat from a friend who lives in Miami,” she said. “It’s beautiful. Just beautiful.” From the water, passengers are surrounded by high-rise buildings as yatchs line the river. Families, runners and residents walking their dogs move along the riverwalk. When Fazio’s grandchildren visit, they look forward to the ride. “They love to take the boat just for the fun of it, and we might just stay on it, and not even get off, and just

do a round trip ride on the boat,” Fazio said. Beyond its role as a transit service, the Water Trolley has grown into a way to experience the waterways, boats and skyline that characterize Fort Lauderdale. “The water trolley is free, so it won’t hurt your pockets, and really, it gives the opportunity to see why the city is called the Venice of America,” Daniel said. To reach the Water Trolley from the NSU’s Davie campus, take the Shark Shuttle to the NSU Art Museum and board the Water Trolley on Stop 2 in Huizenga Plaza.

PHOTO BY CONSTANZA ANDUJAR

Caroline Henderson, boat captain, pilots the LauderGO! Water Trolley through the New River.

Scan the QR code for more information on the free water trolley times and locations:

PHOTO BY CONSTANZA ANDUJAR

Passengers board the LauderGO! Water Trolley on Riverwalk Laura Ward Park, the first stop of the route.

FEATURES

Sharks Speak: What’s your plan for the fall break? BY CONSTANZA ANDUJAR “It works out perfectly because my father’s birthday is Sept. 19. So that means I can go home sooner. So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go see my dad for his birthday, because I’m planning a surprise party for him.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m just gonna fly home, get those extra days off. I mean, I do think it’s a little early in the year, but it’s definitely nice to get another day of school off.” Jack Turano, sophomore elementary education major.

Savannah Hall, junior dual major in international studies and political science.

“I was thinking of maybe going to visit my friends at UCF and going to Orlando. I was thinking maybe Halloween Horror Nights, but if not, maybe just hang out in their dorms. I’m really excited about it. I feel like we didn’t have that many days off in the past, so I was really happy when I saw that on the school calendar for the year.”

“I’m going to see Bruno Mars with my best friend, and then I’m going to go to Orlando and visit some family. I think it’s well-deserved, a calm little break in between classes. I’m looking forward to it.” Frankie Velez, senior business management major.

Victoria Herrera, sophomore biology major.

NSU’s robots roll across campus By Antonio Miguel Escorzon Avride, a robot developing company, recently launched its autonomous robot delivery at NSU’s Davie/Fort Lauderdale campus. It replaced the Starship Technologies Inc. autonomous robot delivery service that ran from March 2025 to June 2026. The robots deliver food from the on-campus dining options to those on campus who order through the Grubhub app. Each of Avride’s robots has a screen that can show a face. “That’s by design to make it a little more friendly,” Marc Crocquet, NSU’s vice president of business services, said. Crocquet said the robots have a longer battery life, a bigger carrying capacity and can be tracked on the

Grubhub app. There are other autonomous robots around campus. The E1 floor cleaners are robots that scrub, sweep and vacuum the floors on campus, in places such as the Don Taft University Center and Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center. Encompass, a technology-enabled facility services provider, offers these robots to the Office of Facilities Management. These robots have a display screen which can show eyes. Vic Garcia, operations engineer for Encompass, said it personifies the robot. “One of the things that I really like about these eyes on the machine is that it’s a way to kind of communicate with people around it,” he said. “If you get too close to the machine, and you’re starting to obstruct it, the eyes will get a little sad on you.”

The Kress lawn mower robots from Encompass cut the grass on campus. Seth Mangasarian, director of Physical Plant at NSU, said these robots work daily. “It reduces the manpower requirement for having to have someone right there cutting the fields,” Mangasarian said. “In order to maintain the field, at a certain height, consistently, you want to have that grass cut on a very regular basis, and a robot can help with getting that accomplished.” The robots are remotely operated. They use their rotating blades underneath the model for cutting grass. Rod Colas, assistant director of Physical Plant Services, said these robots help enhance the student experience on campus. “Students are able to see that

we’re using technology to keep the university looking clean,” he said. “I think all of that plays into the environment that we’re creating for our students.”

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA STEIN

September 16, 2026

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRIA MUNROE

Dr. Harry K. Moon, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University, and Amadeo Pulley, retired NYPD detective, discuss one of Meyerowitz’s photographs at the “Remembering September 11” event at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale on Sept. 11.

NSU Art Museum reflects on 9/11 with “Joel Meyerowitz: Aftermath” By Alexandria Munroe In honor of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale held a commemorative event and ceremony for “Joel Meyerowitz: Aftermath,” an exhibition of photographs taken by Joel Meyerowitz during the cleanup of Ground Zero directly after the attacks on the World Trade Center. Ariella Wolens, the Bryant-Taylor curator at the NSU Art Museum, worked closely with Meyerowitz to create the exhibition. “The exhibition is not about 9/11. What it’s really about is aftermath and what happens after a tragedy. People just came and [helped],” Wolens said. “It gave me a new appreciation for people’s dedication and the significance of those months after 9/11 happened.”

Wolens said that using Meyerowitz’s photographs allows visitors to see the aftermath of 9/11 from a unique firsthand perspective. “Photography is sort of a testimonial, and one of the most important aspects is to act as a way of informing people,” Wolens said. “To see the aftermath through the eye of somebody who understands what to highlight and how to frame a moment just gives it so much more significance.” As a part of the curatorial process, Wolens researched the photographs and worked closely with Meyerowitz to make sure the exhibition matched his vision. She said the sensitive subject matter influenced how she approached the exhibition. “It’s a tricky exhibition because I think it’s more solemn than most presentations that I work on,” Wolens said. “I wanted to be mindful of that and be specific

with the language about what the purpose of the exhibition is and about what’s happening in the photographs.” Bonnie Clearwater, director and chief curator of NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, said the anniversary is an opportunity to introduce the events and aftermath of 9/11 to a generation that did not experience them. “It’s important to recognize and build awareness again, through these photographs that are witness, of what happened because of this attack,” Clearwater said. “Not only of that, but of the heroic response that it took to restore it, and the resiliency of the American people.” The exhibition also includes books about 9/11 and its aftermath from the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center and a space where visitors can record memories,

prayers or thoughts. Clearwater said the additional resources are meant to give visitors more information than the photographs can provide alone. “The photographs are still just one part of the story,” Clearwater said. “I know we say that a picture tells 1,000 words, but there’s more than 1,000 words needed to understand what happened that day.” Wolens said the exhibition may be difficult for people who were directly affected by 9/11. Still, she hopes that the exhibition can serve as an educational opportunity for the local community. “It’s important for people to sort of see that we’re not trying to glorify this terrible event,” Wolens said. “Our museum is very focused on education, we’re a part of NSU and we have a lot of school groups, so hopefully people just see it as a learning opportunity.”

ARTS

COURTESY OF PATRICIA LAINE-ROMERO

Dancers from the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida perform in “Double Clef” during the 2025-26 season.

Arts Ballet Theatre Florida steps into the 2026-27 season By Alexandria Munroe The Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida will begin its 2026-27 season this fall with a mix of new and returning productions. The season, which starts on Oct. 3 with its Classical and Neo-Classical Ballet programs at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, includes productions of “Rite of Spring,” “Fairy Doll,” “Pentimento” and more. Ruby Romero-Issaev, executive director of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, said she wants this season to give audiences the opportunity to experience different styles of ballet. “We want people to understand that our ballet dancers are not limited just to classical ballet, but there are other expressions that they can really do very well,” she said. One of the season’s new

COURTESY OF PATRICIA LAINE-ROMERO

productions is “Dracula,” which will be performed on Oct. 22 at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center. The production will feature the choreography of Roberto Forleo, whose original version Romero-Issaev and Vladimir Issaev, the artistic director of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, previously saw in Jacksonville. “We liked the idea and we thought, ‘Why not?’” RomeroIssaev said. “But instead of doing our own, we thought it would be a good collaboration.” Vladimir Issaev said that the company brings in guest choreographers to give audiences the chance to see different styles of choreography. “I don’t want people to get bored of seeing my work, so I invite different people,” he said. “I want to show the South Floridian people more good

choreography.” Emily Estrada, 19, is entering her second season as a part of the company. She said she is looking forward to performing “Dracula” because it is an opportunity for her to get out of her comfort zone. “It’s something that I’ve seen, but I’ve never actually gotten the opportunity to dance the choreography,” she said. “It’s nonstop, so it’s challenging to execute everything properly while remembering what to do next.” By the end of the season, Estrada hopes this experience will help her grow beyond the technical aspects of ballet to become more expressive.

“I want to challenge myself more artistically,” she said. “I want to focus less on my technique and more on my head movements and facial expressions so it all looks natural.” For people between the ages of

Rachel Collins, a company dancer with the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, performs in “Firebird” during the 2025-26 season.

13 and 22, Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida offers $5 tickets through Culture Shock Miami. Tickets must be purchased in advance through Culture Shock Miami’s website, cultureshockmiami. com. Ticket-holders should bring their email confirmation and proof-of-age ID to the venue’s box office before the performance to pick up their tickets. Romero-Issaev said they participate in the program because it helps make ballet accessible to younger audiences. “We know that it is important that the young people have access to the arts,” Romero-Issaev said. “This is a great opportunity that Culture Shock is giving every young person to come and see any type of artistic expression.”

September 16, 2026

MUSIC

‘HOPE - Always In The Air!’ at Mako Radio By Alexandria Munroe On Oct. 2, NSU’s Mako Radio will celebrate World College Radio Day, an international event hosted by more than 700 college radio stations across the world to spotlight students and independent artists. This year’s theme, “HOPE - Always In The Air!” will connect music to deeper conversations about resilience, emotions and community. Mike Lynn, assistant director of Mako Media Network and first-year student in the Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media Ph.D. program, has participated in College Radio Day at NSU since 2016. He has watched the event grow from an internal celebration to a university event. “It’s been beautiful to see,” Lynn said. “I think we’ve been doing a great job of making College Radio Day a community event for all of NSU.”

PHOTOS BY ROSELINE JEAN-PIERRE

Lynn said this year’s theme reflects a broader need for optimism and connection, providing a space for hope during uncertain times. “I think that right now there’s a need for togetherness through the lens of college radio,” Lynn said. “I’m looking forward to having some fun discussions and bringing people across the tri-county area together over such an optimistic theme.” Ryan Romero, junior communication major and co-station manager of Mako Radio, said this year’s College Radio Day programming will be primarily on-air on WKPX 88.5 FM Sunrise. “We want to go back to our roots and focus on what that day means to us, and at the end of the day, it’s being live on the radio,” he said. Romero said this year’s theme

Students celebrate College Radio Day 2025.

reflects the role that music can play in people’s emotions. “To me, music brings out the best and worst emotions,” he said. “I’ll die on this hill: Music will always have your back.” The College Radio Day broadcast will include special segments of Mako Radio’s podcasts, including “Off the Record,” a news show, and a crossover between “Era to Era,” about music through different eras, and “The B-Side,” which will explore the history of freedom songs in the United States. Natalia Vega-Acevedo, senior communication major and co-station manager of Mako Radio, will host a segment about international music. She said her segment will look beyond the United States to highlight artists from other countries that use

their music to spread messages of hope. “I think looking at how hope is spread internationally can be really impactful for other people because you’re looking at an outsider’s perspective,” Vega-Acevedo said. “So I’m super excited for my part and what I get to bring to the table on College Radio Day.” Vega-Acevedo said College Radio Day gives Mako Radio an opportunity to introduce more students to the station. “I just want more people to learn that we exist. We’re here for the students to help them in any way that we possibly can,” she said. “As much as people welcome us to their events, they’re also welcomed here at Mako Radio.”

ARTS

PHOTO BY ALEXANDRIA MUNROE

Students in “Pippin” work with choreographer Sandra Portal-Andreu on a lift during rehearsal on Sept. 10.

DCMA brings ‘Pippin’ to the Miniaci Performing Arts Center By Alexandria Munroe The Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts will present “Pippin” on Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center. Alex Alvarez, assistant professor of theatre in DCMA and director of “Pippin,” said the musical’s story will connect with students who are still figuring out what they want in their future. “It’s a story that is very relatable to a young person, because it is the journey of a character, finding the thing that brings them meaning, and makes them feel alive,” Alvarez said. “Sometimes the more obvious things that you try don’t bring you that feeling that you are looking for.” Alvarez said that DCMA’s production of “Pippin” will be set in a

post-apocalyptic world rather than the show’s typical circus-inspired style. He said that this interpretation will make the musical feel closer to the world the audience knows. “I think it brings a kind of a contemporary aspect to it that the modern audiences will relate to,” Alvarez said. “They’ll see themselves in it rather than have that distance.” Gustavo Padrino, general manager of the Miniaci PAC, said that bringing “Pippin” to the venue is a part of his goal to expand the theater’s relationship with DCMA. “I’m very excited that the show is coming here because it brings the message to the university that the Miniaci is here to make things happen for them,” he said. Tickets are available for $10. Padrino said he hopes ticket sales can create financial support for future student productions. “My hope is to develop the audience and the support behind NSU’s

arts department’s programming through purchasing tickets,” Padrino said. “Hopefully, the more funds that come in, we can then develop new programming opportunities for the students.” Alvarez said that working in the Miniaci PAC will give students valuable experience working with professional technicians. “Having their technicians that are professionals working alongside our technicians is going to be really great,” Alvarez said. “All of this is going to be a little bit of an adjustment and an education for the students.” Kayla Kutil, senior theatre major and lighting designer for “Pippin,” said that working in the Miniaci will help her develop technical skills for her future. “The Miniaci is a really big step,” she said. “I’ll get to use industry standard stuff that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to use, which is really nice.”

Kutil said that the Miniaci PAC’s lighting setup will require her to find different ways to create her designs. She said that she’s excited to take on the challenge of working with a fixed setup. “That doesn’t limit my creativity at all because it just helps me focus more on what else I can do,” Kutil said. “If anything, I think it just opens up more perspectives of ways to think about it.” Scan the QR code for more information on times, address and how to buy tickets:

September 16, 2026

Exercise classes promote workplace wellness at NSU By Constanza Andujar To encourage workplace wellness, a new faculty-led program is offering free weekly group fitness classes for NSU employees at the RecPlex. Emily Schmitt Lavin, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, devised the program to give her colleagues an opportunity to stay active. The classes take place every Friday at noon throughout the Fall semester. “It’s a pilot passion project of mine, and it’s meant for employees that wouldn’t normally be able to use the RecPlex without a membership,” she said. “So this is to help enable more healthy activities among colleagues.”

As a certified spin instructor, Schmitt Lavin had initially envisioned the program as a series of indoor cycling classes. “I love spin indoor bicycling, so we were just gonna do 12 indoor bicycling classes. Then one of my colleagues said, ‘Ooh, I don’t like spin, but I like Zumba.’ So now we’re gonna do six Zumba and six bicycling and we’ll alternate,” she said. For some attendees, like Tathiana Noel, financial analyst for the Halmos College of Arts and Science, exercising during the lunch hour removes the obstacle of finding the time to exercise. “Schedule can be busy, but I’m already here, so I might as well take the opportunity. And I’ve already been in the mood of trying to be more healthy and be more active. So it seemed like a perfect fit,” Noel said. Schmitt Lavin said she sees the classes as more than a way of fitting exercise into the workday. For her, workplace wellness also means managing stress and building connections among colleagues. She wanted the program to complement

other wellness initiatives offered by NSU. “I care that my colleagues and I be able to reduce stress and be healthy. Sometimes, we get to have healthy seminars, which are great, to learn about diabetes, to learn about stopping smoking,” Schmitt Lavin said. “And I thought, ‘Oh, it would be much better if we could actually exercise instead of sitting and learning about diabetes.’ I’d rather just go exercise together.” Employees enrolled in NSU’s health insurance and who attend at least six of the classes can receive a $10 wellness incentive through the Personify Health app. Janine Morris, associate professor of writing in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, said that beyond the incentive, the accessibility of the classes appealed to her. “I really like staying active if I can, and I thought it would be really nice to do this class with other people who are part of the college. And I love that it could be done at work, and that it was free,” Morris said. “I think it’s so good to give people access to different activities in a way that’s not

PHOTOS BY CONSTANZA ANDUJAR

intimidating, that you can be a beginner, and you don’t have to worry about it.” Schmitt Lavin said she hopes these classes encourage people to prioritize healthy habits. “We’re all so busy. When you’re really busy, that’s just when you need exercise, because it’s extremely good medicine,” she said.

Janet Nilsen, RecPlex instructor, teaches a spin class for NSU employees.

SPORTS

Fall sports are back at NSU By Jonathan Paul NSU sports are back in action for the 2026-2027 calendar season. Men’s and women’s soccer, cross country and volleyball begin this fall for NSU Athletics, and with a new season comes new players, new coaches and renewed expectations. Women’s Soccer Women’s soccer finished the 2025 season with a record of 16-1-4 and a 2025 Sunshine State Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championship. In the offseason, Head Coach Amy Vaughan departed NSU to become an assistant coach for the North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League. Replacing Vaughan this season will be Interim Women’s Soccer Head Coach Stephen Burgess. Burgess has been with the NSU soccer program for the last four seasons, and he hopes to keep the program on the same trajectory for success. “I just really want to continue the pathway the team has been on for the past few years, this is going to be my fourth year here and what we have built over the last four years, we want to

continue that on for this season,” Burgess said. NSU women’s soccer plays Barry University at Miami Dade College on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Men’s Soccer Men’s soccer completed the 2025 campaign with a record of 8-4-3. Third year head coach, Matt McArthur, looks for his team to play a different brand of soccer this season. “We just want to play a more aggressive and attacking style, and try to be ruthless and score more goals,” McArthur said. This year’s team welcomes several new players at key positions. McArthur has prioritized building team chemistry as the season goes along. “We have a lot of new players, so every day we are trying to focus on getting that team culture and getting everyone on the same page so when we get into our games we are where we are supposed to be,” McArthur said. Men’s soccer will play Barry University at the NSU Soccer Stadium on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. NSU Cross Country In the 2025 season, women’s cross country placed third at the SSC championships

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

Matt Geer, head coach of women’s volleyball, coaches his team on the sideline against Middle Georgia at the Don Taft University Center on Aug. 28.

while men’s cross country placed sixth. Entering his fifth season as head coach of NSU cross country, Jonathan Carter will use a steady and consistent approach to build off last year’s success “The expectation is to always go out and try to compete for a national championship and win in our conference. Those continue to be our standards for our season, to compete at a high level,” Carter said. Cross country will compete in several high-level invitationals this season. On Sept. 18, they will go to Tallahassee and compete in the Florida State University Pre-Regionals. On Oct. 2, they will travel to South Bend, Ind., to participate in the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational. Carter is excited for the team to participate in this invitational for the very first time. “I think it’s a good change of pace and a good change environment for the kids,” Carter said. Cross country will compete at the Florida State Pre-Regional in Tallahassee on Sept. 18. NSU Volleyball In the 2025 season, NSU volleyball

finished with a record of 18-11. The team will be led by a new head coach as former assistant coach, Matt Geer, has been elevated to the top coaching position for the 2026 season. Geer has been with NSU’s volleyball program for five years and replaces previous head coach, Kacie Ehinger. Geer feels at home with his new position and is excited for the opportunity NSU Athletics has given him. “I love NSU. I tell people that I am going to die here if they will keep me here. I feel very lucky to be here. I was really excited when they made that decision,” Geer said. Despite having a new head coach on staff, NSU volleyball hopes to build off last year’s success. The key to achieving this year’s preseason goals is continuing to build the team’s culture, with nine new players joining this year’s squad. “We already have a great foundation for what culture looks like, and I think for us it’s making sure we integrate the pieces, half of our team is going to be new this fall season, so I think for us it’s going to be building that chemistry early on,” Geer said. Volleyball will play Florida Tech at the Clemente Center on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS

Stephen Burgess, head coach of women’s soccer, enters the field prior to his team’s game against Flagler College at the NSU soccer stadium on Sept. 2.

@nsu_wsoccer

@nsu_msoccer

@nsu_xctf

@nsu_vball

for more information about NSU Women’s soccer + tickets.

for more information about NSU Men’s soccer.

for more information about NSU Women’s and Men’s cross country.

for more information about NSU volleyball.

September 16, 2026

Sports Shorts By Constanza Andujar Women’s soccer, Sept. 12 The No. 21 women’s soccer team scored late to earn a 1-1 draw against Florida Tech in its Sunshine State Conference opener. Maja Wee scored the Shark’s only goal assisted by Olivia Fleurant in the 86th minute to avoid the loss.

Men’s cross-country, Sept. 11 The men’s cross-country team won the Saint Thomas University Bobcat Invitational, finishing with 21 points and placing five Sharks in the top seven. Andrew Youseff was the first to cross the 8K finish line for the Sharks, with a runner-up finish in 27:22.4.

Men’s soccer, Sept. 12 Men’s soccer fell 3-0 to Florida Tech in the Sunshine State Conference opener at home.

Women’s cross-country, Sept. 11 The women’s cross country also claimed the championship at the Saint Thomas University Bobcat Invitational with 31 points after placing five runners in the top 15. Sophie Kyle paced the Sharks finishing sixth in the 6K with a time of 24:22:9.

Volleyball, Sept. 11-12 The volleyball team finished 2-1 in its last non-conference tournament of the season at Lynn/Palm Beach Atlantic’s Hyatt Place Bash at the Beach. The Sharks defeated Trevecca Nazarene and Fort Valley State, but fell to the University of Indianapolis to close the tournament.

Women’s soccer, Sept. 9 The No. 21 women’s soccer team defeated St. Edward’s 1-0 at home, with a late second-half goal by Genesis Hernandez in the 78th minute.

Men’s soccer, Sept. 6 The men’s soccer team earned a 3-2 comeback win against Montevallo, with Erik Krohnstad scoring two firsthalf goals to tie the game. In the 86th minute, Markus Rokseth netted the game-winning goal for the Sharks. Women’s soccer, Sept. 5 The No. 21 women’s soccer team triumphed over Texas A&M International with a 3-1 victory at home. Maria Jansen opened the scoring with a goal in the 19th minute before Genesis Hernandez added two goals in the second half to secure the win for the Sharks. Volleyball, Sept. 4-5 The volleyball team was defeated 1-3 for the first time this season at the Parkside Hampton Inn Invite hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The Sharks won the first game against Hillsdale, but went on to lose against

Parkside, Jamestown and Purdue Northwest. Men’s cross-country, Sept. 4 Men’s cross-country placed third overall with 69 points in its 2026 season opener Friday at the Keiser University Flagship Cross Country Invitational. Marcus Marek Tortorella won the 5K with a time of 15:17.97 finishing four seconds ahead of the runner up. Women’s cross-country, Sept. 4 The women’s cross-country team finished with 62 points earning the second place overall in its 2026 season opener Friday at the Keiser University Flagship Cross Country Invitational. The Sharks were led by Isabella Grant who finished third in 18:41.42, followed by Alayna Stewart in sixth and Olivia Lumpkin in 12th.

NSU Alvin Sherman Library en Asociación Consulado de Argentina, Consulado de Uruguay, Centro Cultural Espanol, Academia NorteAmericana de la Lengua Espanola-ANLE-presents

Free and Open to the Public

2026

FESTIVAL CINE & ARTE ARGENTINO – LATINO

lib.nova.edu/hhm

ADRIANA BIANCO

NSU Alvin Sherman Library Cotilla Gallery

NSU Don Taft University Center Performance Theater

Art Exhibit

September 6–October 15, 2026 Tribute to Uruguayan Artist José Gamarra Curated by Adriana Bianco

Film Festival

Sundays, September 6,13,20,27

HOME TEAM (URUGUAY)

Directed by Carlos Morelli September 6 | 2:00 p.m. | 82 mins

Coffee will be served FINISHING TOUCH - BEGINNINGS (PUERTO RICO) Directed by Raúl Marchand Sánchez September 13 | 2:00 p.m. | 95 mins English subtitles

SUCRE (VENEZUELA) Directed by Alidha Ávila September 20 | 2:00 p.m. | 102 mins English subtitles

A LOVE OF BORGES (ARGENTINA) Directed by Javier Torre September 27 | 2:00 p.m. | 100 mins

José Gamarra, La Foudre, 2004, Meta Miami, Maldonado Education Through Art

Tribute to writer Jorge Luis Borges

Artists

José Castro

Jorge Jrisinco

Julio Montaner

Latin American Art Collection Roselle Gallery

Artists

Estéban Machado Díaz

Ileana Mulet Arturo Montoto Alicia de la Campa Pak Carlos Guzmán

English subtitles

Commentary by actress & journalist Adriana Bianco

Café Literario Café Literario - Commentary about the exhibit and Tribute to Borges with slides by Adriana Bianco Thursday, September 17 | 5:30 p.m

FESTIVAL CINE & ARTE ARGENTINO – LATINO ADRIANA BIANCO

LADIES OF THE NIGHT Short Film Directed by Diego Cowks English subtitles

EVENTS CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY

16 SUNDAY

Tool Kit Series Noon - Rosenthal Student Center, Room 200 Sharkcella 6 p.m. - Flight Deck Backyard

Public Tour 2 p.m. - NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

WEDNESDAY

Academic Outreach Day: HCAS Noon - Don Taft University Center, Spine

THURSDAY

The Reel Movie Night: The Florida Project 6 p.m. - Mailman-Hollywood Auditorium

23 24 FRIDAY

Shark Pride Friday Noon - Don Taft University Center, Spine Fin Films Movie Night 6 p.m. - Knight Auditorium

SATURDAY

26 SUNDAY

27 TUESDAY

Aerial Arts Society Competition 2026 10 a.m. - Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

Photo Book Speed Date 2 p.m. - NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Public Tour 2 p.m. - NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

Tool Kit Series 12:30 p.m. - Rosenthal Student Center, Room 200

For more events, sign into Sharkhub at nova.campuslabs.com/ engange/ or scan the QR code.

To keep up with showtimes and events, visit miniacipac.com/ events or scan the QR code.

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, October 7. The correct answer to this question will appear in the next issue of The Current in the fall semester. All members of the NSU community are invited to submit their answer and participate. Every member of the NSU community who submits at least one answer during the 2026-2027 school year will be invited to attend a celebration in April as part of Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month. A company produces four types of electronic devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. Each smartphone costs $100 to produce and generates $200 in revenue. Each tablet costs $150 to produce and generates $250 in revenue. Each laptop costs $300 to produce and generates $500 in revenue. Each smartwatch costs $50 to produce and generates $150 in revenue. In a given month, the total production cost is $31,500 and the total revenue is $61,500. The company produced a total of 280 devices and 100 more smartphones were produced than tablets. How many more smartwatches were produced than laptops? Answer to the question from the last issue: 45 (Bought for $150 and $50…sold for $165 and $45.)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

DOWN: 1. NSU’s new robots have a display screen which can show ____. 2. Caroline Hederson is a water Trolley _______. 3. Student selected for an eight-week study abroad internship. 4. What’s your plan for the ____ _____? 6. On October 2nd, NSU Mako Radio celebrates World College _____ Day.

THE CHICKEN IN THE MIRROR

ACROSS: 5. NSU hosted its 22nd annual _____________. 6. Free weekly group fitness classes for NSU employees at the _______________. 7. DCMA brings ‘______’ to the Miniaci Performing Arts Center. 8. One of the new season’s productions is_____________. 9. In the 2025 season, NSU_________________ finished with a record of 18-11.

BY LILA TARICCO