The Quinnipiac Chronicle orientation issue is a special edition featuring the organization’s best reporting from the 2024-25 school year. Those interested in contributing are welcome to attend The Chronicle’s weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 9:15 p.m. in Room 123 of the School of Business or email amartinakova@quinnipiac.edu for more information. All majors are welcome and no prior experience is required.
By CARLEIGH BECK Staff Writer
Quinnipiac University’s Provost Debra Liebowitz and Vice President for Facilities and Capital Planning Sal Filardi presented a threestep plan to reallocate space in multiple buildings on the Mount Carmel Campus in a Feb. 4 information session.
The creation of the South Quad with two new academic buildings allows classrooms, faculty office spaces, meeting and study spaces to relocate throughout buildings across campus. Between The SITE, the new academic building, and the new School of Business, there is a total of 216,000 square feet of new space on the Mount Carmel Campus.
“What we have been doing is engaging in a whole process of stakeholder meetings and engagement so we can . . . test where things ought to go,” Liebowitz said at the town hall meeting.
Liebowitz, Filardi and the planning team presented the re-spacing plan to faculty, staff and students both in person and online. During the presentation, Liebowitz showed blueprints of multiple buildings and outlined how each room will be used.
The buildings impacted by the plan include: Clarice L. Buckman Center, Lender School of Business, Arnold Bernhard Library, College of Arts and Sciences, Carl Hansen Student Center, Echlin Center, Tator Hall and Center for Communications and Engineering. The re-spacing plan will go into motion starting during summer 2025. What will these changes look like?
COURTESY OF DEBRA LIEBOWITZ
Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian answers student questions at the Student Government Association’s annual State of the QUnion event.
The new School of Business will be located next to The SITE building. This building will consist of classrooms, professor offices, study rooms, an auditorium and a café.
The current School of Business will become a space for a variety of administrative offices, multipurpose rooms and an expanded School of Communications. Its new name for the time being is the “Student Success Center.”
The Office of Inclusive Excellence (currently located in the Center for Communications and
Engineering), the Office of International Students and Scholars, the Office of Global Engagement and the Career Development and Experiential Learning Lab (all currently located in the Arnold Bernhard Library) and The Honors Program’s Offices and Lounge (currently located in Echlin Center), will also be moved to the current School of Business.
“I think the (current) School of Business feels very office-y,” said James Mitchenson, a first-year health science major. “So if we put all of (those) offices there, I think it would be fitting.”
The Office of International Student and Scholars changed locations last academic year when it vacated the space in the Center for Communications, Computing and Engineering to make space for the Office of Inclusive Excellence. Similarly, the Honors’ offices and lounge moved spaces two years ago, from the same building to Echlin Center.
The School of Communications, which is located both in the CCE and the current School of Business, will expand slightly to rooms next to its existing space in the School of Business.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers 26 programs, some of which don’t fit into the buildings. One of these programs include the Psychology department, which is located in the CCE. With the new re-spacing plan, the psychology offices will be moved to the lower level of College of Arts and Science’s first building
“As a psych(ology) major, I’m excited to see the psych(ology) department get moved,” said Catrina Fielding, a junior psychology major. “I kind of didn’t even realize where it was until last semester, so I think it’s really cool.”
In addition to the Psychology Department, CAS-1 will also have designated research spaces for psychology students. The modular buildings behind CAS that hold lab classes will also be removed.
An extended version with more information can be found at quchronicle.com.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alexandra Martinakova
MANAGING EDITOR
Gina Lorusso
DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR
Emily Adorno
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tyler Mignault
NEWS EDITOR
Ava Highland
OPINION EDITOR
Lillian Curtin
ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
Grace Conneely-Nolan
SPORTS EDITOR
Claire Frankland
ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR
Michael Petitto
DESIGN EDITOR
Katerina Parizkova
ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR
Emily Katz
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS
Elisabeth McMahon
Quinn O’Neill
COPY EDITORS
Vivian Gage
Neve Wilson
The views expressed in The Chronicle’s opinion section are those of the respective authors. They do not reflect the views of The Chronicle as an organization.
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By AVA HIGHLAND News Editor
“When you combine courage and ambition unleashed, it’s a lethal combination and this is what you’re witnessing,” Chairman of the Board of Trustees Chuck Saia said at the May 1 ribbon cutting. “It’s ambition unleashed.”
Administrators, faculty and students gathered on the new South Quad for the ribbon cutting of the new School of Business and The SITE, Thursday, at noon.
The team of numerous members built over 200,000 square feet of new academic space.
After the new residence hall, The Grove, the new schools are the next steps in the respacing plan for the Mount Carmel Campus. They are the first stand alone buildings on the campus since the early 1990s.
“Through these buildings, we are preparing our students for 21st century careers, fostering community, connectedness and a sustainable environment,” President Judy Olian said.
Remarks were given by Olian, Provost Debra Liebowitz and Saia.
Olian presented the plan to Vice President for Facilities and Capital Planning Salvatore Filardi, with her vision to complete both buildings in three years.
“Wayback when on the timing, when I said,
Sal, we’re going to do this in three years, he thought I was nuts in truth,” Olian said. “But they did it, he and his team, so thank you, Sal.”
In Saia’s remarks, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, he dedicated the courtyard in between both buildings to Olian and her husband Peter Liberti.
“The courtyard stands as a testament to your dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment,” Saia said.
Inside the new School of Business, the lobby is dedicated to Board of Trustees member Brett Amendola and his family.
“Thanks to Brett’s support, we are able to enhance our facilities and provide such a welcoming space for all who enter our new school of business,” Olian said.
Alongside Olian, Lebowitz, Saia, Filardi and Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Adam Roth, Dean of the School of Nursing Larry Slater and Interim Dean of the School of Health Sciences Jeff A. McCubbin cut the ribbon for The SITE.
Following the first cutting, Dean of the School of Business Holly Raider, joined Olian, Lebowitz, Saia, Filardi and Ellett to cut the ribbon of the new School of Business.
More information about the South Quad can be found at quchronicle.com.
Staff Meetings on Tuesdays in SB 123 at 9:15 p.m.
By ALEXANDRA
Twenty-four rising sophomore students will have to wait for their housing placements once the housing process is over, as shared by Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett Tuesday.
Confusion has been spreading across Quinnipiac University’s first-year class concerning the housing lottery process, after delays and fake information spread over the past two weeks.
A screenshot of a fake email circulated amongst the first year students Monday night that alleged The Commons Residence Hall will house both first-year and sophomore classes next fall. An official email sent by the university later that night proved that information to not be true.
However the university’s website stated that change as well, until about Tuesday midday.
“We didn’t do that, I don’t know who did it, it was not really smart,” Ellett said.
Originally, first-year students were set to select housing on April 7 and 8. They were notified on April 3 that selection dates were pushed back to April 14-16.
On April 7 students received an email informing them that a higher percentage of students applied for housing than in previous years.
“This year we had a much higher percentage of 93.4% compared to 88% of first year students wishing to be in housing, resulting in 100 more students than anticipated submitted contracts,” Melissa Karipidis, director of Housing wrote.
To combat this issue, each suite in The Village would now include two double rooms and one triple, instead of the previous configuration of three doubles.
The information site about The Village residence halls now includes a tour video showcas-
ing the room as a triple, with a bunk bed and a loft bed.
The email also talked about a possible option of turning The Hill Residence Hall’s third room into a triple — which was also originally designed to be one — if the students wish so, but unlike with The Village, the university chose not to make this change mandatory.
“Hindsight maybe we should have,” Ellett said. “I thought it would still be good to have a diversity of options for students. We’ll see what happens, there’s a lot of change and turns that will happen in the next few weeks and months.”
And then on April 15 at 6:47 p.m. another email went out to the rising sophomore body from Karipidis, stating that “to date, 95% of the sophomore class has been assigned housing and the process will conclude tomorrow at 12noon. There may be some students who will be unable to choose a room. These students will be assigned housing in the coming weeks as space becomes available.”
The email continued with, “We acknowledge the stress that this process may have caused. We will continue to work with you to address any potential changes and support your needs.”
Which caused some uproar on the popular college anonymous social media app YikYak, with students commenting: “‘There might be some students who will be unable to choose a room.’ IM SORRY??? WHAT???” or “Crazy email office of housing.”
“Not everyone is guaranteed to select their space,” Ellett clarified. “But everyone will be given housing, so those 24 students as people cancel, they will be put in one of those spaces.
It’s a lot less than the 100+ by doing the triples in the village.”
Ellett explained that the university makes predictions based on past years to allocate a number of beds for the incoming class.
“For the past three years, we have had 88% freshman to sophomore housing, so we saved 88% for the class or 1572 and we ended up with 1668 I believe,” Ellett said.
He attributes that fact to two possible reasons, fewer students appealing the housing requirement and more local students choosing to live on campus in their second year.
The university then explored possible options, which included placing the students in a hotel, creating a waitlist or turning The Village’s third room back into triples, like it was from 2006 to 2019. Ellett said the decision came down to him, the Student Government Association and the first-year advisory board. “They thought the best would be to do the triples because the anxiety the students might feel over not having a space over the summer would be higher than having the anxiety of having a triple,” Ellett said.
An extended version with more information can be found at quchronicle.com.
By AVA HIGHLAND News Editor
Quinnipiac University has put itself on the map in In fall 2025, the Quinnipiac University School of Communications is launching a semester-long program: QU in NYC. Students will experience New York City culture while holding an internship as well as attending events and programs.
The program serves as the New York version of QU in LA, which still remains as an option for students.
“There’s so much media and communications that takes place in New York, it’s kind of the epicenter for the industry,” Nadine Barnett Cosby, dean of the School of Communications, said.
With so much to learn from the culture and resources in the city, students are given an opportunity they may have otherwise not had.
“I think a huge benefit is to be able to gain
experience at communications and media companies in New York City while they’re still students,” Barnett Cosby said. “Offering that opportunity for students to experience that rich global culture of New York is always a benefit, really for anyone.”
Students are required to secure an internship, as well as have at least 57 credits, a 3.0 GPA and pass COM 201. These requirements ensure they are at a steady pace, academically speaking.
“We don’t want to add on to their academic load,” Barnett Cosby said. “So it’s making sure they’re in good standing academically with their GPA.”
Outside of their internship, students will also be able to further explore the city and communications field through programming, events, talks and workshops.
Holding these internships in New York will give students the kind of hands-on and real world
experience they will need for their early career just out of school and beyond.
“I would feel really happy and really proud of what we’ve done if our students are getting more internships, better internship experiences, if they’re getting job offers because sometimes that’s the huge thing,” Barnett Cosby said. “It’s really just having access to people and companies to be able to network, to be able to make an impression.”
As for housing, students have several options. Quinnipiac has partnered with a housing company, Educational Housing Services (EHS), which specializes in housing students and interns. The company is providing two locations within the city, Brooklyn and Manhattan. In both locations, they will be housed with other college students, providing an added networking experience.
“As part of the EHS community, you’ll have access to a bundle of impressive amenities including free wifi, central air conditioning, fitness centers, 24-hour security and more,” according to their website. “All EHS residents also enjoy access to EHS’ exclusive Student Life program, which includes trips to Broadway shows, Yankees games, food festivals and more.”
The Brooklyn location functions as a typical residence hall. The building has resident assistants, who plan several activities throughout the semester, as well as a fitness center and a mail center.
Each room is similar to a dorm room, with two beds and desks, a full-sized fridge and a bathroom. The building also sits on the same block as the subway, allowing for easy access to other locations in the city.
The second location available to students is located in Manhattan at the New Yorker Hotel. Students choosing to live in one of the city locations
have the option to select their roommate if a friend or peer is in the program as well.
Having housing locations in two separate parts of the city provides students with the option of experiencing different atmospheres of New York City.
“So it really is like ‘do you want that living among the chaos vibe (in Manhattan)’ or Brooklyn is much more peaceful and quieter,” Lila Carney, School of Communications Director of Career Development, said.
Aside from housing in New York, students have additional options. They can remain on campus and commute to their internship in the city. Or, if they live close enough, they can live at home for the semester and commute as well. Both of these options add a layer of flexibility to the program that is not possible in LA.
“There are some financial, some geographic barriers that make (LA) less of an option for some of our students, and that was a concern too,” Barnett Cosby said. “How can we in a way duplicate this program in a way that’s more accessible to a larger number of students.
Unlike the LA program, there will be no ground director in New York. Instead, it will be managed from campus by Barnett Cosby, Carney and other faculty and staff.
As the program is still in a planning phase and brand new, certain aspects will develop and be learned along the way. With the close proximity to the city from Hamden, Barnett Cosby hopes to have faculty travel into the city to teach a weekly course once a week. This could also be an opportunity possibly offered to faculty that already commutes from New York.
An extended version with more information can be found at quchronicle.com.
By GABRIELLA VILAS BOAS Staff Writer
The bright lights of Hollywood distract consumers from the ugliness that hides within.
Oprah Winfrey is no stranger to this darkness, as she always seems to be caught at the scene of the crime.
Winfrey’s name has been interlaced with numerous criminals. Such as Harvey Weinstein, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jeffrey Epstein.
Weinstein was a close friend of Winfrey’s for years, and he used this friend -
ship to gain the trust of his victims. Actress Kadian Noble claimed that Weinstein used Winfrey “swinging off his arm” to dupe her into going back with him to his hotel room, according to Entertainment Weekly.
However, once Weinstein’s crimes became public knowledge, Winfrey distanced herself from the situation without directly addressing her relationship with him.
“If we make this just about Harvey Weinstein, then we will have lost this moment,” Winfrey told CBS News.
This statement was an attempt to shift the focus from Weinstein’s crimes and victim stories to a bigger picture. Winfrey was desperate to paint herself as a hero once again. However, this time, not everyone was convinced.
Winfrey’s former friend, Seal, took to Instagram to call her out for suspicious behavior.
“You have been part of the problem for decades, but suddenly they all think you are the solution,” Seal said. “Oh I forgot, that’s right … you’d heard the rumors, but you had no idea he was actually serially assaulting young starry-eyed actresses … my bad.”
The post was accompanied with a photo of Winfrey kissing Weinstein on the cheek.
Weinstein is only the first of many abusers tied to Winfrey’s brand. She has also attended Diddy’s infamous parties and is featured five times in the files from the Epstein trial.
Another issue that follows Winfrey wherever she goes is the controversy of her school in South Africa — The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
This school was built as a safe haven for disadvantaged girls in grades eight through 12, however, it has proven to be anything but that.
Multiple students accused dormitory matron, Virginia Makopo, of abuse and assault. She was arrested in November 2007 and released on bail according to Reuters. CBC claims that Makopo faced 14 charges involving indecent acts with the underage students.
Following this trial, Winfrey was sued by the headmistress of the South African girls’ school, Lerato Nomvuyo Mzamane,
for defamation. Mzamane alleged that Winfrey defamed her by implying she was covering up the abuse going on at the school. However, this case was later settled outside of court before the arranged trial according to CNN.
However, the controversy of Winfrey’s South African school does not end there.
Speculation of numerous missing girls from the academy spread like wildfire across social media. However, the validity of these statements has not been confirmed or denied.
Winfrey and her team have remained silent on the matter, and it seems that any articles raising concern over this situation are scrubbed from the internet.
A fair share of scandals have been attached to Winfrey recently, yet media coverage criticizing her for all these instances somehow always disappears.
Winfrey’s name is constantly tied to trafficking, whether it is due to her relationships or the instances at The Oprah Winfrey Academy for Girls. Still, the only sources talking about this are concerned consumers on social media and small newspapers.
No major outlets have discussed Winfrey’s suspicious behavior, instead they continue to praise her. Winfrey has yet to deny any allegations.
Selective media coverage plays a large role in maintaining the image of high-profile celebrities such as Winfrey. Power is used as a scare tactic to prevent reporters from bringing controversial topics to light.
By LILLIAN CURTIN Opinion Editor
I love romance and the idea of love, but it’s hard to be a romantic today when most of my potential interests are hidden behind screens and bad texting.
I hate the way texting has transformed romance. I obviously have gripes about significant others liking half-naked photos on Instagram or finding new ways to cheat. But it’s not just problematic actions that are the issue. I would go a step deeper — it starts with linguistics.
Please, just spell out words. If I was texting my boss, I’m changing the way I text. If you’re trying to attract somebody, do the same. There is no reason I should be receiving “nun” instead of “nothing,” “sum” instead of “something,” and so on.
If I get one more unsolicited “wyll” message, I might just lose it. Is that how you’re going to set up the conversation? It translates to “Let me see if you’re hot enough for me to continue sending vague messages and innuendos or if I’m going to block you.” Do you know what’s a better sentence starter? “Hello.”
It’s also become, in a way, more acceptable for harassment. Sometimes, it’s generous if I receive the dreaded “wyll” text.
Other times, I’m opening a Snapchat message to someone jerking themselves off. If someone dropped their pants in public, that’s public indecency. If it’s a message, it’s shrugged off and laughed at. Well, very unfortunately, it hasn’t erased it from my mind. Yet, it’s become normalized, and it’s passed off as just a part of being on messaging platforms.
One of the biggest turn-offs? Bad grammar. I’m willing to hold out for someone who knows the difference between “their,” “there” and “they’re.” “You’re beautiful” is ruined if it’s written as “your beautiful.”
The first phrase will give me butterflies, the latter makes me want to scream into a pillow. It’s an immediate mood killer.
You may be thinking, “Turn off your phone and go out.” If only it were that simple. The damage is done. The superficial social media world has changed the physical one.
Even if you meet someone in person, if they’re into you, it’s more likely that they will ask for your Snapchat username than your number. With Snapchat, you can easily communicate via photos instead of having an actual conversation. But “Can I get your Snapchat?” is the default request now. I would rather be asked for my number; it just seems more genuine.
Let’s say everything is going well, and you’re letting yourself settle in and become vulnerable in a relationship. The last thing you want when you’re vulnerable is to feel like the other person hates you. Sometimes, others’ texts can come across that way even when they don’t mean it. Often, we’re left trying to decipher an “Ok.” instead of “okay.”
We overestimate our ability to interpret texts as if we’re professional archeologists interpreting hieroglyphics. It’s not that deep. I don’t want to be half-asleep worrying about how many “y”s I put on the end of “hey” to get my point across. I just want to say “hi.” If that sounds dry and you take that as me not wanting to talk to you, please understand I wouldn’t be reaching out in the first place.
I get it. I’m not saying I don’t overanalyze texts because I definitely do. But our lives (especially our romantic lives) have evolved in a way that does more harm than good. We’re stressing ourselves out over extra letters, we’re lowering standards and we’re not even communicating. I’m so over it.
Call me picky or high-maintenance, but I’d rather have connection than confusion. A good love story deserves more than halfassed and half-hearted messages.
This letter comes from concerned faculty that wishes for students to know that they are not alone. It is not meant to represent the view of all faculty or the university itself. For more questions or comments, contact Associate Professor of Journalism Margarita Diaz or Professor of Anthropology Hillary Haldane.
Dear Students,
We are writing to express our unwavering support for each of you during this challenging time. Recent statements from the White House have caused concern and distress among many members of our academic community, and we feel it is important to address this directly.
As educators and mentors, we want to affirm that:
We value your presence, your contributions and your unique perspectives. We see you, all of you, our trans and queer students, our students fearful over their immigration status, our students concerned that their faith puts them at risk. All of you matter to all of us. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful learning environment where all students can thrive.
We recognize that political rhetoric can have real impacts on your sense of belonging and well-being. Our institution has long stood for principles of academic freedom, critical inquiry, and respect for human dignity. These core val -
ues transcend political administrations and partisan divisions. They guide our work as scholars and teachers, and they inform our commitment to supporting you.
The pursuit of knowledge requires diverse perspectives and depends on an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Rhetoric that undermines these principles contradicts the fundamental mission of higher education.
We encourage open dialogue about the challenges we face. Our offices and classrooms are open to you, and we are available to discuss your concerns, answer questions, or simply listen.
In times of division, universities must serve as spaces where respectful discourse and mutual
understanding are not just possible but prioritized. We commit to modelling these ideals in our classrooms and throughout our campus.
Know that your faculty stands with you. We see you. We hear you. And we remain dedicated to your education, your well-being and your future.
The strength of our university community lies in how we support one another, especially during difficult times. Together, we will continue to uphold the values that define us as an institution of higher learning.
With respect and solidarity,
Your concerned faculty
It’s time to give it to Jayson Tatum
By COLIN KENNEDY Staff Writer
Ever since the NBA’s inception in 1946, the league has always had a face to it. Whether it was Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan, there was always that one guy that everyone knew and related to the NBA.
In simpler terms, the face of the league is essentially the player who at his time of playing is the most famous and recognizable figure, and embodies the league’s image. It’s the guy that the league wants to plaster on every billboard and commercial across the globe.
And for the first time in a very long time, the NBA is in desperate need of a new one. The league really hasn’t had to struggle to find that top guy probably since the 1970s. It’s been smooth transitions between Johnson, Jordan and since 2003, LeBron James. But James is now 40, clearly not the same player he once was and can realistically call it quits this summer.
So the NBA has a problem. There isn’t a clear cut young guy that can automatically take the crown, and guys like Kevin Durant and Steph Curry are too old at this point as well. But there is one guy who clearly wants it, is willing to take it on and all the hardships that come with it, and checks every box that the NBA is looking for.
May I present Jayson Tatum.
The Boston Celtics forward brings everything to the table necessary to become the face of the league, and no one is hungrier to take on the role than Tatum. Ever since he came into the league in 2017 it was clear he wanted to be in the same league as
the all-time greats, and for his name to be mentioned alongside fellow All-Stars like Curry and James.
Probably the biggest element to the conversation is that Tatum is a winner, plain and simple. Since being drafted to the Celtics in 2017, the St. Louis, Missouri native has been to the playoffs each year, reaching the conference finals five times, and also has two NBA Finals appearances. And in summer 2024 he reached the NBA mountaintop as he led Boston to its first world championship since 2008.
So let’s break it down. He already has a ring, two Olympic gold medals, a signature shoe line and is the best player on one of the biggest basketball markets in the world. Oh did I also forget to mention he is only 19 years old (27).
“Did he win a championship? Yes. Did he win gold medals? Yes. Was he always a part of winning seasons? Was he first-team all-NBA? Those are things that you know are hard evidence,” Tatum told the Washington Post. “Face of the NBA? They can always debate. But it’s like, I check off all the boxes.”
So he passes nearly every test required to be the face of the league — why isn’t it such a natural transition like it was for Jordan and James? Well that’s kind of complicated.
Tatum isn’t necessarily the most outgoing guy in the world. He isn’t flashy on or off the court, and he isn’t the most intense competitor you’ll come across. He isn’t getting in opposing players’ faces or saying anything controversial.
But the biggest factor keeping Ta -
tum away from the title he wants so bad is probably the fact that he’ll never win MVP. While Tatum is consistently a top five player in the league and does so many things really well, he doesn’t necessarily dominate opponents across large stretches of the season.
Guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic or Giannis Antetokounmpo kind of have this magical element to their games that is mystifying to watch. While Tatum does have stretches where his game looks like that — 2023 Game 7 against Philadelphia — it’s not an every night occurrence.
What Tatum does have going for him is he is better consistently at every element of the game than every other player in the league. He can routinely score 30 points, grab 12 boards and dish out seven assists all while playing world class defense on the other end. What separates him from everyone else is he does this every night, no matter the day or opponent — looking at you Joel Embiid.
But what should be the most important factor is his innate ability to just win. No one in NBA history has more playoff wins than Tatum before turning 27. He’s consistently making deep playoff runs every year, doing whatever it takes to just win.
So NBA fans can take their 60-point performances from SGA and their 30-2020 triple doubles from Jokic, slapping their highlights across social media. Tatum will be doing all the little things necessary that go into winning.
Maybe that’ll cost him the title he so desperately craves, it shouldn’t, but it probably will. Hopefully the banners he raises in Boston will make up for it.
By GRACE CONNEELY-NOLAN Arts & Life Editor
Anticipation and excitement buzzed outside the M&T Bank Arena Sunday April 27, as students lined up for the Quinnipiac University’s Student Programming Board’s 2025 Wake the Giant concert, eager to see rapper Quavo perform. IN PREPARATION
On April 11, SPB regrettably informed students via email that the original artist, NLE Choppa, would no longer headline Wake the Giant due to health issues: severe dehydration and exhaustion — giving the organization a little over two weeks to find a new artist.
The process of choosing a headliner typically requires months of preparation and planning, all to ensure Quinnipiac students enjoy this annual tradition.
SPB mainstage chair Emma Dinnan said that when narrowing down potential artists, there are
several factors to consider, including budget, availability and past performances.
“We look at what artists are big at the moment or up and coming, we talk with our agent to see who some of the major colleges are booking this year,” Dinnan said. “And we look at student feedback and who we think would be a good fit for the student population.”
SPB hinted at potential artists by gauging student opinion with a bracket-style poll on their Instagram and listening to student feedback to determine who would be the best fit.
The quick turnaround proved SPB’s dedication to the student body, as the group put all its energy into finding a replacement artist, reprinting exclusive merchandise and updating all media to align with the new headliner. For some students, the change to Quavo was an unexpected improvement.
First-year film major Joseph Saunders Jr.
said he was more surprised Quavo was not initially considered.
“It is an upgrade, and honestly, for them to do this amazing upgrade in the time that they had is kind of iconic,” Saunders said. “I hope that SPB really puts it all together. I'm excited for everything.”
A former member of the pop group Migos, Quavo’s solo career kicked off in 2017 with the release of his debut single “Congratulations” with Post Malone, helping He later released his debut album “Quavo Huncho” in 2018, featuring artists like Drake, Cardi B and Travis Scott, which ranked No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Quavo continues to showcase his versatility, collaborating with a wide range of artists while maintaining his signature style.
Before reaching Quinnipiac, Quavo had already been announced as a replacement
headliner for several events after NLE Choppa’s cancellation, including East Tennessee State University’s SGA spring concert on April 24 and the UAlbany Student Association’s annual Parkfest at MVP Arena on April 25. His setlist is curated to appeal to college students, creating a concert few would want to miss.
Though the doors opened at 7 p.m., students lined up as early as 4:30 p.m. to secure the best seats for the chance to see Quavo perform up close.
Abaigeal Pellegrino, a sophomore criminal justice major, said she was excited to experience Quavo’s music live.
“Seeing Quavo is pretty cool. I don't know, I've never seen like a big artist before,” Pellegrino said. “Honestly, I think that I'm more excited to see Quavo than NLE Choppa.”
Pellegrino said that since Quavo is featured on more songs and with a broader range of artists, she anticipates a more varied setlist compared to NLE Choppa — appealing to a wider audience.
For many students, Wake the Giant marked one of the first concerts they were able to attend.
Connor Nylund, a sophomore engineering major, waited in line for two and a half hours. After having fun at last year’s concert, he decided to stick with it despite the headliner change.
“Just kind of being on the floor and just the concert itself — it's $25, so it's not crazy cheap, but it's a good concert to go to,” Nylund said.
Students were hoping to hear hits like “HOTEL LOBBY,” “MotorSport,” “I’m the One” and “Strip That Down,” among other mainstream features.
“I’m really excited to see what songs he chooses to perform,” first-year biomedical sciences major Saje Stewart said. “I don’t listen to him much, so I honestly have no idea what he’s gonna play.”
Although Stewart was initially disappointed by the sudden change from
NLE Choppa to Quavo, she was impressed by SPB’s ability to secure another artist.
“I can’t imagine trying to find someone else in a two-week period, so honestly, for them to have anyone is really cool,” Stewart said.
While waiting, students enjoyed free pizza and refreshments from the Silver Sands food truck.
IN THE STADIUM
Once 7 p.m. hit, students checked in and rushed to grab free T-shirts, sweatshirts, glow sticks and more — all of which were gone within the first 15 minutes.
As the minutes ticked down until 8 p.m. and the lights dimmed, students cheered as opener DJ Fire set the stage for the main event.
Noticing a smaller turnout than last year when DJ Fire opened for Flo Rida, he called students down from the seats to the pit to fill the space and boost the energy, spinning a mix of nostalgic pop songs and modern remixes. Glow Sticks and phone lights waved through the crowd.
After his set, students who didn't have floor tickets were directed by security back to their assigned seats for safety reasons.
During the break, many students took
“I can't imagine trying to find someone else in a two-week period, so honestly, for them to have anyone is really cool. ”
the time to take pictures, grab food and secure spots for the main event.
“Not many people are here, so I want to be there for him,” sophomore nursing student Sarah Edebohls said. “Everyone I told that's not from here was like ‘Oh, that's such an upgrade.’ I was so shocked that they actually finessed someone like him.”
At approximately 9 p.m., Quavo took the stage under flashing strobe lights, shouting, “Let’s go to work, Quinnipiac!”
He performed his most popular hits, from “Congratulations” to “I'm the One,” encouraging the crowd to sing along and raise their pointer fingers in the air as he sang.
Toward the end of the night, Quavo paid tribute to his late nephew, Migos member Takeoff (Kirsnick Khari Ball), who was shot and killed at the age of 28 in November of 2022. Holding up a “T” with his arms, the crowd followed as he performed “Without You,” a heartfelt tribute expressing his grief and remembrance.
Although the crowd was smaller, the energy stayed relatively high until later in the night when students gradually began to trickle out. Many noted that Quavo’s set was noticeably shorter than previous Wake
the Giant performances as Quavo was onstage for less than an hour — leaving some students feeling disappointed.
POST CONCERT
Afte r the concert, the social media app Yik Yak — which allows users to anonymously share posts, known as “yaks,” blew up with reactions to the performance.
Many joked that “the giant stayed sleeping,” while others argued the issue wasn’t with Quavo, but the crowd, or lack thereof.
One user posted, “wow quavo deserved way more people than he got, u guys missed out,” racking up more than 100 reposts from other students.
Acknowledging the challenges SPB faced, sophomore health science major Bianca Madrid argued it was just a tough situation.
“It would’ve been nice to have a bigger concert, but with the time they had, SPB did what they could,” Madrid said.
While students left earlier than expected, despite the smaller turnout and shortened set, those who stayed for the full show witnessed a high-energy performance from a world-renowned artist — something not every college campus or student can claim.
By GINA LORUSSO Managing Editor
In the rapidly evolving and changing realm of social media, trends come and go every week.
A trend that has been continuous for the past few years, however, has been videos of people tapping and scratching on objects, making mouth sounds and role-playing spas and makeup artists.
It sounds weird, but it’s actually quite relaxing.
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a chills-like sensation to the head and neck experienced in response to audio or visual triggers. Used as a stress relief method for many, people have reported improvements in mood, better sleep and less anxiety, according to WebMD.
Speaking from personal experience, I have banned myself from watching ASMR during the day because I get too relaxed and end up falling asleep when I have piles of work to do.
Some common triggers involve tapping on glass jars, wooden coasters and plastic — all simple things we may find ourselves doing throughout the day. When these sounds are amplified in a micropwhone followed by whispers or soft-spoken dialogue, it tends to put the mind at ease.
Other triggers include — my favorite — personal attention. Personal attention is when the influencer is role-playing and speaking and directly doing things at the
viewer. These types of videos feature hair brushing, skincare, cranial nerve exams and “follow my instructions” videos.
Of course, they’re imaginary scenarios, but they evoke a sense of comfort, allowing viewers to feel like they’re being attended to and cared for.
ASMR can cause the brain to release neurohormones like dopamine, oxytocin — the “love” or “happy” hormone — and endorphins responsible for mood improvement, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Watching calming videos also helps people practice mindfulness, according to Calm. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware and present in what you’re doing, but without feeling overwhelmed or overly reactive.
mainstream, it provides an outlet for people to escape their daily lives. I discovered ASMR in 2018 and it has become a part of my daily routine to watch or listen to a video or two before bed. I was never fond of other mindfulness practices like yoga or guided meditation, but when I discovered ASMR, it completely changed the game for me.
Some of the most well-known ASMR influencers on TikTok and YouTube include @asmrberlin, @SafeSpaceASMR, @ asmrrebecca and @oceansasmr. These accounts offer a media library stacked with videos for all sorts of ASMR experiences, creating a space where relaxation is prioritized.
tastes, ensuring everyone has something that suits their preferences.
Unlike some trends and influencers on social media, ASMR is an emerging art form that combines creativity with mental health and well-being. Like traditional forms of art, ASMR contains the ability to extract emotional responses and reflections.
When creators experiment with sound layering, visuals and role-playing techniques, it turns a simple video into an immersive experience for viewers. Some people even use high-quality lighting, props, cameras and microphones to develop a complex production that allows their performative art to come to life.
Many influencers cater to audiences that may have different preferences. For example, in each video, a creator will perform a
As ASMR continues to become more
By VIVIAN GAGE Copy Editor
Singer-songwriter Katy Perry went to space with five other celebrities Monday and public reactions to her journey varied.
Perry was part of an all-female crew, sitting among former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, scientist Amanda Nguyễn, CBS host Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn and Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sánchez. The team launched into space aboard a capsule and rocket developed by Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
The crew launched at 9:30 a.m. EDT from Van Horn, Texas. The flight lasted roughly 11 minutes and took the crew just above the Kármán line, an invisible boundary at an altitude of 62 miles that is widely accepted as the edge of space.
At the very top of the flight path, the crew achieved weightlessness for a few minutes before their descent downwards. This gave them a brief experience similar to the sensation felt at the peak of a roller coaster, according to CNN.
When talking with NBC News after landing safely, King revealed that Perry sang part of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” while in space. Perry also brought a paper butterfly to space with her, letting it float around the cabin while the crew was weightless. The butterfly had the set list for her upcoming tour, on April 23, written on it. Fans are still trying to decipher the names of the songs, working off a short blurry video clip circulating on X.
So what is the point of all this? I have no idea.
I would consider this star-studded flight
ASMR can be helpful, but it’s certainly not for everyone.
While some people find ASMR profoundly relaxing, it doesn’t work for all. ASMR is dependent on an individual’s sensitivity to certain sounds and visuals and how their brain can process them.
Someone may watch an ASMR video and not feel the slightest tingle, but another person can watch a 30-second video and be drifting into a deep sleep.
variety of trigger assortments and post both short and long-form versions of the same thing. This way they can appeal to a wider range of viewer
ASMR is a unique experience that has the potential to be therapeutic, but its impact remains subjective.
The value of ASMR lies in its ability to offer comfort and relaxation to those who resonate with it, but diversity in relaxation is just as varied as the people who seek it.
a waste of money and energy, and others seem to agree.
The trip has received some criticism online, with actress Olivia Munn calling it a “gluttonous” ride during an appearance on “Today with Jenna & Friends” last week. Others have mocked pictures of the crew posted on Blue Origin’s Instagram, in which they are posing in custom-made space suits designed by crew member
Lauren Sánchez herself.
Users criticized the crew and the offensive display of wealth, with comments like “RICH PASSENGERS, NOT CREW,”
“This is a reality TV show now. Has absolutely nothing to do with benefiting humanity,” “lol. Only half plastic women allowed Good thing your makeup is waterproof,” and “We have diluted and polluted the word ‘crew.’ They are passengers…nothing more.”
Some of these comments, which ridicule the women’s appearances and question their intelligence, prove why an all-female flight to space is so important. Conversely, others point out that these women aren’t necessarily deserving of the opportunity, just wealthy enough wto reserve a seat on board.
The voyage marked the first all-female space trip since Soviet astronaut, Valentina Tereshkova’s solo spaceflight in 1963 as the first woman to travel into space. Considering how only 11% of people in space have been women, I think it is commendable that Perry and the rest of the crew want to set an example, but for whom are they setting it?
Most of us, no matter how hard we try, could never reach the level of wealth necessary for such an adventure.
When speaking with the Associated Press, Perry said she has “always been
astrophysics and interested in astronomy and astrology and the stars.” She added that she wants to “inspire young girls to go, ‘I’ll go to space in the future.’”
In my eyes, the only thing she is inspiring is an ever-growing wealth gap.
A seat on Blue Origin’s flights can cost millions. Customers must fill out a form on the company’s website that includes a $150,000 deposit and then costs go up from there, according to Forbes.
Aside from being a flamboyant show of wealth, the 11-minute journey to space took a swing at our environment as well. The trip emitted an extravagant amount of carbon, as much or more than one person, in the bottom billion of carbon emitters,
would emit during their entire lifespan. Not all of the comments about the mission were negative. Most
commenters expressed their love for the women and wished them safe travels. On Perry’s Instagram page, many commenters wrote things like “GO MOTHER GO!!! What another crazy thing to add to your resume. We are so proud of you” and “Be careful, mom! I love u (please, perform E.T. for us).”
After landing, when asked if she would write a song about the experience, Perry said, “Oh, for sure, 100%.”
While many people are in support of the flight, I can’t help but think it was a waste. Aside from Perry becoming the first artist to perform in space and promoting her own brand, not much came from her costly trip to the stars.
By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief
Prequels and sequels are usually created to either expand the author’s world or to give another character the chance to have their own story. Sometimes, though, they can be used to shine light on the main series in a way that the reader would never think of.
Haymitch Abernathy is not a new character to us. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins isn’t a new book/movie franchise either. Everyone who has read the original trilogy knows how Haymitch’s Games went down.
He was reaped as one of the four tributes for the Second Quarter Quell. He was cocky, sarcastic and confident in his interview with Caesar Flickerman. He was a loner in the arena and the only alliance he had was with Maysilee Donner, another tribute from the 12th District. They separated when only five tributes remained and she died in his arms a little while later. Haymitch won the games his last opponent, a girl named Silka from District 1, threw an axe into a force field and it ended up ending her life.
Straightforward and easy. This is what Katniss and Peeta, the heroes of the original trilogy, see when they watch his games as a preparation for their Third Quarter Quell.
know they had. From the appearance of familiar characters, like the previous victors Beetee, Mags and Wiress, through the callbacks to Lucy Gray Baird and her connection to
dead body to Snow to take responsibility for, the public never sees it. The brainwashed Lou Lou, who replaces Louella in the Games as a body double because they cannot admit the Capitol lost control of the situation for even
“Sunrise on the Reaping” shows us just how easy it is to manipulate what people remember.
The book not only gives us an insight into Haymitch, but also ties together the sequel trilogy and the prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” answering questions about the universe the readers didn’t even
subsequent sequence of Plutarch (another familiar character) filming fake reactions of Haymitch’s mother and brother just to let them say goodbye before leaving. And it doesn’t stop there. When the chariot scene goes haywire and Haymitch presents Louella’s — his fellow tribute’s —
grieving father, broken victor turned alcoholic and the reveal of the torture that Mags and Wiress endured because of their involvement, which explains why one was nonverbal and the other mentally broken once we meet them in the second book of the original trilogy.
Haymitch was nothing more than an experiment. And yet, there is no way Katniss could’ve been successful in becoming the symbol of the rebellion 25 years later, if it wasn’t for him sparking the flame. She was the luckier version of him in every regard. And that is what makes his story that much more tragic.
“Sunrise on the reaping” is a beautiful tragedy, but it carries a heavy symbolism that is easy to overlook when you want to stay blind.
Haymitch was a complex, brave, compassionate character who learned that he was complacent in the Games by accepting his fate and did everything he could to change that, who tried unsuccessfully to save everyone close to him, only to be reduced into nothing more than a trouble making rascal, just by a simple edit in the footage, a different angle of the story. Because it was just that easy for Capitol and Snow to rewrite his story. Show the masses one thing, and they never have a reason to doubt the lie. Because why would they believe a runt from the poorest District over their leader? Who cares about the truth, when the lie makes for better entertainment? Collins only writes when she has something to say. I think it’s time we all start listening.
There will never be another Michael
By MICHAEL PETITTO Associate Sports Editor
Every once in a while when a superstar emerges onto the pop scene, they’re always compared to Michael Jackson.
Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and even Drake have been placed on a pedestal by their fan bases as the heir to the King of Pop's throne.
People throw around the term “G.O.A.T.” way too often, it’s a title that should be held only by the greatest to ever do it. While it’s an analogy that’s mostly used in sports, it’s a term that's relevant to this conversation.
It’s been 16 years since Jackson died, so people often forget the impact that he had on not just the pop scene, but music in general. Since his death, no one has even come close to touching the mystique of MJ.
First, there’s the discography.
Arguably one of the top disco albums of all time in “Off The Wall,” a worthy successor to the most successful album of all time in “Bad” and a back-catalog filled with gems. Jackson’s music was so captivating that the genre-defining artist earned 13 No. 1 hits on the Billboard 100 throughout his career, the most No. 1 hits by a male artist in the Hot 100 era.
While it’s rare for an artist's posthumous catalog to be received positively, Jackson
There’s only one King of Pop
is the exception to the rule. Even in death, the King of Pop showed out one last time with one more top ten hit in “Love Never Felt So Good” in 2014. Jackson's posthumous album “Xscape” has cuts ranging from 1980 to the early 2000s with spiced-up production that makes for one of the better posthumous albums of the past 15 years.
Then there’s the 90s, which saw Jackson go in a completely different direction sonically. He ditched longtime collaborator Quincy Jones to cultivate a fresh new sound that gave the world timeless tracks like “Remember The Time” and the No.1 hit “You Are Not Alone.”
We haven’t even touched “Thriller” yet.
The best selling album of all time, “Thriller” is still selling records despite being released over 40 years ago. This is the album that propelled Jackson into superstar status — the piece of art that serves as the defining point in his legacy.
It’s the definition of a classic album; the concise and to-the-
point album only features nine tracks, but they’re some of the most revered songs in Jackson’s entire catalog.
With a track list that features no skips, “Thriller” has sold over 70 million units worldwide and continues to have an impact on artists to this day.
MJ even created a Halloween theme with the title track
“Thriller,” accompanied by an iconic music video which has been preserved in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.
Before “Thriller,” MTV refused to give airtime to music videos by Black artists. That all changed when “Billie Jean” released in 1983 and it became the first music video by a Black artist to receive heavy rotation on MTV.
The company’s hand was forced, Jackson quite literally changed the game with “Billie Jean,” allowing for Black artists to receive proper air time on MTV.
Music videos would become a staple for Jackson, it was a craft that he took very seriously. Very few have come close to matching the artistic vision Jackson had for music videos. He set the standard. From the iconic “Billie Jean” to memorable
films such as “You Rock My World,” there is no shortage of quality.
Let’s not forget the multitude of iconic moments throughout Jackson's career, with the forefront of them all being his performance during Super Bowl XXVII. Despite a childlike demeanor at times, Jackson could display radiating mystique when he wanted to, and his performance that night was no exception. The popstar stood in front of a packed crowd screaming with joy for over two minutes until he finally took his sunglasses off and strutted on up with his opening song.
From the start of his journey as an adult solo artist in 1979 with “Off The Wall” to the final album released before his death — the criminally underrated “Invincible” — Jackson has a catalog of timeless classics that spans over 30 years.
One day Drake could beat Jackson's No. 1 song’s record, Taylor Swift could continue to grow the largest fanbase in the world and The Weeknd could continue to sell out arenas across the globe.
None of that matters when looking at the bigger picture. From the iconic dances such as the moonwalk, to the hitmaking and fashion statements. No matter what happens, there will never be another Michael Jackson.
By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief
LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — How does the saying go? Third time’s the charm?
Unfortunately for Quinnipiac, that was the case for Cornell as the Big Red slammed the door on the Bobcats Friday night for the third time this season — this time in an overtime thriller in the ECAC Semifinal.
And so the curse of Lake Placid struck again for Quinnipiac, and considering how this game went, it truly might be a curse.
Despite the fact that this was the fourth time these teams have faced off this season — with the Bobcats snagging one win in the first game, tying and losing the other two respectively — and Quinnipiac holding the No. 1 seed in the tournament, the outcome was really up in the air.
“Especially over the last 10-15 years, it’s been Quinnipiac and Cornell,” Cornell head coach Mike Schafer said. “When someone asked what the game was gonna be, I thought probably 2-2, 1-1. Looking at the stats, they had one more power play than we had; save percentage, shots on goal, faceoffs were at 50%. Two good teams, two very good programs. People were kicking dirt on our graves and somehow we were able to rally and that’s been our year.”
Like Schafer said, Cornell started out slow, and its only saving grace was that so did Quinnipiac.
In a March Madness fashion, Cornell put one on the board with four seconds left on the clock in the first period, and that was about all that transpired in the first 20.
It was a goal that could’ve and would have not gone in — in fact a few of the exact same
attempts fell just short of the red line — as Cornell’s sophomore forward Jonathan Castagna tipped it in on the power-play over sophomore goaltender Matej Marinov.
Speaking of the Nitra, Slovakia native, after a successful weekend against Brown where he saved 53 out of 54 shots and earned his third shutout of the season, he notched another 19 saves tonight.
Junior defenseman Charlie Leddy went down for a moment after a hit from Castagna in what
was called a five-minute major on the ice but changed to a minor penalty for contact to the head after a video review.
In his opening press conference statement, Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold only said one thing:
“I’m not going to take any questions on the officiating and NCAA rules tonight. Any questions on that, you can ask (ECAC Commissioner) Doug Christiansen.”
To answer, sophomore forward Andon Cer-
Men’s hockey faces it’s ninth consective time exisintg the ECAC Tournament, despite mkaing the finals in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
bone put Quinnipiac on the board on power-play as well, 14 minutes into the second period.
Hopes rose for the Bobcats in the third period, when freshman forward Chris Pelosi netted his 13th of the season with five minutes left on the clock, giving Quinnipiac the advantage.
Cornell came back fighting, however, with a desperation that only comes from a team that is fighting for its life — in this case the Big Red’s last season with Schafer before his retirement.
And that despair ended with a shorthanded goal by senior forward Kyler Kovich that tied the game and inevitably forced it into overtime.
The Bobcats held off the Big Red’s attempts until a slashing penalty on graduate student defenseman Cooper Moore gave Cornell the man advantage and resulted in senior defenseman Tim Rego shooting one past Marinov.
The buzzer sounds.
Herb Brooks Arena filled with Cornell fans erupts in cheers.
And the Bobcats on the ice all simply watch down on their knees.
“We were really desperate and so were they,” senior goaltender Noah Altman said. “It’s been everything for me. It’s been very hard to take off the jersey tonight and I really hope it wasn’t the last time.”
It truly seems like everything was stacked against the Bobcats in Lake Placid once again. Now all that’s left is to await their NCAA Tournament regionals placement and opponent, as they hope to don the navy and gold for just one more game.
And hopefully another one. And another one. And another one.
By MICHAEL PETITTO Associate Sports Editor
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Playoff season for Quinnipiac has come to an end, just one win shy from March Madness.
The Bobcats found themselves in a lopsided MAAC Championship, losing 76-53 to No.1 Fairfield while putting up their lowest point total of the season.
As expected, the game between the MAAC’s top two seeds started out neck-and-neck, with the scoreboard reading 15-15 with 1:14 left in the first quarter.
But that was the last time Quinnipiac would even sniff a tie with Fairfield.
Quinnipiac’s perimeter defense was nonexistent. It seemed like almost every other Stags possession, the scheme crafted by Fairfield head coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis found a way to get her players open from beyond-the-arc.
After junior guard Sydni Scott drained her second consecutive triple, she confidently waved three fingers in the air to signify her dominance from downtown, as the Bobcats deficit continued to grow. It didn’t help matters that Fairfield’s fan base showed out. The number of Stags supporters in the stands far outweighed the fans for the women in blue and gold.
Every Quinnipiac turnover, every minute that passed in the second quarter and every time a Fairfield player made a shot, the crowd only grew louder and louder.
It was almost symbolic, the louder the roars of the crowd were, the bigger hole Quinnipiac found itself in.
Those Bobcats that dominated the second
quarter of games all year long? They must’ve missed the drive from the hotel.
The Stags took over the entire second quarter. That 15-15 tie mentioned earlier? Fairfield responded with a 10-0 run and refused to take the pedal off the gas.
The team’s defensive scheme kept freshman point guard Gal Raviv in check. Despite 12 first half points, the MAAC Player of the Year shot 5-14 from the field.
Along with Raviv, the rest of the team couldn’t find an answer for the Stag’s defensive efforts, often having to use most of the shot clock in order to craft a shot attempt that might fall in with a little luck. There were no open looks for Quinnipiac, and the score sat at 41-26 as the second quarter ended.
So halftime came, head coach Tricia Fabbri and company had an opportunity to make adjustments and keep the Bobcats in the race for a MAAC title.
How did they respond?
Right out the gate, sophomore center Anna Foley hit a layup to stop the bleeding from the first half. Then the Andover, Massachusetts native made a fadeaway floater to start a momentum swing, and a few moments later hit yet another jumper.
Deficit down to nine.
But Quinnipiac’s troubles with perimeter defense persisted, Scott continued to shoot the lights out from downtown. By the end of the third quarter, the Bobcats were facing a 12 point deficit.
The fourth quarter was not kind to Quinnipiac. Already down double-digits, the Bobcats could not figure out how to stop Fairfield’s three point barrage. It’s not like the Stags were shooting the
lights out before this game either.
Fairfield shot just 12% from beyond-the-arc in the win over No. 4 Mount St. Mary’s. Against Quinnipiac? 52%.
There were no answers for Scott all game long. The Prospect Park, Pennsylvania native finished the game with 18 points, all three pointers while shooting 100% from downtown.
“In practice my coaches tell me to keep moving,” Scott said. “Even if they’re dribbling you either move to the corner or move to the wing. I was following the ball and that’s how it allowed
me to get my shot.”
The game was long over before the final seconds waned from the clock, but when the game clock rang zeroes, reality set in for Quinnipiac.
“Obviously this hurts,” Fabbri said. “It’s really disappointing not to get what we really wanted after the year that we had … more basketball is ahead of us. It’s not where we wanna be, but we’re gonna make the most of it going forward.”
An extened version of this can be found at quchronicle.com.
By CLAIRE FRANKLAND Sports Editor
International student-athletes make up a large part of Division I athletics. The NCAA has reported that nearly 25,000 international students make up collegiate athletics.
Yet, one sport holds the highest percentage of international student-athletes — men’s tennis, with international students making up 64% of athletes in the collegiate sport.
Eight of Quinnipiac’s men’s tennis squad are international students, with 12 athletes in total on the team. It has athletes from across the globe, coming from the Czech Republic, India, Hungary, Sweden, Germany and New Zealand.
“You sort of understand where they’re coming from,” sophomore Carlos Braun Simo from Munich, Germany said. “The feeling of, coming to a new place. Most of us have been to the U.S., maybe once or twice, but never lived here. I understood how the freshman felt because I had the same feelings last year.”
Coming from different regions of the world, the international athletes have shared their experiences and stories, from playing tennis to moving to another country.
Despite not all having the same backgrounds and cultures, these shared experiences have allowed the international players to relate to and bond with one another.
“Also interesting to see how similar some of our lives have been, like (freshman) Elias (Hoxha) and I, coming from neighboring countries, it’s funny to compare how we grew up, and same with (freshman) Carl (Sjoholm,)” Simo said. “So that obviously brings you together a little bit. And I think just in general, we all understand, you know, being away from your family is tough, and we use each other as a support system.”
The international athletes have also found ease in living in the U.S. through
their American teammates. Despite there only being four American-born athletes on the squad, they have greatly helped their international teammates by understanding their unique circumstances and helping them with anything.
One teammate in particular has been senior Yashin Laskin, who has displayed a big brother persona for the younger international athletes off the court.
“I think our senior captain, Yasha, who’s from Cheshire, which is like 10 minutes down the road from here, has been really special,” sophomore Finn Burridge from New Zealand said. “I know both Carlos and I have been over to the house for dinner multiple times, and every year, the family will host us as a whole team.”
Laskin and graduate student Donovan Brown have helped the international athletes with all things, from finding the best
place to get a haircut to getting groceries. They have even displayed a great understanding of the obstacles that come with living in a foreign country.
“Yasha was super aware of the fact that as an international student, as a freshman or as a sophomore, you probably won’t have a car here,” Simo said. “All of them are super aware of just what our situation is, and helped a lot to keep the bond strong between each other.”
Not only has coming to Quinnipiac introduced the international Bobcats to new athletes, but they have also been introduced to different playing styles, ways of coaching and overall game play.
With tennis being such an internationally played sport, each country teaches athletes in slightly different ways. Competing at the collegiate level allows each athlete’s unique talent to be put on display while also provid-
ing a challenging component to opponents.
“Meeting Carlos last year and (graduate student) Daniel (Velek) who played a lot on, like, red clay, which is not something we have in New Zealand, was different because it was a different style of tennis,” Burridge said. “And I think it helps player development just having also being able to have those conversations about, ‘What can you do here? How can I adjust?’”
In their second season with the Bobcats, Burridge and Simo have been doubles partners, ending the 2023-24 campaign with a record of 13-10. And, despite being separated by thousands of miles, Burridge and Simo have found that their international background has brought them together, on and off the court.
“In Switzerland, we play doubles, not a lot, so I used to always keep everything pretty, pretty basic, pretty simple, and it works,” Simo said. “But we’ve been playing together for a year and a half now, and it’s cool to, you know, bounce around ideas, try new things, try things.”
On the court, the two different playing styles have helped Burridge and Simo grow as athletes, integrating different features of each other’s game to help out the other. This combination has allowed the two to experiment with their strategies and come out on top against their opponents.
“We’ve been more experimental, but there’s a lot of trust there, and I think that trust has been earned over the last year and a half, and it’s a nice relationship to have with someone in the same class as you as well,” Burridge said.
Off the court, having class and living together has allowed the men to grow their bond outside of the sport of tennis.
“There’s not forced brotherhood,” Burridge said. “It’s pretty special.”
By RYAN JOHANSON Staff Writer
A son of a three-time Super Bowl champion, Tommy Andruzzi had his athletic career layed out for him, at least in theory. Living in the shadows of Gillette Stadium with the last name Andruzzi, Tommy would have looked a natural under a helmet and shoulder pads.
But Tommy — now a junior long stick midfielder — had a different plan, one that has brought him to Hamden to blaze his own trail on the men’s lacrosse team.
“I think with the experience at the NFL and knowing that it’s not always easy,” head coach Mason Poli said. “I think that’s where Tommy gets his work ethic from, and that’s where you really gain your confidence: putting in the work. It’s not thinking you can do it. It’s proving and showing you can do it. So I think he gains a lot of that from his father.”
Joe Andruzzi was a standout offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers, New
England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Coming out of Southern Connecticut State as an undrafted free agent in 1997, Joe carved out nine years in the NFL, three of them having him hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy as a member of the Patriots.
“Since I never got to see him play, I think it helped show me, just like, how much he really did,” Tommy said. “Now that I’m older and I know the NFL and everything, you really do see how hard he worked and how much he had to do to get to that point. It’s super cool just to see how humble he is.”
Unlike many professional athlete parents who push their kids to pursue the same sport, Joe was the polar opposite.
“I (didn’t) want to push any of my kids into sports; it doesn’t usually work out for the kids,” Joe said. “Thomas, actually, when his brother started playing, I think it was like fifth grade, he found a love for lacrosse and
wanted to play, but there was no age group for him. So I got it okayed for him to play in first grade with the U11 team.”
Tommy did play football like his father lining up as a running back, fullback and linebacker from eighth grade till his sophomore year of high school. Once lacrosse recruiting started to take shape in his junior year, he shifted his focus there.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic affected his junior year, not allowing him to play the whole season, prompting him to take a gap year at Loomis Chaffee in Connecticut.
As a long stick midfielder — a role not all college programs prioritize — Tommy found a fit with Poli, who understands the position firshand, being a long stick midfielder himself.
“One of my former teammates and his father were Tommy’s high school coaches,” Poli said. “I was an LSM. My teammate was an LSM Tommy plays in that similar fashion and style. So to know where he’s coming
from and how he was coached and how I’m trying to play the game, it’s been a smooth transition.” LSMs don’t come around as often, with two of the Bobcats’ eight MAAC opponents — Marist and Manhattan — not rostering a true LSM. But when Tommy stepped foot on campus as one, he was able to find a spot in the Bobcats’ lineup, playing in 30 out of a possible 40 games in his three years, as of publication.
With Tommy’s knowledge of football — both playing and watching his favorite football team, the Patriots — has greatly improved his play on the field, especially staying in front of his opponents and not letting them get around him like his father did for nine years in the NFL.
An extened version of this can be found at quchronicle.com.
By AMANDA DRONZEK Staff Writer
Bottom of the ninth, 7-6 Los Angeles Dodgers. Right-hand pitcher Walker Buehler stares down New York Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo at the plate. 1-2 count.
Breaking ball, strike three swinging — the Dodgers are world champions.
And hitting coordinator and Quinnipiac baseball alum Louis Iannotti ‘16 gets his second ring in four years.
“The first one is just sitting in a box in my closet, and I’m sure the second one will be right next to it until we have a cool place to have it,” Iannotti said.
That same Iannotti surely didn’t expect to have two World Series rings collecting dust in his closet when he transferred from Siena to Quinnipiac in 2013. The sophomore catcher from North Haven wasn’t expecting to ever be coaching. He thought he’d be playing.
“I tore my labrum,” Iannotti said. “So I was hurt, and I obviously knew the staff there. My dad attended Quinnipiac and played there, so I had a connection with the school. I just reached out and it all just kind of lined up perfectly.”
Iannotti’s father, Lou, played for the Bobcats from 1978-1982, leading his team to their first NCAA Tournament as a Divi -
sion II program. At the end of his senior campaign, Lou was a Division II All-New England All-Star Team selection and was inducted into the Quinnipiac Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
The duo not only share Quinnipiac baseball, they’re also the first father and son to be coached by former skipper and athletics Hall of Famer Dan Gooley, who managed the Bobcats for 24 seasons and is now the director of operations.
“We’ve known Dan for 46 years,” Lisa Iannotti, administrative assistant for Quinnipiac Athletics said. “You’re not going to meet a more humble human being than Dan. I mean, we love him. He’s our family.”
Louis’s mother and Lou’s wife, Lisa, has worked at Quinnipiac for the last 12 years. Initially, she was involved in Development and Alumni Affairs but transitioned to her current position in 2018.
“We have an affinity for Quinnipiac in athletics and I love the administrative staff and coaches,” Lisa said. “They’re a second family to me.”
So much so that the Iannotti’s still regularly have dinner dates with Lou’s old teammates — including one this past weekend.
“You know, it’s not just about baseball, it’s about the friends that you make and the
experiences that you (have),” Lisa said.
“I grew up going and remember going to alumni games with my dad,” Louis said.
“My dad is very close with a group of guys that he played with still to this day. A lot of them live in the area. It was cool to share the same connection.”
“I have pictures of my son playing on this field with my husband’s helmet on,” Lisa said. “It was pretty cool to see (Louis)
come back, following my husband’s footsteps, but yet, it was a path that he chose.”
Like his father before him, Louis’s tenure in Hamden was quite memorable for him and the program. Ahead of his junior season, current head coach John Delaney entered his inaugural year at the helm.
An extended version of this can be found at quchronicle.com.
