[The Stute] October 11, 2024 (Issue 6, Volume CXXII)
DuckCard Office requires choice between mobile and physical cards
BY ARTHUR SERRA, MANAGING EDITOR
At Stevens, student IDs, referred to as “DuckCards” have evolved over time. In Spring 2023, mobile DuckCards were introduced, and students, faculty, and staff who received physical DuckCards had the option to register a mobile phone DuckCard. This changed with the incoming Class of 2027, who were not issued physical cards as the mobile version was phased in as the default option. Until recently, mobile cards and physical cards could be used simultaneously for those who have both. The administration terminated the ability to use both physical and mobile cards on October 1. Students, faculty, and staff needed to choose between using a physical card or a mobile card going forward.
For many years now, universities across the country have been using new technology, such as RFID scanners, to digitize cards. Using RFID scanners to allow entrance into buildings, subtract meal swipes, and a host of other uses has streamlined many processes on the back end of administering a large school. With the proliferation of smartphones and the continued digitization of life, institutions like Stevens have been able to offer
Major updates for Workday Financials
JOSEPHINE CHOONG, STAFF WRITER
The Divisions of Finance and Information Technology released the latest updates on Workday Financials, is a project designed to modernize Stevens’ financial operations. With the successful completion of design sessions, it signals the end of the Architect & Configure stage.
Workday Financials aims to integrate essential functions into a single Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Connecting financial transactions directly to the same environments as Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Student modules improves efficiency and simplifies the financial process. The integration will enable better decision-making, streamline manual processes, and create a more user-friendly experience for the entire Stevens campus. Workday Financials is expected to go live in the summer of 2025 and marks the end of Stevens’ wider Workday inte-
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mobile IDs that are part of a student’s digital wallet.
When asked why students must now choose between a physical and mobile card, the DuckCard Office cited several reasons.
Firstly, having both physical and mobile DuckCards in use makes it “difficult to integrate both types of cards seamlessly.”
Secondly, there are security issues with each student having two pieces of identification. “Physical cards can be lost, stolen, or shared with others, while mobile cards may be vulnerable to hacking if not adequately protected.” Finally, everyone using the same system will streamline “production, maintenance, and support” as well as promote “a unified approach with enhanced features and security.”
Although not specifically mentioned by the office, there are a few well-known—among students—issues with the physical cards and having access to both. During the 2023-24 school year, after mobile DuckCards were introduced, those living in the UCC Residential Towers would commonly give their physical cards to friends who did not live in the towers to avoid checking them in and wasting time. This
SEE CARD PAGE 2
We write Stevens history
The 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report shows more awareness and violations
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE, HEAD COPY EDITOR
The Stevens Police Department recently released its 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which offers critical insights into the university’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment. The report covers crime statistics for 2021-2023 and also outlines comprehensive safety protocols, crime prevention
initiatives, and fire safety measures.
The report emphasizes Stevens’ dedication to transparency by presenting detailed statistics on various crimes occurring within the campus’s Clery geography, including crimes such as burglary, motor vehicle theft, and instances of sexual misconduct. The report reflects a slight increase in reported incidents, particularly in cases related to sexual assault, with a spike from zero to four stalking
Stevens opens a new ‘GO Blue’ Center for marine energy devlopment
Stevens Institute of Technology, along with the University of Michigan and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, have been approved to be founding partners for a new Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The IUCRC aims to develop marine energy resources, working closely with industry partners to develop and patent innovations involving wind, wave, and tidal power. The overarching goal of this new initiative is to harness the power of a “blue” economy, which is often overlooked due to the technological, sociological, economic, and environmental barriers that hold back the growth of marine
energy.
Blue energy, the main focus of the GO Blue Center, is the generation of renewable energy from marine and aquatic sources. It includes using power from ocean currents and offshore winds which are captured and converted to natural energy that can be used throughout the world. This new center offers a solution for meeting global energy needs while aiding the health of the planet.
Due to the locations of each of the universities involved, the Center will have access to top technical development and premier locations. The University of Michigan, located in the Great Lakes region, possesses facilities and expertise in marine hydrodynamics, naval architecture, and maritime transportation. The
university offers the Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory and 140 years of marine-related research. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a minority-serving institution located on the Gulf Coast, which adds a new facet to coastal resilience and emerging technologies. Stevens, which will contribute to one of the largest and most respected ocean engineering research facilities in the United States, is located conveniently on the Atlantic coast.
Davidson Laboratory director Muhammad Hajj, a lead investigator for Stevens in the effort and a wave-power innovator, noted that industry partners will have access to all three universities’ laboratories, testing facilities,
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incidents, a trend observed across many university campuses nationwide, according to one article. Additionally, there was an exponential increase in alcohol violations, jumping from 16 to 115 in just one year.
Stevens Campus Police, staffed with 23 armed officers certified by the New Jersey Police Training Commission, provides 24/7 security across the campus. They work closely with lo-
SEE REPORT PAGE 2
BY ARTHUR SERRA, MANAGING EDITOR
For the first time in years, the Student Government Association (SGA) has a full Senate, with all seats filled across all schools.
Since COVID, the Senate has generally been filled to roughly two-thirds capacity. Facing similar continuity problems to many other student organizations in the wake of the pandemic, fewer students were interested in serving, while the size of the Senate was in constant flux. One of SGA President Nicholas Smith’s main goals for his administration was to bring the SGA to its full capacity and make its races more competitive.
To do so, he created an Assistant Vice President of Recruiting (AVPR) position, which was filled by Riyana Phadke. Although efforts were made in the Spring 2024 semester, such as by sending SGA officials to visit first-year CAL 105 classes to drum up interest, the true payoff didn’t come until this semester, when enough students ran for Senate to
SEE SENATE PAGE 2
NATIONAL NEWS
Vance and Walz face off in only Vice Presidential
MADISON HELLER, OPINION COLUMNIST
In the current political landscape, where even the smallest percent of voters can make the difference in a Trump or Harris presidential win, every move matters. Last week, on Tuesday, October 1, the Vice Presidential Debate between Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was hosted by CBS. This is the first and only debate between the vice presidential candidates and the last debate before the No-
debate
vember 5 election. Initial reactions debate largely noted that compared to the presidential debate between Harris and Trump, the vice presidential debate exhibited more decorum and focused on issues rather than matters of personality and style. While most post-debate polls showed Harris edging out Trump in the presidential debate, viewer consensus in the wake of the vice presidential debate was more mixed: CBS reported that the num-
SEE DEBATE PAGE 2
In France, Marie Le Pen and party accused of embezzling EU parliament
JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, STAFF WRITER
French parliamentary leader Marine Le Pen and members of her National Rally (RN) political party are currently on trial for embezzling funds from the European parliament. Le Pen, her father, and 27 other individuals are accused of using parliament aid money to fund fake jobs for
people as a way of illegally getting them to work for the RN party. If found guilty on these charges, the penalty will be a 10-year prison sentence, a 10-year bar from public office, and fines of up to one million euros levied on each person on trial. Despite the severity of these accusations and the fact that being found guilty could derail
SEE FRANCE PAGE 2
RAFAEL LEE LI FOR THE STUTE
RIYANA PHADKE, SCIENCE EDITOR
EXISTING DAVIDSON LAB LED BY MUHAMMAD HAJJ, PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVENS.EDU
OFFICE.................................UNIVERSITY CENTER ROOM 216B
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created a security issue, enabling people to enter the residential towers and even specific units without record. These security concerns would grow in severity as the university installs RFID readers in first-year dorms.
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cal law enforcement, including the Hoboken Police Department and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, ensuring prompt responses to crimes and emergencies. The report highlights the importance of Campus Security Authorities (CSAs), individuals responsible for reporting Clery Act crimes, such as university officials responsible for student activities
The report also underscores Stevens’ various crime reporting systems. In addition to direct calls to Campus Police, students can use anonymous reporting tools or the Stevens Guardian app, which enhances personal safety by connecting users directly to campus police through a mobile interface. Stevens continues to emphasize the critical role of bystander intervention in campus safety. The university’s “Speak Up!” initiative encourages students to act when they witness potential
SENATE
make its elections competitive for the first time since 2020. AVPR Phadke is ecstatic with the new Senate, saying that she is “excited to see a wider range of opinions, as we have students from all different backgrounds” and is “happy that we’re getting more representation across all the schools.”
A majority of the Senators elected are new to the SGA. Furthermore, a majority of the new members are first-year students with plenty of new ideas. In recent years, the makeup of the Senate has been grouped and decided on by each school. The biggest school is the School of Engineering and Sciences, so it proportionally has the most number of senators, followed by the School of Business and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. While senators used to be voted on by class year, the transition was made in 2023 to simplify the organization, give students better representation, and encourage greater turnout
WORKDAY
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Michael Parente, Interim Vice President for Information Technology and CIO, explained how the design sessions were a crucial part of Workday Financials. During the Architect & Configure stage, the second of five stages, the sessions had various workstreams collaborating to align Stevens’ operations with Workday’s functionality. A key objective was to design the system around Workday’s Foundational Data Model (FDM), a replacement for the existing “Chart of Accounts” system. FDM will serve as the backbone for the functions of accounting, financial reporting, and transaction processing. Each workstream group was led by an expert from Stevens’ implementation partner Avaap, a company experienced in Workday and its integration in higher-level education. These groups were primarily from the Division of Finance and have worked on specific tasks throughout the project. Moreover, the work -
Students aren’t entirely for the initiative, as many upperclassmen said they enjoyed having access to both physical and mobile DuckCards. However, the DuckCard Office stressed that mobile cards have equivalent functionality to their physical counterparts, including the ability to redeem student discounts. For example, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Hoboken eatery Toast x Bowl have both readily offered their discounts when shown the mobile cards.
violence, harassment, or other dangerous situations. This program is a central aspect of Stevens’ broader mission to promote a culture of accountability and community care.
The institution also invests in numerous crime prevention programs integral to new student orientation and ongoing student development. These programs, including fire safety drills, active shooter training, and workshops on alcohol and drug prevention, aim to foster a safer environment for all community members.
Fire safety remains a top priority at Stevens, particularly in residential buildings. The report outlines Stevens’ fire safety protocols, including mandatory fire drills in all residence halls and regular maintenance and inspections of fire safety equipment. Students and staff often receive information on fire evacuation procedures, and new students receive fire safety training during their first semester
Additionally, Stevens ensures campus-wide emergency preparedness through its compre-
from the smaller schools, which has worked effectively.
To deal with this influx, the SGA committees created set goals, plans, and metrics for the coming semester, including several recent and upcoming committee initiatives.
The Academic Affairs committee, headed by Vice-President of Academic Affairs Erin McGee and Senate Chair Dalia Abbad, will be focusing on equality within academics, student faculty interaction, and undergraduate research. Some action items you will be able to see are an upcoming Academic Affairs Town Hall, the Take Your Professor Out program, and a Research Symposium.
The Budget Committee, headed by Vice President of Finance Kevin Pfundstein, will be continuing its work of distributing the recently raised Student Activity Fee, as well as improving the Student Fiscal Experience. One tangible result of this has been the reintroduction of the availability of food for all organizations’ general body meetings (GBMs).
The Campus Wellness Committee, headed by Senate Chair
stream leads have been an essential part of driving the project further. The leads understand how the current systems operate and have a strong sense of areas for improvement. Their deep knowledge of financial systems and processes helps to create a modern system optimized for day-to-day use and configured for Stevens’ requirements.
The project’s scope and emphasis on change management led to the creation of a Change Champion Network, a group of 45 Stevens community members from various departments. Those members will work closely with the project team to ensure users across campus are well-prepared, educated enough about the system to assist others as the project progresses. Parente explains previous enterprise-wide projects used this strategy to increase the project’s success; it results in greater user adoption and smoother project launches.
Preparation for the testing, the next big phase, has already begun. It starts with unit testing, which is when individual finance operations are tested in isolation, and is followed by end-to-end testing, which is when all units
Although student concerns regarding the extent and timing of the initiative, the Office stresses that the measure has been made in the best interest of student security and convenience, noting that “overall, the Stevens community has accepted and adopted mobile DuckCard.”
hensive evacuation and emergency response procedures. In conjunction with the Guardian app, the Stevens Alert system provides timely notifications to students and staff about potential emergencies, such as severe weather, active shooter situations, or fires.
In his letter within the report, Chief of Police Timothy J. Griffin reaffirmed Stevens’ commitment to continuous improvements in campus safety. The institution plans to expand its educational programming on sexual misconduct prevention and mental health through required modules for all students to maintain a solid communal knowledge base of support while enhancing its emergency response infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to create a safer, more informed, and more resilient campus community.
The 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report provides valuable information for all members of the Stevens community, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to and benefit from a secure campus environment.
Angelo Naro, will be improving dining, campus culture, morale, and mental health, physical health, and sustainability. This will take the form of monthly dining committee meetings, a pop-up thrift store, and reusable dining containers.
The Rules Committee, headed by Senate Chair Tanya Avadia, will be continuing its work reviewing club constitutions and working closely with new organizations to craft their constitutions. Look out for a Kahoot on SGA Governing Docs.
The Government & Community committee, headed by Senate Chair Evan Penerias, will be working on civic engagement, community service, and community leadership building. This includes a Food Drive, a forum with the Hoboken City Council, and a presidential election watch party.
Aside from these, there are other committees, and many more initiatives planned to take place this semester. From a continued focus on diversity and inclusion, to pushing for a greater student voice at higher levels of administration, the SGA will have its hands full this semester.
are integrated to ensure the entire system functions together smoothly. Throughout this iterative phase, workstream members and their feedback are essential in making the necessary adjustments to the system’s configuration.
One of the objectives was to make the system more efficient and user-friendly. In fact, one of the main reasons Stevens chose Workday was its focus on self-service and improved access to information. Before the project even started, it was a priority not just to replicate old processes but to streamline and improve them. These ideas align with the core values of Stevens 2032 Strategic Plan, namely “Impact Through Research and Innovation” and “Connected Community,” as well as the strategic goal highlighted under “Infrastructure and Sustainability.”
“While this is a technology project at its core, it’s ultimately about the people and processes it impacts,” Parente states. “The project team includes colleagues from various departments, all working toward the shared goal of bringing this new system to life.”
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ber of voters who thought Senator Vance won was only one percent greater than the number who gave the victory to Governor Walz. 17% of voters said the two had tied.
Traditionally, debates between vice presidential candidates have been overshadowed by the ones between presidential candidates, reflecting the view that U.S. Vice Presidents have comparatively little power. However, vice presidents retain important roles in government, including the ability to cast the tie-breaking vote when the Senate is evenly locked and standing first in the presidential line of succession. Additionally, Senator Vance has been portrayed as a strong candidate to succeed Trump as the Republican presidential nominee in future elections, and the debate provided him with the largest forum yet to speak to American voters.
As the debate began, Vance came across as confident and prepared, while Walz had several verbal stumbles early on. Since Democrats have labeled the Republican ticket, including Vance, as “weird” in one of their primary campaign messages, some post-debate analysis said that he was attempting to counter this impression by showcasing Midwestern normality.
On the debate stage, he came across as moderate and seemed like he could be a stand-in for the average American man, an image both candidates attempted to project. His first words emphasized details about his background, such as being from Ohio, being part of the middle class, and going through hardships with his family growing up. He also highlighted how he is a current family man, repeatedly using the phrase “my beautiful family” or occasionally referring to his “beautiful wife” or “three beautiful kids.” Vance’s performance was likely assisted by his background as a graduate
of Yale Law School, a best selling author, and a U.S. Senator.
In the first half of the debate, Walz could often be seen scrawling notes on his podium and was forced on the defensive by Vance’s arguments. Some commentators noted that his opening was less impactful, and he struggled to answer a question about past statements that he had been in China during the protests in Tiananmen Square.
Despite also being a man of the Midwest, Walz’s biography differs from Vance’s in substantial ways. He earned his bachelor’s in education from Chadron State College in rural Nebraska, followed by a master’s in education in Minnesota. Before he worked in politics, he was a high school teacher, football coach, and a veteran who served in the National Guard. Walz highlighted his experience as a teacher and veteran, aiming to resonate with the audience. While serving as a House representative for his district, he was elected Governor of Minnesota in 2018 and has served in that office since 2019.
However, Walz appeared to regain his footing as the debate progressed, speaking with seemingly more confidence and clarity. When Vance was asked about the events that unfolded on January 6, 2021, he talked about how he was “looking forwards and not backward.” Walz was ready with a retort that this was a “damning non-answer.”
The same survey showed that both Vance and Walz’s favorability ratings went up after the debate. However, Republicans have hailed the debate as a victory on messaging, feeling that Vance successfully countered Democratic portrayal that he is “weird” and overly aggressive. Meanwhile, perceptions of Walz, who has cultivated a folksy and avuncular image, did not change significantly. Whether the vice presidential debate could sway the election in crucial swing states remains to be seen.
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faculty and student talent, early and royalty-free access to intellectual property, and federal funding and NSF-funded internship programs. This list will include Stevens’ historic Davidson Lab and its cutting-edge wave/towing tank, which has already been used to test models of marine energy converters.
“By working beside esteemed academic institutions, as well as with corporate partners who will
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her political aspirations, Le Pen arrived at her first trial feeling calm, saying that she believed that she and her party members had done nothing wrong in the eyes of the law.
Le Pen’s father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, founded the National Front political party, which then became the RN, in 1972. Marine Le Pen succeeded her father as president of the RN from 2011 to 2021 and now leads a group of lawmakers in the French National Assembly. Le Pen ran for president in the 2012, 2017, and 2022 presidential elections, having been the runner-up to Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 and 2022 elections.
She is preparing for the 2027 election, where she hopes to have her first victory. However, some supporters fear that the consequences of this trial could either eliminate her as a candidate or hurt her credibility as a country leader.
CNN reports that the activity of the RN party was first brought to attention by Martin Shulz, then-president of the EU parliament, in 2015. He presented his suspicions of fraud to French authorities and the European Fraud
GATEWAY CAFÉ
bring their industry expertise, we will be able to engage in synergetic high-impact technology development and experiential workforce training, leading to successful technology transfer and commercialization,” Hajj notes. The GO Blue Center will focus on three primary research areas: developing marine energy technology, powering the blue economy, and assessing the societal, environmental, and economic impacts. The Center is committed to fostering an inclusive workspace by integrating experiential learning and professional development. This includes creating opportuni-
Office, who launched their own investigation into the matter.
An organizational chart showed that “16 European lawmakers and 20 parliamentary assistants held official positions within the party — roles unrelated to their supposed duties as EU parliamentary staff.” Other reports found that “some assistants were contractually linked to different MEPs [members of European Parliament] than the ones they were actually working for,” suggesting that there was some sort of scheme to divert parliament funds to pay party employees. Those investigating this case have concluded that Le Pen “orchestrated the allocation of parliamentary assistance budgets and instructed MEPs to hire individuals holding party positions.”
These people, while presented as parliament assistants, never did any work for the parliament.
The investigation covers contracts from 2004 to 2016, and the employee records heavily support the conclusion of foul play. The Guardian reports that many of the assistants hired for these alleged fake jobs “were unable to describe their day-to-day work and some never met their supposed MEP boss or set foot in the parliament building.” Other people, including “a bodyguard, secretary, chief of staff, and a graphic designer were
ties for students in underrepresented minorities in community outreach and entrepreneurship. The center will also play a crucial role in supporting the economic growth of underserved coastal communities through its research and outreach activities.
Beginning on November 1, 2024, the GO Blue Center will embark on its mission to make a lasting impact on the future of sustainable energy and the vitality of the planet’s oceans and lakes. Initial funding from the NSF will award 2.2 million dollars to the three universities through the Fall of 2029.
all hired under false pretenses.”
Several people testified about a 2014 RN meeting that clearly laid out the structure of the fake jobs plan, and other evidence, in this case, includes “contracts for periods as short as a single day to exploit spending allowances.”
The EU Parliament is seeking to recover three million euros, which doesn’t include the one million euros that the RN has already paid back. Mallory Moench of BBC writes that the RN’s donation to the EU was not “an admission of guilt.”
The trial began on September 30, and it will conclude on November 27. During this time, employee records spanning over a decade will be carefully scrutinized, and many people will be questioned on their involvement in the alleged scheme.
Jean-Marie Le Pen will not be on trial because at the age of 96, he was deemed unfit to testify by a parliament court in June. He has denied his involvement in the scheme during his time as party president, as he told CNN, “I did not choose which assistants were assigned to me. That was decided by Marine Le Pen and others. I only signed the contracts.” More will be revealed as this trial unfolds, potentially with dramatic consequences for the future of French politics.
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ETHNIC STUDENT COUNCIL
Ethnic Student Council Spotlight: Get to Know the Cultural Orgs at Stevens
BY JEYLAN JUBRAN, CONTRIBUTING REPORTER
Ever wondered what it’s like to celebrate Diwali, experience a dragon dance, or enjoy a potluck of flavors from around the world—all without leaving campus? The Ethnic Student Council (ESC) is your gateway to exploring the rich cultural tapestry woven by its student body.
ESC at Stevens plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural unity and celebrating diversity on campus. By collaborating with active cultural organizations, ESC fosters an inclusive space where students can celebrate, learn, and share their unique cultural experiences and backgrounds. Throughout the semester, ESC hosts a variety of events, with two of the biggest being the Global Gala in the fall and Unity in the spring.
Upcoming Events
ESC’s calendar is filled with exciting opportunities for students to engage in cultural exchanges. Here are a few highlights of their current schedule:
- October 7: Game NightThis carnival-style event features games brought by different cultural organizations, exposing students to fun traditions from around the world.
- October 22: Global GalaHosted in Bissinger at 9:15 p.m., this vibrant fashion show allows clubs to showcase their culture through clothing and performances.
- November 19: ESC Thanksgiving - A potluck-style gathering where cultural organizations share food from their respective countries, with fun games and
karaoke that were a crowd favorite last year.
Students can stay updated on all these events and more by following ESC on Instagram (@ esc_stevens)!
Meet the Cultural Orgs ESC works closely with a wide array of cultural organizations at Stevens. Here’s a spotlight on some of the most active clubs:
- BSU: Black Student Union (@bsu_stevens) — The Black Student Union is dedicated to fostering community and raising awareness of political, economic, and social issues affecting Black people. It is known for major events like Wild N’ Out, Black History Month events, and the Ebony Gala.
- CSA: Chinese Student Association (@csa.stevens) — CSA is all about food, people, and rich heritage. From Dim Sum Night to Lunar New Year celebrations, CSA brings Chinese culture to the forefront. Look out for their iconic dragon dance performances at ESC events!
- FAST: Filipino Association of Student Tech (@fast_family) — FAST lives up to its motto of “Friends, Family, Food” by creating a home away from home for Filipino students through its mentor-mentee program and bonding events like Carnival, Big Little Night, and the infamous Halo Halo-ween where students learn to make their halo-halo dessert on October 29th!
- SASA: South Asian Student Association (@stevenssasa) — Formerly known as the Indian Undergraduate Association, SASA celebrates South Asian traditions through lively festi vals like Diwali and Holi. If you missed Garba last weekend, don’t
worry — SASA has plenty more events filled with dance, food, and culture.
- JSA: Japanese Student Association (@jsa_sit) — Whether you have ties to Japan or simply an interest in the culture, JSA welcomes all students to their events, which include social hangouts and cultural activities to foster a deeper appreciation of Japanese traditions.
- KSA: Korean Student Association (@sit.ksa) — For students interested in Korean culture, KSA offers fun trips to Koreatown, general body meetings, and activities that showcase Korean food, history, and skincare. They aim to foster an understanding of Korean culture through their interactive events.
- LAA: Latin American Association (@laa_sit) — LAA, one of the largest Latinx organizations on campus, connects students to Latin American culture through food, music, and games. If you attended Chip & Dip, you might still be thinking about their delicious churros!
- MESA: Middle Eastern Student Association (@stevens_ mesa) — MESA brings Middle Eastern culture to campus through events like Mosaic Night, Game Card, and Dabke Dances. The club is all about fun, laughter, and delicious food, making it a popular destination for students looking to explore Middle Eastern traditions.
Each of these cultural organizations is active on Instagram, making it the best platform to stay updated on their upcoming events, meetings, and activities.
Ethnic and Cultural Organizations
Black Student Union (BSU)
Chinese Student Association (CSA)
Filipino Association of Stevens Tech (FAST)
South Asian Student Association (SASA)
Japanese Student Association (JSA)
Korean Student Assoication (KSA)
Latin American Association (LAA)
Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA)
National Society of Black Engineers
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Association of Latino Professionals for America
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ETHNIC STUDENT COUNCIL
Feature
Hillel celebrates Rosh Hashanah
BY TIANNA SPITZ, FEATURES EDITOR
On Friday, October 4, Stevens Hillel hosted a Shabbat dinner in celebration of the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. While the Gregorian calendar marks the year as 2024, Rosh Hashanah falls on the first and second day of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish calendar that coincides with September-October, and this year’s celebration ushered in the year 5785. In the Old Testament, Rosh Hashanah marks both the beginning of humanity and the day God judges the actions of mankind. The two days of Rosh Hashanah mark a time for personal reflection and renewal while beginning the Ten Days of Repentance that culminates with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
The holiday is associated with symbols and traditions to commence the New Year; blowing the shofar, a ram’s horn, announces the commencement of the New Year, dipping apples in honey to bring sweetness into the new year, round challah bread represents the circularity of the year, and pomegranates that are said to have 613 seeds corresponding to the 613 commandments of the Torah.
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, October 2, Hillel hosted an Apples and Honey tabling event in between the UCC Towers where members handed out apples to students passing by. The event served to bolster the familiarity between Hillel members while also answering questions about the event and the following Shabbat dinner for students who were interested in learning about the holiday.
Hillel celebrated the last night of the holiday in the UCC Commons by catering kosher Greek food and serving honey cake homemade by the E-Board. Sophia Donskoy, Outreach Coordinator for Stevens Hillel and
¾ Biomedical Engineering student, emphasized the cultural link Hillel offers to bring family tradition to campus. “Unfortunately, being so busy the week of Rosh Hashanah had made it really difficult for me to go back home. While Hillel gatherings are more cultural than religious, I still feel that I am able to embrace and celebrate the tradition of the holidays despite not being with my family for the time being,” she said.
Shabbat is recognized as the Jewish day of rest and worship that takes place every week from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. The tradition commemorates the creation story in the Torah that states God rested on the seventh day after creating the world in six days. On Shabbat, traditionally, Jews don’t work or attend school on this day and commit the 24 hours to rest. Every Friday night, members often say a prayer over lighting the Shabbat candles, pour grape juice as a substitution for wine, and cut the challah, a soft, sweet braided bread that symbolizes the intertwined communal bonds. After the traditional sequence, a dinner spread of ko -
sher items is served.
The Rosh Hashanah Shabbat was celebratory and introspective as Donskoy says, “In addition to lighting the candles, saying the prayers, and enjoying the food, we also wrote down our goals for the New Year, sort of like New Year’s resolutions, as well as things we want to let go of.”
Shabbat dinners are Hillel’s most popular event, and they reserve time for community and friends to come together after a long week to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Hillel welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs to take part in the tradition of gathering to reflect on the previous week as a community.
Donsoky reflects, “Being Jewish is so much more than just following a religion. Many of us come from diverse cultures and experiences, each coming with a new and unique perspective on Jewish customs. Being a part of Hillel is truly a learning experience for me, as I’m able to get insight into how everyone honors their Jewish tradition and identity in a myriad of ways.”
BY MADISON HELLER, OPINION COLUMNIST
The fall season is densely populated with holidays from various religions. Not all holidays align with the school-appointed breaks, so what can students do in this case? While options exist, the best approach will vary depending on each student’s faith.
For instance, although days off are not offered for holidays like Yom Kippur, which falls on Friday, October 11-12 this year,Students can request time off from individual professors and seek to reschedule any exams or extensions on assignments that coincide with these holidays. Additionally, there are resources available on campus through the Office of Student Culture and Belonging.
Some of these resources include quiet spaces for prayer, reflection, and gathering with others. On the ground floor of the Wellness Center, the quiet space is open 24/7. This area is designated for prayer or meditation and should be kept quiet at all times. On the second floor of the UCC, the Intercultural Space (ISC) is open daily from 7-8 p.m.
The ISC provides a comfortable and quiet environment, making it an excellent place for students to work together.
Classroom accommodations should include the ability to reschedule exams around holidays and fasting. Additionally, students are permitted to leave class for ten minutes to pray when necessary. While attendance policies are up to the individual instructor, profes -
sors must include and abide by the university-wide statement on religious holiday policies in their syllabi:
Religious Holidays
Stevens is a diverse community that is committed to providing equitable educational opportunities and supporting students of all ethnicities and belief systems. Religious observance is an essential reflection of that rich diversity. Students will not be subject to any grade penalties for missing a class, examination, or any other course requirement due to religious observance. In addition, students will not be asked to choose between religious observance and academic work. Therefore, students should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester if a requirement for this course conflicts with religious observance so that accommodations can be made for students to observe religious practices and complete the requirements for the course. It has only been within the past decade that other religious holidays beyond Christian ones have been acknowledged on the school calendar as dates to acknowledge. While improvements have been made to help students succeed without compromising their faith, the best way to ensure faith-based accommodations during this holiday season is to communicate directly with your professors to explore possible solutions. With midterms approaching, good luck, and enjoy celebrating the holidays with friends and family.
PHOTO COURTESY OF @STEVENSHILLEL ON INSTAGRAM
Conflict is devastating to not just people, but the planet too
BY AMELIE DELA CRUZ, CONTRIBUTOR
Armed conflict across the globe devastates communities, countries, and beyond. Death tolls are well-documented as they rise, but the toll that war takes on the planet is less discussed. With many war-torn areas being home to vast cultural and biological diversity, climate change can have a disastrous effect on the homes of people, plants, and animals. Conflict-ridden places like Gaza and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are subject to climate destruction, as well as many other regions.
The Gaza Strip is a 41 km long by 10 km wide Palestinian territory and the densely populated center for conflict between the Israeli military and the resistance group Hamas. With a resurgence in the conflict between Israel and Palestine that occurred just over a year ago and continues to this day, the Gaza Strip has been subject to the destruction of nature and culture.
A study from this June revealed the catastrophic effects of bombs, rocket attacks, and excessive military presence on Gaza. It found that the emissions from the myriad attacks in the first 120 days of renewed conflict were greater than that of 26 countries annually. Even though the fighting is ongoing, when tensions have ceased, the estimated carbon emissions to rebuild Gaza could be greater than that of 135 countries.
With severe restrictions on movement and resources to those in Gaza, many in the past have adapted. Gazans relied on solar power for much of their electricity when there were blockades on fuel. However, as buildings were destroyed and solar panels were subsequently installed on their roofs, sustainable resources could no longer be used. Gaza also suffers from many forms of pollution, including contaminated water that floods streets and dust from rubble during and after explosions. White phosphorous, a highly toxic and dangerous substance, has notoriously been used in the region and can contaminate water, making it entirely undrinkable. These are among the many effects of conflict on the Gaza Strip.
A majority of conflicts occur in extremely biodiverse regions, which have many effects on climate change; namely, the environment is degraded but the pop-
ulation living there cannot care for the environment as they would during times of peace. Additionally, when there are clashes over the limited resources at their disposal, groups with more power will exert it over local communities who care for what resources they have. Especially when the conflict is a fight over resources, the planet takes a serious toll.
A prime example of this is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the cause of conflict and climate destruction is multi-faceted. The Congo Basin, which the DRC is home to, is an extremely biodiverse region home to many unique but threatened species. The basin is also home to minerals like gold and cobalt, which are highly sought after for their use in technology. In protected natural reserves, two types of mining occur: artisanal and semi-industrial. Namely, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and Itombwe Nature Reserve, which would otherwise prohibit mining, are sites protected by Congolese armed forces. Mining is lucrative compared to many other jobs in the Congo, even more than some state jobs. Since the minerals generate so much money, the topic is a point of contention. The conflict occurs “between different branches of the state, between entrepreneurs and local populations, and between artisanal and semi-industrial miners,” as stated by researchers at the reserves.
Both types of mining themselves have harmful effects on the natural world, including deforestation and water pollution as direct effects. Indirectly, the creation of roads to access mining zones and growing populations nearby drain the natural resources and encourage destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial, yet the conflict minerals push the idea of conservation and protection to the background. Excessive military presence on these lands aims to protect the minerals from other groups taking the resources and therefore revenue, but they do not seek to protect the land from being exploited.
War and conflict, no matter the cause, have severe effects on people and the planet. Many governments and international organizations are trying to bring an end to these tensions, and once they do, the futures of the war-affected populations and the planet will be brighter.
Science
First successful neural device implant from Neuralink
BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, STAFF WRITER
After an accident at a lake eight years ago, Noland Arbaugh was left paralyzed from the shoulders down. This vastly impacted his daily life and forced him to hold off on his dreams, including traveling to France. In January of this year, Noland volunteered for the PRIME study at Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink. This study takes place at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ, and it aims to prove the effectiveness of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) as a rehabilitation technique for patients who suffer from quadriplegia. BCIs are neural implants that allow patients to control computers and other communication devices with their thoughts. Arbough’s neural implant–or Link as it is referred to in this study–has allowed him to play chess, learn languages, and gain more independence than he thought he would ever have. With him being the first participant and first success, Neuralink hopes to expand this study even further and make this treatment more easily available to the public.
up from his previous digital inter face. As reported on the Neuralink blog in this study, Noland was using “a mouth-held tablet stylus (mouth stick) that had to be put in place by a caregiver.” The mouth stick could only be used if Noland was sitting in the upright position, and he required assistance with the device, and prolonged use would cause, “discomfort, muscle fatigue, and pressure sores.” In addition, the mouth stick would prevent normal speech. He also needed as sistance when watching videos or streaming, as the mouth stick was ineffective at navigating the inter net. Now, with the Link, Noland no longer has to move his body in any way to control his computers and devices. The Link allows him to navigate the internet in any way he chooses all while holding a con versation. He enjoys playing chess online, as he can do it for hours at a time, even while lying in his bed,
as he told Euro News. BCIs are highly invasive and have been under scrutiny for their safety in neural rehabilitation since their inception. Devices implanted on the scalp, cortical surface, or within the brain directly capture electrical impulses from brain activity and translate them into commands whose signals are sent to computers and other devices. These have been effective in the past, but their risk of infection and brain tissue damage makes them a risky application.
Arbough recovered quickly from his surgery, but in the weeks following, a number of threads throughout his brain were detached, and many of the electrodes stopped working. This led to slower communication between the implant and his computer, preventing him from doing the things he loved. To rectify this, Neuralink’s team “modified the recording algorithm to be more sensitive to neural population signals, improved the techniques to translate these signals into cursor movements,
and enhanced the user interface.” These changes created an even faster rate of data transfer than the initial implant, making the Link more efficient.
So far, Noland has been able to enjoy playing video games with his friends and learning both French and Japanese with easy access to the internet. The story of his success inspired a man named Alex to become the second volunteer for the PRIME study. Alex received his Link in July of this year and now has the capability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 3-D models on his computer. Neuralink’s research team learned more about their device’s capabilities and limitations through this volunteer, as he performs more demanding tasks than Noland. As they work to improve their device and learn more about BCIs’ place in the medical world, hopes remain high that these types of devices will become widely marketed and millions of quadriplegic people’s lives will be changed for the better.
Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse… one of the sky’s brightest stars may have a small sun-like companion
BY TIANNA SPITZ, FEATURES EDITOR
Betelgeuse, the star, pronounced like the Halloween occult classic Beetlejuice, forms the left shoulder in the constellation Orion and sits around 650 lightyears from Earth but remains one of the brightest stars visible with the naked eye. As a red giant star, an early stage of star death that’s ushered in when a star runs out of hydrogen fuel at its core, Betelgeuse has been expanding and pulsating as researchers have watched the orange celestial being approach instability, otherwise known as star explosion into a supernova. Betelgeuse pulsation has previously been attributed to variability as a star that periodically grows and shrinks over time, but a recent study reveals the star’s light curve, a record of pulsation rhythm, doesn’t match up with its radial velocity or rate of expansion. Researchers hypothesize that this missing beat, or difference in the star’s radial velocity and light curve, indicates that a Betelgeuse has a companion star that is the culprit of this “out-ofsyncness.”
The star’s march to death has been marked by a brilliant orange glow, as the star has expanded to just under eight times the Sun’s mass, that has been pulsating energy over the span of 400 days in intervals of brightening and dimming periods. The star’s 400-day heartbeat is nestled into a sixyear-long larger, slower beating called a long secondary period
(LSP) that approaches dimming and brightening. Analysis of the light curve reveals that the star’s phases of brightness are not correlated to phases of radial expansion, which supports the hypothesis that a second smaller star may be contributing to Betelgues’s variability in shine. As heartbeats are nestled within heartbeats, the old red supergiant may have a “Betelbuddy” that drives an irregular variability and pulsation previously overlooked.
Astronomers studying the pulsating discrepancy report, “The light curve-radial velocity phase difference requires a companion to be behind Betelgeuse at the long secondary period luminosity minimum.” Pulling from the raw data of radial velocity phase not lining up with the phases of brightness and dimming, the authors summarize that Betelguese is brightest when the red supergiant star and it’s hypothetical companion star, estimated to be about 1.7 times the mass of our sun, shine together and create a stronger pulsation from our perspective on earth. The dust holds the answers. In 2020, Betelguese’s 400-day-long heartbeats unexpectedly dimmed beyond their previous dimmest shine, termed the Great Dimming, which has cut the heartbeat intervals in half and excited an extra phase of brightening that invited extra attention from researchers. Despite speculation that the red supergiant was approaching a final explosion of death, the Great Dimming was traced to a large
expulsion of material from the star’s interior that created a dust cloud that then obscured Earth’s view of the star. In other words, Betlegeuse’s shine was shrouded in a star fart which triggered the researcher’s interest in the subtle role dust plays in the big-picture pulsation of the LSP. So, how does the companion star play a role? Betelgeuse is a misunderstood star if anything, and recent discrepancies in the star’s pulsation and expansion have rewritten Betelguese’s prognosis away from star death. The long-anticipated supernova explosion that would outshine all observed star deaths in 400 years has been replaced with a new interest in the interaction between the possible companion star and its influence on the celestial heartbeat that iconized Betelgeuse. If Betelguese’s brightening phases aren’t associated with expansion, what dictates the intervals of dimming and brightening? The team that investigated the missing beat between the star’s radial velocity and light curve can only propose a firm theory that Betelguese’s companion star functions to disperse the clouds surrounding Betelguese that cause periodic dimmings as Betelbuddy orbits into Earth’s view and restores the red supergiant’s luminance. Ultimately, the team suggests that the Betelgeuse we’ve come to know is a binary star system as its heartbeat suggests a buddy star of an unknown classification that plows through years of dust, like a good seasonal cleaning.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ACTIVESTILLS.ORG (SHOT BY RYAN RODRICK BEILER)
PHOTO COURTESY OF NPR.ORG
Sports
Men’s and Women’s Swimming opens season with tough matchup against Montclair State
BY CAMRYN WINANT, SPORTS WRITER
On October 5, the men’s and women’s swimming teams opened up their seasons with a meet against Montclair State University at the DeBaun Aquatic Center. Both teams fell to Montclair, with the women’s team ending with a 154-103 loss and the men’s team ending at 175-87.
The women’s match opened with a 200-yard medley relay, with the team of senior Kai Wong, junior Adriana Bertolotti, junior Natalia Brunetti, and junior Gabby Sokolik taking second place. In the 1000-yard freestyle, firstyear Dora Dvorkin took second. The Red Hawks took the top three spots in the 200-yard freestyle, but soon after, in the 100-yard backstroke, Wong took third, and first-year Eszter Kiss finished just 0.20 seconds behind, snagging a fourth-place finish. In the 200yard butterfly, Brunetti and first-
year Hanna Matheson took first and third, respectively, and then first-year Laney Klaus, Kiss, and senior Sophie Patz took second in the 50-yard free, 100-yard free, and 200-yard backstroke, respectively. It was later in the 100-yard butterfly that Brunetti could add a third victory of the day. The match closed out with the Ducks sweeping both the 200-yard individual medley and 400-yard free relay, with Kiss leading the sweep and coming in first, followed by Patz in second and senior Emily Lynch in third. The spotlight was on Brunetti, with four top-two finishes, right next to Kiss, who had three top-two finishes, and Wong, who had two top-three finishes and a 400-yard relay win. Along with them were Sokolik, Klaus, Matheson, Patz, and first-year Julia McKinley, all of whom ended with a pair of top-two finishes. Just like the women’s team, the men’s match opened with a 200yard medley relay, with the team
of first-year Ethan Emerton and juniors Angel Velasquez, Amadeo Bove, and Will Stibor taking first. Following them at third was the team of senior Ryan Ward, firstyear James Johnson, and juniors Leo Timmermann and Gailen Davis. In the 1000-yard freestyle and the 200-yard freestyle, the top three and two spots on the podium were taken by the Red Hawks, respectively. Emerton was Stevens’ only swimmer under 55 seconds, and Velasquez was the only one under one minute in the 100-yard backstroke. Bove took second in the 200-yard butterfly; Stibor took second in the 50-yard freestyle, just 0.01 seconds behind first, and Timmermann took third. Senior Cade Cermak went second in the 100-yard free, 0.15 seconds off of first, while Emerton took second in the 200-yard backstroke, and junior Lukas Mikulenas took second in the 200-yard breaststroke. The Red Hawks took the top three spots in the 500-yard freestyle and
Men’s and Women’s Soccer takes MAC Freedom Opener against FDU-Florham
BY CAMRYN WINANT, SPORTS WRITER
On October 5, the men’s and women’s soccer teams went up against FDU-Florham for the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom opener at the DeBaun Athletic Complex, with both Stevens teams leaving with the win over the Devils.
For the 13th straight season, the women’s soccer team won their conference opener. By winning this game with a 4-0 shutout, they extended their shutout streak to 302 minutes in gameplay, as they have not allowed a goal since the 58th minute in the game against Rowan on September 28, and the team has reached a three-match win streak. The first goal was
scored early on in the 11th minute of the game by junior Lauren Alley, marking her fourth goal in four games, an improvement from a total of four goals in her first 37 collegiate matches. Twelve total shots, including three on target, were made in the first half of the game by the Ducks while holding the Devils shotless. The Ducks’ lead was doubled in the 50th minute because of a goal by graduate student Nicole Angelini, her third goal in the last four games. A third goal was quickly scored by junior Sarah Wnorowski off a feed from Alley, making that her third goal in two games. The winning shot was scored by sophomore Luciana Rodrigues off an assist from firstyear Alina Friz, her second of the game.
After the game, head coach Stuart Dick remarked, “It was great to have four different goal scorers, and that’s going to make us a very difficult team to play against.”
The men’s soccer team’s win improved the Ducks to a 13-0-1 all-time record against the Devils and marked their 21st conference opener win in the last 22 seasons. The first 40 minutes of the game were goalless for both sides, with a combination of two shots on goal and three yellow cards between the Ducks and Devils. It was in the 41st minute when the first goal was scored by sophomore Omar Martinez from an assist by senior Terry Thompson. The Ducks carried their 1-0 lead into the half. Sophomore Luke Carey scored the
200-yard individual medley, with Stibor coming close to a comeback in the final event, just 0.12 seconds off of the Red Hawks’ winning team. By the end, Emerton had four top-three finishes, with Velasquez, Bove, and Stibor right behind him, each with three topthree finishes. Cermak finished with two top-twos, while Johnson landed a top-two and top-three, and Timmermann ended with a pair of top-three finishes. Head coach Adam Schneider said at the meet, “It was a tough meet for us today, Montclair came out very strong and although we had a lot of good takeaways from both meets this just reinforces how much more work we have to do. We are looking forward to next weekend when we host two very strong Rowan teams where we will look to improve upon some of the things that limited us today.” The Ducks will be seen back in the pool at DeBaun on Saturday, October 12, up against Rowan University.
second goal of the game, making his fourth appearance of the season, with an assist from first-year Matthew Murillo. The Devils’ second shot on goal of the game ended in goal, cutting the Ducks’ lead in half. Despite this, the Ducks were able to keep the Devils from scoring throughout the last 23 minutes, ending the game with a 2-1 win. The win improved head coach Dale Jordan’s record to 5811-12 all-time at home as head coach.
The men’s and women’s teams will be seen again in Center Valley, PA on Saturday, October 12, to face off against DeSales University to continue MAC Freedom play. The men’s team will kickoff at noon, and the women’s team will have a 2 p.m. kickoff.
STEVENS SCOREBOARD
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Stevenson University Stevenson, MD 1 p.m.
MEN’S GOLF Skidmore Fall Invitational–Day Two Saratoga Springs, NY Time TBA
TUE, OCT 15
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Lebanon Valley College Hoboken, NJ 7 p.m.
WED, OCT 16
MEN’S SOCCER Alvernia University Reading, PA 7 p.m.
FIELD HOCKEY FDU-Florham Madison, NJ 7 p.m.
FINDS Spice life at Stevens
BY PRISHA VAGVALA
The number of milkshakes I’ve downed this week from Yella’s Grill at UCC is frankly absurd. But it’s all in the name of research for this article, right?
There’s no denying the glory of Yella’s Grill’s seasonal pumpkin spice milkshake, a beloved creation that has become a running joke among my friends. My hunt for this milkshake turned into a full-on adventure. I was in crisis mode the day I decided to grab one — Grubhub was a no-go, and the UCC kiosk betrayed me by not having it listed. The heartbreak was real; I stressed this to everyone I know. So instead, I settled for the strawberry shake from Yella’s Grill, which was fine, but let’s be honest: nothing screams “fall” like the pumpkin spice milkshake. This Friday, as I made my way to UCC to pick up the latest edition of The Stute from the newspaper rack, I ran into my group of friends. I shared my frustration over failing to get my beloved pumpkin spice milkshake despite several attempts the day before (yes, I know it sounds melodramatic, but food is serious business). While sitting and pondering ideas for a Foodie Finds article, I felt my prayers had been answered when the pumpkin spice milkshake magically reappeared on the Grubhub app. Without wasting a second, I placed my order, finally ending the search. While waiting for my milkshake to be made, everyone around me had different opinions. I won’t let my bias dominate this review — this milkshake comes down to personal preference. Some felt
it had too much pumpkin spice, and I’ll admit, the flavor was intense. However, others adored the rich spice flavor (like me).
I perfectly embodied the notion of fall when I got my milkshake in a knitted golden-colored sweater; all I was missing was my Uggs. This milkshake has motivated me to enjoy and dress for the great things about fall, like apple cider and pumpkin picking. I found the milkshake to have a robust cinnamon-forward flavor complemented by a sweet, almost marshmallow-like vanilla base. The creamy texture balanced the rich pumpkin spice with vanilla notes, providing a spicy kick with smooth, fluffy sweetness from the ice cream base. As for the finishing touches, the bright orange sprinkles and whipped cream were more than just decorative. I found myself enjoying the sprinkles the most. I usually have a habit of eating them by the handful, but in this milkshake, they added an unexpected layer of texture that enhanced the whole experience. The milkshake has a slight waft of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger aroma, adding to the feeling of deeply rooted, cozy autumn memories. Don’t sleep on the other Yella’s Grill milkshakes — the caramel milkshake is also another perfect fall flavor with luscious buttery caramel with that same pillowy vanilla-flavored base, topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream, with a drizzle of thick, golden caramel on the top. Yella’s should top the pumpkin spice milkshake with caramel as well — imagine bringing together the top fall flavor to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The slightly burnt sugar notes in caramel provide a depth that can round out the flavor of pumpkin spice. I can’t wait to order more pumpkin spice milkshakes this October while writing more about fall desserts, especially my favorite, pecan pie, and watching Gilmore Girls.
MIND OF A FRESHMAN
How starting college made me love Spongebob again
BY EILIYAH SAROWAR ‘28
Yesterday, I, an 18-yearold college student, went on a Spongebob Squarepants marathon.
As a kid, I had a huge obsession with Spongebob. I owned an embarrassing amount of merchandise, and the show practically shaped my current sense of humor. Until the end of elementary school I probably watched every single episode. As I entered my teens, the show adapted a new animation style that resembles most brain rot YouTube videos, and I finally grew out of my phase.
It’s a little embarrassing to admit how much I care about a cartoon. At the end of the day, it’s a piece of me -
SENIORITIS
dia I would mindlessly consume. But in a way, it’s also a form of art that helped form the way I see the world. It’s something I would tune in to every morning before school and was consistent throughout my developmental stages. Whenever I was upset, I would unironically say, “Tartar sauce!” or “Barnacles!” One of my best friends since kindergarten and I bonded over our love for Spongebob. Coincidentally, we both go to Stevens, and both still love the show, and occasionally send each other videos of Spongebob and Patrick and go, “This is so us.”
I honestly hadn’t given much thought to the show in years until random clips started appearing on my TikTok For You page. I fell down a rabbit hole, and my entire feed is random moments of characters exploding, with theorists explaining why Squidward is a better friend than Patrick and compilations of funny moments.
I recently saw a TikTok explaining why this is happening to so many of us.
Starting college is a significant change for everyone. One second, you’re in high school, and the next, you’re in a new environment with people you’ve never met before. Growing up, I would turn on the same channel every single morning and walk two minutes to elementary school. Today, I scroll through Instagram stories as I eat breakfast and get on a train for 40 minutes to get to college.
College freshmen typically revisit their childhood interests to feel the same consistency and comfort they had growing up.
So yes, that’s why I spent my morning yesterday watching episodes from season one of Spongebob Squarepants.
The fun thing about revisiting old shows I used to love is getting to rewatch them all over again. It’s the one time I can use my horrible memory for good. Like most young adults, I loved the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I also read it two times because I forgot practically everything months after reading
it for the first time. And last year, when the Disney+ series came out, I read it for the third time. Unsurprisingly, the only thing I remembered was Percy being the son of Poseidon and the names of major characters. I also rewatched the Harry Potter series recently and forgot about major character deaths. I won’t give spoilers, but I somehow forgot some major, plot-relevant deaths.
On the bright side, this makes it easier for me to appreciate the series as an adult. As a kid, I’m pretty sure I was only drawn to Percy Jackson because I thought fighting was cool. As a fresh adult, I appreciate how well-written the characters and universe are.
If there’s anything you should take away from all this, it should be that there’s no shame in enjoying things meant for kids. It can psychologically add consistency to your life, and you get to revisit the stuff you also love. Personally, I’m gonna make it my goal to start saying “holy fish paste!” more often.
30 years from now
BY AVA WANG
I’ve fallen ill with an extreme case of Senioritis as of late. It’s not the general academic laziness variety people talk about; I still find being a student invigorating. Burnout isn’t a symptom of my ailment either — I feel energized and excited about many aspects of my life right now. I am just old, creaky, achy, and set in my ways…at least scholastically. I’ve built my habits. I’ve been (un) luckily gifted a skillset that enables some procrastination, and when provided with the option to hang out with my friends for a little longer one night at the expense of an isolated study marathon the next day, I usually opt for the above.
Fewer things are better than hanging out with the people I love, and I harbor a fondness for teaching myself a topic from beginning to end, like a storybook. It’s a win-win situation that drives a hard argument. I feel that I’ve come to know what does and doesn’t stick in my brain long term, and recently, I’ve struggled to trudge through the activities or exercises that feel repetitious or I can’t immediately see are helping me grow.
My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Jay, was instrumental in my love for self-expression through writing. Above the pencil sharpener near the classroom 14 door, she had a laminated poster that read, “30 years from now, it won’t matter what shoes you wore, how your hair looked, or the jeans you bought. What will matter is what you learned and how you used it.” My nineyear-old self clearly pondered this notion heavily, as the phrase has stuck with me. What struck me about the phrase then was that I should be less self-conscious, but now that I have
COMIC CORNER
BY JOSIE STRANO
my own credit card to buy the clothes I like and am no longer at the mercy of what my mom picked out at the store, the message is more moving. As a kid, you do not have a ton of say in how your day goes, where you go, what you wear, or what resources you have access to. I’m lucky to have had a secure hand dealt to me, but either way, the quote applies more to a young adult who gets to decide how to spend their time and money.
I don’t think Mrs. Jay would be pleased to see me using this quote to justify my newfound laxness surrounding my academics, but I do want to make the deliberate choice to spend my time in ways I’ll remember 30 years from now. I know that certain sections of my ME475 Mechanical Engineering Systems lab report are not going to cross my mind in the next 30 days. I’ve formatted hundreds of data tables and written dozens of abstracts in my time as a student. I have no problem writing the Theory and Experimental Design section of the report,
where I get to learn about new technologies, their applications, and methodologies, but I no longer have the drive to push myself to dedicate a ton of my efforts to the more rote aspects. I still begrudgingly complete them, but I’m aware I’m not giving my 100% in the way I have up until now. Sorry to whoever is grading! I know I do not have my degree yet, and rote aspects of my work will never be beneath me — but I know I am hungry for something a little less familiar.
‘25
FOODIE
‘28
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Vasily Vershchagin: enlightened lens of an imperialist occupation
BY ITAI GELLER ‘26
Before the Contemporary Era, individuality was an unestablished norm reserved strictly for those who possessed wealth or social advantage. Those below rarely engaged with this topic, and those who lingered in these existential patterns of thought were frequently labeled as nonconformist threats to society. Despite the challenges of the past, it can be argued that humans— despite steadily abandoning traditional norms and values—continue to disregard the importance of individualism. In mod -
ON SHUFFLE
ern society, we cling to frequent social patterns, beliefs, and behaviors because we find it difficult to distinguish ourselves from others. However, I believe that recognizing individuality is as much a self-reflective process as it is an external survey of what makes other individuals unique. I believe that by interacting with others or simply observing their behavior, appearance, shared emotions, values, and their role within society, we can distinguish ourselves through our unique experiences, character, and self-expression. Art is a great medium to help reflect on our individuality because every person will create their own perception of the art they engage with based on their preferences, values, and emotions. We can learn from art in unprecedented ways; every time I write an article from this column, I feel like I learn something new about my -
Starting a band has been my biggest goal since before coming to Stevens, I’ve wanted the opportunity to start really putting myself out there. Usually, when I write music, I don’t do anything with it, and it sits in my creative junk drawer until I forget about it, but recently, I’ve met a bunch of people who are incredibly supportive, who give me the push I need to start being heard. Having people I can learn from who inspire me is exactly what I’ve needed. I didn’t think starting a band would be easy, especially in a new place, but I wrote a song a few days into school, actually about feeling alone, and shared it with some friends, expecting no response. I didn’t just get a response, I got an entire group of people inspired to form a full band. We participated in the first open mic at school a few weeks into school, and Toothcomb was born, an
ing Things , by Iain Reid, is a strange book. Keeping in the spirit of Halloween and the spooky vibes of the month, this quick read will keep you engaged and entertained. It is a good and thought-provoking
self and others. It’s a very valuable process, and I sometimes think about readers of The Stute and how they will form their own thoughts and opinions on my observations and the artists I select.
Having gone off on a tangent, I realize that I haven’t yet introduced this week’s artist. Vasily Vereshchagin was a celebrated 19th-century Realist painter from Russia who deeply infused pacifism into his depictions of war-torn countries and their inhabitants. Born to Russian nobility, Vereshchagin was placed into a military school from a young age. He would spend most of his life in the military, only taking the opportunity to enroll in art school once he had graduated from military college. However, he would quickly return to his military roots, accompanying the Russian army during their Imperial occupations in the Middle
eight-piece indie rock band with a flute player.
As a freshman, I wasn’t expecting the music scene at Stevens to be as present as it is, but it has been a constant source of inspiration. I can speak for myself and for the band that seeing other bands is as inspiring as working with our own. Having the platform to support other people and connect with them through a love of music is as important as having your own band. The music scene is determined by all the music going on and how it interacts with itself, as well as the people who support it. I did not expect to enter the music scene as quickly as we did, but I wanted to get out there as soon as possible, and the rest of the band did, too.
Working with other people has made me incredibly inspired. I’ve started pushing myself more than ever. A band takes a lot of dedication, and we’ve all spent a lot of time at rehearsals every night working on our music. I’ve learned how to have more confidence in what I do because we all support each other. Being in a band is a really good way to build self-discipline; it takes a lot of commitment and time to make it work. We all have to talk to each other and plan practices, and we give up a lot of our time for re -
read to start the month out with and have you ready to stay up all night thinking about it. It will be a reading experience that will not leave you, no matter how long it has been since reading it last. It is a well-crafted plot with an ending that will stick with you. The sharpness of the writing will have you ready to turn the page, anticipating the outcome and how it comes to be.
The book follows the narrator, who is on her way to meet her boyfriend’s parents while debating on whether or not she wants to break up with him. The novel starts
East as well as Central, East, and South Asia, charting a widely undocumented era of Russian colonial advancements. Despite frequently participating in battles, Vereschagin painted almost every campaign, landscape, or individual he witnessed. Although Vereshschagin’s paintings were considered largely idealized because of his early utilization of the Orientalist lens, his depictions of the East were received with shock in the Western exhibits. While his authentic depictions of the atrocities of warfare and the allure of Asian culture were well-received in the West, Russian and German autocrats criticized his work for its anti-war message.
My favorite piece by Vereshchagin is “Buddhist Lama in a Monastery on a Holiday in Sikkim.” Despite painting many scenes of war, Vereshchagin also depicted the
hearsals. For me, being a band leader isn’t new, but it feels more serious here. I’m working with people who are all incredibly talented and are willing to give up their time for the band. It’s super meaningful to me that we have such a big group of people who care about what we are doing. It also means a lot to me, as a perfectionist who never thinks what I do is enough, that so many people are inspired by what I write.
Being in a band requires the ability to listen; you have to be able to hear other people and work with them. We all respect each other and listen to what we each contribute in order for things to happen. Part of making a band work is having the drive to do it. The trait I am proudest of in myself and in the band members is the desire to take action. We are all itching to get out there and make things happen; that’s an aspect of a band that can really determine its course.
Our band, Toothcomb, like us, is young and full of potential. I get to grow with this band and with the other people in it. It’s a unique experience to share your music with people who want to hear it, and when it’s a result of all your work, you can’t be more proud. So go for it, start a band.
out with a car ride, both of them driving to her boyfriend, Jake’s, childhood home. What follows is a strange and eerie journey throughout the night. The dinner itself, the actions of the characters, the general tone: they all work together to keep you unsettled from the first page until the last. You will be left questioning the reality of the events of the book and whether you should trust what you are reading. It will have you wondering whether you can even trust the eyes of the narrator herself.
The book itself is just barely over 200 pages and extremely fast-paced. It
people of the countries and regions he visited. I am particularly drawn to his skilled use of contrast to enrich the vibrance of the subjects’ robes and headpieces. While the background is rough and muted, it helps the viewer return their focus to the subject, allowing the subject to make a greater impression. Vereshchagin’s attention to detail in the artistry of the robes helps emphasize the cultural significance of the subject’s outfit. Finally, I recognize Vereshchagin’s emphasis on volume, as he actively portrays the lightness of the fabric through the effective use of shadows.
Vereshchagin’s work offers a notable reflection on individuality in the face of societal and political forces that often strive to suppress it. Through his paintings, he not only captured the landscapes and people he encountered but also con -
UNMASKING: AN AUTISM STORY
veyed a deeper message about the human condition. His ability to depict individuals with such distinction and attention to cultural details invites us to appreciate the diversity of human expression. In doing so, Vereshchagin’s art transcends the period in which it was created, offering timeless lessons about the significance of individuality, observation, and empathy.
The transitions of autumn for autism
BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE ‘26
Autumn is a fantastic time of year. For starters, you can go outside without getting hot and sweaty, but you can also wear sweaters (sweater weather is stunning). There is always that lovely sound of leaves crunching underfoot, and the endless supply of pumpkin and apple treats at coffee shops and bakeries is divine. However, autumn is a transition. The northern hemisphere is switching from the hot summer into the cold winter as the Earth’s tilt spins us away from the sun. Thinking about this celestial transition made me remember many of my transitions — particularly how much I despised them. Of course, I realized autism has once again snuck up on me. So, let’s transition into transitions with autism.
Two aspects of transitions can be challenging
for individuals with autism. The first is the often rigidity (myself included) of individuals with autism. Most individuals with autism follow a strict schedule, usually times down to minute details. I keep my calendar with everything scheduled, from classes and meetings to travel time and meals! Having a nice and strict schedule lets me control what is happening and prepare for what is to come. However, if my schedule is to fall apart, I get stuck and flounder. I end up wasting time, quickly falling into a TikTok scrolling spiral, lying around all day, and probably eating a lot of junk food (whoops). Part of the need for control arises from the stress of entering an unknown social situation, which is always a fear for individuals with autism.
Another aspect of transitions that scares autism in me is the threat of a cute little attack of executive dysfunction (also a common symptom of ADHD). Executive dysfunction is a cognitive condition that makes it challenging to initiate tasks. For example, simply getting out of bed in the morning could be problematic if I don’t have my routine. Alternatively, when getting ready
to go to bed, my brain won’t turn off, and I can’t sleep if I don’t follow my routine.
While transitions can be terrifying (and I mean TERRIFYING), there are many ways that individuals with autism can prepare for transitions. My favorite is to plan out many possibilities in a transition and what might happen in each scenario. Another aspect is to have a plan to make the plan (I love some meta-plans). I will have a template for all types of transitions and scenarios (I have ones for school and cleaning and even a set of templates I lend out to people who might need one).
Individuals with autism often have trouble in new situations, like transitions. When things don’t go as planned, change at the last minute, or force me into an unknown situation, it can be challenging, especially if there are social interactions. Out of a routine can cause all sorts of problems, but there are strategies we can use to improve how we fare in these transitions. So the next time you cancel plans with someone with autism, on behalf of all of us, please give us 3-5 business years to prepare!
can be read in one night, and if you want to keep in the spirit of the tone, read at night. By the end, it will have you rethinking what you just read and whether or not to start it over just to see the clues you missed. Be warned, as it is a Halloween-themed pick, it can be gory and unsettling at best. 4Some parts of the book can be disgusting to read but seem wholly necessary to the overall experience of the book. The book itself leans more toward a body horror thriller than a typical horror novel, which is great for those who don’t pick up this genre often. 3 I will be honest: this
will be a divisive book. While I personally enjoyed the book thoroughly, there is no mistaking the possibility of disliking the book. I do feel that it is worth the read. It is not long, and you will be hooked until the end. I liked the pacing and the prose, as it makes you feel as unsettled as the narrator does. While the narrator is questioning her relationship with Jake, you, the reader, and questioning the legitimacy of her narration, and what exactly is happening during this dinner with his parents. The ending itself, too, is shocking enough to make the book bearable,
even if you didn’t particularly like it. I think this is a great pick to start the October month out with and get you into the creepy and spooky vibes of the month.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON
ROVING REPORTER
By Rafael Lee Li and Mia Petrolino
“What are you doing for this three-day weekend?”
Yip, Yip, Hooray!
Michael Lamaze ‘27 “Good eats.”
Jack Caputo ‘26 “Visiting family, short road trip with my girlfriend.”
Jake Paccione ‘27
“Eating real food.”
Chelsea Byun ‘27
“Visiting friends in Boston!”
Samuel Ferro ‘27 “Catching Up on PEP 112.”
Mickantzy Polycarpe ‘26 “Roller Skating!”
Dani Qira ‘26
“Your mom… No, I’m actually going to New Hampshire.”
Shane Mitchell ‘27 “Sleep, sleep, and more sleep!”
