Laili Shahrestani Staff Writer / Features Editor / Editor-in-Chief
I always knew I wanted to be a journalist. Growing up on the west coast, I knew the only right option was to move to NYC and make that dream happen. In August 2024, I took that leap of faith, and transferred to Manhattan University from a small community college in California. During my first semester, I sat there, in Thom Gencarelli’s office, as we did an independent study for Intro to Journalism. It was then and there when Thom first introduced me to The Quadrangle. I began my journey as a contributor, and 1 year and 8 months later, I sit here writing my farewell as editor-in-chief. I can never thank The Quadrangle more for what it has done for me. It’s allowed me to break out of my comfort zone, meet some of my best friends, interview a multitude of incredible people, pursue my passion for journalism and most importantly, make an impact on the campus community. While I’m excited to see what post-grad life holds, a part of me feels missing knowing I will no longer have Quad Tuesday’s to look forward to. Tuesday’s have been my favorite day of the week for the past two years, because I know I’ll get to spend time doing what I love most with my closest friends. While closing this chapter feels heavy on the heart, I know my partner, Barbara Vasquez, will do an excellent job of continuing to lead The Quadrangle down the best path possible. Barb, thank you for everything. I wouldn’t have wanted to do this with anyone else. And to the rest of The Quad staff, I’m so proud of you all, and keep up the hard work. No matter where life takes me next, I will forever hold The Quadrangle in my heart.
Elaina Batista Asst. Social Media Editor / Senior Writer
Thank you to Laili and Barbara for giving me the opportunity to continue this mini passion project of mine. I joined The Quadrangle my sophomore year not knowing what to expect, and after my first article was published, I had people coming up to me to say how excited they were that Manhattan Caucus was back. Knowing that people were reading my work each week truly meant the world to me. Writing the Manhattan Caucus and sharing relevant political insights with the Manhattan University community has been an incredibly meaningful experience, one that I will always carry with me. I hope to see someone continue the Manhattan Caucus in the years to come.
Working alongside the editors made this experience even more special. Their kindness, patience, and genuine support created an environment where I always felt encouraged to grow as a writer. They were not only thoughtful in their feedback but also understanding of the time and effort behind each piece, which made the process both collaborative and rewarding. It is rare to find a group of people so dedicated to uplifting one another, and I am truly grateful to have been part of such a welcoming and supportive team.
Brooke Dellarocco Staff Writer / News Editor / Senior Writer
As my time at Manhattan University comes to a close, I am deeply saddened to say goodbye to The Quadrangle Student Newspaper. After four years as a staff writer and a year and a half as News Editor, it’s surreal to be writing this on the subway home from my full-time job.
While readers saw the final stories and carefully crafted front pages, few saw the process behind them. From late nights editing and calling friends to rant about an Oxford comma, to spending hours on the phone with the NYPD chasing information, to writing a last-minute story on a Saturday morning, those are the moments that will stay with me.
Looking back at the nervous freshman who walked into her first Quad meeting, I’m proud of how much she has grown and how confident she has become.
Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way and helped shape me into the person I am today. It has been an honor to tell the stories of this community, and I can’t wait to see where the next ones go. Keep writing quaddies.
Maizy Swift Staff Writer / Asst. A&E Editor / Asst. Production Editor / Asst. Social Media Editor / Production Editor / Senior Writer
I am so grateful to this publication for all it has taught me, about journalistic tradition, but also about the importance of journalism in our current world.
I remember being thrown into production as a freshman with no experience, where I learned to love InDesign and my fellow Production Editors, giving me a newfound respect for all of the work that goes into producing The Quadrangle. I have made so many connections with fellow students and faculty, and have learned something new through each interview I have conducted over the last few years on The Quadrangle, which I will treasure indefinitely. I will miss this paper and am so proud of all of the work I have done over the years, holding positions such as production editor, Asst. A&E editor, and Asst. Social media editor, along with the stories I have written each semester, thank you!
Andrew Mannion Staff Writer/ Asst. Sports Editor / Sports Editor / Senior Writer
I am so grateful for my time at the Quadrangle.
As an aspiring physical therapist, there wasn’t much crossover between my science classes and journalism. The Quadrangle gave me a hobby where I was able to learn so much outside of the classroom. I have been able to meet and interview so many incredible people. I want to thank all of the editors-in-chief I worked under and all of the help they have given me. I also want to thank all of the athletes and coaches I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing during my time here. This was an awesome experience, and I’m very proud of the work that our paper has done.
Mary Haley Staff Writer / Asst. Social Media Editor / Social Media Editor / Marketing Chair / Asst. Features Editor / Senior Writer
Now taking the time in these last few weeks to look back on the past four years, every road has led back to this paper. The first “assignment” I had for college was an article about WRCM, before I had any homework in any of my classes. Not only has The Quadrangle taught me in a way unique to any classroom I have ever been in, it has also been the true essence of the “butterfly effect.” Everything I have done to this point from that first Friday night deadline has been because of this paper – academically, personally and creatively. I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of the legacy of this publication, and even through the obvious and major ebbs and flows this publication and school has been through over the time I’ve been here, it’s opened my eyes to one constant – inspiration and stories live all around us, and it’s important to talk about them. I never ever thought I’d be saying I’ll forever feel indebted to a newspaper, but here I am saying it.
I am having the hardest time describing how instrumental this paper has been to me as a person, and it probably won’t hit me until it’s a random Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. and I’m not sitting in one of the various meeting rooms in Kelly Commons, scouring my email to find the link to a new issue. Thank you to The Quadrangle and to journalism for letting me learn so much about myself and the world around me.
Alba Kortoci Web Editor
Although my time with The Quadrangle was only one semester, it was an experience I’m truly grateful for. Being part of the team allowed me to contribute creatively, learn new skills, and be part of something that represents the voice of our campus. Even in a short time, I was able to grow and gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into student journalism.
Thank you to everyone who made this experience so welcoming and collaborative. I’m excited to see how The Quadrangle continues to evolve and wish the team all the best moving forward!
Grace Cardinal Staff Writer / Asst. News Editor / Editor-in-Chief (2x)
I remember on my first day of freshman year, Dr. Thom Gencarelli stood in front of my Intro to Comm class and said “In four years, most of you will leave here with a degree, but only some with an education.” Since that day, I’ve been dedicated to making something of myself at this school, and nothing has helped me do that quite like The Quadrangle.
Despite leaving our newsroom a few months ago, I’m still not sure I’m able to eloquently sum up what my 3.5 years on The Quadrangle meant to me. It not only gave me a purpose on campus and helped me land work, but it allowed me to realize what actually makes me tick — and what I’d be happy to spend the rest of my hours on this Earth doing.
I carry an immense sense of pride in the work and mission of The Quadrangle. This newsroom of ours has given students a voice, demanded accountability and continued to preserve campus history for over 100 years. Being a part of that work has undoubtedly been the greatest honor of my college career.
There are so many people who have supported me who deserve their flowers. Angelina Persaud — the first news editor who taught me so much of what I know — thank you for being my teacher and a best friend ever since. Kyla Guilfoil, my mentor, friend and big sister when I need it, I will never be able to repay you for being the entire reason I discovered Manhattan University, The Quadrangle, and this career in the first place. You transformed my life, and I will be forever grateful.
I wholeheartedly place my trust in the future of this paper with this staff. The world cannot read if you do not write. Pen the truth and your place in history. Most importantly, do journalism, and do not… well, you know the rest.