The Hofstra Chronicle April 14, 2026

HEMPSTEAD, NY

THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE

KEEPING THE HOFSTRA COMMUNITY INFORMED SINCE 1935

NEWS

Hofstra students visit Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr.

By Sahana Shastry NEWS EDITOR

Hofstra University students visited with Village of Hempstead’s mayor, Waylyn Hobbs Jr., during a trip organized by Hofstra alum Matthew Adarichev on Friday, April 3. More than ten students arrived at Hempstead Village Hall around 2 p.m. to meet Hobbs, joined by Assistant Chief of Police Derek

Warner and Commanding Officer of the Juvenile Aide Bureau Stephanie Jones.

The group discussed a large range of topics, including present ongoing issues, as well as understanding the mayoral tasks of Hobbs as they relate to the federal government and local community.

“The best way to make change is being in a position to make change.”

Hobbs talked about the importance of local government, especially as mayor of the largest

TUESDAY April 14, 2026

populated village in New York. A portion of Hofstra’s campus is located within the Village of Hempstead, while the other half is in Uniondale. As such, Hobbs said that the Village of Hempstead is responsible for the safety of all residents and businesses in the area.

“I want to make sure that you have access to clear communication because if there’s some issues that you have that I don’t know about – without that clear communication – [I] will never be able to solve it,” Hobbs said. “Communication is key.”

Adarichev, who graduated in December 2025, started planning for this trip in September 2025. Adarichev contacted multiple departments at Hofstra to publicize the event. Executive Dean for Public Policy and Public Service Programs Meena Bose helped with coordination as well as catering for attendees after the visit.

The group discussed a range of present issues, like the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in the Village of Hempstead, especially with the recent concerns from

FEATURES

residents regarding cooperation with the federal agency.

“[ICE has] been terrorizing some of our local residents, whether they’re documented or undocumented,” Hobbs said. “And so, I stopped them from having the ability to operate on village property, but there’s [a group of activists] that wanted me to do an executive order. I’m not doing an executive order because as mayor … if I give them [a] directive, it’s followed. I don’t have to write it. If I say it, it’s law.”

Personal Essay: Closing the Market

By Miranda Mangru SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Boarding the plane for my first international trip in over seven years was beyond exciting. I was most excited to try airplane food, as the only other flights I had been on were three hours long and, on those, you are only given a beverage and a snack. Little did I know I was about to embark on such a memorable experience.

I vividly remember learning about the opportunity to study abroad in London when I visited the Frank G. Zarb School of Business after receiving my acceptance letter from Hofstra University. I thought to myself that this would be such a cool experience and kept it on the back burner in my mind. Then, as I was registering for my Spring 2026 courses, I realized I had already completed one of the three courses offered for the trip: IB 150, “Introduction to International Business.” This class just happened to be the only course that counted toward my degree in finance. Realizing I did not want to miss out on this chance to travel internationally, I enrolled in ENTR 126, “International Entrepreneurial Consulting,” with no hesitation. CONTINUED ON

hofstrachronicle@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief

Madeline Sisk

Managing

Liz Gillies takes the stage at Hofstra University

By Emilie Morrissette FEATURES EDITOR

Elizabeth “Liz” Gillies visited Hofstra University on March 26 for an evening of discussion led by current Hofstra students

Camryn Bowden, senior journalism and political science double major, and Lindsey Lolkema, senior public relations and strategic communication major.

Gillies shared her best memories and advice about the entertainment industry after having a lead role in Nickelodeon’s “Victorious,” starring in the show “Dynasty” and performing on Broadway as Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

“I think patience is a big thing I remember a lot – it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Gillies said. “That applies to everything. Get very cozy and comfortable with rejection, in any field but particularly this field because it’s so constant.”

Taylor Maultz, the associate director of Student Leadership and Engagement, described the planning that took place in organizing this event.

“For the past three years, the spring semester has featured a comedy show as a staple of campus programming,” Maultz said. “This year, our office set out to offer something new and different for the student body by introducing a live speaker event. To gauge student interest, a poll was conducted on Instagram featuring a shortlist of potential guests. [Gillies] quickly emerged as the overwhelming favorite.”

Hofstra students gathered in the John Cranford Adams Playhouse, excited to meet the person who influenced their childhood and shaped their sense of humor.

Angelina Letellier, a freshman journalism major, was standing in line before doors opened. She was accompanied by her friends who had arrived two hours prior to the event.

“I love [Gillies]; I think she is an amazing performer,” Letellier said. “I’ve loved her since I was a kid, so it’s awesome to see her

come to my college. I think this is totally cool how Hofstra is able to have big artists and celebrities come, especially after Big Sean.”

In the show “Victorious,” Gillies played Jade West, whose deadpan lines and reactions always guaranteed a laugh, but the most important part of her character was her strong will

her and Lolkema.

“It was such an exciting thing for us.” Bowden said. “I think [Lolkema] and I were both kind of in the same camp in that we were like, ‘This is such an awesome thing to cap off our [undergraduate] experience.’ We’re nearing graduation, obviously things are starting to

“This year, our office set out to offer something new and different for the student body by introducing a live speaker event.”

to be herself and diverge from normalcy.

“[Jade] was kind of a pioneer for all that is [alternative] or all that is weird and different in a really proud, cool way,” Gillies said. “Go do your thing, be yourself, dye your hair, get tattoos, be moody, leave the group, go do something different, be an artist.”

Bowden was given the opportunity to co-host the event. Bowden highlighted how thrilling the experience was for both

pick up. This was a super cool opportunity to be offered and it was great that we were able to do it together.”

Gillies spoke about how her live on-stage experience with “Little Shop of Horrors” on Broadway differed from her roles in television.

“I love live performing and think it’s my true love,” Gillies said. “It’s terrifying and thrilling, and the reaction is instant, so you know if you passed or failed in

the moment whether they boo or they cheer. I think there’s nothing quite like it in the world.”

Liz Pearce, a freshman political science and French double major, commented on the relevance of getting notable celebrities who are willing to share their wisdom with students or perform their talents.

“I think it’s really cool that Hofstra pulled a big name for the students because I think it’s a really good way to get participation in school-wide events and get students excited about being on campus,” Pearce said.

Gillies highlighted the importance of keeping her life as normal as possible despite her fame in the entertainment industry. To Gillies, staying grounded is essential to her routine.

“I think it’s important to not get lost on your phone and [in] all of the extreme negativity in the news of the world every day,” Gillies said. “Give yourself a little education hour and then find something tactical to do with your hands, draw or take walks. I think recovery time, mentally and for your soul and spirit, has become more important than ever right now.”

What you may have missed

7:45 AM

Eurovision Song Contest expands to Asia –Tuesday, March 31, 2026

The first Asian edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for Nov. 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The competition will feature artists from at least 10 countries, each chosen through national contests. Organizers say that the event aims to showcase the region’s music and culture and expand Eurovision’s global audience beyond Europe.

High winds kill three during Easter egg hunt in Germany – Sunday, April 5, 2026

Three people were killed when a tree fell during an Easter egg hunt near Satrupholm, Germany. The victims included a 21-year-old mother, her 10-month-old baby and a 16-year-old girl, and several others were injured. About 50 people were attending the event when strong winds brought down the tree. Authorities had issued a high wind warning at the time of the accident.

Woman sentenced to 15 years in Matthew Perry drug case – Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Jasveen Sangha was sentenced to 15 years in prison for supplying drugs to the late actor Matthew Perry. According to the court, Sangha supplied and sold ketamine illegally in 2023, even after Perry’s death. Judges cited evidence of her ongoing involvement in drug distribution when reaffirming her sentence.

Israel continues Lebanon strikes despite U.S.-brokered ceasefire – Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Israel carried out major airstrikes in Lebanon, saying that its operations against Hezbollah are not covered by the United States-Iran ceasefire. The strikes have killed over 250 people and injured hundreds more. Tensions remain high as Iran warns that the ceasefire could collapse if attacks continue, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Sightings of infected birds alarm students

By Katelyn Buchalter ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

On March 23, Hofstra University junior and computer science major Devin Peters uploaded a post on the anonymous forum application Fizz. The post, which received 1.4k upvotes and several reposts by other concerned students, showcased a video of a crow exhibiting odd behavior. It indicates a larger issue of seasonal avian influenza, more commonly known as avian flu or bird flu, especially considering that there is a spike in cases this year.

Avian flu is a contagious infection known to be present in wild birds and poultry. Although human cases are rare, the disease can spread to humans if they come into contact with an infected animal.

Donna Willenbrock, executive director of Student Health provided a statement on the issue of “bird flu” on campus.

“Earlier this semester, two dead birds found on campus tested positive for avian flu,” Willenbrock said.

The Fizz post included a video of a crow acting strangely with the caption, “Genuinely terrifying … I keep seeing infected crows do this for a few minutes and then suddenly die.”

Peters documented his sightings with videos and pictures of birds’ corpses found scattered around trees and near outdoor furniture near Hofstra’s residential towers on North Campus.

“I took that video in the parking lot behind Constitution Hall,” Peters said. “A few hours later, I saw three dead crows – one on the ground outside of Constitution and two on the grass between the towers.”

Peters reached out to campus Public Safety to inform them of the several deceased bird sightings.

“I called the non-emergency line about it,” Peters said. “They said they’d send someone over and left it at that.”

The sightings of ill birds on campus are a part of a larger issue known to rise during the winter months – the avian flu.

According to an article published by Mongabay, “Scientists and local wildlife rehabilitators in New York City have reported a sharp uptick in suspected avian influenza cases this past winter.”

Director for Community Engagement, Special Project and Campus Transportation Jovanni Ortiz said that the department was made aware of the issue and had taken proper measures to handle the situation.

“They did have the Department of Environmental Conservation come to campus to examine those birds, and they kind of take it from there,” Ortiz said. “It moves on from public safety. I want to say Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success put out a notice about avoiding touching any sick or dead birds because of the possibility of bird flu.”

While there has been no official public announcement put out, Willenbrock provided a statement on the issue.

“Human infections of avian flu are rare and the risk to the Hofstra community is very low,” Willenbrock said. “Practicing basic health precautions will support the safety of our campus and ensure the well-being of others.”

Some students criticized the lack of a campus announcement.

“Hofstra hasn’t made an official announcement about the dead birds on campus,” Peters said. “I’m aware of at least one instance of a well-meaning person handling a dying bird because they didn’t know it was sick. And with students unaware

of the risk that avian flu poses to humans, the growing number of dead and dying birds at Hofstra will likely lead to an increase in these situations.”

One of these well-meaning students is Veronica Leinenbach, a sophomore psychology major, who wasn’t aware of bird flu and wanted to help an ill crow on campus.

“I was on my way to class, and I was passing the hitchhiker statue when I saw a crow hobbling around like it was hurt or something,” Leinenbach said. “I was scared it would waddle into the road and get hit so I crouched and gave it the opportunity to either run away from me or approach. He approached me, so I took my jacket off and grabbed him with that. I called my [boyfriend] and told him I had a crow that had something wrong with him, and he immediately started calling all the available wildlife rescues asking for help and advice.”

After searching for a place to take the bird, Leinenbach spoke to a bird rehabber. After several hours of waiting, the clinic euthanized the bird due to the severity of the flu. Leinenbach visited the health center after several others had told her to do so.

Public safety advised, “if you see [an infected bird], you can call and report it, but you shouldn’t touch it or pick it up or anything like that.”

Hofstra University’s Motorsport Engineering Club debuts at New York International Auto Show

By Anthony Favilla OPINION EDITOR

Hofstra University’s Motorsport Engineering Club (MEC) debuted its booth at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center on Friday, April 3. The club showcased two cars and raised money during the event.

Members raised money at the show by selling several different shirts and promoting future events. They showcased a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer and a 1987 Toyota MR2 to attract guests, many of whom took photos and spoke with club members about the cars.

The main goal for Hofstra MEC is to buy a car of their own so members can perform body work on it. For Hunter Wile, a senior anthropology major and vice president of the club, buying a car is key to the club’s expansion and giving its members hands-on experience.

“We want to raise money and develop a real program with the club to teach our members how to work on cars,” Wile said.

The club started planning for the auto show last November and spent at least three days a week filling out paperwork and making sure everything was ready. The club also had to fo-

cus on making a backdrop and producing enough T-shirts to sell. Wile described the process as a “nightmare” to complete.

“We had to get insurance documents and liability coverage for the cars and for us,” said club President Jack McMillan, a junior marketing major. “It’s been non-stop since November.”

They hosted the booth for the duration of the expo – from Friday, April 3, to Sunday, April 12 – on the first level of the Javits Center. Over that nineday period, they had different members travel back and forth from Hofstra to the Javits Center to represent the table and sell T-shirts.

The auto show has been happening in New York since 1900, making this a historic accomplishment for the club to have

showcased along with an electric vehicle test track.

Having a booth at the auto show is a big step for Hofstra

President and 2025 Hofstra graduate Frankie Saggio said it was a sign of the club’s growth over the years.

“We want to raise money and develop a real program with the club to teach our members how to work on cars.”

a booth. It is ranked among the biggest in the country as well. This year, over 700 cars were

MEC, having previously attended as a club but never having hosted a table. Former MEC

“Seeing them have a booth at the auto show is just on another level,” Saggio said.

The Toyota belongs to Saggio. He owns his own body shop where he has previously had the club tour. Saggio had done extensive work on the car and found it to be a fulfilling experience.

The car attracted many visitors and left them impressed, including Nigel Phillips, a photographer and Queens local.

“The pop-up headlights and the engine in the back make it like Toyota’s version of a Ferrari,” Phillips said.

Wile owns the Chevy Blazer and drives it every day. As a gift from his grandfather, he has deep emotional connections to the car and has worked on it regularly alongside his dad. Wile and the rest of the members have a similar connection

with the Toyota.

“Most of the members have had some experience with that car,” Wile said.

Saggio remains hopeful that the club will get its own car in the near future, after years of the club trying to buy one.

“The whole idea was to have a space to work on a club project car,” Saggio said. “The outcome would be awesome; I would love to see them go in that direction.”

The club hosts car shows regularly and will be hosting its next one on May 2 in the East Gate Parking Lot. They have secured sponsors and hope for a big turnout to raise funds for the potential car.

Hofstra Students visit Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. cont.

Students discussed the Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, artificial intelligence use, outreach initiatives within the village and Hobbs’ journey to becoming mayor.

“The best way to make change is being in a position to make change,” Hobbs said. “And that’s why I ran for office. [I] had no desire to do it, but I really was tired of seeing Hempstead in the paper all the time about crime; Hempstead [being] in the paper all the time about low graduation rate; Hempstead [being] in the paper about everything negative. I wanted to see that change, and I wanted to make sure that I was in position to do the change.”

Morgan Green, a senior psychology major, was inspired by the insights on community outreach, especially post-graduation.

“It was very enlightening,” Green said. “I thought that the mayor was a very thoughtful speaker. His passion behind becoming the mayor of Hempstead is very empowering. It’s nice to see that someone who grew up in Hempstead is now in charge of taking care of it and making sure that [it lives up] to its potential.”

One of the takeaways from the trip was becoming aware of the Juvenile Aid Bureau as well as collaboration opportunities to connect with the youth department of the Village of Hempstead.

“We’re the only police department that has a Juvenile Aid Bureau where we focus on the youth of our village and all the laws that apply to those children,” Warner said. “We also do many [community engagement events] during the year.”

Benjamin Cohen, a senior history major, echoed the

sentiment, emphasizing that his favorite part was learning about the potential youth collaboration and volunteering opportunities.

“I think it’s really important to kind of lay the seed of inspiration and motivation into the next generation of student leaders,” Cohen said.

Adarichev’s goal was to help students network with individuals outside of the campus and foster relations with the local community beyond just residing in it.

“Students got to hear from a local elected official; we strengthened our collaboration,” Adarichev said. “We created avenues for collaboration that I wasn’t anticipating that magically appeared.”

Cohen, who hopes to pursue law as a professional career after graduation, was inspired by Hobbs’ professional journey.

“Being able to hear, sort of, genuine testimony from some-

one who’s an elected official, let alone the mayor of Hempstead, and hear how he was able to use his legal education to make a difference in the Hempstead community, to me, was really inspiring,” Cohen said.

Adarichev noted the event, at

Public Safety Briefs

Compiled by Katelyn Buchalter

present, was a one-time engagement.

“I’m happy with how it turned out,” Adarichev said. “I don’t have any plans for the future as of right now, but the door on that is open.”

Key:

PS – Public Safety

HU – Hofstra University

RA – Resident Assistant

NCPD – Nassau

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 3 p.m., an HU employee reported to PS that they received a suspicious envelope addressed to them. NCPD responded and took a report.

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 5 p.m., the RA in Orange House of

the Netherlands Complex reported to PS that they observed offensive language written on a whiteboard hanging on the door of one of the dorm rooms. One of the residents of the room admitted to writing the statements on the whiteboard. This matter will be referred to the Office of Residence Life.

On Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7:20 p.m., PS responded to the Hofstra Swim Center on a call that a non-HU student juvenile was arguing with their mother in the locker room and refused to leave. NCPD

responded, spoke with the non-HU student and their parent and took a report. The non-HU student eventually left campus with their parents.

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, at noon, a non-HU student reported to PS that they parked their vehicle in the parking lot across from Captains Field. Upon return, the non-HU student discovered that the driver’s side had been keyed from the front door to the back door. NCPD was notified for a report.

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2 p.m., a non-HU student reported to PS that they parked their vehicle in the lot by University Field and that, upon return, the non-HU student discovered that their rear window had been hit by a foul ball. NCPD was notified for a report.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 5 p.m., an HU student reported to PS that their navy hoodie was missing from their room. The hoodie was later found in a suitcase under the student’s suitemate’s bed. This matter was referred to the Office of

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 4:12 p.m., an HU employee reported to PS that, while driving through parking field 7, another vehicle, driven by an HU student, sped past them. The student had laughed and made an obscene gesture toward the employee.

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9:20 p.m., while on routine patrol, PS observed a non-HU student in the basement of the Netherlands Core with their dog. The non-HU student was escorted off campus by PS.

By Lily Bosnick and Riana Kamath

SPECIALS

TO THE CHRONICLE

Within Hofstra University’s creative community lies “Windmill: The Hofstra Journal of Art & Literature,” a student-run publication that serves as a professional hub for writers, artists and aspiring publishers. This literary journal was founded in 2016, is published annually and is edited by the Hofstra English department’s publishing studies capstone students. While submissions are open only for those not attending Hofstra, Hofstra alumni can submit their pieces four years after their graduation.

The literary magazine publishes one issue a year, but they also have a blog, “Running the Mill,” that shows the behindthe-scenes of publishing. It features staff stories and exclusive looks at how each issue is made. As the journal prepares for the upcoming launch of its ninth edition, it showcases the power of student-led initiatives and its place as a leading resource for anyone looking to bridge academic study and professional media careers.

For many students, the world of publishing can feel daunting, but Windmill opens its doors to expose the various opportunities it holds. Founded by

By Ethan Poole SPORTS EDITOR

For the last eight years of my life, I haven’t had a single painfree moment. On Sept. 17, 2018, I tore my ACL and meniscus during gym class and, since then, have struggled with constant knee pain and instability. As if that wasn’t enough, in Aug. 2022, I injured my shoulder during karaoke (don’t ask).

It’s difficult to put into words how hard living like this can be, especially since I remember what it was like to be pain free. These afflictions have stripped my athletic ability from me and have made stepping on a baseball field, something I love to do more than

FEATURES

Club Feature: Windmill

author and Hofstra professor Kelly McMasters, the journal offers a rare, hands-on chance to experience every stage of a professional publication – from the first call for submissions to the final release.

“I want the students to always understand and know that whatever I’m asking them to do can be applied to their life [in the] outside world,” McMasters said.

The staff operates as a professional editorial board. Publishing studies students make decisions on which nonfiction, fiction, poetry and visual art to feature. Each work must reflect the diverse voices of the Hofstra community. Being a part of

this team offers students a great way to build their portfolios and gain publishing experience early, providing an edge in a competitive job market.

Outside the classroom, networking and career growth are two important aspects of Windmill’s commitment to college education. Students gain access to direct mentorship by working alongside faculty members, like McMasters, who deal with industry-standard editorial processes.

“We are so lucky at Hofstra,” McMasters said. “We are one of the very few undergraduate institutions that can boast that they have a publishing studies program.”

The journal keeps connections and has a strong database of former editorial members who can connect students to professionals already working in the field. There also are plenty of opportunities for contributors and editors to showcase their work. They can point to a physical, high -quality publication as proof of their skills in writing, creation and production.

The students are actively coordinating a launch party for the newest edition. Those attending can expect an evening of tea, cookies and conversation in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center Multipurpose Room 101 on Thursday,

April 23, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, making it the perfect opportunity for curious students to get a look at the journal and learn about the field of publishing studies. Attendees will receive a free copy of Windmill’s ninth edition, allowing them to see firsthand the quality of work produced by students.

While the launch of the ninth edition is the event’s focus, the Windmill team is already looking toward the future for a massive milestone: the 10th anniversary.

“The closer we get to the end of the semester, the students really take ownership for the pieces that mean a lot to them,” McMasters said. “They are invested in what the cover looks like, who our readers are going to be [and] what they will think. It’s amazing to see it take shape and become a real thing in their eyes as we’re sitting there in the classroom together.”

Whether students create art, write stories or want to understand publishing, Windmill is a place to find voice, hone skills and become part of Hofstra’s literary community. To stay updated with Windmill, you can follow @windmilljournal on Instagram or visit their website at hofstrawindmill.com.

Personal Essay: Chronic pain

anything, nearly impossible.

The mental hurdles are one thing, but the fact of the matter is that the difficulty lies in the physical pain that I endure every day. Some days are better than others, and some days I can barely move my arm or put weight on my knee. The hardest days are when both injuries flare up and the combination of ice packs and Advil doesn’t put a dent in the pain.

Many people, including some of whom I’m close with, often tell me they don’t know how I deal with these issues. Sometimes I don’t know either. Even on good days, I have difficulty putting on a brave face and not letting anyone know that I am deeply uncomfortable. I never want any-

one to worry. Even though I’ve gotten good at masking my pain, I can’t hide the grimace when I stand up or sit down. I can’t hide the agony when I get smacked on the shoulder, and I certainly can’t hide the pronounced limp I sometimes walk with.

My mindset has stayed the same, even as I’ve failed to find relief: Always try to keep a positive attitude. Almost every time I’m met with pity, I simply respond with “It is what it is.” To me, there’s no other way to cope with my issues because there’s no way to solve them. I know this sounds dire and pessimistic, but accepting this has allowed me to keep a much more upbeat and positive attitude about my pain. Not only is this mindset better for

my mental health, but it also allows me to focus on schoolwork, extracurriculars and my social life. I’ve had periods in my life where I’ve been miserable about my pain, and those were dark times. Having this mindset has allowed me to be present. While my pain isn’t “out of sight, out of mind,” it’s easier to manage when it isn’t constantly on my mind. I still have difficult days – days where the mental load is a lot to bear. Throughout the years, I have learned not only how to manage my pain, but to also improve my mentality. Things aren’t always easy, but I can say one thing for sure: I have risen above my pain and am living my life to the fullest in spite of it.

FEATURES

This Hofstra Life: Equipment Room workers

By Riley Buck and Micaela Delgado STAFF WRITERS

The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication (LHSC) is home to Hofstra University’s filmmakers. During their time at Hofstra, most television and film students take at least one production class that requires them to use film equipment. Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment in their classes and extracurriculars. How do they have access to this equipment? The Equipment Room, or as the communications student refers to it, the ER.

The ER holds all the equipment needed for filmmaking, available for communication students to rent for free. It has cameras, lights, audio equipment, tripods and much more. The ER is staffed by hardworking students who are passionate about

filmmaking and the intricacies of film equipment. The role not only teaches you how to handle high-tech equipment, but it also teaches the discipline and responsibility of having a job.

“You get to learn a lot of things working at the ER … attention to detail is one of the biggest ones,” said sophomore television (TV) and film major David O’Connor, one of the several ER workers.

Working with O’Connor is Julie Piazza, a sophomore TV and film major. She enjoys working at the ER because, while she gravitates toward the television part of her major, she wanted the opportunity to “familiarize [herself] with the film side.”

These students have the opportunity to learn extremely in-depth about the equipment, further progressing them not only as film students but as creators ready to work in the entertainment industry. In her film production classes, Piazza tends to have a

By Hannah Mudry

FEATURES EDITOR

At the Hempstead Housing Authority, senior citizens play board games, paint their nails and engage in bingo games with Hofstra University students up to three times per semester. These visits are led by Hofstra’s chapter of GlamourGals, a national organization made to empower young leaders to end senior loneliness.

“Essentially, we go to local senior homes and we spend time with senior citizens who don’t get a lot of visitors,” said GlamourGals president and senior art education major Rosalie Marfoglio. “In our case, it seems that they do actually get a lot of visitors, but they still really appreciate connecting with people our age, especially considering we’re local college students.”

Hofstra’s chapter of GlamourGals was founded in 2021 to decrease senior isolation after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our organization’s members have gained a sense of confidence, compassion and creativity while working with local seniors as well as furthered their leadership skills,” GlamourGals’ mission statement

leg up on her peers because she is working hands-on with all types of equipment.

“A lot of people have never touched a Zoom recorder,” Piazza said. “They’ve never touched a sound kit. And I’m like, ‘Oh, I check 1,000 of these in every day.’”

Working in the ER has already advanced student workers in their professional lives. Having this on their resumes has landed them jobs in the film industry. O’Connor works at Milk Studio, an equipment rental agency in New York, where he processes equipment orders, takes care of the equipment and learns how to use it properly. Fellow sophomore TV and film major and ER worker, Saara Al-Sawah, has also landed a job similar to Hofstra’s ER. Al-Sawah will be interning at Lightbulb Rental in Brooklyn. She will be working as a preparation tech, where she will prepare and log all the lighting and cam-

era equipment. On top of that, she will be learning about insurance policies and rental etiquette on a more professional level. These students would not have landed these jobs if it hadn’t been for the experience they acquired spending their time at the ER.

ER Manager Patricia A. Szenher is loved and viewed by many as a role model. Senior radio, TV and film major Emma Eitel has admired her and enjoys working for her. Like the others, Eitel wanted an on-campus job and chose to work within her desired industry. She exclaimed how enjoyable it has been thus far.

Szenher has created a professional, positive and respectful environment that many appreciate.

“[Szenher] is one of the best bosses I’ve ever had,” Eitel said. “She runs the ER like the Navy, and she does it with kindness.”

The ER is of use to all communication students, and obtaining the equipment is an easy process.

Club Feature: GlamourGals

reads. “We can’t wait for our new members to experience the gratification felt by our current and past members as they helped elders feel relaxed and cared for during these hard times.”

Although COVID-19 restrictions have greatly decreased, Hofstra’s GlamourGals continues to visit senior citizens who may feel isolated. They are continuing their original efforts while introducing new programs.

“We just did our first bingo night with the senior home,” said Shafrana Sharak, vice president of GlamourGals and senior health science major. “That’s a proud favorite because they really enjoyed it. We had the most turnout as well.”

GlamourGals introduced bingo nights to avoid the repetitive nature of the continuous meetings of nail painting and jewelry making.

“[Bingo] was a huge hit,” Marfoglio said. “We had guys from the wrestling team sneak into the senior home to play bingo. It was so cool.”

To join GlamourGals on their trips, students can join GlamourGals’ GroupMe page or direct message their Instagram account.

Not only does the club meet

for trips to Hempstead Housing Authority, but they also host card-making events for seniors around the holidays.

“We’ll have card-making meetings – sometimes we’ll collaborate with other organizations – and people come to decorate their cards,” said GlamourGals public relations chair Aleena Thomas, a sophomore health science major. “Then, either one of us will go drop [the cards] off down the road, where one of the ladies there who runs the facility will distribute them to residents.”

Through the national organization, Hofstra’s chapter is able to make strong connections, not just in the local area, but also at a national level.

“We actually just went to the city for a ‘power brunch,’” said Gabriella DeLeon, a junior health science major and the club’s treasurer. “We have pretty good communication with the national branch. You can meet the founder, get LinkedIn endorsements, scholarships and recommendations. They have a lot to offer, and they always have regular events in the city.”

GlamourGals remains unique from other Hofstra clubs because of their connection to senior citizens

To rent equipment, head to the LHSC website or Canvas site and locate the forms needed. Then, fill them out accordingly and follow the instructions on sending them to the workers. You can pick up the equipment when the ER is open. These hours vary: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

and their national commitments.

DeLeon joined Hofstra’s chapter because she was involved in her high school’s GlamourGals chapter. At the Hofstra involvement fair, she was drawn to the club for its familiarity. Marfoglio and Sharak also spotted the organization at the involvement fair a year before DeLeon.

“Most of us found the club through the club fair that they have annually at the start of the year,” Sharak said. “They approached [Marfoglio and me to be on the executive board] after attending multiple meetings. Of course, we were a little hesitant about it, but we ended up running, and we’ve been with it for

all our college years.”

Despite being nervous to accept leadership positions as sophomores, Marfoglio and Sharak are proud of their commitments to GlamourGals.

By carrying on the tradition of visiting senior homes, Hofstra’s GlamourGals remains a staple in Hofstra’s Office of Student Life and Engagement (OSLE). They even were recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Recognized Student Organization award by the OSLE office.

The GlamourGals executive board members encourage interested students to reach out to them or visit their GetInvolved site for more information.

MAN ON THE UNISPAN

“What’s your favorite warm weather activity?”

By Denivia Rivera

FEATURES EDITOR

“Soccer.”

- Aneesa Govindan, sophomore

O verheard @ h O fstra

“That’s my favorite kind of activist: the ones that hate you.”

“They call me ‘the inquisitive nimwit.’”

“I’m also passionate about cheese!”

“Sunbathing.”

- Jean Pierre, sophomore

“Going to the beach.”

- Erika Richard, freshman

“Wife gave me the egg today.”

“The Lorax? Things that are orange.”

“It’s hard to be sad when there are Disney knees in the background.”

“They’re breaking a glass ceiling in a way – very few women have truly insufferable podcasts.”

“He has the swag of a middle school assistant principal.”

“I’m going to grab her nose like a bowling ball.”

If there’s something funny you overhear, you can now submit it here!

FEATURES

Personal Essay: Closing the Market cont.

CONTINUED FROM A1

To me, this sounded like a great plan because I was already enrolled in ENTR 115, “Entrepreneurial Mindset,” so taking two entrepreneurship classes at the same time seemed like a cool undertaking that I could learn a lot from as a finance major. On top of that, taking both classes with Professor Shu Yang appeared to be a strategic way to network with a professor in a discipline different from mine. Making this choice was probably the best decision I could have ever made in my academic career.

The first thing most students who have been on the “Zarb in London” trip recall is going to the London Stock Exchange (LSEG) and ringing the closing bell or, more specifically, pressing the button to close the market; it is the first thing I

remember, without a doubt. It is the most important professional event that takes place over the course of the trip, occurring on the last day before returning home. Everyone in attendance also gets the opportunity to sign the visitor book, which is then recorded in the National Archives (United Kingdom).

Prior to the trip, I remember my teammates for the project asked our professor, “Who will get to press the button?” She responded that the faculty usually nominates a graduate student. This answer did not prepare me for what I would learn in a virtual call just a week before the trip: that I was nominated to press the button.

As aforementioned, having two classes with the same professor was a great decision.

can genuinely say I believe this is true as Yang recognized my efforts and nominated me for the prestigious opportunity to close the market.

This great news was just the start of what would be a great trip. While in London, I was counting down the days until the group went to the LSEG. That being said, I was counting slowly because nine days can go pretty quickly, and I did not want to rush my time in the city. There was a lot to look forward to: visiting the Big Ben and different companies, sitting down for group lunches and exploring the city in my free time.

Being a commuter at Hofstra, the closest I have ever come to being someone’s roommate was staying overnight during New Student Orientation prior to my

we will take with us throughout the course of our careers.

A major part of this trip was meeting with the London-based entrepreneurs we were work-

“Amidst all the fun everyone was having in London, this was a business trip for a reason.”

Being that both courses are driven by team-based projects, I got to showcase my abilities to take initiative and collaborate with other students. I became the team leader for projects in both courses and conducted several team meetings – both in-person and virtually – to meet project deadlines. They say hard work never goes unnoticed, and now I

freshman year, which was a great experience. This kept me in high spirits as I got extremely lucky to room with a member from my project team, senior management major Krisley Lian. She played a role in making London such a memorable trip. We made memories before we even boarded the plane: the two of us cluelessly walked to an entirely different gate in the airport and had to take the shuttle bus back to the correct gate. Luckily, we made this silly mistake an hour before the flight’s departure time.

While in London, the most fun times were after or in between company visits, where Lian and I would explore the city with our professors. While other students went off on their own, we took a ride on the London Eye and the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, traveled to the Tower Bridge and went souvenir-shopping with professors Yang and Songpol Kulviwat. Doing so allowed both of us to interact with the professors, share our personal and academic interests and learn things

ing with. My team was very excited to meet one of the three co-founders of our start-up, RegentComply.ai. This was such an important meeting for strategizing and learning how to move forward with our project. Amidst all the fun everyone was having in London, this was a business trip for a reason.

Speaking of business, the company visit that served as a pivotal learning opportunity and eye-opening experience was with Apollo Global Management. There, we met Justin Sendak, Zarb School alum and the head of Capital Market at Apollo. He spoke about the current state of the capital markets and the projection of the job market. His honesty about the realities of job growth halting amid increasing reliance on artificial intelligence was refreshing and now resides with me.

In Brixton, London, we had the chance to tour the Black Seed VC space and meet the team spearheading the initiatives behind the Black-led venture

capital firm that supports Black entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. Meeting these two businesses and seeing the impact of the work they do was incredible.

The major highlight of the trip was closing the market. I felt a surge of excitement the moment I set foot in the building, knowing it was only minutes away. It all felt unreal. I remember our host shared that many important and famous individuals had opened or closed the market. Realizing I was about to press the same button was gratifying. Before the final countdown, watching all the final orders take place and billions and billions of pounds being traded in the market at that very moment was extraordinary. Amidst watching the big screens, I was carefully watching the clock to make sure I did not press the button a moment too soon or too late. Right after pressing it, I felt proud and grateful – proud of the hard work that brought me to this moment and grateful for my parents’ support along my life’s journey. I made the most of my time on this trip. My main takeaways were not mainly from what I had done on the trip, but from what I had done before – choosing to test my limits and take two demanding courses where I worked to make a positive impression that led to the greatest honor of my life thus far.

Calkins Quad played host to Hofstra University’s annual Unity Project. Students had the opportunity to showcase who they are by wrapping colorful yarn around poles that aligned with their identity. The result was a colorfully intertwined web of yarn, signifying the diverse nature of Hofstra’s student body!

On Wednesday, April 1, two scientific endeavors awaited Hofstra University students during common hour. The American Chemical Society led group experiments with mentos and soda, wowing onlookers by making elephant toothpaste. On the other side of campus, the Hofstra Anthropology club hosted an anatomical competition to see who could accurately rebuild a human skeleton in the shortest amount of time. Despite being held on April Fools day, both events gave students an opportunity to learn!

Arts And EntErtAinmEnt

'The Drama' brings an anxious ride to viewers

By Kimberly Lopez ASSISTANT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

*SPOILER WARNING*

“The Drama,” a new film directed by Kristoffer Borgli and produced by A24, was released on Friday, April 3. With stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, it was bound to turn some heads. And indeed, it did. The movie left me so stunned; I have already seen it again to fully take it all in.

The movie is about how Charlie (Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) are soon to be wed. During the final days before the wedding, the couple get together with the maid of honor Rachel (Alana Haim) and the best man Mike (Mamoudou Athie). They all spill the “worst thing they’ve ever done,” and Emma’s reveal changes the trajectory of the happy couple’s relationship.

As a close fan of both Zendaya and Pattinson, I was already going to be seated. However, the marketing for the movie is what really made this release highly

anticipated for me. One of the first things the marketing team did was put Charlie and Emma’s wedding announcement in newspapers. It gave us background information on the characters, such as their occupations, ages and many cute couple photos.

Some other marketing pieces were wedding cake toppers, a Las Vegas wedding chapel, a wedding newsletter and even a Vogue Weddings magazine shoot.

Zendaya and Pattinson’s onscreen chemistry is amazing. Before things go downhill, they really fit the image of a happy and honorable couple. And even when things start to deteriorate, they still bounce off each other really nicely as actors.

The editing and pacing of the movie were quite enjoyable. We get right into things very quickly, but it doesn’t feel rushed. This also adds to the whole movie’s sense of panic as well.

The worst thing Emma had ever done was, unfortunately, plan a school shooting. However, it never went into action. Nonetheless,

with a topic this controversial, this movie, obviously, does not sit well with some audiences.

The “March for Our Lives” Instagram account called out the movie for its marketing as a “romcom” and lack of trigger warnings. The movie, however, is R-rated and always has been. Despite this, again, the topic is very tricky, and people are entitled to be upset and decide if the movie isn’t for them.

The whole movie explores a moral dilemma and is an anxiety attack waiting to ensue. When sharing the worst things they have ever done, one can argue that Rachel’s was the worst. She locked a kid in a closet and didn’t admit to it, which resulted in a search party for the kid. Charlie mentions that he cyberbullied someone at age 14, to which Mike says doesn’t count because his brain was barely developed. I found it compelling that when Emma shared her secret, even though she did not actually do anything, and was 15, she was not given the same grace. Rachel immediately attacked her, bringing up her cousin, Sam, in the con-

versation by mentioning she was disabled due to a mass shooting.

I believe Rachel was meant to represent most of us today or a variation of cancel culture in general. She was quick to blow Emma off completely despite being the maid of honor, having done a crude act herself and being the one to suggesting that everyone share the worst thing they did.

Something else I perceived was that the whole film was Charlie’s true “worst thing I’ve ever done.” He slowly lets the idea of Emma being a different person ruin their relationship, overthinking everything she has ever done and being afraid of her. Worst of all, he cheats on her with his co-worker.

“The Drama” had my heart thumping at every second. By the end of the movie, I laughed, cried and even got nauseous at times. It is certainly a movie you should give a chance to even though it may sound insane. Zendaya and Pattinson put on some of the best performances of their careers, and I am looking forward to having this duo in more projects this year.

Super Mario Galaxy Movie is otherworldly

By Vanessa Flanagan

ASSISTANT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR

*SPOILER WARNING*

“The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” (TSMGM) is a sequel to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) that follows two Brooklyn plumbers and beloved video game characters, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) through their adventures in saving the galaxy. The movie is named after the 2007 video game “Super Mario Galaxy.” It introduces new characters that appear in the games but not in the first film: Yoshi (Donald Glover), Rosalina (Brie Larson) and Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie). The post-credit scene from the first movie teased Yoshi being in the sequel with a green-spotted egg. The film also introduces Fox McCloud (Glen Powell) from the “Star Fox” video game series. Animation company Illumination chose to add Fox from a different game series to expand the cinematic universe, accord-

ing to Forbes. In the movie, Fox explains that he ended up in Super Mario’s universe due to his spacecraft’s malfunction.

Both Glover and Powell pitched themselves to Illumination and expressed their passion in voicing their respective characters. Both stood out to Illumination’s chief executive officer, Chris Meledandri, and they were cast in the movie.

Despite not being explicitly teased in the first film, Rosalina plays a big part in the sequel’s story. Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) must save Rosalina from Bowser Jr. She has a strong opening scene, which is also the first scene in the movie, but is then sidelined and imprisoned for the rest of the film, solely used as a drive for the other characters.

Fans of the game have pointed out major differences between the themes of the game and the movie. The game explores elements of loss with quiet, emotional undertones. The film, however, does not

go into any of those themes. As a Mario movie, it’s good and works as a sequel, but not a perfect game adaptation. Fans who went into the movie thinking that it would resemble the game better than it did might have different views than fans who went in without knowing or caring about the source material.

The movie introduces new information that was not in the games, like Rosalina and Peach being sisters who were separated when they were young. Theories of the two being related have been circulating for years, but nothing was official. In the first film, there were mentions of where Peach came from and how she got to the Mushroom Kingdom, but it was not anything concrete. In this movie, though, she feels less lost and knows more of her history.

The first film followed Mario and Luigi saving Peach from Bowser (Jack Black), and he returns as a major villain in the sequel alongside his son. Naturally, in Super Mario fashion, Peach, Yoshi and

Quick Hits

Want more A&E Content? Scan to learn more about what's happening in the world of entertainment!

the brothers defeat and imprison Bowser and Bowser Jr., saving Rosalina. They all help rebuild Peach’s castle after being damaged, and the movie ends with everyone safe and sound.

Like the first movie, this one also references elements from the video games, such as the side-scrolling perspective and the completion of levels using power-ups, along with the standard Nintendo Mario music. These easter eggs are subtle but noticeable to fans.

The movie is packed with action, whimsical and visually pleasing, especially when they’re in space traveling through the galaxy. Though TSMGM debuted with less than 50% on the Rotten Tomatoes “Tomatometer” through critics’ reviews, it is “Verified Hot” with 90% on the “Popcornmeter” from audience reviews.

The post-credit scene teased a possible, but not confirmed, third film with a cameo from Daisy.

Editor's Picks

VIDEO GAME

'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' (2025)

Creator: Sandfall Interactive

TV SHOW

'The Boys' Season 5 (2026)

Creator: Eric Kripke

TV SHOW

'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair' (2026)

Creator: Linwood Boomer

EP

'Jane' (2025)

Artist: Camryn Quinlan

CASTING CHOICE

Glen Powell as Star Fox

Movie: 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' (2026)

'Mutiny After Midnight' explores resistance

By Ryan Monke MANAGING EDITOR

Coming off the heels of a successful tour for the album

“Passage Du Desir,” Johnny Blue Skies, also known as Sturgill Simpson, declared his next endeavor to a packed audience: “I just wanna make America f*** again!”

On March 13, 2026, Simpson released his second studio album, “Mutiny After Midnight,” under the same pseudonym. The new album encourages listeners to take to the dance floor and bedroom in defiance, jubilantly rebelling against oppression. Simpson, who sings and plays rhythm guitar, is backed by his band, aptly named “The Dark Clouds,” featuring lead guitarist Laur Joamets, bassist Kevin Black, keyboardist and saxophonist Robbie Crowell and drummer Miles Miller.

Forgoing traditional streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music in favor of physical media, listeners could

choose among cassette, vinyl record and CD formats. For this review, “Mutiny After Midnight” was blasted through the CD player of an old Honda on a road trip.

As an unexpected child of political turmoil and the declining rates of lovemaking, “Mutiny After Midnight” continues Simpson’s genre-bending tradition. The album blends its country-style, twangy rhythm and screaming slide guitar with an unrelenting disco groove of the bass and drums that makes even those with two left feet want to dance. Complemented by jazzy saxophone and unfiltered lyrics, the album leaves little time for listeners to catch their breath.

In a letter released alongside the album, Simpson embraced the idea of writing protest music in the form of a dance record.

“Light lives in darkness just as darkness lives in light,” Simpson wrote. “Everything won’t be for everyone, but everything tends to eventually find every-

one it was meant for.”

As a disco-country-funk fusion, much of the album is undeniably horny. Yet, many references to intimacy are so absurd and amusing that it seems unfair to lump songs in with the larger body of modern music that explore sensuality. Simpson mentions sweaty infatuations, orgies and delivers lines such as, “Your body’s hotter than a brothel in Guam,” on the unforgettable track, “Situation.”

Some lyrics are so headscratching that they border on being cringeworthy, but these lyrical quirks are bolstered by one of the tightest bands in modern music, making the album impossible to scoff at.

Despite some dorky lyrics, Simpson does not bite his tongue with references to hot topics, like the 2020 killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis or ongoing raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In songs like “Ain’t That a B****,” Simpson makes clear his criticism of current politics,

singing, “If you want to seize control of a nation / Stack up the courts to serve your salvation,” later referencing “babies in cages” and ultimately questioning, “How the hell are all these guys not in jail for treason?”

Based on sex, love and protest, “Mutiny After Midnight” is an album of record, documenting the tumultuous times in which it was written. The album may feel like a night spent dancing in an excited delirium at a disco club or maybe like listening to the muffled music from outside, having a smoke with a group of new friends

“Mutiny After Midnight” plays no games and is out for vengeance. Exploring resistance through the form of joy, liberation and dance, it is a must-listen, especially for those who are new to the music of Johnny Blue Skies and The Dark Clouds.

Ella Langley blooms on 'Dandelion'

By Abby Gibson ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Encompassing feelings of nostalgia, her Alabama roots and the complicated feelings that come with romantic and religious relationships, country singer Ella Langley released her third studio album on Friday, April 10, titled “Dandelion.”

“As far as me as a songwriter goes, I’ve never poured more of myself into a project, into a song [or] into an idea,” Langley said in a video posted across her social media platforms. “This record has fallen out so beautifully. The people I’ve gotten to work with on this record are absolutely insane.”

The album opens up with the first song Langley ever learned how to play, “Froggy Went A Courtin’ - Intro,” and ends with a song her grandfather sang to her as a child titled “Froggy Went A Courtin’ - Outro.” This led to a showcase of who she is and her

roots.

Langley covered the first song by a female country artist to be No. 1 on the Billboard charts: the 1952 country song “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” which was originally sung by Kitty Wells and written by J.D. Miller. Similarly, Langley recently just obtained her first spot on the Billboard No. 1 chart with “Choosin’ Texas,” which has remained at No. 1 for five weeks. She beat Taylor Swift’s record from her 2012 hit song, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

The title track, “Dandelion,” feels like a drive with the windows down in the summertime as Langley sings about being true to your roots. With a melodic and catchy tune, it’s hard to get this song out of your head.

“[The songs] represent that feeling of you’re still figuring it out, but you’re trying to do it a little bit better each time,” Langley said in an interview with

Apple Music.

There is only one song with a featured artist. Miranda Lambert is on the song “Butterfly Season,” which focuses on how it feels when you are changing and growing as a person. The chorus sings, “It’s butterfly season, I’m finding my wings / A good time for leaving behind the old me.” Langley has cited Lambert as a musical influence, with Lambert also being a co-writer on “Choosin’ Texas.” The song could easily be played during a coming-of-age movie and lead an audience to happy tears.

Growing up, Langley attended a southern Baptist church and has remained a Christian, but her relationship with her faith has not been linear. In her song “Speaking Terms,” she skillfully dives into the intricacies of feeling ignored by God and working on one’s faith.

Tying in her family with her music, the song titled “Bottom Of Your Boots” was inspired by

Langley’s dad’s saying, “I love you from the bottom of my boots to the top of my hat.” The song itself is about wanting more from a romantic situationship and will leave listeners dancing and swaying at the same time.

One thing Langley knows how to do best is pull at listeners’ heart strings. With songs like “Last Call for Us” and “Broken,” she’s able to put words to the feeling of a romantic relationship being over and the grief that comes with the end. These two songs sit right next to each other and, in a way, are a melancholic, angsty pair.

Like a dandelion getting carried away by the wind but staying rooted in where it grew, Langley’s album balances change and identity, proving that she’s reflecting on her musical journey while still growing within it.

Inside the $100 million battle for Warner Bros. Discovery

By Riley Buck & Micaela Delgado STAFF WRITER & SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

Whether you want to consider just the numbers or any additional outside factors, you can’t ignore what really went down between Netflix and Paramount’s bidwar for astounding 100-year-old production giant Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

On June 9, 2025, WBD announced its plan to split the company into Streaming & Studios and Global Networks. Following that, David Ellison,

the new CEO of Paramount Skydance (PSKY), made what WBD named an “inadequate” offer of $19 per share. By Oct. 2025, with PSKY’s third bid of $23.50 per share, WBD officially announced that it was exploring its options in bids after receiving interest from multiple parties. Nov. 2025 brought some discussion of political ties to potential sales. Bloomberg reports that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos allegedly met with President Donald Trump to discuss the “auction of WBD.” Sarandos reportedly left this conversation with the impres-

sion that Netflix wouldn’t receive opposition from the White House in the acquisition. This moment signaled that the bidding war was no longer just financial, but it was also potentially regulatory and political.

In Dec. 2025, Netflix announced its acquisition of WBD’s film studio, streaming businesses and games divisions (not including Global Network) for $82.7 billion, offering a mix of cash and stock. Just days later, however, PSKY escalated the situation by launching a massive $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid at $30 per share, arguing that its all-cash offer was more valuable and more certain for shareholders.

In Jan. 2026, after continuous hearsay from both CEOs in regard to the shareholders’ opinions, WBD publicly rejected PSKY’s amended offer, saying that it wasn’t in the best interest of its shareholders and reaffirming that Netflix’s proposal remained “superior.” In retaliation, just days later, PSKY filed a lawsuit against WBD in the Delaware Court of Chancery,

Your HOFSTRA AAUP

Supporting Your Faculty. Strengthening Your Education.

essentially asking the court to force more transparency around Netflix’s bid and arguing that shareholders were not being fully informed.

At the same time, regulatory pressure began to mount. Concerns around antitrust implications, particularly regarding Netflix’s market power, became part of the broader civil conversation. Civil inquiries reportedly examined whether Netflix’s acquisition strategy could resemble “exclusionary conduct … capable of entrenching market or monopoly power.”

This language tracks Section 2 of the Sherman Act, which the Legal Information Institute summarizes as “prohibiting monopolizing or attempting to monopolize trade or commerce through anti-competitive conduct.”

Would Paramount be at a similar risk of encroaching on the same section, though? Netflix’s lower per-share offer compared to Paramount’s became a defining factor in the outcome, but regulatory perception may have mat-

its offer to $31 per share in all cash, agreeing to cover termination fees and strengthen its financial guarantees.

Ultimately, Netflix chose not to match the bid while executives underlined it would only be a deal “nice to have,” not a necessity for the growing presence that Netflix has to offer. WBD’s board was left with only the superior Paramount proposal of $31 per share, valued at around $110 billion.

While some may say this acquisition is not political, others have noted the clear regulatory contrast between the two bids. Paramount appeared to face fewer immediate antitrust concerns than Netflix, and some observers have associated that difference with CEO Ellison’s broader political connections; his father, Larry Ellison, is a close friend of Trump’s. Whether influential or just the way the business works, the higher cash offer and smoother regulatory path positioned Paramount as the winning bidder for WBD.

THE HOFSTRA AAUP represents and advocates for faculty to ensure strong teaching, meaningful research, and a high-quality academic experience for all students. We work to protect academic standards, support faculty, and strengthen the learning environment that you rely on.

HOFSTRA FACULTY are at the core of your university experience.

WE ARE…

• Educators

• Mentors

• Researchers

• Advisors WE HELP...

• Guide your academic journey

• Support your career goals

• Write letters of recommendation

STRONG FACULTY MEANS...

• Better instruction

• Greater access to mentorship

• More opportunities for research and growth

• Conduct research that advances knowledge

• We bring experience, insight, and dedication

• We are the face of the university alongside you

• A stronger, more respected university

WE WANT YOU TO KNOW the Hofstra AAUP is negotiating for a fair contract that supports both full-time and adjunct faculty and protecting the quality of education you depend on.

OPINION

The views and opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of the Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.

Architecture doesn’t have to be boring

By Anthony Favilla OPINION EDITOR

I went to Coney Island in February to see the New York Aquarium. To get down there, I took the D train from Downtown Brooklyn to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. When I arrived, I saw a beautiful terminal. Artwork of hot dogs and children playing adorned the windows around me, giving the place the feeling of entering a theme park. The place felt grand yet easy to navigate at the same time.

The outside of the station is simple yet gorgeous. The terracotta facade features several Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit signs, paying homage to the original private subway line that operated there. The brownstone design, combined with dark green, made the station feel right at home in Brooklyn. At night, the lights covering

By Ricky Hubert STAFF WRITER

I once had a professor very kindly say to me, “We all know, at his core, Ricky is a 70-year-old man.” Since I was little, I’ve always had a tendency to befriend people who were much older than I was – people who were already adults during the Bill Clinton administration.

My tendency to befriend people older than me began because when I was younger, I always felt different than my peers for a wide range of reasons. Since I felt I was so different from my peers, I found there was an easy group of people to connect with, people who were much different than me: Generation X and older.

Befriending folks much older than you can be a wonderful gift in your life and can enriched it in many ways, one of

this station and its signal tower make it an iconic addition to Surf Avenue.

Seeing this station made me think of the boring, sterile buildings that I see on my commute to school most days. Many buildings on Hempstead Turnpike are now modernized to look “clean.” Instead of interesting colors and unique designs, many buildings now opt for different shades of gray and black for their exteriors, with maybe even a wooden facade.

The McDonald’s and Chipotle nearby have nearly identical color schemes on their exterior despite being completely different restaurants. While those two companies would argue the look is sleeker and more modern, it just turns out boring.

One reason so many restaurants and buildings look like this now is to cut costs. It is expensive to make a restaurant or public place look unique,

so developers now opt for a simpler look.

The other major reason boils down to resale value. If a business sets up shop in a building and wants to make it look unique, what happens if the business goes bankrupt and is forced to move out? It would be much harder to sell a property that was clearly meant for something specific. Pizza Hut, for example, used to have many buildings with a roof meant to resemble their logo. Since those buildings, with distinguishable roofs, are hard to resell, it is difficult to find a Pizza Hut now with that iconic roof.

This tactic, while costeffective, takes away the ability to inject charm or character into an ordinary place. Since the Stillwell Avenue station is a public building, they do not need to worry about this happening. Private businesses, however, do need to consider

the resale value of their building when designing the exterior and interior.

This new modern style of architecture and color is not focused on the artistry of the building itself or making it look unique, instead, it focuses on maximizing the profit the property can make in case a business goes belly-up.

We can see this happening in Glen Cove, New York, right now. The local Taco Bell provides a look into a different time for architecture. The inside has orange and red walls, complete with the white, pink, red and teal color combination on the tables that Taco Bell used to be known for rocking. The outside has arched windows and a Spanish tile roof.

The architecture of this Taco Bell gives the restaurant a strong identity, but it will not stay this way for long. The building is going to undergo

We aren’t so different

which is that you learn lessons.

For example, when one of my coworkers was going through a rough time, we declared, “We take care of each other.” Or when another coworker taught me a change of perspective on the bad days by saying, “Good days, bad moments.”

Additionally, you see life through new eyes. On a Saturday night when you drive an 88-year-old friend to dinner since her access-a-ride never showed, you watch, listen and learn from these folks. As a result, you start to look at your own life differently.

You think about it in a weird way: if you were 88 years old and had no way of getting home, how would that make you feel? I do, at least. The same person also makes me laugh. For example, she wrote a memoir and I said, “Oh I’d love to read it,” the response

I got was, “And for $22, you can.” Same with my friends at work, we share lots of laughs making fun of the customers we serve, people in our personal lives and, dare I say it, the people we work with.

Every older person I have befriended in my life has made me a more empathetic person, taught me something I have applied to my own life and made me laugh. I always felt that my Generation Z peers would laugh at me for a million different reasons: my voice, my appearance and my “old soul” references to 20th century pop culture.

This fear of Gen Z terrified me when going to college, or as I call it on occasion, “Gen Z Camp.” Strangely enough, some of the older folks I have befriended while at Hofstra University have strengthened my relationships with my Gen Z peers. For example, class-

mates of mine have become closer since we both talk to the adults on campus such as Sergio, the janitor, or Eileen, a volunteer at the Hofstra radio station. This builds to more time spent with my peers beyond our interactions with the older folks in our lives.

By being surrounded Gen Z folk, you are pushed to meet more of them, and in my time studying my generation, I once again learned something. My Gen Z friends had a major similarity with my older friends, they, too, made me a more empathetic person, taught me something I applied to my own life and made me laugh.

My Gen Z friends and I also have stories to share, jokes to tell and, yes, have “Good days, bad moments.” My friends in my generation are also here to “take care of each other.” My Gen Z friends rally around each other, try to give advice, make

renovations soon, potentially destroying the charm of this old fast-food restaurant. Instead of focusing on maximizing profit, architects need to go back to giving each building its own identity. Each ordinary building doesn’t have to look like Grand Central Terminal, but maybe they should look more like Stillwell Avenue station or old Taco Bells. Architecture can tell you so much about a place and its history, but modern, black and gray buildings tell you little to nothing. Buildings that we pass by every day should not all look the same.

Anthony Favilla is a sophomore journalism major. You can find him on Instagram @anthony_favilla_jrnl.

their friends laugh, give love and feel love, all while seizing each day we have together – no different than my older friends. For years, I was afraid I could never connect with my generation. Most times I let anxiety win, but I was wrong. I’m not as “different” as I thought since I share many genuine friendships with my contemporaries the same way I have with my friends much older than me. After all, whether Gen X or Gen Z, we’re all people who want the same things. At least for me, it took an old soul to teach me how to be a young one.

Ricky Hubert is a senior podcasting & audio storytelling major. You can find him on Instagram @therichardhubert.

OPINION

The views and opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of the Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.

Sensational Speech

ACROSS

1 High, in slang

6 Acronym meaning "best ever"

10 Pre-Soviet royalty

14 Dog's pests

15 Mystical vibe

16 State between Pennsylvania and Indiana

17 Lightweight tool used to whack insects

19 Unkind

20 Like dangerous roads after a snowstorm

21 Japanese pond fish

22 Put on a show

23 "Happy __ clam"

24 Stranded cat's savior, perhaps

29 Deteriorates

31 Pure anger

32 Restroom, to a Brit

33 Cut off, as a relationship

34 Bay Area airport, abbreviation

35 Dispatched

36 Celestial body with no solid surface

40 Ugly Duckling's true self

43 Old-style "your"

44 Like ocean currents affected by the moon

48 Televise

49 Take to court

50 Produce, as a hormone

52 Figure of the East or West, to Dorothy

55 Ave. intersections, for short

56 Chart-topper 57 French pronoun 58 Fib

59 Narrow cut in a long skirt

61 Trendy words, or what can be found at the starts of 17-, 24-, 36-, and 52-Across

65 Queen bee's domain

66 One of many in a book

67 Unskilled

68 Color wheel shades

69 Affirmative votes

70 Repulsive DOWN

1 Lifelong pal, for short

2 Emmy-winning actress Janney

3 What unlocks a hotel room door

4 Effortless

5 Footwear retail chain

6 Florida swamp creatures, informally

7 Belly button type

8 "__ we there yet?"

9 Paving material

10 Liberty's flaming prop

11 Commuter's ride to the airport

12 Help

13 Sushi eggs

18 Similar

22 Get older

23 Feeling of wonder

24 Salty Greek cheese

25 World Cup organizer, abbreviation

26 Fe, to a chemist

27 Immeasurable period of time

28 Decay

30 YIELD or STOP

34 Cunning

35 Mix, as sugar in tea

37 Small earring

38 "That was close!" sound

39 Carve

40 Tool with teeth

41 Nintendo console with nun chucks

42 Collection of preserved works

45 Wants

46 Make an effort

47 "__ Misérables"

49 "Quiet on the ___!"

50 Things to not throw from a glass house

51 Vaper's device, for short

53 Toys flown in the wind

54 Picture

58 "Girls" creator Dunham

59 Directive from a librarian, perhaps

60 Olympic figure skating

champion Alysa

61 Place for a massage

62 Snack brand Frito-__

63 Sardine container

64 Pigpen

OPINION

The views and opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of the Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.

By Tom Norman OPINION EDITOR

In the wake of an anti-LGBTQ+ rant on Instagram Live, the Chicago Bulls made the assumedly easy decision to waive guard Jaden Ivey. Ivey, whom they had just acquired from the Detroit Pistons at the trade deadline, only suited up for four games with the Bulls, where he played fine but not great.

There are many people who are trying to make this a problem of religion. Some, such as conservative commentator Riley Gaines, are trying to spin this situation as if Ivey is being persecuted for professing his religion and, specifically, for being a Christian.

It is important to call out attempts to manufacture a potentially harmful narrative. To put it simply: No, Ivey was not waived for being a Christian. He was

Jaden Ivey isn’t a martyr

waived for making comments that were meant to degrade an entire group of people who, for the most part, feel out of place in the world of sports. Ivey wasn’t just “being religious” on that Instagram Live.

“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA,” Ivey said via Instagram Live. “They proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say ‘Come join us for Pride, for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.’ They proclaim it. They proclaim it on the billboards. They proclaim it in the streets – unrighteousness. So how is it that one can’t speak righteousness?”

Additionally, his outburst on Instagram Live was not the first occurrence of Ivey behaving in strange manners. He would also act questionably toward the Bulls’ staff and others involved with the team. Ivey reportedly would ask

reporters if they had been “saved” or if they had fornicated before marriage. Ivey, who was recovering from knee surgery, also told the Bulls’ training staff, “I’m ready. Jesus healed my knee.” Afterward, the Bulls conducted an MRI on his knee and shut him down for the rest of the season.

It is also important to note that Ivey was set to be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Bulls could have matched any contract offer another team would make him. It’s safe to say they will not be exercising that right, but it is important to remember that he had no term left on his contract when asking why they waived him.

All of this is to say that Ivey gave the Bulls more than one reason to no longer associate with him. Even if he didn’t, though, it wouldn’t solidify the idea that he was persecuted for his beliefs.

There are countless examples of other players in both the NBA and other leagues who are outspoken about their religious beliefs and don’t face repercussions for it.

Those defending Ivey also don’t seem to be the most genuine when it comes to matters like these. New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson came to Ivey’s defense on X, posting a verse from the Bible. Funnily enough, Henderson had nothing to say in December when his teammate Stefon Diggs was accused of assaulting his former chef. Where was his Bible-clutching then?

Some may point out that other players in the NBA have also made problematic statements in the past and did not face repercussions. While true that the NBA tends to let talent outweigh character when it comes to

who gets to keep playing, it is ultimately the team’s decision. In this case, the Bulls, who have other talented guards on the roster, decided the talent doesn’t outweigh the public relations nightmare he has become.

The truly sad part of this whole situation is that we are witnessing a man going through a possible mental health episode and certain people are too quick to make this a religious issue. This is a man whose wife briefly cut contact with him and can now be seen on his Instagram Live videos begging him to “Please stop” while he was ranting about religion. Ivey doesn’t need to be made a martyr; he needs help.

Tom Norman is a senior journalism major. You can find him on Instagram @_tomnorm.

Why war escapes climate accountability

By Kripa Thani SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

There is a particular kind of photograph that keeps appearing in coverage of modern conflicts: satellite images that are taken from high enough in the sky that you can’t see individual people. What you can see are forests that used to be green and are now black, rivers that used to run clear and are now coated in gunk and agricultural land that used to produce food and is now contaminated in ways that will outlast the soldiers who contaminated it.

In my political science classes, we spend a fair amount of time looking at international law – specifically the gap between what it promised and what it delivered. When it comes to environmental destruction in warfare, the gap is so wide it feels less like a flaw in the system and more like a feature of it. Nowhere is this clearer than in the way war treats the environment as a permissible casualty of strategy. International

law technically prohibits some of this destruction. Yet, in practice, no major commander has ever been prosecuted for it, no state has ever been forced to pay anything close to full compensation for it and the frameworks that are supposed to address it are structured in ways that make enforcement nearly impossible.

To understand why this matters, it helps to start with the numbers. According to a study by Brown University, global militaries collectively account for roughly 5-6% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. If the world’s armed forces were a country, they would rank among the top emitters.

However, these numbers remain largely absent from official climate accounting. The Kyoto Protocol excluded military emissions entirely, and the Paris Agreement relies on voluntary disclosure, which most countries do not provide.

Beyond emissions, the ecological damage of conflict is immediate and often permanent. Iraq’s oil fires in 1991 and the

defoliant campaigns – the use of chemicals to destroy plant life –by the United States in Vietnam left damage that persisted for years. Across conflicts, the pattern is consistent: environmental harm is not incidental, but systemic.

International law does contain provisions addressing this.

Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions bans warfare methods expected to cause “widespread, long-term and severe” environmental damage. The Rome Statute designates an environmental war crime as environmental destruction that is “clearly excessive” relative to anticipated military advantage. However, these provisions are structured in ways that make them almost impossible to apply.

The threshold problem is key. “Widespread, long-term and severe” is a conjunctive standard, meaning all three standards must be met. In practice, this allows most environmental damage to fall below the threshold. The proportionality standard

creates a second problem. Environmental harm becomes illegal only when it is clearly excessive relative to military advantage. The law does not ban destruction so much as it regulates how much of it is acceptable.

Enforcement further weakens the framework. The International Criminal Court has never prosecuted wartime environmental destruction as a primary offense. The result is what scholars describe as an accountability gap: rules exist in principle, but enforcement is minimal.

International law is deliberately shaped by states with significant military power that have incentives to keep environmental protections vague and thresholds high.

However, there still are signs of change. The International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate obligations affirmed that states have legal duties to prevent environmental harm. Proposals to recognize ecocide as an international crime could create a mechanism

for addressing environmental destruction directly.

The deeper issue here is international law has historically valued the environment primarily in terms of its impact on human life. The ecosystem itself rarely appears as something worth protecting on its own terms.

The relationship between climate and conflict makes this even more urgent. Climate change increases the risk of conflict, and conflict accelerates environmental degradation. Wars destroy carbon sinks, release emissions and create long-term ecological damage. Fixing this gap is not just about strengthening law. It is about reconsidering what the law is meant to protect. The satellite images of burned forests and contaminated rivers are not just records of destruction; they are evidence of a system that sees clearly but chooses not to act.

Kripa Thani is a sophomore political science and economics double major.

Costly errors lead to series loss for the Pride

By Frank Chiapperino STAFF WRITER

The Hofstra University softball team took a shutout loss from Campbell University 2-0 on Sunday, April 12. The Pride lost their first Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) series of the season and moved to 22-18 overall on the season and 15-3 in conference play.

Prior to the game, former Hofstra head coach Bill Edwards, Hofstra University President Susan Poser, Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole, current Hofstra head

coach Susan Cassidy-Lyke and student-athletes Emma Brennan, Emma Falen, Alanna Morse and Lily Yepez celebrated the reopening and renovation of Bill Edwards Stadium.

Falen made her second start of the series in the circle. In game one, she allowed two earned runs on six hits across 2.0 innings pitched. Falen bounced back, pitching her ninth complete game of the season, striking out five batters on 109 pitches and not allowing a single earned run.

“Falen pitched a great game, which is what we were looking

for,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “[It] was almost like a little bit of redemption from her first outing on Friday.”

Katelyn Hubley was dominant in the circle against the Pride, pitching her 12th complete game of the season and her second of the series. She allowed no runs while only giving up two hits and striking out 11 batters, marking a collegiate high.

Campbell scored the only runs of the game in the third inning. On four pitches, the Fighting Camels placed a runner in scoring position following back-toback singles from Haley Krebs and Emma Slutzah. Allyiah Swiney cleared the bases with two outs after a costly error from Morse.

Falen shut down the Fighting Camels for the remainder of the game, surrendering two hits and one walk after the third inning. The Pride nearly trimmed the deficit in the fifth inning. Ryleigh Smith launched a deep drive to center, but Charlie Montgomery brought the ball back at the wall with an acro-

batic catch. Hubley struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

In the seventh inning, Chelsea Villar singled with two outs to bring the tying run to the plate. On a 2-2 count, Smith then struck out swinging to end the game.

“If you don’t put the ball in play, it’ll be very difficult,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “We feel good about ourselves because I’m sure we’ll see them again another time down the road.”

The Fighting Camels struggled to capitalize with runners in

scoring position, going 0-5 on the day and failing to score with runners on first and second with no outs in the fourth inning. When committing at least two errors, the Pride are 5-8 this season and move to 3-4 all time against Campbell.

The Pride step away from conference play, as they travel to Fairfield, Connecticut, to play Fairfield University on Tuesday, April 14. First pitch from Alumni Softball Field is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Pride fueled by Nikki Mennella’s 11-point game

By Royce Dickson-Child ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The Hofstra University women’s lacrosse team celebrated 50 years of the program as well as former Pride member Alyssa Parrella’s jersey retirement on Saturday, April 11. The Pride took down Monmouth University in a 22-11 barnburner, fueled by Nikki Mennella’s 11 points.

“Overall, just really proud of our team, especially on a day when we’re honoring 50 years of the program and having such a great turnout from our alumni,”

said Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith about the win.”

Hofstra faced a back-andforth first quarter as Monmouth grabbed the first goal, which was behind an effort by Shea Berigan. The Pride and the Hawks would trade off scoring as the quarter progressed, with Charli Joyce, Kate Lemery and Natalie DeMeo grabbing goals for the blue and gold. The quarter’s scoring ended with a Monmouth free position opportunity where Marlaina Grimm took the 4-3 lead for the Hawks.

Monmouth pulled further ahead in the opening of the second quarter as they went on a 3-1 run in the first four minutes. Berigan completed her hat trick, and Sophia Lymberis tallied one for the Hawks while Julia Harris scored on a man-up chance for the Pride.

As the second frame progressed, Hofstra picked up their game, battling back before halftime. The Pride went on a 4-1 run to close the half with two

goals from Mennella and a goal apiece from Joyce and Lemery. Despite almost doubling Monmouth’s first-half shot-on-goal total, Hofstra were only tied 8-8 at halftime.

With the score tied at half, Smith asked, “Who wants it more?” and reminded the team of their motto of controlling their own destiny.

“I think they knew – you know – we could do better, and we could do more,” Smith said.

Smith was successful in firing her team up because Hofstra came out of halftime on fire. The Pride scored seven unanswered goals within the opening eight minutes of the third quarter. Mennella and Joyce each completed hat tricks of their own, with DeMeo, Kayleigh Bender and Shannon Steck joining them on the scoresheet.

Olivia Castaldo interrupted Hofstra’s streak with another goal for Monmouth. The Pride did not let that disrupt their groove, however, since Joyce and

Steck each grabbed another goal while Jordyn Poll got her name on the scoresheet for the first time. Hofstra put the game out of question with an explosive 10-1 third quarter, putting them ahead 18-9 with 15 minutes left of play.

The final quarter saw the game settle down when Mennella tacked on goals six and seven while Bender scored on a manup chance and Meaghan Tufano tallied her first goal of the day.

Monmouth recorded two goals of their own, but Hofstra dominated and secured the 22-11 win.

The Pride’s dominant day in-

cluded some new records, since Mennella tied her career-high point record with an 11-point outing. Mennella’s big day saw her climb the charts to third alltime in career points with 243, fifth in assists with 76 and sixth in draw controls with 146. In the draw circle, Madeleine Rudolph rewrote her career-high in draw controls with 13 of Hofstra’s 24 in the game.

The Pride’s undefeated record in Coastal Athletic Association play will be on the line against Stony Brook University on Friday, April 17.

Pride suffers four losses to the transfer portal

By Thomas Montana STAFF WRITER

Over 1,000 names have entered the transfer portal for women’s college basketball since it opened on Monday, April 6. On top of losing seven key pieces to graduation the Hofstra University women’s basketball team fell victim to the portal with four names on their way out: Micaela Carter, Sana’a Garrett, Maddie Pounds and Syniya Barton.

Carter was the ultimate spark plug for the Pride. Since the beginning of that final stretch where Hofstra went 8-4, including the tournament. The Pride were 6-0 when Carter took at least five shot attempts. Carter was the best 3-point shooter on the team by a large margin at 45.3%. Hofstra will

look to someone like Ema Karim – who was second in 3-point percentage – to take on an increased role. Six of the top seven shooters will not be returning to the Pride.

Pounds was the first to announce her departure on March 28. Pounds is a standing sophomore who has spent her first two years with Hofstra. Pounds hasn’t seen much of the floor with the Pride, but saw a two-minute-per-game increase in the 2026 season compared to her freshman year.

With seven listed guards playing 15 or more minutes per game last season, it’s been hard to get into the rotation. Six of those seven guards won’t be with the Pride next season, so Pounds was expected to receive a bigger role.

“In my past two years at

Hofstra, I have grown a lot on and off the court,” Pounds stated via Instagram. “After thoughtful consideration and conversations with my family, I have decided to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining to explore new opportunities.”

Barton announced that she was transferring one day after Pounds did, on March 29. Over her freshman season, the South Hempstead native averaged the fewest minutes per game of any member of the Pride with 3.3 over six games.

Standing at five foot seven inches, Barton averaged a double-double with rebounds as a junior at Monsignor McClancy Memorial School. She also broke the program record in rebounds.

“The memories, lessons

and relationships I’ve built [at Hofstra] will always mean so much to me,” Barton wrote on Instagram. “I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready for the next chapter.”

Garrett transferred from Jacksonville University to Hofstra just last season and was a consistent rotation piece. Coming off the bench for 21 of her 22 games with the Pride, she was the floor general for the second unit. Garrett is a down-hill finisher with a good handle, who finishes off possessions with a crafty layup package. Going into her senior season, she’ll certainly get ample playing time wherever she lands.

Now officially committed to Norfolk State University, Garrett is expected to have an increased role in her final

collegiate season.

“After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal,” Garrett said on Instagram. “This wasn’t an easy decision, but I trust the path that’s been set for me and I’m ready for the next chapter. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey.”

The Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) as a whole has fallen victim to the transfer portal, with 55 players in the conference entering, including the Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and six members of the All-CAA Teams. The entire conference is going to look very different next year.

Hofstra has four confirmed commits along with just four returning players.

Pride drops series to Long Island rival

By Samantha Nadler ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The Hofstra University baseball team took their first extra-innings loss of the season, falling 12-11 in 10 innings against Stony Brook University on Sunday, April 12. After falling in a back-andforth series finale, Hofstra dropped to 11-18 on the season and 6-9 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play. Stony Brook improved to 11-21 overall with an 8-10 record in CAA play, overtaking the Pride for the third seed in the CAA North division.

Freshman Nick Reese made his fourth start of his collegiate

career, earning five runs on three hits in 4.0 innings pitched.

After easily recording two outs, Reese walked Chanz Doughty and gave up a base hit to Chris Carson, setting up Scott Gell for a three-run home run to left field.

Hofstra took no time to respond to the Seawolves’ early attack, quickly pushing Stony Brook starter Nicholas Rizzo to his limit in the bottom of the first. Rizzo stayed in the game only to walk Michael Brown, Gabriel Melara and CJ Griggs to load the bases. Tyler Castrataro gave the Pride their first run of the game on a fielder’s choice to send Brown home and get Griggs

out at second base, then Melara came home on a first-pitch single from Tyler Cox. Nick Gallello loaded the bases again, then a wild pitch by Stony Brook’s Christian Martinez allowed Castrataro to come home for the tying run. Daniel Escalante hit an RBI groundout to put the Pride up 4-3.

Hofstra extended their lead to 5-3 when Cox hit a sacrifice fly to left fielder Nicholas Dromboski in the bottom of the third. But the Pride lost the lead again when Brayden Gregg gave up a three-run double to Carson with two outs in the top of the fifth. Carson then came home on a single from Gell to make the game 7-5.

Like Reese, Gregg got the first two outs of his outing easily but gave up multiple runs before a third out, a pattern seen throughout the Pride’s pitching staff.

Hofstra brought the Seawolves’ lead down to one run and reclaimed a lead within the next two innings. Cox hit a sacrifice fly to center fielder Nick Zampieron to send Brown home for a 7-6 score in the sixth, then back-to-back RBI singles from Melara and Griggs in the seventh

inning gave the Pride an 8-7 lead

Gallello hit his first of two solo homers in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game 9-9. However, with runners on the corners in the top of the eighth, Tanner Sanderoff gave up a single to Dromboski, giving Maddon McArthur a run via an inherited runner.

The score came back to a tie in the bottom of the ninth after Gallello hit his second home run of the day, and Danny Corona drove in the game-tying run with two outs.

In the top of the 10th inning, with Stony Brook runners on the corners, Chris Bedford gave up ultimately the game-winning

base hit to Dromboski.

Like Saturday’s game, the Pride staged an albeit unsuccessful comeback in the bottom of the 10th. Brown strongly opened the inning with a triple, then Melara and Griggs joined the basepath after each getting hit by pitches. Castrataro hit into a crucial fielder’s choice in which Brown, the tying run, was gunned down at home. Cox flied out to shortstop Aidyn Coffey, and the Seawolves’ infield barely beat out Castrataro at first base to end the game. The Pride will play a nonconference game this week, traveling to St. John’s University on Tuesday, April 14.

By Conner Keough STAFF WRITER

Hofstra faltered against Dragons

The Hofstra University men’s lacrosse team fell to Drexel University on Saturday, April 11, losing 17-8 and dropping to 1-3 in conference play. Thanks to last week’s win against Fairfield University, the Pride have just one win since March 2, and they must win out to make the 2026 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) tournament in May.

Hofstra played another incomplete game. The Pride

had one less shot on goal, less turnovers and more caused turnovers than Drexel, and some of their old flaws came back to bite them.

The Pride started strong on faceoffs, winning four of the first six. The faceoffs slowly started swinging in Drexel’s favor, making Hofstra’s comeback attempt more difficult. Drexel ended the game winning 16 of 28 faceoffs.

Joey DeYoung’s second hat trick of the season and third of his career headlined the Pride. DeYoung eclipsed his previous

career high in goals, and is second on the team, with 18 on the season.

The key difference for Drexel was goalie Brendan Donnelly. The junior player made a career-high 19 saves on 27 Hofstra shots on goal, helping Drexel cruise to victory. Donnelly leads the conference with his .552 save percentage and 9.11 goals-against average.

Drexel broke the scoring in the first minute and quickly extended the lead to two goals just minutes later. The Dragons took advantage of opportunistic scoring runs, ending the first quarter with three consecutive tallies.

Already down four after the first, Alec Tulio scored one of his game-high four goals, keeping the Pride at an arm’s length.

Hofstra remained close in shots on goal, with both teams registering 15 by halftime. Donnelly made the difference in cage, stopping eight of the first nine Pride shots.

In the second half, Drexel

continued to pour it on. The Dragons opened the third quarter on a six-goal scoring run capped off by Tulio completing his hat trick. Witt Crawford also had two goals during that span.

Hofstra’s goalie, Shea Kennedy, came off a 16-save game over Fairfield, but he failed to reach the same level against Drexel. Kennedy allowed 17 goals and made 11 saves.

The Pride played their best quarter in the fourth, outshooting Drexel 4-2 in the final 15 minutes. Trevor Natalie recorded his 22nd goal of the

season while Anthony Mollica registered two points on a goal and two assists. Mollica hit the century milestone mark in his career. It’s the fourth game in a row in which the Pride tied or outscored their opponents in the fourth quarter.

Hofstra is tied with Fairfield for fifth place in CAA standings, but they will need to win out and get help to make the conference tournament. The Pride are back in conference action next Saturday, April 18, against Hampton University on Senior Day. Opening draw from James M. Shuart Stadium is set for 1 p.m.

New name at the helm of the diamond: Get to know Susan Cassidy-Lyke

By Shannon Bickert SPORTS EDITOR

The Hofstra University softball team has a new face on the diamond this season: Head Coach Susan Cassidy-Lyke.

The Hicksville native has put together an illustrious 35-year coaching career and has found success at every level.

Cassidy-Lyke grew up as a multi-sport athlete on Long Island, playing softball and basketball throughout her childhood and into college. She took her talents to Molloy University, previously Molloy College, to play both sports.

“I did look at a bunch of schools,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “I decided to play [at Molloy] because, obviously, it was a Catholic school which I was looking for, and secondly for my family to watch me play. Since when I was younger, my

father had coached me.”

Cassidy-Lyke had success on the diamond as a player, hitting .426 as a junior and .406 as a senior, earning her an induction into the Molloy University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.

After playing for Molloy and earning her master’s degree in criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Cassidy-Lyke entered the New York Police Academy.

“I had always wanted to [join the police academy], probably since I was like six or seven,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “That was always going to be the main goal, but obviously, I knew I had to graduate from college.”

In 2001, Cassidy-Lyke earned the rank of captain in the police academy. Her time in the academy was very routine-oriented, but it helped

her grow.

“[It was] a lot of regimen, a lot of organization [and] learning … a lot of new things that we don’t do every day,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “Everything was a lot different, but it was definitely a good experience. We were all going through it together.”

After graduating from the police academy, Cassidy-Lyke began her coaching career.

“When I graduated [from] the police academy, I had the hours that I did, [and they] allowed me to have time to coach,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “So, my high school called me up and asked me if I would be interested in coaching there, which I said I would be.”

At her alma mater, Holy Trinity Diocesan High School, Cassidy-Lyke found success at the helm of the softball program, posting a

287-85 record. Across 15 years, she coached three different sports – softball, volleyball and basketball –and earned four New York State Championships. This success earned her another Hall of Fame induction and several Long Island coaching accolades.

Cassidy-Lyke got the call to coach at the collegiate level from Molloy in 2006.

“I wanted to go back [to Molloy] to influence the program, and obviously, I had stayed in contact with them over the years because when I

SPORTS

success in the athlete’s future.

CONTINUED FROM A17

was coaching in high school, I would send a lot of kids to play there,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “So, I had a good relationship with my mentor, who was also my coach [and] the athletic director and the vice president of student affairs at Molloy. It was good to go back there, and, actually, when I went back to coach, is when I also became the director of athletics.”

At Molloy, Cassidy-Lyke had an notable coaching career, posting a .560 winning percentage. The Lions appeared in multiple East Coast Conference Tournaments and won four titles. She earned respect around the league, earning four consecutive East Coast Conference Coach of the Year awards. Under CassidyLyke’s leadership, Molloy earned a No. 10 national ranking at the Division II level.

The philosophy behind Cassidy-Lyke’s success is getting the small details right, preparing the team for success on the field and preparing for

“We just got to draw from the kids – all their talents,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “I think, sometimes, kids don’t see it within themselves, and, for me, I’m very focused on the preparation and making sure that we get the little details right; accountability is big for

you move further into your real job after softball.”

This past summer, the role of head coach at Hofstra opened. After 20 years at Molloy, Cassidy-Lyke made the move to Hempstead.

“It was an opportunity where I could move to a higher level and then put aside my duties as an athletic director and just concentrate full-time as a coach, which would be the first time ever for me because I’d always worked before in another job,” CassidyLyke said. “This was a great opportunity. Obviously, I was familiar with the success of the program of the years prior, and I was intrigued by the opportunity to bring it back to that success and have sustained success. I also was obviously very impressed with the administration and all the work that the athletic director, Rick Cole, had done with the programs there. I was familiar

first [because] I’m gonna be a tough coach, and I want them to answer that; that’s my goal. I have my expectations for them, and I always think that my expectations should not ever be higher than theirs. They should want to have goals for themselves, and so definitely

“I’m very impressed with the kids and how they’ve been resilient thus far.”

me. I think you got to do a lot of everything – with academics and what you do in the community, how you socially present yourself – all that stuff is important … I just want to make sure that the kids are all prepared to do anything that they see in a situation; they will practice for that. Any lessons that you learn here are gonna be the ones that are gonna make you stronger and help

with him prior, when he was at other institutions [from] when we were both athletic directors in the same conference.”

Another draw to Hofstra for Cassidy-Lyke was staying on Long Island, where she grew up, went to college and built a family.

“The opportunity to be able to stay here and still have to change my job and not have to move has been great, and that’s really always been a point for me, the people that live here still,” Cassidy-Lyke said.

Despite Hofstra being just three miles down the road from Molloy, the programs are much different. Cassidy-Lyke had to make the jump from coaching a Division II school to a Division I program upon entering her job at Hofstra. However, Cassidy-Lyke kept the same coaching mindset.

“I treated the kids over in [the] Division II leagues the way I do here,” CassidyLyke said. “I want to have a relationship with [the athletes]

the exact same, and [I’m] big on accountability, expectations, follow through – all that stuff. Make sure the little details [are] taken care of because that’s how you’re gonna achieve the big details.”

While the coaching style doesn’t change, Cassidy-Lyke sees a difference in the makeup of the program as a whole at the Division I level.

“The amount of support that you get in terms of staff [is the biggest difference],” Cassidy-Lyke said. “The fact that it’s a full-time staff, the fact that you have more than just you coaching – you have other assistant coaches that are also full-time ... I just feel like the amount of extras that they get here, with the strength programs and the conditioning that they get to do with fulltime people – that is their specialty in that area. I think it allows them to tap into all their athletic skills at a higher level.”

At Hofstra, Cassidy-Lyke is coaching alongside one

of her former players, Carla Campagna-Pessoa, who entered the Pride’s coaching staff as an associate head coach in Aug. 2025. Cassidy-Lyke coached Campagna-Pessoa at both the high school and college levels.

“Whoever would have thought that was gonna happen, right?” Cassidy-Lyke said. “I’m very impressed with what she’s been able to do with all the programs she was in previously – at [Long Island UniversityPost] and Iona [University]. She is looked at as a major asset for us.”

Cassidy-Lyke has had an exciting start to her Hofstra coaching career, posting an 11-1 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) record.

“Everybody’s been very supportive [and] welcoming,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “I think that’s made the transition awesome. I also appreciate how welcoming the team has been, because, obviously, any transition, it always takes time, and I feel like they have acclimated very well, and [I’m] really excited about how they have responded to our coaching style ... I’m very impressed with the kids and how they’ve been resilient thus far.”

Coach Cassidy-Lyke and the Pride take a pitstop in CAA play with a mid-week game against Fairfield University on Tuesday, April 14, before taking on Long Island rival Stony Brook University for a weekend slate. Cassidy-Lyke notched her first CAA win and series sweep earlier this season against the Seawolves during the opening weekend of conference play.

By Shannon Bickert SPORTS EDITOR

The Hofstra University baseball team’s Tyler Cox knows about bouncing back. Cox and the Pride have both

SPORTS

Tyler Cox: The journey of a leader

to take after his game and have his attitude,” Cox said. “He was a gritty player, just always working hard for everything.”

Cox grew up on Long Island, hailing from Westbury, New York. He attended W. T. Clarke High School, where he earned 2021 Perfect Game and Rawlings Preseason High School All-American honors. When he graduated, he set out for West Virginia University, where he began his collegiate

“I felt and looked a little bit more comfortable than everybody else and almost felt like I belonged there,” Cox said. “All the other sports I was just kinda there having fun, but [in] baseball, I was super competitive with it, and I guess I kinda built my whole mindset [toward] the sport and decided to focus solely on that.”

Growing up, Cox was a fan of the Boston Red Sox. He was inspired by second baseman Dustin Pedroia and the way he played the game.

“I was always a little undersized, and he was definitely undersized, but he still was a great ballplayer, so I tried

“The competition was definitely the biggest thing [when deciding to attend West Virginia],” Cox said. “They’re a very high-level school. They do great things over there, and the coaching staff was really good. Going in, I thought that it was something that could help me build my own game, and I could be a part of a winning culture, and I was while I was there. I say it was a good experience and a good choice.”

Cox started with the Mountaineers in 2022 and spent three seasons with the program. Across his time there, Cox appeared in 70 games. During his final season with the program, Cox suffered an injury.

“I broke my elbow [while] throwing, and almost kinda had to re-learn how to throw after getting surgery,” Cox said. “It was definitely challenging [for me] mentally more than [it was] physically. It helped

me grow mentally, and I think it actually benefited my career [afterward].”

The injury wasn’t the only thing that Cox was dealing with at the time; he also entered the transfer portal and signed with Hofstra.

“I got injured in my junior year and wasn’t sure how much playing time I was gonna get over at West Virginia,” Cox said. “I was familiar with the coaching staff [at Hofstra] and knew that they were doing a bunch of great things. I like being close to my family, and they do great stuff here, so it was just a great opportunity.”

Cox decided to come back to his home, Long Island, after two seasons down south in large part due to proximity to family.

“[Being close to home] means a lot to me,” Cox said. “My parents – I’m so grateful for them. Even when I was playing at West Virginia and was far away from home, they were still able to make it to most games, but now they can make it to almost every game. It means a lot to me.”

Cox worked through the recovery process to play in the 2025 season with the Pride. He played a career-high 33 games while hitting a career best .281 batting average with six home

made me feel more comfortable voicing my thoughts. I just felt that I [could] connect better with my teammates in a teaching sort of way.”

As a leader, Cox likes to keep the mood light and uplift the guys in the locker room.

“I’m very big on confidence because the guys here, they deserve to be here; they’re worth being here,” Cox said. “I think sometimes, especially baseball, it’s a very grueling mental sport. It’s tough to stay confident at all times. [It’s] really the only sport where you fail more than you succeed, and a lot of guys have a tough time keeping their head straight. I’m someone who has struggled in the past; I’ve succeeded in the

strides. Last season, Hofstra finished with an 18-32 record overall and just an 8-19 record in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play. The Pride missed out on the CAA Tournament. This season, Cox feels confident in the team’s abilities and alignment with their goals.

“We had a bunch of new guys come in this year, and a bunch of guys return[ed], and we didn’t have a great year last year, but we knew that we could really turn it around this year and get hot, and that’s what we’re doing right now,” Cox said. “I think we all just put our heads together, worked [toward] the same goal and I think we’re seeing ourselves reach it now.”

Cox, himself, has put together

“I’m big on confidence because the guys here, they deserve to be here; they’re worth being here.”

runs.

Despite the productive season, Cox faced another injury, which meant another offseason of recovery. Cox did not let his injury get in the way of being a part of the team and improving for the season to come. As a redshirt senior in 2026, Cox was named a team captain for the Pride.

“I’ve always seen myself as a leader, both by example and being able to teach the younger guys and everybody else how to improve themselves, mentally, physically, on the field [and] off the field,” Cox said. “Being designated one of the captains

past and [I] just know what it takes to keep your head straight and succeed as much as you can because once you start doubting yourself, that’s when it goes downhill.”

Cox takes great pride in being a leader for a young Hofstra team that has 23 freshmen and sophomores. He has been impressed with the strides that the sophomores have made from their first season to this year.

“The freshmen from last season have improved mentally; they’ve matured in plenty of ways, and it’s showing on the field for them,” Cox said.

The 2026 team has made

a great final year of play with the Pride, hitting .272 on the season with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .854. Cox continued to hit for power, ripping a team-leading four long balls on the season.

At Hofstra, Cox has forged an unforgettable bond with his teammates.

“It’s almost like one big family,” Cox said. “You see guys coming from all over, you’ve never met them before in your life, you spend a month with them and it’s like you’ve known them for the past 15 years. It’s just awesome stuff.”

THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE

April 14, 2026 M ennella M asterclass

Nikki Mennella notched a seven-goal, four-assist performance to keep the Pride’s perfect conference record alive.