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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY | SINCE 1924
Volume CXIII, Issue 9
FREE
NEW YORK, MARCH 24, 2026
Battle of the Brains Caps Engineers Week with Live Engineering Showdown Emmanouel Sofillas Asst. Sports Editor
Welcome Back from Break! Manhattan University opened up campus this Monday, March 23 as Jaspers return from spring break. MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY PHOTOSHELTER / COURTESY
MU’s Mock Trial Team Represents University at Regionals Sarah Rolka Asst. Features Editor
Manhattan University’s (MU) Mock Trial Association competed regionals on March 1 at Seton Hall University, delivering a strong performance that secured the team a spot at the Midlands tournament next year. MU’s mock trial team has been active for the past four years and operates largely as a student-run organization. The team’s recent performance reflects its continued growth and
IN NEWS: Mock Trial Goes to Regionals pg. 3
development as a program. Eleanor Sak, a junior prelaw political science major with minors in English and religious studies, serves as vice president of MU’s mock trial team and competed as an attorney at regionals. She spoke about her experience joining the team this year and what it was like working with the team and competing at regionals. “I started this year… It’s been amazing, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Sak said. “It’s definitely a lot of work, but the outcome of it is worth all the work.” Vivian Nartey, a senior communications major with a
IN FEATURES: NYWEA Hosts University Night pg. 4
psychology minor, competed as both an attorney and a witness at regionals. She reflected on her experience with MU’s mock trial, particularly noting her perspective as a member since the program’s first year. “I was on that first team [when the program initially started],” Nartey said. “I feel like I’ve always been kind of interested in law. At the time there wasn’t any sort of prelaw [program] or clubs like mock trial… [But] since then it’s been so much fun.” The team faced several __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Manhattan University’s (MU) Engineers Week concluded on Friday, March 6 with one of its most anticipated events, “Battle of the Brains.” The event challenged students in a live engineering competition where students designed and built a mystery device in real time in front of an audience. Held in Kelly Commons, the event brought together student teams from across all engineering departments to test their creativity, teamwork and technical skills under a tight deadline. By the end of the competition, the Mechanical Engineering Department claimed the Brother Leo Cup. The event served as the culmination of a week filled with friendly competition across the school of engineering. Throughout the week, departments faced off in a variety of challenges and activities, including themed competitions such as “Engineering Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune,” building excitement and school spirit leading up to the final event. Organizers say the competition reflects the broader purpose of National Engineers Week by highlighting collaboration, innovation and the spirit of the MU engineering community. Ashley Zegler, president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers spoke with The Quadrangle about the nature of this event. “The ‘Battle of the Brains’
IN A&E:
Students Visit the Gay Harlem Renaissane Exhibit pg. 7
event is a reflection of the passion for engineering and the MU community,” Zegler said. “It was great seeing each department come together to compete for the final build and meeting some alumni who attended as spectators. ‘Battle of the Brains’ was a true accumulation of the ingenuity, collaboration and competitive spirit featured throughout the week.” Unlike many technical competitions that happen within individual departments, ‘Battle of the Brains’ emphasizes collaboration across the entire School of Engineering. “‘Battle of the Brains’ is different from other engineering competitions because of the collaboration between all departments and the School of Engineering,” Zegler said. “The enthusiasm from the club boards and administration alone is apparent in many creative and fun events that were planned throughout the week.” The event also serves as a practical learning experience. Students must rapidly develop solutions, test ideas and adapt to unexpected challenges while working together as a team. Towfiq Mahid, a junior mechanical engineering major and vice president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, went further in depth on how hands-on competitions allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. “Hands-on competitions allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN SPORTS: Basketball Recaps Their Season pg. 9