Even if you don’t have a valentine, go spend it with the people you love. Happy Valentine’s Day
The student newspaper of Stevens Institute of Technology, and creator of Attila the Duck. www.thestute.com TikTok @thestute Instagram @thestute facebook.com/stevensthestute
We write Stevens history HOBOKEN, NJ | FEBRUARY 14, 2025
VOLUME CXXI No. 17
NEW STUTE EVERY FRIDAY • EST. 1904
A look into the Samuel C. Williams’s MLK Jr. exhibit
Planes crash in D.C. and Philadephia BY SERENA PANUCCI, CONTRIBUTOR Air travel is very often seen as one of the safest modes of transportation, but when disasters occur, they serve as a reminder of the many risks involved. In the span of just a few days, two devastating plane crashes left many Americans shocked. These two tragic incidents, which took place in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., took dozens of lives and left investigators searching for answers. On January 29, the first of the two plane crashes happened in D.C., as American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in a crash that left no survivors among the approximately 60 passengers on board. The flight departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was en route to D.C.’s Reagan National Airport. The helicopter involved was reported to be flying about 200 ft higher than it should have been at the time of the crash. This collision was the first major U.S. commercial air crash in the United States in approximately 15 years since February 2009. According to CBS News, we currently know that only one air traffic control worker
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BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, MANAGING EDITOR
BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, MANAGING EDITOR
The 2025-2026 Student Government Association (SGA) saw its first contested presidential election in five years. Weeks of debates, social events, and campaigning culminated in a highly anticipated election night, where students gathered to watch the results unfold. The heated race featured passionate speeches, social media campaigns, and a series of debates that highlighted key student concerns, from tuition costs to campus in-
On February 3, the City of Hoboken’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) alerted residents to potential hazards along Sinatra Drive. Reports indicated falling rocks near 9th Street and Sinatra Drive, prompting the temporary closure of the western sidewalk between 8th and 9th Streets. The City installed barriers to block off the impacted area. Marci Rubin, Hoboken’s Senior Public Information Assistant, provided further details, stating that the OEM responded to reports of falling rocks along Castle Point on Sinatra Drive near 9th Street. Out of an abundance of caution, approximately 40-50 feet of the western sidewalk along the cliff were temporarily closed to allow Stevens, the property owner, to have engineers inspect the cliffside and implement any necessary measures. Residents were encouraged to cross safely at existing crosswalks ahead of and on each side of the closure. This incident is not isolated. In June 2024, a sinkhole emerged on Sinatra NEWS (2-4)
SCIENCE (8)
FEATURE (6-7)
PULSE (12)
Happy Valentine’s Day! Discover the happy couples that met at Stevens and check out our annual Valentine Grams!
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Meet SGA President Stanczak and Vice President of Operations Mitchell
Drive, leading to the installation of barricades along certain waterfront areas. Engineers conducted preliminary reviews, and barriers were placed in zones requiring further investigation for potential repairs. While there were no reports of damages, the City prioritized caution to ensure resident safety. Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher provided updates in November 2024, noting progress in removing some barricades. The barriers near Shipyard Park were awaiting final engineering approval, while those near the skate park on Sinatra Drive required more extensive work and remained in place. The recurring issues along Sinatra Drive have raised concerns about the structural integrity of the waterfront infrastructure. Investigations have pointed to significant erosion of the decades-old concrete seawall beneath portions of the waterfront walkway and road. This erosion compromises the area’s stability, necessitating comprehensive rehabilitation efforts. In response to these challenges, the City of Hoboken announced plans on Jan-
Meet SGA President and Vice President Learn more about the new President and Vice President of the SGA and their initiatives.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KIP NIEUWENHUIS
clusivity initiatives. On January 17, Alexander Stanczak and Shane Mitchell were inaugurated as President and Vice President of Operations (VPO). Alexander Stanczak, a 4/5 Mechanical Engineering major, has been involved in the SGA since his first semester at Stevens. He served as a First-Year Senator before taking on the role of Vice President of Student Interests and later VPO under former President Paulina Georgoutsos. He emphasized that one of his key motivations for running was to provide younger mem-
Falling rocks move Hoboken to take action BY EVAN PAPAGEORGE, HEAD COPY EDITOR
then serving as VPO. “I really admired his drive to make a positive change, and the supportive dynamic that existed within SGA leadership was apparent to me,” Mitchell said. His experience as a Senator and later as Speaker of the Senate helped him develop an understanding of the organization’s internal structure and how best to support his peers. Together, Stanczak and Mitchell centered their campaign around encouraging student involvement, with three main objectives:
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, the Samuel C. Williams Library (SCWL) has curated a multimedia exhibit highlighting the civil rights leader’s impact and the history of Black students at Stevens. This exhibit is being held in the Mary Stuart room until February 14, and serves as a way for people to educate themselves on the impact of Black history on Stevens. As part of the campus-wide MLK Week of Service, this exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s teachings and the importance of historical representation. The exhibit was made possible through the dedicated work of the library staff. Linda Beninghove, the Library Director, served as the project manager, ensuring the seamless execution of the exhibit. Archivist Ted Houghtaling, Head of Archives & Special Collections Leah Loscutoff, and Research & Instructional Services Librarian Court-
Animals mating? Broken hearts? Making babies? Read about what’s going on in the world of science. Read answers from the Stevens community to our weekly Roving Reporter, plus solve our weekly puzzle and sudoku.
bers of the SGA the same opportunities he had to form lasting friendships and leave their mark on campus. His main goal as president is to improve student life, ensuring that new students can fully integrate into the community, make meaningful connections, and have their voices heard. Shane Mitchell, a 2/4 Computer Science major, also began his SGA career as a First-Year Senator. He recalled first becoming interested in leadership during an internal Senate bonding event where he was paired with Stanczak, who was
ICE raids local Newark store without warrant
uary 17 to rehabilitate and stabilize Sinatra Drive. This decision followed a monthslong investigation after the sinkhole near Sybil’s Cave. The planned rehabilitation addresses the identified erosion and prevents future incidents that could endanger residents and visitors. The situation underscores the delicate balance between urban development and environmental factors. The waterfront’s proximity to the Hudson River means that structures are constantly exposed to natural elements, which can accelerate wear and tear. Regular maintenance and timely interventions are crucial to ensuring the longevity and safety of these public spaces. The City asks residents to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety advisories. The City’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to public safety. The community’s cooperation and understanding remain vital as investigations continue and repairs occur. The recent incidents along Sinatra Drive remind us of the importance of in-
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BY JOSEPHINE CHOONG, STAFF WRITER On January 23, a dozen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents came unannounced and without a warrant to Ocean Seafood Depot, a Newark store. While eight people were initially rounded up, three of them had no doc-
umentation and were detained. The Newark raid sparked anger and unrest within the community. In an interview with CBS, the owner of Ocean Seafood Depot reported how the ICE agents came during the morning and when the manager attempted to show his veteran’s card, the agents wouldn’t accept it.
David Salinas, one of the employees arrested, remembers feeling anxious and full of uncertainty. Other employees noted that the ICE agents were “heavily armed,” came unannounced, and blocked off all entrances and exits. They separated the Spanish-speaking employees
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Sweets and Solidarity: a bake sale for refugee relief BY JEREMIAH CHINWENDU, MANAGING EDITOR Conflicts are unfolding across the world, some capturing national headlines while others go unnoticed. When confronted with reports of atrocities beyond our borders, many feel a deep sense of helplessness, unsure of how to make a difference. To take action, the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Black Student Union (BSU) are collaborating to host the Sweets and Solidarity bake sale. Happening February 21, this event is meant to raise funds to support relief
efforts in Sudan and Congo—two nations deeply affected by war and political turmoil. The Sudanese Civil War, which erupted in April 2023, continues to devastate the nation, leaving its citizens struggling with severe resource shortages. The conflict is fought between two powerful military factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by Janjaweed leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, along with their respective allies. “In Congo, the M23 rebel group has
taken over Goma where civilians have taken refuge. Hospitals are overrun and there has been an influx of casualties and displacement,” says Adrian Oakley, programs chair of NSBE. The participating organizations are aiming to raise $1000 through this fundraiser and the proceeds will go to the Sudanese American Physician Association, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Rescue Committee. These organizations provide healthcare resources, food, and other necessities to cit-
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