THESPECIAL BROOKLYN ONLINE-ONLY “DISTANCE-REPORTING” COLLEGE EDITION

Spring 2020, Issue 10 thebcvanguard.com Wednesday, April 15 Passing On

BC Mourns the Loss of Four Staff Members pg. 14 - 15 THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 2

General Inquiries [email protected] New Grading Policy, Commencement, Club Hours Indefinitely cancelled (Thanks, COVID-19!) Summer Classes, CUNY Funding

Editor-in-Chief Quiara Vasquez (Rundown of the Past Two Weeks) [email protected] By Ian Ezinga stipulate any refunds that CUNY kickstarted the fund. Managing Editor Ryan Schwach Staff Writer for the courses in Chancellor Félix V. An additional $1.25 [email protected] question. This policy is Matos Rodríguez million was compiled With the rescheduled targeted strictly at the informed the student through donations Business Manager spring break coming students’ concern over body that Spring from the Robin Hood Farhad Rahman [email protected] to a close and classes maintaining grade Commencement Relief Fund and a resuming this week, averages that could be would be postponed, number of other Layout Editor Brooklyn College has at stake because of the he also gave an update donors. Camila Dejesus enacted a number transition. on Summer 2020 “Students will begin [email protected] of changes that will Following the news classes. receiving emergency Digital Editor affect students going about the new grading “I also want to grants of $500 each Carmen Saffioti forward. Here is policy, students were share that afterthe week of April 20. [email protected] everything that has informed through careful consideration The recipients will Section Editors happened over the another email from and consultation, be chosen by lottery News: Natalina Zieman past two weeks. President Michelle CUNY’s Summer from a group of about [email protected] In an email from the Anderson that 2020 course offerings 14,000 students who Features: Moises Taveras CUNY Chancellor’s all CUNY Spring will be exclusively have been identified [email protected] Opinions: Allison Rapp office that went out Commencement conducted via distance as meeting financial- [email protected] Wednesday, March ceremonies will be education format,” need and academic Arts: Jack Coleman 25th, students were postponed. wrote Rodríguez. criteria.” CUNY hopes [email protected] informed of a new “Rest assured, The decision is into reach more students Sports: Conrad Hoyt [email protected] grading policy for Brooklyn College will accordance with if they are able to the remainder of the confer all degrees as the New York obtain more funding. Columnists semester. The policy regularly scheduled. State Education It was also announced Michael Castaneda is designed to give However, the diploma Department’s April on Monday April 13, Ryan Gleason students the choice itself will not soothe the 2nd update which that the Undergraduate Cartoonists whether or not to pain of not being able extends approval for Student Government Mo Muhsin receive credit for to celebrate in person,” all online courses, election will be Gabrielle Toro Vivoni courses they’ve taken. wrote Anderson on which are still not continuing online via Staff Writers “All students shall have Monday, April 6. officially registeredBC Webcentral on Nasra Abdalla Khamis the option to convert This announcementas such, through May 4 through May 6. Michela Arlia any or all of the (A-F) was coupled with Summer 2020. Lorenzo Davies letter grades they earn an assurance that A final piece of news is Maya Dower-Johnson Ian Ezinga in their classes, during the Senior Class the launch of another Makeet Finch the spring 2020, to Gift Committee will CUNY wide initiative Stacy Fisch Credit/No Credit “assess options for an that extends relief to Gabriela Flores grading,” the new alternative celebration students who are in Chaya Gurkov Zahra Khan policy states. for May 28.” A week urgent need in the Qichelle Maitland This new policy, since this news, there midst of COVID-19. Carlos Daniel Martinez designed to is still no word as to $1 Million donations Kendra Martinez accommodate what the alternative from the James and Milette Millington Kwame Perez students who are celebration will look Judith K. Dimon Paola Sacerdote struggling during the like. Foundation as well as Martin Samoylov transition to online In the same the Carroll and Milton John Schilling v classes, does not announcement Petrie Foundation Maya Schubert

Photographers Chloe Abosch Christianna Cox Aricka M. Davis

Faculty Advisor Anthony Mancini THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 3 Adapting to Distance Learning

By Natalina Zieman News Editor

Distance-learning has been a complicated transition for the Brooklyn College community, working to substantially replace our normal educations having been given only one week to switch to online learning and adjusting their curriculum accordingly. The faculty have overcome many challenges during this difficult time of abruptly switching over to online classes. Professor Meral Kaya from the Childhood, Bilingual A student distance learns. / Diana Martinez and Special Education Department had contacted each of her access for my students Kerstin Musolf and that material.” Remote learning is students and their to be working with Theodore Muth of the Professor Musolf not ideal for many school partners to their mentor teachers.” Biology Department. mentioned the students, and may make sure they had Kaya also attended These instructorstransition to online even be more of a easy access to their meetings with the developed new online learning was challenge for faculty, virtual classrooms, NYC Department of labs for their students; surprisingly smooth, considering they had since under normal Education to adapt while also organizing considering Biology to adjust their syllabi circumstances, and begin novel adjuncts, findingis a hands-on subject accordingly. The teaching students are approaches to student resources, developing where students learn Brooklyn College staff required to complete teaching. lesson plans and best in a physical is working hard this field work in real-life “I had virtual assessment modules learning environment. semester to provide classrooms. meetings with a DOE for the labs and “Some of our adjuncts the best remote form “I got in touch with representative to accomplished a new knew that a lot of video of education for the the public schools discuss more about delivery system for the material was already students. immediately,” said the ways clinical new curriculum. out there; and what Kaya. “I asked about experience can fit in “I went through the was missing, a few of the possibility for our the online teaching,” remaining lab exercises my colleagues started teaching candidates to she continued. “DOE and experiments and to film themselves continue their clinical provided resources I assigned one or two and created wonderful experience online about Google labs to each of the labs visuals that go along platform alongside classroom platform as to the Micro 3004 lab with our labs,” Musolf their mentor teachers. well as web resources instructors,” Muth said. “Additionally, They provided ato support online explained. “Each publishers have positive response. teaching,” she said. instructor developed been very helpful in Once their online More faculty an online adaptation offering their services classroom platforms members that went of the material that and their material for are up and running above and beyond would have been free, which allowed us principals that I work for their students’ covered in lab, and to get all our lab topics with connected with v sake were Professors then an assessment for covered.” me and provided THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 4 Free CUNY Organizes Aid For Students Amid Pandemic By Maya Schubert part. evicting students from joined relief efforts by includes a COVID-19 Staff Writer “CUNY has failed in its dorms, providing no forming independent solidarity tab, which response to COVID-19,” relief to families of resource groups, known links to their new Free CUNY, a the group wrote on students, staff, andas mutual aid networks. network. The network grassroots movement their website. “Thefaculty who have The networks connect consists of several of students and CUNY conflicting, vague, and lost their lives due to those in need to Google spreadsheets, workers, is organizing a alarmist information COVID-19,” said Hailey volunteering providers including a document mutual aid network for coming through Lam, an organizer for online. Corona for submission as CUNY members during what few channels of Free CUNY. Couriers, founded by a a provider, a list of the COVID-19 crisis. communication CUNY The group also librarian now working providers, and a list of The network is designed has set up for students, denounced state from home, now has needs. to connect those in faculty, and staff has resources and charities. close to 300 volunteers, “Mutual aid is not need of counseling, caused more harm than They attributedaccording to CityLimits. charity work,” said Lam, legal representation, good.” inspiration for their Free CUNY, a group of “It is people pooling and social services The group criticized efforts to local,students, teachers, and resources together guidance, among other CUNY’s actions and independent groups community members, and redistributing things, with qualified inactions in dealing like Mutual Aid NYC, advocates city funding them. It’s building providers. with individual needs a resource network, for higher education these relationships and In the announcement during the crisis. and Corona Couriers, in NYC. The grouplearning to trust one of the network on its “The CUNYa citywide, free grocery has held rallies and another.” website, Free CUNY administration has delivery service. protests, including a emphasized solidarity shown time and time As coronavirus speak-out late January across campuses in the again that their idea of numbers have swelled on over-policing on face of what it believes what care looks like—an in the past few weeks, CUNY campuses. is lacking on CUNY’s emergency fund lottery, many New Yorkers have Their website now THE BROOKLYN COLLEGE

Will be publishing every other Wednesday for the duration of the semester. Depending on how the coronavirus pandemic pans out, and whether summer classes are cancelled, our final issue may recieve a limited print run; if we do we’ll keep posted via social media. Our Twitter and Instagram handles are @TheBCVanguard. Our last two issues will be: April 29th May 13th THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 5 Petition Created to Stop Asian-American Bigotry

By Quiara Vasquez spreading disease is focus [...] Things like Ignorance of this “There’s been in the Editor-in-Chief part of [the] United that heighten people’s context has led to a spike midst of this crisis, States’ racist history,” xenophobia that you’re in hate crimes against another crisis that we’ve As the coronavirus the petition reads, going seeing perpetrated Asian-Americans in all seen and we’ve all rages on in New York, on to trace the history against Asians.” New York - including, been disgusted by it, another, less obvious of viral metaphors Another factor Moy says, against those which is discrimination epidemic runs in from the early days of negatively affectingwho have been going and hatred directed at parallel to it - a rash Chinese immigration Asian-American above and beyond to our Asian-American of prejudice and even to San Francisco in the communities has been help mitigate the effects communities, hate crimes perpetrated late 19th century to the media coverage. In of the virus. particularly our against Asian and Asian- 2002 SARS epidemic. particular, the petition “There was a police Chinese-American American communities. “The very language of singles out news outlets sergeant of Asian community,” de Blasio In an attempt to raise viruses as pathology, which “constantly heritage who was found said. “We want to find awareness of growing uncontrollable and [depict] the spread of the dead on the street the perpetrators of anti-Asian prejudice in dangerous, is being virus and its impact by an hour after he was these crimes. We want New York and across used to mark people using images of Asians diagnosed positive,” to find anyone who’s America, CUNY’s as the problem. It is a with face masks” for Moy said. “There was an discriminated and University Advisory dangerous discourse unintentionally making MTA worker who was throw the full weight of Council on Diversity that puts Asian Asians and Asian- punched in the face on the law at them.” released a petition Americans in precarious Americans into the the front lines. There The CUNY petition calling on state and local situations.” “face” of the epidemic. are small Asian-owned ends on a simple plea officials to condemn Perhaps the largest Moy notes that the use grocery stores that stay - “don’t be racist, wash racist words and obstacle to overcoming of face masks predates open and serve the your hands instead” actions taken against this prejudice is that one the coronavirus, and has community at the cost - but scrubbing our Asian-Americans, who of the largest culprits in been common in Asia of their own lives.” country of racism may have been falsely and spreading this prejudice and in Asian-American “I worry that if one be easier said than unfairly accused of has one of the largest communities as a means of my grandchildren done. Still, Moy doesn’t causing or spreading pulpits - the presidency of self-protection for step out, they will be let anti-Asian prejudice the coronavirus. of the United States. decades. attacked, simply because dissuade her. The petition notes “A lot of it has been “The use of masks is they’re Asian.” “People are attacking that while COVID-19 fueled by the current something very familiar In recent weeks, us as if we are the virus, is only months old, the administration, who to this community,” Moy city officials haveor because they think language of disease have essentially branded said. “Part of this is that denounced bias crimes we brought the virus being weaponized China as an enemy,” said there was tremendous and anti-Asian hatred, here,” Moy said. “My against Asians and Joyce Moy, the executive pollution in countries in part due to pressure family’s been here six Asian-Americans is a director of CUNY’s like China; also, from groups like the generations. I don’t see a tradition that stretches Asian American/Asian particularly among East University Advisory need to prove I’m more back for centuries. Research Institute and Asians, you wear the Council on Diversity. American than anyone “The stereotypes of the one of the petition’s masks in winter to keep Moy points to an April else after that.” Chinese in particular signatories. “Trump’s the air that you breathe 6 press conference from and Asian Americans language, calling this in warm, because there’s Mayor Bill de Blasio in general as dirty, the ‘Chinese virus,’ has a belief that cold air can as one fruit of her sickly, and prone to only heightened people’s damage your lungs.” community’s labor.

“Trump’s language, calling this the ‘Chinese virus,’ has only heightened people’s focus [...] Things like that heighten people’s xenophobia that you’re seeing perpetrated against Asians.” - Joyce Moy THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 6 BC Prof. Tanya Everett’s Journey to Playwright and Actor

By Gabriela Flores racial and ethnic diversity Staff Writer in undergraduate and graduate programs across For Massachusetts- colleges like BC, Everett born Brooklynite Tanya aims to create a Master’s Everett, being an actor, Program that is available playwright, and Brooklyn to all artists of color. College professor has “I want to teach other enabled her to live her young writers to hone life’s purpose. However, their craft and access her development themselves through their into becoming the art. Eventually, I want multidisciplinary creator to run my own Master’s she is today has spanned Program in my fifties or years of teachable sixties. I want to see how moments, writing through a program looks from a handful of “terrible the inside, and I want to plays,” and overcoming see that especially people self-doubt. of color can have more Tanya Everett in The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Tempest./ Jill Jones “A lot of times, we can access to it,” said Everett. “I get out of alignment see that a Master’s degree, went on stage, and I had appreciates kitchen- finalist for the Dramatists because we don’t sit and even at Brooklyn College, my lines, and then--I sink dramas, a British Guild of America and wait for our real purposes. is very marginalized. The lost my line. I forgot my cultural movement that a fellow at Playwright’s Sometimes it takes a long undergrad seems to be so line. My scene partner adopts social realism to Realm, explores who time to figure that out, diverse, maybe seventy- picked up the scene, and depict social and political black men can be without time just listening,” said five percent or something he adlibs for a while,” controversies, she argues discriminatory labels. Everett. crazy, yet the graduate recalls Everett. “Thenthat these works tend to “I have black men in my As a BC English degree is very white.” we kept going, and I was overshadow the minutiae family, and I have deep Composition and Creative As a child, Everett like, ‘What is this magic and internal conflictsfriendships and deep love Writing professor, Everett demonstrated an innate and sorcery? What just that exist in real-life. To for black men. Writing this continues her long-time knack for creative writing happened?’ We did this Everett, character-driven play became a love letter vocation as a teacher. through her series of thing in front of people, “high stakes” plots are to them. All how we don’t After graduating with an short stories. She was and it felt very magical.” more interesting. see them, all how love is MA in playwriting from encouraged to hone her Eventually, throughout “Issues like the prison complicated with them, The Graduate Centercraft by her parents and her years as an industrial complex are all how we project upon at Brooklyn College in teachers, but Everett’s anthropology-major at about how everything we them a series of things 2019, Everett intends to nine-year-old self was Columbia University, do is related to commerce. that have nothing to do extend her knowledge set on becoming an actor Everett began delving into A lot of what we do is with them,” said Everett. of theater and writing to after playing Pocahontas a new role: playwriting. based on human labor “Loving them looks like MA-seeking students of in a local children’s theatre Despite the criticism of and forced labor,” said giving them more space color. In recognizing this show. her writing professors and Everett. “But if we can and giving them more difference between the “The lights went on, I overall competitiveness think about that as a freedom. Showing them at Columbia, Everett person, there’s a person that they matter, that they continued to pursue behind the insoles of our are valuable--not in a her newfound interest. sneakers, right? And if ‘protesty’ way, but in a ‘be However, she admits that that person has a name, yourself’ way.” she did not recognize her a first and last name, I Through her versatility, talents until earning her think it is much more Everett has demonstrated fellowships at Labyrinth interesting to me than this her dedication in fulfilling Company in 2011 and issue-based drama that is her real purpose: serving Wright Club in 2016. removed from the people others through her own “I think finally I got to a that it’s actually about.” creativity and guidance. place where I could write To underscore human No matter what task plays and start to believe experiences in her or responsibility this in myself as a playwright. plays, Everett’s work emerging playwright and It was a long journey. (...) I titled “A Dead Black actor must take on to don’t love that you have to Man” comments on the achieve her aim, she will have accolades to believe degradation of the black persevere. you are something, but male body through a “If writing is what gives that’s what happened,” series of vignettes. As a people jobs, and creates said Everett. mixed-race woman, with opportunities through By gaining experience a family history connected me, then I’ll write. If I as both a playwright to Black America, Everett have the opportunity and an actor, Everett has felt a need to create a piece to act, and acting is of found that “plays can be that strips away America’s service, then I’ll do that,” very issuey,” or be heavy- projections against black said Everett. “If one day I Tanya Everett./ Instagram handed on political men. The play, which find social work is a new matters. Though Everett led Everett to become a purpose, then I will do it.” THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 7 Supreme, A Cult-Like Clothing Following

Supreme Logo./ Wikimedia Commons

By Lorenzo Davies Understanding the Staff Writer reasoning behind that following is a harder On any Thursday task. afternoon during According to Supreme “season,” it is not fan Ryan Hund of Fort uncommon to findSalonga, Supreme’s teenagers and young business model works adults lined up for primarily to drum hours outside one of the up excitement and Supreme stores on Grand anticipation. “Each Street in Brooklyn or season starts with the Soho in Manhattan. As release of the look book. a matter of fact not only Items included in the do these people spend look book are released their time waiting in line in very limited quantity to buy clothes, they’ve throughout the season Supreme Nike Air Force Collab./ Supreme also entered a lottery a on Thursdays (one of couple of days prior to each item per customer). many of the people on much as Supreme does clothing company,” said even have the right to This allows the hype to line show up: to buy a good job creating Hund. However, people wait in line. This scene is build for select items rare or limited products artificial rarity andwear the brand for common not just in New based on both stock and to resell, as opposed to hype, many celebrities different reasons. York, but worldwide at style. The hype results in wearing it themselves. can be seen wearing the “What I like about the other 11 Supreme prices to skyrocket once “I personally stand on skateboard companies Supreme is that due to stores located in cities stock runs out,” Hund line for Supreme or clothes, many, allegedly, the rarity of the items, such as Los Angeles, said. As a result of these anything that is hyped without any paid I am able to have a London, Tokyo, and limited quantities, as well because it’s all about endorsement. Supreme completely unique outfit San Francisco. Supreme as the fact that Supreme the idea of investing has also paired with that other people cannot obviously understands is only sold physically money into something several other clothing copy. The price is a how to run a successful at 11 stores around the that holds a higher companies such as North little steep sometimes business, and has world, a sub-culture of value,” said Anthony Face, Nike, LV, Bape, but I like knowing that developed somewhat reselling Supreme has Allman of Brooklyn, Gucci, and Timberland my look is completely of a cult-like following. emerged. This is why who spent almost three to name a few. Supreme my own,” said Supreme hours waiting on line even releases items that fan Cassidy Zhang of for Supreme, all while aren’t wearable such as Manhattan. Although skipping class. He has Supreme snow tubes, some look at it with good reason to believe Supreme candles and a more cynical eye. it is a sound investment. even Supreme Oreos Allman simply thinks The Supreme Airforce 1 (Yes, really). it’s all hype; “People sneakers he bought for “I wear Supreme would pay anything for $95 later sold on sneaker because the brand is one something with a name website “stockX” for of a kind. Supreme’s and hype around it. It $250. And that’s just one ability to partner with doesn’t matter how it item from the drop… celebrities and other looks as long as its hyped What about the brands is unmatched people will buy it.” Line outside Williamsburg Store./ Lauren Gill clothes themselves? As by almost any other THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 8 BC’s Coronavirus Chief: Carrie Sadovnik

By Ryan Schwach you guys on campus,” Managing Editor Sadovnik said on the Q&A. Before and after the Over the past several Q&A, Sadovnik figured weeks, Americans out how the Instagram have looked to people filters worked and was for answers on the putting on virtual bunny coronavirus pandemic, ears and noses. and for people to help From the moment she manage our world was appointed, Sadovnik through these confusing and her team made sure times. For Brooklyn the campus was already College, which has a buying health equipment total of four confirmed and things like hand coronavirus related deaths sanitizers for bathrooms and an unknown number on campus. Overall, she of infected, one of those says, the campus has been looking to provide some managing their response of the answers is Carrie quite well, Sadovnik, the head of BC’s “We haven’t been in COVID-19 Response crisis mode,” she said. Team. Sadovnik has outlined She was given the a multi-pronged effort to job in late February, BC’s outbreak response, having previously each with its own group served as Director of of administrators and Environmental Health faculty, that meets as and Safety and chair of the a unit via the Internet sustainability committee everyday. Other members Carrie Sadovnik./ Linked In at BC since 2015. on the team include the Sadovnik described her Provost Anne Lopes, she said, referring to the with maintaining the faculty and staff, and how work at BC as pertaining SVP Alan Gilbert, and few essential workers still continuity of students’ they are continuing on,” to a rather “broad field.” VP for Institutional working on campus each education has been that she said, “tapping into the “I helped implement Advancement Todd day, including engineers many students lack access resiliency we naturally environmental Galitz. The multifaceted working on “essential to Wi-Fi and devices. This have as a community.” compliance into day-to- approach included not services and utilities” was the main purpose As for when we may day business,” she said only the continuation of such as the boiler systems. behind the Chancellor’s hope to return to campus over the phone. Sadovnik student learning, but also The most complicated “recalibration period” at in the fall, Sadovnik says had previously spent maintaining the campus and hardest part of the the beginning of April, that much of that is in the 13 years with the New has the most up-to-date overall response however, which provided time planning stages, but for York City Department and accurate information has been the transition for campuses to deliver the time being, we have to of Health, arriving there on the pandemic, and from classrooms to devices to students who continue working. just after 9/11, where maintaining facilities on online class. “There is a need it. “We all want to be she helped to test the air campus. steep learning curve to “We got the opportunity back on campus,” she quality at Ground Zero. Each day, other than understanding academic to plan,” said Sadovnik, “As said. Later, Sadovnik oversaw meeting with the various continuation’s needs,” of April 10, a combination a team of 50 that helped groups in charge of Sadovnik said in a phone of 306 devices — mostly to handle the swine flu different aspects to the call with the Vanguard. laptops, along with epidemic of 2009 and coronavirus response, “There has been a lot Chromebooks and tablets Legionnaires’ disease in she also works to draft of talk of academic — have been distributed 2015; she even helped to guidances for faculty and accountability.” to students through social keep city health officials staff on how to stay safe During the March distancing best practices safe during the Ebola during the pandemic. Q&A, while answering a and mail,” she said. That outbreak of 2016. (For instance, one question about the CUNY process is still ongoing. “She brings extraordinary document was on wearing grading policy, Sadovnik Regardless of the expertise, and we are masks while working on acknowledged the anxiety challenges, Sadovnik lucky to have her here,” campus.) She also spent many continue to face praises the overall said President Michelle a recent Sunday helping during the pandemic. campus response to the Anderson during a live to gather and deliver “This is the most stress pandemic, applauding the Instagram Q&A she held Personal protective many of us will hopefully team as well as President with Sadovnik on Mar. 31. equipment and other face in our life,” she Anderson on their actions “I love the college equipment to those still said. “This is incredibly thus far. [...] it is such a pleasure working on campus. stressful.” “There have been great and I cannot wait to see “It’s a skeleton crew,” One of the key issues success stories among v THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 9 Queens, The Epicenter of City Outbreak, Continues to Struggle

By Gabriela Flores Staff Writer

Since the passing of Governor Cuomo’s “The New York State on PAUSE” executive order, essential workers on the frontline of combating COVID- 19, manufacturing face masks, providing food and services to all New Yorkers, have been running the risk of virus contraction. For many in Queens, the epicenter of ’s coronavirus cases, the choice to continue working comes from the pandemic’s high demands. “Sometimes working there is like being in a Dollar General placing plexiglass barriers on cash registers to protect employees during checkout./ Edith Gonzaga nightmare,” said Mount Sinai Hospital Nurse they are disinfecting and back to work,” said sewing has implemented a 50- supervised, and are asked Assistant Carmen B., who reusing their protective machine operator Maria customer limit, constant if they exhibit common did not want to share her gear, including face shields, A., who did not want to loitering announcements, preliminary symptoms of full name. “I feel scared N-95 masks, hair nets, and share her full name. “So plastic screens on registers COVID-19 like coughing to bring the virus to my shoe covers. many people are dying, that shield cashiers during or a sore throat. family, but I like to help-- Despite these measures, and I thought I could at checkout, and personal “Our head chefs think to take care of the patients Carmen knows that virus least help the people on the protective equipment for of all of us with every and assist the patients with contraction is still possible. front lines with essential employees. Though these opportunity we receive, the nurses.” “I don’t really feel protected material.” new protocols are intended but many of us are afraid to To increase social because I’m inside of the As of now, in New to ensure the safety of work,” said chef’s assistant distancing by closing patients’ room, you never York State, 9,385 people associates and customers Rosalba Gonzalez. “They non-essential institutions know even when washing have passed away due to alike, many Dollar General gave us the option of like schools and your hands,” said Carmen. coronavirus complications. workers believe they are coming into work or not, clothing stores, Cuomo “I try to protect myself In Queens, more than not entirely effective. and I accepted. I’d rather implemented “PAUSE” as much as I can, but you 1,600 residents have died. “I do not feel safe because work than see the news when only 5,707 New never know. The hospital is Unfortunately, for retail most people do not about death, suffering, and Yorkers had tested positive doing as much as we can.” stores like Dollar General respect social distancing all the terrible things that for COVID-19. According Before the CDC urged in Jamaica, the option or necessary precautions,” are going on right now.” to the NYS Department Americans to wear face of closing their doors said Assistant Manager Though Queens of Health, there are now masks while out in public, to reduce the spread of Edith Gonzaga. “We have remains the epicenter of (as of press time) a total of many consumers began to COVID-19 is not possible. customers who tell others the country’s epicenter, 180,458 confirmed cases. buy out medical necessities, “We do have some to follow the 6-feet distance essential workers borough- Approximately 17 percent including three-ply concerns because you rule; some of them do our wide are devoted to of the statewide count, or surgical masks and N-95 never know who enters job for us. Others do not not only serving their 31,291 of those known to respirators. Golden Fleece the building, they might care and are taking it as a neighborhoods but all have contracted the virus, Manufacturing Company, be COVID-positive. But, joke. It is frustrating.” New Yorkers during this are living in Queens. a Sunnyside-based factory all these families rely on In contrast to retailers, pandemic. “It’s difficult. It’s sad. You that made men’s and us to put food on their catering service CXRA “In general, New York is a see people dying, and you boys’ sportswear before tables,” said store manager in Woodside has applied place where we are united, can’t do anything about the pandemic, decided to Michael Gopee. “Whatever distancing regulations very united as people. it sometimes. Sometimes repurpose their equipment essentials they have to buy, very strictly. Prior to the As I walk to work each you feel like you’re on a to supply protective they all depend on us. If pandemic, over a hundred morning, I do not think battlefield,” said Carmen. gear for hospitals. After we close there would be kitchen staffers workedto myself that Queens is In recent weeks, the momentarily closing their nothing.” in close range with one the borough with the most Mount-Sinai hospital doors, the company gave Gopee’s store is one of another. Today, only 20 coronavirus cases,” said system has been under fire their machine operators the handful of businesses percent of the entire staff Gonzalez. “No, I think from its West Manhattan the option of joining the that remain open during has decided to continue the whole city, no matter branch, where employees fight against COVID-19. this pandemic, which preparing packaged meals where you go, the virus is used Hefty trash bags as “With all that is in the consequently has led to for large-scale corporate there and that together we personal protective gowns. news about NYC Hospitals more shoppers and less groups. Staff members have just have to think positive.” However, for Carmen and having a lack of protective space for social distancing. their temperatures checked her colleagues in Astoria, equipment, I decided to go In response, Dollar General daily, their hand washes THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 10 My Father, The Undertaker

By Chaya Gurkov Staff Writer

My father’s day has begun long before I pull myself out of my bed in the morning. His departure from my home in the wee hours of the morning means a day filled with exertion, physically and emotionally. Yet when he comes back home, exhaustion imprinted on his face and posture, his tenor remains resolute. Only when he makes his way over to sit down, to review the day and to catch up with Chevrah Kedisha digging at the Ohel Lubavitch. his family, does he let of its original 50, the heavy heart, “and we of their obligation to be after the tragedy of a himself sigh. members of Chevrah have to set up a virtual there for their family death.” “Today, we buried Kedisha that are still meeting so that the members during a The interview was five,” he says. active are overburdened family could watch their time like this, and the interrupted by the shrill Five might not seem with having to tend to all grandfather, their father community can’t pay ringing of a cell phone. like an exorbitant the steps of the funeral, being buried.” their respects at Shiva My father had received number, but for the which have become This marks Rabbi - only virtually which a phone call from a Crown Heights burial increasingly tedious Gurkov’s 27th year as loses the personal member of the Chevrah organization, the and harder to carry out a part of the Chevrah touch,” Rabbi Gurkov Kedisha. He answered, Chevrah Kedisha, that because of COVID-19, Kedisha. He joined at the said. “This virus isof course. I heard him figure hints towards the instead of their normal young age of 22 when it stealing the dignity of tell the person on the incredible number of posts. was educating young the dead and the dignity line that no matter burials done in these According to Jewish future rabbis to train in of the living.” what the hour is, he’s past two weeks alone: law, having a proper kosher burial, looking Despite the available to do whatever a number which has burial is of optimal to fulfill the directive unprecedented needs to be done. That superseded what the importance, and every from the Chabad leader hardships coronavirus is when it crystalized organization usually step is laboriously and Rebbe Menchum is wreaking across that this man is one of takes care of within the detailed: arranging for Mendel Schneerson, to Jewish communities, the most inspirational span of a year. the pick-up of the body, help people in any way my father is never one people I have the honor I barely see my father, purifying the body, you can. to revel in the negative. of knowing, especially Rabbi Levi Gurkov, at dressing it in its proper But speaking to my Moving to Long Island as he finished our home nowadays, during garments, leading the him, I noticed that as when he was newlywed conversation with this. a time when everyone funeral, and of course, he told me about the to build a Chabad “Sometimes, we just is seeing too much of actually burying the hours he has to wait to with little more relent to the way G-d their families. If he’s body. Among these, my pick up the body from than the clothes on his does things. There’s not out, seeing that the father added, are new the makeshift morgues back and the hope that no blaming anyone bodies of the deceased measures now added in the back of hospitals, people will reciprocate, for what’s going on, are prepared for burial because of coronavirus, or the lines he has to the goodness of people there’s no pointing according to the proper like driving through go through to get the never ceases to amaze fingers, so we just have Jewish customs, he’s the streets of the proper paperwork him. to surrender to the pacing my house on the community so people signed, it was nothing “People have been way G-d is running the phone, arranging for the can pay their respects compared to the pain reaching out to us more show, and do what we next one. without having to break he felt for the suffering than ever before, giving can to help.” “Everyone wants social distancing. families. us whatever they can a normal burial but “Sometimes, we are “The family can’t see for the families that are these are not normal the only people at the their loved ones who suffering,” he told me, circumstances,” he tells levayah (funeral) of are sick in the hospital, “so we find ourselves me. the deceased,” Rabbi which makes them feel becoming a kind of life Whittled down to Gurkov says with a like they were robbed support for the families just seven members out THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 11 Ak Jansen’s Solo Show at Ivy Brown and his Striking Personal Protective Sculptures

By Jack Coleman figured they were going volition. Arts Editor where I was trying to go. On March 11th, exactly a Some people got out, we week after the opening, all Last November I got in, and the three of us classes were moved to an interviewed Ak Jansen made our way up to Ivy online format in response in his studio on the fifth Brown Gallery, where Ak to COVID-19’s rapid spread floor of Boylan Hall. There Jansen was having his first in and around New York was a small crowd of clay solo show, entitled “WE’RE City. Jansen and I had vessels, some painted and HERE.” scheduled an interview for glazed with delicious blues The show functions the following day to discuss and golds, some not yet as an active reminder the show, but that was tabled at their full potential for of the deeply historical, for a later date, perhaps in a fabulousness. They loomed fervent and still very much few days, I thought. I ended over their smaller, hand- present queer sensibility up being “one of those” sewn, quilted, pillow- in an age of white-washed and headed to Jersey to like siblings who slunked gayness. In the center of quarantine with my family, around and about. With that the gallery space, on three while Jansen got to work same quilted textile, a few wooden tables (their legs and began sewing face larger than life-size pillowy carved by Jansen), a posse masks to be used as personal hands were tacked to the of those familiar vessels protective equipment. wall next to the many sewn flaunt their delicately We were finally able to drawings of wildflowerstextural and vibrantly catch up and chat about his on layered panels of mesh, painted outer layers. Those newest work, a collection which, before getting patchwork textile forms tie of vibrant anamorphic close, resembled textured themselves around their masks made in response watercolor sketches. All clay counterparts like cock to the novel coronavirus. this, as well as a few colorful rings, and emerge from Over the weekend, pictures canvas tops and jumpsuits their orifices like fabric of the artist wearing these which Jansen designed and ectoplasm. Together, these masks were posted on the sewed himself, mingled with ceramics have attitude; they Instagram page of 601 queer histories like David power-clash in style and Artspace, a non-commercial Wojnarowicz’s Close to the form. gallery in the Lower East Knives, and art books like On the concrete wall Side which hosted the 2019 AK Jansen and his mask./Courtesy of the Artist Joseph Albers’ Interaction opposite the sculpture MFA end of year show. of Color. display, thirty-six pillowy- Under the working title as emotion into the masks,” might get in something like We spoke about his move hands are tacked on the of “Extravagant Hiding,” he told me. “And they are a dry news article.” from a small town in the wall and hung like a the masks were chosen emotional, some are happy, As we spoke over our Netherlands to New York, shower of invitations in a for an online exhibit, a funny, or joyful, some of screens, I didn’t realize and about the work that he deconstructed homage to practice which is becoming them are even crying.” how optimally quiet our was currently making as a the AIDS memorial quilt. ubiquitous as galleries try to Despite the glittery, tear-like surroundings had been first semester MFA student Appearing at the other end adapt and strategize in this tubes streaming from their for an interview. Then at Brooklyn College. of the space are a number time of social distancing. eye-holes, and the semi- an ambulance with its At the time of the interview, of those sewn drawings of “As soon as you wear apocalyptic circumstances sirens blaring drove by his Jansen was thinking about wildflowers, some with a a face mask, so much of which prompted their apartment. In any other sculpture and craft in the quilted frame, others left your identity is taken away. creation, these masks resist instance this would have context of communal bare and skeletal like the I’m surprised at, say, not despair. Embedded with the been New York normal, but care, how to fuse this with dainty stems and petals. being able to recognize long history of queer craft- the searing high-end of my his background in textile Lining the adjacent wall is people who I know,” said making, and in Jansen’s play laptop speakers served as design. an array of small watercolor Jansen from his Park Slope with proportion and stylistic an urgent reminder of the “I’ve been looking for anatomical studies of the apartment, where he and textile hodge-podgery, the circumstance of the world. a way that a sculpture show’s sculpture work. These his husband, Sunder, are masks assert themselves. College life – life in general community could exist on are (of course) adorned with staying quarantined. They wear the face. – has changed, especially for terms where they take care glittery threads which weave But the endeavor is not “This all helps me to stay BFA and MFA students. For of each other,” Jansen told in and out of the painting. necessarily to make oneself sane with all of these feelings Jansen, there’s no ceramics me in November. Each piece interacts recognized, the nine or so and pent up emotions,” said kiln, no Boylan Hall studio, On Wednesday, Mar. 4, differently with its own (and counting) ruched and Jansen. He tells me that and there’s no telling what I skipped my last class of composite set of materials, draped assemblages of red art is always important, the MFA end of semester the day to head over to the seamlessly imparting the and green plaid, blue and not just now, and that his reviews will look like. Meatpacking District. Just conceptual and historical white gingham, iridescent masks, which he refers to as It sounds like small fish before I was about to make frameworks that Jansen had and shimmery pink “characters” can offer much compared to the suffering of my third lap around the been ruminating on since polyesters and silks cover respite. “It always reflects many, but these are the fibers triangular brick building the previous semester. As the face entirely, leaving the political, social, mental which make up the threads which separates 9th Avenue a community of their own, only the eyes visible. period that we’re living, of our day-to-day lives, and from Hudson Street, I the collection supports one “A lot of communication is and it allows for a different while they’re fraying at the spotted an eccentric older another, and in that way lost, so it was important for road map, different ways of moment, Jansen continues couple on the sidewalk they are present, as subjects me to put identity as well perceiving things, than you to sew the seams. calling an elevator car. I with their own, playful, THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 12 Prof. Jeffrey Biegel Performs #StayAtHome Concert Featuring David Foster

By John Schilling Staff Writer

On April 4, Brooklyn College piano adjunct professor Jeffrey Biegel performed his fourth #StayAtHome Saturday Concert, a series of weekly performances live- streamed via YouTube. Beginning on March 14, after CUNY moved classes online for the rest of the semester due to the spread of COVID-19, Biegel started the concert series as a way to comfort people stuck at home during this time. “What can I do? I can play piano! I can make music!” Biegel said. Most recently, Biegel, Prof. Jeffrey Biegel and David Foster performing together./ YouTube a longtime pianist, performed as a soloist by Marguerite Monnot quick to toss the sheet one concern. concluded the concert in Kenneth Fuchs’s and popularized by Edith music aside and played it “I wasn’t watching. Did with a performance of his “Spiritualist,” a piano Piaf. This song was one from memory. I interrupt you in the “Song of Hope,” which concerto which won a of many included in Josh While the piece carried on middle of a piece?” Foster was written on March 27 Grammy for the Best Groban’s “Closer,” released for nearly seven minutes, said. and has not been recorded Classical Compendium. in 2003, and produced by Biegel did not miss a beat, “It doesn’t matter! It’s yet. Unlike his previous David Foster. playing with passionate David!” Biegel replied. Similar to Foster’s three concerts, this one “Josh [Groban] did a and swift movements, “Jeffrey, you play the “Everlasting,” this piece was different. Biegel set fabulous recording of this but also with careful and music so beautifully,” was true to its title as the out to play new music piece,” Foster revealed. “I exacting technique. With said Foster, who at melody started softly, from “Eleven Words,” an decided to turn it into a fast shifts in dynamics first apologized forbut progressed in strong album released on April 3 piano solo piece.” and repetition, Biegel interrupting, but went on. dynamics waves, like an by David Foster. Soon after, Biegel established a theme in “We love you, and we love allegory of hope, coming Foster, a Canadian performed pieces by the piece that allowed what you’re doing. I’m and going. musician, composer, George Gershwin, such for a strong finish. If it a fan. I am such a fan of With a soft finish, the and music executive, as “Novelette in Fourths,” was not obvious in his yours!” piece made clear that has been active in the “Rubato,” and “Prelude: performance, Biegel Biegel said the feeling there is still uncertainty music business since Melody No. 17.” Following expressed his love for this was “mutual” and referred and hope is dwindling, a 1971. As the producer of the Gershwin was a four- piece with a simple line to Foster as “the greatest.” relevant message in today’s stars like Celine Dion, hour compilation of music after finishing. Despite his busy schedule, world with the spread of Whitney Houston, and that he loved playing when “That’s why I play piano,” Foster agreed to stay on COVID-19. Despite this, Barbra Streisand, Foster he was younger, called “A Biegel said smiling. the phone with Biegel however, Biegel’s music has been nominated for Pianist’s Journey,” which The real surprise of the to listen to him play serves as a reminder that 47 Grammy Awards, are selections from a concert, however, came “Everlasting,” a piece from despite social distancing, winning 16 of them. Spanish set. just moments after as Foster’s album. the Brooklyn College Before the concert From this, Biegel Biegel was beginning to In its entirety, the piece community is still began, Biegel decided to performed “Spanish play “Song of Hope,” and is soft and beautiful, like connected. make a switch. Instead Dance No. 5” by his phone went off. the opening of a movie. Biegel was gracious of performing Foster’s Granados, “The Maiden “No way!” Biegel said as With a peaceful melody, it towards everyone that music at the beginning as and the Nightingale” by he answered the phone. acts as a reflection of the tuned in and ended the planned, Biegel decided it Goyescas, and “Dance of Biegel pulled the camera passing of time and the live stream saying, “God would be best to save it for Spain” by Jose Iturbi. closer to introduce feelings of both happiness Bless you all. Stay well. later on -- a decision that The piece that stood viewers to his friend, and sadness that come Stay safe.” proved to work out in the out the most, however, David Foster, who had with it. end. was Beigel’s performance called him via FaceTime After Biegel’s strong Instead, Biegel began of Chopin’s “A-Flat to say hello and discuss finish, Foster had to leave, the concert with “Hymne Polonaise.” Unlike the the release of his album. but Biegel stuck around a L’amour,” a song written pieces before, Biegel was Initially, Foster only had for one last piece. He THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 13 On the Record: Pat Irwin of the B-52s

By Allison Rapp Opinions Editor

For Pat Irwin, music has always been about exploring the unconventional. “When you’re a kid, all you wanna do is make a record,” he told me over the phone recently. “You wanna be in a band.” And be in a band he was. Brooklyn College graduate students might know him as their music composition professor at the Feirstein Graduate School for Cinema, but before that, Irwin spent nearly 20 years touring with The B-52’s, the iconic new wave group with hits like “” and “R o am .” “They just defied all Pat Irwin (second from left) with the B52s. odds, yet they are one of the most soulful authentic Contortions, a band that the same scene...Kate Brothers, Blondie, ZZ Graduate School of bands I’ve ever heard,” he was bringing to light an [Pierson] and another Top, and the Go-Go’s. Cinema, where he says said of The B-52’s. experimental genre of mutual friend came to see Yet, he always kept his the students are diverse Irwin, it seems, has music that would become The Raybeats at the Mudd options open, and when and imaginative. He always been drawn to known as “no wave.” club,” he said. “I ran into a producer from Turner plays regular live music those who defy the odds. “It broke down all that Ricky [] at the Broadcasting asked if with a handful of local After graduating fromwas left of a conventional Peppermint Lounge and he might like to write people, and has plans to college, he spent time in rock ‘n’ roll sound,” Irwin then I ran into Ricky again music for an upcoming work on a new album Paris studying under the said of the genre, who was at a Mexican restaurant documentary, he naturally featuring instruments he legendary avant-garde also paying attention to down in Tribeca, the only gave it a shot. finds himself, including composer, John Cage, bands like Teenage Jesus one south of 14th Street.” “It kinda just unfolded,” an organ he came across an experience he called and the Jerks, DNA, The Wilson would sadly he said of his composition on the LIRR tracks and a a “life changer.” Though Talking Heads, Lounge die from complications work, “but it was synthesizer he picked up it instilled a conviction Lizards, and Mars. “They of AIDS in 1985, but a something I really wanted from the street curb. in him, it was the music [the bands] had nothing few years later, thanks to do, no question.” And though he stopped scene in New York that to do with commercial to a mutual sound man, His resume of work performing with The called his name. appeal. It was brutal, and Irwin wound up a touring for film and television B-52’s in 2008, Irwin “The coolest stuff was awesome. I was ready for member of The B-52s in includes shows like looks back on those days being done in New York that. That’s what I wanted 1989. “Nurse Jackie,” “Feed with admiration. as far as I was concerned,” to be a part of.” “We didn’t audition or The Beast,” “Rocko’s “They had everything I he said. “There was a lot of Through the ‘80s, Irwin anything,” he said, “we just Modern Life,” and, yes, wanted in a band,” he said, crossover… painters made played in a handful of started to play.” The rest, “Spongebob Squarepants.” “they were just so cool.” movies, and moviemakers new wave bands of his as they say, was history. He recalls initially not For Irwin, the whole formed bands.” He moved own, including 8-Eyed Irwin joined the band the quite grasping the show funky shack is still to New York around 1979. Spy and The Raybeats, same year that their hit in the early days, when shimmying. His ultimate goal? To play which played regular gigs single “Love Shack” was Stephen Hillenburg, the the stages of CBGB’s and at some of the city’s most released. creator of the show, called Max’s Kansas City. popular music clubs like “I think it’s an incredible him up saying he wanted “I didn’t even think Tier Three, the Mudd song,” he said. “I mean, “the sound of a bunch of further past that, which I Club, and Danceteria. can you imagine? Writing musicians in a room who think was helpful.” Though the city was large a song that brings that can’t really play.” But to At the time, another and the music scene was much joy to so many this day, several episodes avant-garde artist was even larger, Irwin began people around the world of Spongebob still include pushing the boundaries to rub shoulders with the to this day?” Irwin’s musical work. of what music could band that would become With The B-52’s, Irwin Now, he teaches music sound like. Brian Eno’s a major part of his life for played with countless composition for film and compilation album “No almost two decades. A-list acts like the television at Brooklyn New York” featured The “We were part of Pretenders, the Allman College’s Feirstein v THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 14 Obituaries Mark Blum, Actor and Theater Professor By Michela Arlia Apart from being a well the last 15 years, Blum Staff Writer established actor both on taught and connected screen and on the stage, with his students in the Brooklyn College Mark Blum was one of BC’s most memorable ways. His theater professor and own, serving as an adjunct students past and present accomplished theatre actor professor for the M.F.A. have taken to remembering Mark Blum passed away Graduate Acting program him. late last month after a fight on campus. In an email sent “He was an incredibly with coronavirus. He was a out to the BC community warm, intelligent, sharp loved professor within his announcing his passing, and often hilarious department, and he will be President Michelle curmudgeon,” said M.F.A mourned inside and out of Anderson described Blum alumnus Jorge Sánchez- the campus community. as a beloved professor and Díaz. “He talked SO much. Mark Blum./ HB Studios Mark Blum, born on May actor. A comically exhausting 14, 1950, in Newark, New “He enjoyed a long amount, but he spoke from that comes with the calling actor and teacher, whose Jersey, was an American and distinguished career a place of deep knowledge, of being an actor. I’ll never methods of teaching actor who worked in as a character actor, passion, and respect for the forget that.” reached his students in theatre, film and television. and was beloved by all craft.” His colleagues and ways that seem they will His most notable credits who learned from him,” According to his students have taken the carry with them through on Broadway include Anderson wrote. “His students, Blum had a lot news hard and have found life. His accomplishments Twelve Angry Men and former students, many of knowledge on the craft it difficult to cope with the in his time with us allow us Lost in Yonkers. Some off- well-known actors among and had a lot to teach his fact that they will never to enjoy everything he has Broadway credits include them, attest to Mark’s students. He was always be able to see their dear done for the entertainment The Overwhelming, and extraordinary work as a committed to the craft. teacher and friend again. industry, and for the We Live Here. teacher.” “Mark was a wizard of “He was an excellent Brooklyn College His breakout role on “I am saddened by this encouraging us to bring human being, a community of Graduate screen was his leading role tremendous loss to the ourselves to the character consummate professional students in the M.F.A. His in the 1985 film Desperately college, which leaves his while separating criticism and artist and our world is contributions will last a Seeking Susan. In the later colleagues and students of the art from criticism less than without him,” said . part of his career, he was in shock. Unfortunately, of the artist,” said Michael Judylee Vivier, the director Blum is survived by his probably best recognized Mark Blum is unlikely to be Magliocca, a second- of BC’s MFA Acting wife Janet Zarish, who for his role of Union Bob the only one this horrible year M.F.A candidate. program. “The gaping hole is the head of the M.F.A on the acclaimed Amazon virus takes from us.” “He encouraged us to be left by his passing will take Acting Program at NYU. Prime series Mozart in the Serving as an adjunct dangerous, be specific, and a very long time to heal.” He was 69 years old. Jungle. at Brooklyn College for to honor the hard work Mark Blum was a talented Moshe Augenstein, Comp Sci Deputy Chair By Michael Castaneda have taken an honors outpouring of grief. Columnist class taught by Professor “… he made an Augenstein in the 1970’s. otherwise dreary course an Moshe Augenstein, “He was a wonderful, intellectually turning point Undergraduate Deputy wonderful guy,” Lowenthal for me. He was Flexible, Chair of Computer and said of Augenstein. “Loved thoughtful and knew when Information Science, died to help students.” and how to challenge,” said of complications from In addition to teaching, fellow Professor David COVID-19 on April 7. Professor Augenstein Arnow. He was the second of four was an accomplished “I am so saddened by this within the BC community author. He wrote books news,” former student Ali claimed by the disease as of in advanced topics in Rishty Cohen said. “I just today. the art of Computer have to say that Professor Professor Augenstein Programming by himself Augentein taught me my was an institution at and with Brooklyn first ever programming Brooklyn College in his College professors course and it was one own right. He graduated Aaron Tenenbaum and course that pivoted my from Brooklyn College department chair Yedidyah entire career toward[s] in 1969, and served the Langsam. The books have a computer science.” college as a professor for five-star rating on Amazon. As individuals and as a 45 years, and was among We contacted Professor community we have lost so the comp sci department’s Langsam but he was not yet much in these past weeks. Moshe Augenstein./ Brooklyn College earliest members. Moshe ready to share his thoughts However, we feel confident countless students whose created. Lowenthal, a computer with us. that while the contributions lives he helped shape over Augenstein is survived science professor who Social media sites following of Professor Augenstein the past four decades; the by his Midwood family. He currently teaches at BC, the announcement of will be missed, he will very skills he gave them; and the was 73 years old. believes that he might his death amassed an much live on forever in the opportunities those skills THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 15 Obituaries Juliet Manragh, Alumna and Human Resources Manager

By Gabriela Flores least a few times a week to pursued her Industrial Staff Writer check in on one another, and Labor Relations she’d ask for advice; I’d MS at Baruch College, To those who knew her, ask her how to do the continuing her career in Juliet Manragh was one of most basic HR things human resource services the trusted individuals one multiple times over, and as a CUNY Recruitment could confide and rely on she’d just laugh and say Coordinator. Eventually, to complete any task. As a that it was her job,” said with her strong work ethic Brooklyn College alumna BC Director of Media and and unshakable focus, and Human Resource Communications Anita Manragh achieved her Manager for Recruitment Bulan. “She was like that long-time goal of being an and Employee Relations, — a hard worker, a strong HRS manager. Manragh played several shoulder, a true woman “Ms. Manragh’s critical roles in the who spoke her mind and expertise, patience, and BC community. On laughed ferociously.” professionalism in the Wednesday, April 8th, The proud Jamaican- dozens of faculty searches 2020, Manragh passed rooted Brooklynite was she supported were away in her native active in her community, essential contributions borough of Brooklyn donating to the BC student to the academic quality Juliet Manragh./ Facebook due to COVID-19 pantry and joining causes of a Brooklyn College guidance and warm- on those who thought complications. like UAE Healthy Kidney education,” said BC heartedness to everyone an impossible task was From aiding job 10K. As an undergrad Professor of Education she met. possible,” said Manragh’s searches across several majoring in Africana Leadership, Law, and “As an HR professional, recruitment partners BC departments to Studies, Manragh earned Policy David Bloomfield. colleague, and friend, Jennifer Tsui and Patrick sharing her knowledge a position as a College For nearly 18 years of Juliet consistently went Croff III. “Despite her role and wisdom with friend- Access Manager and her life, Manragh had above and behind to as a manager, Juliet never colleagues, Manragh was Recruiter for the Research devoted her time building support everyone she’s liked being addressed a beloved and admirable Foundation of CUNY, the CUNY community encountered. Offeringas ‘HR Manager’ or ‘Ms. woman with an immense where she implemented with her can-do attitude a plethora of ideas Manragh.’ ‘No, you can drive to help others. educational internships in and demeanor to succeed. and suggestions, her call me Juliet,’ she said as “Juliet was quiet but five NYC public schools. In doing so, Manragh knowledge and expertise we teased her.” real. We would speak at After that, Manraghgave her unforgettable have always shed light Juliet was 41 years old. Jay Jankelewicz, Alumnus and Philosophy Dept. Staff By Quiara Vasquez and holiday events. Editor-in-Chief To his colleagues, however, his accomplishments and Jay Jankelewicz, the work in the department erstwhile office manager came second to his for Brooklyn College’s boundless enthusiasm Philosophy Department, and good-natured humor. died of complications “He was warm and of COVID-19 this past generous with time and Thursday, Apr. 9. assistance for faculty, Jankelewicz graduated students, and staff,” from Brooklyn College in philosophy professor 2013, but he had become Samir Chopra wrote on a College Assistant for the his blog in remembrance philosophy department of Jankelewicz. “He Jay Jankelewicz ./ Twitter a year prior. He stuck infused our workplace around long afterwith a warmth all his him mentioned his good chance to interact with to his work with the graduating, becoming the ow n .” humor, his efficiency,this beautiful person,” philosophy department, philosophy department’s Chopra was not alone and his devotion to the the page reads, “you know he held a Masters in office manager, wherein his praise; in the hours wellbeing of the people how special he really was.” Library Information he made department after news of Jankelewicz’s around him. A GoFundMe During his too-short Sciences from Simmons affairs run smoothly. As death broke, tributes to his page established by his lifetime, Jankelewicz was University. the de facto face of the memory poured in from colleagues described him named Employee of the Jay Jankelewicz is department, he advised his colleagues and from as “the loveliest of human Month by BC President survived by his parents, students and organized students he had over the beings.” Michelle Anderson in Howard and Sylvia. He various academic, social, years. Those who knew “If you ever had the June of 2019. In addition was 31. THE VANGUARD ISSUE 10 - APRIL 15, 2020 / PAGE 16 Three-Sport Athlete Anna Curran Deals With Season Cut Short

Anna Curran playing softball./ Damion Reid

By Conrad Hoyt she found out the she won player of the from the women’s never got the chance Sports Editor season was cancelled: week at Brooklyn basketball team to put the number four “devastation.” College, and was returned from the jersey on for the last All CUNY athletics “Going through excited about a final NCAA tournament, time, or go to battle have been cancelled the entire soccer and year trying to lead the softball team had with the people who for the spring, and swim season, I was the softball team to their whole squad. have been there since for seniors, who will particularly looking prosperity. “Everything was my first day.” never get the chance forward to the softball “Each team has starting to come However, amidst to compete for their season because it was its own vibe, but together,” she said. all the devastation, schools again, the pain going to be my fourth the softball team is But then all non- Curran is still happy stings even harder. and last time on the something special,” conference games she was able to make Anna Curran of the team,” she said. Curran said. “We had were cancelled for the the memories she did. Brooklyn College Curran, who plays been putting in the season, and then not “It’s a real bummer I softball team, is one of first base for thework all February in long after the entire won’t be able to have those seniors. Bulldogs, is a three- preparation for the season was axed due a senior night, but I’m Curran’s operative sport athlete, but season.” to coronavirus. glad I was able to play word for describing softball is where she Curran told the “It was a huge shock with the future of the how she felt when really excels. Last year, Vanguard that afterand heartbreaking to program.” a number of players hear,” Curran said. “I

Vinny The Goat by Mo Muhsin and Gabrielle Toro Vivoni