On March 19, 1924, the Setonian was founded. Since then, the paper has provided essential news to the Seton Hall community and emphasized that student journalism is journalism.
Our last in-person meeting was held in February 2020, right before the COVID-19 lockdown. Quick to evolve with changing times, we decided to move online instead of printing, which not only massively boosted our engagement but provided the opportunity to report on breaking news in even more of a timely rate than ever before.
Not only is this our 100th Editorial Board - and our centennial - We're also the first Editorial Board that have exclusive experience to online reporting. Those who participated and now fondly remember our printing days have since graduated from Seton Hall University.
Some may infer that the Setonian is "out with the old, and in with the new" - But this year, that will not be the case. In preparation for our centennial, we are actively working with University administration, archivists, alumni and others to plan our celebration and provide unique content regarding our history. We plan for an incredible and memorable centennial for the 2023-24 academic year.
Below is an in-depth introduction to the members of our passionate, creative, ambitious and consistent 100th Editorial Board.
Editor-in-Chief
Emma Thumann (senior, '24)
Major: Journalism
Minor: History
I’ve been fully dedicated to the Setonian for the entirety of my Seton Hall career. I’m super excited to be its EIC for its 100th anniversary! We’re making massive changes behind-the-scenes, so please bear with us as we prepare to celebrate our centennial.
Photo by Daniel Nydick Photography.
Managing Editor
Serena Davis (senior, '24)
Majors: Public Relations, Journalism
Hii!!! I’ve been on the Setonian since I was a freshman. I love to read and write, and in my free time I go to the gym and hang out with friends!
Photo via Serena Davis.
News Editor
Dareen Abukwaik (senior, '24)
Major: Journalism
Minor: Spanish
I've been working at the Setonian since my freshman year! I love to read and write - which is why I became a journalism major. I love editing as well, it's my favorite part of working on the Setonian. In my free time, I usually take walks in the park or read romance novels!
Photo via Dareen Abukwaik.
Assistant News Editor
Christopher Benítez Cuartas (junior, '25)
Majors: Journalism, Catholic Studies
I am involved in Pirate TV, the Sociology Club and Pirates for Life. I was previously involved in the athletic department, the Diplomatic Envoy, the Global Current, and WSOU! My main interests include domestic and foreign policy, law, sports and popular culture.
Photo via Christopher Benítez Cuartas.
Copy News Editor
Emmett Bikales (senior, '24)
Major: Diplomacy
Minors: Arabic, Film
Howdy! This is my first year on the Setonian E-Board. I grew up in Maplewood, NJ and plan to work in wilderness conservation after college!
Photo via Emmett Bikales.
Campus Life Editor
Peyton Hruska (senior, '24)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Journalism
Hi! My name is Peyton and I'm a senior here at SHU. I joined Campus Life my freshman year, and it's really an honor to be part of such an amazing community. I value psych and journalism as they align with my interest in people. Looking forward to a great year!
Photo via Peyton Hruska.
Assistant Campus Life Editor
Kimberly Fallas (senior, '24)
Major: Psychology (Honors)
I initially started on the paper as a photographer in 2020 because I loved taking pictures. I eventually started writing articles and left my position as a photographer. Outside of the newspaper, I like watching shows on Netflix, going out with friends and painting!
Photo via Kimberly Fallas.
Copy Campus Life Editor
Esmeralda Arias (junior, '25)
Major: Journalism
Fun facts about me: I binge-watch way too many crime and law-related shows! I am currently watching Suits on Netflix! I'm so excited to be a part of this year's E-Board. I am also part of Pirate TV and Lambda Pi Eta, and work as a career ambassador in the Career Center.
Photo via Esmeralda Arias.
Sports Editor
Thomas Donnelly (senior, '24)
Majors: Accounting, Sports Management
Photo via Thomas Donnelly.
Assistant Sports Editor
Matthew Soetebeer (junior, '25)
Major: Journalism
I'm a lifelong sports fan fulfilling my dreams of covering athletics for Seton Hall. I have a diverse knowledge of sports, but I especially enjoy covering basketball!
Photo via Matthew Soetebeer.
Copy Sports Editor
Beth Berardi (sophomore, '26)
Major: Public Relations, Journalism
I love watching and working in sports, music and hanging out with friends and family. Other than the Setonian, I'm a part of the Buccino Leadership Institute and Pirate Sports Network. I'm so excited to be on the E-Board this year and see what we can do!
Photo via Beth Berardi.
Photography Editor
Maria Levandoski (senior, '24)
Major: Journalism
Minor: Visual & Sound Media
Outside of the Setonian, I am the president of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association's official honors society, an active member of Pirate TV, and a student worker of the University's Office of the Provost.
Photo via Maria Levandoski.
Assistant Photography Editor
Angelina Paoline (senior, '24)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Social Work
I'm the president of the Psychology Club, a research assistant at Children's Specialist Hospital and on Blue Crew! In my free time I am an avid reader and baker.
Photo via Angelina Paoline.
Social Media
Julia Gallo (senior, '24)
Major: International Relations
Minor: Environmental Studies
This is my fourth year with the Setonian and I am super excited to be doing Photography and Social Media! I love documenting my life and taking pictures and videos of everything so this should be a great time.
Photo via Julia Gallo.
Assistant Social Media
Morgan Frye (junior, '25)
Major: Marketing
Minor: Public Relations, Journalism
I'm excited to join the Setonian team! I'm currently involved as an RA, a Communications intern, I run the SMP Instagram, and I'm in KKG. I look forward to this year and improving the paper!
Photo via Morgan Frye.
