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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Jordan Pagkalinawan

Jordan Pagkalinawan, Managing Editor

Jordan Pagkalinawan (he/him) hails from Burbank, California, and is the Beacon’s Managing Editor for news and sports. A junior journalism student with a minor in Sports Communication, Jordan previously served as the Kasteel Well Bureau Chief, sports editor, and staff writer. Outside of Emerson, he has interned with the CBS Sports editorial team and currently writes for Last Word on Sports and YRMedia. When Jordan isn’t working on a story, you will find him either playing basketball, listening to music, reading multiple books, or buying a cup of coffee.

Latest from Jordan Pagkalinawan
Trevor Arico drops 38 points as men’s basketball defeats Bridgewater State

Trevor Arico drops 38 points as men’s basketball defeats Bridgewater State

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / 16 minutes ago

Following a loss to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in their second NEWMAC game, the Emerson men’s basketball team hosted a non-conference matchup against...

The Emerson women's basketball team celebrates following their win over Westfield State Thursday, the 200th for head coach Bill Gould (Courtesy of Anna Schoenmann).

Women’s basketball dominates Westfield State, 96-73, for Bill Gould’s 200th career win

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / December 8, 2024

The women’s basketball team returned to the Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym Thursday night to face the Westfield State University Owls, hoping to...

Graduate guard Trevor Arico (#5) rises up for a jump shot against the Babson Beavers on Wednesday, Dec. 4 (Riley Goldman/ Beacon Staff)

Men’s basketball breaks the dam with 64-62 win over Babson

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / December 4, 2024

After over a month of non-conference opponents, the men’s basketball team took the floor in a conference matchup against the Babson College Beavers—a...

Senior guard Lucas Brenner (#0) is introduced in the starting lineup prior to Tuesday's game against Suffolk (Jordan Pagkalinawan/ Beacon Staff).

Men’s basketball triumphs over Suffolk in Clash of the Common

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 26, 2024

After a narrow win over Worcester State, the Emerson men’s basketball team hoped to make it two in a row as they faced their Boston Common rivals,...

Men’s basketball beats Worcester State behind Jacob Armant’s 24 points

Men’s basketball beats Worcester State behind Jacob Armant’s 24 points

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 26, 2024

Days after falling to Albertus Magnus on a buzzer-beating three-pointer, the Emerson men’s basketball team eyed redemption in a Saturday showdown...

Sophomore center Claire English (#17) prepares to shoot free throws against Suffolk on Sunday, Nov. 17. (Courtesy of Nate Gardner)

Basketball splits Sunday doubleheader with scoring career-highs

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 20, 2024

Days after their respective seasons began, the Emerson women’s and men’s basketball teams returned to the Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym in an...

The Emerson women's soccer team in a huddle against WPI in the 2024 NEWMAC semifinals (Courtesy of Naia Driscoll).

Women’s soccer falls to WPI in NEWMAC semifinals

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 13, 2024

Days after upsetting No. 3 Smith in the NEWMAC quarterfinals as the No. 6 seed, the Emerson women’s soccer team hoped to continue the momentum in a...

The Emerson women's volleyball team honored its four seniors and one graduate student on Senior Day, Saturday, Nov. 9. (Riley Goldman/ Beacon Correspondent)

Women’s volleyball sweeps Salve Regina for fourth straight playoff appearance

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 12, 2024

The Emerson women’s volleyball team played a special match to end the regular season, taking on the Salve Regina Seahawks Saturday. Not only did the...

Graduate guard Trevor Arico shoots against Salem State University (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

‘David vs. Goliath’: Men’s basketball gears up for Div. I test vs. Yale

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 12, 2024

Looking at the Emerson men’s basketball schedule, fans will find the usual slate of opponents: Babson, Clark, WPI, and more. And while their non-conference...

The Emerson men's basketball team in a huddle against Salem State (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff, File)

Men’s basketball aims to build on playoff success

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 6, 2024

In the Bobbi Brown & Steven Plofker Gym, the sounds of balls bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and rims rattling can only mean one thing: Emerson Basketball...

The Emerson men's soccer team honored its five seniors and two graduate transfers on Senior Day, Saturday, Nov. 2. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)

Men’s soccer triumphs 3-1 vs. Clark on Senior Day

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 4, 2024

The Emerson men’s soccer team wrapped up their regular season with a Senior Day game against Clark University on Saturday, Nov. 2.  Before the...

The Emerson women's soccer class of 2025. (Courtesy of Naia Driscoll)

Women’s soccer falls to Clark in Senior Day thriller

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Managing Editor / October 30, 2024
Purple streamers, balloons, and tablecloths greeted fans at Rotch Field on Saturday as the Emerson women’s soccer team celebrated senior day.
The Emerson men's soccer team lines up prior to their non-conference match vs. Tufts on Tuesday, Sept. 24 (Riley Goldman/ Beacon Correspondent)

Men’s soccer loses NEWMAC opener 1-0 to Springfield

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / September 26, 2024

With preseason wrapped up, the Emerson men’s soccer team hoped to bounce back from a 2-3-1 start, which included a 3-0 shutout by Rhode Island on Tuesday,...

Graduate student defensive specialist Caroline Davis digs the ball against Wentworth on Tuesday, Sept. 17. (Riley Goldman/ Beacon Correspondent)

Women’s volleyball sweeps Wentworth, improves to 5-4 overall

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / September 20, 2024

The Emerson women’s volleyball team entered Bobbi Brown & Steven Plofker Gym at 4-4 overall Tuesday night, hoping to get above .500 as they faced...

Senior midfielder Maddie Khaw controls the ball against Bates on Saturday, Sept. 14. (Yogev Toby/ Beacon Correspondent)

Women’s soccer keeps heads high in tough non-conference play

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / September 19, 2024
Following two ties on their home turf, the Emerson women’s soccer team hoped to end that streak when they faced Bates on Saturday, Sept. 14.
The 13th annual ABCD Hoop Dreams event was held at TD Garden on Thursday, Sept. 12. (Jordan Pagkalinawan/ Beacon Staff)

Celtics, ABCD partner for Hoop Dreams at TD Garden

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / September 19, 2024
Three months after the Boston Celtics won their 18th NBA championship, basketballs graced the TD Garden’s parquet floor earlier than expected.
Emerson's Trustees announce policy on 'neutrality and mutual respect'

Emerson Board of Trustees announce policy on ‘institutional neutrality and mutual respect’

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / August 24, 2024
As part of a wave of announcements heading into the new school year, the Emerson College Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a policy on institutional neutrality and mutual respect earlier this month. 
Jim Hoppe (Middle) and Athletic Director Pat Nicol (Right) presenting the NEWMAC championship trophy to the Women's Soccer team in November of 2022.

Student Affairs VP Jim Hoppe to depart Emerson in July

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / June 1, 2024

Jim Hoppe, the vice president of Student Affairs and dean for Campus Life, will leave Emerson in mid-July for Bowdoin College, where he will serve as the...

An Instagram post announcing the return of Black Swan for the Spring 2024 semester.

Meet Black Swan, Kasteel Well’s magazine by students, for students

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / March 21, 2024

As Kasteel Well students approach the final weeks of their semester, they’ve likely already collected plenty of souvenirs and trinkets across Europe....

Sophomore marketing communications student Sam Switall stands in front of Il Paradiso, a canvas painting in the Grand Council Hall at the Doge’s Palace, a landmark building that was once the Doge's residence and the center of the Venetian government, in Venice, Italy. (Photo courtesy of Samantha Switall)

Photos: Kasteel Well students explore Europe on travel break

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / March 19, 2024
Twice a semester, Emerson students at Kasteel Well go on academic excursions to various countries.
Kasteel Well students prepare to participate in the Carnival festivities.

Kasteel Well students connect with community in Carnival celebration

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / February 22, 2024

While Americans geared up for Super Bowl 58, Emerson students studying abroad at Kasteel Well prepared for a different celebration—participating in the...

First-year forward Guillermo Gasset Ruiz shoots against Coast Guard on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)

Men’s basketball falls to Coast Guard in NEWMAC home opener

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / December 14, 2023

The Emerson men’s basketball team entered their Thursday afternoon practice less than 24 hours after their NEWMAC opener, where Babson handed them their...

Emerson fans cheering on the men's basketball team during their 2022 NEWMAC Semifinals game vs. Babson.

Is Emerson a sports school?

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / November 30, 2023

Emerson College is known for a lot of great things—from its creative programs, outstanding alumni network, or even as the school Nancy Wheeler chooses...

Senior guard Ella Bushee (#11) goes for a layup against Endicott on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)

Women’s basketball falls to Endicott, 76-69

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / November 22, 2023

The Emerson women’s basketball team got off to a solid start in non-conference play. Their early highlights included a home-opening victory and history...

Senior guard Trevor Arico (5) shoots against Salem State on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

Men’s basketball wins home opener, falls at Suffolk for 2-3 start

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / November 22, 2023

The Emerson men’s basketball team began non-conference play on Nov. 10. They came out of a weekend tournament with a 1-1 record—beating host Colby...

The Emerson men's basketball team visited the Cambridge Basketball Lab on Wednesday, Nov. 8. (Photo courtesy of Matt Meyersohn)

Men’s basketball supports youth basketball camp in Cambridge

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / November 15, 2023

As the Emerson men’s basketball team continued preparing for their season, they decided to take an opportunity to give back. The team spent their Wednesday...

The women's basketball team prior to their home opener vs. Colby-Sawyer on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.

Women’s basketball defeats Colby-Sawyer in home opener, 69-66

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / November 13, 2023

Days following their season-opening loss to Suffolk, the Emerson women’s basketball team was ready to bounce back in their home opener against the Colby-Sawyer...

Senior midfielder Simone Barragan-Shaw (16) scores the game-winning goal against Coast Guard in the 2023 NEWMAC Semifinals.

Women’s soccer advances to NEWMAC semifinals behind 2-1 win vs. Coast Guard

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / November 2, 2023

The only thing scarier than Halloween night in Salem, Mass. was the Emerson women’s soccer team, who entered the postseason hungry to defend their NEWMAC...

Sophomore guard Brendan McNamara shoots over a Babson defender in the 2023 NEWMAC Semifinals

Heart over height: Men’s basketball ready for challenging season

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / October 19, 2023

The Emerson men’s basketball team officially began practicing this week, with a mix of new and returning players all ready to make an impact when the...

Emerson's Thomas Pelino (18), left, and Theodore Bushara (5), right, try to maintain possession during the game against MIT at Rotch Playground in Boston, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.

Emerson ties 2-2 against NEWMAC leader MIT

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / October 19, 2023

The Emerson men’s soccer team faced the undefeated MIT Engineers on Saturday, Oct. 14, in a rematch of the 2022 NEWMAC Semifinals. Despite early adversity...

Emerson alum Jarred Houston ’23 goes for a layup against Worcester State on Dec. 3, 2022.

Men’s basketball alum Jarred Houston ’23 joins NBA G League as assistant coach

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / October 11, 2023

For those who know him, Emerson graduate Jarred Houston ‘23 lives and breathes basketball. After a decorated five-year career as a Lion—one that...

Senior forward Gina Lukoskie (#15) against the Smith Pioneers on Saturday, Sep. 16.

Women’s soccer looks forward to NEWMAC title defense

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / September 21, 2023

Post-Tropical Cyclone Lee was not the only storm brewing over Massachusetts over the weekend—defending NEWMAC champion Emerson women’s soccer team...

First-year forward Luke Maxwell celebrates his first career goal in the 86th minute against Wentworth.

Men’s soccer rallies to defeat Wentworth 2-0

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / September 14, 2023

The Emerson men’s soccer team began Tuesday’s matchup against Wentworth with momentum on their side. In the days leading up, they’d beaten Bates...

Colin (left) and Brendan McNamara (right) after their second annual MTD Tournament.

More Than Different: Men’s basketball guard hosts summer tournament for scholarships

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / September 14, 2023

Appreciate. Celebrate. Elevate. Those are some of the key tenets that guide More Than Different, a lifestyle brand founded by Emerson men’s basketball...

Emerson alumni and infielder Jake Hatch '23 (#15) celebrates after scoring a run against MIT on April 29. Courtesy of Anna Schoenmann

Emerson Grad Jake Hatch commits to Div. I Manhattan College

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / July 28, 2023

Recent graduate and infielder Jake Hatch traded Beantown for the Big Apple, announcing his commitment to the Div. I Manhattan College Jaspers on Saturday,...

The 2023 Emerson baseball team. Courtesy of Anna Schoenmann.

Baseball ends record-breaking season with two historic victories vs Springfield and MIT

By Jordan Pagkalinawan, Sports Editor / May 16, 2023

On Apr. 25, the Emerson baseball team eclipsed a mark 13 years in the making, recording a program-record 16th win with an 8-2 victory over Springfield....

Emerson's 14 athletics programs shone in a variety of ways in 2022-23

The Year of the Lions: Highlights from Emerson athletics’ 2022-23 season

The 2022-23 Emerson Lions have a lot to be proud of: across all 14 athletic programs, the Lions captured a bevy of accolades, including five major individual...

Emerson baseball fell 1-2 to Babson College, though notched their first-ever win over the Beavers in program history.

The dam is broken! Baseball bests Babson for first time in program history

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / April 19, 2023

Emerson baseball triumphed over Babson in game two of their three-game series on Saturday, marking the Lions’ first victory over the Beavers in the program’s...

Emerson baseball triumphed over Coast Guard, 7-6

Baseball walks off, falls to Coast Guard in senior day doubleheader

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / April 13, 2023

With the first game of Senior Day tied in the bottom of the ninth, the winning run on third base, senior catcher and co-captain Matt Nachamie stepped up...

The Lions pushed through Emmanuel to secure a spot in the GNAC semifinals.

Men’s volleyball stuns Emmanuel with Quarterfinals sweep

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / April 12, 2023

Days after losing to Emmanuel College in four sets, the Emerson men’s volleyball team walked into the rival school’s gym as the underdog—a No. 5...

The Emerson men's volleyball team lines up before Thursday's match-up against the Fisher Falcons.

Men’s volleyball sweeps Fisher, improves to 12-12 overall

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / April 11, 2023

As the playoffs inch closer, the Emerson men’s volleyball team earned their third straight win on Thursday, beating the Fisher College Falcons 3-0 and...

UConn captured the NCAA DI Championship against San Diego State

March Madness: Finals recap and future NBA prospects

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / April 5, 2023

At last, the madness is over.  Following a thrilling Final Four where San Diego State beat Florida Atlantic University on a buzzer-beating three, and...

March Madness: Upsets galore and glimpse into Final Four

March Madness: Upsets galore and glimpse into Final Four

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / March 27, 2023

Bring on the madness! The opening round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament saw plenty of electrifying hoops and busted brackets. Those who...

The Emerson softball team (courtesy of Claire Overton)

Emerson softball dazzles in spring break play, looks ahead to season

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / March 22, 2023

After a promising start to their season in Florida over spring break, the Emerson softball team is looking to build off of their success in the Sunshine...

Graduate Center Jarred Houston will be leaving Emerson as its most decorated men's basketball player.

Jarred Houston earns NEWMAC Athlete of the Year & Defensive Athlete of the Year

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / March 22, 2023

Emerson men’s basketball veteran Jarred Houston ended his dominant 2022-23 campaign with some notable hardware: in addition to making the All-Conference...

Graduate center Jarred Houston drives to the rim against Coast Guard.

Senior spotlights: Men’s basketball seniors and grads built winning culture

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / March 9, 2023

Following a historic season that saw a program-record 11 NEWMAC victories, the Emerson men’s basketball team fell to Babson in the conference championship...

Graduate center Jarred Houston throws some interference in front of a Babson Beaver. Thursday's match-up against the Beavers was Houston's last as a Lion.

Men’s basketball falls to Babson in NEWMAC semifinals

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / February 26, 2023

Playing at home in front of a packed house—some students were literally turned away at the doors—a spirited effort from the Emerson men’s basketball...

Men's basketball seniors and grad students line up in front of the scoreboard after a win over Springfield on Senior Night.

Seniors steal the spotlight in men’s basketball victory over Springfield

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / February 16, 2023

Following a gritty win over the Coast Guard Bears, the Emerson men’s basketball team took their home floor for the final time in the regular season Saturday,...

The Emerson women's basketball team leaves the court after a 73-68 win over Clark University at the Mental Health Awareness Game on Wednesday.

Emerson basketball comes together for mental health awareness games

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / February 9, 2023

In the middle of Emerson’s busy basketball season, Ava Salti, junior guard of women’s basketball, decided that both the men’s and women’s team...

Senior guard Max Davis scored a season-high 31 points in the Lions' win.

Men’s basketball defeats WPI behind Davis’s 31 points

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / February 1, 2023

WPI and Emerson, sitting at No. 1 and No. 2 in the conference respectively, have built a storied history in recent years—Emerson beat WPI in the 2019...

The Lions pulled ahead of Wheaton and MIT this past week.

Men’s basketball sweeps two-game homestand after thriller v. Wheaton, improves to 10-7

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / January 25, 2023

The Emerson men’s basketball team looked to build off their strong start in conference play following their loss to reigning NEWMAC champions WPI on...

Levison, who plays Guard and Forward, is a DI transfer from the University of Denver.

Meet women’s basketball transfer Charlotte Levison

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / December 9, 2022

Junior guard Charlotte Levison transferred to Emerson from the University of Denver—an NCAA Division 1 program—this year, joining two first-year players...

Graduate center Jarred Houston makes a layup

Men’s basketball defeats Worcester State 80-72 for second straight win

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / December 7, 2022

Fresh off a dominant win over Plymouth State, the Lions continued the momentum with an 80-72 win over the Worcester State Lancers at the Bobbi Brown &...

Senior captain Oliver Glass led by example setting multiple personal records through the season.

Five Lions named to NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship teams

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 30, 2022

Five Emerson student-athletes were named to the NEWMAC All-Sportsmanship teams on Nov. 21, highlighting players’ efforts for fair and positive play. The...

Graduate student and guard Jarred Houston goes up for a lay-up.

Men’s basketball loses thriller to Bridgewater State 81-79

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 19, 2022

The Emerson men’s basketball team was defeated by Bridgewater State on Wednesday night in a competitive thriller, 81-79—the team’s second consecutive...

First-year PG Jacob Armant drives through the Fighting Scots' defense.

Basketball doubleheader yields wins for men’s and women’s squads

By Leo Kagan and Jordan Pagkalinawan / November 10, 2022

The Emerson men’s and women’s basketball teams each secured season-opening victories Tuesday night—the men steamrolled Gordon College 95-51 and the...

Graduate guard Nate Martin will be rejoining the Lions along with fellow grad and center Jarred Houston (Beacon Archives)

Returning men’s basketball seniors reflect on time at Emerson

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / October 26, 2022

Graduates Jarred Houston and Nate Martin will return for their fifth years at Emerson, hoping to continue momentum from their appearance in the NCAA DIII...

Courtesy of Emma Sharon, MLB

Alum becomes first female broadcaster in Diamondbacks history

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / September 28, 2022

Looking over Dodger Stadium from the broadcasting booth on Sept. 20, Jill Gearin ‘18 made history as the first female broadcaster in Arizona Diamondbacks...

Women’s volleyball sweeps Rivier, extends winning streak to 3

Women’s volleyball sweeps Rivier, extends winning streak to 3

By Jordan Pagkalinawan / September 21, 2022

The Emerson women’s volleyball team claimed victory against the Rivier Raiders on Wednesday night, improving to 7-1 overall following their third sweep...