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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Beyond NYU

Each week, WSN sits down with an NYU student, faculty member or alum who’s making change beyond the university.

(Krish Dev for WSN)

Beyond NYU: For Ocean Vuong, ‘literature is always political’

GSAS alum and award-winning author Ocean Vuong spoke to WSN about his new novel and how he approaches the classroom as an NYU professor.
Kaitlyn Sze Tu, Deputy News Editor October 9, 2025

Ocean Vuong refuses to be bound by genres as an author. Instead, he believes writing should complicate politics and cultural discourse to encourage critical thinking. Vuong...

(Courtesy of Lynne Sheridan)

Beyond NYU: Bringing artists’ stories alive is a ‘dream’ for this Grammy Museum executive

From being a Bob Dylan fan to helping guide the museum’s development, Lynne Sheridan spoke to WSN about her journey of crafting its public programs from scratch.
Kaitlyn Sze Tu, Deputy News Editor October 2, 2025

Lynne Sheridan’s almost 20-year-long career at the Grammy Museum started at ground zero. Her interest in music started with listening to Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan on the...

(Courtesy of Jeff Furman, illustration by Maryam Lootah for WSN)

Beyond NYU: A guide on how to manage Ben & Jerry’s with ‘heart’

NYU Law alum Jeff Furman told WSN how he met the founders and made social justice a core part of the ice cream company.
Kaitlyn Sze Tu, Deputy News Editor September 25, 2025

Growing up in a low-income family in Jackson Heights, Queens, Jeff Furman never intended to manage one of the biggest ice cream companies in the world. After dropping out...

(Courtesy of PookieFilms)

Beyond NYU: Breaking into R&B with her Sudanese culture

Clive Davis alum Safa Elzbir spoke to WSN about her journey from pre-med to performing, and how her heritage inspired her to become an artist.
Kaitlyn Sze Tu, Deputy News Editor September 18, 2025

Growing up between Virginia and Qatar, Sudanese American R&B singer Safa Elzbir, who goes by the artist name SAFA, always participated in school choir. Inspired by the Arabic...

(Courtesy of BeyondDC, illustration by Maryam Lootah for WSN)

Beyond NYU: ‘Create more connectivity,’ says the former national transportation secretary

NYU Law alum Anthony Foxx talked about the U.S. transportation system as a “cultural statement” and advice for young people looking to serve in public policy.
Kaitlyn Sze Tu, Deputy News Editor September 11, 2025

Anthony Foxx has worn many hats in his decadeslong career in politics and law. Raised by a single mother in a low-income family in Charlotte, North Carolina, he described his neighborhood...

(Courtesy of Senaida Ng)

Beyond NYU: From classical piano performances to AI DJ sets

Tisch alum Senaida Ng spoke to WSN about breaking traditional notions of electronic music and incorporating new technology in their art.
Kaitlyn Sze Tu, Deputy News Editor September 4, 2025

As an elementary school student, practicing piano for eight hours a day and posting performances on YouTube were already the norm for Senaida Ng. Now, the Tisch alum and classically...

(Courtesy of Padmini Murthy)

Beyond NYU: Advancing women’s health through global activism

NYU graduate alum Padmini Murthy reflected on her path, from attending medical school in India to championing women’s health and human rights globally.
Lekhya Kantheti, Deputy News Editor April 24, 2025

Steinhardt and Wagner alum Padmini Murthy found her interest in health care while growing up in India, where her first-hand observations of social injustice shaped her lifelong...

(Courtesy of Beau Flynn)

Beyond NYU: From studying at Stern to producing ‘Moana’

Beau Flynn, who graduated from the university in 1993, spoke to WSN about how he found his passion for creativity and worked with industry icons to create dozens of movies.
Amelia Hernandez Gioia, Deputy News Editor April 17, 2025

When NYU alum Beau Flynn was growing up in Miami, he dreamed of working on Wall Street and couldn’t believe his luck when he got there at 18 years old. However, after studying...

(Courtesy of Augusta Lecaros)

Beyond NYU: Creating and curating feminist art around the world

Tisch alum Laura Ibáñez Kuzmanic discussed how she combines research, community service and art into a career that’s taken her from Santiago to New York.
Lekhya Kantheti, Deputy News Editor April 10, 2025

Tisch alum Laura Ibáñez Kuzmanic has long explored the intersections of feminism, familial memory and activism in her work — as both the artist and the curator. Before studying...

(Courtesy of Marin Driguez)

Beyond NYU: From aspiring scientist to award-winning reporter

GSAS alum Arielle Duhaime-Ross reflected on their career as a science journalist, from fulfilling groundbreaking work in television climate reporting to hosting their own podcast.
Lekhya Kantheti, Deputy News Editor April 3, 2025

GSAS alum Arielle Duhaime-Ross set out to become a zoologist, but ended up finding a love for reporting along the way. After combining their newfound passion with a love of science...

(Courtesy of Elliot Greenfield)

Beyond NYU: Shaping the image of a top luxury brand

Gallatin alum Elliot Greenfield discussed his journey from a Steinhardt first-year to a leading marketing role at Swarovski, one of the largest jewelry brands worldwide.
Amelia Hernandez Gioia, Deputy News Editor March 20, 2025

Gallatin alum Elliot Greenfield always had a passion for fashion retail, but didn’t realize that he wanted to academically pursue the field until he started going to NYU. After...

(Courtesy of Aneesa Sheikh)

Beyond NYU: Merging music and advocacy

Singer-songwriter and former Miss Michigan Teen USA spoke to WSN about her evolution as an artist, from the moment she stepped onto NYU’s campus to her journey growing her social media presence.
Lekhya Kantheti, Deputy News Editor March 13, 2025

Gallatin senior Aneesa Sheikh has balanced a variety of passions — from competitive figure skating to modeling — since she was a kid, but decided to pursue her love of music...