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

A portrait of Gillian Blum.

Gillian Blum, Deputy Managing Editor

Gillian Blum is a junior studying journalism and politics. She is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and loves words, stories and grammar. When not working at WSN, Gillian works as a writer for The Direct. She loves puns, always having one on hand. Her favorite pun is, "What do you call a theatrical production about language? A play on words!" You can follow Gillian on Twitter @GillianBlum for more puns or to just say hi!

All content by Gillian Blum
A collage of two photos. On the left is a man in a red robotic suit. On the right is a black-and-white photo of a man in a suit and glasses.

In defense of the franchise film

Science-fiction and action movies are often disregarded and considered to be incapable of nuance. In degrading such projects, we often overlook true pieces of art and storytelling.
Gillian Blum, Deputy Managing Editor March 7, 2024

Robert Downey Jr. is a frontrunner for an Oscar this year, and many film aficionados will attribute this to “Oppenheimer” being his return to legitimate acting. Downey’s...

A shot of the Paulson Center gym. Students are standing and looking around. There is a sign for the Pakistani Student’s Association to the right and a Greek flag to the left.

Photo: Opinion: NYU Club Fest was far too chaotic to enjoy

September 8, 2023

Club Fest continues its tradition of chaos. (Gillian Blum for WSN)

A Playbill with an image of corn on the cover is placed on top of a fabric bag. A button is pictured, with an image of corn and the text, “I got shucked on Broadway!”

Review: ‘Shucked’: How Broadway’s newest comedy subverts theater tropes

The new musical comedy follows a woman investigating the abrupt disappearance of corn from a rural American town. When an entire audience cheers for a plant growing, you know you’re doing something right.
Gillian Blum, Deputy Managing Editor April 3, 2023

In an era of Broadway defined primarily by adaptations and revivals, any wholly original show is bound to stand out. Add to that originality a hilarious storyline and score, a...

A modern orange building surrounded by tree shades and lit up by sunshine.

NYU buys $122 million Brooklyn building

The 10-story office building, which is located adjacent to NYU’s Brooklyn campus, was formerly owned by JPMorgan Chase.
Gillian Blum, Copy Chief September 16, 2022

NYU has purchased a 10-story downtown Brooklyn office building — previously owned by JPMorgan Chase  — for $122 million, as reported by The Real Deal on Wednesday. The 3 MetroTech...

A pixelated, pop-art-style illustration with the Marvel logo against comic-book onomatopoeia.

A guide to the serpentine madness of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Are you confused about what’s in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and what isn’t? So is (almost) everyone else. Let’s break it down.
Gillian Blum, Copy Chief May 4, 2022

Spoiler warning: This article may include spoilers for Marvel movies and series.  “The multiverse is a concept about which we know frighteningly little.” This line, said...

Protesters walk down University Place holding a large sign that says “NYU OWES ADJUNCTS.”

Adjunct faculty begin negotiations for new union contract

Supporters marched in solidarity with ACT-UAW Local 7902, the union representing adjunct faculty at NYU, as they begin negotiations with the university over their next contract.
Gillian Blum, Copy Chief April 19, 2022

ACT-UAW Local 7902, the union representing members of NYU’s adjunct faculty, began negotiations with the university for their next collective bargaining agreement. Faculty and...

NYU’s Hong Kong Student Advocacy Group displays artwork to spread awareness of the Chinese government’s treatment of Hong Kong. The group organized a protest at Washington Square Park in solidarity with protesters in Hong Kong. (Photo by Thirdblade Photography)

Students protest in solidarity with pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong

On the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, NYU’s Hong Kong Student Advocacy Group took to Washington Square Park to rally against Chinese Communist Party rule in Hong Kong.
Gillian Blum, Deputy Copy Chief October 4, 2021

The Hong Kong Student Advocacy Group at NYU gathered at Washington Square Park on Oct. 1 to mark the 72nd anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China and...