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The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Val O’Neill

Val O’Neill, Managing Editor

Val O’Neill is a fourth-year journalism major with a minor in photography and one of the managing editors. She has previously been a deputy campus editor, staff writer and staff photographer and is excited to bring new ideas and continue her participation on The News. You can follow her on X at @vqon717.

All content by Val O’Neill
A rendering of the proposed building that will be a part of the Roux Institute. Northeastern’s plan to expand the Roux Institute using the former B&M Baked Beans Factory was approved by the Portland Planning Board June 11. Photo courtesy Portland Planning Board.

Northeastern’s Roux Institute expands into former baked beans factory

Val O’Neill, managing editor
June 25, 2024

For Northeastern, Beantown just keeps on growing. This time — to a former baked beans factory.  The Portland Planning Board approved June 11 the university’s plan to expand its Maine-based graduate...

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A graduate holds up a Palestinian flag during the undergraduate commencement ceremony May 5. Many students took the opportunity to voice their solidarity with Palestine during the commencement.

‘To celebrate our graduation was not morally sound for us’: Pro-Palestine demonstrations mark 2024 commencement, graduations

Zoe MacDiarmid and Val O’Neill
May 13, 2024

As the Class of 2024 graduates flipped their tassels and walked the stage over the last several weeks, some students used graduation and commencement ceremonies as an opportunity to express their frustration...

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The class of 2024 watch as fireworks explode over Fenway Park during the undergraduate commencement ceremony May 5. Many members of the graduating class started college during the COVID-19 lockdown, a theme mentioned in many speakers' speeches.

[Photo] ‘You will shape the 21st century’: Class of 2024 celebrates commencement at Fenway Park

Zoe MacDiarmid, news staff
May 6, 2024

The class of 2024 throws their graduation caps into the air at the end of the commencement.

WRBB News Episode 11: The Relay for Life

WRBB News Episode 11: The Relay for Life

Val O’Neill and Annika Sunkara
April 17, 2024

In episode 11 of WRBB News, co-hosts Bela Omoeva and Grace Sawin speak with The News about a recent story. Deputy campus editor Val O'Neill breaks down how Northeastern took the top spot for most money...

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Relay for Life participants walk around the track. Students and organizations raised over $165,000, the highest amount raised by a university in the country.

Northeastern ranks top university for money raised at Relay for Life

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
March 26, 2024

Over 1,500 students packed Matthews Arena Friday night to participate in activities and walk the sport facility’s track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Northeastern students and organizations...

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The exterior of 716 Columbus Ave. Northeastern proposed a plan Jan. 4 to renovate several floors of the building, including improvements to the basement and the first, second, fourth and fifth floors.

Northeastern plan to renovate 716 Columbus Ave. approved by Boston development board

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
March 18, 2024

A university plan to renovate several floors of 716 Columbus Ave. was approved March 14 by the Boston Planning and Development Agency, or BPDA, according to a memorandum issued by the board. The renovations...

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‘Co-op is not always right for everybody’: A look into Northeastern’s Experiential Network program

‘Co-op is not always right for everybody’: A look into Northeastern’s Experiential Network program

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
March 3, 2024

Attrayee Chakraborty was unable to spend a summer in Boston in 2023, making participating in co-op, the signature six-month program of the university, inaccessible. So, she turned to Northeastern’s Experiential...

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The office door of the newly renamed John Martinson Honors Program. Northeastern renamed its honors program after John Martinson, who recently donated $5 million to the program.

Northeastern honors program renamed, revamped after $5 million donation

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
February 27, 2024

Following a $5 million donation, Northeastern announced it is renaming the university’s honors program to The John Martinson Honors Program, according to an email sent to honors students Feb. 19. The...

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WRBB News Episode 6: Record-Breaking Application Numbers and the Beanpot Semifinal Victory

WRBB News Episode 6: Record-Breaking Application Numbers and the Beanpot Semifinal Victory

In the sixth episode of WRBB News, co-hosts Bela Omoeva and Grace Sawin speak with The News about two recent stories. Deputy campus editor Val O'Neill explains why Northeastern received yet another record-breaking...

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WRBB News Episode 4: Janitor Union Contract and a Former Track Coach’s Nude Photo Scheme Plea

WRBB News Episode 4: Janitor Union Contract and a Former Track Coach’s Nude Photo Scheme Plea

In the fourth episode of WRBB News, co-hosts Bela Omoeva and Liza Rosen speak with The News about two recent stories. Staff writer Zoe MacDiarmid maps out how a union representing 330 Northeastern janitors...

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A group of prospective students and parents stop at Krentzman Quadrangle during an admissions tour. Northeastern received a record-breaking number of applications for fall 2024.

Northeastern undergraduate applications surge, breaking record for 2024

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
January 29, 2024

Northeastern recorded yet another record-breaking number of undergraduate applicants for the 2024-25 academic year, receiving 98,373 applications for fall 2024, according to a Northeastern Global News,...

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George Matthews, the former chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees. The Northeastern alum, who died Jan. 11, was well known for being the namesake of Matthews Arena, among other achievements. Photo courtesy Northeastern University archives.

George Matthews, namesake of Matthews Arena, remembered as devoted Northeastern alum, successful entrepreneur

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
January 17, 2024

George Matthews, former chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees and namesake of the historic Matthews Arena, died Jan. 11, according to a Northeastern Global News, or NGN, article. He was 93. Matthews...

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Audience members listen as Imari K. Paris Jeffries and Richard Harris moderate a conversation celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 11. The discussion touched on topics such as expanding inclusivity efforts in the city and the importance of The Embrace and similar memorials.

[Photo] ‘A Tribute to the Dream’: Northeastern celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through community conversation

Lily Webber, news staff
January 16, 2024

Shaleeca Joseph plays the piano for the audience. Songs from Black artists were featured during the commemoration.

Yellow caution tape blocks off St. Stephen Street and Gainsborough Street. After the explosion, an alert was sent instructing people to avoid the area.

[Photo] Manhole fire causes explosion on St. Stephen Street

Erin Fine, news staff
January 10, 2024

Yellow caution tape blocks off St. Stephen Street and Gainsborough Street. After the explosion, an alert was sent instructing people to avoid the area.

The Latinx Student Cultural Center stands at 104 Forsyth St. Some students have expressed concern that the name of the center is not inclusive toward all Latino and Hispanic individuals.

Students weigh in on inclusive name for Latinx Student Cultural Center

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
December 27, 2023

The Latinx Student Cultural Center is a place “focused on providing an environment and space that is inclusive and enriching for all,” according to the mission statement on its website. However, some...

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The Cabot Center, where the Northeastern track and field team trains, stands on Huntington Avenue. A former Northeastern track and field coach was charged Tuesday on accusations related to a nude photo scheme.

Former Northeastern track and field coach pleads guilty to tricking women in nude photo scheme

Val O’Neill, news staff
November 21, 2023

Former Northeastern track and field coach Steve Waithe pleaded guilty in a Boston federal court Tuesday to charges involving a scheme to steal nude photos from the cell phones of female student-athletes....

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Graduates pose for a picture after receiving their alumni pins. The university will hold its annual commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 at Fenway Park for the fourth year in a row this spring.

Northeastern commencement set to take place at Fenway Park for class of 2024

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
October 28, 2023

The university will hold its annual commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 at the legendary Fenway Park for the fourth year in a row this spring, according to an article published Thursday by Northeastern...

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Marino Recreation Center on Huntington Avenue. Marino will close during Summer 1 for renovations. a school-wide email announced Wednesday.

Marino set to close for Summer 1 semester; students granted free access to YMCA

Val O’Neill, deputy campus editor
May 3, 2023

The Marino Recreation Center will close for renovations starting May 8 until the end of Summer 1, with a plan to fully reopen at the beginning of the Fall 2023 semester, according to an email sent to students...

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NU alumni reflect on Boston Marathon bombing 10 years later

NU alumni reflect on Boston Marathon bombing 10 years later

Val O’Neill and Juliette Piovoso
April 16, 2023

It was April 15, 2013. Thousands of runners sprinted down Boylston Street during the Boston Marathon on Patriots Day, usually a lively celebration in the city of Boston.  At 2:49 p.m., everything...

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Members of EMPOWER pose in front of a mirror for a group photo. The club was founded in January 2022 as an inclusive community for women to feel comfortable and confident while weightlifting. Photo courtesy EMPOWER.

Women’s weightlifting club makes lifting more approachable

Val O’Neill, news staff
April 3, 2023

Climbing up the stairs of Marino Recreation Center to the weightlifting floor can be daunting, especially for women at Northeastern. However, a new club on campus is working persistently to make it seem...

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Bisexual women on campus struggle with acceptance and support from community

Bisexual women on campus struggle with acceptance and support from community

Val O’Neill, news staff
April 1, 2023

This past November, Emily O’Brien met her now boyfriend. When O’Brien, a second-year English and journalism combined major at Northeastern, excitedly went to tell her all-queer friend group the good...

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