SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta student Liana Walton, of Clifton Park, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "House of Consignment Internship." Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship at House of Consignment, I gained hands-on experience in the retail and consignment industry. Under the guidance of owner Kirsty Roefs, I learned about the consigning process, customer service, merchandising, and day-to-day retail operations. I was given creative freedom to design eye-catching seasonal and holiday displays, plan and create social media content, and help manage the sales floor," said Walton, who is majoring in Fashion and Textiles. "During my internship at House of Consignment, I was involved in many aspects of daily retail operations and visual merchandising. I created seasonal displays for holidays and events including St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and other promotions to help attract customers and showcase inventory. I also photographed racks of clothing daily, carefully capturing each garment for the store's website and online shoppers. In addition, I created social media content to promote new arrivals and seasonal pieces, assisted customers, and helped manage and organize the sales floor to maintain an inviting shopping environment. "During my internship at House of Consignment, I learned about the consigning process and how inventory is evaluated, priced, organized, and prepared for sale. I gained hands-on experience in visual merchandising by creating displays that were both visually appealing and effective in attracting customers. I also learned how important social media and online presentation are in the retail industry through photographing clothing and creating promotional content. This experience strengthened my communication, creativity, organization, and customer service skills while giving me a better understanding of the fashion and retail business. "Since completing this internship, I plan to continue developing my skills in the fashion industry through future internships and hands-on experiences. I will continue my education at Fashion Institute of Technology, where I will earn an Associate's degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications through the 3+1 program with SUNY Oneonta. In May 2027, I will graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising from SUNY Oneonta as well as an Associate's degree from FIT. After graduation, I hope to begin a professional career in the luxury fashion industry, where I can combine my interests in fashion, marketing, merchandising, and brand development." Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase. SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

Four SUNY Oneonta students served as Peer Leaders for the "Female Athlete Body Project," a body image and food-as-fuel workshop for student-athletes. Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, students Amelia Cataldo, Tarryn Herman, Anna Kern and Arionna Day worked with the SUNY Oneonta swim team and women's tennis team to highlight the importance of body positivity and body acceptance, geared toward an athlete perspective. The goal of the program was to help athletes view their bodies as tools for success in their sport and to see food as fuel. The peer leaders ran a series of three workshops to present information, hold discussions, provide resources and handouts, and then worked with one team at a time to support the nutrition and body image needs, giving a practical approach to the importance of body acceptance for athletes. "Our student-athlete peer leaders have taken on additional leadership roles within the Body Project Program to support a population that often needs more guidance and resources around nutrition and body positivity-student athletes," said Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences Katherine Griffes. "These peer leaders have really taken the lead in additional training and preparation to present their athlete peers with education and hands-on practice in body positivity and healthy nutrition practices, seeing food as fuel." The program builds on research funded by the Student Grant Program for Research and Creative Activity from spring 2024, when students conducted a campus-wide needs assessment. In response, The Body Project was launched during the 2024-2025 academic year to address the concerns through peer-led workshops to challenge harmful appearance ideals and encourage healthier attitudes.

Eighteen SUNY Oneonta students participated in the Oneonta Future Alumni Network program during the spring 2026 semester. The Oneonta Future Alumni Network offers students a unique opportunity to focus on networking, volunteering and event planning while building valuable connections with alumni and university partners. Members play an active role in event assistance, helping to organize and support a variety of events hosted by the SUNY Oneonta Division of University Advancement. Through their involvement, students can earn service hours and credit for the university's Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program, all while gaining hands-on experience and expanding their professional networks. The Oneonta Future Alumni Network provides a supportive environment for students to develop crucial skills, collaborate with peers, and cultivate lasting relationships with alumni that will benefit their careers post-graduation.

Grayson Boyer, a senior Criminal Justice major from Norwich, NY, has received a Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in fall 2026 at the American College of Greece. He will graduate in December 2026 and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement. He is the second SUNY Oneontarecipient in two years of this competitive award. "Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have consistently placed myself in environments that require responsibility, adaptability and sound decision-making," said Boyer. "As a Criminal Justice major preparing to pursue a career in law enforcement, I have developed strong discipline, attention to detail and the ability to perform under pressure. "In addition to my academic preparation, I participated in a ride-along with the New York State Police, where I observed how officers assess situations and make decisions in real time. This experience challenged me to remain attentive and adaptable in an unfamiliar, high-stakes environment. Similarly, my work as a substitute teacher has strengthened my leadership and communication skills, requiring me to manage classrooms, think quickly and maintain composure in unpredictable situations. "Collectively, these experiences have prepared me to approach studying abroad in Greece with maturity, independence and resilience. I am especially excited to study in Greece, where I can experience a new cultural perspective and better understand how different societies approach law, order and community. The Gilman Scholarship not only provides financial support, but also gives me the opportunity to pursue new and exciting goals that will shape both my academic and professional future." The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a prestigious and competitive U.S. State Department-funded initiative designed to expand American undergraduate students' access to international study and internship opportunities. Named after the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York, the program aims to support students seeking to study abroad, helping them develop the critical language skills, global perspectives and intercultural competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Iota Iota Iota, Delta Beta Chapter, Honor Society during an induction ceremony on May 8. Iota Iota Iota (Triota) is a national honor society dedicated to recognizing and encouraging academic excellence in Women's and Gender Studies. With more than 50 chapters nationwide, the Triota Honor Society strives to maintain the feminist values central to Women's and Gender Studies by encouraging diversity, egalitarianism and a supportive academic environment for all students. SUNY Oneonta students must complete six credit hours in Women's and Gender Studies courses and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to be inducted into the Triota Honor Society.

Eight students received awards from the History Department for achievement in various areas of academic, service and subject-matter excellence. Justice Tinker received the Sam Caplen Service Award for outstanding service to the History Department and to fellow students. Christopher Curtin received the Ethel Ray & Ada Crippen American History Award for excellence in American History. Jonathan Hernandez and Maria Lopez received the Ralph Watkins Award for a History major who exemplifies dedication to the values of academic excellence and diversity in honor of Dr. Ralph Watkins, a former professor of African American history. Austin Alsante received the Redfield European History Award for excellence in European History. Lily McArdle received the World History Award for excellence in World History. Luca Montana received the Michael Wright Memorial Book Award for demonstrating high achievement in coursework and for participation in history-related activities outside the classroom. Alexander LaFalce-Dooling was presented with the History Department's Academic Achievement Award for being an outstanding senior in History based on overall average, achievements, excellence in research, leadership, and involvement in department, campus and community service.

SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for attaining platinum-level leadership milestones in the spring 2026 semester through the university's Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program. LEAD@Oneonta is a comprehensive leadership program based on current research and guidelines from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. All students can choose to participate in the LEAD program, which aims to better prepare them for life after earning their degree by providing a comprehensive picture of leadership and the skills needed to be a good leader. Students can attain a silver, gold or platinum level. To reach each level, students must meet a mix of programmatic and experiential leadership requirements, including completion of online courses, attendance at educational events, and membership and leadership in one or more of SUNY Oneonta's 100+ student-run clubs and organizations. Completing a leadership level is recognized on campus as a credential that can be used, for example, when running for office or applying for STEP (Student Travel for Excellence Program) funding. The program also provides students with a leadership record that can be submitted to potential employers.

The SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department presented "A Day in Hollywood / A Night in Ukraine" in a double feature performance for its end-of-the-year production. "A Day in Hollywood / A Night in Ukraine" are two one-act plays that make up the two Tony Award-winning musical comedy. With music by Frank Lazarus and book and lyrics by Dick Vosburg, "A Day in Hollywood / A Night in Ukraine" debuted on Broadway in the fall of 1980 with two distinct yet complementary performances, directed and choreographed by American actor and dancer Tommy Tune. "A Day in Hollywood" is a musical revue and salute to the Golden Age of film musicals, highlighting music from the 1930s and is about ushers at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. "A Night in Ukraine" is a Marx Brothers-style farce based on Anton Chekhov's "The Bear." Together, the musical comedy is known for its blend of original songs and classic film music. "I chose this script years ago as an experiment," said Professor of Theatre, Dramatic Literature and Acting John McCaslin-Doyle. "When I worked as a producer for a summer stock company, the performers that were offered the most in their contracts could sell songs (especially from the American "Tin Pan Alley" Songbook), dance in a variety of styles (especially tap), and are willing not to take themselves too seriously. This project fits that bill!" Directed by McCaslin-Doyle, "A Day in Hollywood / A Night in Ukraine" is a joint performance made possible by the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department's faculty and staff and students from the Mask and Hammer Theatre Club. Cast and crew began working on the production in February and the show was cast in November 2025. "I also chose this script because it has become more difficult to find students with a common 'cultural literacy,'" said McCaslin-Doyle. "Some have not seen Star Wars, know who Bob Hope was, or The Wizard of Oz."

Daniela Mendez-Rodriguez, of Fulton, NY, has been elected to serve as the honorary Student Director for the SUNY Oneonta Foundation. Mendez-Rodriguez is a junior majoring in Business Administration and is expected to graduate in December 2027. "By raising and administering funds such as grants and gifts, the Foundation is able to support student programs, scholarships and academic experiences," said Mendez-Rodriguez. "As Student Director, I will advocate for the student body to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed." Through generous donations and gifts, the Foundation supports affordable access to high-quality academic experiences for students at SUNY Oneonta. Alumni and friends are engaged through the Foundation to identify and promote programs that enhance students' college experiences and long-term goals. "I want to express my gratitude to Nancy Pierce, Paul Adamo, Moreland Murray and all the board members for electing me. A special thanks to Pathy Leiva for recommending me and for believing in my capabilities to excel as Student Director," said Mendez-Rodriguez. "I am eager to begin this new role and be able to further the mission of the University Foundation!"

The Personal Finance Achievement Award is given to students through the SUNY Oneonta financial wellness program, Making Cent$. Making Cent$ staff, interns and volunteers put together numerous events and activities that help students improve their financial literacy. Students participating in Making Cent$ earn credit for Making InCENTive$, which leads them to the Personal Finance Achievement Award. This award recognizes a student's dedication to improving financial literacy by completing core activities in six personal finance categories and continually participating in the program. After finishing the Making InCENTive$ path, students complete an exit interview during their final semester to help improve the Making Cent$ program, earn their Personal Finance Achievement Award in receive a Making Cent$ graduation cord.

A student-produced podcast examining the global banana industry and its human impact has earned national recognition for five SUNY Oneonta students. "it all started with bananas," a podcast created by Leonella Abreu Garcia, Yanelyse Cruz, Hayley Garabitos, Katie Goris and Emily McDougall, received an honorable mention in the fifth annual NPR College Podcast Challenge. The competition drew approximately 200 entries from students in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Ten finalists and 35 honorable mentions were selected. Over six months, the student team, made up of Exercise Science, Anthropology, Psychology, and Human Development and Family Studies majors, conducted background research before traveling to the Dominican Republic for a 13-day field reporting trip, accompanied by Philosophy Adjunct Professor Daniel Patrone. Students interviewed farmers, scientists, trade officials and community members, while collecting audio and visual materials to support the final production, as they investigated plant disease and farming practices in the banana industry. Their reporting takes listeners to the Dominican Republic, where the story expands beyond agriculture to explore colonialism, economic inequality and community resilience. Full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news/students-win-npr-award-podcast-competition

Ten SUNY Oneonta students flew to New Orleans for a hands-on learning experience in wetlands restoration, continuing a conservation service-learning tradition of the Geography and Environmental Sustainability (GES) department. Volunteering with organizations Common Ground Relief, Glass Half Full, Glassroots and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Red Dragons donned boots and gloves as they collected trash and glass, weeded, and planted and potted trees in the wetlands. The trip is part of the Disaster Geographies course taught by Associate Professor Wendy Lascell, who accompanied the students and was joined by Sustainability Coordinator and GES adjunct instructor Rachel Kornhauser and GES Assistant Professor Bryan Collins. Full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news/disaster-geographies-students-aid-nola-wetlands-restoration

Five SUNY Oneonta students volunteered as yoga instructors during an eight-week EDD Adaptive Sports class during the spring 2026 semester. The class, held in the Alumni Field House dance studio on campus, and students helped weekly with set up, breakdown and supporting the athletes. "I greatly enjoyed watching the athletes interact with the students," said Dr. Katherine Christison, assistant professor of exercise science and the class instructor. "Watching and mirroring the students' poses helped the athletes feel comfortable and confident with their own skills."

Martina Ibrahim, of Malverne, NY, has been selected as the Spiritual Wellness Ambassador within the Office of Student Experience at SUNY Oneonta for the 2025-26 academic year as part of the Empire State Service Corps cohort. In this role, Ibrahim supports the holistic well-being of students through spirituality, religious literacy and personal growth. She manages the Interfaith Prayer and Reflection Space, assists the Interfaith Student Council and researches best practices for spiritual wellness on college campuses. Beyond these responsibilities, Ibrahim serves as Vice President of the Interfaith Council and emphasizes writing and crafting as practices that promote personal and spiritual well-being.

One hundred ninety-six SUNY Oneonta students completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree following the fall 2025 semester. Graduates were honored and recognized during the Fall Commencement, held Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House. The day before commencement, seniors took part in the Pass Through the Pillars tradition. With friends, family, faculty and staff cheering them on, seniors walked through the pillars a final time, representing the end of their Oneonta journey and transition into the alumni family.

Three hundred and twenty-one SUNY Oneonta students earned Provost's List honors for the fall 2025 semester. To qualify for the Provost's List, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

One thousand two hundred ninety-nine SUNY Oneonta students earned Dean's List honors for the fall 2025 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

SUNY Oneonta awarded $31,100 in grant funding to support 38 students pursuing internships during the fall 2025 semester. The grant program aims to make internship experiences more accessible by helping defray costs such as transportation, living expenses, technology, etc. Any student who plans to complete an internship for academic credit can apply for a grant of up to $3,000 through SUNY Oneonta's Career Planning and Networking Center, which also provides career counseling and helps students find and secure internships in their fields of study. SUNY Oneonta is committed to helping students pursue experiential learning opportunities that allow them to explore their field of interest while gaining valuable experience to prepare for life after graduation. Internships are among the many real-world learning opportunities students can secure through the university's Experiential Learning Center. In addition to providing financial support to students pursuing internships, SUNY Oneonta awards more than $100,000 annually in student grants for research and travel to professional conferences and has 23 different scholarships for students who study abroad or participate in faculty-led trips.

Twenty-four SUNY Oneonta students are studying abroad during the fall 2025 semester through programs offered by the university. SUNY Oneonta offers summer and semester programs through study abroad and exchange with international partner universities, and many short-term faculty-led programs through the Office of Global Education (OGE). Of the available programs, these students are studying abroad at the American College of Greece in Greece, Seinan Gakuin University and Tokyo Metropolitan University in Japan, Hanze Univ. of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, Ludwigsburg University in Germany, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea, Instituto Lorenzo de' Medici and Florence University of the Arts in Italy, University of Albany in Valencia (AIP), University of Barcelona and University of Granada in Spain, University of Westminster, Leeds University and Manchester Metropolitan in the United Kingdom and Universite de la Rochelle in France. Eleven students received scholarships from SUNY Oneonta to study abroad, including the Bill & Khuki Woolever Scholarship, Caroline Turner '53 Study Abroad Scholarship, Carrie Krumholtz-Liebman '92 Scholarship AND Klaritch Family International Education Scholarship, College at Oneonta Foundation 30th Anniversary Scholarship, David '77 and Nancy Frick Global Connections Scholarship, David Daly '82 & Arthur Dauria Scholarship for International Travel, Dr. Warren & Mrs. Rita Wellman Scholarship for Study Abroad, Gary '71 and Pamela '73 Tutty Study Abroad Scholarship and Nancy E. Wolters Endowed Scholarship. More than 20 scholarships were established by the SUNY Oneonta Foundation to provide support for students who might otherwise not have the financial means to study abroad. Scholarships are made possible through gifts from alumni, faculty, staff and community members, and are awarded each semester to qualifying students.

Thirty-five students were elected to serve in Student Association positions for the 2025-2026 academic year at SUNY Oneonta. The Student Association serves as the liaison between the administration, faculty and students. Elected students sit on external committees where they voice student input on decisions that affect the campus community. The Student Association of SUNY Oneonta is dedicated to fostering and maintaining meaningful relationships between students, faculty and administration to be effective in advocating for and allocating resources towards bettering the well-being of the student body. The Student Association strives to promote an inclusive, academic and social experience that encourages student growth and participation by advancing advocacy, transparency and communication between the branches of the Student Association, the broader Oneonta community and the collective student body.

This summer, SUNY Oneonta's sunny, quiet campus quad was filled with the buzz of 145 accepted students arriving early to learn what to expect as new first-year students. But this was no tour, these students moved into the residence halls for four weeks. Designed to make the huge transition to college a little less intimidating, the AOP (Access and Opportunity Program) Summer Academy has been welcoming new students since the 1990s. From morning to night, the students' days are designed to familiarize them with collegiate academic and social expectations, school policies, student services and learning resources at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the week, there were presentations and tours of departments including Financial Aid, Counseling, Academic Advisement, Career Planning & Networking, Global Education and Student Accounts. Students were able to ask questions about internships, studying abroad and course selections. See the full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news/summer-academy-students-learn-secrets-success

Sixty-seven recent SUNY Oneonta alumni are continuing their education at the university through graduate programs after earning their bachelor's degree in December 2024, May 2025 or August 2025. These students began their graduate studies at the start of the summer 2025 term or will begin in the fall 2025 semester. SUNY Oneonta offers 14 graduate programs that are in person, online or a mix. Students can enroll in master's degree or certificate programs that include Biology, Lake Management, Museum Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Literacy Education, Educational Technology, School Counseling and Special Education. SUNY Oneonta's graduate programs frequently receive external recognition for quality, affordability and career outcomes, including: No. 114 on U.S. News and World Report's 2025 list of the nation's "Best Online Master's in Education Programs." No. 1 on Intelligent.com's list of the "Best Online Master's in Reading and Literacy Programs of 2025." No. 11 on TheEdAdvocate.org's list of "2023 Best Online Master's In Reading Education Programs" in the country. No. 2 in the nation on the OnlineMastersDegrees.org list of "Top Nutrition Master's Programs Online for 2024." No. 3 in the nation on EduMed.org's 2024-25 list of "Best Online Nutrition Master's Degrees." No. 7 in the nation on OnlineU's "2025 Best Master's Degrees in Nutrition Online." In addition to highly competitive tuition rates and graduate student scholarships, many programs offer Graduate and Teaching Assistantships, which include tuition waivers or stipends. SUNY Oneonta graduate students develop meaningful relationships with outstanding, accessible faculty who are experts in their fields, experienced, caring teachers and advocates for their students' successes. After completing their degree program, graduates join a network of successful alumni whose experiences at SUNY Oneonta opened new doors, fostered personal and professional growth and enriched their careers.

The SUNY Oneonta Men's and Women's Track & Field teams had five individuals and two relays receive All-SUNYAC honors at the SUNYAC Championships on Feb. 23-24. Senior Aidan Kelly was the SUNYAC Champion in the men's heptathlon. Senior Isabella Fabrizio earned All-Conference in the women's shot put and weight throw, junior Marco Alter in the men's weight throw, senior Jonthomas Bierman in the 800-meter run, and senior Ejim Nnate in the 60-meter hurdles. The Red Dragons won both the men's and women's distance medley relays.

More than 250 SUNY Oneonta students earned Provost's List honors for the fall 2022 semester. To qualify for the Provost's List, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.