SUNY Oneonta

Nine SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) honor society during a ceremony held on Thursday, April 23, in the Morris Conference Center on campus. Alpha Epsilon Delta is the national Health Preprofessional Honor Society. Alpha Epsilon Delta has two kinds of members, designated as either national or affiliate. Affiliate AED membership is available to all students interested in the healthcare professions. To become a national member of AED, students must have an overall GPA of 3.3, a 3.3 GPA in their BCPM (science-related) major, and have completed three semesters of pre-health coursework. Six SUNY Oneonta students were inducted as affiliate members of AED, and three were inducted as national members. For over a century, AED has honored its rich traditions of scholarship, integrity and community while moving forward with new initiatives that make its organization more impactful, inclusive and connected. From expanding national scholarships to enhancing digital tools and collaborative resources, AED ensures every student and chapter has the support needed to thrive.

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.

Eight SUNY Oneonta students received awards in the 2025 Maynard Redfield History Essay competition, an annual event in which students submit essays in several categories to receive a certificate and a $75 check. The 2025 awards were handed out on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The Maynard Redfield History Essay Competition Committee invites students to enter their best history essay for the competition. The committee accepts and evaluates papers of any length submitted in a history course offered at SUNY Oneonta. Each category has a prize winner and an honorable mention. Students may present one essay for consideration in each category: Introductory Course Essay, Short Essay, Long Historiographic Essay and Long Research Essay. Introductory Course Essay submissions must be from a 1000-2000 level History course. Short Essay submissions are anywhere from 1 to 12 pages in length. Both Long Historiographic Essay and Long Research Essay submissions must be at least 13 pages long. The Introductory Course Essay winner was Maggie Reynolds-Rauch for "How Christianity was used in Pre-Emancipation Jamaica to Justify Slavery." The Introductory Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Gabriella Hill for "The "Gentle Pirate" and the Villain of the Seas." The Short Essay winner was Luke Cellucci for "Huey Long: Populist Reaction to the New Deal." The Short Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Amanda Saunders for "The Sound of Resistance: Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" and the Birth of Modern Protest Music." The Long Historiographic Essay winners were Gregory Garra for "The Historical Shaping of the American Frontier: Finding the Truth in the Fog of Fiction" and Logan Rogers for "The Historiography of 20th Century Urban Planning." The Long Research Essay winner was Alexander LaFalce-Dooling for "Far From the Climate in Which You Were Born: A History of the Role of Writing in "Emigre Communities of the French and Russian Resistance." The Long Research Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Luca Montana for "A Pen in One Hand and an ArmaLite in the Other: How Bobby Sands' Writing Revealed the Trauma of Irish Paramilitary." Prizes were made possible by the Maynard Redfield Fund. Dr. Redfield, a former professor in the History department, became the benefactor to present and future members of the department by establishing a fund, through a generous bequest, that facilitates faculty scholarship; many conference papers and publications have grown out of grants from the Redfield Fund. The Maynard Redfield History Essay Competition for undergraduate students also benefits from Dr. Redfield's generous donation and is named after him.

Ten SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta honor society during a ceremony held on Wednesday, April 22, in the Morris Conference Center on campus. Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in History to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.1 in History and a GPA of 3.0 or better overall. Students enrolled in an online program are not eligible, and membership is not limited to History majors. All members of the honor society are inducted through the local Phi Alpha Theta chapter at their respective college or university. Phi Alpha Theta is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society has over 350,000 members, with about 9,500 new members joining each year through 860 local chapters. Phi Alpha Theta was established on March 17, 1921, at the University of Arkansas by Professor Nels Cleven. Cleven had become convinced in his time at the university that a fraternity of scholars (which would accept men or women) was important for the study of history. He invited students to a meeting to form the society (then called the "University Historical Society") on March 14, and the society was officially recognized on March 17. In April, the decision was made for the society to be known by the Greek letters Phi Alpha Theta.

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."

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.

SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for attaining gold-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.

Three SUNY Oneonta students co-created an exhibition titled "Change is the Only Constant" that was on display in the campus's Project Space Gallery through May 9. Created by students Tessa DeLisio, Anjali Malcomson and Sidney Rabeck, each student contributed unique pieces representing a semi-chronological cycle of life. "As artists, we capture moments that help us carry pieces of our lives with us," said SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery Director Sarah Simpson. "We experiment with time, asking questions like: "How long can this stay? How will it change?" This mixed media exhibition explores these questions and the cyclical nature of our lives through time-based media, narrative prints, and symbolic ceramics and sculptures, asking viewers to reinterpret their relationship with time, change, and the expected and unexpected events that tie us all together. The reception will also include a collaborative and communal element in the form of an interactive cyanotype that will record personal objects brought and temporarily shared at the event."

SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for attaining silver-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.

Seven SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Omicron Delta Epsilon honor society on Wednesday, May 6, during an induction ceremony held in Morris Hall on campus. Omicron Delta Epsilon is an international economics honor society with 717 chapters located in 11 countries. It is one of the world's largest academic honor societies. To become a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, SUNY Oneonta undergraduate students must complete 12 credit hours of economics courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 overall and in economics courses and have a B in an economics honors program (if the chapter's college or university offers it). Graduate students must complete one semester of full-time work with a major or minor in economics and have a 3.0 GPA.

The SUNY Oneonta 2026 Juried Student Show features over 90 works by nearly 70 talented student artists. The exhibition was on display in the university's Martin-Mullen Art Gallery on campus until May 2. Featured artwork includes pieces submitted by students and juried by full-time Art faculty, and artworks preselected by the full-time and part-time faculty. The Juried Student Show highlights the different mediums and themes students explore over the academic year. This year's offerings include prints, 3D models, clay sculptures, digital designs, photographs, drawings and mixed media. SUNY Oneonta Digital and Studio Art rising senior Mulue Legesse designed the show's poster. Winners of the following special awards were announced: Jean Parish Art on Campus Award, Excellence in New Media Award, Golden Artist Colors Inc. Award and the Martin-Mullen Creativity Award. Faculty Emerita Jean Parish enjoyed a lengthy teaching career at SUNY Oneonta, leaving behind a gift to provide financial assistance to students studying art. One of the two endowed funds she set in place supports the Jean Parish Art on Campus Awards, facilitating the purchase of student work to be displayed on campus. Excellence in New Media is a new award celebrating the work of students who excel in newer and non-traditional art practices. A permanent virtual gallery space to display the digital art that is purchased through this award is being built, mirroring the beautiful examples of physical art purchased for display across campus through Jean Parish. Golden Artist Colors is an artist materials manufacturer founded in 1980 and is dedicated to creating and sharing the most imaginative and innovative tools of color, line and texture for inspiring those who turn their vision into reality. They have graciously shared gift certificates for the Golden Artist Colors Inc. Awards. The Martin-Mullen Art Gallery and Martin-Mullen Creativity Awards are named after two previous faculty members, Minnie Martin and James Mullen. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 50 SUNY Oneonta students received an Academic Achievement Award on May 1, 2026, during the 38th annual recognition reception on campus. Each academic department selects one to three students who stand out among their peers in their major to receive this award. Undergraduate Academic Achievement Awards recognize exceptional seniors after reviewing their scholarly accomplishments. To be eligible for an Academic Achievement Award, seniors need a 3.5 GPA in their major. Faculty nominate students in their department at SUNY Oneonta based on further academic or professional pursuits and a demonstration of leadership on and off campus. Graduate Academic Achievement Awards recognize academic performance, leadership and excellence in scholarship. Awards are made to post-baccalaureate students at SUNY Oneonta, whether they do most of their work on campus or through a distance-learning format. Awardees may excel in various areas, including exemplary work on a thesis or other capstone project, leadership and involvement in department, campus or community activities, or exceptional academic or professional performance in the classroom and beyond.

Thirty-two SUNY Oneonta fashion students brought their creative and design talents to fruition at the campus's annual Spring Fashion Show on April 25. Titled "Rococo Revival," this year's show featured works created by students from a variety of majors that included Fashion & Textiles, Family & Consumer Sciences Education, Communication Studies, Early Childhood Education, and Psychology. Rococo Revival is a 19th-century design movement inspired by 18th-century French Rococo, known for ornate, asymmetrical details, curved forms and a sense of luxury and romance. Emphasizing whimsy and elegance, the style was originally popular in Victorian homes with wood-carved furniture, pastel colors, gilded accents and floral motifs. Rococo Revival has experienced a modern resurgence through "coquette" aesthetics, influenced by romantic media and a shift away from minimalism. The Student Fashion Show at SUNY Oneonta is a cornerstone event organized by the Student Fashion Society (SFS), showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of students in the Fashion and Textiles program as well as other students with fashion interests. This highly anticipated event has been a campus tradition for over 25 years, drawing large audiences to celebrate student-designed collections. The fashion show features original clothing lines designed, constructed and modeled by students. Collections are presented on a runway, often set up in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House, with themes ranging from "Whispers of the Cosmos: Ethereal Elegance" to "Life's a Circus." A panel of judges evaluates the collections based on criteria such as innovation, craftsmanship, fit, presentation and salability, with awards given to top designers. The SFS manages all aspects of the show, from publicity and logistics to sponsorships and event coordination. This hands-on experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing skills in design, event planning and marketing. The fashion show complements SUNY Oneonta's Fashion and Textiles curriculum, which offers specializations in merchandising and design. Students gain practical experience in areas such as apparel construction, patternmaking and fashion marketing, preparing them for careers in the fashion industry.

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!"

SUNY Oneonta students became Making Cent$ Peer Mentors at the end of the spring 2026 semester. Making Cent$ Peer Mentors are students who have initially started as Making Cent$ Interns. During their time as interns, they train with Making Cent$ staff members to learn information that will help them improve their proficiency in financial literacy and help the students around them with financial topics. As interns, these students help complete tasks to keep the Making Cent$ Program running. They also act as a connection to the student community and provide a lot of outreach to their peers. After around a year of training, Making Cent$ Interns take the Making Cent$ Intern Financial Wellness Exam, designed to demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired through their training. After passing this exam and demonstrating their abilities to host different Making Cent$ activities, a Making Cent$ Intern earns the title "Making Cent$ Peer Mentor." Making Cent$ Peer Mentors host one-on-one meetings with students to discuss student loans and help other students create or improve their budgets. They also often become the primary host of activities like Money Personalities. They continue outreach to other students and have a high level of mentorship with newly hired Making Cent$ Interns. Each student started their Making Cent$ Internship in February 2024 and excelled throughout their internship. Daily, they demonstrate a dedication to helping their peers with financial literacy and other aspects of their daily lives.

Molly Eldridge, of Warwick, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Recycling Ambassadorship" at SUNY Oneonta. 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. "I worked with the Office of Sustainability during Freshman Move-In Fall 2025 to help divert waste and sort through recycling. Additionally, we focused on public outreach and education about why recycling is important, and what is actually recyclable," said Eldridge, who is studying Anthropology and History. "As a recycling ambassador, I was responsible for making sure that all of the waste from Move-In was diverted by recycling all cardboard, polystyrene, and (approved) plastic film. We got there before Move-In to meet with a representative from Casella. Casella is the company that is responsible for recycling collection here on campus, and the representative explained to us what their facilities do. We were then trained on what materials are recyclable and which are not. During all days of Freshman Move-In, we worked in teams, making sure that we were present at each Freshman building for a portion of the day. We would roam the halls and grab waste, and then sort it in the lobby, making sure to inform families about what we were doing and why recycling is important. "I learned that there are certain plastics that can be recycled, and some that cannot. How I explained this to people, and what I learned, is that if you can poke your finger through it, it can be recycled as plastic film. Additionally, I learned that while normally polystyrene cannot be recycled, Casella had a service that would specially recycle polystyrene from Move-In. The whole experience was eye-opening to how much waste is produced during Move-In. "Ever since my Recycling Ambassador experience, I now focus on how I can be more conscious of my own waste production. I try to educate my friends on which plastics can and cannot be recycled. I will continue to be a part of the Office of Sustainability as an Eco Ambassador, and use my knowledge of this recycling experience to be a leader on recycling-based activities." 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.

Arionna Day, of Ilion, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "The Environmental Public Health and Safety Initiative (EPHSI) Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. 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, I gained hands-on experience supporting free community well water testing, coordinating with residents, and assisting with environmental data collection and reporting. This safety initiative has helped me strengthen my communication, organization and public health outreach skills while working in a community-focused setting," said Day, who is studying Geology. "My responsibilities in the EPHSI program included coordinating and communicating with residents, assisting with onsite water sample collection, and accurately recording field data. I also helped develop draft laboratory reports that explained water chemistry results and potential contaminants in an accessible way. Additionally, I contributed to public outreach efforts, helping to organize tabling events, create flyers and build connections among our community members. "Through this project, I learned how environmental science and public health intersect to support community wellbeing. I have gained a stronger background in private well water systems, common contaminants, and the importance of data collection and analysis. The experience also taught me how to effectively communicate scientific information to nontechnical audiences in a clear and respectful way. I also learned the value of community engagement and collaboration, and just how meaningful those community connections are. "Following this project, I plan to continue building on the skills I developed in community engagement, data collection, and science communication. I am currently pursuing additional opportunities related to public health and plan to stay involved within the EPHSI program throughout the rest of my undergraduate education. This experience has truly reinforced my interest in work that connects scientific research with community impact." 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.

Fourteen SUNY Oneonta students participated in the 2026 National Model United Nations conference in New York City from April 6-10, continuing a 21-year tradition of Political Science students. This year, SUNY Oneonta students represented Venezuela. The National Model United Nations (NMUN) is a non-governmental organization formally associated with the United Nations that began at Syracuse University in 1927. Since 2005, SUNY Oneonta political science majors have learned about global issues and the United Nations through a Model United Nations course that culminates in a trip to the NMUN Conference in New York City, where students have the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world. More than 250 colleges and universities globally participated in the 2026 NMUN conference, each representing a different country. Each nation's delegates join committees focusing on issues such as environmental impact, atomic energy, human rights and peacebuilding. Before the conference, students prepare for the Model UN by researching and learning about their committee's topics.

Three SUNY Oneonta students have been named 2026 recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Rudy Hess, Isabella Harnett and Ellie (Elisabeth) Vogl were among a select group of State University of New York students recognized by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. during a reception in their honor in Albany on Monday, April 27. All three students are members of the Class of 2026. The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, or CASE, is the highest honor that SUNY bestows upon students. It is presented annually to SUNY students who demonstrate academic excellence and integrate it with accomplishments in other areas, such as leadership, campus involvement, community service and the arts. "We are incredibly proud of Rudy, Ellie and Isabella and the impact they've made at SUNY Oneonta," said President Alberto Cardelle. "Through their research, leadership and commitment to service, they represent the very best of our community and its future. Their achievements in the classroom and far beyond are just the beginning of the difference they will make in the world.

Eighty-two students were recognized with awards at the 2026 Kente Graduation ceremony at SUNY Oneonta. The ceremony took place on campus in the Hunt Union Ballroom on April 23. Sponsored by the Department of Africana and Latinx Studies and the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence (CRJIE), the annual ceremony recognizes the achievements of SUNY Oneonta's diverse student population of African-American, Latinx, Asian and Native American (AALANA) students and non-AALANA students and allies.

Nine SUNY Oneonta students received awards from the Department of Sociology, Human Services and Criminal Studies on April 24. Department awards are decided by faculty vote, selecting a student in each major and concentration based on their overall academic performance in and outside of the classroom. "Department Awards for High Academic Achievement" were awarded to Justice Tinker, Kesler Nichols and Abby Stevens. "Students of Distinction" were awarded to Nina Creta, Langston Lamitie, Samantha Ayotte, Marco Interlandi, Sofia Borrello and Kaitlin Elmore.

Twenty-six SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society on Friday, April 24, during an induction ceremony held in Otsego Grille on campus. Beta Gamma Sigma is an international business honor society with over 830,000 members and 600 chapters throughout more than 190 countries worldwide. This is the highest recognition a student anywhere in the world can receive in an undergraduate program at a school accredited by AACSB-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students in the top 10% of baccalaureate and top 20% of graduate programs are eligible for this invitation.

Seven SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society on April 24 during an induction ceremony on campus. Membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society, is for students majoring in Sociology and Criminal Justice who have maintained a record of high academic achievement. Requirements include having junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.3.

Fifteen students hosted the 30th annual SUNY Oneonta Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, held on campus April 17 and 18. Since its founding, the SUNY Oneonta Undergraduate Philosophy Conference has been planned, organized and run entirely by Oneonta students dedicated to showcasing the finest undergraduate work and engaging in all areas of philosophical discourse. This year's conference brought together 23 student presenters from colleges and universities in 12 states, including Brown University, Tufts University and the University of Hawaii. The 30th annual conference featured a keynote address titled "What is a Cocktail? (Wrong Answers Only)" by Dr. Neil E. Williams, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Buffalo. In celebration of the conference's 30th anniversary, the keynote was preceded by an Alumni Recognition Dinner, featuring remarks on the conference's history by Dr. Michael Koch, Associate Professor of Philosophy at SUNY Oneonta. The success of the conference was made possible by the student-run Philosophy Club, the Philosophy Department, the SUNY Oneonta Student Association, faculty and staff, student presenters and discussants, and the support and participation of all conference attendees.

Eight SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta honor society on Saturday, April 18, at College Camp. Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. A member of the Association of College Honor Societies, it was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. To be inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, students must have a 3.5 GPA in the English major and a 3.0 GPA overall. The honor society strives to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies; provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language and writing; promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and serve society by fostering literacy. Sigma Tau Delta is the proud sponsor of the National English Honor Society (NEHS). NEHS serves students and faculty in high schools throughout the country and provides outreach to thousands of students and faculty who share a commitment to excellence in English language arts. The honor society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), the nation's only certifying agency for college and university honor societies. With more than 750 active chapters located in Europe, the Caribbean and the United States, there are more than 1,000 faculty sponsors, and approximately 8,500 members inducted annually.

Two SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma, the Physics and Astronomy Honor Society, on Saturday, April 25, during the Physics & Astronomy's Spring 2026 Recognition and Awards picnic ceremony held at College Camp. Undergraduate candidates must have completed at least three semesters of full-time college work and at least three semester courses in physics and astronomy that can be credited toward a physics and astronomy major. Sigma Pi Sigma exists to honor outstanding scholarship in physics and astronomy, to encourage interest in physics and astronomy among students at all levels, to promote an attitude of service, and to provide a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics and astronomy. Founded in 1921, Sigma Pi Sigma is a member honor society of the Association of College Honor Societies. Election to Sigma Pi Sigma is a lifetime membership. A local charter was granted to the university in 1975. These students join an elite group of students from SUNY Oneonta's Physics and Astronomy program who have accepted Sigma Pi Sigma's invitation and its vast network of over 100,000 scientists, educators and advocates.

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.

Sixty-four first-generation SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Alpha Alpha Alpha national honor society during a ceremony on campus on April 18, 2026. Alpha Alpha Alpha, known as Tri-Alpha for short, was founded in 2018 to recognize and celebrate the hard work and academic success of first-generation university students. This was the fourth class of SUNY Oneonta students to be inducted into the national honor society. Students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria: The student has earned at least 30 credits/semester hours in the academic year toward an associate degree or baccalaureate degree; the undergraduate student has achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; and neither of the student's parents, stepparents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's or associate's degree. Additionally, Ashiyha Mcclurrin, Vinnie Gravanda, Shawna Taylor, Karla Nava, Nicole Brybag, Chloe Walsh, Thomas Ragland, Diego Abraham and Keith Jones were among the nine SUNY Oneonta faculty and staff inducted into the Alpha Alpha Alpha honor society during the ceremony.

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Tau Sigma National Honor Society for the 2025-26 academic year on April 18, 2026. Tau Sigma is designed exclusively for transfer students. The mission of the organization is to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. The minimum academic average required for membership is either a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent thereof) or an academic average that places the prospective candidate in the top 20 percent of all incoming transfer students during their incoming semester.

Heather Sanger, of Smithtown, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Satoyama Revival: Living Sustainably in the 21st C." at SUNY Oneonta. 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. "I traveled abroad to Tokyo, Japan, to the Global Diversity and Sustainability Camp at Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) to study the revival of Satoyama. In the program, we were grouped with other students from Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia to complete a field study at Jike Furusato Village and present our findings," said Sanger, who is studying Communication Studies and Sociology. "Through participating in the program, I was able to assist in the field study and gather information about the sustainable lifestyle of Satoyama. I participated in asking questions to the local residents we interviewed, taking photos, and sharing my findings. We gathered our findings and discussed what opportunities there were to draw more newcomers and tourism into these areas. From further research and understanding of Satoyama in our home countries, we were able to piece together our ideas. We eventually presented our findings, and I was able to talk about the concept of drawing people in from cities and what draws people to Urban areas over Rural areas.. "This project has taught me a lot about how societies maintain population and where people tend to leave. Understanding how to make a community attractive enough for people to choose to settle in these areas is crucial to maintaining a population. A lot of the recent generations are more likely to move to urban areas, because cities tend to be more modern and more appealing. Understanding how living in rural areas can support all of your needs can help people realize that living in these areas is sustainable. "This research project really shaped my future; it has drawn me into the idea of encouraging tourism and building a society that fulfills a person's lifestyle. I decided to lean more into learning about urban planning and, genuinely, how to revive a community. Looking within the community I live in and where I attend college has really increased my interest in these topics. Currently thinking and discussing how to keep college students in town after they graduate." 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.