SUNY Oneonta

Two SUNY Oneonta Physics students reached new heights after spending a week at a NASA facility in June, launching their first rocket into space. Students Ethan Biles and Jack Millen took their education beyond the classroom by joining Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy Joshua Nollenberg at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. Located on Virginia's eastern shore, Wallops is home to NASA's annual RockOn! workshop, an immersive program where college students and faculty collaborate to build scientific instruments, attach them to a rocket and launch the rocket into space. Biles and Millen prepared for RockOn! weeks in advance as part of their Physics summer internship course. While NASA provided everything at the workshop from detailed instructions to hands-on assembly, Nollenberg used the lead-up time to introduce the students to numerical methods for solving physics-based problems. After completing several simulations, the team turned its focus to understanding the rocket's flight trajectory using equations of motion. "We have equations of motion that describe the position and also the angular position in polar coordinates relative to a launch site," said Nollenberg. "What we want to do is find the best trajectory to get into orbit that minimizes the amount of mass that's usedso what we do is develop a Hamiltonian [technique] that gives us a series of cost functions that describe how much cost there is to changes in our position, our angle, our velocity, our angular velocity and also the mass loss." Although RockOn! is limited to just 28 teams, each consisting of two students and one faculty member, college and university groups from across the country compete for a spot in the program. Each team was responsible for assembling scientific instruments housed within a canister, which was then stacked alongside others to form the rocket's internal structure, as provided by NASA. Once complete, a final outer "skin" was added to enclose the stacked canisters and seal the space-bound vehicle. Teams spent the first day, June 20, learning the skills they'd need for the week. They dedicated the next few days to assembly and concluded the week by watching their rocket launch on June 26. "For assembling the components, it was very similar to following a LEGO assembly manual," said Millen. "At the end of each stage, we would await an inspection from the RockOn! Team to ensure we followed all directions correctly and that our components would be 'launch-proof.'" The rocket used for RockOn! was a two-stage Terrier-Improved Orion sounding model, measuring 40 feet in length and capable of traveling at about 1000 meters per second. Sounding rockets are unmanned, suborbital vehicles designed specifically for scientific research. After the rocket touched down, Biles, Millen and Nollenberg recovered their equipment to collect data on pressure, temperature, acceleration, gyroscopic movement, magnetism, humidity and orientation. "My favorite part of the RockOn! experience would be soldering the circuits. I've always had an affinity for electronics and circuitry," said Biles. "The feeling of launching a rocket was breathtaking. The joy you get from seeing your labor in space is something else." Nollenberg selected Biles and Millen to participate in RockOn! based on their strong academic performance, but the program also served as an opportunity for growth. They deepened their understanding of numerical methods, learning to model rocket flight, simulate heat transfer and solve engineering optimization problems. These skills are essential for predicting how their electronics would perform under real-world conditions. While Biles and Millen worked from their strengths, they also developed new problem-solving skills, especially in debugging code. At first, they were surprised by how often errors occurred in longer programs, but they quickly adapted. "They grew a 'weakness' in the sense that they anticipated that they would be spending just a little bit of time debugging," said Nollenberg. "They built up a lot of intuitiveness to hunt down where the mistakes might be in the code when things were working incorrectly. They knew there might be a mistake, and that was okay. You just find a mistake and fix it, and that's something I saw grow a lot during that process." Biles and Millen received funding for their internship course through the Experiential Learning Center and the National Science Foundation. Full story with visuals: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news/physics-students-launch-rocket-nasa-facility

SUNY Oneonta students are getting firsthand experience in their fields of study this summer through research and creative projects on topics ranging from local lake water quality to a paleoanthropology field school abroad. With guidance and support from faculty members, 20 SUNY Oneonta students are involved in a variety of new and continuing research and creative projects on and off campus through the university's Summer Research Fellowship Program. The 2025 Summer Research Fellowship recipients receive financial support from University Advancement's Student Research and Creative Activity Grant Fund, with additional funding from the Office of Alumni Engagement. Students receive grants of up to $3,000 each, with a maximum of $6,000 for two or more students working together on a single project. In addition, students who must remain on campus for their research stay at SUNY Oneonta for free this summer. "The summer fellowships provide students with a great opportunity to do concentrated, in-depth, faculty-led research and creative projects without sacrificing their ability to earn money at a time when so many students are home working summer jobs," said Audrey Porsche, associate director of scholarly activities. The students will share their projects with the campus community during the Summer Research Fellowship Showcase on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Full Story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news/summer-2025-student-research-fellowship-projects

SUNY Oneonta students have taken the world by storm this summer, with nearly 70 embarking on a record number of immersive, international learning adventures. This year, the university offered seven different summertime faculty-led programs (FLPs), which are short-term study abroad opportunities. Lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, FLPs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and often service-learning opportunities. Students get to apply their classroom knowledge in a completely new setting and learn unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. This is the most extensive summer offering SUNY Oneonta has had, and the Office of Global Education hopes to offer seven FLPs again next year. "Faculty-led programs give our students a 'mini study abroad,' if you will, and foster deep academic exploration while enhancing cultural awareness, making the learning experience truly unforgettable," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer so many life-changing opportunities for experiential learning, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

Eighteen SUNY Oneonta students were selected to serve as Dragon Guides for the 2025-2026 academic year. In addition to leading activities for new students and their parents during six daylong summer orientation sessions, Dragon Guides welcome new students into their new community by leading small groups, answering questions about the university and college life, and mentoring new students throughout their first semester. With assistance from the Office of Move-in Orientation, and Welcome Programs and the Office of Student Experience, the Dragon Guides reach out to their mentees throughout their first year at the university to revisit their goals from orientation and offer support on reaching those goals. They also sponsor connection groups for new students to participate in, which will encourage and support engagement.

Six hundred twenty-nine SUNY Oneonta students completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree following the Spring 2025 semester. Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered on campus to celebrate the scholars, athletes, activists, artists and leaders who make up SUNY Oneonta's Class of 2025 during Spring Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 17. The day before commencement, seniors took part in the Pass Through the Pillars tradition. With friends, family and 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.

Two hundred fifteen SUNY Oneonta graduate students completed the requirements for a master's degree, Certificate of Advanced Study or Advanced Graduate Certificate following the Spring 2025 semester. Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered on campus to celebrate the scholars, athletes, activists, artists and leaders who make up SUNY Oneonta's Class of 2025 during Spring Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 17.

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.

More than 1,175 SUNY Oneonta students earned Dean's List honors for the spring 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.

More than 280 SUNY Oneonta students earned Provost's List honors for the spring 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.

Steven Martin ('26) and Joel Zea ('25) were both accepted into the SUNY Pre-Medical Opportunity Program, an enrichment program to aid EOP students from across SUNY in their goals to pursue careers in the health professions. After completing this program, students are more prepared to gain entrance to graduate school or advanced degrees related to health professions. Participants receive modest financial support and attend a summer program, virtual workshops, mentorship meetings and clinical observations.

Daniela Hernandez ('24) and Nicolai Glouchkov ('26) were among just 50 SUNY students statewide to receive the prestigious Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence for 2025. The award recognizes students in the Educational Opportunity Program for demonstrating academic success and perseverance in the face of personal and educational challenges. Hernandez and Glouchkov were part of the 6th class of honorees and were recognized by the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor King at a ceremony in March. The award is named after Norman R. McConney Jr., a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY, who played a critical role in the creation of EOP as a statewide initiative to increase access to higher education for underserved students.

More than 50 SUNY Oneonta students received an Academic Achievement Award on May 7, 2025, during the 37th annual recognition reception on campus. Each academic department chooses one to three students who stand out from the rest of 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.

Miranda Bartels, of Holbrook, NY, became a Making Cent$ Peer Mentor in the spring 2025 semester. Bartels is studying Early Childhood/Childhood Education (B-6) at SUNY Oneonta. 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. Bartels started her Making Cent$ Internship in February 2025 and has excelled throughout her entire internship. Daily, she demonstrates a dedication to helping her peers with financial literacy and other aspects of their lives.

SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle rocked a custom pair of sneakers at Spring Commencement this year, designed and painted by none other than graduating Fashion & Textiles student Colby "Cobe" Aaron. The project was born out of a mentorship between Cobe and alumnus Scott Saltzman, Class of 1986, who is PUMA's national sales manager and returns to campus often to work with fashion students and faculty members. When Associate Professor Sarah Portway learned of Cobe's passion for sneaker design, she connected him with Scott, and the two bonded over their mutual love of kicks. After Cobe gifted Scott with a custom pair, Scott had an idea: To continue to build Cobe's portfolio, why not have him design a custom pair for Dr. Cardelle, who also happens to have a love of cool shoes (and socks!)? Scott gave Cobe a pair of fresh white, leather PUMAs, and Cobe finished the custom Oneonta pair in just four days. President Cardelle proudly wore them onstage Saturday, May 17, turning heads and walking in style. Now that he has graduated, Cobe-originally from Long Island and a transfer from Jefferson Community College-hopes to break into the footwear industry, and already has a solid foothold. "This was a very big opportunity because it was a chance to further connect with Scott and a chance for people to see my work," Cobe said. "And it meant a lot to me that the president actually wore them to graduation."

With a theme of celestial beauty and ethereal design, 30 SUNY Oneonta fashion students brought "Whispers of the Cosmos: Ethereal Elegance" to life on May 3, producing the annual Spring Fashion Show in the Alumni Field House. The annual spring 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. This highly anticipated event has been a campus tradition for over 25 years, drawing large audiences to celebrate student-designed collections. Held each spring, 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 "Cocktail Hour" 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 like apparel construction, pattern making and fashion marketing, preparing them for careers in the fashion industry. The annual Spring Fashion Show highlights student talent and embodies SUNY Oneonta's commitment to experiential learning and community engagement in the fashion industry. The SFS extends its gratitude to the Office of Alumni Engagement for coordinating the Skybox VIP Access experience and to the alumni who attended in support of the Student Fashion Society. Their continued engagement and encouragement serve as a valued source of inspiration for current students.

Four SUNY Oneonta M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics students attended the Annual Meeting & Expo (AME) of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NYSAND), held on Friday, April 25, at Union College in Albany, NY. The AME conference features a range of nutrition and dietetics events, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and poster presentations by students, interns and professionals. Emily Mueller presented research titled "Effectiveness of Postpartum Nutrition Education To Optimize Maternal and Infant Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study." Leah Hamm presented research titled "Assessing the Effectiveness of a Nutrition Education Program in Kindergarten Aged Students." Emily Hoy presented research titled "The Effect of a Tailored Nutrition Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Running Performance in Recreational Runners." Tania Young received the NYSAND award for "Outstanding Dietetic Student."

Three SUNY Oneonta Dietetics students presented research from a yearlong, grant-funded project called "The Body Project" at the Annual Meeting & Expo (AME) of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NYSAND). The conference was held Friday, April 25, at Union College in Albany, NY. The AME conference features a range of nutrition and dietetics events, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and poster presentations by students, interns and professionals. Students Sabrinna Mena, Katie Daniszewski and Brendan Heaney received the Poster Award in recognition of their research and scholarly work. The Body Project is a peer-led body image and eating disorder workshop designed to challenge harmful appearance ideals and promote healthier attitudes. The project was supported by the Student Grant Program for Research and Creative Activity, which is funded by the University Foundation and the SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association, and facilitated by the Senate Committee on Research and the Faculty Center. The project built on earlier research conducted in spring 2024, when students completed a campus-wide needs assessment. The survey found high rates of eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction among SUNY Oneonta students. Sixty percent of respondents showed signs of elevated eating disorder risk, and 42% were at moderate to high risk for compulsive exercise. In a pilot group of seven students, participants completed surveys before and after attending The Body Project workshop. Results showed improvements in eating and exercise behaviors. On average, eating disorder risk scores dropped by more than seven points, and compulsive exercise scores decreased by nearly 2.5 points. These findings suggest The Body Project may be an effective tool for improving body image among SUNY Oneonta students.

Forty-three SUNY Oneonta students traded the classroom for real-world, firsthand experience in motor development through a new program called Developing Red Dragons. During the spring 2025 semester, SUNY Oneonta Exercise Science students gained hands-on experience working with children ages 3-16 as part of a new initiative in their Human Growth and Motor Development course, which builds on the success of the Little Red Dragons program launched in fall 2022. The course focuses on the developmental changes people undergo throughout life. Students explore factors that impact motor development, stages of movement and why individuals grow and develop differently. Developing Red Dragons serves as a precursor to Little Red Dragons, allowing students to observe children in real-world environments before designing their own sports and exercise workshops later in the curriculum. "It's one thing for me to describe how someone with small hands may struggle to use a normal-sized fork, but to see it with their own eyes sinks in the content," said Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Science Katherine Griffes. "One student told me now that anytime he sees his nephew or nieces, he can't help but notice the class concepts because he is used to looking for them. That's a huge win in my book, that students are more aware of the developmental aspects of life that are happening right under our noses all of the time." Read the full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news-events/exercise-science-initiative-connects-campus-and-community

Twenty-one SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College students faced off in a start-up pitch competition that was as much about passion as it was about business acumen. Held in SUNY Oneonta's Morris Conference Center on May 6 and judged by a panel of local business leaders, the inaugural Oneonta-Hartwick Student Start-up Challenge and Pitch Competition marked the first business pitch competition jointly executed by the two institutions. The event drew inspiration from similar competitions that SUNY Oneonta students have participated in both on and off campus, including a global fashion merchandising competition known as ESRAP and a Business Idea Pitch Competition held by SUNY Oneonta's Entrepreneurship Club. The competition drew budding entrepreneurs from a diverse range of disciplines, including Business Administration, Fashion and Textiles, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Communication Studies and Music Industry. Ideas were presented by both solo entrepreneurs and teams of three to four, bringing 21 students together to present 14 different business pitches. Students from both Hartwick and SUNY Oneonta worked on their pitches with faculty through independent course studies, the Entrepreneurship Club and Adam Chaloeicheep, who was the inaugural entrepreneur-in-residence for both institutions. "Entrepreneurship, in my experience, is a powerful bridge: as you grapple with what to build--riding the emotional highs and lows, pivoting and searching for proof that an idea deserves to exist--the road can feel lonely," said Chaloeicheep. "Sharing that journey with peers fuels motivation and mutual support. A joint competition would tighten the bond between our campuses while showing the rest of the state that bright, innovative minds are thriving here. Watching teams from both schools pitch--side by side and head-to-head--captures exactly the collaborative spirit we want to cultivate." Read the full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news-events/oneonta-hartwick-pitch-event-brings-entrepreneurs-together

Twelve SUNY Oneonta students served as Peer Leaders this semester in "The Body Project," a body image and eating disorder workshop developed through a Student Research and Creative Activity (SRCA) grant. The program builds on grant-funded research from spring 2024, when students conducted a campus-wide needs assessment. That survey found high rates of eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction among SUNY Oneonta students. Sixty percent of respondents showed signs of elevated eating disorder risk, and 42% were at moderate to high risk for compulsive exercise. In response, The Body Project was launched to address the concerns through peer-led workshops focused on challenging harmful appearance ideals and encouraging healthier attitudes. Read the full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news-events/suny-oneonta-students-create-peer-led-body-image-workshop

SUNY Oneonta student Jhesenia Ayora of Peekskill, NY, received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for her upcoming study abroad program in Spain during the fall 2025 semester. Ayora is a dual major in Sociology and Spanish and will graduate in December 2025. 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.

This spring, SUNY Oneonta students had the opportunity to work closely and collaborate with interdisciplinary artists Georgia b. Smith and Zelda Smith to explore the intersection of art, technology and narrative during the artists' six-week residency. With SUNY Oneonta as their home base, the duo developed the first iteration of an evolving performance art project that asks: "How do we form our identity as humans?" and investigates the relationships between human bodies and technology, storytelling and artificial intelligence. Bringing together students, faculty and staff from across disciplines-including art, dance, theatre and music-their work culminated in a powerful final performance, "The Uncanny Body," staged inside the Hamblin Theatre. The 20-minute performance incorporated sound, light, movement and sculpture, with the focal point being a large, bone-like wooden "totem," topped with two ceramic structures resembling human lungs. These elements were built and/created using campus studios and spaces. During "The Uncanny Body," six student dancers climbed the movable totem, swaying and turning to an experimental soundtrack. In the background, two large canvases displayed a series of thought-provoking questions, followed by projected, rippling lightworks that were created by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Assistant Professor of Architecture Yael Erel. Zelda and Georgia, who are sisters, were selected as the School of Liberal Arts and Business' Spring 2025 Artists-in-Residence through a competitive process led by Art, Music and Theatre faculty. The joint residency marked a first for the program: two artists working in tandem, merging their distinct backgrounds-earth-based sculpture and robotic performance design-into a singular artistic vision. "I really enjoy working with young creatives because I remember these interactions shaping my own career and trajectory," Zelda said, "and this feels like a small way of giving back and fostering the creative community of the future. ...We've been impressed with everyone we've worked with, from the motivated students to the supportive professors. We had an ambitious project, and SUNY Oneonta rose to meet us there."

Three SUNY Oneonta students presented at the 12th annual SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) at Binghamton University on Monday, April 28. This multidisciplinary event brought together undergraduate students and faculty mentors from across the SUNY system for a full day of activities, including student presentations, a graduate school and career fair, professional development workshops and a keynote address by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. Faith Logue ('25) presented "Radio Waves and Music Promotion: What College - and College Radio - Have Taught Me About the Music Industry." Logue's faculty mentor for SURC was Associate Professor of Media Studies Andrew Bottomley. Ethan Hadley ('25) presented "Design and Synthesis of a Quinocyanine for Medicinal Chemistry Applications." Hadley's faculty mentors were Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Ronald Bishop and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Angela Migues. Hayley Champlin ('26) presented "Silence in The Streets: A Dive Into Vacant Housing." Champlin's faculty mentor was Professor of Sociology, Geography and Environmental Studies Gregory Fulkerson.

Seventy SUNY Oneonta students were recently honored for their dedication to sustainability efforts on campus thanks to the Green Dragon Recognition Program. The Green Dragon Recognition Program (organized by the Office of Sustainability) seeks to celebrate and recognize students who have shown commitment to sustainability during their time at SUNY Oneonta. Honorees received the following Green Dragon Recognition awards: Roots, Shoots and Saplings. Students who received the Roots award attended eight sustainability-tagged events throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. The Shoots award was given to students who attended 10 sustainability-tagged events and earned a B or above in two sustainability-related courses or one sustainability-focused course. The Saplings award was given to students who attended 10 sustainability-tagged events, earned a B or above in two sustainability-related courses or one sustainability-focused course, and completed two sustainability-leadership experiences, including internships, presenting sustainability-related posters at Student Research and Creative Activity day, being an EcoRep, Sustainability Resident Advisor, Recycling Ambassador and more. Sustainability is a core value at SUNY Oneonta, and it is infused into all aspects of campus life, from academics to operations and engagement. Evidence of the university's commitment to sustainability can be seen in the student-run Red Closet Thrift Shop, courses with sustainability designations in more than half of the academic departments, an active University Advisory Council made up of faculty, staff and students, and an overall commitment to supporting a community that is socially just, environmentally healthy and economically stable.

Four SUNY Oneonta students received awards from the Department of Sociology, Human Services and Criminal Studies on April 23. Department awards are decided by faculty vote, selecting a senior graduating in May or December 2025 in each major and concentration based on their overall academic performance in and outside of the classroom. Kamylee Blackwell-Clark received the department award for Sociology - Liberal Arts. Jhesenia Ayora received the department award for Sociology - Criminology. Jada Rosas received the department award for Sociology - Community & Environment. Kaiden Ring received the department award for Criminal Justice.

Five SUNY Oneonta students received scholarships and awards from the Department of Physics and Astronomy this semester. The Douglas and Dorothy Scott Fielder Scholarship is awarded to full- or part-time undergraduate students who are Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors (accrued 25 credits or more) majoring in Physics or Adolescent Education Physics (PHYS, AEPH), who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. This scholarship is renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better while continuing to meet eligibility requirements for up to eight consecutive terms. Thomas Passannante received the Douglas and Dorothy Scott Fielder Scholarship award. The Michael P. Merilan Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Michael Merilan, the long-time Dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences and SUNY Oneonta astronomer. In his 25 years of service to SUNY Oneonta, Dr. Merilan was tireless in his efforts to share his love of astronomy with members of SUNY Oneonta and local communities. This scholarship is awarded to Physics majors pursuing the minor in Astronomy (PHYS-PHYA, PHYS-PHYB) who have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA and financial need. This scholarship can be renewed if a student maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better and continues to meet original eligibility requirements, subject to a maximum of eight consecutive terms/awards in total. Julia Busemeyer received the Michael P. Merilan Scholarship award. Established in honor of Dr. Charles T. P. Wang's memory, the Wang Scholarship is awarded to a freshman physics major whose first-semester academic work shows exceptional promise. Additional awards are given to upperclassmen based on exceptional academic work. Alexander Ashmall-Liversidge, Jack Millen and Jacson Wolfe were recipients of the Wang Scholarship Award.

Nine SUNY Oneonta students received awards and scholarships this spring from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the American Institute of Chemists and the American Chemical Society. The American Chemical Society is one of the world's largest scientific societies. SUNY Oneonta is one of four institutions in the ACS Binghamton Local Section. One senior from each institution is recognized at the annual awards ceremony at SUNY Binghamton. Each year, faculty members nominate students who have demonstrated excellence in the traditional divisions of chemistry. Gianna Vitti received the American Chemical Society Award in Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and the Local Section Outstanding Chemistry Senior award. Ethan Hadley received the Department Award in Biochemistry. One outstanding student is recognized each year to receive an award from the American Institute of Chemists for a demonstrated record in leadership ability, character, scholastic achievement and advancement potential in the chemical professions. Elber Lopez-Hernandez received the American Institute of Chemists Award. The Dr. John C. Kotz Fund for Innovations in the Sciences is awarded to full-time students who have demonstrated exceptional promise in chemistry, related sciences and the liberal arts, and who have also been good citizens of the university. Gabrielle Ragozzine received the Dr. John C. Kotz Fund for Innovations in the Sciences award. Avery Capuano, Madison Klotzko, Jessica Murphy, Rhianna Smith and Emma Butler were recipients of the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Scholarship.

One hundred three students were recognized with awards as part of the 2025 Kente Graduation ceremony at SUNY Oneonta. The ceremony took place on campus in the Alumni Field House on April 24. 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.

Seven SUNY Oneonta students received awards for the 2024 Maynard Redfield History Essay competition, an annual event where students submit essays in several categories to receive a certificate and a $75 check. 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. The winners were selected on March 28, 2025. 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 1-12 pages in length. Both Long Historiographic Essay and Long Research Essay submissions must be at least 13 pages long. Introductory Course Essay winners were Ariahni Boyd for "A Journey from Ireland to America: Employment Expectations for Irish Immigrant Women in Colm Toibin's Brooklyn" and Lily McArdle for "Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty: Foundations of Governance and Cultural Identity." The Short Essay winner was Luca Montana for "Fear, Scapegoating, and Political Persecution." The Short Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Alexander LaFalce-Dooling for "Populism Draped in Purple: Julius Caesar, the Populares, and Reform in the Roman Republic." The Long Historiographic Essay winner was Olivia Neumann for "The Nature of Crime and Punishment in Industrial Britain, 1750-1850." The Long Historiographic Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Aaron Vrablic for "Discussions of European Social Catholicism and Catholic Labor Movements: From the Onset of Industrialization to WWI." Vrablic was also the Long Research Essay winner for "George F. Johnson and His Utopia: The Fight Against Unionization." The Long Research Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Devyn Hom for "Stonewall: The Catalyst for the Gay Liberation Movement." 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.

On Wednesday, April 9, 16 SUNY Oneonta students volunteered at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club (OBGC) during "Work Together Wednesday," a national event that is part of Week of the Young Child. Work Together Wednesday celebrates the value of collaboration and teamwork through activities that encourage children to engage in group projects and puzzles. SUNY Oneonta student volunteers, including NCAA Division III athletes and students from a variety of academic programs, joined in to support the event. This initiative coincided with NCAA Division III Week, a time when the contributions of student-athletes and the broader impact of Division III athletics are recognized and celebrated. Oneonta Public Transit brought nearly 120 children from the Bugbee Children's Center and Oneonta YMCA to the OBGC for the community event. Catholic Charities, the local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for Bugbee Children's Center, sponsored the event.