SUNY Oneonta

Ashley Komosinski, of Delhi, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Used Book Drive" 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 helped with a book drive, encouraging students to donate books, children's books that they may have but are not using. These books are being donated to the Head Start on campus," said Komosinski, who is studying Psychology. "I assisted with setting up meeting times to make donation boxes, as well as helping spread awareness to others outside the club of what we are trying to accomplish. I supported each member of the board along the way to make sure this event ran smoothly and provided input and assistance with each task. As well as ensuring we had enough support from staff and students to fulfill our goal to donate used books to the Head Start. "I learned how effective a group can be when working as a team to accomplish something. I also learned that the right motivation could influence numerous people to want to help others as well as the planet. I also learned how much support a club can offer when given the opportunity to. "Next, I would like to try and continue this project while at graduate school. I will be a student at the University at Albany and aspire to spread awareness in the capital. This project was beneficial for me and everyone around me, and I hope it will be just as beneficial wherever I end up next. I hope the future leaders in the HDFS Club continue to hold a used book drive as well." 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.

Alexandra Pizzaia, of Wantagh, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "DIY natural all-purpose cleaners in the residential halls" 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 wanted residents to be able to see a safe and clean natural cleaner. I told them it was refillable and all-purpose. I explained how it not only saves you money but also saves us from unnecessary plastic and harmful chemicals that may not always wash away," said Pizzaia, who is studying Biology. "Before I set up, I asked the Office of Sustainability for help. They supplied me with the proper equipment and resources. Once that was set up, I laid out instructions on how to make the cleaner. I also supplied some essential oils so they could have a clear that also smells nice without harmful chemicals! I gave each resident their own copy of the instructions so they can continue this. "I learned that people are willing to do sustainable things; they need a push. And even though this was very small, I had almost 50 people do something that benefits our plant. With residents, they often go with the easiest and most accessible thing, so that is likely harmful cleaning agents. Giving them this opportunity to see a cheaper and more beneficial way of cleaning things helps broaden their sense of sustainability. "I'd love to do something with dry sheets versus wool balls. I've talked about it with residents, but I want to really test the difference. Oftentimes, people take it well that the wool balls don't smell nice, and I rebut with adding 3 drops of an essential oil, and your laundry smells just as clean, if not cleaner than before. I have briefly started this, and I already see fewer dryer sheets in the halls. I still want to focus on easy and more accessible items because that is the hardest to get people to do, but more importantly, to break away from, even if it's a small population, any amount of effort toward a healthier and cleaner future." 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.

Gabriella Terrano, of Schenevus, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Brewery Ommegang Mercantile 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. "While interning at Brewery Ommegang's Mercantile, I learned more about what happens behind the scenes to keep the store running and able to meet customers' needs," said Terrano, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "While interning at Ommegang, I not only completed the regular tasks of a store staff member but also assisted the store manager with her roles as mercantile manager, product and event photographer, and Tap House social media manager. I researched upcoming trends to help make decisions about future merchandise. I used this information to make informed choices on garment colors and designs. I went through the process of creating a promotional email advertisement from start to finish. I also helped to curate a new collection of merch for the upcoming season. "I gained valuable information about the promotional and merchandising aspects of the Ommegang Mercantile. I learned more about how and where Ommegang sources its garments and other products, as well as the methods used to communicate with these businesses. I learned firsthand the months of continuous planning and communication that go into making a retail store run efficiently. "I will be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Fashion and Textiles with a concentration in design this May. After graduation, I will be looking to start my professional career in fashion. While applying to new jobs, I will continue working part-time both in retail and as a lifeguard." 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.

Five SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Beta Beta Beta honor society during a ceremony held on Wednesday, March 25, in the Perna Science building on campus. Beta Beta Beta is an honor society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Since its founding in 1922, more than 200,000 persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 520 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. To qualify for Beta Beta Beta membership at SUNY Oneonta, students must be majoring in Biology or a biological science and have completed at least one term of the second year of a four-year curriculum or three semesters in college. They also must complete at least four semester courses in biology, of which at least one is not an introductory course, two are taken at SUNY Oneonta, and all are completed with an average grade of 3.15 in the courses. Students must also have a 3.0 average in all courses and be in good academic standing. TriBeta was founded in 1922 at Oklahoma City University--the Alpha Chapter--by Dr. Frank G. Brooks and a group of his students. The idea of an honor and professional society for biology students spread rapidly and by 1925, the society was a national organization. Biennial national conventions of student and faculty members began in that year, and in 1930, the society journal, BIOS, began publication of student research, articles of interest to biologists and society news. As the society grew, it was divided into regional and district groups, each of which holds a convention annually. At the heart of every district and national meeting are student research papers presented in the style of graduate meetings. Awards are given for outstanding individual and chapter accomplishments.

Elisabeth Vogl, of Rochester, NY, received the Highest GPA Award at the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society induction ceremony held on Wednesday, March 25. Vogl is the first student to receive the new award, which recognizes her for being the graduating member of Beta Beta Beta at SUNY Oneonta with the highest GPA. Beta Beta Beta is an honor society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending the boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. Since its founding in 1922, more than 200,000 persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 520 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. To qualify for Beta Beta Beta membership at SUNY Oneonta, students must be majoring in Biology or a biological science and have completed at least one term of the second year of a four-year curriculum or three semesters in college. They also must complete at least four semester courses in biology, of which at least one is not an introductory course, two are taken at SUNY Oneonta, and all are completed with an average grade of 3.15 in the courses. Students must also have a 3.0 average in all courses and be in good academic standing. TriBeta was founded in 1922 at Oklahoma City University--the Alpha Chapter--by Dr. Frank G. Brooks and a group of his students. The idea of an honor and professional society for biology students spread rapidly and by 1925, the society was a national organization. Biennial national conventions of student and faculty members began in that year, and in 1930, the society journal, BIOS, began publication of student research, articles of interest to biologists and society news. As the society grew, it was divided into regional and district groups, each of which holds a convention annually. At the heart of every district and national meeting are student research papers presented in the style of graduate meetings. Awards are given for outstanding individual and chapter accomplishments.

Kiley Monroe, of Syracuse, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Recycling Ambassadors" 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. "We collected styrofoam, plastic wrap and cardboard from freshman move-in to work on eliminating landfill waste. We worked to make sure everything was collected and recycled properly instead of just putting it in the trash," said Monroe, who is studying Environmental Sustainability and Geography. "I was involved with this program for multiple days. We had three large cardboard boxes to distribute between cardboard, styrofoam and plastic wrap. We went around the building in shifts to collect recyclables from dorms in the hallways, and we took turns helping each other bring cardboard out to the huge recycling crates outside each building. I worked in one building in the morning and a different one in the afternoon, resulting in a multi-hour shift of eliminating trash waste. "My biggest takeaway is how much waste can be produced in just a few days in college move-in. We collected multiple huge crates of cardboard, a whole room full of styrofoam and multiple bags of plastic wrap. I also learned that there are many rules about recycling. You can't recycle plastic unless it is a certain type and it stretches; you can't recycle styrofoam the same way you recycle cardboard. A big issue that happens is that even if one piece of trash goes in the recyclables, it all has to be thrown away. "I have done a lot of community service through sustainability, such as trash cleanups and donation days for the thrift store. I plan to be a recycling ambassador again this upcoming fall because I very much enjoyed it and felt like I made a difference. I want to do more cleanups and properly recycle for more programs for the future, and I hope to become an eco ambassador intern for the next year to continue leading students to make a better earth through our college community." 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.

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

A total of 233 SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for academic excellence during the 2025-2026 Susan Sutton Smith event on Tuesday, April 7. The Susan Sutton Smith awards are given each spring to first-year students, sophomores and juniors who have earned a grade-point average of 3.9 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The on-campus event featured the annual Susan Sutton Smith Lecture, delivered this year by Professor William Walker. Dr. Walker received the faculty Susan Sutton Smith Award, and his lecture was titled "New York Storytellers and America's Folk Renaissance 1920-1940." Dr. Walker is a professor of history at the Cooperstown Graduate Program. He is the author of A Living Exhibition: The Smithsonian and the Transformation of the Universal Museum and a founder and editor of The Inclusive Historian's Handbook (inclusivehistorian.com), which is co-sponsored by the American Association for State and Local History and the National Council on Public History. An active public historian, Professor Walker oversees CGP Community Stories, an ongoing oral history project that uses recorded narratives to initiate public dialogue programs on critical social and environmental issues. His areas of expertise are public history, 20th-century U.S. cultural and intellectual history, and the history of race and ethnicity, especially as related to museums. He is committed to equity and inclusion in the field, and his courses emphasize building anti-racist and anti-oppression knowledge and skills. Seven additional faculty and staff members received awards at the event: Adjunct Associate Professor of Art Madeline Silber received the university's annual Simphiwe Hlatshwayo Award for Outstanding Part-Time Instructor. Associate Professor of World Languages and Literatures Maria Montoya received the Innovative Pedagogy Award. Professor of Art Rhea Nowak received the Esther Hubbard Whitaker Award. World Languages and Literatures Lecturer Alejandra Escudero received the Outstanding Lecturer Award. Pedagogy Support Specialist, Faculty Center for Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Racheal Fest received the Academic Affairs Staff Award. The Award for External Grant Achievement and Faculty Research was given to Assistant Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Scott Maguffin, Associate Professor of Biology Kiyoko Yokota, and Dr. Walker. This lecture and the awards for academic excellence are made possible by the generous gifts of SUNY Oneonta alumni to the Fund for Oneonta. The Susan Sutton Smith Faculty Prize for Academic Excellence is made possible by an endowment created through the generosity of Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Mary Smith in memory of their daughter, Susan, in honor of her commitment to academic excellence.

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

The SUNY Oneonta Mask and Hammer Theatre Club presented "The Shape of Things," a play by American playwright and film director Neil LaBute. Neil LaBute's "The Shape of Things" explores the complexities of love, art and personal sacrifice. Originally premiering in 2001 at the Almeida Theatre in London, the story follows a young man who becomes involved in an evolving relationship with an art student, while his best friend's engagement begins to unravel. The play examines two modern relationships, revealing underlying tensions and the emotional consequences of choice and change. Mask and Hammer is an on-campus, student-run theatre club. Sixteen students comprise the cast and crew for the production, directed by SUNY Oneonta student Stephanie Lynne. Students started their rehearsals on Jan. 28, 2026, and the show ran from March 26-29. "We chose "The Shape of Things" as this year's Mask and Hammer production because it revolves around the lives of four college students who become emotionally and romantically involved with each other in a small, rural town," said Lynne. "Focusing on themes of romantic and platonic relationships along with art, intimacy and manipulation, "The Shape of Things" is a play that can speak to SUNY Oneonta students and those who have had similar college experiences."

Molly Eldridge, of Warwick, NY, secured a $5,000 grant through SUNY's "Building Bridges" civic engagement student program to support her campus initiative, "Dialogue for Dinner," at SUNY Oneonta. Eldridge's grant proposal was submitted on behalf of SUNY Oneonta's Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council (SDEIC). Modeled on a successful pilot event she ran in November 2025, Dialogue for Dinner events will feature a different theme or topic designed to "break bread and build community, by practicing skills of active listening and constructive conversation" over a free catered meal. A "menu" of activities will provide the structure for discussion, including an "appetizer" of icebreakers then a 10-minute introduction of the dinner topic from a guest speaker, followed by a "main course" with discussion guided by questions or prompts about the topic, and finally a "dessert" of a restorative justice debrief where guests reflect on the impact the night had on them and others, as well as what has been learned during the conversation. "This project was important to me for a few reasons," said Eldridge. "As an Anthropology major, there is a large philosophy surrounding community being the emphasis of the human experience. I wanted to apply what I study and care about, and bring that into my other world, which is DEI work and advocacy. I want to empower students and build community, and this project perfectly marries ideals that I hold close." The "Building Bridges" program, announced in SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.'s 2025 State of the University Agenda, provides grants to groups of students working to build bridges across differences on their respective campuses in areas such as civil discourse, anti-hate and bias and fostering constructive dialogue for students. Eldridge's proposal was one of five selected across SUNY campuses to receive a $5,000 grant supporting student-designed projects that strengthen campus communities and build connections across differences. "Public higher education is uniquely able to bring students together and provide opportunities for them to learn from and with one another," SUNY Chancellor King said during the announcement. "Empowering our students to participate in constructive conversations and engage with all members of their campus communities is vital to SUNY's commitment to civic engagement and academic excellence. This grant program demonstrates how SUNY students are leading the way to foster connection on their campuses and engage in civic engagement and civil discourse." Held monthly on Feb. 23, March 24 and April 24, with a reception on May 6, Dialogue for Dinner is organized by student leadership from the SDEIC, in consultation with campus partners, including the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence, and the Institute for Civil Society and Democracy. The events are open to the entire campus community and promoted through social media and posters. The SDEIC is inviting faculty and community professionals to serve as guest speakers, with advisory committee members present to support facilitation and help participants develop skills in active listening and constructive dialogue. Space is limited, so guests must RSVP and may only attend one event: Dialogue for Dinner Spring 2026 RSVP - Fill out form "As someone who was a transfer and has, for over three years on this campus, worked as an advocate in DEI spaces, it was important to me for Oneonta students and the SUNY community to recognize and see all the work that SUNY Oneonta has been doing to make our campus more inclusive and create belonging," said Eldridge. "Part of this effort has been through supporting students, such as myself, and the work that they're doing. There is only one dinner left, so sign up if you have not had the chance to go to one yet!"

Twenty students from SUNY Oneonta's Marketing Club, OnMark, traveled to Chicago from March 12-14 to attend the 2026 American Marketing Association's Annual International Collegiate Conference, where they received recognition in Professional Development, Membership and Chapter Planning from the national association. Students actively participated in several competitions, including Perfect Pitch, Marketing Strategy, Business Simulation and Digital Marketing, while also gaining valuable insights from industry speakers. OnMark Club President Patrick Scianna and Vice President Andrew Nuding also had the opportunity to present the chapter's experiences in E-board Leadership and Chapter Planning during a conference leadership session. "Being recognized in Professional Development, Membership and Chapter Planning reflects the consistent effort our entire team has put in throughout the year," said Scianna. "Our goal has always been to create valuable opportunities for our members to grow, build confidence and connect with professionals, and this recognition reinforces that we are moving in the right direction. I am incredibly proud of our executive board and members for the culture we have built and the standard we will continue to push forward!" OnMark's trip was supported by grant funding through the Caroline '67 and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund and the Student Travel for Excellence Program (STEP) Academic Fund.

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."

Noah Randolph, of Warwick, NY, is among the 49 students in SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) who were honored with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Randolph, a Criminal Justice major and member of the Class of 2026, is the only SUNY Oneonta student this year who received the award. The award, an annual tradition now in its seventh year, recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance. The award is named in honor of Norman R. McConney Jr. ('71 SUNY Albany), who is the former Assistant Dean for Special Programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create EOP as a statewide program. "Over nearly 60 years, SUNY's EOP has supported tens of thousands of students and empowered them to achieve their full potential," SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said during the award recognition on Tuesday, March 10. "I am honored to recognize this year's recipients of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Our McConney award winners' hard work as they move forward on their path to academic excellence and upward mobility makes them an inspiration for all of our students, faculty, staff and administrators." Since its inception in 1967, SUNY's Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program has provided access, academic support and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 58-year history, EOP has graduated nearly 90,000 students and has been one of the country's most successful college access programs. It currently serves more than 9,000 students across 55 SUNY campuses.

Liana Walton, of Clifton Park, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Extra Credit Window Display" 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. "My experiential learning experience was an extra credit opportunity from Dr. Sarah Portway's Fashion in the Global Economy course. I created a holiday-themed window display at Shakedown Street, a consignment shop on Main Street in Oneonta, NY," said Walton, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This window display was created for the store to promote the holiday season and showcase the unique pieces of clothing and accessories that are available for purchase. "I planned and executed the entire holiday window display, from selecting each garment and accessory to arranging the mannequins and props. I chose pieces that reflected both the season and the store's aesthetic, and made sure the styling was all cohesive and appealing. Throughout the process, I applied principles from my fashion coursework to create a polished and eye-catching display. "While completing this project, I learned how to thoughtfully select and position garments and accessories in a way that aligns with the theme and captures people's attention. This visual merchandising assignment has furthered my experience with both styling and product placement. Creative direction and presentation are everything in fashion, and this project really helped me sharpen the skills I need for the career I'm building." 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.

Alyvia Freeman, of Syracuse, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Alyvia Freeman: Fashion 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. "In the Fall Semester of 2025, I had the opportunity to experience a fashion internship with Sweet Caroline's CO Boutique. This internship took place from late August until late November," said Freeman, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This is some of the visual merchandising I managed during my internship, showcased on the boutique's Instagram. "During my internship at Sweet Caroline's CO Boutique, I gained hands-on experience in both social media management and in-store operations. I created and scheduled posts for Instagram and Facebook, assisted with live social media sessions, and contributed ideas for content strategy. In the store, I styled mannequins, helped with visual merchandising, assisted in event planning and execution and organized inventory. I also supported customers by providing advice, input and checkout assistance, while keeping the store clean and helping brainstorm ideas for promotions and displays. This experience allowed me to combine creativity, customer service, and practical retail and marketing skills. "During my internship, I gained valuable hands-on experience operating the POS system and cash register, which strengthened my technical skills in retail operations. I improved my communication and problem-solving abilities by interacting with customers and assisting with store challenges. I also gained practical experience in marketing, including social media management and visual merchandising. Additionally, I learned how important store location, presentation and quick problem-solving are to overall business success. These experiences have prepared me to confidently apply both customer service and marketing skills in future professional opportunities." 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.

Briyana Rentas, of Haverstraw, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Internship at Sweet Caroline's Co Boutique" 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 with Michelle Castle, I was involved in the daily operations of the boutique, helping to ensure the store ran smoothly while observing the overall management process. I also assisted in transitioning the boutique to online sales, which provided insight into how retail businesses adapt to digital platforms. This experience allowed me to gain a broader understanding of boutique operations," said Rentas, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This photo shows a mannequin I styled during my boutique internship, highlighting my work in visual merchandising and creating store displays that attract and engage customers. It also represents my experience designing content for social media to promote the boutique and its products. Through this work, I developed a stronger understanding of how in-store displays and online marketing work together to enhance customer experience and support boutique operations. "During my boutique internship, I worked on visual merchandising by styling mannequins and arranging displays to showcase clothing and accessories. I assisted with store operations, including inventory management, using the POS system and customer service. I also created and scheduled social media content to promote the boutique online. This allowed me to gain hands-on experience in both the creative and operational aspects of running a boutique. "This internship taught me how to balance creativity with organization and the importance of attention to detail in a retail environment. I learned how visual presentation and online content work together to engage customers and support business goals. I also gained experience managing multiple responsibilities and adapting to different aspects of boutique operations. These lessons will help me in future roles in retail, merchandising, or marketing by giving me practical skills and a better understanding of running a small business." 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.

Emily Kendrick, of Middletown, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Fashion Internship with Island Premium Printing" 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 most recent internship at a local small business, Island Premium Printing, I learned the full process of screen printing and design-to-garment, from helping with production to running the store independently. I also saw firsthand how small dreams can grow into real visions. On top of that, I managed their social media, modeled, styled and coordinated shoots, which gave me a well-rounded look at both the creative and day-to-day side of the business," said Kendrick, who is studying Fashion and Textiles and Communication Studies. "This photo is me screen printing tote bags at the City of the Hills Festival, which was one of my favorite hands-on parts of the internship. I am using it on Instagram to bring the store's social media back to life and to start sharing more behind-the-scenes looks at what we have been working on. "During my internship, I helped my boss come up with new design ideas and got to be part of the creative process behind the products. I often worked independently, opening and closing the store on weekends and handling the retail daily operations on my own. I also managed the brand's social media, creating content that fit the style and personality of the business. In addition, I helped style and assist with photoshoots, which gave me more experience on the creative side of marketing. "From this internship, I learned how to take a vision and carry it out from start to finish like a business owner, which inspired me to want to try doing it myself one day. I also learned how screen printing and DTG processes work and got a better sense of how products are actually made. I learned a lot about the target market and how to come up with design ideas that would sell for the brand. On top of that, I helped style and work on photoshoots, which showed me how much visuals matter for a brand's identity." 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.

The SUNY Oneonta Project Space Gallery features Printmaking: Community and Expression, a four-artist exhibition on view through April 4, 2026. Selected through the gallery's semesterly "Project Open Call," the exhibition features work by SUNY Oneonta students Madison Budek, Sam Keefe, Violette O'Hara and Ella Reynolds. The artists developed the work while enrolled in Advanced Printmaking and Concepts in Printmaking courses, collaborating in the studio while experimenting across a range of printmaking processes. "As you walk through the Gallery, you are taken on a journey, travelling from peaceful waters and flourishing sea life to rivers of blood, dragons with billowing flames and odd twisted figures," said SUNY Oneonta Gallery Director Sarah Simpson. "Their personal experiences inspire their art, but the body of work is linked through their medium and shared space and time. Whether harnessing turbulent emotions, using art as social commentary, or exploring the beauty of the natural world, they are connected by their mutual passion for their craft and their creative identity." The exhibition highlights printmaking as both craft and concept. In addition to finished works, the show includes an educational component explaining various print processes and illustrating the planning and labor behind each piece, bringing visibility to an often overlooked medium. Throughout the exhibition, the artists underscore the essential role of community between artist and inspiration, student and teacher, collaborators and viewers. Together, their works reflect a shared commitment to creative identity, technical exploration and the power of collective expression. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visitors may obtain parking passes through the University Police Department.

Eighty-two SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) honor society on Wednesday, March 4, during a ceremony held at the Otsego Grille at the Morris Conference Center. Students are eligible for induction into the Kappa Delta Pi honor society if they are Elementary Education or Adolescense Education majors, have completed at least six credit hours in education classes, have completed at least 18 credit hours total and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Kappa Delta Pi is the National Professional Association and Honor Society for Educators. Since 1911, KDP has amassed 650 chapters across colleges and universities in the United States, with more than 20,000 active members and over 1 million alumni. Valuing community, belonging, leadership and celebration, Kappa Delta Pi's mission is to inspire and equip teachers with the support they need to thrive in their education and careers.

Mia Yanoti, of Poughkeepsie, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Internship at Leatherstocking Quilts" 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 interned at Leatherstocking Quilts in Oneonta. I gained experience in design and merchandising," said Yanoti, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This is a snapshot of the updated Leatherstocking Quilts website. During my internship, I worked on the website and organized it so that the store owner could begin online sales. "The online sales feature of the website had been active, but the store owner wanted everything to be completely organized and set up properly before "officially" launching and advertising the online store. I photographed the product, set up a new organizational system for the items and designed a simple layout that is user-friendly. I worked on this project for about a month. "I learned how important it is to consider the target market of a business when designing things like a website. The target market for Leatherstocking Quilts is women ages 65+, so they might not be as technologically adept. Keeping this in mind when designing helped me to create a website layout that allowed for general or highly specific searches, so that customers can browse the online store in a way that works best for them." 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.

Gisselle Rojas De La Luz, of Yonkers, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Shakedown Street 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. "I interned at Shakedown Street, where I supported social media content, organized product displays and helped host an event. This experience gave me hands-on insight into small business operations and customer engagement," said Rojas De La Luz, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This project is a visual summary of my work at Shakedown Street. It features some images from videos I did and a picture with Vicki and the other interns from the event we hosted. This highlights my involvement in content creation, event planning and engaging the community both online and in person. "During my internship at Shakedown Street, I helped manage the shop's social media presence by creating and posting content. I also assisted with product display, making sure the store looked organized, visually appealing and aligned with the brand's style. In addition, I helped plan and host a celebration/fundraiser, supporting customer engagement and creating a positive experience for visitors. "Through these tasks, I learned how to create consistent and effective social media content that matches a business's identity and goals. I developed a stronger eye for visual merchandising and how product placement can influence customer interest. Hosting an event also taught me how to communicate with customers, multitask under pressure and help build a welcoming atmosphere for the community. I also learned how to communicate effectively with other businesses." 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.

Denise Coby, of Binghamton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "The Underground Attic 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. At The Underground Attic, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of vintage clothing alongside small business owner Elizabeth Raphaelson. During my time at I learned valuable lessons in running a small business as well as the importance of online sales," said Coby, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "My main responsibility at UA was helping with online sales, as the population in Oneonta is not enough to sustain a small business alone. We utilized Instagram DM to claim, which I curated at my ships, as well as whatnot, an online live sales platform. During these sales, we were able to sell up to 70 items at a time, which taught me the importance of online selling. "Once sales were complete, I was also responsible for shipping each item with extreme care. Vintage items are incredibly delicate so I had to learn the art of packing glass, crystal, metal and more, sometimes all in one package together. Once items were unrecognizable in tissue paper, bubble wrap and then more paper, I labeled items and sent them on their way. This is definitely a skill I will be carrying with me as a future business owner myself! "Overall, the most important lesson I learned was the importance of forming strong connections with customers both in person and online alike. It is easy to form regular connections and loyal customers in person, but forming those same connections with online buyers who join sales nightly is not as easy. This skill is still equally important, especially when running a business in a small town such as Oneonta." 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.

Deanne Scott, from The Bronx, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Hilltown Edge Magazine Content" 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. "Course FASH 2700 was assigned the task of completing research and assembling a shopping page as Harper's Bazaar intern. Displaying products styled around a chosen theme, following a two-sentence description on our shopping page," said Scott, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The shopping page was designed to showcase a specific trend or theme, convincing the reader to buy referenced products, as featured in Hilltown Edge Magazine.. "My main focus while creating this shopping page was to be inspired by neutral tones and the idea of mixing everyday style with the luxury fashion, Desert Luxe. I focused on rich browns, suede textures, and simple silhouettes to create a look that encouraged a bold 'streetwear' and loose outfit. Each piece was hand-picked by me to work together visually while showing how high-end items can still feel wearable. From oversized bags and layered jewelry to casual tops and sneakers. The page combined comfort with luxury in a way that feels comfortable and realistic. Overall, this project shows that I learned how to create a clear theme while styling products thoughtfully to put together a visually attractive shopping page. "This project really taught me how important it is to have a clear concept and stick to it when creating a shopping page. I learned that every single garment that was chosen matters. From colors and textures, to where items are placed on the page to make it look more engaging to the viewers. It helped me figure out how to mix everyday wearable pieces with high-end fashion to make it feel realistic. I also learned a lot about visual balance, like how accessories, clothing, and bags all need to work together, and I tried my best to make it not look as chaotic as the vision. Overall, this project helped me trust my creative instincts more and showed me how to turn an idea into something desirable and professional." 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.

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.

Twenty-five juniors and seniors at SUNY Oneonta are serving as Major Connection Coaches through the Major Connection Program within the Office of Student Experience. The program pairs these upperclass students with first-year and sophomore students in the same major, providing guidance, support and insights to help them navigate academic and professional challenges. Through their mentorship, the Major Connection Coaches empower students with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen field while fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment.

Two SUNY Oneonta students, Jasmine Smallwood and Kianny Lugo, serve as Family Engagement Ambassadors within the Office of Student Experience at SUNY Oneonta as part of the 2025-26 Empire State Service Corps cohort. In their roles, they create and publish informational articles for the Families@Oneonta portal, a central hub that provides campus updates, resources and important information for SUNY Oneonta families. This semester, they also launched and began moderating new discussion boards on the portal, enabling them to engage directly with families virtually by answering questions and sharing updates. They also assist with major family-focused programs, including Family Weekend and Family Spring Fling. During this year's Family Weekend, which saw record-breaking attendance, the Family Engagement Ambassadors played a key role in supporting families by hosting events, answering questions and connecting with them throughout the weekend.

For its opening production of the spring 2026 semester, 14 SUNY Oneonta students and the Theatre Department presented "Stupid F**king Bird," a dramatic comedy written by American playwright Aaron Posner. A contemporary adaptation of Anton Chekhov's 1986 play "The Seagull," "Stupid F**king Bird" features an aspiring young director raging against the art created by his mother's generation. A young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist, and "everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art and growing up can be." In this dramatic comedy, Posner stages a timeless battle between young and old in search of the true meaning of it all. "As the title might suggest, the play is a little subversive and designed to disrupt audiences' expectations about how theatre can - or should - be experienced," said Professor of Acting and Director Andrew Kahl. "The play offers interesting challenges for actors and for our student and staff production team. It requires advanced acting skills, emotional maturity and the cultivation of a strong ensemble to deliver the play effectively. While the show uses profanity and adult subject matter freely, the central messages are positive, often comedic and relevant to our students' current perspectives on the world around them." Directed by Kahl, "Stupid F**king Bird" was 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 as soon as the semester began this spring. "Stupid F**king Bird" offers a distinctly different yet complementary theatre experience than the other three faculty-directed shows in the 2025-26 season, including the end-of-year musical "A Day in Hollywood, A Night in Ukraine" set to open later this spring. "Stupid F**king Bird" was performed in the Hamblin Theatre on campus from March 5-8. "From our first rehearsal to opening night will have been about five and a half weeks, which is particularly challenging given that everyone involved is still deeply immersed in all of the other campus and academic activities required of full-time students," said Kahl. "I am extremely proud of the dedication of this group and the excellent interpretation of this play that we have created together."

Ashley Komosinski, of Delhi, New York, attended the annual Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) conference and showcased her research project titled "Memory Consolidation Enhances Serial Learning: An Investigation Using the Hebb Digits Task." Komosinski received the opportunity to share her psychology research with more than 1,500 higher education professionals and students at the MSCHE conference from Dec. 10-12, 2025, in Philadelphia's Center City district. She is among the nearly 250 students who have presented at the MSCHE Student Poster Presentations since 2022. "It was an amazing experience to be present at the conference," Komosinski said. "I learned so much from everyone around me. My favorite part was making connections with people I never would have met otherwise. Through this experience, I feel I have gained information and connections that will help me pursue graduate school and support me in my future career." Komosinski's research examined whether subconscious memory consolidation, the biological process that converts short-term memory into long-term memory, would help participants complete the Hebb Digits task. In the task, participants are shown a sequence of numbers and must immediately recall them in the same order. Using nine digits per sequence, most sequences are random except for one that repeats every third round. Known as the "Hebb effect," repeated exposure to the same sequence leads to gradual improvement in memory. Building on early 20th-century research showing that people recall information better after sleep than after activity, Komosinski presented participants with digit sequences across two learning sessions separated by a period of sleep. She and her SUNY Oneonta faculty sponsor, Dr. Geoffrey O'Shea, professor of psychology, adapted the traditional Hebb Digits format to test whether sleep between sessions would improve performance. "Using this format, we tested the hypothesis that serial learning of the digit sequences in the second session would be enhanced due to the intervening period of sleep," Komosinski said. "Results found that participants' recall for both the repeating and non-repeating sequences was greater for session two. Additionally, participants' digit-entry rate was faster for session two. The results are discussed in terms of the role of consolidation in associative and motor learning." Komosinski is a Psychology major at SUNY Oneonta and is a member of the Class of 2026.

Through service that extends far beyond competition, SUNY Oneonta's student-athletes are demonstrating how leadership, learning and community impact go hand in hand. Oneonta has been selected from more than 430 NCAA Division III institutions nationwide to receive the NCAA Community Engagement Impact Award, a top honor recognizing student-athletes who made an extraordinary difference through service between September and December 2025. The Red Dragons led all Division III programs across the country with 100 percent student-athlete participation and an average of 13 service hours per student-athlete, totaling 7,276 hours of community engagement by more than 500 student-athletes representing 21 teams. Those efforts translated into an estimated $253,149 in economic impact, based on Independent Sector's national value of volunteer time. "Service is a core value of our institution," said Director of Athletics Ryan Hooper. "Our student-athletes' commitment to giving back reflects the very best of who we are-not just competitors on the field, but leaders who understand the impact they can make beyond it. Their dedication, compassion and willingness to serve our community demonstrate the character we strive to build every day." Full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news/suny-oneonta-earns-ncaa-community-impact-award