SUNY Oneonta

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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

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.

Emma Hart, of Sound Beach, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "House of Consignment 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. "During my hybrid internship under Kirsty Roefs, I had the opportunity to learn the inner workings of the consignment process in a small retail business setting. I gained experience in creating social media content, learned the process of consigning items, and strengthened my visual merchandising skills, all while working both remotely from home and in-store," said Hart, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This photo is an example of one of the many visual merchandising displays I created in the store. The displays were often themed and meant to showcase certain types of products to drive sales in those areas. "My tasks while working in-store often included photographing and uploading merchandise to the website, creating visual merchandising displays, maintaining and organizing the sales floor, and observing and aiding in the general processes of running a small retail business. When working remotely, I primarily created content for the social media pages and aided in creating ideas for and planning upcoming store events. I also often dealt with general customer questions and reorganized displays to increase space availability and efficiency. "Throughout my time at House of Consignment, I developed an understanding of how a small retail business operates both online and in-store. My experiences photographing and uploading merchandise to the website taught me how to present products effectively and the importance of online sales for a local business without heavy local foot traffic. Additionally, creating visual displays taught me how to effectively utilize design principles and use product placement to drive sales while highlighting certain items. Creating social media content strengthened my creative skills and helped me to understand what drives engagement from customers. Overall, this experience has prepared me for my future career by providing me with organizational, creative and digital skills." 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.

Deanne Scott, from The Bronx, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Hilltown Edge Magazine Shopping Page" 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 course FASH 2700, I was tasked with completing research and assembling a shopping page while writing a one-to two-sentence "blurb" to try to engage our viewers in the featured garments and accessories. We arranged our pages to depict Harper's Bazaar's professional shopping pages using our own themes to present our sense of style," said Scott, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The shopping page was designed to showcase a specific trend or theme convinving the reader to buy the reference products as featured in Hilltown edge magazine. "I was tasked with exploring Desert Luxe, a luxury shopping page that explores the beauty of neutral tones through a high fashion lens, blending everyday wear with designer pieces. The page displays everyday wear with grand designer pieces. It was inspired by warm brown, suede textures and minimalist luxury. This layout creates a desirable story that blends casual streetwear and runway designs. Each of the items that I had handpicked was selected not only for visual enjoyment, but also for its contribution to showcase a narrative of modern desert-inspired chic. The combination of bold accessories, layered outerwear and large handbags creates a current reflection of fashion trends while maintaining a timeless outfit. This project successfully demonstrates my newly discovered skill of communicating a clear fashion story through a professional shopping page. "This project really taught me how important it is to have a clear concept when it comes to creating a shopping page. I learned how to balance trendy statement pieces with more everyday items that feel more realistic. It helped me figure out how to mix current streetwear with wearable, high-end fashion pieces. I gained a better sense of visual marketing, such as how the accessories, clothing and bags all work together. It taught me how to make the fashion page look less chaotic when assembling my vision. Overall, this project helped me trust my creative instincts and grow more confident in my styling. It elevated my creative decision-making, making my work more sophisticated 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.

Hannah Perry, of Manchester, CT, has completed an experiential learning project titled "House of Consignment 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 House of Consignment, I had the freedom to design ads, style mannequins, interact with customers, and decorate different areas of the store. My time here taught me patience, efficiency and time-management skills that I will take with me forever," said Perry, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This is an Instagram post I created for the Holiday season. I utilized Pinterest for the background photo and Picsart for additional photo cutouts, text tools and other editing software. I had such a fun time creating these online ads and am looking forward to continuing my growth in the fashion world! "Here, I practiced my skills in ad design by creating collage-style Instagram posts, finding ways to combine design with my knowledge of business and merchandising. I also utilized my knowledge of design to style many of the mannequins, taking garments and placing them together to create eye-catching displays. I took photos for the website using the store phone and put together displays for the store for items such as scarves, belts, and shoes, allowing me to capture each and every product in its most enticing form. I also spoke with a few customers on separate occasions, assisting in finding them the right item for their style and needs. "Taking photos for the website increased my awareness of time-management, efficiency and practicalness while also enlightening me on practices and resources I can use to make the process easier. Creating ads for the website allowed me to see how well my designs engaged with customers, allowing me to improve my speed and ad appeal with each and every post I created. Styling the mannequins broadened my design skillset by giving me practice to conceptualize and experiment with textures, patterns and proportions, which translate into ideas that customers can relate to. Lastly, conversations with customers allowed me to connect with them based on their unique identity and style. I will be able to use these learned skills at future jobs and when I start my business, as I am able to efficiently take product photos, create eye-catching displays, connect with customers and design visually compelling advertisements." 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.

Elaisa Vinicio, from The Bronx, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Shakedown Street: 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. "During my internship at Shakedown Street, I worked as a Social Media Content Creator, helping manage and grow the store's online presence. My role included content planning, collaborations and supporting business events," said Vinicio, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This final document contains my internship reflection, summarizing my responsibilities, experiences and personal growth during my time at Shakedown Street. It was created and submitted as part of the requirements for my internship course. "I created and approved scheduled social media content for the business. I also modeled and styled pieces, showcasing the products through photos and videos. I worked closely with local businesses and contributed new ideas to help improve engagement. Additionally, I assisted with organizing and supporting store events. My role required creativity, collaboration and strong communication skills. Overall, I was deeply involved in elevating the store's digital presence. "In this role, I learned how to build and manage a content schedule, edit in multiple formats, and find out what techniques perform best for engagement and growth on social media. I have also gained extensive experience in professional communication, particularly through coordinating collaborations with other businesses. This helped me strengthen my organizational skills, creativity, attention to detail and confidence in my marketing abilities." 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.

Denise Coby, of Binghamton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Brand Expansion Meeting Simulations" 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 this semester-long project, my team worked together to develop and lead a strategic brand expansion meeting for a publicly traded fashion company. We proposed that Hermes expand into Lagos, Nigeria by opening a brick-and-mortar retail store, while exploring executive-level decision-making dynamics," said Coby, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The artifact I am submitting is the final slide deck for our brand expansion meeting, which we used to support our meeting with executive stakeholders. "Throughout the semester, I worked with my team to develop a Gantt chart, meeting memos, and the development of geographic factors, a SWOT analysis and a sourcing calendar. I participated in role-playing as both a meeting leader and Chief Marketing Officer for another team. I helped create our slide deck while ensuring that we used on-brand visuals, images, charts and data in order to summarize our final recommendations for our expansion. During the meeting I presented my findings, defended our choices and had to adapt to on-the-spot questions by executives. "This project taught me about strategic decision-making inside the global fashion economy as well as how organizations make decisions with cross-departmental executives. I gained experience in leading meetings, communicating quickly and clearly, persuasion and adjusting based on feedback. The role-playing style of the meetings especially helps improve confidence in stressful and high-stakes situations, giving me the skills to think critically under pressure." 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.

Anitra Scott, of New York, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Sustainable Fashion Week US" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship, I gained hands-on experience creating digital content, researching sustainable fashion trends, and managing social media engagement in a remote professional setting. This experience helped me strengthen my communication, organization and marketing skills," said Scott, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "As an online intern, my final work focused on creating digital content, research-based social media posts and engagement reports that supported my organization's mission. Rather than a single physical project, my contributions were shared through online platforms and submitted directly to my internship supervisor for feedback and use. "During my internship, I researched sustainable fashion trends and created digital content for social media, including informational posts, captions and designer highlights that aligned with the organization's mission. I tracked engagement metrics such as likes, comments, shares and posting patterns to analyze audience interaction and help improve online strategy. I also assisted with media research by identifying fashion publications and outreach contacts that could cover or attend events. Additionally, I drafted content for newsletters and helped maintain consistent messaging across platforms. Through these activities, I contributed to enhancing the organization's online presence while gaining hands-on experience in digital marketing, content creation and sustainable fashion communication. "Through this internship, I learned how to effectively create and manage digital content for social media, including tailoring posts to engage specific audiences and analyzing metrics to measure impact. I gained deeper insight into sustainable fashion trends and how brands communicate eco-conscious practices to the public. I also developed stronger research and professional communication skills by identifying media outlets, drafting content and collaborating remotely with my supervisor. This experience taught me how to adapt to a virtual work environment, manage deadlines and balance multiple projects at once. I believe these skills will be valuable in future roles in digital marketing, fashion communications and sustainability-focused initiatives." 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.

Charlotte Bayne, of Walton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Producing Content for HEM" (Hilltown Edge Magazine) 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 FASH 2700, Fashion Journalism, we submitted four assignments to the SUNY Oneonta Fashion Journalism website titled HEM. There were a wide variety of assignments we submitted, but all of them were a great learning experience, and could be useful in the future," said Bayne, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "The first assignment posted on the website was a shopping page, mimicking a Harper's Bazaar magazine, created using PowerPoint. The next assignment was a news article informing the reader of the latest fashion news happening that week, and I chose to write about the Timberland and Telfar collaboration. The next assignment was a catwalk review, where we picked a runway show from September, which I picked Balmain, and we wrote about the show and included images. For the last assignment, we borrowed clothes from the campus thrift store to style and have a photoshoot with models of our choice. "I learned that there can be a lot of learning curves when working with new technologies. It taught me that the best way to work through these challenges is to spend a lot of time playing around with whatever you are using. It also taught me to be confident in my work and acknowledge where the strong points are in what I did." 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.

Paola Ponce-Agredano, of Swan Lake, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "M&T Bank Event" 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. "For this particular project, I was tasked with promoting and advertising this banking event. I put together some posters, posts and captions for our Instagram," said Ponce-Agredano, who is studying Business Administration. "I made sure that the event was promoted efficiently by making posts, captions and putting up flyers. "I learned how to attend and plan networking events, meet with staff regularly for promoting and marketing major events." 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.

Denise Coby, of Binghamton, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Ever After Bridal Internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship at Ever After Bridal Boutique, I trained as a bridal stylist. This experience allowed me to apply and expand my knowledge from SUNY Oneonta's Fashion and Textiles track, deepening my skills in merchandising, design and client relations in a real-world setting," said Coby, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "Rather than complete one project, I assisted in many small elements that led to a learning experience far beyond styling. "My involvement at Ever After significantly varied day to day. While I trained as a bridal stylist, guiding clients through gown selections, fittings, and creating a personalized shopping experience, I quickly learned that no day is ever the same. As each bride brings a unique vision, personality, and story, it was an incredible experience to work with people during such a special and emotional time in their lives. With only two hours to make a lasting impression, I learned the importance of making each bride feel seen, heard, and understood. My goal was not only to help them say "yes" to the dress, but also to help them see their full potential as a bride and feel confident in their choice. Furthermore, I was involved with marketing and advertising efforts, as well as the planning and execution of boutique events such as the Sip and See and Gowns and Gardens (A mock wedding and fashion show). Finally, I assisted in the buying process for one of the major designers Ever After carries in store as well as shadowed Taylor in her day-to-day responsibilities as owner, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and retail management. "This internship taught me how to quickly build meaningful connections with clients, an essential skill for any customer-focused role in the fashion industry. I learned how to balance emotional sensitivity with professionalism, which will be invaluable when working in high-pressure or personal shopping environments. Gaining hands-on experience in styling, event planning, and marketing helped me understand how various aspects of the fashion business come together. These experiences strengthened my communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which will serve me well in future roles across merchandising, retail, or brand development. Lastly, it has opened the door for future work with Ever After as a full-time stylist post-graduation!" 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.

Ava Lebid, of Yorktown Heights, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Red Dragon ePortfolio" 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. "Over the summer, I worked as a design intern under the supervision of Ed Beck at the SUNY Oneonta Faculty Center. The faculty center has been exploring ways to encourage students to build ePortfolios, and as a design student, I was able to contribute my skills to this initiative. My main role was to support students in developing portfolios. I worked extensively in WordPress, where I helped create a new starter theme that students could use to build their own professional portfolios and websites," said Lebid, who is studying Digital & Studio Art. "As a culminating project, I designed and launched my own personal e-portfolio/website, applying the skills I had developed throughout the internship. Beyond my work, I also contributed to the SUNY Oneonta OpenLab WordPress site by designing a theme with custom headers, footers, and page layouts for ePortfolios that improved consistency and accessibility. The new theme was implemented in the Fall 2025 semester for campus-wide student use. "To support the adoption of these tools, I created student-friendly tutorials that walked users through customizing the pre-made templates. These guides were written from the perspective of a student, making them approachable and easy to follow for first-time WordPress users. I designed reusable WordPress patterns that followed ADA accessibility standards; built my first beginner portfolio on WordPress, learning the program through trial and error; helped improve the usability and design of the OpenLab WordPress site, contributing elements like headers, footers, and galleries; and developed tutorials and documentation to help students confidently create their own websites and portfolios. "When I began this internship, I had no prior experience with WordPress. My first take on building a simple portfolio challenged me to learn quickly and adapt. As I continued working, I became more confident in designing and customizing websites, learning not only the technical aspects of WordPress but also how accessibility and usability shape design decisions." 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.

Seventy-two students were featured in the Art Across Campus: Spring 2026 exhibition. This was the fifth exhibition in an annual series showcasing the creative final projects by students across campus from a diverse range of majors and focuses. This semester's exhibition features student work submitted by Dr. Suriati Abas (Elementary Education and Reading), Dr. Cindy Falk (Anthropology, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies), Dr. Kim Fierke (Sport and Exercise Sciences), Dr. Matthew Hendley (History), Dr. Toke Knudsen (Mathematics), Bethany Marx (Theatre) and Dr. Sheena Mason (English). Art Across Campus was on display in the Open Space Gallery until Feb. 21. An opening reception took place on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5-7 p.m. Admission to the galleries and receptions are free and open to the public, and visitors can receive parking passes through the University Police Department. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.

In the fall 2025 semester, the SUNY Oneonta Investment Management Team, consisting of Tudor Wolfson, Colby D'Andria and Nicholas Tyburczy advised by Assistant Professor of Finance Dr. Catalina Hurwitz, participated in the 2025 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge. This international competition involved more than 2,600 student teams of three-to-five members and a faculty advisor from 50 countries using the Bloomberg Terminal for investment education. Teams received a virtual $1 million and had five weeks, from Oct. 13 to Nov. 15, to develop investment strategies. Dr. Hurwitz praised the competition for enhancing students' understanding of economic stability, global events and market trends within a short time. Department Chair Dr. Izabella Lokshina highlighted the advantage gained through practical experience using the Bloomberg Terminal for real-world market analysis.

Joslyn Sperry, of Norwalk, IA, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Historic Baking & Cooking Workshop: Development of 2026 Programming" 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. "This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to be the Living History intern at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, WI. My internship project centered around the implementation of the summer 2025 Historic Cooking Workshop for the public and researching, planning, budgeting, and training for a new Historic Cooking Workshop for summer 2026," said Sperry, who is studying Museum Studies. "This document will be used as the handout for visitors who pay to participate in the summer 2026 Historic Baking and Cooking Workshop at Old World Wisconsin. It includes a short schedule, recipes, a short passage to give context to the recipes, and an heirloom measurement chart. "This summer, I taught the five offered sessions of the Historic Baking and Cooking Workshop at Old World Wisconsin. In addition, I used past resources for these sessions and other programming to develop the materials and lesson plan for next summer's workshop. I also had the amazing opportunity to share my knowledge of the past on property as a historic interpreter in various sites. This gave me the chance to learn about historic textile production by dyeing and mordanting wool yarn, spinning wool into yarn, and weaving on an antique German floor loom. "Over the summer, I learned what makes a successful hands on education program through teaching the cooking workshops. Through observing and researching the target markets of Old World Wisconsin, I was able to tailor the development of next summer's workshop to these audiences. In addition, I observed the methods of managing a museum across a large property at OWW and the benefits and challenges of being part of a larger state organization. All of this and more will help me moving forward in my career in the living history field and has helped me to develop valuable connections to continue to guide me through my 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.

Olivia O'Connell, of Pine Bush, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Panache Lingerie NYC internship" at SUNY Oneonta. Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success. These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta. "During my internship at Panache, I gained extensive hands-on experience in wholesale operations, competitive analysis, and product organization, while supporting the sales team and attending the NY Curve Trade Show at the Javits Center. This opportunity truly deepened my understanding of brand strategy, inventory systems, and the lingerie and swimwear industry as a whole," said O'Connell, who is studying Fashion and Textiles. "This competitive analysis presentation was created as the culminating project for my internship at Panache. It was researched, developed, and presented to the company's Creative Director from the United Kingdom, serving as an informational resource to guide future growth and positioning in this particular lingerie market. "During my internship at Panache, I developed a comprehensive competitive analysis as my final project. I examined over 25+ brands throughout this research, with a primary focus on Elomi, Goddess, and Fantasie, analyzing their brand positioning, target audiences, product ranges, and marketing approaches. The project featured visual brand comparisons, detailed SWOT analyses, and strategic recommendations designed to strengthen Panache's swimwear and lingerie presence. I presented my pitch to the company's Creative Director from the United Kingdom, aiming to highlight key opportunities for innovation, market growth, and sharper brand differentiation within the competitive, size-inclusive lingerie sector. "I learned from this experience how crucial it is to comprehend fashion's economic and creative aspects. I gained experience in analyzing competition positioning, performing in-depth market research, and converting data into clear, feasible strategies. By giving a presentation to an International industry leader, I improved my abilities in professional communication, visual presentation design, and brand analysis. These abilities will enable me to confidently develop marketing plans going forward, quickly adjust to shifting trends, and make intelligent decisions in the fast-paced fashion industry." 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.