SUNY Oneonta

Thomas Passannante, of Oakdale, NY, was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma, the Physics and Astronomy Honor Society, on Saturday, April 26, during the Physics & Astronomy's Spring 2025 Recognition and Awards picnic ceremony held at College Camp. Passannante is studying for a dual major in Adolescence Education and Physics, with a concentration in Applied Physics. Undergraduate candidates must have completed at least three semesters of full-time college work and at least three semester courses in physics and astronomy that can be credited toward a physics and astronomy major. Sigma Pi Sigma exists to honor outstanding scholarship in physics and astronomy, to encourage interest in physics and astronomy among students at all levels, to promote an attitude of service, and to provide a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics and astronomy. Founded in 1921, Sigma Pi Sigma is a member honor society of the Association of College Honor Societies. Election to Sigma Pi Sigma is a lifetime membership. A local charter was granted to the university in 1975. Passannante joins an elite group of students from SUNY Oneonta's Physics and Astronomy program who have accepted the invitation to Sigma Pi Sigma and its vast network of over 100,000 scientists, educators, and advocates.

Congratulations to the 17 peer tutors who earned National Tutor Association Level 1 Certification and the three peer tutors who completed National Tutor Association Level 2 Certification this academic year through SUNY Oneonta's Student Learning Center (SLC). Tutors have completed the courses they are tutoring at SUNY Oneonta and received a B+ or better. All tutors complete a mandatory three-hour training workshop before working with tutees and complete additional training throughout their work at SLC. The tutors who have completed one or two levels of certification demonstrate exceptional dedication to their tutees and their position as peer tutors.

One hundred thirty-nine SUNY Oneonta students participated in the 2025 Student Research and Creative Activity (SRCA) showcase on April 16 in the Hunt Union Ballroom. The annual SRCA showcase gives students the chance to share their scholarly and creative work with the campus community through academic conference-style presentation sessions. This year's single-day event featured 109 projects, making it one of the largest showcases of Student Research and Creative Activity ever presented at SUNY Oneonta. Students presented research for completed and ongoing projects on topics representing a wide variety of academic disciplines such as science, history and art. Projects were completed under the mentorship of 54 faculty sponsors. Twenty-nine of the 109 projects received grants through the Student Grant Program for Research and Creative Activity, funded by the University Foundation and the SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association. "This has been another great celebration of the research, scholarship, and creative activities our students have undertaken," said Associate Director of Scholarly Activities Audrey Porsche, whose office coordinates the SRCA showcase. "It's made possible in part, through charitable gifts to the University Foundation and Alumni Association. The showcase provides a great opportunity for our students to share what they have accomplished alongside their faculty sponsors. These students are getting research and creative experiences that will help them post-graduation, whether they are going on to graduate school, internships or starting their careers. It's all great experiential learning in action!"

For its showcase production of the 2024-2025 academic year, the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department presented the Tony Award-winning musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with 24 students. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is a fast-paced musical comedy set in ancient Rome, book written by American playwrights Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart, music and lyrics written by American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Bursting with mistaken identities, slapstick humor and a cast of lovable misfits, the story follows Pseudolus, a clever slave determined to win his freedom through a series of outrageous schemes. As chaos unfolds with star-crossed lovers, a hapless captor and an eccentric Roman household, this classic farce delivers non-stop laughs. Perfect for fans of witty humor and timeless theater, it's a must-see for audiences of all ages. "Along with being a really funny show, Forum is fun to perform in and has many challenges for designers, managers, directors, etc. It is also the first production in which Stephen Sondheim wrote both the music and the lyrics that made it to Broadway," said Professor of Theatre History, Dramatic Literature and Acting John McCaslin-Doyle. "In his early twenties, Sondheim wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy. After Forum Sondheim would write the books and lyrics to productions like Anyone Can Whistle, Do I Hear a Waltz, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeny Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Passion, Assassins, The Frogs and more. Many of these productions have been revived in recent years and some are currently running on Broadway. Sondheim died in 2021 and it seems right to introduce his work to students and local audiences." The performance, directed by McCaslin-Doyle, ran four times from April 23 to April 26 with help from the Mask and Hammer student theatre club. Faculty and staff made up the show's stage set and properties designer, lighting designer and technical director, costume shop manager and designer, sound designer and choreographer. The vocal director was a local professional and teaches at Hartwick College. SUNY Oneonta students made up the performance's cast, stage managers and crew.

Seven SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Omicron Delta Epsilon honor society on Friday, May 2, during an induction ceremony held in Morris Hall on campus. Omicron Delta Epsilon is an international economics honor society with 717 chapters located in 11 countries. It is one of the world's largest academic honor societies. To become a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, SUNY Oneonta undergraduate students must complete 12 credit hours of economics courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 overall and in economics courses and have a B in an economics honors program (if the chapter's college or university offers it). Graduate students must complete one semester of full-time work with a major or minor in economics and have a 3.0 GPA.

Seven SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Iota Iota Iota, Delta Beta Chapter, Honor Society during an induction ceremony on April 30. Iota Iota Iota (Triota) is a national honor society dedicated to recognizing and encouraging academic excellence in Women's and Gender Studies. With more than 50 chapters nationwide, the Triota Honor Society strives to maintain the feminist values central to Women's and Gender Studies by encouraging diversity, egalitarianism and a supportive academic environment for all students. SUNY Oneonta students must complete six credit hours in Women's and Gender Studies courses and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to be inducted into the Triota Honor Society.

Three SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society on Wednesday, April 23, during an induction ceremony held in Otsego Grille on campus. Membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society, is for students majoring in Sociology and Criminal Justice who have maintained a record of high academic achievement. Requirements include having junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.3.

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society on Friday, April 25, during an induction ceremony held in Otsego Grille on campus. Beta Gamma Sigma is an international business honor society with over 830,000 members and 600 chapters throughout more than 190 countries worldwide. This is the highest recognition a student anywhere in the world can receive in an undergraduate program at a school accredited by AACSB-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Students in the top 10% of baccalaureate and top 20% of graduate programs are eligible for this invitation.

Three SUNY Oneonta students have been named 2025 recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Fernando Trejo, Emily Petramale and Aaron Paul were among a select group of State University of New York students recognized by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. during a reception in their honor in Albany on Tuesday, April 29. All three students are members of the Class of 2025. "We are so proud of Fernando, Emily and Aaron and all they have given to the SUNY Oneonta community," said President Alberto Cardelle. "They are true leaders and inspiring role models, and their achievements here are just the beginning. I can't wait to see the difference they'll make in the world beyond our campus." The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, or CASE, is the highest honor that SUNY bestows upon students. It is presented annually to SUNY students who demonstrate academic excellence and integrate it with accomplishments in other areas, such as leadership, campus involvement, community service and the arts.

Ten SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta honor society during a ceremony held on Wednesday, April 23, in the Morris Conference Center on campus. Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in History to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.1 in History and a GPA of 3.0 or better overall. Students enrolled in an online program are not eligible, and membership is not limited to History majors. All members of the honor society are inducted through the local Phi Alpha Theta chapter at their respective college or university. Phi Alpha Theta is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society has over 350,000 members, with about 9,500 new members joining each year through 860 local chapters. Phi Alpha Theta was established on March 17, 1921, at the University of Arkansas by Professor Nels Cleven. Cleven had become convinced in his time at the university that a fraternity of scholars (which would accept men or women) was important for the study of history. He invited students to a meeting to form the society (then called the "University Historical Society") on March 14, and the society was officially recognized on March 17. In April, the decision was made for the society to be known by the Greek letters Phi Alpha Theta.

Twenty-seven SUNY Oneonta student-athletes were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society during a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday, April 9, in the Otsego Grille on campus. Chi Alpha Sigma is a nonprofit honor society established to recognize college student-athletes who earn a varsity letter in at least one sport while maintaining a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA throughout their junior and senior years. Students must be on an athletic roster for three seasons beginning their first year or sophomore year, except for transfer student-athletes, who must be on their athletic roster at SUNY Oneonta for two years. Student-athletes must also be of good moral character, someone the coaching staff would endorse.

Ten SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta honor society on Saturday, April 12, at College Camp. Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. A member of the Association of College Honor Societies, it was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. To be inducted into Sigma Tau Delta, students must have a 3.5 GPA in the English major and a 3.0 GPA overall. The honor society strives to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies; provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities; foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language and writing; promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members; exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and serve society by fostering literacy. Sigma Tau Delta is the proud sponsor of the National English Honor Society (NEHS). NEHS serves students and faculty in high schools throughout the country and provides outreach to thousands of students and faculty who share a commitment to excellence in English language arts. The honor society is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS), the nation's only certifying agency for college and university honor societies. With more than 750 active chapters located in Europe, the Caribbean and the United States, there are more than 1,000 faculty sponsors, and approximately 8,500 members inducted annually.

SUNY Oneonta accounting and business students received firsthand experience for the future by preparing income tax returns for the community, continuing an annual tradition in Alumni Hall and the ExCL Center on Dietz Street. Through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, 30 students were extensively trained and were available through April 13 to provide basic tax return preparation and filing free of charge. Their services were available to area residents, with appointments available on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. The team was excited to be able to assist community members and completed more than 60 tax returns this year. The tradition, which was started years ago by a beloved former professor, William "Jeff" Weinell, is part of a three-credit class taught by Assistant Professor of Accounting Charlene Foley-Deno. To ensure privacy, the students escort each client into an office space to begin the intake interview. Completed returns are reviewed by student coordinators and, finally, by Foley-Deno before clients return the following week for an exit interview. At the exit interview, the team assigned to the client meets with them to review the details of their return. "We used to do the returns side-by-side with clients in a computer lab in one sitting, but this really brings a new level of professionalism, how it's done in the real world, and also allows for collaboration among the students," Foley-Deno explained. "All of this-dealing with the public, working with all kinds of people, 50 hours of training, attention to detail, being professional-it's a low-stakes environment providing a huge benefit. They are on their home turf, where they feel comfortable and confident and have each other, and there's just so much potential for growth. It's really fun to watch them as they transition."

SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for attaining gold-level leadership milestones in the spring 2025 semester through the university's Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program. LEAD@Oneonta is a comprehensive leadership program based on current research and guidelines from the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. All students can choose to participate in the LEAD program, which aims to better prepare them for life after earning their degree by providing a comprehensive picture of leadership and the skills needed to be a good leader. Students can attain a silver, gold or platinum level. To reach each level, students must meet a mix of programmatic and experiential leadership requirements, including completion of online courses, attendance at educational events, and membership and leadership in one or more of SUNY Oneonta's 100+ student-run clubs and organizations. Completing a leadership level is recognized on campus as a credential that can be used, for example, when running for office or applying for STEP (Student Travel for Excellence Program) funding. The program also provides students with a leadership record that can be submitted to potential employers.

Twenty-seven SUNY Oneonta students volunteered at the annual Adaptive Basketball Clinic on campus, created through a partnership between the Sport and Exercise Sciences department and EDD Adaptive Sports. The event, held in the Alumni Field House on April 12 from 12 to 2 p.m., allowed area residents with varying intellectual and adaptive disabilities to hone their skills in basketball through different technical and shooting drills. SUNY Oneonta's Sport and Exercise Sciences department has developed a relationship with EDD Adaptive Sports, a non-profit organization that offers adaptive sports programs to children and adults with any disability. EDD Adaptive Sports' programs allow people of all ages to participate in a variety of free athletic and sport-related activities, including basketball, biking, kayaking, soccer, swimming, pickleball, rowing and yoga. This was the third year that SUNY Oneonta and EDD Adaptive Sports worked together to make the basketball clinic a successful day for everyone involved. Twenty-one of the student volunteers were from the SUNY Oneonta men's and women's basketball teams. The basketball teams picked the drills they wanted to teach to EDD's athletes, resulting in a rotation through five stations that focused on skills like dribbling, shooting and passing. With participant ages ranging from early childhood to late adolescence, modified basketball hoops and other equipment allowed every athlete to maximize their performance. Among the student volunteers were Exercise Science seniors Emilia Montgomery and Alana Batson, who provided training to the other volunteers on how to interact and work with the EDD athletes. Montgomery is also on SUNY Oneonta's field hockey team, and Batson was one of the volunteers from the women's basketball team. "Emilia and Alana were integral in the training and organization of this event," said Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Katherine Griffes, Ph.D. "Both students have been involved in the development of adaptive sport events in the past, and it was impressive to see them step up into leadership roles for this program. Their academic and professional experiences absolutely prepared them for their new roles, and their roles as student athletes ensured they recognize and value the importance of creating inclusive sport environments." "I want to be an occupational therapist when I grow up. So I took the lead with this because it's something that I'm extremely passionate about," said Montgomery. "Ensuring that everybody has fair access and availability to playing sports and using my role through being a field hockey player here at Oneonta is important to me. I've really tried to make that a part of my time here and just involving myself, involving the community and students with disabilities as much as I can." "There are limited opportunities for people with physical and cognitive disabilities to get out there and be active," said Batson, who is studying to become a physical therapist. "This is just creating more opportunities for them to have fun and be active in a safe environment. So that's pretty much what we've been saying in the training. The primary focus is to have fun, let them have fun, and provide a safe space for them to get active and have a good time."

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Tau Sigma National Honor Society for the 2024-25 academic year on April 12, 2025. Tau Sigma is designed exclusively for transfer students. The mission of the organization is to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. The minimum academic average required for membership is either a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent thereof) or an academic average that places the prospective candidate in the top 20 percent of all incoming transfer students during their incoming semester.

Forty-two first-generation SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Alpha Alpha Alpha national honor society during a ceremony on campus on April 12, 2025. Alpha Alpha Alpha, known as Tri-Alpha for short, was founded in 2018 to recognize and celebrate the hard work and academic success of first-generation university students. This was the fourth class of SUNY Oneonta students to be inducted into the national honor society. Students qualify for induction into Tri-Alpha if they meet the following criteria: The student has earned at least 30 credits/semester hours in the academic year toward an associate degree or baccalaureate degree; the undergraduate student has achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; and neither of the student's parents, stepparents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's or associate's degree.

The SUNY Oneonta 2025 Juried Student Show features nearly 90 works by more than 60 talented student artists. The exhibition opened on March 25 and will run through May 3 in the university's Martin-Mullen Art Gallery on campus. Featured artwork includes pieces submitted by students and juried by full-time Art faculty, and artworks preselected by the full-time and part-time faculty. This year's award winners were chosen by invited jurors Georgia b Smith and Zelda Smith, the spring Artists-in-Residence. Georgia b Smith is a dancer and architectural fabricator whose internationally staged performances and prosthetic-augmented works have earned recognition, including Best in Show at a 2024 robotic-art exhibition. Zelda Smith, an artist rooted in earth materials and temporal sculpture, brings a background in sustainable architecture and recently co-taught a wearable robotics course with Georgia. Together, their collaboration bridges performance, robotics and material exploration. The Juried Student Show highlights the different mediums and themes students explore over the academic year. This year's offerings include prints, 3D models, clay sculptures, digital designs, photographs, drawings and mixed media. SUNY Oneonta Art and Design senior Melissa Sibilla designed the show's poster. Winners of the following special awards were announced: Jean Parish Art on Campus Award, Excellence in New Media Award, Golden Artist Colors Inc. Award and the Martin-Mullen Creativity Award. Faculty Emerita Jean Parish enjoyed a lengthy teaching career at SUNY Oneonta, leaving behind a gift to provide financial assistance to students studying art. One of the two endowed funds she set in place supports the Jean Parish Art on Campus Awards, facilitating the purchase of student work to be displayed on campus. Excellence in New Media is a new award celebrating the work of students who excel in newer and non-traditional art practices. A permanent virtual gallery space to display the digital art that is purchased through this award is being built, mirroring the beautiful examples of physical art purchased for display across campus through Jean Parish. Golden Artist Colors is an artist materials manufacturer founded in 1980 and is dedicated to creating and sharing the most imaginative and innovative tools of color, line and texture for inspiring those who turn their vision into reality. They have graciously shared gift certificates for the Golden Artist Colors Inc. Awards. The Martin-Mullen Art Gallery and Martin-Mullen Creativity Awards are named after two previous faculty members, Minnie Martin and James Mullen. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A total of 241 SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for academic excellence during the 2024-2025 Susan Sutton Smith event on Tuesday, April 8. 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 of English Dr. Mark Ferrara. Dr. Ferrara received the faculty Susan Sutton Smith Award, and his lecture was titled "From Local to Global: How Place-based Studies Engage International Movements that Lead to Sustainable and Just Futures." Five additional faculty and staff members were recognized at the event. Adjunct Lecturer of Archeology & Faculty-Led Programs Coordinator Dr. Elizabeth Cruzado Carranza received the university's annual Simphiwe Hlatshwayo Award for Outstanding Part-Time Instructor. Professor of Mathematics Dr. Toke Knudsen received the Innovative Pedagogy Award. Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education Dr. Elyssa Stoddard and Assistant Professor of Elementary Education and Reading Dr. Kirsten Robbins received the Esther Hubbard Whitaker Award. Business Analyst Maureen Cashman received the Academic Affairs Staff Award. 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.

Twenty-one students in SUNY Oneonta's Marketing Club, OnMark, traveled to New Orleans to attend the 2025 American Marketing Association's Annual International Collegiate Conference, where they ranked among the Top 15 Collegiate Chapters of the Year. OnMark was ranked out of 331 competing colleges and universities, and the only SUNY school included in the national Top 20 Chapters list. Schools are judged based on their accomplishments, with each chapter submitting an annual report detailing their fundraiser events, membership drives, community service, career development workshops, and other AMA competitions in which the club participated throughout the year. "I'm incredibly proud of OnMark for earning this recognition," said OnMark club President Kaelin O'Connor. "Being the only SUNY school and one of the smallest universities competing in the Large Chapter category, I really appreciate everyone's hard work and dedication. It wouldn't have been possible without the support of our members and executive board."

Twelve of the nearly 50,000 panels of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt filled the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY Oneonta from March 21-23, each stitch and patchwork square telling a story of lives lost to the AIDS crisis. For many, including SUNY Oneonta student and Otsego Pride Alliance Vice President Kerri Lincoln, the quilt's arrival was not just a powerful tribute but a deeply personal mission. Lincoln, a Women's and Gender Studies major and Oneonta local, began her journey to bring the quilt to Oneonta nearly a year and a half ago. Inspired by a conversation with one of her children, she realized that the AIDS Quilt was becoming a fading memory for younger generations. Determined to change that, Lincoln took it upon herself to bring this piece of history closer to home. Securing the quilt required persistence and began about a year and a half earlier. Lincoln worked with the National AIDS Memorial to meet the requirements for hosting a display and coordinated multiple fundraisers to cover expenses. Basket raffles and community donations played a vital role in making the project possible. Lincoln also collaborated closely with SUNY Oneonta's faculty and staff, who provided support throughout the planning process and assisted with the installation itself. As a nontraditional student, Lincoln worked with Assistant Professor of Women's and Gender Studies Dr. Chloe Diamond-Lenow to incorporate the AIDS Memorial Quilt into her independent study course. Lincoln's coursework included research about the quilt's creation and significance, organizing its display and using it as a text to explore intersectionality, public health and art as resistance. "Kerri took Intro to Queer Studies with me last semester. In the class, one of the assignments for students is to do a research project where they look at the history of a queer trans activist," said Dr. Diamond-Lenow. "Kerri chose to research Cleve Jones, the initial creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and called the project "Stitching Resistance". At that time, she already knew she was bringing the quilt to campus. So we created a 4000-level independent study course, which gave us more opportunities to have one-on-one conversations. I was really just there to support Kerri in organizing the event. But we also framed the AIDS Quilt in relation to queer studies and queer theory." The quilt's arrival was deeply emotional for Lincoln. Seeing the panels unfold, including one featuring Henry Nicols of Cooperstown, underscored the personal connection this project held. Nicols, who contracted HIV as a child through a hemophilia treatment, became a prominent AIDS activist before passing away in 2000. His father, Hank Nicols, attended the event as a speaker, adding another layer of meaning to the display. For Lincoln, memorable moments extended beyond the installation itself. Conversations with visitors revealed how deeply the quilt resonated with those who viewed it. Attendees shared memories of loved ones lost to AIDS, and some expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on a chapter of history that has too often been overlooked. The quilt's presence also served as a reminder of ongoing struggles. Lincoln expressed concern about recent cuts to HIV research and prevention efforts, emphasizing that the need for awareness and advocacy remains crucial.

Seven SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Beta Beta Beta honor society during a ceremony held on Wednesday, March 26, in the Perna Science building on campus. Beta Beta Beta is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, 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.

SUNY Oneonta students Daniela Hernandez and Nicolai Glouchkov were two of only 50 students statewide to receive the 2025 Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. The award, now celebrating its sixth class of honorees, recognizes outstanding students in SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for their academic merit and perseverance. The SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor John B. King Jr. recognized the students' achievements during a ceremony in Troy, NY, on March 11. The honor is named in memory of Norman R. McConney Jr. (1946-2016), a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create the EOP as a statewide program.

Alex Garcia, a Peer Mental Health Corps member serving at the on-campus counseling center, received the "Excellence in Service, Going Above and Beyond" award at the inaugural Empire State Service Corps (ESSC) summit on March 1 in Syracuse. ESSC members from SUNY institutions across the state gathered at the summit to provide a valuable opportunity for networking and collaboration. Participants also had the chance to engage with SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. during an insightful fireside chat. Through the program, Garcia has built meaningful connections with students and faculty members in the Oneonta community, gained valuable career-related skills and collaborated with others to support larger initiatives. Garcia is a dual major at SUNY Oneonta in Psychology and Sociology and a member of the class of 2026. "Service is important to me because since I began volunteering at a young age," said Garcia. "I've seen firsthand how it builds a community and provides a platform to hear the voices and concerns of those who are historically underserved. I believe that supporting local efforts and nonprofits turns into a push toward a more equitable and welcoming world." The Empire State Service Corps is a program that empowers students to complete 300 paid public service hours over the course of a year. Corps members are also eligible for educational awards through AmeriCorps. The program focuses on key areas such as sustainability, civic engagement, basic needs outreach, anti-hate and bias prevention and FAFSA completion.

Juliette Devenpeck, a Peer Mental Health Corps member serving at Laurens Central School, received the "Cohort Champion" award at the inaugural Empire State Service Corps (ESSC) summit on March 1 in Syracuse. ESSC members from SUNY institutions across the state gathered at the summit to provide a valuable opportunity for networking and collaboration. Participants also had the chance to engage with SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. during an insightful fireside chat. As part of the Peer Mental Health Cohort, much of Devenpeck's time is spent in a local K-12 guidance office, offering support in several areas. Her work includes assisting seniors with career exploration, five-year plans and resumes, as well as helping students in grades 6-9 with stress management and emotion regulation. She also provides individual reading support to a 7th-grade student. "Serving youth is important to me because I believe in focusing on financial literacy and other life skills as a foundation for success after high school," said Devenpeck, a Psychology major and member of the class of 2028. "I have gained valuable experience working with children of all ages and abilities." Observing the daily responsibilities of a guidance counselor has further reinforced her passion for pursuing a career in school counseling. The Empire State Service Corps is a program that empowers students to complete 300 paid public service hours over the course of a year. Corps members are also eligible for educational awards through AmeriCorps. The program focuses on key areas such as sustainability, civic engagement, basic needs outreach, anti-hate and bias prevention, and FAFSA completion.

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

During the fall 2024 semester, Fashion and Textile students at SUNY Oneonta had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by creating themed window displays for Shakedown Street, a local thrift and consignment store, as well as inside the Human Ecology building on campus. The project allowed students to apply their skills in visual merchandising, fashion styling and retail display while incorporating sustainable practices by curating secondhand garments. Students worked either solo or in pairs to design displays that featured seasonal themes such as "Rich Layers of Fall," winter holiday concepts and New Year's Eve fashion. Each display was carefully planned to highlight color coordination, layering techniques and accessorizing to create cohesive, eye-catching presentations. Through this experience, students strengthened their collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills. Working under time constraints and with limited resources helped them adapt to real-world challenges often faced in the retail industry. Additionally, students explored ways to attract customer attention, promote sustainable fashion choices and engage with the local community. This hands-on project provided valuable preparation for future careers in fashion merchandising, retail management and creative marketing, allowing students to combine their academic knowledge with practical experience.

Two SUNY Oneonta students, Saranna Shevalier and Jonathan Saminski, have been accepted to George Washington University's Koobi Fora Field School (KFFS). This renowned paleoanthropology field school offers a prestigious seven-week supervised research experience in northern Kenya, where participants collect hominin fossils. Shevalier and Saminski were selected among 20-25 students globally to participate in the 2025 field school, from June 13 to July 26. Since 2012, George Washington University has partnered with the National Museums of Kenya to offer students on-the-ground experience in paleoanthropology at the Koobi Fora Field School (KFFS). Located on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana, Kenya, KFFS is the world's premier field research and training program in paleoanthropology. Throughout the program, students earn credit through lectures, specialized laboratory exercises and one-on-one training with senior scientists on-site. They explore remote and dramatic landscapes and search for evidence of hominins going back millions of years. Additionally, students benefit from the interaction with their international peers, which can broaden their worldview and enhance their future working relationships. SUNY Oneonta Assistant Professor of Anthropology Dr. Kaedan O'Brien got his career start as an undergraduate via this program and is mentoring Shevalier and Saminksi.

Fourteen SUNY Oneonta students were involved in the Theatre Department's production of "The Alleged Children of Darkness," the opening performance of the spring 2025 semester. Set 30 years in the future, on the brink of civil war, "The Alleged Children of Darkness" follows the return of an astronaut from Mars, whose arrival threatens to destabilize an already fragile power struggle on Earth. A stressed ex-NASA employee scrambles to organize a welcome-home gathering, bringing together the astronaut's twin daughters, who are unaware of their connection to him or each other. Inspired by the structure of blockbuster dystopian TV pilots, the play delves into humanity's fight over future resources, exploring conflicts rooted in identity, politics and personal desire. "Dan O'Neil had shared an earlier draft of the play with me when he re-located to Otsego County during the pandemic. The script had been presented as a staged reading but never fully produced," said Professor of Acting & Directing Andrew Kahl. "I really liked Dan's writing, the characters he had developed and the near future he imagined. Last year, I re-read the material and thought it would create a wonderful collaborative experience for students to be directly engaged in workshopping a script for its first fully staged production. When we contacted Dan early last spring, he was enthusiastic about the prospect of working with our students and re-exploring the play from a fresh perspective. His availability also provided the Theatre Department with a chance to offer a playwriting class from a professional playwright." "The Alleged Children of Darkness" was a joint performance made possible by Theatre Department faculty and staff, and students from the Mask and Hammer Club. The show was cast in the final weeks of the fall 2024 semester, followed by a read-through with O'Neil in early December to discuss the plot, themes and character relationships. Using feedback from this session, O'Neil prepared a revised script by mid-January. Rehearsals began on the first night of the Spring semester, with the cast working six nights a week to prepare for the Feb. 28 opening.

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta students are showcasing their artwork in the "Project Open Call: Spring 2025" exhibition from Feb. 25 to March 29 in the Project Space Gallery on campus. "Project Open Call: Spring 2025" is a group show of new work submitted by SUNY Oneonta students to the Gallery's semesterly open call. Featuring work by: Mya Barry, Victoria Bodo, Madison Budek, Lulu Q. Burkowski, Hannah Garay, Maya Golos, Sarah Green, Alec Hodge, Amy Kosina, Maya Pauley, Jessie Reed, Lexi Rockefeller, and Zoe Zappala. Project Open Call is an open-call program that accepts applications at the end of every semester for consideration in student shows in the following semester. Students may submit either personal work or coursework and can apply for inclusion in a curated group exhibition or with an original idea for a solo or group show. Admission to the galleries at SUNY Oneonta is 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 Gallery Director Sarah Simpson at Sarah.Simpson@oneonta.edu or 607-436-2445.