SUNY Oneonta

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

SUNY Oneonta student Jhesenia Ayora of Peekskill, NY, received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for her upcoming study abroad program in Spain during the fall 2025 semester. Ayora is a dual major in Sociology and Spanish and will graduate in December 2025. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a prestigious and competitive U.S. State Department-funded initiative designed to expand American undergraduate students' access to international study and internship opportunities. Named after the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman of New York, the program aims to support students seeking to study abroad, helping them develop the critical language skills, global perspectives and intercultural competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

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

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

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

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

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

Seven SUNY Oneonta students received awards for the 2024 Maynard Redfield History Essay competition, an annual event where students submit essays in several categories to receive a certificate and a $75 check. The Maynard Redfield History Essay Competition Committee invites students to enter their best history essay for the competition. The committee accepts and evaluates papers of any length submitted in a history course offered at SUNY Oneonta. The winners were selected on March 28, 2025. Each category has a prize winner and an honorable mention. Students may present one essay for consideration in each category: Introductory Course Essay, Short Essay, Long Historiographic Essay and Long Research Essay. Introductory Course Essay submissions must be from a 1000-2000 level History course. Short Essay submissions are anywhere from 1-12 pages in length. Both Long Historiographic Essay and Long Research Essay submissions must be at least 13 pages long. Introductory Course Essay winners were Ariahni Boyd for "A Journey from Ireland to America: Employment Expectations for Irish Immigrant Women in Colm Toibin's Brooklyn" and Lily McArdle for "Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty: Foundations of Governance and Cultural Identity." The Short Essay winner was Luca Montana for "Fear, Scapegoating, and Political Persecution." The Short Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Alexander LaFalce-Dooling for "Populism Draped in Purple: Julius Caesar, the Populares, and Reform in the Roman Republic." The Long Historiographic Essay winner was Olivia Neumann for "The Nature of Crime and Punishment in Industrial Britain, 1750-1850." The Long Historiographic Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Aaron Vrablic for "Discussions of European Social Catholicism and Catholic Labor Movements: From the Onset of Industrialization to WWI." Vrablic was also the Long Research Essay winner for "George F. Johnson and His Utopia: The Fight Against Unionization." The Long Research Essay Honorable Mention was awarded to Devyn Hom for "Stonewall: The Catalyst for the Gay Liberation Movement." Prizes were made possible by the Maynard Redfield Fund. Dr. Redfield, a former professor in the History department, became the benefactor to present and future members of the department by establishing a fund, through a generous bequest, that facilitates faculty scholarship; many conference papers and publications have grown out of grants from the Redfield Fund. The Maynard Redfield History Essay Competition for undergraduate students also benefits from Dr. Redfield's generous donation and is named after him.

One hundred three students were recognized with awards as part of the 2025 Kente Graduation ceremony at SUNY Oneonta. The ceremony took place on campus in the Alumni Field House on April 24. Sponsored by the Department of Africana and Latinx Studies and the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence (CRJIE), the annual ceremony recognizes the achievements of SUNY Oneonta's diverse student population of African-American, Latinx, Asian and Native American (AALANA) students and non-AALANA students and allies.

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

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.

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.

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!"

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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."