SUNY Oneonta

Eight SUNY Oneonta students are among the first to complete an innovative new program at SUNY Oneonta that aims to prepare students for life outside the classroom and after college by focusing on professional and social maturity and growth. Noticing that many seniors lacked professional awareness, communication skills and confidence, history professor E. Howard Ashford had an idea and a goal: to create a program rooted in mentoring that would help students become the best version of themselves by focusing on these skills. With this vision, the "Kings of Excellence" initiative was born. When it started in fall 2022, there were just a handful of male student participants, as one goal was to address the barriers that hinder recruitment and retention of male students from underrepresented populations. Now, there are about 25 students involved, including women and students of all backgrounds. Following one semester as a "King-in-Waiting," students are inducted as Kings during a special ceremony. After fulfilling their "10 Missions"-requirements that include maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, completing community service and professional development, creating a job portfolio, and actively participating in student organizations and events-Kings graduate from the academy. This semester, eight students have graduated from the program.

Three SUNY Oneonta students were named Milne Library Scholars for the 2023-24 academic year and were honored at a banquet dinner on campus on April 17. The Milne Library Scholar program supports student scholarship at SUNY Oneonta by offering resources and opportunities specifically tailored to undergraduate and graduate researchers. Only four Milne Library Scholars are named at any time, three undergraduate students and one graduate student, and students from any discipline are encouraged to apply. To become a Milne Library Scholar, students must submit an application that indicates their research project meets specific criteria such as evidence that the project can be completed within the academic year with enough initial work already being completed at the time of the application, the research project must align with the mission of the Milne Library, whether or not their project will make use of library resources, demonstrates clear and focused research agenda and communication skills. Milne Library Scholars receive access to private furnished study spaces in the library, regular consultation from librarian experts on scholarly research and publication, an invitation to a banquet honoring them, eligibility for selection as Milne Library Scholar of the Year and special opportunities to showcase their scholarship to the campus community. Students are expected to produce a completed research project to show the campus community at the end of their time as Milne Library Scholars.

Jessica Davis, of Oceanside, NY, was one of four students attending a NY university to receive an Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS) scholarship in the 2023-24 academic year. The AMTNYS awards are presented to outstanding undergraduates enrolled in a Teacher Education Program in New York state and who have completed at least 18 credit hours of Mathematics. The cumulative GPA must be at least 3.25 and applicants can be in their senior year. AMTNYS began the scholarship program in 1987, and the money is primarily raised by donations given by members and friends to the AMTNYS Scholarship Fund. Davis, who is studying Adolescence Education: Mathematics and Mathematics, is a member of the class of 2026, is one of seven SUNY Oneonta students to receive the AMTNYS scholarship since 1988. Awards are based on a committee evaluation of each student's academic achievement, and their involvement and contributions to their school and the mathematics community. Davis was encouraged to apply by Professor of Mathematics Dr. Toke Knudsen, who also wrote a letter of support for her application.

Nineteen 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 Chase Gym on April 14, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., allowed area residents who have varying intellectual and adaptive disabilities to hone their skills in basketball through different technical and shooting drills. Over the past few years, 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 second year that SUNY Oneonta and EDD Adaptive Sports worked together to make the basketball clinic a successful day for everyone involved.

Haley Fogarty, of Center Moriches, NY, was recognized for attaining gold-level leadership milestones in the spring 2024 semester through the university's Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program. Fogarty is studying Psychology at SUNY Oneonta and is a member of the class of 2024. 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.

Three SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society on Friday, April 26, 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.

Congratulations to the seventeen peer tutors who earned National Tutor Association Level 1 Certification and the seven 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 receive 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.

More than 50 SUNY Oneonta students and the Theatre Department produced "Cabaret," a Tony Award-winning musical and showcase production of the 2023-2024 academic year. Created by American playwright Joe Masteroff, "Cabaret" follows Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer, as he navigates Berlin in the early 1930s, befriending other residents of his low-rent boarding house including relation-interest Sally Bowles, a dancer and singer at the Kit Kat Club. Music and lyrics for the original production were created by John Kander and Fed Ebb. The performance was directed by Andrew Kahl, professor of acting and directing, and will run four times from April 24 to 27 with help from the Mask and Hammer student theatre club. "Cabaret speaks to contemporary conflicts between free expression and authoritarianism," said Kahl. "It is a musical with dramatic teeth, richly drawn characters, and a wonderful score. The show was also a good match for our current student population and offered challenges - on stage and off - for our students, faculty and staff." "Cabaret" was performed in the Goodrich Theater at SUNY Oneonta from Wednesday to Friday, April 24-26, at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Tickets for upcoming productions can be purchased online at https://oneonta.universitytickets.com/, in person at the Hunt Union Information Desk from Monday to Saturday between 1 and 10 p.m. and in person at the box office in the Fine Arts Center one hour before each scheduled performance. View ticket pricing and more information online at https://suny.oneonta.edu/theatre-department/season-shows.

One hundred seventeen students were recognized with awards as part of the 2024 Kente Graduation Recognition Ceremony at SUNY Oneonta. The ceremony took place on campus in the Alumni Field House on April 26. 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.

Twenty students in SUNY Oneonta's Marketing Club, OnMark, traveled to New Orleans to attend the 2024 American Marketing Association's Annual International Collegiate Conference, where they ranked among the Top 15 Collegiate Chapters of the Year. OnMark was ranked No. 11 out of more than 350 competing colleges and universities. 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.

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.

Twenty SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Tau Sigma National Honor Society for the 2023-24 academic year on April 14, 2024. 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.

Twenty-one SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta honor society on Saturday, April 13, 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 Sigman Tau Delta, students must have a 3.5 GPA in the English major, a 3.0 GPA overall and at least be a sophomore. 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.

Forty-five SUNY Oneonta student-athletes were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honor society during a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday, April 3, 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.

Eleven SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Beta Beta Beta honor society during a ceremony held on Friday, March 22, in the Human Ecology 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 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.

Fifteen SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta honor society during a ceremony held on Wednesday, April 17, 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.

Thirty-eight first-generation SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Alpha Alpha Alpha national honor society during a ceremony on April 14, 2024, at Morris Hall. 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 third 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 2024 Juried Student Art Show features nearly 90 works by more than 50 talented student artists. The exhibition opened on March 26 and will run through May 4 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 juror Chris Rossi, director of exhibitions at the Fenimore Art Museum. Located in Cooperstown, NY, the Fenimore Art Museum has collections of fine art, folk art, photography, American Indian art and special exhibitions and programs. Named for the property on which it stands, once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper, the Fenimore Art Museum also contains the Cooper family collection, showing the unique qualities of Cooperstown and Otsego Lake as seen in the writings of James Fenimore Cooper. The show highlights the different mediums and themes explored by students over the academic year. Prints, 3D models, clay sculptures, digital designs, photographs, drawings and mixed media make up this year's offerings. 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, Helen and George Zimmerman Memorial 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.

Three SUNY Oneonta students have been named 2024 recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Dasia Harrigan, Graham Wooden and Olivia Schuler 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 Thursday, April 11. All three students are seniors and will graduate in May. "Graham, Dasia and Olivia are stellar student leaders and role models for their peers, and the entire university community is very proud of them," said SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle. "I know their exemplary achievements and service here is only the beginning of their story, and I look forward to seeing the wonderful things they go on to do beyond SUNY Oneonta." 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.

"A New York Minute" is a solo exhibition by Psychology major Samantha Schein ('24) that captures the essence of her New York City upbringing and her connection to its vibrant culture. Each photograph is a glimpse into the different layers of urban life where the photographer's lens channels what the city is about. "A cohesive theme emerges as the story unfolds: journey past Times Square and see what else the city has to offer," says SUNY Oneonta Art Gallery Director Sarah Simpson. "With the lively and intimate energy of city streets, the photographs weave a story of the heart and soul of NYC. The grainy textures and vivid hues of the 35 mm film evoke something genuine, reflecting the authenticity of the lived experiences captured. Schein invites the audience to take part in the visual poetry of these moments, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own journey. Let the images serve as the beginning of the story of what the city is truly about: culture, life and color, all existing beyond what meets the tourist's eye." Schein's exhibition will be on view in the Open Space Gallery on campus until April 20. 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.

A total of 206 SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for academic excellence during the 2023-2024 Susan Sutton Smith event on Tuesday, April 9. 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 also featured the annual Susan Sutton Smith Lecture, delivered this year by Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Kiyoko Yokota. Dr. Yokota received the faculty Susan Sutton Smith Award, and her lecture was titled "Clean but Green - the Paradox of the Oligotrophic Cyanobacterial Blooms." Two additional faculty members were recognized at the event. Adjunct Associate Professor of Theatre Carmela Marner received the university's annual Simphiwe Hilatshwayo Award for Outstanding Part-Time Instructor. Assistant Professor of Law Dr. Sean Shannon received the Innovative Pedagogy 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.

Three SUNY Oneonta students spent their spring break in Valencia, Spain at the "Twentieth Annual International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society," hosted by the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Working with faculty member Daniel Patrone, Department of Philosophy, student researchers have spent the past 6 months examining institutional compliance with safety and reporting regulations in research involving rDNA technology and synthetic biology. They traveled to Spain to present their paper "Biosafety and Transparency in the Review and Oversight of Research Involving Potentially Dangerous Biotechnology." They spent a week in Spain, sharing their findings and networking with professionals from around the world. The students' research and presentation were funded by a SUNY Oneonta Faculty Research and Creative Activities Grant, the D'Antonio Student Travel Award, and the Tony Rhoda Award in Applied Ethics.

Bird Wallace, of Monroe, NY, was one of three SUNY Oneonta students who interned under Natan Diacon-Furtado as part of the School of Liberal Arts and Business's Artist-in-Residence program. Wallace, who is studying Digital and Studio Art, interned alongside Clayton Davis and Victoria Hallenbeck. Together, the three students were co-collaborators for two giant multimedia installations on campus, the culmination of Diacon-Furtado's residency at SUNY Oneonta. A visual artist driven by collaboration, interaction and mutual learning, Diacon-Furtado left SUNY Oneonta after eight weeks of bringing students, faculty and staff together to create sculptural work that combines visual and audio components with audience participation. What began as a dream at the beginning of the semester quickly developed into a dynamic, evolving art series made possible by the collaborative efforts of Diacon-Furtado, Wallace, Hallenbeck and Davis. The three seniors interned with Diacon-Furtado from the beginning of their spring 2024 semester through the artist's final day-in-residence on March 13. "They're the reason that this piece behind us works," said Diacon-Furtado, gesturing to a colorful multimedia installation tilted "Pattern Offerings" inside the Fine Arts 318 studio. This first installation was on display in Fine Arts 318 during the majority of the visual artist's residency, and it helped Diacon-Furtado and the three interns create the final two pieces. "My work is driven by interaction, collaboration and learning from each other. I seek out fellowships and residencies like this time I've spent at SUNY Oneonta so I can do that," said Diacon-Furtado. "I don't want to work with people my age who think like me and are like me. I want to do it with a wide range of folks, and so working with the student interns has been wonderful for that exact reason - because we get to co-create in a way where it's not just my brain bringing ideas to the table. That's how we ended up with something like this project that is so fluid and dynamic." The second part of "Pattern Offerings" features an edited video of 12 classes interacting directly with the artwork in Fine Arts 318 that will be projected onto the exterior of the Fine Arts Center on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. All three interns will provide remarks on the installation during the opening reception. The final installation created by Diacon-Furtado and the three interns is called "Collaborative Monumentality" and features two pre-recorded videos of the artists projected onto 11 different windows of Fitzelle Hall that give the appearance of the artists coloring in each window. "Collaborative Monumentality" can be viewed after sunset on campus until mid April. "The things I learned most from this internship with Natan are to have fun with art and that no idea is concrete," said Wallace. "Every single time I showed up, I left with a new experience that came from what we worked on that day. I'm used to subject-oriented art, and this projection art took it to a different level. This experience will influence me to make more interesting things."

Victoria Hallenbeck, of Schenectady, NY, was one of three SUNY Oneonta students who interned under Natan Diacon-Furtado as part of the School of Liberal Arts and Business's Artist-in-Residence program. Hallenbeck, who is studying Art and Design, interned alongside Bird Wallace and Clayton Davis. Together, the three students were co-collaborators for two giant multimedia installations on campus, the culmination of Diacon-Furtado's residency at SUNY Oneonta. A visual artist driven by collaboration, interaction and mutual learning, Diacon-Furtado left SUNY Oneonta after eight weeks of bringing students, faculty and staff together to create sculptural work that combines visual and audio components with audience participation. What began as a dream at the beginning of the semester quickly developed into a dynamic, evolving art series made possible by the collaborative efforts of Diacon-Furtado, Hallenbeck, Davis and Wallace. The three seniors interned with Diacon-Furtado from the beginning of their spring 2024 semester through the artist's final day-in-residence on March 13. "They're the reason that this piece behind us works," said Diacon-Furtado, gesturing to a colorful multimedia installation tilted "Pattern Offerings" inside the Fine Arts 318 studio. This first installation was on display in Fine Arts 318 during the majority of the visual artist's residency, and it helped Diacon-Furtado and the three interns create the final two pieces. "My work is driven by interaction, collaboration and learning from each other. I seek out fellowships and residencies like this time I've spent at SUNY Oneonta so I can do that," said Diacon-Furtado. "I don't want to work with people my age who think like me and are like me. I want to do it with a wide range of folks, and so working with the student interns has been wonderful for that exact reason - because we get to co-create in a way where it's not just my brain bringing ideas to the table. That's how we ended up with something like this project that is so fluid and dynamic." The second part of "Pattern Offerings" features an edited video of 12 classes interacting directly with the artwork in Fine Arts 318 that will be projected onto the exterior of the Fine Arts Center on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. All three interns will provide remarks on the installation during the opening reception. The final installation created by Diacon-Furtado and the three interns is called "Collaborative Monumentality" and features two pre-recorded videos of the artists projected onto 11 different windows of Fitzelle Hall that give the appearance of the artists coloring in each window. "Collaborative Monumentality" can be viewed after sunset on campus until mid April. "I've liked interning with Natan, and I've learned a lot," said Hallenbeck. "I never worked on anything using projections before this and it could be useful in the future. Learning how to use the free programs that I've never really heard of and the collaborative part of it has been helpful - just a lot of ideas compositionally have been helpful."

Clayton Davis, of Newport, NY, was one of three SUNY Oneonta students who interned under Natan Diacon-Furtado as part of the School of Liberal Arts and Business's Artist-in-Residence program. Davis, who is studying Art and Design, interned alongside Bird Wallace and Victoria Hallenbeck. Together, the three students were co-collaborators for two giant multimedia installations on campus, the culmination of Diacon-Furtado's residency at SUNY Oneonta. A visual artist driven by collaboration, interaction and mutual learning, Diacon-Furtado left SUNY Oneonta after eight weeks of bringing students, faculty and staff together to create sculptural work that combines visual and audio components with audience participation. What began as a dream at the beginning of the semester quickly developed into a dynamic, evolving art series made possible by the collaborative efforts of Diacon-Furtado, Davis, Wallace and Hallenbeck. The three seniors interned with Diacon-Furtado from the beginning of their spring 2024 semester through the artist's final day-in-residence on March 13. "They're the reason that this piece behind us works," said Diacon-Furtado, gesturing to a colorful multimedia installation tilted "Pattern Offerings" inside the Fine Arts 318 studio. This first installation was on display in Fine Arts 318 during the majority of the visual artist's residency, and it helped Diacon-Furtado and the three interns create the final two pieces. "My work is driven by interaction, collaboration and learning from each other. I seek out fellowships and residencies like this time I've spent at SUNY Oneonta so I can do that," said Diacon-Furtado. "I don't want to work with people my age who think like me and are like me. I want to do it with a wide range of folks, and so working with the student interns has been wonderful for that exact reason - because we get to co-create in a way where it's not just my brain bringing ideas to the table. That's how we ended up with something like this project that is so fluid and dynamic." The second part of "Pattern Offerings" features an edited video of 12 classes interacting directly with the artwork in Fine Arts 318 that will be projected onto the exterior of the Fine Arts Center on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. All three interns will provide remarks on the installation during the opening reception. The final installation created by Diacon-Furtado and the three interns is called "Collaborative Monumentality" and features two pre-recorded videos of the artists projected onto 11 different windows of Fitzelle Hall that give the appearance of the artists coloring in each window. "Collaborative Monumentality" can be viewed after sunset on campus until mid April. "Natan really emphasized collaboration, and I think that is super important with artists, and being able to work together with a group of people is amazing," said Davis. "You're able to get a lot better experiences than just doing things on your own, and you get a lot of outside perspectives rather than just everything within your brain."

SUNY Oneonta students were recognized for attaining silver-level leadership milestones in the spring 2024 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 Men's and Women's Track & Field teams had five individuals and two relays receive All-SUNYAC honors at the SUNYAC Championships on Feb. 23-24. Senior Aidan Kelly was the SUNYAC Champion in the men's heptathlon. Senior Isabella Fabrizio earned All-Conference in the women's shot put and weight throw, junior Marco Alter in the men's weight throw, senior Jonthomas Bierman in the 800-meter run, and senior Ejim Nnate in the 60-meter hurdles. The Red Dragons won both the men's and women's distance medley relays.

The SUNY Oneonta Men's Swimming & Diving team broke multiple school records at the SUNYAC Championships from Feb. 21-24. Junior Mason DeLisio broke the freestyle 50-yard record with a time of 20.60, the 100-yard record with a time of 45.74 and the 200-yard record with a time of 1:41.77. Junior James Llewellyn broke the 200-IM record with a time of 1:56.94. The Red Dragons' relay of seniors Eli Cohen, Ross Caimano, Llewellyn and DeLisio also broke the 200-yard relay record with a time of 1:24.67 and the 400-yard freestyle relay record with a time of 3:08.31.

Twenty-two SUNY Oneonta students and the Theatre Department produced "Dead by Jack," a "devised theatre" performance depicting the lives of the five women who were Jack the Ripper. Devised theatre is a method of creating theatre that originates from collaborative, often improvised, work by a performing ensemble. The actors, who were all SUNY Oneonta students, were in charge of coming up with their narratives, blocking and dramatic choices, and worked with the Theatre Department to develop the scenery and costumes for the show. The production was directed by Kiara Pipino, associate professor of acting, directing and movement, and five performances were held from March 1 to 6. "Everyone has heard about Jack the Ripper and about the White Chapel Murders," said Pipino. "Theories, speculations and a myriad of literature and media content in all forms has been devoted to this infamous serial killer and yet there is no scientific evidence that can firmly identify him. Perhaps this is why the fascination still exists to this day, more than one hundred and some years after the last killing, which happened in 1888." While the cast didn't work off a script, the characters, Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine (Kate) Eddowes, Mary-Jane Kelly and Jack the Ripper, were based on Hallie Rubenhold's book "The Five: The Untold Lives of Women Killed by Jack the Ripper" and additional research completed by the cast. "We know a lot about these five women. We know where they were born, where they grew up, we know about their families, their struggles, their living accommodations, occupations and how they ended up down on their luck," said Pipino. "They were all labelled as prostitutes and while there is no judgement here about that profession, the fact is that most of them weren't. There are many Jack the Rippers still at large. The number of cold cases regarding slaughtered victims whose murderers were never found is astounding. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report there are about 340000 unsolved homicides just from 1965 to 2021." Students from the Mask and Hammer theatre club, an active and dynamic campus organization that promotes opportunities for students of all majors to become involved in theatre activities, were part of the production in various cast and crew roles. "Dead by Jack" was shown in the Hamblin Theatre on campus. Tickets for upcoming productions can be purchased online at https://oneonta.universitytickets.com/, in person at the Hunt Union Information Desk from Monday to Saturday between 1 and 10 p.m. and in person at the box office in the Fine Arts Center one hour before each scheduled performance. View ticket pricing and more information online at https://suny.oneonta.edu/theatre-department/season-shows.

SUNY Oneonta accounting and business students are getting firsthand experience for the future by preparing income tax returns for the community, continuing an annual tradition in an impressive new venue: the recently renovated Alumni Hall. Through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, 21 students were extensively trained and are available through April 13 to provide basic tax return preparation and filing free of charge. Their services are available to area residents, with appointments available on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. The team is excited to be able to assist community members and expects to complete more than 60 tax returns this year. The tradition, which was started years ago by a beloved former professor, William "Jeff" Weinell, is hosted in a new space this year in Alumni Hall, which reopened in the fall after a multi-year, $22 million renovation transformed the building into a state-of-the-art center for learning and innovation.