SUNY Oneonta

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. For the course "Philosophy of Life and Death," Dr. Daniel Patrone led 12 of his students and a student teaching assistant on a three-week journey through England, Scotland and Wales from May 24 to June 13. Beginning in London, the group visited historic sites, galleries, museums, temples, gardens, theatres and more, all the while discussing, exploring and debating the meaning of life, the ethics of euthanasia, the rights of the terminally ill, the possibility of life after death, and more. The student philosophers' itinerary allowed them to trace the history of wars, plagues, executions and more, visiting "haunted" sites and having class on the floor of the ruins of a Roman gladiator arena, where they discussed the ethics of spectator violence. They took in cultural treasures in the British Museum, debated whether the Elgin Marbles and Benin Bronzes should be returned to their cultures of origin, and visited Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Stonehenge. Their research culminated in "an impressively thoughtful and intense debate" on topics covered, Patrone reflected - "This is what deep learning looks like!" Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

SUNY Oneonta students are getting firsthand experience in their fields of study this summer with research projects on topics ranging from theatre to natural sciences. Twenty-four SUNY Oneonta students are involved in research projects on and off campus through the university's Summer Research Fellowship Program. Fellowships assist undergraduate and graduate students with costs related to participating in summer research and creative activity in either an independent or group project. SUNY Oneonta faculty are mentoring students in projects ranging from a Shakespeare intensive study in Prague to research that combines sustainability and video games in elementary, middle and high school education. The 2023 Summer Research Fellowship recipients receive financial support from University Advancement's Student Research and Creative Activity Grant Fund, with additional funding from Alumni Engagement. Students receive grants of up to $3,000 each, with a maximum of $6,000 for two or more students working together on a single project. Students who must remain on campus for their research stay at SUNY Oneonta for free this summer. The students will share their projects with the campus community during a Summer Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase from Sept. 7 to 14. "The summer fellowships provide students with a great opportunity to do concentrated, in-depth, faculty-led research without sacrificing their ability to earn money at a time when so many students are home working summer jobs," said Audrey Porsche, associate director of scholarly activities.

New applied learning programs at SUNY Oneonta give students real-world experience in board rooms and beyond, illustrating the university's emphasis on hands-on learning and commitment to community partnerships. This year, five Oneonta students within the School of Liberal Arts and Business worked with local nonprofit organizations as the third cohort of participants in the INTD 3997: Internship in Non-Profit Leadership Development program, guided by Associate Professor of Communication Studies Jacqueline Bishop. During their time with the nonprofits, students conducted research, attended board and committee meetings, and worked closely with leaders of the organizations. They gained skills in teamwork, communication, presentation, leadership, time management and more. Some even came away with portfolios to show to potential employers. "The value of internships and experiential learning cannot be overstated," said Eileen Morgan- Zayachek, Associate Provost for Academic Programs. "The American public has prioritized experiential learning, and SUNY Oneonta has really embraced this. Since opening our Experiential Learning Center in 2021, we've worked harder than ever to provide students with opportunities to test knowledge and skills and get their foot in the door. This is also part of our commitment to equity - we're creating opportunities for students who don't have built-in resources or contacts in their network." Each of the interns received a one-time $200 stipend from the Dewar Foundation.

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Each year since 2013, Dr. Tracy Allen has taken students to Guatemala for the interdisciplinary course, "Water and the Environment of Guatemala." The course touches on the geography, geology and environmental science of the region and prepares students to find solutions to contemporary water resources issues in the developing world. From May 25 to June 7, 10 students took water samples and analyzed water quality data from Lake Atitlan and the surrounding watershed in order to share the results with the community. They also visited Mayan homes to install water filters, sampled city and school wells, and taught school children about water quality. In their free time, they toured Mayan ruins, art galleries and a coffee plantation, and visited an active volcano and sea turtle nesting site and hatchery. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Dr. Ann Fradkin-Hayslip and eight of her students spent from May 20 until May 28 studying Finland's educational system, consistently ranked the best in the world, for the eight-day field course "Cross Cultural Comparisons of Educational Systems." The group visited schools in Finland, from pre-K through high school, observing in classrooms and meeting with administrators, teachers and students. They discovered a completely different educational system, one where teachers "are highly revered and respected, on par with doctors" and have "tremendous autonomy," Fradkin-Hayslip said. In Finland, standardized testing, homework and school buses do not exist, and shoes are not worn inside the school. Instead, students are encouraged to play, walk to school or ride their bike. In addition to their academic courses, students take cooking and carpentry classes that let them learn important life skills. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Assistant Professor of Photography Wesley Bernard and 10 of his students spent from June 9 to June 25 taking photos and touring the country of Portugal for the course "Documentary Photography." Cameras in hand, students traveled to Lisbon and Terceira, using photography to investigate and document the rapidly changing Portuguese culture regarding beef production and sustainable food practices, global warming's effect on the country's coastline, and vibrant cultural celebrations. Along the way, they took in the country's rich art scene, colorful museums and architecture, and delicious cuisine. Using photos they took, students produced their own small portfolios. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

A total of 232 SUNY Oneonta students earned Provost's List honors for the spring 2023 semester. To qualify for the Provost's List, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

More than 1,100 SUNY Oneonta students earned Dean's List honors for the spring 2023 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

Two SUNY Oneonta students were coaches in the first collaborative Nike multi-sport camp held on June 11 and 12 at Hartwick College. SUNY Oneonta Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Science Dr. Katherine Griffes, Hartwick Head Men's Lacrosse Coach and Assistant Athletic Director Don LaSala, Cooperstown All Star Village (CASV) and Nike Sports Camp developed the multi-sport camp for young kids. Student coaches are Exercise Science majors at SUNY Oneonta who have taken courses in Human Growth and Development, Sport Psychology and Motor Learning. The two-day camp provided a wide range of sports and basic movement activities for the siblings of kids in the area for the CASV baseball tournament. Some activities included basketball, soccer, kickball and football, endurance and agility games and drills and low-intensity activities like yard games and sidewalk chalk.

Twenty-four SUNY Oneonta students have been selected to serve as Dragon Guides for the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition to leading activities for new students and their parents during six daylong summer orientation sessions, Dragon Guides welcome new students into their new community by leading small groups, answering questions about the university and college life, and mentoring new students throughout their first semester. With assistance from the Office of Student Experience, the Dragon Guides will reach out to their mentees to revisit their goals from orientation and offer support on reaching those goals. They will also be sponsoring connection groups for new students to participate in, which will encourage and support engagement.

Lukas Svrcek of Pawling, NY, presented at the National Association for Collegiate Directors of Athletics conference on June 12 in Orlando, Fla, with SUNY Oneonta Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences Dr. Katherine Griffes. Dr. Griffes and Svrcek, an Exercise Science major, presented in front of athletic administrators, including directors, fundraisers, compliance officers and other stakeholders for college athletics. Their presentation, titled "Student Athlete Leadership Development: A Pilot Study," discussed the implementation and results of a one-credit leadership course developed by Svrcek and Griffes, for which Svrcek was a teaching assistant. The presentation contained data that Svrcek and Griffes collected nearly a year ago, looking at the concerns, educational needs and challenges that Division III athlete leaders face while taking on the role of team captain. The course ran for the first time in the first mini-session of spring 2023 and will run twice in the fall at SUNY Oneonta. Athletes who take part in the course are nominated by their coaches and get opportunities to implement new leadership strategies during their season. To assess the course, Griffes and Svrcek collected pre- and post-test data from the students and their coaches before and immediately after the class concluded and at the end of the athletic season. The data provided baseline information about each athlete's current leadership behaviors and allowed Svrcek and Griffes to document the changes the athlete leaders and their coaches saw in a variety of areas, including communication, athlete wellness, team culture, inspiring vision, challenging old ways and encouraging athletes. "Overall, we saw approximately a 20 percent increase in leadership behaviors reported from both the athletes and coaches from the beginning of the course to the end of the season," said Griffes. "This tells us that the athletes adjusted their behaviors during the class and continued to display those behaviors after they completed the course." Svrcek received financial support for the experience through the Caroline '67 and D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund, which provides up to $30,000 each year in grants is available to assist undergraduate and a limited number of graduate students with expenses incurred during professional travel.

1,150 SUNY Oneonta students completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree following the Fall 2023 semester. Graduates were honored and recognized during ceremonies held Saturday, May 20, in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House. The day before commencement, seniors took part in the Pass Through the Pillars tradition. With friends, family and faculty and staff cheering them on, seniors walked through the pillars a final time, representing the end of their Oneonta journey and transition into the alumni family.

Sixty-two SUNY Oneonta students and the Sport and Exercise Sciences department partnered with Special Olympics to host a regional track and field event at Oneonta High School on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The event allowed area individuals who have varying intellectual and adaptive disabilities, including clients at local organizations Springbrook and Pathfinder Village, to showcase their athletic ability in a competitive setting. Athletes ranged from ages 10 to 53, and the day included an opening ceremony with remarks by City of Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek and SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle. Lecturer of Sport and Exercise Sciences Andrea Fallon-Korb and her two interns organized the event. The interns were the coordinators for the 60 student volunteers, 28 Special Olympic athletes and three adaptive athletes who participated in the day-long competition. This year was the second time that SUNY Oneonta students and the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences volunteered to coordinate the Special Olympics Track and Field event. To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, athletes must be at least eight years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that requires or have required specially designed instruction. Student volunteers fell into three categories for those who: helped run the track meet, organized an obstacle course and outdoor activities through the Exercise Science Club and those from an exercise science course taught by Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Science Dr. Katie Griffes. The students from Dr. Griffes's class helped by hosting pre- and post-competition workshops and education sessions. Workshop volunteers were tasked with educating the athletes on the importance of several athletic principles. These included pre-competition stretching, hydration, mobility and agility training, yoga, and mindfulness and breathing exercises. Each workshop combined information with entertainment, allowing athletes and volunteers to join everyone's stations. "Volunteering for the Special Olympics allowed our students to understand and appreciate sport inclusion at a deeper level," said Dr. Griffes. "This event provided students with a chance to give back to their community, to make sure we are creating space for everyone to be included and benefit from sport participation, and see the impact their time, energy and efforts can have on others."

One hundred and twenty-one SUNY Oneonta students participated in the 2023 Student Research and Creative Activity (SRCA) showcase from Wednesday, April 26, to Thursday, April 27. The annual SRCA showcase allows students to participate in academic conference-style presentation sessions on campus where the community can learn about students' creative projects. The two-day event featured 69 presentations and was held in the Morris Conference Center on campus. 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 45 faculty sponsors. Eighteen of the 69 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 was a great celebration of the research and creative activities that our students have been engaged in," said Associate Director of Scholarly Activities Audrey Porsche, who coordinated this year's SRCA showcase. "It's all supported by our generous alumni through the University Foundation and Alumni Association, which is really amazing. Their support helps provide the wonderful opportunity to recognize the work our students have done and are completing under faculty mentorship. With the students and faculty working together, they're getting experiences that will help them post-graduation, whether it's going on to graduate school, internships or careers. It's all applied learning!"

SUNY Oneonta recently recognized students who have attained silver-level leadership milestones through the university's LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) 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 attain 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. Completion of 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 students were recognized at an award ceremony for participating in an online financial investment competition, the SUNY Oneonta Stock Market Game, on May 10, 2023, in Fitzelle Hall. The students invested virtual cash of $100,000 in a live market, buying and selling stocks while using other financial instruments to practice their investment skills. The top three winners received $50, $30, and $20, respectively. The competition was open to all students and was offered through www.wallstreetsurvivor.com, an online stock market simulator.

More than 50 SUNY Oneonta students received an Academic Achievement Award on May 10, 2023, during the 35th annual recognition reception on campus. Each academic department chooses one to three students who stand out from the rest of their peers in their major to receive this award. Undergraduate Academic Achievement Awards recognize exceptional seniors after reviewing their scholarly accomplishments. To be eligible for an Academic Achievement Award, seniors need a 3.5 GPA in their major. Faculty nominate students in their department at SUNY Oneonta based on further academic or professional pursuits and a demonstration of leadership on- and off-campus. Graduate Academic Achievement Awards recognize academic performance, leadership and excellence in scholarship. Awards are made to post-baccalaureate students at SUNY Oneonta, whether they do most of their work on campus or through a distance-learning format. Awardees may excel in various areas, including exemplary work on a thesis or other capstone project, leadership and involvement in department, campus or community activities, or exceptional academic or professional performance in the classroom and beyond.

A total of 20 graduating SUNY Oneonta students received 2023 Senior Service Awards recognizing their commitment to volunteerism. Seniors who completed at least 350 hours of service through the university's Center for Social Responsibility and Community (CSRC) were recognized during a reception in May. Depending on the amount of volunteer hours served, students received either a pin, cords or a medal to wear during Spring Commencement, which will take place Saturday, May 20, on campus.

SUNY Oneonta recently recognized students who have attained platinum-level leadership milestones through the university's LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) 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 college 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 attain 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. Completion of 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.

Congratulations to the six peer tutors who earned National Tutor Association Level 1 Certification this academic year through SUNY Oneonta's Student Learning Center (SLC). Tutors have completed the courses for which they are tutoring at SUNY Oneonta and have received a B+ or better in the course. All tutors complete a 2-hour training workshop before working with tutees, and they complete additional training throughout the time they work at SLC. Effective Fall 2023, all newly hired tutors are working toward completing National Tutoring Association (NTA) basic level certification.

Ten students were recognized with awards as part of the 2023 Kente Graduation Recognition Ceremony at SUNY Oneonta. The ceremony took place on campus in the Alumni Field House on April 27. 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-African American, Latinx, Asian and Native American (AALANA) students and non-AALANA students and allies.

Twenty-five SUNY Oneonta students were recently honored for their dedication to sustainability efforts on campus, thanks to the new Green Dragon Recognition Program. The Green Dragon Recognition Program (organized by the Office of Sustainability) seeks to celebrate and recognize students who have shown a commitment to sustainability during their time at SUNY Oneonta. Honorees were recognized during an invitation-only reception Friday, April 21, on campus. In order to earn an invitation to the 2023 recognition, students had to earn a B or above in a sustainability-focused or two sustainability-related courses, attended six sustainability-themed events and participated in at least one sustainability leadership activity by April 21. Awards were presented, appetizers were served, and students, faculty and staff networked with one another. The reception was one of the culminating events of SUNY Oneonta's annual Green Dragon Week, which showcases the campus's commitment to sustainability through a variety of events and activities and celebrates Earth Day. 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 President's 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.

Thirty-five SUNY Oneonta students were inducted into the Tau Sigma National Honor Society for the 2022-23 academic year on April 14, 2023. 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.

SUNY Oneonta inducted its second class of 69 first-generation students into the Alpha Alpha Alpha national honor society during a ceremony on April 23, 2023, 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. 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.

Three SUNY Oneonta students have been named 2023 recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Melissa Rose "Rosie" Garrecht, Jamie Crique and Robert C. "Bobby" Lang 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 Monday, April 24. All three students are seniors and will graduate in May. "These are exceptional student leaders who have served as role models for their campus peers," said SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle. "We're extremely proud of Rosie, Jamie and Bobby, and I am confident that their exemplary service and achievements here will be the groundwork for wonderful things 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.

SUNY Oneonta recently recognized students who have attained gold level leadership milestones through the college's LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) 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 college 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 attain 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. Completion of 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.

Six SUNY Oneonta students won the highest possible honor at the 2023 National Model United Nations conference in New York City from April 10-14. SUNY Oneonta students represented Cambodia this year, and they were one of just 24 delegations to receive the Outstanding Delegation Award. The National Model United Nations (NMUN) is a non-governmental organization formally associated with the United Nations. The first simulated conference of the NMUN, known at the time as the Model Assembly of the League of Nations, took place nearly 100 years ago at Syracuse University in 1927. Since 2005, SUNY Oneonta political science majors have learned about global issues and the United Nations through a Model United Nations course that culminates in a trip to the NMUN Conference in New York City, where students have the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world. "The conference was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with other amazing college students and aspiring leaders from across the world and negotiate and problem solve with them about complex topics, such as safe nuclear waste management, nuclear facility safeguards and the United Nations sustainable development goals," said August Heminway, a dual-major in Criminal Justice and Political Science at SUNY Oneonta. More than 90 colleges and universities participated in the 2023 NMUN conference, each representing a different country. Each nation's delegates join one of 13 committees focusing on issues such as environmental impact, atomic energy, human rights and peacebuilding. Before the conference, students prepare for the Model UN by researching and learning about their committee's topics. This year, Oneonta students Aliyah Abdelsalam and Daniela Suarez were members of the General Assembly First Committee, and John Furgele and August Heminway were members of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Angela Wayman and Alex Headley served on the United Nations Environmental Assembly committee and won an Outstanding Position Paper Award for their work. "The Outstanding Position Paper Award is for the two-page papers each committee submitted before the conference started, based on the work we did in class," said Matt Murphy, associate professor of international relations and comparative politics and the Model UN course instructor. "Angela and Alex's submission was among the top ten papers of about 90 teams on that committee." All six SUNY Oneonta students won the Outstanding Delegation Award based on their performance and preparedness. "There were a couple of unusual instances at the Model UN where students from other universities became swept up in the bargaining and competitiveness, leading to arguments and highly escalated tempers," said Murphy. "Our students were consistently pushing for diplomacy and reasonable discussion. I believe that's one of the reasons we were recognized for Outstanding Delegation."

Sixteen students and the SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department will present "EVIL DEAD: The Musical," a theatrical rock performance based on the "Evil Dead" franchise. Beginning Wednesday, April 26, the production stars Ash, the housewares employee turned demon-killing hero, and its plot and characters are a mix of the "Evil Dead," "Evil Dead II" and "Army of Darkness" films. "EVIL DEAD: The Musical" features five unsuspecting college students who travel to an abandoned cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway, accidentally unleashing an evil force that turns the group into demons. With the help of his iconic chainsaw, Ash must defeat the demons as all characters sing and dance to songs specifically written for the musical. The SUNY Oneonta Theatre Department will perform the production several times throughout the week with help from the Mask and Hammer student theatre club. Faculty and staff make up the show's director, light designer, technical director, costume designer, costume shop manager and assistant technical director. The choreographer, sound designer, stage manager, production coordinator, dance captain, assistant light designer, assistant stage managers and cast are SUNY Oneonta students. "The musical fits a mostly student-populated audience well and has an excellent score. It is a rock musical, and the songs are quite popular," said "EVIL DEAD: The Musical" Director and Associate Professor of Acting, Directing and Movement Kiara Pipino. "I hope to see more people coming to see the production, considering its popularity. It is time to see theatre make a real comeback after the pandemic. A live theatrical experience is so much more fulfilling than what any streaming service can provide." "EVIL DEAD: The Musical" can be seen in the Goodrich Theater at SUNY Oneonta from Wednesday to Friday, April 26-28, at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m. Tickets 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 additional information online at https://suny.oneonta.edu/theatre-department/season-shows.

SUNY Oneonta senior Samuel Rodriguez is one of just 46 students in the SUNY system to receive the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Awardees were recognized during a ceremony in Albany on Monday, April 17. Now celebrating its fourth class of awardees, the award recognizes outstanding Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students for their academic merit and perseverance. 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.

The SUNY Oneonta 2023 Juried Student Art Show features more than 80 works by 50 talented student artists. The exhibition opened on March 28 and will run through May 13 in the university's Martin-Mullen Art Gallery on campus. Featured artwork was submitted by students and selected by Art Department faculty members. This year's award winners were chosen by invited jurors President and Founder Karen Shafer and Director of Program Initiatives Dan O'Neil at Aunt Karen's Farm. Located in Mount Vision, Aunt Karen's Farm is a quiet residency program for artists, educators, administrators, environmentalists and agrarians to incubate new work and celebrate nature. 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 student Victoria Villaverde designed the show's poster. On March 30, an opening reception celebrated student talent with an award ceremony and refreshments. During the reception, Gallery Director Sarah Simpson thanked College President Alberto Cardelle, Provost Enrique Morales-Diaz, School of Liberal Arts and Business Dean Elizabeth Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of SUNY Oneonta Foundation Paul Adamo and Art Department Chair and Assistant Professor Katherine Spitzoff for their continued support of the galleries. "In addition, we would like to thank the faculty who work hard every day to teach and inspire our students, the staff for their crucial help and of course, our students, who put in hard work, thinking both critically and creatively, and sharing their art with us," Simpson said. "A special thanks to Audrey Porsche, Associate Director of Scholarly Activities, and Ben Wendrow, Director of Development, for their support in making these awards a reality." 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. Professor George Zimmerman was a teacher at SUNY Oneonta for 32 years and was instrumental in developing the Art Department. Helen and George's family has generously made donations in their memory for the awards. 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.