Issue 11 - Volume 104

SUNY Plattsburgh’s independent student newspaper since 1997

FRIDAY, April 30, 2021

CARDINALPOINTSONLINE.COM

VOLUME 104 - ISSUE 11

OLIVIA BOUSQUET/Cardinal Points

After SUNY Plattsburgh announced there will be no guests allowed at spring commencement, seniors created a petrition to allow at least two guests to be in attendance.

Seniors petition for guests at graduation

BY MIA MORGILLO Contributor

While graduates are now able to walk the stage to get their diploma, commencement this year at SUNY Plattsburgh will still look a little different. Although the administration is working to comply with all state and county guidelines, the senior class shares a general sense of discontent with the current plan.

Presently, SUNY Plattsburgh is preparing to offer a series of five commencement ceremonies May 15 in the Field House gymnasium, at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. While no guests are allowed to attend, the administration plans to livestream

and keep recordings of the event.

Students may sign up for the slot they would like at tickets.plattsburgh.edu, as long as there is still reservation availability.

Senior Meghan Roser, who will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, began a petition to allow two guests per student to be able to attend the graduation ceremony. After hearing about a student from the Sage Colleges in Albany, whose same petition resulted in success, she was inspired to create one of her own. Roser’s petition can be found at change.org.

“It has been discussed amongst my peers that the allowance of no guests is unjust,”

Roser said.

Because of this shared belief, Roser shared that many students claimed they won’t be attending the event in person.

Graduate student Emily Rotingen will be receiving her masters degree this spring, and is equally as disappointed by the restrictions this year.

“It will just be silence as I walk across the stage, which I find to be very sad,” Rotingen said.

Rotingen will be the first in her family to receive her masters degree, and her graduation from college will be the last in her immediate and extended family.

Her grandmother has been able to attend every other ceremony for her grandchildren, a great

life goal of hers was being able to see all children and grandchildren graduate from college.

Roser shares this same disheartened feeling of not having her family physically able to see her graduate. She, like Rotingen, is the youngest in her immediate family.

“My family got to be in attendance at both of my older siblings’ graduation ceremonies and suddenly they will not be able to watch their youngest graduate?” Roser said.

The shared frustration among students is also tied to the fact that other colleges in New York, including SUNY Binghamton and Clarkson, are allowing each graduating student to invite two

guests. Additionally, students do not understand why fully vaccinated guests who present negative COVID-19 tests are unable to attend.

With dissatisfaction creating a sense of unity within the community of seniors, Roser said that, “The petition received nearly 400 supporters in less than 24 hours, and is now reaching nearly 800 supporters in only five short days.”

Seeing that so many people agreed and signed the petition, Roser emailed the SUNY Plattsburgh President, Dean of Students and Provost.

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No More Cancer rally raises more than $20,000

BY JOHANNA WEEKS Staff Writer

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Greek life virtually hosted the annual “No More Cancer Rally” to help raise money and awareness for childhood cancer April 22.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the world’s pediatric cancer research centers. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Research is focused specifically on cancers, some acquired and inherited immunodeficiencies, sickle cell disease, infectious diseases and genetic disorders.

SUNY Plattsburgh has been working to encourage people to donate to St. Jude by hosting bi-weekly giveaways and offering prizes to those who have raised the most funds. Before the No More Cancer Rally event, SUNY Plattsburgh’s Greek organizations already reached their fundraising goal of $20,000, which was announced on

Photo provided by Katie Kaeiling

Lucas Draffen and Luke Geddies shaved their heads for reaching the $20,000 No More Cancer Rally fundraising goal.

The funds raised all go toward St. Jude’s Research Hospital to help find a cure for cancer. their Facebook page March 29. The event was able to boost funds and $20,980 has currently been raised, surpassing their goal.

Katie Keiling, the finance coordinator for the interfraternity council executive board, said the ef-

facebook.com/ cardinalpts

forts of SUNY Plattsburgh contribute greatly.

“I thought it was amazing how the school could come together and raise thousands of dollars,” Keiling said. “When I go to the No More Cancer Rally, I see it as a celebration of

not only our efforts but the fact that children are beating cancer and finishing their chemotherapy, and they can go back to their homes and families.”

To kick off the event, students were encouraged to share the donation

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link in order to win raffle tickets. Sharing the link through email and text would earn tickets. If people donated money, even more tickets were earned.

Then, students participated in games to win points, which would earn tickets.

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The second fundraising challenge encouraged students to share the link on any social platform to earn more tickets. The tickets were then shuffled by an online generator and students won prizes to local restaurants, like Aleka’s, Pizza Hut, Anthony’s and Ninety-Nine.

“All our prizes tonight were actually donated by the local Plattsburgh businesses. It is nice to see that we were making that connection with the community and were getting not only campus involvement, but also the greater Plattsburgh community involved as well,” Keiling said.

The event was held over Zoom, but still deemed effective. Lucas Draffen, the executive director of the interfraternity executive council board, thought the event was effective over Zoom, especially on the fundraising side of things.

“I think everyone that was there had at least a little bit of fun [and] learned a little bit about St. Jude.”

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NEWS

Co-News Editors Olivia Bousquet & Mataeo Smith

Friday, April 30, 2021

April 20 A student in Whiteface Hall reported missing laundry, which was found in another washing machine upon University Police arrival.

April 25

A resident of Macdounough Hall reported damage to the wall in the first floor bathroom. The damage is under investigation.

April 25 Two individuals unaffiliated with the college were found at the Memorial Hall field by University Police investigating a 911 call. One was transported to CVPH for a mental evaluation.

April 26

An individual reported a scratched windsheild on their car. The damgage is being investigated.

COVID-19 Chauvin receives guilty verdict Tracker NGHI TO/Cardinal Points

BY MIA MORGILLO Contributor

Total number of

12

positive COVID-19 cases over the past 14 days:

9

Number of active COVID-19 cases:

16

Number of students and employees in quarantine:

On April 20, former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, was found guilty on all charges for the death of George Floyd. The video footage of his death May 25, 2020 shocked, not only the nation, but was viewed around the world with millions witnessing what would later be confirmed as the murder of Floyd. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter May 23 of last year.

The charges against Chauvin led to a trial beginning March 26. After nearly one month, the 12 jurors found Chauvin guilty on all charges. This could mean up to 75 collective years behind bars for Chauvin. On June 16, he will face his sentencing from Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill.

This case was a pivotal moment in United States history, where police officers are rarely charged, let alone convicted or sentenced. Professor Raymond Carman of the political science department

PETITION Number of COVID-19 tests by the Student Health Center since

49,452

Aug. 15, 2020:

CP Corrections There are no errors to report.

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Continued from page one Within this email, she presented the petition, along with the previously explained reasons for its creation. She concluded with the email stating: “I urge you to read the commentary and rethink the decision of how these ceremonies will be managed. Myself, classmates and family will greatly appreciate a reconsideration.”

The response was not what she, and so many students, were hoping for. President Alexander Enyedi made no mention of a willingness to discuss the matter further or to

explained that since 2005, only about 0.04 of fatal shootings by police officers resulted in a murder conviction. While George Floyd’s death does not fall under this category, the statistic still reflects the nature surrounding accountability for death at the hands of officers.

“When the police are seen as life-takers rather than life-savers, a just society is upended, and fear — of the police as much as of law-breakers — becomes a constant in people’s lives,” Criminal Justice Chairperson Zakir Gul said.

As a former police officer and police chief, he acknowledged police officers are meant to be saving lives and not taking them.

Criminal justice major Matthew Chu has spent the past eight years of his education focusing on criminal justice and systematic issues facing society.

“When I first saw the video of George Floyd being kneeled on top of, I was sick to my stomach,” Chu said. “Often times I feel that I’m numb to many situations that happen. I grew up surrounded my Black Americans,

and the first thought that I had was, what if this happened to one of my friends or the father of one of my friends.”

This feeling of discomfort was shared among many. Carman found it impossible not to be “sickened” by the cries of Floyd as he begged for his life.

“It was, frankly, hard to see the expression on Derek Chauvin’s face and his body language — including putting his hand in his pocket — while he was kneeling on George Floyd’s neck and not be enraged,” Carman said Carman explained that the trial of the State of Minnesota vs. Derek Chauvin was unique in nature, in part due to the qualified immunity granted to police officers by the Supreme Court.

This means that, “police officers are only personally liable for actions that a ‘reasonable’ officer; acting in the moment, from the vantage point of the officer in the incident in question, and without the benefit of hindsight, would not have engaged in,” according to Carman.

Although the ruling

sets a precedent of accountability for police officers and holds Derek Chauvin accountable specifically, Carman said it “does not provide justice more broadly.”

Chu hopes to see police reform through background checks, psychological screenings and better public relations between officers and marginalized communities, hoping that, “this may lead to the solution of violence toward Black Americans.”

He provided NYC’s Stop and Frisk policy as an example of targeted policing, where Black Americans are more often targeted by police under the impression that they’re “more likely to have a gun.”

“The violation of even one person’s freedom of breath must be condemned, as even a little hole or crack in the ship of democracy can place everyone, including police officers, at great risk for loss of life and liberty,” Gul said.

reach a compromise. He instead informed Roser that the school is, “using [their] largest indoor location to allow for the best experience for students,” and followed this up by writing “state limitations and rules for gatherings apply no matter the venue size or location.”

Roser has no further desire to discuss the matter with campus officials unless thoughtful reconsideration is taken on their part.

When asked about willingness to discuss a compromise with the student body, Enyedi said, “the college will never compromise on the health or safety of our community.”

He said health and safety concerns are the leading contributor to the ultimate decision. Enyedi also made mention of an

online survey that spring graduates took part in.

“We found graduates’ top priority is to walk across the stage for their diploma,” he said.

While Rotingen is aware that the campus is trying to avoid a super spreader event, she doesn’t understand why accommodations can’t be made to allow two, fully vaccinated guests. Roser shared this same outlook, adding that she “would choose [her] mother and father to attend since they are the reason [she is] a successful young woman today.”

After graduation, Rotingen hopes to get a job as an elementary school educator, and cannot wait to use the hard work that went into getting her degree. For Roser, graduation means going

on to SUNY Plattsburgh’s speech-language pathology master’s program.

For the class of 2021, Enyedi had some thoughts to share: “Everyone at SUNY Plattsburgh is so proud of you and understands all you overcame this year and last year. It’s been so tough, but you completed your degree requirements under the most challenging conditions imaginable. Your determination, spirit and resilience will carry you forward as you launch the next phase of your life. I look forward to seeing every graduate who can attend on May 15 to share your joy.”

DONATE Continued from page one “I think it was a successful event especially for the circumstances,” Draffen said.

When the event was in person, participants were encouraged to stay up from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in order to understand the pain that children with cancer face.

Sam Tascione, the event coordinator of the interfraternity executive council board, expressed that the interactive aspects of the event were lacking, but under the circumstances it was a success.

“It’s kind of a mixed bag. I think the event last year was more meaningful in-person and I love the message behind staying up 10 to two, but we were able to meet our goal this year and boost our fundraising,” Tascione said.

The event can give a personal

Email MIA MORGILLO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Email MIA MORGILLO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

meaning to fundraising and evoke more emotion from donors, rather than just giving money to St. Jude’s.

“I thought it was so much fun to be able to hook people’s interest into St. Jude’s and not only to raise money, but to show why we’re raising money. It’s a great opportunity to give a face to the donations,” Tascione said.

Email JOHANNA WEEKS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Co-News Editors Olivia Bousquet & Mataeo Smith

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NEWS

Friday, April 30, 2021

This Week in Photos: SUNY Fest Photos By Audrey Lapinski

Despite having Kesha perform for this year’s virtual SUNY Fest, about nine students showed up to Memorial field for the showing of the concert.

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Friday, April 30, 2021

Photo provided by Stephen Bryant

Senior Stephen Bryant plays shortstop for the SUNY Plattsburgh men’s baseball team. He is a criminal justice major and wishes to persue a career in law enforcement.

Bryant plays the most games at shortstop

BY JONAS WARD Staff Writer

Stephen Bryant recently became the all-time leader in games played at shortstop in Cardinal baseball history.

When he’s not fielding balls at shortstop, Bryant can be found studying for his criminal justice courses.

“The pandemic has stopped us from being able to practice freely and we have to go into groups of 10 instead of full team practices,” Bryant said. “Not being able to go out there with a full team all the time, I feel like it hindered us. We did not have that chemistry we needed going into our first games. It definitely has been an adjustment.”

Bryant and his team have been supporting each other during this pandemic. The team faced many obstacles this year due strict guidelines put in place for COVID, but they were eventually allowed to play again.

“If you are not able to pull for each other and support the other kids on the team, you are not going to have much success,” Bryant said.

Since Bryant is a senior on the team, he knows a lot of the returning players really well. However, it has been harder to form bonds with new players since the team can’t practice all together, especially because they can’t hang out all together after practices. His perseverance to play the game is seen by those coaching and playing with him.

“He is the all time games played leader at shortstop here at Plattsburgh State,” Kris Doorey, the men’s baseball coach, said. “He hits at the top part of the order and always has. He was a captain this year, he is a captain by example. He is the type of person that is not going to yell and scream at guys and he always goes out and plays as hard as he can. He is one of the top shortstops in Division Three baseball. He is just that good. He is the best player we have. He is just an all around terrific human being.”

Despite getting the option to graduate last spring, Bryant decided to stay another year to play with his teammates after the NCAA granted a year of eligibility to players at the beginning of the pandemic.

“He decided that he should come back and play again. In the fall, we only practiced three times and in small pods.

A normal fall season for us is five weeks of practice. It has just been completely different. We have played 10 games now, but we have not had 10 team practices,” Doorey said.

When Bryant started attending SUNY Plattsburgh, he was unsure which major to choose. He eventually settled for criminal justice for this reason.

“At first I wanted to do something with sports,” Bryant said. “When I showed up on campus there were only so many options, nothing like sports management was offered. In high school I took a criminal justice class, and I have always liked learning about the law. Now I have a passion for it and I want to become a law enforcement officer.”

When Bryant is not in the classroom or on a baseball field, he has a few hobbies to keep him spirited.

“I like to play the PlayStation, play video games with friends, watching sports, going out and doing simple

things,” Bryant said. “Baseball is not my entire life. I try to make an effort to do different things like playing golf, I caddy in the summer, mini golfing, bowling, anything to keep me active.”

Erik Matz, a good friend of Bryant’s, plays on the baseball team and looks up to him as a role model. Matz believes that Bryant is a great person, who is always willing to step into a leadership role.

“Stephen’s personality represents him, not only as a leader, but a very unselfish person,” Matz said. “Being that I have known him for over four years, I could go and talk to Stephen about anything knowing he will listen and have positive feedback. Whether it comes to school, baseball or life, he is a hard worker and will continue to do whatever it takes to get to the end goal. Overall, Stephen is a great person and I am glad to have him as a friend.”

Email JONAS WARD cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Friday, April 30, 2021

Cardinals lose to Cortland in season finale

BY GARRETT COLLINS Contributor

The Plattsburgh Women’s lacrosse team was looking to end their rather disappointing season on a high note with a three game winning streak against number 18 SUNY Cortland April 26. Last time they played the Red Dragons April 10, the Cards could not handle the scoring output — 5 to nothing within 5 minutes of the first half of the game. The defensive prowess of the Red Dragons continued into the second half, allowing only one goal to the Cardinals. The Red Dragons won that game 22-5.

April 26 was the last time the Cardinals took the field this season, while the Red Dragons’ season extends past this game and into the postseason, facing Geneseo in the SUNYAC semi-finals April 29.

The Cardinals started the game out with two solid possessions, and yet to achieve a goal. Attempting two shots to no avail. The rest of the plays were spent on Cortland’s offence.

PSU’s head was not in the game. When the Cardinals were on the defensive side, Plattsburgh couldn’t get out of their own way on clears, throwing turnover after turnover, not giving attack or midfield any opportunity to find an offensive rhythm. When the Cardinals were able to clear the ball and set up an offence, Cortland’s ability to double their speed on defensive slides confused the already sputtering Cardinal offence. The offence stood and watched while each of the players took turns facing off against

DAKOTA GILBERT/Cardinal Points

Women’s lacrosse player Katie Kallami runs across the field of the Fieldhouse for an event that occured earlier this competition season. their defender. For a majority of the possessions,The Cardinals were failing to play as a team and creating easy turnovers for the defense.

On top of the stifling defense by the Red Dragons, the offensive turnovers and neutral zone turnovers did not help. Even though in the first half Cortland was

able to secure a 7-0 lead, the team had the upper hand for more.

Cortland blew opportunities at the crease, capitalizing on the poor and slow defensive slides from the Plattsburgh defense being no match for the speed and athleticism of the Cortland offence. The second half of the game

was the same. The Cardinals were still slow on their slides and couldn’t stop the bleeding from the front of the crease.

On offense, they seemed to find a bit more cohesion, finding the back of the net twice. The Cardinals had some opportunities from cutting midfielders, but failed to

convert on the one timers. and outside for the postThey also cleaned up their season. Hopefully they can clears in the second half, re-group in the off-season going 6-6 compared to and have a turnaround their 9-15 first half. year in spring 2022.

Cortland’s season continued April 28 when they faced Geneseo in the SUNYAC semi-finals. As for Plattsburgh, their season Email GARRETT COLLINS ends in a disappointing cp@cardinalpointsonline.com fashion, finishing 2-6

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FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021

Jeffree Star slithers into the spotlight

BY NATALIE ST. DENIS Associate Opinions Editor

YouTube beauty influencer Jeffree Star and his friend, Daniel Lucas, were hospitalized after a car crash in Wyoming April 16. Star was driving a Rolls-Royce when it hit black ice and flipped three times.

Both Star and Lucas were admitted to Wyoming Medical Center.

Star updated his followers saying he would have to wear a brace for a few months to heal his broken back. Lucas had some internal issues because of his previous battle with stage three colon cancer.

Rumors spiraled concerning the car accident. Many people were accusing Star of faking or exaggerating the impact of the accident in order to publicize his latest product line. The cannabis-themed line, the Star Lounge, was set to be released just a few days later April 20.

“I don’t know what would make someone write such a dumb horrible story, but that was one of the worst experiences of my life. So let’s take a little pause. I just don’t get it,” Star said on his Instagram story.

Social media users were also wishing death on Star and Lucas after hearing of the accident.

“On the dark side, I think me and Daniel won the Guinness Book of World Records for people telling us the most times to die,” Star said.

Receiving hate online isn’t new to Star, after recent allegations have surfaced from his past, spanning from racial issues to payouts offered to victims of sexual assault who spoke out against Star. He began as an electro pop musician in the late 2000s and incidents of sexual assault and racist outbursts during that time in his life were made public.

Insider magazine spoke with individuals who said they saw Star grope men around him without consent. Five people

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told Insider they saw him use a close-range stun gun or other tasing devices to hurt and intimidate people around him. Star appeared in videos online yelling the N-word at people passing by.

Star even reached out to individuals who spoke out against him and offered $10,000 for them to retract their allegations.

Morphe, a makeup retailer company that launched multiple lines with Star, made the decision to part ways with him after hearing of these allegations.

On July 10 last year, Morphe tweeted, “Today we’ve made the decision to cease all commercial activity related to Jeffree Star and affiliated products.”

These, among the countless other offenses of Star, don’t go unnoticed. Sophomore finance and English writing arts double

major, Angelique Hall, was never really a supporter of Star, especially after seeing articles and statements brought to the public eye about his racist comments targeting Black people.

“I don’t really want to support somebody that doesn’t support me,” Hall said.

Hall wasn’t surprised that he was receiving death wishes, but she doesn’t think that is right to wish upon anyone.

“You’re putting that negative energy into the world,” Hall said.

Freshman biology major Nadia Paschal felt a similar way.

“After hearing a lot of the things Jeffree Star has done, a lot of the racism allegations and just the unnecessary drama he creates, I don’t think there are any good reasons to support him. He doesn’t seem

to be a positive influence on his audience,” Paschal said.

She explained, like Hall, that no one should ever get death threats. You can, however, wish for somebody to step off their platform and leave the internet.

“A lot of influencers and a lot of people in a higher position, like a celebrity status, tend to get away with a lot of things that the common people wouldn’t get away with because of their status and wealth,” Hall said.

Cancel culture has become a huge part of this generation. It was ultimately created by Generation Z in order to hold celebrities accountable for their actions. But where is the line?

“I think people are way too quick to judge these days. So unless they’ve done something horrible, I don’t think anybody

should be canceled to such a point that they’re getting death threats or that their mental health plummets. You can hold somebody accountable, but in the end, cancel culture harms more than it helps,” Paschal said.

Cancel culture becomes toxic when it doesn’t allow an individual to learn and grow from wrongdoings of their past.

“I feel like if a person sincerely apologizes and tries their best to educate themselves in the topic they were called out for,” Hall said. “We should give them another chance because at the end of the day they’re human just like we are. They are entitled to making mistakes even though they are in the public light.”

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‘Roaring 2020s’ possibility post-pandemic

BY ALEXA DUMAS Opinions Editor

As more Americans start to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and immunity to the deadly virus starts to take effect, most people ponder what life will be like post-pandemic. Will at-risk individuals feel safer around their friends and family? Will schools go back to in-person education? Will social events such as parties, concerts and theater shows make a return? Will restaurants, bars and clubs be able to open up at full capacity?

These questions are all burned into most American’s minds as the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic looms on. One aspect of the pandemic is clear, getting back to normal is on everyone’s minds. Could we see a second “Roaring Twenties” in the near future?

It should be said that there have been similarities, as well as differences, between the 1918 Influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish Flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was an estimate of at least 50 million deaths worldwide. John Hopkins University reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has seen more than three million deaths worldwide.

Once the Spanish Flu ultimately died down in 1920, the United States

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saw an economic boom.

The new culture of the ‘20s was seen at this time, most importantly with the “new woman.” As women secured the right to vote, they cut their hair short, drank and dawned the most famous attire of the time: a flapper dress.

With the good feelings of surviving the Spanish Flu, the cultural revolution and the recent economic progression of the ‘20s, there was a rise in social gatherings. Nightclubs played jazz music and dancing the charleston was all the rage.

Although this slice of history shows new hope for a post-pandemic future, do students feel safe enough to create a similar outcome?

“The roaring twenties was very different, but I do see a resemblance,” Freshman hospitality management major Christian Schneider said. “People are going to do a lot more than they would have done before the pandemic because they haven’t gone to parties in a long time. Once places like clubs start to open and people have big gatherings at their house,

everyone wants to go out and dress up nice. In that way, it’s going to resemble the roaring twenties.”

Another difference between the two pandemics has been the rollout of vaccinations. While the influenza vaccine was not created until the 1940s, almost 20 years after the initial pandemic, the COVID-19 vaccination has been a solution to the troubling virus.

“The CDC has said people who are fully vaccinated can gather inside together without having to wear masks, which is amaz-

ing,” Freshman social work major Anna Brown said.

“Once college-age students are able to get vaccinated, I think that people are going to start gathering more.”

However, while the vaccine is a step in the right direction, students like Schneider and Brown want to air on the side of caution as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers on. The pandemic has taught students to value personal space and the safety of others.

“If I go somewhere knowing that a lot of people there are fully vaccinated, I will

feel a lot more comfortable,” Schneider said. “I would most definitely still wear my mask and not really go in anyone’s personal space.”

The post-pandemic future is hopeful, especially because students are getting vaccinated. While most students want to see a fully in-person college experience, safety precautions should still be taken.

“It is still a time where people have to be cautious until there is science and evidence to back up the fact that we can start doing things more freely again,” Brown said. “I hope that people still continue to be cautious. Once more people are vaccinated, it is opening up a wide range of opportunities to be able to go out to restaurants and meet with more people.”

While this time may be far in the future, wearing masks, social distancing and getting the vaccine are all steps to getting closer to the possible “Roaring 2020s.” The new generation is ready to take back what has been lost.

“When COVID has gone, most of us will be in our twenties, in the ‘roaring twenties,’” Brown said. “I really think those few years, as soon as mask mandates are fully lifted and we have herd immunity from people getting vaccinated, our generation is going to go wild.”

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Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas

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Friday, April 30, 2021

‘Mank’ sees classic, bygone era of film

BY CAMERON KAERCHER Contributor

Since the ‘90s, David Fincher has been one of the most prolific American directors. Each decade Fincher has directed, he delivers incredible works such as “Fight Club,” “Zodiac” and “The Social Network.” After directing “Gone Girl” in 2014, he took a step back from film to focus on television with “Mindhunter” in 2017. Directing seven episodes of the serial killer detective drama, Fincher developed a great relationship with Netflix and he produced his latest film with the streaming giant, “Mank.”

The film stars Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz, a screenwriter who is disenchanted with the glamour of 1930’s Hollywood. His time working for MGM Studios wore him to the bone and his playfully combative friendship with newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, played

by Charles Dance, provides him all the background to start up a new screenplay.

The story of “Mank” follows the writing of “Citizen Kane,” which is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

Written by Fincher’s late father, Jack Fincher, this central conceit is actually the basis of a larger discourse over the incepZOE NGUYEN /Cardinal Points tion of “Citizen Kane.” Mankiewicz shares a co-writing credit with the Director of the

film, Orson Welles. Welles got his start as a radio announcer and is best known for his broadcast of, “War of the Worlds.”

Some say that Welles had no involvement in the writing, that he had just swept in at the last minute, gave some tweaks then whisked it off to production. Film critic Pauline Kael’s 1971 essay “Raising Kane” details this argument quite eloquently. This takedown of Welles’ involvement angered filmmaker Peter Bodonavich to pen “The Kane Mutiny” for Esquire magazine in defense of his mentor. It is a messy situation, one that does not have a clear answer, but for the sake of “Mank,” Fincher focuses on Kael’s narrative.

Sadly, this film isn’t as interesting as these pieces of criticism from the past.

The film feels more like a history lesson than a look at this flawed screenwriter.

Gary Oldman is a talented actor, as he has melted away into roles in the Dark Knight series, the Harry Potter series, and his Oscar winning role as Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour.” In “Mank,” his performance is shockingly by the numbers. With a period-accurate accent, a wispy comb over and cartoonish stagger, Oldman feels like any other actor playing an old timey drunk.

FILM l A8

‘Ziggy Stardust’ icon remembered

BY HALES PASSINO Staff Writer

From his flashy fashion and iconic voice in the rock music industry to his fond acting career on the big screen, David Bowie is timeless.

David Robert Jones, professionally known as David Bowie, was one of the most influential music figures the 20th century had to offer. He was rather repulsed by his real name and wanted a change.

After some trial and error, he finally decided on being Bowie. It was in homage to Jim Bowie, a Texan rebel protagonist in the 1960 historical war film, “The Alamo,” as mentioned in Far Out Magazine. Besides the this name provided, it also helped him stand out and connect to American audiences.

Some of his best known songs are the far out “Space Oddity,” the catchy

and reflective “Changes” as well as the collaborative “Under Pressure” in which he sang alongside British rock band Queen.

The 1972 studio album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” is what turned Plattsburgh a resident Tom Shirley into more than a casual fan of Bowie.

“It is a really cohesive work,” Shirely said. “I find myself sort of lost in time from the first rat-a-tat of the snare drum in ‘Five Years’ to the final chord in ‘Rock and Roll Suicide.’”

However, Shirley finds that Bowie’s later work also appeals to him as he gets older. People can grow with Bowie’s music.

“That was where he really hit his stride as a musician and he has tons of great music after that,” Shirley said. “To me, ‘Ziggy Stardust’ was the best album from start to finish.”

Bowie’s file of noncom-

forming style in terms of music and fashion was exceptionally important and groundbreaking in the industry. Alexis Nelson, another fan from the North Country, describes Bowie as wild and “out there.”

She believes the boundaries he broke with gender allowed others to feel more comfortable dressing outside of their comfort zones.

He heavily communicated individuality in the purest form of self expression.

He jolted from this charismatic and posh mod look of the late 1960s to a series of ethereal creatures from the 1970s and on. The Starman’s style proved to be out of this world throughout the years. From elegant floral dresses and vivid vinyl jumpsuits to red mullets and the trademark red and blue lightning bolt across the face, Bowie owned each look.

SAREEM JABBAR /Cardinal Points

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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ seasons continue

BY CARLY NEWTON Staff Writer

Not too many television shows last long.

Audiences get bored and the creativity of the storylines tends to drop significantly.

These shows get cancelled or the writers decide to end the show before it gets too drawn out. This hasn’t been the case for “Grey’s Anatomy.”

The popular ABC medical TV drama “Grey’s Anatomy” is currently in its 17 season. But, as of now, there has yet to be an announcement that the show has gotten renewed for season 18. This has left many in the media guessing what this may mean for the outcome of the show. Could this mean the end for “Grey’s Anatomy?” More importantly, should it be the end?

“Grey’s Anatomy” first aired in March of 2005 and since then, it has become the longest-running medical drama on TV. Many beloved characters have come and gone and each one had an important role in the show’s development. Sixteen years later, with new episodes still airing on ABC Thursday nights and a looming decision for another season, nobody knows what the future holds for “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Set at Seattle Grace Hospital, “Grey’s Anatomy’s” season one premiere introduced the audience to many beloved

characters — Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, George O’Malley and Derek Shepherd to name a few. The show revolves around the interns and surgeons

For example, when Meredith almost drowned in season 3, when the plane crashed in season 8, when Derek died in season 11. With a show that has lasted as long as “Grey’s” has, it’s inevitable that main characters will leave. Unfortunately, this happened with almost everyone from the original cast. Somehow, “Grey’s” has managed to overcome many hurdles that would have gotten other shows canceled, but thankfully it’s still going strong for now.

Season 17 is different from any other season so far since it focused around the real-life COVID-19 pandemic. One of the main characters, Meredith Grey, who the show is named after, contracts COVID-19.

The illness causes her to fall in and out of a coma and have dreams where she is visited by past characters of the show, who have died in earlier seasons.

The impact of COVID affected the quality of the writing and the show has been difficult to become invested in this season.

Grey’s dreams have been one of the only interesting storylines so far. Unlike seaHANNAH DOWNS /Cardinal Points sons from the past, season 17 doesn’t keep fans invested in all of the character’s lives, who work at the hospital and the endless only Meredith’s. If this is the last season for drama that surrounds them.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” it will be disappointing.

There were many times over the seasons when the show could have ended.

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Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas

Friday, April 30, 2021

Editorial

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End anti-transgender laws If the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t hard enough, 2021 became the record-breaking year for anti-transgender legislature, according to the Human Rights Campaign. April saw a rise in discriminatory bills passed by Republican states toward people who identify as transgender. These bills span from banning transgender athletes from competing, prohibiting gender-affirming surgeries to minors and the battle for the correct bathroom continues on.

Disturbing enough, the worst of the bills comes from Florida. The “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act” prohibits athletes not assigned females at birth from competing on women’s sports teams. The bill also allows for high schools and colleges to make a “physical examination” of these athletes to determine their eligibility to play.

In short, Florida passed a bill to examine the genitals of their athletes. This is the most disgusting and humiliating bill to be passed against transgender athletes.

Thirty states have brought up legislation to ban transgender athletes who identify as female from performing in

their desired sport. Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee has passed sports bans into law. The anti-trans legislation degrades transgender athletes and push them farther from gaining equality.

However, in wake of these bills, the NCAA spoke out against these states in an open letter condemning the legislation. The NCAA fears these bills will turn kids away from playing sports.

“Legislation aimed at categorically banning transgender people — and particularly transgender girls and women — from sport is inherently discriminatory. Such legislation is often ‘informed’ by hate and misinformation rather than science, and it is most certainly ‘informed’ by fear instead of fact,” the letter states.

Similar legislation has been made toward minors who seek gender-affirming surgeries. According to The Guardian, “The ban prohibits doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery to anyone under 18 years old, or from referring them to other providers for the treatment.”

The most recent of these bans has been

FILM Continued from page seven The far more interesting character is relegated to just a couple of scenes — Tom Burke’s Orson Welles. Welles had a mystique to him, as the larger-than-life filmmaker who alternated between studio darling and risk taking outsider; he is looked up to by many.

“Mank” sees Fincher playing with that mythology. We first meet Welles through the perspective of Mankiewicz in

a medically induced stupor.

Welles is sporting a cape and large hat that was his real life costume in his documentary “F for Fake” that would be made decades after “Citizen Kane.” It is an iconic look that works with the heightened realism of that moment. Sadly, the film never lives up to that exciting cinematic allusion.

The best thing about “Mank” is the original score composed

BOWIE Continued from page seven “I personally feel that without David dressing the way he did, we would not have had Harry Styles on the cover of Vogue in a dress,” Nelson said.

Bowie was an advocate for allowing people to express themselves however they desired.

“He was always changing his style and sound, never following trends,” Shirley said.

Instead, he made them.

Nelson discovered him when she was

Continued from page seven Unlike seasons from the past, season 17 doesn’t keep fans invested in all of the character’s lives, only Meredith’s.

If this is the last season for “Grey’s Anatomy,” it will be disappointing. For a show as beloved as “Grey’s,” it deserves at least one more season to send things off properly. “‘What story do we tell?’ To end a show this iconic, how do

by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. Previously the duo has worked with Fincher on razor sharp scores for “Gone Girl” and “The Social Network.” For “Mank.” they ditch the electronics for period accurate music and bombastic swells. It is rightfully nominated for the Best Original Score Academy Award.

“Mank” was nominated for 10 Oscars overall, and ended up winning just two Oscars for cinematography and production design. The former is far from earned as the black and white aesthetic is rendered

about four years old. Her mother pulled out the 1986 film “Labyrinth,” and the rest is history. Bowie played the character Jareth, who was the king of goblins and romantic interest to main character Sarah Williams, played by Jennifer Connelly.

“Bowie brought the character to life because he was a lot like Jareth in real life,” Plattsburgh area resident Dakota Martin said. “Eccentric and just [had] a powerful image in general.” Bowie has also appeared in other movies such as “Just a Gigolo” and “The Man Who Fell to Earth.”

Nelson also appreciates Bowie’s music greatly. Her favorite tune of his isn’t actually a studio recording, but a live per-

TELEVISION we do it? – I want to make sure we do it right,” Pompeo said in a CBS news article in February.

Hopefully Pompeo doesn’t feel that Grey is getting the right send-off this season.

Grey certainly isn’t. Her character has been the cornerstone of “Grey’s Anatomy” since it aired. If she dies from COVID-19, if that’s what they decide to do, that should not

passed in Arkansas, the first in the nation to do so in the “Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act.” nineteen other states have brought up this legislation to prohibit minors from expressing their true gender identities. Not allowing children to live as their authentic selves is abhorrent, and should make anyone re-evaluate their values.

As stated by the HRC President Alphonso David, “These bills are not addressing any real problem, and they’re not being requested by constituents. Rather, this effort is being driven by national far-right organizations attempting to score political points by sowing fear and hate.”

The statement is concluded by calling out Republican state legislators for continuing inequalities within their states and ignoring COVID-19 relief funds that would highly impact their state’s economies.

Discrimination against transgender Americans, especially trans youth, needs to end. The United States cannot see a decline in progress. Equality seems to be enduring an uphill battle. bland from shooting on digital when shooting with actual film would make it look more dynamic. The latter award is worth it as the evocation of the early 20th century is gorgeous, especially the recreation of the Hearst mansion.

Overall, “Mank” is disappointingly by the numbers for a filmmaker who made his mark with gritty exciting films like “Se7en” and “The Game.”

Here’s hoping Fincher gets back to his roots soon.

Email CAMERON KAERCHER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

formance of “Band Bang” from the Glass Spider Tour. She also received the compilation album “Bowie at the Beeb” on vinyl for her birthday this year.

“It sounds like he’s just chilling in the room next to you singing and you get to sit back and enjoy the show,” Nelson said.

The album is beautifully done in her opinion.

“I’m not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I’m living on.” - David Bowie, Quicksand (1971).

be the way a popular character’s story should end. Grey deserves a happy ending. She deserves a season 18.

A Bustle article, “5 Clues Grey’s Anatomy Won’t Actually End After This Season,” mentioned that the showrunner Krista Vernoff is planning for “either a season finale or series finale.” But in the article, one important clue is revealed that season 17 probably won’t be the last. Chandra Wilson, who plays Dr. Miranda Bailey, denied that the show isn’t ready to end.

“The network’s not ready, the studio’s not ready, the

Email HALES PASSINO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

fanbase isn’t ready, the numbers are too good,” Wilson said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

Whatever the future holds for “Grey’s Anatomy,” whether it ends this season or next season, the show has done remarkable things over the past two decades. There’s a reason why it’s lasted so long, it is a great TV show. It’s influence and impact on television will continue to live on long after it ends, whenever that will be.

Email CARLY NEWTON cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

CARDINALPOINTSONLINE.COM

Taken from 100 participants

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Jess Johnson

Managing Editor Alana Penny

Co-News Editor Olivia Bousquet

Co-News Editor Mataeo Smith

Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas

FUSE Editor Alana Penny

Graphics Editor Nghi To

Photo Editor Audrey Lapinski

Multimedia Editor Sareem Jabbar

Associate Opinions Editor Natalie St. Denis

Associate Graphics Editor Sareem Jabbar

Associate FUSE Editor Adeeb Chowdhury

Public Relations Chair Heaven Longo

Web Editor Jason Smith

Faculty Adviser Shawn Murphy Advertising: Maureen Provost

Contact CP: Editorial Board: 518.564.2174 Advertising: 518.564.3173 Fax: 518.564.6397 118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY 12901 cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Award Winning

Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP): ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010 All American Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2010, Honorable Mention 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist

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FUSE Editor Alana Penny

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FUSE

Friday, April 30, 2021

Townes finds herself, new passions

BY NATALIE ST DENIS FUSE Opinion Editor

Senior Madison Townes has had a passion for her major, TV and video production since she was young.

“I’ve always wanted to be an actress since I was really little, and I’ve always loved editing videos and just doing anything related to TV. Whether I was watching it or creating any kind of content,” Townes said.

But her academic career didn’t start with TV video production. Townes was originally majoring in Spanish adolescent education.

“As much as I was interested in that career path, I kind of realized that it wasn’t what I was meant to do. But I was kind of afraid to switch and I didn’t really know what to do,” Townes said.

This uncertainty was amplified when COVID-19 hit right before spring break.

She mentioned how hectic life was, and she was unsure wheather she should take the risk of changing her major.

“I guess just sometimes you have to take risks. So when I came home I put my foot down and I was like, ‘I need to change my major.’ So I just did it,” Townes said.

A professor from her previous Spanish adolescent education major, Margarita Garcia Notario applauded Townes for being able to make such a difficult decision.

“I think that is a difficult step for students. So to be able to realize the thing you thought you were going to become your whole life suddenly is not what you think you’ll be best at and be able to switch. That’s great,” Notario said.

Once she made this switch she immersed herself in all that her major had to offer. She joined Plattsburgh State TV as a crew member and this semester got to take on the role of a manager at the station. John Chambers, Townes’ professor for multiple courses, has seen her growth while working for PSTV. “This semester she’s just become more of a leader,” Chambers said. “She’s working a lot harder.”

Chambers enjoys having her “fun, outgoing personality” around and he can tell she is passionate about what she does.

“When she’s here, she really enjoys what

Photo provided by Madison Townes

Madison Townes hopes to have a career like Adam Sandler: a producer as well as an on-screen talent. She is currently a manager for Plattsburgh State Television. she does and just enjoys the classes she’s in. When I hear her talking to her fellow crew members and managers, she’s excited about what she’s doing,” Chambers said.

Townes has learned the many different aspects and elements that go into the production, from lighting and script writing to talent positions. Chambers has been able to see her become involved in

everything needed for production. She wrote and directed a show, “Chambers of Mystery,” in which she cast Chambers as a talent. On top of that, she has previous experience in news anchoring at the station. This semester, she’s a meteorologist and a talent in some of her friends’ shows.

“I think I’ve just been able to connect with a lot of the people in my major and

be close with a lot of them. I’m very inspired by all of their creative minds they have and the ideas they’ve put into shows,” Townes said.

Townes keeps a positive attitude when it comes to getting a job after college. She explains that although she doesn’t have one lined up directly after school, oftentimes most people don’t. She just hopes to start somewhere and work her way up from there.

“My ideal career would be to be like Adam Sandler and be a producer, as well as on-screen talent,” Townes said. “I really just love acting, but I also have an interest in producing movies and screenwriting.”

Townes developed another passion after joining the Plattsburgh State kickline team last year. Her friends kept urging her to join and she didn’t expect to like it as much as she did. But Townes was able to get great exercise while making friends, one of which is now one of her roommates.

Another important part of Townes’ college experience was growing into a person she is proud to be. Townes said she fell in love with the person she has become and has gained a lot of confidence.

“I try to do my best to just be kind to others and make people happy because that’s what I want to do in the long run, is just entertain people and put a smile on someone’s face,” Townes said.

Notario described Townes “as someone who has growth so much from the time she arrived on campus.” Notario has guided her through challenges during her college experience.

“I think slowly she lost the fears that she had or she was willing to jump out of her comfort zone and try out experiences that seemed difficult,” Notario said.

Although bittersweet, Townes is ready to graduate. Notario thinks Townes is ready for this next step.

“She has made very important decisions. I think she has gotten to know herself much better through difficult or challenging considerations. So I think she’s ready to go,” Notario said.

Email NATALIE ST DENIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Poetry slam focuses on identity

BY CHRISTYN PETTWAY Staff Writer

SUNY Plattsburgh Student Support Services held its annual Poetry Slam Tuesday.

TRIO SSS is an academic support program on campus that provides access, opportunities and support to eligible students for free. SSS helps students graduate on time by offering academic advising, peer mentoring and tutoring for math and writing. The program also holds events such as poetry slams, financial literacy events and workshops that tackle topics such as stress management and graduate school applications to increase academic success for students.

The virtual poetry slam event was held on Zoom from 11 to 2 p.m. SSS has been hosting this annual event since 2017, after slam poet and activist Amanda Alcantara was invited to perform on campus. The huge turnout in attendees for the Dominican American performer made SSS realize there needed to be more events such as that one.

“It was clear that our students needed more events that celebrated the cultural contributions of latinas and other people of color. SSS has been hosting poetry events each year since,” TRIO SSS and Writing Skills Specialist Athena Castro-Lewandowski said.

Attendees have the option to not only be a part of the event, but contribute to it as well by submitting poetry of their own or any poetry they enjoy reading and want to share. With the topic of identity for this year’s event, students shared poems like, “What Kind of Asian Are You?” by Alex Dang, “Vote,” by Nikki Giovanni, “Being Independent,” by Rupi Kaur and other poems that related to one’s identity. Some

students shared their interests in reading and writing poetry about deeper issues like ethnicity-based poetry. “Family Matters,” was a deeper, more personal poem that was shared as a video on Youtube. Anita D, the creator of the poem, shares her family struggles compared to the funny, “normal” families she would see on television sitcoms like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Family Matters.” Students took turns reading these poems and after each poem was read everyone could participate in analyzing or sharing how they felt about it.

The turnout of about 30 attendees was a bit smaller than previous years.

“You’d never know it because the room was still full of creative energy, CastroLewandowski said. “I am proud to report that even during Covid times, students have stayed close to us and we to them, through our class offerings as well as our virtual programming, which have increased in variety.”

Just this school year SSS has started a food justice initiative, hosted a watch party, and have had multiple social media campaigns. As May approaches, SSS already has events planned for the Mental Health Awareness month. These events consist of the Downtown Walk, a live Zumba event, a Campus Garden Walk, a Self Care meme workshop and other events that can be found on the SSS calendar.

Email CHRISTYN PETTWAY

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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FUSE Editor Alana Penny

FUSE

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Friday, April 30, 2021

Student Art Spotlight

Jade Nguyen Senior art major concentrating in graphic design and photography

Hi, my name is Jade and I am a senior graphic designer and photographer from Vietnam. The Clay Pot Eatery and Bar is a fictional Vietnamese restaurant that I developed. I want to use the elements that remind me of home to portray a topic that is so close to my heart: the Vietnamese cuisine.

I am able to use both of my graphic design and photography abilit y in this series, as the photos of the people you see here in the branding package are f rom the photos that I took when I was in Vietnam.

The Clay Pot Eater y and Bar Branding Package is currently on display in the Burke Galler y in the Myers Fine Art Building, along with many amazing works f rom other student artists.

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FUSE Editor Alana Penny

Friday, April 30, 2021

Weekly Tarot Reading

BY RIVER ASHE Staff Writer

This week’s reading comes from the Mists of Avalon Oracle deck by Rose Inserra, featuring art by Nadia Turner. This deck is inspired by Druidic lore and English mythology, with gorgeous art depicting famous characters such as Morgan le Fay and King Arthur while exploring the mythical Isle of Avalon.

All card meanings have been interpreted from the guidebook sold with the deck.

Aquarius (Jan. 20—Feb. 18) pulled the Priestess of Avalon. In the turmoil of your life, you have forgotten who you are and what makes you so amazing. Take time to reclaim yourself and your identity before you tackle outside problems. “Break free from the confines both you and others have placed on you,” Inserra advised.

Pisces (Feb. 19—March 20) drew The White Hart.

New, exciting opportunities are going to present themselves to you, and you have to be prepared to make choices. Rely on your heart over your head, but do not immediately dismiss logic. “Remain calm in your centre as opportunities present themselves,” the guidebook stated.

Aries (March 21—April 19) pulled The Abbey. The decisions you have made up until this point have been productive and important to your journey, but now you need to take a moment and reevaluate your point of view. “Do not operate from your past mindset,” the guidebook said.

Taurus (April 20—May 20) drew The Holy Thorn.

You have had some struggles in your life, and this

NGHI TO/Cardinal Points

week will cause you to wonder wheather everything has been worth it.

Trust in yourself and your decisions, and know that everything will be all right.

“Know that the only constant in life is change,” the author wrote.

Gemini (May 21—June 20) pulled Arianrhod.

The mistakes of the past are over, but that does not necessarily mean that you have finished making amends. Be sure to seek forgiveness and restitution before continuing, lest they come back to bite you. “Reconcile your past so your future does not repeat the same challenges and crises,” the guidebook advised.

EARTH Continued from page twelve “I had each presenter mapped out in their respective rooms and made sure they were exactly where they needed to be,” Mark Lesser, the head organizer of the showcase, said. “Then there were over 80 visitors whom I was rotating between breakout rooms. It was sort of a challenge to keep track of everyone, but it worked out well.”

This was the second time the showcase was held virtually, the first being held last year. However, Lesser reflected that this year’s event was far more efficient and ran more smoothly.

“Last year’s showcase, which we held on Zoom as well, was very last-minute,” Lesser said. “This year’s involved a lot more planning and coordination. Though there were some minor technological issues, such as some students not being able to share their presentations from their devices, I think overall the event was very successful and was a great opportunity for students to show what they have been working on for a long time.”

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Mary Alldred, who moderated one of the breakout rooms, felt the hardships stemming from pandemic restrictions made the students’ and organizers’ accomplishments all the more meaningful.

“It was great to see that so many of our students are still having the opportunity to participate in research projects,” All-

Cancer (June 21—July 22) drew The Tor. Your quest for self-improvement is coming to fruition and you just have to keep pushing forward to find what you’re looking for.

Continue to be mindful of yourself, though. “There is wonder and magic within your reach,” the author said.

Leo (July 23—Aug. 22) pulled The King of the Faerie Realm. You are hoping for renewal and rebirth, but those do not come overnight. You have to be willing to undertake a hard journey of self-discovery to find what you’re looking for. “You must clear the way for new life,” the guidebook stated.

dred said. “It was also so encouraging to see students and their advisors going out of their way to make this work happen. This has been a challenging time for productivity in general, so to see students collecting data out in the field, performing experiments, or even spending additional time on Zoom with their collaborators to do this work was truly amazing.”

Another aspect of the digital format that proved beneficial was the fact that visitors from outside SUNY Plattsburgh could enjoy the showcase as well, according to presenter Samantha Beck.

“I had friends and family attend who live over six hours away and otherwise would not have been able to see my presentation,” Beck said. “Although virtual presentations and meetings can provide some difficulty in terms of comfort with technology, I thought it was really useful in the context of the showcase because it allowed for many more people to attend.

I thought the CEES department came up with a great solution to still have the presentation in a safe way that made students still feel proud of their work.”

Beck received the Undergraduate Research Award for planning. Her research focused on e-planning, or using computer-based systems to conduct decision-making, in the context of managing community forests.

Carrie Benatti, a first-time presenter, echoed the sentiment that the digital format — although not without complications — added to the overall memorable and unique feeling of the showcase.

“This was my first CEES Earth Day event and I loved it,” Benatti said. “It was quite an undertaking and not without its technological hiccups. But, compared to the many other virtual events I’ve been to in

Virgo (Aug. 23—Sept.

22) drew Camelot. This week, you will be called on to leave your comfort zone and approach opportunities from a new perspective. If you don’t, you may be stuck wishing you had more. “Do not be afraid to dream a new dream for yourself,” the guidebook said.

Libra (Sept. 23—Oct. 22) pulled the Faerie. You need to take a step back and reassess your place in life. Go on a hike, have a picnic, do something that allows you to escape your normal environment for a while before coming back to your problem.

“Encountering the reality and pure magic of the

world we live in will give you a fresh perspective on your current situation,” the author encouraged.

Scorpio (Oct. 23—Nov. 21) drew The Lady of Shalott. Everyone has their expectations of you, but do not pay them any attention. This card asks you to break through the illusion of perception and be who you really are. “In creating this new image of you, you will be creating new experiences and a new way of living,” the guidebook said.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22— Dec. 21) pulled The Holy Grail. This week, you will be presented with a bunch of opportunities in many forms. Keep a clear mind

the past year, I really think changing it to run more smoothly would have detracted from the feeling of togetherness that they managed to pull off. Seeing the depth of work being done by other students was really inspiring. I can’t wait for next year.”

Benatti’s research centered around examining how cows and other ruminants gain nutrients by recycling nitrogenous wastes that most animals excrete. Her presentation employed a range of diagrams to explore the role of amino acid metabolism and lysosomes in the process.

Students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share the research they had spent months committing themselves to.

“I think the showcase was a great experience for presenters to show off their work and guests to get a taste of the work that goes on in the Center for Earth & Environmental Science,” Jordan Baer said.

Baer’s research focused on examining state parks’ responses to COVID-19 and assessing how effective various approaches were. “I was personally overjoyed that I could share the work I’ve been doing for the past year and feel that others were happy to have their effort be recognized through the presentations and awards.”

Likewise, students enjoyed seeing their friends and classmates present as well.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to see what my peers have been working on all semester. Even though the showcase was on Zoom, this was a great way to bring people together during COVID,” Jillian Kara said.

Kara presented her research on public engagement in the planning process during COVID-19, examining in detail the relationship between the public and state governments in decision-making throughout the crisis. She was also named

and make good decisions, but be confident in the knowledge that you are choosing for your own good. “Be open to receiving the flow of life’s gifts,” Inserra wrote.

Capricorn (Dec. 22—Jan. 19) drew Blodeuwedd. The needs and desires of other people have held you back from blossoming into your full potential, and this is the time to break free. Be your own muse and let your voice be heard. “You are uniquely you and free to express yourself as you wish,” the author said.

Email RIVER ASHE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Environmental Planning and Management at the end of the showcase.

“I loved seeing different students from SUNY Plattsburgh share their work and findings on research they’ve been working on,” fellow presenter Hannah Cave said. “I loved being able to share my research with other students and I hope they took away some new interesting findings from my project.”

Cave’s presentation took a close look at the wildlife response to a wildfire in Atlanta Flat Rock, specifically examining how predator-prey relationships were affected by the environmental changes.

Others appreciated that professors had the opportunity to see what their students had been working on and how they had applied what they learned in the classroom. Among them was Sophia Griffiths, whose work showcased the effect of global warming on plant migration in mountainous regions.

“It was really great to have all the professors on there that were so excited to hear from us,” Griffiths said. “I liked that I had the chance to show off all my hard work and hear about what others had been working.”

All in all, the showcase gave students a platform to share their research and allowed visitors from all across the country to take part.

“The showcase really was a very special and exciting opportunity for all of us,” Lee said. “Students, professors, and everyone involved appreciated being a part of this.”

Email ADEEB CHOWDHURY

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cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Student art spotlight, A10

Students showcase research for Earth Day

BY ADEEB CHOWDHURY Associate FUSE Editor

The Earth Day Student Research Showcase was held virtually April 22, organized by the Center for Earth and Environmental Science. Students delivered presentations on various topics of research pertaining to ecology, pollution, biodiversity and other wide-ranging fields of study.

At a traditional in-person showcase, students would have stood next to posters displaying their research, and visitors would have made their way around the room and stopped to chat with individual students about their work. However, because of COVID-19, the showcase was held online, utilizing Zoom to deliver presentations instead. Participants were assigned to breakout rooms, in which students discussed their research using a PowerPoint, Adobe Sparks Presentation or other digital format. Visitors rotated between multiple breakout rooms throughout the event, so they could observe all the students’ presentations.

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ELARA MARTIN/Cardinal Points