Student Association
Students speak up and SA approves funds
BY GRANT TERWILLIGER News Editor
The Student Association approved first year Angel Castillo as a new finance board member along with approving funds to several clubs on campus. Remarks from the gallery included a speech from a concerned campus community regarding Senator Richardson.
At the end of the meeting SUNY Plattsburgh student Michael Van Lone represented a group of concerned students speaking out about Senator Jesse Richardson also known as Designer Raw. Van lone prepared a speech in regard to an inappropriate and transphobic email that was sent to students in ANT 101, ANT 329 and ANT 333.
“Richardson’s behavior showed blatant disregard towards a portion of the student body that he is supposed to represent. We are here to acknowledge this disregard tonight,” Van Lone said. “No one in these classes was prepared to open their email that day and be shocked with a blatant microaggression towards transgender individuals.”
The group of students speaking out have lost faith in Richardson’s ability to represent the student body at SUNY
Plattsburgh and are looking to file for impeachment.
Castillo expressed a great sense of enthusiasm and dedication to accounting and is looking forward to learning more about accounting.
“My cousin is an accountant, and I got inspired by always seeing him at work,” Castillo said. “I’ve been to three meetings so far and I really liked it. I feel it would be a great experience for me.”
Castillo was approved as a finance board member in a unanimous senate vote.
The Accounting and Finance Association requested up to $1,500 for their Boston networking trip. The trip is for finance and accounting majors looking to gain professional development.
“A lot of our students in the past have later gone on to land internships and full time jobs because of these experiences. So, as you can see, it’s very in-
strumental to the development of the School of Business and Economics,” Sophomore Arshita Pandey said.
The Student Association approved the Accounting and Finance Association for $1,500 a little over the maximum funds that any club can receive from the Student Association a semester. The Student Association has a total of $15,000 to give out to clubs a semester.
The Student Managed In-
vestment Fund also asked for up to $1,500 for their Boston trip and were approved by a unanimous vote for $1,500.
The Beauty Bar requested $800 for supplies for their events. The senate agreed at first that it could only be up to $500.
“We requested $800 because we don’t have a budget. We’re a provisional club, so we have to start with something,” Thalia Surprise, president of Beauty Bar said. “Now 40 people are coming to our meetings, and we have to chip in from our pockets. So we do need funding.”
After some discussion the Student Association approved $600 for the allocation of supplies for Beauty Bar in a unanimous vote. The club was told to come back if they needed further funds throughout the semester, with $900 in potential funds being left for the club to use.
Champlain Centre unveils new Adirondack mural painted by local artist Amy Guglielmo
BY LUCA GROSS Press Republican
The Champlain Centre celebrates the Adirondacks and pollinators in a new mural.
The mall unveiled “Metamorphosis” a new mural by Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The new mural features the Adirondack mountain range, Lake Champlain and several butterflies, including an interactive “selfie wall.”
According to the artists, the mural, which is located in the pollinator garden at the Northern entrance of the mall, celebrates Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, as well as highlights the importance of pollinators.
Artist Amy Guglielmo, Town Supervisor Michael Cashman and Ally Baker, Champlain Centre Marketing Coordinator gave their remarks, thanked each other and the crowd before unveiling the mural.
Guglielmo reflected on the opportunity to return to the mall, an important third-space from her childhood, to paint a mural.
“It’s nice to come home to the mall, when the mall was first open I was on the Teen Corp I was the ultimate teen mall rat…I worked here, I came to the mov-
ies here, I grew up here so how cool is it to create a work of art here,” she said in her speech.
“And so it was a dream working with the mall…and my dream team I knew their style would be perfect for this, so we had a blast every single day, it was really so amazing that we got to do this.”
Guglielmo emphasized the importance of supporting local art.
“I am so grateful that the mall and the town recognize the value in art, because art matters,”
Guglielmo said.
“When people see art, it’s welcoming, it brings people together, it builds community, it’s good for you and it’s good for the economy.”
Cashman called the event a “joy,” praising Amy Guglielmo, Giovanina Bucci and Abbie Duquette on their work bringing butterflies and the “natural beauty of the Lake Champlain region to life.”
“Public art like this makes a big difference in our community. It turns everyday places into something special and reminds us of the talent and creativity we have right here in the North Country,” he said.
Baker was pleased with the event’s turn out, which had a few surprise guests.
“It was a beautiful, sunny day, and we were even visited by some of our pollinator friends, a few monarch butterflies flew past … talk about an impactful scene,” Baker said.
Families came throughout the duration of the event to paint butterfly-themed artworks on mini-canvases and DJ Jamstar provided his musical services.
October 3
“We hope this mural reinforces to the community the mall’s commitment to bringing them fresh, valuable, engaging, and exciting experiences.” Baker said.
“We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Amy Guglielmo, Giovanina Bucci, and Abbie Duquette for lending their creative hands and working hard
UP reported Criminal Trespassing at Hudson Hall. The case has been closed by investigation.
October 7
UP made an investigation into Vandalism at Hawkins Hall. The investigation is pending.
October 8
UP reported stalking at Macdonough Hall. The investigation is pending and the incident has been referred to title IX.
Email LUCA GROSS news@pressrepublican.com
NEWS - in the story “Student Association holds slow first meeting,” an inaccuracy in describing senate procedure was corrected.
If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.
to bring this beautiful mural to fruition. They did an incredible job.”
LUCA GROSS/ Press Republican
The “Metamorphosis,” mural and artists Giovanina Bucci, Abbie Duquette and Amy Guglielmo pose at the selfie wall to the right.
GRANT TERWILLIGER/Cardinal Points
President of Beauty Bar Thalia Surprise talks to the Student Association Senate on Oct. 1.
HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points
David Howson poses with his race winning Dashound Hero Howson.
HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points
Emma Kurtzberg and Ashleigh Woods enjoy fall foods.
KIMORA DECUTEAU/Cardinal Points
Ema Amato showcases her painted pumpkin.
HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points
Hope Parker and Remi Lester busts a move.
HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points
Fave Osikhueme and Christian Barjon hang around
ADAM BLANCHARD/Cardinal Points
Several dogs were dressed for October festivities, like the spooky spider-dog.
ADAM BLANCHARD/Cardinal Points
One of the contestants hits a dash Oct. 5.
ADAM BLANCHARD/Cardinal Points The event was the third annual celebration in Plattsbugrh.
ADAM BLANCHARD/Cardinal Points the dogs were hosted in Melissa Penfield park.
Campus culture is not dead
Reality of campus life differs from student expectations
BY ERNESTO CASTORENA Contributor
Conversations about the death of campus culture are becoming more relevant across SUNY Plattsburgh, especially after the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea of community means something different to every student. As seasonal depression comes knocking and it gets too cold to hang around inside shared spaces across campus, is the sense of community and campus culture dying?
For many students, the culture is present, but needs to be nurtured.
Dawson Niles, an on-campus student, describes campus life as “active but quiet.” During the week he said the campus feels centered on academics with little activity outside the classroom. He hopes to see more weekday events that bring students together.
“There’s a club for everybody,”
Niles said. “It’s just a matter of what you do to put yourself in those situations.”
Community exists on campus, but engagement takes effort and a willingness to show up.
Taylor Miner, an officer for the History Association, describes campus life as very eventful, but promoting events can be difficult.
“When you’re putting together an event, it’s lowkey difficult to get the word out,” Miner said. She believes clearer communication and easier access to event information would help more students find the communities already around them. She also said inclusion depends on encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones.
“People will be accepting of you and people do want to see you out and about,” Miner said.
Julianna McNeillie is a sophomore living off-campus and says her first semester was stressful as she tried to find her place. She
described the environment as lively, but simultaneously dull and depressing.
McNeille believes a more welcoming and cohesive campus design could help students feel more energized and connected. McNeille also points out that there are barely any campus wide events as opposed to club and SA events as she hopes for a frequent rally.
Yvonne Carroll, a freshman student who lives on campus, said “If we had football, a lot of people would be active.”
Campus culture isn’t dead, and it certainly isn’t hibernating. The students and their experiences suggest that connection still exists, but it just looks different. Shaped by effort, timing and the willingness to put yourself out there and find it.
Email ERNESTO CASTORENA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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Swift releases 12th bad album
BY SOPHIE ALBERTIE Opinions Editor
Someone needs to stop Taylor Swift from doing anything ever again — and I love successful women.
Swift’s 12th studio album “The Life of a Showgirl” was released this week, only this time her fans are crying from cringe instead of emotional turmoil.
My pseudo-swiftie friend from home insists that this is only her second bad album next to “The Tortured Poets department.” If you’re a real hater like me, you know she strikes out every time she steps into the studio. This is no exception.
Like always, Queen Tay touches on her latest romantic prospect, the haters and the endless struggles of being an ethical, millennial billionaire. Spoiler alert: no such thing exists.
I am happy for her and the way her current relationship and engagement seems to be going. She’s healthy, happy, having fun and likes her friends canceled. Whatever that means.
Watching swifites hate this album has given me trust issues. Regardless of my deeply rooted discontent with her music, That’s YOUR icon! Ride with her through her flops or jump off the bandwagon.
Swift coming after Charli XCX in one track titled “Actually Romantic” is a whole other can of worms, but I’ll crack it open halfway.
“I heard you call me boring barbie when the coke’s got you brave,” Swift said.
The sheer audacity Taylor Swift has to put out a diss track targeting a true pop star and artist who has both Lorde and Ariana Grande featured on the same album is not a good look. Alas, who can blame her? If I was a blonde haired 5’11 beauty at an unprecedented level of fame and still utterly sexless on every level, I’d be equally as upset if someone revealed my truth.
Boring Barbie. Coleslaw and potato salad. Of course you would go after someone who has the oomph you could only dream of having, both in creativity and essence. Maybe T-Swizzle should have a little line sometime and see if her music improves.
Stay in your lane girlfriend, I ride for Charli.
Email SOPHIE ALBERTIE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Gunn, ‘Superman’ delights with lighthearted wit
BY MICHAEL PURTELL Editor in Chief
#TheGunnIsLoaded.
After a successful $615 million box office stint, “Superman (2025)” has hit streaming services.
“Superman (2025)” is a joyous romp through the D.C. universe. Director James Gunn delivers yet again on a high budget superhero movie that prioritizes fun, character writing and touching thematics that are easy to connect with as an audience member.
The story of the film follows a young Superman, relatively new to the role of superhero, as he navigates the backlash created by his preventing a war in the fictional middle-eastern country of Jarhanpur. That backlash includes a thrashing from a previously unheard of Ultraman, who is a pawn of Superman’s archnemesis Lex Luthor.
As Superman faces his first physical loss of his superhero career, he faces a big emotional loss soon after as Luthor outs the reason the kryptonian was
sent to Earth, facing Kent with an identity crisis as he tries to define his humanity as an alien. It was no surprise that I left this movie feeling invigorated. Gunn’s work with Marvel on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy is some of my favorites of the genre. While I don’t hold “Superman” quite as highly as the first two of his Marvel ventures, It certainly sits in the same echelon of quality. There is much to like, but the true highest point of the film is the way in which the characters navigate the plot. Not a second of screen time is wasted. Every scene is full of characters with big personalities putting themselves on display. And the quality of writing is consistent across the cast — superpowered or not — which invokes a strong pace that lends itself nicely to the expected wit-
ty, quippy and lighthearted tone you’d expect from such a brightly colored comic book movie.
The script wastes no time on the boring origin story, which is especially important when the film is already over two hours long.
The script also doesn’t leave out any information that is essential to understanding the characters within the context of the movie, presenting audiences with a clear show-don’t-tell formula that feels intuitive.
David Corenswet is the headliner here as the titular manof-steel, and while I wouldn’t define his performance as the best of the year, it is very strong. He carries himself in a way which emanates joy, humanity and hope. This perfectly encapsulates the themes Gunn has pushed to the forefront.
Superman is purposely far from perfect in this depiction, and Corenswet delivers flawlessly on that front. He stammers, he gags, he smirks and he operates in a believably human way, which sounds like a backhanded-compliment, but it’s
meant in total earnest. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is also great. Her reporter’s countenance is abrasive and overzealous and operates as a great deuteragonist to push Clark Kent through the main emotional plot of the movie.
Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific totally stole the show as a tertiary character. His presence in the film is all-encompassing. Every second he spends on screen I could not take my eyes off of him. His fights are choreographed with so much aura, his lines are written so concisely and coolly and his role in the central plot is to be the guy who saves Superman. He’s totally terrific.
The superhero movie genre is tired, and it is not groundbreaking to say so, but in recent years the pendulum of public opinion is starting to swing back towards positive with strong flicks like D.C’s “The Batman” and now “Superman.”
Some of the trends that permeate the worst of the genre are still, unfortunately, present in Gunn’s most recent release. For one, I think the Superman cos-
tume is ugly. There’s too many pointless seams and lines that really upset a clean and smooth outfit, especially compared to the careful color grading of the movie’s sets and lighting.
Some of the film’s CGI is also quite ugly. I understand the use of CGI and hold no ill will towards it, but certain close up scenes of Kent soaring through the wind have him edited into an uncanny homunculus.
The script also has some slight shortcomings, despite the strength of most of the film’s dialogue. It lacks subtlety, which is mostly ignorable, but in some scenes the tactlessness is emphasized.
“Superman (2025)” is a great movie, and is absolutely worth watching on HBO Max now that it has been released on streaming services, especially if you missed it in theaters. Threeand-a-half out of five stars.
Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
SOPHIE ALBERTIE
HIRAM COWHEY/File Photo
A group of friends plays a card game on a picnic blanket by Hawkins Pond in the Spring semester.
JAMES GUNN
