A&C
Museum Without Walls to update look on campus.
SPORTS
Cardinal esports teams gears up for playoffs.
OPINION
Students struck by Spring semester slump.
Plattsburgh students give to local school
BY JOHN CHURCH Contributor
The Student Nursing Association at Plattsburgh State is taking direct action to help local students in and around the Plattsburgh and Clinton County area. Lately, Cardinals in the Nursing Program have been helping young students at Beekmantown Central School District.
To give back to the local community, SNAPS is taking the initiative to support Beekmantown Elementary, Middle and High School children through a clothing and hygiene drive. Their mission is aimed to foster a supportive environment and bond for nursing students to make as much of a positive impact as possible in the North Country.
SNAPS provides an applied learning experience for SUNY Plattsburgh nursing students to find a space to connect. Through trial, tribulations, and shared experiences, each Card mentors one another throughout the rigorous program.
“The nursing program can be demanding at times, so it is nice to have other people who are going through the same program,” said SNAPS student representative Breanna Cascioli.
Older students often guide younger students, offering experience, advice, and encouragement. Yet, the organization’s reach extends beyond the city of Plattsburgh to the broader Clinton County community.
The drives at Beekmantown CSD are just the latest exhibitions on how SNAPS make an impact
through applied learning.
“SNAPS not only offers support to the nursing program at Plattsburgh but to the Plattsburgh Community,” Cascioli said.
“SNAPS has done multiple hygiene drives in the past, like Trunk or Treat at the field house for local children.”
For upperclassmen in SNAPS, the experience
they gain helps them for the future past graduation. Most of their knowledge comes from engagement with public health nursing.
Plattsburgh students in the Nursing Program are given a chance to work directly in the community through the JCEO Head Starts, Alliance Health and several local school districts around the area.
Beekmantown, alongside SNAPS, serves students who may not have clean socks or enough fresh clothes or hygiene products.
“The school nurses at Beekmantown truly care about their students,” Cascioli said. “Many of them even
bring needed items of their own to the school for the children and teens.”
For students who may not have the accessibility to or knowledge about the power of clean clothes and good hygiene, SNAPS and the school district help to alleviate some of the challenges for the Beekmantown Eagles.
“The clothing items can give confidence to children and teens. Having clean clothes picked out for each day can make a difference in the level of confidence a person has,” Cascioli said.
Campus observes Trans Day of Visibility
BY MICHAEL PURTELL Editor in Chief
A full-slate of events filled the calendar as SUNY Plattsburgh brought Trans Day of Visibility to campus March 31.
The holiday events were organized by a wide range of groups, including student organization Alpha Psi Omega. SUNY Plattsburgh’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Title IX office and Gender and Women’s Studies department also hosted alongside the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance.
Events were planned from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and included informative panels aimed at people unfamiliar with the trans experience, as well as presentations aimed at trans individuals to help them directly, like the Post-College Survival Guide
presentation by Plattsburgh Alumna, Justice Hall.
“Trans Day of Visibility is designed to highlight and amplify these important voices while also educating people about the challenges, barriers, overt and covert discrimination and bias that the transgender community faces,” wrote Allison Heard, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, in an email.
A TIMELY CELEBRATION
Plattsburgh hosted the workshops and panels in a time where the rights of Transgender Americans are in the center of political debate.
“Transgender Day of Visibility is always important, but especially so in our current political climate. Trans people are being actively discriminated against both socially and through legislation,” wrote Reg Sutphen, an event organizer and member of Alpha Psi
“Having a national day to celebrate the visibility of trans people makes it a lot easier for people like me to feel accepted in their own identities.”
The event creates an opportunity to deepen conversations around transgender rights by putting local, human faces to the transgender community.
“Cisgender people need to SEE transgender people — we all need to see each other — and we must start to see that we all have a responsibility to challenge trans erasure and make trans struggles visible. It is a matter of life and death,” said Dr. Kolleen Duley, Plattsburgh assistant professor of gender and women’s study.
AN EARLY END
The final two events of the night, a networking MXER and a reception were canceled, meaning celebrations ended at 2:30 p.m. rather than the planned 7 p.m.
“I deeply regret that MXER had to be canceled as it was something I was very passionate about,” Sutphen wrote. “Due to a heavy workload and limited resources, we were unable to organize it in a way that would truly do the event justice. While I took responsibility for planning, it became clear that additional support and resources were needed for its success.”
SNAPS > 3
Graphic by Cameron Greaves
Cardinal Points file photo
Chris Chamars, Lindsey Bradley, Kirin Brown and Leo Greer listen to questions at 2024’s Trans Day of Visibility panel March 31. (From left to right)
Student Association
SA prepares for elections
BY ABIGAIL PASSAFIUME Staff Writer
The Student Association approved an executive bylaw and prepared for a highly competitive 2025 election at its March 26 meeting.
Cameron Greaves, coordinator of arts and public relations, proposed legislation to separate the coordinator of the arts from the coordinator of public relations positions as it is too much of a workload for one person.
The two positions were originally separated, but were joined during the COVID-19 pandemic, as there were not many in person events to plan and promote and a need to reduce the size of the board.
“I found from my experience and the people that came before me that the workload is overwhelming and it’s the only coordinator position that oversees more than one role,” Greaves said.
This position holds many responsibilities that could benefit from someone who has trained in the specific field and understands how to put together events and to properly publicize them, Greaves said. It would also give an opportunity for a student to further their knowledge in their major by getting that hands on experience outside of the classroom.
“I don’t feel like I could be doing as good a job as somebody who specializes in public relations,” Greaves said.
Due to the number of events sponsored or associated with the Student Association, the public relations coordinator has a major role in making sure all students are aware of opportunities or fun events on campus.
“We really need to be letting students know what we do and what we are here for and the importance of the student association on campus,” Greaves said.
Next year the student association is looking to get rid of the
coordinator for academics, so the board will maintain the current number of positions.
The Senate unanimously passed the legislation.
As the semester moves along, the Student Association is looking forward to a highly competitive election and getting students to vote.
Applications to apply for a position were due March 28, and voting will take place April 10.
As current officers are planning their last events and preparing for a new board to take over, they also want to emphasize the importance of students voting for who they want to represent Plattsburgh’s student body and make positive changes on our campus.
Kalema Gooding, president of the Student Association, has acted as the leading voice for the campus’ student body for the past year and wants to see more students involved in years to come.
“I think it’s very important for students to be involved. They pay that SA fee and their money goes towards all these things that we do, so they should have a say on what we decide to do with their money. It’s just a great way to be involved and get your voice heard,” Kamela Gooding said.
Being a part of the Student Association is a responsibility and time commitment, but has taught outgoing position holders leadership skills that they can take with them beyond SUNY Plattsburgh.
“You are a student, but at the same time it is basically a job. So one of my biggest takeaways is that you should never make assumptions. If you think you need to send an email, send it that day, if you need to send a double email then send it,” Nekaybaw Ross, coordinator of student affairs and diversity said.
“When I was first making the decision I was stressed because where do I even start and what do I need to do in this position. But once I start-
ed going to meetings and seeing the flow and structure, everything made sense,” Ross said
The Student Association allows you to get more involved with student life and opens up many opportunities to build your resume and network with other students, faculty and staff.
“My favorite memory is attending the SUNY SA conference. I got to speak with many other like-minded students apart of a student government at their college. Being in that environment made me feel like I was actually making a change here at our campus,” Ross said.
The Student Association wants every voice to be heard, that is why it is imperative to vote and get involved with decisions on campus.
“Having a competitive election ensures that our leadership is earned through vision and dedication. The school choses who leads them, not the other way around,” said Shi-Vear Parker, coordinator of clubs and organizations.
Cameron Greaves serves as Cardinal Points’ Graphics Editor. Their involvement in this story has no bearing on our coverage of the SA.
Email ABIGAIL PASSAFIUME cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Reach our editors at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.
TDOV
Continued from page 1
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
With a diverse set of events going on, “participation varied throughout the day,” Heard said. Engagement by students and staff was impacted in part due to the regular day of classes, but the event was organized knowing this, and did not deter Plattsburgh from “planning a robust day of events to offer the campus and community.”
There are no errors to report this week.
If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.
Some students who did attend said “there were some organizational and communication challenges that impacted the experience for attendees,” according to Sutphen.
“Moving forward, I think stronger collaboration and better communication will be key to ensuring that future events better reflect the needs of the campus community,” Sutphen wrote.
WANNA HELP MAKE THE NEWSPAPER? JOIN
PLATTSBURGH’S COMMITMENT
As national opinions surrounding DEI and trans rights shift, Plattsburgh continues to keep conversations going.
“These topics are important for our community to address. SUNY Plattsburgh remains committed to promoting and advocating for our values around diversity, equity and inclusion. We are not scaling back on our efforts to promote the values of dignity and respect that must be afforded to all students, employees, and our community members,” wrote Heard. “We are not scaling back on the commitment that we have made to every member of our community.“
Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Contact Editor in Chief Michael Purtell at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com or managing editor Jayne Smith at jsmit114@plattsburgh.edu for more information! We’re always looking for more writers, editors, photographers, and multimedia talents!
WARD 110, MONDAYS @ 7:00 p.m.
CAMERON GREAVES/Cardinal Points
ABIGAIL PASSAFIUME/Cardinal Points
Cameron Greaves speaks to the rest of the SA as they motion to vote on Greaves’ proposal March 26.
A look at who has been detained, deported in US crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS AP
People with ties to American universities, most of whom have shown support for pro-Palestinian causes, have been detained in the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants.
President Donald Trump and other officials have accused protesters and others of being “pro-Hamas,” referring to the Palestinian militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Many protesters have said they were speaking out against Israel’s actions in the war against Hamas in Gaza.
Trump’s administration has cited a seldom-invoked statute authorizing the secretary of state to revoke visas of noncitizens who could be considered a threat to foreign policy interests. More than half a dozen people are known to have been taken into custody or deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in recent weeks.
Rumeysa Ozturk
Federal officers detained 30-year-old Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk on Tuesday as she walked along a street in suburban Boston. A senior Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said without providing evidence that an investigation found Ozturk, a doctoral student at Tufts University, “engaged in activities in support of Hamas,” which is also a U.S.-designated terrorist group.
Friends and colleagues of Ozturk said her only known activism was co-authoring an op-ed in a student newspaper that called on Tufts University to engage with student demands to cut ties with Israel. Ozturk has been taken to an ICE detention center in Louisiana. A U.S. District judge in Massachusetts on Friday said Ozturk can’t be deported to Turkey without a court order and gave the government until Tuesday evening to respond to an updated complaint filed by Ozturk’s attorneys.
Mahmoud Khalil
This month, immigration enforcement agents arrested and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, Palestinian activist and graduate student who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. The administration has said it revoked Khalil’s green card because his role in the campus protests amounted to antisemitic support for Hamas. He is fighting deportation.
Khalil served as a negotiator for Columbia students as they bargained with university officials over ending their campus encampment last spring. He was born in Syria and is married to an American citizen. His lawyers urged a federal judge on Friday to free their client from a Louisiana immigration detention center and argued his case should not be moved to Louisiana courts. The judge said he would issue a decision soon.
Yunseo Chung
Yunseo Chung is a Columbia student and lawful U.S. resident who moved to America from Korea as a child. Chung
SNAPS
attended and was arrested at a sit-in this month at nearby Barnard College protesting the expulsion of students who participated in pro-Palestinian activism.
The Department of Homeland Security wants to deport Chung and has said she “engaged in concerning conduct,” including being arrested on a misdemeanor charge. A judge ordered immigration agents not to detain Chung while her legal challenge is pending.
Badar Khan Suri
Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown scholar from India, was arrested outside his Virginia home and detained by masked Homeland Security agents on allegations that he spread Hamas propaganda. Suri’s attorney wrote in a court filing that he was targeted because of his social media posts and his wife’s “identity as a Palestinian and her constitutionally protected speech.” Suri holds a visa authorizing him to be in the U.S. as a visiting scholar, and his wife is a U.S. citizen, according to court documents.
Suri was taken to a detention facility in Louisiana, according to a government website. His lawyers are seeking his immediate release and to halt deportation proceedings.
Leqaa Kordia
Leqaa Kordia, a resident of Newark, New Jersey, was detained and accused of failing to leave the U.S. after her student visa expired. Federal authorities said Kordia is a Palestinian from the West Bank and that she was arrested at or near Columbia during pro-Palestinian protests. Columbia has said it has no record of her being a student there.
Kordia is being held in an immigration detention center in Alvarado, Texas, according to a government database.
Ranjani Srinivasan
Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen and doctoral student at Columbia, fled the U.S. after immigration agents searched for her at her university residence. The Trump administration has said it revoked Srinivasan’s visa for “advocating for violence and terrorism.” Srinivasan opted to “self-deport.”
Officials didn’t say what evidence they have that Srinivasan advocated violence. Her lawyers deny the accusations, and she told The New York Times that she didn’t help to organize protests at Columbia.
Alireza Doroudi
University of Alabama doctoral student Alireza Doroudi of Iran was detained by ICE on Tuesday. David Rozas, a lawyer representing Doroudi, says Douridi was studying mechanical engineering. His student visa was revoked in 2023, but his lawyer has said he was eligible to continue his studies as long as he maintained his student status and met other requirements of his entry into the United States.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Friday that the arrest was made over the revocation of Doroudi’s student visa, saying he “posed significant national security concerns.” A spokesperson said they could not share additional details.
Unlike some other students targeted by ICE, Dorudi’s lawyer said there is no indication that his client was involved in any political protests. Doroudi told his lawyer he isn’t aware of any suspected criminal activity or violations. He was detained in Alabama but will be moved to an immigration facility in Jena, Louisiana.
Dr. Rasha Alawieh
Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a kidney transplant specialist from Lebanon who
previously worked and lived in Rhode Island, was deported this month, even though a federal judge ordered that she not be removed until a hearing could be held. Homeland Security officials said Alawieh was deported as soon as she returned to the U.S. from Lebanon, despite having a U.S. visa, because she “openly admitted” supporting former Hezbollah leaderHassan Nasrallah. Alawieh told officers she followed him for his religious and spiritual teachings and not his politics, court documents said.
She was to start work at Brown University as an assistant professor of medicine. Stephanie Marzouk, Alawieh’s lawyer, has said she will fight to get the 34-year-old doctor back to the U.S. Momodou Taal
Momodou Taal is a doctoral student at Cornell University whose visa was revoked after he participated in campus demonstrations.
Taal, a citizen of the United Kingdom and Gambia, has asked a federal judge to halt his detention during his court challenge. The government says it revoked Taal’s student visa because of his alleged involvement in “disruptive protests.”
His attorneys say the 31-year-old doctoral student in Africana studies was exercising free speech rights. Taal said he will surrender to immigration authorities if the court determines the government is acting legally. Taal said in a court declaration that “I feel like a prisoner already, although all I have done is exercise my rights.”
Rather than worrying about their basic needs, a simple drive like the ones at Beekmantown can provide kids with the essentials to finding their confidence and focusing on school.
Just about anyone at Plattsburgh State can help to move the needle in the area.
Outside of SNAPS, students from all majors can help by donating clothing and hygiene items, spreading awareness, or reaching out to local facilities to see where assistance is needed.
“Any student can make a difference on campus or in the community,” Casicoli said. “Students can reach out to the facilities around the community and ask how they can help. JCEOs, Alliance Health, and the schools around the community are good places to reach out to.”
For future health care professionals, SUNY Plattsburgh’s Nursing Program understands the importance of engaging the community beyond campus.
The invitation is extended to Cardinals on campus, faculty and the local community to aid.
People like Cascioli believe that through a joint effort, SNAPS, SUNY Plattsburgh and the North Country can make an impact on local kids, giving them access to the necessities they need to succeed.
“As future nurses, SNAPS must support the community. It is important to take initiative within the communities around to help promote overall health and well being.”
MICHAEL CASEY/Associated Press
Hundreds of people gather March 26, in Somerville, Mass. to demand the release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University, who was arrested by federal agents Tuesday night.
Provided by Breanna Cascioli
Members of SNAPS pose at the SNAPS table during a Plattsburgh campus involvement fair.
Museum without walls seeks to update
BY GRANT TERWILLIGER Arts and Culture Editor
Many students walk by the museum without walls everyday at SUNY Plattsburgh, the pictures faded from age, faded into the background of time.
Museum faculties on campus seek to update the collection and find a new way to manage the gallery.
The Museum without Walls was a program started by Edward and Bette Brohel in the late ‘70s early ‘80s. Ed was the director of the Plattsburgh state art museum for 30 years and Bette was an academic advisor for 20 years. Ed and Bette cared greatly about having art across campus and started creating the museum without walls. During his tenure, the museum’s collection expanded to over 8,000 art pieces.
Without their work SUNY Plattsburgh would not have the art that it has today around campus. Although, such a large collection of aging art can be hard to maintain.
Museum Preparator and Volunteer Coordinator, Walter Early, said that he is thankful to have such a large gallery of art across campus, but finds that it comes with challenges.
“The university has been collecting for more than 60 years and representing art from antiquity to yesterday. Though this method of display does present some difficulties for the long term care of our objects, museum staff are constantly trying to keep things in the best shape possible,” Early said.
A lot of the artwork around campus was put up in the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s. As a result the art has been damaged by light, marred by backpacks in the hallways and damaged.
Museum Collections Manager, Kara Jefts, finds that taking things down and responsibly taking care of the huge collection of artwork on campus can be challenging and that the gallery
needs an update to change the engagement of the collection.
“There hasn’t been a process for taking things down and putting them away, so the galley just continued to grow and grow and grow. So it started with four buildings in the 80s, and it grew to 19 buildings. So, it’s large, and it’s hard to take care of responsibly,” Jefts said. “I’ve had so many people on this campus that work here now say ‘Oh, that was up when I was a student in the ‘90s; and that just doesn’t set a good precedent for engagement with the artwork.”
Early manages Museum Without Walls art installation and removals and has been working with offices and departments since he arrived in Plattsburgh in 2016. Cycling of artwork is a key part of museums, most museums only show a small fraction of the artwork they have in storage. Early
focuses on making the Museum Without Walls more personal with students.
“I frequently get to work with offices and departments to identify artworks to be on display,” Early said. “Ideally, when working with departments, we can identify art in our campus collection that aligns with topics or themes covered in the range of classes offered on campus.” Early said.
Everything in storage is also a part of the Museum Without Walls. One of the first steps of addressing the artwork that has been displayed and damaged over time is to work to make storage more functional behind the scenes. This allows for change in the gallery across campus.
“The amount of space that’s being taken up can be minimized by taking things out of frames and storing them differently. I’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes and my hope is that as I continue to make
progress in the storage spaces, that we can then work to cycle things out of exhibition and install new things,” Jefts said.
Jefts’ vision is to create spaces across campus where art is more intentional and is presented in a thoughtful way that allows students to sit and admire not only the artwork but the space it is presented in.
“Collecting and preserving art is important: it exposes us to varied viewpoints and connects us to shared histories,” Early said. “Keeping this collected artwork visible reinforces the message that the university believes in and supports those voices.”
Actors improvise during the event Final Cut
BY GUILIANNA LAURAIN Staff Writer
Lights, camera, murder. The College Theatre Association (CTA) brought drama, suspense and laughter to life with their latest production, ‘Final Cut: An Interactive Murder Mystery.’ Set in the glitz and glamour of 1950s Hollywood, the immersive experience had attendees play detectives while enjoying an evening of fine dining and theatrical thrills.
In the production’s plot, Director Eddie Cheek is looking for investors to fund his next cinematic masterpiece, ‘The Zombie Was An Alien.’ Guests were invited as potential backers, promised a role in the film as an incentive, only to find themselves caught in a web of deceit, deception and ultimately a murder. Throughout the evening, guests gathered clues, eavesdropped on suspicious conversations and pieced together motives all leading up to the climactic reveal of the culprit. Reg Sutphen is the visionary behind the event.
“This was actually the first show I auditioned for in my junior year of high school. I didn’t get in, but I still went to the show and it blew me away. I proposed this to the CTA as a way to get us to do something outside of the box and challenge ourselves with a difficult event to plan,” Sutphen said.
From the outset, the production took creative liberties setting the scene with a minimalist approach to allow for maximum audience participation.
“The script gave us a lot of creative freedom with the setting, but since it is movie-themed we went with 1950s Hollywood for costumes,” Sutphen said. “We wanted to keep things light set-wise so that people would have a chance to move around and actors would have more space to play.”
One of the most thrilling aspects of the event was the unpredictability of the interactions. With improvisation at the heart of the show, actors thought on their feet and responded dynamically to guests’ questions and suspicions.
“The most exciting part was seeing the actors grow and develop skills they were unsure about at first,” Sutphen said. “I knew that they could pull it off, but seeing them do it in real time just filled my heart with joy.”
Of course, the ultimate question loomed over the night: Who was the murderer? Sutphen couldn’t contain their excitement when discussing the big reveal.
“I was so excited to see what people thought about the ending scene where the killer is revealed! It’s so exciting and caught a lot of people by surprise.”
Actors underwent extensive preparation, including improv workshops and character development exercises to bring characters to life.
“We first worked on their improvisation skills. That was something I focused a lot on since that is the bulk of the show,” Sutphen said. “We would play a series of improv games to strengthen their skills, and some of the games would be character development related. I also gave everyone character development sheets in order to have everyone get creative with their characters, and met with each cast member one on one to discuss their motives, their interactions with others and whatever else they needed to go over.”
This ambitious production was the first of its kind for the CTA.
“The College Theatre Association puts on at least three productions every academic year, so we’re used to putting on theatrical productions constantly. We
also do regular improv workshops.” Sutphen said. “However, putting it all together in one show alongside a dinner aspect is not something I have seen in my time here.
With enthusiastic participation, the success of Final Cut has left the door open for future interactive experiences.
“Based on the turnout and the ratings from the audience, I would love to put on more events like this!” Sutphen said. “It is a great way to get the community together, get people involved, and show that theatre can be more than sitting and watching a show. Sometimes, you can be part of it, too!”
Provided by Reg Sutphen
The cast of Final cut poses in costume. Back row: Kalema Gooding, Leo Greer, Ninah Keliihananui, Meadow Cupps, Marcel Gibbs, and Ari Froedden. Floor: Reg Sutphen and Nicholas Alkobi (Left to right).
GRANT TERWILLIGER/Cardinal Points
Part of the Museum Without Walls exhibit in Ausable Hall.
Crafts for a cause donates to local ARC
BY CHRISTIAN TUFINO Staff Writer
Student-led club Crafts for a Cause gave back to the community through cuddly stuffed animals and food on March 27.
Crafts for a Cause held an event where people could pick between a handful of different stuffed animals to create and donate to the Plattsburgh Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC).
The Plattsburgh ARC provides help for people in the Plattsburgh community with disabilities. Through a collaboration with Crafts for a Cause,the organizations hosted an event for students to socialize and provide help for the community.
Ava Mayer, Crafts for a Cause board member, said she thinks this is one of their more involved events that the club held.
“I feel like this is one of our more exciting events because we get to give something back to the community,” Mayer said. Crafts for a Cause board member Ananda Lalloo said she wanted this event to spread positivity to those they’re giving to.
“The plushies were really cute, and they’re something for the people that we’re giving back to to look back on and be like ‘oh someone was thinking of me,’” Lalloo said.
Lalloo was excited to see how many students want to help their community.
“I love that so many people came out and are willing to give back to a cause,” Lalloo said.
Crafts for a Cause holds collaboration events once a semester where they provide different arts and crafts events for students.
“We do these events once a semester, and it’s always nice seeing people from different areas on campus who may or may not have come to our events before,” Mayer said.
Crafts for a cause also holds bi-weekly events that provide spaces for students to unwind and meet new students. All of the clubs events revolve around arts and crafts.
“For our regular meeting we do crafting, painting, crocheting, and stuff
like that bi-weekly on Thursdays at 6pm,” Mayer said.
There are plans for future bi-weekly events including nature walks and Easter egg painting. One planned event is a collaboration with Title IX this semester to give students some stress relief.
“We’re teaming up with Title IX for their Take Back the Night Event, and we’re gonna have affirmation bracelets for people,” Mayer said.
Fiddler on the Roof comes to the Strand
BY REG SUTPHEN
Contributor
Artistry Community Theatre is inviting the public to be a part of the tradition with their upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Strand Theater.
“Fiddler on the Roof” focuses on Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman living in the village Anatevka with his family, seeking to maintain his family’s traditions in the face of external pressures. Three of his daughters wish to marry for love, much to Tevye’s dismay. The whole story takes place under the looming threat of persecution from the Russian monarchy. This show tackles the difficult topics of anti-semitism and societal expectations with catchy music and heartfelt characters.
The original Broadway production won nine Tony Awards, and continues to be a popular choice for community theater productions.
Sarah Cohen, a SUNY Plattsburgh alumni playing Yente the Matchmaker, said the show is nostalgic for her.
“I grew up watching the movie and listening to the Broadway cast recording. It has meant so much to my family for so long,” Cohen said. “And to be able to portray Yente and channel my Bubbe means so much to me.”
Cohen also praised ACT’s effort in allowing actors to be involved in the creative process.
“Something I really love about Artistry Community Theatre is that cast’s thoughts and ideas are welcomed and encouraged. Each production is such a collaborative effort between production and cast,” Cohen said. “After all, without either part a show cannot go on. Every single person involved is essential.”
Cohen connected the experience to her culture.
“I have also enjoyed being able to share the perspective as a member of the Jewish community and to help everyone understand what we are doing and why we are doing it,” Cohen said. “Understanding really helps people connect to the show that much more.”
Casey Koziatek, another SUNY Plattsburgh alumni playing Perchik the Student, commended director Derrick Hopkins on his ability to trust his performers.
“He will let us take our character and develop them with our own creative vision and provide feedback afterwards. Most of our characters and ideas we have for our characters come from the actor themselves and their interpretation of the character,” Koziatek said. “As a cast, we are always talking, trying to find little ways to interact with one another which help tell our story. Having that creative collaboration helps add depth to our characters and the show overall.”
“We are trying to be as true to the Jewish faith and the time period as we can be,” Zoziatek said. “Understanding the way of life during this time period,
especially for the Jewish community, is important to telling the story and understanding why people respond to situations the way they do.”
Avery Tromblee, playing one of Tevye’s daughters Hodel, says the show has significant historical significance and is an important story to tell today.
“As we go through the show, we can see how important tradition, family, and values are within the Jewish culture,” Tromblee said. “I have so much respect for this show and the Jewish community. More than ever, this show has such an importance on culture as we see it today.”
Tromblee wants audiences to understand the historical depth of the show, and for audiences to leave feeling an importance of family and tradition.
“We all want to respect the culture of the Jewish community and respect and look back on the trials and tribulations that their community has gone through throughout history,” Tromblee said.
Artistry Community Theatre is a growing community organization, putting on a variety of theatrical productions each year. Previous titles include “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.” Their upcoming season includes “Proof,” “Anything Goes” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Performances of ACT’s “Fiddler on the Roof” will be held on Friday, April 4 at 7pm, Saturday, April 5 at 7p.m. and Sunday, April 6 at 2p.m.
cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
This week you may be given new opportunities and a new beginning. Take time to take care of yourself.
This week you may be either feeling a sense of abundance or a lack of abundance. Make sure that you are communicating and making the right decisions.
You may be focusing more on work this week. Take some time to appreciate the love around you and listen to your emotions.
You may be finishing a big project soon. Focus on getting ahead and enjoying the moment.
This week you may be on the start of a new adventure. Face the day with positivity and tackle any issues that may arise.
This week you may find abundance in your life. You have a strong foundation and will feel stability.
This week you may be feeling growth in your life regarding finances. Keep up the good work.
You may be feeling a sense of harmony and movement towards a goal this week.
You may be feeling youthful this week and full of hope. Take time to relax. Life is beautiful.
You could be having some frustrations with yourself this week or you may feel growth. Remember to take care of yourself.
This week you may be very busy and be facing some issues. All will be well. Take your time.
This week you may be feeling a little unstable and worried about your family. Try your best to stay hopeful.
Aries (March 21 –April 19)
Cancer (June 21 –July 22)
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Gemini (May 21 –June 20)
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Scorpio (Oct. 23 –Nov. 21)
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Pisces (Feb. 19 –March 20)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 –Dec. 21)
Capricorn (Dec. 22 –Jan. 19)
Aquarius (Jan. 20 –Feb. 18)
Provided by The Strand
A promotional poster for the ACT’s performance of ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’
CHRISTIAN TUFINO/Cardinal Points
Two crafts for a cause board members pose with stuffed animals they created.
Email CHRISTIAN TUFINO
Cardinals at the Career Fair
Photos by Jayne Smith
Employees of St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center discuss their organization with an attendee at the Career Fair. The Career Fair was held in the Warren Ballrooms in the Angell College Center on March 27.
Firefighters from Plattsburgh Fire Department in conversation with a student.
A Vermont State Police officer pitches the force to students.
Students peruse the tables at the Career Fair. The event gave attendees the opportunity to network with 75 employers from various fields.
A student speaks to representatives from ABC News Channel 10.
Record breakers lead Cards to success
BY EMMA DEO Associate Sports Editor
against Russell Sage on Tuesday.
The squad set a program record for goals scored in a game, putting up 25 goals on VTSU Castleton in their home opener Feb. 26.
her most-recent record breaking game. Both sides put up four goals in the first quarter, heading into the intermission knotted up.
With just over five minutes remaining, the Gators had a 13-12 lead, but Nash took matters into her own hands and tied the game. She was unassisted on the goal. A few minutes later, she was able to record the game-winner off an Iohseriio Tabor assist, and the Cards took home the win. Women’s Lacrosse
The Plattsburgh State Cardinals’ women’s lacrosse is a young program, but this has not stopped them from shattering records this season.
Junior defender Lillian Gilroy earned herself two broken records so far this season, setting the single-season draw control record with 62 and the career draw control program record with 113 and counting.
Junior attacker Cynthia Barnosky also set a program record for career points with 112 in the team’s contest
Esports
“They definitely deserve it. All the hard work that they’ve done. Hopefully, they keep breaking them as the year goes on,” head coach Kelly Wall said.
To kick off the week, the Cards took down the Russell Sage Gators courtesy of senior midfielder Caitlin Nash’s career-high four goals. Nash also recorded four caused turnovers.
Barnosky also had a day for herself, recording four goals and two assists in
Gilroy scored a goal to open the second quarter, putting the Cards up 5-4. This was the last time they held the lead until the fourth quarter.
Plattsburgh fought hard in the second quarter, but it was unable to hold onto the lead and entered the third quarter down 9-7.
The third quarter was slow for both squads, but Plattsburgh put their foot on the gas in the fourth, out-scoring the Gators 6-3.
Plattsburgh levels-up heading into playoffs
BY JUSTIN RUSHIA Sports Editor
The Plattsburgh esports club is the largest student organization on campus and has held that distinction for several years. However, its classification as a club or sport remains somewhat ambiguous.
“It’s kind of confusing. We call ourselves a club sport because we’re not exactly one or the other,” Splatoon team captain Dylan Greco said. “To some extent, we’re considered a club because of the events that we hold and things like that, but we’re also considered a sport in terms of the funding that we get and the competition.”
Unlike traditional sports teams, the esports team competes in multiple leagues, including the Eastern College Athletic Conference, SUNY, and the College Cephalopod Association.
Also unlike traditional athletics teams, the esports team does not require tryouts. Any student can join. The organization currently fields teams for Splatoon, Marvel Rivals, CS: GO, Super Smash Bros. and Valorant. Rocket League was previously part of the lineup.
EMMA DEO/Cardinal Points
Sophomore midfielder Bella Girard looks to pass around a Union defender in Plattsburgh’s contest against the Garnet Chargers on March 1 at the Fieldhouse turf.
Provided by Dylan Greco
Dylan Greco and the esports team prepare for their playoff competition in the esports lounge in Memorial Hall.
ESPORTS > 10
Plattsburgh piles 14 goals on Pilgrims
BY ZIAIRE FERRELL & JUSTIN RUSHIA Staff Writer and Sports Editor
The Plattsburgh State men’s lacrosse team got revenge against the New England College Pilgrims in a non-conference matchup March 26.
The Cardinals lost their contest against the Pilgrims last season in a double overtime thriller that ended 1110 in New England’s favor. This year, Plattsburgh defeated the Pilgrims, winning by a score of 14-10.
“Last year, we lost to them in double overtime. So that was definitely tough. We wanted to have a big game against them,” junior defenseman Kevin Murray said.
This is the Cardinals’ fourth win in eight games, tying their win total from last season in half of the games.
The players have been thriving under new head coach Zach Nedbalski so far this season.
“Compared to last year, this year is definitely a big culture change,” senior midfielder Donald Woods said. “I’m a senior now. I’ve been through this. I’m on my third coach in four years, so it’s kind of difficult to get a program going when you’re bouncing around. You know, nothing really sticks.”
“Coach came in focusing on the culture and not just dilly-dallying. You’re here to play lacrosse; let’s lock in on what you’re doing buy into it, and buy into the team,” Woods said.
With no games over spring break, the Cardinals used their time wisely by watching film on their upcoming opponents.
Head coach Zach Nedbalski takes a lot of time reviewing the tape. Though every game is different, going into this one, he
Track and Field
made sure the team focused on limiting their attachments, feeding, and finishing abilities and that this was a huge part of their success.
“We always scout and watch film to get to understand our opponents’ strategies,” Nedbalski said.
After the first whistle, the Pilgrims struck 30 seconds into the game.
Plattsburgh responded with three unanswered goals. Sophomore attacker Peter Urso led the charge with back-to-back
scores, followed by a goal from sophomore midfielder Jamie Gipe to give the Cardinals a 3-1 lead at the 6:32 mark.
A non-releasable penalty on Plattsburgh allowed New England College to capitalize with two man-up goals, tying the game at 3-3.
Gipe responded with his second goal off an assist from Urso, giving Plattsburgh a 4-3 advantage after the first quarter.
“They had two great attackmen, so we had to match up well. Defensively, we held
them to just a few goals, which was huge for us,” Woods said.
New England College opened the second quarter with a quick goal to tie the game again, but the Cardinals answered with a three-goal run fueled by two manup goals from Woods.
Plattsburgh extended its lead to 7-4 before the Pilgrims scored a man-down goal at the 7-minute mark. Ruland struck again in the final minute of the half, cutting Plattsburgh’s lead to 8-6 at the break.
The Cardinals extended their lead early in the third quarter as Gipe completed his hat trick off an assist from Ruland. The Pilgrims stayed within reach, scoring at the 11:50 mark, making it a 9-7 game.
After a long stretch without a goal, Urso added another tally for Plattsburgh at 4:49, but the Pilgrims responded with two late goals, closing the gap to 10-9 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Cards took over in the final period, outscoring the Pilgrims 4-1 to seal the win.
“The biggest thing that I’ve always been trying to preach to these guys is playing with effort for four quarters,” Nedbalski said. “It doesn’t matter what the score is. I want them to continually give that effort every quarter. “That’s something I think they continue to do well.”
A three-goal run put the Cardinals ahead 13-9 by the 11:02 mark, and their defense locked down the Pilgrims’ attack.
Cards continue forward after coaching change
BY ROSIE SCULCO Staff Writer
While the Plattsburgh State Track and Field team gears up for the outdoor season, focusing on personal bests and team goals, it also adjusts to a new chapter in its coaching staff.
Former cross country coach and assistant track and field coach Jordyn Naylon has accepted a new job opportunity with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s cross country program at the Division I level.
Naylon was in her fourth season at Plattsburgh and worked primarily with the distance and middle-distance runners.
Naylon attended SUNY Cortland, earning All-America honors in the mile at the 2012 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships and two All-Region honors in cross country.
Naylon graduated from Cortland in 2013 and qualified for nationals five times between cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field.
“We are happy for her and this opportunity,” head track and field coach Andrew Krug wrote. “We expect to launch a national search for our next XC/distance coach later this spring,” For now, Krug will take over coaching the distance and middle-distance runners as they head into the outdoor season.
“Coach Krug has a history coaching distance and definitely has the skills to train us at the level we need, and I believe the team trusts him to get us there,” senior JT Zimmerman said.
The Cards successfully concluded their 2024-2025 indoor track season seeing improvements across the board.
“There was increasing momentum built up throughout the season, and much progress was made across our team. We also saw returners provide stability and see growth,” Krug said “It was great to walk away from SUNYACs with a couple of champions and school records
broken during the season,”
Junior Marissa LeDuc earned a 2024-25 SUNYAC Championship in the Pentathlon, and junior Charles Cypress earned a 2024 SUNYAC Championship in the 60-meter dash.
“I would like to finish this outdoor season strong, make sure to give all that I have to give, set some new personal bests and place at SUNYACs and regionals,” LeDuc said.
Cypress also holds the indoor program record in the 200-meter dash (22.03 on 3/7/25), the 60-meter dash (6.86 on 2/28/25), and the 55-meter dash (6.42 on 2/4/25).
“I achieved my goal of bettering my start. I won the 60m title while I was training for the 400,” Cypress said. “I can carry this outdoors because now, instead of the 60m, it’s the 100m, and my last 40 in the 100 is the better part of my race.”
“Coach
The transition to the outdoor season is not always easy for the Cards.
“We have to readapt to a 400m track as opposed to a 200m track,” Zimmerman said. “Some adversity we face during this transition is recovering after a demanding season while simultaneously preparing for a whole new season.”
JUSTIN RUSHIA/Cardinal Points
First-year sprinter Thomas Clark sets up in his blocks before the 60m hurdles at the SUNYAC Indoor Championship on Feb 28.
EMMA DEO/Cardinal Points
Junior midfielder Tim Keenan cradles the ball around Clarkson defenders March 12.
SOFTBALL
Lillian Gilroy, Women’s Lax
Junior defender Lillian Gilroy has been stellar for the Plattsburgh women’s lacrosse team this season. So far this season, Gilroy has broken two school records in single-season draw control controls and career draw controls twice.
Gilroy leads the team in ground balls with 28, caused turnovers with 14 and draw controls with 62, which is 49 more than anyone else on the team.
Last season, Gilroy earned All-SUNYAC Third Team honors and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team and the SUNYAC Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
This question and answer was conducted with Lillian over email April 4.
Question: I heard you’re a big skier. How do you balance skiing and lacrosse?
Answer: Yes, I’m huge into skiing! I’m lucky enough to have a coach who is okay with me skiing during the season. She understands it’s something I wouldn’t be able to live without as long as I don’t get myself hurt before games. It can definitely get hectic once the season starts, but there’s always a way to balance it all. I get in ski days during our off days or after a Saturday practice, sometimes even during the week on days when we have evening practices. Any time on the mountain is a good time, even if it’s only for a few hours. When balancing both lacrosse and skiing, it’s key to listen to my body and make sure I’m taking care of myself properly, taking off days as needed and giving my legs enough of a break.
do you think you can break while playing for Plattsburgh?
A: I think my record-breaking days are going to start to slow down a bit. Draw controls are my strong suit and really the only area of the game where I foresee myself breaking any records. I set myself up for a challenge after having 17 draw controls in a single game during our matchup against Castleton, but next year, I’ll shoot to break my season draw control record again. It’s always motivating for me to have something like that to work towards.
Q: Besides skiing, what other outdoor activities do you enjoy doing in your free time and why?
SOFTBALL
Q: You’ve broken three school records so far this season. How many more
WLAX
Continued from page 7
A: I really enjoy hiking or finding fun swimming spots with my friends. Being at a school so far up north gives me so many opportunities to be outside — and the hiking choices are endless. It’s all very therapeutic for me and I love the adventure of exploring new places, I find it very refreshing. Once the snow clears up a bit more and ski season is officially over, I’m hoping to get some more
“Our Russell Sage game was a great on-the-road win for us. A big thing that helped us through until the end was just focusing on the game, play by play, not getting too far ahead of ourselves,” Gilroy wrote. “In a tight game like that, it comes down to staying focused and making smart, calculated decisions, and I think everyone contributed to that, leading us to a win.”
Plattsburgh’s road to the end of the week was not done here. The Cards traveled to Cortland on Saturday to take on the Red Dragons in a SUNYAC matchup. The team ultimately fell to Cortland 22-1, with senior attacker Maddy Garcia recording the only Plattsburgh State goal.
“Although the game didn’t end in our favor, we had a lot of positive moments from that game that we are taking with us into the rest of our season. Competing against them is a tough matchup, but we’re going to keep learning from that game, improving offensively and defensively, as we head into our remaining SUNYAC matchups,” Gilroy wrote.
Currently, the Cards have two brand new goalies suiting up to go in net, with junior midfielder turned
high peaks under my belt before the semester is over.
Q: Are there skills you’ve learned from doing outdoor activities that have translated to the lax field?
A: Yeah, absolutely! Mental toughness is a big thing and is probably the most notable aspect. Hiking a challenging mountain or skiing difficult terrain for hours on end can get pretty draining and giving up at times is very tempting. I’ve learned a lot about pacing myself and just taking it all moment by moment. This translates onto the field, especially in those close games against tough competitors. It’s really key to stay focused and work through the game, play by play, even when I feel tired. At the end of the day, there’s no better feeling than pushing myself and accomplishing something — whether it’s on or off the field.
Q: I heard you were the only female competitor in this year’s Rail Jam competition. Can you describe your experience at the event?
A: It was definitely a nerve racking, intimidating experience, not nec-
essarily because I was the only girl, but because I was going up against so many other talented skiers and snowboarders. This was my first year learning how to hit rails, and I was lucky enough to have the help of a few of the other competitors throughout the early ski season to get me ready for the event. I got over my initial nerves, and my friends who were also competing were so supportive and pushed me to do my best the entire event. Even my assistant coach and some teammates were able to make it, which was really cool because they got to see the part of my life off the field that’s so important to me. Being able to participate in this year’s Rail Jam was really incredible, and I’m really proud of myself for the way I performed. I had a lot of girls come up to me and tell me how cool they thought it was that I competed, and I can only hope that it can inspire other female skiers and boarders that they can hold their own in a male dominated event like this one. Next year, I might even have a couple of other girls with me to compete!
goalkeeper Anna Meyers and standout women’s hockey graduate student forward Mae Olshansky putting on the gear for the first time.
“Tough goalie situation, lost a couple here and there, but them stepping up has just been huge,” Wall said. “Anna, being a field player, is really taking a big sacrifice for the team and has really stepped up in a lot of ways and then to get Mae too has been awesome.”
The Cards are set to face the Morrisville Mustangs for the first
time in program history Saturday, April 5 at the fieldhouse turf in a SUNYAC showdown.
“To get back in that win column, I know we’re all focusing on what we can do, what our skills are, how we can make sure that we are just keeping focus on what we can control and building all the good that we’ve already done this year,” Nash said.
EMMA DEO/Cardinal Points Senior attacker Maddy Garcia hotfoots it around a Union defender. Email
Provided by the Plattsburgh State Athletics Department
Lillian Gilroy cradles the ball past an Oswego player last season on April 20, 2024.
ESPORTS
The Splatoon team is set to play in the playoffs soon, with the exact date to be determined.
They are in Group 4 of their division and will be facing another team that was either first or second in their group.
“The playoffs are single elimination, so whoever loses, they’re out for good, and we don’t wanna go out in the first round,” Greco said.
The matches follow specific league rules set by organizations. One of the key guidelines in the CCA prohibits teammates from spectating during matches.
“This is the first game that I ever competed in where we can’t have any spectators at all unless it’s people from the actual Association. They’re holding it, which I think is a little strange,” Greco said
To prepare for competition, the club follows structured training methods, including weekly Sunday meetings.
Members consistently participate in group gameplay sessions, video review (VOD), and practice mechanics, such as motion control in Splatoon.
“In Splatoon, you have to turn your controller itself to fully aim. And for a lot of people, it’s definitely a big no-no because motion takes a lot to get used to, but it’s crazy how much you can do once you master it,” Greco said.
The team also studies competitive strategies by analyzing top-level play from content creators.
“We’ll tune in to competitive play and follow the game meta pretty closely,” Greco said. “A lot of the time, we find anything like new information or maybe some new tech that could be used, and we’ll send it to the team chat on Discord.”
A competition day for the esports club typically involves extensive pre-match preparation that begins two to three hours before the actual match. This preparation includes team practice sessions and VOD to analyze gameplay. Additionally, the team engages in map practice, reviewing specific callouts and locations to enhance their strategic approach.
“I’m trying to get everyone to practice as much as we can now so we can hopefully win or get far,” Greco said.
Matches are usually conducted in a best-of-seven format, with player substitutions allowed between rounds. Most competitions are held online, with teams compet-
ing from their own rooms or the esports lounge. Physical travel is rare and generally limited to major tournaments.
The players use Discord as their primary source of communication while playing.
After years in the SUNY esports league, Plattsburgh now competes in the ECAC following a merger of the two leagues in fall 2024.
The ECAC has operated as an organization for 87 years and includes over 200 member schools from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. The organization sponsors championships, leagues, and tournaments, with an increasing focus on esports.
Continued from page 7 Email
Currently, over 180 ECAC schools field more than 1,300 teams across 18 different games and divisions. Despite its growth, the club remains open to players of all skill levels. According to Greco, many members start at lower ranks, but improve through experience and competition.
“My co-captain Harry and I were the only ones on our team who were at the top rank when we started playing,” Greco said. “Everyone else started at the bottom, and they’re all climbing now.”
With the continued growth of esports, Plattsburgh’s program aims to solidify itself as a competitive force while maintaining an inclusive atmosphere for all students.
“Even if you think you’re bad, you can just join, play for fun, and learn. You’ll get so good. We’re open to anyone,” Greco said.
T&F
Continued from page 8
Plattsburgh was set to open the 2025 outdoor season on March 29 at St. Lawrence University, but the contest was canceled due to weather conditions.
“Outdoor season always brings way more energy and excitement, getting to compete outside in the fresh air and on bigger, better facilities,” LeDuc said.
The outdoor season introduces a few events that are not seen indoors, such as the hammer, discus, javelin, 100m, 4x100m relay, 1500m, 3000m, steeplechase, and 10,000m.
As the Cards continue to build on the momentum from the indoor season, they expect to have representation at SUNYACs in all of those events and at NCAAs in Ohio at the end of May.
“We would like to see our team improve our finish at SUNYACs. This will be possible if we focus on our daily routines, habits, and training to be better prepared and able to execute strong performances when it matters on meet day.”
Krug said.
Plattsburgh is set to travel to Hamilton College on April 5 and open their season at the Hamilton Outdoor Invitational.
“Our goal is to leave everything on the track and place top three as a team at SUNYACs,” Zimmerman said.
cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
MLAX
Continued from page 8
The Pilgrims managed to get one goal back to make the score 13-10, but a forced turnover by sophomore Fynn Whitlock led to a transition goal from firstyear attacker Brayden Shattuck, putting the game away.
Sophomore goalie Cole Orehosky made four net saves for Plattsburgh, securing the win, while New England College’s Nate Finn recorded 16 saves in the loss.
The Cards will take on the Cortland Red Dragons for their next matchup April 5. This game also serves as Plattsbugrh’s yearly Morgan’s Message game.
Morgan’s Message is a non-profit organization that supports the mental wellness of student-athletes and encourages schools and organizations to provide equal treatment for mental and physical health.
“There’s a lot of new people stepping into new roles this year, more playing time, new people in leadership positions and a completely new coaching staff. And that can be a lot, that can be really overwhelming, but we’re handling it together and moving forward really well,” Keenan said.
Email ZIAIRE FERRELL & JUSTIN RUSHIA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Sophomore attacker Dylan Ruland has scored 26% of the men’s lacrosse team’s goals this season. He currently has 19.
Provided by DYLAN GRECO
Matt Rosenhaus, Dylan Greco, Harry Ramos and Andrew Platt (left to right) hang out in the esports lounge.
JUSTIN RUSHIA/Cardinal Points
Junior pentathlete Faris Weber clears the pole vault bar at the SUNYAC Indoor Championship.
EMMA DEO/Cardinal Points
Sophomore attacker Dylan Ruland looks to pass to first-year Michael Ahlstedt.
Spring breaks the spirits and work ethic of students
BY SOPHIA ALBERTIE Staff Writer
Spring is in the air at SUNY Plattsburgh, and students feel more unmotivated than ever before. From the change in daylight savings to the increased talk of final exams, academic apathy is consuming students in droves during this last push of the year.
The second semester slump can make or break a college experience, even for freshmen who are just starting out. Just ask Ruth Quinal, who says she enjoyed picking out her classes for a fresh semester that she knew she would like, but feels as if she is struggling a lot more this semester and isn’t exactly sure why.
“I just don’t want to do work now, and the classes I picked are classes I knew I would enjoy,” Quinal said.
Newcomers are not spared from the restlessness that comes with staying indoors, but upperclassmen are also prone to changes in motivation, especially the closer they get to graduation.
Matt Sullivan graduates in 2026, and said he feels it’s eas-
Streaming
ier to do work during the first semester because there are few reasons to leave his dorm during the winter weather.
“Every year when the weather starts to get nice, there are so many incentives not to do work and to go outside or explore parts of the campus that open up, it’s hard to focus on actual academics. It only gets harder towards finals,” Sullivan said.
Students don’t have to be particularly outdoorsy to struggle with the second half of the year. Problems sometimes arise from the duration of the spring semester after powering through the first couple of months.
Nora Bowler transferred in her Junior year and did an exceptional job her first semester, even making the dean’s list, but when the spring semester started, she said she somehow wasn’t prepared to start an entirely new semester. She didn’t do any work for the first month.
“The spring semester is really hard. You don’t go home as often. There’s more things to do on campus in the fall semester, but no one wants to go out or do anything when it’s so cold. Even
BY KALIYAH GREEN Staff Writer
when the weather gets better, people still don’t want to do their work because they want to appreciate how nice it is,” Bowler said.
Not all hope is lost, for as many negative connotations the spring semester carries, students are finding ways to power through the second semester blues. For freshmen especially, it makes all the difference being able to choose their own classes.
First year Students like Remi Lester provide a breath of reprieve in the midst of so much negativity.
“Last semester I didn’t have a choice to pick my classes, and the main reason why I like this semester so much more is because now I like what I’m doing,” Lester said.
It’s difficult to determine if the spring semester deserves so much flack, but even on the hard days, it’s important to stay motivated any way possible, and to find a balance between work and leisure.
Email SOPHIA ALBERTIE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Yikes, new Kanye song with North and Diddy
BY KOLIN KRINER Opinion Editor
Kanye is off his rocker once again, releasing a song not only featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs, but also his 11 year daughter.
So let me get this straight: Diddy, the man who’s all over the media due to claims against him surrounding abuse, sexual assault, sex traffacking and pedophilia is on a song with an 11 year old girl.
Yikes. Social awareness was thrown out the window for this one.
To the surprise of no one, Kim Kardashian was obviously mad, and has begun working to sue Kanye for the song.
This being the understandable approach to the sitution is an understatement in regards to how insane this is.
I can’t even fathom what goes on in Kanye’s head where he thinks it’s alright to do a song with Diddy — let alone having his own daughter on it.
It’s important to note the fact that this is only weeks after Kanye arrived at the Grammys uninvited, posed up with his practically naked wife. He then posted this on Instagram.
I genuinely think something isn’t right with this man seeing as he is in self-caused controversy after controversy. I almost forgot to mention him being a self-proclaimed Nazi on X.
Additionally, he somehow still has a platform despite time and time again doing the most grotesque things. I really hope this lawsuit between him and Kardashian follows through with a win in her favor. If not, that is a whole other topic to discuss.
I just feel bad for North West. Being so young and put into this position is just awful.
I hope Kanye gets his karma, as well as the help he clearly needs.
Email KOLIN KRINER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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
Fall 2001, four Marks of Distinction
Fall 2000, four Marks of Distinction
Streaming services were supposed to be the escape from cable’s high costs and endless commercials. Many platforms that were once ad-free have introduced tiered subscription models with ads at cheaper prices. Part of this shift is tied to the competition between
streaming companies and the need for them to cover the high costs of streaming and producing original content. Streaming platforms are chasing profits while users are left wondering if they’re really saving money. For years, streaming services were marketed as the cost-effective alternative to traditional cable.
First Class
Spring 2013, three Marks of Distinction
Fall 2012, three Marks of Distinction
Fall 2011, three Marks of Distinction
Spring 2010, two Marks of Distinction
Spring 2008, three Marks of Distinction
Spring 2007, one Mark of Distinction Fall 2007, three
of Distinction
Graphic by Mia Oquendo
Kolin Kriner
CABLE
Continued from page 11
College students, in particular, gravitated towards streaming services due to affordability and convenience.
However, with the rise of subscription costs, the introduction of ad-supported tiers and the growing number of platforms required to access different content, streaming is no longer the budget-friendly solution it once was.
A student who wants to watch HBO’s “Euphoria” and Netflix’s “Stranger Things” would need to pay for two separate subscriptions just to keep up with popular programming.
This not only adds up financially but also creates inconvenience, as users navigate between different apps and they have to remember the login information just to access the content they want.
“Streaming services such as Netflix have been a great alternative for this past century, but recently there have been ads added when the whole point in the first place was to not,” said Sylvia Mania, a SUNY Plattsburgh sophomore. “Therefore, I believe that this is defeating the transition and is simply setting us back to where we were with cable.”
According to CNET, “While streaming prices continue to increase, there are no taxes or hidden costs. You also don’t have to worry about fees for leasing equipment, contracts, or waiting for the cable guy to come out for repairs or installation.”
Some cable TV plans are cheaper than streaming services. However, many may resort to password sharing, but Netflix is cracking down on that, while others may reconsider cable, which now offers bundle deals that include streaming services.
The cost advantage that once made streaming services appealing has largely disappeared. The promise of cheaper or more flexible entertainment has been replaced with rising subscription fees, fragmented content and the return of ads.
So, what’s the difference between today’s streaming model and traditional cable? The only real change is the packaging.
Instead of a single provider bundling everything together, we now have to manage multiple accounts, multiple logins and multiple bills. Streaming, which once symbolized sim-
plicity and affordability, has become just as complicated and costly as the system it was meant to replace.
Some offer streaming service bundles, but they don’t always align with what the viewer is looking to watch.
Today, maintaining access to all the top shows and movies requires multiple subscriptions, making the total cost comparable to—or even higher than—a traditional cable package.
Graphic by Kolin Kriner