Cardinal Points Issue 7 Spring 2024

DAY TURNS NIGHT

Hundreds experience eclipse at Hawkins Pond

BY BRIONNE THOMPSON Staff Writer

Monday gave Plattsburgh its most exciting eclipse, creating a midnight look at only 3 p.m.

There were so many people on Plattsburgh’s roads that many students received emergency alerts on their phones early in the morning, warning of travelers entering the North Country and High Peak areas. Most classes around the totality phase of the eclipse, 3:20 to 3:30 p.m. were canceled.

It was clear and warm weather

Monday, April 8, when the student body and families sat around Hawkins Pond, sitting on the rocks trying to find their friends, excited for the eclipse. Students at SUNY Plattsburgh had a lot to say about watching the eclipse.

Amen Zergaw, a first-year biomedical science major, took a

break from studying to finally relax with her friends and watch the eclipse.

“I really want to time it perfectly and play the main theme song from the movie ‘Interstellar’ that came out in 2014,” Zergaw said.

She kept more than one pair of glasses from the eclipse watch party as a memory to take home with her during the summer vacation.

Rim Teklu, a first-year studying business administration, came to see the eclipse and her friends as well as enjoy the nice weather because it’s uncommon in Plattsburgh.

“I just need to make sure that I don’t look too close to the sun without my glasses. I have them, but I don’t want to forget to wear them and accidentally damage my eyes,” Teklu said, laughing.

Wavell Rodrigues, a sophomore majoring in biomedical science, also met up with his friends. He had watched videos of what the eclipse

should resemble and was excited to see it happen in his college town.

“I’m really waiting to just see it with my own eyes, and everyone’s here,” Rodrigues said. “It’s going to be a really fun experience.”

Tedros Teklu, a first-year majoring in business, said he was confused about the eclipse. He is an international student from Ethiopia and wondered why everyone rallied together just to see the sun.

During the eclipse’s totality phase when everyone cheered, he said, “Why are we all cheering? It’s just the sun.”

Miyu Kameyama, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice and accounting, was fearful about watching the eclipse. She frantically looked up emails from the Student Digest explaining when it was safe to look up in the sky.

Cardinal Career Grants now available monthly

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA

Students can receive up to $2,250 toward unpaid professional experiences or other career-related costs — more funding they can apply for more frequently, thanks to additional funding from SUNY Central.

“The program has expanded now because SUNY Central is really trying to support in-

ternships and applied learning opportunities for students, specifically the ones that aren’t paid or they’re underpaid,” said Tobi Hay, director of the Career Development Center. “Because we have so much more money to work with now, we have changed the process a little bit.”

SUNY Central funding supports internship and job opportunities for students within the system, and has allowed the Cardinal Career Grants to expand.

Cardinal Career Grants were previously known as Applied Learning Grants, and students could apply every semester.

The grants were established in 2015 with alumni donations to the SUNY Plattsburgh College Foundation.

Alumni donations particularly help fund applied learning opportunities that aren’t jobs or internships. The College Foundation approved $10,000 for this year,

and SUNY funds amount to about $100,000, Hay said.

Starting this year, Cardinal Career Grant applications are accepted every month until 4 p.m. of the 15th. The deadline for the current application cycle is 4 p.m. April 15. Students can access the application form on the Career Development Center’s page on the college website, under “internships and grants.”

Besides applications being open every month, not much changed about the process. Eligible students have completed at least one semester at SUNY Plattsburgh and are in overall good standing. In the form, students need to show proof of their professional opportunity, draft a budget for the amount they are requesting and explain how the opportunity will help their career.

To advertise with Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Weekly Meme

SA revises arts coordinator position ahead of elections

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor

The Student Association Senate approved a bylaw that adjusts the description of the SA Executive Council’s coordinator of arts position at its meeting April 2.

The executive bylaw renames the position of coordinator of arts to “coordinator of arts and public relations.”

Current Coordinator of Arts Alexander Finkey introduced the bylaw in order for the work he does to be accurately represented, especially to students running for the position in the election April 25.

The coordinator of arts and public relations chairs both the Arts Acquisition and Public Relations boards and is responsible for managing the SA’s social media activity. However, the position of social media specialist, held by McKenna Brazie, will continue to exist.

GRANTS

Continued from Page 1

The Senate unanimously approved the bylaw.

The Senate also unanimously approved John McMahon, associate professor of political science, as the adviser for the Academic Affairs Board.

Coordinator of Academic Affairs Mary Stockman endorsed McMahon, saying she had him as her adviser and attended some of his classes. The former adviser for the board, retiring Dean of Students Steve Matthews, also recommended McMahon. McMahon wrote in his statement to the Student Association that he would like to help students navigate the relationship between students, faculty and administration by representing student needs.

“Many of us among the faculty on campus think that learning more about student needs and perspectives on academic issues would make us better teachers and make us a stronger campus as a whole,” McMahon wrote.

In the form, students need to show proof of their professional opportunity, draft a budget for the amount they are requesting and explain how the opportunity will help their career.

To make decisions easier, the grant offers awards in set amounts of $500; $1,000; $1,750; or $2,250, but awards less or in-between the listed amounts are possible, too.

All 56 students who applied by mid-February received some sort of funding — a lot more than the previous grant model invited.

“What we’re trying to do is fund every reasonable request,” Hay said. “As long as it makes sense, as long as the rationale is there in terms of it being underpaid or an unpaid opportunity, the committee (reviewing the applications) wants to say yes.”

Hay said she recommends applying as early as possible, while funding is still available — she anticipates another wave of applications for summer opportunities soon. Applying early can also help account for a delay in fund disbursement, as money has to go through SUNY Central.

It is not clear whether SUNY will continue funding grants for stu-

Lastly, the Senate approved Prasamsha Singh Thakuri and former Senator Dhruv Shah as members of the Board of Elections.

In his report, Finkey announced that the promotional pamphlet the Senate reviewed at its first meeting of the semester was finished and is set to print in time for students visiting the campus on Open House tomorrow, April 13.

The Student Association Senate approved associate professor of political science John McMahon as the adviser of the Academic Affairs Board. Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

dents’ professional and research opportunities next year, so applying can help show that the funding is in demand.

“It’s not an infinite amount, and when it’s spent for the year, it’s spent for the year,” Hay said. “Might as well apply while we know we still have some funds — that’s my advice.”

For Applied Learning Grants, students had to produce a “culminating learning artifact” that explains how the professional or learning experience benefited the student. Although not currently enforced, students may be asked to share the experiences the grants funded at a reception at the end of the semester.

Students can apply for the grant multiple times, but first-time ap-

plicants get priority because the Career Development Center’s goal is to provide as many students with funding as possible.

“It’d be nice if every student on this campus got an opportunity to get funding one time, but until we get more students to apply, it couldn’t hurt (to apply again),” Hay said.

Students can reach out with questions or concerns to the Career Development Center by email at career@plattsburgh.edu or make an appointment on its page on the college website.

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Alexander Finkey, coordinator of arts for the Student Association, explains to the SA Senate his rationale for adjusting his position’s name and responsibilities. He wants the title to reflect the work he actually does.

JAYNE SMITH/Cardinal Points

CAMERON GREAVES/Cardinal Points

TOTAL

Continued from Page 1

What does that mean?

Does it mean we get grumbly? We don’t want those tourists here — this is our eclipse,’’ McClure joked, raising his fist.

McClure also shared his experiences in Antarctica as a National Science Foundation fellow and played video recordings of two space-related musical pieces that he produced by converting scientific data into sound, what he called “mathematical harmony.”

“Totality,” performed by the ensemble fivebyfive at the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester, New York, got its motifs by converting duration data recorded at several locations along an eclipse’s path of totality into rhythm and pitch.

McClure wrote “Rosetta: Variations on a Day in Space,” based on data collected by European Space Agency scientists. The composition’s first segment included the unaltered sonification —

WATCH

Continued from Page 1

Khushi Khadka, a firstyear majoring in computer science, was excited for more than just herself — her fellow international friend who joined her, who has not ever seen an eclipse before.

“It’s really nice that she’s happy and excited to be here,” Khadka said.

Student Association members tabled, giving out free eclipse glasses to ensure the public was not endangering their vision. The student-run #HealWithIt campaign also made an appearance, soliciting surveys about the eclipse and offering free merchandise pertaining to self-care and mental health advocacy.

Free snacks were also available to everyone, including brownies, chocolates, candies, popcorn, chips and soda. No table ran on a low supply of water. Because of this heat, SUNY Plattsburgh staff used a microphone to let everyone attending know that it might be

conversion of raw data into sound. The piece was performed by the European Space Agency Center Community Choir in 2015. The music is “celestial in the most universal

easy to overheat and to remind everyone to take a water bottle.

During the totality phase, the moon covered the sun and completely dimmed the light over Hawkins Pond, making it look like midnight at only 3 p.m. Everyone went quiet and pulled out their phones to capture the beautiful moment of the eclipse.

Afterward, students gathered in the Hudson Hall Lobby for a free photo-booth with printed out copies. There were numerous props for students to take pictures with.

Overall, the students were excited to come together as a community to relax and watch the eclipse.

See more photos of the eclipse watch party at Hawkins Pond on Page 7.

way,” an audience member sporting an eclipsethemed shirt told McClure.

SCULPTURE

and Ali Della Bitta poured a sculpture commemorating the eclipse. Onlookers at the balcony overlooking the Myers Fine Arts Building sculpture garden, which some might call a scrapyard, saw the

creation of a flat disk featuring an aluminum moon and a bronze outer ring — a metallic rendition of a solar eclipse in its totality phase. “It’s like cooking, but I’m cooking at 1,850 degrees,” Goerlitz said before pour-

ing the molten bronze, which glowed like lava. The crucible and its handles weigh about 50 pounds, and it held at least 30 pounds of bronze — “not super, super heavy,” Goerlitz said. A pound of bronze costs about $10.

In-between pouring bronze and aluminum, Goerlitz demonstrated basic concepts in the field of making metal sculptures, such as the application of an oxidizing polish that creates a green or brown layer of patina on the metal. The sculpture will eventually be removed from the mold and the metal spilled outside will be cleaned up, but it isn’t clear where or whether it will be displayed on campus. The conference was the final stop to get answers for the most burning eclipse-related questions before experiencing it firsthand.

Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Right after the keynote, associate professors of art Drew Goerlitz

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Professors of art Drew Goerlitz and Ali Della Bitta pour molten bronze into the sculpture mold April 5. The design shows a solar eclipse in totality.

SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Students at Hawkins Pond erupt in applause, exclamations and cheer as the solar eclipse exits its totality phase.

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Keynote speaker Glenn McClure explores the intersections between eclipses and all areas of life, referencing his experiences as a fellow in Antarctica. McClure, who is a composer, also played two of his cosmic-themed pieces.

Converging creatives’ eclipse euphony

BY CINARA MARQUIS Arts & Culture editor

As a way to celebrate the brilliance of nature and welcome the day of the eclipse the passionate performers, dedicated directors and organizers of “Convergence 2024: An Eclipse Performance” meticulously crafted a night to remember.

Featuring the SUNY Plattsburgh Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Concert Choir and independent pianists, the event was a beautiful collective of cosmic music.

Hundreds of people collected, in the E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium in the evening of April 7, the day before the eclipse. Some were residents of Plattsburgh and some were students at SUNY Plattsburgh a notable number of people, however, were visitors from out-of-state.

The program included a variety of incredible music emceed by Tom McNichols, opera singer

dubbed “oceanic bass” by the New York Times.

First was the Symphonic Band, a concert band that performs a wide variety of both classical sand modern music for wind and percussion instruments. Directed by Daniel Gordon the band played “Fanfare from Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30” by Richard Strauss and “Mars, the Bringer of War” by Gustav Holst. Then chair of the music department Karen Becker played “Moonlight Sonata Op. 27 No. 1” by Ludwig van Beethoven on piano.

Next, the concert choir, a mixed choral ensemble performing a cappella directed by Timothy Morningstar sang “Moon River” by Henry Mancini and by Johnny Mercer and “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.

Louise Dionne on piano played a song she composed herself, “Total Solar Eclipse, Plattsburgh, NY April 8, 2024.”

Then the Jazz Ensemble, directed by Matt Pray, played “Fly Me To The Moon” by Bart Howard and “Moondance” by Van Morrison. The ensemble performs many different styles of jazz with a big band and is both student and community-based. Becker then played again on piano “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.

John Myers Building. Today through Saturday, catch a performance and explore outer space, astronauts, and a trip to the moon and beyond in preparation for the cosmic event of a lifetime: The Great Eclipse of 2024. The performance features a geodesic climbing dome, lights, video and

its arrival,” Julia Devine, director/conceiver and SUNY Plattsburgh lecturer of theatre, said.

Both the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir and the Concert Choir collected to sing “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” arranged by Greg Gilpin together.

Audience members rose and clapped to the beat of the song. A sense of unity and joy filled the auditorium.

The convergence of musical talent from the SUNY Plattsburgh Symphonic

Next was the the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, the group performs a full spectrum of gospel music primarily from Black tradition. Directed by Dexter Criss, the choir sang “Lord is My Light” by James Cleveland and “I Believe” by Tamyra Gray, Sam Watters and Louis Biancaniello.

You

Band, Jazz Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Concert Choir, and independent pianists was an extraordinary celebration of totality.

Visit SUNY Plattsburgh’s Music Department online event calendar for more information at https://www. plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/ arts/music-calendar.html.

The performance is completely original and co-created with students. In original or “devised” theatre, there is no beginning script. What’s created can be instigated by a line of poetry, a song, a painting, or, in this case, a geodesic climbing dome. BY

“’this is how we walk on the moon’ derives its title from a song by the late

cellist and electronic artist Arthur Russell whose music explored aspects of yearning much like this production does.”

PAVA

brings color to campus with murals

BY CINARA MARQUIS Arts & Culture editor

MOON > 5 PAVA

Most of the architecture on SUNY Plattsburgh’s campus is brutalist, a striking style characterized by simple geometric forms made of cement. It’s colorless and imposing, but it’s a huge blank slate for artwork.

Before 2020, the Plattsburgh Association of the Visual Arts created many murals around the campus, but with the threat of COVID-19 looming, PAVA had to stop meeting.

“It took a long time to get both the club and mural painting to be a regular occurrence on campus again,” said McKenna Brazie, president of PAVA. The club has painted three murals so far: one for the Accessibility and Resources office, one for the Student Health Center’s Counseling Services and one for Sibley Hall. “ARO’s was done to add a little bit of color inside of their office which is now in the bottom of the library.

ROBIN CAUDELL Staff Writer at Press-Republican

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

In the evening of April 7 various bands, ensembles, choirs and independent musicians collected to perform in Convergence 2024: An Eclipse Performance.

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points Attendees look on as performers sing together.

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Karen Becker plays “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points PAVA paints a mural in Sibley Hall on April 4.

Continued from page 4

STAR POWER Senior Kaleb Pecoraro is the production designer for ‘this is how we walk on the moon,” and designed the lighting, projections, the setting, and the sound system.

“I am an interdisciplinary studies student between both theatre and robotics. I’m not a performer, so I took the acting out of the theatre major and filled it in with robotics to give me the more technical skills. The highlight of the design for this show is the dome. The dome is a geodesic climbing structure that was in our director’s back yard. We took it into our shop and painted it grey. We also made a fabric cover for the dome to project on to. We have three projectors aimed at the dome that sync together and show images and videos throughout the show. This is the

most technically challenging show I have ever worked on. It is all coming together as planned and I am very excited to share it with the community.”

For Jessica Rigby, a senior and theatre major, this is the second time around working on a devised piece at the college.

“I am finding that this is one of my favorite forms of theatre because of the creative freedom it allows as well as the ability to step outside of the norm. I am honored to be involved in this show in particular as it is overflowing with a wide array of artistic expression. The cast and crew for this show have surpassed my expectations of what could be created in the short time we have had, and I feel incredibly lucky be involved in this amazing culmination of so many talented people working together.”

Lorenzo Johnson is a senior double majoring in both theater and graphic design.

“I’m currently one of the actors in the production ‘this is how we walk on the moon,’ and I’m so grateful to be in this devised piece. Building this production from the ground up has been an ineffable experience, convivial energy all throughout this production process. I’m so excited for people to see this production due to the lack of dialogue and emphasis on movement and projections. It’s going to be such a sublime experience for everyone because they don’t know what to expect when

they hear about a play about space. In my eyes, it has visually appealing components that enhance this play that much.”

Alex Rudnick, a music arts management major, Class of ‘26, is the sound designer and composer for the show.

“I am very excited to be able to share all the music I have made for the show, especially when combined with the technical wizardry of our Lighting & Projections Designer, Kaleb Pecoraro. I have written and recorded sev-

murals with motifs and colors with mental health in mind.”

Continued from page 4

“This mural is not up yet, but will be by the end of the semester as it is painted on canvases,” said Andreas-Jonathan Shuler, treasurer for PAVA.

At the Student Health and Counseling Center PAVA painted a mural outside of the Counseling Center offices.

“They had been reaching out for some time to the Art Department, and only found us this semester,” PAVA Vice President Alexander Finkey said.

The mural is aimed at making the space more welcoming.

“We were asked to paint there because before the wall was white, intimidating, and not sparking the positivity the Health Center was longing for. The Health Center has a very stereotypical hospital vibe to it,” Brazie said, “We painted the

After the base dries, inspirational messages will be added to affirm those coming to the Health Center.

The third mural was painted in Sibley Hall for a similar reason: to make it more welcoming.

“The Sibley Hall mural was done as another outcry for more art within Sibley Hall,” Finkey said. Sibley Hall is the host for numerous programs such as day care and Third Age. It is also a place for classrooms and offices.

“We wanted to bring these murals on campus to help brighten up the blank walls that we find all around campus, as well as giving back to the community of Plattsburgh,” Shuler said.

Members of PAVA find the work gratifying.

“Seeing the staff gush and thank you for our hard work is very rewarding. To get praised

for something you love doing anyway will never grow old. We’ve had very good turnouts for our mural paintings, so I think that means people really enjoy it,” Brazie said.

For Finkey painting the murals is a way to build community and destress.

“It is really amazing to see the club get together and just have a great time painting. We have gotten to talk and enjoy it as a stress reliever from our normal classes. I personally loved doing them as I don’t get to paint much in my dayto-day life or classes,” Finkey said. “To me, painting the murals was the thanks, allowing us to take up a chunk of wall that we are allowed to paint on, and I think that goes for many of the others too.”

Murals enliven a space, boosting the beauty and character of the campus, inspiring murals bring color and creativity to places that previously lacked it. The brilliance of art

en original songs, as well as compiled a number of sound effects and ambient music, for the show.”

Songs in order of appearance are: “Drift,” “Crew of the Andromeda,” “Untitled,” “Building the Rocket,” “Gaze,” “B3-1715+425,” and “Silverstorm.”

“The ‘Voice of the Universe’ at the beginning of the show also features an original underscoring from Henry Gelber,” Rudnick said.

“The eclipse scene also features a clip from Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture. One of the cast members, Jess, also plays a cover of ‘The Moon Song’ by Karen O.” Charles Marcheski, is a theatre major and a junior, performing in the devised piece. “This show is more than I ever could have anticipated in the best way possible. Everything about the creation process has been fluid and unknown—a very welcome adventure in response to the general rigidness of scripts. The

brings joy and peace to onlookers passing by as well.

“I think murals are of a huge importance on campus. They bring a new vibrance that can’t be achieved any other way, and students planned and painted it,” Finkey said. “Not only does that look good on a resume, I think it also speaks to how involved someone is. A lot of times too, people get really interested in a space because of murals.”

PAVA welcomes everyone to their meetings, especially the mural paintings.

“We draw them out first, and fill them in paint-by-number style, so it’s easier for non-artist to understand and partake. PAVA is and always will be a place for artists and non artists to collaborate together,” Brazie said.

As the semester comes to a close, PAVA isn’t expecting to paint any more murals, but the group is excited to paint more murals in the following semes-

loss of structure has been a challenge for our heavily talented technical crew, but this challenge has resulted in one of the strongest bonds I’ve ever felt within a theatre group. We have something special to share with this show.”

DOME CONCEPT

In February, the cast and design team started with a dome and a concept and set out to create an outer space show, according to Devine.

The performance features creative work by students from projection mapping using three projectors to original music, illustration, handmade set pieces and videos, singing, dancing, climbing, and acting.

The show runs about an hour and is appropriate for ages 8 and up. There will be no late seating for this show.

“It’s an impressive display of student talent and creativity,” Devine said.

ter. More walls in the Health Center and Angell College Center may be the next hosts.

“Now that we have three murals floating out there I don’t think it will take long for more faculty and staff to take notice. This semester alone, we were asked by multiple groups to do them, so I’m sure more opportunities are on the way,” Finkey said.

PAVA’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. on April 18 in Myers 224. It will be a catered Bob Ross night where attendees will paint alongside a video from Bob Ross’ landscape painting series.

Support PAVA members at the BFA Senior Exhibition at 3 p.m. on April 13 in the Myers Lobby Gallery and the Joseph C. and Joan T. Burke Gallery.

Passion and Perseverance: Cole Kachejian

For Cole Kachejian, film has always been a medium for storytelling.

“Every piece of art that I craft and create, I have a meaning for it, in one way or another,” Kachejian said.

“It comes from the heart. It comes from experience.” Inspired by his own life and the people around him, Kachejian’s art speaks on the human experience.

“Seeing what people can lose, I started becoming a lot more captivated by the way that people feel and the way that people think,”

Kachejian said. “And so, I thought of a way in which I can intertwine the two fields so that I can be a storyteller, but not just of random stories, of people’s stories.”

This is what led him to study psychology alongside TV/Video Production at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Growing up with various medical disabilities, he was unable to do the same activities as other children, he found joy at the movie theatre. He recalled the rush of excitement he gets in the auditorium: the huge sound, the epic music, the incredible stories being told.

“Everything that the movie theater brings to you is what I want to bring to other people and the stories that I tell, you know, that excitement, that passion. So that’s where my love for filmmaking began: as a viewer, realizing that, hey, I could do this stuff too,” Kachejian said.

So, Kachejian picked up a camera and realized that he didn’t just love movies and filmmaking, but capturing the mo -

ment, capturing reality, no matter how raw.

“I want to make stories that look at the truth and stuff like that, and while still being creative and entertaining and engaging, I want people to know what it’s actually like to suffer these things, to know how it is to fall and how to rise back up, to show that this isn’t just all darkness that there is light too,” Kachejian said.

In 2021, Kachejian was diagnosed with leukemia. After a year of intense chemotherapy he was miserable and realized that he had lost himself. To reignite his passion for filmmaking Kachejian began recording his journey with cancer through a documentary titled “Paused: A Cancer Documentary.” He completed it in 2023.

“My documentary isn’t just about my pain. It’s about what to do with that pain that we can’t control. I realize that we can’t always control what happens in our stories, but we do get to control how we respond to it,

Krinovitz Recital Hall from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

The Chariot card signifies willpower. You are overcoming obstacles with your ambition. Keep your determination, as triumph is on the horizon.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

The reversed Four of Cups card entails retreat. At this time, you may be withdrawn because of your reluctance to open up. It is OK to take time for yourself, but be mindful of how this isolation could affect you and others.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

The reversed Nine of Pentacles card is about complacency. This week, you may be facing boredom or uncertainty about what you want. Take time to reflect on your values and cultivate an environment that resonates better with you.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

The Devil card represents ambition. Be decisive and driven: let go of what is holding you back and take action. Liberate yourself and break free from baggage.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

The reversed Empress card represents stagnation. Your lack of confidence is leading you to disharmony. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so take some time to nurture yourself.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

The Hierophant card refers to guidance. Seek the wisdom of a trusted mentor, they will help you prioritize stability and security.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

The Four of Wands card signifies joy. Connect with others this week, just to enjoy the company. Celebrate the small things as they are important, too.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

The reversed Ten of Swords card refers to recovery. Leave the past in the past and move on. This is not forgiveness, this is letting yourself be free. Give yourself that option to live and be happy.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

The reversed Queen of Pentacles is about disconnection. Wherever you are right now, you need to ground yourself back into reality. Focus on yourself and the priorities you have previously misplaced.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

The reversed Three of Pentacles card depicts disorganization. You have made much progress — keep going and don’t let your overwhelm discourage you. One step at a time will take you a long way.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

The reversed Page of Pentacles entails instability. Insecurity and stagnation may be causing disorder in your life. Have patience as it will pass and find motivation in your passions.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

The reversed Two of Swords card entails stubbornness. You may find yourself stuck between two opposing situations, and you must take action. Be deliberate and make a decision that aligns with your values.

This week in photos: Total eclipse watch party

Students, community members and tourists crowded Hawkins Pond Monday, April 8 to see the day become night for about 3 minutes.

Photos by Jayne Smith, Mae Olshansky

CARDS RALLY FOR SENIOR

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief

Plattsburgh State laxer Chris Falborn spent the final days of his spring break gearing up for the team’s SUNYAC opener against New Paltz March 23. Forty-eight

hours before the game, the senior received a life-changing phone call from his mother. That weekend, after the game had been postponed, Chris stood in front of his teammates at practice to speak: “My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

‘UTTER FEAR’

“Immediate emotions were very, very scary. I completely broke down when I first found out,” Falborn said. “It was just utter fear in the moment.”

Joyce Falborn hesitated to tell Chris and his sisters. Her mother died following a battle with breast cancer years prior. She didn’t know how to tell her children about her own diagnosis. Through the rollercoasters of life, Joyce has been someone Chris can talk to and go to with his problems. Joyce and her husband, Chris Sr., separated when Chris was a first-year in high school. “She’s always been someone that I can always turn to and just be an understanding person in my life,” Chris said. “She’s shown that through a lot of hardships that we’ve went through, growing up.”

Hall of famer returns to campus

Danielle Blanchard is one of the greatest figures in Cardinals Athletics in history. Her career was a part of every Cardinals women’s ice hockey NCAA championship as a coach and a player, Division I competition and a Hall of Fame inauguration. Now, Cardinals know her as the University Police dispatcher. Blanchard was hired as SUNY Plattsburgh’s University Police dispatcher in February. After fostering and putting to use the skills she honed as a Cardinal on the ice, now she uses the skills she gained from her studies to pursue a career in communications.

“I have a background in communications — I guess my official title would be communications

said.

a Newmarket, Ontario native, returned to Plattsburgh in order to be closer to her family. The decision came alongside the choice to step away from her coaching career. “It had been a grind over the last 11 years or so of coaching and I just wanted a little bit more balance,” Blanchard said.

MLAX > 11

SUNYAC faces big membership changes

NEW PALTZ A month removed from capturing both basketball conference championships, the New Paltz Hawks announced it will be leaving the State University of New York Athletic Conference. New Paltz announced its intentions to pursue a new athletic conference ahead of its 2026-27 departure

3. The news comes on the heels of both Geneseo and Brockport also leaving the SUNYAC, effective for 2024-25. The Hawks were one of nine founding members when the league was

MICHAEL PURTELL/Cardinal Points

Danielle Blanchard at the University Police Department on campus

Softball

BY JUSTIN RUSHIA Staff Writer

the Cardinals.

Potsdam Head Coach Brianna Ferchen coached at Plattsburgh from 2018 to 2020. As a Cardinal, Ferchen brought in current Plattsburgh Head Coach Sam Van Dorn. Last year, on a road trip, Ferchen recruited Waite off of Van Dorn’s former roster.

“Kelsy is an awesome person. It was great to see her out there”, Head Coach Sam Van Dorn said. Play began with unfavorable weather conditions, with rain and cold weather playing a role in both games. The Cardinals started the game the same as the weather — cold — allowing the Bears to score its first two runs off of throwing errors after steals in the first inning. Plattsburgh finished the inning scoreless.

Potsdam kept the bats rolling in the second, scoring on their own accord with a triple to right center field. The Cardinals could not get on the board and remained scoreless. The Bears kept the big hits coming, scoring off of another triple in the third. Plattsburgh would also allow Potsdam to score off a wild pitch. Plattsburgh could not get on the board to finish off the inning.

In the fourth and fifth innings, the Bears got its short game rolling with multiple singles and smaller groundouts advancing its runners, allowing it to get in scoring positions. The Cardinal’s bats started to come around at the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring three runs off of a single, a double and a triple, cutting the deficit to five.

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief

Ava Carey has emerged as one of Plattsburgh State’s bright young stars following a great initial season last fall for Cardinals tennis. Ava finished 7-6 in singles play, tied for the second-most wins on the team. Along with her partner Jacklin Mitchell, the first-year amassed a 4-3 record against conference opponents in doubles.

With five contributors graduating, Ava and Jacklin have the potential to become the face of a small squad, with plenty of underclassmen. The two, along with the rest of the Cardinals, will showcase their talents in a home tournament April 27.

This question and answer was conducted with Ava over text April 10.

Question: Does having a smaller roster compared to other sports make everyone closer?

Answer: Having a smaller roster compared to other teams can absolutely make it easier to gain a closer bond to one another. It’s less people to have to get to know and gives us the opportunity to learn more about each other.

Q: You’re challenged to stay handcuffed to Jacklin for 24 hours

— how do you spend that time?

Could you do it?

A: I could definitely do it because

we spend a lot of time together and tend to tag along on each other’s shenanigans. We would probably go on a drive, listen to music on the way, grab some coffee and then hit up the library.

Q: Which other Plattsburgh State team is the most fun to hang out with?

A: I enjoy spending time with a lot of teams since I have some friends on multiple of them! Most of my friends that I always have a blast with are on the basketball team and men’s lacrosse.

Q: How does having a younger head coach benefit the team?

A: Having a younger head coach on the team is extremely beneficial. She is closer to our generation

and has a growth mindset that allows us to feel understood and supported! She understands the importance of a balanced lifestyle, especially in college. She always reminds us that we are student athletes first in which our academics will always be top priority — as well as our personal lives and health. However, during practice there is no doubt that she will push us to our limits and push us to be better tennis players everyday. I absolutely lucked out with Coach Henn and couldn’t be more grateful than to have her as my coach.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Michelle DeFina races the ball to home plate at Cardinal Park in the first game against Potsdam April 10.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Ava Carey in a match at the Binghamton Tennis Facility October, 2023.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Potsdam Assistant Coach and 2023 Plattsburgh graduate Kelsy Waite on April 10.

Continued from page 8

Her collegiate coaching career began where her collegiate playing career had — with the Cardinals. Blanchard made her first return to campus in 2013 as an assistant coach. In the role, she helped the team achieve five NCAA championships in six years.

After her success, Blanchard was given the opportunity to be the assistant coach at several Division I programs, beginning with a two year stint for Yale from 2019-2021 and ending with a year at Merrimack College this past season.

She also gained head coaching experience at Division III UMass-Boston through 2021-2023, where she coached the team to two New England Hockey Conference tournament appearances.

The success that followed Blanchard as a coach was no coincidence. As a player and a coach, she learned from one of the most successful DIII coaches of all time, Plattsburgh’s Kevin Houle.

Houle and Blanchard have remained in touch throughout Blanchard’s postCardinal career, discussing scouting decisions and season’s challenges, Houle said. The connection helped them both, but Blanchard was successful because of her talent as a coach first.

“She has that innate ability to coach and connect with people,” Houle said.

Alongside her reconnection with Houle, Blanchard has experienced a new connection with her old team as a fan and a friend, Blanchard said. Even when work conflicted with the season’s schedule, Blanchard supported the team through the broadcast view, and got a good look at the team’s postseason run.

“I’m definitely in support of the team and wishing them all the best,” Blanchard said. “I wasn’t surprised they were in the tournament again, and it looks like they have a pretty good core moving forward as well.”

Coming from such a decorated skater, the compliment is high praise.

Blanchard’s first season on the ice she was named a Second Team AllAmerican and she would go on to earn First Team spots for the rest of her collegiate career. She was the first Cardinal from the women’s hockey team to earn four selections.

Blanchard’s career was full of firsts. She led the Cardinals to its first NCAA championship in 2006-07 and then did it again in 2007-08. She was named the Plattsburgh State Athlete of the Year both years for getting the team over the hump.

Blanchard was also the first Cardinal to earn the Laura Hurd award in 200708, an honor given to the NCAA’s top DIII skater. Since then, three other Cardinals have earned the honor.

Her player resume was so impressive, she was inducted into the Plattsburgh Athletics Hall of Fame on her first

eligible ballot in 2019, exactly 10 years after her graduation.

“She was just one of those players that you don’t often see,” Houle said. “She was a clutch performer and she was the player that really got us over the top in terms of winning those first two titles as a relatively new program at the time.”

Now Blanchard is making a new impact on Plattsburgh working alongside the University Police, where they are lucky to have her, Houle said.

“(Blanchard is) just an honest and hard-working individual, and someone

SOFT

Continued from page 9

The Cardinals tallied one more run in the bottom of the sixth while keeping the Bear’s bats at bay, making the score 8-5.

Both teams remained scoreless, giving Potsdam the 1-0 series lead going into the second game. However, even though the Cardinals lost, it had momentum going into its after a strong few innings to close out the first game.

“After losing the first game, we were hungry to win the second one,” Van Dorn said.

Plattsburgh kept raking to start the second game of the series, hitting a single that would later turn into a run off of an RBI double shot out to left center. Plattsburgh would also keep its defensive momentum rolling, holding the Bears to another scoreless inning.

Plattsburgh continued its scoring ways, notching two more runs on

the board in the second inning by hitting multiple singles and smart base running.

“We need to keep the simple plays simple and not overthink things,” Van Dorn said.

In the top of the third inning, Potsdam snapped its scoreless inning streak by scoring two runs and killing Plattsburgh’s momentum.

The score remained the same until Potsdam broke the scoring silence by scoring an important tying run in the top of the seventh. The Cardinals could not match the equalizer, and the game went into extra innings. Potsdam came out swinging in the top of the eighth inning, scoring three runs, leaving the Cardinals with a mountain to climb.

“Ultimately, it comes from the players. I think they did a good job rallying together,” Van Dorn said. The Cardinals were not scared to try to climb, starting the inning with a single. During the next atbat, Plattsburgh earned its first two outs of the inning after a base-

runner interference and a runner getting thrown out at second.

While down three runs and with two outs against them, the Cardinals began to show signs of life by hitting a single that advanced a runner to third after a throwing error in the infield.

Plattsburgh continued its comeback attempt with Mikayla Manalo ripping an RBI single out to left field. Gwen Noll followed in her teammates’ footsteps by hitting an RBI single for herself. The Cardinals’ climb would end before it reached the peak, hitting a pop-up that was caught by the Bears, giving Potsdam a 6-5 win, winning the series.

“It felt great getting the win. I can’t stop smiling,” Waite said.

The Cardinals will continue SUNYAC play with a series against Fredonia on Saturday, April 13.

that really cares about the people she works with,” Houle said. “Just a great all-around human being.”

Blanchard feels the same way about the Campus Police. Working with great officers and staff at Plattsburgh has been the biggest perk of her new job, Blanchard said.

“I’m definitely enjoying being a dispatcher,” Blanchard said. “This is a really great position for me.”

1

5

SOFT - In both 2024 and 2002, the Cards scored five runs in both games against the Bears and the second game went to eight innings.

131

MLAX - Senior goalie Dan Clements is fifth in the SUNYAC in total saves this season with 131. 0

MISC. - The Cardinals went 0-8 in games this week. (April 3 - April 10)

WLAX - The Cardinals were shut out for the first time in program history when they faced Geneseo on April 6th.

Provided by Plattsburgh State Athletics

Danielle Blanchard celebrating the 2019 NCAA championship win with the Cardinals as an assistant coach. The trophy was the seventh national title Blanchard played a part in for Plattsburgh State.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Junior Sarah Milyko pitching during the Cardinals’ first game against the Bears at Cardinal Park April 10.

MLAX

Continued from page 8.

Chris and Joyce’s tight, mother-son relationship, and her presence around the team made the next steps important ones.

Joyce called Chris’ coach, Darry Thornton, to bring him up to speed the next day. This was something Darry had experienced before — his mother died after a fight with cancer in December 2022. He needed to be there for Chris.

“You only get one mother,” Darry said. “Without her, there’s no him.”

Darry extended a hand to Chris. Chris arrived at his locker to find a letter for him, written by Darry. He didn’t know what it was about.

“He thought he was in trouble,” Darry said.

his player say some words — everyone gets a turn.

Darry called Chris forward during the next practice. His teammates cheered his name, but quieted when they’d realized he’d already spoken before.

Keeping himself composed, Chris broke the news to his fellow Cardinals.

“It was great for him to get up there and say everything that was in his heart,” Darry said. Chris’ teammates surrounded him in an embrace once he had spoken his peace.

“They were all very supportive. They all gave me a huge group hug after,” Chris said. “Then they all put their hands on me, and we broke (the huddle) down. It meant a lot to just know that they were all there for me.”

Darry and Chris met privately to discuss Chris’ needs, and how and if he would tell his teammates about his mother’s diagnosis. Darry did not want to have any influence on Chris’ decision.

“All of you showed up to this campus, a lot of you when I wasn’t here yet, and you didn’t know each other. But you are family,” Darry said.

But Chris knew he needed to, face to face.

“I spend so much time with these guys,” Chris said. “They’re like my family away from home. It’s only right for them to know what I’m going through.”

‘WE ALL LOVE CHRIS’

Players regularly speak during team practices. Darry will bring someone forward, tell their story and then let

Junior Matt Gannon, along with his teammates, was struck by the news. As much of a despondency what Chris had to say was, the Cardinals had to be strong to support their friend.

“Why do bad things happen to good people? We all love Chris. We all love Chris’ family,” Matt said.

Matt approached Darry that day with an idea for a gesture.

“You don’t even have to ask,” Darry said.

Matt sat down that night on his computer and bought hundreds of pink ribbon stickers to show support on the field, paying completely out of pocket.

He handed the stickers out to teammates to wear on game day.

“That really meant a lot to me, coming out of nowhere with a nice gesture,” Chris said. “He didn’t have to do that at all. But he went out of his way and did it.”

SUNYAC

Continued from page 8

The school is seeking “enhanced profile and competition” with hopes a change will expand recruiting and lessen away game travel time, according to a statement from the school.

A few contenders that could fill these requirements for New Paltz include the Empire 8, the Liberty League, the New Jersey Athletic Conference and the Skyline Conference.

Regardless of where the Hawks end up, the loss of a historic rival and strong competition will have implications for the Plattsburgh Cardinals moving forward.

When Geneseo and Brockport announced its departure, Canton and Morrisville, from the North Atlantic Conference, were immediately announced as new full members. Though both new members had some good seasons this year, neither equate to the departing members’ championship pedigree — the three schools combined for 295 team championships over the SUNYAC’s history.

Now, with New Paltz leaving, no school is in place to take its spot. While it’s possible the SUNYAC could steal another NAC member — SUNY Cobleskill or SUNY Delhi — it’s likely that the

Matt said his friend’s mother had been diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer, and wearing ribbons was something he had done before. It felt right to do the same for someone he considers a brother.

“I saw the opportunity. I said, ‘Well, I’m going to do what I know how to do,’” Matt said.

Darry joined in, putting in his own money to purchase pairs of Adrenaline socks, a premier lacrosse brand, with pink ribbons on them for everyone.

Darry then ordered matching pink sleeves that read “Momma Falborn” for himself and Chris to wear during games. Chris was taken aback.

“(I was) definitely borderline emotional. I’m not someone to get emotional easily,” Chris said. “It was amazing. It just made me feel like these guys really did care.”

His mother felt much the same. Joyce, who attended one of the first games in pink, hugged Darry.

“She was very appreciative,” Chris said. “She was very happy and was tearing up and crying.”

‘BIGGER PICTURE’

Chris got the news at a difficult point in the season. The Cardinals were 1-3 in their last four games, with conference games on the horizon.

When things weren’t working on the field, it was easy for Plattsburgh’s frustration to fester. The Cardinals were looking for direction.

“We get down on ourselves based on lacrosse-related things. It can kill our mood a lot,” Chris said.

SUNYAC will be reduced from 10 to nine members for the foreseeable future.

This will mean fewer conference games for Plattsburgh and potentially smaller playoff pictures for multiple sports.

On one hand, Cardinals women’s basketball, which was one game out of conference playoffs, would have better prospects of earning a playoff ticket. On the other hand, women’s tennis will be reduced to five members, with a fourteam playoffs, where 80% of teams make the postseason. Field hockey will have only four members.

Some Plattsburgh squads will have easier trips to the playoffs, but will sacrifice strong competition in doing so.

Without a strong replacement for New Paltz, Cortland has the potential to monopolize winning in the conference.

Cortland has won the men’s soccer, women’s soccer, field hockey, men’s ice hockey and women’s ice hockey championships this season.

Beside Cortland — Plattsburgh, Oneonta and Oswego are the only returning schools to have won a team championship since 2015. Two returning schools, Fredonia and Potsdam, failed to produce a winning season in any sport in its last complete season. Buffalo State turned winning records in just three sports. Moving forward, the playing field has been blown wide open. Playoffs and championships will see faces they haven’t seen regularly in years — if Cortland doesn’t win them all.

When Chris opened up to his teammates, wins and losses became irrelevant. The season became less about goals, and more about brotherhood.

“We’re in a time when a lot of us are looking for something to latch on to. A uniting cause,” Matt said. “(This) is a very easy one. It’s hard to disagree with it. Nobody wants to be the guy who isn’t going to go as hard as possible when we’re all playing for our friend’s mom.”

The race to the ball going out of bounds is faster, the hits are harder and the drive to win faceoffs is stronger. The effort extends off the field, too.

“We’re fighting for each other. We’re in games on the field,” Darry said. “Off the field, we’re still fighting for each other and having each other’s backs.”

Chris walks onto the field every game knowing his fellow Cardinals have him in mind. He sees the pink, and his guys

MEN’S HOCKEY

Plattsburgh men’s hockey’s national profile was threatened last summer, when Brockport and, namely, Geneseo, announced their departure from the SUNYAC.

With two games against a top-10 team eliminated from the schedule, the Cardinals’ strength of schedule suffered a major blow. The conference just answered in a major way.

giving full effort, and he’s reminded of what matters.

“It’s always a bigger picture. There’s always something bigger in life than just lacrosse,” Chris said.

The Cardinals have lost the three games since, but to Darry, that’s a moot point. The real progress as a program comes down to its foundation — the team’s culture.

“You really have all these brothers, as opposed to fly-bynighters,” Darry said. “It’s night and day from what it was, three, four, five years ago.”

Darry described a feeling of pride watching his players come together for Chris.

“It’s a testament. They’ve been through a lot,” Darry said. “They’re going to be good to great productive members of society. I just smile.”

bright futures, solidifies the SUNYAC as the best conference in Division III men’s hockey.

It will be difficult for Plattsburgh to replicate 20-win seasons in the newlook SUNYAC, but the experience against good teams and strong schedules are invaluable.

In fact, it’s the most definitive move in the conference’s history.

Starting in 2025, Hobart and Skidmore will be affiliate members of the SUNYAC, the conference announced April 10. The two top-15 teams elected to leave the North East Hockey Conference following an exodus of the conference.

The Hobart Statesmen enter 2024 as defending back-to-back national champions — the program may be the best possible the SUNYAC could have added.

While Hobart is a difficult opponent for Plattsburgh to get past in the standings, it boosts the SUNYAC’s reputation at a time where the conference was at a crossroads.

Playing better teams is good for the Cardinals, as wins mean more and losses mean less than an average team when determining the Pairwise rankings.

Skidmore is a program on the rise, and received its flowers in the USCHO.com poll this season. The Thoroughbreds finished this season as runner-ups in the NEHC Championship Final, losing to the Statesmen.

Adding two programs, coming off respective great seasons and boasting

When the 2025 season begins, the SUNYAC will boast five teams that ranked top-15 during the 2023-24 season. That’s a lot of good hockey.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

William Smith will join Hobart in the SUNYAC as an affiliate member, becoming the eighth member of women’s hockey. This is the first time the conference has expanded under the SUNYAC umbrella. The William Smith Herons finished last season as NEHC Championship semifinalists and will present itself as an immediate postseason challenger. William Smith defeated Norwich during the regular season, something Plattsburgh failed to do twice.

Before the move, the SUNYAC was the third-smallest DIII women’s hockey league in the country. The larger, stronger conference will assist Plattsburgh in Pairwise rankings and give the Cardinals a look at more competition during the regular season.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Head Coach Darry Thornton wears his “Momma Falborn” breast cancer awareness sleeve while coaching April 6.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

The Cardinals huddle with their helmets adorned with breast cancer awareness stickers during the game against the Oneonta Red Dragons at the Field House on Saturday, April 6.

Plattsburgh Athletics Matt Gannon

Email COLLIN

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points Head Coach Darry Thornton paid out of pocket to supply the team with Adrenalin brand breast cancer awareness lacrosse socks. The team plans to wear them throughout the rest of the season.

Education majors speak on program

BY NADIA PASCHAL Opinions

Many students come to SUNY Plattsburgh for the school’s education program, where they can complete their undergraduate studies and receive a master’s degree in only five years. The school was originally a teaching college, and because the program is one of the larger ones offered here, the next generation of educators are on campus as students themselves.

Mallory Hughes is one of those students, and is currently in her fourth year and her first semester of grad school. She is an elementary education and special education major, with a specialization in English.

Hughes always wanted to work in a daycare, but found that this field was more practical. She has grown to love her studies and finds joy not only in her work, but her classmates as well. She can rely on them for anything and ask them any questions, as they all face the same problems and situations.

“It kind of just feels like a fam-

ily at this point,” Hughes said. Hughes has had many inspiring moments throughout her time in the education program, but said that the one that stuck with her the most was teaching a fifth grade class. She had wanted to work with younger students, but after completing her time with them, she realized that she would want to work with any grade level.

“It made me cry the last day,” Hughes said.

Kiersten Wilkinson, another early education and special education major, shared similar sentiments. She was originally a communication sciences and disorders major. However, she eventually realized education was a better fit.

Wilkinson has worked with children for a long time, through coaching them or working with them at summer camps.

“These kids need a voice and need someone to advocate for them,” Wilkinson said. “I always want to be that person that’s there to help students that might have not been there when I was growing up.”

Wilkinson is passionate

about being the voice that these children need and strives to make a difference within the education system, and help students achieve their goals. She loves it when she’s working with students and sees the lesson click in their head.

“(We want to) make sure we know everyone’s equal, we don’t want to treat anyone differently. We want to give them the opportunities they can to succeed,” Wilkinson said.

Some of Wilkinson’s favorite aspects of the program are her peers and professors.

“I love all the people. All the professors, everyone that I’ve had is just very warm,” Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson also said that it feels good to have her professors refer to her and her classmates as their peers, as it encourages them to ask questions and make mistakes.

At this point in the program, students are much more hands on and learning through direct experience through field placements and student teaching.

However, much like every major, there are some down-

sides within the education program. Sibley Hall, which is where all the education classes are held, is not in the best shape. With extreme temperatures in classrooms, messy bathrooms, old furniture and no wheelchair accessibility, the building is not representative of the importance that this program holds.

The program does not receive a lot of funding, despite the large number of students who are a part of it. Most programs and buildings receive donations from alumni, but because teachers do not receive large salaries, Sibley Hall and the program do not have much financial support.

“Those are things that should be being advertised, and community members that are coming in, Sibley should be putting a best foot forward,” Wilkinson said. “It needs a facelift.”

Burnout is another issue many teachers face in the American education system. According to a study done by the Gallup Panel Workforce, 44% of teachers report feeling burned out often.

With long hours, little pay and lack of support, some educators end up leaving the field entirely.

Hughes shared that she and her classmates have already faced burnout to a certain degree. She knows that she’s not the only one feeling this way and that she can get through it with her peers. Despite feeling nervous about potential burnout, her passion for teaching motivates her.

“I feel like the teachers that stick through it... It’s worth it (to them). Putting your all into something if you’re really passionate about it,” Hughes said.

Wilkinson and Hughes do not let these issues deter them. They continue to put their all into their work, and strive to become the teachers their future students need.

“You’re doing it for the students at the end of the day and making sure they have everything that they need — Not only with the curriculum, but just becoming good people,” Hughes said.

Hollywood swaps originality for reboots

BY NADIA PASCHAL Opinions Editor

Hollywood has been making movies since 1908, and many trends have come and gone since then. Since its conception, the film industry has made massive changes, yet not all of them have been great.

A large number of films these days being sequels or remakes, the writing choices have been questionable to say the least.

With large studios such as Marvel and Disney focusing on quantity over quality, films seem to have shifted towards having formulaic plots and pumping

out as much content as possible.

Michaela Zehrfuhs, a junior at SUNY Plattsburgh, enjoys going to the movies and looks forward to watching the latest films. She finds that some studios churn out as many movies as possible, but recognizes that not all of them operate this way.

“It depends on the studio. Some studios are putting out movies we’ve been waiting for, for a long time or going to get someone generally interested,” Zehrfuhs said.

Zehrfuhs also said that studios such as Marvel put out too much. In 2023, Marvel released six movies, with five of them being sequels. Three television series also premiered that same year.

Dialogue in movies and television series also doesn’t reflect real conversations. This is especially true with shows aimed towards teenagers and children.

Some writers and those involved in the process are out of touch. Other writers are treated poorly and end up leaving projects, causing the quality to decrease.

“I’m hoping that now that the writer’s strike is over, more original ideas get put out. It’s probably going to take them a while,” Zehrfuhs said.

Certain casting choices also represent the current culture within the industry.

Instead of scouting for new talent or actors that may be a good fit for the role, studios will use larger names to garner more attention and a larger audience.

“It feels like what they’re putting out isn’t what it used to be,” Zehrfuhs said.

Although many films seem to function solely as cash grabs, some studios still put out unique and new content. Even if it does not perform well, it’s always refreshing to see studios or artists venture into new territory and experiment.

“Once you hit their wallets, then they’ll change,” Zehrfuhs said.

There’s a place for each type and genre of movie. After a stressful day, you may want to unwind and watch a simple comedy. Or you may want to watch the newest indie film at a local festival.

It’s important to have variety within different forms of media, and it’s okay for audiences to want to experience nostalgia when going to the theaters, but film companies have capitalized on that and taken it too far.

Studios should still be putting effort into what they produce and constantly innovating, instead of keeping dying franchises alive for multiple decades.

Photos provided by Mallory Hughes

(Left to right) Kiersten Wilkinson, Erin Lawliss, Prof. Kathryn Alton, Megan Tannacore, Mallory Hughes and Jillian Beauchamp at their undergraduate commencement.

‘Imaginary’ fails in all forms

BY KOLIN KRINER Staff Writer

This film got one thing right, and that was titling it after all the people who enjoyed it.

2024’s “Imaginary” is a dumpster fire of a Blumhouse film directed by Jeff Wadlow, that somehow failed at achieving one of the most basic horror movie concepts. This movie is –- to put it plainly –- terrible. The actors deliver mediocre performances that are hard to take seriously, as the line delivery makes me feel like I’m listening to the dry run of the script. There is little to no tone inflection and it all feels extremely dull. I would argue that none of the actors fully shine.

Leading the cast is actress DeWanda Wise, who plays new stepmom Jessica. I find it really hard to like this character. Her delivery feels tone-deaf and forced, which makes all her interactions difficult to take seriously.

With very minor rewrites to the movie’s script, she could honestly be scrapped as a whole. Gloria’s character simply felt like cannon fodder.

Above all else, as if this movie couldn’t suck any more, it has one of the worst villainous entities I have ever seen.

The villain is none other than Chauncey The Bear, and — if I’m being honest –– it is an extremely ugly designed character. It looks ridiculous and is hard to take seriously both as a teddy bear and a demon.

The plot itself is pitiful. It follows Alice, played by Pyper Braun, who has an imaginary friend having her complete a checklist to go into the Imaginary World.

You then get to ride the monotonous rollercoaster of this child doing a scavenger hunt that makes no sense in the grand scheme of things.

Once she completes the list, she is let into the Imaginary World. And it is the most stu-

Betty Buckley joins the cast as eccentric Gloria, who serves the plot and then suddenly has no relevance except as a mild conflict that ultimately has little impact on the situation.

pid-looking set design I’ve ever seen. This film genuinely has nothing to give.

Watching this movie felt like as much of a waste of time as Gloria, or any of the other characters.

to say. Keep this movie off

The appeal of luxury brands

BY VICTORIA CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Luxury brands continue to have a hold on consumers with their unique style and investment. Quantity is the focus of fast fashion or cheaper brands. However, for luxury brands, quality is more important than quantity.

Luxury brands use the best materials and designers to create long-lasting and distinct pieces. The detail on luxury is immaculate. The items’ details help set the brands apart, influencing people to buy the brand.

However, Mollie McKenna, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, has a different view.

Sustainability is a motive for McKenna, and buying from luxury brands does not mean they are more sustainable. It can be a poor investment, especially if one changes their style.

As a college student, McKenna thinks it would not be affordable to purchase luxury items, and these luxury brands are based mainly on microtrends that she doesn’t think she would wear long term.

Brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Burberry

advertise their products’ uniqueness and quality to influence people to buy.

Overall, luxury brands not only help with the environment, but the quality can last a lifetime.

Buying luxury could help with a consumer’s self-confidence appeal and can make one feel good if they are able to afford it.

McKenna does not look for luxury. Instead, she aims to find products she likes rather than looking for a label. She would rather thrift and save clothing from going to waste and being dumped in fields.

“I prefer thrift luxury over buying new. Actually, I very rarely buy anything new at all, but I tend to lean towards pieces that feel better quality regarding construction or materials, “ McKenna said. “I wouldn’t say I prefer to shop luxury because I know some luxury items aren’t the best quality and wouldn’t be worth the splurge.”

However, McKenna thinks that with age and a more stable and defined style, purchasing something from a high-end brand could be realistic, especially if she wears it a lot.

Luxury brands ending up

in landfills have decreased in comparison to non-luxury brands. Several would prefer to resell rather than throw away the desired piece.

Brands such as H&M, Zara, Shein and Forever 21 focus on quantity and mass production rather than quality and attention to detail like luxury brands do. You can not deny the attention to detail and uniqueness of luxury brands.

McKenna said several luxury brands are unique and worth it in the future.

Still, she finds brands like Louis Vuitton or Gucci unattractive, and she would never consider wearing them because she sees the design as tacky.

If consumers shop more selectively, spending more on luxury will limit the number of products going to waste, helping the environment financially and consumers will spend less money.

No matter what, the production of fashion items negatively impacts the environment. However, if we purchase less, it will decrease environmental waste.

Lack of sustainability is a significant issue, and luxury brands map out the fabric production and networks of

clothing manufacturers differing from cheaper, more affordable brands.

“Sustainable fashion is determined by the company’s practices to reduce their harmful environmental impact. Some cheaper brands have fantastic initiatives to ensure their products’ production is sustainable,” McKenna said. McKenna said some luxury brands have unbelievably horrid waste and damage the environment during production. She recommends looking into the brand’s greenwashing practices and learning about the impact on the environment.

While luxury is worth it for some consumers, students like McKenna believe it is an investment, and until finding a stable style, it is not worth spending money on such products. Luxury products are worth it depending on the person and while McKenna sees why a consumer would invest in luxury, as a college student the investment can be

products

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