Cardinal Points Issue 7 Spring 2024

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

WHAT’S INSIDE:

SPRING 2024 | ISSUE 7

A&C

SPORTS

OPINION

Convergence: Experiencing eclipse musically

Men’s lax sports pink for cancer awareness

Education majors share their experiences

DAY TURNS NIGHT

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Students, college staff, community members and out-of-town visitors flocked to Hawkins Pond to witness the total solar eclipse April 8.

College puts Hundreds experience eclipse at Hawkins Pond kaleidoscope to total eclipse

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.

WATCH > 3

KEYNOTE

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor

The topic of the total solar eclipse took a turn for the scientific, mythological and creative in the Totality Conference on SUNY Plattsburgh’s last Friday before its online and physical countdowns reached zero.

Concurrent discussion sessions and lectures explored the topic of eclipses through personal experiences, psychology, history, religion, literature, social justice and comedy. The conference also featured a keynote speaker and a sculpture pour.

Keynote speaker Glenn McClure, a composer, spoke about the ways eclipses intersect with all life fields and how the eclipse fits into one’s understanding of things bigger than themself.

McClure explored how the community might react to sharing the astronomical event with tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to the North Country.

“We’re going to be sharing our experience with a whole bunch of folks who are going to be up here for one or two days.

TOTAL > 3

Cardinal Career Grants now available monthly

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor

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.

GRANTS > 2

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▪ News Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

▪

NEWS

Friday, April 12, 2024

Student Association

Detective Burghy has nothing to report this week.

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.

SA revises arts coordinator position ahead of elections

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA News + Managing Editor

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

Weekly Meme

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.

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.

JAYNE SMITH/Cardinal Points

The Student Association Senate approved associate professor of political science John McMahon as the adviser of the Academic Affairs Board.

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.

Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

GRANTS Continued from Page 1 ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

CP Corrections There are no errors to report this week.

If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

GOT A NEWS TIP? Contact the news editor at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.

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-

CAMERON GREAVES/Cardinal Points

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.

Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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▪

News Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

▪

NEWS

Friday, April 12, 2024

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.

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

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. 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

way,” an audience mem- Ali Della Bitta poured a ber sporting an eclipse- sculpture commemoratthemed shirt told McClure. ing the eclipse.

Onlookers at the balcony SCULPTURE overlooking the Myers Fine Right after the keynote, Arts Building sculpture associate professors of garden, which some might art Drew Goerlitz and 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

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.

Email BRIONNE THOMPSON cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024

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.

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.”

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Attendees look on as performers sing together.

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.

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.

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

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

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

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

You can also subscribe to the department newsletter, “News & Notes,” for issues featuring SUNY Plattsburgh Music Department news, interviews and updates. Contact Dwayne Butchino, performing arts coordinator at butc3332@plattsburgh.edu for more information.

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

Email CINARA MARQUIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

SUNY Theatre Department’s outer space devised piece is out of this world

BY ROBIN CAUDELL Staff Writer at Press-Republican

Cosmic dust. Space dust.

Star dust. Dust to dust.

All of this and more are kinetically conceptualized and illuminated in SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Theatre’s production, “this is how we walk on the moon,” an original theatre performance, at the Black Box Studio Theatre in the

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 projections. The audience will also receive special glasses and light

works to really experience the production.

“When I learned Plattsburgh would be in the line of totality for the upcoming Total Eclipse, I knew I had to respond with a theatrical experience to herald its arrival,” Julia Devine, director/conceiver and SUNY Plattsburgh lecturer of theatre, said. “’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.”

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.

MOON > 5

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

PAVA paints a mural in Sibley Hall on April 4.

PAVA brings color to campus with murals

BY CINARA MARQUIS Arts & Culture editor

Provided by Olivia Davis

The performance features creative work by SUNY Plattsburgh students such as original set and sound design.

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.

PAVA > 5

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ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture Editor Cinara Marquis

MOON 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.

PAVA 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

“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

Friday, April 12, 2024

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 Provided by Olivia Davis in response to the general Performers stand with the dome in the Black Box Theatre. rigidness of scripts. The

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

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

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-

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

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.

Email ROBIN CAUDELL rcaudell@pressrepublican.com

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.

Email CINARA MARQUIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Passion and Perseverance: Cole Kachejian Kachejian said. “And so, I thought of a way in which I can intertwine the two fields so that I can be a storyteller, For Cole Kachejian, film but not just of random stohas always been a medium ries, of people’s stories.” for storytelling.

This is what led him to “Every piece of art that study psychology alongI craft and create, I have a side TV/Video Production meaning for it, in one way at SUNY Plattsburgh. or another,” Kachejian said.

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, Provided by Cole Kachejian but capturing the mo-

BY CINARA MARQUIS Arts & Culture editor

“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,”

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, and how

we let it dictate our lives.

So making that documentary for me was how I got to take that control of my story, and how I decided to tell it,” he said.

Kachejian continues working on stories that aim to inspire others with empathetic narratives.

View “Paused: A Cancer Documentary” live at 5 p.m. on April 27 in Yokum 200. Watch it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aayqk46RNYw Email CINARA MARQUIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Provided by Cole Kachejian

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Arts & Culture Editor Cinara Marquis

ARTS & CULTURE

Friday, April 12, 2024

CARDINAL CALENDAR: April 12 - 19 Friday, April 12

Monday, April 15

Tuesday, April 16

The 8th Annual: Battle of the Boroughs

Pie A Zeeb

Custom Wire Writing with Doug

Help fundraise for Zeta Beta Tau’s philanthropic partner “Children Miracle Network Hospitals.” Attendees will be able to pie a brother of their choice for $2, or, they can purchase 3 pies for $5.

Have a custom bent wire message made for you by a wire artist.

Basketball players from each of NYCs boroughs will compete against each other.

Memorial Hall from 7 to 10 p.m.

ACC Lobby from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Amite Plaza from noon to 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17

Thursday, April 18

Friday, April 19

Burghy Biz Pitch

Bob Ross Night with PAVA

Two rounds of competition to pitch your business plan. Develop your ideas and gain practical knowledge on how to do a pitch.

Join PAVA and paint along with a Bob Ross episode.

The Mad Ones CTA’s Spring 2024 Show

Meyers 224 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Warren Ballroom from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Sam has to make a decision: Will she follow her mother’s dreams for her, or will she summon the courage to drive away from her friends and family into a future she can’t imagine?”

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

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

The Chariot card signifies willpower. You are overcoming obstacles with your ambition.

Keep your determination, as triumph is on the horizon.

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.

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.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 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.

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

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.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

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.

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.

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.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

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.

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.

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.

7

Photography Editor Jayne Smith

PHOTO SPREAD

Friday, April 12, 2024

This week in photos: Total eclipse watch party Photos by Jayne Smith, Mae Olshansky

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024

CARDS RALLY FOR SENIOR

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Senior midfielder Chris Falborn shows off the breast cancer awareness sticker bought by junior defenseman Matt Gannon at the Field House on Saturday, April 6.

Teammates, coach unite under common cause for Falborn

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.”

MLAX > 11

Hall of famer returns to campus SUNYAC faces big

BY MICHAEL PURTELL Sports Editor

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.

membership changes

“I have a background in communications — I guess my official title would be communications officer here on campus — so I’m able to use the degree that I had gotten at Plattsburgh as well,” Blanchard said.

Blanchard, 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.

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Editor in Chief

NEW PALTZ

MICHAEL PURTELL/Cardinal Points

Danielle Blanchard at the University UP > 10 Department on campus April 10.

RESULTS Saturday, April 6

T&F @ Pioneer Spring Invite M: 4th W: 6th WLAX @ Geneseo L 0-22 BASE @ Oswego *POSTPONED* SOFT vs. Potsdam *POSTPONED* MLAX @ Cortland L 4-19

Police

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 April 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

formed as the New York State Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1958. Over its 65 years as a member, the Hawks’ programs have won 26 team championships — eight in women’s tennis, six in women’s basketball, six in women’s field hockey, three in women’s volleyball, one in men’s basketball, one in men’s soccer and one in women’s soccer.

SUNYAC > 11

UPCOMING Tuesday, April 9

Wednesday, April 10

Friday, April 12

Saturday, April 13

Sunday, April 14

SOFT @ St. Lawrence G1: L 0-5 G2: L 1-3

WLAX vs. Brockport L 3-17

T&F @ RPI Under the Lights Invitational 3 p.m.

T&F @ Larry Ellis TBD

SOFT @ Buffalo St. G1: 12 p.m.

G2: 2 p.m.

SOFT vs. Potsdam G1: L 5-8 G2: L 5-6 BASE vs. Clarkson *POSTPONED* *THURSDAY APRIL 11* W 7-1

WTEN @ New Paltz 10 a.m.

WLAX @ Buffalo St. 11 a.m.

BB @ Fredonia G1: 12 p.m. G2: 2 p.m.

SOFT @ Fredonia G1: 12 p.m. G2: 3 p.m.

MLAX vs. Oswego 1 p.m.

BASE @ Fredonia 12 p.m.

▪ Sports Editor Michael Purtell

9

SPORTS

▪

Friday, April 12, 2024

Regular season as of 4/11

STANDINGS

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

TEAM

SUNYAC

OVERALL

TEAM

SUNYAC

OVERALL

1-Cortland

9-0

16-8-1

1-New Paltz

4-0

18-4

2-Oswego

2-1

10-8

2-Geneseo

4-0

7-13

3-Brockport

3-3

14-7

3-Potsdam

2-0

8-6

4-New Paltz

3-3

14-9

4-Cortland

2-2

12-4

5-Plattsburgh

2-4

13-7

5-Buffalo State

2-2

7-10

6-Fredonia

3-6

9-12

6-Oneonta

2-2

6-12

7-Fredonia

2-7

11-14

7-Brockport

0-2

6-14

8-Fredonia

0-2

5-11

9-Plattsburgh

0-0

5-11

10-Oswego

0-4

4-12

M. LACROSSE

W. LACROSSE

TEAM

SUNYAC

OVERALL

TEAM

SUNYAC

OVERALL

1-Cortland

3-0

7-3

1-New Paltz

5-0

12-0

2-Oswego

3-0

7-3

2-Cortland

5-0

8-4

3-Geneseo

2-1

7-5

3-Brockport

4-1

7-3

4-Potsdam

1-2

6-4

4-Geneseo

3-1

9-3

5-Brockport

1-2

3-8

5-Oswego

3-2

6-5

6-Oneonta

0-2

5-5

6-Buffalo State

2-2

6-4

7-New Paltz

0-2

4-6

7-Oneonta

1-3

3-8

8-Plattsburgh

0-1

4-7

8-Plattsburgh

1-4

2-9

9-Fredonia

0-6

4-9

10-Potsdam

0-5

3-6

MEN’S LACROSSE #

ASSISTS

#

POINTS

#

J. Eiseman, A

24

D. Woods, A

14

J. Eiseman, A

33

D. Woods, A

16

T. Keenan, M

14

D. Woods, A

30

C. Morin, M

12

J. Eiseman, A

9

T. Keenan, M

23

#

SAVE%

#

D. Clements

.494

#

FO%

40

J. Duval Lapaix, M .398

J. Eiseman, A

34

J. Farrelly, M

.368

K. Ruland, D

32

D. Zambito, M

.214

WOMEN’S LACROSSE GOALS

#

ASSISTS

#

POINTS

#

C. Barnosky, A

24

C. Barnosky, A

9

C. Barnosky, A

33

M. Garcia, A

10

F. Fitzgerald, A

8

F. Fitzgerald, A

12

Nash, Dickinson

6

R. LaMar, M

4

M. Garcia, A

11

GB

#

DC

#

SAVE%

#

S. Lombardi, D

18

L. Gilroy, D

37

H. Lowder

.366

L. Gilroy, D

17

J. Adams, D

32

J. Loch

.333

S. Carr, D

17

C. Nash, M

16

L. Nease

.326

AVG

#

OPS

A. Diltz, UTL

.400

K. Cremin, 1B

J. Di Rocco, INF

.380

K. Cremin, 1B

.358

ERA A.Veit, SS/RHP

BASEBALL RBI

#

K. Cremin, 1B

28

J. Di Rocco, INF 1.096

J. Di Rocco, INF

19

A. Kornblau, INF 1.003

A. Kornblau, INF

17

#

WHIP

IP

#

3.34

K. Mordecki, RHP 1.25

A.Veit, SS/RHP

29.2

K. Mordecki, RHP 4.18

A.Veit, SS/RHP

1.65

C. Santic, LHP

28.0

C. Santic, LHP

C. Santic, LHP

2.00

K. Mordecki, RHP 28.0

7.39

# 1.104

#

Cards visited by familiar face Staff Writer

GOALS

F. Whitlock, D

Softball

BY JUSTIN RUSHIA

STATISTICS

GB

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

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

SOFTBALL

The Plattsburgh State’s Women’s Softball team hosted the Potsdam Bears for a doubleheader, who visited with a familiar face in their ranks for a rescheduled SUNYAC opener April 10.

Potsdam Assistant Coach Kelsy Waite, a 2023 graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, was an impactful player on the softball team for three years during her time as a Cardinal. For the first time, Waite experienced being on the opposing side of the Cardinals.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points “A lot of girls are still Potsdam Assistant Coach and 2023 Plattsburgh graduate Kelsy Waite on April 10. some of my best friends,” Waite said.

“Kelsy is an awesome Potsdam kept the bats In the fourth and fifth Waite started her career person. It was great to rolling in the second, innings, the Bears got undefeated against her see her out there”, Head scoring on their own its short game rolling former team by capturing Coach Sam Van Dorn said. accord with a triple to with multiple singles the series with wins Play began with right center field. The and smaller groundouts of 6-5 and 8-5 over the unfavorable weather C a r d i n a l s advancing GAME 2 Cardinals. c o n d i t i o n s , could not get its runners, Potsdam with rain and on the board allowing it to GAME 1 Head Coach cold weather and remained get in scoring 5 B r i a n n a playing a role scoreless. positions.

5 F e r c h e n in both games.

The Bears T h e 6 coached at The Cardinals kept the big Cardinal’s P l a t t s b u rg h started the hits coming, bats started 8 from 2018 to game the same scoring off to come 2020. As a as the weather of another triple in the around at the bottom of Cardinal, Ferchen brought — cold — allowing the Bears third. Plattsburgh would the fifth inning, scoring in current Plattsburgh to score its first two runs also allow Potsdam to three runs off of a single, Head Coach Sam Van Dorn. off of throwing errors after score off a wild pitch. a double and a triple, Last year, on a road trip, steals in the first inning. Plattsburgh could not get cutting the deficit to five.

Ferchen recruited Waite off Plattsburgh finished the on the board to finish off of Van Dorn’s former roster. inning scoreless. the inning.

SOFT > 10

Ask an Athlete: Ava Carey

AVG

#

OPS

#

RBI

#

J. Golino, P/INF

.393

J. Golino, P/INF

.937

J. Golino, P/INF

15

G. Noll, C

.340

G. Noll, C

.924

S. Isaacs, INF

10

S. Isaacs, INF

.321

S. Isaacs, INF

.851

M. Manalo, INF

10

ERA

#

WHIP

#

IP

#

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH

C. Gemmett, P

4.07

S. Milyko, P

1.48

J. Golino, P/INF

34

Editor in Chief

M. Ormerod, P

4.35

M. Ormero, P

1.57

M. Ormerod, P

27.1

J. Golino, P/INF

4.74

J. Golino, P/INF

1.65

C. Gemmett, P

22.1

GAME OF THE WEEK

In the second game of the doubleheader against the Potsdam Bears the Cards gained a 3-0 lead, but ultimately lost in extra innings.

POT PLA

SOFT vs. POTSDAM

Noah Bonesteel ran a personal best 15:10.95 in the 5,000 meter run at the Pioneer Spring invite, A time that qualifies him for the All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference Championships.

Bonesteel’s 5000m Run April 6: First place finish 15:10.95 19 second PR.

0 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 6

1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Final

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

NOAH BONESTEEL

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 COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points underclassmen. The two, along Ava Carey in a match at the Binghamton Tennis Facility October, 2023. with the rest of the Cardinals, will showcase their talents in a home we spend a lot of time together and and has a growth mindset that tournament April 27. tend to tag along on each other’s allows us to feel understood and shenanigans. We would probably supported!

She understands This question and answer was go on a drive, listen to music on the the importance of a balanced conducted with Ava over text April 10. way, grab some coffee and then hit lifestyle, especially in college. up the library.

She always reminds us that we Question: Does having a smaller are student athletes first in which roster compared to other sports Q: Which other Plattsburgh our academics will always be top make everyone closer?

State team is the most fun to hang priority — as well as our personal Answer: Having a smaller roster out with? lives and health. However, during compared to other teams can A: I enjoy spending time with practice there is no doubt that absolutely make it easier to gain a a lot of teams since I have some she will push us to our limits and closer bond to one another. It’s less friends on multiple of them! Most of push us to be better tennis players people to have to get to know and my friends that I always have a blast everyday. I absolutely lucked out gives us the opportunity to learn with are on the basketball team and with Coach Henn and couldn’t be more about each other. men’s lacrosse. more grateful than to have her as my coach.

Q: You’re challenged to stay Q: How does having a younger handcuffed to Jacklin for 24 hours head coach benefit the team?

— how do you spend that time?

A: Having a younger head coach Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Could you do it? on the team is extremely beneficial. cp@cardinalpointsonline.com A: I could definitely do it because She is closer to our generation

10 ▪ Sports Editor Michael Purtell

▪

SPORTS

Friday, April 12, 2024

UP 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.

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.

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

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.”

Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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

5 COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

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

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.

Email JUSTIN RUSHIA cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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)

11 ▪ Sports Editor Michael Purtell

▪

SPORTS

Friday, April 12, 2024

MLAX

his player say some words — everyone gets a turn.

Darry called Chris forward Continued from page 8. during the next practice. His teammates cheered his name, Chris and Joyce’s tight, but quieted when they’d realized mother-son relationship, and her he’d already spoken before. presence around the team made Keeping himself composed, the next steps important ones.

Chris broke the news to his Joyce called Chris’ coach, fellow Cardinals.

Darry Thornton, to bring him “It was great for him to get up up to speed the next day. This there and say everything that was was something Darry had in his heart,” Darry said. experienced before — his mother Chris’ teammates surrounded died after a fight with cancer in him in an embrace once he had December 2022. He needed to be spoken his peace. there for Chris.

“They were all very supportive.

“You only get They all gave me one mother,” Darry a huge group hug said. “Without her, after,” Chris said. there’s no him.”

“Then they all put Darry extended a their hands on me, hand to Chris. Chris and we broke (the arrived at his locker huddle) down. It to find a letter for meant a lot to just him, written by Darknow that they were ry. He didn’t know all there for me.” what it was about.

Junior Matt “He thought he Gannon, along with was in trouble,” his teammates, Plattsburgh Athletics Darry said. was struck by the Matt Gannon Darry and Chris news. As much of a met privately to discuss Chris’ despondency what Chris had to needs, and how and if he would say was, the Cardinals had to be tell his teammates about his strong to support their friend. mother’s diagnosis. Darry did not “Why do bad things happen want to have any influence on to good people? We all love Chris’ decision.

Chris. We all love Chris’ “All of you showed up to this family,” Matt said. campus, a lot of you when I Matt approached Darry that wasn’t here yet, and you didn’t day with an idea for a gesture. know each other. But you are “You don’t even have to ask,” family,” Darry said.

Darry said.

But Chris knew he needed to, Matt sat down that night face to face. on his computer and bought “I spend so much time with hundreds of pink ribbon stickers these guys,” Chris said. “They’re to show support on the field, like my family away from home. paying completely out of pocket.

It’s only right for them to know He handed the stickers out to what I’m going through.” teammates to wear on game day.

“That really meant a lot to me, coming out of nowhere ‘WE ALL LOVE CHRIS’ Players regularly speak with a nice gesture,” Chris during team practices. Darry said. “He didn’t have to do will bring someone forward, that at all. But he went out of tell their story and then let his way and did it.”

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.

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 COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points Head Coach Darry Thornton paid out of pocket to supply the team based on lacrosse-related with Adrenalin brand breast cancer awareness lacrosse socks. things. It can kill our mood a lot,” Chris said.

The team plans to wear them throughout the rest of the season.

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

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.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

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

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.

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

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.”

Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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.

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.

Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024

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.

Education majors speak on program

BY NADIA PASCHAL Opinions Editor

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.

Email NADIA PASCHAL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Hollywood swaps originality for reboots out as much content as possible.

Michaela Zehrfuhs, a junior at SUNY Plattsburgh, enjoys going to the movHollywood has been making movies ies and looks forward to watching since 1908, and many trends have come the latest films. She finds that some and gone since then. Since its conception, studios churn out as many movies as the film industry has made massive changpossible, but recognizes that not all of es, yet not all of them have been great. 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 NADIA PASCHAL/Cardinal Points the current culture within the industry.

Wall of movie posters at the Regal Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh.

BY NADIA PASCHAL Opinions Editor

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

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.

Email NADIA PASCHAL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

13 ▪ Opinion Editor Nadia Paschal

▪

OPINION

‘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.

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.

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-

Friday, April 12, 2024

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Collin Bolebruch

Managing Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

News Editor Aleksandra Sidorova

Arts & Culture Editor

Sports Editor Michael Purtell

Opinion Editor Nadia Paschal

Graphics Editor Cameron Greaves

Photography Editor Jayne Smith

Multimedia Editor Jacob Crawford

Yuki Ouchi

Cinara Marquis

Web Editor

Public Relations Chair Jacob Crawford Faculty Adviser Jack Downs

Contact CP cp@cardinalpointsonline.com 118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY

Via IMP Awards

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.

The filmmakers somehow managed to make a movie called Imaginary that lacks legitimate imagination. It’s boring and there’s not much more to say.

Keep this movie off

your to-do list, because otherwise you’ll be stuck in a 104-minute imaginary hell.

Email KOLIN KRINER cp@cardinalpointsonline.

Via Adobe Stock

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 too much, or there are options to get high-quality products elsewhere.

Email VICTORIA CAMPBELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Awards 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 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 Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2010, Honorable Mention 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist