Cardinal Points Spring 2026 Issue #7

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

SPRING 2026 | ISSUE 7

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Arts and Culture

Photo Page

Photo Page

Teal the Quad

Softball

Cardinal Creative: Vazquez

Student Association

SA approves new amendments, new honor society

BY SIERRA BABBIE Staff Writer

The Student Association approved changes to the organization’s constitution, approved a new senator, gave provisional status to the National Society of Leadership and Success and approved funding for a joint club trip to New York City during the meeting April 1.

Recently, the SA has been drafting amendments to the constitution, and these proposed changes were approved by the senate Wednesday night. They’ve already been approved by the Executive council, the other primary body of the SA. There are 10 proposed amendments to the constitution. Some of these amendments include reducing the number of student senators from 16 to between eight and 10 as well as changing the line of succession for positions such as treasurer and vice president.

The SA approved an additional senator for the organization. Isabella Rozon is a senior majoring in criminal justice with minors in political science and sociology. She is the secretary of Fuerza: the BIPOC student union, as well as a member of the Organization for Women of Color.

“My major has taught me to keep an open mind, to hear others. Public speaking is a big one, and I definitely exercise that a lot in my major,” Rozon said.

Rozon was approved for the senate in a unanimous vote.

The Accounting and Finance Association and the Student Managed Investment Fund each requested $1,500 in funding for their joint trip to New York City.

This trip, while focused on business, is open to all students on campus, and has a required contribution of $150 per individual. The trip is set for April 16 and will include events such as an alumni networking dinner.

“Currently, we have four firms that we’re going to be visiting. Many of them are from the Big Four of accounting and also large firms in the finance world,” Gabrielle Go, president of the Accounting and Finance Association said. “That’s really great for us, because in business, one of the biggest things is your network and connecting with people. This really gives us the opportunity to meet with people and grow personal connections.”

GRYPHON AKRIDGE-PHILLIPS/Cardinal Points

Vice President Dominick Andre swears in Senator Isabella Rozon Nicholas Pereira, secretary for the Student Managed Investment Fund discussed how the trip could benefit their organization.

“We have to talk with people, connect with them on a deeper level in order to break into this competitive industry,” Pereira said. “This trip gives us the further opportunity to express our knowledge.”

The SA approved both of the organizations for $1500 each for their New York City trip.

Afterward, the National Society of Leadership and Success was approved as a campus club with provisional status. The NSLS is an honor society with over 800 U.S. chapters offering access to a leadership program, which includes success networking teams and broadcast leadership training from notable speakers.

“This organization will help students work on their leadership skills, be able to get out of their comfort zone and talk to new people,” Nicholas Lucchetti, the founding president of NSLS said. “They’ll develop skills that will be able to later help them in their future careers.”

Email SIERRA BABBIE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Editorial Board

‘Anaconda’ funny, but average watch

BY SYDNEY BLAKE Staff Writer

The 2025 “Anaconda” movie is underwhelming. The film came out on Netflix this late March and is already ranked third on Netflix’s top ten movies in the U.S. today, but I had expected more than what was given.

Director Tom Gormican’s version of the film “Anaconda” starred Jack Black as Doug, Paul Rudd as Ronald, Steve Zahn as Kenny, Thandiwe Newton as Claire and Selton Mello as Santiago. All five of their characters enter unfulfilling times of their lives, and come together to make a second movie based off the original “Anaconda” that came out in 1997. The movie is set in the Amazon rainforest, where the main five must survive antagonists after gold, the jungle environment and of course the anaconda that lurks within.

I was ready to watch an action packed comedy movie, but instead had an average viewing experience.

It was just okay. I liked that the film was aware of itself by making jokes about the movie industry, remaking movies and the “Anaconda” movie franchise. The cast and writers pulled through with humor, but

lacked proper pacing of action. The movie went back and forth between two different stories; one focusing on the characters fixing their relationships and lives, while the other was the thriller about surviving the snake and the jungle.

Visually the film was well produced. The jungle helped build tension as the murky water and plants had me wondering when something was going to pop out. The setting helped create beautiful and chaotic scenes, such as when Rudd and Mello’s characters walk through a swamp during the night in search of an anaconda.

Speaking of the snake, we barely see it. I thought of this as a disappointment because the snake is the whole thing. It’s the title of the movie. However, when they did show the anaconda, its CGI was satisfactory.

What carried the movie most was its high-quality appearance and star-studded cast. I thought that Black and Rudd played roles that I’ve seen them in before, and I’m not mad at it. Black’s character is smart, but silly and a leader, which pairs well with Rudd’s character who is clueless, but has a big heart.

Rudd’s love interest was played by Newton who is more of a straight man character, which in other

words means that her character wasn’t funny and chaotic, but rather rational and logical. This makes her a good supporting character, but nothing impactful to me.

However, this film wouldn’t be as good or funny without Zahn. I always loved seeing Zahn on my screen and think he is overlooked as an actor. He consistently made me laugh and I thought he made the film with his shy peeing scene in the jungle. I hope to see him in more movies in the future.

“Anaconda” was a so-so watching experience. It lacked the amount of action I was expecting, yet somewhat made up for it in humor and not taking itself too seriously. I had fun watching it, but I’d be fine never seeing it again. I’d give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Email SYDNEY BLAKE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Editor in Chief Grant Terwilliger News Editor Grant Terwilliger Multimedia Editor Anya Kern Web Editor Laura Holtman

Managing Editor Hiram Cowhey Arts & Culture Editor

Adam Blanchard Opinion Editor Grant Terwilliger Photography Editor Hiram Cowhey

Faculty Adviser Jack Downs

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

Cardinal Creatives: Steven Vazquez

Vazquez creates original stories through comics

BY ADAM BLANCHARD Arts & Culture Editor

Over his time at SUNY Plattsburgh, senior Steven Vazquez has become proficient in putting his creativity into motion, setting story-rich comic panels onto paper.

Vazquez grew up in the Bronx surrounded by comics, manga and mythology, which he uses to create action-packed stories that touch on real world issues. Having an interest in a wide range of comics, he welcomes conversation about the many stories he’s grown up around.

“I like stories, but we don’t always want to read a whole book to get there,” Vazquez said. “We also want to have visuals, which I like about art.”

Vazquez cites manga such as “Dragon Ball Z,” “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Naruto” as a few of his main inspirations. His journey began simple, replicating different Pokemon, but has developed into creating his own original comic..

The comic follows a similar formula to that of many shonen, a manga demographic centered around action and adventure.

Vazquez combines parts from traditional Navajo beliefs, Algonquian folklore and Norse mythology to create the comic’s main character, Timid the Brave, who strays away from shonen protagonist cliches.

Vazquez said Timid’s character has become a product of his environment, succumbing to overconsumption and greed.

ADAM BLANCHARD/Cardinal Points

Steven Vazquez next to his sketches, depicting a fight between two of his characters and a monstrous snake.

“He’s not really there for his people because, eventually, he wants it all,” Vazquez said.

“It’s like the ‘Might Makes Right’ kind of sequence.”

Vazquez has thought carefully about the characteristics of each character in his series, having concept sketches as well as storyboards for each scene.

Each sketch captures the individual character’s per-

sonality as well as highlights the developments the characters face throughout the story.

When he’s not working on his comic, Vazquez can be found helping out throughout the art department. As a member of the Art Acquisition Board, he and the board work to acquire and provide meaningful, educational works of art to SUNY Plattsburgh’s campus.

Vazquez also works in the art museum as part of a museum internship, where he archives data, moves art displays around the Myers Fine Arts Building and keeps art clean. Vazquez said he accepted the internship to get more art handling experience. He said there’s more to art life, emphasizing the effort that goes into maintaining and displaying art.

Some work of his has been displayed at SUNY Plattsburgh, with Vazquez recalling a sculpture he made focusing on a baseball cap he received from his father, an important object to him. Currently, Vazquez has both sculpture and drawing pieces displayed in the 2026 B.A. Art and Design Senior Show, located in the lobby of the Myers Fine Arts Building.

When asked about his future, Vazquez said he hopes to eventually create an independent studio to create comics. Before going independent though, Vazquez said he would ideally work under a larger company such as DC or Marvel to make a name for himself and gain experience.

Vazquez’s favorite comic book character is Spider-Man; He looks up to the story behind his creation and hopes to create a household character that people look up to like Spider-Man. “He started off as a comic. He started as an idea, like someone we could resonate with,” Vazquez said. “And he became bigger than that. A name you can say anywhere and they know who he is.”

To see more of Vazquez’s work, visit his art Instagram, @art_with_a_v.

Email ADAM BLANCHARD

Steven’s storyboard sketches Steven Vazquez provided sketches of characters intended to be in his original comic. After visualizing the characters and how they’ll develop, Vazquez creates concept sketches of the characters from different angles as well as a more detailed full-body sketch. This sketch depicts Timid the Brave, the protagonist of Vazquez’s comic. The sketches illustrate the character development Timid will face throughout his journey.

Sketches of Pyvern, the Deity of Volcano and Wildfire.

Sketches of Emerald De Norte Estrella.

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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▪ Arts & Culture Editor Adam Blanchard

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ARTS & CULTURE

Friday, April 10, 2026

Junior review highlights student progress

BY GRANT HOCHMUTH Staff Writer

The annual junior art review filled the lobby of Myers Fine Arts Building, with rows of tables offering a different window into a student’s artistic journey from their time on campus on March 31.

The review functioned as both a reflection and a preview for art students, giving them the opportunity to showcase their own artistic development while gaining experience presenting their work in a professional setting.

Assistant Professor of Art History Michaela Rife was one of the professors tasked with giving critiques to the students.

“This is our annual junior review, which sounds scary to all the art majors, but it’s really an opportunity for them to show their progression,” Rife said.

“The goal is for them to show the earliest drawings that they did back in an intro class up to what they’re working on now.”

For junior art major Tulip Logan, that progression was at the heart of her display. She included some of her earliest drawings alongside more recent pieces.

“I got a late start in art, so I’ve only been drawing in these classes for about two years,” Logan said. “Each drawing represents my progression.”

GRANT HOCHMUTH/Cardinal Points

Junior Brayden Munn receives critique from associate professor of art Ali Della Bitta.

Logan said they take pride in their charcoal work, where they focus on correct line placement and detail. That attention to detail connects back to how they first discovered art as a form of expression and communication.

“Art has been a way for me to express myself without speaking much. When I was younger, I didn’t speak a lot, so drawing was a way for me to express myself,” Logan said.

While practicing professionalism is one benefit of the exhibit, direct feedback from

faculty and visitors is also important. Logan said that the critique is one of the most valuable aspects of the experience.

“The biggest way, as a person, to grow is through advice,” Logan said, adding that professional feedback helps them refine both technique and concept.

Senior art major Kate Lapoint presented work ranging from introductory drawing courses to advanced classes in painting, ceramics and even sculpture.

Much of her work centers around the themes of flora and fauna.

“It’s really cool to see the evolution of work between not only my own work, but everybody else’s,” Lapoint said.

“We’re all super close in the art department, so being able to see everybody’s work throughout the years is really cool.”

Lapoint said one of her biggest areas of growth has been developing color and contrast skills.

For Ella Smith, a junior with a drawing concentration, the review is less about progress and more about exploring new and fresh ideas. Their work focuses on themes of absurdity and

questions surrounding the nature of art itself.

“I like posing questions that don’t necessarily have answers. I like when people look at my work and it doesn’t immediately have clear interpretations,” Smith said.

Smith said the review created an environment where artists can engage directly with an audience, allowing for new perspectives on their work.

“A setting like this, where you are encouraged to present your work to other people, is really introspective,” Smith said. “Getting feedback is really valuable, especially at the level we are at.”

While the junior review is a zero credit requirement, faculty say it plays an important role in preparing students for professional opportunities beyond the classroom.

“I hope to take everyone’s advice to heart and see how I can improve,” Logan said.

Email GRANT HOCHMUTH cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

CP Corrections Arts & Culture:

1) The previous issue’s article “Art Acquisition Board faces budget cut” was published containing a misquote, misleading headline and information that was found to be false. The story has since been taken down from the website.

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

With the review being open to everyone, locals from the surrounding area come to support and offer critiques to students.

BY GRYPHON AKRIDGE-PHILLIPS STAFF WRITER

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

An old cycle must be finished before a new one can begin.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

This is an emotional time in your life where you must think through every action twice.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

There is rapid movement in your life. Be prepared to take sudden action in order to gain success.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

You are on a positive path, and powerful forces are affecting the events in your life.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

You have control over a tricky situation now but could quickly lose control. You may feel unable to leave an unpleasant situation.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

There is something important missing from your life; however, you are unable to determine what it is. You may feel withdrawn emotionally, as if you are waiting in the sea of uncertainty.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

A meeting or confrontation will require you to use intuition to sort truth from possible lies.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Spend money wisely; you will gain personal and financial security only after facing a hard struggle.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

There is a stalemate where neither party nor side has the power to win. There may be a stall in a project, and at this time you have time to look at the truth of the situation.

An unforeseen obstacle or opposition will appear in your path.

A situation will arise that will require an abnormal solution. Be prepared to pursue a creative endeavor.

Past efforts and thoughts directed towards change will allow you to take on a new role or make radical changes in your lifestyle.

▪ Associate Photography Editor Anya Kern

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PHOTOSPREAD

Cardinals Softball Conquer Morrisville in home opener Photos By Anya Kern

Morgan Ormerod winding up a pitch.

Jaylyn Linderman ready to steal third base.

Maya Weinerman taking a practice swing.

Ormerod preparing for the pitch.

Head Coach Jessica Miller calls plays.

Gwen Noll striding back to first base.

Emma Deo catching a strike from Ormerod.

Friday, April 10, 2026

▪ Photography Editor Hiram Cowhey

PHOTO SPREAD

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Friday, April 10, 2026

SUNY Plattsburgh spreads awareness for sexual assault

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

Senior Reg Sutphen painting a rock.

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

One of the free provided shirts.

Burghy showing his support by rocking teal Friday April 3.

HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points

Gryphon Akridge-Phillips/Cardinal Points

Cathrine Rowan,Skyler Smart and Abigail Jarret running the coloring booth.

Izzy Rose and Skyler Smart running a booth at Teal The HIRAM COWHEY/Cardinal Points Quad.