Issue 1 - Fall 2023

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15, 2023

VOLUME 109 | ISSUE 1

Involvement Fair sees great turnout

BY HAYDEN SADLER News Editor

Students gathered in Amitie Plaza outside of the Angel College Center on Sept. 9 to visit with clubs and organizations seeking to find ways of getting involved on campus.

The Involvement Fair offers students from all backgrounds the opportunity to find like-minded individuals. Such an opportunity allows students to network and make new friends related to their interests or majors. The Involvement Fair is meaningful to more than just the clubs on campus. It’s valuable to prospective members and faculty alike because it provides an opportunity to unify members of the SUNY Plattsburgh community based on their common interests. Whether it’s greek life, sports, or academic clubs among the numerous offered interests students are free to pursue whatever suits them. New students can expand not only their social lives, but also their professional lives through networking in major or career-related clubs.

Nicholas Rowehl is president of the Tennis Club. The Involvement Fair offered the club an important opportunity to expand and grow their club membership as the academic year began.

Rowehl mentioned how the fair provided the club with 25 people interested in joining.

“We may be in a good position to have some tennis matches with other schools when before the fair we didn’t have enough members.”

Wesley Poe and Evan Zemach, both members of the Tennis club, were also in attendance. As students, the club fair meant a lot to them.

“It includes students,” Zemach said, in praise of the chances it gives students to find their niche.

Poe added; “It brings all college students together to try and get people to join our club.”

Nicole Malatino, is also a member. To her, what makes the club fair important is one key thing.

“It helps students find their sense of belonging on campus and discover clubs and organizations which they may not be familiar with,” Malatino said. These opinions reflected by the Tennis Club ring true across many of the organizations on campus, and campus staff as well.

Among staff, the clubs offer an opportunity to

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Students fill Amitie Plaza on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 during the Involvement Fair. not only form bonds with students but also to ensure involvement on campus. Tyler Hargraves is the Student Association Liaison at SUNY Plattsburgh, he is responsible for ensuring that the student association runs smoothly. As a result, Hargraves is also important in the running of clubs on campus. In regards to the recent club fairs, one held during opening weekend and another more recently on Friday, Sept. 8, Hargraves cited an apparent increase in student interest.

“The turnout was great,” Hargraves said, after mentioning that both fairs were quite busy. Many club officers had sign-up sheets lined with names of interested students, according to Hargraves.

Similarly, Senator Jonanthony Tarlen had positive things to say about the Involvement Fair.

“The student fair is here to allow people to advertise their group and let people know more about it,”

Tarlen is also an officer of the Biketopia club.

Involvement Fairs are now not the only way students can learn about clubs. This is where Cardinal Link, a new online platform that informs everyone about upcoming events and , allows students to plan and organize events.

Hargraves cited the value of understanding when and where clubs will be hosting events on campus.

“It’s helping us manage all the events in one place, it has a workflow for event management,” Hargraves said.

Importantly, steps like Cardinal Link in garnering student interest offer a chance at streamlining campus involvement.

FAIR > 2

College commemorates 9/11 attacks

BY HAYDEN SADLER News Editor

President and Vice President of the honor society Omicron Delta Kappa, Nicole Malatino Robert Henn appeared at Hawkins Pond on Monday, Sept. 11 to commemorate the attacks on the World Trade Center 22 years prior.

With Hawkins Pond in the backdrop, Malatino introduced the memorial with a moment of silence in memory of the victims, some of whom were alumni of SUNY Plattsburgh. Following the silence, Malatino introduced the vice president to speak.

“Pain reminds us that we are human. The tragedy changes the way we go about being human,” Henn said before citing changes to the world that had occurred after the attacks and before many students at Plattsburgh can remember.

Addressing that many students have no memory of the event, Henn added, “Although many in my generation did not watch the towers fall. We did witness the Freedom Tower rise.”

Allison Heard, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion spoke next and emphasized – as Henn did prior – the importance of unity in times of trouble.

Citing the freedom in this country to use pronouns, Heard said, “If we used a pronoun for 9/11, we would use we.”

History is for everyone to learn from, and as Heard added, “We can use our ‘he-story’, our ‘she-story’, our ‘we-story’ to remember.”

Students and faculty alike listened as Malatino returned to announce that the Plattsburgh State Art Museum had acquired an art piece on loan featuring wreckage from the attacks. The piece by Noah Savett titled Tempered by Memory will be on display in AuSable Hall.

Malatino thanked everyone for joining and introduced Emily Powers, music director of the Minor Adjustments. The ceremony was closed by Powers taking lead as onlookers joined her to sing the StarSpangled Banner.

Twenty-two years later, commemorations of the deadly attacks inflicted upon New York City serve to unite people of all backgrounds under a shared trauma that affected Americans, regardless of who they were. Steve Mathews, dean of students at SUNY Plattsburgh, mentioned Robert Henn’s speech: “As Robert shared, he doesn’t remember the towers falling but what went up in their place.”

Like the Freedom tower, known now as the One World Trade center, the shared history that gathered students and faculty alike around Hawkins pond this past Monday can serve to remind everyone to remember the attacks that occurred in 2001.

HAYDEN SADLER/Cardinal Points

Nicole Malatino, president of Omicron Delta Kappa, and Robert Henn, the honor society’s vice president, commemorate 9/11 at Hawkins Pond.

HAYDEN SADLER/Cardinal Points

A close-up shot of the memorial stone near Hawkins Pond, dedicated to PlattsEmail HAYDEN SADLER burgh alumni — Robert Sutcliffe, ‘84, and William Erwin, ‘92 — who died in the cp@cardinalpointsonline.com 9/11 attacks 22 years ago.

ARTS & CULTURE Plattsburgh’s Got Talent preview

THIS WEEK IN PHOTOS DEI reception

SPORTS Fresh roster gives soccer a boost

OPINION Contemplating campus kiosks

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NEWS

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

Student Association

SA Senate sets up for the fall 2023 semester

BY HAYDEN SADLER

Aug. 28 Two students got into a fight at a residence hall. The matter was resolved by issuing a No Contact Order and an "educational restorative conversation" mediated by University Police.

Sept. 2 A person was reported to be yelling and banging on Macdonough Hall's windows at 2:45 a.m. When University Police arrived, they found that it was an intoxicated off-campus student. The student got referred to Student Conduct.

News Editor

The Student Association Senate voted in approval of newly elected positions in the Angel College Center’s Cardinal Lounge on Wednesday, Sept. 6th. While brief, the meeting saw all elected officials inductive into their respective positions. The meeting was the first of the senate’s weekly meetings this semester.

To mark the start of a new academic year members of the senate voted on new advisors and members. Steven Matthews was voted in

unanimously by the senate to remain in his position as Student Senate adviser. Tyler Hargraves was voted unanimously into both the Board of Elections as well as Judicial Court adviser roles.

Following the vote, Matthews said, “We are thrilled to have students back on campus.”

Announcements from members of the senate included their recent completion of SA training. Saanvi Moryani was voted into the role of secretary of the SA, which she held last semester as well. In support of the Senate’s vote, Moryani said, “I was secretary last se-

mester and I think I will do well this semester.”

With school back in full swing, the Student Association meetings will take place weekly Wednesday nights at 9 p.m.

Email HAYDEN SADLER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Sept. 8

Investigation is currently pending for a case of unlawful dissemination of an "intimate image" at Wilson Hall.

Weekly Meme

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

A view of the involvement fair. Students and clubs gather to connect over shared interests.

FAIR Continued from page 1 As Hargraves described it, “It’s the one-stop shop for getting involved.”

The platform will have club events, schedules and ticketing, bringing together students in a more unified way. Cardinal Link and events such as the Student Involvement Fair proCINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points vide perfect opportunities for The Involvement fair attracted students from all backgrounds students to become involved on and majors. campus. No matter the organization or group, there is something for almost anyone should they choose to pursue it. Campus involvement unites students at SUNY Plattsburgh and paves the way to a memorable college experience. With attempts to increase student involvement and simplify the process of finding interests and getting involved, there’s no time like the present to get out and find a calling on campus.

Email HAYDEN SADLER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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.

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Another view of the Student Involvement fair held Friday, Sept. 14th in Amitie Plaza outside of the Angel College Center.

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NEWS

News Editor Hayden Sadler

Friday, May 12, 2023

Beginner’s guide to the

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA Editor in Chief

A part of every SUNY Plattsburgh student’s bill — undergraduate or graduate — is the $80 Student Association fee. This fraction of the bill funds much of the things essential to campus life.

Why should I care?

Coordinator for the Arts Alexander Finkey, SA Liaison Tyler Hargraves and Coordinator for Academic Affairs Jakira Barrett all said that one of the most important reasons you, as a student, should care about Student Association activities is because your money is in their hands.

This year, the SA’s budget is $1.1 million, according to Jacob Avery, director of the Center for Student Involvement and adviser to the Executive Council of the SA. The SA is an entity that represents the student

body and funds most things essential to student life, such as clubs, the shuttle, buses to New York City and Long Island, to name a few. Barrett said it is also the SA’s responsibility to advocate for students and help them with anything they might need.

Finkey mentioned the newly adopted Cardinal Link platform that serves as a campus event calendar for student clubs and organizations is a product of a former SA legislation recognizing the difficulties organizations face in event planning and making themselves

more visible to students.

Finkey also said bringing the campus community together is another one of his goals within his position.

“We’re here to provide for the students,” Barrett said. “We’re not here to provide for anybody else but the students.”

Student feedback is especially important to the SA. “We can do a lot for the students,” Finkey said.

“It’s only when we hear things that the students have problems with, we can get that work done.”

Who is in the SA? Technically, every student who pays this fee is considered part of the SA, but the student body does elect a handful of officials to make executive decisions: eight to serve in the Executive Council, in charge of planning, and 16 to serve in the Senate, in charge of checks and balances. There are two other branches to the Student Association — the Board of Elections and the Judicial Branch, or SA Court.

Every member of the Executive Council focuses on a unique area of campus life, as do the senators. Additionally, there are several boards

that meet weekly: the Academic Affairs Board, the Activities Coordination Board, the Art Acquisition Board, the Finance Board, the Legislative Review Board, the Student Diversity Board and the Student Affairs Board. As part of the SA’s work, members tend to collaborate with other departments on campus, such as Fraternity and Sorority Life, Campus Housing and Community Living, College Auxiliary Services, the Learning Center, the Career Development Center and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Barrett said.

“It’s like any government,” Hargraves said.

How can I get involved?

“It’s incredibly easy to get involved [in SA], and you should get involved,” Avery said. “We need more strong student leaders.

Without them, the SA is nothing.”

Ask someone.

The easiest way to get started in the SA’s activities is to ask someone about it: Avery, Matthews, Hargraves, Student Activities Coordinator Sarah McCarty, a former SA member or a currently serving one. However, it is important to learn exactly what kind of responsibilities a certain position entails, Avery said.

Stop by the SA’s office.

When you enter the Angell College Center through the main entrance, the SA office will be to your left. It is open to anyone, and no special privileges or appointments are needed to come in. Inside, you will usually find Hargraves and McCarty, who advises the Clubs and Organizations Affairs Board. You might also see an Executive Council member or a senator hosting their office hours.

Attend board meetings.

Courtesy of Special Collections, Feinberg Library, SUNY Plattsburgh

College President George Angell looks at Martin Mannix, the first president of the Student Association, as he unveils Hudson Hall’s year plaque, 1963.

How did the SA come to be?

The first SA Senate meeting was held Oct. 3, 1963 — almost exactly 60 years ago, Hargraves said. Before the SA, there was the House of Delegates — a student government organization that Feinberg Library’s Special Collections’ records show existed from 1935 to 1964.

The House of Delegates consisted of both students and faculty. But eventually, Douglas Skopp wrote in his book “Bright with Promise,” the House of Delegates could no longer serve students’ needs. Students and faculty felt a “mutual distrust — whether justifiable or not — of the highest levels of the College’s authorities.”

The 1960s were a time of change, both on the campus and outside of it. According to SUNY Plattsburgh Alumni & Friends, George Angell’s term as president transformed the college from an institution that trained teachers into a “multi-faceted college of arts and sciences.” Dean of Students Steve Matthews explained the students’ decision to come together as a product of the 1960s — a tumultuous time characterized by civil rights movements and heated political debate that inspired students to be “more politically active.”

Since then, the SA has continued to grow. It now plays a central role in campus life.

“The campus thrives with a strong Student Association,” Avery said. “We need leaders that are willing to step up and make change in the area, not just sit back and hope someone else is going to.”

Learn more about the SA on plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/studentassociation/index.html.

All the boards meet on a weekly basis. If you tell the board you’re interested in that you want to get involved, and consistently attend meetings, you may be voted in to serve as a member of the board and thereafter participate in their decisionmaking process.

Take advantage of elections.

In a previous interview, SA President Carter Mosher shared that his SA career began in his first semester at SUNY Plattsburgh, when he ran for a senator position in a special election. As a student, Hargraves, ‘17 SUNY Plattsburgh alumnus, joined the SA during a special election as well, which he said was a “defining moment” for him.

“I was involved until I graduated, basically — in one way or another,” Hargraves said. “And now, this [SA Liaison] position popped up a year ago, and I was like, ‘Yes, this is me.’ I totally jumped on the opportunity.”

Hargraves and Barrett said involvement in the SA helps build leadership skills and confidence. Barrett, a law and justice major, sees her position within the SA as a “stepping stone” in her career. Some former SA members went on to pursue careers in politics, like ‘03 and ‘06 alumnus Michael Cashman, who is now the Town of Plattsburgh’s supervisor.

Hargraves said the SA’s work is meaningful to him because it means helping students make the most out of their college experience: helping them make friends, find clubs and organizations that best suit their interests and overall have fun.

Besides special elections, which are held whenever there are vacant positions during the semester, there are also general elections held every April.

Cardinal Yearbook, 1963

A photo of the members of the first ever Student Association Senate.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15, 2023

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Plattsburgh presents talent show

BY ELLA POLYNICE Contributor

Do you have a talent the world needs to see? Then don’t be selfish by hiding it from us. Vice President of Interfraternal Relations Abigail Passafiume helped plan an event that will allow you to showcase your diverse talents and foster inclusivity with this year’s Plattsburgh’s Got Talent.

Plattsburgh’s Got Talent is an exciting opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds to unite and celebrate their unique abilities. So, don’t miss the chance to participate in this in-

credible showcase, and let your talent be heard!

Plattsburgh’s Got Talent is set to take place on campus in the Giltz Auditorium in Hawkins on Nov. 10. The organizers have received around 20 applications so far, but they are still striving for more, and video auditions can be submitted until Sept. 22.

The talent show will feature a variety of acts, including solo singing performances, group dance routines, stand-up comedy acts, spoken-word poetry, instrumental performances, and live bands. This

talent show promises to offer something for everyone.

“We decided to put together this event to tie the community into a Greek life event. As Vice President of Interfraternal Relations, I strive to connect Greek life members to the community,” Passafiume said.

“This event felt like a great way to get the entire campus involved in something exciting that had never been done before. It is difficult to put on an event that the entire campus would be interested in, and a talent show felt like the perfect event. Who doesn’t love a talent show?”

By donating the proceeds to a charity in the area, the talent show provides entertainment and contributes to the community’s betterment. Once the specific charity is chosen, more information will be shared with the participants and audience members, highlighting the vital work that the organization does and how the funds raised will make a difference.

TALENT > 5

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

Travis Gorham and students Lindsey Connor, Leah Willbrant and Grace Ewing browse through a box of stickers at the H.U.B.

DEI hosts housewarming at the H.U.B.

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA Editor in Chief

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officially welcomed the campus community to the office’s new home in the Angell College Center’s H.U.B. on Thursday, Sept. 7. The reception introduced new DEI staff and announced upcoming events and programs.

Multicultural Student Success Coach Travis Gorham set the TV up to play a selection of non-explicit hip-hop tracks as a crowd of about 40 filled the space. Gorham had been working in the H.U.B. ever since he

assumed his position a year ago, but Vice President for DEI Allison Heard is new to working in the space. Part of her office resembles the dining room of a modern apartment, but is still in the process of being decorated after its move from Hawkins Hall during the summer.

Heard said her department “loved Hawkins,” but the best part of working in the H.U.B. was that all staff can work in the same space and be closer to students. It also makes referrals, especially to other departments located within the ACC, easier — instead of telling students where something is, they can walk them there.

“When we’re talking about students walking from different places on campus, it’s not just a matter of walking, it’s also their time,” Heard said. “We know that our students are busy. They also work and they’re tending the family needs, they’re playing sports, they’re in student clubs.”

Heard also said more students visit DEI now that it’s in the H.U.B., as opposed to its Hawkins office.

“Even in the summer, when, you know, there’s not a ton of students on campus, we probably still have more students who are visiting us here,” Heard said. “It’s been great.”

Also now working in the H.U.B. are Mike Thompson, who serves as the affirmative action officer and special projects coordinator; David Duprey, executive director of the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center; and Jennifer Bleaux, the division’s administrative assistant. The H.U.B. used to be home to Enrollment and Student Success, which is now based on the sixth floor of Kehoe.

Thompson spent the past 24 years working in Human Resource Services, ensuring compliance with laws around diversity in employment.

DEI > 5

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ARTS & CULTURE

Arts & Culture Editor Kiyanna Noel

Spicy Island Tings pose for picture with singer Konshens after winning dance competition at University of Albany.

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Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

Photo provided by Spicy Island Tings

Dance teams returning for new semester

BY KIYANNA NOEL Arts & Culture/Managing Editor

From different kinds of dance to music, SUNY Plattsburgh has no shortage of dance groups. Dance has a way of creating unbreakable bonds and giving everyone their own freedom of expression.

The three main dance groups on campus are High Voltage Dance Factory, Spicy Island Tings and African Unity Dance (AuSaaaa). Each group explores different cultures through dance and forms a connection with each other like no other.

High Voltage Dance Factory was created five years ago to highlight dances that other dance companies don’t incorporate. With a strong variety of hip-hop, contemporary and jazz, HVDF has a place for everyone who is passionate and willing to put in the energy.

Khalil Moore, a senior dancer on

the team, has been there since the beginning.

“High Voltage is full of great energy and new inspirations this semester. We make sure to incorporate all styles of dances in our routines,” Moore said. “And also really work on having fun and being creative when we perform.”

Spicy Island Tings is a wellknown group that are motivated by their Caribbean roots, but don’t let that stop you from trying out and finding your place, there is a spot for everyone. After winning a competition at the University of Albany in the spring, the team is on a high that they are never coming down from. Spicy Island Tings will be performing by Hawkins Pond Friday, Sept. 22 for Community Night which is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Angelina Briggs, a senior dancer on the team, acknowledges that the long hours of working with this team

TALENT Continued from page 4 “I decided to donate all the proceeds to a charity in the area. We are still deciding on the specific charity, but we didn’t want to make this a fundraiser for Greek life,” Passafiume said. “We wanted something a little more meaningful to the community.”

A panel of judges, consisting of faculty members and students, will assess each performance and provide constructive feedback to the participants. This ensures that the talent show is a platform for showcasing talent

always pays off.

“Winning that competition meant everything to us. We spent hours perfecting and creating every single step,” Briggs said. “The corrections and sacrifices were small compared to the finished product.”

Spicy Island Tings is made up of members who are there to keep you level-headed and encourage you, in and outside of practice. “Spicy is a family. We motivate each other in a way that is deeper than just dance,” Briggs said. “If you miss a practice, you can guarantee that someone will be there to teach it to you before the next practice.”

AuSaaaa is a dance group that focuses specifically on African dances, but are very accepting of anyone who is passionate and willing to learn.

Briggs is also a dancer for this group and loves what this dance group has to offer.

“AuSaaaa is a passionate group.

You don’t see them perform often, but when you do, you are guaranteed an entertaining show,” Briggs said. “AuSaaaa has performances that are unforgettable, especially when working hand-in-hand with African Unity.”

Each dance corporation offers a different perspective on dance and a new opportunity for a person to find their place. While these groups have already held their auditions to join if you are interested, email captain of Spicy Island Tings, Storme Hutton at shutt001@plattsburgh.edu, captain of HVDF at Nochamy Bamba nbamb002@plattsburgh.edu or Ausaa choreographer Natasha Chachie at ntach001@plattsburgh.edu.

Email KIYANNA NOEL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

and an opportunity for performers to receive valuable insights and improve their skills.

Tickets will be available soon, and there will be a nominal fee, with all proceeds going to the charity. They are carefully considering local charities that focus on education and community development.

Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, as a limited number may be available. Stay tuned for ticket sales updates, and secure your spot for this exciting evening of talent and entertainment.

DEI Continued from page 4 His work wasn’t much different from what he does now, he said, but in DEI he can be more proactive.

Instead of thinking in terms of “legal and illegal,” he can expand to considering whether it’s “proper.”

Thompson plans to host a series of “brown bag sessions” or “lunch-and-learns” — meetings based on discussion and collaboration that usually happen during lunchtime.

Thompson’s role currently directly serves solely employees in challenging their unconscious bias and training them to provide equitable service.

However, he said, this training can benefit students in the long run through improved interactions. Heard said such training will allow students to feel welcome enough to reach out to staff not limited to DEI. Duprey was formerly an English language support specialist at the Learning Center, working primarily with international students. Now, he will work to raise student awareness for the TRHT circles.

“It’s a whole new career shift,” Duprey said. “But what’s important to know about English education is, I was always working with international students. Even before I came here, I was living in another country, working with international students.

So I was always working for social justice and equity. That’s really helped me be prepared for this.”

TRHT circles are currently held at the H.U.B. on the first Friday of every month, at noon, which doesn’t get much student involvement because students are busy having lunch, Duprey said. Some ways Duprey said he will try to do that is by establishing student teams, offering more circles in the evening or other times that are convenient for students, involving student clubs and bringing circles to students — for

Email ELLA POLYNICE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

example, into classrooms. All circles are based on sharing personal experiences based on prompts.

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points “The advantage of that would be a President Alexander Enyedi gives a speech at DEI’s receplarger population involved in the healtion at the H.U.B. Thursday, Sept.

7. ing process,” Duprey said. “I always tell students, ‘Your lived experience is your lived experience.’ It’s important that evmorning and they don’t end at 4,” Heard said. “We erybody knows that their story does matter.” just want to make sure we’re accessible.”

Another new DEI staff member is Interim Title A properly executed open door policy can make a IX Coordinator Bill Boerner. He can be reached by world of difference for students. email or phone, but he is occasionally present on “I think it needs to be more than just a thing that campus. Heard said the college is still searching for we say,” Duprey said. “What we’re trying to do a permanent Title IX coordinator who would have a here is make you feel like, yes, not only is this door physical office on campus, also within the ACC. open, but this room is open, our movement is open, Also new this semester is DEI’s Passport Reten- this university is open. We’re trying to let everyone tion Program — a series of events and workshops know that we are here for you, in any capacity. For where, according to a promotional flier, students students, I can’t think of a better way to live on this can “earn cool swag, prizes and valuable skills.” campus than to know that doors are open, that they The skills targeted include planning, time manage- have the accessibility to reach out if they need it.” ment, studying, research and self-care. Through In a previous interview, Heard said the decision this program, students can also receive guidance to move DEI to the H.U.B. space was based entirely on career advancement, academic advising, acces- on student feedback. It is a space that students use sibility resources and nutrition. If students visit or to study, hang out and host events. DEI’s reception contact Gorham, they can get a “passport card,” offered attendees juice, cookies, egg rolls, chicken which can be punched at events and submitted for tacos and chips with salsa or guacamole. a chance to win prizes.

“This is sort of like a house, right? You know, a livIn their speeches, Heard, Gorham, Thompson ing room, a dining room,” Heard said, concluding and Duprey all said they followed an “open door the round of welcome speeches by Gorham, Duprey policy.” Heard explained that part of this policy in- and Thompson, as well as College President Alexvolves improved internal communications, so that ander Enyedi. “We are so open to sharing a space every staff member knows enough to be able to help with you, so we want you all to feel comfortable.” a student.

“We don’t want students to ever feel like they’re going to come here and be turned away,” Heard said.

An “open door policy” also includes nontraditional hours. Heard said DEI staff are on campus for events held in the evenings and on the weekends.

Email ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA “We know our students’ lives don’t start at 8 in the cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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Arts & Culture Editor Kiyanna Noel

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ARTS & CULTURE

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

CALENDAR Sept. 17 - 23 ALL WEEK:

Our Environment, Our Land: Twentieth-Century Inuit Prints and Sculptures - Feinberg

Library

SUNDAY 9/17 Group Exercise: - Pilates with Connie - Traditional Yoga with Saanvi - Hardbody with Connie Algonquin Hall 5 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

All group exercise classes will be held in Algonquin Hall. Please bring water; clean and sanitize any equipment prior to and after use. Cleaner and sanitizer will be provided. Registration required for all group exercise classes. To register, visit: www.

TUESDAY 9/19 Group Exercise events: - Spin with Connie - Yoga with Connie - Cross Cycle with Connie - Garba Dance with Connie

Group Exercise events: - Spin with Connie - Yoga with Connie - Cycle and Core with Connie - Hardbody with Connie

Algonquin Hall noon to 8:45 p.m.

Algonquin Hall noon to 8:45 p.m.

All group exercise classes will be held in Algonquin Hall. Please bring water; clean and sanitize any equipment prior to and after use. Cleaner and sanitizer will be provided. Registration required for all group exercise classes. To register, visit: www.IMLeagues.com/plattsburgh.

MONDAY 9/18

WEDNESDAY 9/20

Group Exercise events: - Spin with Connie - Yoga with Connie - Cross Cycle with Connie - Zumba with Connie

Group Exercise events: - Kickboxing with Jillian - Yoga with Nicole - Zumba with Kaylynn

Algonquin Hall 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

All group exercise classes will be held in Algonquin Hall. Please bring water; clean and sanitize any equipment prior to and after use. Cleaner and sanitizer will be provided. Registration required for all group exercise classes. To register, visit: www.

IMLeagues.com/plattsburgh.

THURSDAY 9/21

Algonquin Hall noon to 8:45 p.m.

All group exercise classes will be held in Algonquin Hall. Please bring water; clean and sanitize any equipment prior to and after use. Cleaner and sanitizer will be provided. Registration required for all group exercise classes. To register, visit: www.IMLeagues. com/plattsburgh.

All group exercise classes will be held in Algonquin Hall. Please bring water; clean and sanitize any equipment prior to and after use. Cleaner and sanitizer will be provided. Registration required for all group exercise classes. To register, visit: www.

FRIDAY 9/22 Community Night

Hawkins Pond (Rain location: Warren Ballrooms) 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This is an annual event that creates a connection between the university and the community.

More information can be found on the SUNY Plattsburgh Calendar of Events.

To have an event featured, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

BY KIYANNA NOEL Arts & Culture/Managing Editor

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 19

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

VIRGO August 23 - September 22

The Death card represents turning over a new leaf. Remember that all things must come to an end, but that isn’t always a bad thing.

The Balance card represents understanding the connection between actions and reactions. Remember, every decision you make can affect your situation.

The Child of Crystals card represents learning and being open. Begin to explore new possibilities and ideas to learn more about yourself and the world around you.

AQUARIUS

GEMINI

September 23 - October 22

January 20 - February 18

The Five of Worlds card represents experiencing setbacks and being devastated. Take this as an opportunity to create something out of nothing.

PISCES February 19 - March 20

The Ace of Crystals card represents an awakening. Now that you are more knowing and aware, you will be able to think clearly and creatively.

ARIES March 21 - April 19

The Two of Worlds card represents reflection and relaxation. Take some time to observe and allow yourself to seek clarity.

May 21 - June 20

The Four of Cups card represents anger and conflict. Convert this anger into passion to keep you motivated and focused.

CANCER June 21 - July 22

The Hermit card represents isolating yourself from the world to improve your physical and mental health.

Continue to be self-sufficient in order to achieve your goals.

LEO July 23 - August 22

The Child of Cups card represents expressing yourself and being selfaware. Remember to be honest with yourself about how you feel.

LIBRA The Woman of Worlds card represents keeping tradition and being a strong support system. Continue to carry yourself with grace and comfort.

SCORPIO October 23 - November 21

The Eight of Wands card represents being united with others creatively.

Continue to be the magnet that keeps things together.

SAGITTARIUS November 22 - December 21

The Lovers card represents becoming one with a partner and with yourself. Remember to be certain with your choices and have your best interest constantly.

7

▪ Photography Editor Jayne Smith

▪

PHOTOSPREAD

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

This Week in Photos:

DEI Welcome Back Student Reception Photos by Aleksandra Sidorova

Anthropology professors Deborah Altamirano and Amy Mountcastle enjoy chicken tacos, egg rolls and chips with salsa and guacamole.

Multicultural Student Success Coach Travis Gorham and student Lindsey Connor pose while picking out stickers.

Angelina Briggs, who interns for DEI, introduces herself.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

MSOC

XC

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Junior midfielder John Hayes (11) celebrates his goal against the Clarkson Golden Knights at home Sept. 1 with Modou Badje (10), a junior wing and transfer from SUNY Ulster.

GABE DICKENS/Plattsburgh State Athletics

Cards start unbeaten, Opening meet showcase new roster inspires runners

Noah Bonesteel competes in the men’s 5k race at the 41st Annual Cardinal Classic in the Rugar Woods Sept. 2.

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Sports Editor

Chris Taylor, Plattsburgh Cardinals head men’s soccer coach, used the term “retooled” — not “rebuilt” — to describe the 2023 Cards.

The squad was dealt a difficult hand last summer when it lost 10 total members, including five goalscorers, to graduation or the transfer portal.

Departing players included six veterans from the team’s 2019 SUNYAC Championship appearance: Andrew Braverman, Jimmy Alexander, Cole Weiner, Alex Graci, Joseph Ditillo and Rocky Bujaj.

Only Christian Garner remains from that run. With this class departing, the team lost stability.

“Those guys have been here a long time,” Taylor said.

“Probably because of the COVID year as well, that period felt like a really long period.”

This is the first time Taylor has coached a Cardinals team completely recruited by himself and his staff.

For Taylor, the goal is to remain competitive. That’s advice he got from his head coach at Plattsburgh, and the man he would succeed, Chris Waterbury.

The 2022 Cardinals secured a playoff spot in the final game of the season, eventually winning its first playoff game since the 2019 tournament run. To recapture that success, Taylor knew the team had to add talent.

The 2023 Cardinals welcome 13 new players to its roster: defenders Cristian

Janosel, Jake McGowan and Brandon Juandoo; midfielders Santiago Vargas, Cesar Calderon, Michael Rodriguez and Brendan McGlinchey; wings Tristan Laundree, Mo Badjie, Connor Howe and Maximus Pericic; and forwards Bradyn Primus and Xavier Kamba. Badjie is a transfer from SUNY Ulster, Vargas comes from Division II Queen’s College and Pericic from Molloy College.

Taylor got what he wanted in this group — speed as well as dynamic and exciting players. He wanted to make the attack more transitional. There won’t be an adjustment period.

BY MICHAEL PURTELL Staff Writer

Plattsburgh’s Cross Country season officially started with the 41st Cardinal Classic. As the host of the event, Plattsburgh’s runners were eager to show off their fresh legs and fiery competitiveness, earning both teams a second place finish.

The men’s team placed three runners within the top 10 finishers in the men’s 5k. Junior Noah Bonesteel headlined this group with a third-place finish, and firstyear Graham Richard was hot on his heels to finish fourth in his first collegiate race.

Junior Michael Brockway rounded out Plattsburgh’s top finishers by posting an MSOC > AY eighth place finish.

For the women’s team, sophomore Marissa Colvin finished sixth with a personal best time of 20:48. Her last season was shortened by injury, and she was eager to return after a summer of hard work, in spite of recovering from COVID-19 the week prior.

“During the race I felt better than I thought I would,” Colvin said. “The struggle was definitely more mental than physical, but I was able to let that go. It felt good.”

Junior Sarah Smith finished with a time of 21:26, good for ninth place.

Justin Kumrow finished 15th (17:03), Jeremy Gundrum in 19th (17:18), and Erik Kucera in 20th (17:18). Logan Van Buren finished 22nd (17:31).

XC > 9

VB

Cardinals enter season young, motivated

BY REBEKAH RILEY Staff Writer

Plattsburgh Cardinals volleyball is back. This season’s roster is full of young women as Head Coach Kelsea Healis returns to her position, naming seniors Payton Zophy and Emma Rivers as captains.

Healis is going into her third year of coaching with the Cardinals. She has set big goals for her team and expects her group of first-year athletes to contribute immediately.

In order for Healis to put together the best team, she looked for players who stood out and showed their passion for the sport.

“What I looked for this season was an athlete that was competitive driven, and somebody that could help push our program to the next level and really get us back into competing and playing at a higher level,” Healis said.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

(From left to right) Liya Girma, Emma Rivers, Darby Collyear and Jeannette Ashong celebrate a point against SUNY Poly during the Cardinal Classic at Memorial Hall Sept. 2.

Healis is excited to see this team grow and improve on a 2022 season hampered by injury and a difficult conference.

“I’m excited to see the growth. We’ve been rebuild-

ing for the last few years. Last year we saw a lot of turmoil just with injuries and things like that, and our season did not go the way we planned by any means,” Healis said.

Friday, Sept. 8: TEN 1-8 LOSS @ Oneonta *SUNYAC*

VB 0-3 LOSS vs. Alfred (Skidmore Classic) Saturday, Sept. 9: VB 3-0 WIN vs. Morrisville (Skidmore Classic)

TEN 6-3 WIN @ Utica

WSOC 2-2 TIE vs. RPI

VB 2-3 LOSS @ Skidmore (Skidmore Classic)

MSOC 0-0 TIE @ RPI Tuesday, Sept. 12: MSOC 3-1 WIN @ Russell Sage Wednesday, Sept. 13: WSOC 0-1 LOSS @ Skidmore

This year is a big year for Zophy. After suffering an injury last year, she’s looking to make a comeback. Zophy has been with the team for four years and has played as an outside

hitter and the libero. She was named SUNYAC Defensive Player of the Week, Sept. 3.

Zophy felt rewarded by being named captain.

“It’s rewarding that the whole team looked up to me in that way, and they respected me like that, and saw me as someone who was able to lead the team on and off the court, and try to push everyone to their fullest potential,” Zophy said.

Zophy also said she thinks the team is the best it has been in years, and she hopes to make it to the SUNYAC Finals.

“It would be amazing to play in the finals. It’s kind of like the end all, be all,” Zophy said.

Rivers has been a setter for this team for the last four years, and has been a team captain since she was a sophomore. She led the team in assists last season with 345 and assists per set with 4.11.

VB > AY

Friday, Sept. 15: TEN @ Cortland *SUNYAC* at 3 p.m.

VB vs. Hilbert (North Country Classic) at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 16: XC @ RPI Harvest Classic at 10 a.m.

VB vs. Wells (North Country Classic) at noon

MSOC vs. Union at 1 p.m.

TEN @ Oswego *SUNYAC* at 1 p.m.

VB @ Canton (North Country Classic) at 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 20: WSOC @ New Paltz *SUNYAC* at 4 p.m.

MSOC vs. New Paltz *SUNYAC* at 4 p.m.

9

▪ Sports Editor Collin Bolebruch

▪

SPORTS

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

TEN

Plattsburgh knows it’s next

M. SOCCER

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH

STANDINGS

Sports Editor

TEAM Oneonta

SUNYAC OVERALL 0-0 5-0

Buffalo St.

0-0

3-0-1

New Paltz

0-0

3-0-1

Plattsburgh

0-0

3-0-1

Potsdam

0-0

3-0-1

Cortland

0-0

4-1-1

Fredonia

0-0

2-0-3

Geneseo

0-0

3-2-1

Brockport

0-0

2-2-1

Oswego

0-0

0-0-3

STATISTICS GOALS John Hayes, M

# 4

Brian Coughlan, F

2

Kamba, Badjie, Laundree

1

ASSISTS Xavier Kamba, F

# 3

Four players

1

POINTS John Hayes, M

# 8

Xavier Kamba, F

5

Brian Coughlan, F

4

SAVE PERCENTAGE Teddy Healy, G

# .857

W. SOCCER STANDINGS TEAM Buffalo St.

SUNYAC OVERALL 0-0 4-0-1

Oneonta

0-0

3-0-1

Brockport

0-0

5-1-0

Geneseo

0-0

3-1-0

Cortland

0-0

3-1-1

Oswego

0-0

2-1-1

Plattsburgh

0-0

2-2-1

Fredonia

0-0

2-2-1

New Paltz

0-0

2-2-1

Potsdam

0-0

2-2-0

“‘I can feel it in my bones, something good is going to happen this season,’” Kelci Henn, head women’s tennis coach, said.

She remembered hearing this from her players all offseason.

“It feels like it’s bound to happen,” Nicole Svantner, captain, said.

The Plattsburgh Cardinals women’s tennis team missed the SUNYAC playoffs by just one game last season, despite having the second most wins in the conference at 9-5.

They haven’t forgotten.

Henn just began her third season coaching the Cards, and it’s her largest team yet.

This year, the team will roster 14 players. Last year, her team had nine and in 2020, as director of tennis operations, had just seven. She said the large roster brings unique elements that a smaller roster wouldn’t.

“With more teammates around, the support for each player, and the team camaraderie all around, is a really big difference compared to last year,” Henn said.

“They’re able to be together,

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Ava Carey (left) returns the ball to her VSU-Castleton opponent between points Sept. 6 at the Memorial Hall Tennis Courts. Jacklin Mitchell (right) has been her doubles partner this season. support each other, sit by each other’s court.”

This season the team has four seniors: Sarah Benowitz and triplets Jackie, Nicole and Samantha Svantner. The group consists of the last remaining players from Henn’s first season as head coach.

They’ve known each other since before middle school, being from rival high schools in Rockland County, New York.

“Those women have grown along with me and worked through my own coaching quirks,” Henn said. “They’ve come such a long way and really matured and I’m very proud of them.”

Other returning players include juniors Sophia Gottschall and Hallie Hurwitz and sophomore Abigail Jarrett.

Hurwitz and Nicole Svantner will serve as team cap-

tains this season. Svantner was the junior captain last season, and takes pride in her status among her teammates.

“I feel like I’ve always been one to take charge and be the communicator,” Svantner said. “I’m also Kelci’s middle man, I’m that connection between the team and the coach.”

TEN > 10

WSOC

STATISTICS GOALS Avery Durgan, F

# 3

Nora Fitzgerald, F

2

Ella Santomassimo, F

2

ASSISTS Avery Durgan, F

# 3

Nora Fitzgerald, F

3

Four players

1

POINTS Avery Durgan, F

# 9

Nora Fitzgerald, F

7

Ella Santomassimo, F

5

SAVE PERCENTAGE Lauren Haley, G

# .727

Lily Bailey, G

.556

GABE DICKENS/Plattsburgh State Athletics

Marissa Colvin (25) and Ginny Lucchettu (29) round a bend at the Rugar Woods in the 41st Annual Cardinal Classic Sept. 2.

VOLLEYBALL

XC

STANDINGS TEAM New Paltz

SUNYAC OVERALL 0-0 6-1

Cortland

0-0

5-2

Plattsburgh

0-0

4-2

Geneseo

0-0

3-5

Buffalo St.

0-0

3-5

Brockport

0-0

2-6

Potsdam

0-0

1-4

Oswego

0-0

1-5

Fredonia

0-0

1-6

Oneonta

0-0

0-6

STATISTICS KILLS Liya Girma, OH

# 57

Jeannette Ashong, MH

46

Iris Mulvey, OH/RS

46

ATTACK ERRORS Darby Collyear, RS

# 34

Liya Girma, OH

33

Iris Mulvey, OH/RS ASSISTS Emma Rivers, S

16 # 117

Kyleigh Ganz, S/RS

69

Payton Zophy, OH/L

18

SERVICE ACES Emma Rivers, S

# 12

Ashong, Zophy, Burke

9

DIGS Payton Zophy, OH/L

# 121

Liya Girma, OH

76

Rivers, Rachwal

37

TENNIS STANDINGS TEAM Cortland

SUNYAC OVERALL 2-0 2-1

New Paltz

1-0

1-0

Oneonta

2-1

3-2

Oswego

2-1

2-2

Plattsburgh

0-1

3-1

Geneseo

0-0

2-1

Brockport

0-2

1-3

Fredonia

0-2

0-2

STATISTICS SINGLES Jacklin Mitchell

# 3-0

Nicole Svantner

3-1

Carey, S. Svantner

2-2

DOUBLES Hurwitz & J. Svantner

# 3-1

N. & S. Svantner

3-1

Carey & Mitchell

1-3

XC LEADERBOARD MEN’S 5K Noah Bonesteel

TIME 16:25.8

Graham Richard

16:35.1

Michael Brockway

16:41.6

WOMEN’S 5K Marissa Colvin

TIME 20:48.9

Sarah Smith

21:26.0

Lillian Moran

21:49.7

Continued from page 8

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Head Women’s Soccer Coach Whitney Frary (left) speaks to Zoe Rice (right) during a stoppage of play at home vs. RPI Sept. 9.

Cards re-up for improved 2023

BY MIKAI BRUCE Associate Sports Editor

The Plattsburgh Cardinals women’s soccer team is on the path toward success this season, and there are high expectations across the team.

After an 11-6-2 record last season, and a loss in the first round of the SUNYAC tournament, they are looking to build upon that even further.

This year features a mixture of young and veteran talent. It has already started the season on a positive note with a 2-1-1. It beat the VSUCastleton Spartans (1-3) 6-0 on Sept 1. and the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers (2-2) 3-1, Sept. 3.

Its one loss came at the hands of the Middlebury Panthers (2-0-1) Sept. 6 by a score of 9-0, and it tied with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers (1-0-2) 2-2 on Sept. 9.

“We are excited about the season to come with a lot of young talent on our roster combined with veterans. It’s a great mix,” Head Coach Whitney Frary wrote in a text. “The SUNYAC is always a competitive conference so taking each game as they come is important to us and focus on the season in that

way has been a theme for us this year.”

Some of that young talent includes plenty of firstyears. New players include goalkeepers Lily Bailey and Brook DaSilva, defenders Lia Parker and Maria Maurom and forward Macie Bolton. The team will also welcome junior defender Mackenzie Lawless from Monroe Community College.

The captains on the team this year are senior forward Nora Fitzgerald, senior defender Casey Granger, junior goalkeeper Lauren Haley and senior forward Avery Durgan.

Haley was named SUNYAC Defensive Athlete of the Week Sept. 5.

Rounding out the roster are defenders Kayla Myers, Katie Stevenson, Zoe Rice, Alexis Patrick and Jessica Landman; forwards Clare Bottjer, Sally Gliganic, Tara Bendsak, Allison Brown and Ella Santomassimo; and midfielders Catrina Maltes, Jessica Mare, Sophia Hatziyianis, Hannah Meyers, Jillian Bezio, Amanda Cohen, Samantha Rachon and Kathy Peterson-Ross.

WSOC > 11

Plattsburgh had four more women finish within the top 20. First-years Lillian Moran and Anya Sloth, who finished within half a second of each other, earned 13th (21:49) and 14th (21:50) respectively. Ginny Luchetti improved on her previous time by five minutes to finish 16th (22:13), and Jayelee Southwell finished 20th (23:10). Kayla Grant filled out the top seven with a 22nd place finish (23:22).

These results inspired Bonesteel to share his optimism for the season going forward.

“The fun thing is that this year, we’re going to have a solid group of guys who can definitely run together,” Bonesteel said. “It’s cool to see the guys who are sophomores and juniors and seniors how we have matured and are able to lead the pack and show the way for the underclassmen.”

Plattsburgh’s top three men’s finishers — Bonesteel, Graham, Brockway — all landed within striking distance of each other, posting times of 16:25; 16:35; and 16:41 respectively, all finishing within 16 seconds of each other. Similarly, the top 20 men’s finishers also snagged times within 15 seconds, with Gundrum and Kucera finishing only a fifth of a second apart.

Second-year Head Coach Jordyn Naylon says these tight finishes are what’s going to help the team improve throughout the season.

“That was my goal when we started coming into the season. Noah, Graham and Mike should be in that group. And then the next group of guys, this group needs to be together. If the individual gets better, then the team gets better,” Naylon said.

Naylon said she expects the men to be able to get those gaps smaller throughout the season, especially with the effort she sees at practice.

“That race wasn’t perfect, they split up quite quickly. I told them right after, ‘We need to be in that group, we need to make that group stronger,’ but they came back the next day and ran a great workout,” Naylon said.

This improvement is driven by a coach who hopes the season leads to big results in placements in SUNYAC. “I think top four [in SUNYAC] is definitely somewhere [the men’s team] can be,” Naylon said. “For the women, we can be at least fifth, or better.”

Her athletes agree, and add their own hopes for national competitions by the end of the season.

“I’d like to get all of us to nationals within a year or two,” Colvin said.

Coach Naylon avidly supports these goals and believes many of Plattsburgh’s top runners will be able to qualify for those national meets. Not all goals start and stop with the individual, and optimism for the team at large is at an all time high.

“I want to be a competitive team,” Bonesteel said.

“I want to be a team that shows up and places well.

I want other teams to look at us and think, ‘We need to run our best today because Plattsburgh is here.’”

Plattsburgh will look to continue building this reputation through its September meets.

The Cardinals will travel to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the RPI Harvest Classic, tomorrow, Sept. 16. Plattsburgh will also compete at the Ronald C. Hoffman Invitational hosted by St. Lawrence, Sept. 23.

Email MICHAEL PURTELL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

10 ▪

MSOC Continued from page 8 “I think we can compete with this group. I think the attack has improved. There’s a lot of stability in other positions in the midfield and the back line, but the frontline is young. The attacking positions are young,” Taylor said. “I think that’s the easiest position to adjust to in the college game.”

The newcomers are already making an impact. Three of the team’s six goal scorers are rookies, in Kamba, Laundree and Madjie. Kamba leads the team in assists with three, being the only player with more than one.

Seniors Dylan Shalvey and Jack Healy will officially be wearing the armbands as team captains, but leadership this season will come from a committee of players including Shalvey, Healy, senior Frankie Palumbo and juniors Teddy Healy, John Hayes and Brian Coughlan.

“All the older guys are really nice off the field. On the field they offer a lot of insight into the college level,” Kamba said. “They know when to push us, and push us to be better players.”

Healy has been the team’s primary goalkeeper for the past two seasons, logging a

VB Continued from page 8 This year, there are eight new players from all over the United States: KC Burke, a defensive specialist from Murrieta, California; Darby Collyear, a right side player from Rockwall, Texas; Liya Girma an outside hitter from Sachse, Texas; Katie Salphine, a middle hitter from Le Roy, New York; Katarina Wagner, a middle hitter from Seattle; Iris Mulvey, an outside hitter/right side from Middle Island, New York; Melina Morillo, a right side from The Bronx; and Katie Rachwal, a defensive specialist from Plymouth, Michigan.

Girma said she hopes this year she can stay consistent, and with the support of her team, she knows she’ll be able to reach her goals.

“With Coach and my teammates by my side, I feel like they can hold me account-

TEN Continued from page 9 Hurwitz didn’t expect to be in her position this season.

She wasn’t gunning for captain at all, but heading into the season, she felt a new, excited feeling and began to mesh well with her new teammates. Being voted captain shocked her.

“I had to think about it for a couple of minutes because it is a big responsibility. I am so happy I took the position because I still feel really close with the whole team,” Hurwitz said. “It’s a big step for me to be in a leadership position.”

This year, the team welcomes first-year players Ava Carey and Jacklin Mitchell, sophomore Kristy Cantwell, Jenna Medina and Faith Stone and juniors Andrea Bingham and Megan Phelps.

Henn said the new roster construction is going to benefit the team this season, and it’s shown. The Cardinals are currently 3-1, which is the best start to a Henn-led team yet.

“It’s a big competitive edge, which is something I’ve been looking for,” Henn said. “With a small team, it’s nice, everybody gets to play and everybody has a spot, but once you start adding in more players to the mix, it lights the fire un-

▪

SPORTS

Sports Editor Collin Bolebruch

record of 15-15-3 and a career coach, while also continuing 3-2 on Sept. 1; the Utica Piobest .752 save percentage in his work with the women’s neers 3-0 on Sept. 3; tied the 2022. Coughlan and Hayes team. Brett Rotz will also re- RPI Engineers 0-0 on Sept. 9; were the Cardinals’ top two turn as team manager. and beat the Russell Sage Gascorers last season, notching For the first time since 2018, tors 3-1 on Sept. 12.

26 and 12 points respectively. Taylor’s first season, the CarPlattsburgh plays the re“It’s an interesting dynam- dinals will welcome a third cently-rebranded Union Garic when your biggest con- full-time assistant coach in net Chargers (2-2-1) at home tributors at times tomorrow, Sept. 16, are underclassin its final game men, because before conference sometimes leaderplay begins. ship comes from The Cardinals impact on the will open its SUfield. It’s hard to NYAC schedule lead when you’re playing the Potsyoung,” Taylor dam Bears (3-0said. “We finally 1) at home Sept. have our biggest 20. Other notable talents in leadergames on the ship positions.” schedule include The team will the SUNYAC runcarry three goalCOLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points ner-up Brockport keepers on its First-year wing Connor Howe evades a Clarkson op- Golden Eagles roster this season, ponent at the Field House Soccer Complex Sept. 1. (2-2-1) in Brockincluding Teddy port Sept. 23, the Healy, Aiden Jaremczuk and Anna McDuffie. McDuffie fin- reigning SUNYAC champion Marcial Vasquez. Defenders ished her career as a Cardinal Oneonta Red Dragons (4-0include Jack Healy, Garner, last season, competing for 0) in Oneonta Oct. 18 and Janosel, McGowan, Juandoo, the women’s team. the Buffalo State Bengals Justin Siegel, Matthew PitarTaylor, as coordinator of (3-0-1) in Plattsburgh Oct. 14 resi and Tony Kochelev. the athletic coaching minor for Senior Day. Rostered midfielders are in the exercise and nutrition “I do think we’re going to Hayes, Shalvey, Palumbo, department, grew impressed be a lot better this year in Vargas, Calderon, Rodriguez, with McDuffie’s sideline the SUNYAC. I think it just McGlinchey, Colter Cheney- abilities in class. After dis- comes with experience,” Seymour, Mariano Marra and cussions with Head Women’s Teddy Healy said. “I think Danny Perry. Running the Soccer Coach Whitney Frary, the more and more we play, wing will be Badjie, Howe, McDuffie was hired to work it’s going to be more experiPericic, Laundree and Kev- with both teams. ence for everyone.” in Abbondanza. Rounding The 2023 Cardinals haven’t out the roster at forward are missed a beat. Plattsburgh is Coughlan, Primus and Kamba. undefeated at 3-0-1 through Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Geoff Spear will return for its first four games—it beat cp@cardinalpointsonline.com his 28th season as assistant the Clarkson Golden Knights able to be consistent and stay positive and confident when I play,” Girma said.

Girma is relatively new to the sport. Her dedication and love for the game grew quickly.

“My sister had gotten into volleyball her freshman year, so I started pretty late as well,” Girma said. “She made me want to play volleyball and I definitely thank her for it because I do love the sport and I have a passion for it.”

Healis said she was looking for women who were passionate about the sport, and Girma met those expectations.

This team has six sophomores: Kyleigh Ganz, a setter/right side; Maggie Lyon. an outside hitter; Jeannette Ashong, a middle hitter; Sanaia Estime, an outside hitter; and Bridget Ryan, a defensive specialist.

Four seniors grace the roster this year: Shannon Fitzpatrick, a defensive specialist/ libero; Rivers; Zophy; and Lily White, a defensive specialist.

The Cards are currently 4-2.

Plattsburgh swept the Cardinal Classic, beating the Russell Sage Gators (5-3) 3-1, Sept.

1 and the SUNY Poly Wildcats (0-6) 3-1 and the Potsdam Bears (1-4) 3-1, Sept 2.

The Cardinals left the Skidmore Classic 1-2. It lost to the Alfred University Saxons (3-4) 0-3, Sept. 8. Then, Plattsburgh beat the Morrisville Mustangs (3-6) 3-0 and lost to the Skidmore Thoroughbreds (4-4) 2-3, Sept. 9.

Plattsburgh will next participate in the North Country Classic, where it will play three games over a span of two days. Today, Sept. 15, the Cardinals will take on the Hilbert Hawks (3-4) at 6 p.m., and tomorrow, Sept. 16, it will play the Wells Express (3-5) at noon and the Canton Kangaroos (16) at 4 p.m.

SUNYAC play begins Sept.

29, when the Cardinals visit the Brockport Golden Eagles (2-6).

der each player to play up and continue pushing not only themselves but each other.”

The newcomers aren’t taking a backseat either. Mitchell is undefeated in singles play to start the season taking matches 6-0, 6-0; 6-2, 6-3; and 6-2, 6-0. Carey has shown strong wins too, at 2-2, taking matches 6-1, 6-1 and 6-2, 6-0.

Mitchell and Carey make up one of the three doubles teams the Cardinals have rolled out this season, with a 1-3 record.

The other two duos consist of Hurwitz and Jackie Svantner and Nicole and Samantha Svantner. The upperclassmen doubles have been impressive in games so far, notching 3-1 records each.

The team is 13-8 in singles overall. Nicole Svantner has a 3-1 individual record and earned SUNYAC Singles Athlete of the Week, Sept. 5. Carey and Samantha Svantner trail just behind at 2-2 each. “[Depth] really helps us secure those lower singles spots, like the four, five and six, because those are the ones, if you don’t have a deeper roster, you can start to lose those ones,” Hurwitz said.

“You really want to get those ones when you can.”

To make the playoffs this year, and meet their expectations, the Cardinals need to perform in conference play and better last season’s 3-4 SUNYAC record. The team

currently stands at 3-1, losing its only conference game to the Oneonta Red Dragons (3-2, SUNYAC 2-1).

Oneonta is a formidable opponent, finishing second in the conference last season, with just one SUNYAC loss.

The Cardinals’ lone winning match was Mitchell’s single win over Illana Ger. Plattsburgh continues conference play today, Sept. 15, when it visits the Cortland Red Dragons (2-1, SUNYAC 2-0), a playoff team last season, and the Oswego Lakers (2-2, SUNYAC 2-1) tomorrow, Sept. 16.

For games to circle on the calendar, the Cardinals will host the Farmingdale Rams Sept. 23 for Senior Day, and play the SUNYAC champion New Paltz Hawks (SUNYAC 1-0) at home Sept. 30. Plattsburgh will travel to Binghamton Oct. 5, where it will take on the Brockport Golden Eagles (1-3, SUNYAC 0-2) Oct. 5, the SUNYAC runner-up Geneseo Knights (2-1) Oct. 6 and the Fredonia Blue Devils (SUNYAC 0-2) Oct. 7.

“If you could mic us up and hear us during practice, especially the returners, all of us are just going, ‘This season’s different,’” Hurwitz said. “‘We’re going to the final four.’”

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

3-0 TEN - First-year Jacklin Mitchell remains unbeaten in singles.

8/17 VB - Almost half of the women's volleyball are first-year Cardinals.

3 MSOC - First-year forward Xavier Kamba leads the team in assists.

16:35.1 XC - First-year Graham Richard finished in fourth place in the men's 5k.

5 WSOC - Three new staff members join coaches Frary and Spear.

Liya Girma, a first-year outside hitter from Sachse, Texas, has been a bright spot for the Cardinals so far. She currently leads the team in kills, with 57.

Email REBEKAH RILEY

Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

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AST 4

DIG 24

PTS 30

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Women's soccer honored Girls in Sports against RPI, Sept. 9. Multiple local youth teams were in attendance for a tightly contested 2-2 tie.

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SPORTS

Sports Editor Collin Bolebruch

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

WOMEN'S RUGBY VS. HAMILTON Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 at Sibley Field

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Natasha Scheffer steps into the try zone with the support of Peppy Efstathiou.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Captain Lauren Gonyo wrestles the ball out of a scrum as it starts to rain.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Captain Lauren Gonyo is joined by Pres. Evie Hatch en route to the try zone.

WSOC Continued from page 9

New to the staff are two full-time assistant coaches: Sarah Erno, ‘19 Potsdam alumna, and Anna McDuffie, who played for the team

last season. First-year Ellie Graney will serve as team manager and Geoff Spear will return to his role as goalkeeping coach.

This team has plenty of depth at multiple positions. The youthful energy mixed with its veteran leadership and experience will contribute to its success.

“My expectations for this season are to come into every game with

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Captain Emery McQuade attempts to scramble past Hamilton defenders. high intensity and to give it my all out on the field,” Brown wrote in a text.

It’s clear that the team is making sure that they are focused, even more than last season and expect to compete this season.

The SUNYAC is a tough, unforgiving conference. The Cardinals start conference play Sept. 20, when it faces the Potsdam Bears (2-2-0) in Potsdam. Plattsburgh plays last

season’s No. 1 SUNYAC team in the Cortland Red Dragons (3-1-1) in Cortland Oct. 11 and the defending conference champion Geneseo Knights (3-1-0) in Geneseo Oct. 21.

Email MIKAI BRUCE cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

CARDINAL CLIPS

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Sports Editor

SUNYAC

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) underwent major changes over the summer, reshaping Plattsburgh Cardinals conference play going forward.

The Northeast Women's Hockey League (NEWHL) will transition to the SUNYAC, marking the end of the shortlived conference. SUNYAC women’s hockey will include all the old members of the NEWHL: the Oswego Lakers, Buffalo State Bengals, Morrisville Mustangs, Potsdam Bears, Cortland Red Dragons and Canton Kangaroos. SUNYAC men’s hockey will also admit the Canton Kangaroos this season.

Founded in 2017, the NEWHL was created to counteract the dissolution of the Eastern College Athletic Conference West. The Plattsburgh Cardinals won every NEWHL Championship game, losing just one regular season game during its existence.

The SUNYAC will lose two significant members after the 2023-24 academic year, as both the Brockport Golden Eagles and Geneseo Knights have announced their departure from the conference. The schools are set to join the Empire 8 in every sport aside from ice hockey, which will become members of the United Collegiate Hockey Conference.

Both programs cited student-athlete travel and geographic differences for their decisions. The Eagles and Knights were illustrious in the SUNYAC, winning 265 team championships between them.

DEPARTMENT

Brian Savard and Caleb Phillips both received promotions Sept. 8.

Savard served as head of the Athletics Communications Office for eight years, officially holding the titles of assistant director of athletics for communications and director of athletic communications. He now holds the title of assistant director of athletics, dealing directly with business operations, marketing and sponsorship. Savard will still oversee the communications office.

Phillips has been with the department since March 2022 in the role of athletic communications assistant. He will now be the office’s director of athletic communications, continuing to build the Cardinal Athletics brand.

MEMORIAL HALL

The Plattsburgh State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation has announced that the final renovations of Memorial Hall will be completed and opened to the public during the 2023-24 academic year.

Renovations began in 2019, and in 2022, a new lobby, Hall of Fame area, recreation gym, downstairs changing area and a strength and conditioning room were completed.

The final renovations, to be revealed, include a new doctor’s office and hydro room, sports medicine suite, group activity room, locker and team rooms, offices for athletics staff and fitness center personnel, climbing wall, equipment for strength and conditioning, 12,000 square-foot fitness center for students and a finished competition gymnasium.

HALL OF FAME

The Plattsburgh State DepartPlattsburgh State Athletics ment of Intercollegiate Athletics saw a shakeup in its communi- and Recreation and the Office of cations office last week when Alumni Relations announced

the 38th class of the Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Fame, July 19. The Class of 2023 includes Teal Gove, Mike Heymann, Kyle Norchi, Don Verkey and Karen (Wiley) Waterbury.

Gove graduated in 2013, after a successful career with the women’s hockey team. During her time with the Cardinals, Gove was named a two-time AHCA First-Team All-America selection and a two-time ECAC West Player of the Year. She received Player of the Year from D3hockey.com and the New York Hockey Journal in 2012-13. In the same year, the Cards took home an ECAC West Championship.

Heymann, an ‘11 alumnus of the cross country and track and field teams, received numerous national honors during his career. He was named an All-American three times in cross country. As a track athlete, Heymann was a twotime indoor All-American and a two-time outdoor All-American. The SUNYAC awarded him with an appearance on the AllDecade team for both sports.

Norchi finished his men’s lacrosse career in 2012 as the alltime leader in goals with 198 and points with 282. He was named to the All-SUNYAC team all four years of his career, including a first-team appearance. In 2011, Norchi earned a USILA All-American honor.

Verkey is the oldest member of the class, completing his men’s basketball tenure in 1973. During his time at Plattsburgh, Verkey earned two AllSUNYAC honors, including a first-team selection in 1973. In the same year, the Cardinals appeared in the NAIA Tournament. Verkey was a differencemaker on the defensive end, holding the all-time steals record at 296, the single-season record at 183 and the singlegame record at 15.

Waterbury helmed Plattsburgh’s women’s soccer pro-

gram for 23 years. With a 278151-32 all-time record, it is the second-most wins in SUNYAC history. Waterbury led Plattsburgh to a NYSWCAA Championship in 1996 and SUNYAC and ECAC Championships in 1998.

Under Waterbury, the Cardinals reached the NCAA Tournament three times. Waterbury earned All-SUNYAC honors as a player in 1986. She also served as cohead coach of the tennis team for two seasons and completed a stint as director of recreation and club sports.

The ceremony will take place Oct. 13 at the newly-renovated Memorial Hall gymnasium. A cocktail reception will start at 5:30 p.m. in the hall’s lobby until the event commences at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $30 with a reduced rate of $15 for children 12 and younger. Registration ends Oct. 10 at http://alumni. plattsburgh.edu/HallofFame.

SAAC

The Plattsburgh State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, advised by Head Women’s Tennis Coach Kelci Henn and Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Kelsea Healis, has named its board members for the 2023-24 academic year.

Amanda Cohen of women’s soccer will serve as the SUNYAC AAC Representative and NCAA Division III National SAAC Representative. Lily White of volleyball and Michaela Schaffer of track and field will share the role of president. Rounding out the board is tennis’ Sarah Benowitz as secretary and volleyball’s Emma Rivers and tennis’ Nicole Svantner as social media representatives.

MBB

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation announced it has hired Travis Rice as assistant men’s basketball coach Sept. 14. Rice played Division III basketball at Massa-

chusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Since graduating in 2017, he has spent time coaching AAU and high school basketball. This is his first experience coaching at the collegiate level.

Last season's assistant, Nick Arnold, will not return. Travis Gorham and Anthony Skiffington are both slated to continue volunteer coaching.

WLAX

Josh Walker has been hired as assistant women’s lacrosse coach, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation announced Sept. 13.

The position remained vacant last season. Walker coached the University of Vermont’s women’s club team to an undefeated season and national championship in 2017. Walker’s last gig was head coach of Mount Mansfield Union High School’s junior varsity team.

Head Coach Kelly Wall will be inducted into the Brockport Athletics Hall of Fame, where she graduated in 2017. Wall is the team’s all-time leader in goals with 184, earned 2017 SUNYAC Offensive Player of the Year and led the Golden Eagles to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA NCAA Tournament in the same year.

FISHING

The Plattsburgh State club fishing team won the New York - The Bass Federation’s Collegiate Qualifier #1 tournament at Lake George Sept. 9.

The tournament served as the qualifier for the state championship at Lake Champlain Oct. 7. Men’s hockey’s Bennett Stockdale caught the largest fish of the tournament at just over five pounds.

Email COLLIN BOLEBRUCH cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15 , 2023

DANIELA RAYMOND/Cardinal Points

Students weigh in on Brightspace

BY JEREMY BINNING Staff Writer

Brightspace is the new school website for SUNY Plattsburgh students. Replacing Moodle, Brightspace launched this past summer and the beginning of its era has gotten off to a rocky start.

Many students have complained of the difficulties of using the website in comparison to Moodle. Professors also expressed their own problems with the site.

Brightspace is a Canadianbased software company un-

der the brand Desire2Learn or D2L. The software is used in more than 1,000 different programs and schools across the United States, as well as in Australia, Brazil, Europe and Singapore.

The functions and layout of Brightspace aren’t very different from Moodle. The homepage displays a layout of your classes and upcoming work that’s due. It also offers a similar navigation menu that links to different resources that the school offers. The mixed reactions have been almost equal in terms of

student’s opinions. Joshua Carter, a junior, described the change as a “fresh start.”

After using Moodle for two years, Carter said there isn’t much of a difference in the new website.

“I think students are exaggerating that the site is bad… they were so used to Moodle and didn’t want to take time to learn the new program but I find it just the same but with a different design,” Carter explained.

Like Carter, some would agree that Moodle and Brightspace are essentially the

same. However, others would argue that the new website is stunting their abilities to get the best of their education.

Jaclyn Samuelson is a senior in her last semester and has been used to Moodle for about four years.

“The switch is the dumbest thing the school could have done,” Samuelson said.

Elaborating on her statement, Samuelson said she thought the switch was unnecessary but understands that the school did what they thought was best.

“There must be a valid rea-

son for going to Brightspace from Moodle but it just made getting on top of my schoolwork harder because most of my professors don’t even use the website because they don’t know how to navigate through it,” Samuelson said.

There have been mixed reviews of Brightspace, but overall the change may be in the best interest of both students and the school.

Email JEREMY BINNING cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Kiosks: saved time or wasted time?

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Ebtisam Mohammed places an order on the kiosk in Einstein Bros. Bagels.

BY KIYANNA NOEL Managing/Arts & Culture Editor

This semester at SUNY Plattsburgh has been filled with change. From a new online platform for homework submissions to who (or what) takes your order. The kiosks, or self-service machines, have been brought to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. Located at Tim Hortons, Kent Cafe, Einstein Bros.

Bagels and the new and improved Campus market, the kiosks have become a thing of the future.

In each location there are two kiosks, that accepts meal swipes and the other for people to use their dining dollars, or credit/debit cards. Both kiosks also come with scanners for students to use when making specific purchases. However, students are divided as to how they truly feel about this change.

The kiosks have made it easier for students to order food and eliminate the pressures and anxieties of going up to a staff member and placing their orders. Senior Angelina Briggs acknowledges that although this is a new system, it has its perks.

“The kiosks are convenient,” Briggs said. “They make it easy for

someone like me who isn’t always up for conversation.”

Student Kathryn Guyer, a junior, explained how the kiosks can make it easier for employees to read and complete orders as it eliminates having students at the register.

“I think that the kiosks can certainly benefit the workers. With the kiosks, the employees don’t have to have someone constantly on the register and then they can have more people making the food. The kiosks can also make food orders clearer on what the customer wants, it’s all the same, easier for the employees to make the food,” Guyer said.

Sophomore, Mrudangi Trivedi works at the Sundowner. While the Sundowner does not have kiosks, Trivedi admits that the kiosks are a great addition to our campus.

“My thoughts on the kiosk is that the machine is truly impressive in the ways of marketing and automated functionality,” Trivedi said.

The kiosks have their benefits, from minimizing communication to the marketing being done behind the scenes. While there are a number of pros to the kiosks, there are cons that cannot be overlooked.

Guyer explains how the two-kiosk

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Students form a line that extends beyond the dining venue’s capacity. idea is good in theory, but it seems to make one line longer than the other.

Which can cause wait times to increase.

“The ones I’ve seen, there are two kiosks where only one can be used with a meal swipe, which is what a lot of people get, at least I’ve seen. So that makes one line super long at the meal swipe kiosk, and the other one, used with credit or dining, doesn’t get used much,” Guyer said.

In addition to the long lines to place your order, it also seems to take an increasingly longer wait time to receive your meal and ensure that it is made to your specific needs.

“Whether that’s an issue caused by the kiosk or not, I’m not sure,” Guyer said. “When I’ve ordered on the kiosk, it limits me from being more specific about my meal, since I’m not actually talking to a person who would be more able to specify my meal. The kiosk doesn’t allow that.”

The kiosks do not ensure that gloves are being changed for students who are vegans, allergic or have specific preference. That is the cost of eliminating the contact between the employee and the buyer.

However, there is an issue that hasn’t yet been addressed for the selfservice counter at the Campus Mar-

ket, which was formerly known as the Campus Express store. Stealing on campus is an ongoing problem.

Whether it is stealing from the Sundowner or from the Campus Market, can the kiosks truly eliminate this issue or enhance it?

Trivedi has doubts as to what contributes to the stealing on campus, “On the other hand, I do feel that there’s a possibility of people trying to steal stuff by finding hacks,” Trivedi said.

The kiosks are an addition to our campus life for different reasons, but it is a way for students and staff to keep track of spending and use resources to enhance our sense of technology. While the machines have their various pros and cons, it’s safe to say the kiosks are a change that we all can be accustomed to for the future.

If you are having trouble at the kiosks, ask any worker or on-site supervisor to assist with your purchases.

For more information visit https:// www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/ food-dining/index.html.

Email KIYANNA NOEL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

13 ▪ Opinion Editor Daniela Raymond

▪

OPINION

Editorial

‘The Gray Room’: Eliminating the wealth gap

Friday, Sept 15, 2023

Editorial Board Editor in Chief Aleksandra Sidorova

Managing Editor Kiyanna Noel

News Editor Hayden Sadler

Arts & Culture Editor

Sports Editor Collin Bolebruch

Assoc. Sports Editor Mikai Bruce

Graphics Editor Cameron Greaves

Opinion Editor Daniela Raymond

Multimedia Editor Jacob Crawford

Photography Editor Jayne Smith

Kiyanna Noel

Public Relations Chair

Web Editor

Kennedy Tavares

Yuki Ouchi

Faculty Adviser Shawn Murphy

Contact CP cp@cardinalpointsonline.com CAMERON GREAVES/Cardinal Points

BY DANIELA RAYMOND Opinion Editor

Growing up we have always been submerged in the idea of the “American Dream,” the foundation that the United States of America has been built on: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For many their thoughts are flooded with the American dream, while others are drowning in the “American reality”.

As Americans, we can all see how challenging it is to move up the income ladder in the United States, and as Black Americans, climbing the totem pole is significantly harder. But why?

According to the RAND Corporation, a research organization, the average Black household in America has about $24,000 in saving investments, home equity and other forms of wealth, and continues to trend downwards.

On the other hand the median white household is estimated to be worth $189,000.

The unequal distribution of wealth within the United States is detrimental to Black families and households, leaving them disadvantaged in any crisis and unable to build generational wealth. Because the average Black household holds only a quarter of the wealth of white households, it leaves them in a distressing financial situation often with few economic opportunities available to them.

Generational wealth provides families with the assets to invest in education, buy a house or property, start a business and participate more actively in the

democratic process. The unresolved Black-white wealth gap is far from coincidence, but a consequence of the centuries of state and federal policies that have worked to systematically oppress Black Americans. Government policy has created and maintained barriers for African Americans who seek to accumulate, preserve and pass on wealth, from the brutal exploitation of Africans during slavery to systemic oppression in the Jim Crow South, to today’s institutionalized racism – apparent in unequal access to and outcomes in education, health care, jobs, housing and criminal justice.

The racial wealth gap would be significantly narrowed if there were no differences in homeownership rates and returns. If public policy successfully eliminated racial disparities in homeownership rates, median Black wealth could grow by more than $30,000, shrinking the gap by 31%, according to the U.S. Senate report in 2021.

A deceivingly beneficial tactic for resolving this gap has always been education.

“No matter what you want to do with your life, I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it,” former president Barack Obama stated in a 2009 address to students.

This idea is regularly coached to Black people: The path out of poverty and into the middle class is to complete your college education.

College degrees do not eliminate income gaps. In fact, college degrees actually make the upwardly mobile Black middle class

more vulnerable. Additionally, the disproportionate debt Black students take on to pay for their education is widening the racial wealth gap because education does not lead to economic parity for Black workers. Today, the average wealth of a white family is nearly 10 times more than that of a Black family, and the average wealth of a white college graduate is almost seven times greater than that of a Black graduate.

Now more than ever there is a vital conversation concerning reparation programs and other approaches that can help close the racial wealth gap. Society needs to be rethinking systems built on expanding this gap. Increased taxes on the wealthiest Americans or tuition-free education strategies, for example, might benefit many Americans, not just Black families. Nevertheless, due to the disproportionate effect that unfair institutions have on Black Americans, there is a chance that racial wealth disparities will be reduced.

Wealth isn’t as simple as money in the bank, it is the key to where economic opportunity lies. It’s insurance through difficult times, capital to build a small business, tuition for higher education, savings to retire, a trampoline into the middle class, and for many, a catapult into their “American Dream.”

118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY

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Awards Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP): ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010

Email DANIELA RAYMOND cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

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