Issue 4 - Fall 2023

Forbes recognizes Platts online programs

BY ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA Editor in Chief

SUNY Plattsburgh appeared on Forbes Advisor’s “Best Online Colleges in New York of 2023” list Sept. 13.

Sophomore Reilly Costello has experienced both online and in-person learning at SUNY Plattsburgh and said Forbes’ recognition of the college’s online learning is “very well deserved.”

“Both in-person and online, my experiences at SUNY Plattsburgh have been nothing but great,” Costello said.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s online programs are primarily aimed at nontraditional students with some college experience, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs JoAnn Gleeson-Kreig said. While the programs cannot give an online student the start for their degree, they certainly can help them finish it.

According to SUNY Online’s database, SUNY Plattsburgh currently offers four advanced certificate programs, four bachelor’s degree completion programs for transfer students and three master’s degrees in areas of accounting, business administration, education, fitness and wellness leadership, nursing and social work. SUNY Plattsburgh’s website lists eight more: a combined bachelor’s and master’s program in accounting and data analytics; minors in accounting, forensic accounting and finance; a certificate in global social action; and a degree in global supply chain management. All are conducted completely online, with no in-person requirements, which is a criterion Forbes considered in its rankings.

Three of the programs are featured as SUNY Online Signature Programs — markers that signify the programs “exemplify the best of what SUNY has to offer in online-enabled education.” Programs also receive appropriate accreditation in their respective fields.

Kwangseek Choe, coordinator for SUNY Platts-

burgh’s online programs in business administration, noted that Forbes’ description highlights the online program in global supply chain management. He said it has been approved by New York state, but has not yet officially launched. Plattsburgh’s online programs don’t follow “just one formula,” Gleeson-Kreig said. Courses are usually targeted at specific kinds of students. A class that is asynchronous, meaning with no set meeting times, is usually the move for students who have a job to work and families to support.

Chair of Accounting Jason Lee said some students in online programs are attending college at the same time as their adult children.

“Our students are such unique individuals and what they sacrifice to be able to get this degree is amazing, and I feel like I’m a part of that journey,” Amelia Lushia, academic coordinator for the online accounting programs, said.

Kiosks shift campus dining landscape

BY HAYDEN SADLER

Dining spots across campus have adopted order kiosks as a replacement to traditional, in-person ordering methods. In past semesters, students would stand in line and speak to workers at locations such as Tim Hortons, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Kent Cafe, in order to place an order. Now, these levels of interaction between customers and workers are gone.

The campus dining scene has seen a great number of changes in the past year. Last fall, Cardinal Points reported on Chartwells’ adoption of Boost Mobile as a new method to order food across campus, allowing students to order

food while away from dining locations. While Boost offered convenience for students, it also worried students that workers couldn’t fulfill orders as promptly as they had done before the adoption of the app.

One year later, Boost has become less noticeable in the wake of campus’ introduction of kiosks. Kiosks allow students the convenience of browsing the entire menu when placing an order, and they allow more workers to approach incoming orders. However, they also present an opportunity for technical errors as well as other problems which could slow down the queue. In some locations, students report on lengthy wait times for food orders.

Jonathan Sheedy is a fifth-year student finish-

ing his education program. Like many students, he often chooses to get food on campus as opposed to eating in. At Kent Cafe, Sheedy has noticed longer wait times compared to the past.

“I wasted a meal swipe,” Sheedy said.

He had waited nearly an hour for a sandwich at the Kent Cafe. Before long, he found the time he had spent waiting had also brought him to the time of his work shift, for which he had to leave without his sandwich. Quang Nguyen is friends with Sheedy, and is a senior studying computer science.

News Editor

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Students queue up at Kent Cafe waiting to place their orders on the kiosks. KIOSKS >

Provided by Amelia Lushia

Online accounting program graduates and their families pose in front of the Field House this May.

Sept. 27

University Police filed a report of coercion in the third degree, which is defined as compelling a person to participate in an action they have a legal right to decline, or preventing them from acting in a way they have the right to. No details are available as investigation is still ongoing.

Sept. 29

UP received a report of public urination in front of Mason Hall.

Big week for parties

UP filed two reports of weed possession, in Macomb Hall and Mason Hall, Sept. 28 and Oct. 2 respectively.

UP also filed two open container reports, both in Parking Lot 16, across from the Angell College Center, Sept. 29 and Oct. 1.

An underage student was caught in possession of alcohol in Wilson Hall Sept. 30.

Weekly Memes

Student Association

SA Senate swears in clubs and orgs coordinator

BY HAYDEN SADLER News Editor

The Student Association Senate approved and swore in a new coordinator of clubs and organizations Oct. 4.

The Senate assembled in the Angell College Center Cardinal Lounge at 9:30 p.m. for the second week in a row. Previously, meetings had been held at 9 p.m, however, following mentions of poor pre-chamber attendance of senators, the meetings were pushed to a later time. Still, meetings are held earlier than the 10 p.m.

KIOSKS

Continued from page 1

“I also had to waste one [a meal swipe],” Nguyen added. He said that even compared to last semester, the wait for food has been longer following the addition of kiosks. An important question last fall was whether staff could reasonably function more efficiently while simultaneously adopting new technologies and order-taking methods.

At locations across campus, the kiosks have stirred controversy following their addition.

Cardinal Points reached out to Chartwells three times regarding the introduction of new order-taking technology

time slot of the spring semester. Compared to last week, more Senators were present than at the prior meeting.

Sarah Feingold was appointed for the position of Coordinator for Clubs and Organizations. Standing in front of the Senate, Feingold was sworn

into the position. Feingold also works with admissions on campus, and mentioned how she wants to help clubs and organizations build membership around campus.

Announcements from the senators included updates on their attendance of various club meetings and events. Senator Naomi Adebayo mentioned that SA President Carter Mosher would like to see more senate involvement outside of the weekly meetings.

CP Corrections

NEWS: 1) In the previous issue's article "Cardinal cupboard evolves," Catherine Henry's name was spelled incorrectly.

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

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Contact the news editor at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com.

and the kiosks, however no answers or interviews have been provided from the company as of publication. As with Boost last fall, it seems the true extent of how these kiosks have affected Chart-

wells and students alike will remain uncertain.

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Einstein Bros. also adopted kiosk-based ordering methods.

ALEKSANDRA SIDOROVA/Cardinal Points

CINARA MARQUIS/Cardinal Points

Kent Cafe is one of several dining locations on campus that switched to kiosk orders.

ONLINE

Continued from page 1

Choe said he wants to get more feedback and improve the business administration program, but as chair of the supply chain management and international business departments, there is only so much he can do for a program that extends beyond his disciplines.

Another area of concern for online programs is students’ interactions with their instructors and peers, and their connection with the campus. To facilitate this, coordinators are working to connect students with the help of the clubs and organizations on campus. Lushia said she made videos touring the campus, which were wellreceived, and some students even visit the campus in-person for graduation. Richards said this is working out well for students in the online social work program: Faculty offer optional class sessions on Zoom and “pop-up coffee hours.” Sometimes, social work students get assigned collaborative projects, in which they need to connect with each other and record a video together.

“We’ve intentionally tried to design that so that they feel that they have a cohort that they can turn to lifelong,” Richards said. “They become your lifelong friends, and so we really didn’t want that to be lost for online students not connecting with each other, and finding support and kindred spirits.”

Ava Rosenbaum, a senior doublemajoring in social work and gender and women’s studies with a psychology minor, started her online learning journey during the pandemic. She spent her first year fully online while on campus, made the choice to take online gen ed courses in her second year, and went into the online so-

cial work program in her junior year. Now, in her senior year, Rosenbaum is back in-person.

In many ways, Rosenbaum’s interactions with her cohort in-person and online mirror each other: She still talks with her peers after class to debrief, except now “there’s a 20-year-old in front of me.”

Rosenbaum worked 40 hours a week while taking 18 credits last semester. The coursework being online made it easy, she said.

Having nontraditional students in the class also encourages more learning, Rosenbaum found. Adult learners are able to bring a breadth of perspectives and experiences to the class discussion.

“I love in-person too — I really do — but online, the experience was so rich compared to what I’ve experienced in other, throwaway online classes,” Rosenbaum said. “Having an adult learner in class makes the class better. I think it just does. I think that learning with people who are older challenges you to think more about your own position more.”

Besides asynchronous and hybrid courses, the university is getting closer to offering courses in a hyflex modality, which allows students attending the class online to hear and see the same things that the students attending the class physically can, including any questions and comments from the in-person students, Gleeson-Kreig said. This is “hard on faculty” and requires specialized classrooms equipped with the necessary equipment, such as a ceiling microphone, as well as expensive servers to store the recordings on, Gleeson-Kreig said.

Choe’s teaching materials include lecture notes and recordings of lectures, as well as discussion forums and weekly assignments. Next semester, Choe will teach a hyflex class: He will teach a class of in-person students and upload the recording for

online students.

While there are no components requiring students to physically appear on campus, some programs require internship or fieldwork experience. Students either seek out placement themselves, or utilize a connection within the department.

Another way SUNY Plattsburgh recognizes the difference between online and traditional student needs is support. Advising falls on program chairs, like Choe, Lee and Richards. Besides coordinating the online accounting programs, Lushia is a coach for student success, advising 75 to 120 students.

Student support is also a pillar of Adviser and Success Coach Emily Kuhne and Academic Coordinator Christopher Ryan’s jobs. Kuhne graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2017. After supporting online learners at SUNY Central since 2019, she found herself back at her alma mater in March. She is based in the Queensbury branch of SUNY Plattsburgh and sometimes meets with students who live in the area.

Ryan, in his mid-30s, works fulltime while enrolled in Stony Brook University’s online graduate program in higher education administration. This experience helps him relate to the approximately 300 students enrolled in the School of Education, Health and Human Services’ online programs, whom he provides with self-help tools, strategic interventions, advocacy and connections to relevant campus resources.

“I know what it means to be busy. While I don’t have kids and dependents, I’m filling my time with other things, where you feel that kind of competition for your resources, where your time is finite. Hopefully, I’m just providing things that the students want,” Ryan said. “Students come to us with their dreams and goals and visions, and it’s up to us to provide the scaffolding for these

things, and hopefully, we’re doing a good job.”

Costello’s experience shows online learning executed well can help traditional students, too. Costello’s childhood education major is a program that requires in-person instruction. Yet, the college’s capacity for online learning allows her to keep working toward her degree while she is in Florida participating in the Disney College Program.

Costello is taking only gen ed courses conducted asynchronously. Costello said she enjoys completing work at a time that works for her as she works five days a week.

“I can make my own schedule. I don’t have to be at class at a certain time,” Costello said. “I can do the work at a time that works for me, if that’s 2 a.m., 2 p.m., in EPCOT, in Starbucks — I can do it whenever and wherever works for me, and I honestly love the flexibility.”

Costello said her instructors have been understanding of her learning disabilities — she has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum. What doesn’t work, Costello said, is that online learning has less structure than a formal, classroom setting.

“Sometimes I need the structure, so it’s been difficult learning how to, well, learn without the structure of a classroom setting,” Costello said.

While on campus, Costello’s support system consisted of professors, the Learning Center and her friends. In Florida, Costello has had to make adjustments. For example, Costello’s roommate from France helps her with her French class.

Rosenbaum said SUNY Plattsburgh’s social work program is “healing.” As a sexual assault survivor, Rosenbaum said she felt she had to hide a part of herself in college, but SUNY Plattsburgh proved her otherwise.

“Social work, as a program, has been so healing for me, whether it be online or in-person. I’ve just never felt so emotionally supported by a program, and I’ve only been in person for, like, a month, so these are feelings that were fostered online,” Rosenbaum said. “Coming from a place that was not supportive of me into a college that very much is and a program that I feel really takes care of its students, I’ve never felt so valued as a person or an intellectual, actually.”

Gleeson-Kreig said successful online programs are aimed at the “right kind of learner,” and the “right kind of faculty” can make learning engaging. Having the appropriate technology, from learning management systems to servers, also improves students’ experience.

“I’m proud of the idea of making a difference in people’s lives,” Lee said.

Provided by Amelia Lushia

Amelia Lushia, wearing a red top, poses with online accounting program graduates and faculty outside of the Field House this May. College President Alexander Enyedi stands behind them, smiling.

Provided by Amelia Lushia

Jason Lee (center) holds a sign to represent the online accounting degree completion program. He is joined by (left to right) accounting faculty Chunnan Zhang, Rebecca Fox, Mohamed Gaber and Karen Naaman.

Desi Club breaks down ‘Desi Edu-Gay-Tion’

BY KIYANNA NOEL Arts & Culture/Managing Editor

Globally, members of the LGBTQIA+ community have been outcast and criminalized for centuries. From being forbidden to wear certain clothing or falling in love with a non-traditional partner, many people have faced different levels of trauma and ostracism.

The Desi Club at SUNY Plattsburgh hosted “Desi Edu-Gay-Tion” as a way to inform students and faculty of how members of the LGBTQIA+ community are treated and the strides they are making to change life’s unfair circumstances.

Desi Club President Saanvi Moryani began the presentation by thanking the few people who showed up and stayed despite being unable to access the projec-

tor in two rooms in the Angell College Center.

Moryani then stressed the importance of representation and open expression in films, whether it be in South Asia or other regions.

“Recognizing this diversity is crucial because it acknowledges that South Asia, like any other part of the world, encompasses a wide spectrum of identities beyond the commonly known ones,” Moryani said. “This recognition promotes inclusivity, fights stereotypes and fosters empathy, contributing to a more accepting and equal society in South Asia. Embracing this diversity is fundamental to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and wellbeing in the region.”

After Moryani’s introduction on the different aspects of each part of the slideshow and acknowledging the gravity of inclusion, Shahad

Monir, one of the two event coordinators for Desi Club, spoke about the different kinds of gender.

Monir defined cisgender as a person whose identity is the same as the gender they were assigned at birth, gender neutral as someone who doesn’t stick to one particular gender, gender expression as expressing one’s gender with specific clothing or mannerisms and gender dysphoria is a feeling of distress when one’s gender at birth does not align with their gender identity.

Arshita Pandey, vice president of Desi Club, then highlighted the diverse LGBTQIA+ community located in South Asia.

“In South Asia, the LGBTQIA+ community is a significant and diverse part of the population. While specific statistics can vary, studies and surveys consistently

indicate a substantial presence of LGBTQIA+ individuals across the region. These statistics underscore the importance of recognizing the rich tapestry of identities and experiences within South Asia,” Pandey said. “The LGBTQIA+ community in this region includes not only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals but also individuals who identify as queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and many more. Each of these identities contributes to the vibrant mosaic of South Asian LGBTQIA+ experiences, making it crucial to understand and embrace the full spectrum of human diversity in this context.”

Jennifer Patron-burgos, secretary for Desi Club, then led a discussion on the history of LGBTQIA+ in South Asian countries.

“South Asian cultures have a rich history of acknowledg-

ing non-binary genders and same-sex relationships. Many ancient texts and traditions in the region have recognized the existence of Hijras in India, Aravanis in South India and other gender-diverse identities. These cultures often assigned spiritual or societal roles to individuals who did not conform to binary gender norms. These roles could include blessings at births and weddings or singing and dancing at important life events,” Patron-burgos said. “Similarly, same-sex relationships, while not always explicitly mentioned, have been a part of South Asian literature, art and folklore for centuries, with examples found in texts like the Kama Sutra and stories of same-sex love in classical poetry.”

Makeup enters the world of fashion

BY KIYANNA NOEL Arts & Culture/Managing Editor

Kiyanna’s Kulture is a biweekly column that highlights different kinds of fashion.

Fashion has taken its form in many different aspects of life. It can be used to describe or identify a time period or even showcase where someone got their inspiration. Senior at SUNY Plattsburgh Sydney Dennerlein got her inspiration early in life from alternative icons like singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne and Draculaura from the TV show “Monster High.”

“We grew up in the 2000s inspired fashion and I was very much into the goth alternative punk. I loved Avril Lavigne. I worshiped Avril Lavigne. Avril Lavigne throwing a random tire around her neck saved lives. I love that unpolished kind of messiness to the 2000s. We grew up with all these cartoons like Raven from ‘Teen Titans’ and Gwen from ‘Total Drama Island’, Sam from ‘Danny Phantom.’ All these goth girl characters, I adored them. I wanted to be them.”

But growing up in a suburban area in Long Island didn’t make it easy to express this side of herself.

The lack of freedom to express herself truly affected how Dennerlein was seen and how this style didn’t represent her.

“When you’re seven years old and your mom’s like, ‘No. What are you doing? You can’t look like that,’ it internalizes with you and that stuck with me... All throughout my high school life ,I was just this pretty much plain. The most exciting thing I would wear is a flannel or a really long cardigan,” Dennerlein said.

The digital media and TV production major and marketing minor student soon developed her own sense of makeup as alternative. By experimenting with her makeup, Dennerlein soon discovered the art of drag.

“During the pandemic, I started watching ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and that’s kind of where my makeup influence came from. My makeup is kind of like the star of the look.”

While Dennerlein’s makeup is now a bold statement, it wasn’t always this way. With her previous looks being simple black eyeliner and nude colors, Dennerlein’s makeup has gone in a new direction.

KIYANNA NOEL/Cardinal Points

From left to right: Heather Lang, Shahad Monir, Saanvi Moryani, Arshita Pandey, Prasamsha Singh Thakuri and Ankita Mane pose for pictures after first event of the semester.

Photo provided by Sydney Dennerlein

Sydner Dennerlein poses in photoshoot for photographer Melissa Forte.

Plattsburgh’s perfect Pride Parade

BY JAYNE SMITH Photography Editor

Participants cheered, waving rainbow flags and banners, wishing onlookers a happy Pride as Plattsburgh’s annual LGBTQ+ Pride Parade came around once again, Saturday, Sept. 30.

The event, which has taken place in Plattsburgh for the last eight years, was hosted by the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance. Students, SUNY Plattsburgh staff and community members came out to show their pride and allyship.

The parade set off from the parking lot by Redcay Hall, marching down Brinkerhoff, Oak and Cornelia streets until the procession reached City Hall. Upon completing the route, the crowd stood on the steps of City Hall, where they posed for a group photo.

Student Randy Hamlett showed up to watch the parade and attend the festivities afterward.

“It’s nice to have community. Everyone in the parade was so welcoming. When I was walking alongside with a photographer, they kept inviting us to join in,” Hamlett said.

Immediately following the parade, the festivities in Trinity Park began. Local organizations hosted tables around the park — some gave out free pride flags, some offered health information, others taught attendees how to register to vote. SUNY Platts-

DESI CLUB

Continued from page 4

Heather Yang, one of the two interns of Desi Club, then discussed the effects of colonialism and the criminalization of people in the LGBTQIA+ community throughout different time periods.

“Colonialism significantly impacted LGBTQIA+ issues in South Asia. European colonial powers, including the British Empire, introduced conservative Victorian-era laws and norms that criminalized homosexuality and imposed Western gender binary concepts on indigenous cultures. British-era legislation such as Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalized same-sex relationships and had far-reaching consequences throughout the region. These colonial laws and attitudes led to the stigmatization and marginalization of LGBTQIA+ individuals and practices, erasing the historical acceptance of gender diversity and

MAKEUP

Continued from page 4

burgh’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion had its own table, providing information regarding some of the campus’ LGBTQ+ resources.

Among those representing the DEI office was visiting scholar in the sociology department, Lee Thorpe.

“Personally, being able to attend Pride is another day of being alive and sharing experiences with other community members who are able to be out. Not everyone has that luxury. I decided to attend this Pride event because it’s a great way to build com-

same-sex love. The legacy of colonialism continues to affect LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance in South Asia today, as post-independence governments and societies grapple with decriminalization and efforts to reclaim their inclusive heritage.”

Moryani then described the adversities South Asians feel when it comes to coming out or experiencing any kind of emotional feeling outside of traditional norms.

“LGBTQ+ individuals already struggle with numerous challenges due to their identity. Being South Asian and queer can present other unique challenges as well. Lack of family support is the biggest issue South Asians face is a lack of recognition and consequently, support from family. Many Desi families, including immigrants, prefer to conform to traditional ideas of gender and sexuality. Societal rejection is what encourages familial disappointment. South Asian families find themselves rigidly tied to the expectations and norms of

“A lot of people are like, ‘Are you inspired by anime? Are you inspired by drag queens when you do it[makeup]?’ But, it’s like I used to draw like hand-draw, and this is how I would draw my eyes. I would give all my characters these winged eyes and long eyelashes on the bottom, which I always got criticized for because I would do it on men too, because God forbid men have eyelashes.”

Dennerlein’s makeup goes handin-hand with her clothes. Dennerlein overall believes her style is more alternative, but it is “more universal” than people seem.

“It’s like a charcuterie platter of all things alternative,” Dennerlein said. “You got your goth pastrami, you got your preppy salami and I like charcuterie boards.”

Looking back on the times where Dennerlein wasn’t able to fully show who she was through her style, she is now more confident in her makeup and clothes than ever before. Even noticing that she has become the reflection of the people she aspired to be like in a new era.

“I’m kind of taken back to my roots of this little girl who looked up to all these cartoon characters, Avril Lavigne, you know any, big celebrity who wore just a smidge amount of eyeliner and now it’s kind of full circle,” Dennerlein said. “I feel like I try to take a modern 2020s like-aspect to it, where it is a bit more polished and not as rugged.”

munity and to show other students and community members that they have support from faculty,” Thorpe said. “This was my first Pride in Plattsburgh, but I am definitely looking forward to next year’s event.”

Live music provided by local artists helped bring a spirited energy to the event. Between performers, speakers addressed the crowd, including Kelly Metzgar, director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, as well as Michael Cashman, supervisor for the Town of Plattsburgh. Some

their surrounding society. Denial of basic rights is one of the worst aspects of dealing with a regressive reaction to one’s core identity is the denial of basic rights such as education, health services and opportunities to grow professionally.”

Prasamsha Singh

Thakuri, another intern for Desi Club, added how allies can support family members and friends who are in the LGBTQ+ community.

Some ways Singh Thakuri recommended were to “Use comforting sentences such as, ‘I’m so proud of you’, ‘I’m here for you’ and ‘Thank you for sharing,’ ask them if there is something you can do to help them, make sure to use their right pronouns, create a safe space for them and educate yourself on the LGBTQ+ community.”

Ankita Mane, treasurer for Desi Club, used examples of different famous figures and organizations from South Asia that are in the LGBTQIA+ community or are supporters of this community such as Harish Iyer an LG-

While some students may not be fully aware of the next steps in their careers, Dennerlein has some big yet conflicting hopes for her future, combining her love for both fashion and TV production.

“My ultimate dream job is to be a floor manager for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ I want to be that person that is like, ‘Five minutes ladies,’ I would want to do that forever. But, I don’t know how they would take it if I said, ‘Hm, you could use a bit more highlighter,’ Dennerlein said.

Dennerlein’s fashion icon, drag queen Trixie Mattel is one of the many teachers that shaped her makeup. While Mattel wasn’t someone Dennerlein knew personally, she still inspired Dennerlein to try different methods and create a new form of self-expression.

Self love and appreciation is necessary for all walks of life and Dennerlein explains that it is just as important to love the artist just as much as you love the art.

“I embrace this part of myself physically as well,” Dennerlein said.

For anyone looking to try different styles, or even experiment with different areas, Dennerlein explains the most important part of any look.

“Be in an outfit that makes you happy because otherwise, why wear?” Dennerlein said.

Fashion is not only the clothes you wear or the runway you walk, it’s a way you can express yourself through an artform that showcases who you are and what you represent.

of the last to perform at the celebration were drag queens from around the North Country, who kept the audience engaged even as the event wound down.

The event was attended not just by people local to Plattsburgh, but also by people from all around the North Country region for whom Pride events are important.

Iliya Konaktchiev, a Paul Smith’s College student who attended the event, spoke about the importance of the event to him, as someone who lives further out in the North Country.

“Something unique about rural pride events and especially Plattsburgh is it serves as kind of a beacon for LGBT people because it’s out of the way and also the most populated area around for miles, so I ran into people I knew from other LGBT events and random other places I happened to meet people,” Konaktchiev said, “It’s interesting how gay people are everywhere and you won’t know it without functions like that.”

The event was certainly important for people in and around the Plattsburgh area, and allowed people to build community and show their support to their LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors.

BTQIA+ activist known for advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in India and Queer Hindu Alliance which is an organization provides support and resources for LG-

BTQIA+ Hindus in the South Asian region while educating people on the LGBTQIA+ and Hinduism.

Pandey then spoke on the different resources LGBTQIA+ students have on campus such as LGBTQ+ resource committee, which meets biweekly on Thursdays of every month at 11 a.m. in ACC Meeting Room 3, LGBTQ+ Peer Support which meets every Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. and LGBTQ+ 101 Workshop; Clubs & Organizations can host workshops and trainings.

Patron-burgos concluded the powerpoint by honing in on the development and growth in Desi culture.

“We have explored challenges that LGBTQ individuals face within our community and the broader society. Thankfully for our organizations and community, we have strengthened. It is a good edu-

cation for newer generations to understand that there’s more love than one gender. Let’s move forward in our community by standing for LGBTQIA+ rights.”

After the presentation ended, Moryani opened an additional slide with seven questions to engage the audience in an active conversation on the LGBTQ+ community in South Asia, media, different regions and what institutions can do to improve and create a safe environment for not just members of the LGBTQ+ community, but everyone. For more information on which support to join contact diversity@plattsburgh. edu if interested in Resource Committee or LGBTQ+ 101 Workshop, contact Kristina Moquin at pool6563@plattsburgh.edu if interested in LGBTQ+ Peer Support.

Email KIYANNA NOEL cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

JAYNE SMITH/Cardinal Points

Participants posing for pictures after completing Plattsburgh’s Pride Parade at City Hall.

Email JAYNE SMITH cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

Photo provided by Sydney Dennerlein Sydney Dennerlein photographed at the beach in Barbie-core on her 21st birthday.

CARDINAL CALENDAR: Oct. 8 - 13

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

SUNDAY 10/8

Group Exercise:

- Pilates with Bella

- Traditional Yoga with Saanvi

- Hardbody with Abigail

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. IMLeagues.com/plattsburgh.

MONDAY 10/9

Group Exercise events:

- Spin with Okiah

- Yoga with Connie

- Cross Cycle with Connie

-Hardbody with Grace

- Zumba with Kaylynn

Algonquin Hall

9 a.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.

TUESDAY 10/10

Group Exercise events:

- Spin with Nina

- Yoga with Nicole

- Pilates with Sophia

- Garba Dance with Mrudangi

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.

WEDNESDAY 10/11

Group Exercise events:

- Kickboxing with Connie

- Yoga with Grace, Jema, and Shawna

- Zumba with Kaylynn

-Spin with Dimitra

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.

THURSDAY 10/12

Group Exercise events:

- Spin with Olivia

- Yoga with Sydney

- Cycle and Core with Connie

- Hardbody with Grace

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.

FRIDAY 10/13

Faculty/Staff Pick-up Soccer

Memorial Hall Field

noon to 1 p.m.

This soccer event invites everyone at all skill levels to go outside and play soccer. For more information, email Dr. Glen Morello at gmore004@plattsburgh.edu.

David Levy’s Poetry of the Night Sky

Hudson Hall 106

7 to 8 p.m.

Astronomer and ‘05 alumnus David Levy hosts lecture in Hudson Hall about comets and asteroids. For more information email Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences Genie Babb at gbabb001@ plattsburgh.edu

More information can be found on the SUNY Plattsburgh Calendar of Events. To have an event featured, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 19

The Time-Space card represents selfevaluation and inner growth. Continue to gain a new perspective on who you are and how far you’ve come.

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18

The Magician card represents understanding your goals. Continue to create and manifest your aspirations.

PISCES

February 19 - March 20

The Child of Worlds card represents learning and developing your skills. Continue to recreate the image of yourself by mastering your talent.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

The Ten of Cups card represents passion and energy. Continue fueling the fire inside you.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

The Four of Crystals card represents being logical and realistic. Try to create a balanced structure and prioritize your essentials.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

The Two of Worlds card represents reflecting on plans and feelings. Allow life to take its course and observe the path you are on.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

The Nine of Wands card represents integrity and self-confidence. Try to honor your morals and be comfortable standing up for yourself and your beliefs.

LEO

July 23 - August 22

The Seven of Wands card represents being courageous. Continue to be bold, expressive and intentional with the decisions you make.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22

The Ten of Worlds card represents rewarding yourself. Try to give yourself a break and continue to pursue your dreams.

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22

The Sun card represents being active and influential. Continue to be social and outgoing.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 21

The Tower card represents restructuring your life and making sacrifices. Continue to create the life you imagine for yourself.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21

The Emperor card represents building yourself into a positive being. Don’t use the influence you have on others to be mean.

This Week in Photos: Plattsburgh Pride Parade

Photos by Jayne Smith

Right: Two marchers unfold their rainbow flag which reads “Proud.”

Below: A person in a rainbow wig stands out from the crowd, waving a queer pride flag.

Below: People fill the city’s streets to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.

Below: The crowd stands on the steps of City Hall to conclude the parade.

Cardinals tie Lakers to remain unbeaten

BY MICHAEL PURTELL Staff Writer

The undefeated Plattsburgh State Cardinals (5-0-4, SUNYAC 1-0-3) tied its third SUNYAC game in a row against the Oswego Lakers (2-34, SUNYAC 1-1-1) with a score of 1-1. The match took place at home Saturday, Sept. 30.

The game ended even in goals despite the Cardinals nearly quadrupling the Lakers shot attempts 19-5. John Hayes scored Plattsburgh’s lone goal off of an assist by Connor Howes.

Cardinals record first SUNYAC win over rival

BY JAYSON GASTON Staff Writer

The Plattsburgh Cardinals women’s soccer team was looking to get back on track against conference rivals, the Oswego Lakers. SUNYAC games always have added context, but there was even more motivation for the Cardinals this season, as the Lakers eliminated the Cardinals in the playoffs last year.

The Cardinals defeated the Lakers 1-0 in Oswego Sept. 30. This is the Cardinals’ first conference win of the season.

A tightly contested game throughout its duration, the Cardinals showed resilience against a tough team. The teams were essentially equal throughout the first half as each team got four shots on goal, none of them resulting in a score. The tie was broken in the second half as in the 65th minute senior forward Nora Fitzgerald scored off an assist from junior midfielder Jessica Mare.

The Cardinals’ defense held strong against the Lakers’ of-

TEN

fense in the second half, holding them scoreless in the second half despite facing five shots on goal. The Cardinals’ defense, led by junior Goalkeeper Lauren Haley, put up its third shutout in four games despite a depleted backfield, with Kayla Myers and Casey Granger missing the game.

“Defense wins games — that’s no secret,” Haley said. “We practice hard. Everyone on our team is ready to go.”

The win boosted the Cardinals’ record to 3-3-3 as it finished out a string of conference games that included a 0-2 loss against New Paltz Sept. 27 and 0-0 ties against Brockport Sept. 23 and Potsdam Sept. 20. The team knew how important it was to get a win at Oswego.

“Going into the game, I think the team was ready to fight. I think that we’ve been knocking on the door for the past three SUNYAC games having two zero-zero ties and not putting [in] goals. We were itching for one,” Head Coach Whitney Frary said. “During the game, we just fought hard. I think grit is a great way

to describe how we were played. We fought for every inch.” Resilience and hard work were themes for the team during preparation for the game. Fitzgerald, who scored the lone goal for the Cardinals, was proud of the team’s work ethic.

“We worked really hard in practice before the game, we knew how important it was to score,” Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald also complemented the defense and the players who had to step in for some unavailable starters.

“Our depth really helped us. We had two key defenders out of the lineup, who usually play the full 90 minutes. Players were able to come in and help get the win,” Fitzgerald said. Granger and Myers both missed their first game of the season against Oswego. Their positions were covered by senior Jessica Landman and sophomore Alexis Patrick. Landman made her first collegiate start.

The Cardinals dominated possession of the ball throughout the first half and took nine shots throughout — five of which were made by John Hayes. Oswego had just two shots in the first half.

The score showed an even 0-0 despite the difference.

“I thought it was good that we were getting a lot of good chances at the goal,” Hayes said. “But it was definitely frustrating as well, because of the good chances we had and not being able to finish and score.”

The Cardinals played with the same fervor entering the second half, and despite the growing gap in shot difference, Oswego was the first to put a point on the board at 74:28.

Plattsburgh silently moved back to their positions, ready to resume play.

Cards face challenge before SUNYAC finale

BY KAMIKO CHAMBLE Staff Writer

The Plattsburgh Cardinals women’s tennis team hosted the twotime defending conference champions New Paltz Hawks, losing 0-9 Sept. 30. In its final game before the final stretch of conference games in Binghamton, Plattsburgh learned from the test.

In doubles #1, Samantha Svantner and Nicole Svantner lost 2-8 to Justine Stanejko and Loretta Donovan; in doubles #2, Ava Carey and Jacklin Mitchell lost 2-8 to Onalee Batcheller and Isabel van der Veen; in doubles #3, Hallie Hurwitz and Jacqueline Svantner lost 4-8 to Tatiana Barnett and Nina Genzone.

In singles #1, Samantha Svantner lost 0-6, 0-6 against Stanejko; in

singles #2, Nicole Svantner lost 1-6, 0-6 against Batcheller; in singles #3, Benowitz lost 1-6, 2-6 against Barnett; in singles #4, Carey lost 0-6, 0-6 against Donovan; in singles #5, Hurwitz lost 1-6, 6-1, 1-6 against Amirah Alston; and in singles #6, Mitchell lost 6-2, 2-6, 6-10.

Mitchell’s hard-fought loss was her first singles loss all season. Her record is now 8-1.

Nicole Svantner was confident in her performance, despite the scores not reflecting it. She left it all out on the court.

“I played my heart out, which is awesome. Scores, unfortunately, I don’t think reflect how I played cause we got really close matches each time. It was great playing against hard hitters,” Svantner said.

@ Brockport *SUNYAC*

Saturday, Sept. 30: TEN 0-9 LOSS vs. New Paltz *SUNYAC*

MSOC 1-1 TIE vs. Oswego *SUNYAC*

VB 0-3 LOSS @ Geneseo *SUNYAC*

WSOC 1-0 WIN @ Oswego *SUNYAC*

Wednesday, Oct. 4: WSOC 1-3 LOSS vs. St. Lawrence

MSOC 1-0 WIN vs. Morrisville

Thursday, Oct. 5: TEN 7-2 WIN vs. Brockport *SUNYAC*

Friday, Oct. 6: TEN vs Geneseo *SUNYAC* at 3 p.m. (Binghamton) VB vs. Oswego *SUNYAC* at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: TEN vs. Fredonia *SUNYAC* at 9 a.m. (Binghamton)

XC @ James Earley Invitational at 10:30 a.m.

VB vs. Cortland *SUNYAC* at 1 p.m.

MSOC @ Fredonia *SUNYAC* at 1 p.m.

WSOC vs. Fredonia *SUNYAC* at 1 p.m. (Senior Day)

Wednesday, Oct. 11: MSOC vs. Cortland *SUNYAC* at 4 p.m. WSOC @ Cortland *SUNYAC* at 4 p.m.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Avery Durgan (6) and Ella Santomassimo (18) celebrate Durgan’s goal against RPI Sept. 9. Cardinals women’s soccer have secured their first SUNYAC win against Oswego, and hope to make a late-season run.

WSOC > 10

MSOC > 9

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

First-year forward Xavier Kamba (29) chases a deep pass against Oswego at home Sept. 30.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

(From left to right) Head Coach Kelci Henn, captain Nicole Svantner and #1 singles Samantha Svantner strategize after the sisters’ doubles match. TEN > 10

M. SOCCER

Cards bested in SUNYAC opener

Close sets show promise in tough matchups

BY REBEKAH RILEY Staff Writer

Plattsburgh Cardinals

women’s volleyball started SUNYAC play last weekend, opening the season with two losses. It traveled to Brockport where it played the Golden Eagles Sept. 29, losing in four sets. The Cards then traveled to Geneseo Sept. 30, enduring another loss, this time in three sets.

Against the Eagles, the Cards played the first set taking a 16-25 loss. It came back in a tightly-contested second set, winning 30-28. In the third set, the Golden Eagles came back.

The Cardinals played this set back-and-forth, keeping the score close. Trailing 3-5, the Eagles pulled away, scoring five straight. Plattsburgh did its best to hold on.

W. SOCCER

Facing a 12-19 deficit, a 7-1 Cardinals run brought the score to 19-20. Multiple Cardinal errors allowed Brockport to pull away again, taking the third set 22-25.

Brockport secured its first SUNYAC win in the fourth set, taking the Cards 14-25.

First-year Liya Girma had nine kills, senior Emma Rivers had two aces and 15 assists, sophomore Jeannette Ashong had four blocks and senior Payton Zophy had 38 digs.

Zophy’s defensive performance was rewarded with her career single-game high in digs and was honored with Cardinal of the Week by Plattsburgh State Athletics.

The Cardinals lost to the Geneseo Knights in the first set, 13-25. The Cards put up a fight, but lost the second set 31-33. Plattsburgh held a 31-30 advantage, but three straight Geneseo points put the Cardinals away. The Knights ran away with the third set, winning 14-25.

VOLLEYBALL

Zophy had the most digs with 21, Rivers had a total of 20 assists, first-year Katarina Wagner had two blocks, sophomore Bridget Ryan and Girma both had one ace and first-year Darby Collyear had eight kills.

This past weekend was a challenge for the Cardinals, but it was one that opened their eyes to a new type of gameplay.

“Although I was very impressed with how we played, it was our first introduction to that fastset gameplay, and long rallies,” Zophy said.

The Cards didn’t think they would be starting off their conference play with two losses, however they haven’t lost confidence or motivation.

“It’s good that we started with them to see what the highest level competition is, and it showed us our potential as a team because we did take a set from Brockport, and we were super close to taking one from Geneseo” Zophy said.

Geneseo and Brockport aren’t easy competition. They’re both seasoned programs with particularly strong servers this season.

“Geneseo and Brockport are two very competitive teams. They’re typically either second or third in our conference. The fact that we almost took a second set from Brockport really just shows how far we’ve come

as a program” Healis said.

Unless the Cardinals meet Geneseo or Brockport in the playoffs, this marks the last in-conference games against the SUNYAC rivals.

The Knights and Golden Eagles announced its departure to the Empire 8 Aug. 21. Healis regardless of the result, Healis is anticipating this weekend’s games.

“I’m excited to see us work harder around wins. Our game against Oswego should be a beautiful match. I’m excited to see us work hard to earn that one and, honestly, Cortland, I’m looking to see us compete and try to push and not roll over for them.” Healis said.

The past three weekends the Cards have been traveling for their games, and this is their first weekend back home.

“Having a home advantage definitely is nice. We don’t have to deal with traveling, like this past weekend we traveled six plus hours both

ways. We are excited to get back in our gym and play our home games,” Rivers said.

Being in front of a home audience is added motivation.

“Having our fans there, having more family members there, having friends there, and just being in the gym where we play every day, and where we are more comfortable playing, I think we definitely do have an advantage of playing better,” Rivers said.

Today, Friday, Oct. 6, the Cardinals will be playing the Oswego Lakers at Memorial Hall at 6 p.m. Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 7, the Cardinals will be playing the Cortland Red Dragons at Memorial Hall at 1 p.m. This will be an opportunity for Plattsburgh to further prove itself as a competitor in the SUNYAC.

TENNIS

MSOC

Continued from page 8

“Once they scored, it’s kind of just like, desperation mode for me and everyone else.” Hayes said. “We obviously want to keep our undefeated streak, but we also wanted to pick up a win.”

Thirty seconds later, Hayes and the Cardinals responded. A perfect pass by Howes allowed Hayes to charge down toward the box with competitive aggression and put the ball past the Lakers goalkeeper. The Cardinals celebrated minimally, returning to their spots, ready to finish the game.

Hayes has been a force to be reckoned with all season. He leads the Cardinals in goals with five, points with 11, shot attempts with 38 and shots on goal with 19.

“John’s fantastic. He’s an unbelievable athlete, an unbelievable talent,” Men’s Head Coach Chris Taylor said. “But the best thing about John that can’t be taught is that competitively, he’s an animal. He does not want to lose anything ever.”

Hayes’ clutch performance was enough to stave off defeat, but an influx of stoppages of play had both teams emotional as the game drew to a close. A Plattsburgh scoring opportunity was waived off by officials for a foul call, and calls against Oswego had the Lakers reacting as well.

The athletes’ emotions culminated in a yellow flag for the Oswego Lakers in the final second of the match, and both teams headed to the locker rooms still hot with competitive fire.

The locker room was heavy with dissatisfaction after the third conference tie in a row.

“It was definitely disappointing. It felt like we dropped two points instead of

earning one,” Frankie Palumbo said. “I was disappointed and the team was as well. We just expect better of ourselves.” Taylor wasn’t happy with the outcome either.

“I was with everyone else, I was. I was angry, and I told the guys as such,” Taylor said. “We have to take responsibility for not a bad result, but a disappointing result.”

The Plattsburgh State Cardinals will be looking for its second conference win in its next match against conference rivals Fredonia (5-3-3, SUNYAC 1-3-0) Saturday, Oct. 7 in Fredonia. The Cardinals will then host two SUNYAC games next week against Cortland (9-1-1, SUNYAC 3-0) and Buffalo State (5-3-2, SUNYAC 1-3) Wednesday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 14 respectively.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Captain Emma Rivers (left) and Head Coach Kelsea Healis (right) share a word between games Sept. 2. The team hasn’t had a home game since.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Connor Howe (24) embraces John Hayes in celebration as Hayes attempts to line the team back up. Hayes scored the equalizer against Oswego at the Field House Sept. 30. Thirty seconds after the Lakers took the lead, Hayes put in the tying goal.

Junior captain Hallie Hurwitz breathes in and readies herself before a serve at the Memorial Hall Tennis Courts Sept. 23. Hurwitz has the most wins in doubles play this season with eight.

TEN

Continued from page 8

This weekend is the biggest stretch of games all season for Plattsburgh.

It traveled to Binghamton yesterday to begin a threegame SUNYAC slate as it chases a playoff berth.

“We play all three SUNYAC games and if we are able to sweep then we’ll be making playoffs, which hasn’t happened in a very long time,” Head Coach Kelci Henn said.

Plattsburgh needed the Cortland Red Dragons to beat the Geneseo Knights to remain in the race. The Dragons knocked off the Knights 5-4 Sept. 30. The Cardinals knew what they needed to do to capitalize on this opportunity.

“Next week I could work on the mental game. Working on the mental game is going to be important for me, spending a lot of time playing game play in practice,” Hurwitz said.

Plattsburgh may have taken home a loss but Henn is very proud with her players' work in this game.

“I’m happy with everyone's level of performance, we played up more than we usually do. I think everyone really brought out their toughest shots. They were more aggressive than they ever have been in the last few weeks,” Henn said.

Captain Nicole Svantner had no problem taking responsibility.

“Today I had a rough time keeping a level head, I think it’s because I felt like I could’ve gotten more points,” Svantner said.

Plattsburgh is planning to be in its best headspace in Binghamton.

“I learned that the mental game is a lot more important than the physical game, which some people might not expect, but as soon as you start getting frustrated with yourself, it's basically over for you,” Hurwitz said.

The Cardinals started the Binghamton stretch with a very important 7-2 win against the Brockport Golden Eagles Thursday, Oct. 5, keeping its playoff hopes alive. Now, the Cardinals need to win against Geneseo today, Friday, Oct. 6 and the Fredonia Blue Devils tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 7, and for the Oneonta Red Dragons or Geneseo to lose out.

10

WSOC - Ten seniors will be honored on Senior Day, Saturday, Oct. 7.

4

MSOC - The Cards are up to four ties this year, three in the SUNAYC.

2

VB - With 11 games left on the schedule, only two are away games.

2

SUNYAC - SUNY Canton and Morrsiville are now SUNYAC members.

3

TEN - Platts is spending three days in Binghamton for SUNYAC games.

WSOC

Continued from page 8

The Cards dropped a non-conference matchup against the St. Lawrence Saints 1-3 Wednesday, Oct. 4. Senior midfielder Sophia Hatziyianis scored Plattsburgh’s only goal of the game. The loss won’t have much implication for the postseason as the team enters the second half of the SUNYAC season.

Plattsburgh now looks ahead as they focus on a conference game against the Fredonia

Blue Devils on Saturday, Oct. 7. The Fredonia game will also mark Senior Day for the Cardinals. Frary is feeling good about the team's mindset going into the weekend.

“Scoring that goal and getting over that hump made us feel like, ‘yeah, we’re good,’ and instilled that confidence in us,” Frary said. “Fredonia will be Senior Day as well. We’ll have 10 seniors starting and I think having them all play together will be fun.”

Email JAYSON GASTON cp@cardinalpointsonline.com

CARDINAL CLIPS

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Sports Editor

SUNYAC

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) has announced that the SUNY Canton Kangaroos and the SUNY Morrisville Mustangs will join the conference as fulltime members beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. This move was made to rebalance the conference after the SUNY Geneseo Knights and the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles announced their departure to the Empire 8 Aug. 21.

Morrisville and Canton were both members of the Northeast Women’s Hockey

League before it transitioned to the SUNYAC May 12. In a corresponding move, both programs also joined the men’s hockey league. The Roos and the Mustangs are now slated to compete under the SUNYAC umbrella in all sports. The Cardinals have regularly competed in nonconference matches with the new admits in previous years, more prominently against Canton. Last season, the Cards played the Roos in non-conference games in baseball, men’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s basketball, women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, softball and volleyball. The Alfred State Pioneers

Junior midfielder John Hayes has proven to be the Cardinals' most valuable piece on offense. His equalizer saved Plattsburgh from a loss against Oswgo.

G A SOG MIN

1 1 5 161

will also be joining the SUNYAC as an associate member, competing in men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field.

The SUNYAC will be introducing men’s wrestling as its 22nd sport, starting immediately for the 2023-24 season.

The league will include the current SUNYAC members Cortland Red Dragons, Oswego Lakers, Oneonta Red Dragons; the departing Brockport; and the new associate SUNYAC members Ithaca Bombers, Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers, St. John Fisher Cardinals and Utica Pioneers.

Cardinals women's soccer picked up its first SUNYAC win of the season on the road against the rival Oswego Lakers, which may be the boost it needs.

OSW 0 0 0

PSU 0 1 — 1

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Nora Fitzgerald (front right) fights a Brockport Golden Eagle for possession of the ball Sept. 23. Fitzgerald is tied for the team lead in goals with three and scored the winner against Oswego.

Email KAMIKO CHAMBLE

Triplets, top tennis talents, transform team Svantner sisters' senior season spurs sappy sentiment

BY COLLIN BOLEBRUCH Sports Editor

Siblings are your built-in best friends. The Svantner sisters have built-in teammates.

Samantha, Jacqueline and Nicole were born in that order. Their friends say anyone could tell you that. The Svantners have come a long way to become the women they are today.

Their parents, Josephine and Joseph, call them their “miracle babies” and “guardian angels.” Born at just 28 weeks, the sisters suffered from health problems at birth, spending time at the neonatal intensive care unit. Jackie was “touch and go,” her parents said. The girls beat the stacked odds.

The sisters, from West Nyack, New York, first picked up the racket at a tennis camp in Boca Raton, Florida. The family spent the summers there, and tennis camp was much cheaper in the Sunshine State.

While the girls retained their skills, tennis was set aside for soccer. They all played, including their younger sister Danielle.

Deep into their soccer careers, the injury bug struck the Svantners. Nikkie tore her ACL, requiring it to be surgically repaired. Jackie suffered multiple concussions, feeling the symptoms for almost a year. Even Danielle was affected, tearing each of her ACLs a year apart.

That was enough evidence for Sammy.

“That was not for me,” Sammy said. “Bad things come in threes.”

Wanting to come out of high school unscathed, Sammy seeked out a noncontact sport. This brought her back to her roots, on the tennis court. She pled her case to her sisters, and they were in.

The triplets starred for Clarkstown South High School, and college tennis quickly became a reality. Joseph gave credit to Ted Mascola, their coach, for bringing out their abilities. The Svantners were never certain they would end up at the same university.

This changed with a successful visit to Plattsburgh. Mascola had a connection with Chris and Karen Waterbury, then co-head coaches of the Cardinals tennis team.

Joseph said the Waterburys took the girls in like a mom and dad, really selling the team environment. Good academic programs and the proximity to their condo in Vermont helped seal the deal.

Joseph and Josephine make the trip to watch games when they can, both home and away. Seeing their children on the court, and especially the people they’ve become, is one of their crowning achievements in life. They still can’t believe how quickly they became adults. Just yesterday, they were learning how to swing a racket.

Growing up, the sisters were color-coded by their parents.

SAMMY

Sammy was pink. As a baby, Sammy was often mistaken for a boy, with her stout posture and short hair. Josephine never understood why strangers would think a baby wearing pink was a boy.

Joseph said the triplets were “tomboys” as kids, but now, Sammy’s a “girly girl.”

He also said Sammy grew up quiet and “soft,” but now has the sharpness to stand up for herself.

She might be the smallest Svantner, but her attitude makes up for it.

Now-Head

Coach Kelci Henn calls it her signature “Sammy sass.” When an opponent serves a ball out of bounds, she’s quick to raise her finger and wag it.

“She has that soft wit, that you have to be next to her to hear it,” Henn said. “But when you hear it, it’s like the funniest thing you’ve ever heard.”

Sammy majors in communication sciences and disorders, with hopes to earn a master’s in speech pathology, potentially at another college. Her passion to help treat speech disorders conflicts with Nikkie’s bad speech habits.

Sammy can’t stand it when Nikkie shows gratitude by saying “tank you,” grabs a “nana” for breakfast or orders a “boorito” at Chipotle.

“I don’t care, it’s spooky season,” Nikkie said.

The triplets all live together in Plattsburgh. Sammy can often be found in her room, crocheting, watching every season of Grey’s Anatomy again and again.

The oldest Svantner has found herself in new standing since joining the Cardinals. During her time playing soccer, she felt like her coaches were strict and the girls were cliquey. Here, she said she doesn’t have to worry about that.

Sammy’s invaluable to the Cardinals. Over her years with the team, Sammy has worked her way up to both the #1 singles and doubles position, teaming up with Nikkie. They rarely need to communicate during matches.

While she does have an extra year of eligibility, she wants the world to know she’s retiring after the sea-

son. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Nikkie and Jackie don’t want to hear it.

JACKIE

Jackie was green. Since she was young, her parents said she “marches to the beat of her own drum.”

Jackie cooks for the apartment almost every night. If you can smell garlic, she’s making Italian food for her roommates. She’s also into art, bringing home ceramic pieces or helping put on a roommate bonding craft night. Jackie’s always laughing. And she’s sometimes late.

“I call it Jackie time. It's slower than island time,” Sammy said.

As the middle triplet, she’s a mix of her sisters’ temperaments. Jackie can be hyper like Nikkie or mellow like Sammy. Joseph thinks she needs to pick up a little more of the Sammy sass.

NIKKIE

While Sammy and Nikkie would wrestle, “beat the crap out of each other” or jump from furniture to furniture, she’d watch from the sidelines. Level-headed Jackie is both team mom and apartment mom.

Jackie has always wanted to be a teacher, like her mother. Over the summer, she was a camp counselor and is completing her degree in childhood education and special education. Like Sammy, she arrived at Plattsburgh shyer and quieter.

Kelci said she’s really come into a leadership position. At practice or games, she can be overheard giving tips and tricks to younger players, uplifting the team. Her soft-spoken nature carries into her interactions with the team, and her teammates said she really feels like a teacher on the court. She straggles behind on road trips to help Kelci and always makes sure everyone on the team is looked after.

“I just try to be a positive influence and just be happy,” Jackie said. “Then I feel like it’ll resonate with everyone else.”

Nikkie was blue. She’s always been extroverted and the first to make friends.

The youngest triplet serves as senior captain. As the most outgoing Svantner, her communication

and does are things I used to do to my own coach,” Kelci said. “Not that I get annoyed with Nicole, but it’s like, ‘oh man, I should have thought of that.’”

In school, Kelci played for the Cardinals and earned a masters in student affairs and higher education. Her experience allows her to take on a more personal role with her players. Nikkie calls her “Mother Henn.” Nikkie says she’s someone she can talk to about anything, whether it be her personal life, school or her pet dog back home.

Nikkie’s been through three majors. She started in biomedical engineering, but that quickly became fitness and wellness leadership, which made sense. Nikkie runs marathons and hosts a weekly yoga class on campus. Eventually, she settled on childhood education and special education, just like Jackie. She took summer classes to catch up.

With an extra year of eligibility, Nikkie and Jackie anticipate to return to the team next season.

No matter what, they’ll always have each other. That’s something they’ve vowed, no matter where they end up in life. It’s all their parents want from them. When they’ve progressed in their careers, moved away from one another and have their own families, they’ll always be sisters and teammates in life.

between Kelci and the rest of the team strengthens the team’s relationship.

Nikkie is very open with Kelci and her teammates about how she’s feeling and isn’t afraid to vocalize it. She has her own expectations of the team and Kelci called her “her own little coach.”

Nikkie brings new ideas to the table, like introducing team lifting sessions. Kelci sees a lot of herself in Nikkie.

“Nicole and I were cut from the same cloth. I think a lot of the things she says

“They took all the good qualities I have. They took all the good qualities Josephine had. And they mostly avoided the bad qualities. That’s what I’m most proud of. They just became these amazing, well-rounded people,” Joseph said. “I just feel like it’s one of the things that I’ve done right in my life.”

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

Samantha (front), Jacqueline (left) and Nicole (right) Svantner have been some of the Cardinals' best players for years. Now, in their senior seasons, they reach an impasse in their tennis careers and lives as they enjoy their final games at Plattsburgh.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points Nicole Svantner reaches for an out-of-bounds New Paltz serve Sept. 30. Samantha wags her finger.

COLLIN BOLEBRUCH/Cardinal Points

(LtR) Joseph, Jacqueline, Danielle, Nicole, Samantha and Josephine Svantner at Senior Day Sept. 23.

Cheerleaders bring back stunting

BY DANIELA RAYMOND Opinion Editor

Cheerleading whether at the sport or club level is an interactive sport. Audiences love to see cheerleaders launched into the air, performing intricate routines and amazing flips, all while landing safely in each other’s arms. While stunts are always visually engaging and exciting, it is also essential that they go safely.

When all goes well, the airborne cheerleader, known as the flier, is caught by other cheerleaders, but not always.

Stunting on the SUNY Plattsburgh cheer team was placed on pause due to a lack of insurance policy. Sports team insurance protects students, coaches and the athletic department. Typically including a combination of risk protections that ensures teams are participating in

activities safely.

In previous years, when stunting was allowed, the team was mostly comprised of cheerleaders with years of experience. During the pandemic, the team continued to practice through Zoom calls and many of them kept their spirits high, connecting with each other when and however they could.

Losing the wow factor of stunting on the cheer team was detrimental to their efforts to perform.

When sports resumed after quarantine, the team was still not allowed to stunt due to miscommunication with sports and recreation offices not understanding the sport.

In 2021, the team held its first tryouts after returning to campus and while 30 to 50 girls tried out and many of them made the team, upon learning that there was no stunting they

later quit.

The lack of stunting that year would leave the cheer team ending the season with closer to 15 girls.

Kaylyn Tierney, an alumna cheerleader, spent five years on the team from 2016 to 2021. She led the team as a captain and returned as an assistant coach and has been volunteering to help the cheer team in the past three years.

Tierney said, “I’ve been around for eight years, and this is the first tryout where we’ve never had enough girls to make cuts.”

When most people hear cheerleading, you expect to see

Ameen appreciates avenues for art

BY CINARA MARQUIS Contributor

Plattsburgh State Art Museum hosted a tote bag painting event to introduce students to the Art Department and embrace their creativity Thursday, Sept. 28. Surrounded by art, the students were inspired to create unique pieces on their bags with the many colors and supplies available.

Adeeba Ameen, a firstyear international student, made a tote bag for her friend in Pakistan.

“It’s a sign of sisterhood,” Ameen said, sketching out her friends’ favorite thing, books with illustrated flowers blooming from them.

Ameen showcased the love for her friend and her new environment as she adapts to SUNY Platts-

burgh’s many events and diverse surroundings. Ameen can always find an activity or space to express her creative side, wind down and have fun.

“After coming to SUNY Plattsburgh it’s helped me to experience more and learn more about myself,” Ameen said.

Ameen explained that the college allows her to experience more recreational activities and explore her creativity through different outlets.

“I feel like I can add color to my life and it makes me feel more beautiful. It’s a way to explore my hidden talents – I color my own imaginations,” Ameen said.

Ameen loves how events like these help her to relieve stress and meet new people, especially art events.

“I love paint,” Ameen

said. “Every week there is a tote bag, or T-shirt, or paintand-sip event.”

Being an international student comes with its own level of anxieties and alienation. However, Ameen combats these feelings by attending multiple events and gatherings, using these occasions as motivation to step out of her comfort zone and experience new activities, cultures and sports.

“Whether it’s art, bingo, or food it’s always a full bundle of joy,” Ameen said.

For more information on weekly activities hosted on campus, check out Cardinal Link at https://campusgroups.plattsburgh.edu/ home_login.

Beat mental health with #HealWithIt

BY HUNTER KELLY Contributor

Prioritizing mental health has been a popular topic in the last few years, especially on college campuses, and for good reason. The overall college experience can be very rewarding, but it also represents a time of unrelenting turbulence.

Students have a lot to balance between classes, doing assignments for said classes, partaking in clubs and athletics, finding time to hang out with friends and, for many, working to pay off those expenses as well. Having a packed schedule can put a ton of stress on students.

Trying to maintain it all while also being away from home only adds to that stress. Getting into the busiest part

of the semester, many on campus are feeling this overall anxiousness.

It’s important that students are aware of the resources they can utilize to help care for their mental health.

Elias Raff, a senior, said, “I’m aware that there’s help on campus and I’m glad those resources are there for people who need them. I’ve considered using some of the services in the past and I wouldn’t hesitate in the future.”

The Student Health and Counseling Center is an excellent resource for students, but they’re booked several weeks in advance at the moment, and although there are other places students can go for assistance, there is a simple way students can help themselves as well.

When we think of the phrase “mental health,” the

first words to come to mind are feelings of stress and anxiety. However, mental health is made up of so much more than just feelings or emotions, and beginning to understand what contributes to your state of mental health is an excellent form of self-care. Helping educate people on what these other contributions are is the platform of the #HealWithIt campaign on campus.

The campaign returned last semester and immediately got to work doing outreach to students. Staff members visited meetings for clubs and organizations, educating them on self-care and getting them to sign a pledge. The team also took pictures with everyone they met. They were used for a mural at the end of the spring displayed at the team’s Self-

Care Summit in the spring.

Taylor Waddell is returning for her second semester with the campaign, now acting as co-president.

“We are hoping to educate people about the eight dimensions of wellness and to spread awareness of what resources are available, beyond the counseling center on campus. In doing this, we hope to create a more comfortable environment to talk about mental health struggles,” Waddell said.

The eight dimensions of wellness are at the center of the campaign, describing all the different factors that go into our wellness daily.

These eight dimensions are physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, social, intellectual, financial and environmental. Simply understanding the dimensions isn’t

enough, though, as there are specific aspects of each that can affect the way you feel.

Michelle Ouellette, the adviser to the student-run Cardinal PR, knows about the many struggles students might face when trying to balance the eight dimensions.

Ouellette said, “If you’re looking at your credit card bills coming due, that’s stressful and your mental health’s gonna take a hit. Or if you’re graduating and you don’t know what you’re doing in terms of applying to jobs, you can suffer because it can be scary.”

Ouellette emphasized how beneficial staying on top of each of these dimensions, and keeping an overall look at how they affect your life can be.

stunting. Cheerleaders placed in their well-practiced pyramids, holding signs and chanting, but this element is not

here on the SUNY Plattsburgh Cheer team.

Provided by Kaylyn Tierney

SUNY Plattsburgh cheerleaders stunt at a competitions.

Provided by Kaylyn Tierney SUNY Plattsburgh cheerleaders stunt at a competition.

DANIELA RAYMOND/Cardinal Points

BY JEREMY BINNING Staff Writer

based and work with their body weight, such as push-ups and other at-home exercises.

Going to the gym or doing calisthenics is not the only option when looking for a good workout. There are plenty of activities that are just as beneficial as going to the gym for an hour and can be a lot more fun.

Garba Dancing is related to the Hindu god Krishna and goddess Radha. They were both cursed by priests in the culture. The only way they could share their love was through dance and that’s how the Garba dance was born. Originally, the dance form was named Rass-Garba.

Mrudangi Trivedi hosts Garba dance classes and has been dancing this form since she

STUNTS

Continued from page 12

Karen Waterbury, the director of recreation and club sports, was previously in charge of the team’s insurance. Coaches and captains reported directly to her, delegating forms and various safety measures. After her retirement, Melissa LaMere was placed in charge of the cheer team as the assistant director of athletics for campus recreation.

After months of communication between coaches including, Tierney, the proper insurance forms were not found, despite signing liability papers ensuring that if cheerleaders are injured, they cannot sue the school. After failed attempts with LaMere, the girls went to the Athletic Director Mike Howard, who was also not able to

began to handle her father’s dance academy and has since been teaching Garba dance to all age groups.

Trivedi feels that this form of dance is “one of best dance forms if seen in way of exercise.”

“It has also been tested that if you have been taught how to perform Garba dance, you can learn any Dance form easily,” Trivedi said.

Dancing is a great way to exercise and have fun in the process. Another style of working out that not only benefits you physically but mentally as well, is yoga and meditation.

Students also benefit from local gyms like Planet Fitness. While the gym does not have trained personal trainers, many of the workers are skilled at the machines and fitness, and help

clear them to stunt.

After months of discussion, the team was finally able to work out a plan.

Oct. 14 and 15, the girls will be receiving professional training in risk prevention, allowing them to stunt safely.

The cheerleaders are just getting into the hang of things with the new season. They are learning cheers, dances and tumbling.

This year, there were only three returners to the team and only eight new members, making stunting difficult when it is finally possible.

The addition of stunting adds many highlights to the team. Practices are more fun and engaging, and they often get an even better reaction from crows at games and performances. Another major benefit of stunting is competition season.

Cheerleading has two

HEALWITHIT

Continued from page 12

“Really thinking about each of these dimensions and thinking holistically about what you can do can really make a difference,” Ouellette said.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the #HealWithIt campaign and their outreach with the eight dimensions, and to think about how the eight dimensions affect your life.

classes and revising for exams, many are committed to clubs and organizations, and many students also work. The pressure of getting good grades to secure your future, grappling with the perils of young adulthood and establishing independence are all stressful factors at play for college students.

Fitness is an amazing way to improve brain development and boost cognitive abilities, releasing some of the stress from college life is a good way to clear your mind. Thankfully, SUNY Plattsburgh is filled with resources for students to get active.

sides. While showing school spirit and supporting the school teams is a major component, getting to travel to competitions and show their skills is also a big factor, and for some, it is the significant element that sparks them to cheer.

Many freshmen looking to join the team embrace the competitive nature of the sport and the lack of stunting creates a huge disconnect for them.

Previously, the team competed in Reach the Beach in Ocean City, Maryland, and various competitions at SUNY Albany. They would leave excited, bringing home banners and trophies gearing up for another practice to bring home more metal.

In order to make sure that the team is stunting safely, they have to trust each other. The team works on build-

Taken

Have you ever read a banned book?

ing that bond through team bonding and practicing tumbling in slow progressions.

The biggest part is knowing your job.

“As a base, no matter what I had to catch my flyer, I knew there was no way she was allowed to hit the ground,” Tierney said.

The team is ready to begin tumbling again this season and can’t wait to grow in members. If anyone is looking to join the cheer team, they are welcome to join throughout the semester. Practices are Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. You can follow the SUNY Plattsburgh Cheer team on Instagram for more information follow @platts_cheer.

Yes 31% No 14%

I’m

ACP Hall of Fame

Inducted in Fall 2010

All American

Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction

Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction

Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction

Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction

Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction

Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction

Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction

Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction

Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction

Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction

Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction

Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction

Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction

Fall 2001, four Marks of Distinction

Fall 2000, four Marks of Distinction

First Class

Spring 2013, three Marks of Distinction

Fall 2012, three Marks of Distinction

Fall 2011, three Marks of Distinction

Spring 2010, two Marks of Distinction

Spring 2008, three Marks of Distinction

Spring 2007, one Mark of Distinction