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Concordiensis T H E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R O F U N I O N C O L L E G E S I N C E 1 8 7 7 Volume. CLI, Issue XXIV

concordiensis.com

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Departments prepare for annual Prize Day Daniel Greenman News Editor

Saturday, May 14, Union will hold its yearly Prize Day ceremony in Memorial Chapel, in which Union College’s academic departments and faculty award a set list of prizes to students. The rendering of awards is set to begin at 1 p.m. Most prizes were “established by generous donors who wanted to memorialize an individual by creating a prize in their name”, according to Carol Weisse, Director of Health Professions and Ronald M. Obenzinger ProPrize Day was held on May 18, 1932, and honored 20 seniors. This year 107 awards will be presented to members of Union’s community from all years.

Types of prizes available range from those for a department’s top-performing or top-producing students, to those for students accepted to graduate school, to those who have met department-specific criteria. The Concordiensis reached out to departments to ask about each of their available prizes and selection processes. This year, the English department is awarding nine prizes, including for best selen Essay Prize), best poem Prize), and English major of Edwin L. Rich Prize). Works submitted toward English department prizes are turned in anonymously with pen names, and read blindly by a committee of two department mem-

Jing Chen | Concordiensis The Frank Bailey (1985) Prize is given to the senior who has rendered the greatest service to the

bers who are not involved with the students up for con-

sideration. If needed, a third judge is involved to ensure a

decision. The department’s See PRIZE on page 2

New York and colleges review Climate Action Plan Daniel Greenman News Editor

public hearings for its Climate ing Plan with an online event on Wednesday, May 11, and one the next day in Peekskill. The hearings are part of 11 such events around the state to source public comment on New York’s climate policy and the Climate Leadership and -

Opinions. page 3 Reamer Swtich needs to add Kirby games

cording to the Council’s Meetings and Events webpage. The plan includes a number of recommendations for expansion of fellowship funds for higher education to instruct on matters related to shifts in construction, agriculture, energy production, and other subjects, as well as expanding college access to proper recycling and composting. Written public statements, which began to be accepted

of the New York State Energy

World, page 4 Steinmetz Spotlights: Wood and Sommers

Research and Development plan on the policy’s scope is set to release at the year’s end. York’s

Climate

Leadership

became law. It “required New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and no less 1990 levels,” according to climate.ny.gov. It also set a 2040 date for New York electricity to be 100% zero emissions.

Sci/Tech. page 5 Steinmetz Spotlight: Sonntag and Heiberger

It seeks to do this largely through distributed solar and offshore wind. The act also created a velop a “scoping plan of recommendations” toward New York’s goals. The plan’s draft,

overview of the plan is also available on the Draft Scoping Plan’s website. The plan’s main sections describe the “Pillars of New York’s Planned -

Steinmetz Dance Perfromance underway

ro emissions, how progress will be evaluated and meaindustrial sectors, and “Statewide and Cross-Sector Policies”. Major supporting goals in the plan towards emissions and energy targets include 2030,” and having 3 million dominantly battery-electric) See PLAN on page 2

Club Lacrosse takes over championship

News

Thursday, May 12, 2022 | Concordiensis

PRIZE Continued from page 1

newest prize, the Kerrie Droban (1987) Award for Writing Excellence, is given to two students. It was donated by Kerrie Droban ‘87, who is an attorney and true crime author. Droban’s uncle, Harry Marten, is also a retired professor and former Union English department chair. There are nine prizes being offered by Health Professions this year as well, including for the student with a scholarship who has achieved the best grades and been accepted into medical school (Stephen F. Leo, M.D. (1884) Prize), for a junior premedical student who contributes the most to the school community in extracurricular activities (Harold and Ellen Nagorsky Memorial Prize), and for a senior preparing for dentistry and medicine (the Lee, William, Dr. Norman ‘43 and Dr. George ‘53 Wrubel Memorial Prize). Most of the Health Professions prizes are chosen by the nine-member Union College Health Professions Advisory Committee, which has members such as Professor Weisse, Dean of Studies Mi-

PLAN Continued from page 1

sold by 2030. The vehicle goal will be helped by a law signed last September 8, mandating that all new passenger vehicles sold in the state be zero emissions by 2035, and allnew medium- and heavy-duty trucks sold be zero-emission by 2040. Overall, the Draft Scoping Plan touts net bene-

cost of inaction on its GHG emission limits. The plan also

chelle Osborn, and Assistant Dean of Students Matt Milless. The Ronald M. Obenzinger Prize for premedical student of “high academic merit and personal worthiness” is awarded instead by the Ronald M. Obenzinger Selection Committee. This Committee includes alumni physicians, the Director of the Kenney Community Center, the Director of Financial Aid, and the Director of Health Professions. The Geosciences department is offering its Faculty Prize, for a senior who contributes the most to the department and social morale, as well as its Edward S.C. Smith Geology Prize for a senior in the department who “demonstrates high professional potential.” The latter award is named for Edward Staples Cousins Smith, who worked at Union from 1923-1960 as a professor and Geology department chair. Smith was an early organizer and president in the New York State Geological Association, and was also honored in the naming of the Oldhamia smithi species, a worm-like organism found fossilized in his home state of Maine. Many awards are being presented by non-academic bodies, including from Student Affairs, which will present

to 2050, based on “reduced mortality and other health outcomes.” Regarding New York colleges, the plan mentions a need for “new training curricula and programs,” with a focus on disadvantaged communities. It seeks to build on existing programs, like NYSERDA’s Climate Justice Fellowship, stating that “Additional efforts should target education outreach and clean energy training at traditional education channels such as ...4-year colleges and universities.” Ambassador programs, mentoring, job shadowing, and worksite visits are men-

Jing Chen | Concordiensis The Josephine Daggett Prize is awarded to “a senior of the best conduct and character,” and its and the Bailey Prize are the two most prestigious prizes awarded to Union College seniors.

the Roger H. Hull Community Service Award to a senior “who has rendered the greatest sustained service to the greater Schenectady community” through an ongoing service project. The President’s Commission on the Status of Women will award four prizes, including its Community Service Award to a student “who has -

tioned in particular. In fouryear colleges and universities, the plan also recommends State-supported development of “decarbonization matter experts and training entities in engineering, architecture, construction, and related programs.” The plan also mentions Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as a “Key Stakeholder,” of forest land, and Paul Smith’s College as a workforce development key stakeholder. The plan also mentions that “colleges and universities... may be integral as key stakeholders,” for implementing the planned strategies in the agricultural

thering the cause of women at Union.” Campus pro-diversity organization UNITAS is also awarding two prizes, including its UNITAS Diversity Leadership Award, to a student who toward campus diversity. Many prizes are named after alumni, and include their graduating classes. Among the top awards recognized, both given by Academic Af-

fairs, are the Josephine Daggett Prize, to “a senior of the best conduct and character,” and the Frank Bailey (1885) Prize, to “the senior who has rendered the greatest service cording to Prize Day organizer Carol Mangano. Prize day will be held at 1 p.m. in Memorial Chapel and will also be streamed simultaneously online over Zoom.

Past Concordiensis editions can be viewed at concordiensis.com/virtual-newspapers or by scanning:

sector. Additional opportunities mentioned in the plan for colleges include funds from the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation “to look at the paper, glass, waste composition, public at-

titudes, and other aspects of recycling,” as well as collaborative opportunities with Tree Campus, which works toward campus forest management and conservation education.

Do you have something you want to say? The Concordiensis is now accepting Letters to the Editor. Share your thoughts about campus, news, trends or anything you want to write about! All letters should be sent chenj2@union.edu or rosenbaum@union.edu. They should be less than 250 words in length and must include the writers full name and email address. Any letters longer than 250 words may be edited for length, word choice and accuracy.

Opinions Bianca Ring

Thursday, May 12, 2022 | Concordiensis

ringb@union.edu

Add Kirby and the Forgotten World to Reamer Switch Eva Crowley Contributing Writer

Kirby and the Forgotten World is an amazing video game that was added to the Nintendo Switch this year, and everyone who has enjoyed previous Kirby games should try it. What are my credentials to make such a bold statement, you ask? I have been playing Kirby games since I was three Game Boy Advance SP. However, Kirby has been around for much longer than my lifetime. In fact, this year marks the 30th anniversary of Kirby debut. The new Kirby game, Kirby and the Forgotten World is wonderful, especially in coop, which would make it well suited to be added to the Nintendo Switch at Reamer Campus Center. The new Kirby video game from Nintendo, Kirby and the Forgotten World on the shelves in March of this year. I have been looking forward to an updated Kirby game since 2018, the year Switch and played through all of Kirby: Star Allies. While

the aforementioned game was nice, and technically to 2-dimensional directional movement. This is part of the reason that Forgotten World was such an exciting game because this will be marked the Kirby series that actually includes 3-dimensional directional movement. Throughout very impressed so far with the graphics. Kirby and the Forgotten World also have different difeasy to customize the game to a “Spring Breeze” mode, an easier way to play the game, as well as a “Wild” mode, game makes Kirby accessible for all different types of players, regardless of your level of gaming experience. Another notable feature of this game is the co-op option. In the game, you are granted access to this feature very early on. The two-player option is a great feature to have for something like the Nintendo Switch at Reamer Campus

Jing Chen | Concordiensis The table next to the Reamer Bookstore has installed a Nintendo Playstation where students could come and join multiplayer games.

Bianca Ring | Concordiensis Anna Chapdelaine ‘25, Genevieve Oakes ‘25, and Daniel Casper ‘25 playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch at Reamer Campus Center. The table next to the Reamer Bookstore has installed a Nintendo Playstation just beginning this year.

Center, so friends are able to play the game together. While other games available at Reamer are multiplayer, especially Super Smash Bros Super Mario not cooperative. Each level in Forgotten World is entertaining and challenging, with new tasks for you to complete. There are also a plethora of side games to play in addition to the main quest. Overall means that there is a ton of content to play through, which would make it a great game to be open for college students to play as they come and go. Each level is self-contained and fun even without the context of the entire story, so there would be no need to

the Forgotten World is a fun game that can be made accessible to everyone. The graphics and 3-D motion make it not only easy to navigate but pretty to look at. The

video game has a fantastic co-op option, and because added to the games on the Switch at Reamer Campus Center.

Concordiensis Vol. CLI, Issue XXIV, May 12, 2022 Jing Chen & Michael Rosenbaum Editor-in-Chief Daniel Greenman, News Editor Bianca Ring, Opinions Editor Avanti Khare, Sci/Tech Editor Zahra Khan, World/Business Michael Rosenbaum, 807 Editor Editor Trey Everett, Photo Editor concordiensis.com Email: concordy@gmail.com Office: 406 Reamer Campus Center

Mail: Concordiensis Box 2577 807 Union Street

person who sat down to play. In conclusion, Kirby and

Zahra Khan

World / Business Thursday, May 12, 2022 | Concordiensis

khanz4@union.edu

Steinmetz Spotlight: Michaela Wood ‘22 Zahra Khan World/Business Editor

This week’s Steinmetz spotlight is Michaela Wood. She is a senior Anthropology and English ID major with a Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies minor from Winchester, MA. Wood’s research is focused on the experiences and representations of the male football player to reveal that questions about hegemonic masculinity that, as Wood points out, “arise in the minds of the very athletes who embody the stereotypes of ‘the man’” Before researching, Wood

found she was interested in studying meat consumption and masculinity. As she began her research, it became more centralized around “different facets of masculinity amongst sports athletes.” Wood centralized her research around Union College football players and her research features a genre that highlights insights about relationships among bodies, diet preferences, and gendered stereotypes. Wood utilizes various literary skills to analyze the men in her ethnographic research and question how the men speak and act. Wood’s research combines these two practices into

a “cultural analysis of the men in the Union College Football Team, and by extension, of the hegemonic constructions of masculinity more broadly.” Through the research process, Wood recalls the most challenging part of the research process was “engaging with the football team and also incorporating the two disciplines.” However, when asked about the most rewarding point of the learning process, Wood writes it was “getting to interact and learn more about the football players.”

Courtesy of Michaela Wood ‘22 Wood is an Anthropology and English ID major from Winchester, MA. Her research explores hegemonic masculinity among male football players.

Steinmetz Spotlight: Alison Sommers ‘22 Zahra Khan World/Business Editor

for reasons why such movements occurred so I turned to Psychology.” Her research non-fundamental factors on

This week’s Steinmetz spotlight is Alison Sommers. Sommers is a senior economics major and a psychology minor from Newbury, Massachusetts. Prior to starting her research, Sommers found her seminar class with Professor Motahar led her to discover her interest in the economy during COVID-19 and sentiment. Sommers recalls learning about the 2008 stock market crash during the beginning of the pandemic. Sommers expresses she was “very active in the stock market during 2020 and witnessed the unexplainable market movements. I wanted to look

the

coronavirus

pandemic. cuses on sentiment and bias that are explained by various psychological principles. She ed differently than the bond market during the pandemic. For instance, Sommers uncovered during the pandemic, emotions were portrayed and elevated through the usage of media which is how Alison measured sentiand sentiment are important to investors’ decisions and should be considered when

One of the challenges Sommers faced during her research project was creating a model that showcased results, but at the same time was captivating for others. She describes the process as being tedious, as she had to press herself forward over a large learning curve. Sommers recalls the most rewarding process during her research journey was being able to discuss and communicate with her professors. Looking back, she is proud “to educate even one person on behavioral economics and how it has affected markets during the pandemic.” She also says being able to teach her professors and other students on the Union College campus about the research she has done and

Courtesy of Alison Sommers‘22 Sommers is an Economics major with a psychology minor from Newbury, MA. Her research uses psychology to explain the market movement and stock market during COVID-19. to “see people so curious in work that I have done.”

60-Second News

The armed forces of Belarus will be deploying forces to the Ukrainian Border because according to Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Viktor Gulevich “the United States and its allies continue to increase their military presence at the state borders”

Over the past week, three journalists were killed in Mexico. According to The Committee to Protect Journalists, two “were shot in the parking lot of a convenience store in Cosoleacaque”

Eastern India is preparing for chaotic upcoming weather as there are warnings of a tropical cyclone carrying rain and strong winds to the Andhra Pradesh coast. Meanwhile, other areas of the coast are facing extreme amounts of heat

Sci/Tech Avanti Khare

Thursday, May 12, 2022 | Concordiensis

kharea@union.edu

Steinmetz Spotlight: Kate Sonntag ‘22 Avanti Khare Sci/Tech Editor

This week’s Steinmetz Spotlight is Kate Sonntag. She is a senior Physics major with a minor in Math from Hailey, Idaho. Her research focuses on a subset of broadly used that have become a major environmental concern. She writes about her proj-

made chemicals that have become a major environmental concern. They can be found in a broad range of everyday

cant risk to the public due to their adverse health effects. They are persistent, and do not break down in the environment. My research aims to

with the opportunity to work with him in the [Union College

was very much intrigued, as it was a research project in my dealt with a very real world problem of pollution, and sought to see how much damage these foams are actually doing to our environment.”

used to put out high intensity

ger things like understanding how the particle accelerator works and getting to run and help maintain it. It also allowed me a sneak peak into what it would be like to be an experimental physicist, as it was very hands on and an every day thing, not just once a week like a class lab.”

When asked what drew her to this area of rethe most rewarding aspect search, Sonntag writes, “I of the research process is have always had an interest that “I have learned along the in the enviway, from Courtesy of Kate Sonntag ‘22 little ronment, and things when Profes- Sonntag is a Physics major with a minor in Mathematics. She is like better resor LaBrake from Hailey, Idaho. Her research focuses on exploring manmade search habits presented me chemicals that come from a major environemntal concern. to much big-

Steinmetz Spotlight: Stephanie Heiberger ‘22 Avanti Khare Sci/Tech Editor

This week’s Steinmetz Spotlight is Stephanie Heiberger. She is a senior Biology major with a minor in Math from Randolph, NJ. Her research focuses on the use of CRISPR, a method of gene editing, on Pleurotus ostreatus, or the oyster mushroom. She writes about her project, “One important application of the CRISPR method of gene editing is to discern the

CRISPR to “knockout” a target gene, and then infer function from the observed resulting phenotype. CRISPR utilizes a two-component system, consisting of an expressed endonuclease

called Cas9, and a gene-spewhich it is complexed. The overall goal of this project is to utilize the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to discern the role of the Tea1 gene in the mushroom-producing fungi Pleurotus ostreatus. The protein product of a key transcription factor regulating growth and differentiation in the related fungus Schizophyllum commune. We hypothesize that a CRISPR-generated Tea1 “knockout” in Pleurotus will show similar defects to that observed in S. commune.” When asked about the most rewarding part of the research process, Heiberger cites the experience of being involved in a rapidly evolving

“While this is a small-scale application of the CRISPR gene editing method, it is rewarding to be able to do research using a method that could potentially change many aspects of medicine in upcoming years.” the most challenging part of the research process was that “there was a chance that even after completing the necessary transformation, due to the the CRISPR/Cas-9, it was possible that despite changes in the growth and differentiation in the fungi, it was not due to CRISPR taking place.”

Courtesy of Stephanie Heiberger ‘22 Heiberger is a Biology major with a minor in Math from Randolph, NJ. Her research focuses on exploring the CRISPR method of gene editing. 60-Second Sci/Tech

CRISPR is currently the simplest, most versatile, and precise method of genetic manipulation.

Traditional gene targeting has been valuable for studying genetics but it takes a long time to create a mutation and is fairly expensive.

CRISPR has a lot of potential as a tool for treating a range of medical conditions that have a genetic component, including cancer, hepatitis B, or high cholesterol

Much research on CRISPR is still focusing on its use in animal models or isolated human cells.

Other current gene editing techniques include transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) (ZFNs)

C PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Courtesy of Tam Vu Chi ‘24 (U-L) and Jing Chen (the rest) | Concordiensis Justen George ‘23, an Economics major and Visual Arts minor, is featured in this photograph (U-L), the African Dance Club prepare to perform on Steinmetz Day (U-R), spring (L-R)

CRIME & FIRE LOG 05/03/22 - 05/10/22

5/1/22 2:07 a.m. Vandalism to college property - time of occurrence unknown. Lippman Hall. 5/1/22 5:07 p.m. Assault - student vs student - occurred at 1:30 pm on 05/01/22. West Beach.

Jing Chen

Thursday, May 12, 2022 | Concordiensis

Arts

chenj2@union.edu

Over 55 student dancers expect to perform on Steinmetz Jing Chen Co-Editor-in-Chief

More than 55 students who are passionate about dance are scheduled to perform on the Steinmetz Symposium Day. Steinmetz Symposium is a 30-year annual tradition on Union campus where students present their research and work. Theater and Dance are historically part of the symposium to recognize and celebrate visual and performing arts, but this custom has halted as a result of COVID-19. Miryam Moutillet—the Gustave L. Davis ‘59 and Susan S. Davis Director of Dance—will be directing the 32nd annual Steinmetz Dance Performance. Moutillet is excited about the return of dance for Steinmetz because “the last time we’ve done it was in 2019.” Theater and Dance students and members of diverse dance teams on campus will collaborate to bring 13 individual and unique performances to the audience. Students are equally delighted to be able to perform, especially because it

dancers will be performing since COVID-19. This includes the HipHop Club. “It’s really great because we have never performed in person for Steinmetz shows. We’ve only had virtual performances and this is very exciting,” says Keerthi Konda, the co-President of Hip-Hop Club. Janet Fabode ‘23, the vice president, adds that “we are excited to have a moment with the audience rather than through a screen. We can make eye contact, and have a better connection because we’ll be in person.” Konda explains their dance will involve “a fusion of several songs. We’re going to have high energy, lots of cool formations, and lots of facial expressions.” The Union College Dance Team echoes Hip-Hop Club’s sentiments. Lillian Kurker ‘22, the Captain of the Dance Team, expresses that “it’s really exciting to form as a whole group because we’ve had many bumps in the road because of COVID-19.” The Bhangra Union will also be performing three different songs. Aneri Patel ‘22,

Jing Chen | Concordiensis -

Jing Chen | Concordiensis

the co-Captain of Bhangra, says that “we are adding a lot of fun to our performance this time because we have not performed in a very long time in front of such a large student body.” When asked about what performing at Steinmetz means to Bhangra, Patel responds that “it means a lot to everyone. Only three of us have performed during our cited because it is truly one of the best opportunities to show what Bhangra has.” Armanda Noel ‘23, who is minoring in dance, will be performing The Path choreographed by Moutillet. Noel’s performance seeks to in nature, especially during COVID-19 where only some of us had the privilege to be outdoors.” Student clubs and dancers are not only performing for the audience, but they are also performing for Moutillet. This is the last performance that Moutillet will be directing after 24 years at Union College,

and as Kurker says, they are all “trying to make her proud.” The Steinmetz Dance Per-

formance will happen on Friday, May 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the Viniar Basketball Court.

Jing Chen | Concordiensis The Path

C Sports

Michael Rosenbaum

Thursday, May 12, 2022 | Concordiensis

rosenbaum@union.edu

Club Lacrosse wins national championship their unrelenting and spirited attitude made them want to do even more. The foundation had been set, but this year as uncertainties eroded away

Muhammad Hassan Aamir Contributing Writer

From its inception the Lacrosse Club has gone through a period of stagnation where the Club failed to hit the ground running. Now, however, they are the newly crowned Empire Conference Champions and Fredrick Cup winners. According to Club Lacrosse leaders Devon Halliday ‘22, Matthew Bidgood ‘22, and Jamie Munsen Rice ‘22, these wins are the culmination of over “ten plus years of hard work and determination.” “We played well on Sunday,” Halliday says. “To get into the championship was the greatest thing ever,” Bigood adds, “we put in so much time into this team and winning the Empire Conference, holding the Frederick Cup was the ultimate reward.” Halliday also mentions that “there were many parents and family who were there to watch. They were happy that their children had something to be a part of at Union.” The Club itself is ten years old, but their journey begins only about four years ago.

Courtesy of Club Lacrosse The Club Lacrosse team previously experienced many obstacles such as injuries and COVID-19, but turned the tables around this year by concluding a win of the Division II National Champions.

them, inspired by their love of lacrosse banded together to become members of the club. Their passion and love for lacrosse set off this lightbulb in their head as they sought to elevate and expand the Club. This journey brought along several roadblocks in the shape of injuries, logistics and COVID-19. “COVID-19 hit in our sophomore year, when we really tried to start,” says Bigood. “We couldn’t get everything going until this year, when we running.” Halliday adds that “it was a long time coming. People made attempts early on, but injuries, COVID-19, and etc. didn’t work out.” However, these roadblocks barely slowed them down as

Courtesy of Club Lacrosse Jamie Munsen Rice ‘22, Matthew Bidgood ‘22, and Devon Halliday ‘22, the three organizers of Club Lacrosse, hold the Federick Cup.

place. “This year, as things normalized, we had more opportunities to make the team formal and have success,” Halliday concludes. They commended their team and its unrelenting and spirited attitude throughout their journey. All of whom ensured that the spirit within the camp remained lively throughout the tournament. United by their love and want to play lacrosse all players played their roles to a tee. When asked if they wanted to give a special shout-out to anyone, they were at a loss for words. The list of people they wanted to mention was extremely long, however, they spoke glowingly of their goalies that allowed them to pursue an attacking mindset because they knew how secure they were at the back. Furthermore, they extended their gratitude and thanks to Lauren Doherty—former head of Student Activities—who set the ball rolling, as well as Katie Davin and Matt Milless, the current Assistant Director of Student Activities and the Dean of Students, who greatly assisted them with the logistics aspect of the Club. Dubbed the “Creator’s Game,” these wins have created a legacy for the future club. They collectively have raised the glass ceiling and serve as an inspiration for anyone passionate about anything. Their legacy will live on through the Club as they seek to elect a whole new E-Board that will hopefully build on the platform that the current team has helped craft. For any interest in joining Club Lacrosse, contact ricej2@union.edu, bidgoodm@union.edu, or hallidad@union.edu.