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The Meaning of Steinmetz Day

An Editorial Note from News Editor Allyson Bennett ‘26

Allyson Bennett News Editor

In this year’s Steinmetz Symposium program, President David Harris remarked that “the presentations, exhibits, and performances you’ll seelectual and creative curiosity of our students.” And that is exactly what I saw on campus.

As the News Editor, my job is to keep tabs on different events on campus. I’ve gone to dance shows, club events, award ceremonies, and more. What made this day special to me is the sense of school pride that I felt on Steinmetz and Prize Day.

When I looked at the program for this year’s event, I felt a sense of school pride. This school has hundreds of talented, passionate students, and lots of them were showcasing their research, art projects, dance routines, and more. I didn’t always understand what each project was about, because I’m an Economics major who hasn’t taken upper level STEM classes, but I

did know one thing: my classmates were proud of their work.

I began the day by going aroundentations. Every room had at least 15 people in there watching the presentation. Some of them were even standing room only. When I went to the dance show, I was initially denied entry because 125+ people had gotten there before me at each of these presentations and children, friends took pictures of one another, and students enthusiastically answered questions.

This year, I made a poster with pictures that I had taken for the Concordiensis and on my own. I chose to present ones that I felt symbolized Union as a community; athletes supporting each other, friends enjoying a sunny day, students showcasing their cultures, and more. When I presented it in the library, community members appreciated it and talked to me about my work. Between that and what I saw at Steinmetz, I’m glad to say that Union is a supportive community

that brings out the best in students.

At Prize Day, there were so many people to clap for that your hands would hurt by the end of it. Friends came to cheer each other proudly cheered on their children, and faculty cheered as their students won prizes they nominated them for. I am glad that I went there and was able to see my classmates win awards that they deserved.

Steinmetz is a day named after Charles Proteus Steinmetz, a faculty member and America’s leading electrical engineer of his time. Professor Steinmetz represented excelwhere students are honored for excellence. I’m glad that this day exists, and is something that students can look forward to.

This 12 page edition of the Concordiensis will show a fraction of what happened at Steinmetz this year. And that’s the beauty of this day; there is so much happening that you can’t capture all of it. Enjoy learning about students’ passions and accomplishments throughout this edition.

100 Students Celebrated at Prize Day 2024

Allyson Bennett News Editor

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, approximately 100 students gathered with their friends, family, faculty and staff in Memorial Chapel to receive prizes for academic excellence and leadership. Ebyan Abshir ‘24 was

awarded the Frank Bailey class of 1885 prize, and Anton Tatus ‘24 won the Josephine Daggett prize.

The majority of prizes were awarded to graduating seniors for excellence on their senior projects and in their respective majors. Faculty and staff nominate students for these respective awards, and students can also apply for writing

awards in the English department. May 1932 to commemorate 20 seniors for their academic accomplishments, and it has become a tradition to host the ceremony the day after every Steinmetz symposium.

Union awards two college distinction awards, one being the Frank Bailey (1885) Prize, awarded annu-

ally to the senior who has rendered the greatest service to the Collegericana Studies major, was awarded this prize for her internship in Presi-

mentor to her peers.

“She has informed campus events and initiatives through her

She has touched many lives as a familiar face in the Unity Room. And she supports her fellow Posse Scholars by offering academic advice, providing valuable insight on her personal experiences and sharing words of encouragement when others need it most.” President Harris remarked about Abshir. “[she] has been an inspiration

See PRIZE on page 2

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensispus shined.

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis through my work at the Concordiensis and otherwise.

ALLYSON BENNETT, NEWS EDITOR benneta2@union.edu

PRIZE

Continued from page 1

to her teachers and her peers and has made the college a better, more welcoming, more inclusive place. Her presence has made a real difference.”

The second college distinction award is the Josephine Daggett prize, awarded to a senior for the best conduct and character. Anton Tatus ‘24 received the award for his advocacy on and off campus against Russia’s war on Ukraine. He founded a program where Union students can teach English to Ukrainian children over ZOOM, has given 12 talks on the war on campus, and drove humanitarian supplies to the Kyiv border while on a term abroad.

“As one nominator noted, this student’s maturity, discipline and

character make him an important role model for all Union students,” Harris remarked of Tatus.

In addition, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Zahra Khan ‘25 won the Anthony C. LaVecchia (1998) Memorial Award, an award for students who demonstrate a keen interest and passion in journalism. The award is named after Concordiensis Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Anthony LaVecchia ‘98, who died in a car accident in 2005.

To celebrate the awardees, the acapella group The Eliphalets sang covers of “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift and “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green.

Next year’s Prize Day is scheduled for May 10, 2025, and students date if they are winning a prize. The English department also accepts submissions for writing prizes every winter term, and students will be able to apply for those in February or March 2025.

The Biggest Pridefest To Date

Staff Writer

On May 11, 2024, Union Pride hosted its 4th annual Pridefest, an event where various campus organizations and students celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride. Over 40 organizations signed up this year, making the event a huge success.

The event featured DJ Rvmba, an LGBTQ+ staff member, as well as speeches from staff members such as Brianne Brinker, a transgender staff member, Marlow Guerrant, an LGBTQ+ professor, and college President David Harris. Many of the speeches highlighted the importance of showcasing pride to the community as well as the impactfulness of the event. Several speakers remarked that Union has become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community in recent years.

The event featured nail painting, button making, temporary tattoo drawing, and more engaging events. It welcomed children and those who visited campus for Steinmetz. The event featured many staff, students, and community members who were eager to be there to support pride at Union.

For instance, Julie Brannon was there on behalf of the career center and explained that, “Here on behalf of the career center and ensuring that everyone can come to the career center to partake in our services. I am bisexual as well on a personal note.”

Anabel Sollinger ‘25 on behalf of her sorority remarked that, “I’m the chair for DEIA [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Acceptance] for SDT [Sigma Delta Tau] and we feel it’s important to support all the different communities on campus.” It is clear that many different clubs and organizations were there for a variety of reasons and that people were given the opportunity to make pride impactful in their lives.

President David Harris remarked that, “I’m just here to support our students and enhancing belonging is something that I’m all for.” The president also spent time going around to the different tables for the duration of the activities.

This pridefest was particularly valuable as it showcased a broader range of clubs than ever before and productive manner. The community can look forward to the annual event next year, presumably on Prize Day 2025, May 10, 2025.

Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis

Union College 2024 Pride Fest:

Why Is It Important for Colleges to Have One?

This past weekend, Union College held its annual Pride Festival inviting clubs, organizations, and businesses to join and celebrate. This is Union’s fourth year hosting this event, and it brings together the campus and surrounding communities. Pride events like this one are important for queer people not only to have a welcoming environment, but to celebrate themselves and the accomplishments the group has achieved thus far and for a more equitable future.

As a general history of 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprisings. The Stonewall Upris-

members of the LGBTQ+ community. These events took place over six days. The Stonewall Inn, was one of the most popular gay

the police to raid whenever they wanted. Stonewall was owned by drank in their establishments as long as they were earning money, allowing them to continue to provide a space for queer individuals. One night the bar got raided, and LGBTQ+ individuals decided to days and changed the discourse surrounding activism within this community. Therefore, Pride Month

parade took place in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Each year, people around the world gather throughout the month to celebrate those who are out or closeted and those who have lost their lives for being queer. Today the biggest Pride event is held in New York City and is known to be one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ events to attend. These events acknowledge these individuals and give space for LGBTQ+ visibility. Union, like many institutions, has not always been a

This event allowed students, faculty, and the local community to come together and celebrate

bars in New York City. During this time, homosexuality was a crime, which led many establishments to have liquor licenses that allowed

welcoming place for LGBTQ+ members. Headlines that were published in Concordiensis were “Gays Active On Campus” and

“Homophobes Keep Gays in Closet.” These statements were derogatory and were used to make the LGBTQ+ community feel like

this group has become a political issue. With the growing hate and discriminatory laws towards the LGBTQ+ communities, members

This celebration allows members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen and heard. It sets the precedent that Union supports its students who identify within this community and accepts them.

they needed to hide themselves to When looking back at these headlines, it is encouraging to see Union celebrating this community in a positive and supportive manner.

While Pride is celebratedval on May 11, due to the college’s academic schedule. At this event, clubs, organizations, academic departments, and businesses held tables providing food, games, and information. This event allowed students, faculty, and the local community to come together and celebrate. This celebration allows members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen and heard. It sets the precedent that Union supports its students who identify within this community and accepts them. While this provides students with a welcoming environment where students can express themselves, it is also cool to see the school celebrating the achievements of the queer community.

Currently, we live in a world that is extremely divided and the legitimacy and safety of

are feeling evermore unsafe. For example, the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in Florida and the banning of books across the nation. I digress, but these acts and hate are why these events are so important to the community. With the growing sentiment of hate, it is amazing to see a school take a stance on this issue and support its students. Therefore, I am proud to be part of a college that is supportive of its students and their various identities. I also believe that more organizations, businesses, and other universities should support the LGBTQ+ community. To celebrate their accomplishments and mourn those who were lost too soon to

Opinions Editor

Courtesy of Union College @unioncollege Students interacting with tables at Pride Fest.

Courtesy of Union College @unioncollege

Courtesy of Union College @nottshot The Nott Memorial lit up with Pride Colors.

SIENNA CHAMBIAL, EDITOR chambias@union.edu

Rap Royalty Rumble: Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s Epic Rap Feud

Graham Rose Contributing Writer

Hip-hop fans are in for a blast in an epic battle of the Giants! After a other through their music, Drake and Kendrick Lamar are back at it stronger than ever, stirring up serious drama in the rap world.

For those who are not too familiar with the scene, Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been rivals in the Hip-Hop industry for years. Both are extremely talented, have huge fanbases, and have been compared to each other time and time again. However, it’s not always been bad blood. In the past, they’ve also shown each other respect over the years, even if on rare occasions.

So if they have always had issues, what’s the big deal now?

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest beef in recent Hip-Hop history. It all started with some mysterious posts on social media. Recent posts by Drake on Instagram seemed to suggest that they were targeted though he didn’t specify any names. Fans quickly speculated that he was referring to Kendrick Lamar.

Not one to stay quiet, Kendrick seemed to hint at Drake’s “Kingdom” falling apart. Even till this

neither of them has mentioned the other by name, but it was pretty clear to the fans that they were throwing shade at each other yet again. This was followed by both artists releasing multiple diss tracks in succession directed towards each other. Here’s a timeline of the musical development in recent weeks: March 22: Lamar disses Drake on Metro Boomin and Future’s “Like That”

• April 13: Drake’s “Push -

April 24: Drake strikes back with “Taylor MadeFreestyle”

• April 30: Lamar responds with a six-and-a-half-minute diss track, “Euphoria”

• May 3: Lamar follows up with “6:16 in LA”

May 3: Drake launches “Family Matters”

May 4: Lamar retaliates with “Meet the Grahams” and in less than 24 hours, drops “Not Like Us”

• May 5: Drake attempts to Part 6”

Based on the pace at which this feud has been unraveling, things are looking grim. People are starting to worry about a full-blown beef involving the entire industry as both artists have started to bring other artists into the battle. In his song “Pushups”, Drake disses Metro Boomin, a popular producer and artist that Kendrick has often worked with in the past.

This feud has already evolved into something that’s affecting a big part of the music industry. Some believe Drake is winning this battle while many believe that Kendrick has already won. Though Drake and Kendrick have certainly exchanged some heated words in their songs in the past, they’ve also made peace with each other before. The question here is, will history repeat itself, or are we in for some serious drama this time?

Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: fans are hooked. Drake and Kendrick Lamar are the heavyweight champions of hip-hop, and when they clash, everyone pays attention. .From anticipating each new release to dissecting every lyric for a hidden meaning, buckle up folks, for it looks like we’re in for another wild ride in the world of rap feuds.

Schaffer Library Staff Recommends:

“Bringing

It to the Table: On Farming and Food” Written by Wendell Berry

Joanna DiPasquale Director of Content and Library Systems

Wendell Berry’s ‘Bringing It to the Table: On Farming and Food’ is a collection of Berry’s writings centered on agriculture, economics, and the role that farms play in the United States. If you have ever seen a bumper sticker that reads, “No farms/ No food,” read Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, headed to the Schenectady Farmers Market to shop for local produce, or even wondered where your most recent meal ingredients were grown or raised, you have Wendell Berry to thank!

For more than 50 years, Berry has written about local and large-standing of food and local knowledge of farming, and the lives of

farmers. The writings in this book discuss changes in food produc-tices have changed as farms have grown larger, more mechanized, and more specialized. While these changes have brought incredible and helped decrease consumer costs, they also have created dependencies and fragilities in different areas.

The impact of more specialized farming can have even more specialized solutions (e.g., additional technology), but Berry also sees solutions in time-tested practices directly from farmers, which results in him revolving his writings around farmers. Bringing It to the Table helps us appreciate the full ecosystem of food production and land management from the perspective of people who are much closer to this work than we are as readers.

What makes this book a particularly interesting and inspiring read for college students?

College students are increasingly aware of concepts like organic foods and local produce, and Union students are no exception. I believe that Union’s amazing combination of liberal arts and engineering helps students frame questions and answers in ways similar to Berry. Our very own Ozone Cafe is a great example of Berry’s words in action –and on our plates.

(Joanna DiPasquale is the Director of Content & Digital Library Systems at Schaffer Library. This department ensures access to the highest-quality materials available to students and faculty at Union College, whether by purchasing, digitizing, or making the systems we use to access them the best they can be.)

point, nei

Counterpoint

“Bringing It to the Table: On Farming and Food” by Wendell Berry

Washington Post

Drake (left) and Kendrick Lamar (right) have taken over the Pop Culture scene with the recent progression of their ongoing feud of the past few years.

STEM Steinmetz Spotlights

Single-Step Plastic Recycling

Hydrogels: A New Method for Growing Cells in the Laboratory

Abby Trzepla

Aaron Carretero Benites presenting his research on hydrogels & stem cells

Rhianna Candido and Vasilisa Palkova presenting on plastic recycling

Phoebe Barnes and Khadija Amir presenting their work on Drosophila speciation

Courtesy of Dominique Del Prete, Union Athletics

The Captivating Steinmetz Dances

Craig Efrati Staff Writer

The Steinmetz dance took place on May 10, 2024, at 4 p.m. in the Nott. This year, there was a record students and community members attending to support the dance and its performers.

Approximately 50 community members were unable to attend due to the venue reaching peak capacity,

The dance is among the most highly anticipated events of the year, featuring a diverse array of performances including hip hop, jazz, and more.

The hip hop segments were particularly impactful, captivating the audience and providing an engaging experience for all attendees.

Miriam Moutillet, the creator of the dance program, expressed her appreciation, stating, “I created the dance program, starting from 1996tant art form, and Union is lucky to have so many students interested in dance.”

Alumni Gus Davis ’59 empha-gram, noting, “We didn’t have a dance program when I attended. This gives an opportunity for women—a performing arts program that offers a full-scale dance performance. It’s very important to the admissions committee to have this program.”

The dance program has evolved over the years, becoming the stronghold it is today. Performer Sienna Chambial ’27 shared, “I’m interested because dance is an in-

tegral part of my life. Dancing helps me feel free.”

Another dancer, Caitlyn Lesage ’25, exclaimed, “I have been dancing since I was 3!”

These performers were deeply moved by the production, eagerly anticipating the show for a long time.

It was an honor for everyone to witness their performances, showcasing their creative expressions and commitment to the art form. The campus community can anticipate the event being showcased at Steinmetz in May next year.

A History of the Famous Dr. Steinmetz

Charles Proteus Steinmetz, famously known for his towering intellect and diminutive stature, is once again in the spotlight this time of year. As the College honors his legacy with the annual Steinmetz Symposium, it’s worth taking a jaunt down memory lane to celebrate the man, the myth, and the electric legend.

Steinmetz was a titan of electrical engineering whose brilliance illuminated the streets of this humble town. But let’s be real, folks. He was vertically challenged, standing at a height that made hobbits look like giants (4 feet, to be exact). Yet, despite his stature, Steinmetz cast a long shadow over the world of electricity.

Born in 1865 in Breslau, Geremigrated to the land of the free and the home of the brave, where he found his calling amidst the sparks

and circuits of Schenectady. It was here, nestled in the heart of Union College, that he unleashed his electrifying intellect upon the world. Union College, ever the beacon of academic excellence (and occa-

sional whimsy), celebrates Steinmetz’s legacy with the annual Steinmetz Symposium. This event, where students showcase their research to the man who revolutionized the

But let’s talk about the real shocker here—the College actually gives students a day off from classes to attend the Symposium!

While other institutions may cling desperately to their precious class time, Union boldly proclaims, “Let there be research!” And who are we to argue? After all, it’s not every day you get to skip class in the name of scholarly inquiry.

Now, back to our vertically challenged friend. Steinmetz’s contributions to the world of electricity were nothing short of electrifying.

From his pioneering work on alternating current to his groundbreaking discoveries in magnetic a revolution that lit up the path to modernity.

And let’s not forget his infamous experiments with lightning bolts,

which earned him the moniker of “Thunderous Chuck” among friends and foes alike.

But for all his brilliance, Steinmetz was a man of peculiar habits. Legend has it that he conducted jars of pickled cats—an oddity that would give even the most ardent feline lover pause.

Also, don’t get us started on his penchant for wearing mismatched socks (hello Dr. Reid!). It seems even geniuses have their quirks.

As the College pays tribute to Steinmetz’s legacy once again, it’s the myth. Yes, he may have been short in stature, but his intellect loomed large over history.

So here’s to you, Charles Proteus Steinmetz. May your legacy continue to shine bright, casting a spark of inspiration in the hearts of future generations. And may Union College forever be a beacon of academic excellence, where students can skip class in the pursuit of knowledge (and maybe a few laughs along the way).