Union hosted its annual ReUnion weekend from May 17 to 19, 2024. This year’s event celebrated the reunions of those with class years ending in 9 and 4. The class of 1974 came together to celebrate their 50th ReUnion, and alumni from the classes of 1949 to 2023 came back to campus for the celebrations.
The festivities featured a series of events hosted by fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, and representatives from different class years. The festivities on the 18th featured an alumni parade, a food tasting event that featured local businesses, and an alumni lobsterfest. Notably, the class of 1974 was theted for 4 year Bachelor’s degrees, meaning this ReUnion marked 50 years of women graduating from the college.
The college’s alumni council, chaired by Tess Skoller ’13 and Ewo Harrel ’10, honored several college graduates for their commitment to
Union and their other accomplishments during a ceremony. Rachel Linder ’19 received the alumni rising star award, and Michael Newell ’74, Robert Saltzman ’69, and Trustee Julie Swidler ’79 all received the Alumni Gold Medal. Zakuro Daiko, the college’s Japanese drumming ensemble, and the chamber singers performed for alumni at the award ceremony.
At the award ceremony, President Harris highlighted the alumni contributions toward the college. 836 ReUnion donors raised $13,222,938.30 for various college initiatives, and the class of 1974 raised $8,498,146.35 of that amount.
over the Nott Memorial and the Kenney Center’s community carnival.
Alumni, students, and friends can look forward to ReUnion happening at the same time next year, where those with class years ending in 5 and 0 will be celebrated. The class of 1975 will celebrate their 50th ReUnion, and alumni can look for details to register for the event in the coming months.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Union Hospitality hosted its annual Lobsterfest feast. The yearly event serves lobsters to each student, with vegan and kosher options for those who do not eat lobsters.
Student Forum gave out shirts and hundreds of students lined up to get them before the event. Students came to “show school spirit and get a free t-shirt,” as James Gaskell ’25 and Ben Fineman ’25 remarked.
Students were able to enjoy lobsters on West Beach, and even play with them. One student even put a lobster on the Chester A. Arthur statue near Reamer Campus Center after the event.
Students can look forward to the event happening again around the same time next year. If students want to eat lobster during other times of the year, they can be found in local grocery stores.
Beyond the Trimester: Traversing Union College’s Unique Schedule
Opinions Editor
Union College is on a trimester schedule which means that the start of the school year is in September and the end in June We have three ten week terms, consisting of three to four classes.
Students, including myself, anticipated three classes to be easy to manage. Sadly, this schedule is no different than any other school in regards to the workload. However, what does differ is that students are required to stay till June studying and attending classes.
You may be thinking, “well didn’t you know that the trimester schedule would be like this when you picked the school” and that is a valid question. However, I know for myself, I did not anticipate the dread and lack of motivation to do work that comes with the end of the school year.
Due to the fact that I was accustomed to a September to June school schedule with high school, changes is that not all of your friends are on this same schedule, which makes it harder. Furthermore, what you don’t truly understand until you are in college is that you have self-autonomy and it is your own responsibility to attend classes. The
responsibility to go to class when the weather is warm proves morejoy the sunny weather than listen in class.
Furthermore, this schedule is different from other schools and their break schedules differ, meaning that people from your hometown are often home at different times. This is due to most colleges being on a semester schedule.
While students at Union are attending school, the vast majority of college students are at internships, hanging out with friends, or on vacation. This college schedule can feel isolating when observing other schools and seeing their similar school structures.
Not to forget that the hot weather causes warm and stuffy dorms. Many living options at Union do not have air conditioning, which I believe is quite typical with many colleges. However, due to Union going much later than the average college, students at Union have to endure the warm weather in stuffy dorms, relying on box fans to cool the spaces down.
From personal experience, living in Fox Hall, the dorm gets hot, stuffy, and humid making you feel sticky and uncomfortable. This is just another downfall of the current trimester schedule.
While I have been quite critical
of the trimester schedule and do believe that I would prefer a different schedule, I wouldn’t argue that Union is a “bad” option for this reason. Union has an amazing culture and academics.
Attending Union is understanding the downfalls of the trimester schedule while also understanding that it is an amazing school with excellent professors, and a culture that fosters community.
Clean Clothes Crisis: Navigating the Laundry Dilemma at Union
Craig Efrati Staff Writer
The Union College laundry sytem is in a state of disarray. The current washers and dryers are not working in multiple buildings on campus. In order to complete laundry in my minerva building, Wold, I must utilize West College as none of the dryers are operating properly.
As a result, many, including myself, are not able to do laundrynative ways to simply have clean clothes. Luckily, we are at the end of the contract with our current laundry company and will be getting new washers and dryers over the summer period.
However, with that being said, the last few weeks on campus matter and students should have access to viable laundry systems. This makes life for many students how students can adequately live in their dorms for the remainder of the year. The school may be doing
all they can, but for some students the situation is proving to be catastrophic to their ability to enjoy Unthe machines in due time, but until that point my building and others will force students to make other choices in terms of how they utilize the necessary laundry facilities on campus.
There are certain spaces that need to function properly on a college campus and laundry facilities are one of them. It may be good that the laundry is being replaced next year, but for now the situation is frustrating and disheartening for many. One can only hope the situthen surely the students will have a disaster on their hands.
Adithi Chellappan | Concordiensis
Courtesy of Union College
Star-Studded Spectacle: Highlights From the Cannes Film Festival 2024
Schaffer Library Staff Recommends:
Sienna Chambial
Anora Directed by Sean Baker May 21, 2024
We Imagine As Light Directed by Payal Kapadia October 2, 2024
Emilia Perez Directed by Jacques Audiard Agusut 28, 2024
Motel Destino Directed by Karim Ainouz November 14, 2024
Corinne Chatnik Librarian The cover art of True Biz, written by Sarah Novic.
Open House at the Observatory
Abby Trzepla Sci-Tech Editor
This month featured an exciting op-munity and newcomers alike, with Union College’s most recent observatory open house taking place on Monday, May 20th. The event began at 8:45 pm, not long after the sun had set, in the observatory located at the top of Olin Science Center.
The open house drew a large crowd, with students from multiple STEM-related classes alongside visitors from the local community space. Members took turns stepping up to look through the eyepiece of the college’s 20-inch optical telescope.
Two main astronomical bodies were on display this Monday. The meaning a stage where it is not yet full, but very near. This allowed viewers to see the terminator, or the line separating the lit and unlit sides of the moon, illuminating the
rich variety of craters on its surface and the multitude of central peaks within them.
The view also included lunar maria, or the moon’s “seas,” in reality large, dark, rocky plains formed prominent and fascinating features spotted were lunar mountains and ray systems, the star-shaped bursts on the moon’s surface.
The second object examined the constellation Ursa Major. This constellation includes the Big Dipforms the bend in the handle of this classic shape.
The event was run by Professor Wilkin, a senior lecturer in Physicsservatory manager. He noted that on a more typical night, the group also would have looked at one or more planets, but they happened to all be in the morning sky during the time.
Professor Wilkin has managed the Union College Observatory for twenty years, since 2004. When reached out for comment on what
he values about the position, he explained, “I enjoy the connection to the cosmos that I feel when I look beyond Earth’s atmosphere and realize I’m a part of something so much bigger than we usually think about when we don’t look above the horizon. I love showing the stars and planets to the public and hearing a wide range of unexpected questions.”
He added, “The opportunity to direct student research and make actual discoveries is perhaps the greatest pleasure, as we’ve used the telescope to publish research about asteroids and to make con-minates the wide-reaching range of the telescope’s uses, from education and expanding perspectives inquiry.
Considering engagement with the community during the open houses, Professor Wilkin described that it’s “always incredibly rewarding to show the heavens to the public, and especially to hear the oohs! and ahhhs! when someone sees Saturn’s rings or sharp details of
escope.”
With the wide variety of views that the telescope gives possibility to, narrowing down the most exciting ones spotted here is no easy task.
Throughout his time managing the observatory, Professor Wilkin explained, “The most exciting thing I have seen is the quasar 3C273, which is around 2 billion light years away, meaning I get to look back in time by two billion years, long before complex life on Earth.”
This incredible sighting required lots of careful comparison of faint stars to a star map, so as a result hasn’t been possible at the open houses yet.
Regarding general viewing with the public, the most exciting event was “probably the transit of Venus in 2012,” when viewers were able to “see the dark disk of Venus against “close runner-ups have included comets and supernovas,” as the intricate and dazzling array from stars and planets, to constellations and moons, is hard to compare.
Recent Research Spotlights
Waste Valorization of Chemical Recycling
This research spotlight features the work of Ria Vij and Nora Kliczewski, who recently presented a poster for their project “Valorization of Waste Solvents and Reagents from the Chemical Recycling of PostconGreen Circular.”
chology ID major from Hasbrouck Height, New Jersey, while Kliczewski is a sophomore environmental science major from Newtown, Connecticut. They worked on regenerating the reagents and solvents used in the PET chemical recycling performed by a previously featured
of a Single Step Chemical Recycling of Post Consumer Plastic Waste into High Quality Products’’ to use in a second PET depolymerization cycle. The pair was able to somewhat successfully recycle plastics using the reused reagents, through chemically breaking down and reforming the plastic. This made the process sustainable and environmentally safer than mechanical processes, such as melting or crushing plas-
tic to recycle it. They also used the water produced as a waste product in the recycling process to water wheatgrass plants and examine its effects.
Vij was motivated to choose this topic because it combined her interest in both chemistry and the environment, as she is very passionate about medicine but realizes its impacts on the environment with the pounds of medical waste thrown out every day, including things like syringes or plastic gloves.
When asked what she felt the biggest challenge was when doing the research, Kliczewski replied, recycled plastics. It didn’t come out how we wanted so we’re still working towards getting that up.” Vij felt the most rewarding part was “being able to hopefully contribute to the environment being a healthier, better place for generations to come.”
DNA Packaging in Bacteriophages
The second research spotlightology major presenting the project
carried out with Professor Cecilia Bores-Quijano.
aged within bacteriophages and
affected by difference factors, assid and arranged under high pressure from its negative charge. The research examined the amino acids within the capsid that interact with the genetic material. When simulations were run to examine different environments, they found that higher Epsilon values result in stronger
ranged in a more orderly, structured manner than compared to the more random assortment at lower levels.
When considering how she became involved in this research, here last year, and I took a physics class with my current thesis adviser and she said she was interested in bacteriophages. That was something I was interested in at my old college before I transferred here, so I talked to her about doing research, and then we started doing research together over the summer. Then she became my thesis adviser, too, so it just worked out.”
challenging part of performing the research was how, “In order to run the simulations, we had to basically code, and I’ve never coded before.”
She added, “That was something I had to learn, and there was a bit of a learning curve, but after I got used most rewarding part of the research, bacteriophages work, and seeing real results.”
Abby Trzepla Sci-Tech Editor
Concordiensis
Adithi
EVENT PICKS
Courtesy of @union.asa on Instagram
Courtesy of @unionathletics on Instagram
Courtesy of Wold House Courtesy of Union College Music Department
Reamer Review - Ushi Sushi
Union College, known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life, has an unexpected gem that delights its students’ taste buds daily: the sushi stand inside Dutch Hollow. This culinary hotspot offers an array of fresh and delicious sushi options that provide a refreshing alternative to typical late-night snacks like pizza.
Upon entering Dutch Hollow, the sushi stand immediately draws attention with its enticing display of colorful and meticulously prepared dishes. The selection is impressive, catering to both sushi
Among the standout items are the marina plates, brimming with fresh
a testament to the high quality and freshness of the ingredients used, ensuring that every bite is a burst of
One of the most beloved items at the stand is the salmon roll. This classic sushi roll, enhanced with a touch of Japanese mayo, has quickly become a favorite among students. The creamy mayo complements the rich, buttery texture of the fresh salmon, creating a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and addictive. Each roll is expertly -
ication of the sushi chefs who work tirelessly to provide the best possible dining experience.
For those seeking something a bit more adventurous, the shrimp dumplings are a must-try. These -
culent shrimp, seasoned to perfec-
They offer a different texture and taste compared to the traditional sushi rolls, adding variety to the menu
and catering to diverse palates.
The sushi stand also offers a refreshing seaweed salad, which serves as the perfect side dish to any sushi order. This salad, made
from fresh, crisp seaweed, is tossed in a light, tangy dressing that en-tritious option that pairs wonderfully with the richer, more indulgent sushi rolls and dumplings.
One of the most coveted items on the menu, however, is the poke bowl. These bowls, available only if you arrive early, are a delightful and rice. Each bowl is a carefully balanced combination of textures choice for those who crave a wholesome and satisfying meal. The poke bowls are a testament to the stand’s commitment to variety and quality, offering students a taste of Hawaiian cuisine right on their campus.
What makes the sushi stand at Dutch Hollow particularly appealing is its convenience. Located centrally on campus, it provides a quick and easy option for students in need of a meal or snack, especially later in the evening when many other dining options are closed. This accessibility ensures that students can enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal without having to venture far from their dorms or study spots.
inside Dutch Hollow at Union College is more than just a dining option; it’s a culinary experience that to the heart of campus life. With its diverse menu, commitment to freshness, and convenient location, it has rightly earned its place as a
Whether you’re a sushi lover or just looking for a tasty alternative to latenight pizza, this stand offers something for everyone, ensuring that every visit is a delicious adventure.
Big Things for Baja Racing Club: Successful Williamsport Competition
Matthew Lowry Contributing Writer
On Sunday, May 19, the Union College Baja team attended the annual Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Design Competition in Williamsport, PA, competing against 106 teams from various colleges and universities.
The competition pitted student-designed and student-built offroad racing cars against each other in various performance and endurance events.
Union’s performance was its best since 2009, placing above much larger teams from elite en-
the University of Michigan in some events.
The Acceleration and Hill Climb events were of particular note: Bin-
since 1991, secured 36th place out of 106 teams in Acceleration, while team captain Jeff Kent crawled up a 55 degree incline to 25th place incessfully do so in an hour.
Additionally, Union took 42nd place in the maneuverability event and 40th in the endurance race, completing 23 laps in 4 hours.
Kent credited a focus on prior weaknesses, a strong foundation from the class of 2023, and the
It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
tight-knit nature of the team with their recent success: “We’re really tight, and it helps a ton. My closest one of the most rewarding things
limited to competition performance, either: increasingly, the club is helping to include women in Engineering.
While women make up only 14% of the engineering workforce, Baja is closer to 40% female, and Baja club leadership positions are increasing-
will have a female co-president, Elsie Paxton, and roughly half of the board will be female. Kent stresses that anyone interested is welcome, and that not everyone involved has to be a mechanical engineering major.
Baja offers a unique opportunity for hands-on learning, teamwork, and electric camaraderie: “To see the team’s emotions come out after an achievement just shows how -
Adithi Chellappan 807 Editor
Adithi Chellappan | Concordiensis
A sampling of the menu.
Adithi Chellappan | Concordiensis
The various options at Ushi
Binnie Patton | Concordiensis
KAVITA TRIVEDI, PHOTO EDITOR trivedik@union.edu
Battle of the Bands
PHOTOS NEEDED!
Please feel free to submit photos to include in future “Photos of the Week” sections using the QR code!
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis
The second band, N/A or Not Applicable, rocking the stage while preforming at the Battle of the Bands.
Sienna Chambial | Concordiensis
The last band of the night, Solid Try, conquering the stage at the Battle of the Bands.
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis The organizers of the Battle of the Bands introducing the audience to the wonderful
