Concordiensis

THE STUDENT

Your Guide to Fall in Schenectady

Alexander Sano Contributing Writer

For many, the fall season calls to mind countless quintessential joys, among these being the bright orange-yellow leaves cascading from the treetops, pillars of steam billowing from a fresh cup of apple cider, and the crisp taste of a freshly picked apple. When in search of these classic sights and smells of the season, however, us members of the Union community need look no farther than our own backyard. The greater Schenectady area is currently hosting countless activities to allow everyone a gateway into the harvest spirit.

Students on campus, in light of the change of seasons, have reported to the Concordiensis that one of fall’s most essential activities is that of apple picking, which the countless farms local to the capital region readily host in the harvest season. One popular farm among Union students is Bowman Orchards, a 60 acre farm located in Rexford, 8 miles from campus. Not only does Bowman offer guests access to 63 their baskets from, but a petting zoo, hayrides, and food trucks from

11am-5pm every Saturday and Sunday until the end of October.

Students who frequent the shops on Jay Street may also be familiar with the Schenectady Greenmarket, a farmer’s market which operates before the front steps of the Schenectady City Hall on Sundays from 10am-2pm. This, however, is not the only collection of vendors

offering a taste of freshly sourced produce and other goods in the coming months. Stuyvesant Plaza, located 13 miles from campus in Guilderland, Albany, will be hosting its annual Autumn Fest on October 19th from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can expect sidewalk vendors, live music performed by local artists, and fresh seasonal food. Promotions and dis-

counts will also be offered by the storefront locations along Stuyvesant plaza, making Autumn Fest an ideal event for seasonal enthusiasts and eager shoppers alike.

Those who value autumn for its vibrant change of backdrop may opt instead to enjoy the sights and cool weather with one of the Schenectady area’s many hiking trails.

One popular nearby option is the Sergeant Falls SIde Trail, a roughly three mile long hiking path winding throughout the Plotter Kill Nature Reserve. The route offers peaceful and breathtaking scenery for hikers while still approachable to those who seek out a calm walk surrounded by fall foliage.

When searching for activities to take part in this autumn, one needs only to look in Union’s own backyard. From fall farmers markets apple picking, from live music to the vibrance of our own local forests, Schenectady has plenty to keep us warm this chilly season.

BOWMAN ORCHARDS

Scan the QR code to learn about Bowman Orchards!

Scan the QR code to learn about the Schenectady Greenmarket!

What U Need to Know About Your Schenectady Ballot

Alexander Sano

Contributing Writer

As an integral part of any democratic system, voting is an important step for all citizens to become involved in as soon as it becomes available to them, and with election season fast approaching, the Union community is preparing to voice their opinions on both the national and state level in matters which will shape the future of New York State and the United States as a whole.

Democratic representative of the

New York State Assembly’s 111th district Angelo Santabarbara’s seat is being contested by Republican Joseph Mastroianni. Santabarbara’s left-of-center position on state infrastructure, equal rights for those with disabilities, and law enforcement reform has overtaken Mastroianni once before in the 2022 race. Further information on Santabarbara can be found through his page on the New York State Assembly website. The nearly 130,000 person district, which makes up a 225 square mile region extending from Schenectady to Amsterdam,

The Union community is preparing to voice their opinions on

has historically voted left-leaning, but with margins at or about ten percent, still boasts a strong conservative-leaning community, which

favors Mastroianni’s perspective on gun control. News associated with Mastroianni’s 2024 bid is compiled on his website at: joe4ny.com.

These candidates will likely voice opinions regarding the proposed amendment to article 1 section 11, an equal rights clause which protects individuals against discrimination due to race, religion, and skin color. The amendment, if passed, will extend the protections to protect citizens on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and several other identifying factors. Proposal Number One, as it is called, will appear on the New York State ballot for voters to decide on November 5th.

Image Courtesy of 518 Sites and Bites

ALLYSON BENNETT, NEWS EDITOR

benneta2@union.edu

BALLOT

Continued from page 1

The seats for New York’s 26 Congressional districts also approach the ballots, with Schenectady voters in New York’s 20th district having a race between incumbent Democrat Paul Tonko and Republican candidate Kevin Waltz. Both politicians were chosen in an uncontested primary on June 25th of this year. The more than forty year long legislative career of incumbent Tonko has sponsored over three thousand bills, most recently targeting the bolstering of funds for healthcare development and medical research. This information is documented and shared with the public in the many press releases which the candidate has compiled on his website: tonko. house.gov. Kevin Waltz, a recently graduated criminal justice student from the University of Albany who is currently pursuing a Juris Doctorate at his alma mater, has voiced strong support for many contentious topics such as gun control and border

tive tone. All of the information on be found at his website: waltzforny. com.

Finally, the seat of incumbent New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of the Democratic Party, held since 2009, is currently con-

tested by Republican Mike Scapraicone. As mentioned on her senate website, gillibrand.senate.gov, her platform has initiated military justice and workplace reform, helped repeal the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy set in place during the Clinton Administration, and has raised over $12 million in support of campaigning female Democrats. Gillibrand’s opponent, former police detective Mike Sapraicone, whose poll numbers have steadily rose from about 30% to 40% across the month of September, is campaigning on a conservative platform with no prior formal political experience save for an unsuccessful prior bid for a congressional seat in New York’s 3rd congressional district. The Republican ticket’s campaign website, which details Sapraicone’s career and media coverage of his platform, can be found at: mikesapraiconeforsenate.com.

The deadline to register to vote in Schenectady is October 26th, 2024, and students can register online, by mail, or in person by visiting https://elections.ny.gov/registration-and-voting-deadlines to learn more.

Scan to register to vote in Schenectady. Those with can vote here.

CANDIDATE’S WEBSITES

Scan to see Angestate assembly website.

Scan to see Angelo SantabarFacebook page.

Scan to see Joe campaign website.

Scan to see Joe campaign Facebook page.

The Yearly Career Fair in Review

Staff Writer

On September 24th, 2024, Union’s Becker Career Center hosted its yearly career fair. The fair consisted of 50 employers and graduate schools on a wide range of potential careers and master’s degrees. Students could choose to hear from many different areas of professional development for a broad range of career paths.

Eight graduate schools ranging from UAlbany to Umass Amherst were present and were ready and willing to answer questions for students on graduate programs ranging from a master’s degree in accounting to PhD programs in physics.

Students spent a few hours engaging with many different booths and a variety of different jobs present in the community. Some employers included GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor company, General Electric (GE), Goldman

as the New York State Department of Civil Service, United Civil, and more.

The Career Center has many different resources that students can explore over time and this ranges from one on one appointments to paper guides that can guide students through the internship and these guides and book appointments through Handshake or by attending career center events such as popcorn pop ins.

Anne Harris ‘28 and Hope Sanders ‘28 said that they were there “to get experience interacting with the community, so we know where to go.” Another student commented that “I’m looking to make connections and get experience and open up some opportunities.”

Pete Fowler from the Career Center spoke about how one should, “Treat [the internship search] like a 4th course and be intentional about the research; it will take some time and effort,” Ultimately, is up to the student to work with the career center, and it is imperative that the student takes the time to engage with the resources provided for them to have a successful job and internship search.

The Becker Career Center will likely host its yearly career fair at the

same time next year.

Students can attend weekly events in the career center such as popcorn pop-ins, and career seekers collective.

The Becker Career Center is open for student walk-ins from 9 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday to schedule appointments, seek career guidance. and obtain crucial life skills to navigate life after college.

Scan the QR code to go to Handshake and see the resources!

Scan the QR code to look on Linkenetworking site.

Craig Efraiti | Concordiensis

Union College’s Most Menacing Building: Why I’m Scared of Bailey Hall

Naomi Nayor Contributing Writer

Bailey Hall. For a name so beautiful, I would expect the building to provide me with a sense of joy and comfort. However, when I stepped time, my heart dropped.

What was this place?! The lights were dim, the air was musty, and I felt as if I was smacked in the face with gloom. On top of that, the class I dreaded most was in Bailey: Math. (By the way, I’m an English major).

I spent a summer at Union College to help with my transition from high school to college. Math was one of the three classes I had to take, which only added on to my fear of Bailey.

Imagine becoming dizzy and seeing stars. Instead of stars, I saw variables, graphs, and operations.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I’d drag myself out of bed at 7 a.m. and walk over to my math class in Bailey Hall that began at 9 a.m..

My heart pounded every time I opened the door leaving ISEC. I breathed as little as possible until I entered the classroom. I was not in the mood to smell something that reminded me of a run-down elementary school mixed with socks and onions.

One of the worst parts about Bailey, in my opinion, is the lighting. If a building is going to be dim, there should at least be some windows!

Light is known to make people more energetic and happy, so if Bailey is going to be the home of the wretched subject of mathematics, I’d like to see a window or two.

Luckily, the classrooms within Bailey Hall have windows. I thought that would raise my spirits when I got inside the classroom, but no

matter how sunny it was outside, I still had to prevent myself from falling asleep.

On top of that, a personal tragedy occurred in that room that changed the very trajectory of my already-faulty relationship with Bailey Hall. I was sitting on one of the classroom’s copious amount of tablet chairs when I dropped my be-

As I leaned to the right to pick it up, my weight on the right side was so uneven—due, in parrt, to the already imbalanced nature of the very chair itself—that the tablet chair fell sideways, with me in it, of course,

“Oh my gosh, are you okay?” my

professor asked as everyone stared off my chair,” I replied. “That happens,” he said, as he continued the lesson. I put my head down for the remainder of the period.

Falling in class was my tipping point—literally. After the class peri-

od, on my way out of this haunted house of horrors, I took a good look at Bailey.

I thought to myself: Bailey Hall has to be the scariest building at Union.

I couldn’t handle the darkness, the putrid stench in the air, the depression, or my math class. I made it my goal to avoid Bailey as much as possible.

Overall, if I had to give advice to any Union students, new or old, it would be for students to stay away from Bailey at all costs. If you dislike math or are prone to environmental depression, I’d urge my message even further.

Although Bailey is a scary place now, if some serious renovations are done, maybe my mind will change. Like I said, the addition of some natural light and windows in the hallways would help the building’s case

I have faith in Union’s construction workers. Let’s get Bailey Hall taken care of.

Courtesy of Vincent Giordano on Facebook

The unassuming facade of Bailey Hall from the outside perspective. Surrounded by lively foliage and displaying some impres-

Sophia Glazier | Concordiensis

The inside view of Bailey Hall: a much more menacing building, emanating its stuffy nature and cold-hearted environment.

SIENNA CHAMBIAL, EDITOR

chambias@union.edu

What’s the Word Around U:

Diddy’s Notorious B.I.G. Arrest Drama

Contributing Writer

Sean Combs, known professionally as Diddy, P. Diddy, or Puff Daddy, was arrested in New York City on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Combs began his rap career in 1996 as Puff Daddy with his debut single, “Can’t Nobody Hold Us Down,” which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 28 weeks. Though his popularity has declined, Combs the music industry throughout his career.

his annual all-white dress party on Long Island’s East End. Known in the Hamptons as a “White Party,” these events featured socialites, acproducers. The 1998 party marked the beginning of what would become a Diddy tradition. In subsequent years, Combs hosted more such social events, which became increasingly controversial.

Reports have surfaced of various items, dubbed “Freak Off” supplies, found in Combs’ Los Angeles mansion and Miami waterfront home

reported that “more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant” were found. Other items, including drugs, extra linens, and specialized lighting, were allegedly delivered to hotel rooms for these events. Additionally, there have been increasing allegations of sexual abuse and adult entertainer Adria Sheri English claiming coercion into sex acts and drug use, according to The Eco-

Diddy’s parties have long been a subject of controversy, but his recent arrest has sparked renewed discussion, particularly among students at Union College. To gather student opinions on the indictment and its impact on their view of Diddy, we spoke to several people on campus. There was a very evident trend in their opinions on the issue: they all believed Diddy deserved what he got. Here’s what the students had to say:

“I heard that there are a lot of other celebrities involved, so I wonder how that will play out” - Max Cantor ’27

“We talked about it in my Music him out [of jail].”

- anonymous

“I have one bottle of baby oil and for like eons” - Angie Funez, ’28

“I heard that he is locked up and on suicide watch, I think there should be more [action].” - anonymous

“Only a man would think of this” - Olivia Delloso ’27

Currently, Diddy is being held in special protection at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting trial. His request for bail was denied, despite his lawyers offering a $50 million bail package. Many in the younger generation now refer to Diddy’s parties as “Freaky Diddy Parties,” a term popularized on TikTok. With all this information in mind, what are your thoughts on Diddy? Will you continue to listen to his music?

Cards Against Humanity v. Musk

is Cards Against Humanity really

Many are familiar with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for his many idealistic, technological endeavors, such as his revolutionary Falcon 9 rockets and groundbreaking line of luxury electric vehicles. This week, however, the billionaire has made headlines due to a civil dispute between his aerospace pioneering company, SpaceX, and the popular adult party game, Cards Against Humanity.

Cards Against Humanity, a game enjoyed by millions across the globe, is a controversial vocabulary-association game in which players gain points by completing sentences with phrases often containing gallows humor or lewd commentary. Especially popular on college campuses, the game is a household name to many in the Union community, according to a recent survey conducted by the Concordiensis. Over 50 percent of those surveyed also reported that they had played the game on more than six occasions.

When asked about this lawsuit, however, students were not only shocked but also clueless. “Wait—

can’t think of one common ground between the two,” exclaimed Sienna Chambial, class of 2027. Little did she know that the “common ground” between the two companies was in fact the very reason for the lawsuit.

The card manufacturer has

SpaceX, alleging that Musk’s contractors have encroached on land purchased by the game company in 2017 near the U.S.-Mexico border in Cameron, Texas, according

to CNN. The lot was initially purchased in an apparent PR stunt to meddle with the activity initiated by the Trump administration along the national border and has remained the lawsuit was determined in part by the method through which the land was purchased: a crowdfunding campaign in which 150,000 fans of the card game donated $15 each to support the company’s action against the development of the then long-touted “border wall.”

The lot, which has recently been shown with large quantities of con-

struction equipment developing the premises, sits only three miles from a SpaceX launch facility, the socalled “Starbase.” Cards Against Humanity has released a statement claiming that none of the equipment the company, and that it is instead part of a long-term SpaceX goal, dating back to 2014 when Musk had reportedly shown interest in purchasing the lot now owned by Cards Against Humanity.

In light of these allegations, Cards Against Humanity has published a website called cahsuesmusk.com, where the company is documenting its perspective on the transgressions allegedly made by Elon Musk and SpaceX. On this website, the company has released several statements, one of which alleges that the Tesla CEO reached out with a “lowball” offer, well below the amount paid by the card company for the Cameron, Texas lot. The site contains photographic evidence of the development and links to articles reporting on the case.

Elon Musk has yet to respond to these allegations, and the future remains unclear. Who do you think is more likely to win the lawsuit: Cards Against Humanity or SpaceX?

“Joker: Folie à Deux” Directed by Todd Phillips October 04, 2024

Directed by Damien Leone October 11, 2024

Alexander Sano Contributing Writer

Anushka Kaiwar ‘2025

Cable News Network

“Galaxy Gas”: What It Is, & Why You Should Avoid It

Matthew Lowry 807 Editor

Videos of teens and young adults inhaling “Galaxy Gas” from colorful canisters have gone viral on social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok.

These canisters, distributed by a company of the same name, are claimed to be sold for culinary use as a whipped cream propellant, and colloquially known as “nitrous” or “whippets.” While “galaxy gas” may be a new trend, nitrous oxide has long been used both medically and recreationally, and its harms are well known to medical professionals, who have expressed concern about the trend.

Nitrous oxide produces a shortlived, euphoric high upon inhalation, which is responsible for its anesthetic properties as commonly

used in dental surgery. However, while nitrous can be used safely in a medical setting, recreational use of nitrous carries a number of serious risks and can lead to addiction.

While medical nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, nitrous sold as a propellant does not, and inhaling nitrous by itself can lead to oxygen deprivation, possibly causing brain damage or even death. Despite common misconceptions, harm from nitrous use is not solely due to oxygen displacement.

Nitrous deactivates vitamin B12, causing functional vitamin

an important role in supporting the protective sheath of neurons, the cells that make up your brain, spine,ciency can degrade the coating of nerve damage: one Portland couple lost the ability to walk from chronic nitrous use.

cause anemia and tinnitus. Supplementing with B12 does little to mitigate the damage of chronic use, according to a study, as chronic use continually deactivates B12 molecules. Additionally, short term exposure is known to cause brain cell injury in rats, with prolonged exposure causing brain cell death.

The use of nitrous oxide also carries external risks: food-grade nitrous can contain the residue of industrial lubricants and solvents, which could carry risks if inhaled. Additionally, the gas is highly pressurized and comes out at a very low temperature that can cause frostbite of the sensitive tissues in and around the mouth.

While the Galaxy Gas company no longer lists nitrous oxide tanks for sale on their website, it and similar products are still available at many smoke shops. The company has

with the brightly colored canisters tactics used by vape companies to market their products to children.

Don’t be fooled by the innocuous appearance of the canisters - Galaxy Gas could leave you permanently injured.

Reading Rocks: Geoscience Summer Research Spotlight

The opportunity to deeply explore novel discoveries doesn’t stop with the end of the school year in Spring opportunities is the chance to get involved in summer research, a program that draws over 100 students each year.

Students who elect to work on a project remain on campus for a portion of the summer term to pursue an in-depth examination within their area of interest, working with a faculty member in the discipline. This practice allows participants to delve further into a topic than a normal class might allow, as well as gain valuable hands-on experience working with faculty, collaborating with other students, and problem-solving throughout the process.

Louis Savarino ‘25, a Geoscience major, took part in this tradition during this past summer at Union. His project focused on gaining a better understanding of the geochemistry of adirondack anortho-

sites, a particular kind of intrusive rock (a rock that forms when magma crystallizes in existing rock). He explains, “We collected samples from a variety of locations we picked out, and dissolved rock powder samples using strong acids to dissolve all of the bonds in the rock. Then

we analyzed our samples through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).” ICP-MS is a technique that can be used to measure the concentration of certain elements in samples. He adds, “We also mounted small sections of our rock samples to understand the mineral assemblages (or composition), to better understand the conditions in which they formed.”

Savarino described that the most challenging part of the process was “grinding down our samples to ~30 microns, so we could use optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to analyze them.” He added, “We ended up spending a lot of time on this to get good samples, and one small move on our sample processing equipment and hours of work could be erased.”

its upsides as well: “The most regeochemical samples through the ICP-MS. The process of dissolving the initial rock powder involved a lot of pipetting of acids and solutions,

analyze our own unique data that we had gathered and processed was a great reward in the end.”

Considering the experience as a whole, Savarino states, “The overall experience was great. It was really great to apply all of the information that I had learned in different classes in a real-life situation and not just in exams or homework. I’m super grateful to have had the opportunity through Union to gain experience which I hope to apply in my career later on.”

For those interested in the possibility of their own summer research, more information is available on Union’s website (union.edu/academic/ research). Students can also apply for the Union College Summer Research Fellowship, which helps to fund select students taking on summer research projects, at muse. union.edu/undergraduate-research.

Louis Savarino

Another natural sample collection location

Abby Trzepla Sci-Tech Editor

Louis Savarino

One of the spots where rock samples were collected

Galaxy Gas

The brightly colored canisters advertised and sold by Galaxy Gas

Concordiensis

Editors-in-Chief

Adithi Chellappan ’27

Sophia Glazier ’27

News Editor

Allyson Bennett ’26

Opinions Editor

Sophia Glazier ’27

Sci/Tech Editor

Abigail Trzepla ’27

Sports Editor

Noor El Maayergi ’28

Sienna Chambial ’27

Matthew Lowry ’27

Photo Editor

Kavita Trivedi ’27

Brian Hernandez ’27

Craig Efrati ’25

Louis Savarino ‘25

Angelina Martinelli ’28

Alex Bang ’26

Alexander Sano ’28

Naomi Nayor ’28

Gillian Paseka ’27

Rowan Ziegler ’27

Veer Kundalia ’27

Vicente del Puerto ’27

Aaradhya Sharma ’27

Veer Kundalia ’27

REVIEW COMMITTEES

Ahas been formed for one assistant professor.

The committee is reviewing the following assistant professor: Timothy Barnum (Chemistry). Members of the Union community are invited to submit written comments on their teaching, service and scholarship to the committee chair preferably by Tuesday, October 1st.

The committee is: Timothy Barnum (Chemistry)

- Laura MacManus-Spencer, Chair (macmanul@union.edu)

- Laurie Tyler

- Ellen Robertson

have been formed for four assistant professors.

Ad hoc committees are reviewing the tenure of four assistant professors:

Christopher Chandler (Music), Dong Cheng (Economics), David Friedell (Philosophy) and Chandra Pappu (Electrical, Computer & Biomedical Engineering).

Members of the Union community are invited to submit written comments on their teaching, service and scholarship to the committee chairs preferably by Friday, October 25th.

Committees are:

Christopher Chandler (Music)

- Fuat Sener, Chair (Economics – senerm@union.edu)

- Stephanie Mueller (Modern Languages and Literatures)

- Tim Olsen (Music)

- Heather Watson (Physics & Astronomy)

Dong Cheng (Economics)

- Megan Ferry, Chair (Modern Languages and Literatures –ferrym@union.edu)

- Lewis Davis (Economics)

- Tim Stablein (Sociology)

- Jeff Jauregui (Mathematics)

David Friedell (Philosophy)

- Brian Peterson, Chair (History – petersob@union.edu)

- Roger Hoerl (Mathematics)

- Krisanna Scheiter (Philosophy)

- Dan Venning (Theater & Dance)

Chandra Pappu (Electrical, Computer & Biomedical Engineering)

- Fernando Orellana, Chair (Visual Arts – orellanf@union. edu)

- Sudhir Khetan (Electrical, Computer & Biomedical Engineering

- Carolyn Rodak (Civil & Environmental Engineering)

- Mason Stahl (Geosciences)

GET INVOLVED AROUND UNION!

Courtesy of Varvara Meshkov

Courtesy of ACE Courtesy of Wold House

Courtesy of LASO

Courtesy of Golub House

A Blast to the Past: Union in the ‘80s

Naomi Nayor Contributing Writer

Imagine this: You walk into a coffee shop with your Union College hoodie on. Once you grab your coffee and take a seat, a sixty-oneyear-old lady approaches you. She introduces herself as Jennifer and compliments your hoodie. She tells you she is a Union College alumna who graduated in 1985. You ask her what Union was like in the 1980s. She then explains her favorite parts about Union.

Rathskeller, which was a cherished restaurant to students, had comfort food like mac ‘n cheese, milkshakes, and curly fries. It had a jukebox and a pinball machine, with dim lighting and a smoky atmosphere, and was open late into the night. Many students went on dates here and danced to hits like “Material Girl” by Madonna or “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. This was a place of laughter, fun, and good eats.

As of September 2024, Rathskeller has bright lights, no jukebox

and pinball machine, and closes at 11 P.M. What if someone slept through their alarm, missed a test review session for their psychology class, cried because they found out thirty days, or just wanted a dang milkshake at 1 A.M. but couldn’t have it because Rathskeller was closed and didn’t even have milkshakes to begin with? That would be a tragedy. At least students can still enjoy some of the comfort food and take a good look at the mural a student painted of icons from the 20th century.

Students and faculty loved to read Union College’s student newspaper, the Concordiensis. The paper included not only news, satire, and opinion pieces, but also personal stories and advertisements. Some advertisements included haircuts and Amtrak train tickets at a lower cost for Union College students. One student wrote a personal story about the death of his grandfather.

The Concordiensis was as spewanted. It had sixteen pages full of

writing that they were passionate about.

Now, in September 2024, the Concordiensis is eight pages long with news, opinions, satire, arts, STEM, and sports. There are no more advertisements or personal pieces. However, it is now more accessible to read, with technological advancements taking it online. The members of the Concordiensis work hard to put out the newspaper every two weeks and continue to write with their hearts.

During the 1980s, Union College had a 3-1 ratio of men to women. This was less than two decades after the school started enrolling women. As of November 2023, the gender ratio is practically even. Union has become more diverse than ever, and will hopefully only continue to become more diverse.

Union in the 1980s was full of fun, hard work, and enjoyment. Even though some things have changed, it will always be a place that alumni can reminisce on and smile about.

After Jennifer’s story, you sit there in shock. You wish you

could teleport to the 1980s to see Union for yourself. Jennifer smiles. “It was a dang good time.”

Union Greeks Commence Fall Rush

Louis Savarino Staff Writer

As the fall term at Union College begins, many new sophomores and upperclassmen are considering rushing fraternities and sororities, adding Greek life to their collegiate experience.

Union College is recognized as the birthplace of fraternities in North America, making Greek life and culture, and a cornerstone of

While joining a Greek organization may not be suitable for everyone, many individuals forge deep, lasting friendships through

careers and personal lives.

Greek organizations also offer a direct avenue to positively impact the local community in Schenec-

tady through philanthropy and community service projects, such as fundraisers, cleanup projects, and various volunteer opportunities.

At Union College, students are not permitted to join any Greek organizations until their sophomore year. Though controversial, this policy encourages students to spend their freshman year building friendships, engaging in various activities, and focusing on their academic development.

While some, including those involved in Greek organizations, may argue that this restriction limits the time available for participation in these groups, others appreciate the policy as it alleviates pressure on freshmen and allows them to cultivate friendships outside of Greek life.

The process of rushing and joining Greek Life is a cherished memory for many. It begins with meeting and getting to know current members, followed by learning

about the organization’s history, and ultimately forming lasting friendships, particularly with prospective fellow members throughout this journey. As Union is known

as the “Mother of Fraternities,” many members of Greek Life feel they are part of a new generation of a great American tradition, one that has stood the course of time.