On Saturday night the Union Men’s Hockey team completed their 4th straight Mayor’s Cup victory in an OT thriller. What an incredible game matched by an incredible atmosphere. The packed MVP arena was loud from the frst puck drop to the fnal buzzer.
One of the best rivalries in the nation certainly lived up to the hype as both teams came out fying and neither seemed to have a clear edge. RPI put the offensive pressure on early, scoring the frst goal.
Josh Nixon got Union on the board a few minutes later off the assist from Caden Villegas. Union took that momentum into the scoreless second period where they generat-
ed a lot of good opportunities. The third period began and the Union faithful got to celebrate early as Nixon scored his second of the day on a nice tip-in goal.
RPI tied the game back up off a goal from the top of the circle and kept them in it. Union would get some more quality shots throughout the third, but 60 minutes was not enough to decide this game and we went to overtime.
Union dominated possession of the puck for the majority of OT and it fnally paid off when the team’s leader in points, Nate Hanley, got a step on his defender and ripped it past the Engineers netminder.
The bench cleared as the team swarmed Hanley and prepared to keep the Mayor’s Cup in Schenectady. Cullen Ferguson, in his 4th
and fnal Mayor’s Cup win, had the assist on Hanley’s overtime winner.
Goaltender Kyle Chauvette had another outstanding game with a .909 save percentage. Union dominated the faceoff circle winning 35 of 59 and outshot the Engineers 2822.
This is the 6th time since 2000 that the Men’s team has swept RPI in a season and the frst time ever that both the men’s and women’s teams completely swept RPI going 6-0 this season.
This win both solidifes Union’s place among the top teams in the ECAC and provides momentum heading into the fnal stretch of the season. This huge victory keeps Union in a prime position to get one of the byes with a top 4 seed in the ECAC tournament.
Alex Bang Sports Editor
Noor El Maayergi | Concordiensis Nate Hanley’s game-winning goal hitting the back of the net.
Alex Bang | Concordiensis The Men’s and Women’s hockey teams posing together after the Men’s game.
Alex Bang | Concordiensis
Josh Nixon’s celly after scoring Union’s second goal.
Alex Bang | Concordiensis Kyle Chauvette standing in net.
Noor El Maayergi Concordiensis Union and RPI fghting for the puck behind Union’s goal.
Women’s Hockey Clinches Mayor’s Cup, First Win Since 2020
that we do right and play our game.”
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the women’s hockey team beat RPI 3-2 to win the Mayor’s Cup for the frst time since 2020. The team also swept all of the season’s games against RPI for the frst time in program history.
Before the cup game, the women’s team won both conference games against RPI. The team won 3-2 in overtime on November 26, 2024, and won 2-1 on January 24, 2025, the day before the Mayor’s Cup.
Maren Friday ‘25 and Paige Greco ‘25 scored in the third period to secure the win for the Mayor’s Cup eve game. Last year, the team won both conference games against RPI but lost the Mayor’s Cup 0-1.
Going into the weekend, senior co-captains Maren Friday ‘25 and Emma Hebert ‘25 strategized how they would win the cup. “I think outworking them and winning puck battles [will allow us to win],” Friday remarked. “I think going into it, as long as we stay calm, collected and execute, we have nothing to worry about.”
Hebert concurred, saying the team needed to “Stick to our structure and kind of give it everything that we have. Take it game by game, which is what we’ve been doing and just continue to do the little things
This Mayor’s Cup game was also the frst for Head Coach Tony Maci. Before Union, Maci spent eight years as an assistant coach for Clarkson’s women’s team, winning two national titles, going to four Frozen Four appearances, seven NCAA tournament appearances, and developing two Patty Kazmaier Award winners, the top award for women’s college hockey. Maci has been a critical piece of the success the team has seen this year.
“There’s an importance to this for sure. We always want to make sure we’re putting a good foot forward,” Maci remarked about the weekend’s upcoming games. “We want to make sure we take care of Friday and then Saturday comes along. Our game plan is not going to change too much from game to game. It’s just going to be a matter of when you get here, enjoy it. Take it in, especially those that haven’t been here before. Let the older players take the reins and show them how it’s done.”
President Harris and RPI President Martin Schmidt dropped the puck at 3 p.m. to begin the cup game. Union took charge early in the game, starting with a wrister goal from Klara Kenttälä ‘28 eight minutes into the frst period.
Teammates Stephanie Bourque ‘26 and Paige Greco ‘25 assisted Kenttälä on her third goal of the season. The Chargers capitalized
on this lead with an unassisted goal from Bourque ten minutes later.
Halfway through the second period, Maddie Leaney ‘27 fred a one-timer to score the game-winning goal. Greco and Karianne Engelbert ‘28 assisted Leaney on earning her 20th point of the season.
RPI fought back as the game progressed, starting with their frst goal with four minutes left in the second period.
The team scored again with seven minutes left in the game, but they could not get a game-tying goal through goaltender Sophie Matsoukas ‘25.
RPI pulled their goaltender with 2 minutes left in regulation but was no match for Matsoukas and the crowd of Union players in front of the net. The team celebrated on the ice for the frst time in fve years after the win.
“As a senior going into this as our last MVP Arena game, I think it’s incredibly meaningful for us to come out with the win here,” Friday remarked before the game.
The Union Women’s Hockey team thus made history by winning the Mayor’s Cup 3-2, sweeping RPI for the frst time ever. With strong performances from key players like Maren Friday, Emma Hebert, and Maddie Leaney, the win caps a remarkable weekend as the team head into upcoming conference games at Brown and Yale.
Noor El Maayergi | Concordiensis
The Women’s team clearing the bench at the end of the third period.
Allyson Bennett Staff Writer
Allyson Bennett | Concordiensis
1. Goalie Sophie Matsoukas.
Captain Maren Friday defending against an RPI player.
A close-up of the Mayor’s Cup.
Forwards Paige Greco and Maddie Leaney.
The whole team posing with the Cup after the game.
ALLYSON BENNETT, NEWS EDITOR benneta2@union.edu
Clubs Seek Ways to Engage Students
Allyson Bennett News Editor
In recent years, a number of Union clubs have struggled with attendance at their meetings. To combat this, Student Activities and club leaders are trying new ways to engage students throughout the year. These initiatives, such as the Bolt Points program and changing to practicum status, have been successful this year.
At the beginning of each academic year, Student Forum hosts a club expo to get students involved in the approximately 130 clubs on campus. Soon after the expo, these clubs begin to meet in the fall term and have a signifcant number of students at meetings.
However, as the year progresses, fewer and fewer students attend these meetings. In some cases, so few students attend that these clubs struggle or cease to exist.
This sentiment among students has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. “ I would say that clubs in general have shifted. I think some people are interested in clubs and are going out and doing things, but at the same time, we have a lot of students who are saying ‘this is the only thing I’m interested in. I don’t want to join more,’” Katie Davin, Assistant Director of Student Activities, said of this change.
However, this change is not as simple as students attending fewer club events. “We did lose a lot of clubs during COVID, but there’s been a boom in clubs being created in the past couple of years,” Davin continued. “I think we are at a point where we have a higher number of clubs than we did pre-COVID.”
This change in attendance has impacted how some clubs are able to operate. At Concordiensis, we have had fewer staff writers and members than in years past, and
therefore less people to write articles. However, we have combatted this by temporarily decreasing our workload (i.e. editions per term), fostering a positive work environment, and creating ways to bond as a team.
Some of these clubs’ absences have been felt more than others. At this year’s Mayor’s Cup, Union’s pep band the Nott Noisemakers did not play at MVP Arena.
The organization last performed at the men’s hockey season opening game in October. Before then, approximately 8-12 students performed at each game -- fewer students than opposing teams’ pep bands, which typically have 20-30 students per band.
To entice students to attend events for clubs, Student Forum created Bolt Points, a program where students earn points for attending certain club events. These points can be redeemed for prizes such as
a Stanley cup, a Starbucks voucher, or a hammock. “ We’re rewarding students for what they’re already doing and hopefully gamifying the experience in a way that people are excited to go to new events that they might have not already gone to previously,” Davin explained. “As of right now, it’s been a huge success. We’ve had over 50 percent of the population at Union get Bolt Points in just the frst term.”
Another club, the Student Investment Fund, took a different approach to attract students. The club manages approximately $1.1 million of Union’s endowment, and allows students to learn about different fnance careers.
Two years ago, the club struggled with membership and structure. That changed in the last academic year, when the club became a practicum credit and developed a specifc structure. This term, approximately 100 students have at-
tended each meeting.
“We (the faculty advisors of the club) introduced the Portfolio Management Practicum and established a structured framework for the club, organizing it into different fnancial sectors led by designated sector leaders,” Professor Prateek Arora, the current faculty advisor to the practicum, said.
“The results have been overwhelmingly positive. Many students have gained (and are continuing to gain) valuable fnancial management skills and other essential abilities, such as teamwork, presentation skills, and decision-making.”
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? NEED ADVICE?
Scan the QR code to reach out to the Student Activities Offce!
Skate on Over to Mohawk Harbor Rink What U Can Enjoy this Winter
and ice, look no further than the Outing Club!
A substantial shift is coming to the Union College sports and athletics community after the 2024-2025 academic year. Frank L. Messa Rink at the Achilles Center will retire as the skating ground for Union College men’s and women’s Division 1 ice hockey. The planned closure of the facility comes 50 years after its opening and dedication in 1975 and three years after the announcement of a planned replacement facility in 2022.
Among the reasons for closing the rink include a series of mechanical and structural problems with the rink’s upkeep which altogether would not be cost effective to address in the form of repairs to the facility itself. The Union Athletics department cited the facility’s need for “signifcant upgrades to remain consistent with other Division I facilities in ECAC Hockey.”
In comparison to the current location, the new facility, which is currently under construction by the Mohawk Harbor, will sport improved amenities, a 10 percent greater
seating capacity, and a more evenly-enclosed seating format-- with the stands encircling the entire rink instead of the Achilles Center’s sideline-style setup. Still, plans for how the Achilles Center itself will be converted for future use will not be implementable until the completion of this year’s ECAC Hockey season.
“Of course it will be sad to see the old arena go,” said Sebastian Cillia, a member of the Union Men’s Club Hockey team, which plays their home games at Messa and will play at the new rink. “But at the same time it is always good to look into the future and see what great new memories and opportunities a new facility can bring.”
The project, which plans to be completed by the beginning of the 2025-2026 ECAC Hockey season, is possible in part by a large collaboration between Union trustees, the Schenectady County Legislature, the Schenectady City Council, and the State of New York to fund its construction. Current estimates on the end cost currently sit at about $50 million, almost a third of which having been provided by the aforementioned supporters.
Just because the winter in Schenectady might seem cold and lifeless, does not mean that there are no activities ongoing both on and off campus, and there is, in fact, something for everyone to enjoy throughout the season. Here, then, is your guide to winter-time activities on the Union College campus and Schenectady in general.
Pour Decisions
For those looking for an educational, entertaining, and interactive event to attend on campus, Davidson and Webster houses will be hosting a mocktail-crafting night, dubbed “Pour Decisions - Without Regrets.
Starting at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, February 4 in the Davidson Lounge, the night will feature educational discussions on the impact of alcohol consumption all while guests learn how to make their own alcohol-free concoctions!
Rock Climbing
For anyone looking to get involved with outdoor activities but do not want to brave the cold, wind,
Sign-ups for indoor rock climbing are held during Common Hour every Wednesday for that Thursday’s outing to The Edge for the foreseeable future. For all those interested, get more information or sign up at the student activities offce in Reamer 404.
Winter Shows at Proctors
Another way to enjoy the winter safely and comfortably inside in Schenectady is to take the trip over to Proctors Theatre which, in the heart of its Broadway series season, is hosting a furry of award-winning musical productions and theater classics which can be enjoyed by fanatics and newcomers alike.
Examples include Life of Pi, in theaters from February 18th through the 23rd, Come From Away, in theaters from March 14th through the 16th, and Shucked, in theaters from March 18th to the 23rd.
Also showing at both of the venues at Proctors Theatre will be a series of movies and documentaries for which further information can be found online at atproctors.org.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets soon, and stay warm!
Pour DecisionsWithout Regrets
Tuesday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Davidson Lounge
Learn how to make alcohol-free cocktails and have an educational discussion on the impacts of alcohol consumption.
Indoor Rock Climbing at the Edge
Every Wednesday at Common Hour (12:50 p.m.) in Reamer 404
Go rock climbing every Thursday evening this term! Sign-ups are required and occur every Wednesday.
Shows at Proctors
Life of Pi, Come from Away, Shucked, and flm screenings
Check out the shows just off campus at Proctors!
PROCTORS TICKETS
Scan the QR code to look at shows playing at Proctors!
Alex Sano Staff Writer
Alex Sano Staff Writer
Half a Day Without TikTok Leaves Students Uncertain About the Ban
Sienna Chambial Pop/Culture Editor
According to the BBC, as of June 2024, about 23% of global 18-to-24year-olds used TikTok for watching news. This usage spiked signifcantly during the recent presidential elections in the United States. Since this age group comprises a large portion of Union College students, it’s no surprise that the recent federal ban on TikTok elicited mixed reactions on campus. Students expressed emotions ranging from disappointment and frustration to indifference and even optimism.
“I went into panic mode. TikTok is my comfort blanket, and I was not ready to say goodbye. But then I woke up the next morning, and it was back. I was so confused because I thought I had imagined the whole thing,” said Shravani Kulkarni, ’26. “I’m still so confused—how is TikTok working again?” To better understand the situation, it’s important to review signifcant events in recent years.
In 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order proposing a TikTok ban, citing national security concerns over its parent company, ByteDance, a Chinese-owned frm. sthe company then entered negotiations to sell its U.S. operations to American companies Oracle and Microsoft and fled a preliminary injunction to prevent the ban. This request was approved, and the ban
was never enforced within the nation.
In 2021, the Biden administration revoked Trump’s executive order and initiated an investigation under the Secretary of Commerce. By 2022, a bill was signed aiming to curb the app’s infuence. Recently,
on Jan. 19, 2025, legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its American assets was passed, once again citing national security concerns.
“I’d been preparing myself for the ban, but I didn’t think it was actually going to happen,” said Narayani Yogi, ’28. “I was shocked
when I opened the app on my phone that night and saw the notifcation.”
Millions of TikTok users in the U.S., including hundreds on campus, received the same notifcation. However, what surprised users even more was the notifcation they woke up to the next day: “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.”
Lia Nichols, ’27, expressed a more indifferent reaction. “I wasn’t really surprised it started working again so quickly. I don’t really use TikTok, so I don’t care about it, but I know a lot of people do. So I guess it’s good for them.” Many Union College students, however, were more surprised by the app’s reinstatement just 12 hours after its ban than by the ban itself. A sense of uncertainty about TikTok’s future remains pervasive across campus.
“I think the potential ban is more of a statement than an actual threat. I think TikTok will always come back,” said Nathan Goldstein, ’27. What might happen after the 75-day extension on the app’s ban remains unclear, particularly given the recent change in administrations. While some speculate that a permanent ban on the app within the nation seems unlikely, other students consider it a very realistic possibility.
Will TikTok continue to operate in the U.S., or will it soon become history? Reach out to me at chambias@union.edu or visit concordiensi -s.com to share your thoughts.
XO Kitty Season 2 Falls Short
Angelina Martinelli Staff Writer
With the attention span of newer generations growing shorter and shorter each year, television shows are more popular now than ever. Netfix, especially, has become one of the most used streaming services, with shows from Stranger Things to Money Heist, and now, XO Kitty. Released on May 18, 2023, the frst season of this rom-com drama follows the life of Katherine Song-Covey, lovingly referred to as Kitty, as she navigates through high school in a foreign country, complicated relationships, and her dead mother’s hidden past. The frst week the show aired, it recorded seventy-two million hours of viewing and quickly reached Netfix’s Top 10 Shows in ninety different countries, leaving its many viewers impatiently awaiting the next season.
The viewers were enthralled when a second season was de-
clared and fnally released on Jan. 16, 2025. The second part of Kitty’s adventure not only brought about new discoveries about her mother’s life in Seoul, but also about her own sexuality and persona coming out of a long-term relationship. The introduction of new characters such as Min Ho’s father, Praveena, Eunice and Kitty’s halemoni’s sister played a pivotal role in shaping the second season’s plot. While this season was a good addition to Kitty’s storyline, I believe that the frst season was better executed when it came to the plot and the characters. As it turns out, my opinion isn’t lost to others on campus. “I liked season one because it was way more unexpected and had a new concept to it,” says Narayani Yogi, ’28, “I liked the fact that the main character was exploring her sexuality and also a new life in a country abroad, which I relate to because I am an international student.”
One of the main storylines the show revolves around, is the love
life of Kitty Song-Covey. Throughout the series, many characters gain interest in Kitty, leading to an entanglement that weaves drama and excitement into the plot. These choices range from Kitty’s ex-boyfriend Dae and Yuri, one of her gal pals, to Dae’s best friend Min-Ho and another female friend of Kitty’s, Praveena. Most of the fan-base has shipped Min-Ho with Kitty ever since the last episode of the frst season, and the students at Union also agree. “I love Kitty and Min-Ho together!! There are so many parallels between them and Kitty’s sister Lara Jean and her boyfriend, Peter. I just know they’re meant to be together.” stated Kavita Trivedi ’27.
Since its release, XO Kitty season 2 has gained an increasing amount of popularity, even knocking Squid Game off the number one spot for Netfix TV shows. With this, a third season for the rom-com drama would not be unexpected. However, this doesn’t change the fact the season, though good, failed
to live up to the fans’ expectations. “I prefer season one because the plot was pretty solid. Season two seemed a lot more stretched out and predictable. There was no crazy plot twist and I was really waiting for one,” added Kavita.
As the viewers look forward to the potential new season, they have hopes for what the continuation will bring. “I hope we get to see them (Kitty and Min Ho) on tour, and I hope my girl Yuri fnally has something good happen to her, cause she went through it,” says Saniya Dixon, ’28. The show does a really good job with getting fans attached, which has left everyone anxious to see what becomes of their favorite characters and their relationships in the future.
Will Kitty end up with Min-ho? Or will Yuri and her get a chance to reconnect? And what will become of her mother’s mysteries? It appears that we will just have to wait and see what fate Netfix decides for our beloved Kitty and her friends.
Sienna Chambial Concordiensis Paige Long ’27 scrolling through TikTok on her phone in the Schaffer Library.
Invasive Plants Take Over the Stage in New Biology Seminar
Abby Trzepla Sci-Tech Editor
The latest installment in the Biology department’s seminar series for this term featured Professor Corbin, presenting his talk “Past, Present, and Future Pirates of the Caribbean: Invasive Plants in the West Indies.”
The seminar took place on Thursday, January 23rd, in Olin 115, and was presented to a large audience of faculty and students alike. Professor Corbin’s talk explored his work investigating the cause and prevention of invasive plant species.
It outlined the growing issue of decreasing biodiversity, an obstacle caused not only by human impact through factors like pollution, climate change, and changes in land use, but the overwhelming rise of invasive species as well.
Professor Corbin pursued onsite research in specifc regions like Cuba, where exchange with the United States is limited, to examine
the effects of reduced trade on the development of invasive plant species.
By comparing a wide range of different islands in the Caribbean, he and his team were able to identify that land area is actually the largest indicator of invasive plant species richness, followed by the level of tourism a country receives, as transportation and manmade attractions increase the spread of organisms from other countries.
With these fndings, his work compares invasive species between neighboring regions to look ahead and plan for likely future invaders, rather than focusing on treatment of existing invasive species alone.
This research process combines both feld work and data analysis for the most effective approach, and his efforts continue to bring these critical fndings to Latin American countries and help enact change.
Attendees found the talk interesting and insightful, with student Ria Vij ‘27 reporting, “It was inter-
esting to learn how invasive plants impact the geography of the West Indies.” She continued, “I really liked how his research helps in data collection, and in initiatives taken by other countries like New Zealand, to
protect their biodiversity.”
Environmental Science,
February 3rd, 6pm / Nott Memorial “How to Get the World (and Conservatives) In on Climate Actions”, Bob Inglis
February 6th, 12:50pm / ISEC 120 “Fusion energy in the stars and on Earth: The race towards commercial fusion energy in the 21st century,” John Wright
Biology
February 20th, 12:50pm / Olin 115
Rebecca Adikes, Siena College
The next upcoming event is scheduled for February 20th, featuring Assistant Professor Rebecca Adikes from Siena College. A list of upcoming science seminars across a variety of STEM-related felds can also be found on the right side, for quick updates on the exciting talks still in store for winter term.
807 ONION STREET
MATTHEW LOWRY, 807 EDITOR lowrym@union.edu
Experts Puzzled by Mysterious Penguin Tracks
Found Running Through Upstate NY Campus
Matthew Lowry 807 Editor
Experts on polar wildlife are baffed by a bizarre phenomenon localized to Union College’s campus in Schenectady, NY: what they believe to be the tracks of penguins, despite the campus being thousands of miles away from the habitat of the fightless aquatic birds.
“The tracks across Union’s campus are unmistakeable,” says one noted penguin scientist. “Penguins have a distinct manner of walking, with their fippers out to their side, their legs bent, and a side-to-side shuffe, allowing their center of gravity to remain low in order to traverse slippery, icy surfaces. The tracks our team has observed on Union’s
campus are identical in this shuffing pattern.”
Experts believe that extreme weather conditions in Upstate New York and changing global climates may be responsible for the birds’ presence on the Schenectady campus, although many questions remain.
“These tracks are completely enigmatic,” said one Union biology professor collaborating with the polar wildlife researchers. “Despite the unmistakeable nature of the tracks, we haven’t been able to spot a single penguin, and strangely, the tracks are entirely localized to the Union campus.”
Even more bizarrely, the initial appearance of the tracks coincided exactly with the release of a yearly email offering students penguin-in-
spired advice on walking in icy and snowy conditions.
However, experts maintain that the two events are unrelated: “Penguins’ distinct shuffing gait is unmistakeable. They’re uniquely adapted to walk in icy climates without slipping or falling. We’re highly skeptical that students would be able to mimic these tracks so closely.”
The scientists believe that the penguins may be traveling only at night, explaining their current inability to spot one of the elusive birds; they have asked the Union community to help with their research. “If you happen upon a penguin, don’t be alarmed: they pose little danger to humans, but are easily startled. Make sure to record your sighting and let us know.”
Abby Trzepla
Professor Corbin presents his research on invasive plant species across regions
Matthew Lowry
Tracks on campus the researchers believe belong to penguins, as well as a digital mockup of how they may have made them.
Staff Writers Brian Hernandez ’27 Craig Efrati ’25 Louis Savarino ‘25 Angelina Martinelli ’28 Alexander Sano ’28
Contributing Writers
Naomi Nayor ’28 Evie Tillison ’27
Photographer Rowan Ziegler ’27 Vicente del Puerto ’27
Social Media
Veer Kundalia ’27
Finance Chair
Aaradhya Sharma ’27
Concordiensis is the offcial student newspaper of Union College since 1877 and is published on Thursdays; weeks 2-9 during Fall, Winter and Spring terms.
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Concordiensis welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and schoolrelated issues. Submissions are selected by the editor (including from comments posted to our social media pages) to provide a variety of opinions and voices and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length and to remove personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to concordy@union.edu. The writer’s full name, class year and e-mail or phone number must be included, but only the name and class year will be published.
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Courtesy of Messa House Messa House’s Waffe Wednesday favor of the week is a CREAMY success!
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President Trump’s Inauguration
Union Students Stuck with Fear and Disbelief
questions regarding their thoughts or feelings with the given speech or the inauguration as a whole.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, Donald Trump held his inauguration inside the United States Capitol Building. With any inauguration, the newly inducted president must give an address to the people – this is where Donald Trump used his platform to lay the land for his next four years. This unruly speech set the tone across the general public, especially unnerving some students throughout Union.
Seeking opinions around campus, Talia Gitlin ’26 spoke to various students and asked them multiple
Talk to us!
When asking Olivia Bryan ’26 about what emotions were experienced when watching the inauguration ceremony, she responded with, “I was feeling really really upset by our country and the person that over half of our country voted for just because of his past and all the things that he’s done. It honestly just made me really question a lot of the morals of the people around me.” It can be shocking to many Union students, and those across the country, that Americans chose to vote for a male convicted felon over the female candidate, Kamala Harris. With the given speech on Monday, the morals of President Trump shined bright to the American citizens.
More surprises came from the attendees found in the seats of the event. Kennedy Snyder ’26 touched upon these attendees by expressing her emotions towards the front row, “It honestly really scared me to see people in that room that we had elected as a democracy to be there, standing alongside people that we haven’t elected yet [who] are way more powerful than the people that we have. Examples of that would be Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and all of their counterparts. I found it really horrifying.”
Across America, there were many comments and remarks on the front row of America’s wealthiest men. This gleaming row of powerhouses has led to citizens questioning the
way this country will be led under Trump’s presidency.
Continuing on with the remarks made in the presidential address, one that grew attention were those towards transgender communities. Grace Nickerson ’26 refected upon Trump’s speech by saying, “Trump proclaimed that there’s only two biological sexes - male and female - and that made me really sad for the transgender population in the country. One of the most powerful branches of our government doesn’t recognize gender identity.” The fght for transgender rights has been an extremely long journey and these plans for legal actions can become major setbacks. If one of the most powerful branches of government does not recognize all gender identities, then how will transgender or LQBTQ+ communities be those of acceptance?
Beyond the inauguration speech, President Trump signed 26 executive orders addressing numerous government developments. Snyder, again, was surprised upon those decisions being made and what had been signed. She told us, “I was really disturbed by the pardons of the January 6 rioters, and I can only imagine the way that the survivors of the attacks were feeling, especially the police offcers who put their lives on the line that day. I was also really disappointed to hear that we are no longer in the World Health Organization - and his explanation for this - saying that as America we have around 325 million people in our
Concordiensis welcomes letters to the editor on its coverage and school-related issues. Submissions are selected by the editor (including from comments posted to our social media pages) to provide a variety of opinions and voices and all are subject to editing for accuracy, clarity and length and to remove personal attacks. Letters may be emailed to concordy@union.edu. The writer’s full name, class year and e-mail or phone number must be included, but only the name and class year will be published.
country and we were spending $500 million on worldhealth [as] compared to China who has 1.4 billion people and is spending $39 million on World Health… I think that is a really sorry excuse.” The claims and
I was really disturbed by the pardons of the January 6 rioters, and I can only imagine the way that the survivors of the attacks were feeling Kennedy Snyder ’26
promises given by President Trump left many speechless, as those watching became overwhelmed in doubt for the country’s future. Pardoning the January 6th rioters creates the idea of those actions being acceptable, disregarding those police offcers who were faced with great danger that day. With these given opinions, it is not to avoid the population in support of President Trump’s inauguration speech and courses of action. These are just a few voices on campus, however, they hold commonalities to other opinions across America. When viewing the inauguration, there may be growing uncertainty for what the future holds. The frst 100 days will offcially set the tone of how President Trump will hold power, and then the United States will see what truly unfolds.
Gillian Paseka Opinions Editor
Selection by Gill Paseka, Opinions editor! Check out our top song picks from this week! Be sure to suggest songs by emailing pasekag@union.edu.
CBS News Photo credit | Concordiensis
Donald Trump is sworn into offce surrounded by family members and other political offcials.
Courtesy of CBS News Trump supporters gather in DC.
Messa House’s Waffle Wednesday
Wold House’s Sundae Sunday
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis
Two students excitedly show off their sundae creations at Wold House’s Sundae Sunday event on January 26.
Kavita Trivedi Concordiensis
Students wait patiently in line awaiting their turn to decorate a waffe.
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis
Six Union College students pose for a photograph showing off their waffes during Messa House’s weekly Waffe Wednesday event.
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis
Two students smile for a photo mid way through enjoying a waffe and an apple juice.
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis
Two students who are volunteering at the Sundae Sunday event by making milkshakes, smile for a photograph.
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis The colorful spread of several different types of fruit and chocolate treats are lined up on the table awaiting their turn to be eaten.
Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis
Three students smile for a photograph showing off their sundae creations.
