Concordiensis 2/27/25

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Volume CLIV Issue VIII

Thursday, February 27, 2025

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Elizabeth Kiss to be 20th President Adithi Chellappan Editor in Chief

Elizabeth Kiss, an accomplished academic leader and philosopher, has been selected as the 20th president of Union College. The announcement follows a unanimous decision by the Board of Trustees.

Kiss will assume the role on July 1, succeeding David Harris, who is stepping down after seven years of service.

Kiss (pronounced ‘quiche’) brings a wealth of experience to the position, having most recently served as CEO of the Rhodes Trust, where she oversaw the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship program. Her background includes a tenure as president of Agnes Scott College, where she spearheaded initiatives in leadership development, global learning, and institutional growth.

She also served as the founding director of Duke University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics.

A New York City native, Kiss earned her undergraduate degree in philosophy from Davidson College and later attended the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar,

There is an energy here that makes it clear this is a college that values both tradition and forward momentum.

Incoming President Elizabeth Kiss

where she completed her master’s and doctorate degrees. Throughout her career, she has been a champion of inclusive education, advocating for diversity and access to higher learning. At Agnes Scott, she led the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s history and played a pivotal role in strengthening student retention and engagement.

Under her leadership at the Rhodes Trust, the organization expanded scholarship opportunities in Africa, South Asia, and China while also launching new fellowship programs such as the Schmidt Science Fellows and Rise, which supports young leaders worldwide. Kiss has also served as a trustee for the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, which focuses on equitable access to education, healthcare, and homeownership.

Reflecting on her new role, Kiss expressed enthusiasm for Union’s

mission and the campus community. “What struck me immediately about Union is the passion that students, faculty, and staff have for this institution,” she said, in a video clip uploaded to the College website.

“There is an energy here that makes it clear this is a college that values both tradition and forward momentum.”

Students have big goals and visions for Kiss’s presidency, “[Kiss needs to] focus on listening to students’ voices– improving the housing process, getting class schedules, registration times– essentially listening to student concerns,” said Ramissa Khan ’28. Kassandra Smeltzer ’27, said Kiss should “prioritize the Climate Action Plan as well as pushing for the strength of AOP, and focus on keeping together Union’s encompassment of the sciences and humanities.”

Courtesy of Martin Phelps

Official portrait of Kiss at Oxford University.

In the same vein, Kiss highlighted the importance of Union’s commitment to research, global engagement, and athletics. She also expressed admiration for Schenectady’s history and revitalization efforts.

“She needs to make it to Lobsterfest and Springfest,” said Safa Ahmad, ’27, when asked about sta-

ple campus experiences. “It’s the perfect way to get acquainted with the campus community and really get out there, when the weather is much more welcoming.”

Kiss will be the first woman to lead Union College since its founding in 1795. Kiss will begin her position on July 1, 2025 and be formally inaugurated in early fall 2025.

Federal Funding Freezes’ Impact on Campus Matthew Lowry 807 Editor

Recent policy changes, freezes, and proposals under the current adminstration have shaken research and academia, and these changes

are palpable at Union, as students and faculty alike have experienced unprecedented disruptions and challenges.

Under the Trump adminstration, the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, and the National Science Foun-

dation, or NSF, have experienced mass firings, funding freezes, and purges of data related to various social issues. These government agencies provide significant funding and support for research in the United States. The NIH, which is the

largest single provider of biomedical research funding, had much of its $47 Billion budget frozen, experienced 1000-1200 layoffs, and announced significant cuts to support for indirect institutional costs. The NSF, which supports about 25% of

basic science research in the US, also experienced a funding freeze, as well as a culling of at least 10% of its workforce.

See RESEARCH on page 2

We’re beautiful on the inside, too

News. page 2 The Dip Celebrates its 12th Year

Opinions. page 3 Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show

Pop/Culture. page 4 SNL 50th Anniversary and Oscars Predictions

Sci-Tech/807. page 5 iPhone 16 Overview and BSU Spotlight

Sports. page 7 Sports Recap

NEWS

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | concordiensis.com

02

ALLYSON BENNETT, NEWS EDITOR benneta2@union.edu

RESEARCH Continued from page 1

Several Union College professors, who rely on grant funding from the NIH and NSF to conduct their research, experienced significant delays and uncertainty. Dr. Ellen Robertson, an associate professor of Chemistry at Union who conducts research on nanomaterials with an NSF grant, described a week of uncertainty as NSF grants were frozen and then mandated by a federal court to be continued. “I called Mercedes at the grant office, and said, ‘What’s going on? Can I spend my money or not spend my money?’

And she said, for now, hold off, we don’t know enough. So for a week, I just kind of held tight and waited.

I’m operating as I normally do now, but it was a week of a lot of anxiety.”

Many researchers, including Robertson, have also expressed uncertainty about the future. “Where I can see disruptions moving forward might not be on the grants I currently have, but any future grants, because the government is firing a lot of people. If they’re firing program officers, who make recommenda-

tions on which grant proposals get funded, then what kind of stuff gets funded? That worries me.”

Student research is a significant part of many students’ education at Union, and federal freezes have affected students’ ability to continue their research. Dr. Stephanie Curley, an assistant professor of Biomedical engineering, conducts vaccine research with numerous students on a grant from the NSF. Bennett Beaulieu ‘25, a biomedical engineering student conducting research with Dr. Curley, described similar concerns and disappointments. “I’m only a couple weeks away from my thesis, but I’m not able to order a plasmid I need because it costs upwards of a thousand dollars without grant funding. There’s definitely plenty of things that were thrown off by it. I think it causes people to lose motivation because if they’re going to put all this work in and the grant’s gonna get rescinded and they can’t continue their work, then why why do it is kind of the thought process.” Bennett, who is applying for graduate school, also described trepidation regarding his future: “as far as my thought process goes, one of the first things that I asked the professors that I will potentially

work with is, do they have funding secured currently? And some professors also have startup funding, which the school provides to them to get their labs started up. And so that that comes from federal funding, just because the the school receives federal funding in general.

But that’s not directly tied to a grant.

And so it’s a lot more secure.. So if a professor has something like that, I’m more inclined to go with them as opposed to a professor who either has funding directly from a grant or just doesn’t have funding yet and is waiting on the status of a grant.”

Disruptions in academia have occurred outside of just federal funding freezes and direct policy changes. Dr. Nicole Theodosiou, an associate professsor of biology at Union, described the abrupt cancellation of a private grant funding a program at Union. “I am project director of a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, an esteemed private institution with an endowment of about $26 billion. we have a grant that was called the inclusive excellence grant, with two goals. The first was to provide professional development training for faculty, so that um we could create more inclusive learning en-

vironments in the classroom, and the second part was to work on reforming how we evaluate teaching and learning in the classroom. The grant was completely terminated on February fifth, with any trace of the grant scrubbed from the Howard Hughes website. What does it

say when an institution like Howard Hughes acquiesces to policies that don’t directly affect them?” Echoing a sentiment shared by scientists and academics across the country, Theodosiou said: “We’re gonna try to do this work the best we can going forward. It’s just been chaos.”

The Dip Enters its 12th Year Allyson Bennett News Editor

On Sunday, April 6, Colleges Against Cancer will host its 12th-annual Dip (previously the Dutchman Dip), a fundraiser where students go on a slip and slide in the cold.

The Dip was co-founded in 2013

by Maria Dreezen ‘14 and Kaitlyn Suarez ‘16, and has since become a yearly tradition on campus. This year, the dip aims to raise $4,000 for the college’s Shinebarger Memorial Scholarship.

Dreezen and Suarez founded the dip after they learned that staff member Shelly Shinebarger’s daughter Kristen Shinebarger was diagnosed with Ewig’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. “She was 10, and the treatments got to the point where she needed to have a leg amputation, and thus a prosthetic leg, which really gets expensive because you’re a child growing.” Suarez explained.

“I had also went through cancer treatments in high school and in my community, people really stepped

up and helped me with finances,” Suarez continued. “Matt Milless [Assistant Vice President For Student Affairs] and I looked at each other and were like, we can do something different, and we came up with the dip.”

I hope it’s like a way for everyone to remember that the community shows up for each other.

Kaitlyn Suarez ‘16

The first dip took place in March 2013, when students jumped into a small pool outside of the field house.

The next year, students began sliding down a large water slide outside of Reamer, and the tradition has grown and continued ever since.

Proceeds from the dip have funded medical bills for Shinebarger, Suarez (who had another cancer relapse after creating the dip), Justin Lloyd ‘16 and Nate Greenberg ‘15, two other students undergoing cancer treatments. Shinebarger

passed away due to her cancer in 2018, and since then, the dip has funded the Shinebarger Memorial Scholarship, generally given to students who use the office of accomodative services and have financial need. Last year, the dip raised $2,293 for the scholarship fund.

“I hope it’s like a way for everyone to remember that the community shows up for each other,” Suarez remarked. “For me to watch it online and see the photos later, it’s one of the things that really made me feel good in the world.”

This year, Suarez will match $1 per donor up to 250 donors. The dip will happen on Sunday, April 6 in front of Reamer, and community members can donate to the scholarship fund from now until the event.

DONATE Scan the QR code to donate to the dip this year!

The Union Book of 2013

Students participating in the first annual dip in 2013. Suarez and Dreezen did not know that this would become a campus tradition after the first event.

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OPINIONS

Thursday, February 27, 2024 | concordiensis.com GILLIAN PASEKA, OPINIONS EDITOR pasekag@union.edu

This is ‘Not Like Us’

Digestion of Kendrick Lamar’s Political Halftime Show Talia Gitlin Staff Writer

Following a highly controversial transition of presidential power, Super Bowl LIX occurred during a period of heightened international political tension. Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Kendrick Lamar is no stranger to this discourse and decided to perpetuate the conversation by incorporating culturally significant allusions into his halftime performance. The show featured excerpts from ten of his most culturally significant songs.

At the performance’s onset, Lamar delivers a sneak peek into his unreleased song, “Bodies,” a long-awaited constituent of his 2024 album, “GNX.” This song discusses themes of systemic oppression and Black culture in America. The album is further referenced as Lamar stands atop a vintage Buick Grand National Experimental. With the help of trap doors, Lamar’s “army” of backup dancers emerges from the car and disperses across the stage.

Each individual adorns one of three monochromatic ensembles: all-red, all-white, or all-blue.

From his vantage, Lamar recites, “The revolution is about to be televised.” This lyrical prelude references activist Gil Scott-Heron’s song, “The Revolution Will not be Televised” (1971), which, at the time, reinforced the need for protest in local communities during the Civil Rights movement. For Scott-Heron, complacency in the movement was not an option. Lamar reworks the

meaning of this statement, however, by utilizing television as his platform to amplify the disruption of America’s repressive condition and call for cultural equity. He continues, “You picked the right time but the wrong guy”, potentially indicating to President Donald Trump that his performance would be culturally disruptive. President Trump was in the stands that night, too.

The performance immediately addresses the nature of Blackness in contemporary America. Samuel L. Jackson, a prominent Black-American actor known for his appearances in Marvel, plays Uncle Sam. His role parodies the societal “requirement” that Black Americans must adhere to the American system. Throughout the performance, Jackson arrives to criticize Lamar’s expression of frustration and unrest that pervades disenfranchised Black communities.

Displeased with this display, Uncle Sam condemns the performance as “[too] loud” and “too reckless.”

By now, it seems that “the game” refers not only to Lamar’s encounter with the custom of Black obedience but also to the overarching sequestration of Black expression; Black existence is only “acceptable” when undisruptive to America’s condition.

The set then transitions to the song “Humble”, which Lamar uses to demand that American audiences reduce disproportionate displays of privilege to abate socioeconomic divides between racial communities. This implication was favorable to many audiences unfamiliar with rap as an art form, like Lilly Marlet-

WHAT IS GILL LISTENING TO THIS WEEK? 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.

Wikipedia Photo Credit | Concordiensis

Official Poster for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, performed by Kendrick Lamar.

ta ‘26, who commented, “I’m not the biggest rap fan, but I like Kendrick Lamar, and he did well and put on a good show with a lot of meaning” Lamar contends Uncle Sam by responding with a notable phrase of the night: “It’s a cultural divide, Imma get it on the floor/ 40 acres and a mule this is bigger than the music,” referencing the 1865 unfulfilled order that previously enslaved soldiers would be given 40 acres of land and a mule to kick start life after the Civil War. In dissecting this reference, Kennedy Snyder ‘26 said “I thought

it was so powerful but it also made me think about how many of these symbolic messages went over peoples heads… I’m sure the older generations are baffled and confused with his performance. We’ve come a long way since Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen were performing at the Super Bowl.”

Of course, this dissection merely grazes the depth of Lamar’s performance. Interested in the full story about the statements made in Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance? Read more of this story online at Concordiensis.com.

Delta Phi Epsilon’s ANAD Week 2025 Gillian Paseka Opinions Editor

Delta Phi Epsilon’s ANAD Week kicked off on Monday February 17th, offering many campus wide events and fundraising opportunities each day. The fundraising consisted of selling raffle tickets for a “Wellness Basket”, custom made stickers, candy grab bags, and a hot chocolate bar. The events offered across campus were a Wicked movie night will all three sororities, Trash Your Insecurities with Active Minds, a Mental Health Speaker, and Yoga ending off the week on Friday.

ANAD is one of Delta Phi Epsilon’s philanthropies. This week-long event is an annual fundraising week in partnership with the National As-

sociation of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. Delta Phi Epsilon pledges its regular support to ANAD and its other philanthropies, including The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Delta Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation.

A highlight of the week for Emma Friedman ‘27, the sororities Vice President of Programing, was the Wicked movie night. She said, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to watch a movie with girls from DPhiE, GPhi, and SDT. I loved the chance to spend time with girls from other orgs and just take a break from a long, busy week to enjoy something as simple as a movie!” The movie night took place in Potter House on campus Tuesday night.

Sydney Cuticelli ‘27, the Community Service Coordinator, makes

remarks on the week as a whole.

She tells us her “favorite thing about ANAD week is raising awareness across the campus,” and how this experience “has been so wholesome.” Cuticelli beams on how well this week has been and how such acts of kindness have brought together the Union community.

The week-long motto was “Spread the Love,” and that’s exactly what Delta Phi Epsilon did.

From the tabling events showcasing resources, to the speaker events inviting difficult conversation, to a rejuvenating yoga session on Friday. The chapter raised $4,398. All proceeds go directly to ANAD in support of their mission to relieve suffering by providing support and education to those struggling with disordered eating and body image.

Talk to us!

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.

Gillian Paseka | Concordiensis

Trash Your Insecurities Event.

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1. “Touching Toes” - Olivia Dean 2. “DIE TRYING” - PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake 3. “Guide” - Steve Lacy 4. “She’s a Bad Mama Jama” Carl Carlton 5.“Let Me Down Easy” - Daisy Jones & The Six All Images Courtesy of Youtube Music

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POP/CULTURE NEWS

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | concordiensis.com

SIENNA CHAMBIAL, EDITOR chambias@union.edu

Saturday Night Live Turns 50: The Newest Hot Topic Around Campus Sienna Chambial Pop/Culture Editor

On the evening of Feb. 16, 2025, America’s most celebrated sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), celebrated 50 years on air with a three-hour-long Anniversary Special. One of the most awaited Pop Culture events of the year, the televised homecoming concert witnessed stars such as Paul McCartney, Kim Kardashian, Meryl Steep, Amy Poehler, Tom Hanks and Adam Sandler perform various skits and monologues, and musical guests like Cher, Lady Gaga, the Backstreet Boys, Miley Cyrus, and Nirvana grace the stage with their power-packed performances. The three-hour live primetime special has been a buzzing topic among students ever since it first aired, and a wide range of opinions on the show, be it as a whole or its specific elements, have been conversation starters among people.

“I’m the biggest Sabrinator in the world so seeing her in the Domingo skit was the highlight of the night for me. I know some people hatedPedro Pascal for being off key but I

Sienna Chambial | Concordiensis

Kavita Trivedi ‘27 watching the SNL 50th Anniversary Monologue on YouTube.

thought that made it even funnier” said freshman Narayani Yogi. Other students also expressed their excitement over the skit, calling Marcello Hernandez, who played the role of Domingo, a heartthrob and applauding other actors in the skit such as Andy Samberg and Bad Bunny for their exceptional comedic timing. Yogi added, “the skit refuses to leave my instagram feed now and to be honest, I am not complaining.”

Another freshman Shravani Kulkarni shared, “in the days leading up to the special, I was anxious

about whether or not I would get to see Aubrey Plaza, who has always been one of my favourite comedians on SNL, since she recently lost her husband. It made me so happy that I not only got to see her perform, but also pay a tribute to him.”

Plaza’s husband Jeff Baena, who passed away earlier this year had picked up tie-dying as a hobby during the pandemic, which had resulted in them getting married wearing tie-dye pyjamas. Fans felt Plaza’s love for her husband through the screen as they noticed her wearing

a tie-dye shirt as a silent and subtle tribute to him in her first public appearance since his passing in January. “Generally speaking for the entire show, I thought the rhymes were creative but really not as funny as they could have been,” stated sophomore Antonio Jorge.

“At first, it was nice to see a familiar throwback to the earlier days of SNL, but then it just turned right back into the modern, more cringe version,” added Jorge.

Though there were a few more people who felt let down by the concert, fans of SNL across campus agreed that the episode was an incredible homage to the pop culture legacy of the series nationwide. “I was hoping it would be funnier, but I am not complaining. So many past cast members whom I have seen perform as a child returned for the show with classic skits and that nostalgia made up for it. I was a huge fan of the lineup” added junior Lilli Marletta.

Fifty years is an exceptionally long time for any show to run, and for SNL to have done so and still remained one of the most prestigious live sketch comedy shows on television in nothing short of a milestone.

Will Controversy Steal the Show at 97th Academy Awards this year?

Angelina Martinelli Staff Writer

For the past month, questions have been rising all over social media as to whether or not the 97th Academy Awards Ceremony, popularly referred to as the Oscars, would be cancelled due to the chaos from the disastrous wildfires that recently struck Los Angeles. These rumors originated from a post on X (formerly twitter) by ‘The Sun’, a U.K tabloid newspaper, and quickly spread as people worried if the nearly century-old award show would be cancelled for the first time ever. Contrary to what was popular belief, in part due to the nominations being released later than expected, the actual award ceremony will still be held on Sunday, Mar. 2, 2025 in California.

The Oscars celebrate the cinematic masterpieces of each year by presenting various different awards to the most celebrated films as well as the people involved in their creation and bringing them to the big screen. Notably, the film ‘Emilia

Pérez’, a musical thriller following the story of a cartel boss who has transitioned, has been nominated for a total of thirteen awards this year, one shy of the current record for most nominations for a single film, held by ‘All About Eva’, ‘Titanic’, and ‘La La Land’ in their respective years of nominations. One of the actresses starred in the movie, Karla Sofía Gascón, has made history by becoming the first transgender woman to be nominated for an Oscar. Other impressive nominations this year include the movies ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Brutalist’, which have each received ten nominations.

Much like the rest of the world right now, students at Union College are anticipating the event to find out if their favorite movies or actors will receive any special recognition on this prestigious platform. As one of the top films of the year, ‘Wicked’ has been very popular around campus, especially because of the involvement of pop star Ariana Grande, who continues to remain an icon to Gen Z all over the world.

When asked if the ten nominations were well earned, freshman Mor-

gan Hendler stated “I do believe it was deserved. The cinematography in the film was quite magnificent, along with the voices of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande which were astounding.”

Another important category at the Oscars is for the best animated feature, and when questioned on which film they hope wins this award, first year Saniya Dixon said, “Inside Out 2. That was a great movie, it was really relatable and I learned a lot about myself from watching that movie. It was the perfect re-enactment of the mindset of a teenage girl.”

The 2025 Oscars do not only have people buzzing with eagerness for what movie or actor will win, but also for the many controversies that have come along with the award show this year. Most of the scandal follows the film ‘Emilia Pérez’, as Karla Gascón, one of the stars of the film, went viral for resurfaced racist tweets and comments from the past, including one calling George Floyd a “drug addict swindler.” Other actresses, Zoe Saldaña and Fernanda Torres, were also

brought into the controversy with audiences resurfacing their previous blackfaces from past movies.

While both actresses publicly apologized for their previous actions, people were still furious that they were nominated despite their actions, which they should have been held accountable to. Another shocking statement came from the editor of ‘The Brutalist’, Dávid Jancsó, who admitted to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in parts of this Oscar nominated film. This sparked some heat as people deemed it unfair for a movie with AI use to be put against the other films that didn’t use it.

The Oscars this year have not even begun and yet the event already seems to be woven into a web of conspiracies. With all this drama surrounding the award show, and the scare of a potential cancellation, the show will certainly be one to remember, whether it be in a positive light or a negative one. Whether you watch live from ABC. stream from Hulu, or even keep up with the updates on social media, make sure to keep up with the year’s most anticipated award ceremony.

UPCOMING MOVIES

“Last Breath” Directed by Alex Parkinson February 28, 2025

“Mickey 17” Directed by Bong Joon-ho March 07, 2025

UPCOMING ALBUMS

“Ruby”

by Jennie March 07, 2025

“Mayhem”

by Lady Gaga March 07, 2025

SCI-TECH

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | concordiensis.com

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ABIGAIL TRZEPLA, SCI-TECH EDITOR trzeplaa@union.edu

New iPhone Incorporates More Artificial Intelligence Abby Trzepla Sci-Tech Editor

Apple recently announced the release of the iPhone 16e, a new model that will be in stores on February 28 for $599. This version stands out from previous launches through its slightly lower price point and the increased integration of artificial intelligence.

Apple Intelligence, a recently released feature, is intended to make user experience and technology use even more convenient.

The 16e offers the ability to edit elements out of photos, search for images in the Photos app with a description, create images from descriptions and existing photos, create custom emojis, and type messages to Siri. In addition, the new “visual intelligence” feature is meant to provide the ability to summarize and translate text, detect phone numbers or email addresses to add

to contacts, and identify unknown objects visually. ChatGPT is also integrated into the Writing Tools feature, as well as in Siri.

The company states that users’ IP addresses are obscured, specifying that they “can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration” and “are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.” However, student Mia Vatanapradit ‘27 noted, “I like that the cost is lower, but I still don’t completely trust the AI,” elaborating, “I feel like it would spy on me.”

The 16e uses Face ID alone for security, with Touch ID and the home button having been phased out. The model incorporates an exterior action button, meant to allow users to open tools like the camera, flashlight, voice memos, and translation features through a click. However, the camera has been reduced to only one on the back surface.

Before this release, only the iPhone 16 and 15 Pro had access to

UPCOMING STEMINARS Psychology March 6th, 12:50pm / Karp 105 Angie Johnston, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston College

Physics March 6th, 12:50pm / ISEC 120 John Hardin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

BBC

The recently released iPhone 16e incorporating increased AI tools

Apple Intelligence, with prices that begin at $699-$799. As artificial intelligence continues to become more widespread and accessible,

its incorporation into new technology like the 16e will likely continue to be seen alongside users’ concerns with its security.

Biology April 10th, 12:50pm / Olin 115 “CD8+ T cell-mediated killing: Uncovering regulatory networks in the era of single-cell genomics,” Dr. Son Ngoc Nguyen (‘14), Senior Postdoctoral Associate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

807 UNION ST.

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | concordiensis.com

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MATTHEW LOWRY, 807 EDITOR lowrym@union.edu

Annual ASA Fashion Show Captivates Crowd Matthew Lowry 807 Editor

On the evening of February 25th, the African Student Association, or ASA, held their fourth annual fashion show, to a wildly enthusiastic crowd of students, faculty, and extended guests. Preceded with music by local DJ DayDay and African fare including Jollof rice and African stew, the show was kicked off by MC Wellington Matos and included a performance by “Jaiva” with Afrobeats, as well as a “Guess The Song” segment.

The show featured student models in clothing from local designer Josephine Alila as well as the Delaware-based Legacy Tailors. 20 students walked the runway in total, with some new faces in addition to a number of returning students from the preceding ASA fashion show.

After closing remarks from the e-board, headed by co-presidents Temilade Olasubomi and Chisom Uchendu, the student models returned to the stage to dance and mingle with audience members.

The ASA, a student affinity group working to promote cultural diversity and ethnic education corresponding to the African diaspora,

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS

has held yearly fashion shows since 2021, creating an opportunity for African students to engage with and show off their cultural pride. Says PR Chair Zainab Al-Abbasi ‘26, “We wanted to expose the wider student body to African culture and pride, of which the medium of choice was fashion.

Showcasing the different types of fabric and styles was, we felt, a great way to get people to engage with African culture in a meaningful and fun way.” Saturday night’s lively crowd certainly testified to their success!

Courtesy of OIA Instagram

Students at the Building Bridges Panel.

Union College ASA

A flyer advertising the fashion show

Courtesy of Union College BSU

Students tabling for the Black History Month Upper Takeover.

Courtesy of OIA Instagram

Students engaging in discussions.

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NOTICES

Thursday, February 20, 2025 | concordiensis.com

SOPHIA GLAZIER, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF glaziers@union.edu

Concordiensis Editors-in-Chief Adithi Chellappan ’27 Sophia Glazier ’27

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News Editor Allyson Bennett ’26 Opinions Editor Gillian Paseka ’27 Sci/Tech Editor Abigail Trzepla ’27 Sports Editor Noor El Maayergi ’28 Alex Bang ’26 Pop/Culture Editor Sienna Chambial ’27 807 Editor Matthew Lowry ’27 Courtesy of Music Department

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Photo Editor Kavita Trivedi ’27 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 official 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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Talk to us!

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.

SPORTS

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | concordiensis.com

07

NOOR EL MAAYERGI, SPORTS EDITOR elmaayee@union.edu

#20 Babson Defeats #19 Union Men’s Hockey Beats Harvard, Men’s Lacrosse Falls to Dartmouth Union’s Men’s Lacrosse team opened their season this Saturday against #20 Babson.

Despite opening the scoring nearly six minutes into the game, Babson eventually outscored them, leaving the score 9-11 by the end of the fourth.Walker Popko ‘26, a transfer from Stony Brook, led Union’s scoring with four goals. Archie McEvoy ‘25 had three goals and

one assist. Peter Kip ‘25 had two goals. Union outshot Babson 40-34, but Babson’s goalies, Alex Fascilla and Andrew Almquist, stopped a total of 17 shots.

Union’s next game is at home this coming Saturday against Springfield College at 1:00pm. Noor El Maayergi

With the regular season coming to an end, Union’s Men’s hockey needs every point they can get.

They clinched three points in their game against Harvard, but did not manage to get any points against Dartmouth.

Union’s class of 2026 had a showstopping Friday night, with Nate Hanley and Brandon Buhr each scoring a goal, and Kyle Chauvette

making 23 saves. Hanley’s goal was his tenth of the season, and Buhr scored his eightteenth.

The next day, they only managed to get one goal past Dartmouth’s goalie in the third period, which left them with a 1-2 final score.

The ECAC regular season comes to an end next weekend against Cornell and Colgate. Noor El

WHAT U MISSED THIS WEEKEND

Maayergi

Women’s Hockey Wins First-Ever Playoff Game Noor El Maayergi Sports Editor

This past Saturday, the Union Women’s hockey team took on the number-8 seed Brown in Providence, Rhode Island. With a 2-0 win, Union not only secured a spot in the ECAC quarterfinals, but managed to get their first playoff win (and shutout!) in program history.

Karianne Engelbert ‘28 scored bth of Union’s goals Saturday afternoon, breaking the Union record for rookie points and tying Union’s rookie goals record. Engelbert, who was the ECAC’s Rookie of the Week earlier in the season, was named to the ECAC’s All-Rookie Team. She is the second Union player to ever be named to an ECAC team. At the D1 level, she is tied for second for rookie goals this season Captain Maren Friday, Stephanie Bourque, and Sophia Mat-

soukas each also had record-setting weekends. Friday broke the record for all-time points for defensemen, with 50 total points. Bourque holds

the record for single-season points by a defensemen, with 22 points.

Matsoukas tied the program record with her sixth career shutout.

RESULTS

RESULTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mary Gettens | Union Athletics

Karianne Engelbert after one of her goals against Brown.

February 21

February 23

February 28

Women’s BBall vs RIT OTL 63-64

Women’s Tennis vs NYU L 1-6

Men’s Hockey vs Cornell, 7:00pm

Men’s BBall vs RIT W 100-98

Men’s Tennis vs NYU L 3-4

Men’s Hockey @ Harvard W 2-1

Baseball @ Merchant Marine W 6-3

March 1

Baseball @ Merchant Marine L 5-7

Men’s Tennis @ Rochester, 2:00pm

February 22

Women’s Tennis @ Rochester, 10:00am

Men’s Lacrosse @ #20 Babson L 9-11

Women’s Lacrosse @ Plattsburgh, 12:00pm

Women’s Tennis vs TCNJ W 5-2

Men’s Lacrosse vs Springfield, 1:00pm

Men’s Tennis vs TCNJ L 3-4

Men’s Hockey vs Colgate, 4:00pm

Women’s BBall vs William Smith W 73-44

Women’s BBall @ SUNY Purchase, 11:00am

Men’s BBall vs Hobart W 76-69

Men’s BBall @ SUNY Purchase, 2:00pm

Men’s Hockey @ Dartmouth L 1-2 Women’s Hockey @ Brown W 2-0

This weekend, Union Women’s Hockey takes on Cornell in a threegame series to try to continue their historic season.

Swimming’s Earns 6th & 7th at LL Championships Following a four-day tournament, the Women’s swimming and diving team finished in 6th place at the Liberty League Championships in Ithaca. Kristina Valenti won the 200 Breaststroke B final.

The Men’s team earned 7th place with a total of 356 points.

1. Captain Cullen Ferguson during Union’s 2-1 loss to Dartmouth. (Mary Gettens) 2. Starting pitcher Chris Suter during their season-opener. (Paul Buckowski) 3. Archie McEvoy carrying the ball during Saturday’s Babson game.

(Amara Cohen) 4. Luisa Arizpe-Sierra during one of her two matches against TCNJ. (Steve Sheridan)

08

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Thursday, February 27, 2025 | concordiensis.com

KAVITA TRIVEDI, PHOTO EDITOR trivedik@union.edu

BSU: Black Excellence Ball 2025

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Black Student Union’s (BSU) 9th annual Black Excellence Ball was

Three Students, Katherine Guimac ’26, Natalie Pinto ’27, and Zainab Al-Abbasi ’26, pose for a pho-

Students line up and fill their plates full

hosted on Saturday, February 22.

tograph in front of the photo booth.

of tasty food.

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Six Students smile for a photograph dressed in a variety of shades of blue in honor of this year’s theme: Jazz and Hues of Blue.

PHOTOS NEEDED! Please feel free to submit photos to include in future “Photos of the Week” sections using the QR code!

Photo Ideas: • • • • • Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Kavita Trivedi | Concordiensis

Two Students, Alldyn Gotora ’28 and Daniel Darko-Mensah ’28, smile

Four Students, Ammara Nazir ’25, Alisa Motiwala ’25, Aavasna Rupak-

for a photo, eagerly awaiting the start of the event.

heti ’25, and Dulce Barrios Lopez ’25, smile for a photograph.

Sporting events / games School sponsored events Club events Photos of campus Animals found on Union’s campus