2 9 2021 CAYUGA COLLEGIAN VOL. 67 ISSUE 14

Cayuga Community College Auburn & Fulton, New York

Collegian VOL. 67 ISSUE 14 FEBRUARY 9, 2021

CAYUGABRIEFS CAYUGA WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER LEFEVER The College community welcomes Annette LeFever as the new Executive Assistant to the President.

LeFever is a Cayuga graduate and joins the Office of the President after more than five years with the Syracuse Housing Authority, where she worked as a Grants Procurement Specialist and Director of Resident Support Services.

LeFever will be on the Auburn Campus from Monday to Thursday in Room R326.

DON’T FORGET - CCC’S STUDENT ACTIVITIES FAIR IS ON ZOOM FEBRUARY 10 Don’t sit alone in your room! There are many opportunities to get involved while limited in-person education happens on campus. Cayuga Community College has many clubs which are still meeting via Zoom, etc. Join the college community for an overview of all the activities available during the semester tradition of holding a Student Activities Fair. This year the fair is on Zoom beginning at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, February 10th.

The Zoom Meeting number is 972 4178 6371. If you have questions about anything please email Norman Lee at Leen@ cayuga-cc.edu. Enhance your college experience despite the pandemic. You won’t regret it.

PANDEMIC SLOWS CULINARY SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

CCC STUDENTS PERFORM CHORAL CONCERT VIRTUALLY

COVID-19 CAMPUS UPDATE This week we conducted 261 COVID19 surveillance tests. SUNY Upstate notified the College this weekend that one individual tested positive for COVID-19.

The individual was last on the Auburn Campus on Thursday, February 4. A second individual who was last on the Auburn Campus on Monday, February 1, has also tested positive after testing at another location. Both individuals have been placed in isolation and are restricted from campus. Contact tracing is ongoing.

We realize that due to the weather-related cancellations last week, some members of our testing population may not have participated in testing. No disciplinary action will be taken if you were unable to complete your testing requirement last week.

Please remember testing is required weekly for the semester for the following groups: • Any student or employee coming to campus; • Non-teaching employees working from home; • Students residing in Lattimore Hall.

You can schedule testing appointments for Auburn or Fulton. We encourage you to schedule for the entire semester now.

As a reminder, on-campus testing is asymptomatic testing only. If you develop symptoms, please cancel your appointment, avoid accessing campus and test at another location.

Please continue following our health and safety protocols. Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our campus community.

— Cathy J. Dotterer, Ed.D. Dean of Students

TELL US YOUR NEWS EMAIL THE COLLEGIAN! CAYUGACOLLEGIAN@GMAIL.COM

PHOTO BY KEVIN RIVOLI OF THE CITIZEN BORROWED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

cayugacollegian@gmail.com

Alena Minguela

Jennifer O’Neil

Nadia Edley

Emilie Pearl

Applied Music Lessons Voice students from Fall 2020 created a virtual recital. Email Instructor of Vocal Music/Choral Director Emily Walters at edennis@cayuga-cc.edu for the link!

CAYUGA SAYING GOODBYE TO ITS HEART

The College Community is getting ready to say HAPPY RETIREMENT to Fulton’s Lorelee Lardear.

STORY PAGE THREE (Lorelee is in the second row at the end).

The Auburn Campus is wishing Sue Arliss, pictured here with CCC President Dr. Durant, a HAPPY RETIREMENT. STORY PAGE THREE

CULINARY SCHOOL OPENING DELAYED

By Michael Perry, editor-in-chief Cayuga Community College’s Culinary Center was set to open this past Monday February 1, 2021. However, Culinary students will have to wait to access the facility as the opening has been postponed.

Michael Perry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Unfortunately, the College administration says this was due to some delays in construction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement to A local newspaper, The Citizen, Andrew Poole, CCC’s Public Media and Relations Associate, noted “We’ve done all that we can, and at this point, it’s not quite ready, but we also know it’s more important to get it done right.”

CCC Director of He also stated said the Culinary Arts the College is hoping Program Chef Mark it will be ready “early Fitzgerald spring.”

Poole also mentioned that the semester which started Jan. 19, made sure that students enrolled in the Culinary program were not taking classes that would require them to attend the new training facility.

CCC WINTER 20-2021 SPORTS CANCELLED Cayuga Community College and 26 other SUNY community colleges that are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association have cancelled specific winter intercollegiate athletic programs deemed high-risk for exposure to COVID-19 for the 2020-21 season.

The collective decision, announced Tuesday, prioritizes the health and safety of student-athletes, college staff and communities at each institution amid the COVID19 pandemic. The community colleges’ decision impacts high-risk winter sports, but allows for winter athletic programs deemed low-risk to continue in a virtual setting.

For Cayuga, Tuesday’s announcement means the cancellation of the men’s and women’s basketball seasons and the women’s volleyball season. Other sports annually offered during the fall semester, such as men’s and women’s soccer, were previously rescheduled for the spring 2021 semester.

“Without a doubt canceling these winter athletic programs is the correct decision.

I know our student-athletes are eager to resume competition, but when it comes to their health and the health of our entire campus community, no level of added risk is acceptable,” said Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant. “I congratulate our College leaders who participated in these discussions, and the leaders of the other community colleges who reached the same conclusion that this is the best course of action.”

Cayuga has enacted rigorous health and safety protocols since resuming on-campus operations in the summer. Health and temperature screenings are conducted at CONTINUED LAST PAGE

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MEET THE COLLEGIAN STAFF

OPINIONS

HOW I SEE IT...

WORK AND PLAY IN A PANDEMIC

Michael Perry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Every year on St. Patrick’s Day people go to their local St. Patty’s day parade, drink green beer, and celebrate their Irish heritage by wearing green. Due to the global pandemic, most of these parades have been canceled. Some folks may be upset about the parade cancellations, but what makes me upset is how the holiday itself is celebrated in America.

The holiday was originally celebrated in Ireland as a holy day for Catholics.

Traditions included attending mass in your best clothing and pinning a shamrock on the right side of your shirt.

Families would also have large meals together like any other holiday. Interestingly, most pubs were closed in recognition of the holiday, and there was no green beer. According to the website, yourirish.com, it wasn’t until 1995 when the Irish government decided to start holding an official parade in the city of Dublin.

So, when I see people using the day as an excuse to get blackout drunk, act like idiots, and wear stupid shirts that say “Kiss me I’m Irish,” (and they aren’t even Irish!), it seems kind of stupid to me. Mind you this isn’t me trying to defend my Irish culture, I’m half Irish and half Italian and I don’t have family traditions associated with either part of my heritage. I consider myself to be an American. My last name looks Irish, but it was actually changed when my great-great grandparents on my Dad’s side came to Ellis Island way back when. It was originally “Perri” not “Perry.”

I suppose I should allow people to have fun. As long as it doesn’t negatively affect mine or anyone else’s everyday life, why should I care? Hearing people get upset that it was canceled, and hearing them talk about how they think the parade should still take place is what really grinded my gears. Now more than ever, we should absolutely not have a parade.

The Cayuga Collegian welcomes letters from its readers. Submissions must be from a ‘cayuga-cc.edu’ email domain. Contact us at cayugacollegian@gmail.com.

Submissions must include your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters to the editor do not reflect the viewpoint of the Collegian office, its staff or advisor. All letters are simply the opinions of the writers themselves.

All letters may be edited for content or length. We reserve the right NOT to PUBLISH.

Joshua D. Hart

Mary Jo Solazzo

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

Hello. I’m Joshua D. Hart. But you can just call me Josh. I’ve been a student at Cayuga Community College for nearly three years. I completed an Audio Production degree at the end of the Spring 2020 semester, and now I’m working toward earning a second degree in Media Production. After I graduate from this degree in May of 2021, I plan on possibly looking for a part-time job that relates to my studies in audio and video production.

These past three years have been jam -packed with challenges, and I’ve worked hard to overcome each and every one of them.

I helped contribute to The Cayuga Collegian and Cayuga BYTES a little bit last semester while studying Broadcast Journalism, and I look forward to making further contributions this semester in the Journalism Practicum course (Telcom 204).

I already know it will be an interesting experience, but I’m ready to enjoy it as much as possible!

Hi I’m Maryjo Solazzo. I’m 64-years-old.

I love writing and hope to become a writer for television. Maybe the next Dick Wolf!!!

LOL. My major is Professional Writing. Ever since I was a teen, I’d like to write and compose music.

I think I’m going to enjoy Journalism. No, I will enjoy Journalism!! Peace out!

CATCH EPISODES OF CAYUGA BYTES NOW ON YOUTUBE!

CAYUGABYTES@GMAIL.COM

WE WANT YOU! GET INVOLVED! WE TAPE TWO MORE WEDNESDAYS ON ZOOM. EMAIL FOR INVITE! WE TAPE MOST MONDAYS AT 10 AM - JOIN THE FUN!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

Thank you for including the art exhibit in The Collegian! It looks great and the students will really appreciate seeing their work in print.

Thanks, Melissa Johnson Associate Professor of Art SOMA Studio Art + Design Program, Coordinator Studio Art and Design

There is still time to vote for your favorite work of art in the ‘PEOPLE’S CHOICE’ award.

Submit your choice to melissa.johnson@ cayuga-cc.edu by February 28th. The student Art was in the last issue of The Collegian.

HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Send your qualified submission to cayugacollegian@gmail.com.

Your submission must include the writer’s full name, college year, area of study, phone number, and hometown.

All submissions must have an email domain of ‘cayuga-cc.edu’ to be published.

Anonymous letters and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published.

For verification purposes, submissions must also include the writer’s home address.

The staff of The Cayuga Collegian reserves the right NOT TO PUBLISH without an explanation.

Michael Perry Joshua Hart Patrick Mahunik Caleb Rodan MaryJo Solazzo Mary G. Merritt

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER FACULTY ADVISOR

We are looking for more staff members!

PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 9, 2021

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PHOTOS ILLUSTRATION BY JOSH HART; IMAGES BORROWED FROM THE INTERNET FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

CAYUGA SAYING GOODBYE TO ITS HEART Two women who keep the college running smoothly are retiring

SUPPORT TO CHANGE AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL’S NAME TO HARRIET TUBMAN HIGH SCHOOL GROWS Petition created in support of the change already has more than 1,000 signatures

By Josh Hart, staff writer Auburn has connections to some of the state’s most famous historical figures. Now, a few Auburn High School students have started a campaign to convince administrators to rename their school to honor Auburn resident and historic hero, Harriet Tubman, The students are serving on the Auburn Enlarged City School District’s Board of Education. At a recent board meeting on January 12th, the students began to show support for a new proposal to have the nearly 51-year-old high school renamed after the cultural icon of The Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman. The proposal, according to School Board President Joseph Sheppard, was first sent to the board over the summer (Late July/Early August), by a local resident, who originally took part in this conversation when it was last proposed, and turned down, in 1995.

Harriet Tubman, an African American born into slavery, is remembered for her leadership in freeing enslaved people through a network of ‘safe’ houses called The Underground Railroad, as well as her contributions to the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

“Harriet Tubman is an extremely important part of this community and is present in our

school district in many ways,” said Sheppard.

“However, we do agree that more can be done to honor her more visibly in our school community.”

A petition has been created by School Board members to help show support for the idea. The petition has already achieved its original goal of 1,000 supporters, and is now working toward a new goal of 1,500. James Cuddy, a Junior Year Student, who helped start the petition, believes that the name change will help show that Auburn stands on the side of equality and inclusion.

“We welcome all community members to take part in this extremely important discussion,” said Sheppard. “We will put this proposal up for a community vote and ask for community input on any name change.”

Sheppard says the proposal will require much more work and a lot more input from community members. He says the board has a goal of having the name change fully approved and completed by Fall 2021.

Sheppard is encouraging any community members interested in learning more information about the project to contact by Email at josephsheppard@aecsd.education. You can sign the petition at change.org.

AUBURN FAMILY CONQUERS COVID-19 TOGETHER

By Patrick Mahunik, Jr., staff writer One of the biggest issues that hit the world in 2020 was COVID-19. It affected the way we live life greatly and caused this great divide between people who think this virus is serious and others thinking it’s no big deal and

Patrick Mahunik Jr. STAFF WRITER shouldn’t affect our lives so much. I was more in the middle of this situation until January 7th.

When I was informed my mother Amy Mahunik tested positive. This resulted in my family going into quarantine for most of the month and of course, my mother was pretty frustrated and worried about the positive test. Since my parents told my two younger brothers, my younger sister, and I to stay away from them as much as possible we spent most of our time in our rooms. This resulted in all four of us testing negative and had to stay in quarantine until the 27th. But we had to witness what the virus did to our parents mentally and physically.

“I thought it would be like the flu. It was much worse than that.” Said my father Pat Mahunik Sr. who tested positive a couple of days after we went into quarantine. “Everything took a toll on your body, and the fatigue and chest congestion was unbearable at times.”

After testing positive my parents didn’t get tested again because they didn’t want to go out in public with symptoms and our doctor agreed it was best for them to just quarantine. Their symptoms included bad congestion, tiredness, and coughing that lasted for about a week.

While going through physical struggles both of my parents had to work from home as

both are principals which was already a stressful job for them.

“It changed my whole job and home life. I had to support teachers who had never taught remotely and parents who didn’t have experience supporting their children to the degree needed,” my mother and principal of Seward Elementary Amy Mahunik said.

Since she has to take care of young children and my father having to keep teens at New Field High School who don’t really understand the virus led to another level of stress for them.

“Every day has new challenges due to Covid and it’s challenging to ensure all of our students and staff regularly follow our guidelines,” my mother explained.

This also took a toll on my siblings and me mentally as we saw how the virus was affecting our parents. While we stayed away as much as possible we also had to help them occasionally as they were too tired to get out of bed some days.

We weren’t expecting it to affect them so much and we started to wonder that we were the ones who brought it into the house.

Unfortunately, we aren’t able to tell because of how easily it spreads that she could’ve gotten it just by going to Wegmans or work. Fortunately, my siblings and I were overreacting and they recovered from the virus perfectly fine.

“I’ve always respected the virus and followed guidelines, but actually having it made me more empathetic to others and the slow recovery they faced,” said my mother after dealing with Covid.

This was truly a learning experience for all of us at the end of the day, we learned how it can affect someone whether they’re healthy or not, it affects everyone differently.

From my family’s first-hand experience the most important thing my father wants people to know is to: “Wear masks and practice social distancing. This thing is no joke!”

Sue Arliss

Lorelee Lardear

KEEP SMILING, SUE! FAREWELL LORELEE Please join me in congratulating Sue Arliss, Senior Typist in the Admissions Office on her upcoming retirement.

Sue’s last official day will be Friday, February 26.

I would like to thank Sue for her dedication and service to the Admissions Office for the last 15 years and more than 20 years working at the College.

She attended Cayuga Community College as a non-traditional student and started as a student worker with the Alumni Association.

After receiving her degree, she found part time employment for 5 years in the President’s suite - working with the President’s secretary and the College’s Foundation secretary. Then she began her current position when it became available in the Admissions Office.

Sue has always enjoyed helping students through the admissions process. She is a welcoming face, voice or message to our students as they look to enroll at Cayuga. Sue is a proud alumnae of Cayuga and has been a strong ambassador for the College throughout her employment at Cayuga.

While we will miss her in the Admissions Office, we congratulation Sue on her retirement and wish her all the best in this next phase of her life.

— Bruce Blodgett Director of Admissions Most people know this already but Sue is my great Aunt. Being able to work with her here at Cayuga has been one of the most rewarding times in my life. She has helped guide me in so many ways and I don't think I would be who I am if it wasn't for her. She always has a smile on her face when she comes to work. Her dedication and kindness to our students is heartwarming. I can truly say Cayuga won't be the same without her.

— Caitlin Cooper Admissions Representative

Please join me in congratulating Lorelee Lardear, Senior Typist and College Switchboard Operator on her upcoming retirement. Lorelee’s last official day will be Friday, February 26th.

We would like to thank Lorelee for her dedication and service to the college community and for serving as the “voice” of the college for the last 12+ years. As many of you know and have experienced first-hand, Lorelee particularly excels at welcoming every individual person (student, employee, visitor) and providing a sense of belonging to our Cayuga community. This commitment to upholding our college’s core values through everyday actions will be remembered for years to come.

We will miss her smiling face and kind words.

We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

— Amanda Reed, Operations Manager , Fulton Campus Say it isn’t so - Lorelee Lardear IS the “voice” of Cayuga. Her consistent grace and elegance will be missed. Wish her well on her retirement. — Don Lawler Loralee, wish you the best in your retirement. I could always count on your joyful smile when I came up to Fulton. You will be missed.

— Cathleen Patella Have a great retirement!

— David Lambie

Lorelee, congratulations on your retirement! We are all going to miss your wonderful smile and pleasant hellos. Wishing you good health and happiness as you begin your new adventure! — Kelly Jennings Please let Lorelee know that I will miss her smile in the morning. It was always a wonderful way to start my day. I will miss her greatly. — Paul Knittel, Biology I wish you the very best in your retirement. I will miss seeing your smiling face and our conversations. Thank you for your kindness, your help, and your support! You will forever hold a special place in my heart! All my best! — Rebekah Lovell -Spink It has been a great pleasure working with you, my friend! Thank you for all your help over these last few years. I wish you all the best and much happiness in the future!

— Terry Quill Lorelee was one of the first people I met when I came to work at Cayuga. She welcomed me with open arms. Every time I see her I get a huge hello and smile. She is a “gem” and will be missed! Wishing her all the best as she opens a new chapter in life! Good luck, be well, we will miss you!

— Lisa Greenfield Irreplaceable!

— William De Mott

Lorelee, I would like to thank you for being so welcoming to me when I first started Cayuga. It was nice to get a greeting and to see a receptive and smiling face when I entered the campus. Will miss that customer support. Best wishes for the future.

— Prof. Kohut

I will miss Cayuga terribly...

SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 67 YEARS!

— Sue Arliss

I wish to send out my best to Lorelee in her retirement. I have had the honor of knowing her and her family, literally, since she was 15-years-old and I was working for the Office of the Cayuga County Sheriff. I would tell you how many years that has been, but it could lead to trouble for me... However, this fact is something that she is quick to point out in group conversations! Always dependable and efficient - she has been a pleasure to work with and I hope to continue our friendship for as many years in the future as we have had in the past.

Best to you and your family!

— John Lamphere

FEBRUARY 9, 2021 PAGE THREE

SOMETHING FUNNY

SHARE YOUR FUNNY MEMES WITH US: CAYUGACOLLEGIAN@GMAIL.COM

‘ART ACROSS BORDERS’ CREATING NEW EXPERIENCES FOR CAYUGA STUDENTS A new course this semester at Cayuga Community College is creating opportunities for art students to collaborate on an international project with an art institute in Mexico, culminating in exhibitions at both colleges.

The course, Art Across Borders, will see Cayuga students collaborate artistically with students from the Instituto Allende in San Miguel D’Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, throughout the Spring 2021 semester.

Along with exhibitions at both institutions, the student work will be documented in a published exhibition catalog.

Cayuga Associate Professor Melissa Johnson, who developed the course as part of a fellowship through Cornell University’s Einaudi Center for International Studies, is hopeful students will learn about and connect with individuals from another culture while developing their work.

“I’ve always loved the idea of using artwork to connect people across time and space, and in this case different regions, countries, and cultures,” said Johnson. “I’m hoping the course leads to the development of a powerful body of artwork, but also is an expansive and connecting experience for students.”

Johnson has a direct connection with the Instituto Allende, where she completed a two-week printmaking course in San Miguel de Allende while enrolled in graduate school at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

While developing the Art Across Borders course, she contacted several institutions in Mexico before developing a partnership with Instituto Allende.

Established in 1950, Instituto Allende has a long history of international educational partnerships, particularly with institutions in the United States. Along with partnerships with universities such as Texas A&M and Loyola Marymount, Instituto Allende is also affiliated with the United States Department of Veterans

Affairs.

Instituto Allende offers a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts Degree, along with a series of interactive workshops and lifelong learning programs designed for adult students. Thousands of local and international students study at Instituto Allende, which trains students for careers in the arts, communications and culture, with a commitment toward social and human development.

The program partnership will see students from each College paired and exchange photos, including a self-portrait, landscapes from their home regions, cultural and favorite objects. The Cayuga students will design artwork based on the photos they receive from the Instituto Allende students, as well as their interactions.

Johnson said the course allows students to work in a variety of artistic genres, whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpture or digital media. The students will meet virtually several times this semester to discuss the photos and their subsequent work.

“The course is an opportunity for each student to learn about their partner through discussion and viewing the photos representing parts of each person’s identity, and then use these elements to generate work in response to the newly formed friendship.” she said. “Learning about another culture through collaboration, and having the chance to exchange ideas with a fellow student who lives in that culture, is a rare and exciting opportunity. I am excited to see the works of art that will be created over the next few months.”

At the end of the semester, the Cayuga students’ artwork will be displayed on-campus, said Johnson. Images of the artwork created by both Cayuga and Instituto Allende students will be included in an exhibition catalog along with photos and biographies of the students.

BOOKSTORE UPDATE

By Mike Perry, editor-in-chief

Filbert...

CAYUGA CLUBS! FULTON AND AUBURN CLUBS Please share your meeting times, events, and fund-raisers with The Cayuga Collegian We want to publish your news!

Email: cayugacollegian@gmail.com

The good news? Cayuga’s Auburn Bookstore location is open for business, Monday-Thursday 10 AM to 3 PM. The bad news? The Fulton Bookstore location will be closed for the spring semester. So, what do you need to know about getting your books and going to the bookstore itself?

For starters, all spring book orders need to be placed online for ship to home.

Curbside pickup is only an option for those students that need to use a voucher. The Bookstore is open for any purchases that are not book related. Fridays staff will work remotely and they will be available via email only.

Courier service to the Fulton Campus may be arranged prior to placing the online order and is dependent on the Days the Courier runs between Campuses. The easiest and quickest way to contact Bookstore is by email at sm8041@bncollege.com is. You can also reach them by phone at 315-294-8686.

Due to limited staff and hours in store, there may be delays in answering phone calls or returning voice messages.

CCC WINTER 20-2021 SPORTS CANCELLED CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

entrances to both College campuses, appropriate facemasks are required, and social distancing guidelines are in place. The College also conducts pooled surveillance testing for College employees and students.

At this time, Cayuga is evaluating the potential to offer on-campus workouts and training for student-athletes. These sessions would only be offered in a safe, monitored environment. Once made, the decision will be communicated with coaches and student-athletes.

The community colleges and the National Junior College Athletic Association are continuing discussions regarding the safe resumption of intercollegiate athletics in the spring semester. An official announcement about the status of spring sports will be made in early 2021.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE