4 27 2021 CAYUGA COLLEGIAN VOL 67 ISSUE 25

Cayuga Community College Auburn & Fulton, New York

Collegian cayugacollegian@gmail.com

VOL. 67 ISSUE 24 APRIL 27, 2021

CAYUGABRIEFS

SGO CANDIDATES RUN UNOPPOSED

FINAL DEADLINE

APRIL 30, 2021

The nomination process for the new slate of Student Government Organization, (SGO), offices yielded just one candidate each. Many are familiar names. Unfortunately, only one

PHOTOS BORROWED FROM CCC WEBSITE

It’s the final countdown to the end of the 2021 spring semester which means the final issue of The Cayuga Collegian will be published on May 4, 2021.

If you have items for the final Collegian, please email your submissions to cayugacollegian@gmail.com by Friday, April 30th.

The staff of The Collegian is interested in everything and anything that happens on both Cayuga campuses.

Perhaps there is a student with achievements you would like to highlight; perhaps your organization met their goals this semester; perhaps your goals for classes or clubs have changed for next semester; perhaps there is an outstanding faculty or staff member you would like to honor - just send us all your news about people, events, and changes.

It is challenging for the staff of The Collegian to get the attention of faculty, staff, and students. We do the best we can with limited resources and staff.

Thankfully, Telcom’s Journalism courses generate content for the paper, but there are also some paid positions available.

(Send your resume and letter of intent to Mary Merritt at merritt@cayuga-cc.edu).

And of course, volunteering for the staff of the paper helps build your resume.

We hope to return to publishing physical issues for our news stands in the fall. We hope to attract a new student staff to help us tell the history of the college for generations to come.

That’s right. This newspaper matters. Not only as the single voice of the students on campus, but as the only independent publication recording what Cayuga is like in 2021.

So get involved. Be a part of history.

Remember to send that information about an event you’re planning to cayugacollegian@gmail.com weeks ahead so we can help you publicize it.

By Michael Perry, editor-in-chief

Cayuga centerfielder Katelyn Stoddard scored four times in the Spartans’ sweep of a doubleheader against SUNY Broome on Saturday at Falcon Park.

SPARTANS SOFTBALL SWEEPS HORNETS A strong offensive attack and solid starting pitching helped Cayuga Community College Spartans Softball sweep a doubleheader from SUNY Broome on Saturday at Falcon Park.

The Spartans dominated both contests against the Hornets, securing wins of 9-1 and 20-5. The Spartans are now 5-10 on the season and have won four straight games.

“We talked before the game about keeping our positive momentum going from our wins last week, and to stay loose and play good defense and keep hitting well,” said Cayuga Coach Chris Amoia. “I’m happy with how we played today, and I hope we can move forward and keep winning some more games.”

In the first game, the Spartans opened the contest with a six-run first inning.

Taylor Hunter doubled home two runs to start the scoring, and Mikayla Titus added a two-run single. The Spartans didn’t

look back, holding the Hornets scoreless through the first four innings and adding runs by Katelyn Stoddard, Gabriella Bard and Skyler White to finish the scoring.

Bard and Stoddard scored twice and had two hits in the first game, Hunter finished two-for-three with three RBI and Titus was two-for-three with two RBI. Gabrielle Hass threw a complete game for the Spartans.

Trailing 4-0 early in the second game, the Spartans used a patient approach at the plate to score eight runs in the second inning to take control. The Spartans scored eight more in the fifth to close out the scoring.

A patient approach paid off for Cayuga, as the Spartans collected 18 walks in the second game. Abigail Marinelli finished twofor-five with four runs and four RBI, Hunter and Kyra Cottrill both went two-for-three with three RBI. Hunter, Bard and Stoddard each scored three runs. Hass threw another complete game for the Spartans’ win.

Also the staff of The Collegian invites students, faculty, and staff to appear or contribute to their new media video talk show, Cayuga Bytes. If you’re interested in participating in Cayuga Bytes, please email cayugabytes@gmail.com.

COVID ON CAMPUS This week we conducted 515 COVID19 tests and were informed by SUNY Upstate that one individual in our Auburn Campus testing population tested positive. The individual was last on-campus on Monday, April 19. They have been placed in isolation and are restricted from campus. Contact tracing is complete.

To see your individual results, visit the Upstate testing website. Remember to schedule your weekly COVID-19 test for our Auburn or Fulton Campus Please continue following our health and safety protocols. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19, please avoid accessing campus. Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our campus community.

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

STUDENT DESIGNS EARTH DAY BAGS HAPPY EARTH DAY! Studio Art & Design gave away a limited number of reusable bags featuring artwork. All images above and left are designed by student Amanda Carey.

Art professor Melissa Johnson reported that the limited number of bags for the giveaway were claimed in a matter of hours.

“Amanda Carey will be thrilled to know that her artwork is appreciated and that it will help to reduce one-time bag use!”

Michael Perry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF candidate answered The Collegian’s request for an updated photo, bio, and vision statement. Voting is taking place on Monday and Tuesday, April 26 & 27.

Freshman Akira Huber is running unopposed for a second term as president of the SGO. In her bio when she first ran for SGO president Huber wrote: “My name is Akira Huber and I am majoring in Education.

My motivations to be a leader stems from wantAkira Huber ing to continue that same positive student experience for others that I received my first semester here at CCC. During this difficult time, I am hoping to give students more opportunity to continue to engage with school activities safely. As I spent my first year here at Cayuga Community College, I became far more involved than I ever did in high school because of all the student activities and the feeling of being welcomed that’s presented by the college. I met a lot of great people that will be leaving this May; all I can think about is wanting to continue that same student experience for others that will be coming to our campus next year and the years to come. I would like to serve as the President of the Student Government at the Fulton campus because I believe I can make a positive impact on the students. With my responsibilities as a tutor, I can work with the students individually and get to know them more. I notice and have an understanding of what the students want or are looking for from Cayuga. I feel as though I can be more helpful for the students, not only as a peer tutor, but as their Student Government President, as a peer representative. I want to use my communication and teamwork skills with others to help organize activities and serve as a forum to share ideas with the Student Engagement Coordinator, Elizabeth Gallo. Additionally, I would like to get to know our campus as a whole to come up with fun events or ideas.

These events would include both faculty and students to engage in and I would help them become more informed of the activities held on our campus. My knowledge and attitude can hopefully encourage and engage more students on campus.”

Running for SGO Vice President is Gabriella Grant. She did not respond to The Collegian’s request for a photo and bio.

Maryjo Solazzo is running unopposed for SGO secretary. She writes: “I’m Maryjo Solazzo, a freshman at Cayuga Community College in Fulton, New York. I’m 65 years of age and my degree is Creative and Professional writing for Maryjo Solazzo television. We need to remind ourselves never to give up. I can help CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A LOOK BACK... SGO CANDIDATES RUN UNOPPOSED OCTOBER 2009 CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

with that and am very resourceful to steer you on the right path to earn your degree. Voting for me for secretary is quite a challenge. In the future, I’d like to run for Senate speaker, speaking out for those who need a voice like the disabled or any woman, thus, men. Funds are being cut on the Disabilities Act. Seems like no one cares and we’re left in the dark.

I want to see the light where we get a degree and we matter. Take that minute to vote for Maryjo Solazzo running for SGO secretary.

Thank You.” Last year’s student trustee, Alaina Bates, is running this year unopposed for treasurer.

She wrote for her bio when running for trustee in 2020: “I have lived in Cayuga County my entire life and graduated from Auburn High School with honors. While maintaining the busy student lifestyle, I also worked as a veterinary assistant at the Mobile Veterinary Clinic of Auburn. In high school, I was a member of the Chemistry Club (Secretary and

OPINIONS

HOW I SEE IT...

Michael Perry

Officer), Environmental Club (Treasurer), Zonta Club, AP Biology Club, New York State Science Honor Society, and National Honor Society. As a Student Ambassador at CCC, I plan on expanding my role as an active student. I have volunteered at various college events Alaina Bates like the Craft Fair, Blood Drive, and Open House. I am also enrolled in the honors program, an active member of Phi Theta Kappa (Secretary), Science Club (Treasurer), and work in the CAS as a Math and Science Peer Tutor. Presently, I am looking for a unique opportunity where I can exercise my leadership skills.”

There is no official word on a candidate for student trustee.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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.

One Josh in attendance, Josh Kelsey, told the Lincoln Journal Star he drove to Lincoln from St. Louis and said he was blown away with how big the event got.

“I was expecting 30 people at max,” Kelsey told the news outlet. “This is insane.”

Attendees of the brawl donated 200 to 300 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Lincoln and raised more than $8,000 for the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Foundation in Omaha, according to the

PHOTO BY MARY G. MERRITT

A massive brawl of Joshes took place this past weekend in Nebraska. Per the newspaper, USA Today: “Hundreds of people flocked to a park in Nebraska on Saturday to engage in an intense pool-noodle brawl over the name Josh. The winner? Four-year-old Joshua Vinson Jr., who was honored with a paper crown and hoisted in the air for all Joshes to see.

It all started a year ago when pandemic boredom set in and Josh Swain, a 22-year-old college student from Tucson, Arizona, messaged others who shared his name on social media and challenged them to a duel. The planning began.

Hundreds showed up Saturday at Air Park in Lincoln – a location chosen at random – to participate in the silliness.

The festivities started with a “grueling and righteous battle of Rock, Paper, Scissors between Josh Swain from Arizona and Josh Swain from Omaha, Nebraska. KLKN-TV reports that the Arizona student won that competition, allowing him to claim the title of the true Josh Swain.

The pool-noodle competition that followed was open to anyone with the first name of Josh. Vinson Jr. was declared the victor and received a Burger King crown for his efforts.

Reporter Yousef Nasser of KLKN-TV caught the winning ceremony on video (and later reported Vinson Jr. is actually 4-yearsold, per his dad).

Swain, the organizer, said he is a little surprised about how the whole thing blew up: “I did not expect people to be as adamant about this as they are right now.”

Cayuga students Brenden Williams, Caleb Roden, Wyatt Palmer, and Ethan Blaisdell in Public Speaking class in February 2020.

FALL FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING REACTION

By Mary Jo Solazzo, staff writer

Face-to-Face at Cayuga Community College will be restarting this fall on both campuses.

Journal Star.

How I see it, it is amazing that humans can come together for such an odd, wonderful event. And it was all due to COVID boredom.

A restless college student unknowingly created one of the funniest events to occur during this pandemic. And to top it off, food was donated, and money was raised for a good cause.

The Josh brawl is a bright spot during these dark times, and as we transition into summer it can be a symbol of passage as we return to normalcy.

Perhaps there will be more events in the future where people who share first names may battle for the right to their name.

If you see me at a Mike Perry battle, don’t be surprised!

Mary Jo Solazzo STAFF WRITER “We are still waiting for guidelines from SUNY about starting face-to-face classes this fall. It is very likely that we will still require regular surveillance testing for our on campus population,” said Director of Student Engagement Nicole Adsitt.

English adjunct instructor Chris Motto says teachers miss student reactions in class and how they interact with other students in person.

“Last year we were unprepared (for

learning) remotely,” said Motto. She says if we have to switch back to remote learning again, the faculty and staff will be disappointed if they can’t interact it with students.

Motto says once instruction is back in the classroom, safety will be number one.

“We always remind students to wash their hands,” said Motto. “Very rarely are the guidelines being ignored. I usually can feel those around me who are more aware of the guidelines.”

Motto says a typical classroom in the fall will be 11 students face-to-face and 11 more via remote technology.

Students have mixed reactions to returning to the “new” normal in the fall.

“I won’t miss face-to-face teaching,” said student and writing tutor Laura Armstrong.

“I like remotely because it’s quieter and you don’t have to hear clicking of students texting. I’m staying with online teaching.”

“I’m looking forward to face to face-toface classes,” said student Kyle Weidman.

“My only concern is having to rely solely on my memory for tests and quizzes. I will have to study more and differently “

Michael Perry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joshua Hart STAFF WRITER Patrick Mahunik STAFF WRITER Caleb Roden STAFF WRITER Corinne Stevens STAFF WRITER MaryJo Solazzo STAFF WRITER Samantha Brodeur STAFF WRITER Mary G. Merritt FACULTY ADVISOR We are looking for more staff members!

APRIL 27, 2021 PAGE TWO

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CAYUGACOLLEGIAN

SPARTANS SOCCER FALLS AT MOHAWK VALLEY

PHOTO BORROWED FROM CCC WEBSITE

SPORTS RIGHT: Isaac Bourne scored Cayuga’s lone goal Friday in a 5-1 loss to Mohawk Valley.

Cayuga Community College Spartans Soccer had a halftime lead but couldn’t hold it Friday, losing their first match of the season at Mohawk Valley Community College.

In a matchup of National Junior College Athletic Association Division III top-ten teams, the #7 Spartans fell 5-1 to the #2 Hawks. The loss drops Cayuga to 2-1 on the season.

The two teams played to a largely even first half before Cayuga took the advantage. In the 38thminute, Spartans midfielder Isaac Bourne found the back of the net from close to midfield, staking the Spartans to a 1-0 lead they carried into the break.

The Hawks stepped up the attack in the second half, and the Spartans couldn’t hold the first-half lead. Mohawk Valley knotted the score at a goal apiece with a shot from near midfield, and took the lead in the 73rdminute with a follow-up off a rebound.

The Hawks added three more goals to close out the scoring.

The goal scored by Bourne was his first of the season, going with his team-leading four assists through three games.

The Spartans are back on the road Friday, April 30, for a match at Niagara County Community College, who is also 2-1 on the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

SPARTAN ATHLETES OF THE WEEK POSSIBLE OPENING FOR CAYUGA FITNESS CENTER WEEK OF APRIL 19TH

WEEK OF APRIL 12TH

By Corinne Stevens, staff writer

Will Cayuga students get the opportunity to use the fitness center next semester?

Corinne Stevens

Will Leary

STAFF WRITER

FILM PRODUCTION DIRECTOR SHARES HOW HE GOT HIS START AFTER CCC

By Patrick Mahunik, Jr., staff writer “Keep working on projects; you can use cell phones or whatever; as long as you produce good content, it doesn’t matter,” was the advice CCC Telcom 2009 graduate, Caleb Kerlin, gave in a talk over ZOOM recently to current students.

Patrick Mahunik Jr. STAFF WRITER Kerlin, who once occupied the editing stations at Cayuga, is now the director of video production at a film production company. He says it was hard work to get started but he did any job he could get his hands on.

“It was a lot of hustle, a lot of late nights, not fun people to work with, but doing what I wanted to do was more important,” explained Kerlin. “I had to make a lot of sacrifices.”

Kerlin’s first film experience was working on the set of a production in Indiana. “What they really appreciated about me was that a was a ‘go-getter’ and I knew what I was talking about.”

Kerlin advised students to do as much as they can while they’re still in college. He says that even in his first semester at Cayuga, he was signing out all the cameras and playing around with them to see how they worked and even directed his friends in video projects. “I took advantage of the equipment at the school as much as possible. I tried to learn as much as I possibly could about the cameras, lenses, how film worked, how video worked and then I just shot stuff like crazy.”

He says likely most of what he shot wasn’t very good, but he says sprinkled in there were a few really good projects which helped him get his first job. “After they saw my work, it led to them trusting me,” explained Kerlin. “The director said it was good stuff, but let me talk to you about how to improve it, and I was like ‘please, yes, tell me, yes.’”

Kerlin spoke for more than an hour answering students’ questions about pre-production, second unit shooting and what it was like to be on the set of the many projects he has worked on.

He had many interesting stories about events which occurred throughout his filmmaking career from traveling across Texas to get props to working with actor Danny Trejo.

Kerlin spoke to students about the key difference between big-budget and indie films in from the shooting process to the mindset and energy of the crew.

He encouraged students to get on set as soon as possible regardless of role.

“Even if you want to be a camera person, get on as a P.A., (production assistant); if you want to be a director, get on set as a P.A.; even if you want to be the best actor in the world, get on as a P.A.”

“Closing was an essential, expedient precaution which was necessary to protect our campus community,” said , Cayuga Community Colleges Public and Media Relations Associate Andrew Poole. the early Spring 2020 semester the college closed the fitness center due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Now over the past year, Poole says Cayuga Community College has received guidance from New York State about HVAC, (Heating, Ventilating, and air Conditioning), ventilation systems and other requirements that are needed in the fitness center and

even in similar on campus facilities in order to operate safely. The state’s recommendations for colleges concerning HVAC systems in order to reopen requires increased air circulation throughout a room using outside air. This new ventilation system could possibly decrease the exposure of COVID-19 in each room it is used in.

“At this time, Cayuga maintenance are researching what other enhancements and new equipment may be needed in the fitness center so that it can eventually reopen,” said Poole. “We are also monitoring health guidelines and student preferences to determine the best ways to offer physical education classes.”

Poole says it has not been determined if new exercise equipment will be installed or if six feet of space between work out equipment will be used in the fitness center, if it the facility eventually becomes operational.

He says disinfecting workout equipment after a work-out has always been a courteous and sanitary rule at Cayuga and will not change.

RETURNING TO HIS ROOTS VIA ZOOM: Cayuga graduate, Chris Stevens, talked to students recently as part of his sister’s, (Cayuga’s adjunct instructor Cathy Tripiciano, also a CCC grad), Cayuga internship course.

Caleb Kerlin, a 2009 Cayuga graduate talks to students via ZOOM about how he got started in his filmmaking career.

He says because regardless of the position, being on set and witnessing production first-hand is the best way to learn the film-making process and gain contacts at the same time.

The opportunity to hear guest speakers is essential to students looking to break into the film production business. “I asked Caleb Kerlin to come in because he is an experienced professional in film and video making. He has worked in several different jobs in filmmaking as well as in several areas of filmmaking including feature film, corporate video, and music videos and documentaries”.

Steve Keeler said. “Caleb is also a graduate of our media program and I think has a great story of how he got started and how we prospered as a film and video maker. I think our current students can certainly see themselves doing the same kinds of things that Caleb did to succeed in filmmaking.”

EMMY WINNING TELEVISION PRODUCER AND CCC GRAD TALKS ABOUT CAREER

By Michael Perry, editor-in-chief Multiple EMMY award-winning producer, videographer, and editor, Cayuga graduate Chris Stevens, had advice for students recently via Zoom.

He appeared during Telcom 275 Internship in Radio and Television course, taught by his little sister and Cayuga graduate herself, Cathy Stevens Tripiciano.

Stevens, who owns his own company called Mad Toy Box Creative, a full-service video production company in Charlotte, NC, gave some great tips about working in the video production industry. He explained the importance of networking and making sure you are kind to co-workers, as you never know who you may work with down the road.

Telcom 275 student Samantha Schwarz asked him if he would recommend being a video editor as a first job.

“Absolutely, it allows you to learn the company’s workflow so you can see how they do things and how most companies

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

do things as far as shooting, producing, etc.,” said Stevens.

Schwarz says she appreciated Steven’s truthfulness, saying “I liked that he was honest about everything, like when he said don’t take a job just for the experience or don’t take a job if that’s not what you plan on doing.”

Stevens says his company Mad Toy Box works with clients across the USA, such as AAA and Founder’s Federal Credit Union, delivering quality results for advertising and entertainment.

“One of the silver linings of having class on Zoom is having the ability to have someone like Chris speak to our students.

Chris has always been a huge inspiration to me,” said Cayuga Telcom 275 Instructor Cathy Tripiciano, who is Steven’s younger sister. “I hope his words resonated with the students. He is a shining example of what it means to have a career in media as a creative.”

APRIL 27, 2021 PAGE THREE

LEARN TO DANCE TO YOUR OWN DRUM: The newest dance rage: Square Dancing to Modern Music

By Nathaniel English, contributing writer Are you ready to cut a rug in a new way?

Then you need to join the Cayuga Cut-Ups Square Dance Club! The leaders of the club will teach you how to Square Dance to a more modern beat.

The Cayuga Cut-Ups Square Dance Club has been teaching learners to Square Dance in Cayuga County for 60 years.

Square Dancing is a challenge. Each week dancers learn new steps all while finding out to do the steps is mentally and physically challenging.

Square Dancing is movement set to music, done with couples in teams of four.

Square Dancing Involves teamwork and dancers think on their feet, moving to the rhythm of the caller’s music. The club dances to old and new music, including Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Elvis!

Your team of eight dancers depend on you to keep moving. Reacting quickly to the calls keeps you moving, so it is a great and fun way to get some exercise. Some folks report they have measured three to five miles on their pedometers in one night.

Most importantly, Square Dancing is easy to learn. The basic steps become as easy as walking with repetition. Experienced dancers help you to learn basic moves and with time, you are the experienced dancer.

People can find a Square Dance Club

located in every state in the USA, Germany, Japan and most places that have U.S. military bases. All calls are in English, regardless of the country.

Square Dancing brings together people from all walks of life. When dancers get together they talk about dancing and new places to dance!

Some folks even make plans to go on camping weekends, just to dance Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday for lots of fellowship and fun.

Square Dancing is not a spectator sport, it is active and challenging! Come make a new circle of friends by dancing in a square.

“Due to COVID-19 dancers wear mask and use hand sanitizers between each dance,” said Cayuga Cut-ups Secretary Linda English. She says this is done to keep everyone as safe and healthy.

For those who would like to try out this style of dance, the Cut-Ups will be holding classes in September for new dancers.

“And if you end up really enjoying the class you can become a member,” said English.

The Cayuga Cut-Ups have a membership fee of $5 for each night of dancing you attend. To find out more information contact the Cayuga Cut-Ups at Cayugacutups. com.

Do you want to learn HOW to GATHER & WRITE CONTENT?

You need to register

for TELCOM 204!!!

If you are looking for ‘hands on’ experience RIGHT NOW? TELCOM 204’s Assistant Professor Mary G. Merritt, a multi-media journalist with more than 35 years experience, will teach you all the skills you need to go out and find interesting stories to write about and be published. The world is waiting for you — become a better communicator and get the skills to meet its challenges head on.

SOMETHING FUNNY

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

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE