College Life: Spring 2024

Spring 2024

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EXPERIENCE SUNY Oswego students write essays sharing their experience abroad P.10

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What happened to the Bridge Street Run?

Jason Leone, the basketball program’s all-time winningest coach, eyes more wins this season

SENIOR YEAR: FINISH THE YEAR WITH A BANG

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LOCAL EVENTS TO MARK FIRST COMPLETE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN THE REGION SINCE JANUARY 1925 Johnnise Crespo, a junior from the Bronx majoring in global international studies, wears a hanbok, a Korean traditional dress, during a visit to Korea. She spent last spring in Japan.

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College Life is published twice a year by Local News, Inc., publisher of Oswego County Business Magazine. P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126 • 315-342-8020 • editor@cnybusinessmag.com • Editor and Publisher: Wagner Dotto • Contributing Writers: Deborah Jeanne Sergeant, Stefan Yablonski • Advertising: Peggy Kain, Rob Elia • Design: Angel Campos-Toro Office Manager: Allison Lockwood • Copyright © 2024 Local News, Inc. All rights reserved.

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college life • Spring 2024

March 15-17 offers the Home and Garden Show for gearing up for the spring season. Peruse dozens of vendors at the Exposition Center at the NYS Fairgrounds for inspiration.

More info: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events/home-andgarden-show

First Complete Solar Eclipse in the Region Since 1925

March 16-17 and 23-24 is Maple Weekend at farms statewide. More than 180 farms and museums host free open houses that may include farm tours, maple history, activities, samples, product sales, sap boiling, tapping and spile driving demonstrations and pancake breakfasts. Except for breakfasts and museum tours, these events are free. Visit https://nysmaple.com/retail-dealers to find farms around CNY and to see which farms are participating in Maple Weekend.

More info: https://nysmaple.com/retail-dealers

April 8 event generating a big buzz Don’t wait for the next one. That won’t happen until 2045. Since CNY lies directly in the path of the eclipse, you can view it (with your solar glasses for safety) at 3:23 p.m. for one minute

and 24 seconds in Oswego, Syracuse and the surrounding area. Vist the websites listed below to learn about special eclipse events. There’s the 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival at the Museum of Science

& Technology (www.most. org/solareclipse2024), events scheduled for Thompson Park in Watertown and many more across the region.

March 22-23 is the area’s largest and longest-running beer festival, CNY Brewfest in Syracuse. More than 100 breweries will participate, along with other local vendors and live entertainment. Ticket sales are limited, so it pays to purchase them early.

More info: www.facebook.com/CentralNewYorkBrewfest

Other Events in Spring March 9 is when you can see more than 100 vendors set up at the Salt City Spring Antiques Show Syracuse. For more than 30 years, the event has brought choice antiques to sell at the fairgrounds. Attendees can also connect with potential buyers for their own antiques.

March 28-31, plan to attend Salt City Cluster Spring Dog Show in Syracuse. This AKC-sanctioned show includes an all-breed show, obedience trial and junior showmanship. Numerous vendors will offer canine items as well, so you can find some new supplies and gear for your pal.

More info: (https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events/salt-city-spring-antiques-show)

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By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

re you feeling the second semester fatigue yet? If not, you likely will be. The hours of studying, writing papers and completing projects seem to catch up with students by mid-semester each spring. Here’s how you can finish the year strong: • Plan. It seems a lot less difficult to get it all done if you have a plan to execute.

Make a list of actionable steps and check them off. Prioritize your to-dos so that the most vital items fall at the top of the list and the extra credit stuff is at the bottom.

• Relax. No one can work like a machine at schoolwork without burning out. Designate times to do activities that help you unwind. Getting outside, hanging out with friends or taking time for self-care can all make a difference. Eat better, exercise and try to get enough rest.

• Reconnect. If you text or call someone you haven’t touched base with for a

long time, it can help ground you. In addition to asking how they’re doing (and you should), get real about how you’re doing. Venting to a trusted listener can help you feel better about the work you have yet ahead of you — and how far you’ve come already this year.

• Forgive. If you slacked off in the fall semester, extend some grace to yourself.

Maybe you were stressed, feeling overwhelmed or not completely engaged. That’s all right. You can change your strategy and do better, starting now.

• Reengage. You may feel completely tired of a class. Or a few of your classes. Maybe even all of your classes. Try to think about why you’re in this major and what you hope to do someday. That can help you keep your focus on your long-term goals.

Remember that it may seem really tough now, but with perseverance, you can finish your program.

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college life • Spring 2024

Lois Terminella Celebrates Over Four decades at SUNY Oswego

L SATI

SFY

R U YO

CRAV

ois Terminella has a couple hundred kids.

She started working at Lakeside Dining Hall on the SUNY Oswego campus Sept.

8, 1981 — and she’s still going strong.

“When I started, I was in the bakeshop for six months.

I loved it — but I wanted to see what the dining halls were like,” she said. “I went into salads here at Lakeside on the morning shift. Then there was a job as a checker cashier, nighttime and I did that. Then I bid on a morning checker-cashier job and here I am 42 years later. I still love it!”

Terminella is an Oswegonian.

“My family is all here, my dad and my three sisters and their families,” she said. “I have three sisters, my father [Frank, he’s 96 years old] and several nieces and nephews.

My mother [Lois] passed away about 17 years ago. We’re a very close family and on my days off we like to spend time together whenever we can.

That’s nice.”

Helping out “Yes, I also work the other dining halls when needed.

I greet the customers — students, friends, parents — and I make sure their IDs swipe. I do the coffee area, make sure all the coffee and supplies are filled and keep things wiped down,” she said. “I’m a customer service person, too. If a student or parent asks me, ‘Where’s this?’ I direct them.

‘Can I get that?’ I try to get the boss and make sure we can do it for them.”

She just “loves the students, love talking to them and if they have problems, I try to direct them in the right way,” she said. “Every day I get 400 or 500 smiling faces in here.”

And more kids

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Besides her college job, she also worked at Camp Hollis, the county’s summer camp for youth. “ Ye s, I wo r k both jobs,” she said proudly. “I retired from Camp Hollis in 2023! A lot of people don’t k n o w yet; but I

need to chill and relax by the pool. I will miss the campers and taking care of them!”

When she worked at Camp Hollis, “they kept me really busy with younger kids [8 to 14]. I was the kitchen manager there, working with 16-year-olds through 19 to 20 in the kitchen. I recruited some of them from here [campus],” she added.

She’d go in at 4 a.m. until about 3 p.m. and sometimes longer, she said.

She recalled a funny memory at Camp Hollis when she was told “no more doughnuts” for the campers.

“I said, ‘why? Really one doughnut won’t hurt them once a week,’” she said She listened to them [Brandon Morey, camp director at the time and Kathy Fenlon, former director of the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau]. But the campers kept bugging her about doughnuts.

“Brandon was coming in late one Friday — so you know what I did? I got chocolate doughnuts. They all stood up, clapped and said ‘Thank you, Lois!’ I made them sooo happy!” she said. “Then after that, we had doughnuts on Fridays! LOL.” In her free time she loves going out to restaurants, going swimming in her sister’s Donna’s pool and traveling to Florida.

“I love going out to eat.

Italian, pot roast dinner — I love pizza and steak dinner,” she added. “I like to go shopping at the malls. I like going to movies and going for walks.”

She might retire from the college this year, she acquiesced.

“I like it here. I really do enjoy my co-workers, the student employees and all the bosses here.

It’s just a great place to work,” she said. I worked at a nursing home prior to this; I went to school for nursing, but ultimately went into food service instead. I’m so happy I have this job.”

Lois Terminella has been working at Lakeside Dining Hall since 1981.

OswegoCollegeLife.com • college life

5

Hottest Professions to Pursue Right Now

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

deally, you should find a job that you enjoy, pays well and also will continue to remain in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook predicts that 4.7 million jobs will join the nation’s economy between 2022 and 2032. Many of those will be among the following hot jobs (statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics):

new jobs.

As baby boomers continue to age and require more healthcare, any profession related to the medical field will continue to grow, including those who manage healthcare facilities. A bachelor’s degree in health administration is likely required, along with working in healthcare in a hands-on role. A master’s degree would open further opportunities.

1. Software developer

3. Financial manager

Median salary $127,260.

Job growth: 25.7% or 410,400 new jobs.

As technology continues to advance, software developers will be in high demand to create the software necessary. A degree isn’t necessar y.

However, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is helpful and experience is a must-have.

Median salary $139,790. Job g ro w t h : 1 6 % or 126,600 new jobs.

Managing a company’s finances is a vital role for mid-sized and larger firms. Most companies require a bachelor’s degree, but hiring agents prefer a master’s.

2. Medical and health services manager Median salary $104,830.

Job growth: 28.4% or 144,700

4. Nurse practitioner Median salary $121,610. Job growth: 44.5% or 118,600 new jobs.

Along with

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physician assistants, nurse practitioners represent advanced healthcare practitioners who are filling the role of primary care provider to patients who have basic healthcare needs. As with any role in healthcare, the need for nurse practitioners will continue to stay robust. Nurse practitioners must become bachelor’s trained registered nurses and then complete a master’s within their specialty before passing a state licensing exam and national certification.

5. Dental hygienist Median salary $81,400.

Job growth: 7.4% or 16,300 new jobs.

While previous generations tended to only go to the dentist when a problem arose, baby boomers, Gen X and millennials are all about prevention. Caring for teeth can prevent many oral health problems, meaning hygienists have plenty of work cleaning, treating and examining the teeth and mouth. Hygienists need to have an associate degree and license from their state.

6. Management analyst Median salary: $95,290.

Job growth: 9.7% or 95,700 new jobs.

The business world has become ever more complex as the world “shrinks” and technology advances. Management analysts help guide companies as they create plans for financial sustainability and growth. A bachelor’s is essential, but companies prefer a master’s degree.

7. IT manager Median salary: $164,070.

Job growth: 15.4% or 85,900 new jobs.

Technology is integral to modern life and IT managers keep companies’ tech working through maintenance, repair and upgrades. Most IT managers have a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s would offer an advantage over other candidates.

8. Lawyer Median salary: $135,740.

Job growth: 7.6% or 62,400 new jobs.

Attorneys

have numerous opportunities to practice law, from civil to criminal to corporate legal matters. A juris doctor degree is required, along with passing the state bar exam.

9. Data scientist Median salary: $103,500.

Job growth: 35.1% or 59,300 new jobs.

Statistics help business and consumers plan and make decisions. They also influence machine learning (AI), an emerging trend in many industries. A data scientist should have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or computer science. A master’s degree or doctorate gives the data scientist an edge.

10. Physician assistant Median salary: $126,010.

Job growth: 26.6% or 39,300 new jobs.

Like nurse practitioners, physician assistants’ role augments that of a physician.

Both are known as “physician extenders.” The physician assistant must have a bachelor’s degree, although a doctorate is preferred. Unlike nurse practitioners, physician assistants don’t follow a nursing educational track.

college life • Spring 2024

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What’s Up with FAFSA? The 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid Is Here!

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

f you rely upon grants and loans to fund your education, take the time to familiarize yourself with the 2024–25 FAFSA. It’s new and revised from the 2024-2025 form and as always, it’s free.

When you fill out the online form, it does not obligate you in any way. However, the form does help you determine if you qualify for any loan or grant opportunities.

You can accept, modify or turn down any loan or program for which you qualify.

Grants are based upon need and you don’t have to pay them back. Loans require repayment with interest (although typically on very favor-

able terms, like low interest and long payback schedules) and are not as difficult to obtain as grants.

Don’t assume that you make too much money to qualify. The only way to really know is to fill out the form.

If you’ve heard horror stories about the 100 questions of FAFSA, relax. FAFSA is only 36 questions long now, thanks to the most recent revision.

The streamlined version uses information auto-filled from your parents’ tax returns. The new FAFSA is also much simpler and has online guides, “Help” sections and more.

Your school financial adviser can also help you if you’re not sure what to do.

If your parents are divorced, the custodial parent’s information goes on the form.

If they share 50-50 custody, use the information of the parent with the higher income.

Of course, maintaining good grades is typically important for scholarships, you don’t have to be an A student to qualify for help. FAFSA focuses on financial need.

Any US citizen and eligible non-citizens, like permanent residents and some visa holders, can qualify for federal student aid. It does not extend to DACA (deferred action for childhood arrivals) students.

Non traditional age students are permitted to apply for

FAFSA. But dual enrollment students (earning credits that apply to both high school and college) are not permitted.

If you’ve applied for FAFSA before, you need to do so again, as students must apply each year they need financial aid to maintain updated financial information.

Because some financial aid programs have a “first

come, first served” operation model, it’s key to fill out the FAFSA ASAP. For federal funding, the FAFSA form must be submitted by 12:59 a.m. Eastern Time on June 30, 2025. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 12:59 a.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 14, 2025. It’s also wise to check with your school as to any submission deadlines.

want to talk with you about your future. Offer to take to lunch or coffee someone you respect who works in your industry and then ask about what can help you become successful. Showing you’re hungry to learn will position you better.

nities are available currently.

Plus, you can practice your soft skills while talking with people there.

2. Go to employment events.

3. Prepare your papers.

“Attend major events like career and internship fairs, employer information sessions, and networking events,” Morris said. “These are a great way to explore a wide variety of options in a short amount of time.”

Even if you don’t see jobs you want, these experiences help you know what opportu-

Nearly all employers prefer electronic resumes and applications. However, you still should prepare a resume so that all your information is in order. Morris also recommends writing a cover letter and LinkedIn profile. These are “critical for success,” he said. “It is important that these documents are tailored

for each employer’s stated job description and desired qualifications.”

Each time you apply, you will need to tweak the cover and resume, but writing a basic template with your essential information helps.

Consider having contact cards printed with your name, contact information (use a professional-sounding email, not luvs2party@gmail.com), and your desired industry, such as: John Smith, Marketing, Syracuse, N.Y. (315) 555-1234, JSmith11@gmail.com, www. linkedin.com/in/John-PeterSmith12345

What You Should Do Right Now to Ensure You Can Succeed As a Grad

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

ay seems like a long way away.

But before you know it, you’ll be slipping into a cap and gown and walking the aisle to receive your diploma.

Then what?

Then what, indeed.

To avoid being jobless in May and scrambling to apply for a job, follow these steps from Gary Morris, director of Career Services at SUNY Oswego — and stop by Career Services for more help.

1. Build your networking base.

This isn’t a time to hole up in your room and keep

to yourself. Of course, you should study and earn good grades, but if you want to land a job at graduation, get out there. As the saying goes, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. According to Forbes, 80% of available jobs are not on job boards.

“Connecting with others and developing productive relationships takes time, so the earlier a student can start, the better,” Morris said. “This can also assist in clarifying professional pathways which will provide a student with focus and direction.”

Attend industry expos and meet-ups. You can find these listed on websites of organizations related to your field. Ask your parents about people they know who might

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Recent graduate writing lines of code on desktop computer. Getty Images

What It Takes to Get a Good Job

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Y

our grandparents could get a job with only a high school diploma. For your parents, a college degree equaled a good job.

But times have changed.

Of course you can get employment, but Gary Morris, director of Career Services at SUNY Oswego, said that to “get a job at the highest level possible in a field of their

choice takes thoughtful consideration and serious action.”

While you are still attending college, you can take steps to increase your chances of landing a job. Morris said that “connecting with staff, faculty, alumni, employers and classmates can offer a student a competitive advantage as students begin to build their brand with a wide network.

Experiences are key and experience related to a student’s

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chosen field is even better.”

For example, working a part-time job relating to marketing now will help you find a job in marketing easier.

Every job has skills important for success and Morris said that researching those skills and assessing your ability in those areas can help you know your skill gaps and fill them using resources such as LinkedIn Learning. This strategy “can be very important to ensuring employers see you as a best possible fit,” Morris added.

Reading industry books and magazines, workshops, webinars, podcasts or other means of learning about your industry may be helpful.

“Be sure to show up,”

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Morris said. “Lean into this process, overcome your fear of the unknown and just start taking steps as soon as possible and students will find success. Of course, connecting with their Career Services office can make this process more efficient and effective.”

“It’s not just about “book smarts,” said Stephanie M. Vavonese, founder and executive recruiter at SMV Recruiting, LLC. She looks at resumes and wants to see “someone who’s well-rounded,” she said.

“If you only have a good GPA but nothing to show that you can multitask and manage priorities, that’s a red flag.”

She prefers candidates who did things like serve on the board for resident life.

Or who participated in team sports.

“That shows you’re a team player,” Vavonese said. “One thing I also love seeing is if someone studied abroad.

The experience of living in a different culture says a lot about a person and it gives you perspective. Having people of various backgrounds and experiences helps foster a more inclusive workplace.”

Another biggie is completing an internship. Vavonese said that most companies offer internships and many degrees require it, so there’s no reason to not do one — or more.

“Get as many internships

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under your belt as possible,” she said. “People want to know you’ve been in a professional setting. An internship exposes you to jobs you didn’t know were out there.

You learn soft skills and you implement your skills in real life. Figuring out how to apply it gives you a leg up. I want to learn the good and the bad about their internship.”

The internship and leadership/extracurricular experiences are so important that she typically passes on candidates lacking them, even if they have a high GPA. “I’d rather see a somewhat lower GPA and these experiences than high GPA but none of these experiences,” she said.

Working a job, whether part-time or full-time can also show you have real life experience. But Vavonese warned that job hopping is a no-no.

She added that, if possible, find a job related to your career, but if not, any job is better than no work experience.

“I wa n t refe re n c e s,” Vavonese said. “People give professors as references, but they have limited exposure.

Having someone I can talk with about how quickly they think on their feet, how they were they in a work environment. How do they ask questions when they don’t know something? That’s what I want to know.”

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college life • Spring 2024

What Happened to Oswego’s Previous Grads?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

D

o you keep up with cl a s s m a t e s wh o graduated before you?

Maybe you spot them online occasionally and see what they’re up to.

Perhaps you still text a few particularly close college

friends who graduated before you.

But do you ever wonder how the class is doing overall (and by extension, how things will go for you once you earn your diploma)?

Gary Morris, director of Career Services at SUNY Oswego, shared a few statistics

on how Oswego’s class of 2022 is making it in the workforce.

If you’re wondering about the class of 2023, you’ll have to wait a bit for that information.

“We collect data on each class within one year of graduation,” Morris explained. “As a result, our latest solid data is from the class of 2022.

“Over the past decade, our numbers have been remarkably consistent, although the class of 2022 hit a highwater mark for positive launches.”

The class of 2022 has enjoyed a 99% rate of employment or continuing their education — a positive sign that their education is paying off.

Of those currently employed or seeking further education, 77% are employed and 12% are continuing their education. An ambitious 10% is both employed and seeking further education.

Of course, when you take the time and resources to

study in a particular field, you want to land employment in that field (that’s the goal, right?). Morris related that of the class of 2022, 91% are working full-time in their chosen field.

If you’re concerned about your employability, Morris encourages a stop at the Career Services Office. The advisers can help you develop strategies that can increase your chances of getting employment. They can also talk with you about whether seeking further education would help you advance your career.

Where Are They Now

By Stefan Yablonski

Anisha KC, Software Engineer, Microsoft

S

he was part of the graduating class of 2022 at SUNY Oswego, majoring in computer science.

Now she is a software engineer.

“I came to land the job through an internship. I had interned with Microsoft the previous summer and got a return offer to come back as a full-time employee after my graduation,” she said. “When applying for the internship, I just applied online through their website. I had one previous internship experience which might have helped me get past the resume screening process.”

“Currently, I am working on a team that helps network engineers by providing valuable data and visualization of Microsoft’s network and any issues in it,” she explained.

She said she chose this field “because I like solving

problems and building stuff, which is what most of my job entails.”

“I think the SUNY Oswego experience was pretty helpful. There were some specific classes like CSC380 and CSC480 which I think were the most helpful. They resembled the closest to what work after college actually looked like — a lot of collaboration and working together to solve a problem,” she added.

The internship was also very helpful in preparing her.

“The project I worked on was not related at all to what I work on now; but it was helpful in introducing me to the work culture and the different tools that are used across the whole company,” she said.

Her main advice for other students who want to land a software engineer job is to prepare for the interviews.

“You can use websites like Leetcode and Hackerrank to

help prepare for some of the technical interviews. For behavioral interviews, I would look up some common questions and think of different situations that could apply to it,” she said. “You can also do practice interviews with friends which can be helpful.

“I would also encourage them to work on side projects where they build things for fun while learning. This is really helpful early on when you don’t have experience and can instead put the projects on your resume and talk about what you learned from those instead. This is especially helpful when trying to land your first internship. After getting the first internship experience, landing another internship or a full-time offer gets a little easier since you have some experience already.”

If applying for summer internships, she suggested

preparing during the summer before and apply during fall and continue during spring if an offer hasn’t been secured.

“That might seem really early, but a lot of companies open up their internship application a whole year before and some even close by the

end of fall semester,” she said.

“This helps maximize the companies that you can apply to (that you are interested in). Also, every interview is a learning experience for you to improve your interview skills.”

Isabela Ymaj, AdSales at NBC

“What’s nice is that it wasn’t too big of a sorority where I felt like I couldn’t make a difference,” she said.

What advice does she have for other students preparing for a job search?

“Networking is key. I always tell some students to just go for it, you have nothing to lose. The worst thing that’ll happen is you get left on read.

Usually students reach out via LinkedIn and sometimes get left on read by some professionals. When I was looking for a job it was kind of hard to be ghosted or left on read by some professionals. It felt like I was going nowhere. But it all worked out in the end!”

“Also to just never give up!

As clichéd as that sounds, it’s true. Your enthusiasm, positive outlook and hunger for knowledge will be noticed,”

she added. “Prepare as soon as your senior year starts. You may think it’s too early, but it’s better to be prepared. I’m still starting off in this field. So I’m still learning and trying my

best as I go along.”

Salary depends on what entry level job you take within media. Depending on the corporation, it ranges from $50k - $60k.

I

sabela Ymaj, SUNY Oswego Class of 2022, works in AdSales at NBC. “Media was something I was always interested in,” she said.

Her experience at SUNY Oswego (and internship) was very helpful in preparing her for the job, she said with an emphatic ‘yes!’

“I’ve been to three schools: Parsons, Syracuse and Oswego. Out of all three, Oswego was the school that really gave me a sense of community and support,” she added.

“One thing that helped me the most is my media management class at Oswego. It was kind of what led me to where I am now,” she continued.

“James Lerch, a professor at Oswego, gave us a project where we had to create our own radio station and that was when I fell in love with media.

It may not be what I’m doing now (which is commercials) but it made me want to be around it more.”

She also joined the Aephi sorority (Alpha Epsilon Phi – Aephi) a national sorority on campus.

“I was a bit hesitant about it at first. But in the end it gave me really good leadership-communication skills that I use to this day,” she said.

She was in charge of the social media and it played a part in her interest for communications and entertainmentmedia, she explained.

OswegoCollegeLife.com • college life

9

David Victome, an environmental specialist for Constellation (Nine Mile Point Nuclear station) David Victome (on the right) at Constellation’s Pollinator Activity

D

avid Victome graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2021 with a bachelor’s in geology and a concentration in environmental studies.

An important part of his development was the graduation requirements, he said.

“The program I was in required either a capstone or internship. I chose the latter,”

he explained.

He spent the summer after his final semester working as an air technician at a small environmental consultancy.

“The primary functions of my role as an air tech there didn’t necessarily align with what I learned in the classroom. However, I took it upon myself to ask for more involvement on other projects,” he said.

Eventually, he was able to shadow alongside the drilling crew.

“I got to join them as they did drilling and soil classifications as a part of phase I/II environmental site assessments (ESAs),” he said. “From there I learned that there is much more that I can do with my degree than what I originally thought.”

A few months after graduating, he found a full-time position as a hydrogeologist at P.W. Grosser. He got to work on so many different projects and learn a lot about the environmental field, he added.

“I spent a year providing oversight for phase I/II assessments and other remediation work before accepting my current role as an environmental specialist,” he said.

He began working as an environmental specialist for Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station at the end of 2022.

“At no point during my undergrad years did I think

that working at a nuclear power plant would be the perfect fit for what I was looking for in a career,” he said.

He currently manages the environmental compliance and water programs for the site.

“Outside of the plant, I also get to work outdoors a lot for our environmental stewardship program. We do various things there like eagle monitoring, providing presentations and sponsorships with the local community and many other fun outdoor programs!” he said.

“My story isn’t necessarily a special one; but I believe it’s pretty fitting for the modern-day professional audience. Finding a job in your field right out of college can be challenging and very frustrating,” he added.

During his final semester of undergrad, he spent at least an hour every day Googling potential career paths. “’What can you do with a

geology degree?’ was easily #1 in my search history,” he said.

“None of the career choices that I have made appeared in those searches. But I was able to advance my career early by getting introduced to the environmental field and continuing my learning through experience.”

The single greatest skill that he has developed is communication, he added.

“Knowing how to talk, and more importantly, listen to people has been an intangible asset for me. You learn so much from your daily interactions that it eventually helps shape you to become the best version of yourself,” he said.

“I owe my current success to being open to foreign opportunities and taking risks.

I packed up all my things and moved 300 miles to work at a place I’ve never heard of — doing a job I never even knew existed. And it was the best decision that I ever made.”

Marek Ptakowski, Engineer, MLB/NHL Network

M

arek Ptakowski finished his u n d e rg ra duate degree in spring ‘23 with a broadcasting and mass communication degree.

“I’m currently pursuing my MBA online with SUNY Oswego as well,” he said.

While at Oswego, he was a part of the television station WTOP 10. He started off as an engineer.

“I was able to work my way up to vice president of engineering in 2021 and became the club’s general manager for the 2022-23 academic year,” he said.

Currently, he is a broadcast engineer at the MLB/NHL Network located in Secaucus, New Jersey.

“My role is centered on supporting all aspects of productions including control rooms, studios and broadcast equipment. Our team is the first to respond to issues that may arise before, during or after production,” he explained.

“I also help to install, configure and maintain all types of equipment both in studio and behind the scenes.

At the MLB/NHL Network, I’m one of the people helping to maintain critical infrastructure to keep the broadcast on air.”

The production staff will alert him and his team of any issues that may affect the on air product.

“My job is to commu-

nicate with the operator or production staff who reported the issue, diagnose the problem and curate-implement potential solutions all on a strict timeline,” he explained.

“I work with all types of equipment such as computers, production switchers, intercom panels, servers, cable termination, set-studio displays and so much more.”

They have live programming every day — “so we have to always remain on our toes 24/7 to ensure the station remains up and running,” he said.

He was able to land this job via LinkedIn, “but I also had a connection within the engineering department who was also a former SUNY Oswego student,” he added.

He had wanted to be in the broadcasting/tech industry since taking up the AV club at his local middle school.

“My brother and I helped to build their current studio from the ground up. So I knew I wanted to work in the industry in some fashion,” he said. “I didn’t know I wanted to become an engineer until I started at SUNY Oswego. My first role in the student television station WTOP 10 was the assistant sports engineer in 2019, where I was able to learn the essential skills for broadcast engineering. After gathering a greater understanding of signal flows and how each piece of equipment plays a role in our productions, I was able to continue

to evolve within the club and in the classroom.”

A lot of his learning was done outside of the classroom with hands-on experience working with WTOP 10, “that’s where I really found my passion and future career path,” he added.

He said he is “very grateful” for the SUNY experience.

“Being an out-of-state student, it was a bit of a different experience. I didn’t know a single student on campus my first day. That first day, the community really embraced me and made me feel like I was at home,” he said. “I was enrolled in a GSL community service class my first semester with other broadcasting students — little did I know that I’d create life-long friendships and memories with all of those students for the next four years.”

The broadcasting program at SUNY Oswego is unlike any other, “as we have opportunities to directly apply the lessons taught in class to the real world,” he said.

While he was still a student, he landed several freelance broadcasting jobs which included: sideline utility at ESPN Monday Night Football, Sideline Utility st ACC Syracuse football, audio engineer II for Spectrum Sports high school football — and he spent the entire summer with ESPN World Wide of Sports in Orlando, Florida as a broadcast engineer.

“Having the access to all

of these opportunities helped tremendously to prepare for the real world. I was able to work with professionals in the classroom with all types of expertise who passed their knowledge onto me,” he said.

“It’s one thing to be lectured about a topic, but to then be able to apply those principles and experience the lessons in a professional environment helped catapult my success at SUNY Oswego.

“I can’t emphasize enough just how important networking has been in my journey so far. I’ve been able to meet so many different professionals with a variety of backgrounds.

They each have played a valuable role in my development and have led to some really cool opportunities. Making sure you’re always creating new relationships and maintaining old ones can help you further advance your skill sets and knowledge. It’s important to also create those networks amongst your fellow students with similar interests, as you never know where they may end up or what they might experience in the future.”

The salary range is around $60,000 - $95,000 annually depending on the location/scale of the facility.

10

college life • Spring 2024

My Study Abroad Experience

SUNY Oswego students write essays sharing their experiences abroad

S

tudying abroad is a journey, one of the mind as well as the body.

Some SUNY Oswego students found that to be

true.

Traveling to various countries, they learned about the history, enjoyed the foods and even made friendships that will last long after their college careers are over.

The trips abroad challenged them to step out of their comfort zone, they said.

The lessons they

learned abroad will shape their academic pursuits and personal growth.

Studying abroad is full of many opportunities and moments of growth, one student said. By being immersed in a new culture, you learn to adapt to a completely different environment that’s full of excitement and life lessons.

The experience made them cherish every moment spent with those around you and to be mindful of the present — because, as one student said, “life is best lived outside of your comfort zone.”

By Delaney Koehl | Senior | Hometown: Morrisville

Delaney Koehl, left, during her trip to Spain in the fall 2022.

‘Culture Shock Is a Real Thing’ Studying in Barcelona, Spain, in fall 2022

S

tudying abroad is the oppor tunity of a lifetime and o n e t h a t t a ught me so much about my s e l f a n d t h e world around me.

I learned many valuable life lessons in my four months in Barcelona, Spain, that have changed the way I see the world and the way I live my life.

The first and most important lesson I learned is

that life is best lived outside of your comfort zone. Choosing to travel to a country I had never been to without knowing anybody there was definitely not inside my comfort zone. It was scary and I had no idea what would happen.

But I knew it would be great and it ended up being the best leap of faith I have ever taken.

I quickly learned while I was there the same principle applied and the leaps of faith and the risks taken were some

of the best experiences of my life. Say yes to as much as possible — you will rarely regret it! Keeping safety in mind of course; obviously do not say yes to unsafe situations.

The second thing I learned during my time abroad is that people really are amazing. It is such a beautiful opportunity to meet and get to know people from all around the world.

In my time in Spain I met people from many different countries including Germany,

Norway, Scotland and more!

In fact, my roommate while abroad was from Tarragona, Spain, and she is now one of my best friends in the whole world! Everyone has something beautiful to share with you and I never once regretted taking the chance to get to know somebody new. You never know who you might meet, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You might just meet your best friend.

Another lesson I learned was that just because something is different doesn’t mean it is bad. Culture shock is a real thing and if you are living in a different country for an extended period of time it is very likely that you will

experience it at some point in time. Every country is different and has a different way of doing things. The cultural and dialect differences can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, but just because it is different doesn’t mean it is bad.

There is so much beauty in learning to live in a different way than you’re used to.

Do your best to embrace the cultural differences. Use it as an opportunity to grow as a person and learn as much as possible.

Overall studying abroad is an incredible experience. It is an opportunity to learn more about the world and to grow as a person. If you have the opportunity don’t pass it up!

OswegoCollegeLife.com • college life

11

By Jack Hyland | Junior | Hometown: New Paltz

‘I Loved Being in a Completely New Place’ Trip to Spain was short but rewarding

I

f I was to be totally honest, my entire trip became very meaningful for me. My trip only lasted a month — but I felt like I had been away for so much longer.

I traveled to Spain in the summer for an art program.

We took two classes while there and the teachers and

experiences we had were incredible.

We got to travel so much while in Spain because of our history class. Going to museums and historical cities was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Traveling and experiencing new things was the most meaningful thing for me.

I loved being in a com-

pletely new place and not just enjoying it for what it is, but also being able to learn about its history. The history teacher that we had was incredible, she knew everything about everything.

Something that heightened my experience even more was bringing my camera. At this point I already really enjoyed photography, but being able to do it in a new country was wonderful. It became one of the most meaningful things to me. Capturing such unique moments in time, while across the world. I also became sort of the group photographer.

I was able to meet new friends and that became a huge part of my trip. When I first went on the trip I didn’t even consider the fact that I would be making new friends along the way. The trip was through SUNY so there were multiple different schools that were there together. We had 12 kids on the trip. Only four were from my school. I ended up becoming very close with three of the people that were on the trip with me. I would have never expected that the friends I made during the trip would become such a big part of it.

Being able to experience a

new culture with new friends became the most meaningful thing for me. I couldn’t have imagined my trip going any other way.

One of my favorite things we did as a group was travel to Barcelona. It was very special because it was organized by the students and all 12 of us figured it out together. Having free time after class and during the weekend was when we had a lot of fun. I was lucky that I had friends who were good at planning and ready for adventure. There never seemed to be a dull moment while I was away.

By Nick Thelen | Junior | Hometown: Syracuse

‘I Learned so Much About Myself as an Individual.’

Visiting Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice

S

tudying abroad is full of many opportunities and moments of growth. By being immersed in a new culture, you learn to adapt to a completely different environment that’s full of excitement and life lessons.

I’ve had the chance to further my academics in both France and Italy; doing a semester in Paris this fall, and a quarter course to Rome, Florence and Venice in the spring of 2023. While being

overseas, I learned so much about myself as an individual.

I’d like to share some of the lessons that were significant during my times abroad.

One that’s imperative to studying abroad is to appreciate living in the moment.

So much will be going on, it’s important to take time to enjoy where you are, what you’re doing and most importantly, who you’re with. The friends I’ve made while studying in France and Italy are truly some of the best individuals I’ve met. But we’re only to-

gether for a finite amount of time. Cherish every moment you spend with those around you and be mindful of the present.

Another lesson I find myself going back to is the idea of going out and making the city your home. This was advice given to me by my program coordinator and it’s been some of the best motivation I’ve received. In the beginning I was reserved and nervous to be in a new city. But by going out and seeing what it had to offer, it made me appre-

ciate my surroundings and experiences more. Make the museums your living room, the parks your backyard and the restaurants your kitchen; you deserve to enjoy yourself while abroad and the best way to do so is to explore, explore, explore!

Finally, what I’d say is most important while studying overseas — try new things and travel! You’ll have the chance to eat new foods, go to new places and join in on new activities while abroad. A lot of them may seem intimidat-

ing at first, but it’s beneficial to push yourself outside of your comfort here and there.

You’ll discover new interests, become more independent and prove how resolute you are!

Studying abroad is a huge step to take. However, it will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You’ll meet new people, enjoy new environments and grow as an individual. There’s a whole new world to explore, so why not see what it has to offer?

12

college life • Spring 2024

By Johnnise Crespo | Junior | Hometown: Bronx

Johnnise Crespo, wearing ( Hanbok) Traditional Korean Clothing in Seoul, South Korea

Kai Zenkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan, photographed by Johnnise Crespo.

‘Semester in Japan More Than Just an Academic Endeavor’ Journeying in Japan a life-changing experience

S

tudying abroad is a journey that enriches one’s life in ways that are unimaginable.

As I a junior who is majoring in global international studies, embarked on an adventure to Japan during my spring 2023 semester. This experience has opened doors to multiple valuable lessons that have left an undeniable mark on my college life and personal growth.

First, by immersing me

in Japanese vibrant culture it broadened my perspective on global interconnectedness.

As a global studies major, firsthand exposure was priceless. Engaging with Japan’s rich heritage, customs and traditions has taught me the significance of cultural diversity and beauty by embracing differences.

I have conversed with locals, navigating through the bustling streets and indulging in authentic cuisine. It became more of an experience and a lesson. It was a lesson of

understanding and appreciating a global mindset.

Moreover, my time in Japan has made me resilient and adaptable. Living in a foreign country, surrounded by a language and customs so different from mine, has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. From navigating the language, the complex transit system and dealing with other obstacles presented an opportunity for personal growth. I learned t o e m b ra c e u n c e r t a i nt y and adapt to change

Osaka Castle, a Japanese Castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan, photographed

by Johnnise Crespo.

with confidence.

Another lesson that I have learned was the art of mindfulness which is ingrained in Japanese culture. I discovered the beauty of tranquility and simplicity. From going to temples, learning meditative art and learning traditional ceremonies such as tea ceremonies. The emphasis on mindfulness has taught me the importance of slowing down and appreciating the present moment and finding balance.

Furthermore, studying abroad has fostered invaluable connections and friendships from many different parts of the world. Interacting with many other fellow international students and making friendships with locals has cultivated a global network of multiple opportunities. Hav-

ing friendships that stem from Asia all the way to Europe.

Not only have these diverse friendships broadened my cultural understanding, but have provided me with a global support system continuing to be a source of inspiration that enriches my academic pursuits and personal goals.

These relationships have expanded my world and enriched my college experience.

Overall, my semester in Japan was more than just an academic endeavor. It’s a life changing journey that has changed and shaped me into a more adaptable, empathetic and culturally aware individual. The lessons learned abroad will undoubtedly shape my academic pursuits and personal growth; guiding me as I navigate the complexities of the world.

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13

By Elizabeth Mullé | Sophomore | Hometown: Babylon

‘My Five Years of Learning Italian in High School Actually Paid Off ’ Week in Rome shows taste of a new culture, new way of life

I

learned a lot about Italian culture, even though I was there for one week.

I learned even more about myself as well.

When I enrolled in “Music of Italy,” I did not know anyone in the class, and I didn’t know what to expect.

I didn’t talk to anyone in the class for the entirety of it, I barely knew everyone’s names until we got to the airport to

leave the United States.

Since everyone in the class already knew each other because they were all in the orchestra together, I felt like I was going alone. But I ended up making some pretty good friends while we were over there. I also learned that my five years of learning Italian in high school actually paid off.

I thought once I got there I would not be able to speak,

and I would be too nervous.

But I tried ordering food, and they actually responded in Italian.

It felt like such a compliment that all that schooling paid off. Learning about their culture is one thing, but actually experiencing it and seeing it with my own eyes created memories I will never forget. The art and architecture, food, and overall

history of the entire country is something everyone should experience.

I will never forget walking into a museum and staring at a single sculpture for a half hour just drinking it all in. The food tastes so fresh and every chef takes pride in their work, even if it’s a fast-food restaurant. I have a gluten allergy, and there were so many places that were very informative on how everything was made to make sure there was no cross-contamination.

They didn’t see it as an inconvenience to accommodate others. And I think walking through a city, seeing buildings that were the birthplace of Rome, built in 753 is incredible.

Seeing the history throughout the city, and knowing that all of these churches, political buildings and other buildings were built hundreds, if not thousands of years ago, and seeing the evolution of the city before your eyes is something that everyone should experience.

Studying abroad is so much more than going away for a week, semester or year.

It is experiencing a new way of life, a new culture, a new mindset. It pushes you to be confident in yourself and your abilities. It teaches you so much more than what your classes do, and that’s why it should be something everyone experiences.

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14

college life • Spring 2024

Roseli Rojo Living Her Dream — Teaching

R

oseli Rojo came from Cuba and has studied at various educational institutions around the world.

She began at the University of Havana, where she studied classical studies and Latin American literature.

“Later, I became an assistant professor of Latin American literature at the University of Arts of Havana, where I focused on the complex dynamics of stereotypes in Latin American children’s literature,” she said. “This work led to my first book, “Contar Abya Yala a los Niños” (2020) [Narrating Abya Yala to Children] which received the most prestigious award for young scholars in Cuba.”

After that, she pursued a master’s degree in Latin American studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, with the support of the Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACyT) and the Henrich Böll Scholarship.

Rojo then moved to the United States, where she earned a Ph.D. in Latin American and Caribbean studies at Rutgers University.

“I began my American academic career as a tenure track professor at Jacksonville State University in Alabama

and later took a postdoctoral position at The State University of New York, where I taught courses in Caribbean studies and Spanish at Oswego,” she said. “My work at Oswego led to me securing a tenure track position in Caribbean studies and Spanish within the department of Modern Languages and Literatures. As a teacher, I design courses such as “The Caribbean in Colonial Times” and “Cuba-Spain: Transatlantic Connections,” with a focus on literary analysis.”

In the future, she is considering developing a course centered around the Caribbean non human and the post-apocalyptic city — “inspired by my interest in science fiction.”

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her son and husband.

“We love to travel, learn about new cultures and meet new people and communities,” she said. “My son and I share an interest in science, particularly in architecture and transportation systems.

We read books and watch documentaries on these topics together. I am also an avid reader of history books and 18th and 19th-century journals.”

Roseli Rojo is an assistant professor of Caribbean Studies at SUNY Oswego. Her area of interests include Caribbean studies, colonial literature, intersectional studies, gender studies, fashion, transportation and urban studies, environmental humanities and visual culture.

A clear vision “Yes, from a young age, I always had a clear vision of wanting to become a teacher — to engage with large groups of students and examine early modern books,” she said. “The fascinating aspect of my career lies in conducting archive work, unearthing texts and then bringing those treasures into the classroom. It’s incredibly rewarding to illustrate to students how these writings have profoundly shaped our daily lives.”

In terms of influences, “my parents played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations. They emphasized the importance of education, instilling in me the values of discipline and a deep love for knowledge, particularly

in the realm of history,” she said. “Additionally, my husband has been a significant influence on my career. We embarked on this journey together from our roots in Cuba, where we first met. I consider myself fortunate to have his support and now, as we both work in academia, we find ourselves contributing to the intellectual landscape of the Syracuse-Oswego area.”

She is currently finalizing the transformation of her dissertation, “Distressing Bodies in Colonial Cuba,” into a publishable book, which explores the struggles and agency of underrepresented groups in the 18th-19th century Cuban slavery system.

A chapter from this work, titled “Cuban Hysteria: The Invention of a Culture-Bound

Syndrome,” has been featured

by Routledge, focusing on hysteria among upper-class women in Colonial Havana.

“Additionally, I am gearing up for my next project, “Caribbean Poetics of Mobility: The Gendered and Racial Hierarchies of Transportation,” aiming to comprehensively examine how transportation was rhetorically represented in the Spanish Caribbean from the 17th to the 20th century,” she said. “Supported by the PRODiG, my department and the SCA scholarship at Oswego, I have shared preliminary findings at conferences and this semester, my course “Cuba-Spain: Transatlantic Connections” will delve into some of these concepts.”

bullet, but don’t be afraid to group things.

• “On average someone looks at a resume 20 seconds. I look for location, a degree, GPA, internship experience and for a recent grad, a brief summary of what you’re looking for in two or three sentences.

• “Use bullets. I like bullets. They’re clear and concise.

• “Don’t put pictures of yourself. It’s a big no-no with

DEI goals.

• “The internship is really important. If you have a parttime job, go up to your boss and ask if you can make it last for the next two months and make it an internship and see if your boss will mentor you.

Most internships are paid unless you are getting credit.

With the internship, make sure you’re fully committed to the hours you say you can do.”

Don’t Mess with Your Resume

Syracuse recruiter offer top tips for a great resume

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A

lthough many companies recruit employment candidates by having them f ill out an online form, you should have a resume to keep your information together and for those firms that still want an uploaded resume. Stephanie M. Vavonese, founder and executive recruiter at SMV Recruiting, LLC in Syracuse, offered a few tips for a stand-

out resume.

• “Put the education at the top.

• “Break it out if you had a part-time job.

• “Make an internship section. Highlight how many hours a week you did it.

• “If you did a study abroad, make sure it’s on there.

• “Put a section for extras, volunteering or civic experience. They want to see people who are well rounded who

give back.

• “These days, you have all these formats and templates.

They get really convoluted and lose their formatting when uploaded into an applicant tracking system. Use MS Word, typical classical resume style with Times New Roman in 11-point font. Use a halfinch border.”

• “For a recent grad, you should keep it to one page.

People think they have to put one thought on a different

OswegoCollegeLife.com • college life

15

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16

college life • Spring 2024

What’s New in Oswego?

Dramatic Surge in Homelessness

Area sees a 79% increase in homeless people. Experts expect problem to get worse

By Stefan Yablonski

H

omelessness in Oswego County has been increasing in recent years — and it is expected to increase even more next year.

Oswego County is part of a homelessness response system, which coordinates and implements the homelessness services for Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego counties.

The Housing and Homeless Coalition of CNY is a community collaborative, acting as the continuum of care for homelessness services. Its mission is to assess community needs and develop a community strategy and coordinated network of services to reduce, prevent and ultimately end homelessness and housing vulnerability in Central New York.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” according to Megan Stuart, director of the Housing and Homeless Coalition of CNY. Oswego County saw a 79% increase in homeless people in the last year, Stuart said.

“The number of homeless people in Oswego County jumped from 76 in 2022 to 136 in 2023,” she said, adding, “Using 2019 as a benchmark, this number has increased by 161%.”

It’s a reflection of the ever-growing crisis that is facing the state and nation. But Oswego County is not as bad off as many locales around the country, she said.

More than no shelter Tackling homelessness

“is a complex, systemic issue that takes all members of the community to solve,” according to Stuart. Homelessness isn’t just the absence of shelter, she added. There are myriad factors such as job loss, low wages and a high cost of living, which can force people into a homelessness situation.

“Homelessness, in general, is a societal problem,” she said. “Across the country there are systemic challenges facing people seeking and obtaining permanent housing.

There is a lot that contributes to it. Calling it a societal challenge is very fitting.”

Things were exacerbatedduring COVID-19. People weren’t being evicted; there were rental clauses where people didn’t have to pay rent.

But people were losing their jobs and people were medically impacted by COVID-19, she pointed out.

“It’s resulted in an increase now in homelessness — it created a perfect storm,” she said.

Point In Time The coalition is responsible for a Point In Time survey every January. The above data is from January 2023.

“Anecdotally, I can say that we’re seeing increases. I think we’re going to surpass that number. We’ll be higher when we conduct our count in 2024. It’s not good,” she said.

Stuart pointed to some challenges: the cost of housing has gone up, the amount of housing is less, people sold houses and took them off the market and some places are

old and condemned.

“So we are definitely expecting more people to be homeless in our next survey, on that night when we conduct that count,” she said.

“We have to conduct it. It is a HUD requirement — we have to do it within the last 10 days of January. We partner with OCO to get volunteers to help us — we cover three counties with the coalition — Onondaga, Cayuga and Oswego — so we partner with them to help get the count.”

The population, living on the streets in tents or cardboard boxes is really the minority, she said.

“Only 5% of people [on the last “point in time” night] were what we consider chronically homeless, which means they have experienced homelessness four times in the past three years,” she explained.

“Couch surfing — yes, we see that a lot with youth.

When we post our numbers, we are talking specifically about people who are outside or in an emergency shelter paid for by DSS or an organization like OCO,” she added.

“That couch-surfing number is rising, too. It’s not something we capture good data on because it’s kind of a hidden population.”

Stuart said 10% of Oswego County’s homeless population is younger than 25.

There are a lot of issues that go into youth homelessness — disagreements with family members, not having a support structure in place, people coming out of foster care and not having places to go.

“It’s hard for youth who have never had an apartment to try to navigate that in the first place — where do you go, how do you talk to a landlord how do you fill out a rental application,” she said. “The rent can be unaffordable for a lot of people, especially young people these days.”

Rural vs. urban Homelessness in rural areas, such as Oswego County, can be difficult to see because of how “hidden” it is, according to Stuart.

“In larger urban areas, you’ll see homeless people out on the streets. In rural areas, homeless people tend to stay in private areas. It is common for homeless people in rural areas to, like you said, ‘couch surf.’ They live in other people’s homes when they can because they do not have a place of their own,” she said.

“You hit the nail on the head, mentioning the difference between rural and urban. I think there are chal-

lenges for the rural community trying to end homelessness because it’s really hard to get a good scope of what the issue is,” she added. “There is a lot of geographic area; there are a lot of places people can tuck away and not get connected with services. In a more urban community, it’s pretty obvious. You can find people; they are usually congregating in certain places.

“Especially in Oswego County — it’s geographically large — there’s a lot of ground to cover for services providers to make sure that they are available for folks from one end of the county to the other.”

Members of the coalition try to find those that are sleeping outside and try to get them inside because that is the most important thing, according to Stuart.

“We’re heading into winter and our biggest focus is making sure people are inside and safe,” she said. “I think for us at the coalition, I think our solution is always going to be more housing, housing that is

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OswegoCollegeLife.com • college life affordable. With projects in Oswego County that have been completed, like Champlain Commons, they are just so successful in getting people into safe, stable apartments that they can afford and that is what’s really going to move the needle.

“We are really appreciative that the state has made some investment into housing development; especially in our region because we do have a lot of aging housing stock. We are losing houses to nothing other than age and not being taken care of. We need new housing to really come in and be affordable — we need options for working families, people who get public benefits, so they can be able to afford a place to live. Otherwise, this issue is just going to keep growing.”

The state has put a lot of investment into development; there are some federal programs as well. “It’s a lot for a local government to take on. It really has to come from the state and federal levels,” Stuart said.

“What we hope at the local level is that people support it and recognize that these projects ultimately help our neighbors. They aren’t helping people who are not deserving; they are not helping people coming from other communities — these are people from our neighborhoods our communities.”

They collect people’s zip codes when they come into shelter and “we can prove these are people who live in your neighborhood — whether they are in a nice apartment or not and isn’t it better if they are in a nice apartment? There is a lot of education that needs to get out there. The amount of people using illegal substances is really low — it is less than 10% of people. Most people find themselves homeless because of their economic circumstances,” Stuart said. “I think we have a really good collaborative community, which is very nice. We have a lot of good things going for us.

This is encouraging.”

Homelessness in Oswego County at a Glance • 60% of people in emergency shelters stay less than 30 days • Approximately 50% of people experiencing homelessness report having a disabling condition • Less than 10% of people experiencing homelessness report misusing substances like alcohol or drugs • 23% of households experiencing homelessness have at least one child • In 2022, only 3% of people experiencing homelessness were sleeping outside • Veterans make up approximately 1% of the homeless population • 5% of the homeless population is chronically homeless • 10% of the homeless population is youth younger than the age of 25

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18

college life • Spring 2024

Coach Jason Leone has led SUNY Oswego’s basketball team since 2011.

More Than Just Hockey

Jason Leone, the basketball program’s all-time winningest coach, eyes more wins this season

By Stefan Yablonski

C

oaching, for Jason Leone, was meant to be.

In 2011, Leone was named the 17th head coach of men’s basketball at SUNY

Oswego.

“I grew up in Syracuse and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1994,” the coach said. “I played college basketball at Lafayette College and then the University of Rochester.”

He grew up in a coaching family.

“So basketball has always been in my blood,” he added.

Leone said he was fortunate to get the Oswego job in 2011 — when he was previously the coach at a small D3 school in La Plume, outside Scranton, Pennsylvania, called Keystone College.

He led that program to an overall record of 71-35 over four seasons.

In 2010-11, Leone guided Keystone to an overall record of 21-6 with wins over NCAA qualifiers SUNY Oswego (“nobody’s picked on me about it; probably helped me get the job here,” he quipped) and Gwynedd-Mercy, en route to achieving the program’s first-ever NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional ranking.

Coming to Oswego “The previous Oswego coach, Adam Stockwell, left his position in late August and Oswego had a nationally ranked team returning,” Leone said. “Tim Hale, the AD at the time, had a prior rela-

tionship with me when he was the track and field coach at University of Rochester while I was a student-athlete there in the late 1990s. I worked for Tim as a work study employee at Rochester.”

“Jason Leone has a proven ability to recruit outstanding student-athletes and develop a winning program. We look forward to Jason continuing our winning tradition in men’s basketball at SUNY Oswego,” Hale said in 2011.

SUNY Oswego family ties Leone has multiple ties with SUNY Oswego. His brother and sister are also Oswego alums and played basketball for the Lakers.

His brother, Joe, was a captain of the men’s basketball team in 2000-01.

“My brother was the kind of player that did things, to help the team win, that don’t necessarily show up in the stat sheet,” the coach said.

“He was a great teammate; he played with great effort and enthusiasm. That is something we certainly value in our program. He would be a value to us, I know that.”

His sister, Lindsay, is an alumna of the college. She also played basketball for a year.

“So, there were multiple connections that lead to this being a good fit,” he laughed.

“Growing up in Syracuse, I enjoyed the idea of being able to move back to CNY and raise my family here.”

Being a native of Central

New York, he was excited to be back in an area “that I love and have a lot of pride in,” he added.

Getting started In his first season at Oswego, Leone led the Lakers to the school’s first SUNYAC Championship title since 1965 and an automatic berth to the NCAA Championship for the second-straight year.

Oswego finished the season with a program-best record of 26-4, which included a 17game winning streak and the program’s first undefeated SUNYAC season on record at 18-0.

“It was pretty special — first time as a head coach that I was a part of a team that won a championship. We hadn’t won one since 1965,” he said. “There had been some heart-breaking losses in the conference tournament in previous years. You feel a sense of responsibility with those teams and you share the victory with them.”

Leone led the Lakers to a historic season in 2021-22 — including a program best 27-3 record, its highest final national ranking in program history (#11) and its third Sweet 16 appearance in the D3 national tournament in the past six seasons.

In 2022-23, Leone led the Lakers to its most wins (28) in school history for the second consecutive season. They won the SUNYAC Championship for the second consecutive season and for the sixth time in Leone’s 11 seasons.

SUNY Oswego also made its deepest NCAA Tournament run in its history by qualifying for the Elite 8. The Lakers had a historic 74-63 Sweet 16 victory over the #1 nationally ranked Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets on their home floor, in which they snapped Randolph-Macon’s NCAA record 64-game home court winning-streak.

SUNY Oswego (28-3) finished the season ranked #5 nationally, which was their highest national ranking in program history. The Lakers competed in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the eighth time in the past 12 seasons.

Memories “Some of my favorite memories in coaching are winning conference championships and cutting down the nets with my players,” he said. “Also, hosting NCAA tourney games at Laker Hall — including the sold-out Sweet 16 game vs. Wooster in 2016.

Lastly, upsetting #1 nationally ranked Randolph Macon on their home floor last season in the Sweet 16 and ending their NCAA record 64-game home court winning streak.”

During his first 11 seasons, Oswego has the most wins in any 11-year period in program history (236-81) and ranks first for total wins in the East Region during that time.

Oswego also has a winning record against all nine of its SUNYAC opponents.

On Nov. 12, 2022, Leone became the program’s all-time

winningest coach following a victory over Eastern Connecticut State.

In early December, the Lakers hosted the Plattsburgh Cardinals for a late Saturday afternoon conference contest.

Oswego pulled away with a 101-72 victory and rolled to a seven-game win streak. (7-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play).

The Lakers had some time off for the holiday season, before returning to action at the D3Hoops Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada. Oswego was set to open Classic play against Case Western Reserve University on Dec. 28 at 11 p.m. (EST).

Staying sharp “You gotta rely on their maturity level and you have conversations with the team about how important it is to get better right now,” he said of keeping the players gameready during the long break.

“Although we aren’t preparing for a game next week, we are preparing — this is an opportunity for us to hone our skills so we can be ready when we do play again. We are an older team, so we only have two freshmen; the majority of our team is juniors and seniors.”

In February 2021, Leone was named the State University of New York Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Coach of the Decade by the conference office. He joins former Lakers Brian Sortino, Hayden Ward and Chad Burridge in earning All-Decade accolades.

“You know, there are al-

OswegoCollegeLife.com • college life ways things that you think about as a coach. You’re looking for any type of motivation and experience that you can share with the guys,” he said.

“Kind of the elephant in the room is everybody here is talking about our ability to make a Final Four. I’m very cautious not to label our season in just wins and losses; because there are so many things that can happen between now and the end. Of course there are mountains to climb.”

“From my seat, I have to make sure that we provide a fulfilling experience for our guys and not talk about things like post season advancement. Because if it doesn’t happen…,” he continued.

“This particular core group of players has provided us with so much over the last three to four years — this group went through COVID together — so it’s been a very meaningful

group of kids for me as a coach. I don’t think that anything that happens at the end of the year is going to dictate my thoughts on coaching this team one way or the other.”

Catching Gosek Does he think he will ever catch Laker Men’s Hockey Coach Ed Gosek in wins?

(376-124-32 .739 through last season) “I don’t want to pass him,” Leone replied with a laugh.

“He’s a great friend and a wonderful mentor. He’s someone I’ve enjoyed sharing a dialogue with about coaching, student athletes and development over the years. It’s one of my favorite parts of working at Oswego State. I pop in to see him; he comes in and sees me.

We’ve gotten closer and closer as the years have gone on. He’s a great guy.”

Coach Leone at a Glance As a player, Jason Leone began his college career at NCAA Division I Lafayette College. He played for two seasons before transferring to the University of Rochester.

The three-time Dean’s List honoree was a captain of the 1998-99 squad that qualified for the NCAA tournament.

On the court, he won the UAA individual scoring title with Rochester as a junior and was named AllUAA for both of his seasons with the Yellowjackets.

For his high school career, the Christian Brothers Academy graduate is the fourth all-time leading scorer at the school (1,223) and was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Prior to Oswego, Leone brought Keystone College to the program’s first-ever NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Ranking. In addition to amassing a .670 winning percentage, Leone’s squads never finished below third place in the Colonial States Athletic Conference and qualified for the postseason in each of his four years at the helm. Under Leone’s guidance, 10 players were named All-CSAC and he recruited four of the top five all-time scorers in the program’s history.

Prior to coaching at Keystone, in Pennsylvania, Leone served as the assistant coach at Division II Mercyhurst College for four seasons from 2003 to 2007.

Before joining Mercyhurst, he served as the assistant coach at Clarkson

University, where the Golden Knights earned an ECAC title game berth.

L e o n e i s c u r re nt ly ninth nationally in the history of Division III Men’s Basketball in career winning percentage (.725) and number 1 in the East Region among active Division III head coaches with at least 10 years of head coaching experience.

He earned a degree in economics in 1999 from the University of Rochester.

Leone earned a master’s in instructional technology and media management from SUNY Potsdam.

In addition to qualifying for the postseason in each of his 11 seasons at Oswego, the Lakers have a 20-5 (.800) record in the SUNYAC Championship — including 11-consecutive semifinal appearances, seven championship title game appearances and six championship victories, as well as five regular season titles.

Oswego is 7-0 in first round games and 16-0 in conference tournament games played in Max Ziel g y m n a s i u m (O s we go’s home court).

The program has qualified for postseason play in 21-straight seasons, which is the second longest active streak in the conference.

Over the past 12 seasons, Oswego has played in eight NCAA Division III Championships. The Lakers have finished inside the D3hoops.com Top 25 poll on five separate occasions during Leone’s reign (2023, 2022, 2019, 2016 and 2012).

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college life • Spring 2024

Scenes of Bridge Street Run in Oswego, circa 2016.

Bridge Street Run Not as Popular These Days An old tradition doesn’t appeal to students as much as it did in the past (plus: college officials just hate the event and the city has banned it)

T

here was a time when the Port City was awash with bars.

As the spring semester drew to a close at SUNY Oswego hundreds of students — as well as others — would take part in a pub crawl.

The Bridge Street Run, which isn’t sanctioned or endorsed by the college, has been celebrated at the end of the spring semester for decades.

The annual unofficial right of passage for many college students is held each year as the final semester comes to a close. The students, some of whom are under the legal drinking age, begin on the east end of the city and work their way back to the west side campus while stopping for drinks at bars along the route.

Many students take part in large groups of friends; several wear white T-shirts and have friends, bartenders and liquor store clerks autograph them to record their sojourn.

The past few years, how-

By Stefan Yablonski ever, not so much.

“The Bridge Street Run has been going on for decades, but has certainly diminished in popularity in the last few years. The college created OzFest in 2015 to offer students an alternative to going on the Bridge Street Run. With smaller numbers

department is not as large as in previous years due to this event. In addition, the number of bars that encourage or that are available has also been reduced. With less people participating and few bars available, the problems associated with this event have certainly lessened to a

the Oswego Common Council voted unanimously to ban the Bridge Street Run. The council also sought restitution from the college for the city’s overtime expenses incurred by the city’s DPW, police and fire departments related to the Bridge Street Run.

“ Ten years ago, May 2014, the Oswego

Common Council voted unanimously to ban the Bridge Street Run. participating in the BSR, the issues and problems associated with large numbers of students going from bar to bar on our main corridor have declined,” said Robert A. Corradino, Oswego mayor.

“The overtime for our police

certain degree.”

“It’s nothing more than a drunken brawl that invites dozens of undesirables into our neighborhoods,” said Corradino, who was city’s Third Ward councilor in 2006.

Ten years ago, May 2014,

In 2014, the same night as the Bridge Street Run, a man was airlifted to a Syracuse hospital after being struck by a trolley bus. A young woman also injured in the incident was treated at Oswego Hospital. And there were three

heroin overdoses. One of the students died on campus. The others recovered.

Authorities didn’t link any of the incidents directly to the Bridge Street Run. The following year, to combat participation in the Bridge Street Run, SUNY Oswego’s Student Association Programming Board and the Student Association created OzFest.

From 2 to 6 p.m. the event featured free activities such as bungee jumping, stuff-abuddy, a mechanical bull and a dunk tank booth. Concerts were also scheduled.

The college’s Auxiliary Services offered free food.

OzFest and the concert were reportedly successful in reducing the number of participants in Bridge Street Run dramatically.

Stefan Yablonski, class of 1977, never took part in a Bridge Street Run.