Friday, April 14, 2023 Print Edition

TANGERINE

The dome collapse in 2017 was the first of several challenges that March would have instituted for President Laura Casmemto.

The 2018 lockdown followed shortly and five years later, Casamento still calls it “the worst week in her professional career.” Yet during a global pandemic that forced Utica University to shut down, she learned one thing in her presidency–how to adapt.

“You can’t panic,” Casamento said. “You have to do your very best in those situations and keep a clear head and focus on the task ahead of you.”

As the Mohawk Valley’s first female bank president, Casamento knew a thing or two about breaking barriers when she became the 9th and first female president of Utica University in 2016. That itself was unimaginable growth for her that would rub off on Utica throughout her presidency.

She joined the

university, then Utica College, in 2004 as vice president for institutional advancement and later became the vice president and chief advancement officer.

Casamento never stood still. Building on the work of her predecessors, she took growth a step further when Utica achieved university status on Feb. 17, 2022, after years of work and conversations.

“There were times we really thought it wasn’t going to happen along the way in those 19 years,” Casamento said. “I’m really glad it happened while I was president. I would’ve loved to have it happen even sooner but when it did happen

I have to say we were ready to go.”

Succeeding former President Todd Hutton, the longest-serving president in the school’s history, left big shoes to fill. In her seven-year tenure, the institution made additional strides in the capital campaign investing $21 million in capital improvement throughout the university. The new Construction Management building, Francis Wilcox Intercultural and Student Organization Center, the science building and raising sixyear graduation rates by 40% were a few of many enhancements that took place under Casamento’s leadership,

which in her eyes has increased the value of the institution.

“Our campus here [in] Utica is like the crown jewel,” Casamento said. “You have to have a meaningful experience and having nice facilities and keeping up with physical plans is so important [because] it’s not just for the students who go here [but] for the students that will come here.”

With all that was accomplished for the strategic plan the most gratifying one for her was the tuition reset, an initiative she coled during the Hutton administration. The reset reduced the average student debt by 30% and in her eyes was one of the institution’s biggest accomplishments.

“It took most students out of the private loan market where interest rates are just ridiculous,” Casamemto said. “If you’re paying a student loan and most of your payments is going to interest, it’s just this endless sea and that’s CONT. ON PAGE 3

President Laura Casamento answers questions from Tangerine News Editor Mickale Thompson in a recent interview. /Photo: Leola Beck, UticaTV.

◊ MICKALE THOMPSON NEWS EDITOR

Not by legacy but by growth, Casamento reflects on presidential tenure

Spring 2023 STAFF

@UticaTangerine

@Utica_Tangerine

@Utica_Tangerine

Editor-In-Chief - Isa Hudziak

Managing Editor - Hollie David

News Editor - Mickale Thompson

Features Editor- Selma Dizdarević

Sports Editor - Harlee Lucier

Special Assignments Reporter - Mariami

Kentchadze

Social Media Manager - Nicolas Leonard

Circulation Manager - Briana Ajayi Adviser - Mary Christopher

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CONT. FROM PAGE 1 just not what you want for yourself, your family and as a university.”

The journey had its silver linings, but was never without criticism.

In those tough days, Casamento learned to stand behind her decisions but leaned on the support system of family making sure to carve out Friday nights for her husband and Sundays for family dinners.

“That really keeps you grounded and then you understand what your purpose is in life,” Casamento said. “Being able to bounce those things off your family and some very good friends, that’s what gets you through.”

The decision to retire was made last summer. After coming out of a pandemic and with a new strategic plan around the corner, it was time for a transition and a change in leadership.

However, she will miss the students the most. In an era of disruption and great change, Casamento wishes she was leaving in a time of greater stability, but wants to be judged not by legacy, but by having known she tried her best. “I’m not a legacy person. I just want people to know that I did my best,” Casamento said. “[I] came in every day and did my best and that’s it. I don’t look for anything else than

that.”

The extended interview will be shared on The Tangerine website in the coming days. A video of the interview will also be available on YouTube. The Tangerine would like to thank UticaTV, specifically Laura Lewin, Leola Beck and Jeff Kopek, for recording and editing the interview.

Campus safety Blotter

◊ HOLLIE DAVID MANAGING EDITOR

The Student Government Association (SGA) presidential elections took place for the 2023-24 academic year beginning April 6 at 10 a.m. and ending April 7 at 10 a.m. This is the first time in several years where the role of SGA president ran with more than one candidate on the docket. After the race between Kathi Jabe and Kyle Mitchell, Jabe was declared the winner.

Jabe is a second-year premed student majoring in biochemistry and minoring in human rights advocacy.

Kathi Jabe elected SGA president

She currently holds executive board status in the Chemistry Club, Asa Gray, Model UN and the Class of 2025. She is a TRIO mentor, teaching assistant for chemistry and office assistant and tutor for Young Scholars LLP.

After the results were announced to the candidates, Jabe said she was excited and thankful.

“Right now I feel really grateful to every voter that voted, because they realize that their votes matter and they acted on it,” Jabe said.

“I am very happy that they chose me to represent them, and that they trust me to do

that. I want to thank each and every student, I want to thank Colby and the SGA, I want to thank my advisor and mentor Dr. Alyssa Thomas, I also want to thank Dr. (Leonore) Fleming for her support throughout this campaign and administrators as well who I have spoken with.”

Mitchell, a sophomore political science major with plans to eventually attend law school, was adamant that while not securing the spot as president, he would remain an active member of the campus community.

“I appreciate the fair campaign that was run by

Kathi Jabe,” Mitchell said. “I am surprised at the election results but I am confident in her as the next madam president going forward with her leadership in the year ahead.”

Jabe placed an emphasis on her dedication to the promises she made throughout her campaign.

“I am enthusiastic and hopeful for what the next year is to come,” Jabe said. “In the debate I made promises and those were not empty promises, I’m glad that I am going to have the opportunity to bring those promises to life and I am looking forward to it.”

Recent Town Hall reveals progress of DEI initiatives and sets goals for the future

◊ SELMA DIZDAREVIC FEATURES EDITOR

The Utica University Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Collaborative held an open presentation on March 29 to discuss the status of ongoing DEI initiatives. The panel of collaborative members, composed of Utica University faculty and staff, shared current DEI operations, assessed the climate of the campus and outlined their vision for the University’s future.

The progress report began with a moment of silence to honor victims of violence and the deceased members of the Utica University community. The panel reiterated the University’s stance statement and statement of principles before discussing the current progress of the Collaborative’s Operational Plan.

Anthony Baird, Chief Diversity Officer and vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Student Transitions, led the panel discussion and outlined the current Operational Plan, which includes creating sustainable infrastructure, establishing collaborative relationships, furthering professional development

and expanding curricular offerings.

“I’m here to tell you that the state of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Utica University is good and steady,” Baird said. “Our efforts to support this goal required that we demonstrate creativity and innovation, always looking to see where we can align our resources and efforts.”

Baird invited presenter and Vice President for Human Resources Lisa Green to discuss the state of employee diversity at Utica University. Green displayed statistics on the screen to show the current state of employee

recruitment and retention.

“Our pools of applicants are very strong overall but our recruitment rates and retention rates have not been where we want them to be,” she said.

Green disclosed the initiatives that have been in the works for years to develop more inclusive hiring practices and increase diversity among faculty.

“As many of you know, we implemented updated hiring practices in 2017, early in 2017, to ensure that we were having a more inclusive process. This is when we began doing things like expanding our

recruitment resources,” she said. “We also implemented the community liaison model to offer a confidential space for candidates to ask questions they might not want to ask the committee about resources, culture and anything more.”

Green said while progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to increase employee diversity.

“While we began strong, we have stalled some and there’s multiple reasons why,” she said. “There’s work to do, there’s no doubt about that.”

The panel moved to discuss plans for the University’s curriculum, which underwent a recent review to incorporate DEI principles. New curriculum goals were set to challenge students to reflect, investigate and engage anti-racism and anti-bias actions.

Students are required to take two DEI-designated courses during their education at Utica University.

Members of the panel sit alongside each other.

Photo courtesy of @ utica_diversity

PAGE 5 FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

CONT. FROM PAGE 4

According to Melissa Racioppa, assistant professor of Psychology-Child life, the number of DEI-designated courses has increased from eight to 38 in just a few short years.

“This increase to 38 courses is an increase of almost 500% from what was offered in the old core [curriculum],” she said. “This demonstrates the faculty’s immediate commitment to the importance of bringing DEI into the curriculum.”

Racioppa said the necessity of a DEI-focused curriculum is not just for the institution and its goals but also for the future of Utica University students.

“The drive for this change is based on more than just the institutional goal,” she

said. “It was developed out of a growing awareness that cultural humility is something that our students need to be successful in today’s world.” Goals for student success and the campus climate at Utica University were aspects closely discussed by the panel.

Ann Damiano, vice president for institutional effectiveness, displayed significant data on student success rates. She noted that minority students have a lower graduation rate than white students at Utica University.

“We still have a rather sizable gap between the graduation rates of students who identify as white and those who identify as students of color,” Damiano said. “This certainly calls for some institutional strategies as

we move forward.”

Many students, faculty and staff members were in attendance for the discussion and several contributed to the Q&A session that concluded the meeting.

Youssef Anwar, an international student from Egypt, expressed wanting to learn more about the DEI climate at Utica University and how it compared to his university in Egypt. He cited “being more aware of problems” as a reason for attending the panel.

“I wanted to stay informed on the DEI initiatives and the types of approaches and solutions,” Anwar said.

Student Kathi Jabe expressed similar sentiments and attended to hear the specific goals and statistical progress made by the

DEI Collaborative.

“I wanted to see what they’re actually doing,” Jabe said.

All of the presenters emphasized that DEI initiatives and goals at Utica University are in need of continued work and effort. Baird called upon the campus community to contribute to the DEI Collaborative’s progress.

“To truly infuse DEI into the culture and climate of the institution, the responsibility rests upon all constituencies and stakeholders at Utica University,” Baird said. “It requires all of you.”

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to seek more information on DEI initiatives and future DEI events which can be found on the University website.

Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute rebrands with new name

DIANA SIDOREVICH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

◊

The local museum formerly known as Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI) has recently rebranded and changed its name to Munson.

The 104-year-old institution was founded by industrial businessman Alfred Munson, his daughter Helen Munson Williams, and her daughters Rachel Munson Williams and Maria Watson Williams and their husbands, Frederick and Thomas Proctor.

The museum, located on Genesee Street in Downtown Utica, celebrated the Munson reband with the community at a launch party on March 28. However, eliminating the Williams and Proctor names was seen as controversial by many comments on their Facebook page.

Some Munson followers were upset and opposed the rebrand, responding in sad and angry faces, saying the change was “ridiculous” and poorly done.

“...The name change/ removal robs the institute of its name heritage and title significance by now choosing to be called by a

nickname…,” wrote Pamela Anderson.

According to Munson’s Director of Marketing and Communications Cassandra Williams, changing their name changed the brand’s equity and clarity, hopefully raising Munson’s profile regionally and nationally to help them become an art destination while also increasing their

community involvement.

Williams said over the past 15 years consultants have come in to evaluate the institution and brand and have unanimously and unequivocally said the name was too much and too long. The acronym MWPAI was complicated, too. For MWPAI to be easily recognizable, they’d have to change their

name.

“It’s a stellar museum so we want people to come visit us,” Williams said. “It would also help with economic development in the region.”

New Munson sign beckons in museum goers. /Photo: Diana Sidorevich

PAGE 6 FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

CONT. FROM PAGE 5

A big draw for Munson is their annual blockbuster summer exhibition; usually displaying a high profile traveling show. Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell and Monet to Matisse are just some of the previous exhibits. This summer, it’ll be Sporting Fashion, the first exhibition to explore women’s athletic attire from 1800-1960. Williams said their collection of more than 12,000 pieces is one of the best collections from New York City to Chicago.

“We have two Rothkos that are traveling to Germany, the only Rothkos leaving the states to travel and they come from our institution,” Williams said. “Our 20th century collection is insane.”

So why Munson?

The Munson name is most representative of how the Museum was founded, said Williams. The art collection itself was started by the three Munson women. And the rebrand is not

Guest

◊ STEVEN SPECHT GUEST WRITER

I have a sign facing out of my office window which reads “Job Training ≠ Higher Education”. I believe very strongly in the message I am attempting to convey. For folks who might not understand the message, or who erroneously feel that I am somehow slighting job training, I would like to explain.

First of all, I am certainly not “anti-job training”. That’s explicitly not what the sign states. I fully realize how important securing gainful employment is in this country, and in our turbulent economy. I want all of my students to eventually be employed in satisfying jobs and have happy lives. My primary

just a name change.

Their new icon is a birds-eyeview of the museum, and the cross geometric design represents connection and unity. The typography and eight new colors added to their palette represent the organization’s roots.

The new type was designed after the original, hand-lettered typeface done in 1960 by a female graphic designer, Elaine Lustig Cohen. The brand colors were taken from archival documents found on old member newsletters found in their basement.

“Everything about our brand honors the history and the legacy,” Williams said.

Utica has recently undergone a rebrand itself, from Utica College to Utica University in 2022. Members of the Utica community shared some strong opinions regarding the institution changing its established name.

Polish transfer student Michał Kozub has been to the museum

point is that job-training is not the same as higher education (hence the “≠” symbol). If one is interested in obtaining job training for employment, it seems to me that there are better ways to do that, than to go into debt for upwards of $60K (tuition costs).

I think it is wise for students and their parents to consider the distinction between job training and higher education -- they are not mutually exclusive either. One of my best friends does not have a college degree and did not go into tuition debt; yet he makes $50K more than I do annually, and I have a Ph.D. and 30+ years of experience in the field. Another of my friends has a beautiful

CONT. ON PAGE 7

three times in the past few months. He said the rebranding is a good thing.

“It’s easier to talk about it and carry the conversation,” Kozub said.

Senior Erin Bruttomesso hasn’t visited the museum, but said she understands the name change. However, she thinks it “took away the recognition of the other names.”

“Maybe you could’ve represented them in other ways, their last name in other ways,” said Bruttomesso. “Other than that I do see how Munson ties them all together…but at the same time if they are recognized as this long name… then maybe they could’ve just kept it.”

Distinguished Professor of Psychology Steven Specht had a different perspective.

“I love it…if it was a new museum,” Specht said.

Specht said rebranding usually costs institutions a significant

amount of money, where consultants get paid tens of thousands of dollars “because certain people with the power to control the purse strings think that this is going to make the institution into something different…which it usually doesn’t.”

Specht wonders what the return on investment is for institutions that rebrand…”or is this just making consultants richer and people in power, make them feel like they’ve done something corporately innovative.”

He said he’s okay with new things and exploring, but specifically to Munson, they’re getting rid of two of the names that have been historically affiliated with the institution.

“I don’t want to offend anybody, but I’m not quite fully on board with this…because I’m not really interested in fixing problems that don’t exist, especially if it costs money,” Specht added.

The sign in question. /Photo: Isa Hudziak

FEATURES

PAGE 7 FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM

CONT. FROM PAGE 6 house and a lovely family, and also does not have a college degree (he’s a union electrician). I not only value their friendship, but I fully respect the talents that they have (that I don’t have).

The point here is that there are many avenues to success, and many ways that individuals can contribute positively to society. They should all be respected.

Colleges and universities used to be places where one could learn about lots of “stuff” that is not readily

“marketable” or directly related to training for a job (like philosophy, art history, anthropology, and geology).

If one were interested in getting a higher education, it typically involved learning about these things. But that kind of education is not of interest, or useful, for everyone. Vocational, or technical job training is valuable and admirable, but it has been historically (and rightly so) different than “higher education”.

In my opinion, institutions of higher education should not be transforming into job training institutions simply

to chase the tuition dollars from students (and parents) who have been led to believe that a college education is the only way to succeed in life. In fact, my sign suggests that if one wants job training, one might consider something other than a college or university education. And if institutions of higher education drastically change the nature of what they offer to garner tuition dollars, society will once again be left with a situation in which higher education is only available at institutions which are far less accessible to the

average citizen. Higher education will, once again, become only accessible to the “elite”. What I fear is that the train has already left the station.

Job training is valuable and admirable. Higher education is valuable and admirable. And even though they may share some overlap in a Venn diagram, they are not the same. That is the point of my sign. I think such a distinction is valuable, in order to stimulate thought and discussion. My intention was not to minimize, devalue, or slight either enterprise.

POV: A man of many hats, student juggles full time job with full time classes

◊ FRANCIS TAVINO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Francis, I have another position open at my station in Syracuse.”

That was all I could see of the text on my watch as I sat in the UticaTV studio editing the last game show of the fall semester. This was not the first time Doug Moreau, the director of video productions at the Adirondack Bank Center, had reached out to me about a job opening at WCNY, the PBS station of Central New York. At this point, I had known Doug for a year and a half since starting to freelance at the arena.

Prior to the start of that fall semester of my senior year, Doug had reached out to me about a PA position. I politely declined this offer due to the position’s inconsistent schedule and hour long commute, which would have prevented me from continuing on as the Station Manager of UticaTV and enjoying my eventful social life of my senior year.

After ignoring Doug’s text for almost 24 hours, a slight mental breakdown when seeing the letter K at the end of the starting pay and having my illogical rationale justified by one of my mentors, I responded in the only way that felt right.

“I would be interested in interviewing for the

[producer] position.”

For those of you who know me and are reading this I am sure that there will be an eyeroll with what I am about to say. When it comes to my work/life balance I tend to lean more towards my work.

Throughout my time at Utica, I have worked in

some capacity with all of the student media organizations, both paid and unpaid. I worked with some more than others and even did work for multiple at once, so I always had a taste of balancing work and my courses.

CONT. ON PAGE 8

Francis at work in the UticaTV station. /Photo: Alex Leland

PAGE 8

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

CONT. FROM PAGE 7

Which is why I thought being a full time TV producer and student would be something that I could easily handle. Boy, was I wrong about that.

As a producer at WCNY, I am responsible for producing the new season of their show, “Behind The Woman,” along with producing multiple side projects for our funding initiatives and helping shoot a children’s show. This job did come with more responsibilities than the PA position, but the hour commute everyday was still there. However, getting a

producer job before even graduating was something that takes most a few years in the field to achieve. It only made sense to skip a step and I would sort out the other aspects of my life later.

Turns out that I should have thought about this more because I constantly feel like I am being pulled in ten different directions. Every time that I have a productive day, scheduling guests to be on the show or writing a paper for one of my classes, it always feels like I am in the same place. There aren’t enough hours within the day to get everything

done. From waking up at six in the morning to walking in the door at nine at night. Cramming the days full of classes, meetings, scheduling, going out on shoots and freelancing on the side. However, as I sit to finish this in the middle of the night after working a sevenday week, all I can think of is how happy I am while working. The joy that I get from booking the perfect guest or getting the perfect shot for a video is unmatched to any other feeling that I have experienced. Which makes the long days all worth it and I would do it again in

a heartbeat because I love what I do.

To anyone considering doing this, I would caution that it is a lot of hard work and will require putting in long hours, so be prepared for a couple of sleepless nights. More importantly, make sure that you are doing something you love. If you can derive joy from what you are doing then all the long days and hours spent going to work and class won’t feel like another task on an endless list, but something essential to bring happiness to your life.

Public speaking class to host addiction education event

◊ JAMA JOSEPH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Communication and Media Professor Jeff Miller’s Public Speaking class is hosting a presentation titled “How to Save a Life: Hear a Harrowing True Story on Addiction and Recovery” on April 20 at 6 p.m. in the Boehlert Conference Room.

Two speakers will present and discuss drug abuse and addiction while providing information on how to help individuals who may have a drug problem and what to do in the event of an overdose.

Attendees can expect to learn about how to handle a situation where someone may be overdosing, how to help someone who is suffering from a drug problem and the negative effects that drugs have on the body.

Free Narcan distribution and demonstration will also be available.

After the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Discussing drug abuse and addiction is important because drug use has become normalized, and

people may not question it as a problem.Educating people with the tools to keep themselves and others safe from the dangers associated with drug use and addiction is vital.

Emma Puleri, a student in the Public Speaking class, said the class surveyed many people on campus about what issues they thought were most relevant to talk about and drug use was at the top of the list.

“This event will help raise awareness as it discusses drug use and addiction in the college environment, which pertains to the life of all students on campus,” Puleri said. “We hope that this event can educate students so that they can continue to share the information they learn to others.”

To prevent drug addiction in their communities, individuals can be supportive and understanding of those who need help, educate themselves about resources they can refer people to, and point those who need help in the direction of safe and trusted professionals, she said.

If you are looking for more information or resources on drug abuse and addiction, refer to the Oneida County Opioid Task Force, harmreduction.org or the

Heroin Epidemic Action League. These resources can provide the tools and information needed to help those struggling with addiction.

Event poster depicted above. /Photo: Emma Puleri

FEATURES

Watch ‘Company’ at Utica University in late April

LILY CHRISTOPHER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

◊

Rehearsals are in full swing for the Pioneer Players’ spring musical “Company,” set to perform April 20 -22 at 7:30 p.m. in Strebel Auditorium.

“Company” follows a bachelor named Bobby and his married friends who throw a party for his 35th birthday. It is a series of vignettes focusing on the perils and pleasure of love, marriage, divorce and dating among married couples, according to Playbill.com. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim.

Sophomore Dante Palumbo will play Peter, one of five husbands in the show. He started preparing for the show before auditions even began. The musical numbers are “a blast” and to sing to and the cast has

had a lot of fun bringing the characters to life.

For Palumbo, the role of Peter helped him improve his dancing skills and he always feels good whenever he’s working on the show.

“Audiences should expect a fun, high energy show with a cast that will definitely impress them,” Palumbo said. “They should also expect to learn some fun

and thoughtful lessons about life.”

Third-year Jacob Carissimo, an English education major, will play Harry in the production. Another of the five husbands, Carissimo considers Harry to be “a happy character, but not really able to understand or appreciate that happiness,” and also “a drunk.”

According to Carissimo,

preparation for any role requires utilizing the skills he’s acquired as an English major such as close reading to determine a character’s motivation behind their actions and how to translate that through his performance.

Carissimo’s favorite part of the show is the number “Side by Side by Side,” which he considers to be “musical and lyrical zenith of the show.”

“It’s a good marriage of the theatrical veins the show arises out of along with the ways in which it was genuinely groundbreaking when it came out,” Carissimo said.

Tickets are $10, but are free to Utica University students. They can be purchased online through Eventbrite and at the door.

Photo from Pioneer Players Facebook page

Managing student stress and anxiety essential in mental health

◊ MARIAMI KENTCHADZE SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS REPORTER

As students, we all know the feelings of stress and anxiety. Managing personal issues, finances, multiple jobs, health, relationships, academics as well as busy schedules and fast-paced way of living among other stressors or responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming making us feel as if we can’t seem to catch a break.

Regardless of how exhausting things may get, there are ways to manage our stress and anxiety so that it doesn’t interfere with our daily lives as much.

It is important to understand that stress and anxiety are common experiences that can be amplified by past or present traumas; ranging from childhood experiences to recent events they can have lasting effects on our mental health.

Managing the aftermath of our past traumas alongside everything else can make us feel even more stressed and overwhelmed, highlighting the importance of learning how to handle ourselves during our most challenging times.

According to Kristie

C. Bailey LMFT, Senior Clinical Counselor at Utica University, stress is a normal part of college life. However, it is important to recognize when stress has become overwhelming and is impacting our ability to function.

In some cases, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Additionally, it is important to remember that if you are struggling with stress and anxiety, there are healthy coping strategies that can help.

These strategies are different for everyone, what works for one person may not work for another so it is important to find what works best for you. For some, it may be practicing mindfulness or meditation, and for others, exercise or spending time with friends may help.

In addition to practicing mindfulness or meditation and engaging in physical activities like exercise or spending time with friends, here are some more coping strategies that you can try: Pursue a creative outlet: Engage in artistic activities that can help you express yourself creatively and provide you with a sense of satisfaction. Write in a journal, paint your feelings,

listen to music, dance to your favorite songs, and learn how to build or create things. Expressing yourself in different ways can have a big improvement on your mood.

Practice self-love and compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself, and acknowledge that it is okay to make mistakes and take time to rest.

Limit stressors: Limit your exposure to stressors; avoid situations or people that trigger your stress and anxiety.

Get more active: Exercise or Engage in any physical activity you find entertaining. Try sports, athletics, dancing, yoga, or other forms of physical exercise that can be beneficial to you for managing stressful times.

Socialize more: Spending time with friends and family can have a positive impact on your mood.

Take care of your health: Sleep well, Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, Eat a balanced and healthy diet, drink enough water, and make sure to take care of your body so it can take care of you. Healthy life habits are crucial for having a quality life.

Go out: Go outdoors and spend time in nature, explore, and go to places you have never been to.

Learn to say no: Learn to say no to commitments or responsibilities that cause you excessive stress.

Remember, coping strategies are highly individualized, so it is important to experiment with different techniques and strategies to find what works best for you!

In addition to healthy coping strategies, seeking professional help can also be very beneficial. Kristie C. Bailey suggests that incorporating healthy coping strategies, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional help can lead to healing and help us return to healthy functioning.

Managing stress and anxiety is essential to our mental health and wellbeing. It is important to be able to recognize when stress has become too much for us to handle on our own and to seek help when needed. With the right support and coping strategies, we can learn how to manage stress and anxiety in our lives and live a healthy, and a fulfilling life.

Turn up the Heat: City Cafe

◊ DIANA SIDOREVICH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I’m having a dairy-free moment this month and heard about the City Cafe, just a few minutes drive from campus, and my lunch destination was decided. City Cafe is a gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanutfree restaurant and bakery offering traditional lunch dishes for a larger customer base.

The friendliness of the two employees I interacted with added to the warmth of the coastal-rustic feeling in the cafe. They also had a soup of the week and hummus of the week, adding to the homey feel.

I ordered a Mediterranean bowl with grilled chicken, house-made hummus, roasted red peppers, and tomato, cucumber, and onion served on mixed greens and brown rice. The server recommended adding a side of oil and vinegar, which added a sauciness to the dish.

The vegetables were fresh and crisp and the chicken was well seasoned. Their hummus of the week, the lemon dill, was the most interesting part of the meal as it was a take on hummus I haven’t had before. I liked the fresh grassiness of the dill and that it was chunky and textured.

My friend ordered their most popular dish on the menu, the crispy chicken sandwich, on a gluten-free brioche roll with a side of sweet potato fries. Their hand-breaded and fried chicken was everything it needed to be-crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

This chicken sandwich was nothing like the half-hearted, flopped-together chicken sandwich I ordered at a local brewery last week; a sad story sporting one and 1/3 of a pickle and almost six short slices of cabbage as the

“coleslaw.” I won’t go on.

This chicken sandwich was everything it needed to be and it was no wonder it’s their most popular menu item. It was lacking in sauciness but that was nothing a side of spicy mayo couldn’t fix.

Both of our meals were very fresh and generous. Neither of us is gluten-free so we can’t fairly rate the bun, but it was quite spongy and fluffy and tasted nice to me. My friend avoided eating the bun.

I’ll have to be back to try their vegan mac and cheese and hall-of-fame fries, topped with crispy buffalo chicken, bacon, tomato, onion, and avocado crema. And then come back for a Belgian waffle tower during a Saturday brunch.

The amount of gluten-free baked goods they offer is impressive, filling a pastry case that was almost sold out once we got there.

Cinnamon rolls are baked fresh every day and two refrigerators are stocked with trays of half moon cookies, large snickerdoodle and peanut butter cookies, made with sesame, frozen waffles to toast at home and more.

City Cafe’s specials can be found on their Facebook or Instagram page.

Bon appetit, cuties!

CyberBits: Alarming Zero-Day Exploit that Affected Millions of Devices

◊ MARIAMI KENTCHADZE SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS REPORTER

Recent reports claimed that a Chinese Android app named Pinduoduo, a wellknown platform that had been downloaded by millions of users internationally, had used a zero-day attack on millions of devices.

Zero-day exploits are previously undiscovered vulnerabilities that have not yet been repaired, making them very convenient and beneficial to attackers and problematic for consumers everywhere. Until the vulnerability is mitigated, hackers are able to exploit it in order to cause damage to software, data, devices, or even a network.

“It’s not known how many third-party downloads Pinduoduo has, but given the wide reach of the app, the number is surely in the millions, if not hundreds of millions.”

Dan Goodin said in his article “Android app from China executed 0-day exploit on millions of device.”

Multiple sources recently asserted that Pinduoduo, China’s largest e-commerce platform that allows users to purchase products at a discounted price through group buying, used a zeroday vulnerability to take over millions of devices, steal confidential information, and spread malware.

A zero-day exploit is an emerging cybersecurity threat because the attacker discovers the software weakness before anyone else who might be concerned about preventing it, swiftly develops an exploit, and then uses it for an attack.

Through the exploit, attackers were able to obtain sensitive information, including confidential user data and location information. Even though the complete scope of the harm done by this attack is not yet fully known, it is obvious that the

ramifications are significant and could potentially be disastrous.

‘Lookout’, the leading provider of Data-Centric Cloud Security that helps businesses and individuals protect sensitive data and information, confirmed that malicious versions of the Pinduoduo app were accessible in third-party marketplaces, which are popular in China due to limited access to official app stores.

The malicious versions however could not be located in official app stores such as Apple’s App Store or Google Play. According to reports, the malicious applications exploited a number of zeroday vulnerabilities. Google is said to have deleted the malicious version of Pinduoduo from Play after the detection.

This incident highlighted the importance of staying vigilant and observant when it comes to app downloads and updates. Users need to be cautious about what permissions they grant to apps and knowledgeable about potential risks associated with downloading and installing new or unfamiliar apps.

Additionally, it is essential to keep all devices updated with the latest security adjustments and to avoid using outdated software or hardware on our devices. Furthermore, this attack underscores the need for app developers to prioritize security measures in their software. It is inadequate to merely develop an app that works well or is well-liked by users.

Developers must prioritize security measures while also making sure their applications have been fully examined and are secure, thus making them free from vulnerabilities. This is especially crucial in today’s world where breaches of data and cyberattacks are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Photo: Diana Sidorevich

DEI book club looking for new members to join discussion

◊ ISABELLA YAGHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Office of Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion holds a monthly book club, the DEI Book Club, which intends to host hard-hitting discussions.

The Book Club began in the Fall of 2021 and meets once a month during each semester from 3:30-4:30 pm. DEI Book Club members have the option to meet in the Willard Conference Room or via Zoom.

The group talks about the selected texts, as well as collaborates with the authors and other speakers to expand the conversations surrounding issues brought up by the books.

Each semester, DEI is provided with copies of each book to give to members and in addition to this, the library buys three copies of each book to lend out.

The club reached eight members, though there are usually about five.

According to Nina Nguyen, Project Manager, Senior Administrative Assistant and DEI Book Club co-host, newcomers are always welcome.

“Whether members have read some, all, or even none of the book, we still encourage joining the conversation,” Nguyen said.

According to librarian and co-host of the book club, Sam Berry-Sullivan, the book club hopes to have participation that will expand the book discussions.

“I would particularly appreciate it if some English faculty and students would join to help us elevate the discussion of these texts,” Berry-Sullivan said.

During the first half of the semester, the DEI Book Club read Angie Thomas’ “On The

Come Up,” which is a young adult fiction book.

Currently, the club is reading Neema Avashia’s “Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place.” The book is a blend between a memoir and creative nonfiction, in which Avashia analyzes her upbringing as an Indian Appalachian. In particular, she examines how her experiences as a queer woman operating in a world of Indian Appalachian stereotypes, as well as how these experiences influence her teaching as a public school teacher.

The club welcomes faculty, staff, students and alumni to the club.

“The idea is that there is a lot of turmoil in the world, and change cannot come without hard conversations,” Berry-Sullivan said. “Being able to reference the book as the jumping off point for those discussions ideally takes away some of the vulnerability or fear of entering into those discussions.”

The group analyzes a variety of texts from memoirs to fiction to essay collections. This is intentionally done so in order to appeal to a wide range of readers. BerrySullivan suggests that readers who weren’t up to reading last semester’s “Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity” may find themselves more inclined to join in on reading “On The Come Up,” which also has a movie adaptation.

The final meeting will be Thursday, May 4 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Students may sign up through the use of a Google form at the bottom of the Utica University events web page, or with the following link: https://www.utica.edu/ events/2023-04-06/dei-bookclub-meeting

The final book for the Spring 2023 semester. Photo: utica.edu

◊ HOLLIE DAVID MANAGING EDITOR

As of Friday, April 14 the Utica University Faculty Union will be 73 days out of contract after the decision was made not to extend their previous contract. This decision by the faculty union’s negotiation team came about due to a stated lack of meaningful movement and effort from the university’s negotiating team and has spurred on a “Fair contract campaign” by the union.

“The University has been very slow to respond at times, has not always provided us clear explanations for why it has rejected our proposals, and also has not responded to multiple information requests that we have submitted over the past few months,” AAUPUtica President Leonore Fleming said.

The campaign, which ran from Monday, April 10 to Friday, April 14 included sharing AAUPUtica’s various social media platforms, wearing AAUP

buttons and the color red, submitting faculty testimonials for social media and the appearance of Drax the angry duck who could be spotted around campus.

“By increasing the visibility of our fight for a fair contract, we hope to convey to the administration just how upset we are about the past 10 months—our concerns have been disregarded, our expertise has been ignored, and our role at this institution does not appear to be valued

by the University leadership,” Fleming said.

In an email to The Tangerine, provost and president-elect of Utica Todd Pfannestiel said the university will continue to negotiate a fair contract.

“The university remains committed to bargaining in good faith with the AAUP leadership to arrive at a fair contract for our faculty and maintain the academic integrity and long-term stability of Utica University,” Pfannestiel said.

Utica to host Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game

◊ TANGERINE STAFF

The Sitrin Foundation will host the 19th Annual Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Clark Athletic Center at Utica University.

Syracuse University standout basketball players Benny Williams and Quadir Copeland will headline this year’s Celebrity Cruisers team and two fans will have the chance to compete against Williams and Copeland in a threepoint competition at halftime.

A new addition to this year’s celebrity team are members of Syracuse University’s men’s soccer national championship team, according to Marc DePerno, the director of the Sitrin STARS Adaptive Sports Program.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to receive an autograph from the Syracuse University athletes at no additional cost.

Proceeds will support the STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation Sports) adaptive sports program, fund the purchase of new sports wheelchairs and equipment and help offset training and competition expenses for STARS athletes.

The program provides sporting opportunities to people with physical disabilities at a recreational, competitive and Paralympic level. The Sitrin STARS athletes compete both locally and around the world.

Competing against the STARS are the Celebrity Cruisers, a team comprised

of regional athletes and people who make contributions to improving the Mohawk Valley.

“The STARS are excited to return to the court and showcase their amazing abilities,” DePerno said.

“We are very grateful for our sponsors and supporters, as well as Utica University for providing an exceptional venue each year.”

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door and are $10 for adults over 18 and $5 for students of any age. Children under 5 will be admitted free of charge. For ticket information visit: www.sitrin. com/celebrityclassic

Members of the Sitrin STARS basketball team play against the Celebrity Cruisers in the 2022 Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game. /Photo: Sitrin Health Care Center.

Image featuring former Syracuse University players Jimmy and Buddy Boeheim. /Photo: Sitrin Health Care Center.

POV: XFL gaining popularity in the U.S., Utica coaches consider it beneficial to football

◊ ANDRES JAIME-MENDEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The revamped XFL has taken the U.S. by storm in 2023, showing millions around the country that football can be more than just a sport.

The XFL, which does not have any specific word or meaning associated with its name, is a high-level professional American football minor league. It had its inaugural season in 2001, and later relaunched before the pandemic in 2020. The 2023 season marks the third edition of the league, with viewers looking to see how this version develops, according to sportingnews. com.

While the league has been able to bring in more former NFL and top talent, most notably wide receiver Josh Gordon and quarterback A.J. McCarron, the features that have made this bigger than just football have been the rule changes and the differentiation that has been created.

Evan Willsmore, an XFL News Hub journalist covering the Houston Roughnecks, spoke to The Tangerine and said the development of the XFL has combined the original feel of the league with new improvements.

“I think they’ve done a good job carrying over the original product,” Willsmore said. “Now it’s a more tangible product, and it’s more professional.”

A big change that has happened is the new ownership of the XFL, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his business partner Dany Garcia

leading and taking over the league’s operations.

“The ownership adds a new element,” Willsmore said. “The Rock has incorporated more of his brand into the league and people are really gravitating towards him.”

To go along with this new branding, university professors in the areas of sports management and sports marketing have taken a look at the expansion of football in America and how the XFL’s product has developed.

Utica University sports management and marketing professor Moonsup Hyun said in order for the NFL to have a competitor, there must be a few things that the new entity achieves and does.

“The ways for the XFL to compete with the NFL is to make games accessible, have good players and have an effective positioning strategy through rule changes,” Hyun said.

The positioning strategy for the XFL is through changing the rules because this makes it an actual

alternative to the NFL, the Utica professor explained. This helps to differentiate the product physically through changing the rules of the sport, he said.

The XFL has expanded the football market because if you have only $20, you can now enjoy high-quality football. Before if you only had $20, you could not watch football because NFL tickets are $100 or more.

Willsmore agreed with Hyun on the importance for the XFL to differentiate its product and attempt to tap into a new market.

“It comes down to innovation, the rule changes alter the flow to the game,” Willsmore said.

“They are still their unique product.”

This unique product described by Willsmore is something Utica Football quarterbacks coach Braeden Zenelovic agrees is a major draw for fans interested in the league, specifically stating that mic’d up playcallers allow an inside look into what goes on behind the scenes.

Zenelovic has a friend

who plays for the Houston Roughnecks, the team Willsmore reports for, so there are even personal connections to the Houston franchise here in Utica. Zenelovic sees the XFL as a “bounceback” league where players can get a chance to prove themselves after being on an NFL practice squad for some time.

Utica’s outside linebackers coach Christian Legagneur sees the application of the league in a similar manner to Zenelovic, viewing the XFL as a way to improve his coaching and be able to help Utica football players.

“It (XFL) serves as an intimate setting,” Legagneur said. “You can compare the players and show our guys (Utica) how these guys are professionals and are making the same mistakes you’re making.”

As the league continues to grow and cities across the country watch the XFL even more, the size of the fanbase will become even larger.

Coach Zenelovic and Coach Legagneur summed up the potential future for the XFL in the market for American football: The NFL needs to absorb the league, and it can be kind of how the NBA has a G-League. Overall, it’s just a great way to keep football in the States.

Photo courtesy of Evan Willsmore, Houston Roughnecks reports, @Evan_Willsmore on Twitter.