Friday, April 11, 2025 Tangerine Special Sports Edition
Fear The Moose
Utica men’s basketball celebrating their Empire 8 Championship win. Saturday March 1, 2025. //Photo by Nico Leonard
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FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025
Editor-in-Chief - Brady Barnard
Online/Social Media Editor - Syamimi Anuar
Online/Social Media Editor- Jenna Skutnik
Sports Reporter - Nick Phillips
Sports Reporter- Jasaun Huff
Staff Reporter - Megan Wright
Staff Photographer - Luke Reed
Circulation Manager- Eduardo Paez
Adviser - Mary Christopher
The opinions and columns expressed in The Tangerine are those of the individual writers and do not represent the views of The Tangerine or Utica University.
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The Tangerine is published biweekly during the academic year by and for Utica University students. To reach a member of the staff, email tanger@utica.edu or call 315-792-3065. All material printed in The Tangerine is copyrighted. The Tangerine was first published as the Utica College News on Nov. 6, 1946.
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Damien Call ends his collegiate career with scoring accolades
Jasaun Huff, Sports Reporter
Senior Damien Call left a huge mark on the Utica University basketball team and is finishing his collegiate career with memories that will last a lifetime.
Call, a Rome native who graduated from Rome Free Academy in 2020, will graduate in May with a master’s degree in business administration and plans on joining the business sector shortly after.
The forward position player dominated on the court and played hard during his years at Utica. His game day routine was something he took seriously, and along with academics and hanging with his teammates, succeeding with basketball and reaching his goals were always his top priorities.
“A typical game day routine for me is wake up, eat some breakfast and listen to some music for some good energy,” he said.
“Do a light shoot around with the team about 4-5 hours before tip off and then end my routine with some stretching before the game.”
Call reached the 1,000-point milestone in a free throw against Russell Sage College on Senior Night, leading the team to a 70-61 victory. During that Feb. 8 game he scored 18 points and made 10 rebounds, nine of them being defensive.
“Hitting 1,000 points in college was an amazing feeling and it felt even better to be able to do it in front of my family,” he said. “To be able to accomplish the 1,000 point mark in both high school and college is a great feeling.”
Call said his parents are his biggest influences.
”(They’re) always there for me and guiding me in the right
direction and I couldn’t be the person I am today without them, endless support from them and my family and I always strive to be as great as them,” he said.
Neruda Perdomo, a former teammate of Call’s, said Call is one of the best teammates he played with because of his talent and humbleness.
“Playing with Call was a great experience,” Perdomo said. “He’s a down to earth guy that goes out his way for others to make sure they’re good. He’s a role model on and off the court.”
Call said the advice he would give someone is “do what you do better, better.”
“(That) helped the team throughout the season really lock in and focus on the game plan each game to allow us to win the conference championship,” Call said.
Baseball team enjoying a winning season and exciting moments
Conner Scharbach, Staff Writer
Utica University’s baseball team is off to a strong start so far, with an 11-6-1 record and some memorable wins.
The Pioneers just finished a three game series in Utica against Alfred University winning the first game 18-2 and the second game 9-8 in extra innings. The third game was canceled.
Steven Sclafani, a graduate student and middle infielder, is a key player in the success
for the team and has high hopes for later in the season.
Sclafani said the team is hunting for the championship
“I think that our strong start to the season will carry all the way into the playoffs,”
Sclafani said. “While we have enjoyed the recent success, we are not complacent and have our sights set on playing in the Empire 8 championship game for the fourth time in the last five years. This is a talented group of guys who want it all, there is no limit to how far this team can go.”
In a game against SUNY Poly on March 23, the Pioneers were down by three going into the bottom of the ninth when they came back and scored four runs to win the game on a two RBI hit by Sclafani.
“This team has completely bought into our identity,” he said. “We understand what it takes to win and everybody is willing to do it. That includes grinding every plate appearance, bunting, stealing bases, and just focusing on passing the torch to the next guy up. That is exactly how we
came back in the ninth inning against SUNY Poly.”
The Pioneers play a threegame series against the St. John Fisher Cardinals (11-12) on April 12 and 13, with a double header on April 12.
For more information on the Utica Pioneers baseball team and their upcoming schedule, visit the Utica Pioneers website.
Call with the ball against SUNY Poly. //Photo by Shotsbysturdy
4 FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025
Utica Baseball aims to prove the doubters wrong
Nico Leonard, Contributing Writer
The Utica Baseball team is coming off an unfortunate end to last season. The Pioneers lost in the first round of the Empire 8 playoffs, but rallied back in two straight elimination games to book their trip to see St. John Fisher in the championship game. The team ultimately fell to Fisher for the second time in the postseason, making St. John Fisher Empire 8 champions.
Sophomore pitcher Justin Notargiacomo said that a lot of people expect [the baseball team] to be a lot worse than last year after losing a bunch of seniors and losing some to the transfer portal. But with a good start so far including going over .500 in Florida and a big Em-
pire 8 win against cross-town rival Suny Poly under their belt, the team is eyeing to exceed expectations.
“Every year our goal is to win the championship and we know with how tough the conference is, it isn’t going to be easy,”
Notargiacomo said. “We still think when we’re out there we’re better than whoever’s on the other side and that we’re gonna win the game we’re in. We know what it’s going to take to win it all this year, and we know we’re gonna have to be at
our best come playoff time, but we think there is a good chance this is the year we call ourselves champions.”
The Baseball schedule runs all the way to May 3rd before the top teams compete at a neutral location for the Empire 8 title. The Pioneers will certainly have that circled on their calendars with the desire to avenge their championship loss last year.
“We got a lot of young guys that are stepping up this season and we think we’re gonna be a tough team to compete against and we expect to surprise some people this year,” Notargiacomo said.
Recap: Frozen Four of the Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championship
Tobias Neto, Staff Writer
Utica University’s men’s hockey team battled in overtime against Curry College in the Nexus Center on March 28. With a 2-1 win, Utica advanced to the Division III National Championship game against Hobart.
As the score stayed at zero a piece, it was a physical game and that’s exactly how the first period started. With both teams under 10 shots on goal, goalies were standing their ground and shots were limited. Utica had their defensive efforts create goal scoring opportunities, but could not capitalize.
Utica’s defense continued to fuel their offense as they would put up 19 shots on goal in the second period. One of the shots
ended in a goal. Freshman Anthony Bax provided the game with its first goal and was assisted by captain Brian Scoville and Jakob Breault. Pioneers would end the period up 1-0 going into the third.
With a little under 9 minutes left, Curry College found a way to score to tie the game. The game was a defensive chess match as both goalies guarding the net did their best to not give up a goal. Pioneers only took 7 shots on goal and all were potential game winning strikes. Both teams found themselves in penalty trouble in a match where it felt like the refs were letting them play. Each team could not use their advantages in power play and the period concluded with a tie going into overtime.
Freshman goalie Ryan Piros made a tremendous save, stopping the only shot on goal Curry put up in overtime. Pioneers countered, Sophomore Eric Vitale hawked down the puck in their offensive zone, Jakob Breault maintained possession and fired a pass to Brian Scoville. Scoville fired a shot on
goal and Eric Vitale managed a shot off the rebound and “They Score, They Score, They Score. See you on Sunday.” Announcer Call.
Justin Notar’ on the mound. //Photo by Nico Leonard
Utica men’s hockey celebrating agoal against Curry College. //Photo by Tobias Neto
Utica men’s hockey reach the National Championships
Tobias Neto, Staff Writer
On Sunday, March 30, Utica University’s Men’s hockey team reached the Division III National Championship for the first time in school history. Faculty and students were fired up about the game, along with the local community members cheering on the Pioneers.
The energy was electrifying walking up the stairs of the Nexus Center. As the crowd started to pour in, Pioneer hockey fans shared how they felt about the team’s first ever trip to the championship and how they enjoyed the Frozen Four weekend experience in Utica.
Fans were delighted to be a part of something so big and packed the spirited arena, many were decked out in orange Pioneer
gear and there were some young kids with the letters G-O U-T-IC-A U-C painted on their chest who jumped excitedly during the game.
Bernard Williams from New Hartford has been to over a thou-
sand hockey games, but being a local meant his loyalty lies with Utica.
“This is a great atmosphere, both teams are great, I’m just pulling for Utica to win the game,” Williams said.
John Casolini, a 1981 Utica University (then Utica College) graduate, attended the game and said Utica did not have hockey teams during his undergrad years. He said being at the championship game was an unbelievable experience
“This team here is amazing and to be here from the National Championships is beyond anything that any of us could ever have imagined when we were in undergrad,”
Though the game ended in heart breaking fashion as the Pioneers came up short in overtime 2-1, many fans and family stayed to watch the award ceremony and provided a lasting ovation to the team that provided what was undeniably Utica Men’s hockey’s greatest season.
The Tangerine Fall/Winter athletes of the year
The Tangerine has collected nominees from all of Utica’s media organizations. We will be posting polls on the Tangerine’s social media pages so that staff and students of the school can vote on who they think should be the fall and winter athletes of the year.
List of Nominees:
Fall Winter
Men
Bennet Melita (Cross Country)
Eli Douglas (Football)
John Stroughn (Football)
Matt Brantley (Football)
Women
Amber Piersma (Soccer)
Mackenzie Mix (Field Hockey)
Megan Wright (Volleyball)
Jada Anthony (Volleyball)
Men
Dayion Thompson (Basketball)
Hunter Logan (Track/ Field)
Damien Call (Basketball)
Jakob Breault (Hockey)
Women
Grace Marra (Gymnastics)
Roley Calhoun (Hockey)
Jazmene Molina (Wrestling)
Angela Hawthorne (Hockey)
//Photo by Tobias Neto
6 FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025
Recent symposium spreads awareness on maternal mortality rates and racial disparities in women’s health care
Grace Christopher, Staff Writer
Maternal mortality rates in the United States have been rising at an unsettling pace, putting women’s health at risk during and following childbirth, according to recent data, and the number of pregnancy-related deaths has increased significantly over the past two decades. The United States has the highest rate of deaths for new mothers of any developed country, according to the Centers of Disease Control.
New statistics and medical trends were explained during a presentation titled “Preventing Maternal Mortality: The Educate to Advocate Symposium” on March 27 in Hislop Auditorium, held in collaboration with The Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network at the Neighborhood Center of Utica.
The event was led by keynote speaker and panelist Mary Siniscarco, Occupational Therapist and Associate Professor of Health Sciences at Utica University, with opening remarks from Dr. Kyrra Marchese, chair of the Health Sciences department at Utica University, Dr. Sarah Wolle, Associate Professor of Health Sciences assisted in moderating the event. The Health Science Student Society Executive Board members were also instrumental in event support.
According to the New York State Maternal Mortality Review Board, there are a variety of reasons for pregnancy-related deaths, such as: obesity, mental health concerns, substance abuse disorders and discrimination cases being the greatest cause of maternal death at 47%. Women of color face healthcare disparities and experience significantly
higher maternal mortality rates due to systemic inequalities in healthcare access, quality of care and implicit bias among healthcare providers. Experts also pointed to racial inequities in low-income areas and women not being taken seriously when trying to address their health concerns. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause as compared to white women.
“A CDC statistic states more than 53% percent of maternal deaths occur from 7-365 days postpartum,” Siniscarco said. “ Shockingly, 80% of deaths are preventable.”
Also, postpartum depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions making suicide one of the leading causes of maternal death in the first year after childbirth.
“The hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and stress of new motherhood can worsen mental health, Siniscarco said. “Only 40% of women even know that birth can also cause postpartum post traumatic stress disorder which
can occur from a traumatic birth experience.”
Panelist Joan Gallimo, a registered nurse and perinatal education specialist from the Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network at the Neighborhood Center INC, said the city of Utica offers a mobile crisis assessment team (MCAT) team that is designed to respond to mental health and substance use crises in the community, rather than requiring individuals to go to a hospital or emergency room, which can be helpful for women experiencing any form of pre/postpartum mental health concerns.
Many maternal deaths occur due to failing to recognize and act on urgent maternal warning signs such as a severe headache that won’t go away, dizziness, change in vision, fever, trouble bleeding, chest pain, fast heart rate, severe belly pain that won’t go away, severe nausea, vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during or after pregnancy, swelling and pain in your leg or extreme swelling in hands or face and overwhelming tiredness. According to
Siniscarco, it is of the “utmost importance to alert your medical provider if any of the above urgent maternal warning signs are experienced. Advocacy is key.”
Sinisarco talked about needing a “Call to Action” at Utica University through the “Educate to Advocate” initiative where she will train interested students to deliver evidence-based presentations regarding urgent maternal warning signs to all women. You do not need to be a Health Science major or have a minor in Healthcare Advocacy and Navigation to actively participate in the “Educate to Advocate” initiative.
“Not only are you saving lives, you are developing your professional skills when you actively partake in the initiative,” Siniscarco said. “I just want motivated students who are willing to learn and make a difference. We need to encourage women to self-advocate.”
Other event panelists included, Dr. Rose Antilus, chair of the Department of Obstetric and Gynecology and Medical Director of Women’s Health at the Mohawk Valley Health System; Lois Sexton, Public Health Nurse with the Central New York Regional Office of the New York State Department of Health; and Megan Tyrrell, director of the Perinatal Regionalization Unit of the New York State Department of Health.
If interested in being part of the “Educate to Advocate” initiative, or to schedule an evidence-based Urgent Maternal Warning Signs presentation, please contact Professor Mary Siniscarco at mtsinisc@utica.edu or (315) 792-3196.
//Photo by Grace Christopher
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025
“Rhinoceros”: Preview
Jenna Skutnik, Online/Social Media Editor
This weekend, The Utica University Theatre Department will debut its spring production of Rhinoceros, a dark yet humorous absurdist play by Eugène Ionesco. Performances will take place in Strebel Auditorium on campus from April 10 -13, showcasing months of collaboration among students, faculty and community members.
The play centers on a quiet town where people mysteriously begin turning into rhinoceroses—an allegory for the rise of fascism and the dangers of mass conformity. Originally written in 1959, Ionesco’s absurdist satire remains relevant today.
“Rhinoceros is about what it’s like to live through the rise of fascism,” director Rachel Wolfe said. “The whole thing is kind of nonsensical, but also hilarious because everything is nonsensical. It has that core of, ‘It is really disorienting to live through fascism,’ and the disoriented humor reflects that.”
The Utica production blends
political commentary with broad comedic appeal. Wolfe said the play uses a mix of visual gags, physical comedy and clever wordplay to engage audiences.
“We’ve got lots of fun visual humor, silly slapstick moments and gags,” Wolfe said. “So if you’re into Three Stooges-esque physical humor, this play is great. There’s also a fair amount of wordplay.”
The production also features a live animal actor—campus feline celebrity Kitty plays the role of Little Cat.
“We have a live cat in this production, which we’re very happy about,” Wolfe said. “Our feline actor is the star of the show.”
While the play contains moments of levity, the production team is not shying away from its political message. Laura Salvaggio, the play’s set designer, said audiences should expect both laughter and serious reflection.
“While a comedy, the play is still a statement against fas-
cism,” Salvaggio said. “It’s a comedy that helps you feel something about the world in a slightly different way.”
The decision to stage Rhinoceros was a direct response to current events, including last year’s presidential election.
“We had narrowed it down to two,” Salvaggio said. “But as the election unfolded, we decided the other option didn’t address the political events going on right now. We felt it was really important for this art moment to reflect what’s happening.”
Tackling a politically charged production has brought emotional and creative challenges to the department. Salvaggio said the work has been cathartic but also heavy at times.
“There is a weight that comes with this play existing in a fascist world,” she said. “Our costume designer, for instance, has had to create insignias for fascist groups, and she’s kind of living in that world to design the costumes. There’s that dichotomy—this is something I
can do in response, but there are these moments where you are sometimes overwhelmed with it.”
Salvaggio emphasized how theater can prepare audiences emotionally for real-world issues.
“You go to the theater and feel these things on stage,” she said. “Then when you encounter them in life, you have a point of reference. It’s not all new emotions, and you can deal with it a little more sanely.”
For the cast, the message is clear. Christian Stevens, a junior physical therapy major who plays the character Dudard, said the play challenges the audience to stay grounded in their values.
“Don’t let societal pressures change your morals,” Stevens said. “That’s a big piece of the show.”
Rhinoceros will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. Tickets are available at the door for $15 for the public and $5 for students. Sales are cash only.
Sharing Knowledge & Expertise for a Successful Career Search event in review
Nick Phillips, Sports Reporter
Are you a senior who’s interested in finding a career?
A March 24 panel discussion about sharing knowledge and expertise for a successful career search was the place to be
This event, hosted by Dr. Anthony Baird, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belong at Utica University, was presented by Utica’s departments for International Education, Center for Career Read-
iness and Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Baird provided questions and conversation starters to seven international adults who gave insight on what college students, especially those coming to the United States from other countries, can do to be successful in the job search.
The panel provided information on how to become successful in any field. With advice from people who have experience in finding a successful career, students gained insight and
knowledge on how to prepare themselves for upcoming challenges they may face. The main message was that life is short and you don’t have time to waste, especially when it comes to setbacks.
The panel was led by several different speakers who shared advice from personal experiences. One was Chinonso Ezeiruaku, who is a Business Intelligence Manager at Klaviyo and has been working for over eight years in data analytics and visualization. The
Nigerian native said he had to come out of his shell and meet new people to get to where he is today.
“I gained confidence to use for interviews or that I could go into any room and just be myself,” Ezeiruaku said.
Chioma Okafor, an accomplished Solutions Architect and Implementation Consultant who became the Senior Solu-
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tions Architect at LegalTech upon graduating from Northwestern University, was another speaker.
“You have to stay guided by mentors and you need to stay ready,” Okafor said.
When asked what the most important thing is in finding a career, Okafor responded with a mere three words:“Network, network, network,” Okafor said.
In regards to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optical Practical Training (OPT), Okafor said it is important to know what you want to do.
“You have to find an opportunity in line with your field of study,” Okafor said. “You have to find something that matches your interests. I had reviewed different jobs, one interviewed me and was interested, that’s how I landed my CPT. I stayed after I graduated and I got my OPT.”
He also stressed the importance of having an “elevator pitch” ready, especially when prepping for a job fair.
“You need to have an elevator pitch, which is how can you introduce yourself to someone in thirty seconds,” Okafor
said. “You need to know how to sell yourself and show how interested you are.”
The third speaker was Talha Khan, a former Westgate Resorts employee who graduated with a MBA in Supply Chain Management, Information Systems and Business Analytics from the University of Massachusetts and is currently pursuing the APICS CSCP certification to further strengthen his expertise in supply chain innovation.
Other speakers included Teresa Lin, a School Data and Content Manager at Finding School, Monica Agoha, a experienced state and local
tax associate with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry while currently working at PwC and Thao Ma, a Vietnam native who moved to the United States in 2014 and is the founder of “Mia’s Glamour Corner.”
Lin said having an internship is the most important thing you can do to set yourself up for success. Agoha said job candidates have to “cut the fluff” when interviewing and meeting with people.
Dr. Irene Irudayam, the Associate Vice President for Institutional Research at Vermont State University was the final
speaker. Throughout her career, Irudayam has developed expertise in effectiveness, institutional research and student engagement. After coming to the United States from India, Irudayam talked about her job struggles.
“My biggest challenge was the job market,” Irudayam said. “You have to get your foot in the door first.”
Cont.
//Photo from uticauniveristy.com
NEWS
Poetry puzzle
By: Professor of Biology, Adam Pack
Utica to move out of Clark City Center downtown
Nick Phillips, Sports Reporter
Carter Lathrop, Contributing Writer
All Utica University downtown operations at the Clark City Center, including the Brvenik Center for Business Education, Office of Advancement and Office of Enrollment Operations, will move to the university’s main campus prior to the start of the fall 2025 semester.
The official announcement was made on Friday, April 4
in a campus-wide email from Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel. He said the decision was based on feedback received from students and faculty in addition to a review of classroom and administrative space.
“As we approach the end of our current lease agreement, the time is right for a fresh look at how we can best serve our students and support their learning goals in the years ahead,” Pfannestiel said.
The email explained how students would benefit from this change.
“First and foremost, it will enable our business students to benefit from the significant expansion of campus teaching and learning facilities over the past ten years,” according to Pfannestiel. “Business classes will be more conveniently accessible to residential and commuter students, including our growing population of international students. Just as importantly, this move will offer students the opportunity to more fully engage in campus life.”
campus
Clark City Center is located at 181 Genesee St. and has housed business classes for the University since the fall 2016 semester. During the nearly 10-year stay downtown, the university built the Science Center and Thurston Hall on the Burrstone Road campus, providing the necessary space for their operations.
A decision like this impacts more than just Utica University facility and students. Junior business management major Spencer Borghardt is concerned about downtown businesses that Cont. on Pg 10
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became accustomed to Utica University students as patrons.
“I feel for the local businesses that rely so heavily on student foot traffic to keep their businesses open, but I understand why the school had to do it,” he said. “I know the school wouldn’t have done it if they didn’t have to, and I think it will save them so many headaches from now on. There is never parking anywhere close and the shuttles are usually overcrowded and get you to class late, and I think the school is going to appreciate not having to worry about that anymore.”
Zane Lepage, a junior finance major with a minor in management, said he wished the university could have figured out a way to keep the Clark City Center.
“The business building is unique and sets us apart from other majors and even other schools,” Lepage said. “I think the school had the right idea when they opened the business building, it’s just a shame that it didn’t work out.”
Students not associated with the Clark City Center, such as junior criminology major Vincent Bernardo, understood why some may be upset at this news.
“I get why the school had to do it, sometimes you have to put finances above all else especially when you are in a rough spot financially,” he said. “But I would totally understand if people were upset about this because it is such a drawing point to potential students that are business majors because of how interesting and unique of a building it was. Some kids might have even decided on Utica University solely for that
building, but at the end of the day, stuff happens. It’s a tough situation but I think it will ultimately be for the best.”
As far as this change, Pfannestiel detailed that it will be a gradual change that will not begin until after the current semester has ended.
“The relocation will occur gradually; no classes or faculty offices will move until the conclusion of the spring semester,” Pfannestiel wrote. “Details will be finalized in the coming weeks, and I will share updates on new office and classroom locations as information becomes available.”
A representative for the Genesee Street building has mentioned that there are two potential tenants interested in moving in.
SGA presidential debate highlights visions for a better Utica University
Elijah Faucette, Contributing Writer
On Monday, April 7 at 3 p.m., Utica University students gathered to hear from their two Student Government Association (SGA) presidential candidates, Evelyn Enriquez and Anthony Testa, in a debate that emphasized their competing visions for the future of campus life.
The event marked a pivotal moment in the election season, allowing the student body to engage in the democratic process and make informed decisions ahead of the upcoming vote.
Both candidates presented passionate cases for why they should lead the SGA, offering awareness of their priorities and plans if elected.
Evelyn Enriquez, a political science major and active figure in several campus organizations, emphasized the importance of
inclusion and communication.
“I am committed to fostering an inclusive, dynamic and engaging environment for every student,” Enriquez said. “I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication to bring about positive change.”
A key pillar of her campaign is the enhancement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Enriquez argued that DEI is essential in restoring the university’s sense of community.
“DEI can be a stepping stone or a movement toward turning the campus back to what it was,” she said.
In addressing concerns from those skeptical of DEI policies, Enriquez proposed a balanced leadership approach.
“One way that I can address those who oppose the DEI policies... is by having a vice-president who
leans along those lines,” she said, indicating her intent to include differing viewpoints in her administration.
On the other hand, Anthony Testa, a business administration major, focused on community engagement and resource management. Drawing from his experience with civic involvement, including working with local governments and providing aid to underserved populations, Testa highlighted the need for improved communication and practical resource use.
“From campus safety to off-campus resources to the student body, we need to communicate in a way that benefits not only Utica University but also strengthens the city of Utica,” he said.
One notable moment in the debate came from current SGA member Xavier Moore, who raised a concern shared by many commuter students.
“Would either of you candidates consider creating a plan where we can re-open a commuter lounge for those to feel welcome and not have to roam around campus until their next class?” Moore asked.
Testa responded by reinforcing the value of active listening within student government. “To know we can create a community that knows we’re actively listening… it would lead to a huge success amongst campus,” he said.
As election day approaches, students are encouraged to reflect on the candidates’ platforms and participate in the vote that will shape the direction of their student government for the upcoming year.
Voting in the SGA election will be open from Tuesday, April 8 through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 11. Results will be announced Monday, April 14.
Utica will no longer offer classes at Clark City Center in downtown Utica. // Photo Alexandra Leland
Gender Sexuality Alliance holds vigil for lives lost to transgender violence
Nolan Hyman, Staff Writer
To honor the lives of transgender people lost in 2024, Utica University’s Gender Sexuality Alliance hosted a vigil on International Transgender Visibility Day.
GSA’s annual Transgender Remembrance Vigil, held on March 31 in the Library Concourse, recognized the 88 transgender Americans who were victims of transgender violence.
Joined by Provost Stephanie Nesbitt and others from the campus community, the event was about holding a minute of space and silence for those lost lives, said Kate Vaughn, the President of GSA.
“There is, in the world today, so much violence against the queer community, the LGBTQ+ community,” Vaughn said. “Because of this violence, so many lives are lost.”
The vigil not only called the
names of transgender people who were victims of transphobia but also opened up the floor for attendees to share their thoughts about what the day meant to them.
For years in the United States, there has been a long history of violence against transgender people who question society’s gender conformities, Vaughn said.
As a student-led organization, GSA aims to educate people
and answer questions about the queer community. On the Utica campus, there is always support to be found for GSA events, Vaughn said.
GSA welcomes everyone to join and encourages people to contact them with any ideas for upcoming events, whether through email, their Instagram page, or Piohub.
//Photos by Nolan Hyman
Cybersecurity Club travels to Rhode Island for cyber defense competition
Nicholas Peccia,
Contributing Writer
The Cybersecurity Club at Utica University competed in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) regionals in Rhode Island on March 14 and 15, marking the team’s first-ever appearance at this stage of the competition.
This event, known for its intense, real-world simulation of network defense, tested the team’s abilities to protect and manage an existing network infrastructure while facing numerous cyber-attacks from the red team. Utica’s team performed exceptionally well in the preliminary round; however, as the competition progressed more challenges arose.
Nolan Flynn, a junior in the
cybersecurity program, said he was unprepared going into the competition but now knows what he needs to work on for future competitions.
“I went into CCDC blind, meaning I didn’t prep anything, no scripts and no studying,” Flynn said. “I had no knowledge which to help aid me before the competition started like the other teams which go to CCDC year after year. As a first time going through CCDC, there are a lot of changes on how I will be addressing cyber security incidents.”
In contrast, John Hrustich, a senior cyber security student, was more prepared because of previous experiences in other cybersecurity competitions.
“Preparation included attending other competitions including Hivestorm and CNY Hackathon,” Hrustrich said. “These events gave the team members experience with applying their learned skills in practical applications. Additionally, through several team meetings and practices, we decided who would be assigned to what task or objective and practiced using those services or systems.”
For Chase Dobbertin, a fourthyear student at Utica and the club’s advisor, he felt that the Utica University cyber team performed great despite the circumstances.
“We were speaking to one of our moderators after the competition, Aiden, and he really put things
into perspective for us,” Dobbertin said. “He said that almost all of the other teams at CCDC this year were repeats and knew exactly what to expect during the competition. He also stated that we were doing better than all of the other teams he had moderated before us, which was very impressive.”
Although this was a challenging competition, members of the cybersecurity team enjoyed themselves despite the numerous days they spent hacking away at this competition.
“We also had a lot of fun,” Hrustich said. “This group of students has been working together for the better part of this year and had a great experience and made some great connections.”
21st Annual Sitrin Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Game to be held on campus on April 10
Staff Reports
Local celebrities will take to the court to face-off in wheelchairs against Sitrin’s STARS athletes in the 21st Annual Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball game on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m., in the Utica University Clark Athletic Center.
Joining this year’s game are Syracuse University Men’s Basketball stars J.J. Starling, Donnie Freeman and more. Starling led his team in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game, and has accumulated more than 1,000 career points. He also ranked seventh in scoring in the ACC. Freeman was the second-leading scorer for the Orange, averaging 13.4 points per game.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sitrin STARS program, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate
in a variety of adaptive sports including wheelchair curling, road racing, target shooting, paddling, biathlon, and archery, in addition to wheelchair basketball. Sitrin STARS athletes have competed on the international and Paralympic level and have represented the United States throughout the world.
The team’s roster continues with Sen. Joseph Griffo, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Assemblyman Brian Miller, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Mayor of Utica Michael Galime, as well as local journalists and media personalities.
Returning to defend their 20-year winning streak are STARS athletes Hermin Garic, elite road racer and the first Oneida County resident to win the Boilermaker 15K; Jimmy “Jam” Joseph, three-time Paralympian; Tammy Delano,
Paralympian; as well as Devon Henry, Jacob Moore, Oniel Nunes, Abigail VanPatten, Bob Prenoveau and Kian Demkowitch.
“The STARS athletes look forward to showcasing their amazing abilities and taking on the Celebrity Cruisers for what will surely be an exciting game,” said Marc DePerno, vice president of Foundation and Communications and director of the STARS program.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Sitrin STARS program, which provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in a variety of adaptive sports including wheelchair curling, road racing, target shooting, paddling, biathlon, and archery, in addition to wheelchair basketball. Sitrin STARS athletes have competed on the international and Paralympic level and have represented the United
States throughout the world. Two fans will have a chance to compete against the SU players in a three-point competition during halftime. There will also be a silent auction of sports memorabilia, a 50/50 raffle, and free autographs during the second half of the game.
Tickets, which can be purchased online or at the door, are $10 for adults 18 years of age and older, and $5 for students of any age. Children under five years old are free. For ticket information, visit www.sitrin. com/celebrityclassic.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.
For more information about the Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game, or the Sitrin STARS program, contact DePerno at (315) 737-2416 or mdeperno@sitrin.com.
Syracuse University Men’s Basketball stars J.J. Starling (left) and Donnie Freeman (right) will headline the 21st Annual Sitrin Celebrity Classic Wheelchair Basketball Game. Photo courtesy of Sitrin.
