After 17 seasons as head coach of the Utica University women’s lacrosse team, Kristin St.Hilaire is now stepping into a new role, as Interim Director of Athletics for Utica University. During her time
as head coach of the lacrosse team, St.Hilaire has become the program’s all-time winningest coach and has made her mark on Utica University sports.
St. Hilaire has an overall winning record in 18 total years of coaching, and has
coached nine IWLCA All-Region selections. These coaching accomplishments, on top of being a former Division I lacrosse player at the University of Massachusetts, has earned St. Hilaire a spot in the Upstate Lacrosse Hall of Fame. After a historic career with the women’s lacrosse
team, St. Hilaire will now be putting her talents towards the entire Utica University Sports Department as the Interim Director of Athletics.
A permanent Athletic Director announcement has not been made yet.
PAGE 2
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 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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Campus Safety Blotter
4/8/2025
4/9/2025 8:22 AM Accident Report Roadway
4/9/2025 1:25 PM Noise Violation Bell Hall
4/10/2025 1:30 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
4/10/2025 5:40 PM Medical Assist Bell Hall
4/10/2025 7:11 PM Medical Assist Harold T. Clark, Jr. Athletic Center
4/13/2025 2:50 PM Possible Vehicle Damage Parking Lot
4/13/2025 4:55 PM Fire Alarm Pioneer
4/13/2025 2:00 AM Vandalism Boehlert Hall
4/15/2025 11:14 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
4/15/2025 1:02 PM Roommate Conflict Unknown/Other
4/15/2025 9:30 PM Vehicle Break-in Parking Lot
4/15/2025 5:00 PM Medical Assist Addison Miller White Hall
4/17/2025 1:00 AM Marijuana Violation South Hall
4/21/2025 10:56 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation. Roadway
Tangerine Grove faces uncertain future as grant funding ends
Online/Social Media Editor
Syamimi Anuar
The Tangerine Grove, Utica University’s free on-campus food and personal care pantry is facing an uncertain future as a major source of its funding because an annual grant from the national nonprofit Swipe Out Hunger has not been renewed for the fall.
Founded in January 2020 after months of planning and research during the fall 2019 semester, the Tangerine Grove was created to meet a critical need on campus. According to the Utica University website, its mission is to alleviate hunger at Utica University by providing students and staff in need with food, education and resources to meet ongoing food insecurity. According to Erin Kelly, pantry coordinator, the Tangerine Grove opened for two months in 2020, and then the COVID-19 pandemic forced the campus to shut down. The pantry remained closed for the entire 2020 - 2021 academic year and reopened in November 2021. Since then, it has stayed consistently open, largely thanks to volunteer efforts, grant funding and donations from individuals and organizations.
The pantry’s biggest financial support came from Swipe Out Hunger, a national organization dedicated solely to supporting college food pantries. The Tangerine Grove received grants from them in both Fall 2022 and Fall 2023, along with
additional support from another charitable organization. However, this year’s application was not successful.
“There were more pantries that applied this year, and [Swipe Out Hunger] didn’t have enough funding for all,” Kelly said. “We don’t have a regular budget right now but we are actually speaking with administration as far as trying to secure or find somebody who is a potential donor to provide some funding. It could be someone affiliated with the campus but not necessarily work here. They are trying to make that connection for us.”
In the 2023–2024 academic year, the pantry had over 2,000 individual visits. So far in 2024, 140 new clients have registered. On an average day, the pantry receives about 8 to 10 visits. Currently, the Tangerine Grove operates mainly on grants and
donations. Several food drives are held throughout the year, and contributions from faculty, staff, and academic departments help keep the shelves stocked. Student volunteers also play a huge role, committing as little as one hour a week to keep the pantry open during operating hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A QR code displayed on TVs across campus links to the pantry’s live weekly schedule, which depends on volunteer availability.
One key initiative planned for the end of the semester will allow students to donate any unwanted, unused food before they move out. Bins will be placed in residence halls to collect non-perishable items that can go directly to the pantry.
Last year, this effort brought in a large amount of food, though it also served as a reminder to
be mindful of expiration dates. “We came across some instant stuffing mix from 2020,” Kelly said.
Kelly said the closure of the pantry could profoundly affect students who rely on it.
“I don’t think the price of food is going down soon, and we know the biological need for food to make the brain function properly,” Kelly said. “It’s going to make it harder for them to sit in class and learn.”
For Kelly, she returned to school to become a dietitian to pursue a deeper purpose in food accessibility.
“I became a dietitian not really knowing why,” she said. “But doing this made me realize it’s more important to me that people have access to food than telling them what they should eat. Just having food is the most important thing.”
The Tangerine Grove is calling on the Utica University community for support. Donations of food, personal care items like toothpaste and soap, and financial contributions are welcome. Volunteer support and simply getting the word out are essential to keeping the pantry going.
For more information or to donate to Tangerine Food Grove, contact Erin Kelly at ekkelly@ utica.edu
Kelly added: “I think it’s important to spread the word that we exist. Anyone who wants to help can reach out, and we can figure out how they can help us or how we can help them.”
//Photo by Grace Christopher
4 FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
Low event attendance creates concerns for campus organizations
Shiann Williams, Contributing Writer
Many of Utica University’s student organizations struggle attracting students to campus events, spotlighting a decline in student engagement and causing some frustration among executive board members.
Years ago, Utica University had a thriving student life with events and activities that kept students engaged and excited, especially during stressful times like finals week. However, student engagement has decreased over time, with some students describing it as “low and dead.”
“There’s not enough student interaction or social life on this campus,” said Monic Kumih, a senior and secretary of the growing organization Women in a New Direction (WiND). “If students are not talking about the events, then other students won’t attend.”
Many students cite academic demands as the main reason they don’t attend events. While event organizers encourage students to prioritize their studies, some argue that despite heavy workloads, students should at least have some time to take a break and engage in campus activities.
“Some students say it’s because of schedule conflicts,” said Kumih, adding that she believes location is also important. “Students only attend events if it’s in Strebel or on the lawn. Nobody is going all the way to Thurston to watch a movie.”
Utica University is aware of the decline in student engagement and is making efforts to improve student life. However, the university faces significant challenges, including competing with digital distractions and students’ constantly evolving interests.
“I think what students react and respond to changes quickly,” said Richard Racioppa, Dean of Students at Utica University. “Semester to semester, year to year, what was popular and huge a couple of years ago, maybe nonexistent now.”
To keep up with these changes, the university works to maintain student interest through various channels, including a digital presence on social media. Clubs, organizations and student resources aim to meet students where they are and keep them informed about campus events and updates.
Although these efforts are a step in the right direction, engagement continues to fall behind, even with initiatives that begin as early as orientation. The first six weeks at Utica are critical for building a sense of belonging and improving retention, yet many students still struggle to feel connected.
“Students are reluctant to get involved and start things on their own,” Racioppa said. During the early weeks, students often focus on blending in seamlessly, which can make them hesitant to participate. “The last thing students want to do is draw attention to themselves.”
Finances also play a significant role in the university’s student engagement issue. Many students have expectations that the school cannot meet financially when it comes to events. Event organizers have noticed that students engage more with high-energy attractions like bouncy castles, bull rides, and other fair-like rides and games.
“Having money would make a huge difference,” said Michelle Holland, a senior and active Student Living and Campus Engagement (SLCE) employee focusing on campus events and
attendance. “They want something that we can’t provide, but they also don’t want to meet us where we are.”
To increase engagement, some event organizers constantly remind students about events, sometimes to the point of annoyance, hoping word of mouth will spark interest. This method has worked in the past, but has not been enough to maintain strong event turnout, according to student leaders.
“I find it hard to get students to come out of their shell because they’re so used to being in their own little bubble,” said Holland, adding that the biggest struggle in attracting students to events is their willingness to explore. “Sometimes the students don’t want to participate in new things.”
Organizations have turned to social media and campus communication for help, creating eye-catching flyers and sending out email reminders and text messages to encourage student attendance and make the most of their college experience. However, these attempts are usually proven unsuccessful.
“I read my emails a lot and see events I would go to, but by the time they come around, I don’t have time,” said Keisha Davis, a sophomore at Utica University. She added that she often avoids campus events due to repeated disappointment. “There are no vibes, no people, no good music, it’s just depressing.”
When it comes to the support provided by administration and campus resources, students say it’s not enough. While their efforts are noticed, they simply aren’t sufficient to keep students engaged or revive student life at the university.
“They attempt to make the effort, but it’s not meeting student expectations,” said Davis.
Despite the obstacles, the university remains hopeful. Their goal is to foster personal growth and increase active participation in clubs and organizations throughout the campus.
“We provide options for students to engage in, along with events that we hope pull them out, and it’s tough to try and do all of it,” Racioppa said.
//Photo from Instagram @utica_tangerine
5 FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
SGA Election Committee releases election results
The Student Government Association finalized the election results for the 2025-2026 academic year. Any vacant positions will be placed on the ballot for the special fall semester election in September.
Total Votes: 72
Student Government Association President: Evelyn Enriquez defeated Anthony Testa with 59.7% of the vote.
Chief Justice: Xavier Moore (93.1%)
Upperclass Senators:
Marques Wiliams (17%)
Grace VanEtten (15.6%)
Maleigha Coffie (14.4%)
Nisa Cetin (14.1%)
Laveasia Morales (13%)
David LaTour (12.6%)
Izzy Stalker (11.9%)
Underclass Senators: Jalen Adams (84.7%)
Senators at Large: Thelma Chinagwa (77.1%)
Graduate Senators: Virat Khare Lnu (76.4%)
Class of 2026 President: David LaTour (77.8%)
Class of 2026 Vice President: Anthony Testa (49%)
Class of 2026 Secretary: Emily Nunes (77.8%)
Class of 2027 Vice President: Grace VanEtten (48.9%)
Class of 2028 President: Thelma Chinagwa (85.3%)
Class of 2028 Treasurer: Jalen Adams (84.7%)
Organization of Justice Studies tours FBI
Megan Wright, Staff Writer
From March 31 to April 1, Utica University’s Organization of Justice Studies went to Quantico, Virginia to tour the Federal Bureau of Investigation training academy. The tour was set up by the Organization of Justice Studies, where they handled all the details of travel and itinerary for the two-day trip.
The students were accompanied by Criminal Justice Professor Musco Millner and Associate Campus Safety Director Jay LaFayette. This firsthand experience was a beneficial learning opportunity for Utica University students studying criminal justice or justice studies that may po-
tentially become officers. Students were able to see the actual classrooms, facilities, and training grounds that they would be a part of if they were to join this program in the future, according to Professor Millner.
“A tour can help potential
officers gauge the academy’s culture and whether it aligns with their values and expectations,” Millner said. “Seeing the physical training facilities and equipment can help potential officers understand the physical requirements of the academy and the job.”
Getting the opportunity to see the actual culture in the training academy is a beneficial experience for students because it gives them inside knowledge of what they are truly going into after college.
“My favorite part was our enthusiastic tour guide who made sure we understood what she was saying and showing us and overall was a good experience,” said Elvedina Korkutovic, who is a junior studying criminal justice. “She explained the different steps and procedures of the training.”
The tour guides thanked Utica University students for their dress attire and respect shown during their time at the training academy.
Photos courtesy of Professor Musco Millner
FEATURES
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
Review: ‘Rhinoceros’ play a pushback on current presidential administration
Megan Wright, Staff Writer
On Thursday, April 10, I saw the opening night performance of Utica University’s Theatre Department’s show Rhinoceros. Going into this play, I had little to no clue about what I was about to see, but after seeing it I can confidently say that this was an entertaining and wellthought out production.
The play, written by Eugene Ionesco and directed by Rachel Wolfe, associate professor of theatre, was based around a fascist society where people turned into rhinoceroses when they converted their thinking to match the fascist party. With today’s political climate, this play made a statement which I believe is important for people to understand. Originally, I knew that this play was related to American politics, but I did not know that it would be so obvious. For example, the people who wore rhinoceros masks also had red hats on.
Along with that there were slides of fascist dictatorships
being shown, which corresponded to the costumes/uniforms that the rhinoceros were wearing. The symbolism in this play really stood out to me and made it 10x better in my opinion. With all of the DEI rollbacks happening in colleges right now, this play was a push back on the current presidential administration.
I also loved the shift in audience feeling from the first half of the play to the second half. In the first half the audience was
engaged with the stage and trying to figure out what was going on, but in the second half the rhinoceroses were grunting and crawling through the theatre aisles and jumpscaring the audience. This was very unexpected, but it added an element of surprise to the play, which kept the audience on edge. I think this addition added to the overall performance because it had me looking over my shoulder, anticipating a scare, which kept me wide awake and engaged.
The student actors in this play did really well. It felt as though each cast member fully immersed themselves in their role and gave it their all. The casting of student-athletes was cool to see because it showed that Utica University students are diverse in their interests and can do it all. It was refreshing to see people playing roles with enthusiasm, and some playing roles that break gender roles.
One of my favorite characters was Botard, played by Jerome Nembhard, because he had a lot of comical moments and symbolism within the role. However, all of the cast members did an amazing job with their individual roles and landed great laughs all around.
Overall, I really enjoyed Utica University’s rendition of Rhinoceros. The timing of this piece with its relation to the current climate of America was interesting and impactful to the audience. Not only was it impactful, but it also had many funny moments which made the entire show a little lighter.
Op-Ed: My time as a student media intern will prepare me for college
Kate Gaffney, Intern
For the past seven months, I have been fortunate enough to intern in Utica’s Communication and Media program with The Tangerine and UticaTV. Through OHM BOCES’s Regional Program for Excellence, which provides internships for high achieving high school students, I was placed at Utica University to learn more about the communications field.
I have always loved to write and be creative, so communications has always interested me. Since this topic is not heavily repre-
sented in high school settings, I was always curious about what it was like. Having hands-on experience has confirmed to me that this is the field I want to study in college.
At the beginning of my internship, I worked on weekly articles for The Tangerine where I mostly wrote about sports and an occasional movie review. Writing about sports recruiting and the New York Yankees allowed me to publish articles I was passionate about. Over at UticaTV, I learned how to write dialogue for a news broadcast and how to run a teleprompter.
In the second semester, I honed in on interviewing skills at The Tangerine. Interviewing people like passionate Buffalo Bills
fans, lacrosse student athletes and Men’s Hockey coach Gary
Photo Courtesy of Laura Salvaggio Cont. on page 7
PAGE 7
FEATURES
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
Cont. from page 6
Heenan helped me understand that it is just as important to ask the right questions as it is to write a great article.
When Utica Men’s Basketball competed in the Empire 8 playoffs, I was able to help produce a “Utica Gameday” with UticaTV. The hosts of the brand new “4 J’s Show” sat down live to talk about the upcoming game at Miga Court where they analyzed both teams and picked who they thought would win.
“Utica Gameday” continued with Men’s Hockey when they played in the NCAA DIII Semi-Finals and National Championship. At both of the hockey games, I worked with audio levels, making sure that the hosts’ voices were heard yet not overpowering.
During the weekly “4 J’s Show” in the studio, I have also handled graphics, teleprompting and learned directing techniques.
Challenges also came with learning new equipment and the technical side of communications. However, the most fun part of my internship was being creative while learning in a college setting, since the transition from high school to college would have been more difficult without this internship.
Next year, I plan to continue in the field of communications at Siena College as a sports communications major. Thanks to
this internship, I will be better prepared to succeed in a college setting.
I would like to thank Mary Christopher, The Tangerine staff, Laura Lewin, Nico Leonard, and everyone at UticaTV for welcoming me into your program and providing support to something that was brand new to me.
Exploring the nation’s capital: A love letter to journalism as a pillar of democracy
Nolan Hyman, Staff Writer
For spring break, my girlfriend and I traveled to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., for the first time.
Over the span of three days, it was a lot to take in. Our trip took us to the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill, the National Archives, the Smithsonian Museums, the National Gallery of Art, Arlington National Cemetery, etc.
D.C symbolizes the country’s ideals and efforts to fulfill them, so it was a fitting adventure for two people with a passion for law. Each stop sparked profound reflection; we were finally at the heart of the country’s history and future.
Throughout all of the tours of Capitol Hill and the historical landmarks we were on, ‘democracy’ was a common theme. It’s the force that holds power accountable. It’s the force that empowers us to ask questions and challenge fundamentals.
It can sound like a grand
concept, but somehow, democracy’s strength comes from when it’s not always that clear.
Visiting places like the Arlington National Cemetery, we were confronted with the reality of lives lost in war. We also went to the National Archives and were exposed to the history of those who fought lifelong battles just for a seat at the table. A statue of Martin Luther King Jr. stands in the Capitol’s Rotunda.
These are testaments to how democracy is an idea that struggles, can be misguided, and can be abused. On its own, democracy is a fragile ideal,
but it draws its strength from reminders scattered throughout DC.
Viewing the works at the National Gallery of Art exposes you to diverse ideologies and perspectives. The National Archives and the Library of Congress remind you of knowledge, and Capitol Hill reminds you how that knowledge is (or in some cases, is not) used.
While there are reminders of this ideal, there has to be something to support it. There must be records of successes and failures, the empowered and the oppressed. If democracy is about moving forward,
the only way to do that is if you have something to reflect on.
There has to be something that captures stories and reminds us of our ideals.
As I walked through each exhibit, each street in the National Mall, and traced my eye along DC’s skyline from the top of the Washington Monument, I realized journalism isn’t just a contemporary figure. It brings truth to what is happening now and gives something to reflect on in the future.
The Library of Congress will keep growing, and the connotation behind politicians in Washington will keep changing. Battles will be fought, ideas will be challenged, and ideologies will keep clashing. Nonetheless, journalism will be there to observe it all.
People interact with journalism and don’t even realize it, yet without it, democracy wouldn’t be able to move forward. Like art, journalism captures who we are and allows us to reflect on that perspective.
//Photo Courtesy of Nolan Hyman
From Ontario to Utica: Brooke Beleza’s final chapter
Justin Notargiacomo, Contributing Writer
As the spring sports are coming down to the playoffs, graduation is near and senior infielder Brooke Beleza is making every swing count in her final year with the Utica University softball team.
A transfer from Jefferson Community College, Brooke has quickly become one of the biggest pieces in the Pioneers’ lineup. Originally from Ontario, Canada, she’s brought over great production, having a great ride in her last collegiate season. She’s currently the team leader with an impressive .483 batting average with a team high 42 hits in just 24 games. Despite a crazy stretch of 18 games in 15 days, Beleza has stayed focused.
“It’s really just a mental aspect here,” she said. “Getting all your work done, staying healthy — we’ve all been pushed to take care of ourselves, go to the trainers, and just be smart.”
That mindset has powered her to the best season of her college career. She’s also been riding a streak of getting a hit
in 22 of the 24 games she’s started, bringing consistency to the top of the lineup and leading an offense that has faced disruption from weather-related postponements and schedule changes. This comes after a long, hard-working offseason.
After working on her mechanics with Coach Rinae Olsen, Beleza has transformed from a free-swinger into a strategic threat with a refined approach.
“I used to be a first-pitch swing kind of hitter,” she said. “But
I’ve learned to stay back and find the pitches that are mine. I’ve been more patient, and I think that’s made a big difference.”
After transferring in her junior year, Beleza earned a reputation for making the most of her opportunities — even if she wasn’t starting every game.
“It was definitely hard going from being a starter at my past school to not starting every game,” she said. “But I knew that any opportunity I got, I had to go for it and ball out.”
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed though, as Beleza was named Pioneer Athlete of the Week in March, a well-earned recognition for her standout performances during a stretch of the season. But stats alone don’t capture her full impact on the Pioneers. As one of the
Player Highlight - Jada Anthony
team’s seniors, she’s embraced her leadership role, guiding younger teammates and setting an example both on and off the field.
For Beleza, this season isn’t just about final scores—it’s about finishing strong, honoring her journey, and leaving a mark.
“I’m just going with the mindset that this is my last year and I know I’m gonna miss it as soon as that last game comes,” Beleza said. “So I’m trying to stay as positive as I can with everyone, helping the way I can.I’m just grateful for every moment I get to be out there with my teammates. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.” As Utica pushes for a return to the Empire 8 championships, Beleza is determined to end her career on a high note — and not just because she’ll be in town until graduation. “I’m here until May 9th anyway, so we might as well make playoffs,” she joked. “But seriously, I think we have a really good chance. We’ve been playing well, and I’d love to get back to that same atmosphere we had last year.”
Kate Gaffney, Intern
Jada Anthony, a junior on the volleyball team, has been a staple for the team, especially for the past two seasons. This past season, the middle blocker from West Nyack, New York, had 104 kills, 146 points, 60 digs, and 43 total
blocks. She played in the majority of the matches and showed great improvement from the 2023 season. One of her best memories from being at Utica was beating Nazareth University her freshman year. She hopes to go into physical therapy in the future, particularly for a professional sports team. //Photo
