Movie Review: ‘A Complete Unknown’ captures the time and essence of early Bob Dylan
POV: Heartbreak in KC, How Buffalo’s triumphant season ended
Utica University Dance Team makes debut at UDA Nationals in Orlando
Kyle Mitchell, Staff Writer
The Utica University Dance Team (UDT) made its debut at the UDA Nationals in Orlando this year, marking a significant milestone for the program. This achievement is the result of months of hard work, determination and teamwork, from perfecting choreography to raising funds.
According to coach Ciara Parrish, the most challenging part of preparing for Nationals wasn’t just learning the routine or getting into the right mindset for such a big stage, it was raising $25,000 to get there.
“The team funded every single penny of the trip themselves through fundraising efforts, including various events and outreach to local businesses for donations,” she said.
The costs—registration fees, airfare, meals, and accommodations—all added up quickly, and Parrish emphasized the importance of fundraising in making the trip a reality.
“If we couldn’t raise the funds, we couldn’t go,” she said.
Once the team committed to Nationals, they developed a strategic fundraising plan, executed it with determination, and ultimately surpassed their goal.
Watching the team take the floor at such a high-profile event was an incredibly proud moment for Parrish.
“This moment was theirs, and I hope they always remember that they achieved it together as a team,” she said.
The team spent countless hours refining choreography, incorporating new elements to showcase their skill level, and perfecting every detail. Knowing the hard work and dedication it took to reach this stage, Parrish said that seeing them perform at a national level reaffirmed just how capable and resilient the team truly is.
Rylee Mulholland, a senior and captain of UDT, grew up watching videos of teams performing at UDA Nationals, and said performing on the same
stage with those teams was a dream come true.
“The moment we hit the stage made me realize we finally did it and it was then that I realized, I had never been more proud of my team,” she said. “I will never forget the rush of adrenaline and sense of pride in representing our team and university on such a big stage.”
The preparation for the trip had its challenges, particularly with the limited time to prepare and the financial burden of raising $25,000. According to captain and graduate student Antonia Palmisano, the team had just two and a half months to prepare for the event.
“We decided to go to Florida and compete at UDA just two and a half months before the trip,” Palmisano said. The team
needed to perfect their routine and raise the necessary funds, which initially felt nearly impossible. “However, by working tirelessly together and staying committed, our team pushed through the financial hurdle and turned a daunting challenge into success.”
The team’s debut at UDA Nationals is a significant achievement for Utica University’s Dance Team. Parrish hopes this experience will inspire future team members and strengthen the program’s presence on campus and in the community.
“This achievement sets a new standard for the Utica University Dance Team,” she said. “It demonstrates that we are capable of competing on a national level and belonging on that stage.”
Looking ahead, Parrish believes this experience will inspire future dancers to dream bigger, work harder, and continue building the program’s reputation.
“I hope this journey leaves a lasting impact, not just in the memories made but in shaping the team’s culture of excellence, perseverance, and ambition for years to come,” she said.
The Utica University Dance Team at the ESPN Wide World Sports Resort in Orlando, Florida photo by// Ciara parrish
2 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Editor-in-Chief - Brady Barnard
Online/Social Media Editor - Syamimi Anuar
Sports Reporter- Nick Phillips
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.
News Tips? Opinions?
Contact The Tangerine! TANGER@UTICA.EDU
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.
Submission Policy
Letters to the editor are welcomed from all members of the Utica University community. Letters must meet fair and accurate publishing standards and contain no libelous material. Anonymous letters to the editor will not be printed. All letters and editorials must meet the print deadline of 5 p.m. on Mondays. Please send all submissions to tanger@utica.edu. Takeback requests are a form of censorship and therefore not accepted.
Advertising Information
The Tangerine accepts paid advertisements. Advertising copy is subject to the same professional publishing standards as content. The Tangerine reserves the right to reject advertising that does not meet the standards established, is libelous, is in poor taste or violates discrimination laws. Please direct all inquiries to tanger@utica.edu. The deadline for publication is 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.
Campus Safety Blotter
1/22/2025 7:19 PM
1/22/2025 9:30 PM Room Damages
1/23/2025 8:15 AM Alcohol Violation North Hall
1/23/2025 8:40 PM Violation of No Contact Restriction North Hall
1/23/2025 9:12 PM Fire Alarm South Hall
1/23/2025 9:35 PM Disruptive Behavior North Hall
1/25/2025 9:28 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
1/25/2025 9:30 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
1/25/2025 6:49 PM Fire Alarm Pioneer
1/25/2025 10:40 PM Noise Violation
1/26/2025 1:22 AM Noise Violation North Hall
1/27/2025 1:30 AM Damage to Laundry Machine Boehlert Hall
1/27/2025 2:02 AM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
3
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Donald Trump re-election brings optimism and criticism
Conner Scharbach, Staff Writer
President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office and became 47th president of the United States on Jan. 20, and Utica students shared different opinions on his latest inauguration and how it was different from past ceremonies.
Trump’s inauguration was supposed to be held outside the U.S. Capitol, with viewing areas stretching along the National Mall for supporters. However, cold winds relocated the swearing in ceremony inside the Capitol building.
Some students, including Brothers On a New Direction President Xavier Moore, said Trump’s inauguration was unprofessional and “felt like a
pony show.”
Others noticed from other past inaugurations that there weren’t any wage earners present in the front row. Instead, the row was full of rich people, or as Moore said “littered with billionaires.”
While some disapproved of his inauguration, others supported it, including Utica University student and Senator Class of 2027 Jerry Almas. Almas said the U.S. needs a proper leader.
“We need a backbone and (Trump) will deliver,” Almas said.
Almas said Trump’s presidency is good for all Americans and “it could be a victory” because he will go back to his original policies. Many believe Trump will live up to his word and turn America around.
While some view Trump’s second term with optimism, others brought up concerns, especially regarding Elon Musk, who recently made what looked like a Nazi hand signal during a Jan. 20 speech celebrating the inauguration.
“When I saw a billionaire do a heil salute, it was very unsettling,” Moore said.
Although a lot of Americans believed Musk’s salute was inappropriate, Almas said because he has a large following and “since he is a billionaire, all people will target him,” believing it was a misunderstanding.
St. Hilarie named interim athletic director
Staff reports
Kristin St. Hilaire was appointed interim director of athletics at Utica University effective Feb. 1, according to Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel. The announcement, made in a campus-wide email on Monday, Feb. 3, came on the heels of Dave Fontaine’s retirement after serving as athletic director for 12 years.
St. Hilarie previously served as assistant athletic director and is entering her 18th season as head coach of the women’s lacrosse team. She will continue to coach the women’s lacrosse team through the 2025 season before stepping down from that
position. A search will begin soon after to identify a new head coach for the program.
“Please join me in wishing Kristin all the best in this important role at the institution, and thanking Dave for his many years of service,” Pfannestiel said in the email.
As the program’s all-time winningest coach with a 151-102 overall record, she led the team to a 14-4 record and its first Empire 8 Conference Championship final in 2024.
After spending two seasons as assistant coach at Ithaca College, St. Hilaire joined Utica University in 2007. Prior to that the Syracuse native played
From// uticapioneers.com
Division I lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts, where she earned Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team
honors all four years and set several school records. She earned her Master’s Degree from Utica College in 2015.
Photo from// Tangerine File
Photo
Scammers target international students with fake visa threats
Syamimi Anuar, Online/Social Media Editor
Campus Safety and the Office of International Education have received several notices from international students who received a threatening call from someone claiming to be from the U.S. government, telling them that there is a problem with their I-20 that will lead to a cancellation of their visa. The scammers sometimes ask for an immediate payment to avoid arrest or deportation.
An email was sent on Jan. 28 from a representative of the Office of International Education to international students regarding this matter.
The email consisted of how the scam was made, how to identify a scam, what actions need to be taken if receive such call and a reminder that no one has the authority to cancel an individual’s visa other than the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) or Designated School Officials (DSO) of
Utica University.
According to Elizabeth Nassar, Utica University’s PDSO and director of Academic Business Development, this is a nationwide scam and it is unfortunate that two international students at Utica University have experienced this as well. The best thing to do if any individual receives such a call is to hang up and report it to the Campus Safety or the Office of International Education.
The first thing the university did to protect and educate students is sending out the email to spread the message and making sure they know the situation. Campus Safety has also been in touch with the police department about these calls. Nassar said students should be aware of these scammers as they can also disguise and use phone numbers that seem familiar to people, such as the Campus Safety number.
“These kinds of scams unfortunately happen more and more,”
Nassar said. “One thing students should remember is that USCIS would not call people independently so people should just hang up.”
Nassar said Campus Safety and Vice President for Facilities and Emergency Management Shad Crowe have a good plan in place to deal with these incidents coming forward.
“If students obey the rules, go to class, go to school legally,
they don’t have concerns for this,” Nassar said. “I don’t think students should worry about it, they are protected in the U.S. and have legal J-1 and F-1 [visa] status. Don’t worry about it, but if they have any concerns, they should come talk to me or VP Crowe. Transitions in the world can become unsettling to people but international students become a community here. Nothing to worry about.”
New Crime Scene Lab near completion
Megan Wright, Staff Writer
Utica University is putting the final touches on the new Crime Scene Lab in Bull Hall on campus. According to President Todd Pfannestiel, the lab is being finished this spring semester and will be available to use in the summer.
Before the grand opening this summer, the university launched three experimental one credit courses this semester taking place in the new Crime Scene Lab, Criminal Justice
Professor Musco Millner said.
“This innovative new facility will provide state-of-the-art, experience-based learning in incident response, involving students across a range of disciplines, including criminal justice, nursing, biology, chemistry, and theatre,” Pfannestiel said.
This new Crime Scene Lab will allow for more hands-on learning and allow students to experience real life scenarios in the classroom. The three experimental classes offered this
semester are Grasping Fingerprints, Exposure to Bloodstain Patterns and Confessions of a Crime Scene, according to Millner.
“The theory behind the Crime Scene Room is to create excitement by providing a handson, immersive experience where students can actively engage in solving a mystery, applying their knowledge of the material presented, and feeling as if they are part of a true investigation, which often involves elements of suspense, puzzle-solving, and the thrill of
uncovering clues to identify a perpetrator,” Millner said.
Many criminal justice students on campus are highly anticipating the grand opening of the new Crime Scene Lab.
Sophomore Victoria DuVerge said she is excited for the hands-on experience.
“Many people learn better that way, so it’ll be very beneficial to students,” DuVerge said.
Another sophomore, Liv
Cont on page 5
Free source photo from pexels.com.
PAGE 5
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Leider, said she looks forward to having classes in the new lab and “actually be able to walk around and problem solve real-life scenarios.”
According to Pfannestiel, this new addition was funded by the FY 2023 Federal Omnibus Appropriations Bill, also known as the Omnibus Spending Package from the U.S. Government. Along with the new bill, private and founda-
tion donors also chipped in to help pay for some furnishing in the building and important IT support.
He added: “This funding was made possible through the support of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Claudia Tenney, to whom we are very grateful.”
Oneida County Sheriff’s adopt ‘Blue Envelope Program’ for drivers with autism
Nolan hyman, Staff Writer
As part of a statewide initiative, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office announced on Jan. 17 that they have joined the national Blue Envelope Program.
Introduced by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, the Blue Envelope Program is a new safety program for drivers with autism.
In the past, there have been
traffic stops of autistic drivers in which a driver’s behavior have been misinterpreted by an officer, or the driver was unable to respond to an officer’s directions, Sheriff Maciol said in a statement.
“This has sometimes led to an escalation of the situation and resulted in a bad outcome,” Maciol said.
With the Blue Envelope program, drivers with autism could now keep documents
such as license and registration inside a Blue Envelope. If pulled over, the officer would be “immediately alerted to the driver’s autism” when presented with the envelope.
The initiative has been implemented in counties across the state, and parent advocates joined Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol to announce that Oneida County was now one of them.
“This initiative is another tool
for law enforcement to use when interacting with vulnerable populations to ensure a better outcome and we say thank you for that,” said Kathy Caruso, a parent advocate and lead facilitator of Better Together, in a statement.
Drivers interested in enrolling in the program could contact the Sheriff’s office at 315765-2200 to receive their Blue Envelope.
Photos by// Liv Leider
Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol announces county adoption of Blue Envelope program Photo From// Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
A Blue Envelope as part of the ‘Blue Envelope Program’ Photo by// Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
FEATURES
6 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Movie Review: ‘A Complete Unknown’ captures the time and essence of early Bob Dylan
Grace Christopher, Staff Writer
I am not a Dylanologist, but growing up in a home where Bob Dylan was played frequently instilled in me a natural appreciation for the man and his music. I love music history so the news of a Dylan movie starring Timothee Chalamet excited me, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The Oscar-nominated film “A Complete Unknown” lives up to its title because Bob Dylan is an enigma and people have known this for six decades, even the most casual fans. The movie does an excellent job of portraying a specific time period, from when Dylan arrives in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1961 to when he “went electric” at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. The latter is an event so big in rock history that it has its own Wikipedia page.
Dylan is known for being elusive and aloof and the movie accurately portrays many events like I envisioned they happened. Not every detail is fact, but the general story line and events are true to his story.
The movie opens with a young Dylan arriving in New York City to visit his idol, folk singer Woody Guthrie who is hospitalized with Huntington Disease and unable to speak. Fellow folk musician Pete Seeger is also there, played by a masterful Edward Norton, and Dylan performs a song he wrote for Guthrie, immediately impressing the two folk music icons.
An X post from Bob Dylan made on Dec. 4, 2024
We see Dylan break into the folk scene and become an instant star, meeting Joan Baez and Johnny Cash and his then-girlfriend Sylvie Russo played by Elle Fanning, who gave him a sense of home. He played the Greenwich Village club scene at intimate places, including Cafe Wha? and Gaslight Cafe, where he performed original songs that protested the times like “Masters of War.”
The social and political climate and 1960s Greenwich Village vibe was captured beautifully in the film.
Chalamet shines as Dylan, from his singing to his mannerisms
and even nailed his faraway eyes and powerful yet aloof stage presence. It’s obvious he poured his heart and soul into the role and even learned the guitar to authentically play Dylan’s songs and take on his persona. Known for a nasally, coarse voice, Chalamet captured that as well.
At Gerde’s Folk City, Dylan meets Joan Baez, played by Monica Barbaro, and is blown away by her beauty, singing and songwriting. They have a tense romantic relationship throughout the film but it was clear that Dylan’s infidelity and lack of emotion ended a lot of relation-
ships. The film revealed how they inspired each other when they were together and apart. The viewer could feel the emotion between the two when they sang duets, whether it was their upbeat, happy giggles during “It Ain’t Me Babe” at the Newport Folk Festival or the tension performing together at smaller venues.
Even after watching this biopic, many may still view Dylan as “a complete unknown,” not really learning much about his roots and interests. It was mentioned that Dylan’s legal last name is Zimmerman, not uncovering much else. The movie makes it clear that he buried Robert Zimmerman and started a new life as Bob Dylan in New York City, becoming upset when Sylvie asks about his upbringing.
In December, Bob Dylan, now 83, gave “A Complete Unknown” his stamp of approval in an X post, acknowledging that the movie is based on the 2015 book “Dylan Goes Electric” and encouraging people to see the film and then read the book.
“Timothee Chalamet is starring in the lead role,” Dylan wrote. “Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me.”
“A Complete Unknown” is currently playing in theatres and not yet available on streaming platforms.
Who will win Super Bowl 2025? Phillips’
Nick Phillips, Staff Writer
For the third season in a row the Kansas City Chiefs are in the Super Bowl and for the third year in a row, I am back with my annual Super Bowl prediction.
The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles for the second time in three seasons on Sunday, Feb. 9 at Caesars Superdome Stadium in New Orleans. This is the first Super Bowl to take place in New Orleans since 2013 when there was a famous 34-minute power outage during the game.
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to become the first team in the history of the NFL to win three straight Super Bowl championships. Patrick Mahomes himself is looking to win the Super Bowl MVP for the third straight season.
Two years ago when these two teams matched up in the big game, the Kansas City Chiefs won by a score of 38-35. It was a high-scoring affair that hopefully we see again in this year’s game.
Preview
The Chiefs this season have completely revamped their wide receiver core this season. From the draft selection of Xavier Worthy, to the free agent signing of Marquise “Holywood” Brown and the midseason acquisition of former All-Pro Deandre Hopkins, what was once a weakness has now been addressed for Kansas City.
The Eagles have also retooled their roster from the last time that they matched up in the Super Bowl. Recent draft selections of Jalen Carter, Quinion Mitchell and Cooper DeJean
along with the free agent signing of Defensive Player of the Year candidate Zach Baun have kept the defense top notch after key losses of Javon Hargrave and Hasaan Reddick in recent offseasons. Offensively, the addition of former Giants running back Saquan Barkley has done wonders for the Eagles rushing attack. Barkley, the favorite for the Offensive Player of the Year Award, had a record breaking first season in Philly becoming the ninth running back to ever surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single-season.
The Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) were the NFL’s best team record wise during the regular season of play. Even though Mahomes had his worst season as a pro, the Chiefs found a way to dominate one score contests week in and week out. The Chiefs began this postseason with a strong victory against the Houston Texans. Last game, Kansas City beat Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills for the fourth time in postseason play. The Chiefs enter the game as 1.5 point favorites, according to ESPN.
The Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) struggled at the beginning of the season with a 2-2 record, but capped off the regular season on fire going 12-1. The Eagles defense dominated in the first two games of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. Last game against the Washington Commanders, the Eagles dominated Washington on the ground with seven rushing scores in a dominant 55-23 victory.
What’s at Stake
For the Philadelphia Eagles, a win would be the second one in franchise history. Saquan Barkley would cap off his
preview and predictions
record breaking season with his first career Super Bowl. The Eagles and Jalen Hurts would get redemption over Kansas City for the previous defeat that occurred two seasons prior.
For Kansas City, a win would earn them their fifth ring in franchise history. Mahomes would enter a three way tie with Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana for the second most Super Bowls by a quarterback, trailing only Tom Brady. If Mahomes gets another Super Bowl MVP he would have the second most in NFL history. Head Coach Andy Reid would win his fourth Super Bowl ring as well with a victory, tying Chuck Noll for the second most in league history.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA
Fresh off a historic night where his hit single “Not Like Us” won a record five Grammys, 22-time Grammy Award winning rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. SZA, who
won herself a Grammy this year for best R&B song, will join Lamar as a special guest.
Lamar had himself a big 2024 with two number one songs with “Like That” and “Not Like Us” amidst a rap war of the ages against fellow hip hop icon Drake. Lamar followed that up by releasing his fifth studio album “GNX” in November which debuted at #1 atop the Billboard 200.
Don’t be surprised if we get a setlist of euphoria, Like That, tv off, hey now, m.A.A.d City, DNA., HUMBLE., Alright, Money Trees, Swimming Pools (Drank), luther, Kill Bill, Snooze, All the Stars and Not Like Us.
Prediction
We can expect a lot in this game from the commercials, plenty of Taylor Swift and Tom Brady’s hilarious commentary, but who will win Super Bowl LIX.
Cont on page 8
Sports Reporter Nick Phillips
Cont from page 7
My prediction is that the Philadelphia Eagles will win Super Bowl 2025 by a score of 31-27. This game will be determined by not turning the ball over and running the football.
SPORTS
The Eagles have been clicking on all sides of the ball, but with Saquan Barkley in that backfield, I expect him to lead the way for the Eagles in a big victory. The Eagles have gone as Saquan has this season, so
don’t be surprised if Barkley has another 150-yard game with two touchdowns as he earns the Super Bowl MVP Award.
With all that being said Super Bowl 2025 looks to be one of the most anticipated in the his-
tory of the NFL.
Kickoff time for Super Bowl 2025 is 6:30 p.m., Sunday Feb. 9. The game will be aired on FOX and will also stream on Tubi and the FOX Sports App.
POV: Heartbreak in KC, How Buffalo’s triumphant season ended
Kate Gaffney, Staff Writer
The Buffalo Bills’ triumphant season came to a screeching halt on Jan. 26 as the back to back Super Bowl Champions overtook them in a demanding Sunday Night Football thriller.
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs took advantage of Buffalo’s miscues to advance to their third Super Bowl in three consecutive years. There were multiple controversial calls, especially one in the fourth quarter when Buffalo was up by one point. Buffalo “tush-pushed” Josh Allen towards the first down marker, as they had done successfully for the entirety of the season. However, the referees disagreed with most Bills fans when they said they were short of the first down. This, unfortunately for Upstate New Yorkers (and most of America), could have been the deciding factor between a loss and a win for Buffalo.
Utica University student, Jake Guzda, said he didn’t think that the game was rigged, but that, “the Chiefs benefitted from almost every call in the game that could’ve gone either way,” and went on to mention that controversial fourth down and its impact.
However, the rest of the season should not be ignored, as the
Bills went 13-4 in the regular season, beating the likes of offensive powerhouses, like the Detroit Lions and the Chiefs.
In the postseason, the Bills wrote off the likes of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in another late night classic.
NFL fans around the country were outraged by this loss from the Bills, as most fans would rather watch the underdog compete for a title, compared to the Chiefs possibly having a “three-peat” or a “Chief-peat”, as Tony Romo confidently declared after the game. However, no one was as disappointed in the outcome as Josh Allen.
In a postgame interview, Allen said, “To be the champs, you gotta beat the champs.” as he looked down in regret.
Guzda was heartbroken after
the game.
“I wouldn’t say that it hurts the most because I’m most accustomed to the Bills losing to the Chiefs in the playoffs, but it really felt like this was the best chance we would have to get them,” he said.
The Bills have been downed by the Chiefs in the playoffs four out of the last five seasons, despite Allen’s dominance against Mahomes in the regular season, going 4-1.
There has been increased criticism of Head Coach Sean McDermott, especially due to crucial decisions made in the fourth quarter. At the end of the game, Allen was blitzed on fourth down, and appeared to throw the ball up for grabs, but it was surprisingly accurate to Tight End Dalton Kincaid, who
proceeded to drop the pass.
“The Bills’ offensive line slid the other way and as soon as Josh Allen took the snap, you knew the play was pretty much cooked. On the most crucial play of the game, they got outcoached and out-schemed,” Guzda said.
While the criticism towards McDermott is fair, firing him would be hasteful; McDermott has an 86-45 record in the regular season and the Bills have dominated the AFC East for years now. Kansas City could just unfortunately start becoming a new New England Patriots-esque “dynasty”, especially if they are able to win Super Bowl LIX.
So how do they get over the hump? Buffalo GM Brandon Beane should start by working towards re-signing Wide Receiver Amari Cooper, and drafting an elite Defensive End, like the recent NCAA National Champion Jack Sawyer from Ohio State. Some of it could be luck as well, as most of Kansas City’s wins against Buffalo have been close going into the fourth quarter.
Bills fans are looking forward to a new start next season.
“At the end of the day, we are left wondering what could’ve been after a loss to KC,” Guzda said. “The Chiefs are simply our kryptonite.”
