TANGERINE
Hockey Fever
Utica University men’s hockey team defeats St. Norbert in NCAA Quarterfinal
Tobias Neto, Contributing Writer
Utica University’s men’s hockey team took on St. Norbert College on March 22 in the NCAA Division III Quarterfinal and came out victorious in front of a home crowd. The Pioneers amplified their play in the third period with three goals and won the game 5-3.
Utica has now reached the Frozen Four for the second straight year. Taking down a five-time national champion caliber competitor took a team effort to rise from adversity. Utica hung around for most of the game, eventually securing the win with an exciting third period performance.
Utica’s center Jakob Breault had a night for the ages, scoring a goal off a rebound with 50 seconds remaining in the first period to keep the score at one
a piece. He finished the game with two goals, two assists all while cleaning house in the circle with a 65% faceoff win percentage.
“It’s probably the best game I’ve been a part of. You know being down, the fans being super loud and fighting till the end to carry out the win,” Breault said. “My teammates did their jobs to fight back so it’s a feeling that’s hard to explain.”
Breault kept the Pioneers alive into the second period, where they dominated possession while facing a 3-1 deficit. Then, a big-time goal was scored by sophomore Drake Morse to narrow the lead to 3-2 going into the third period where the Pioneers brought the fight to St. Norbert.
Breault started the period carrying the energy for the team offensively with his second
Utica University is set to host NCAA Division III Men’s
Hockey Championship
Utica is set to host the NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey Championship this weekend, marking a surprise opportunity for the city to host two consecutive national finals. While Utica has been the established host for the 2026 national finals, it took advantage of the chance to host this year’s as well.
The games will take place at the Utica University Nexus Center, as the Adirondack Bank Center is unavailable due to pre-existing events. The semifinals are set for Friday, March 28, with Hobart facing Geneseo at 3 p.m. and Utica taking on Curry at 7 p.m. The championship game will be held on Sunday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
goal of the game to tie it at 3-3. Minutes later, Pioneer sophomore forward Gabriel Lundberg scored a goal in his second straight game. The Pioneers would weather the storm on defense and prevented St. Nobert’s offense to barely any shots on goal.
This was a big part to their freshmen goalie Ryan Piros, who had an incredible game dealing with the heavy attacking Green Knight offense. Twenty-four blocked shots in his 60 minutes of play, with half of those coming in the third period. Ending the game with a victory for the Pioneers. Breault led all Pioneer point-getters with four as he continued to write his name in the program’s record books.
At the post-game press conference, head coach Gary Heenan said the team did a great job of scoring at the right times and
“it helped us build momentum as we fought our way to victory.”
“I knew our group was going to be a little tentative. It’s a big game you know,” Heenan said. “I felt like that the first ten minutes of the first period, we really started earning the victory. Did this game test us? It sure did. We chased the game and score.”
When asked about the momentum throughout the game, Heenan said the team looked for matchups that benefited the first line and they were happy with that.
“Second line did some damage to us, but there were lots of line changes,” Heenan said. “Might have been a record setting amount of line changes on both sides. Overall, we just continued believing in ourselves that we deserve to be here.”
Utica men’s hockey lined up for the National Anthem // Photo by Tobias Neto
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FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025
Editor-in-Chief -Brady Barnard
Online/Social Media Editor - Syamimi Anuar
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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3 FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025
Is lab-grown meat the future of food?
Syamimi Anuar, Online/Social Media Editor
Could lab-grown meat be the future of food? Two philosophy professors discussed the ethical, environmental and societal implications of cultured meat on Tuesday, March 25 in the Willard Conference Room in DePerno Hall.
The event, presented by Utica University Applied Ethics Institute, featured Professor Alexandra Plakias of Hamilton College and Professor Leonore Fleming of Utica University. The professors explored whether lab-grown meat could provide a sustainable alternative to traditional farming while addressing concerns about food security, animal welfare and public acceptance.
Fleming framed her presentation around the “Billy Roll Principle,” drawing on the philosophy of Albert Camus, who discussed the concept of art and creation. Fleming suggested that cultured meat represents a new form of creation, one that involves “dangerous creation” and “taking risks in pursuit of freedom.”
The concept of cultured meat involves growing meat from animal cells in a lab, rather than slaughtering animals. Fleming explained how difficult this process is, requiring scientists to isolate cells without contamination, arrange them on a scaffold and provide the right food and conditions for the cells to grow.
More than $3 million was invested between 2016 and 2022, with more than 150 companies involved. However, no commercially available cultured meat product exists.
“The reason that the investors were really interested in
cultured meat was because of the environmental effects of traditional meat,” Fleming said. “The co-founder of Google, Leonardo DiCaprio, other celebrities, they all kind of jumped on the cultured meat bandwagon.”
To illustrate the cultural impact of food innovations, Fleming explained the “Billy Roll Principle” referred to “Billy the Smiling Sausage,” a processed meat product created in 1986 after a technological breakthrough allowed for a face to be imprinted onto slices of meat. She emphasized that food innovation is often influenced by historical and cultural contexts. Camus’ concept that “there is no culture without legacy” suggests that lab-grown meat is part of a broader legacy of cultural and technological progress.
Fleming also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in advancing cultured meat. Researchers at New Harvest are applying reinforcement learning to optimize cell growth conditions while minimizing costs. She said this trial-and-error approach aligns with philosopher Karl Popper’s theory of falsifiability, which emphasizes the importance of meaningful failure in scientific progress.
Plakias considered a different angle, discussing the role of philosophers in addressing injustices in the food system. She referred to Paul Thompson’s work on food ethics and explained how philosophers analyze lab-grown meat through ethical, metaphysical and epistemic critiques.
Plakias questioned the metaphysical critique of lab-grown meat, asking, “Even if labgrown meat wasn’t really meat,
why is that bad?” She suggested that the definition of meat is always evolving and that the question should focus more on whether lab-grown meat offers an ethical solution to animal suffering.
Plakias said lab-grown meat could reduce animal suffering while allowing consumers to make more informed and autonomous decisions about their food.
“And what I mean by autonomous is just like self-directed, like we can decide what’s important to us and choose our food accordingly,” Plakias said.
Plakias discussed the role of disgust or “the yuck factor” in people’s reactions to lab-grown meat. She gave an example of people who have “neophobia,” a fear of unfamiliar things and trying new foods, which makes people hesitant to accept labgrown meat.
She reflected on how new foods gain acceptance, pointing to sushi as an example. When sushi first came to the U.S., people were skeptical but it became popular because “it was really different, and maybe a little like, dangerous and like, cool and edgy.” She questioned whether lab-grown meat could follow a similar path, pointing
out that it promotes sustainability without changing eating habits.
For some students, the event was their first exposure to the topic. Junior Amberly Len attended the talk because it was held during her class with Fleming. “I honestly have no idea what cultured meat is, but I want to learn about it,” she said.
Senior Megan Brinck, who identifies as mostly vegetarian, said she had not heard of labgrown meat before but would consider trying it. Her main concern was its ingredients, worrying about bad chemicals or preservatives.
“I think this could change the meat industry in good and bad ways,” she said. “Cows produce greenhouse gases which could be eliminated with this lab-grown meat, but also some people’s livelihoods depend on meat production such as farmers.”
As the debate over lab-grown meat continues, the event highlighted the challenges of new technologies, ethical issues and societal acceptance. It remains uncertain whether cultured meat will become a real option or simply an idea that has yet to be seen.
Presentation in the Willard Conference Room in DePerno Hall //Photo by Syamimi Anuar
Utica students participate in Harvard National Model U.N. Conference
Jenna Skutnik, Staff Writer/Content Creator
Utica University’s Model United Nations delegation traveled to Boston from Feb. 20–23 to participate in the 71st Harvard National Model U.N. Conference, representing Finland in various committees.
The Utica delegation engaged in committees such as the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a Crisis Committee addressing the 1990 Bangladesh Mass Uprising. Each committee falls under broader categories like the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council & Specialized Bodies.
Delegates began with opening speeches to establish their country’s stance, then form blocs to draft working papers. Through discussion and nego-
tiation, these evolve into draft resolutions, which are ultimately voted on.
Senior biology major Briana Santos attended her second Harvard conference as part of WIPO, where delegates debated corporate espionage and intellectual property rights.
“I think the best part of this conference was the amount of diversity and intelligence I saw,” Santos said. “People from all over the world, from different schools, collectively came together to discuss important topics.”
Santos emphasized the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
“I know people who did this for their first time this year and they did an outstanding job by putting themselves out there,” Santos said. “It is a really admirable quality of those who seek out opportunities to chal-
lenge themselves and grow.”
Alongside Santos, sophomore English and political science major Gianna Valenti of Washington & Jefferson College also participated in the WIPO committee.
“The most stressful moment was deciding whether to merge with another bloc due to their policy stances,” Valenti said. “We weighed the pros and cons and ultimately stayed with our bloc to ensure our ideas were heard.”
The Harvard Model U.N. conference is a highly competitive environment, which leads to tense debate as delegates work towards compromise.
“Compromise is not always ideal, but you have to trust your gut. I learned how important it is to advocate for your own ideas,” Valenti said.
Junior adolescent education major Zachary Gomolka
participated in the Bangladesh Mass Uprising crisis committee, which requires creative problem-solving.
“I thought it would be boring and overly formal, but it turned out to be really creative and fun,” Gomolka said. “I’m looking forward to doing the crisis committee again with people who think outside the box.”
Looking ahead, the Utica delegation hopes to expand its program by offering an accredited class for future delegates.
“I want to make sure that everyone is prepared for the next conference by focusing on practicing debate and giving speeches,” said Head Delegate Victoria Elefante. “Through an accredited course, I think our delegation would be much more confident and competitive at conferences.”
Utica students participate in Harvard National Model U.N. Conference//Photos by Jenna Skutnik
5 FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025
Budget debate dominates Utica Common Council meeting, residents will see tax increase
James Hymon, Contributing Writer
Tensions ran high inside Utica’s Common Council chambers on March 19, as residents and council members grappled with the potential impact of a proposed property tax increase.
Though the official agenda included a variety of city matters—from ice clearing to police oversight—it was the looming tax hike that generated the most discussion, both from the public and elected officials. Following four years of a 0% tax rate under the previous administration, the council now faces steep fiscal challenges and strong pushback from residents, many of whom voiced concerns about affordability, fairness and a lack of transparency in city spending.
The evening’s central focus was the city’s budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, particularly how to address financial shortfalls without overburdening taxpayers. The council debated a proposed local law suspending the 3% cost-ofliving salary increase for city officials, including the mayor, comptroller, treasurer and council members. Sponsored by Councilmember Samantha Colosimo-Testa, the measure aimed to reduce city expenditures but faced pushback from some members and attendees concerned about broader fiscal issues.
“We understand that everyone is feeling the financial strain, and we want to ensure that we are not adding unnecessary burdens on the city’s residents,” said Councilmember Jack LoMedico, urging patience as the council worked
through difficult decisions.
During a special meeting Thursday, March 21, the Common Council unanimously approved a revised version of the budget. The final plan included a significantly reduced property tax increase of 3.13%—a notable drop from the originally proposed 9.77% hike. The updated $91.4 million budget represented a compromise between fiscal necessity and public outcry.
Despite discussions about cost-saving measures, some council members and residents argued that the decision failed to address deeper financial issues, including the legacy of previous budget cuts. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, pointed out that the past mayor had maintained a 0% tax rate for the last four years, leaving the current administration to make difficult financial choices.
“We’re paying the price now for those decisions,” the resident said, voicing frustration over the city controller’s opposition to tax increases and the council’s struggle to find alternative solutions.
The meeting saw heated discussions about potential tax increases and their impact on homeowners. Many residents expressed concerns about the rising cost of living, with some, like Beverly Reynolds of Utica, arguing that while a tax cap is necessary, it should not come at the expense of essential city services.
“Everything is getting more expensive, but our pay isn’t increasing at the same rate,” Beverly said. “We need accountability from our leaders so that homeowners, especially elderly and retired residents, aren’t forced out of their homes.”
While the majority of votes cast during the meeting passed with unanimous 9-0 approval, one issue that created division among council members was related to the composition of the Bureau of Police. Some members pushed for structural changes, while others felt such decisions should be made with more public input and careful planning.
Beyond budget and tax discussions, residents took the opportunity to voice their frustrations about several long-standing
issues:
Ice clearing: One resident, who had suffered a broken arm following a slip and fall on Genesee Street two months ago, criticized the city’s response to winter weather, citing ineffective ice removal from roads and sidewalks.
Garbage bag prices: A resident questioned how the revenue generated from city-mandated garbage bags is being used, expressing frustration that taxpayers are already contributing heavily to city services and should not be expected to pay extra without clear justification.
Potholes: Several residents expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of Utica’s roads, urging the city to allocate more funds toward infrastructure repairs.
Rising rent costs: One man raised concerns about unfair landlords and rent surcharging, emphasizing that tenants are already struggling with high living expenses. He also urged council members to spend more time focusing on this aspect of the city’s cost of living, rather than find new ways to increase residents’ taxes.
As the meeting wrapped up, the council acknowledged the growing frustration among residents and the need for longterm solutions to Utica’s financial challenges. While some measures were taken to address immediate budget concerns, the council did continue debating how to balance revenue generation with affordability for residents during future meetings.
Mayor Mike Galime //Photo from the Mayor’s Office
7 FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025
First time in NYC was ‘fun, new and mildly exhausting’
By Megan Wright, Staff Writer
Over spring break, I went to New York City, which probably doesn’t sound that exciting to local people who have been there 100 times. But I’m from Kansas, meaning I grew up in a town of 5,000 people surrounded by fields, and the closest Walmart was 45 minutes away; the size of my hometown is basically just Central Park times two. So this was a big step for me. People back in Kansas already think that all of New York looks like NYC, and assume that’s my reality, so this was a much-needed trip.
My mom and I planned three big days in the city, from Broadway shows to the Empire State Building; we did all the tourist attractions. We spent two evenings attending Broadway shows, Book of Mormon and Six. My favorite was the Book of Mormon. I didn’t think that Broadway could actually make me laugh out loud as hard as I did while watching this musical. For context, my mom and I did absolutely zero research on this play before-
hand, and we were slapped in the face with the best raunchy jokes and laughable stereotypes.
In total, we visited about three tall buildings, and by the third, I had a pretty good idea of what the NYC skyline looked like. We started with the Empire State Building, which is a must-see according to all the tourism websites. We then went to Rockefeller Center, where Saturday Night Live and other NBC shows are recorded. We didn’t see any SNL cast members or guests, but it was still cool.
Lastly, we stumbled upon this structure called “The Vessel,” an open-air, spiraling structure that is part of Hudson Yards. Little did we know when we paid to get in that we basically signed up to walk up and down eight flights of stairs, but nonetheless, this was one of the most interesting architectural designs I saw.
Looking back, I realize that my expectations of NYC did not compare to the reality. For example, the NYC portrayed to me was dirtier and more
crowded with bustling people, but in reality, it was reasonably clean where we went, and the sidewalks were manageable. As a matter of fact, by the last day of my trip, I was getting upset with slow-walking tourists.
Another misconception about the city that I had was that everything was walkable and I would be just fine (I was not fine). By the third day of our trip, my feet were screaming at me for walking nine miles
a day in shoes that were not meant for walking. I guess, in my mind, everything was a lot closer and more compact than it actually was; the subways were a blessing.
All in all, my trip to NYC was fun, new and mildly exhausting. It is a trip I will never forget. Plus, now, I can finally tell everyone back in Kansas what New York is really like.
Photo of Staff Writer Megan Wright in New York City
Utica men’s basketball season in review
Nick Phillips, Sports Reporter
Utica’s men’s basketball season came to a close on Friday, March 7 after a 79-57 loss to Montclair State University during the first round of NCAA Division III Tournament.
The Pioneers started their season in winning fashion against Lehman College with a 4-point victory in the Harold J. Brodie Tournament that took place at RIT.
After beating RIT in the second game of the tournament and a hot start to the season, Utica started the season at 6-2. However things began to change over winter break, where the Pioneers went 1-4 in the 5 game stretch.
It was around this time where head coach Sean Coffey made some changes to the lineup, increasing the playing time of freshmen Isaiah Smith and Jordan Cain and replacing Seidina Doukoure in the starting lineup with Liam Teague.
Utica finished the season on fire, going 11-1 in their final 12 games including a 7-game winning streak right before the start of the Empire 8 Tournament. It was during this stretch when Dayion Thompson started a hot streak.
Thompson, a junior guard from Beacon, New York, had his sophomore campaign cut short with a torn ACL. Prior to his
injury, he started all 16 of the games he appeared in and averaged 13.6 points per game. In the second half of this season, Thompson played the best basketball of his collegiate career earning an Empire 8 Player of the Week award.
That stretch was capitalized on Jan. 24 against Hartwick College when Thompson scored a career high of 34 points and drilled the game winning three point shot. Thompson would go onto average a career high of 15.6 points per game which led the team.
Another memorable moment was when the Pioneers played their Senior Day game against Russell Sage College where seniors Griffin Barasa, Neruda Perdomo and Hagen Foley,
along with fifth-year Devon Flynn and graduate students Levi Spina and Damien Call.
The game was especially memorable for Call who scored his 1,000th point as a Pioneer in the contest. Call, a member of the Pioneers since the 20202021 season, averaged 13.9 points per game this season and led the team in assists and rebounds. Call became the 16th player all time to reach this mark for Utica with the most recent being Justice Brantley who reached the mark last season.
Prior to the start of the Empire 8 Tournament, coach Sean Coffey made another adjustment, inserting Devon Flynn and Jordan Cain into the starting lineup in place of Levi Spina and Liam Teague.
The Pioneers began the Empire 8 Tournament at home against Houghton University, who had one of the best seasons in program history. Utica took care of business, winning by a score of 80-68 where they had success from the free throw line shooting 22/29. Isaiah Smith had a huge role in this game with a career high of 14 points.
In the second round, Utica faced off against Nazareth University where they came away with a 6 point victory against a very good basketball team. It was a career day for Devon Flynn, Jordan Cain and Liam Teague who all scored their career high in points during this contest.
The final game of the Empire 8 Tournament came down to a cross-town affair against the SUNY Poly Wildcats where brothers Isaiah and Elijah Smith faced off against each other. Utica prevailed for a 8976 victory to win the Empire 8 for the second consecutive season, marking the first time that happened in program history.
While the NCAA loss was a sour end to the season, it was yet another successful one for Coffey and the Pioneers. Though losing the likes of Call, Foley and Flynn will be tough for the Pioneers, the emergence of players like Smith and Cain, a new class and the transfer portal should propel Utica into another successful 2025-2026 season.
// Photo Kayleigh Sturtevant