Father Paul Drobin: A loss of a beloved member of the community
Breannan O”Hara, Editor in Chief
A photo exhibition by Distinguished Professor of Biology Thomas McCarthy is on display through Oct. 31 in the Edith Barrett Art Gallery. The exhibit, titled “Chemo Characters: Cancer Coping Mechanisms of the Easily Amused,” depicts McCarthy’s experience with cancer treatments.
The works showcase McCarthy’s reenactments of people and fictional characters who are bald, such as Charlie Brown and Dr. Evil, and aims to increase awareness of the devastation caused by the disease, while still encouraging people to live life to the fullest.
“Since I lost all my hair during chemotherapy and the treatments were wreaking havoc on my body in numerous and often unpredictable ways, this was a way for me to keep busy during times when I wasn’t feeling very well,” McCarthy said. “I was able to use art and photography as a way to document what was happening to me in a tangible way, and sometimes express myself in ways that I wasn’t able to do verbally.”
McCarthy said the photography offered him a “mechanism to cope with what was going on”
Student Spotlight: Grace VanEtten, Defying Odds
Utica women’s soccer senior night gallery photographed by Luke
by allowing him to have some degree of control. He was able to take the photos that he wanted, manipulate them in ways that he chose and transform himself.
McCarthy vividly recalled when Theatre Professor Marijean Levering passed away in 2017 following a battle with breast cancer.
“She impacted the lives of many students,” McCarthy said. “I considered her a friend and I thought about her often when I was going through it. Consequently, I’m working with a few offices on campus to use this event as a way to raise money for the scholarship that was created in her memory.”
McCarthy said he hopes everyone who visits the exhibit takes
something away.
“I want to raise awareness about that disease - both for women and for men,” McCarthy said.
“I also hope that at the very least people are amused by my images, because I view them as something positive that came out of the whole ordeal.”
His exhibit marks the reopening of the Edith Barrett Art Gallery, which was initially closed after COVID-19 shut down the university in spring 2020, and starts a new transition for the space, according to Laura Salvaggio, faculty theater director and theater professor.
“There isn’t an exact timeline on these plans, but we do have the beginning of a path forward and we’ll be implementing parts
as we have the ability to do so,” Salvaggio said. “ There is a transition planned from its past usage as purely an art gallery to a ‘Collaborative Art Lab’ where people working together on various arts have a space to do exactly that.”
Salvaggio said the goal is to be able to transition from “gallery space to a classroom to black box theater to dance studio rapidly enough to be able to accommodate all of those during the course of the average day.”
The plan is not final and specifics could change as those who are involved in the project discuss the specifics, Salvaggio said, but they do have a vision and know what direction they are moving in.
“There’s still a lot of work to do, but I think we’ve found a way to balance the goals we have with the resources available,” Salvaggio said. “ I love that there will still be art in the gallery. I also love that we’ll be bolstering the other arts programs we currently have that are thriving and we found a way for all of that to work together.”
A reception celebrating the “Chemo Characters” exhibit will take place on Friday, Oct. 4 from 4 - 6 p.m. in the Edith Barrett Art Gallery, located in the Donahue Library Concourse.
McCarthy’s photo exhibition on display. Photo courtesy of Thomas McCarthy.
Art gallery space reopens with photo exhibition by Dr. Thomas McCarthy, on display throughout October
PAGE 2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
Editor-in-Chief - Breannan O’Hara
Managing Editor - Brady Barnard
Online/Social Media Editor - Syamimi Anuar
Sports Reporter - Nick Phillips
Staff Reporter - Megan Wright
Staff Photographer - Luke Reed
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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9/17/2024
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Father Paul Drobin: The loss of a beloved member of the community
Breannan O’Hara, Editor in Cheif
Father Paul Drobin, the longstanding chaplain of the Newman Center at Utica University who many considered a cherished member of the community, died on Sept. 27 at age 84. He impacted the lives of many students, faculty and staff through his deep passion and drive for inclusivity and spiritual-self realization, according to those who knew him.
Throughout his various roles, he was known to encourage people to seek a better understanding of one another.
Jason Denman, dean of humanities and social sciences, said Drobin was one of the kindest people he ever met.
“At the Newman Center, back in the day, it was startling how welcome he made people feel,” Denman said. “You could have someone from a completely different faith tradition, or an agnostic, at a baptism, for instance, and it was so clear that all were welcome, and that all points of view and all faiths
would be acknowledged and respected and embraced. That was his ‘brand,’ so to speak, an almost radical inclusivity that is rare in any faith tradition.”
Denman said he occasionally saw Drobin after the Newman Center closed, and it would seem as though no time had passed.
“He had an easy and relaxed charisma that was palpable and I always got choked up when we would talk, simply because I could feel his love for others in general, and me in particular, a love I hardly merited,” Denman said.
Kristin Phelps, director of human resources, said there are not enough words to describe Drobin and the impact he had on peoples’ lives.
“Like so many in our community, Father was there for all the major chapters of my life,” Phelps said. “He officiated my wedding, the baptisms of my children, the funeral for my mother, and everything in between.”
Regardless of his personal
struggles, Drobin was wellknown for his unwavering support for his community, which never failed to turn out for him.
“All you have to do is look back at the Christmas Eve and Easter morning masses that needed to be held in the Library Concourse because of the number of people who attended,” Phelps said. “To see all these families come together and choose to share these special holidays in the Catholic faith with Father speaks volumes to the impact he had on his community.”
Drobin had a way with words and stories that made it easy for people to connect with him and “his love for puns.” Phelps said he made the effort to get to know each person, regardless of their spiritual background, and to meet them where they were in their religious journey.
“I know I speak for many when I say he was not just a priest or a friend,” Phelps said. “He truly was part of my family. I am forever grateful for his love, compassion, and wisdom. Our lives are better for having him in it.”
According to Phelps and Denman, everyone was genuinely welcomed under Drobin’s roof. Denman added: “I miss him greatly, as do many people on our staff and our faculty.”
Drobin’s services are as follows: Calling hours are from 1-5 p.m. on Frday, Oct. 4 at Holy Trinity Church in Utica. A Vigil Service for a Priest will immediately follow at 5 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Holy Trinity Church in Utica.
Local restaurants featured in Pioneer Cafe
Brady Barnard, Managing Editor
This semester, Utica University has welcomed local restaurants to set up next to the Pioneer Cafe in the Strebel Student Center.
On Tuesdays, Grapevine will be stopping in, offering their Mediterranean cuisine for lunch or dinner. On Wednesdays and Fridays, Minar Fine Indian Cuisine will be on campus. And on Thursdays, Deli Tacos will soon be joining the rotation. In the future, the school plans to bring It’s a Utica Thing into the
mix of restaurants.
According to Sodexo General Manager Damian Boehlert, each restaurant has their own time slots reserved for those days, but they will not be there every week. They will set up on campus when they choose to.
In terms of payment options, students will be able to use their Utica University ID cards to pay.
“We could have had food trucks on campus, but I really wanted students to be able to use their Utica cards to pay,” Boehlert said.
Minar Restaurant prepares food in Pioneer Cafe. Photo by Brady Barnard.
Father Paul Drobin. Photo source: Paul Drobin Obituary.
4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
Health and Wellness Center introduces venting hours for student well-being
Syamimi Anuar, Social Media Editor
In an effort to help students prioritize their mental and physical health, the Health and Wellness Center now offers venting hours to provide students with a comfortable space where they feel heard and validated.
According to Jennah Nitti, a third year clinical social work intern in the Health and Wellness Center, venting is short-term and solution-focused, allowing individuals to share feelings with a trusted person to relieve emotional tension. In contrast, therapy provides long-term care and support, fostering personal growth and lasting change through a continuous journey of learning guided by a professional.
Students can attend venting hours during designated times which are 1-4 p.m. on Mondays and 1- 3 p.m. on Tuesdays. During these
Staff Reports
Rite Aid Pharmacy administered around 400 flu shots and updated COVID vaccines on campus from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, according to Dawn DeGironemo, staff nurse at the Health and Wellness Center. The clinic was held in the Strebel Student Center Lounge and was organized by the Health and Wellness Center.
hours, a clinical social work intern will be available to listen without judgment, focusing on immediate emotional relief and stress alleviation. While conversations are informal, they do not substitute for therapy; instead, they offer a chance to discuss concerns and receive supportive feedback.
Flyers are posted around campus, providing information about available services, while QR codes make it easy for students to access details or schedule appointments. The Health and Wellness Center is dedicated to ensuring health services accessible to all students through various outreach efforts.
“The goals of the Health and Wellness Center are to provide robust support to students, actively engage them in wellness initiatives, and promote a culture of safety and awareness on campus,” Nitti said.
The Health and Wellness Center offers free counseling services to all Utica students, available both online and in-person by appointment. These services are designed to support students’ mental health and well-being, ensuring they have access to professional guidance when needed. To
schedule an appointment students can call, email or use Calendly links of staff in the Health and Wellness Center.
If students have questions about venting hours, they can contact the Health and Wellness Center at hwc@ utica.edu or 315-792-3094.
Flu shot clinic held on campus this week
A Rite Aid pharmacist cleans up after administering a flu shot on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Photo by Mary Christopher.
FEATURES
PAGE 5 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
Student Spotlight: Grace VanEtten, Defying Odds
Breannan O’Hara, Editor in Chief
Grace VanEtten recently achieved a remarkable accomplishment for a rising sophomore. VanEtten, who is majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and health care ethics, participated in a research program at UMass Chan Medical School over the summer.
For ten weeks, she was immersed in practical laboratory research focusing on various proteins that regulate the cell cycle.
“Specifically I was studying a protein that regulates the spindle pole body in yeast,” VanEtten said. “I was looking at when my protein got activated and if the function changed at this activation. That was our overall question and what we explored for the summer.”
She explained that she went into this program knowing nothing about what they were researching and “left knowing everything.”
Dr. Adam Pack, distinguished professor of biology and Nathan Rice, May 2024 graduate, were two figures who encouraged and supported her throughout her interest in research.
As a freshman, she went to one of Rice’s presentations about his research adventures and became thrilled to have the chance to gain her own experiences. Unaware that this year, she would make a presentation to other freshmen that was similar to his.
“From that moment on, Nathan kinda became my
upperclassmen mentor and he taught me a lot about these programs,” VanEtten said.
During the summer and fall semesters, she initially participated in research with Dr. Pack in the biology department.
As a rising sophomore, she clarified, it was made apparent to her that her odds of being accepted into these research programs were limited, but not nonexistent.
“Dr. Pack made it clear that I don’t have a great chance but you have a chance because you started research early and a lot of other experiences to put on your resume but just don’t be disappointed,” VanEtten said. “He for sure encouraged me to apply for the research program and I don’t think I would have otherwise.”
She said that she “wouldn’t have done it without the two of them.”
Following her summer research experience, she came to some realizations regarding her future career path. She plans to pursue graduate school, most likely medical school, after her time at Utica.
”I definitely want to explore the options but I did learn that this is something I would not want to do full time,” VanEtten said. “Before I didn’t really know, research was just a concept to me like maybe I would absolutely love it and I really did like it but after doing it full time for ten weeks straight, I was like there’s no way I can do this for the rest of my life.”
She clarified that while it is not something she would like to pursue full-time, she has learned that she wants to become a doctor and has considered becoming both a doctor of medicine and a doctor of science, which involves some research.
Outside of the science realm, VanEtten takes interest in a variety of hobbies and activities.
“The gym is my biggest hobby outside of school but I also love art and was actually planning on going to art school before choosing medical school,” VanEtten said. “I love to paint, draw, and I also really enjoy singing and I am trying to figure out how to be involved in our campus quire this semester.”
She then explained that during her freshman year and this past summer, she kind of got carried away with the sciences, missing out on the opportunity to explore other things.
“I am struggling a little bit with this right now if I am being entirely honest,” VanEtten said. “Where I’m so into the sciences and the medical things that I am struggling to take myself out of it and finding outside hobbies.”
However, her intense love for the gym has continued through college and she said that “if I am not on campus, I am probably at the gym.”
CONT ON PAGE 6
VanEtten standing by her research poster at UMass Chan Medical School. Photo courtesy of Grace VanEtten.
FEATURES
PAGE 6 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
CONT FROM PAGE 5
VanEtten carries a piece of advice with her that has helped her throughout all the trials and tribulations while attending college.
“Something I always say which is partly a joke and partly not is ‘it’s never that serious,’” VanEtten said. “I
Cybertruck
Grace Christopher, Staff Writer
The fall semester started with a bit of intrigue for many at Utica University, especially among those who frequent the area near parking lot A where a Tesla Cybertruck is regularly parked.
Mystery solved: Construction Management Professor Audrey Cross is the proud owner.
“It’s a head turner for sure,” explained Cross, who said daily drives bring excitement to passersby. “I’ve had little kids pointing and screaming ‘it’s a Cybertruck!’ and wanting me to honk the horn.”
Cross put down a $100 deposit in November 2019 and picked up the car over the summer. Originally priced at $55,000, the final cost increased dramatically over five years due to changes in the economy and the increase in production and material costs. Today, her Foundation Series Cybertruck is worth around $100,000.
“I had a RAM Big Horn before this, a Dodge, I loved it. However the maintenance on it was awful,” Cross said. “After having to deal with the costly maintenance every year, it was a major gas guzzler. In
am very in the mindset that it’s never worth it to deteriorate your own mental health over something.”
She adds that she knows it is difficult for college students to have that kind of mindset and that she had experienced moments in her life when she thought the world was ending.
“There’s always new things you can do, always more you can do, there’s always different things you can try,” VanEtten said.
She emphasized the value of giving it your all and then letting things work themselves out: “Try your damnedest to do as well as you can and do
everything you possibly can do but if it doesn’t go the way you want it to go, it’s okay.”
generates buzz on campus: ‘It’s a head turner for sure’
the long run, the cybertruck is a major savings. I’m going to have this vehicle for the next ten to fifteen years at least.”
Unsurprisingly, the truck has a lot of cool features, including a full light show with music that sounds like a villain entering a movie scene. Also interesting is the“ frunk;” the hood of the truck lifts up revealing a front trunk that resembles a bench.
“Something that I don’t think a lot of people realize is that there is a Tesla Powerwall,” said Cross, explaining that It takes the energy from the national grid and stores it, so if the power goes out she can plug into her truck and use it as a source of electricity. “It’s a giant generator.”
A big misconception surrounding the Cybertruck is its autopilot feature, causing many to think the driver could be sleeping or reading at the wheel and that is false, according to Cross. The vehicle uses built-in software and there are about nine cameras and several sensors placed throughout the car.
“It uses artificial intelligence on the road to make sure it’s staying on the road in the lines,” Cross said. “ It’s not to the point where we are in
one of those futuristic movies where we just get in and go. When set in auto pilot, it’s just an assistance. You still need to keep your hands on the wheel. Actually, if you take your hands off the wheel at the wrong time the screen will flash and beep like crazy and the wheel will start to shake, saying your hands need to be back on the wheel.”
Cross tested the autopilot in different driving settings, but feels safer driving the car manually, especially in a city setting where everything is “touch and go.”
Because many YouTube car content creators focus on negative aspects of Cybertrucks, Cross wants to spread factual information on the vehicle. Owning the car has brought her a sense of pride and excitement, and she loves seeing that excitement in others when she drives by them.
Cross even joked that for five bucks she is willing to take faculty and staff for rides around campus.
“I love it very much,” Cross said. “I hope to see more in the area.”
PHOTOS ON P 7
Front of Cybertruck. Photo couresty of Grace Christopher
Sophomore biochem student prepares research for San Diego conference
Megan Wright, Staff Reporter
Utica University student
Katie Mattes was invited to present chemical synthesis research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Conference. Mattes is a sophomore, majoring in biochemistry with a minor in creative writing, and serves as a student-athlete as a member of Utica’s Women’s Volleyball team.
Mattes and a team have been conducting research since Spring 2024 with advisor, Dr. Elaine Liu, assistant professor of chemistry. In March 2025, she will travel to San Dieg to present on her synthetic enzyme.
“My dream has always been to use chemistry to help change the world for the better and educate other people on how that is possible,” Mattes said. “I also hope to be a representative of the student athlete population here
at Utica University. We have so many hardworking student athletes here, and I am proud to be a representative of us on the national stage.”
Mattes created a synthetic enzyme to catalyze a renewable energy reaction. Much like humans have enzymes in their body that catalyze reactions to produce energy, Mattes created a sulfur-based molecule to act like an enzyme to help catalyze a reaction that produces renewable energy. When a metal ion is placed onto Mattes’s synthetic enzyme, it will catalyze a hydrogen formation reaction. That hydrogen formation reaction is the renewable energy resource.
The ACS National Conference hosts approximately 10,000 attendees from around the world so peers can connect and receive the latest insights in chemistry. Being invited to host a poster session is an opportunity for undergraduate students to
collaborate with chemists and share their research on the global stage. Mattes will have the opportunity to take part in other activities targeted toward undergraduate students.
“While I am there I will also attend meetings for undergraduate biochemistry students on how to prepare for grad school which is where I want to go after I graduate from Utica,” Mattes said.
Mattes is currently part way through the process. In the next couple of months she will submit her formal proposal, create a poster describing her research for the conference, and apply for Student Government Association funding. Finally, in March 2025, she will take off for San Diego and represent Utica University and show off all of her hard work.
women’s soccer senior night gallery photographed by
Senior Day for the Women’s Soccer team was Saturday, Sept. 28 at home before they shutout Elmira College, 3-0. The Women’s Soccer team is 4-6 this season and next hosts SUNY Geneseo at home on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m.
