Utica students receive racist texts and witness uncomfortable reactions after presidential election
Breannan O’Hara, Editor in Chief
Several students at Utica University received racist text messages on Nov. 6 as part of a nationwide harassment effort targeting individuals of color.
At least 10 students received these text messages near Election Day and more students of color have received them since, according to Xavier Moore, president of Brothers On a New Direction, historian of the Black Student Union and vice president of Student Government Association.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, these text messages originated from difficult to trace phone numbers and the identity of the offenders have yet to be publicly identified.
Moore expressed concerns about racial discrimination on campus and ways to improve the comfort and safety of students in the community. After the election, some students were upset by the actions of a few other students, he said.
“A student reported that in South Hall students were running around their hall yelling racial slurs and glorifying Trump,” Moore said. “Another student reported that during the following nights of the election,
students outside of a first year hall were screaming partisan opinions and racial remarks.”
Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel said he has not been made aware of these reports because no one has reported it to his office.
“We would deal with that directly,” Pfannestiel said. “If anybody would bring concern forward, we would immediately investigate. We would find out what happened, and we would take appropriate actions be-
cause that is completely unacceptable at this university and I will never put up with that.”
Anthony Baird, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, said people have a right to celebrate their political parties win, however “the line gets crossed when we dehumanize someone in the name of that celebration and that’s when it becomes problematic.”
“When you hear things or expressions that are antithetical to the values that we espouse here
on campus through our stand statement, individuals should be held accountable based on the policies that we have and the rules and sanctions that we have on campus,” Baird said. “If we allow one person to the next to the greater, dehumanize another, then we have a case of normlessness and that would only bring chaos.”
Moore said the campus must remain vigilant to prevent cases of bias and racial discrimination both inside and outside of the classroom. It must be ensured that the students are aware of the resources available to them to which they can submit reports.
“These texts are being sent through text, but the problem also lies on this campus,” Moore said. “Racist bigotry will only increase in intensity if this campus doesn’t put its foot down.”
Baird explained that the “community we get is what the community allows.”
“It starts with students picking up against those behaviors that are not consistent with what’s appropriate and what is consistent with the values of the community,” Baird said. “One of the ways we bring about that civility on campus is when we see something, we say some-
Photo from: @bsuutica on Instagram
PAGE 2 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 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
Tangerine Clerk- Citlali Lopez
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
11/14/2024 6:30 PM
10:54 PM Fire Safety Violation North Hall
11/14/2024 6:40 PM Fire Safety Violation Bell Hall
11/15/2024 10:20 AM Fire Alarm Pioneer Village
11/15/2024 10:22 AM
11/16/2024 7:38 PM Fire Alarm North Hall
11/17/2024 12:10 PM Student of Concern Parking Lot
11/18/2024 3:49 PM Reckless Driving Roadway
11/19/2024 4:00 AM
11/19/2024 3:19 PM
PAGE 3 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
thing. We stand up against it and we have policies that govern our behavior and support one another.”
Moore said Pfannestiel “should give an actual speech, not just an email” to stand firm against racism, sexism and bigotry because being at a predominately white insitution is something most students of color have to adjust to.
“Speaking personally, I come from a town with a more sig-
University
Breannan O’Hara, Editor in Chief
nificant population of people of color, so coming here I had to adapt to not seeing myself in the community or faculty,” Moore said. “With a nationwide increase of discriminatory actions and bigotry, it makes students of color uncomfortable knowing people we trusted may, in truth, despise us for nothing more than the skin we were born with or the sex that we were born into.”
Moore said the fight against racism is not limited to students of color and BOND is
working to establish a student support organization, not just to demonstrate their opposition to racism, sexism, and bigotry in all its manifestations, but also to demonstrate that victory will require more than just themselves.
Shad Crowe, Vice President for Facilities and Emergency Management, said that his office has close ties with the identified agencies that are continuing to investigate the origins of the text messages and that information will be shared as soon as it is made available.
“Our world is very small and a “lifetime” happens very fast. There is no room for bigotry and racism. There is no time for hatred and division,” Crowe said. “I know we hear it too often, but it bears repeating, good people everywhere must continue to stand in solidarity against those vile actors intent on spreading hate and discontent - whose only goal is to create anarchy and pain.”
To report a bias-related incident, visit https://www.utica. edu/bias-incident-reporting
‘gateway’: Committee looks to transform St. Luke’s campus into multifunctional complex
Since October 2023, St. Luke’s Hospital campus has been vacant, leaving around 53 acres of land open for endless opportunities for redevelopment across the street from Utica University. The end goal is for it to be a prime destination for future students, faculty and staff.
Four engagement sessions were held so far that have had more than 400 in-person attendees. In addition, 2,722 individual website visitors, 560 online surveys and 425 people on a contact list have given input into what they wanted for their neighborhood and the St. Luke’s site, according to the Reimagine St. Luke’s website.
Based on the input, guiding principles for the vision were made: character, open space, land use, housing and connection. A preferred direction for development was identified and a potential phase one of building was made.
According to information on the Reimagine St. Luke’s website, the vision includes a new neighborhood with interesting things
to do, a variety of places to live, and great connections to nature and surrounding communities; one that celebrates the site’s heritage of promoting wellness, while creating exciting opportunities for the future.
Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel has been a member of the Reimagine St. Luke’s planning committee, representing the university throughout the process.
“It’s been great watching this develop because I go to all of the meetings so I can hear what the community is saying and also talk to the planning committee about what’s doable or not doable,” Pfannestiel said.
“The entire Sangertown Square Mall or (Consumer Square complex) in New Hartford could fit in the property across the street, so it is big. Now part of it is federally protected wetlands but what’s left you can do a lot with.”
He said the entire planning committee envisioned the old St. Luke’s campus transformed into a place that would not only attract locals and visitors to come and experience, but also be a place to live.
“It is residential, but there are also restaurants, bars and stores. We’re not in the detail of saying what exact businesses but I’d say there will be retail, there will be food, there will be services, and then there will be significant multi-use housing such as apartments, condos, and cottages, probably some made for elderly or retired people,” Pfannestiel said. “ In terms of the federal protected wetlands for wildlife, you can’t change that but you can incorporate opportunities like walking paths and other outdoor activities.”
He explained that from the first meeting residents said “what can we do to ensure that your university students feel welcomed across the street and that
we are not looking to create a barrier.”
“Now as I’m thinking as a university president and community member, I said I absolutely want my students to come across the street,” Pfannestiel said. “When you get to the point of thinking what retail and food goes in there, you need to come over and talk to my students and say what is it that you want.”
Pfannestiel said he wouldn’t be surprised if he worked with the Oneida County Executive Anthony Piciente on creating a survey for the university in the coming year.
“I really want us to see what it
Photo from community workshop #4 for Reimagining St. Luke’s.
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PAGE 4 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
is that students and employees here would find most beneficial to be immediately across the street and what are their concerns about getting there,” Pfannestiel said. “I think I need to ask them too, what kind of style of housing would they be interested in, whether it be apartments or more of a condominium style.”
He said that as a university president, he had two thoughts in his mind.
“The first thing I need is a safe way for students to get over there. So is it a bridge? Is it a light with a button and a crosswalk? What is it that makes it safe for my students to be over there? Because I want them over there a lot,” Pfannestiel
said. “Second thing, and this is not a done deal but it’s an idea. From day one, I have pushed the idea that our university bookstore should be across the street. Right now it is buried in the bottom of Strebel and if you have it across the street, it is a lot more public.”
He said that the committee is certain of two things regarding the property: the hospital is coming down and the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is staying.
need a place to stay sometimes,” Pfannestiel said. “In regard to the hospital, it takes up the biggest part of the space and it is not usable.”
Pfannestiel clarified that he doesn’t “want to give the impression that we’ve decided exactly what it will be, we just know what we want to have in there,” adding that deciding on a specific design and beginning building are still a few years off.
are a lot of legalities that go into it.”
Following the October concept plan review workshop for Reimagine St. Luke’s, the next steps are to work on planning and zoning, attain developer engagement, rationalize infrastructure, environmental site assessment and to continue community participation.
For project updates, events, and more information visit Home | Reimagine St. Luke’s. CONT FROM PAGE 3
“The reason why I mention that is because they have a need and we have a need to have a small hotel on this property, so when your parents come to visit if they are from out of town they have a place to stay likewise people visiting grandma and grandma over in that building
“What we have is a great master plan that has not been finalized but we’re close. When it is finalized the next step would be working with the state and county authorities with regard to traffic flow on Burrstone and Champlain Road,” Pfannestiel said. “Also, you need to get the appropriate zoning in there to do living versus retail so there
“If at the end of the day, what we have is a place that my students will enjoy going to walk, relax, eat, drink appropriately, get their books and just be outdoors and enjoy it then that is a win,” Pfannestiel said.“If there’s anything beyond that, that’s icing on the cake.”
Review: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ truly ‘great and powerful’ on the Utica stage
Grace Christopher, Staff Writer
Utica University’s Theatre Department took audiences down the Yellow Brick Road over the weekend with its production of “The Wizard of Oz,” and it was jolly good fun.
The show, directed by Dennis Clark, ran from Nov. 7 - 10 in Strebel Auditorium and included students from Notre Dame Schools as ensemble characters. The cast did a great job using a midwestern 1900s accent early into the show, and then transitioned into their iconic roles after the cyclone hit Kansas. The twister choreography - featuring a fun cameo appearance by President Todd Pfannestiel - and effects were powerful. If someone was unfamiliar with the story, then they clearly picked up an alarming vibe from the flashing lights and twirling
movements.
Once Dorothy’s house landed on the Wicked Witch of the East, I felt transported to Munchkinland and Emerald City because the effects, including a large wizard head and frequent use of smoke, were truly impressive.
From the main characters to the ensemble cast, the acting was excellent. Grace Ruganis, a New Hartford High School senior, captured Dorothy’s youthful innocence and the audience’s attention with her delicate rendition of “Over the Rainbow.”
You couldn’t help but smile at Caleb Hemming’s portrayal of the Scarecrow. At just 14 years old, Hemming’s singing, dancing and animation brought the Scarecrow to life in a sweet yet sophisticated way. His version of “If I Only Had a Brain” was
uplifting and touching.
But my biggest shoutout goes to Dakota Wayne, a junior at Utica University, for his portrayal of the Wicked Witch. The voice, the cackle, the makeup, the physicality - wow. That character is known for scary high drama and he brought it from the second he stomped on stage.
Some of the fun scenes were when steam shot out of the oilcan on top of the Tinman’s head and the poppy field scene because I loved the beautiful costumes and choreography. All of the costumes were well done and perfect for each character. Glinda’s was my favorite because of how extra large her dress was, thanks to a big crinoline.
The effects throughout the show were impressive but the ones used toward the end stood out. The large wizard head was cool,
with a scary deep voice and illuminating eyes that changed color. The iconic witch melting scene actually looked like she was “liquidated” in front of our eyes with the steam and lowering effect.
Utica’s production stuck very much to the classic story, but included a few modern touches, such as a “Lion King” reference and using the slang term “hawk tuah.”
Even though I knew how the story ended, I never felt bored during the show and was excited for what would happen next. If you didn’t catch this one, then you missed out. “The Wizard of Oz” was a delight from start to finish.
PAGE 5 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
Utica University Band performs at The Lunch Hour Series
Staff Report,
The Utica University Band performed as part of the Professor Harry F. and Mary Ruth Jackson Lunch Hour Series on Nov. 20 in the Library
Concourse. Led by director Michael DiMeo, the band played a variety of medleys, including selections from Les Miserables, Aretha Franklin and the classic Christmas songbook. About 30 people attended.
The Utica University Band was founded in 1981 by the late Dr. Louis Angelini. The last Lunch Hour Series performance of the semester is scheduled on Dec. 4 at 12:30 in the Library Concourse. The Utica University Choir, featuring director Lynne Ferrara and pianist Alane Varga, is slated to perform.
Review: ‘The Christmas Letter’ provides laughs and a glimpse at some of Utica’s city landmarks
Citlali Lopez, Tangerine Clerk
The sweet and comical film, “The Christmas Letter” highlights many familiar spots here in the city of Utica, and is a must watch for local residents. The sold out movie premiere occurred at the Stanley Theatre last Saturday, Nov. 9 with Santa’s Sled in attendance, followed by a snow machine and Christmas carols.
The movie reunited stars Chevy Chase, Brian Doyle-Murray and Oscar-nominated actor Randy Quaid from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. This project was made
and directed by Tori Hunter and Micheal Cunningham who have done short films in the past, and this would be their first official film.
For starters, this film is about a family following the wishes of Joe Michaels, a man attempting to impress his childhood penpal from Europe. With an experience in advertising, we see Joe taking snapshots that intend to capture his success in many expensive trips which don’t all go in his favor.
We see the Michaels go on fancy “exclusive trips” when in reality, they are all based in parts of Utica. The animated roles of
all the characters make the film even more special and attuned to the lifestyle here. It really comes with a lot of surprises and unexpected twists, if that is something you enjoy.
A favorite scene of mine would have to be Joe’s first adventure for his kids. What he believes is a sleigh ride is actually a drive by the fictional company “slay ride incorporated.” This very first humorous scene gives viewers a picture of how corny and comical Joe’s persona is. In fact, “Frederick Santa” from this scene is played by comedian Brian Posehn, making a special appearance.
Without many spoilers, I would recommend watching the film for some laughter or being charmed by the movie’s message. From start to finish, you are destined to find a few glimpses of Utica’s scenic snows, as well as a few familiar faces from our own campus community. Local places featured in the film include the Fort Schuyler Club, Downtown Utica, Utica’s City Hall, Wood’s Valley Ski Area and other locations in Utica, New Hartford, Clinton, Ilion and Westernville.
The film may be streamed on AppleTV, Roku, or rented and purchased on YouTube, Fandango, and Amazon Prime.
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6 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
Making his mark: Nico Leonard reflects on final men’s soccer season and creative passions
Trey Manganaro, Contributing Writer
Nico Leonard is a senior Communication & Media major at Utica University who juggles a variety of interests and responsibilities as an undergraduate student. Those include working at UticaTV, playing middle defense on the men’s soccer team and running his own photography company NMLCreativeMedia.
Leonard’s triple threat of activities has led to long lasting memories that he said he can never take for granted.
When it comes to working for UticaTV, Leonard remembers how he got into the idea of being a part of the program. He learned about UticaTV when he took Professor Laura Lewin’s Television Story Production class.
“She asked me after sometime if TV production was something that I would want to pursue in life and it was definitely something that I was thinking about,” Leonard said. “So she asked me to come work at UticaTV and work up the ranks.”
Lewin, a Communication and Media professor and UticaTV’s advisor, said Leonard stood out in that class and was able to expand his skills in and out of the studio. He enhanced the workload at UticaTV and also heightened his video editing and leadership abilities.
“He can now run the studio without needing assistance,” Lewin said. “His editing is [also] getting cleaner and quicker.”
Working at UticaTV was something that came naturally to Leonard because of his past interests in multimedia production, such as video editing. The internship that Leonard was involved with the summer before his junior year may have had something to do with that.
“I started editing stuff for an
internship and that’s what I liked to do,” Leonard said. “All the things I learned in Adobe Premiere were learned my way and not the shortcut way. I wanted to continue to learn new things and immerse myself while I was here for that reason.”
Leonard said when it comes to photography, he finds himself enjoying both the physical action of taking pictures as well as the process of editing that comes afterwards. He appreciated the difficulties that come with live shooting sporting events such as basketball while also learning how to attack the editing process that comes with it.
“I learn something new every time I shoot and every time that I edit,” Leonard said. “I think that they are both the same process. When I go to shoot, it requires editing. It all really goes hand in hand.”
Leonard wanted to continue to learn as a photographer because he believed that the ability to build connections with people in the world of photography is one that he can use later on in life when it comes to a future career.
“ I want to use this camera more and more and I have developed an extreme passion for it,”
Leonard said. “I have an extreme passion for these pictures, and ultimately I think that stems from being a college athlete myself. At the end of the day, what college athlete doesn’t love to get photos of themselves playing their favorite sport? I want to share that feeling with those who also love their sports.”
While Leonard is a multimedia fanatic, he also is a collegiate athlete for the Men’s soccer team and has been since his sophomore year when he transferred to Utica. Soccer is one of Leonard’s favorite things to do and it has been since he was around 3 years old.
“I started playing in a rec pro-
gram, but if you were a kindergartener at [my elementary school] Scotland, you played for your school,” Leonard said. “Co-ed rec soccer in elementary school as a second grader, that was pretty awesome. I played indoor soccer as well.”
Leonard wanted to play soccer as his father was also a soccer player who spent time playing at the University of Central Florida. He had even played soccer with multiple legends of the United States soccer world.
“He coached me up until 6th or 7th grade and he even did guest sessions with academy teams. It got to a point then where I said I’m going to college for this,” Leonard said.
Leonard was thankful for his time that he spent at Utica in the soccer program. Some of his favorite memories in his entire soccer career were born from this group of guys.
“Every single second with my core group of seniors and grad students here at Utica,” Leonard said. “Everyone in my grade, my roommate in the grade below me and the grad students. The core group and all of the wonderful memories we made were my favorite.”
Some of these students that Leonard played with included Brady Barnard, also a senior.
Barnard said his favorite part about playing with Leonard was because they had the same ideas on the field, which made playing with him enjoyable.
“Ever since Nico came to Utica he showed qualities of being a leader. He was always someone who would step up to lead the warmups, or someone who wouldn’t hesitate to express the team’s thoughts to the coach,” Barnard said. “ On the field he would never be negative towards a teammate, all of his comments were constructive and motivating. One of his best qualities on and off the field is his ability to keep his teammates heads up.”
Oct. 30 was Leonard’s last game of his collegiate career. The Utica Pioneers defeated Keuka College 3-1, and when asked about whether or not Leonard would look to continue playing soccer after his collegiate career was over, he laughed.
“I’ll definitely end up playing at some point,” Leonard said. “The major shift is that after (the last game) it’ll go from being my main priority to just a hobby which is actually crazy to think about,” he said. “I’ll think about it, but it’s just a sport now, but if my future career allows me to play soccer competitively again then I may do it, but for now my career comes first and I’m excited for that.”
Nico Leonard. Photo by Kayleigh Sturtevant.
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PAGE 7 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024
POV: Additional pressure placed on prospective college athletes, scouting begins in middle school for some students
Kate Gaffney, Intern
With National Signing Day just passing on Nov. 13, the pressure is building for many high schoolers to make life changing decisions.
Teenagers are getting younger and younger when college athletic scouts begin to put them on their radar. Specifically, in lacrosse and track and field, some say recruitment into an NCAA institution is more difficult than ever.
Whitesboro High School senior Kaelyn Barry has committed to Bryant University in Fall 2025 to play lacrosse. However, before that, Barry had to make countless sacrifices, at the expense of her teenage years.
“During my summer going into my junior year, it was very demanding,” Barry said. “In the month of July alone, I slept in 16 different hotels. It was not only physically demanding, but also very hard being away from home for so long.”
She was referring to a hardpressed tournament schedule that took her across the East Coast. College coaches for all sports are expanding their recruitment process by traveling
to tournaments all across the country to vary their prospects, to hopefully find the perfect fit for their future teams.
However, even after Barry committed in the fall of 2023, the preparations for her future were not complete. She said she has been lifting weights more often in the gym, and that she plans to step onto campus next fall overprepared.
Utica University sophomore
Megan Brinck is a member of the Track and Field team and her recruitment process looked a lot different from Barry’s.
“[Coaches] would come up to me at meets and give me their cards, or would mail me letters. Some would invite me to lunches with their teams,” Brinck said.
As grueling as the recruitment process seems, the worst may be yet to come. With the rise of club teams, specifically in soccer, hockey, baseball and lacrosse, and Amateur Athletic Union teams with sports such as basketball, pressure on young athletes will not be winding down any time soon.
“With the growth of lacrosse academies and reclassing, I have already seen a more intense recruiting process,” Barry said.
A common strategy used by high school student-athletes is reclassing, which allows the student, who attends a preparatory school, to repeat the same academic year. This lets the student-athlete grow stronger and improve at his
or her sport, which leads to the athlete having extensive advantages over others.
This, along with other loopholes coaches use to increase an athlete’s ability sooner, puts more pressure on these young athletes as they transition into college. However, once in college, each athlete’s journey is different, based on which sport they play. Although Brinck has retired from throwing on the Track and Field team, she has gained a new perspective through coaching.
“I do believe that it’s going to be a little more difficult to get recruited because people are competing at such a high caliber,” Brinck said. “It will be a lot harder to go Division I or II, but hopefully, that will leave more room for Division III athletes.”
Brinck and Barry experienced vastly different adventures while navigating a laborious time in high school, however, both faced the immense challenge of the present system of recruitment.
Megan Brinck. Photo by Jim Lemieux.
The Utica University Library Giving Tree has arrived to spread warmth this winter
From now until the end of the semester the Utica University Library is collecting hats, gloves, and scarves to keep others warm this winter. Donations can be left by the Giving Tree on the first floor of the library, to the left of the stairwell. All donated items will be given to The Center of Utica, Mohawk Valley’s refugee resource center.
