2023-24 Year in Review

yae r

Nolan saunders/the Ithacan

jesus luna/the Ithacan

jadyn davis/the Ithacan

ana gavilanes/the Ithacan

Year in Review 2023-24

editor

Elizabeth Kharabadze

editor-in-chief syd pierre

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Syd Pierre

MANAGING

Malik Clement COMMUNITY

Zhannz Gomez

Duda Formoso

OPINION

Clare Shanahan Grace Azaula

NEWS

Lorien Tyne

Prakriti Panwar

ASSISTANT

Kai Lincke

Prakriti Panwar

Ryan Johnson

Vivian Rose

CO-LIFE

Molly Fitzsimons

Vivian Rose ASSISTANT

Mariana Contreras

SPORTS

Tess Ferguson

Design editor

Ariana gonzalez villarreal

photo Editor

Leila Marcillo-gómez proofreaders

Lucretius Rutkowski, Ava Berardi cover photo by Leila Marcillo-Gómez

The

Ithacan

PODCAST

Popped Culture/Listening for Love

Pencils Down/Figure of Soul

Major leadership turnover for athletics

Athletes talk impact of new dining options

Gymnasts earn recognition o the mat

Women's Soccer in Portugal

Men's basketball alum on the global stage

Student-athletes enhance health science

Physical therapy program 5K run

Athletics department issues dress code

Football opener on new turf eld

Bombers drop 64th annual Cortaca Jug

Bombers drop 64th annual Cortaca Jug IC

ElizabethKharabadze

Year in Review Editor

When brainstorming potential themes for Year in Review, I was initially inspired by a Chinese myth: the Red Thread of Fate. The myth states that everybody has an invisible red string tied around their finger, which then leads to that person’s soulmate. The idea that humans are bound to a predetermined fate is something that permeates time and culture. The ancient reeks had the Moirai, or the Fates, whose role was to ensure that every person lived out their destiny as predetermined. Yet there are also those who deny fate’s plausibility, instead chalking it up to pure chance or circumstance.

I thought I would have a definitive answer by the end of this magazine’s production as to where I stood or what I believed. As dreamy as it is to envision fulfilling some sort of higher purpose, it would be stupid to ignore the grueling late nights and early mornings I spent working to take my fate into my own hands. Whatever I have or haven’t done, it’s gotten me here: to Ithaca ollege and to The Ithacan. I think there’s something simply marvelous in the fact that there will never be another academic year and student population quite like this one.

If you couldn’t already tell, I am a bit of an overthinker. On many nights

this past year, I’ve marveled at just how far I’ve come since the days of attending my very first college classes via Zoom during the heart of the O ID-19 pandemic. The Ithacan was one of the few constants in my ever-changing world and its staff and editorial boards of past and present my greatest inspiration.

This year’s magazine is a testament to the wonderful communities we’ve all created in college and the things we’ve achieved. Despite the challenges and changes that life has thrown our way whether that be a pandemic, changes in leadership or foreign conflict I’ve witnessed the strength and determination from individuals I am incredibly honored to call my peers and mentors.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a special thanks to my grandmother. hen I was in elementary school, she sat me in her lap and told me she hoped that one day I would make my mark. I hope this maga ine is some proof that I’ve done so.

sydpierre

Editor - in - Chief

College is supposed to be a time of change, an opportunity for connections. My past four years at Ithaca ollege have been filled with both in so many ways I would have never expected. I started Fall 2020 at home, in my childhood bedroom, as the O ID-19 pandemic forced all of us to find new ways to connect, with endless Zoom calls and uncertainty. It was difficult, even back on campus in the spring, as social distancing regulations made it hard to meet new people and our days were filled with Zoom classes, O ID tests and green carabiners from the dining halls as we waited for the first round of vaccines.

The Ithacan was the reason I wanted to come to Ithaca ollege and through the uncertainty of the past four years, it has been The Ithacan that has kept me connected to the campus community, even though my first year, and parts of my sophomore year, looked nothing like I’d imagined college to be like. I watched and reported as The Ithacan covered countless changes over the past four years, including the Academic Program Prioriti ation process and the faculty cuts that followed, I Open the ooks, a change in presidents, a rise of antisemitism on campus, I ise p, a new turf field, the impact of the

Israel-Hamas war and ongoing lawsuits. e made changes of our own this academic year, as The Ithacan moved to a bi-weekly print schedule in order to meet the evolving needs of our audience through an increased digital presence. e knew that this shift would allow us to bring our audience a greater variety of high-quality content and to create more connections across the campus community the very community that motivates and inspires us to produce our work.

It was the connections I made through The Ithacan — the inspiring editors, determined staff and sources so willing to share their stories and their time who kept me motivated and reminded me of how many people and voices are strong enough to be the change they want to see in the world. It’s been an honor to cover countless changes on this campus and lead one of our own. ith a campus full of people committed to fighting for and creating change, as well as fostering meaningful connections, I’m excited and encouraged to see what types of change happen at Ithaca ollege and The Ithacan next.

LeilaMarcillo-Gomez arianagonzalez villarreal

Design Editor

I started on The Ithacan as a staff photographer wanting to get involved with the campus and loved it from the start. Everyone on the board was so friendly and before I knew it, I ended up on the editorial board myself. Not as a photo editor, but as a layout and design editor. I had never done graphic design and barely used the Adobe editing suite. When I was told I got the job, I was surprised because I had no idea what I was saying during my interview. I spit out the quickest response I could without thinking because I was so nervous. I didn t even know the difference between layout and design. I still remember being asked what I would do differently with the paper and I answered, “I would put the photo boxes on the top. I still don’t know what I meant by that, but somehow I got the job and got excited to try something new.

Then I reali ed I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into. Everyone else knew it was my first time designing as well, but still I was trusted to do the cover of the sports page for the first issue I was going to work on. My nerves started dwindling as the week went on thanks to Malik lement, who was the head layout and design editor at the time. Him, along with everyone else on the board, was patient with me and always there to

Photo Editor

help out with what I needed.

The community I found within The Ithacan was something I’d never experienced before. A bunch of college students struggling together to make deadlines and staying up late really is a bonding experience. Fast forward to the present, I never would have imagined myself where I am, especially as the head design editor for Year in Review. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support and help I got along the way from my fellow peers and my adviser, asey Musarra.

The Ithacan has taught me to work hard and to believe in myself. The path that has led me here was not one I’d have ever imagined, but I’m grateful to have found a space that encourages me to push myself and my imagination. eing surrounded by such hardworking and dedicated people has been a great motivation for me in my personal life. I never would have discovered this passion of mine if I hadn’t stepped into The Ithacan’s office, wondering what it was all about.

I came to Ithaca ollege uncertain of my future. It was the tail end of the O ID-19 pandemic and my entire senior year of high school had been conducted entirely on Zoom. I hadn’t visited any of the colleges I applied to, so stepping foot on campus for the first time on move-in day felt like a gamble. ut I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the place I was meant to be at. If I had gone anywhere else, I would never have found my current major. hen I stumbled upon the documentary studies major, it was love at first sight and it was at that moment that my path changed. Suddenly I had aspirations, I had a drive to succeed, and more than anything, I had a purpose. The first thing that purpose led me to was The Ithacan igh school me never imagined I would work for the school paper become a news person. I don’t know what changed, but something was pulling me to join the paper and I took a leap of faith. Don’t get me wrong, I was terrified. Despite my initial apprehension about transitioning from film to digital photography, I dove in. My first assignment was due on my birthday, ov. 2, 2021, and I haven’t looked back since.

orking on the Year in Review has been one of my proudest

accomplishments. After being a staff photographer and an editor, I assumed this would be easier than the week-to-week grind I was used to. The challenge of producing such a substantial issue with limited editors has been daunting, but we have poured ourselves into making this. aving more creative freedom, I pushed myself to do things outside my comfort one. From using professional strobes for portraits to embroidering images, making quilts, patches and editing 152 pages worth of images solo, I embraced opportunities for growth and learning. I willingly put in extra effort because I knew the outcome would be worth it.

Year In Review serves as a nexus of communication and celebration. niting us together through shared narratives, weaving the stories of our lives into one book like the threads in a quilt. eflecting on my time at The Ithacan, what has been most valuable to me is the connections I’ve forged, a testament to the invisible strings that guide our paths and lead us to each other. ooking back at my journey, it’s not a coincidence I believe there must have been a string that led me here.

GLOBAL NEWS

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ildfires devastated the awaiian island of Maui, claiming 101 lives and destroyed the historic city of ahaina. The wildfires are one of the deadliest in the .S. in the past 100 years.

Robert Gauthier/Los angeles times/TNS

14

A federal grand jury in ashington D. . indicted former President Donald Trump for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and conspiracy against rights.

Seth wenig/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES/TNS

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Spain defeated ngland 1 0 in their first win at the 2023 FIFA omen’s orld up in Sydney, but the victory was overshadowed by a non-consensual kiss between a former Spanish soccer president and a player. Courtesy of justin setterfield/getty images/TNS

1

Singer-songwriter immy uffet, known for his tropical folk-rock hits like “Margaritaville” and “ heeseburger in Paradise,” died Sept. 1. is music helped pioneer a blend of country, soft rock and folk.

Michael laughlin/south florida sun sentinel/TNS

27

Hollywood’s writers strike came to an end after five months the second-longest strike in ollywood history following a deal between the riters uild of America and major ollywood studios.

Myung j. chun/los angeles times/TNS

14

unter iden was indicted on felony gun charges, further highlighting ongoing legal problems as President oe iden seeks reelection in ovember 2024.

Mark makela/getty images /TNS

29

Dianne Feinstein, alifornia’s longest-serving senator, died Sept. 29. Feinstein was the first woman to represent alifornia in the Senate and paved the way for women to take up positions of political power.

lezlie sterling/the sacremento bee/TNS

oters took to the polls to reelect a Democratic governor in deep-red entucky and approve abortion rights in Ohio in an off-year election, right before the 2024 preidential election.

Megan jelinger/afp/getty images/TNS

, formerly known as Twitter, users express dismay for unchecked antisemitic content on the platform, some of it endorsed by owner lon Musk. The controversy prompted many advertisers to pull ads from the platform.

Kristy Wigglesworth/wpa pool/getty images/TNS

enry issinger, a major figure in the structure of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold ar and influential force in world affairs for more than half a century, died ov. 29.

Win Mcnamee/Getty Images/TNS

A 60-year-old gunman who unsuccessfully applied to be a professor killed three people and injured three more at the niversity of evada, as egas.

K.M. CANNON/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL/TNS

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’ onnor, the first woman to serve in the high court, died Dec. 1. O’Connor was one of the court’s most influential jurists for most of her 24-year career. sandra karen blier/afp via getty images/tns

South orea s opposition leader, ee ae-myung, was stabbed in the neck by an unidentified attacker an. 2 in usan. The attack came during a time in orean politics that ee described as “extemely polari ed.” yao qilin/zinhua/zuma press/tns

laudine ay, the first lack woman to serve as arvard niversity s president, announced her resignation after criticism for her response to antisemitism and accusations of plagiarism in her academic work. Kevin dietsch/getty images/tns

Former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in polls for the 2024 epublican presidential nomination against former . . Ambassador ikki aley. Alex wong/getty images/tns

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in a star-studded Super Bowl as football fans and celebrities like Taylor Swift attended — earning the game a spot as the most-watched telecast in U.S. history. Jamie squire/getty images/tns

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza's southermost town, despite international outcry. Rafah houses more than 1.4 million Palestinian refugees. Jack guez/apf/getty images/tns

Alexei Navalny, Russia’s opposition leader, died in an Arctic Circle jail Feb. 16. Navalny had been serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges of extremism for criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. afp/getty images/tns

profiles

STICKING TO THE BUSINESS of REAL world experiences

By Mariana Contreras

College success can be all about balancing classwork and extracurriculars. Senior Julia Viavattene, a business administration major with a finance concentration in the assets management track and an economics minor, goes the extra mile and brings her coursework into real world experiences. Despite coming into her first semester with nothing but an interest in business, Viavattene got exposure to accounting and economics through her first-year courses.

It was in her sophomore year that she joined Ithaca College’s student-run financial organi ation, ore Trading onsultants T , where today she is an executive analyst a role she has had since anuary 2023. Slowly, as she expanded her extracurriculars and opportunities presented to her, Viavattene said she started to better understand finance principles and practices through hands-on experience.

The ore Trading onsultants ... was the start of how I was able to integrate my coursework and real world experience,” Viavattene said. “We’re

managing real alumni funds. The portfolio is about 100,000 now, which is great. It's grown.”

During her sophomore fall semester, Viavattene said she also became a part of Ithaca Investment Scholars, where she expanded her network through conversations with alumni and other professionals. This organi ation also connected her with some of her most prominent mentors to date.

Sam Perri ’09 met iavanette when she first interviewed for the Ithaca Investment Scholars program and said they could immediately tell she was just the student they were looking for a student with really good fundamentals early on and the potential to be an all-star student.

iavattene’s well spoken, you always have a professional kind of atmosphere with her, Perri said. That’s always a key point for us and usually a lot harder to find, especially as a first semester sophomore. She’s always professional, she’s speaking concise [and] she's clear in her wording.”

Perri said that beyond that, they look for students who are able to hold a clear and smooth conversation and

Julia

Viavattene

School of Business

though this can take a great deal of prep work, iavattene has always seemed to do this effortlessly.

iavattene said she has always enjoyed talking to new people and making connections but acknowledges the set of difficulties that can present when you take casual conversation into formal networking, and how intimidating that can be to first-year students.

“I think, like, in the beginning, it’s definitely hard when you don t do that as much,” Viavattene said. “You're just starting out ... and you’re kind of learning how to navigate it, what the right questions are to ask.”

She said this was one of the biggest challenges she faced, but putting herself out there through the help and guidance of the Ithaca Investment Scholars program really helped her grow. iavattene also mentioned how the support from her peers and faculty in the School of Business have been a great support system, a hub that facilitates networking and remains a tight-knit group of people, taking advantage of its smaller si e compared to other schools.

Sometimes you think that you might have to navigate everything on your own, but there s so many people that have been willing and able to help and I've gotten some internships through some of the connections that I've had.” Viavattene said. “I’ll see people from Ithaca that graduated and I ll reach out to them and they ll answer immediately.

effrey ush ’10, who met iavattene through his position as a board member in the Ithaca Investment Scholars program, said one of the qualities that made her stand out the most, especially after having her as the co-president, was her reliability.

“When there’s so much going on,

[we have to understand] students have to juggle a lot, ush said. She’s always been someone … that when we need something, or need a student to carry out meetings or follow up with other members of the organi ation she was always quick to respond and happy to help. That’s been a blessing for our organi ation.

In her final semester at college, iavattene is a member of multiple organi ations besides the aforementioned, like Beta Alpha Psi, Women in Business and Ithaca College women’s club soccer. Perri said it is rare to see seniors be so involved with the newer generations of students or root for their younger classmates while in positions of leadership the way that iavattene does.

“It's great to see someone that is well respected by the younger students within the business school and be able to help them, care about their success down the road and getting them kind of pointed in the right direction early on, especially when there’s a million different kinds of paths that you can take as a first-year student , Perri said.

Viavattene also said she feels this work is important, especially in finance where building experience is essential to make the connections you need to triumph beyond your studies.

My advice would be joining clubs and putting yourself out there and doing the extra work that other people might not be doing,” Viavattene said. “It is tough, but it is very rewarding. ou learn so much. oin as many things as you can while also being able to balance your schedule ... so you know what you really want to do when you are graduating and really make the most out of your time here because the courses themselves are really great, but it’s not all that college is.”

Leila marcillo-gómez/the ithacan

Tuning in to the station for innovation for four years Bec Legato

Leila marcillo-gómez/the ithacan

Roy H. Park School of Communications

weird transition period for sure. But I think all things considered, I did have a fantastic college experience.”

Legato said they have DJ’d for nearly every department at WICB during their college experience, except for Weekend Rhythms, and was the Treasurer for the college’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) during their sophomore year. Legato produced NewsWatch on Sundays during the Fall 2023 semester and is the Vice President for the college’s chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA).

when given the choice of giving up or powering through, she chose the latter. I love seeing that in students. There is no quit in her.”

Legato said their favorite role in college media has been being the station manager for WICB.

“I feel like every single day I’m learning more about how the station runs and more things about what makes it tick,” Legato said. “[Working at WICB] is a really amazing way to get justification for being a music snob, but also be able to connect with so many new people.”

By Vivian Rose

While the COVID-19 pandemic kept senior Bec Legato physically from the campus, the pandemic did not stop them from learning everything there was about WICB, the college’s award-winning radio station.

Jeremy Menard, television and radio operations manager, said Legato began learning about WICB at virtual meetings in 2021, during their first year at the college. Menard works closely with Legato at the radio station and recalled meeting egato for the first time in a small square over a Zoom call.

“We had interest meetings and recruitment online … and [Legato] was at each and every meeting,” Menard said. “[Legato] was there whether it was from their bedroom or their home. They were so passionate about getting involved.”

Menard said that when the campus transitioned back to in-person learning, he knew exactly who Legato was when they began working for the station in person during their sophomore year.

“I felt like I knew them really well but I had actually never met them in

person,” Menard said. “I remember walking through the [radio station’s] newsroom … and being like, ‘I’m pretty sure you’re Bec Legato.’ Since then, they’ve been a committed, hard-working member of our station.”

Legato said the transition from learning from home to being in person on campus motivated and encouraged them to get more involved. Legato said they moved through the ranks at the station and went from a newscaster, production director of news to news director. While studying abroad at the London Center during Spring 2023, Legato continued to serve WICB as the station’s webmaster before returning to become the station manager. On top of that, Legato is a DJ and hosts Modern Rock, Jazz, Hobo's Lullaby and Countdown to the Weekend.

“I think all seniors can safely say we’ve had an interesting start to our college experience, with the pandemic that bustled through,” Legato said. So my first year was at home and my second semester was very odd where it was semi-in-person, but everybody was wearing masks, most of the classes were still remote, so there was this

Legato has been a teaching assistant for Visual Journalism for three semesters. Tim Mirabito, associate professor and chair in the Department of Journalism, teaches visual journalism at the college. He said Legato leads by example, builds community within the classes they TA.

“Bec is the best kind of student to work with,” Mirabito said via email. “In class, she wants to learn, she is engaged with the material, and she is exceptionally dependable. In fact, she never missed a single class in the two semesters I had her as a student. As a TA, she has all the same qualities, of course, add that she has become a really strong leader.”

Legato took Visual Journalism with Mirabito in Fall 2021 — which resulted in creative videos from students with masked faces and interviews over Zoom. Despite anxiety over the project and technical difficulties, Mirabito said egato’s final product stuck out among the rest.

“The part that stands out to me is that she took all those issues in stride and learned from that experience,” Mirabito said. “She has talked about the challenges in class and you can tell that,

Menard has served as a mentor for Legato since they began working at WICB. They said that whenever they have a conversation with Menard, they learn something new.

“Jeremy has become my step-in dad while I’m here at college,” Legato said. “He is always looking out for me and everybody involved with radio and TV and everything. He is just the greatest father figure that you could ever ask for.

Menard said that working with Legato has been a great experience for the past few years. He said Legato’s leadership style is to encourage others and help other members of the station.

“Bec is hardworking and passionate and kind and just a fun person and the type of person you want to be around,” Menard said. “It’s really special to see Bec pop up in all the different stations.”

Legato said Park School student organizations push students to be better in whatever they are pursuing.

“The mentality [of a Park School student] is always striving to do better,” Legato said. “I feel like the integral part of being a Park School student is never really accepting something as it is and looking for new ways to make it better.”

Paying it forward for future college students

By Emma Kersting

As an international student, finding connections with the campus can be difficult in the first semesters of college. Sophomore athletic training major Leticia Rebelo de Oliveira took the bull by the horns and became a leader in as many spaces as she could.

Rebelo de Oliveira is from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, in Brazil and grew up in a family passionate about sports. After she broke her arm during a judo competition, Rebelo de Oliveira said she became interested in athletic training during her rehabilitation period.

“I already liked the sports environment and I wanted to keep working and helping other athletes rehabilitate and be able to go back to their sport and do whatever they love,” Rebelo de Oliveira said. “The thing is, in Brazil, we don't have athletic training as a profession.”

Rebelo de Oliveira said that in Brazil, her options were to either study physical therapy and work with the general population, or study exercise science and physical education.

“Physical education was not enough rehab for me and PT was too

Leticia Rebelo de Oliveira

School of Health Sciences and Human Performance

exact type of student that we love to have at [the college].”

Coming to the United States, Rebelo de Oliveira said she anticipated struggling to transition to the culture of a college campus, especially with a small population of international students. hen she first arrived at the college, Rebelo de Oliveira only knew four other students on campus from Brazil. Since then, she said the community has grown and become deeply connected.

much,” Rebelo de Oliveira said. “So that's when I decided to study abroad and find a college that could give me both — the mix between learning exercise science and how to program exercises for people, but also like the rehab part and how to help someone recover from an injury.”

In the athletic training program, Rebelo de Oliveira said she likes the small class environment and the opportunity for practical experience.

Jennifer McKeon, director of the college’s athletic training program, said Rebelo de Oliveira is a stand-out student in the classroom.

“She’s simply excellent,” McKeon said. “She’s engaged, she works really hard, she has incredible participation in all aspects of the pre-athletic training program.”

Despite only being a sophomore, McKeon said that Rebelo de Oliveira has made herself known as a leader and community member at the college.

“I think there’s a lot of growth with her coming from Brazil to a new country … and really immersing herself in all aspects of the community here at the college,” McKeon said. “[She is] the

“We grew this community together and now I have literally a family away from home,” Rebelo de Oliveira said. “I just feel like if I need time to speak my own language, to be my best personality, to show the most real Leticia, I will find the space with them. And I feel like this is the most rewarding part, knowing that I have people here that I trust and that I can count on.”

Through her involvement with campus employment and opportunities like the Leadership Scholars Program, Rebelo de Oliveira said that working with others has been the best way for her to grow in the community.

Rebelo de Oliveira has four jobs — Resident Assistant, BIPOC Unity Center peer educator, exercise instructor at the Fitness Center and The Dream School mentor — but said juggling her responsibilities comes easy. She said being an RA has given her the chance to grow as a leader.

“I feel like [being an RA] was also a good experience for me to make sure I'm practicing my English … and communicating and making sure I can help other people find their home away from home,” Rebelo de Oliveira said.

At the BIPOC Unity Center, peer educators work with the office to program events through logistical planning and social media promotion.

Cliff-Simon Vital, assistant director of the BIPOC Unity Center, said Rebelo de Oliveira is one of the primary students leading the social media accounts for the organization.

“She has been nothing but stellar [as a peer educator],” Vital said. “I’ve seen her take on a mentorship role to help individuals understand what it means to have a brand guide for our office, and how we follow that is super important.”

Rebelo de Oliveira said she utilizes her personal experiences to help other students through her role as a Dream School mentor. The Dream School is an online program based in Brazil where current college students studying abroad help high school students apply to colleges in the United States. Rebelo de Oliveira said studying abroad was her dream, so this opportunity is a way to pay it forward.

“It’s just so rewarding; last application cycle, we already had six full ride scholarships in different colleges for other Brazilian students,” Rebelo de Oliveira said. “I feel like if I can come here and live my dream … why can’t I help other people achieve it, and if they have like better scholarships than me, and they don’t need to pay for college, is just amazing.”

Through a public Instagram account, Rebelo de Oliveira connects with thousands of students as she posts information about college applications.

“I’m always in contact with so many proactive leaders in Brazil and it’s just so amazing to see what these people are doing, and how willing they are to get a chance to come to the .S. and find a better education," Rebelo de Oliveira said. "So it’s amazing. I get so inspired with so many of my students.”

Leila marcillo-gómez/the ithacan

making a big impact on the ic campus community

Leila marcillo-gómez/the ithacan

By Jacquelyn reaves

Senior Carli McConnell, environmental studies major and legal studies major, knew what her passions were from a young age. Growing up in Waterville, Pennsylvania — a community with a scenic natural landscape that McConnell saw degrade from fracking rigs being built by natural gas companies — fostered her interests in environmental conservation.

McConnell and her commitments to Ithaca College extend far past her academic pursuits. She is the president of the student body on the Student Governance Council and a student leadership consultant for the Student Activities Center. Outside of her contributions to the campus community, she is also actively working on a dendrochronology research project at Cornell University. McConnell said that she is driven by her ambition as well as her willingness to learn and to help make an impact within her community.

“I always tell people if it paid, I would love to learn for the rest of my life or stay in school if I could,” Mconnell said. onestly, what motivates me is finding peace and helping people in some capacity.”

Aside from her involvement with the on-campus community and the work she has done around the environment, she is also a leadership scholar. In high school, McConnell's mother encouraged her to apply for the scholarship since she was already engaged in multiple clubs that involved service work. McConnell said it made sense

Carli McConnell School of Humanities and Sciences

for her to do.

The three parts of being a leadership scholar include community service, co-curricular involvement, and Student Leadership Institute sessions. McConnell said the requirements of the scholarship were things she would be doing in college regardless; scholarship or not.

“Knowing myself, I would probably be doing those things with or without push from the money — although the money was a nice added bonus,” McConnell said. “Taking that into consideration, I was like, ‘Oh, this is perfect for me,’ because it wouldn’t necessarily be extra work. It was a continuation of what I did in high school and what I knew I would want to do in college.”

In addition to her involvement in co-curriculars and the scholar program, McConnell is also graduating early in May. Throughout high school, she said she took AP classes that transferred over, got rid of most of her general education requirements and her two majors oftentimes had overlap.

It was when she was registering for her classes in 2023 that she realized she could graduate early, a goal she always had. McConnell said that after consulting with her adviser, he said she should graduate a year early.

“I spoke with my advisor and he [told me,] ‘You know what you want to do. You came in driven knowing what you wanted to do from the get go,’” McConnell said. “‘A lot of times I would encourage people to stay for at least a semester longer but, if you want to, it’s cool. It’s fine. ou’ll be good.’”

The passion McConnell has to learn and make a lasting impact on the communities around her is shown through how she handles her positions as the student body president of the Student Governance Council and as a student leadership consultant.

Senior Noah Strathmann, who works as a

leadership consultant, said that her ambition and willingness to listen helps create an amicable work environment.

“She's always on top of her stuff, and she's a really motivated person and she's really nice to work with,” Strathmann said. “She’s a good leader and she will listen to people’s issues and then try to help mitigate any issues with compromise, too.”

Dan Rogers ’20, associate director of Student Involvement in the Office of Student ngagement and adviser for SGC, said that as soon as he started working with McConnell, he could recognize the passion she had for what she does.

arli and I first met when I joined the Office of Student ngagement team as the administrative assistant.” Rogers said. “Carli worked, and continues to work, in the office as a student leadership consultant. As soon as we began to work together, her passion for leadership and involvement on campus were clear, and she continues to exhibit these qualities.”

Strathmann said that working with McConnell motivates him to be a better worker.

“[Working with McConnell], I feel like it’s made me more [organized], seeing how proactive she is, just working with her I can [see] she’s putting an example up; I need [to] do better myself,” Strathmann said.

The ambition McConnell has in all the work she does is rivaled only by the passion and commitment she exhibits toward the student body. Her work has been felt by the people around her. The commitment she holds to help better her community and help people is a goal she said she will continue to strive toward.

“[Helping people] in some capacity and the environment is kind of what’s always driven me, being able to say that I can do it and be proud of myself,” McConnell said. I think finding peace in myself to realize that what I’ve done is enough and what I’ve done and what I'm doing can have a lasting impact and help communities.” s always driven me, being able to say that I can do it and be proud of myself,” McConnell and help communities.”

JAMMING TO THE BEAT AND RHYTHEM OF HER OWN MELODY

By Molly Fitzsimons

Senior Jasmine Rodriguez did not discover music later in life — it surrounded her from day one through her father, a bass player and metalhead. Once she became interested in playing the bass during middle school, she said she mainly learned by ear with some guidance from her father until she began taking lessons in high school. She continued her passion in the years to come with the goal of being the best music educator that she can be, double majoring in music education and performance.

While a double major in music education and performance is not a route taken by many, Rodriguez said she felt it was important to learn as much as possible in her chosen field.

“I think that having a double major definitely provided me with additional tools, resources and opportunities that I may not have experienced if I wasn’t a double major,” Rodriguez said. “I just wanted the most vast and versatile experience that I possibly could and I figured why not.

Rodriguez was considered a

non-traditional music student, which includes characteristics like not being able to read music or feeling that they do not belong in a traditional music ensemble.

“There were moments where I just kind of felt like I needed to overcompensate because I did not have the background that some of my colleagues had musically,” Rodriguez said. “It was definitely isolating in some ways, but as I got older, sort of empowering and is definitely one of the main pillars of my philosophy of education.”

As she continued her music education she found herself participating in rock-adjacent groups in high school with friends and eventually joining School of Rock, a music education program that allows students of all ages to form bands and learn classic rock songs.

“It was a guided setting where we would play basically what the school curriculum was,” Rodriguez said. “They would create a set list for us and we would learn those songs and play.”

As she continued to expand her involvement, Rodriguez realized this wasn’t just a passtime or passion.

“The more I learned, the more I fell

Jasmine Rodriguez

School of Music, Theatre, and Dance

in love with music, so I consider myself to be a lifetime student of music,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like one of those ways is to go to college for it and hopefully teach others about it because you learn so much from your students.”

Rodriguez was a selected participant to attend the Music Technology Leadership Academy during the Texas Music ducators Association onference in February 2024, allowing her to learn more about how to connect and engage with non-traditional students.

“They may not be in band, orchestra or chorus, but they still love music and they want to be involved, so just reaching those kids through the use of technology,” Rodriguez said.

During this conference, Rodriguez learned about new technologies that allow for enhancement of the classroom in a music setting, such as programs that were digital audio workstations. e also talked about artificial intelligence and music education, just kind of talking about developments that AI has made and how we can utilize that in an educational setting,” Rodriguez said. acob isentraut, also a Music ducation major and double bass student, said Rodriguez’s growth has been very apparent and wonderful to witness.

“She’s really this caring and just professional person, and it’s really inspiring as another educator at the same instrument, isentraut said.

Tristen Jarvis, an assistant professor in the Department of Music Performance, has been Rodriguez’s studio teacher for the bass, including electric, upright, double, jazz and any other kind. They began working together in August 2022, which is unusual as many music students have the same teacher throughout their college experience.

“She faced a teacher switch, and I

became a new teacher, and I thought right off the bat, she handled that really, really well,” Jarvis said. “I’d say she accepted that transition very maturely, wanting to take advantage of like, ‘Oh, I barely know this person who’s my teacher, but I don’t really care who it is, this is my education, I am putting my best foot forward.’”

Jarvis said problem-solving is something that has been completely engrained in Rodriguez’s everyday life, with how she has adapted to so many changes, in addition to taking on the workload of a double major.

er brain is definitely developed into a way of integrating all healthy positive problem-solving mechanisms that is super impressive, and it makes her really, really exciting to teach,” Jarvis said.

Rodriguez has also been highly involved as a student representative as a part of the Leadership Scholar Program, Ithaca Achievement Program and is the string area representative for the Center for Music, where she sits on the board to discuss issues and solutions within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

“What is going to happen is all the representatives will meet and kind of discuss issues in the school, how can we be better, like what ideas do you have to really improve our prosperity,” Rodriguez said.

isentraut said odrigue is going to be a strong and caring educator in the field, making sure that all students will have what they need to succeed.

“She’s just a caring and passionate person and it really shows in her education, isentraut said. I have no doubt that she’ll be an amazing educator and give that same kind of respect and drive that she brings every single day to her classroom.”

Leila marcillo-gómez/the ithacan

Caleb Kaufman/the ithacan

Lucinda Jones Morgan SwanhartPatricia zimmermann

Orinthia t. montague

"jerry " lEE SmithAbraham mulugetta

file photo/the ithacan Courtesy of the swanhart family

Mary Ann Malinchak rishel

leslie "butch" mccracken

Courtesy of Ithaca College Athletics Tyler scerbo

Susan rosenthal

Courtesy of Ic intercom

Ithaca College class of 2026

Ithaca college class of 2023

Writing professor emerita

Ithaca College Dining Services employee

Retired associate professor in the department of management

ACADEMICS

College explains results of fall 2023 onboarding

an Ithaca Seminar, a required first-semester course for firstyear students that guides students’ transition to college and introduces them to college-level academic work. The teams used the information from students’ Academic Interests Survey to register all first-year students for an ICSM course by July 6.

Ithaca College tested a pilot program during Fall 2023 registration where the dean’s offices and Ithaca Seminar/Integrative Core Curriculum teams selected courses for all incoming first-year students, guided by the requirements for their major and an Academic Interests Survey.

Stacia Zabusky, associate provost for Academic Programs, said via email that the college collected information about the outcome of the program through the institutional data sources Slate and Banner. She shared this information in a presentation to the Faculty Council on Oct. 3, which she later shared with The Ithacan

The college first tested selecting courses for students in summer 2022. College faculty selected all courses for 170 incoming students in the School of Humanities and Sciences exploratory program based on information collected in a survey about their interests and prospective majors. Dean’s offices registered other incoming first-year students for their majors’ required courses and shared advising modules in Canvas to help students register for the rest of their courses starting July 25.

Overall, 61% of first-year students made changes to their schedules between the start of Fall 2022 Orientation and the end of the add/drop period. Zabusky said this included adding and dropping any course — seminar, major or elective.

Zabusky said this 61% included 57% of students who registered for a seminar course once they arrived on campus. She said most of the adjustments were adding courses rather than changing or dropping courses.

During the Faculty Council meeting, Zabusky said a negative experience with registration for students, faculty and staff prompted the college to reassess its registration procedures.

“Overall, the experience that the academic teams had in summer 2022 was a tremendous level of stress, anger, anxiety and complaints from families, parents on the phone to the president’s office, the provost’s office, the dean’s offices, unable to manage this registration process,” Zabusky said at the meeting. “It was really overwhelming for our colleagues in the dean’s offices, and so we really were trying to think hard about why would that happen? How can we avoid it?”

According to the presentation, 43% of first-year students registered for their Ithaca Seminar course by the start of Fall 2022 Orientation, including the exploratory students who were registered by advising team members. The remaining students registered for their seminar course once they arrived on campus.

April Johanns, coordinator of student and external relations in the School of Communications, gives a tour to accepted students In Fall 2023, Ithaca College faculty selected all incoming students' courses based on a comprehensive academic interests survey.

Ahead of Fall 2023, the college first required all incoming first-year students to complete the Academic Interests Survey by June 15. By the deadline, 85% of first-year students had submitted their Academic Interests Survey, and by Aug. 1, 97% of students had completed the survey.

The ICC and Ithaca Seminar team collaborated with the dean’s offices to register first-year students for

According to the presentation, 41% of incoming first-year students changed one or more courses between the start of Fall 2023 orientation and the end of the add/drop period. This is a decline from the 61% of first-year students who made schedule adjustments during the same time frame in 2022.

However, Zabusky said these figures are difficult to compare because all incoming first-year students in Fall 2022 who were not in the exploratory program registered themselves for courses. Most of the adjustments made between orientation and the end of the add/drop period were course additions — students completing their schedules.

In Fall 2023, the college’s advising team registered students for courses. Zabusky said 25% of the incoming first-year students who made course adjustments in Fall 2023 changed one or more elective courses or major courses. From the start of orientation to the end of the add-drop period, 13% of all first-year students made changes to their seminar courses. The dean’s offices and advisers registered 96% of incoming firstyear students in a specific choice seminar course that matched their academic interests listed on the survey. Of the first-year students who selected a specific choice seminar course, 91% remained in the seminar assigned to them.

The college plans to select courses for incoming first-year students again in Fall 2024 and implement changes based on the outcome of the 2023 registration process, including: adjusting the the interests listed on the Academic Interests Survey to ensure they closely reflect the course offerings; providing information about adding and dropping classes when schedules are shared with first-year students in August and during orientation; and sharing more information about how schedules are created with faculty advisers and seminar instructors.

Kai Lincke/THE ITHACAN

Integrative studies major opens after brief hiatus

of

applications for the integrative studies major, a program that allows students to design a major that is not offered at the college by selecting individual classes.

The Integrated Studies advisory board decided to suspend the admission of students into the major in November 2021 because of staff restructuring, curriculum revision and the introduction of new majors.

Students must be in their sophomore year to start

the integrative studies program but can apply in their

first year. The process takes multiple weeks to months to complete. The deadline for applying to the major during Spring 2024 was in mid-October and the exact application deadline to start the program in Fall 2025 has yet to be determined. To start the process, students can fill out the integrative studies interest form.

David Brown, associate dean of Curriculum and Admissions for the School of Humanities, is an ex-officio of the board of advisors for integrative studies. As ex-officio, rown is the final person to approve a student’s major plan. Brown said the major is beneficial for students who are self-motivated but do not feel like they fit a specific major at the college.

“[The major] gives them an opportunity to pull together resources that we have here on campus to build a program that is focused on what they really want to study in college,” Brown said.

of Health Sciences and Public Health, said she was the coordinator of the integrative studies program from 2015 2019. rickson said the program used to have a required junior and senior seminar to make the students in the major feel more connected, but the major no longer has the requirements because of scheduling difficulties.

the coordinator of the integrative studies program from have students major scheduling difficulties.

of the Providence Performing Arts Center. Madeya said she collaborates with K-12 educators to bring students to shows at the theater and plans shows for local

she collaborates with K-12 educators to bring students to shows at the theater and plans shows for local students to perform.

I“There was a relatively small number of students in the major, rickson said. It was just hard to figure out when [to offer] this class. … In the context of the college right now where faculty numbers are lower, it is harder to make the case for getting three credits toward a professor’s workload for teaching three students.”

“There was a relatively small number of students in hard ure of the college right now where faculty numbers are lower, credits three

The most recent class of students who entered the integrative studies major before the hiatus graduated in Spring 2023, so there are currently no students in the major. Brown said the board is attempting to promote the major by reaching out to faculty, putting information on Intercom and creating a new interest form for prospective students to fill out.

Grace Madeya ’23 said her senior project was a comparative analysis project of social justice and educational outreach programs in theaters in Ithaca.

The most recent class of students who entered the integrative studies major before the hiatus graduated in Spring 2023, so there are currently no students in promote information on Intercom and creating a new interest form comparative cational outreach programs in theaters in Ithaca.

“Having that experience [in education] really plays a role because I am able to connect with [students],” Madeya said. “I am able to build those connections and really sympathi e and find ways to work together.

Madeya said. “I am able to build those connections and really sympathi e and find ways to work together.

tive studies called intercultural communications and management and double minored in education and economics. acobs said she now works as an Inclu-

Raquel Jacobs ’20 created a major through integrative studies called intercultural communications and management and double minored in education and economics. acobs said she now works as an Inclusion and Diversity Business Partner for Cashapp and integrative studies was the only way for her to fully prepare herself to work in the diversity, equity and

prepare herself to work in the diversity, equity and inclusion field.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is a newer field in the sense that it’s been around for a long time, but the amount of roles that have boomed in the last 10–15 years are immense,” Jacobs said. “Not even just [Ithaca College], but large universities are not catching up in time in terms of helping people who want to go into work in these fields by creating specific educational lines. … I thought it would be really valuable to

In the major, students work with faculty across campus to find classes based on topics that fit their created major. The degree requires 120 credits, with 48–61 of those credits in classes designed for the major and 59–72 in Integrative Core Curriculum credits or electives, which all students at the college are required to take. Students must also complete a senior project for a capstone to complete the major.

In the major, students work with faculty across

To be approved for the integrative studies major, a student must meet with the integrative studies coordinator to discuss a plan of action and confirm that the topic is not similar to majors currently offered. Then, students submit the application, which consists of a proposal form, a list of courses in the created major and a letter from a chosen adviser to the board. The major is then approved or changed by the integrative studies advisory board made up of nine faculty from different schools at the college.

In recent years, the number of students graduating from the major has stayed relatively small compared to other majors at the college. In 2023, three students graduated from the major. 2022 had four students complete the major and 2021 had three students. 2020 had the biggest graduating class in recent years with eight students.

Mary Ann rickson, a professor in the Department

I got to make connections with other theaters in the Ithaca community, like the angar Theater, the Kitchen Theater and Civic Ensemble,” Madeya said. “I was able to navigate what type of questions I could ask and really dive into what it’s like to combine theater and social justice.”

I got to make connections with other theaters in the Ithaca community, like the angar Theater, the Kitchen was able to navigate what type of questions I could ask and really dive into what it’s like to combine theater and social justice.”

Madeya now works at the education department

Diversity, equity and inclusion is a newer field for but the amount of roles that have boomed in the last 10–15 years are immense,” Jacobs said. “Not even just [Ithaca College], but large universities are not catching go into work in these fields by creating specific educational lines. … I thought it would be really valuable to craft something from scratch.”

Jacobs said the proposal for creating the major for integrative studies made her map out a five-year plan for what she wanted to be doing and how she would use all of the components of her created major.

Jacobs said the proposal for creating the major for integrative studies made her map out a five-year plan for what she wanted to be doing and how she would use all of the components of her created major.

“I am doing the job that I essentially remember

“I am doing the job that I essentially remember writing about in my proposal,” Jacobs said.

No

are

The integrative studies major is open for students again after the Integrated Studies Advisory Board decided to suspend the admission of students into the major in November 2021.

students

currently enrolled. Illustration by Grace Vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

Bombers create lasting connections with alumni

etwork hosted its inaugural event Oct. 12 at the arvard lub in oston. Panelists spoke about their experiences in their perspective fields as entrepreneurs and advised students.

The omber ntrepreneurship etwork was created in a partnership with Michael Johnson-Cramer, dean of the School of Business; Quincy Davidson, associate vice president of engagement; and Brett Bossard, executive director of alumni and family engagement.

Johnson-Cramer said they wanted to create a space where aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced mentors could come together and network. The program was made possible by a donation of an undisclosed amount from Tom Grape ’80. The students paid $100 each for the trip, but the event was also combined with another event called “Meet the Firms.”

amount from Tom Grape ’80. The students paid $100

The “Meet the Firms” trip was three days long and consisted of a visit to the Cambridge Innovation Center, an alumni dinner and meetings with successful entrepreneurs throughout Boston. The trip gave students more networking opportunities and the chance to learn more about their field.

“The idea is really to access and activate the entrepreneurial community in each of the geographies that we have significant alumni bases, Johnson-Cramer said.

Faculty, staff, alumni and 14 students attended the event. Johnson-Cramer said the students had to submit an application and resume to be considered and only a few were selected. The event provided students with the opportunity to gain experience networking and listen to professionals from a variety of industries.

Johnson-Cramer said the Bomber Entrepreneurship etwork is a first step toward enhancing the range of professional networks available, which can continue to add value throughout an alumnus’ life.

That kind of cross-fertili ation across generations is such a neat part of the idea of creating lifelong learning,” Johnson-Cramer said.

One of the panelists was Joshua Milne ’96, who is the co-founder and COO of Boston Sports Partners, a sports and entertainment marketing agency, and the founder of Joshua Milne PR.

Milne spoke highly of his experiences in the sports information and communications program. This major no longer exists, but it has melded into the current sports media major. e said llen Staurowsky, professor in the Department of Media Arts, Sciences and Studies, and Wayne Blann, retired professor in the Department of Sport Management, and other

Faculty, staff, alumni and 14 students were in attendance at the omber ntrepreneurship etwork inaugural event Oct. 12, where students made connections with alumni and entrepreneurs in their respective fields. Courtesy of Jonathan Chalmers

professors have created a network for him that got him where he is today.

professors have created a network for him that got him where he is today.

“In the sports world in particular, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know, Milne said. So because of the relationships that those professors in the school have created, and because of how well-received Ithaca

know, it’s who you know, Milne said. So because of the relationships that those professors in the school have created, and because of how well-received Ithaca College students are within the industry, it’s been a lot easier to get my foot in the door.”

Chris Palmieri ’96, president and CEO of Commonwealth Care Alliance, was another panelist.

monwealth Care Alliance, was another panelist. Commonwealth Care Alliance provides individualized healthcare to people in severe need. Palmieri said he has helped people with financial troubles, mental illnesses, physical disabilities and substance use disorders. His company also has other businesses, including Winter Street Ventures, which invests in entrepreneurial ideas.

said he has helped people with financial troubles, mental illnesses, physical disabilities and substance use disorders. His company also has other business-

Palmieri said the college has given him many connections throughout his educational journey.

connections throughout his educational journey.

“As I was a graduating senior, many alumni were

portunities to join the working world, Palmieri said. “That was really important to me that I had both. First of all, the academic opportunity to get real-life experience,

that I went through years prior.”

reaching out to me to interview me and give me opportunities to join the working world, Palmieri said. “That was really important to me that I had both. First of all, the academic opportunity to get real-life experience, but then also the potential to get employed through others who have gone through the programs that I went through years prior.”

The connections the college’s alumni network proSenior Miles Olivetti said he was able to make valuable

vides have paved the way for countless student careers. Senior Miles Olivetti said he was able to make valuable

connections at the networking event, including one

connections at the networking event, including one with Milne.

It felt like the business owners wanted Ithaca students to work for their companies, which felt good, Olivetti said. It felt like we were needed.

It felt like the business owners wanted Ithaca students to work for their companies, which felt good, Olivetti said. It felt like we were needed.

The panelists gave the students many pieces of

The panelists gave the students many pieces of advice. Palmieri said he explained the process of choosing who to invest in like choosing who he would pick to go on a camping trip with. No matter the weather or struggles, Palmieri said it will still be a fun trip with

to go on a camping trip with. No matter the weather or struggles, Palmieri said it will still be a fun trip with the right person.

Junior Nina Kiria also said she had a rewarding experience at the event, as she was able to have one-on-one conversations with multiple alumni. Kiria said one of the panelists, Bobbie Carlton ’86, stood out to her because of her emphasis on women empowerment within entrepreneurship. Both Olivetti and Kiria said they got contact information for multiple alumni to contact when they have questions or are looking

ing experience at the event, as she was able to have one-on-one conversations with multiple alumni. Kiria

ment within entrepreneurship. Both Olivetti and Kiria said they got contact information for multiple alumni to contact when they have questions or are looking for employment.

It makes me motivated to have them as an example,” Kiria said. “If they could achieve it, I could achieve it too because they also were in my position at some point.”

It makes me motivated to have them as an example,” Kiria said. “If they could achieve it, I could achieve it too because they also were in my position at

value of the program from both angles.

As an alumnus who benefitted from alumni connections when he was here, Palmieri said he sees the value of the program from both angles.

“Ithaca College is a great educational landscape because we have our alumni that care so much about our students in their development,” Palmieri said.

“Ithaca College is a great educational landscape because we have our alumni that care so much about our students in their development,” Palmieri said.

Career focused podcast offers students advice

By Liam McDermott

The Center for Career Exploration and Development at Ithaca College released a new podcast titled “Career Corner” on Oct. 19 to give advice to students on how to take their career paths to another level.

“Career Corner” launches a new episode each Thursday on Spotify and Youtube, with guests from a variety of industries who share their experiences and provide guidance for students to navigate their future after college.

Samantha Elebiary, associate director of career engagement and education, said the Center for Career Exploration and Development started working on the podcast in Spring 2023 and began searching for someone to host the podcast.

other students who have interests, we realized that they all bring something really important and special and unique to the team,” Elebiary said.

Junior Lukas Kauffman is the host of “Career Corner.” He said he wanted to help other students start up their careers.

“I thought it would be a really great opportunity for myself,” Kauffman said. “But I also really like the sound of the project and what it would help students with.”

Kauffman said he has worked very closely with Coffey to create the script as well as draft the questions they will ask the interviewees.

“I take a look at those questions, tweak them to what I think might make up the best interview, and then add some of my own to kind of expand the kind

left to right:

and Kylie

on that end.”

“Career Corner” will also feature interviews with alumni about their time at the college as well as their work out in their respective fields.

“We’ve got some really awesome people on,” Coffey said. “I think we’ve done a good job of booking guests that complement each other.”

Shultz even hinted that the podcast might have a high-profile guest on in the future.

“We’re trying to keep it a little hush hush because things are still in the works,” Shultz said. “But let’s say there might be a major member from the IC theater community coming in to make an appearance on a podcast.”

and senior Kaitlyn Coffey began a new podcast through the Center for Career Exploration and Development. The podcast offers career advice to students.

“The podcast is something that the Career Center team has been talking about for a couple of years now and have wanted to bring it to fruition,” Elebiary said.

Senior Kaitlyn Coffey, the producer for “Career Corner,” said she applied to join the podcast team because she saw the listing as the perfect opportunity to build up her resume. Coffey said she wants to be a producer in the future.

“It’s a number of factors,” Coffey said. “When I saw the [Center for Career Exploration and Development] was looking for a producer, that really appealed to me.”

Elebiary said the position for the podcast host was originally supposed to be a one-person gig. However, Elebiary said she quickly realized that she should involve multiple people with the podcast.

“As it’s grown and as we’ve met a couple of

of baseline,” Kauffman said.

ith the production side of the podcast figured out, all the team needed now was to get the word out to the college community. That was when they hired junior Kylie Shultz as their marketing and media strategist.

Shultz said she has experience with promoting video but not so much with audio. She said she had to rethink how to make the audio aspect more compelling with the absence of video.

This is definitely a challenge on my end, Shult said. “I’m kind of stripping the aspect of video away to just try to make that excitement through the audio.”

However, Shultz said she feels good about how the podcast has gone so far.

“So far it’s been really exciting and really successful,” Shultz said. “I have a lot of high hopes

So far, the podcast has released four episodes, with guests like Olivia Carpenter ’22, founder and owner of ia’s ookies, and den Strachan ’21, filmmaker and founder of Black Girls Don’t Get Love.

The team tabled outside the Center for Career Exploration and Development on Oct. 20 to promote the podcast.

At the tabling, the group gave out free items to people passing by and had them scan QR codes to listen to the podcast. The group also took suggestions from students on what they want to see for the future of the podcast.

Shultz said that she was very optimistic about the launch of the podcast and that people were showing interest in it.

“I think it’s a really good track,” Shultz said. “Just for students to have an option to just listen in and feel like they can connect to something once a week just to know that they’re on the right track and they’re doing something right.”

Elebiary said she would love to see the podcast run for the foreseeable future.

“We want to be really successful with this podcast and have it run for multiple years,” Elebiary said. “We would love to touch on all the different majors.”

From

Juniors Lukas Kauffman

Shultz

Nolan Saunders/THE ITHACAN

IC reflects on dean's list as cornell ends its own

By Kaeleigh Banda

dean’s list to address concerns about academic stress, which has led Ithaca ollege to begin to reflect on the impact of its dean’s list as well.

After a vote May 27, 2022, Cornell University’s Faculty Senate put a resolution in motion that students who enrolled at Cornell during summer 2023 and after will no longer be able to receive the dean’s list honor. Students who were enrolled prior to summer 2023 will still be able to be on the dean’s list until the end of Spring 2026.

Cornell sophomore Kathryn Erich said she believes

the phasing out of the dean’s list will have a positive

effect on the campus community.

“This environment is so cutthroat and competitive and I think removing the dean’s list just reduces that one layer of stress,” Erich said. “Cornell really tries to take into consideration students’ mental health, and I feel like this is one way the school has because it reduces a layer of competition.”

Amy O’Dowd, associate dean of student services in the School of Humanities and Sciences, said the changes at Cornell do not seem as applicable to Ithaca College.

“I don’t see Ithaca College students competing against each other for great grades and academic accolades in quite the same way that Cornell students do,” O’Dowd said. “So it would really be surprising to me if I found out that it was a big mental health issue here.”

According to The Complete Guide to Liberal Arts Colleges, 60% of the students polled who attend an Ivy League school said their campus environment was academically “competitive” to “highly competitive,” whereas 80% of liberal arts students said theirs was “collaborative” to “highly collaborative.”

In contrast to the competitive environment of Ivy Leagues, Melanie Stein, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, said Ithaca College strives to create a collaborative environment.

“When we are recruiting students, we describe Ithaca College as a place where the sense of community is paramount,” Stein said. “We recruit faculty that want to facilitate a collaborative learning environment for students.”

Cornell’s proposal stated that the change would be positive because it would allow students to branch out and take classes out of their comfort zone without feeling like they were risking their dean’s list eligibility.

Dean’s list eligibility is based on a student's GPA, the number of credits they have taken and their ability to complete each course with a satisfactory grade. Both schools have different requirements within each

of their separate undergraduate schools, but Ithaca College does not have a collegewide dean’s list.

of their separate undergraduate schools, but Ithaca College does not have a collegewide dean’s list.

be satisfactory, a D or an F. Satisfactory represents any grade above a D, and a D or F are the same respec-

student who does not want a class outside of their comfort zone to impact their GPA in a negative way.

At Ithaca College, there is a way to take a class S/D/F, which represents the ability to have your grade be satisfactory, a D or an F. Satisfactory represents any grade above a D, and a D or F are the same respectively. Since any grade in the satisfactory level does not impact students’ GPA, this allows a buffer for a student who does not want a class outside of their comfort zone to impact their GPA in a negative way. If the student receives a D or an F, however, it does impact their GPA.

Rob Gearhart, associate dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications, said it is important that students can take a wide range of differernt classes.

School of Communications, said it is important that students can take a wide range of differernt classes.

Ithaca College sophomore Zoe Ennis was on the Spring 2023 Dean’s List and said she has always seen the dean’s list as a neutral thing. One concern she said she has about the dean’s list is that it only measures grades and not any other form of success as a member of a campus community.

the dean’s list as a neutral thing. One concern she said she has about the dean’s list is that it only measures

“I do think then it kind of just adds an unnecessary value to your grades and how they determine who you are because I know a lot of those grades come

someone doesn’t excel at standard classroom format that shouldn’t really define their worthiness when it comes to a resume.”

“I do think then it kind of just adds an unnecessary value to your grades and how they determine who you are because I know a lot of those grades come from standardized testing,” Ennis said. “Just because someone doesn’t excel at standard classroom format that shouldn’t really define their worthiness when it comes to a resume.”

O’Dowd said that although taking away the dean’s list can have benefits for students, taking away an

list can have benefits for students, taking away an

honor for a student who values academic awards could have a negative impact. O’Dowd made a com-

honor for a student who values academic awards could have a negative impact. O’Dowd made a comparison to an athletic award.

“You could give teammates awards for their effort or for people who are most improved or things like that, but at a different level, they give the tro-

“You could give teammates awards for their effort or for people who are most improved or things like that, but at a different level, they give the trophy for the league championship to the team that wins the most domestic games,” O’Dowd said. “Sometimes it’s appropriate to have a subjective measure, and sometimes it’s appropriate to have an

“Sometimes it’s appropriate to have a subjective measure, and sometimes it’s appropriate to have an objective measure.”

Stein said Ithaca College has a multitude of awards that are not just based on grades.

that are not just based on grades.

“Every year, I go to these wonderful award ceremonies over in Student Affairs that are for students

“Every year, I go to these wonderful award ceremonies over in Student Affairs that are for students who have been engaged in a variety of ways across campus,” Stein said. “We have lots of different ways of

campus,” Stein said. “We have lots of different ways of recognizing students.”

Cornell University’s Resolution 182 states that the

Cornell University’s Resolution 182 states that the inconsistencies in awards and honors across the different undergraduate colleges were another reason why ornell cut the dean’s list. Stein said she reflected on that aspect of the university’s decision in terms of how

ornell cut the dean’s list. Stein said she reflected on that aspect of the university’s decision in terms of how Ithaca College operates.

Folks in my office are talking with deans and associate deans to gather information so we can have a conversation about what the individual schools are doing and whether or not it makes sense for us to get together to make sure we are doing things in an

sociate deans to gather information so we can have a conversation about what the individual schools are doing and whether or not it makes sense for us to equitable way,” Stein said.

After a vote May 22, 2022, Cornell's Faculty Senate put a resolution in motion that students who have enrolled at Cornell during Summer 2023 onward will no longer be able to receive the dean's list honor.

Kaeleigh Banda/THE ITHACAN

Ithaca college partners with community colleges

Ithaca College is partnering with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York to provide an easier pathway for community college students to transfer to the college. illustration by grace Vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

Ithaca College is partnering with interested community colleges in New York state to develop transfer pathways for students who want to study for two years at a community college and transfer to Ithaca College to complete a degree.

Gore said that transfer pathways are a great opportunity for students to have more choice when choosing a higher education plan and that there are many reasons students start at a

when choosing a higher education plan and community college.

said.

For some it’s a financial decision for some it’s a location decision , ore said. They may not be ready to move from their home to come to Ithaca. It could be an academic issue where maybe academically they did not meet

may not be ready to move from their home to come to Ithaca. It could be an academic issue the requirements.”

ore said that once the college has identified what programs that can be offered as transfer pathways, the CICU will match up community colleges that have a need for students to move into the programs that are

dents to move into the programs that are offered at Ithaca College.

The college is developing this initiative in partnership with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York. The CICU is statewide and represents the public policy interests of chief executives of independent colleges while aiming to provide equity and access to higher education. In February 2022, the CICU received a $50,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation and the Arthur Vining Davis foundations to create more transparent and equitable transfer pathways for community college students to public and private universities in ew ork, specifically focusing on increased access to liberal arts education.

Shana Gore, interim associate vice president for enrollment and student success at the college, said the State University of New York’s transfer pathway system is well defined, but there has been little progress made for a formal process of transfer pathways to private institutions in New York until now. While the process for transferring basic credits from the Integrative Core Curriculum is already in place through articulation agreements, ore said the transfer pathways will also allow students to receive credit for more major specific classes at a community college.

state to develop transfer pathways for students who want to study for two years at a said. programs that would be the best fit for transfer programs.

That was the first decision point, was if the college wanted to be a part of the group,” Gore said. “Where we are in the process now is trying to identify the programs that would be the best fit for transfer programs.

Gore said some programs at the college — like majors in the School of Music,

Gore said some programs at the college — like majors in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance are not flexible with pathways and require a full four-year program, but there are other programs at the college that are compatible with transfer pathways.

Some of the ones we’re looking at are history, biology, sociology and psychology,” Gore said. “Based on the way those programs are designed, many of those electives could have been completed at community college.”

e are hoping that by Fall 2024 , we can

e are hoping that by Fall 2024 , we can have at least one pathway with one community college in place, ore said. After that, we’ll work on building out a timeline further to think about when we could bring other schools in to

ty college in place, ore said. After that, we’ll work on building out a timeline further to think other programs.”

with an outside field in integrated marketing communications. Darpino said she started at SUNY Broome community college and attended for one year. She said she

Senior Ashlyn Darpino is majoring in voice with an outside field in integrated marketing communications. Darpino said she started at SUNY Broome community college and attended for one year. She said she was able to receive more transfer credits at Ithaca College than any SUNY school she was accepted to, but the process of transferring during the pandemic was

extremely difficult.

Darpino said the only communication she remembers receiving prior to the

and full time as a commuter student.

Darpino said the only communication she remembers receiving prior to the semester starting was an invitation to a virtual tour and once she started, she only had her voice teacher to guide her. She said that during Fall 2020, she was a part-time student and in Spring 2021, she started attending the college in person and full time as a commuter student.

“I’m really glad I didn’t live on campus because I would have lost my mind,” Darpino said. “I had no orientation, I didn’t know where anything was. … I didn’t even have a student ID until halfway through that semester.”

Darpino said institutions do not realize that even though transfer students are coming in as sophomores or juniors, they still have the same amount of

Darpino said institutions do not realize that even though transfer students are coming in as sophomores or juniors, they still have the same amount of knowledge of the institution that first-year students have.

“I think communication really is the biggest thing because I feel like so many of my personal issues would have been solved with anyone communicating with me, Darpino said. reating a transfer community would be great because everyone I have talked to who’s transferred to Ithaca has felt

many of my personal issues would have been solved with anyone communicating with me, Darpino said. reating a transfer community would be great very isolated.”

Shadayvia Wallace, director of the MLK Scholars and First Generation Programs, said that utilizing the Center of Student Success, communicating with prospective transfer students about the application and registration process and getting students acclimated to the campus community will be important for

Shadayvia Wallace, director of the MLK Scholars and First Generation Programs, said that utilizing the Center of Student Success, communicating with prospective transfer students about the application and registration process and student success.

“A lot of folks as transfer students sometimes feel intimidated because everybody has their friend groups already established from their freshman year,” Wallace said. “Trying to make sure they have that connection, the resources and knowing the people on campus is going to be important.”

everybody has their friend groups already established from their freshman

Faculty host department talk on israel-Palestine

The departments of history and politics at Ithaca ollege co-sponsored the discussion event nderstanding Events in Israel and Palestine: A Historical Perspective,” Nov. 30 in Williams Hall. The featured speaker was Ross Brann, professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Cornell University.

rann was introduced by onathan Ablard, professor in the Department of History at Ithaca College, to a filled lecture hall consisting mostly of students. At one point, all of the seats and isles were full of attendees. The event was intended to create an environment that would facilitate thought and a productive conversation, and because of that, Albard stated rules to help ensure the goal.

Ablard asked for no audio and video recording and urged attendees to stay for the entirety of the event. He stressed the importance of a question and answer session at an event like this and said student questions and comments would be prioritized.

The event was structured into two main parts. First, a teleological historical summary by Brann of the conflict between Israel and Palestine leading up to amas’ attack Oct. . e discussed the ways Israel and Palestine have been divided territorially in the past.

rann used maps to illustrate the information about the territories and borders of Israel and Palestine from the very beginning, going as far back as the Ottoman Empire and up to present day. Brann talked about the United Nations’ involvement in the conflict in 194 , after reat ritain decided to leave the land, and why the borders drawn during that time looked as chaotic as they did.

“This was their solution to the problem of two peoples wanting their independence in the same territory,” Brann said. “By drawing a map with two things in mind. One: draw the map where most of the Jews live — where they will constitute a majority — and then places in the land where Palestinian Arabs already are a very clear majority. Two: make sure that some of the best agricultural land lies in each proposed state.”

Brann discussed the changing of rule over the a a strip since orld ar II. e said a a was occupied militarily by gypt from 1949 to 196 , then it was occupied by Israel until Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, and since 2006, amas has governed over the Gaza strip.

Brann then explained how Hamas has gained Palestinian societal support, even though it is a radical group.

“A minority of Palestinians had been accepting of amas’ rule , rann said. ut an increasingly

radicalized segment of Palestinian society, desperate to find some way out of the circumstances of Israel’s occupation, hears amas’s 19 charter. amas’s enemies — both Palestinian and Israeli — point to this charter as profoundly antisemetic. amas’s military leaders, during the early phases of this war, use language that is redolent with a kind of racist vocabulary.”

Sophomore Jo Dull attended the talk and said they were glad to see the college host an event to facilitate this type of discourse and discussion regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

“It’s been upsetting that the school hasn’t made much of a statement or anything, Dull said. hen I saw the poster for this event I was really excited to see that the school was actually bringing someone to talk about this. And more than just about protecting the Jewish community on campus, which I still think is very important. ut I also think it was slightly ignoring the larger international problem at hand. … It was good to have a speaker here who was clearly educated and could present facts unbiasedly.”

Brann explained the cause of the support growth in Israeli society for a radical solution to the conflict, with parts of society that would not agree with this in the abstract but are giving approval because of the events of Oct. 7.

“The wrath that this has unleashed in some parts of Israeli society, in particular, parts represented by a majority in this Israeli government, is using racist language, rann said. They’re saying that they abrogate to themselves the right to reduce the entirety of the Gaza strip, and all the people living in it to rubble.”

Brann concluded his talk by insisting that the Israel-Palestine conflict cannot be solved through military action.

“Neither is going anywhere,” Brann said. “No matter what happens, these two peoples are destined to live together. It’s only a question of what political formula they can come to that might make a lot of people unhappy but at least everyone could live with.”

During the Q&A portion of the event, Brann was asked how culpable he thinks the United States is in this conflict.

“That’s a loaded question,” Brann said. “The nited States has been Israel’s shield from international pressure about its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. It rebukes Israel, but there haven’t been any consequences. So in that perspective, the answer is of course. Because we do have a lot of sway. … It’s also the largest foreign affairs allocation in the .S. budget. ut none of that money ever leaves the nited States, it’s a subsidy for the arms industry. I’ll let your politics work out what you think about that.”

After the event, sophomore Kamryn Struse said she respected how objective the presentation from Brann was.

“I appreciated how it was really an unbiased perspective, it was very historical,” Struse said.

rann didn’t take one side over the other and brought up examples from both sides to really make his point.”

Featured speaker Ross Brann, professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Cornel University, gave a lecture called "Understanding Events in Israel and Palestine: A Historical Perspective" at Ithaca College.

Courtesy of Michigan University

College looks to improve classroom engagement

bers are trying classroom response systems in their Spring 2024 classes through a pilot program conducted by the college’s Educational Technologies Advisory Committee.

Classroom response systems are applications designed to increase student engagement. Students answer questions on their devices which the systems share with instructors. They also collect data about student participation and attendance for faculty and instructors.

ETAC is a group composed of 15 staff, faculty and

students from across campus that shares perspectives

with college leadership about technology used for learning, teaching and research. This feedback guides future changes and investments in institutional technology. The committee is sponsored by Melanie Stein, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; David Weil, vice president and chief information and analytics officer and the Division of Information Technology senior leadership team.

Jenna Linskens, director of learning and innovative technologies for the Center for Instructional Design and Educational Technology and co-chair of ETAC, said the college had a learning management system governance committee composed of faculty and staff from departments across the college that implemented its previous learning management system, Sakai, and wanted to continue working to incorporate technology into learning.

“They really wanted to continue to have this partnership with faculty and staff to oversee the technology … so that it was a community effort, rather than a top-down or even a bottom-up,” Linskens said. “It was more of this, ‘Let’s meet in the middle and make sure that we’re providing everything that faculty need, and we’re doing it in a responsible way.’”

technology … so that it was a community effort, rathdoing Linskens said the college currently has a license and

that it is a cost burden to students, which costs $33 for

Linskens said the college currently has a license with the classroom response system Top Hat. Linsksens said faculty have shared that Top Hat does not meet their teaching needs and that they are concerned that it is a cost burden to students, which costs $33 for a semester-long subscription.

college’s educational technology from the campus

preferences for a new classroom response system through a Qualtrics survey. Based on the suggestions,

staff and students.

Colleen Countryman, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and co-chair of ETAC, said ETAC often asks for feedback about the college’s educational technology from the campus community. In Fall 2023, the ETAC Student Response Systems subcommittee asked faculty to share their preferences for a new classroom response system through a Qualtrics survey. Based on the suggestions, Countryman said the subcommittee searched for response systems that could connect to Canvas, had no cost for students and had clear features for faculty, staff and students.

“We want really the focus to be on the concepts the

The subcommittee narrowed down the contenders to three classroom response systems: iClicker, PollEverywhere and Echo360 Poll. Before the start of Spring 2024, the subcommittee asked for faculty volunteers to try the systems. Linskens said via email that 19 faculty members and two librarians are participating in the pilot, and they could choose which systems or how many systems they wanted to try.

ticipating in the pilot, and they could choose which systems or how many systems they wanted to try. systems

“We want really the focus to be on the concepts that they’re learning in the class, and so to have an intuitive user experience is something that was really important and something that was easy to facilitate by the professors themselves or the instructors of these classes," Countryman said.

and Weil by March 1 to allow enough time for negotiating the contract, adding it to the college’s budget and

Linskens said ETAC’s goal is to recommend one of the response systems from the pilot program to Stein and Weil by March 1 to allow enough time for negotiating the contract, adding it to the college’s budget and preparing informational and training resources for faculty and students. Linskens said ETAC hopes that the college will provide a paid subscription for students to

college will provide a paid subscription for students to the new response systems.

Rebecca Brady, assistant professor in the Depart-

said she uses classroom response systems frequently in her introductory-level courses to create an active

the interface is for students and educators.

important and something that was easy to facilitate by the professors themselves or the instructors of these the ers to three classroom response systems: iClicker,

Rebecca Brady, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, is serving as a faculty volunteer on the student response systems subcommittee. Brady said she uses classroom response systems frequently in her introductory-level courses to create an active classroom environment. She said she is trying iClicker with her students and has been impressed by how easy the interface is for students and educators.

“Some of these polling systems you have, the instructor has to pre-enter all of their questions in advance … so that can be very time-consuming,” Brady said. “[With iClicker], I can just use whatever’s on my slide. … So if students are struggling with a concept, we can ask two or three more questions on the fly, as opposed to being limited by the slides that I

“Some of these polling systems you have, the instructor has to pre-enter all of their questions in Brady said. “[With iClicker], I can just use whatever’s on my slide. … So if students are struggling with a concept, we can ask two or three more questions on can put it in advance.”

First-year student Sarah Chraibi is taking Brady’s Fundamentals of Biology course. She said she feels a

The college's Educational Technologies Advisory Committee is testing different classroom response systems for use in classroom settings. The committee is hoping to continue to facilitace technology in classrooms. ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE VANDERVEER/THE ITHACAN

First-year student Sarah Chraibi is taking Brady’s Fundamentals of Biology course. She said she feels a little stressed about answering the questions correctly, but she likes that iClicker shows how many students answered each question correctly.

answered each question correctly.

“I feel more comfortable participating now because if I got the iClicker question correct, then I can raise my hand and I can say something,” Chraibi said.

“I feel more comfortable participating now because if I got the iClicker question correct, then I can hand it

ready knows I got it wrong. I might as well say I got it wrong and just ask her to go over it.”

“Even if I got it wrong, it’s like, OK, well, [Brady] already knows I got it wrong. I might as well say I got it wrong and just ask her to go over it.”

Brady said that as a faculty member who frequently uses the college’s educational response systems, she appreciates that she can share her perspective. Brady said she and the other subcommittee members are trying to hear many opinions and find a system that can be successful across the college.

appreciates that she can share her perspective. Brady said she and the other subcommittee members are try-

“We’re trying to be aware of the different ways that people use classroom response systems, and make sure that we get a tool that’s versatile enough for everybody, or as many people as we can accommodate,”

“We’re trying to be aware of the different ways that people use classroom response systems, and make sure that we get a tool that’s versatile enough for evmany Brady said.

BOLD Program retursn to ic after year-long hiatus

By Noa Ran-Ressler

With the return of funding, the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network at Ithaca College will welcome a new cohort of BOLD Scholars for the Class of 2027.

The Helen Gurley Brown Foundation has resumed funding the scholarship at Ithaca College, according to a Feb. 27 email from Bonnie Prunty, vice president of Student Affairs and Campus Life. The foundation funds BOLD Scholarships at other colleges, including the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut; Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire; and Rutgers University-Newark in Newark, New Jersey.

Mish enhart, director of the Office of Student Engagement, is the Women’s Leadership Network and the BOLD Program’s director. She said funding paused last year as the college and the foundation worked to redirect the focus of the program.

e had to make a difficult decision to not have the program last year after some funding was taken from the foundation,” Lenhart said. “They’re reorganizing their portfolio, and we are really excited that we were able to apply for and get a new grant this year.”

Lenhart said the purpose of the program has shifted as the foundation’s mission has evolved. While the program started off with a social justice focus, it is now focused on career development and leadership.

Prunty said the college worked with the foundation and made a decision together to pause selecting a cohort for last year because the college needed to adjust the proposal to match the new purpose.

“We have added some pieces to the new grant proposal for this cycle that specifically focus time and intention for the scholars to all develop strong skill sets in [career development],” Prunty said.

Prunty said the college receives multi-year grants from the foundation. The current grant will be for three years, and she said that after the grant term is up, the college will have to reapply. The grant is used to fund scholarships of up to $21,500 per BOLD Scholar per year to use toward the cost of attendance at the college, with up to 10 scholars in each cohort.

Lenhart said the college uses its grant application to show the foundation how the scholarship will help the next generation of leaders.

“It’s a pretty thorough look at what we’re going to offer,” Lenhart said. “And the idea is to look at people who maybe didn’t have some of the advantages that other students may have had when they were growing up, trying to make the program as diverse as possible.”

Prunty said the application process is intended to attract diverse applicants. In addition to advertising through Intercom, the program reached out to offices

that work with students of marginalized identities. e make sure that those offices are aware that the application process is coming and what the program is,” Prunty said. “They can help us amplify the message to those students so that we can have [a] diverse applicant pool.”

Prunty said that to support the leadership focus of the program, each cohort will participate in networking opportunities, a reading group — a text or series of articles discussing leadership — and workshops, like emotional intelligence at work, writing professional communication and goal-setting. She said the scholars will also create leadership development portfolios to exhibit their experiences in the program. Cohorts also decide on a transformation project, which is a chance for scholars to work together to practice leading an initiative that will leave a positive impact on the campus community.

“They will identify somebody who will serve as a mentor for them in their chosen field of study, as well as somebody on campus who might be able to serve as a mentor for them, as well,” Prunty said.

Senior Kiara Valera, a BOLD scholar, said the BOLD scholarship significantly improved her ability to afford the college’s cost of attendance.

“Truthfully, I would not be here at this college if it wasn’t for this program,” Valera said. “It’s brought a lot of happiness to my heart knowing that what it did for me, it’s going to do for a whole bunch of other people as well.”

The Helen Gurley Brown Foundation has resumed funding for the scholarship at Ithaca College. The college did not select a cohort last year because the college needed to adjust the proposal for its new purpose. Malik Clement/THE ITHACAN

Valera said part of her experience as a BOLD Scholar has been her cohort’s transformation project. She said the Class of 2024 cohort’s project is a cycle of collecting textbooks and loaning them to students for however long they need before returning them for more students to use. This would help alleviate the financial burden of course materials for students who cannot afford them.

Valera said current BOLD scholars have been invited to be a part of the application process for the next cohort. She said she participated in a March 19 Q&A session for prospective applicants and current scholars have been invited to ask questions at the interview sessions.

I was sad at first when I heard that there was going to be that gap in time where we didn’t have that one cohort because the Bold Scholarship for me has helped me tremendously,” Valera said. “I’m really excited to see the next set of scholars come in.”

Student provide support through aphasia group

The Ithaca College Aphasia Network (ICAN), one of many specialty clinics within the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, is a free support group offered to individuals with aphasia and is looking for new participants to join the support group.

According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, aphasia is damage to the brain that impairs a person’s expression of communication. Aphasia is an acquired language disorder, meaning that it typically stems from injuries to the brain.

Sherry Golden, lecturer in the Department of Speech-Language, Pathology and Audiology, oversees ICAN and helps graduate students to guide the participants along in discussions. Golden said ICAN’s purpose is to provide a safe space for members of the community who suffer from aphasia.

“I think the beauty of a support group is that it is a non-judgmental place for people who have similar backgrounds to come together and meet each other,” olden said. They find kinship, friendship, support, a sounding board, a place to feel comfortable in, expressing themselves or taking the time they need to understand and [have a] conversation.”

While there is no age limitation to who can join the support group, Golden said it is focused more on adults with aphasia. Golden said support groups like I A are beneficial for members because they focus on general wellness.

“You don’t need to have insurance [to pay] for it and it’s not direct intervention,” Golden said. “But it’s something that is ongoing maintenance, both for practicing your communication skills and also for your social-emotional well-being.”

Golden emphasized that aphasia is not something that holds back an individual’s ability to learn.

“People with aphasia are just as smart as they were before they had aphasia. They can still learn and they can still have strong ideas and opinions,” Golden said.

Liz Miller, a clinical instructor in the Department of Speech-Language and Audiology, serves as the clinical supervisor for early intervention speech therapy and interim clinical director. Miller said she hopes to increase participants to provide better services to the community.

“We know there’s a need out there for all people [to have] more connection in our community, and especially with those people that are having communication challenges,” Miller said. “So we’d love to add more participants at this point.”

Miller also said caregivers for people impacted by aphasia can be a part of the group as well.

“We can provide recommendations and work on

strategies for improving communication skills, but we can also provide caregivers with those strategies,” Miller said. “For instance: reducing distractions, making sure that you give the family member ample time to process and respond to the question … use of simpler vocabulary [if needed].”

Golden said the group also provides participants with a chance to practice their communication skills through tools provided by student clinicians who act as facilitators.

“We provide visual support, we provide written cues, we have all sorts of tricks up our sleeves to get people to express themselves or in turn, to understand what somebody else is saying,” Golden said.

Golden said the support group allows graduate students to learn more about aphasia by focusing on interaction and not intervention so that students can take a more person-first approach.

“In the world of graduate studies and practicing your clinical experiences, there’s a lot of report writing … and there’s a lot of ongoing analysis,” Golden said. “And sometimes as a student clinician, I think that … kind of takes away from actually getting to know the people that you’re working with.”

The School of Health Sciences and Human Performances offers a free support group to individuals with aphasia. Aphasia is damage to the brain that impairs a person's ability to undersand or express speech.

Shannon Veninger is a second-year graduate student who first engaged with the I A program as a first-year undergraduate student and later went on to facilitate it as a graduate student.

She said the program helped her to grow her skills as a speech pathologist and gain more of an understanding of aphasia.

“I learned so many different things just from this one placement,” Veninger said. “I’ll be moving to a veterans hospital in my second block for my externship and I’m already looking back on notes and stuff like that, that we took from those sessions in those groups.”

Veninger said that seeing participants of ICAN build their confidence over time was the most fulfilling aspect of her experience.

“To see them in the beginning very much more reserved to slowly saying more and more and more each session was so rewarding,” Veninger said. “You kind of saw that confidence come out, especially when we introduced a new tactic to help them communicate or understand and comprehend and they were utilizing that entirely on their own, without any of our assistance.”

ILLUSTRATION BY Molly Teska/THE ITHACAN BY

Alumni of color team up to teach in new mini-course

Ithaca College offered Cultural Entrepreneurship, a one-credit mini-course, from Feb. 16 to 18 to teach students about the resources and tools available to help begin their entrepreneurial journey while still in college. The course featured five guest speakers, all of whom are alumni of color who attended the college.

Along with hearing from guest speakers, students will get the opportunity to work on an idea for a business or brand. The course then allows students to pitch these ideas to other students in the class and gain feedback.

former

The course was led by Diane Gayeski, professor in the Department of Strategic Communications and former dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications. Gayeski said the course focused on helping students come up with ideas for possible businesses and how they can use resources available at the college to make these ideas a reality.

Communi-

“In my time as dean, one of the big initiatives of Park was to infuse our curriculum and [the] whole experience with more diversity,” Gayeski said. “And I recognize that students of color especially need to see more role models and examples.”

experience with more diversity,” Gayeski said. “And I role

Gayeski said the main event of the course was the guest speakers who have been invited to talk with students about how they have pursued their entrepreneurial dreams since graduating from the college.

guest speakers who have been invited to talk with college.

“[The speakers] are all people who have started their own businesses or media franchises while they were in school,” Gayeski said. “All the guest speakers happen to be people of color as well, so many of their businesses are related to something about their cultural identity or personal identity. They’re going to be telling their own case studies.”

their own businesses or media franchises while they telling their own case studies.”

BIPOC, queer and trans people of color. DeShawn said the idea for a radio show came about during her time at the college, in which she gained a new, broader idea

the idea for a radio show came about during her time at the college, in which she gained a new, broader idea of what journalism can be.

were a lot of folks that I just didn’t know existed who have done really great work — Black women in

“In undergrad, it became clear to me that there were a lot of folks that I just didn’t know existed who have done really great work — Black women in particular — and I wanted to tell their stories,” DeShawn said. “By the time I got out of school, I just decided to start my own show where I could play my own commercials, and that was how it all got started. … From there, I started bringing on other

just decided to start my own show where I could play my own commercials, and that was how it all shows and producing other shows.”

er and owner of Via’s Cookies. Carpenter said she began making cookies out of her home to casually

Senior Hazel Bali, a student at the college who enrolled to take the course, said she signed up to hear from the guest speakers and gain insight into developing her own business ideas as a person of color.

“I think sometimes students don’t recognize all the services and help and knowledge that’s available to them for free,” Gayeski said. “There are a lot of resources, whether it’s knowing what courses to take or what professors to talk to or what kind of opportunities to seek in clubs.”

what professors to talk to or what kind of opportuni-

Gayeski said that although the course was open to all students, she believes it is important that it focuses on how students from underrepresented backgrounds can connect their ideas to their own identities and create new spaces for themselves.

on how students from underrepresented backgrounds

ing her own business ideas as a person of color.

“One aspect of the course that I think I’m really going to enjoy is making connections and understanding how [the speakers] got to where they are and how that is part of their identity because that’s something we have in common,” Bali said. “I really want to understand how to build a business proposal for myself

that is part of their identity because that’s something we have in common,” Bali said. “I really want to unfor while keeping my own identity in focus.”

Anna DeShawn ’07 is one of the guest speakers and the founder and CEO of E3 Radio and The Qube, a podcast production company that focuses on discovering and sharing podcasts and music from

Radio

Olivia Carpenter ’22 is a guest speaker and founder and owner of Via’s Cookies. Carpenter said she began making cookies out of her home to casually sell them in a nearby coffee shop. Carpenter said she officially began her business in 2021 after presenting her idea at the college’s 2021 Startup Demo Day and winning $5,800 in prize money to get her business off

her idea at the college’s 2021 Startup Demo Day and winning $5,800 in prize money to get her business off the ground.

In regards to what she hopes students taking the course will learn from her, Carpenter said she wants them to know that they can use their ideas to make a

course will learn from her, Carpenter said she wants them to know that they can use their ideas to make a real difference in the world.

“I really want people to understand that you can do anything at any time to actually make a difference,” Carpenter said. “Life is really tough, and even when you feel as though everything is crumbling around you, there will always be people out there who will help you and want you to succeed.”

any difference,” Carpenter said. “Life is really tough, and even when you feel as though everything is

From left to right Diane ayeski, ita unatal, ia arpenter and den Strachan. The ultural ntrepreneurship course, which was led by ayeski, featured five guest speakers, all of whom are alumni who attended the college. The course aimed to provide connections and resources for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Sam Burns; File Photo; Kevin Yu/THe ithacan, Courtesy of black Girls Don't Get Love

dean of the Roy H. Park School of

Women in Math Day held in person after covid-19

By Vivian Rose

March 2 for the first time in person since the O ID-19 pandemic. The event was organi ed by Megan Martine and Ted alanthay, associate professors in the Department of Mathematics.

Martine said the event originally began in 201 after the department received the Tensor omen and Mathematics grant from the Mathematical Association of America. The Tensor Foundation promotes pre-college and college-aged women and girls to learn and study math. Martine said the grants the

engineering at Tompkins ortland ommunity

dra alenti, a math teacher at Ithaca igh School.

were Alex hernyakov, assistant professor of electrical engineering at Tompkins ortland ommunity ollege Marguerite Davis ’1 , an instructor at Mathnasium Tiffany o, data analyst at the Tompkins ounty District Attorney’s Office Deborah oover, vice president and small business lending manager at Tompkins ommunity ank and assandra alenti, a math teacher at Ithaca igh School.

The grant has been used by the college to host a omen in Math Day that educates local high school students about the college’s math program. Martine said that while International Women in Mathematics

students about the college’s math program. Martine said that while International Women in Mathematics

the two in-person student participants learning game theory, a branch of math that analy es strategy and

the two in-person student participants learning game theory, a branch of math that analy es strategy and decision-making.

efore the panelists spoke, participants had the opportunity to have lunch with current math majors at the college. Senior enley Aikin was one of the volunteers and said it was her third year volunteering at omen in Math Day, but the first time she was able to speak with participants in person.

unteers and said it was her third year volunteering at omen in Math Day, but the first time she was able to

onestly, it feels more exciting, Aikin said. This event just feels more like, Oh my gosh, this

onestly, it feels more exciting, Aikin said. This event just feels more like, Oh my gosh, this event is in person and you can interact with other

college received in 201 and 2019 awarded the department 6,000 each and are still funding the event.

Martine said her and alanthay’s mindset for the 2024 event was to introduce it back into the community. She said the event was created with the interests of the participants in mind.

It’s kind of like we’ve taken a three-year hiatus with the event and now we’re in person again, Martine said. So we’ve kind of lost all the community knowledge of the event because it went international for a bit. Ted and I are constantly thinking about, Are we running the event in such a way that it’s what people want to do or the experience that they want ’

The event was in the usiness School atrium and hosted prospective students, their families and panelists from the local Ithaca community. The panelists

Day is May 12, she made the day coincide with school district calendars to target high school students for

district calendars to target high school students for the event.

In earlier days, the grant was used to support bringing female speakers to campus, Martine said. It was supporting a mentoring program in the department. And so since then, we’ve honed in on a few things. The biggest thing we do is this omen in Math Day.

After the pandemic, the department’s omen in Math Day was held virtually. During the fifth

of Mathematics.

After the pandemic, the department’s omen in Math Day was held virtually. During the fifth annual omen in Math Day in 2022, approximately 30 participants attended the event, which was hosted jointly by three professors in the Department of Mathematics.

The program ran similarly to how it was run virtually. There were two in-person participants and eight participants over Zoom. The event began with

The program ran similarly to how it was run vir-

people,’ rather than on Zoom, some people wouldn’t

people,’ rather than on Zoom, some people wouldn’t turn on their cameras.

despite made up 61% of AP biology students, 52% of AP statistics and 50% of AP chemistry students and represented

Aikin said the event is important to maintain, despite low attendance, because of the gender gap within math. Female .S. high school students made up 61% of AP biology students, 52% of AP statistics and 50% of AP chemistry students and represented 23% of AP computer science and 29% of AP physics students, according to a 201 ational Science

ics students, according to a 201 ational Science Foundation article.

hernyakov said she had a small win when a stu-

hernyakov said she had a small win when a student of hers who only took one engineering course with her — tried engineering and has now decided to

pursue it.

20 years ago, engineering had less than 10% of female students, hernyakov said. ow, 20 years later, the numbers are 12 14%. I am super passionate about doing what I can to change it.

20 years ago, engineering had less than 10% of female students, hernyakov said. ow, 20 years later, the numbers are 12 14%. I am super passionate about doing what I can to change it.

From left to right panelists Alex hernyakov, assistant professor of lectrical ngineering at Tompkins ortland ommunity ollege Marguerite Davis ’1 , an instructor at Mathnasium Tiffany o, data analyst at the Tompkins ounty District Attorney’s Office Deborah oover, vice president and small business lending manager at Tompkins ommunity ank and assandra alenti, a math teacher at Ithaca igh School speak at omen in Math Day. Emmi Chen/The Ithacan

new online program set to launch in fall 2024

By Kai Lincke

its speech-language pathology graduate program by offering an online, part-time master’s degree program starting in Fall 2024. The college offers an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology and a master’s degree with the option for teacher certification in speech-language pathology.

Speech-language pathology is a medical field that focuses on preventing, evaluating, identifying and treating speech, language, cognitive communication, social communication and swallowing disorders in adults and children.

ynne ewitt, professor and chair of the Depart-

ment of Speech- anguage Pathology and Audiology, said there is a shortage of speech-language pathologists. According to the .S. ureau of abor Statistics, while overall employment is expected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, employment for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 19%.

Specifically, ewitt said early intervention providers in Tompkins ounty have told the department that there is a long waiting list for speech services and a great need for more speech-language pathologists. ewitt said the department wanted to help fill the need and provide an online path for nontraditional learners to become speech-language pathologists. ot everybody who would like to be a speech pathologist or change careers can go to a traditional program, ewitt said. They already have a life and they would love the opportunity to get started, but they just can’t just pull up stakes and go to an in-person program. So that’s what this program is the vision is to really reach people who could be fantastic clinicians, really provide those services that are so needed, but don’t have an opportunity.

The in-person master’s degree program is full-time. There are five semesters of coursework, or six if students choose to complete a thesis, which must be completed within two years of starting the program.

The online master’s degree is part-time and takes eight semesters to complete if students enter with the necessary course prerequisites. ewitt said students who have not met the prerequisites can take the courses at the college, which will add three semesters of coursework for a total of 11 semesters or 3. years.

ewitt said the college is planning to accept 25 total students, between the leveling students who are completing prerequisites and students directly entering the program, for the first cohort of the online program.

Students in the in-person program engage with the Sir Alexander wing-Ithaca ollege Speech and

rooms, an assistive technology and alternative com-

earing linic, which has therapy and diagnostic rooms, an assistive technology and alternative communication lab, an audiology sound suite and access to the most recent diagnostic and treatment resources.

The speech-language pathology master’s programs are accredited by the ouncil on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech- anguage- earing Association, so both online and in-person students must have at least 400 hours of clinical experience to complete their degree.

accredited itation of the American Speech- anguage- earing Association, so both online and in-person students must have at least 400 hours of clinical experience to complete their degree.

ewitt said online graduate students will not have access to the clinic, but they will still gain experience from simulations, most likely using the online

ewitt said online graduate students will not

contact information of our professors, just like we probably would with our online professors as well if

contact information of our professors, just like we probably would with our online professors as well if we were in an online program. So I think that support system would still be there, it just wouldn’t be a

face-to-face meeting.

ichols said she believes that there is not one path to becoming a speech-language pathologist.

one path to becoming a speech-language pathologist.

In the in-person program, there are some older people that didn’t just graduate undergrad who are seeking a new career path, ichols said. If they had had that option for the flexible online option, may-

In the in-person program, there are some older people that didn’t just graduate undergrad who are seeking a new career path, ichols said. If they had had that option for the flexible online option, maybe they would go for that. I’m not sure. ut this first year in grad school definitely made me reali e

software Simucase. ewitt said both in-person and online master’s degree candidates are required to complete two externships clinical opportunities in settings like schools and hospitals for students to gain field experience during their final semester.

ewitt said the college plans to hire a fieldwork coordinator who will work with students in the online program to find placements for externships.

raduate student ameryn ichols is in her second semester of the speech-language pathology master’s program. She said she thinks the externship experiences for the online program will be very similar to the in-person program because students can choose where they complete their externships.

A lot of people don’t stay in Ithaca, ichols said. They either go home or go to different places that they might want to settle down in the future, so the online program is not super different in that sense. e in the in-person program still have the

that there is not just one cookie-cutter student for graduate programs, and so I think that the flexibility

that there is not just one cookie-cutter student for graduate programs, and so I think that the flexibility is super important.

Senior Molly ankinson is in the speech-language pathology undergraduate program, and she said she plans to return to the college’s in-person program for her graduate degree.

plans to return to the college’s in-person program for her graduate degree.

ankinson said she loves the professors in the Department of Speech- anguage Pathology and Audiology, and she feels that they should be able to share their knowledge on a wider scope.

ankinson said she loves the professors in the Speechology, and she feels that they should be able to share their knowledge on a wider scope.

e do have a really small campus, and it can be inaccessible for people who live at home and can’t leave home due to whatever reasons, anksinon said. So for the professors to still be able to share their knowledge and get their word out there, but people also still having the accessibility of it without having to come all the way up to Ithaca, ew ork, is

e do have a really small campus, and it can be

So for the professors to still be able to share their knowledge and get their word out there, but people also still having the accessibility of it without having to come all the way up to Ithaca, ew ork, is pretty cool.

ynne ewitt, professor and chair of the Department of Speech- anguage Pathology and Audiology, said the online master s deegree in S P will provide a path to nontraditional learners. The program is expected to launch in Fall 2024 with a cohort of 25 total part-time students over eight to 11 semesters. Kai lINCKE/the ithacan

Regional conference held for the first time since 2019

for goodie bags for participants.

nology will host Educational Technology Day for the first time since 2019 on March 21. The regional conference will feature the latest advances in technology resources and services for primary, secondary and higher education.

This will be the 30th d Tech Day since Dave eil, vice president and chief information and analytics officer, founded the event in 1991. eil said he was impressed by the opportunities for learning and connection he saw while attending an Apple conference and he wanted to bring these opportunities closer

to Ithaca.

“I worked with Apple and some other companies to hold our first d Tech Day, which was just for Ithaca ollege at the time, eil said. It was successful, but at the end of the day, the vendors said, ‘If you want us to come back next year and do it again, you need to open it up to other schools.’ And we did and now 30 years later, we’re still doing it and it really turned into a big regional event.

eil said d Tech Day was originally canceled in 2020 because of the O ID-19 pandemic. As IT experienced staff changes and shifting responsibilities, he did not think the division could continue hosting the event once pandemic restrictions were relaxed.

“I actually thought that it would not be something to bring back, but in talking with colleagues at other institutions, they’re like, hen are you doing d Tech Day ’ and they really found it a valuable thing in the region, eil said. I happened to mention while we didn’t have the resources to do it, and someone from an organi ation called S et offered to help us put it on this year, and I think that that was enough to get us to the point where we felt we could do it.

S et is a nonprofit internet service provider that offers data and networking resources for educational and research institutions in ew ork state. milyann Fogarty, chief information security officer for NEYSERNet, said the organization previously participated in Ed Tech Day and wanted to help the event continue to provide support for educators.

I think what’s truly ama ing is that this event is free for anyone that’s willing to participate, Fogarty said. The more that we can get access to people around these types of trainings and material, the better off all of our community will be.

Andy Hogan, director of engagement and client technologies within the Division of Information Technology at Ithaca College, said NEYSERNet is helping IT with registering participants, reaching out to their clients and contacts to advertise the event and paying

Ed Tech Day will have three components: the vendor showcase, the college showcase and information sessions. In the vendor showcase, more than 50

Ed Tech Day will have three components: the vendor showcase, the college showcase and information sessions. In the vendor showcase, more than 50 regional and national vendors will share their services and products.

d Tech Day will also feature more than 40 information sessions about topics like artificial intelligence,

d Tech Day will also feature more than 40 information sessions about topics like artificial intelligence, digital security, esports and classroom technology.

vice president for Student and Campus Life at Cornell University, will present an information session

the opportunity to present about the process of developing the lounge and making it a supportive space

Tyler Johnson, executive assistant to the assistant vice president for Student and Campus Life at Cornell University, will present an information session about the university’s sports aming ounge, which opened in March 2023. ohnson said he is excited for the opportunity to present about the process of developing the lounge and making it a supportive space for students.

interested in starting their own kind of campus gaming facility for either esports teams or recreation-

a sense of what is involved, ohnson said. I think it’s an important space for a lot of our students, even after only having been around for a year, so I always enjoy being able to share that with others.

I’m hopeful that if there are other universities interested in starting their own kind of campus gaming facility for either esports teams or recreational play, that they might benefit from the presentation and having a conversation about it, and really getting a sense of what is involved, ohnson said. I think it’s an important space for a lot of our students, even after only having been around for a year, so I always enjoy being able to share that with others.

president of IT and IT asset manager in the Office of Information Technology and Analytics at Ithaca College, said Ed Tech Day also offers accessible infor-

Kayla van Dinther, executive assistant to the vice president of IT and IT asset manager in the Office of Information Technology and Analytics at Ithaca College, said Ed Tech Day also offers accessible information for the college’s faculty, staff and students.

Our faculty and staff that don’t get to travel and have professional development opportunities [can attend] all these seminars and even [speak] with

the professional side of meeting these national brand companies, and just visiting their booths and kind of having that one one-on-one conversation. And I

Our faculty and staff that don’t get to travel and have professional development opportunities [can attend] all these seminars and even [speak] with different vendors, van Dinther said. It’ll be a great opportunity for students to kind of work and view the professional side of meeting these national brand companies, and just visiting their booths and kind of having that one one-on-one conversation. And I hope they all take advantage of that because you never know when you’re going to be in a room with Dell or

know when you’re going to be in a room with Dell or any of those companies .

Hogan said he and van Dinther have been work-

Hogan said he and van Dinther have been working with students from an events management class to advertise the event and make it engaging for students.

eil said more than 1,000 people from more than 100 colleges and universities attended the most recent d Tech Day in 2019. egistration is suggested but not required for the event. ased on comparisons

eil said more than 1,000 people from more than 100 colleges and universities attended the most recent d Tech Day in 2019. egistration is suggested but not required for the event. ased on comparisons from the people who registered in 2019 and 2024, ogan said IT is expecting more people to attend this

gan said IT is expecting more people to attend this year’s event.

eil said he is proud of the event’s growth and adaptations through the years.

adaptations through the years. ack then people were just starting to think about using computers and technology to help people learn in the classroom, eil said. ow it’s really about having access to information at our fingertips. There’s not a lot of things that, especially in technology, that have been going on for 30 years,

ack then people were just starting to think about using computers and technology to help people learn in the classroom, eil said. ow it’s really about having access to information at our fingertips. There’s not a lot of things that, especially in technology, that have been going on for 30 years, so we’re kind of proud of the fact that this is our

30th anniversary.

d Tech Day was originally canceled in 2020 because of the O ID-19 pandemic. This will be the 30th d Tech Day since the event was founded in 1991. This year s events brought together 50 regional and national vendors. The event also gave students the opportunity to speak one-on-one with different vendors.

Cole Jackson/THE

ITHACAN

ic promotes research with chemistry conference

By Clark Roque Royandoyan

istry sends students to the American Chemical Society (ACS) conference to gain experience with research and networking. This year, ecky raig, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, said she took 13 students to the conference, the most she has ever taken during her three years at the college.

“All of the students that go are presenting [research] that they have done. And a lot of them are seniors, so it’s kind of their senior capstone project that they’re presenting.

Craig mentioned the appeal of the ACS conference as a networking opportunity for students to think about post-graduate opportunities in academia or the chemical industry.

that they have done. And a lot of them are seniors, chemical industry.

hile ew ork may have the third-largest chemical manufacturing industry in the .S., ouisiana became the temporary hub of chemistry with the A S’ annual conference from March 1 21. A S is one of the largest organizations for the chemical industry .S.

in the .S.

The college offers a achelor of Science degree in chemistry that is accredited by the ACS, certifying the program as a rigorous curriculum that aligns with industry standards.

raig said that for students who are majoring or minoring in chemistry, the annual conference acts as exposure to the world of chemistry beyond what the college has to offer. For graduating seniors and other students working on research, the ACS conference offers them a chance to present the research that they have been working on.

It’s just a great place where anyone who is involved in some aspect of chemistry whether it’s students, professors, researchers, companies that make instrumentation or funding agencies — [to] come together and just learn about what’s happening in the community and make connections, raig said.

to perform research as part of their degree program. Some programs within the School of Humanities & Sciences and School of Health Science and Hu-

to perform research as part of their degree program. Some programs within the School of Humanities & Sciences and School of Health Science and Human Performance require students to undertake a research project, as is the case for the Department of

Physical Therapy.

ohn inslow, associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, said he believes that the

If they’re interested in grad school, there’s a lot of programs at the conference where they can learn about the different disciplines and research topics and things that are available for continuing in grad school,” raig said. If they want to go into industry, they can learn about different job opportunities and things like that. It’s a big networking event.

ohn inslow, associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, said he believes that the implementation of research into the curriculum allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to

real-world settings.

things that are available for continuing in grad school,”

ithin all the departments, they have a research component because a lot of the programs within HSHP are clinical, so students are taught evidence-based

practices, inslow said.

For students like sophomore Rishabh Sen, the conference brought up an exciting opportunity for him to research.

their learning to others.

For students like sophomore Rishabh Sen, the conference brought up an exciting opportunity for him to present his research. Sen said the benefits of presenting were being able to communicate and consolidate their learning to others.

“It forced me to be able to learn how to commu-

“It forced me to be able to learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently to a larger audience, Sen said. It’s something that professionals need to do] in academics, in both the natural sciences and information sciences across years in their careers, so it was a really good stepping stone for that.

formation sciences across years in their careers, so it was a really good stepping stone for that. the

in research methodology for students, independent

ack on South ill, the college provides opportunities to conduct and present research with classes in research methodology for students, independent study in classes or through the annual halen Symposium each spring for students who are not required

ecky raig, assistant professor in the Department of hemistry, said that for students who are majoring or minoring in chemistry, the American Chemical Society conference acts as exposure to the world of chemistry beyond what the college has to offer. The convention also offers graduating seniors networking skills.

Courtesy of Rishabh Sen

inslow explained that the department has what is called “clinical experiences” where students go out to local clinics and apply what they have learned in

inslow explained that the department has what is called “clinical experiences” where students go out the classroom.

Students in the six-year clinical doctorate are expected to write a case report in their sixth year that

on a research project with a faculty adviser that starts in their fifth year and continues into their sixth year. However, research is not always required in all ST M-related programs to graduate. For the Department of Physics and Astronomy, research is strongly encouraged but not required.

Students in the six-year clinical doctorate are expected to write a case report in their sixth year that highlights a case they have worked on during their fifth-year clinical. Students also have the option to take on a research project with a faculty adviser that starts in their fifth year and continues into their sixth year. However, research is not always required in all ST M-related programs to graduate. For the Department of Physics and Astronomy, research is strongly encouraged but not required.

Luke Keller, professor in the Department of Phys-

Luke Keller, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, said professors often reach out to students to think about research as early as their

first year.

e encourage students to interview faculty or where

e encourage students to interview faculty or have meetings with faculty, where the faculty explain what they do, and see if the students are interested,”

eller said.

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, students are then offered to sign up for a research

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, students are then offered to sign up for a research class that ranges between half a credit to four credits.

In many academic departments, research is stressed to be important to the advancement of these fields at the college. eller said undergraduate students benefit from pursuing research as topics can line up with what is being taught in classes, and also because it strengthens the relationship between a

In many academic departments, research is stressed to be important to the advancement of these fields at the college. eller said undergraduate stu-

because it strengthens the relationship between a faculty adviser and student. said.

learning

room setting, or even in a lab setting. They’re applying all those skills and academic lessons to something where they’re actually helping learn something new. It’s what they will do as professional scientists and engineers when they graduate.

They’re performing science, eller said. They’re doing science instead of learning about it in the classroom setting, or even in a lab setting. They’re applying all those skills and academic lessons to something where they’re actually helping learn something new. It’s what they will do as professional scientists and engineers when they graduate.

ecky raig, assistant professor in the Department of hemistry, said that for students who are majoring or beyond what the college has to offer. The convention also offers graduating seniors networking skills.

Courtesy of Rishabh Sen

COLLEGE AFFAIRS

Faculty and staff depart from IC during fall 2023

By Kai Lincke

staff departed from or announced plans to leave the college during Fall 2023.

Odalys Diaz Piñeiro, former chief of staff for President La Jerne Cornish, left the college at the end of October to serve as chief of staff at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Cornish said in an Oct. 27 Intercom post that Piñeiro started working at the college in April 2020 and helped guide the college through unprecedented circumstances by managing government and community relations and college communications. In the post, Cornish said she was

grateful for Pi eiro’s significant contributions to the

campus community during her three and a half years at the college

“Odalys was also deeply involved in implementing the Ithaca Forever Strategic Plan as well as supporting my transition from provost to president,” Cornish said in the post. “She has served as a continuously steady member of the cabinet, responsible for working with the president, vice presidents, and deans to help organize, focus, and implement the college’s broad strategic work.”

Cornish said she plans to divide Piñeiro’s responsibilities among her other staff members while she considers realigning staff duties.

Yasin Ahmed, former director of Religious and Spiritual Life, resigned from the college as of Oct. 27. Luca Maurer, executive director for Student Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, shared a statement from Ahmed that explained he decided to resign to pursue a larger calling in an Intercom post.

“I’m called to develop the ‘beloved community,’ but this will require my full-time attention,” Ahmed said. After much reflection, I have decided to step away from my role at IC, an experience for which I am immensely grateful, in order to pursue the creation of a loving national community, a dream that has eluded us for too long.”

Maurer said in the post that he was grateful for Ahmed’s impact on the campus community.

“I know Yasin’s incredible kindness, support and dedicated pastoral care have touched the lives of many members of our community and his departure will be difficult to bear, Maurer said. I would like to thank asin for all he has done to foster a culture of finding meaning in our shared human experience and building bridges across the diverse fabric of religious, spiritual and secular worldviews that make up our campus community.”

Ronald Trunzo, former associate director for Residential Life and Student Conduct and Community Standards, left the college as of Nov. 3. Laura Davis,

director for the Office of esidential ife and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, said in an Intercom post that Trunzo worked in residential

director for the Office of esidential ife and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, said in an Intercom post that Trunzo worked in residential life for almost 30 years, primarily at the college and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

“During his time at IC, he gave much to the

turning and new student organizations, engineered the redesign of the Student Activities Center and de-

as the adviser to student organizations like Student

role, Boniche created recognition processes for returning and new student organizations, engineered the redesign of the Student Activities Center and developed workshops and a communication hub for advisors of student organizations. Boniche served as the adviser to student organizations like Student

Several faculty and staff at Ithaca College have departed the college recently or have announced that they will not be returning after the end of Fall 2023, leaving open positions in several offices across campus.

department and across the college and we greatly appreciate his hard work and numerous contribu-

department and across the college and we greatly appreciate his hard work and numerous contributions,” Davis said in the post.

As The Ithacan previously reported, Radeana HastCenter, departed the college as of Nov. 10. The college

The Ithacan ings, former program coordinator of the BIPOC Unity Center, departed the college as of Nov. 10. The college has not made a formal announcement of Hastings’ departure, but Luca Maurer, executive director for Student quity, Inclusion and elonging, confirmed in an email to at the college.

Student quity, Inclusion and elonging, confirmed in an email to The Ithacan that Hastings no longer works at the college.

Hastings joined the BIPOC Unity Center staff Sept. 18. Before starting at the college, Hastings received her Master of Science degree in Counseling from East Connecticut State University and worked as a Graduate Intern in the University’s Intercultural Center.

received her Master of Science degree in Counseling from East Connecticut State University and

DAISY BOLGER/THE

ITHACAN

Sarah Boniche, associate director for Student Involvement in the Office of Student ngagement, will leave the college Dec. 8. Mish Lenhart, director

2018 as a residence director, a position that she held

Sarah Boniche, associate director for Student Involvement in the Office of Student ngagement, will leave the college Dec. 8. Mish Lenhart, director of Student Engagement in the OSE, said in a Nov. 30 Intercom post that oniche first joined the college in 2018 as a residence director, a position that she held until 2020.

She returned to the college in August 2022 as associate director for Student Involvement. In this

Governance Council, Bureau of Concerts and Student

Governance Council, Bureau of Concerts and Student Activities Board.

the college at the end of Fall 2023. Christina Moylan, interim dean of the School of Health Sciences and Hu-

physician assistant graduate program.

Susan Salahshor, assistant professor and founder of the Physician Assistant Studies program, will leave the college at the end of Fall 2023. Christina Moylan, interim dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, said in a Nov. 30 Intercom post that Salahshor led the development of all facets of the new physician assistant graduate program.

This included composing didactic and clinical year curriculum, hiring faculty and staff, building connec-

This included composing didactic and clinical year curriculum, hiring faculty and staff, building connections within the community, completing the ARC-PA accreditation process and establishing the program

accreditation process and establishing the program admissions process.

Moylan said in a post that during Salahshor’s

$1 million gift for the endowed Thaler Scholarship to support graduate students who are pursuing the physician assistant studies degree; received Care Network; and helped establish the Justice Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, which Physician Assistant Studies students facilitate

the classroom.

Moylan said in a post that during Salahshor’s time at the college, she was also selected to be an ARC-PA Commissioner; helped gain the $1 million gift for the endowed Thaler Scholarship to support graduate students who are pursuing the physician assistant studies degree; received a Community Advocacy Award from the Point of Care Network; and helped establish the Justice Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, which Physician Assistant Studies students facilitate and use to educate their peers outside of

on Danby Road for over $1 million, adding to its collection that includes five other properties on Danby Road. These purchases are made to prevent unwanted development and to provide temporary employee housing.

The college purchased 917 Danby Road for $375,000 on July 5 and purchased 929-931 Danby Road on July 25 for $999,999. The college already

owned 907, 915, 919, 953 and 981 Danby Road. The

only remaining property on the strip the college is hoping to purchase is 923 Danby Road, which is not currently for sale.

More recently, the college sold Colliers Wood on Aug. 18 for $900,000, which is a residential property in London located about 40 minutes from the London Center.

Tim Downs, vice president of finance administration and chief financial officer, oversees all real estate purchases and advises the Ithaca College Board of Trustees, which gives the final approval.

Downs said there are no plans to develop the properties on Danby and the purpose of owning them is currently to prevent unwanted use of the property because of its proximity to campus.

917 Danby Road — residential property, 0.72 acres

reassessed at $339,000. The college bid $339,000 but put an escalator clause on its bid up to $375,000 in $5,000 increments. The $5,000 incremental escalator means that the college would only have to go high enough to beat other escalator bids. The other private bidder also offered $375,000, but the college narrowly won the sale because its offer had other attractive elements, like a quicker closure time.

IC buys property on Danby to prevent Development

“We’re not trying to predict what something’s gonna sell for today. e’re reflecting what it would have sold

sell for today. e’re reflecting what it would have sold for last July.”

Downs said there was a private appraisal conducted on the 917 Danby Road property, which was

ducted on the 917 Danby Road property, which was

means that the college would only have to go high to procure that property.”

“If we had bid $1,000 less, we would not have gotten that property,” Downs said. “So that’s just how cra y difficult the market is. And this property wasn’t a splurge. We paid exactly what we needed to, to be able to procure that property.”

fair. According to the county’s residential assessment

area, properties usually sell for more than they are assessed at. This is because the Department of Assess-

The Tompkins County Department of Assessment ensures all properties in the county are assessed at an equivalent percentage of the market value so taxes are fair. According to the county’s residential assessment ratio — which is 100% of market value — assessed value is the same as market value. However, looking at the assessed price and list price of properties in the area, properties usually sell for more than they are assessed at. This is because the Department of Assessment publishes property assessments a year behind, meaning the assessment roll filed uly 1, 2023, reflects 100%, fair-market value as of July 1, 2022.

Jay Franklin, director of the Department of As-

Franklin said the median appreciation had a 12% increase from 2021 to 2022 for properties in the county, not including properties that underwent improvements, meaning that value increase is based on

Franklin said the median appreciation had a 12% that general market changes only.

“So we’re not seeing a greater supply of houses, but we still have that demand,” Franklin said. “Every-

“So we’re not seeing a greater supply of houses, thing is worth more nowadays.”

increase property value — also called appreciation.

Jay Franklin, director of the Department of Assessment, also said it is not accurate to look at the a ssessment value to see how much a property is currently worth because of changing market conditions that increase property value — also called appreciation.

“We are always playing catch up,” Franklin said.

“We are always playing catch up,” Franklin said.

Ithaca College bought two properties in July on Danby Road for over $1 million, adding to its collection that includes five other properties on Danby oad. The purchases were made to prevent unwanted development.

Grace Vanderveer/the ithacan

In 2020, the worth of an average home in the Unit-

In 2020, the worth of an average home in the United States was $230,000, compared to a value of more than $330,000 in 2023, according to the Guardian. 929 and 931 Danby Road — double lot com-

mercial property, 1.9 acres

The college bought 929-31 Danby Road in a private sale, meaning that before the property was put on the open market, the college reached out and began con-

The college bought 929-31 Danby Road in a private sale, meaning that before the property was put on the versations about purchasing it.

Downs said it was more important to procure this property than 917 Danby Road because it is commercial property,

815 South Aurora St. as an example of what could have happened if a developer bought 929-931 Danby Road. At 815 South Aurora St., the developer built three

Downs said it was more important to procure this property than 917 Danby Road because it is commercial property, making the likelihood of developers wanting to build on it much higher. Downs referenced 815 South Aurora St. as an example of what could have happened if a developer bought 929-931 Danby Road. At 815 South Aurora St., the developer built three buildings on less than an acre of land.

He said the goal was to prevent developers from flocking to 929-931 Danby oad.

He said the goal was to prevent developers from flocking to 929-931 Danby oad.

“It was in our best interest to do [the sale] privately

“It was in our best interest to do [the sale] privately [by] working directly with the family and paying a rate that is reasonable, if not better than reasonable, given what a developer would do if they were able to get their hands on nearly two acres, right out our front

what a developer would do if they were able to get their hands on nearly two acres, right out our front doorstep,” Downs said.

ment, construction and refurbishment is based on the Master Plan. In the most recent 2015 Campus Master

at the South Hill Business Campus. However, Downs said that because there were improvements made to the existing entryway, that need decreased.

Downs said all guidance about real estate, development, construction and refurbishment is based on the Master Plan. In the most recent 2015 Campus Master Plan, one of the suggestions on page 62 was to build a new entryway that would align with the traffic light at the South Hill Business Campus. However, Downs said that because there were improvements made to the existing entryway, that need decreased.

“Both from an entryway and a development standpoint, this land is a high priority for us,” Downs said. “Getting the continuity of all these properties is absolutely critical so we can control what development does happen there and things that are maybe less desirable. … Can you imagine if the view from the fountains was blocked by a giant

Downs said. “Getting the continuity of all these properties is absolutely critical so we can control what development does happen there and things

the view from the fountains was blocked by a giant apartment building?”

Downs said a new Master Plan will need to be created in the near future to reassess what the best use of

Downs said a new Master Plan will need to be created in the near future to reassess what the best use of land and resources are.

Illustration by

Employee rental program

For

Like Terrace 1 currently, the college uses residential properties for temporary employee housing. Downs said the cap is six months but can be extended if need be. Any employee can request to use one of the properties for transitional housing. For rent, the college is required by the IRS to charge a market-based rent price.

rent price.

One of the more recent residents to temporarily stay in one of the houses on Danby was Anne Hogan, dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. She said that because of the quick turnaround to get to Ithaca and the difficult housing market, the temporary housing on Danby gave her buffer time to figure out where to live. ogan said she stayed in the house on Danby Road for about two months.

“I feel really fortunate that it worked out that there

permanent housing.”

“I feel really fortunate that it worked out that there was temporary housing available,” Hogan said. “It allowed me to really step fully into the role and then have just a little bit of time to sort out more permanent housing.”

hile the option can be beneficial for new employees, Downs said the houses are empty more often than they are in use. He also said the college does not rent out the properties to the public because of potential legal challenges with lease agreements, insurance and nonprofit restrictions.

legal challenges with lease agreements, insurance and

Editorial: Real estate investment for the future of IC

Nonprofit status and property tax

college already has capacity in campus housing.

Downs also said the college has not opted to create student apartments in the houses because the college already has capacity in campus housing.

As a nonprofit, the college is only tax-exempt when it comes to property that it uses for its core mission. The Danby Road properties are all on tax rolls because offering employee housing is not essential to the college’s operation.

The Danby Road properties are all on tax rolls because offering lege’s

lege does not pay taxes for 808 and 809 Cascadilla St. — the boathouses for rowing — and 144 Piper Road in education

Loomis

In addition to the main campus property, the college does not pay taxes for 808 and 809 Cascadilla St. — the boathouses for rowing — and 144 Piper Road in ewfield a 125-acre woodland property used for education and research. The president’s house at 109 Loomis Court is tax-exempt as well.

Over the past several years, the Ithaca College administration has bought a number of properties surrounding the college; most recently, they purchased 917 Danby Road and 929-931 Danby Road in July 2023. The primary interest in buying these properties is to block developers from building in lots directly adjacent to campus. This will theoretically preserve the views from campus and the character of the college. It is understandable for the college to make efforts to stop developers from creating huge properties surrounding the campus, as they may not have the best interests of the college in mind. However, the college administration must establish and communicate plans for the properties in order to make the investments worthwhile.

Franklin estimated that if Cornell University and Ithaca College were to pay full taxes on all of their properties, the tax for an average house in the City of Ithaca would drop between 40–45%. He said the value of property also is higher because of both institutions and the demand for housing.

Franklin estimated that if Cornell University and Ithaca properties, Ithaca of property also is higher because of both institutions and the demand for housing.

Currently, there are no clear plans for many of the properties. Some of the properties have been used to temporarily house employees of the college and others currently hold businesses. Others still remain completely unused. If the college is going to invest considerable amounts of money in purchasing these properties, it is in the interest of the campus community that they are used either for its economic or academic benefit.

The cost is definitely a negative because we have such a housing crunch right now … but in general, Ithaca and Tompkins County wouldn’t be what we are without those institutions,” Franklin said.

such Ithaca and Tompkins County wouldn’t be what we are without those institutions,” Franklin said.

As of October 2022, the college had seen a considerable decrease in enrollment of 22% between Fall 2018 and Fall 2022. The college administration has been consistently brainstorming ways to increase both enrollment and yield rate of students. The amount of students enrolling at the college is directly related to its funding and operating budgets, meaning that these have also decreased over the past several years. These properties are no small investment for the college, with some costing nearly $1 million. That is funding the school could use for better academic resources, athletic facilities, student housing, social justice and equity programs, sustainable transportation and more.

If the college is going to be making considerable investments into local property, the properties should be used to create a better institution. By building new, innovative facilities in these spaces, or at least giving them a designated purpose, the college could increase its appeal to prospective students directly and indirectly and in turn, raise its own income. Property should be an investment that not only blocks developers from ruining the view of Cayuga Lake, or otherwise building properties that would cause a nuisance to campus, but above all, betters the college and makes it a more attractive, successful institution.

Tim Downs, vice presidet of finance administration and chief financial officer, said there are no plans to develop the properties on Danby. The purchases were approved by the Ithaca College Board of Trustees. Gabriel Biennas/THE ITHACAN

Fate of beaver unclear as ic gets permit to kill

featuring several acres of natural lands, faces a destructive creature simply trying to find a home. A beaver has moved into the pond behind Muller hapel and has two options eviction or death. The relaxing environment of the pond behind Muller Chapel now showcases fallen trees and torn brush encircled by wire.

renda ickes, assistant director in the Office of Student Accessibility Services, noticed this destruction Aug. 29 on her typical walk around the Muller hapel pond.

“I thought it was really cool but also problematic,”

ickes said. I just noticed the tree that was down. I looked at it, and it was obvious to me — having grown up in pstate ew ork that it was a beaver cut.

The college is no stranger to wild animals making their way up to South ill. Deer, geese and other creatures native to Ithaca have found a home on campus. eann anda, associate professor in the Department of Biology and member of the college’s Natural Lands Committee, said nuisance animals often attempt to room with students in residential buildings.

This is the first beaver I know of at least in the last decade, anda said. e’ve certainly had muskrats and nuisance animals that are always trying to live in our buildings. I’ve known rooms in the Terraces that have a flying squirrel that just kept coming back.

Despite there being only one, deterring the animal has not proven an easy task because beavers are most active at night and this one is evading sight. rnie Mc latchie, associate vice president of the Office of Facilities, said this beaver’s tendency to appear and

reappear has been ongoing since the summer.

Manual, published in 1996, states that relocations can occur under extraordinary exceptions. They are not endangered as of 2016 and are currently flourishing

The D eaver Damage ontrol Techniques Manual, published in 1996, states that relocations can occur under extraordinary exceptions. They are not endangered as of 2016 and are currently flourishing in ew ork. atson said relocation is not allowed anymore because of a high beaver population of 55,000 0,000. Trapping or killing an animal like the beaver is only suggested by the D if other practices do not control the problem.

elocations are difficult and not because it’s hard to stick the animal in a trap. anda said. ou’re taking

to stick the animal in a trap. anda said. ou’re taking this animal, stressing it horribly, dropping it into a completely unfamiliar environment — which if it is a suitable habitat, it is already occupied by someone else.

The Office of Facilities has tried to deter this beaver with fencing around trees and by disturbing its den but is having trouble producing results. Mc latchie said he prefers forcing the beaver out and killing the beaver only when other options have

The Office of Facilities said the beaver s damage to the environment is too great, making removing the beaver a necessity. The beaver first appeared around May 2023 and made itself comfortable by the Muller hapel

failed. As of Sept. 14, the office has not opted to kill the beaver although a permit has been obtained to do so.

a obtained

“It’s not unusual for landowners to appreciate having a beaver on the property due to the habitat they

have a lot more people.

“It’s not unusual for landowners to appreciate having a beaver on the property due to the habitat they create, atson said. If they have a lot of land, it’s not as big of an issue compared to a campus where you do

McClatchie said coexistence with the beaver is not

McClatchie said coexistence with the beaver is not possible the pond is not sustainable for the beaver.

the outlet of the pond, Mc latchie said. More than anything, that is my biggest concern. If he was to dam

using overflow.

“We keep monitoring to ensure it’s not blocking the outlet of the pond, Mc latchie said. More than anything, that is my biggest concern. If he was to dam that up and we had a large rain event, we’d have to be

The law may be strict, but anda said it is the most humane option.

The law may be strict, but anda said it is the most

“It becomes, ‘What is the most humane thing we

students that may get up in arms saying, ‘Oh my god you’re killing the cute animal ’ Often what happens

another land owner. ou haven’t solved the problem, you just made it someone else’s.

“It becomes, ‘What is the most humane thing we can do with this animal?’ because this is not a space where it can live, anda said. There are a lot of students that may get up in arms saying, ‘Oh my god you’re killing the cute animal ’ Often what happens to relocated animals is that they become a nuisance to another land owner. ou haven’t solved the problem, you just made it someone else’s.

The Office of Facilities’ patience for deterrence grows weary with every tree that falls and every branch

The Office of Facilities’ patience for deterrence grows weary with every tree that falls and every branch that breaks by the paws of this beaver. ickes, who is looking to continue her peaceful walks around the pond, said there is great irony in removing the beaver.

Those species were here before I was built and the descendants are still here, and they will be here

pond, said there is great irony in removing the beaver. Those species were here before I was built and are after, ickes said.

pond.

Erin Dacey and Dominick Petrucci/THE ITHACAN

The D eaver Damage ontrol Techniques Manual states that trapping or killing a beaver can only occur if other practices of relocation fail to control the problem. Dominick Petrucci/THE ITHACAN

IC takes first steps in the reaccreditation process

By Liam McDermott

Starting in anuary 2024, Ithaca ollege will begin two years of self-study, the first step in the process of being reaccredited by the Middle States Commission on igher ducation MS .

For students at any higher education institution in the .S. to be eligible for financial aid from the federal government, the institution they want to attend must be accredited by the accreditation commission in their region and approved by the Department of ducation.

Nicole Biever is the senior director for strategic partnerships and advocacy at the MS . She said an institution must meet seven standards set by the MS , which institutions are required to encompass. The standards include having missions and goals, ethics and integrity, design and delivery of the student learning experience, support of the student experience, an educational effectiveness assessment, planning, resources, institutional improvement and governance, leadership and administration.

Biever said that once the self-study process is done, the institution submits their study to the commission which will provide feedback on how the institution can improve. etween 2024 25, the college plans to have working groups begin drafting reports of the self-study and by 2025 26, the college hopes to have the self-study completed and sent to the MS in the Fall 2025 and reviewed by the commission by Spring 2026.

They’re identifying those areas in which they can do even better, iever said. It’s called the evidence expectations.

After two years of self-study, the college will submit their results to the MS , where they will be reviewed. After the results are reviewed, the MS will provide feedback to the college on what is going well and what the institution may need to work on.

Stacia Zabusky is the associate provost of Academic Affairs and the Accreditation iaison Officer at Ithaca ollege. Zabusky is in charge of keeping the communication between the college and MS consistent, as well as filing any paperwork that needs to be filed with the MS .

She said the college has not received any severely negative feedback from MS in the past, only small things that she said were addressed during the 201 19 academic year, like receiving recommendations about making a comprehensive review of the Integrative Core Curriculum more visible to students and faculty; communicating the results of on-going assessments of all college divisions and academics better and creating a new strategic plan.

It’s pretty standard, Zabusky said. It happens to almost every institution.

ohn Fracchia is the career engagement and technology specialist at the enter for areer xploration and Development at Ithaca ollege. Fracchia is also the co-chair of the Middle States Self-Study and xecutive Team, the committee in charge of executing the self-study. e said that although the self-study process will not begin until anuary, he believes the study will show the college in good standing.

“I think the college has many strengths,” Fracchia said. I think we have great academic programs here. I think we have, from my own experience, an inquisitive and engaged student body.

Te- en o, associate professor in the Department of iology, and ohn Fracchia, career engagement and technology specialist in the enter for areer xploration and Development, are co-cahirs of the committee. Aminatta Imrana Jallow/THE ITHACAN

Jallow/THE

Fracchia says the reaccreditation process is a chance for the college to reflect on its success and recogni e where it needs to grow. The college is able to do this by allowing campus community volunteers to become members of a working group who can let the college know about areas where it can improve in a volunteer form. This year, the form was due Dec. 4.

It’s more than just an exercise and reaccreditation, Fracchia said. It’s a chance to really take a critical look at an institution.

One thing the college will look into during its self-study is the results from the recent Campus limate Survey.

“When you’re doing research, and particularly for

reaccreditation, a lot of it is data-based, Fracchia said. “So surveying, like a campus climate study, would certainly be appropriate to look at.

Zabusky said the survey is a key component for the college in implementing the diversity, equity and inclusion standard into the self-study report. The results of the survey will help the college understand what programs are serving the campus. At their meeting Dec. 4, the Student overnance ouncil S said the survey is currently in the hands of ankin Associates onsulting, who has partnered with the college in analy ing the data. Rankin said the results will be shared sometime during the Spring 2024 semester. The participation rate of students has not yet been released, but it was confirmed at the S meeting that it was lower than it was in 2016, when it was at 46%.

Overall, Zabusky said that she is proud of where the college is now as she believes it is meeting all seven standards of the MS and that she is confident the college will once again show its strengths during the reaccreditation process.

“I think we’re being very informed by our last strategic plan as we look to develop institutional priorities, Zabusky said. I have every confidence that we’re doing well.

title ix Lawsuit filed against former park school dean

An Ithaca ollege student filed a civil lawsuit against the college and a former associate dean of the oy . Park School of ommunications in ovember 2023. The student alleged that he was sexually abused and harassed by four then-employees of the college, including the former associate dean.

and have yet

The student asked the court to be identified as ohn Doe for purposes of the case and, as of publication, both defendants have agreed to the request and the court has not yet ruled on the motion. Doe filed the lawsuit to the Supreme ourt of the State of ew ork Tompkins ounty under the Adult Survivors Act and Title I . According to the lawsuit, the student was in an unwelcome, unsafe, threatening, and or nonconsensual sexual relationship from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023 with ryan oberts, former associate dean of the Park School of ommunications.

rin Peake, Doe’s lawyer, declined to comment about the lawsuit, citing protection of anonymity for Doe.

and ryan oberts, both filed motions an. 22 seeking to dismiss all or a majority of the claims in the

ing to dismiss all or a majority of the claims in the original complaint.

oth the college and oberts have filed motions to dismiss the Title I claims.

oberts’ memorandum states that ohn Doe clarified he is not alleging this cause of action against

dismiss the Title I claims. oberts.

Plaintiff has also claimed a violation of Title I of the ducation Amendments of 19 2, but Plaintiff’s counsel has clarified that the claim is not asserted as against Mr. oberts. For the reasons set forth below, none of the claims asserted against Mr. oberts state a claim upon which relief can be granted and Mr. oberts hereby moves under ule 12 b 6 of the Federal ules of ivil Procedure for dismissal of all claims asserted against him, oberts’ motion states.

connect with Ithaca ollege students as young as 19-years-old, on campus and his sexual abuse of stu-

connect with Ithaca ollege students as young as 19-years-old, on campus and his sexual abuse of students was common knowledge amongst students, staff and other leadership at Ithaca ollege. onetheless, Defendants did nothing to intervene and stop and or

and other leadership at Ithaca ollege. onetheless, Defendants did nothing to intervene and stop and or prevent the assault and abuse.

According to the case, oberts reached out to Doe

on rindr in December 2021.

In approximately December 2021, Dean oberts reached out to the plaintiff on rindr, the complaint

claim upon which relief can be granted and Mr. ob-

In approximately December 2021, Dean oberts reached out to the plaintiff on rindr, the complaint states. rindr is a location-based dating app, in which users set preferences by both distance and age. Doe would only have been visible to oberts on rindr if oberts had intentionally set his online dating preferences to include 19-year-olds on or near the Ithaca

would only have been visible to oberts on rindr if oberts had intentionally set his online dating prefthe ollege campus.

I have spoken with my attorneys and we have filed a motion to have the complaint completely dismissed a large part of the case already has been, oberts said via email in a comment to oberts’ lawyer, Peter lennon, could not be reached after multiple attempts to contact him for comment about the lawsuit or about oberts’ comment.

filed a motion to have the complaint completely dis-

The Ithacan oberts’ comment.

The Defendants in the lawsuit, Ithaca ollege

In its motion, the college is not seeking to have the Title I claim dismissed at this time.

Title I claim dismissed at this time.

The ollege is not at this juncture moving against plaintiff’s claims brought under Title I of the ducation Amendments of 19 2, 20 .S. . 16 1 et seq., asserted as his second purported claim for relief. owever, the referenced proof deficits, among other reasons, will doom those claims to dismissal at a subsequent stage of this case, the college’s motion states.

serted as his second purported claim for relief. owev-

The complaint alleges that Defendants had both actual and constructive notice of the abuse, which took place in their school, in that amongst other things, ryan oberts was publicly using rindr to

nonconsensual sexual encounters roughly seven to nine times from Fall 2021 to early Spring 2023.

The complaint alleges that oberts and Doe had nonconsensual sexual encounters roughly seven to nine times from Fall 2021 to early Spring 2023. mily ockett vice president, general counsel and secretary to the board of trustees at the college said via email that the college will publicly comment

and secretary to the board of trustees at the college said via email that the college will publicly comment on the lawsuit later via court.

The ollege generally does not comment on pending litigation matters, nor confidential personnel matters, ockett said via email. e believe that the appropriate place to respond to the allegations made in this complaint is through the court system, and the

appropriate place to respond to the allegations made in this complaint is through the court system, and the ollege will do so at the appropriate time.

ockett said the college’s Title I office

ockett said the college’s Title I office

An Ithaca ollege student filed a civil lawsuit against the college and a former associate dean of the obert . Park School of ommunications, alleging that he was sexually abused and harassed by four then-employees of the college. The Defendants in the lawsuit both filed motions an. 22 seeking to dismiss the claims. File photo/THE ITHACAN

and Office of uman esources investigate reports of sexual harassment and violations of the college’s intimate relationship policy.

eports of any suspected misconduct can be made directly to the Title I Office, to the Office of uman esources, or the Office of Public Safety, ockett said via email. Those reports can be made in person, electronically, or through the ollege’s ias Impact eporting process.

ockett said the college’s Sexual arassment and Assault esponse ducation website provides information on sexual violence awareness.

In the case, Doe claims to have reported to both ack ryant, associate professor and degree program director of Media Arts, Sciences and Studies, and Andrew amendola, administrative coordinator of the enter for areer xploration and Development, that he was in an unwelcome, unsafe, threatening, and or nonconsensual sexual relationship with oberts.

Despite multiple attempts, Trun o, reene and Stebbins could not be reached for comment.

The complaint alleges that in May 2023, the college’s Title I office received a complaint from another student that made the office aware of Doe’s nonconsensual relationship with oberts. According to the complaint, Doe decided to officially report oberts and an investigation commenced during summer 2023.

The lawsuit also alleges that Stebbins, reene, ryant and Trun o were subject to human resources investigations. ockett declined to comment about allegations involving human resource investigations.

According to the complaint, ryant connected with Doe on rindr in anuary 2022.

At the beginning of the Spring semester, in anuary 2022, ack ryant, Associate Professor and Degree Program Director of riting for Film, T , and merging Media, connected with Plaintiff on rindr, the case states.

According to the case, Doe reported his nonconsensual sexual relationship with oberts to ryant during this conversation. The complaint states that ryant did not report this allegation to Ithaca ollege, nor did he ask Doe if he needed help rather, he ignored and dismissed Doe’s complaints. ryant declined to comment.

The complaint alleges that in Spring 2023, Doe also reported the same concerns about the relationship with oberts to amendola.

In Spring 2023, Plaintiff again reported his experiences to an Ithaca ollege staff member, this time he reported to Andrew amendola, Administrative oordinator of the enter for areer xploration and Development that he was in an unwelcome, unsafe, threatening, and or nonconsensual sexual relationship with Dean ryan oberts, the case states. amendola declined to comment.

The student alleges in the case that he also experienced harmful, unwanted, unwelcome, nonconsensual and or hostile sexual advances by Marc reene, former director of senior student teacher placements in the Department of Music ducation, in Fall 2022 asey Stebbins, former lead cashier of dining services, in Fall 2022 and on Trun o, former associate director for residential life and student conduct and community standards, in Spring 2023.

The complaint alleges that following the Title I investigation, oberts was found in violation of the college’s policy on sexual harassment Policy 2.6 and its policy on intimate relationships Policy 2.46 , which states that iven the inherent inequity that exists in the relationships between employees and students, as well as the potential for the appearance of exploitation and or favoritism, no employee shall have an intimate relationship with a student. In addition, no employee shall engage in any action objectively intended to solicit an intimate relationship with a student. oberts left the college in August 2023 and is listed as a visiting faculty member and director of the hampionship abs at the niversity of onnecticut. According to the complaint, he was a resident of the ity of Ithaca at the time of the case and is currently a resident of the state of onnecticut.

The complaint alleges that in August 2023, Stebbins was found in violation of both Policy 2.6 and Policy 2.46, but the college did not terminate Stebbins. Stebbins is currently not listed in the college’s staff and faculty directory. In the college’s an. 22 motion that they filed to dismiss claims in the complaint, they state that Stebbins is still employed at the college.

According to the case, in October 2023, reene was terminated from his position for violating Policy 2.46 and Trun o resigned from his position in ovember 2023 after being found in violation of Policy 2.46.

Doe filed a Summons and omplaint in the Supreme ourt of the State of ew ork, Tompkins ounty, in ovember 2023.

On Dec. 1 , 2023, Defendants removed the case from state court to the nited States District ourt for the orthern District of ew ork. According to the otice of emoval document, the case involves questions arising under the onstitution, laws, or treaties of the nited States, including the claims that the college violated Title I .

The Initial onference is set for an. 31.

The complaint alleges that in May 2023, the college s Title I office received a complaint from another student that made the office aware of Doe s nonconsensual relationship with oberts. According to the complaint, Doe declined to officially report obers and an investigation commenced during summer 2023. Malik Clement/THE ITHACAN

alerts sent to computers through alertus system

By Noa Ran-Ressler

The symphony of phone calls and text alerts that spread across Ithaca College’s campus before an emergency alarm system test will now have a new digital source. RAVE, the college’s software program for emergency alerts, will team up with ALERTUS to form a more comprehensive emergency notification system.

Samm Swarts, assistant director of emergency preparedness and response in the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, shared the new collaboration in a Feb. 8 Intercom announcement to the college community.

Swarts said ALERTUS will become part of the emergency notification system at the college, which also includes RAVE, an emergency alert software system, and the RAVE Guardian app, a personal safety app operated by RAVE. He said that through RAVE, the college sends emergency alerts through text, voice calls, emails and push notifications.

“[ALERTUS] is still integrated with the RAVE Guardian, so all these systems are basically going to talk to one another,” Swarts said. “It’ll all be

Swarts said. “Instead of having to kind of rely on [each personal device] individually, it allows us to do some mass alerting at the same time.”

Power outages, remote status changes, active threats and immediate weather threats like tornadoes would all be considered emergencies that would require an alert through RAVE and ALERTUS. Swarts said hate crimes could fall under the emergency alert category if the hate crime posed an immediate threat to the campus community. Otherwise, notifications of hate crimes fall under public safety alerts, like the announcement of a swastika found in Baker Walkway on Jan. 19.

Swarts said the vetting process for ALERTUS took two to three years, and the process for vetting the company involved making sure it would work with the college’s firewalls and network infrastructure. e said the college worked with both RAVE and ALERTUS when figuring out how to integrate them.

“It’s a combination of everyone coming to the table to talk together about how these products work,” Swarts said. “ALERTUS works with a lot of different

and A T S to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

“The RAVE system is fairly self-contained in terms of pushing messages out to people’s cell phones, and the sirens on the buildings and other email alerts,” Weil said. “Then the ALERTUS system extends the reach to the desktops and other things. So even if the interface between those failed, we would still have our self-contained emergency notification system, which is really important.”

Swarts said the rollout of ALERTUS’s features is a phased process. He said the college is still working on connecting personal computers to the emergency alert network that college-owned devices are connected to.

integrated into one system. I think of ALERTUS as becoming our new mothership if you will, to be able to control all these other [features] that we have, which is really awesome.”

With the addition of ALERTUS, the college will be able to send out emergency alerts to any networked computer, which includes any college-owned laptops or desktops in classrooms and throughout campus.

“The alert would actually take over [a professor’s] presentation screen, and everybody inside of that space would all be alerted at one specific time,

“ALERTUS will allow us to potentially bring in some different products to the campus community,” Swarts said. “We’re currently exploring some of those things and I don’t want to touch on them quite yet because we’re in the vetting process with it. [There will be] more to come most likely in the next few months.”

Family members and campus visitors can opt in to get emergency alerts through the college’s website. Elyse Nepa, assistant director of the Clery Act and prevention education in the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, said the college encourages students at Cornell University to opt into RAVE notifications for South ill. She said local elementary schools and community groups also have access to emergency notifications relevant to campus in addition to the outdoor alarms.

With the addition of ALERTUS, the college will be able to sent out emergency alerts to any networked computer, which includes any college-owned laptops, desktops and professor's screens in classrooms.

vendors, and they’ve worked with RAVE previously, so that was a very easy integration for us.”

David Weil, vice president and chief information and analytics officer in the Office of Information Technology and Analytics, said RAVE and ALERTUS are designed to work together to form a more comprehensive emergency notification system.

Weil said that if there was a problem with the software, the college’s Office of Information Technology and Analytics would help identify the issue and then work in collaboration with tech partners — like RAVE

“We currently have two outdoor warning systems and we are, in the not-so-far future, updating that as well,” Nepa said. “That’s what I love about actually working in this department and in this community is the innovative approach to safety and integrating it into our daily lives through prevention education programs or tools like ALERTUS and RAVE Guardian.”

Swarts said the college is always looking to improve the accessibility of the emergency notification system. He said any accessibility features already saved on people’s devices — larger fonts or text-to-speech, for example — would apply to the alerts coming through RAVE and ALERTUS.

Nepa said RAVE’s integration with ALERTUS is one of the ways the Office of Public Safety and mergency Management works with the college to improve the safety of everyone on the college’s campuses and its visitors.

“I’m really excited to see ALERTUS get integrated,” Nepa said. “We’ve been talking about it as the next step for a couple of years, and to see a project be ready to take that next step and say, ‘Alright, today’s the day that we are prepared to integrate this’ — it’s really cool.”

PHoto illustration by maddy tanzman and molly teska/THE ITHACAN

By Sarah Mooney

is beginning to work on a timeline for a project that will add an elevator to the Terraces Dining Hall and a covered entrance to the dining hall that connects to the Baker Walkway to increase accessibility on the upper campus.

On Oct. 3, the Town of Ithaca Planning oard approved the college’s proposal to build a five-story elevator. The proposed elevator will run from the three floors of the Terrace One residence hall down to the two floors of the Terrace Dining all, which is located on the bottom of the Terrace One building.

The project will add a covered entrance to the first

floor of the dining hall that connects to the aker Walkway — a covered, elevated walkway connected to The James J. Whalen Center for Music that leads to the J-Lot, the parking lot in front of the Towers.

Currently, there is one elevator located at the north end of the Baker Walkway. The existing elevator, built in 1999, provides accessibility for individuals to get to and from the upper part of campus and the lower part.

The project will also add a new staircase. Students can currently enter the Terrace One building through a staircase that leads to the loading dock, walk through a corridor and then descend a winding staircase to reach the entrance to the dining hall. The loading dock entrance will be restricted to staff following the project’s completion and students will use a new staircase that connects all levels of Terrace One.

College plans to construct elevator to dining hall

three flights of stairs to enter through the building’s primary entrance and then walk down a winding

on the second level.

Terrace Dining Hall is limited. Students must use three flights of stairs to enter through the building’s primary entrance and then walk down a winding set of stairs to the entrance of the dining hall. They must climb another set of stairs in order to eat on the second level.

Cecil Malone, assistant director of Upper Campus Dining, said students with accessibility needs can use

Cecil Malone, assistant director of Upper Campus Dining, said students with accessibility needs can use a different entrance with a ramp to get into the Terrace Dining Hall.

Senior Monica Cilley said the accessible entrance to Terrace Dining Hall is not very well advertised

Ernie McClatchie, associate vice president in the Office of Facilities, said that improving accessibil-

ity is one of the college’s

long-term goals and main inspirations behind these plans.

“From an ADA standpoint, we’ve always wanted to be able to connect the campus the best we could,” McClatchie said. “If you have accessibility issues, you can’t get to Terrace Dining Hall without going all the way around the building through the parking lot and down to where the access actually is.”

Curent access to

Senior Monica Cilley said the accessible entrance to Terrace Dining Hall is not very well advertised and often they find there are challenges entering the dining hall.

the stairs [to Terrace Dining Hall],” Davidson said.

Oct.

because it’s in the staff parking lot,” Cilley said. “[Staff] will say, ‘You’re not allowed to come in through here

“Nobody knows about [the accessible entrance] because it’s in the staff parking lot,” Cilley said. “[Staff] will say, ‘You’re not allowed to come in through here because how are we going to scan [your ID].’”

for Disability, Education, Advocacy, and Resources at

accessible entrance but recogni e that it is difficult to get to. The Campus Center Dining Hall is more accessible than Terrace Dining Hall because it is on one

closed on Sundays, which leaves Terrace Dining Hall as the only dining hall option.

Sophomore Flynn Davidson is the education liaison for Disability, Education, Advocacy, and Resources at Ithaca College — or DEAR@IC — a club that focuses on educating the campus community about disabilities. Davidson said they have heard about the accessible entrance but recogni e that it is difficult to get to. The Campus Center Dining Hall is more accessible than Terrace Dining Hall because it is on one level and it does not require stairs to get to it. However, the Campus Center Dining Hall is always closed on Sundays, which leaves Terrace Dining Hall as the only dining hall option.

There are people that live specifically in the Upper and Lower] Quads because they can’t take

Cilley said they would also like the college to reconsider the safety of elevators on campus. Cilley said that in early November, they were pushed out of the elevator in Williams Hall.

Cilley said they would also like the college to reconsider the safety of elevators on campus. Cilley the elevator in Williams Hall.

“I’m standing in the elevator literally about to make my way out and three girls come around me and then just shove me out,” Cilley said. “It is just really scary to know that at any moment somebody could be

“I’m standing in the elevator literally about to make my way out and three girls come around me and then just shove me out,” Cilley said. “It is just really behind your back.”

After this occurrence, Cilley said it would make them more comfortable if more safety measures, like

After this occurrence, Cilley said it would make them more comfortable if more safety measures, like video cameras, were added to this elevator plan. They also said they hope that the college will ensure that elevators stay in service. Notably, the Baker Walkway elevator was unavailable from Oct. 20 to Oct. 28, 2022,

elevators stay in service. Notably, the Baker Walkway while it underwent repairs.

“If the elevators were to all shut down at the same time … I wouldn’t be able to do anything,” Cilley said. “I would be required to just sit in my apartment.”

were the time … I wouldn’t be able to do anything,” Cilley said. “I would be required to just sit in my apartment.”

In the past, students have reported that the elevators in East and West Tower have broken down frequently. The elevators in East Tower worked inconsistently after sustaining water damage from efforts to

In the past, students have reported that the elefrequently. The elevators in East Tower worked inconsistently after sustaining water damage from efforts to fight a dorm fire in 201 .

Davidson said they can tell that the college is trying to make campus more accessible, however, they feel more improvements could be made.

Davidson said they can tell that the college is trying more improvements could be made.

“I know people are working toward it, so there’s attempts,” Davidson said. “But they should have that normally break or finding another way to get people around.”

Cilley said they hope

“I know people are working toward it, so there’s attempts,” Davidson said. “But they should have a backup plan, maybe like [checking] up on parts that normally break or finding another way to the construction of this elevator will help bring more awareness to accessibility needs of students on campus.

of Ithaca Planning oard approved Ithaca ollege s proposal to build a five story elevator that runs from the Terrace Dining Hall to the Terrace One residence hall and an enterance.

Jadyn davis/the ithacan

elevator will help bring sibility needs of students

fact that not everybody with a physical disability looks the exact same way,” Cilley said. “In a respectful way, still acknowledging the fact that they do have a disability, like not pretending that it doesn’t exist, but also not pretending that it is the main part of somebody else’s personality.”

“Just accept the fact that not everybody with a physical disability looks the exact same a respectful way, still acknowledging the fact that they do have a disability, like not pretending that it doesn’t exist, but also not pretending that it is the main part of somebody ollege elevator that runs from the Terrace Dining Hall to the Terrace One residence hall and an enterance.

On

3, the Town

Jadyn davis/the ithacan

STUDENT AFFAIRS

Bipoc students speak out

against discrimination

By Prakriti Panwar

and demands as a response to discriminatory and racist behavior and practices in the department. As an immediate response to demands outlined in the letter, that semester, two Equity, Diversity and Inclusion facilitators were appointed to work with the department. Biweekly meetings between ICTA BIPOC and college

racist behavior and practices in the department. As an immediate response to demands outlined in the letter, Equity,

Biweekly meetings between ICTA BIPOC and college leaders were held.

Resources available to students

Kauffman said that in his case, he was strongly supported by the BIPOC Unity Center in the process of

getting his dues back and received guidance.

Lubasi said that when they were at a low and lost faith that changes were actually going to be implemented, student organizations like Black Artists Unit-

ed served as a safe space for them.

Lubasi said that when they were at a low and lost

Students of color in Ithaca College's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance expressed frustration about the lack of diversity, equity and inclusion programming. Their accounts revealed patters of discrimination.

man left Sigma Alpha Iota’s Epsilon chapter — the college’s professional music fraternity — after he said he experienced racism, lack of inclusivity and dismissive behavior from his peers in the fraternity.

he experienced racism, lack of inclusivity and dismis-

The SAI Epsilon chapter at the college is currently Board

working with the National Executive Board and said in a joint written statement by members that the fraternity is looking into the matter.

“Sigma Alpha Iota Epsilon Chapter over the onpast,

Culture in the School of Music, Theatre,

going months has been actively and thoroughly investigating all racist actions within our chapter especially as it pertains to the petition and its creator,” the statement said. “We do not accept this type of behavior and we expect better from past, present, and future members.” and Dance

Kauffman is not alone in experiencing racism, miCenter

croaggressions and exclusion at the Whalen Center for Music. This sense of a lack of belonging extends to the other departments in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance as well.

AnnaJo Lubasi ’23 was a musical theatre major student in the Department of Theatre was isolating.

at the college and said their experience as a Black student in the Department of Theatre was isolating.

“I think being one of the only people of color in

my class, and being the only Black musical theater major and in a lot of those spaces, where it was just me being an island in that way … [was] both powerful and also super terrifying,” Lubasi said.

While there is no public data on ethnicity and race

ITHACAN

in specific schools at the college, auffman said he estimates that there are between 45 and 50 students of color in the Center for Music, according to the Musicians of Color Association’s (MOCA) email list.

MTD for Fall 2023 and 364 in the Center for Music

A total of 702 students are enrolled in the School of MTD for Fall 2023 and 364 in the Center for Music specifically, according to the Office of Analytics and Institutional Research.

ubasi said that when they were a first-year student in Fall 2019, students in the former Department of Theatre Arts posted the “Manifesto of Visibility” across

Dillingham Center.

The manifesto was created and posted after a racially charged incident, which involved an interim lecturer asking her students to write racist slurs on the classroom whiteboard. The manifesto outlined students’ negative experiences through anecdotes

The manifesto was created and posted after a ra-

students’ negative experiences through anecdotes and quotes.

Senior Achille Vann Ricca said it was a monumental point in the Center of Theatre and Dance’s history.

partment … really ran on a culture of silence then,”

“It was a big watershed moment because the department … really ran on a culture of silence then,” Vann Ricca said. “The manifesto disrupted that pattern and was a big call out for a lot of the professors.”

In summer 2020, a series of Zoom meetings called Open Spaces followed to facilitate conversations around diversity and race. Steve TenEyck, associate dean in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, said via email that Open Spaces was not a direct response

to the manifesto.

Open Spaces followed to facilitate conversations around diversity and race. Steve TenEyck, associate

“We created Black Artists United … because there was nothing,” Lubasi said. “There was nowhere to go and there were a lot of issues that just

“We created Black Artists United … because there was nothing,” Lubasi said. “There was nokept perpetuating.”

Lubasi said BAU was originally called Black Femmes United and was formed in 2020 to forge of

Department of Theatre Arts Black, Indigenous and People of Color (ICTA BIPOC), a student and alumni group, released a public letter that included actions

Department of Theatre Arts Black, Indigenous and People of Color (ICTA BIPOC), a student and alumni

Lubasi said BAU was originally called Black Femmes United and was formed in 2020 to forge solidarity among the few students of color in the Department of Theatre. Lubasi said Black Femmes United formed in 2020 and was changed to BAU to open up the student organization to a larger group of students who were also underrepresented.

formed in 2020 and was changed to BAU to open up the student organization to a larger group of students who were also underrepresented.

“I’m glad to have spaces like that,” Lubasi said. “The POC [in the] department have to forge this camaraderie because it’s like this unspoken understanding. And you’re going to have to deal with 50 to 85 times more bull— than every single one of your

“The POC [in the] department have to forge this camaraderie because it’s like this unspoken understanding. And you’re going to have to deal with 50 bull— white classmates.”

Department initiatives and efforts

Vann Ricca said that as performance majors, students are required to act in a production and students can fill out forms that indicate their preferences for what roles they are cast in, but these preferences are often ignored. This leads to students being compelled to take whatever role is offered if they wish to graduate

Vann Ricca said that as performance majors, students can fill out forms that indicate their preferences for what roles they are cast in, but these preferences are often ignored. This leads to students being compelled to take whatever role is offered if they wish to graduate on time.

“Dillingham is very insular,” Vann Ricca said. “The professors control a lot of your opportunities to per-

“Dillingham is very insular,” Vann Ricca said. “The professors control a lot of your opportunities to perform to study your craft.”

Vann Ricca said he feels bleak about the culture of the Center for Theatre and Dance changing anytime soon because even when he has made efforts to educate the community and take action, it has been

Vann Ricca said he feels bleak about the culture of the Center for Theatre and Dance changing anytime soon because even when he has made efforts to educate the community and take action, it has been in vain.

“There has not been any healing or any recourse or any actual accountability aside from ‘Oh, we should have a meeting,’” Vann Ricca said. “I appreciate that [TenEyck] did use the resources within his toolbox but they are limited because [the effort] needs to

or any actual accountability aside from ‘Oh, we should have a meeting,’” Vann Ricca said. “I appreciate that [TenEyck] did use the resources within his toolbox but they are limited because [the effort] needs to be top-down.”

Kaeleigh Banda/THE

By Kai Lincke

for BIPOC students to ask questions and share their concerns with college administrators and staff members about the departure of Angélica Carrington, former director of the BIPOC Unity Center.

Carrington was no longer employed at the college as of Nov. 9. During the session, the college shared human resources background information that may be relevant to Carrington’s departure, information

about interim plans for the BIPOC Unity Center and

plans for the search for the center’s next director. About 20 students attended the session.

There were six administrators and college staff members that facilitated the processing session: Luca Maurer, executive director for Student Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; Marsha Dawson, dean of students in the Office of Student Affairs and ampus Life; Cliff-Simon Vital, assistant director of the BIPOC Unity Center; Bonnie Prunty, vice president for student affairs and campus life; Stephanie Nevels, a mental health counselor at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services; and Kimberly Lieb, business partner in the Office of uman esources. College Communication

Senior Ashanti Ford, a peer educator for the BIPOC Unity Center, said in an interview with The Ithacan that the college officially shared the news of

students process departure from the bipoc unity center

Carrington’s departure from a group text message with other students.

from a group text message with other students.

hen I first found out,

felt like it wasn’t right for me to find out that way.

hen I first found out, I was so sad, and it was so random,” Luyindula said. “I felt like it wasn’t right for me to find out that way.

Carrington’s departure with student staff members of

the BIPOC Unity Center during the center’s weekly staff meeting Nov. 10.

The college did not make an official statement regarding Carrington’s departure from her role as the director of the BIPOC Unity Center until Prunty announced her departure in an Intercom post Dec. 1.

Maurer started the Nov. 30 session by recognizing that several students had already shared concerns about how they learned of Carrington’s departure with him and the gathered staff members and administrators.

Nov. 9 after Carrington texted her and said she

Ford said she learned of Carrington’s departure Nov. 9 after Carrington texted her and said she was no longer employed at

the college.

“It felt like my world was crashing down when I heard,” Ford said. “[It

alive. … It was such a blow to the student staff

“It felt like my world was crashing down when I heard,” Ford said. “[It felt] like we lost someone, but that person is still alive. … It was such a blow to the student staff in the office because no matter what, even though she was our boss, she was also like a mother

to us.”

Maurer and Prunty both said they tried to be very thoughtful about how they communicated about

“First, I wanted to offer my most sincere apology for the way that that happened,” Maurer said. “We did not anticipate that news [of Carrington’s departure] would spread the way it did and so quickly, and I think we had thought through a lot of ways to support everyone through this process, and that was something I had not anticipated. And so while it was not our intention, I know that it had a huge impact.”

Sophomore Noeline Luyindula said she did not receive any communication from the college about Carrington’s departure prior to the Intercom post, despite her involvement with multiple BIPOC organizations and close relationship with Carrington. Luyindula said she found out about

asked if the college considered how their decisions and lack of communication would impact the BIPOC

Maurer and Prunty both said they tried to be very thoughtful about how they communicated about Carrington’s departure with students. They said they planned to have a meeting with student employees to tell them about Carrington’s departure the day after she left the college.

planned to have a meeting with student employees to tell them about Carrington’s departure the day after she left the college.

mation got out way faster than anything that we had anticipated,” Prunty said. “We absolutely owe you an

we would have liked you to find out, and we have a responsibility for not having anticipated that that might have happened and planned differently.”

“We knew the cadence that we were going to try to work with to push information out, but the information got out way faster than anything that we had anticipated,” Prunty said. “We absolutely owe you an apology because you did not find out in the way that we would have liked you to find out, and we have a responsibility for not having anticipated that that might have happened and planned differently.”

Carrington said via Facebook Messenger that peo-

Carrington said via Facebook Messenger that people found out about her departure soon after she left.

afternoon right after I met with Luca/Bonnie so folks realized immediately,” Carrington said. “In my meet-

“I had many meetings with staff [and students] that afternoon right after I met with Luca/Bonnie so folks realized immediately,” Carrington said. “In my meeting they didn’t ask if I had additional meetings that day to follow up or who I was ‘close to.’ They changed my email signature immediately which I receive 200+

my email signature immediately which I receive 200+ of emails a day so without outreach folks found out that way as well. Alumni contacted me via LinkedIn confused since we were just communicating about future plans.”

“You did not understand how small the community was and how fast [news of Carrington’s departure] would get out,” Doherty said. “Do you take into account and consideration cultural ramifications of who you are firing, how that culture works and how it impacts the entirety of campus? And if you cannot relate to the culture, do you bring in someone to help

“You did not understand how small the community was and how fast [news of Carrington’s departure] would get out,” Doherty said. “Do you take into account and consideration cultural ramifications of who you are firing, how that culture works and how it impacts the entirety of campus? And if you cannot you understand?”

unior Tatyana ubio said she was frustrated that the college staff and administrators were giving contradictory information about Carrington’s departure

unior Tatyana ubio said she was frustrated that the college staff and administrators were giving conduring the session.

“You claimed that this was a very well-thought-out process, but then when it comes to things as communicating with us, that wasn’t so very well thought out within this process, ubio said. So how sincere can you really be with your apologies? We still haven’t even gotten any communication that she’s been fired. There’s probably people on this campus who still have no idea that there’s no director of the [BIPOC]

“You claimed that this was a very well-thought-out process, but then when it comes to things as communicating with us, that wasn’t so very well thought

can you really be with your apologies? We still haven’t even gotten any communication that she’s been fired. There’s probably people on this campus who still have no idea that there’s no director of the [BIPOC] Unity Center.”

Dawson said that when employees leave the college, the communication from the college depends on

Dawson said that when employees leave the college, the communication from the college depends on the way that they leave.

“Typically in the spaces where someone gives their two weeks or they’re going to retire, we have enough time and they control the communication and connect something out to the community,” Dawson said. hen there’s an personnel issue, very rarely can we put something out to the community. So that was

Sophomore Mureen Doherty said the college should have sent a mass email to students to ensure that everyone knew of Carrington’s departure, not just those who worked at the BIPOC Unity Center. She and lack of communication would impact the BIPOC community at the college.

“Typically in the spaces where someone gives their two weeks or they’re going to retire, we have enough time and they control the communication and connect something out to the community,” Dawson said. hen there’s an personnel issue, very rarely can we put something out to the community. So that was

Angélica Carrington, former director of the BIPOC Unity Center, departed the college as of Nov. 10. The college held a processing session Nov. 30.

Kai Lincke/THE ITHACAN

also why it stung even more because we didn’t honor this person the way that you all feel like she should have been honored.”

Human Resources Context of the Departure

Dawson said the college could not provide details about Carrington’s employment or departure because it was human resources information that legally could not be shared. Prunty said Lieb was present at the session to provide general context about human resources processes that may relate to Carrington.

important as far as our community itself.”

could not be shared. Prunty said Lieb was mance review process or throughout other points improvement plan. said. “Sometimes, in this process of performance,

Lieb said employees complete a performance review process toward the end of each academic year. Employees evaluate themselves; and supervisors, colleagues and associated student employees fill out an evaluation for an employee. During the performance review process or throughout other points in the year, they may identify a gap in performance which partners from the Office of uman esources may try to address with a plan or formal performance improvement plan.

“There’s always an expectation set of what the performance needs to look like, and resources are given to the employee to make sure that they have everything that they need to be successful,” Lieb said. “Sometimes, in this process of performance, the gap isn’t closed and so a decision might need to be made to have the most amount of separation from employment.”

Senior Liguori Flanagan said performance reviews may not show the full extent of an individual’s contributions to the college.

“There might just be students that feel like their voices are the voices that would have been the bend or the break on one issue with whether this director is doing a good job or not,” Flanagan said. “The job that maybe is not seen in the performance gap as important but, as far as what they’re doing to other students and how they’re treating other students is way more

Senior Liguori Flanagan said performance reviews or the break on one issue with whether this director is and how they’re treating other students is way more

dents to provide feedback about employees. Dawson

to provide feedback about Carrington and asked if the college received input about Carrington from

Lieb said department leadership can ask students to provide feedback about employees. Dawson said students sometimes also approach department leadership or campus leadership to share their experiences. Multiple students said they were not asked to provide feedback about Carrington and asked if the college received input about Carrington from student employees of the BIPOC Unity Center.

Prunty then said she felt that the college staff members were starting to share too much information and could not provide more details.

could not provide more details.

Students prompted college staff with more questions about including student employees of the BIPOC Unity Center in the performance review process before Dawson paused their questions.

before Dawson paused their questions.

Sophomore Duda Formosa, a peer educator at the BIPOC Unity Center, said in an interview that she is concerned about supporting the BIPOC community and continuing the momentum that the office has built through new events, initiatives and goals without a

at the BIPOC Unity Center, said in an interview with The Ithacan that she is concerned about

new events, initiatives and goals without a permanent director.

It’s a lot of weight on us to keep the office working,” Formosa said. “I know how it is to be a POC in this school and how much support we as the office give to students and how important the office is. … I want to keep inviting the POC students in the POC community, but at the same time … I’m tired as well. I’m kind of not motivated to do it. Because the person that was supporting us the most is not

It’s a lot of weight on us to keep the office work-

in this school and how much support we as the office give to students and how important the office is. … I want to keep inviting the POC students in the as well. I’m kind of not motivated to do it. Because the person that was supporting us the most is not here anymore.”

Moving forward

Moving forward

Dawson

At the processing session, Prunty said Dawson will serve as the interim director of the BIPOC Unity Center. Dawson will continue to serve as dean of students, but Prunty will take on some of her responsibilities so that she can work with the BIPOC Unity Center.

ter. Dawson will continue to serve as dean of students, but Prunty will take on some of her responsibilities so

Dawson said she wants to provide as much support as she can for students as she serves as the interim director of the BIPOC Unity Center.

director of the BIPOC Unity Center.

“At this time, it’s just really important to listen to now,” Dawson said. “Then really start next semester fresh with some intentional programming after we get via

“At this time, it’s just really important to listen to the students and navigate in a way that they need to, to feel seen, heard and valued, so that is the priority right now,” Dawson said. “Then really start next semester fresh with some intentional programming after we get feedback and input from the students.”

Carrington said via Facebook Messenger that she trusts Dawson to lead the BIPOC Unity Center because Dawson supported and mentored her while she worked at the college.

trusts Dawson to lead the BIPOC Unity Center because Dawson supported and mentored her while she

“I respect Marsha so much … and know that although this is a big addition to her already full plate, she genuinely cares about the community and will navigate in an intentional way,” Carrington said.

Prunty said the college will begin a national search for a new director of the BIPOC Unity Center in the beginning of Spring 2024 and hopes to find a new director by early summer so that they can be ready to lead the center in August. Prunty said the college will look for students to serve on the search committee

Prunty said the college will begin a national search

director by early summer so that they can be ready to lead the center in August. Prunty said the college will for a new director of the BIPOC Unity Center.

“We’ll launch the search early in spring semester,” Prunty said. “The reason why we want to do that timeframe is because we want to make sure search process.”

“We’ll launch the search early in spring semester,” Prunty said. “The reason why we want to do that timeframe is because we want to make sure that students can be very actively involved in the

Doherty said in an interview with The Ithacan that she understands how the administration handled it affected BIPOC students.

The Ithacan that she understands how the administration handled Carrington’s departure, but she also recognizes how

“I’ve had personal conversations with Bonnie and Marcia and Cliff,” Doherty said. “Like, I fully under-

“I’ve had personal conversations with Bonnie and Marcia and Cliff,” Doherty said. “Like, I fully understand, you guys did try. There was a huge effort. … I don’t want them to get as much flack as they are, but I do also understand how people of color are coming

don’t want them to get as much flack as they are, but I do also understand how people of color are coming from a place of raw emotion.”

Staff Writer Jacquelyn Reaves contributed reporting.

Many BIPOC students who attended the processing session expressed their frustration with the lack of communication from administration on Carrington's departure. Students shared that they learned of Carrington's departure through emails and text messages from Carrington and other students who had already heard the news. Illustration by Molly teska/THE ITHACAN

Students, faculty, staff speak against censorship

With rising rates of book banning and censorship, libraries throughout the United States, including in the Ithaca community, have planned events to recognize Banned Books Week from Oct. 1–7.

signed up to read excerpts from books, song lyrics and

The majority of those in attendance at the event up poems, including “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee and “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.

Communications Librarian Cathy Michael has been involved in and organizing the Banned Book Read Out for 10 years. She said one of her goals for the event was to bring light to the importance of reading banned or censored literature. Michael began the event by sharing present-day statistics that showed the audience how the issue is even more apparent now than ever and that people who challenge the books often take their frustrations out on the librarians for having the content to begin with.

“A lot of times, librarians get called pedophiles for having books about human sexuality,” Michael said. “It’s very distressing.”

said. “[Books] may also help someone who feels lost feel connected or help youth find out who they are. … We need to make sure the material is there for the people who need it.”

Since Banned Books Week was founded in 1982, people from across the U.S. have read banned books for one week in the fall.

in event from 6–7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Gannett Cen-

Ithaca College held a Banned Books Read Out event from 6–7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Gannett Center’s Handwerker Gallery. Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered in solidarity with those impacted by book bans and opposed unjust censorship by reading challenged works. About 20 people attended the event.

ALA has seen since the data collection began over 20

One of the sponsors for Banned Books Week is the American ibrary Association. The A A’s Office for Intellectual Freedom reported that there were 3,923 books targeted for censorship between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31 of 2023. This is the highest number the 20 years ago. According to the ALA, books that have been banned or highly challenged are primarily written by or are about people of color or members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Michael said that having diverse content available in libraries is important to forming an inclusive community. Reading banned books instills empathy and compassion in the readers.

hen we read a book of fiction, we empathi e with points of view that are not our own,” Michael

feel connected or help youth find out who they are. … We need to make sure the material is there for the

Katharine Kittredge, professor in the Department of Literature in English, said libraries are meant to be safe places in communities, but school librarians are struggling because they have had to deal with an influx of parents challenging books.

safe places in communities, but school librarians are struggling because they have had to deal with an influx

can be a ban within itself, as teachers and librarians

dents from learning the content they need to know.

Kittredge said the fear of backlash from parents can be a ban within itself, as teachers and librarians find themselves not choosing diverse literature to share with students because they are concerned about the reactions from parents. The self-censoring that teachers and librarians are doing is preventing students from learning the content they need to know.

Kittredge said she is concerned that the alternative

However, librarians do not disclose who takes out which books.

Kittredge said she is concerned that the alternative to books is the internet. The internet is less private because adults can monitor browsing histories. However, librarians do not disclose who takes out which books.

“It’s a way that kids can explore their identity or the identities of people around them in a private, protected way,” Kittredge said. “If we take that away from them, they are stuck turning to the internet and that’s a scary prospect.”

tected way,” Kittredge said. “If we take that away from them, they are stuck turning to the internet and that’s a scary prospect.”

Banned Books Week and stands up for the individual writers, musicians, readers and librarians who

bers meet every third Tuesday of the month to write letters on urgent action cases and plan events that promote awareness.

Amnesty International, the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization, also sponsors Banned Books Week and stands up for the individual writers, musicians, readers and librarians who have been punished for their words. Group #73 is the Ithaca chapter of Amnesty International. Members meet every third Tuesday of the month to write letters on urgent action cases and plan events that promote awareness.

area coordinator for the Ithaca Amnesty chapter, worked with fellow members of Ithaca’s Amnesty chapter and the Ithaca College Library to help set up

stopping it.

Ute Ritz-Deutch, the local group coordinator and area coordinator for the Ithaca Amnesty chapter, worked with fellow members of Ithaca’s Amnesty chapter and the Ithaca College Library to help set up the Banned Book Read Out event. She said she believes speaking out against censorship is a key part of stopping it.

“When people get active, change can happen,”

ment can bring about major changes.”

“When people get active, change can happen,” Ritz-Deutch said. “You have to be in it for the long haul because success is not instantaneous. … Civic engagement can bring about major changes.”

Michael said those who value diverse learning en-

Michael said those who value diverse learning environments should stand together and fight back when books are banned in their community.

“With books being withdrawn from schools and public libraries, all American citizens should … speak out to support libraries and librarians and the information made available,” Michael said. “What prevents this is awareness and action, especially at the local level.”

“With books being withdrawn from schools and public libraries, all American citizens should … speak out to support libraries and librarians and the informa-

Barbara Adams, associate professor in the Department of Writing, descrives the book she read from at the Banned Books event Oct. 3. Students, faculty and staff gathered at Gannett Center to discuss censorship.

Kaeleigh Banda/THE ITHACAN

honors society aims to help first-gen students

Senior Sarake Dembele is a founding member of Tri-Alpha and said she felt honored to have an oppor-

Tri-Alpha and said she felt honored to have an opportunity like this on campus.

“I felt like I wasn’t really recognized for my academic achievements, so [getting in] was really nice,” Dembele said. “For me, [the society] created this community because I did meet other first-gen students that

munity because I did meet other first-gen students that I had never seen before, so that was exciting.”

By Ryan Johnson

an organization that works to advance the success

The Center for First-Generation Student Success, an organization that works to advance the success of first-generation students, confirmed that Ithaca ollege has maintained its status as a first-generation forward institution for the 2023–24 academic year.

The first-generation honors society, Alpha Alpha Alpha Tri-Alpha , also conducted its first elections at the college Sept. 7.

There are over 500 first-generation students at the college and almost 15% of every incoming class identify as first-generation. In order to qualify as first-generation, a student must be the first in their family to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

as a first-generation forward insitution through creating a first-generation honors society.

keeping in mind here,” Wallace said. “Not just program wise but our systems, including first-gen students.

As of 2022, almost one third of all college students are first generation in the nited States. ven though first-generation students make up a si able number of the student population in the United States, only a fraction complete their degree. A study done by The Pew Research Center found that in adults aged 22 to 59, only 20% of first-generation students actually completed a bachelor’s degree, compared to 82% of

are first generation in the nited States. ven though first-generation students make up a si able number of the student population in the United States, only degree.

To help ease first-generation students’ transition to college and establish a sense of community for and First- eneration Programs, is required to attend a minimum of three online learning events and a min-

To help ease first-generation students’ transition to college and establish a sense of community for first-generation students on campus, the college houses the First-Generation Center. Created in 2018, the center provides programming opportunities for students, sets students up with faculty mentors and offers a pre-orientation program to get students familiarized with the center and the college.

Shadayvia Wallace, director of the MLK Scholars and First- eneration Programs, is required to attend a minimum of three online learning events and a minimum of four monthly regional community meetings that the Center for First-Generation Student Success holds. allace said she first heard of Tri-Alpha through one of these regional meetings.

one of these regional meetings.

“It’s been a great opportunity to learn about how to be more supportive here and things we can be

To be recogni ed as first-generation forward,

To be recogni ed as first-generation forward, schools must submit institutional goals and a report of completed requirements to the center and host a first-generation celebration event. The college has maintained its status as a first-generation forward in-

first-generation celebration event. The college has stitution since 2019.

Wallace

In 2022, students and Wallace began the process to institute a chapter of the Tri-Alpha National Honors Society. Tri-Alpha is an honors society that first-generation students can join if they have a 3.2 PA or higher with 30 or more completed credit hours. Tri-Alpha has over 135 chapters in colleges and universities nationwide and was started in March 2018 at

Moravian College.

Honors Society. Tri-Alpha is an honors society that

allace said the first induction of students at the college who met the requirements of Tri-Alpha occurred in Spring 2023. In Fall 2023, the society had

the

its first election.

Junior Katharina Hodel, president of the college’s Tri-Alpha chapter, said that the 16 members of the chapter voted for the e-board and that Tri-Alpha waited to have elections this year because they wanted to start on a full academic year.

Tri-Alpha chapter, said that the 16 members of the to have elections this year because they wanted to start on a full academic year.

As a first-generation student, you already have this community [on campus],” Hodel said. “But I think with Tri-Alpha, you really have a closer community of first-generation students who really want to focus on certain things and we can make easy connections now [with each other] and that’s great.”

Cory Young, associate professor in the Department of Strategic Communications, is a mentor to first-generation students through the Ithaca Firsts Mentor Program. Through this program, students are paired with faculty who also identify

to 59, only 20% of first-generation students actually completed a bachelor’s degree, compared to 82% of students with two parents that attended college. in Communications, first-generation students through the Ithaca Firsts Mentor Program. Through this program, stuas first-generation.

first-generation students who really want to focus on

vices, that there is a first-generation center that you can stop by anytime and connect with people is …

“The mere fact that [students] have these services, that there is a first-generation center that you can stop by anytime and connect with people is … immeasurable,” Young said. “The biggest thing that first-generation students face is feeling alone or disconnected from their family and then feeling alone because they’re not sure who else might identify

first-generation students face is feeling alone or disconnected from their family and then feeling alone because they’re not sure who else might identify as first-gen.

A survey done by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse asked over 1,000 first-generation students what they would like to see their colleges do to support first-generation success. According to the survey, 20% of students said to offer first-generation specific orientation programs, 19% of students said to create a center specifically for first-generation students and 1 % of students said to match first-generation students

Pulse asked over 1,000 first-generation students what they would like to see their colleges do to support

20% of students said to offer first-generation specific orientation programs, 19% of students said to create a center specifically for first-generation students and up with faculty mentors.

Junior Kailee Leung works as a mentor coordinator at the center and said students often come into the office to talk to allace about the day-to-day struggles

Junior Kailee Leung works as a mentor coordinator at the center and said students often come into the office to talk to allace about the day-to-day struggles of being a first-generation student.

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Leung said, “Sometimes students will come and talk to Wallace] about what’s been going on in class or even just purchasing textbooks. … Being without parental support can definitely be difficult for

said, “Sometimes students will come and talk to Wallace] about what’s been going on in class or even just purchasing textbooks. … Being with-

first-gen students.

allace said that being a first-generation student allows her to lead with empathy and that when students come to her asking for support, she meets them

allace said that being a first-generation student allows her to lead with empathy and that when stuwhere they are.

Shadayvia Wallace, director of the MLK Scholars and First Generation Programs, has worked to maintain Ithaca ollege s status

Aminatta Imrana Jallow/THE ITHACAN

Jallow/THE

Students concerned over lack of covid-19 policies

By Kai Lincke

lege students packed up their belongings again and temporarily relocated after their roommates tested positive for COVID-19. With no dedicated isolation space at the college, the students could either stay in the room with their sick roommate or find their own space to live in.

The college eliminated most of its COVID-19 infrastructure, including a dedicated isolation space in Boothroyd Hall for students who test positive for COVID-19, after the CDC ended the public health emergency in May 2023.

Samm Swarts, assistant director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the college currently advises students who contract COVID-19 to self-isolate in their living space for five days. Swarts said that if students do not want to stay in the same space as a roommate who has COVID-19, they can stay with a friend or contact the Office of esidential ife to try and find an alternate living arrangement.

“Folks should just really be following CDC guidance at this point,” Swarts said. “It’s really turned over to self-management and folks trying to figure out what’s best for them, just like they would any other illness.”

unior Alvin ang is an A in andon all. ang said that on Aug. 2 , first-year student Andrew Marcus asked to sleep in the lounge on ang’s floor because his roommate had COVID-19.

Marcus was not interviewed because he works for The Ithacan’s video and photo sections.

Yang said he contacted the resident director on duty to ask if the Office of esidential ife could find another room for Marcus.

in their living space for five days. Swarts said that if tions can be made, and that the only solution was for

“They told me that unless it was a serious health matter, or a serious safety issue, that no accommodahim to effectively find a friend’s room to stay in or go back to the room with [a sick] roommate,” Yang said.

Yang said Marcus was not comfortable returning to his room and was prepared to sleep on the lawn outside of the building. Yang said he got permission for Marcus to sleep in the lounge and asked other RAs to help provide blankets, pillows and other necessities for Marcus. Marcus slept in the lounge for five nights.

“We have the resources to provide any concerned resident with a safe living space for as long as they deem necessary,” Yang said. “However, given the circumstances of how Ithaca College currently treats COVID-19 … we weren’t allowed to provide it. … There are policies that we have to follow, and the steps we have to take in order to provide residents with accommodations — if done incorrectly

or without proper authority, [it] can result in us getting terminated.”

With no dedicated isolation space and COVID-19 policies at Ithaca College, students can either stay in their room or find their own space to live in. Students have raised concerns about the lack of policies.

to stay in both instances.

Senior Shannon onnor, an A in yon all, said that on Sept. 4, one of her residents said her roommate had COVID-19 and asked for help with finding alternative housing. onnor said she felt like she was forced to prioritize policy over her residents’ well-being.

Senior said that on Sept. 4, one of her residents said her roommate had COVID-19 and asked for help with like residents’ well-being.

“I had to basically tell this resident, there is noth-

the type of RA who will bend over backwards to help my residents.”

“I had to basically tell this resident, there is nothing I can possibly do for you,” Connor said. “That in general is heartbreaking … because I’m very much the type of RA who will bend over backwards to help my residents.”

aura Davis, director for the Office of esidential ife and the Office of Student onduct and ommunity Standards, said the office’s policies reflect the college’s COVID-19 policy.

nity Standards, said the office’s policies reflect the college’s COVID-19 policy.

“We really are trying to honor and support that this

“We really are trying to honor and support that this has moved into a self-isolation and self-management,” Davis said. “We ourselves are understanding and challenging ourselves to kind of move in this new direction and away from some of the infrastructure

challenging ourselves to kind of move in this new direction and away from some of the infrastructure that was in place.”

Swarts said he communicates with Hammond Health Center, Tompkins Whole Health and Cornell University — which also encourages students to self-manage symptoms — to see if there are any changes in COVID-19 transmission.

Health Center, Tompkins Whole Health and Cornell University — which also encourages students to self-manage symptoms — to see if there are any

Senior Julia Stitely said they have had two separate instances in which their roommates have developed COVID-19. In February, Stitely’s roommate in West Tower tested positive, and in early September, one of Stitely’s roommates in their Circle apartment tested

Senior instances in which their roommates have developed COVID-19. In February, Stitely’s roommate in West

positive. Stitely said they had to find their own space

Stitely said they are frustrated that the college and the Office of esidential ife have dissolved

Stitely said they are frustrated that the college and the Office of esidential ife have dissolved their COVID-19 infrastructure because COVID-19 is still distressing for some students. Stitely said they have symptoms of ong O ID and some of their friends, including one of their roommates,

they have symptoms of ong O ID and some of their friends, including one of their roommates, are immunocompromised.

ed that COVID doesn’t exist anymore, which is really ableist,” Stitely said. “We’re still in this pandemic, there’s still people dying. So it’s kind of like

“I feel like the entire country has just pretended that COVID doesn’t exist anymore, which is really ableist,” Stitely said. “We’re still in this pandemic, there’s still people dying. So it’s kind of like everyone’s like, ‘Ok, let’s move on … everything’s back to normal,’ which it’s not.”

Stitely said they believe that the college should continue to provide regularly updated data on

the

Stitely said they believe that the college should continue to provide regularly updated data on COVID-19 transmission.

Connor said she understands that the college is one of many institutions that are trying to move past COVID-19, but she believes the college must develop a more thoughtful housing policy for COVID-19 and increase transparency with the campus community.

one of many institutions that are trying to move past COVID-19, but she believes the college must develop a more thoughtful housing policy for COVID-19 and

I think they should first ask the students, ‘What can we do to better the situation for next time?’” Connor said. “‘What’s something that we could do so that people don’t feel like they’re homeless and have to sleep in the lounge?’ … I think it’s going to become a big problem. And I understand that they’re treating it like the flu, but the reality is O ID is not the common flu. The stigma and the pandemic that we went through, it will never be the common flu for

I think they should first ask the students, ‘What can we do to better the situation for next time?’” Connor said. “‘What’s something that we could do so that people don’t feel like they’re homeless and have

come a big problem. And I understand that they’re treating it like the flu, but the reality is O ID is not the common flu. The stigma and the pandemic that we went through, it will never be the common flu for our generation.”

Photo illustration by Maddy Dombrow/THE ITHACAN

COVID-19 guidelines loosen as students self-manage

By Ryan Johnson

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would be loosening COVID-19 guidelines and shifting from a five-day quarantine period to a one-day recommended quarantine period. There is no official date for the change and under the new guidelines, the CDC will recommend that people return to work or school after they have been fever-free for 24 hours.

Jennifer Metzger, director of Student Health Services, said via email that during the week of Feb. 4 to Feb. 10, the Hammond Health Center saw 18 positive

flu tests and seven positive O ID-19 tests and from

Feb. 11 to Feb. 1 , there were nine positive flu tests and five positive O ID-19 tests.

Metzger said the Hammond Health Center provides self-testing kits at the cost of purchase for $6.14 and provides free transportation for students who wish to go off campus for testing.

“I do know that there’s that discussion happening at the CDC right now, and we have two states that have adopted one-day isolation, California and Oregon,” Metzger said. “I think the main thought around [one-day isolation] is people are contagious before they are even symptomatic, so the question was, did that long quarantine decrease disease

Quarantine guidelines for New York state are still a five-day isolation period. The college decided to cease offering COVID-19 testing locations and dedicated quarantine spaces May 31, 2023. In ovember, free over-the-counter rapid antigen self-testing kits the college provided to students expired.

the campus community to continue receiving booster vaccinations but

Samm Swarts, assistant director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said he would encourage the campus community to continue receiving booster vaccinations for COVID-19 vaccines, but the college has transitioned to a full self-management system for COVID-19.

“I recognize that [the transition to full self-management] has been uncomfortable … but there’s no way that the college could offer [COVID-19 infrastructure indefinitely, it’s just not something we could do,” Swarts said.

self-management] has been uncomfortable … but college do,”

Swarts said the reason the college no longer prohealth

included in students' tuition.

Swarts said the reason the college no longer provides free testing and quarantine spaces is the lack of a public health fee at the college. Swarts said the $75 fee was required from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023 and was included in students' tuition.

"We were able to use those dollars to basically infrastructure

there we had quite a robust system in place.

"We were able to use those dollars to basically build up a COVID infrastructure through wrap-around care, services [and] testing,” Swarts said. “For a time there we had quite a robust system in place.

Senior Annalese Winegard said many things have Spring

Senior Annalese Winegard said many things have changed in terms of COVID-19 infrastructure since her first semester on campus in Spring 2021.

“In the dining hall, there was no seating, it was all in the Ithaca ollege square and it just made it really hard to be social,” Winegard said. “In the dorms, you couldn’t go into anybody’s room and you couldn’t go into other [dorm halls]. … It was hard to socialize.”

hard to be social,” Winegard said. “In the dorms, you

Winegard said she would rather have a lack of COVID-19 infrastructure than go back to restrictions

Winegard said she would rather have a lack of COVID-19 infrastructure than go back to restrictions that hinder student’s ability to be social on campus.

Sophomore Bria Petrella said she contracted O ID-19 after the M oncert on an. 2 in Ford

2023. In Novemver, free rapid antigen self-testing kits the college provided also expired.

ithacan

Hall. Petrella said she was treated at the Hammond Health Center and was given a polymerase chain reaction test to see if she was positive for COVID-19.

Health Center and was given a polymerase chain reaction test to see if she was positive for COVID-19.

When the test turned out positive, Petrella said she had an issue because her roommate’s boyfriend is immunocompromised and Petrella’s roommate had to leave her dorm room to avoid getting sick.

immunocompromised and Petrella’s roommate had to leave her dorm room to avoid getting sick.

“So [my roommate] left the room for the entire

“So [my roommate] left the room for the entire time I was sick,” Petrella said. “Because God forbid I get her sick and she gets him sick. I was quarantined for five days and I was just living off of food in

I get her sick and she gets him sick. I was quarantined for five days and I was just living off of food in my room.”

Petrella said she was able to email her professors to get the absences excused but had trouble accessing materials from missed classes on Canvas and was not able to join classes via Zoom.

materials from missed classes on Canvas and was not able to join classes via Zoom.

“It’s super stressful because I knew as soon as I was told [I had COVID-19] that I was going to be behind, and I was going to be in this state of catching up for the next month or possibly the rest of the semes-

“It’s super stressful because I knew as soon as I to hind, and I was going to be in this state of catching up for the next month or possibly the rest of the semester,” Petrella said.

Swarts said the COVID-19 dashboard was discon-

Swarts said the COVID-19 dashboard was discontinued in December 2022 because self-testing kits

became available.

“Students were testing on their own and they weren’t reporting it to anybody,” Swarts said. “So it made it very difficult for us to provide accurate information to the campus community on how much COVID-19 was actually circulating on campus. … A lot

“Students were testing on their own and they weren’t reporting it to anybody,” Swarts said. “So it made it very difficult for us to provide accurate information to the campus community on how much COVID-19 was actually circulating on campus. … A lot of the requirements for reporting your positive tests went away once COVID-19 was no longer considered

a public health emergency.”

From 2013 to 2021, the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education partnered with campus

From 2013 to 2021, the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education partnered with campus and local organi ations to offer free flu vaccinations to the campus community. This exercise was referred to as a Flu Point of Dispensing (POD).

as a Flu Point of Dispensing (POD).

Mary Bentley, associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education,

provide almost 1,000 vaccinations to the campus community in a day. In September 2021, the president’s cabinet decided not to support the Flu POD

ics in the local community to receive a shot.

Mary Bentley, associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education, said that during some years the Flu POD would provide almost 1,000 vaccinations to the campus community in a day. In September 2021, the president’s cabinet decided not to support the Flu POD and encouraged the campus community to utilize clinics in the local community to receive a shot.

ow people are responsible for their own flu shots just like they are responsible for their own testing,” Bentley said. “The change in the campus was we

it’s really kind of an individual thing because you can just go to Wegmans and get it.”

ow people are responsible for their own flu shots just like they are responsible for their own testing,” Bentley said. “The change in the campus was we would help people with their vaccinations, but now it’s really kind of an individual thing because you can just go to Wegmans and get it.”

Metzger said there has been discussion and interin bringing the Flu POD back to campus.

Metzger said there has been discussion and interest within Student Health Services and Cayuga Medical in bringing the Flu POD back to campus.

Ithaca ollege decided to cease offering O ID-19 testing locations and dedicated quarantine spaces May 31,

Emma Kersting/the

Ithaca ollege decided to cease offering O ID-19 testing locations and dedicated quarantine spaces May 31, 2023. In Novemver, free rapid antigen self-testing kits the college provided also expired.

Bike travel promoted to cut carbon emissions at ic

nization GO ITHACA has partnered with social biking platform Love to Ride to promote increased bike travel in Tompkins County through its Cycle September challenge. For the Ithaca College community, Love to Ride’s Cycle September might offer an opportunity to lower the campus’s carbon emissions.

Scott Doyle, director of energy management and sustainability at the college, said 10% of all emissions produced by the college are connected to faculty and students commuting to campus. Doyle said that through its initiative to get more people riding, Love

to Ride may be able to offer a fun means of lowering

this percentage.

“There’s a lot of interest in programs through GO ITHACA that help to encourage multiple ways to travel and diversify your work [and] think about commuting differently,” Doyle said. “I think it’s fun — especially to encourage somebody to see just how they do — and translates in terms of emissions and [is] also just a chance to connect with other people.”

Cycle September, Love to Ride’s yearly challenge, offers users to compete to ride the most hours and win pri es. The app doubles as a fitness and social media platform that encourages users to compete in different challenges during the year.

Jane Bowman Brady, executive director of GO ITHACA, was familiar with the app from when she worked as a policy analyst for the Ministry of the Environment in ew Zealand, which is where she first came across Love to Ride.

“What that program did was it encouraged me to get out and try riding a bike,” Brady said. “[We are] bringing Love to Ride to Ithaca because we know there’s a lot of people who are currently getting around on bikes, but we know that there could be a lot more.”

However, because Ithaca is a hilly terrain, it can make biking a challenge and consists mostly of car-dominated infrastructure. According to Tompkins County’s website data on the commute of individuals to work, 5,418 out of Ithaca’s working population of 8,886 travel by car, truck or van. This excludes neighboring areas like ansing and ewfield.

Michael Smith, professor in the Departments of History and Environmental Science, is a daily bike commuter and said he rates Ithaca a four out of 10 with regards to navigability.

“In terms of getting around by bike to the things you need to do on a day-to-day basis — go to work, pick up groceries, whatever — it’s mostly you on the street with cars,” Smith said.

Senior Renee Madcharo is a frequent bicyclist and

said that being a biker in the area is not easy and comes with its own challenges that could be dangerous.

with its own challenges that could be dangerous.

“Around [the] Ithaca area as a whole, the hardest

no shoulder.”

“Around [the] Ithaca area as a whole, the hardest part for me was figuring out which roads have the safest places to bike,” Madcharo said. “Some roads are very beautiful, but they’re gravel or they have no shoulder.”

Roads surrounding the college — like Farm Pond,

County Bicycle Map, meaning that they are “heavy” or

Roads surrounding the college — like Farm Pond, Danby and even the main road to campus — are marked in orange and red on the Ithaca and Tompkins County Bicycle Map, meaning that they are “heavy” or very heavy traffic warnings for bike commuters. Doyle, who worked as associate planner in the

League of American Bicyclists, said via email she is excited about Love to Ride’s new station in Ithaca. Jenkins said its social network is a great opportunity to get more people biking and, as a result, strengthen

excited about Love to Ride’s new station in Ithaca. Jenkins said its social network is a great opportunity community ties.

“Oftentimes it’s events or initiatives like Cycle September (or Bike Month in May) that energize a community around biking more — and we know that

ter for everyone,” Jenkins said via email.

“Oftentimes it’s events or initiatives like Cycle September (or Bike Month in May) that energize a community around biking more — and we know that when more people bike, biking is safer and life is better for everyone,” Jenkins said via email.

Ithaca ikeshare, a nonprofit bike organi ation, was launched in November 2022 as an eco-friendly

Ithaca ikeshare, a nonprofit bike organi ation, was launched in November 2022 as an eco-friendly option for commuting in downtown Ithaca with its

Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability for over 15 years before starting at the college, said he observed first-hand the push for safer biking infrastructure.

college, said he observed first-hand the push for safer biking infrastructure.

“I think there’s a lot of people … on public service that I formerly worked with that are helping to make [biking in Ithaca] safer and more convenient for people,” Doyle said. “Because it is challenging graphically and also [in terms of] infrastructure with roads that are always in need of repair.”

ple,” Doyle said. “Because it is challenging graphically and also [in terms of] infrastructure with roads that

Now Ithaca takes a spot as a bronze-level bicycle-friendly community according to the League of American Bicyclists. The main areas of improve-

lanes, lowering speed limits on residential streetsand encouraging more local businesses to promote.

Now Ithaca takes a spot as a bronze-level bicycle-friendly community according to the League of American Bicyclists. The main areas of improvement suggested by the League include expanding Ithaca’s bike network, upgrading existing bike lanes, lowering speed limits on residential streetsand encouraging more local businesses to promote.

Lauren Jenkins, communications director of the

system of city bike rentals. The persistent implementation of these programs reflects the city’s objective to meet its standards stated in the Green New Deal. According to the action plan, the goal is to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles by 50% from the levels

tation of these programs reflects the city’s objective to meet its standards stated in the Green New Deal. According to the action plan, the goal is to reduce in 2010 by 2025.

“I think it’s a very ambitious goal, particularly given that we’re [in] 2023,” Brady said. “But I think

“I think it’s a very ambitious goal, particularly given that we’re [in] 2023,” Brady said. “But I think changing travel behavior has a huge role in that. … Love to Ride has a big part to play in that in terms of getting people to try active modes like cycling

of getting people to try active modes like cycling and walking.”

Brady said she hopes that the result of more people will push city administration to think more about enhancing biking facilities in Ithaca.

Brady said she hopes that the result of more peoenhancing biking facilities in Ithaca.

“I’m hoping [that] getting more people out and cycling … will help show the city that there actually is a huge demand for these infrastructure

“I’m hoping [that] getting more people out and cycling … will help show the city that there improvements,” Brady said.

For the Ithaca College community, Love to Ride's Cycyle September might offer an opportunity to lower the campus' carbon emissions. However, Ithaca's terrain comes with its own challenges for bikers. Aminatta Imrana Jallow/the ithacan

Fizz hires iC students to market the app on campus

Fizz —

Fizz — a new social media app that lets college students connect with their peers by uploading anonymous posts — has made its way to the Ithaca College campus with Instagram stories, hats and free donuts.

posts — through

The Fizz app was released in 2021 and is similar to Yik Yak — another social media app that is popular at the college — but requires students to sign up through their official college or university email IDs. sers can upvote or downvote the posts and reshare them with friends by refi ing them. Fi is also present on other college campuses across the .S., like Stanford niversity, ice niversity, Dartmouth niversity, Ari ona State niversity and hapman niversity.

Representatives from the Fizz app hired about 20 Ithaca College students as ambassadors. Sophomore Brianna Jankowski was one of the student ambassadors, whose task was to encourage people to download the app in exchange for a free donut.

lets college students connect with their peers by uploading anonymous posts — has made its way to Ithaca College. The app is similar in nature to Yik Yak, another social media app that is popular at the college. However, concerns regarding user privacy on the app have been raised.

Jankowski said. “I had some family and friends look

Jankowski said. “I had some family and friends look it over and they said nothing about it was alarming.”

niversity which is also where the app was founded — discovered that Fizz used the Google Firestone

In November 2021, three students from Stanford niversity which is also where the app was founded — discovered that Fizz used the Google Firestone database to log user data, according to the Stanford Daily. The failure of Fizz to set up necessary security rules made it easier for certain people to access and

edit sensitive data.

Aditya

Stanford niversity senior Aditya Saligrama was one of the three students who discovered this loophole. Saligrama said he and his peers decided to investigate this issue because they were skeptical about the app’s policies on anonymous posts.

app’s policies on anonymous posts.

publicly

Jankowski said she was contacted and later recruited by a friend from campus who already had working experience with Fizz. Jankowski said she worked a three-hour shift on the first day of classes and earned about $60. Jankowski said donuts and wagons were provided by Fizz, but she had no direct contact with the company until she had to sign a contract.

a experience with Fizz. Jankowski said she worked a and

“They gave us all the information, basically legal stuff saying you can’t work for another company,”

data such as phone numbers are ‘encrypted’ in the

“We were initially concerned by Fizz’s strong public claims of total anonymity,” Saligrama said via email. “For example, Fizz stated publicly that user data such as phone numbers are ‘encrypted’ in the backend, which felt misleading. … We wanted to make sure Fizz’s users were safe and secure, so we decided to look into security, intending to inform their founders about any potential vulnerabilities

their founders about any potential vulnerabilities we discovered.”

David Weil, vice president and Chief Information and Analytics Officer at Ithaca ollege said he believes students should be more responsible about posting

their thoughts to the app.

“To me, it sounds utopian,” Weil said. “It sounds like, ‘We are ready to create a space where you can

post anything’, but there is something to be said for

post anything’, but there is something to be said for accountability. Some people say, ‘Well, it’s happening in the virtual world,’ but the virtual world crosses over

into the real world.”

Bonnie Prunty, vice president of Student Affairs

Bonnie Prunty, vice president of Student Affairs and Campus Life, said that according to the Ithaca College’s Policy Manual, in order to engage in a marketing campaign or sales like this, students have to obtain an advertising or solicitation permit that is typically done through recognized student clubs

to obtain an advertising or solicitation permit that and organizations.

Prunty said this incident should be seen as an opportunity to spread more awareness about the college’s advertising and solicitation policies among

opportunity to spread more awareness about the college’s advertising and solicitation policies among students and off-campus entities.

company, the company can’t just send them on to campus, approaching people,” Prunty said. “The

“Even though the students are employed by this company, the company can’t just send them on to campus, approaching people,” Prunty said. “The goal is really not about creating huge consequences. The goal is really about educating folks so that they abide by the policy that everybody on campus needs to abide by. And what we’re trying to avoid is h

to abide by. And what we’re trying to avoid is h aving students approached directly.”

Prunty said she thinks that the idea of anonymity on the app can be very harmful to students.

“It becomes a forum where there’s some really unhealthy behavior going on that really negatively

“It becomes a forum where there’s some really unhealthy behavior going on that really negatively impacts students’ mental health and their sense of

well-being on campus,” Prunty said.

a new social media app that

Photo illustration by Kaeleigh Banda and Molly Teska

Students of color worry about affirmative action

tion’s place in higher education, the Supreme ourt overruled the use of such policies une 29. hile Ithaca ollege does not have affirmative action policies, some students have expressed concern about the impact of the court’s decision.

In Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of arvard ollege, the Supreme ourt ruled that affirmative action programs at arvard and the niversity of orth arolina at hapel ill were unconstitutional in a 6 3 vote against the niversity of orth arolina at hapel ill and 6 2 against ar-

vard. nacted in 1961, affirmative action is a policy that

provides equal educational and occupational opportunities to underrepresented minority groups.

Ithaca ollege junior Sena amkung said it was disappointing to hear about the Supreme ourt’s decision to end affirmative action because of the opportunities it has provided underrepresented populations, specifically IPO students.

ith the way that education has been changing around the country especially now that many places have been skewed toward more right-leaning ideals it’s disappointing in the way that it’s not just going to affect our generation, but generations ahead of us, amkung said.

The Supreme ourt said affirmative action is unconstitutional because it violates the qual Protection lause in the 14th Amendment. In a similar line of thinking, the Supreme ourt banned the use of racial quotas in 19 because a white student was denied admission into the niversity of alifornia, Davis School of Medicine, despite having better grades and test scores than other students of color who were accepted.

Dana . Thompson Dorsey, associate professor in the Department of ducational eadership and Policy Studies at the niversity of South Florida, said that however individuals may feel about affirmative action, the history of racial inequity in the .S. cannot be ignored.

efore, you had people of color who couldn’t receive any type of education that was even close to those who were white, wealthy, protestant and heterosexual men could receive, Dorsey said. ven when it became unconstitutional to discriminate, we still see discrimination that exists.

Dorsey said it is important for people to understand that race was not ranked above students’ PA or test scores.

hat this decision has caused is a chilling effect, Dorsey said. Affirmative action was never about allowing access for students who are not as smart or

illuSTRATION

capable. Standardi ed test scores and PAs are all basically inflated types of issues when it comes to intelligence. That’s why we have a lot of universities that have eliminated the SATs in our admissions process.

capable. Standardi ed test scores and PAs are all telligence. That’s why we have a lot of universities that have eliminated the SATs in our admissions process.

In 2021, arvard niversity a school that used affirmative action rejected claims that its admissions process held Asian-American applicants to a higher standard.

t a a o e e and a fir at e a t on

t a a o e e and a fir at e a t on sent

Supreme ourt’s decision. ornish said that while the college never took race into consideration when adstudent

On une 30, Ithaca ollege President a erne ornish sent out an Intercom message addressing the Supreme ourt’s decision. ornish said that while the college never took race into consideration when admitting students, the college will continue to commit to diversifying its student body.

they want to submit their SAT and A T scores.

Though Ithaca ollege does not have affirmative action policies, some students have expressed concerns about the impact of the Supreme ourt s une 29 decision to overrule the use of such policies illuSTRATION BY Grace Vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

mitted to being an institution that is welcoming and inclusive in recruiting, admitting, and retaining a Intercom.

environment that prepares our students for a diverse world is core to Ithaca ollege’s values, and we reaffor

Ithaca ollege has been and will remain committed to being an institution that is welcoming and inclusive in recruiting, admitting, and retaining a diverse student body, ornish said via Intercom. Providing an educational experience and fostering an environment that prepares our students for a diverse world is core to Ithaca ollege’s values, and we reaffirm our steadfast support for our IPO students.

According to the college’s website, letters of recommendation, extracurriculars, Dual nrollment, Advanced Placement and International accalaureate courses are taken into account when admitting students. The college has also been test optional since 2012, which means that students can decide whether

Advanced Placement and International accalaureate courses are taken into account when admitting stu2012, which means that students can decide whether

IPO students accounted for .4% of the student body in Fall 2003 and 23.2% in Fall 2022, rising incrementally with each academic year, according to the

6 3 conservative majority, he is surprised that the college does not use affirmative action.

they want to submit their SAT and A T scores. IPO students accounted for .4% of the student body in Fall 2003 and 23.2% in Fall 2022, rising incrementally with each academic year, according to the Office of Analytics and Institutional esearch. hile junior ichard Martin said he was not surprised by the Supreme ourt’s decision because of the 6 3 conservative majority, he is surprised that the college does not use affirmative action.

Ithaca, as an institution, likes to present themselves as progressive and wanting diversity, Martin said. Of course this doesn’t mean they actually do, but I figured affirmative action would allow them to check

selves as progressive and wanting diversity, Martin said. Of course this doesn’t mean they actually do, but I figured affirmative action would allow them to check off the box,’ so to speak.

section between race and class. In 201 , a study published by The pshot found that, despite their

istorically, the oppression toward minority and underprivileged groups has created a strong intersection between race and class. In 201 , a study published by The pshot found that, despite their upbringing, lack children, as compared to white children, are more likely to have a lower socioeconomic

dren, are more likely to have a lower socioeconomic status as adults.

unior Ares arcia said he thinks it is impossible

affirmative action.

unior Ares arcia said he thinks it is impossible to increase the diversity of the student body without

All you’re seeing is just a bunch of applications with nothing, arcia said. If you’re not using affirmative action, you literally cannot increase the

without it just being totally accidental.

All you’re seeing is just a bunch of applications with nothing, arcia said. If you’re not using affirmative action, you literally cannot increase the percentage of people of color that you hire or admit without it just being totally accidental.

oration in 54 years of a march and sit-in that was organi ed in 19 0 by the college’s then-Afro- atin Society A S . eginning April 9, 19 0, a series of week-long events began after about 40 students marched from gbert Student nion now called the ampus enter to occupy the space inside ob all, where former college President oward Dillingham’s office resided.

story

A S members and students protested to voice their frustrations with the mismanagement of d-

ucation Opportunity Program OP funds. It was

established as a fiscal sponsorship to help students overcome financial and academic barriers to attending four-year institutions.

In April 19 0, 90,000 allotted to the college’s OP program were believed to be diverted to landscaping, based on information on the budget. At the time, most lack and atino students could not afford to study at the college without OP funds, according to the list of demands presented by A S in The Ithacan. The Ithacan’s reporting from April 10, 19 0 states that the financial cuts in the budget were only proposed at the time, not implemented, and that while the OP was one of the programs targeted, funding would also depend on state and federal aid.

Steven enteno ’ 3 participated in the protest in

Alumni of color and allies commemorate protests

on April 11.

enteno said to The Ithacan that the A S was against ment, enteno said. At the time there were beau-

decided to take the beautification.

19 0 and attended the 2024 commemoration event. enteno said to the 90,000 budget cut because it felt that the money was not being invested where it should have been. hen these budget cuts came we were really shocked because what the college was proposing was to reduce our number, our admissions and recruitment, enteno said. At the time there were beautification projects that were going on campus that money was supposed to go to the students and they decided to take the beautification.

enteno said that in the 19 0s, there was a general culture at the college that made IPO students feel unwelcome. enteno said everything that the A S did came from a place of defending themselves, rather than actively attacking those in power.

than actively attacking those in power.

The college had 0 lack students out of 3,500

The college had 0 lack students out of 3,500 total students at the time, according to a ew ork Times article. As of Fall 2023, 23.4% of Ithaca ollege students identify as IPO , according to the Office of Analytical and Institutional esearch. Since Fall 2020, the percentage of IPO students has stagnated

students identify as IPO , according to the Office around 23%.

According to the list of demands presented by A S in The Ithacan, the students presented their 12 demands to Dillingham on April 9 and extended an invitation to meet with the administration April 11 so that demands could be met by April 13, as they asked. owever, no administration met with the students

A S in The Ithacan, the students presented their 12 demands to Dillingham on April 9 and extended an that demands could be met by April 13, as they asked. owever, no administration met with the students

The April 24, 19 0, issue of after the protest, the college committed 341 million to the OP in a written statement.

o e orat on

The Ithacan notes that

The commemoration March 25 was co-sponsored by the IPO nity enter, the enter for quity, Inclusion and elonging, the Students of olor oalition, the Office of Philosophy and ngagement and an alumni group called I nity.

by the IPO nity enter, the enter for quity, Inclusion and elonging, the Students of olor oali-

alumni group called I nity. otably, alumni Dennis yron ’ 1, ernard Mc-

otably, alumni Dennis yron ’ 1, ernard Mceth ’ 1 and enteno told their stories as students at the college and the first members of the A S. A S is the second-oldest student organi ation at the college, preceded only by the Student overnance ouncil.

preceded only by the Student overnance ouncil. ven though we were aware of racism in this country, my first experience with overt racism was down to, talked about and any kind of disparagement you can think of, we suffered. yron said to that the commemorafor the

ven though we were aware of racism in this country, my first experience with overt racism was here on this campus, Mcbeth said. e were talked down to, talked about and any kind of disparagement you can think of, we suffered.

The Ithacan tion was an opportunity for the college to learn about the history of IPO students’ struggles and also ex-

pand the narrative.

Sometimes the true history isn’t told, yron said. This would be an opportunity to set the record straight. I don’t think you can make any progress at this institution, or any institution, if you don’t tell

Sometimes the true history isn’t told, yron said. This would be an opportunity to set the record this institution, or any institution, if you don’t tell the truth.

to arl

After the talk by alumni in ob all, attendees moved to the A S lounge in est Tower to hear from icholas arl Moore ’ 0, who created the iconic mural of the lounge. The mural is a collage of images that wrap around three walls in the lounge. They depict famous lack and atino artists and activists, like Sojourner Truth and Malcolm , drawings of atin American and African countries, quotes and lyrics, and elements of African culture close to the artist’s heart.

of the lounge. The mural is a collage of images that wrap around three walls in the lounge. They depict

Sojourner Truth and Malcolm , drawings of atin American and African countries, quotes and lyrics, and elements of African culture close to the artist’s heart. in and

Moore said he took four months to paint the mural, locking himself in the lounge, stacking chairs to reach higher on the wall and often sleeping on a couch in the lounge. e shared his own story of arriving at the college, coming from uffalo,

couch in the lounge. e shared his own story of arriving at the college, coming from uffalo, ew ork.

That was the first time in my life I had ever met such a diverse group of people because in uffalo, you were either black or you were white, Moore said in

that looked anything like us.

That was the first time in my life I had ever met such a diverse group of people because in uffalo, you were either black or you were white, Moore said in his talk. oming out the hood in the ’60s and ’ 0s, it was like going to Mars. There was nothing or anybody that looked anything like us.

Moore also emphasi ed the importance of having a community and a safe space.

Moore also emphasi ed the importance of having a community and a safe space.

e created everything here so that we could live, so that we could flourish, Moore said.

so that we could flourish, Moore said.

From left to right ernard Mc eth

3 participated in the march to protest the proposed budget cuts to the ducationa l Opportunity Program in 19 0.

Photo illustration by Emma Kersting and Grace vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

’ 1, Dennis yron ’ 1 and Steven enteno ’ ducationa

illustration by Kersting and vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

Some companies no longer need a bachelor's degree

bachelor’s degrees as a job requirement, members of the Ithaca College community discuss the value of a college degree and alternate educational paths.

According to the 2022 United States Census Bureau, 37.7% of people ages 25 and up have a bachelor’s degree. And, in 2021, it was reported that 23.5% in that age group had a bachelor’s degree.

For many years, a bachelor’s degree was required to get certain jobs in fields like healthcare, business and social services. However, Intelligent reported that in 2024, 45% of companies will no longer require the requirement in 2023. Whole Foods, Costco, Apple and Google are some companies that do not require a bachelor’s degree from applicants.

bachelor’s degrees and 55% have already got rid of

ric Machan owd, director of the Office of xtended Studies at the college, said that even though companies that do not require bachelor’s degrees will be able to attract more candidates, they will be missing out on candidates who gained the education and experiences from a liberal arts college like Ithaca ollege.

hen I hear about companies who are not requiring baccalaureate degrees … what I worry about is it is kind of being too specific and too niche in terms of what they’re looking for, when we’re producing so many wonderful graduates here,” Machan Howd said.

Dave Curry, director of the Center for Career xploration and Development, said the shift in entrepreneurship is creating more jobs and opportunities to find success. urry said because of this, people are criticizing the value of a college degree.

importance of having a college degree as an education-

However, Curry said people should remember the al and professional tool.

“A lot of the positions that they’re removing the bachelor’s requirement are for entry-level positions, Curry said. “So for those who want to ascend up through an organi ation, or to achieve a more specialized or technical role. A lot of those roles either require higher degrees still, or the candidates who ended up filling those roles tend to have bachelor’s degrees because they had this holistic experience throughout their four years in college. That includes the academic and the technical piece, but much more than that. It includes experiential learning.

According to the Cengage Group’s 2022 Graduate Employability Report, if granted the opportunity to go through college again, only 25% reported that they would do it, while 41% would want to get a certificate for jobs that are “in demand.” Additionally, 61% stated that bachelor’s degrees should have less of a prominent place in the job market. The ew ersey

Business & Industry Association reported that 80% of employers wanted applicants to have more work experience over education.

For many years, a bachelor s degree was required to get certain jobs in fields like healthcare, business and social services. However, in 2024, more companies are shifting to no longer require the degree.

Alison True ’23 is the circulation desk supervisor at the Ithaca College library and received a Bachelor of Science in cinema and photography from the college.

Alison True ’23 is the circulation desk supervisor at the Ithaca College library and received a Bachelor of the

the 2023 riters uild of America strike. She said the

True said she decided to stay in Ithaca because of the 2023 riters uild of America strike. She said the strike made it difficult for people to get and maintain jobs in the entertainment industry.

True said her experience as a student worker and student manager at the library was the reason why she got a position, which is not her field of study.

student manager at the library was the reason why she got a position, which is not her field of study.

aren’t represented on my degree paper and those

ascend to higher positions easier.

of my life doing what I love, and that’s because of my experiences in college, not necessarily the degree that

For me personally, the college experience was really important, not necessarily the college degree,” True said. “I learned so many things in college that aren’t represented on my degree paper and those things are the reason why I think I am really getting to a level where I can call myself successful. I am fully self-sufficient out here in Ithaca and having the time of my life doing what I love, and that’s because of my experiences in college, not necessarily the degree that I have attached to my name.”

According to a blog from oursera, 2% of employers have considered hiring candidates that have micro-credentials. Additionally, % of employers

According to a blog from oursera, 2% of employers have considered hiring candidates that have micro-credentials. Additionally, % of employers are hiring based on certificates and microcredentials, while 9 % are thinking about doing the same.

inkedin earning and oogle areer ertificates offer free certificates in communication skills, information technology and marketing. 2 million people use inkedIn earning, while 50,000 people have used oogle areer ertificates.

mation technology and marketing. 2 million people oogle areer ertificates.

Curry said alternative educational routes provide more paths into the workforce, allowing employees to ascend to higher positions easier.

If it makes more sense for a certain company or career field to instead implement an apprenticeship

some sort of training program that allows them to teach most of the technical skills on the job, then I

If it makes more sense for a certain company or career field to instead implement an apprenticeship program or an associate’s degree requirement or some sort of training program that allows them to teach most of the technical skills on the job, then I think that’s good for everyone, urry said.

Machan Howd said alternative education paths, like certifications and microcredentials, are something that some companies might look at as another credential other than a bachelor’s degree.

like certifications and microcredentials, are something that some companies might look at as another credential other than a bachelor’s degree.

at a four-year institution is it can also attract some non-traditional learners to come and get a certificate from us instead of getting a four-year degree with us,

I think also the nice part about microcredentials at a four-year institution is it can also attract some non-traditional learners to come and get a certificate from us instead of getting a four-year degree with us, Machan owd said. I think companies are going to start seeing that they’re getting more specifically trained people into their businesses through these professional certificates, which in part kind of pushes down those baccalaureate degrees.”

trained people into their businesses through these professional certificates, which in part kind of pushes down those baccalaureate degrees.”

Editor’sNote:AlisonTrueisaformermultimedia editor for The Ithacan

Editor’sNote:AlisonTrueisaformermultimedia editor for The Ithacan

Maddy Tanzman/the ithacan

Federal aid delays hinder student college decisions

nounced an. 30 that data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) would begin to be sent to institutions around the country by mid-March, a significant delay from the originally-established timeline of late anuary.

This change to the FAFSA timeline will likely mean prospective students and their families will have less time to decide on a college or university while also considering the financial aid packages offered to them however, Ithaca ollege will not be extending its Decision Day deadline.

The FAFSA form was recently given a make-over

in 2023 to make the application process easier for students and families in need of federal aid, which involved pushing the date the application opens from Oct. 1 to Dec. 30.

A letter from Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education, was sent to presidents and chancellors of higher education institutions Feb. 12 with an update on the delays and the steps the D is taking to support them.

“If overhauling a system that hasn’t been touched in more than 40 years were easy, it would have been done before,” Cardona wrote.

However, the new FAFSA form has had glitches and technical errors along with the delays. These problems have made some college and university leaders reconsider Decision Day’s deadline of May 1, according to the .S. ews and orld eport. ith the delays, students will have a shorter window to consider the financial aid packages offered to them before the May 1 ational ollege Decision Day.

The college has made an effort to guide fami-

lies through this time of uncertainty while the typical deadline for FAFSA filing, which is une 30, swiftly approaches.

Shana ore, associate vice president for nrollment and Student Success at the college, said that the delay makes the college decision process more difficult for prospective students and their families.

For prospective students, there are a lot of components that go into their college search process, and the financial piece is one of those, ore said. The importance of that financial piece has a different priority for different families.”

In past years, when the FAFSA opened Oct. 1, the financial data used in aid packages the college prepared for accepted students would be available to institutions no later than ovember.

“That gave us a long window before students were even being admitted to the college, to start standardized] testing, to have everything in place to be able

to provide financial aid information to students very timely,” Gore said.

to provide financial aid information to students very timely,” Gore said.

The ED has added to its FAFSA

financial aid forms. The D also directs funding for technical assistance

The ED has added to its FAFSA College Support Strategy, which assists colleges by providing federal personnel to help colleges prepare for and process financial aid forms. The D also directs funding for technical assistance to under-resourced colleges.

Student Aid has been launched at the ED

A concierge service within Federal Student Aid has been launched at the ED to give institutions direct access to financial aid experts for additional support during the 2024-25 FAFSA process.

“We are implementing these changes so you and your colleagues can focus your attention and resources on

“We are implementing these changes so you and your colleagues can focus your attention and resources on getting aid award offers to students,” Cardona wrote.

Gore said she was concerned that

The FAFSA form was recently revamped in 2023 to make the application process easier for students in need of federal aid. Caleb Kaufman/the ithacan

Gore said she was concerned that students may not make the right decision if they do not have all of the financial aid information from each of the colleges they are considering. Obviously, we want every student to pick Ithaca, but what we really want is the students who know this is the right school for them, to pick it, ore said. I don’t want someone to pick Ithaca if it’s not the right place for them, and they just didn’t have the information from the other schools that they needed.”

Obviously, we want every student to pick Ithaca, but what we really want is the students who know this is the right school for them, to pick it, ore said. I place for them, and they just didn’t have the information from the other schools that they needed.”

students provide the same financial data as the FAFand institutional programs and provide them an estimated financial aid package. ot all institutions use calculators like the SAI, so families who fill out the

ore said the college does not want to slow students down or cause barriers for them, so the college built its own SAI calculator. The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a form built in the college’s system where students provide the same financial data as the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for federal, state and institutional programs and provide them an estimated financial aid package. ot all institutions use calculators like the SAI, so families who fill out the SAI form only get an estimate of their award package at the college.

e were using the SAI calculator in December for early decision and early action students and … because it’s not just the delay, it’s that this form we are going to start receiving looks totally different from everything we received for the last 40 years,”

ber for early decision and early action students and … because it’s not just the delay, it’s that this form

from everything we received for the last 40 years,” Gore said.

Sara Sasenwein is a parent of a prospective student and recently attended an open house event at the

her son will be the first of her children to go to college. Sasenwein said the uncertainty in the FAFSA timeline is frustrating.

Sara Sasenwein is a parent of a prospective student and recently attended an open house event at the college with her son, a high school senior. She said her son will be the first of her children to go to college. Sasenwein said the uncertainty in the FAFSA timeline is frustrating.

The D is saying mid-March right now, but who knows, Sasenwein said. e’ve gotten emails from

The D is saying mid-March right now, but who knows, Sasenwein said. e’ve gotten emails from

schools saying that they’re going to delay Decision Day to May 15, but some schools not all, so it still puts the pressure on making a decision in two weeks because not all schools are doing it. It’s just a mess.”

schools saying that they’re going to delay Decision Day pressure on making a decision in two weeks because not all schools are doing it. It’s just a mess.”

All State niversities of ew ork S will be extending their Decision Day deadlines. Other colleges, like Oregon State niversity and the niversity of Minnesota Twin ities, will be extending their Decision Day deadlines as well, according to the ew

All State niversities of ew ork S will be extending their Decision Day deadlines. Other colleges, like Oregon State niversity and the niversity of Minnesota Twin ities, will be extending their Decision Day deadlines as well, according to the ew ork Times.

Amy Munson, a senior financial aid counselor at Kennesaw State University (KSU), said the university is waiting for FAFSA forms to come in.

waiting for FAFSA forms to come in.

“[The delay] is causing us a lot of stress in our office, but at the same time we are just sitting here waiting,” Munson said. “There’s nothing we can do until we get those FAFSAs into our system.”

“[The delay] is causing us a lot of stress in our office, but at the same time we are just sitting here waiting,” Munson said. “There’s nothing we can do until we get those FAFSAs into our system.”

Swastikas found around ithaca college's campus

By Lorien Tyne and vivian rose

A swastika was found drawn into the snow on the rock wall outside of Terrace 3 on Dec. 7, which was the first night of anukkah.

President a erne ornish notified the campus community of the incident in an email on the afternoon of Dec. . In the email, she said Muslim, Arab and Palestinian students have also experienced multiple bias incidents recently but did not provide further information.

e absolutely denounce this ignorant and hateful act of antisemitism, ornish said. Acts of hatred

have no place on our campus, and we must join together to condemn them and reaffirm that Ithaca ollege must remain a safe space for every member of our community.

ornish said the anukkah Shabbat elebrations with illel will still take place the evening of Dec. as planned. ampus Public Safety officers will be at and nearby Muller hapel throughout the holidays.

nearby Muller hapel throughout the holidays.

The shining lights of anukkah will not be diminished or darkened, and we want everyone celebrating to feel safe and secure, ornish said in the email.

to feel safe and secure, ornish said in the email.

e also promise an investigation that seeks justice and accountability.

community was notified an. 20 about a

an.

In 2022, eight swastikas were found on Ithaca ollege’s campus. The last swastika reported was created around ov. 4, 2022. The college never found those responsible for the series of swastikas.

lege’s campus. The last swastika reported was created said she will be at the lighting Dec. 12. Melanie Stein,

ornish said she is currently away from campus traveling and could not attend the celebrations on campus for the first night of anukkah. owever, she said she will be at the lighting Dec. 12. Melanie Stein, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, will be at the lighting Dec. .

xperiences or witnesses of bias, intimidation or

xperiences or witnesses of bias, intimidation or hatred can contact the Office of Public Safety at 60 2 4-3333 or file a ias Impact eport. ornish asked anyone with information about the Dec. incident to

contact Public Safety.

auren oldberg, executive director of the Office of eligious and Spiritual ife, can be reached at 240-401-2590 and lgoldberg2 ithaca.edu. habad

affiliate for the Office of eligious and Spiritual ife,

auren oldberg, executive director of the Office of eligious and Spiritual ife, can be reached at 240-401-2590 and lgoldberg2 ithaca.edu. habad can be contacted by reaching out to affy Filler, I affiliate for the Office of eligious and Spiritual ife, at rfiller ithaca.edu or 34 915-3145.

The enter for ounseling and Psychological Services is available at 60 2 4-3136 at all times.

Spring 2024

The Ithaca ollege community was notified an. 20 about a swastika that was found drawn in the frost in the aker alkway windows an. 19.

The Ithaca ollege community was notified an. 20 about a swastika that was found drawn in the frost in windows

In a an. 20 campus-wide email, onnie Prunty, vice president of Student Affairs and ampus ife,

December

In a an. 20 campus-wide email, onnie Prunty, vice president of Student Affairs and ampus ife, reminded the campus community about the letter President a erne ornish wrote to the campus in December 2023. A swastika was found Dec. , the first night of anukkah, and located on the rock wall

outside of Terrace 3.

that was found drawn in the

Dec. .

Acts of hatred have no place on our campus, and we must join together to condemn them and reaffirm that Ithaca ollege must remain a safe space for every member of our community, ornish’s letter said.

that Ithaca ollege must remain a safe space for every member of our community, ornish’s letter said.

The Office of Public Safety has investigated the incident and has identified the person believed to be responsible according to the email. The individual has been referred to the Office of Student onduct and

ommunity Standards.

The aker alkway connects the ames . halen enter for Music to Terraces Dining all, which is the location for the Kosher Kitchen at the college. In 2022, three swastikas were found in the vicinity of the ames . halen enter for Music and the aker alkway, as The Ithacan xperiences or witnesses of bias, intimidation or hatred can be reported to the Office of Public Safety at 60 2 4-3333 or individuals can also file a ias

the college. In 2022, three swastikas were previously reported by The Ithacan xperiences or witnesses of bias, intimidation or hatred can be reported to the Office of Public Safety at 60 2 4-3333 or individuals can also file a ias Impact eport.

The Ithaca ollege

swastika

frost in the aker alkway windows

19. The alert follows an earlier incident of a swastika drawn on the rock wall outside Terraces 3, near Terrace Dining all and the osher itchen

File photo/the ithacan

Dave Maley, director of public relations at the college, told The Ithacan on Dec. 9 that the swastika was located on the rock wall outside of Terrace 3, not outside of the Terrace Dining all as was previously reported.

File photo/the ithacan

Public safety explains hate crime investigations

By Ryan Johnson

reported on campus at Ithaca ollege. As of March 6, the only case where further action has been taken was regarding an incident report an. 19.

A swastika was found drawn in the frost in the aker alkway windows an. 19. After an investigation from the Office of Public Safety and mergency Management OPS , an individual was apprehended and referred to the Office of Student onduct and ommunity Standards OS S .

Thomas Dunn, director and deputy chief for OPS, said he could not comment on how the individual was

said the OPS investigates a crime but cannot prosecute a student that is up to the OS S.

The OS S has no formal policy for investigations of hate crimes. aura Davis, director of esidential ife and udicial Affairs, said a hate crime would be investigated around bias and personal respect and safety which is described as an action or situation involving assault or abuse including harassment, intimidation or other conduct that endangers or threatens the safety of a person on college property.

OPS investigations and steps taken to prevent hate crimes

Dunn said there is a two-track system for students who are caught committing a hate crime at the college.

One would be through the OS S and the other would be through the ew ork state criminal justice system, Dunn said. In ew ork state, there’s penal law violations like punching someone and causing injuries is what we consider assault.

challenging to investigate unless a person witnesses whowas

challenging to investigate unless a person witnesses the event directly.

There’s no way of telling whowas where at what time and when vandalism showed up, epa said. Sometimes we will get a report and it could have happened two weeks ago or 14 months ago and then we’ll get a report. If there’s that long of a delay in receiving information it’s hard to respond in a way that will be able to identify a perpetrator.

happened two weeks ago or 14 months ago and then we’ll get a report. If there’s that long of a delay in will be able to identify a perpetrator.

the information in the referral , there’s a determination as to if there were any alleged behavior that could potentially be a violation of the rules and regulations, which refers to residence halls, or the code

the information in the referral , there’s a determiof conduct.

Davis said that if there is a violation of the rules and regulations or the code of conduct, a member of the OS S or a designee from the Office of esidential ife would reach out to a student to set up a time

Davis said that if there is a violation of the rules and regulations or the code of conduct, a member of the OS S or a designee from the Office of esidential ife would reach out to a student to set up a time

caught because the investigation is still open. Dunn an individual, the victim would have to decide to

Dunn said that if a hate crime is committed against press charges.

The student conduct side is if we identify someone with a preponderance of evidence that that person was responsible for the act of some type of crime, we would send that to the OS S , Dunn said.

lyse epa, assistant director for the lery Act and Prevention ducation for the Office of Public Safety, said that after the increase in hate crimes on campus in 2022, OPS took a multifaceted approach to combat hate crimes on campus.

In 2022, every hate crime reported on campus was an incident of destruction damage vandalism of property on campus, characteri ed by religious bias. In October and ovember 2022, five swastikas were drawn or carved into surfaces on campus. Four were found in The ames . halen enter for Music and one was found in the Kosher Korner in Terraces Dining all. epa said vandalism is more

Dunn said the motives for hate crimes through vandalism are also difficult to investigate.

e assume some of those crimes are against a person of a specific religious background , but as you

The campus police can’t really determine what the motive was.

e assume some of those crimes are against a person of a specific religious background , but as you know, with the a i symbol, the a is didn’t like a lot of people, Dunn said. So if it’s just a random a i symbol, is it directed at a certain identifying person The campus police can’t really determine what the motive was.

Davis said that once OPS completes an investigation and compiles information on a case, OPS will send a report to the OS S to review the information. Student Conduct and Community Standards

send a report to the OS S to review the information. Student Conduct and Community Standards Process

Davis said the standard hearing process for a student who commits a hate crime would be the standard process for referral to the Office of Student onduct and ommunity Standards.

process for referral to the Office of Student onduct and ommunity Standards.

Once a referral is made regarding an incident, that information is reviewed, Davis said. ased on

that information is reviewed, Davis said. ased on

for an administrative hearing. Davis said the person conducting the administrative hearing would make a decision based on a preponderance of evidence, which Davis said is a decision decided on if the student is more likely than not to have broken the rules and regulations or the code of conduct.

conducting the administrative hearing would make a decision based on a preponderance of evidence, which Davis said is a decision decided on if the stuprocess, Davis said. So then we would look at sanctioning and that is proportional outcomes related to

The goal of OS S is that it’s an educational process, Davis said. So then we would look at sanctioning and that is proportional outcomes related to the behavior that person was found responsible for.

Obviously, that can vary.

Davis said hate crimes are taken very seriously in the Office of Student onduct and ommunity

found responsible for violating the code of conduct, OS S takes the seriousness of the act, the impact to the community and the student’s history of prior in every student conduct case.

Davis said hate crimes are taken very seriously in the Office of Student onduct and ommunity Standards but said she could not provide specific punishments for hate crimes. Once a student has been found responsible for violating the code of conduct, OS S takes the seriousness of the act, the impact to the community and the student’s history of prior conduct into account. Davis said that there is nuance in every student conduct case.

From 2022 to 2024, there were nine hate crimes reported on campus at Ithaca ollege. The Office of Student onduct and ommunity Standards OS S is responsible for investigating hate crimes. illustration by molly teska/the ithacan

title ix Lawsuit shocks and concerns community

By Kai Lincke

As Ithaca College students returned to campus in January for the start of Spring 2024, many learned of a sexual abuse, harassment and Title I lawsuit filed by a student against the college and Bryan Roberts, former associate dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications.

The student, who is named as John Doe to protect his anonymity, alleges in the lawsuit that he was sexually abused and harassed by four then-employees of the college. The lawsuit says that from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023, Doe was “in an unwelcome, unsafe, threatening, and/or nonconsensual sexual relationship” with Roberts.

Senior Avery LaVergne, a cinema and photo major, said she felt jarred as she first learned about the allegations against Roberts through The Ithacan’s reporting. LaVergne said she met with Roberts for academic advising meetings when she was a sophomore in Fall 2021.

“I was extremely shocked because it was the same time in which I was meeting with [Roberts] when he started that relationship with that student,” LaVergne said. “It was … uncomfortable to think that he was actively pursuing a student a year younger than I was romantically.”

Senior Alia oung, a writing for film, T and emerging media major, said she first heard about the lawsuit from YikYak posts — an anonymous online discussion forum for students — about The Ithacan article, and she believes that the college should have been more transparent and addressed the lawsuit from the start.

In a Jan. 22 email, President La Jerne Cornish; Melanie Stein, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Bonnie Prunty, vice president for Student Affairs and Campus Life; and Kirra Franzese, associate vice president and chief human resources officer, notified students that the college was named a defendant in the lawsuit and recognized that students may be affected by the allegations.

“We understand that you may have questions about the claims made in the lawsuit,” the email said. “It is important to note that the college generally does not comment on litigation, nor on confidential personnel matters. We believe that the most appropriate venue to respond to the allegations made in this complaint is through the legal system, and the college will do that at the appropriate time.”

Young said she has discussed the lawsuit with several Park students and they all feel that the lawsuit is very confusing and upsetting. She said she would like her professors to acknowledge the lawsuit and how it may impact students in class, but so far none of her professors have discussed it.

“[Park School professors] kind of acted like nothing happened,” Young said. “I don’t want to put that on the … teachers that I love in the Park School. … I don’t think it’s really their responsibility to be the ones to talk about it. I just wish they would maybe foster a better environment if students had questions or want to bring it up.”

Amy Falkner, dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications, said she understands that students want to hear from Park faculty and administration about the lawsuit, but college faculty and staff cannot comment on the college’s legal proceedings.

“I wouldn’t expect professors — for the same reason I can’t comment on the litigation — that they wouldn’t be able to do anything other than say, ‘Yeah, there was a story in The Ithacan,’” Falkner said. “Nobody can actually say more than that.”

LaVergne said that while she still feels comfortable with the Park professors that she has built relationships with, she now feels less safe within the Park School because Roberts allegedly used his position as associate dean to sexually harass Doe.

“It was really disturbing to realize that the power authorities at my own institution were using that in order to make sexual advances on another student,” LaVergne said. “Especially when … you’re expecting the adults around you to nurture and care for you. And … [Roberts] fell short of that job when downloading Grindr and supposedly doing this sort of thing for years.”

The lawsuit alleges that Roberts connected with Doe and other students on Grindr, a dating platform intended for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The lawsuit also alleges that Doe connected with Jack

Bryant, associate professor and degree program director of Media Arts, Sciences and Studies, on Grindr.

A male student who uses Grindr and did not want to be identified because of safety concerns said he fears that because the alleged sexual harassment started over Grindr, the campus community will see an increase in homophobia. He said he wants to emphasize that the alleged sexual assault described in the lawsuit did not occur simply because Doe was using Grindr.

“The fact that this professor and our former [associate] dean engaged with students means that they were setting their age range to include students,” the student said. “So I don’t think it’s as simple as, 'Oh, well, it just happens [on Grindr].'

There is a certain degree of planning that has to be involved. I think, in some ways, they had to be actively seeking someone within the age range of people who they knew were students, especially with things like location settings. hether or not there was a profile picture involved with this, they still had a lot of knowledge to assume that this person was a student at Ithaca College before they chose to engage with them.”

At the college, the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services provides a place for LGBTQ+ students to learn and ask questions about sexual health and safety. Crissi Dalfonzo, director of the center and Lee Tyson, pride fellow at the center, are both confidential resources which means students at the college can consult them about Title IX violations without having to make a report.

Brian Peterson, director of CAPS, said the lawsuit can prompt many layers of emotions for students, and he hopes they will consider speaking with a counselor to process their thoughts.

“Even if students aren’t directly involved, when a program is involved and the reputation of a program is involved, we’ll have students talk to us about their perception of how safe IC is and what kind of supports they have, and, ‘Is there someone I can talk to?’ and ‘How does what happened apply to me?’” Peterson said. “There’s no right or wrong reaction to things — you know, anger, sadness, confusion. … People process things differently. So whatever a person’s feeling is certainly something that we can talk about.”

The student, who is named as John Doe to proFall reporting.

resource for student to discuss their concerns or report a sexual assult. Ray Milburn/the ithacan

college merges programs to provide more resources

At the beginning of Spring 2024, the Ithaca College First-Generation and MLK Scholar Center merged with the BIPOC Unity Center to recognize the overlap with students who use both centers’ resources.

There was no formal announcement from the college about the merger but Cliff-Simon Vital, assistant director of the BIPOC Unity Center, said talks of the merger were initiated in Fall 2023. The merger was announced to MLK Scholars in a meeting Feb. 5.

“We have a lot of students that share similar identities,” Vital said. “It made more sense to remove the our suite and create a more open system for both of us to collaborate within budgets, programming, student and staff resources.”

wall that had been imaginarily placed here separating

Bonnie Prunty, vice president of Student Affairs and Campus Life, said via email that information about the merger was shared in an open meeting with students who engage with the offices and there will be an official announcement to the campus community prior to spring break.

Approximately 21% of students at the college identify as BIPOC. The number of BIPOC students at the college has increased from about 13% in 2010. Approximately 15% of each incoming class identifies as a first-generation student.

Shadayvia Wallace, program director of the MLK Scholars and First-Gen Center, said the merger was a collaborative effort among herself, Vital, Prunty, Marsha Dawson, dean of students and interim director for the BIPOC Unity Center, and Luca Maurer, executive director of Student Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

“[The purpose was] trying to address the needs of the BIPOC Unity Center at the time [and] my needs as a one-woman office, allace said.

Vital said the funding for the centers is not merged and the centers have two separate accounts for funding, but there are plans in the works for how funding may work in the future. Vital said that following the merger, the BIPOC Unity Center went from having an office of three to an office of four, a staff of seven to a staff of 10, and went from having 22 programming events a year to around 50.

Until 2021, the MLK Scholar and First-Gen programs were run independently. In August 2021, Wallace became the director of both programs. Wallace said that running the First-Gen and MLK Scholar program along with being involved with the BIPOC Unity Center was challenging.

Despite Wallace’s new responsibility as an associate director of the BIPOC Unity Center, she continues to oversee the admissions process for

the MLK Scholarship.

Vital said that when Angélica Carrington, former director of the BIPOC Unity Center, left in November,

Vital said that when Angélica Carrington, former director of the BIPOC Unity Center, left in November, he and college leadership promised students that the resources provided in the center would not end.

“One of those key responsibilities is being a Title

“One of those key responsibilities is being a Title I confidential resource and so when we were looking to see who else could create that support system, ultimately the decision came down that [Wallace] would be the person to support in that capacity,” Vital said.

Junior Liguori Flanagan, peer educator at the BI-

Junior Liguori Flanagan, peer educator at the BIPOC Unity Center, said that after the merger, he did not see a big difference in the duties that come with his position.

Kaeleigh Banda/the ithacan

considering the goals of each center.

considering the goals of each center.

“I get to have more insights on [issues] that concern me because I’m also a first-gen student, Ford said. ith our office, we talk a lot about intersectionality. … I [now] also understand how it is to be a IPO student and a first-gen student and what that

“I get to have more insights on [issues] that concern me because I’m also a first-gen student, Ford said. ith our office, we talk a lot about intersectionality. … I [now] also understand how it is to be a IPO student and a first-gen student and what that looks like being under one office.

Some IPO students, like first-year student ucas Miller, who frequently interact with the BIPOC Unity Center were not aware of the merger between the two centers. Miller said one of his biggest concerns with the merger is a lack of focused programming for each center’s target demographic.

Center were not aware of the merger between the two centers. Miller said one of his biggest concerns with

“Ever since the [merger, I] have gotten adjusted to sharing [tasks] with other people as well as just tak-

“Ever since the [merger, I] have gotten adjusted to sharing [tasks] with other people as well as just taking on various tasks, but it has been a smooth adjustment,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan said that while it would be nice to see an increase in how much peer educators are paid, minimum wage is the standard for the college regardless

Flanagan said that while it would be nice to see an increase in how much peer educators are paid, miniof the job.

“I do feel like we deserve an extra dollar just beall the work that we do, because we are literally work-

“I do feel like we deserve an extra dollar just because we are taking on the other office s tasks and all the work that we do, because we are literally working to improve [the] student community on campus,” Flanagan said.

Senior Ashanti Ford said the difference in her work before the merger and after the merger is an added focus on MLK and First-Gen programming. Ford said the merger was a good decision and made sense

Senior Ashanti Ford said the difference in her work before the merger and after the merger is an added

“I think that the school should show enough support to their exclusive centers and be able to [provide enough resources to each center separate-

“I think that the school should show enough support to their exclusive centers and be able to [provide enough resources to each center separately],” Miller said. “At the same time, I can see how the [merger between the] First-Gen Center and the BIPOC Center provide new opportunities for [the

BIPOC Center provide new opportunities for [the student body].”

side of the college as well.

ital said that being able to create a unified resource for students through the merger has allowed

Wallace said there will be more opportunities for her constituents to interact with the community outital said that being able to create a unified resource for students through the merger has allowed the BIPOC Unity Center to earn its name.

BIPOC its

“It’s funny we called ourselves the BIPOC Unity enter but didn’t really do a lot of unification, ital said. “Now I feel like our name actually means someone-stop-shop instead of [different centers].”

“It’s funny we called ourselves the BIPOC Unity enter but didn’t really do a lot of unification, ital said. “Now I feel like our name actually means something on campus. … You can come in here and it’s a one-stop-shop instead of [different centers].”

From left to right: Shadayvia Wallace, program director of the MLK Scholars and First-Gen Center, Marsha Dawson, dean of students and interim director for the BIPOC Unity Center, and Clif-Simon Vital, assistant director of the BIPOC Unity Center, have expanded the role of the BIPOC Unity Center.

GREATER ITHACA AFFAIRS

Ithaca airport adds new route to washington d.c.

By Sonya Mukhina

In September, Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) received a $750,000 grant from the Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) to expand air routes to Washington, D.C.

The SCASDP is a grant program that awards 20 grants to smaller communities from 16 states across the U.S. to help them address issues regarding air transportation. Communities that are selected have pre-existing partnerships that make air travel more accessible, provide a plan that outlines how they plan on using grant funds on a specific timeline, and have a letter of support from an air carrier.

Because ITH is a smaller airport and is the only airport closest to Ithaca College and Cornell University, tickets usually tend to be limited and expensive. Chris Stephany, marketing and air service development administrator at the ITH, said the grant is earmarked by the Department of Transportation for a route to D.C., but could also be to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia or Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia since those routes were available before the COVID-19 pandemic.

I believe it is a very beneficial route for all the residents here in Tompkins County,” Stephany said. “We’re very optimistic that the expansion will be happening this coming year … and the route will be open.”

Stephany and Roxan Noble, airport director, said ITH — much like the entire airport industry — struggled to rebound its workflow post- O ID-19.

Noble said it is going to take at least until 2024 to expand routes, and it also depends on issues that airlines face, like the shortage of flight staff and pilots. In November 2022, ITH also announced that it would be discontinuing its services to Detroit. Noble said there are currently only two daily flights to ohn F. ennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport available from the ITH. Noble said Delta and United Airlines are the only two airlines that offer flights from IT .

e have people we want that want to fly, oble said. “We’ve got great relationships with those two current carriers, and we are working on building back to where we were before COVID.”

Stephany said that with the expansion of routes, cost reduction is expected and this makes air travel more accessible overall.

e do believe that more flights equals cheaper prices, Stephany said. The more flights are out of here, the more seats there are, so we are hoping that this is one of the benefits of adding three or four more flights to the route.

First-year student Sage Zetah- ornelius is from Minnesota and said she flew out of IT to visit home. ornelius said she paid about 600 for flight tickets and was not happy about the pricing from ITH.

“My experience with the Ithaca Tompkins Airport was pleasant and smooth, Zetah- ornelius said. “The only thing I would change was the organization of the security and the fact that they overbooked the flight and almost denied me a seat. Also, the pricing was definitely not the best. It was very expensive, around 600, and I will be flying out of other airports

from now on.”

Sophomore hike e ianya said that flying home to D.C. usually turns out to be fairly expensive for him since there is no direct flight availability of the IT . eianya said he usually flies out of Syracuse, ew ork, or ew ork ity.

“I would say it is normally in the neighborhood of $500 for a plane ticket and a bus ride,” Nezianya said. “It always makes more sense to go somewhere I can get direct flight from, so if they are expanding their flight routes to D. ., I would definitely consider flying from Ithaca.”

Noble said ITH has yet to decide which airline they are hoping to provide the routes through.

e don’t have a definitive airline currently that we are going to be doing this flight with, but we’re looking to offer it really soon,” Noble said. “The folks from Ithaca College as well as Cornell really want to get back to the D.C. area, so we do have a great interest within the community to get back there.”

Melissa Marchese, a member of the Air Service Board of ITH, is also the executive director of marketing strategy at Ithaca College. The Air Service Board is a body formed by the Tompkins County Area Development and the Tompkins County Chamber of ommerce to specifically focus on engaging with different stakeholders.

Marchese said the college provides support to the airport and recognizes the importance of helping the community. Marchese said flights to D. . can potentially ease the commute for the college’s admissions officers who are not based in Ithaca or nearby.

“We see the importance of a vibrant community and having the environment where the airport serves different locations,” Marchese said. “We have an admissions counselor based in D. . , just like we do in oston or ew ork, so we do see the great potential there. I think it’s wonderful for us to be able to say we have flights to ew ork and we would have flights to D.C.”

Because ITH is a smaller airport and is the only airport closest to Ithaca College and Cornell University, tickets usually tend to be limited as the airport industry continues to struggle since the COVID-19 pandemic. John Henry Downes/THE ITHACAN

Ithaca feels the impact of the israel-hamas war

munities around the world — has felt the impacts of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, especially during the current war. After Hamas led an attack in Israel on Oct. , killing hundreds of civilians, Israel began retaliation Oct. 13, which is ongoing and has shut down Gaza.

This is the fifth and most deadly war for both Israel and a a since the beginning of the conflict in 194 . The attack on Israel occurred on Simchat Torah, a ewish holiday, and at least 199 people were taken hostage by amas, some of whom are children, ac-

cording to reports from the Israeli government. The

previous wars took place in 200 , 2012, 2014 and 2021 and the Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for 5 years.

Airstrikes continue to hit Gaza in residential areas, where most of amas’ military infrastructure is located. Hospitals in Gaza are anticipating to run out of fuel ov. 2, which means essential medical equipment will be useless. In addition to fuel, Israel has also cut off access to clean water, according to AP ews.

Mohammed Deif, leader of amas’ military, said the attack was in response to raids inside the est ank Israel’s blockade of a a violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque; increasing Jewish settlers on Palestinian land and a rising number of attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians.

D. ershon ewental, 2003 graduate of ornell niversity and associate editor at the ournal of Persianate Studies, said mental health support is the key resource that colleges should be offering to students right now. ewental is currently based in Israel and is an alumnus of ornell’s lub of Israel. olleges should also be focusing on mental health for both Israeli and Palestinian students as well as others who might be affected, ewental said. Another thing would be strong statements by university administration. I think that that was a very important step because it says there are red lines, there are things which are unacceptable.

Written threats were made against Jewish students on ornell niversity’s reekrank forums Oct. 29. One post made to the Greek life platform threatened a shooting at 104 est , which is the location of ornell’s enter for ewish iving and the kosher dining hall. ornell niversity junior Patrick Dai was arrested Oct. 31 for posting threats of violence against the Jewish community at Cornell and stayed in Broome ounty jail overnight. e appeared in federal court ov. 1 in Syracuse, ew ork, and was charged with Interstate Communications. Dai will appear in court

again for a preliminary hearing ov. 15.

The threats from Patrick Dai, calling for threatening acts against ewish people in Ithaca, was a major ollege, said via email. e can no longer think this could not happen here’ because it has. e need

The threats from Patrick Dai, calling for threatening acts against ewish people in Ithaca, was a major wake up call, than eer, a ewish student at Ithaca ollege, said via email. e can no longer think this could not happen here’ because it has. e need everyone to speak up, not just ews, but the Ithaca community as a whole to make sure we do not repeat history.

ollege’s campus. hile no known threats have been

In 2022, eight swastikas were found on Ithaca ollege’s campus. hile no known threats have been made to anyone at the college during this semester, security was increased after the threats at Cornell.

Ithaca ollege President a erne ornish sent a message to the campus community Oct. 10 in which

Ithaca ollege President a erne ornish sent a message to the campus community Oct. 10 in which she encouraged students, staff and faculty who are not directly affected by the war to offer their compassion and empathy to those who are.

As always, my thoughts are with the members of our campus community, along with our families,

to live in a world without violence, especially against civilians, including innocent children.

As always, my thoughts are with the members of our campus community, along with our families, friends, and colleagues, many of whom are directly affected, ornish said. ike all people, we deserve to live in a world without violence, especially against civilians, including innocent children.

unior ichard Martin is Palestinian on his moth-

related to the conflict since 201 . Martin said that he has received support from people around him but that the institutional response from the college has

unior ichard Martin is Palestinian on his mother’s side and said he has been consuming media related to the conflict since 201 . Martin said that he has received support from people around him but that the institutional response from the college has been disappointing.

I read through the message , and we were

I read through the message , and we were

essentially a footnote, Martin said. People love to default to defending the state instead of just mourning lives lost. There’s at least two of us Palestinians . So, I get it, we’re not a very present force, but you shouldn’t have to have pressure from a student population to say the right thing.

essentially a footnote, Martin said. People love to default to defending the state instead of just mourning lives lost. There’s at least two of us Palestinians . So, I get it, we’re not a very present force, but you shouldn’t have to have pressure from a student population to say the right thing.

Previous generations have witnessed wars waged from television screens and on the front pages of newspapers however, people now are watching this war unfold via social media while artificial intelligence and deep fakes become prominent, allowing for more mis- and disinformation to be spread about the

people war unfold via social media while artificial intelligence and deep fakes become prominent, allowing for Israel-Hamas war.

Zainab Al Ahmad, a first-year international student, is from the borders between ebanon and Palestine. She said she has felt supported by her friends and professors on campus but wishes there was more material support for people suffering in a a. She said the .S. is giving money to Israel but Palestinians

Zainab Al Ahmad, a first-year international student, is from the borders between ebanon and Palestine.

material support for people suffering in a a. She said the .S. is giving money to Israel but Palestinians need donations.

I’m not happy with Israelis being killed because humans have lives and dreams, Al Ahmad said. I think the best way is to end the war because Israel is not stopping bombing people.

humans have lives and dreams, Al Ahmad said. I think the best way is to end the war because Israel is not stopping bombing people.

Al Ahmad said her family is safe where they are now, but there is fear in not knowing what will

Al Ahmad said her family is safe where they happen next.

It’s really sad and distressing, and I cannot do anything because I’m away from home, Al Ahmad said. So I cannot do anything, just watching news

It’s really sad and distressing, and I cannot do anything because I’m away from home, Al Ahmad said. So I cannot do anything, just watching news every day.

A picture taken from Israel s southern city of Sderot shows smoke rising during Israeli bombardment of the a a Strip on Sunday Oct. 29. The Ithaca ollege comminity has felt the impact of the ongoing conflict.

Courtesy of Tribune news Service

Community grieves as bias incidents increase

Since the Israel- amas war began Oct. the fifth war in the Israel-Arab and Israel-Palestine conflict antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism have seen dramatic increases around the world. The shooting threat directed at ornell niversity’s ewish community is one incident where communities have been targeted.

The Anti-Defamation eague recorded 312 reports of antisemitic incidents between Oct. and 23. There were 64 incidents reported during the same time frame in 2022. The AD also recorded spikes of these incidents in countries across the globe.

Similarly, the ouncil on American-Islamic elations received 4 complaints between Oct. and 24 of Islamophobic incidents and incidents motivated by bias against Palestinians and Arabs. The report stated that the number of complaints is the most it has seen within such a short time frame since December 2015, when former president Donald Trump announced his desire to ban Muslims from the .S. ornell niversity junior Patrick Dai was arrested and suspended Oct. 31 for posting threats of violence against the ewish community at ornell, including a shooting threat directed at 104 est , the kosher and multicultural dining hall next to the Center for ewish iving.

Dunn said campus community members should

and began investigating the posts while security was

Dunn said campus community members should call OPS or 911 if they see anything suspicious.

The ornell niversity Police Department initiated a community threat alert for the City of Ithaca and began investigating the posts while security was increased at 104 est and other ewish spaces on campus. ornell President Martha Pollack and oel

statements condemning the posts and providing up-

Malina, vice president for university relations, released statements condemning the posts and providing updates to the community.

In an email statement to , Molly oldstein and eremy Zarge, presidents of the enter for ewish iving at ornell, said via email that the is relieved an arrest has been made. They thanked law enforcement, ornell administration and ochul for protecting the local Jewish community.

The Ithacan stein and eremy Zarge, presidents of the enter for

oward rlich, board member of the Ithaca Area

oward rlich, board member of the Ithaca Area United Jewish Community and former dean of Ithaca ollege’s School of umanities and Sciences, said he has noticed an increase in security at events in the local ewish community, like at the local temples and

he has noticed an increase in security at events in the local ewish community, like at the local temples and even bar and bat mit vahs.

If you actually looked at the threat, it was not only frightening but at a level that was barbaric in its language, rlich said. I’m pleased that at Ithaca ollege, I’m sure that people have strong reactions, but as a campus, there seems to be more tolerance at Ithaca ollege . hich doesn’t mean there aren’t strong opinions, but there are ways to express those strong

If you actually looked at the threat, it was not only frightening but at a level that was barbaric in its lanthere opinions, but there are ways to express those strong opinions that are appropriate.

A Jewish student at Ithaca College — who requested their name not be published for safety reasons said they think the rise in bias incidents comes from previously held sentiments and some people are now

ed their name not be published for safety reasons said they think the rise in bias incidents comes from using the war as a cover to spread hate.

“I think that people who truly support the cause of preventing harm in Palestine would not use this as an excuse for violence, the student said. I’ve just been seeing a lot of people regurgitate stuff that’s already been said. It’s so hard to distinguish the truth from

preventing harm in Palestine would not use this as an excuse for violence, the student said. I’ve just been seeing a lot of people regurgitate stuff that’s already been said. It’s so hard to distinguish the truth from what you want to believe.

“It deeply saddens and pains us to learn that the represents the growing trend of rising antisemitism

“It deeply saddens and pains us to learn that the threats were made by a ornell student, and that such hate exists amongst our peers, the statement said. hile we are thankful this student is in custody, we understand that this incident does not stand alone. It represents the growing trend of rising antisemitism worldwide that we must continue to fight in all forms.

More posts have been made to ornell’s reekrank forum since the original coverage of antisemitic posts like the ones made by Dai. One post from Oct. 30

The Ithacan said, I am thrilled to see this death toll increase in a a, and called Palestinians animals.

like the ones made by Dai. One post from Oct. 30 confirmed by Palestinians animals.

Tom Dunn, associate director and deputy chief of

Tom Dunn, associate director and deputy chief of the Office of Public Safety and mergency Management at Ithaca ollege, said that since Oct. , campus safety has been monitoring information from federal, state and local law enforcement, including the PD. Dunn said OPS also gets updates from campus partners like Ithaca ollege illel about upcoming events

Dunn said OPS also gets updates from campus partand speakers.

auren oldberg, director of illel at Ithaca ol-

auren oldberg, director of illel at Ithaca ollege, said she encourages people who do not have immediate ties to this conflict or related identities to break out of social media and news algorithms that

may be reinforcing their own perspective.

If anybody thinks that they are fully right in this would to press on it, and to break their heart open a little bit more, oldberg said. ecause if there’s no personal connection here, then I think it’s very easy to flatten

If anybody thinks that they are fully right in this moment, I would encourage them to explore that and to press on it, and to break their heart open a little bit more, oldberg said. ecause if there’s no personal connection here, then I think it’s very easy to flatten people’s stories into right and wrong, black and white. And anybody who’s really living with this pain knows

the depth of this is so much greater than that.

oldberg said illel is working to bring more educational speakers to campus to talk about current events as well as how the conflict has gotten to this point. owever, she said it is challenging to bring content like that when so many campus community members are grieving. She also said the grief people are experiencing right now is not limited to one

oldberg said illel is working to bring more educational speakers to campus to talk about current

point. owever, she said it is challenging to bring content like that when so many campus community members are grieving. She also said the grief people are experiencing right now is not limited to one identity or political stance.

hat we’re dealing with, it might express itself differently for different people in alignment with different politics or policies, but the truth of the matter is that the witnessing of this pain is universal, when ban and multicultural dining hall next to the Center for

hat we’re dealing with, it might express itself differently for different people in alignment with different politics or policies, but the truth of the matter is that the witnessing of this pain is universal, oldberg said.

ornell niversity junior Patrick Dai was arrested Oct. 31 for posting threats of violence against the ewish community at ornell, including a shooting threat directed at 104 est, a kosher and multiultural dining hall.

Kaeleigh Banda/THE ITHACAN

Ithaca IS a sanctuary for transgenger healthcare

The city of Ithaca’s Common Council passed new gender-affirming laws Sept. 6 to strengthen the Trans Safe aven esolution, officially declaring Ithaca as a sanctuary for transgender healthcare.

The Trans Safe Haven Resolution is a direct response to the new law that Governor Kathy Hochul signed on June 25 to make New York State a place of protection for members of the trans and gender non-conforming community.

Ithaca’s resolution ensures access to lawful medical and mental care and makes it clear that discriminating against gender identity is illegal. It comes in reaction to laws being passed in other states, like Florida and Idaho, that prohibit transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals from seeking gender-affirming care and assisting an individual in seeking gender-affirming care.

The resolution was proposed by Fourth Ward Alderperson Jorge DeFendini, who said he believes that the lack of access to proper healthcare for many trans and gender non-conforming individuals is a detriment to their health and safety and seems to be politically motivated.

“I was inspired by looking around and what was happening across our country from top–tier Republican candidates for presidency but also at state and local levels of government,” DeFendini said. “It’s become very clear to me that there is this outright attempt at genocide, frankly, by conservatives.”

DeFendini said Ithaca’s resolution is different from the law that Hochul passed because it explicitly states that if the state law no longer serves as a safe haven for transgender people, it will not prioritize making any of the new changes.

“[The last provision is] very important to me … should we be compelled by the state or federal government to act opposite of what we hope to intend with this law … we make doing that our absolute lowest priority,” DeFendini said.

Vanessa Taylor, administrator of the Ithaca Transgender roup, said the influence of these new laws will provide a safe space for transgender people who live in states where gender-affirming healthcare has been banned.

“We’re thrilled … that the city took these steps to pass these laws for members of our area … and hopeful for folks that live outside of New York State in some of these areas where they’ve gone in different directions with their laws and legislation.” Taylor said.

Crissi Dalfonzo, the director of the LGBTQ center at Ithaca College, said via email that she is excited about the resolution being passed and that it reflects Ithaca’s rich history of positive LGBTQ+ politics. “I

The city of Ithaca's Common Council strengthened the Trans Safe Haven Resolution and declared Ithaca as a sanctuary for transgender healthcare Sept. 6. The resolution is a response to the

am pleased that the city administration committee is taking measures to protect and support the rights of trans individuals seeking gender-affirming healthcare as well as the rights of the healthcare professionals providing it,” Dalfonzo said. “From the Lavender Hill commune in the 70s, to thriving businesses throughout the 80s and 90s, Ithaca has a history of being a space where LGBQT+ people can live proudly.”

The resolution is a part of a larger plan of laws that will protect the civil liberties of people who live in Ithaca. When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Ithaca passed an abortion sanctuary agreement, which further protected the right to get an abortion. The laws will continue to protect civil liberties, like the right to healthcare, that are in danger of no longer being protected.

DeFendini said that even with laws being passed that help transgender and gender non-conforming people seek gender-affirming healthcare in the city of Ithaca, the process of actually receiving healthcare is still a long process. With issues like long wait times and lack of resources or specialists, his goal is to improve overall access.

First-year student Nick Weinberger believes that the laws are a step in the right direction and is happy to see the protection they get as a queer person living in Ithaca, given the current political circumstances in the country. “We are

literally in a medical genocide right now,” Weinberger said. “Because of the lack of empathy and care that the federal government has for trans people.”

So far in 2023, 567 anti-trans bills have been proposed in the U.S., according to the Trans Legislation Tracker. 170 of those bills were healthcare related. OK SB129, a bill that went into effect July 1 in Oklahoma, bans seeking gender transition procedures, healthcare providers administering gender transition procedures and state funds being used towards gender transition procedures.

First-year student Alexis Alzamora said she is optimistic about the resolution being passed and hopes that it sets the tone for future government decisions nationwide.

“These laws are a detriment to the trans community, while the safe haven resolution provides options and guidance for those seeking affirmative care, Alzamora said. “There’s a lot more work that needs to be done, but this is a step in the right direction.”

New York State law.

Photo illustration by Malik Clement

Day of Rememberance vigil

pink the colors of the transgender flag were dropped in a glass to represent the number of transgender people whose lives were lost to violence since Oct. 1, 2022, during a vigil for the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).

Remembrance

kins County Public Library to remember the names of the lives lost and celebrate the living through poetry readings, musical performances and a keynote from Raja Gopal Bhattar, executive director for the Center of Identity and Inclusion at the University of Chicago.

“It’s really important that [the vigil] be a community event,” Dalfonzo said. “That it be something that is really bringing people together regardless of university affiliation or you’re just a resident of Ithaca, having a space [where] you can be together … is

event,” Dalfonzo said. “That it be something that is really bringing people together regardless of univerreally important.”

people’s lives have been lost to violence in 2023, according to the Trans Murder Monitoring Report. Of the lives lost, 94% were transgender women, 80% were affected by racism and 73% of the deaths occurred in Latin America.

The Ithaca community came together in the Tompthe 320 reported transgender and gender diverse Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed

Nov. 20 and was started in 1999 by transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor the life of Rita Hester, who was murdered in 1998, and every transgender person’s life lost before her.

Foula Dimopoulos, adviser for the Arthur O. Eve Ed-

ucational Opportunity Program and Higher Education

Sasha affloer, library assistant and organi er for the event, said much thought went into hosting the

Sasha affloer, library assistant and organi er for the event, said much thought went into hosting the event at the library.

“We’ve had this event in the past before, but this is the first time at the library because we’re trying to get more people from the local community involved,”

is the first time at the library because we’re trying to get more people from the local community involved,”

affloer said.

affloer also said it was important to make sure the event was safe and comfortable for people to attend.

event was safe and comfortable for people to attend.

“In the past, we’ve received backlash for our pride related events, so it is definitely on our mind, aflloer

“In the past, we’ve received backlash for our pride related events, so it is definitely on our mind, aflloer said. “But we [had] security and all of our staff have

been trained on how to deal with these issues.”

Eden Coyne, a resident of Ithaca, said it is hard to

Eden Coyne, a resident of Ithaca, said it is hard to not feel selfish being able to attend T events in Ithaca while transgender people who lost their lives were not able to experience the same kind of support.

“I just have to be thankful,” Coyne said. “I have to be thankful that I have these things and different events to support me and my community. I want more people to feel thankful that they can have

Opportunity Programs at Cornell University, gave the opening statements for the vigil. Dimopoulos said TDOR commemorates the lives of transgender people in a society that has become increasingly hostile toward transgender lives.

“I just have to be thankful,” Coyne said. “I have to be thankful that I have these things and different events to support me and my community. I want this liberation.”

TDOR commemorates the lives of transgender people

“[TDOR] is a day for action,” Dimopoulos said. “That is the truest sense of the word vigil. It is about holding space, it is about gathering and it is about remembering and in that remembering, taking action.”

“That is the truest sense of the word vigil. It is about

Cornell student Noor Sabharwal read the poem “Why Dust Shall Never Settle Upon This Soul” by Ryka Aoki during the event and said the vigil was uplifting because of the love and labor put into the event.

Aoki during the event and said the vigil was uplifting

“[The vigil] is a testament to how our community comes together to remember, honor and celebrate each other,” Sabharwal said.

Resource Center and Thursgays at The Range. As a companion event to the vigil, Thursgays at The Range

The vigil was sponsored by the Ithaca College Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services, The Cortland LGBTQ Center, the Cornell University LGBT Resource Center and Thursgays at The Range. As a companion event to the vigil, Thursgays at The Range hosted a “Trans Joy” drag show.

Crissi Dalfonzo, director of LGBTQ Education, collaborating with local organizations to plan the vigil

Crissi Dalfonzo, director of LGBTQ Education, Outreach and Services, said Ithaca College has been collaborating with local organizations to plan the vigil every year since 2020, when the event was completely online during the pandemic.

Coyne said the performances and poetry readings provided moments of liberation, while mourning the

Coyne said the performances and poetry readings provided moments of liberation, while mourning the loss of life.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, 26 transgender and gender-non-conforming people were killed in the U.S. in 2023. Of the people murdered, 50% were either deadnamed or misgendered by authorities or the press. Bhattar said in the keynote

transgender and gender-non-conforming people were killed in the U.S. in 2023. Of the people murdered, the presentation that this is called a “double death.”

Bhattar said the statistics represent a multiplicity in identities of the individuals murdered and it is import-

Bhattar said the statistics represent a multiplicity in identities of the individuals murdered and it is important to recognize that misogyny, transphobia, racism and other layers of oppression contribute to violence

against transgender people.

Bhattar said TDOR is one of the most important speak, they could not say no.

Bhattar said TDOR is one of the most important events of the year and when they were invited to

“Coming to a vigil like this … reminds me to both honor the past and the violence that’s happened but also to commit to being true to myself, taking up space

“Coming to a vigil like this … reminds me to both honor the past and the violence that’s happened but also to commit to being true to myself, taking up space in my queerness and my fabulousness and to be visible in the community because I have a responsibility to do that,” Bhattar said. “I am taking up space for those whose voices have been taken away too shortly. It’s a reaffirmation for me of my own job and the work that’s

in the community because I have a responsibility to do that,” Bhattar said. “I am taking up space for those whose voices have been taken away too shortly. It’s a reaffirmation for me of my own job and the work that’s yet to be done.”

The Ithaca community came together on Nov. 20 at the Tomkins County Public Library in celebration of the Transgender Day of Rememberance with a vigil featuring poetry readings, musical performances and speakers. Lorien Tyne/THE ITHACAN

Name change clinic helps Ithaca's LGBTQ+ Students

and passing anti-trans bills, it is more important than ever that we offer whatever support we are able.”

by Cornell University’s LGBT Resource Center in collaboration with Cornell Law School. On Oct. 20, the clinic offered spaces and time slots to Ithaca College students from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. via Zoom or in person.

Crissi Dalfonzo, director of the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services at Ithaca College, said Cornell’s LGBT Resource Center and Ithaca College’s Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services have a rich history of collaboration. Dalfonzo was the assistant director of the LGBT Resource Center

at Cornell prior to her role at Ithaca College.

“The two centers have a history of collaboration on events, like the name change clinic and the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil, which we’ve co-sponsored as a joint event for the last three years,” Dalfonzo said via email. “Because of my strong connections to Cornell, I’m looking forward to continuing to collaborate across the hills moving forward.”

The clinic was started in May 2019 and takes place once every semester. Dalfonzo said that since the start of the clinic, it has always shared the opportunity with Ithaca College students.

“Programs such as this send a very clear message: everyone deserves to live their truth and have their legal documents reflect that. Dalfon o said. In a time when many local and state governments are launching

The clinic was co-created by Mallory Livingston,

The clinic was co-created by Mallory Livingston, director of the LGBTQIA Rights Program of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Central New York and adjunct professor of law at Cornell Law School. Livingston said there are two main ways an individual can change their name in New York state: through the common law name change and by filing papers with the court.

their name in New York state: through the common ornell

For students to participate in the name change clinic, they must register for a time slot and bring a certified copy or a high-quality PDF version of their birth certificate. They are then assigned a volunteer ornell aw student to help fill out and file the necessary paperwork on their behalf. Livingston said Cornell Law students simply act as a liaison and not as authority.

students simply act as a liaison and not as authority.

“The law students aren’t lawyers, so there has to

legal issues can be involved. For example, sometimes

“The law students aren’t lawyers, so there has to be a supervising attorney in order to be able to file the cases with the court,” Livingston said. “We teach the law students how to do the name changes and what legal issues can be involved. For example, sometimes we might have a minor who is trans and wants to change their name and one parent supports that and another parent opposes it. … With things like this, the court is going to want certain paperwork and proof being presented before they allow the name change to

court is going to want certain paperwork and proof being presented before they allow the name change to go through.”

The paperwork in ew ork to file a name change with the court is relatively straightforward. It requires

The paperwork in ew ork to file a name change with the court is relatively straightforward. It requires

Court.

of birth, place of birth and legal and criminal history. Then they must provide the name they are changing

basic information about a person, like their name, date of birth, place of birth and legal and criminal history. Then they must provide the name they are changing to and the reason for changing their name. They must also state the New York county they are in and what

court they will petition to.

Once the paperwork is completed with the clinic, the olunteer awyers Project of officially files the

ork State requires a notari ed petition to the ew ork Supreme Court in the county where the recipient of

200. Once filed, the court will decide on the name

Once the paperwork is completed with the clinic, the olunteer awyers Project of officially files the paperwork with the court. Changing a name in New ork State requires a notari ed petition to the ew ork Supreme Court in the county where the recipient of the name change is and the court’s filing fee is about 200. Once filed, the court will decide on the name change in 30–60 days in most cases.

“If possible, we’d like to draft the petition right then and there,” Livingston said. “[Then] have the client approve it and have them sign it and get it no-

certified copy of their birth certificate we can file it through the court right away.”

“If possible, we’d like to draft the petition right then and there,” Livingston said. “[Then] have the client approve it and have them sign it and get it notarized right there and at that point. If we have all the necessary paperwork — which in most cases is just a certified copy of their birth certificate we can file it through the court right away.”

First-year student Clark Royandoyan explained the importance of a resource like the clinic being made available and accessible to students.

“I think it’s great that IC and Cornell are coming together to be able to promote this service,” Royan-

be aware that changing their name could be a more complicated process than they thought. Or some may realize that it might be a simpler process. So I think it’s students

“I think it’s great that IC and Cornell are coming together to be able to promote this service,” Royandoyan said. “Especially because [students] might not be aware that changing their name could be a more complicated process than they thought. Or some may realize that it might be a simpler process. So I think it’s great that this resource is available to students and I’m glad that the word is getting out there.”

Kristen Browde is the vice president of the FlorLGBTQ+

Kristen Browde is the vice president of the Florida Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus. Browde, who is transgender, said one of the first steps for equality for trans people starts with the legal documentation of

their name.

quality starts with equality under the law, Browde said. “I remember what I went through when I them started with their name is just a great service.” far

quality starts with equality under the law, Browde said. “I remember what I went through when I changed my name. …. Helping people to navigate this process and get them started with equality and getting them started with their name is just a great service.”

So far in 2023, 501 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced, according to the American Civil Liberties nion. Many of these bills specifically target transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.

nion. Many of these bills specifically target transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.

Dalfon o said that affirming the rights of queer and transgender individuals needs to happen on all

Dalfon o said that affirming the rights of queer and transgender individuals needs to happen on all levels in a community: politically, legally and socially.

“Programs and resolutions are just pieces of the puzzle,” Dalfonzo said. “The City of Ithaca is putting many measures in place to protect queer and trans lives regardless of the national political landscape, and it’s a place I am very proud to call home.”

“Programs and resolutions are just pieces of the puzzle,” Dalfonzo said. “The City of Ithaca is putting many measures in place to protect queer and trans and it’s a place I am very proud to call home.”

Cornell University's LGBT Resource Center and Cornell Law School hosted a legal name change clinic to help LGBTQ+ identifying students through the legal name change process with the New York State

Molly Teska/THE ITHACAN

Ithaca carshare returns after legislation passed

By Kaden Shea

The Ithaca Carshare Program, a membership-based nonprofit that offers 24 access to vehicles for members, has announced it will reopen services starting in March 2024 after a bill was passed allowing the nonprofit to acquire auto insurance.

The program was put on pause back in May due to a loss of car insurance. The carshare previously received insurance through an out-of-state company, but the agreement ended May 22. A state regulation prevented nonprofits from receiving insurance through out-of-state risk retention groups, which are insurance companies owned by their members.

State Senator Lea Webb introduced bill number S05959 to allow nonprofits throughout the state of New York to receive insurance through risk retention groups. Ithaca Carshare faced the threat of permanent closure if the bill did not pass.

The bill was signed into law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Sept. 15 following a unanimous vote by the Legislature. Webb and Assembly member Anna Kelles held a press conference on the same day and thanked Hochul for signing the bill.

“Ithaca Carshare has served the City of Ithaca and its surrounding communities for over 15 years, providing an equitable and sustainable means of transportation to over 1,500 Ithacans who utilize the service and who eagerly await its return,” Webb said at the press conference.

Webb said Ithaca Carshare makes transportation accessible for Ithaca locals who cannot afford to own a car or who choose not to own one to reduce their environmental impact.

Daniel Keough, a former graduate student at Cornell University, said via email that he used the carshare while he was studying at Cornell. Keough said he feels that the carshare provides a critical service to the Ithaca community.

“Having an option to have a car, or a pickup truck for short trips when you need one where you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars per month for car payments, insurance, hassle with moving it or getting tickets, especially during snowy times of year, is really great,” Keough said.

The process of registration for the program starts with an online application through the carshare website, with the requirements of being 1 years or older and a clean driving record of at least two years. Those who qualify can expect to start driving between 1–3 business days.

The carshare has an initial $20 applicant fee followed by two payment levels, those for people who use the cars less than six hours a month and those who do not. The price is .50 a month or 35 a month,

respectively, or 5 and 355 for yearly payments.

Other public transportation options in the city are limited, with the TCAT bus system being the only other widely accessible service. The TCAT uses various different prices for rides, with the most popular options including $1.50 a ride or $45 for a monthly pass.

Liz Field, director of the Ithaca Carshare Program, said the program has suffered financial and physical losses as a result of the pause, which has lasted for more than five months.

Field sent an email Nov. 1 to members of the Ithaca community to share more about the lost revenue and ask for donations. In the email, Field said the carshare has lost 4 0,000 since the pause started in May. The carshare has furloughed most staff members, sold its four oldest cars and received 5,000 in grants, but currently has a more than $100,000 budget gap.

Field asked people to donate to help the carshare reach its $10,000 donation goal by the end of 2023. Field said this will cover the cost of inspections, oil changes, registrations and repairs to help prepare the cars for use.

Fernando de Aragon, director of the Tompkins County Transportation Council, said the Carshare program is part of the Center For Community Transportation and they will work together to ensure the program has as smooth a return as possible.

“We are different entities, but we’re going to help any way we can,” De Aragon said. “We can usually be a good intermediary with state agencies, so we’re going to offer support when they need it.”

The Transportation Council works with several different programs to ensure that Tompkins County is properly served for available transportation, including but not limited to the Carshare, TCAT and Ithaca Bike Rental.

De Aragon also said the Carshare program received immense support at the State Legislature from the community.

“There were close to a thousand bills passed in the last session of the legislature, and we heard from a governor’s staffer that it had become the most contentious bill of them all,” De Aragon said. “They had plenty of people calling to ask why the bill hadn’t been passed yet.”

Field said she hopes that the carshare can move past the shutdown and pursue more innovation after reopening.

“We had expansion plans last year but obviously had to put those on pause, but hopefully, come 2024–25, we’ll have the grants to expand and purchase electric vehicles,” Field said.

The New York State Legislature passed a bill in September that will allow Ithaca Carshare to obtain auto insurance, meaning the carshare can reopen in March 2024. The carshare faced permanent closure.

Courtesy of The Ithaca Times

Childcare program receives positive feedback from IC

As Ithaca College houses the Coddington Road ommunity enter childcare program for the first semester of a 2-year agreement, some community members discuss the possibilities and impact of a long-term partnership.

In March, the college announced that the Circles Community Center would be an annex for the CRCC for two years. CRCC moved to the college temporarily in preparation of an expansion project at its main site on Coddington Road. Construction may take two to three years before it is completed, but the CRCC and the college are using the opportunity to test if the partnership could be long term.

Heather Mount, executive director of CRCC, said that transitioning to the college has been a smooth process. Mount said she appreciates the help from college facilities like Dining Services, which provides meals for the children, and the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, which has helped with parking and keeping the children safe.

“It has been great,” Mount said. “Being at Ithaca College gives us a good opportunity to form a relationship and test to see if that is a great fit.

Mount said that while there have not been any official conversations about the facility being long term, she is not opposed to the idea.

ill erry, executive director of the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management, said the open communication between CRCC and the college has made the transition easier.

“Heather and her team have been amazing partners,” Kerry said. “And it’s the planning that went into this and their continued partnership that’s really made this go really well, at least from a public safety perspective.”

Katelynn Groh, Circle Apartments community director for the Office of esidential ife and Student Conduct and Community Standards, said via email that she has not heard any feedback from residents or Apartment Assistance in Circles. However, Groh said the children are using the women’s bathroom for long periods of time.

“Sometimes it can take upwards of 20 minutes to get all the kids in and out, and we have a front office staff of mostly women,” Groh said via email. “We are exploring many different options and solutions so that women aren’t having to wait to go to the bathroom.”

In an email sent to the Circles community Sept. 14, Groh said that as a result of the children in the community center, all male-identifying bathrooms will be used as gender-neutral bathrooms for the time being.

Junior Ruari Maloney, a Circle Apartments AA, said he will sometimes see the children being directed by

In March, the college announced that the Circles Community Center would be an annex for the CRCC for two years. CRCC moved to the college temporarily in preparation of an expansion project at its main site.

the staff when he is picking up mail or doing his laundry and has not interacted with them. Maloney said it is important that the children are safe.

“The kids always have their adult supervising people with them,” Maloney said. “Whenever they go out, I see them with at least two. So they kind of keep the kids from getting in the way of the students and I think the students all just kind of respect the fact that they shouldn’t [bother] the daycare kids.”

Senior Alexa Tamis said she first heard about the daycare in her education class in Spring 2023. Tamis said she liked the idea of the daycare center but said one of the concerns she has heard from people in Circles is that college students are doing recreational activities nearby.

“There’s always going to be dangerous people on campus and maybe even students,” Tamis said. “You don’t know if they’re going to be safe around kids or what their intentions are. And also, kids can always run away into one of the different apartments and it‘s such a big area over there where cars go super fast.”

Kerry said the college will soon discuss future plans for the daycare facility. Some of the things that will be discussed include how the daycare facility will operate in the next academic year and the demand for long-term child care.

“I kind of put myself in other people’s shoes who may be able to utilize that and I’d love to see that become a permanent thing for those that have children that want to be able to take advantage of that,” Kerry said. “The center itself in partnership with the college is still in its infancy and I think that there’ll be an assessment of what’s going well, and what can be done

to improve it.”

Davis/the ithacan

Mount said the CRCC has volunteer and paid childcare positions for students at the college. She also said she has spoken to professors who have coursework related to childcare. There are currently two students at the college that work at the daycare.

“We are really enthusiastic about making connections with student groups and professors to see what types of things that we can do,” Mount said. “And collecting anecdotal data and quantitative data on whether or not this is a good collaboration [and] if it’s something that would be of long-term interest for Coddington and Ithaca College.”

Groh said via email that she is glad professors with children are advocating for child care because of the support it provides for faculty, staff and students when it comes to balancing work and school.

Zach ewis, who has two kids that are currently in the daycare program at the college, said he has been sending his children to the main site for four years but took a small hiatus during the early parts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ewis said he was excited when he found out that the CRCC was going to move to the college because he was familiar with people at the college and felt the campus would be safe for his children.

ewis also said he feels that the students will set a good example for his children and he thinks it is a great idea to let students work and volunteer at the daycare.

“[My kids] think it’s the coolest thing to hang out with I college kids, ewis said. It’s this wonderful bridge between boring parents and other little kids.”

Jadyn

IC covers tcat bus fare for academic school year

Ithaca College students can ride the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit for free during Fall 2023 because the college administration chose to temporarily cover the bill for bus fares.

The fare collection system transitioned Aug. 15 and students will ride free from Aug. 17 until Dec. 15. The new Fast Fare Fareboxes are manufactured by Genfare that allows the farebox to expand its capabilities when new technology emerges.

Patty Poist, manager of communications and

programming and supply chain issues that have prevented the TCAT from getting smartcards and mobile apps for the new fare system until October or later.

“We had to come up with some stopgap measures and this subsidi ing is one of them, Poist said. So it’s really a really nice gesture on the administrators’ part and we really thank them for this.”

First-year student Abigail Monteagudo, an international student from the Philippines, said she is going to use the TCAT more often because it is free, but that in her hometown, the fares were much cheaper than the usual price in Ithaca.

international student from the Philippines, said she is going to use the TCAT more often because it is free, but her usual

“If converted to dollars, it’s probably cents because it’s like seven pesos,” Monteagudo said. “And we had a lot of public transportation. So when I went here, I was like, ‘How do you go around?’ because there’s literally nothing, like only one bus.”

it’s like seven pesos,” Monteagudo said. “And we had a lot of public transportation. So when I went here,

The plan to subsidize student ridership came from Tim Downs, vice president of finance administration and chief financial officer, and was approved by President a erne ornish. Downs said that when T AT representatives came to him with the farebox issue, he suggested that the college cover student fares if TCAT provided the same discount for employees as they do for students. The college already fully subsidized employee ridership and subsidized a percent of student ridership, so students received a discount on bus passes.

marketing for TCAT, said the delay is caused by in exact change.

When boarding a TCAT bus, students need to show their student ID to the driver so each ride can be counted in the driver interface. Without showing a college-issued student ID, students will be required to pay $1.50 in exact change. helping

With no car of their own, sophomore Autumn Zimmerman relies heavily on the TCAT to get to their the

With no car of their own, sophomore Autumn Zimmerman relies heavily on the TCAT to get to their job at Wegmans and back to campus. Zimmerman said they might actually increase their TCAT use while the college is paying for the full cost of student ridership.

I definitely think it’s a good thing that the college is paying for this semester considering that Cornell pays for their student passes and also that Ithaca College is very expensive,” Zimmerman said. “Because it’s not a financial worry for me anymore, I think I’ll probably be more open to using [the TCAT] and going to places around Ithaca that I normally wouldn’t, had I

I definitely think it’s a good thing that the college is paying for this semester considering that Cornell is said. it’s not a financial worry for me anymore, I think I’ll probably be more open to using [the TCAT] and going I not had [free] access."

The TCAT website has an updated schedule for fall services in addition to a ride guide specifically for

The TCAT website has an updated schedule for fall services in addition to a ride guide specifically for

Zimmerman said they usually take a bus from campus to The Commons and walk the rest of the way to Wegmans because there is no connecting route at a

Zimmerman campus to The Commons and walk the rest of the way to Wegmans because there is no connecting route at a convenient time.

IDs with the new farebox system but that ridership data will inform the college’s future decisions about subsidizing student fares. He said there should be data to TCAT has been using the new farebox system for a bit.

Downs said the hope is to get student IDs working with the new farebox system but that ridership data will inform the college’s future decisions about subsidizing student fares. He said there should be data to review mid-way through the semester after the TCAT has been using the new farebox system for a bit.

“If we are able to really push the utilization of the bus system, that would be well worth a semester of is

I would be a great test case to understand what could be possible for student ridership on TCAT.”

“If we are able to really push the utilization of the bus system, that would be well worth a semester of covering the cost even if that number is far bigger than I thought it was going to be,” Downs said. “That would be a great test case to understand what could be possible for student ridership on TCAT.”

Spring 2024

executive

assistant in the Division of Finance and Administration at Ithaca College, announced the Tompkins County Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) will continue to Ithaca College students with a valid college ID.

In a Jan. 19 intercom post, Melanie Reyes, executive assistant in the Division of Finance and Administration at Ithaca College, announced the Tompkins County Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) will continue to provide free rides during the spring semester to Ithaca College students with a valid college ID.

TCAT rides have been free for Ithaca College students since Aug. 2023 when the college decided to

TCAT rides have been free for Ithaca College students since Aug. 2023 when the college decided to cover the cost of student rides. The decision was made to cover the cost because the college struggled to make student IDs compatible with TCAT’s new fare collection system.

One of the ways the college is helping to educate students about TCAT services is through orientation. The Office of International Programs introduced students to the TCAT on Aug. 17 when they learned about how to use public transportation in

troduced students to the TCAT on Aug. 17 when they Ithaca and explored the city.

Ithaca College students. Only routes 11 and 65 have campus stops but Poist said the buses will have more stops throughout campus than in the past. Also, on Saturday nights, the last bus from The Commons to campus will leave after 1 a.m., which is much later than the 8 p.m. cutoff over the summer and even the 11 45 cutoff last fall, according to Poist.

From left to right sohomores Delanie Alexander and lla Pemberson ride the T AT in Fall 2022. For the 2023–24 academic year, the TCAT will be free for Ithaca College students due to the new fare system.

made to cover the cost because the college struggled to make student IDs comTCAT’s collection system.

Reyes said in the intercom post that the college is

Xinyi Qin/THE ITHACAN

fares because the college reali es there is a significant disruption required to accommodate the delay of the new fare collection system integration.

com post that the college is subsidizing all student TCAT fares because the college reali es there is a significant disruption required to accommodate the delay of the new fare collection system integration.

“To continue the use of our treasured community to ease the impact to the Ithaca College community, students can continue to ride for free during the Spring semester … just like employees are always able to do,” Reyes said in the post.

our treasured community transportation system and to ease the impact to the Ithaca College community, students can continue to ride for free during the Spring semester … just like employees are always able to do,” Reyes said in

The college and TCAT will continue to work on an online portal. Once finished, the portal will allow studentsto receive a discounted bus fare once the free bus fare ends in May 2024.

The college and TCAT will continue to work on an online portal. Once finished, the portal will allow studentsto receive a discounted bus fare once the free bus fare ends in May 2024.

program offers tax filing suppor for the community

gram is a service offered by the IRS that provides help in filing taxes to underprivileged communities. ITA at Ithaca College also provides free support to international students who may not be familiar with the tax filing process in the .S.

VITA was founded in 1971 and since then has resulted in the development of more than 8,000 clinics across the country. ITA at the college is also running its second year of partnership with Ithaca Welcomes efugees I , a local nonprofit, to assist refugees in the area.

“Our accounting majors are required to earn three credits in an accounting or tax internship to complete their degree program, Smoker said. The tax clinic is a 3-credit practicum they can enroll in to fulfill that requirement. The environment the student interns work in with the clients is also an ideal space for practical learning.

Germonprez said that even though working with IWR can be counted toward internship credit, some students simply choose to volunteer to give back to the community.

Germonprez said that even though working with to the community.

“Because it’s a clinic, it’s not a lecture environment, we’re not in a classroom … so it’s very

“Because it’s a clinic, it’s not a lecture envi-

a blessing, rkaynak said. I’m from yprus, and I didn’t know that if I earned less than $2,000 for the

we have no idea how the system works, was literally a blessing, rkaynak said. I’m from yprus, and I didn’t know that if I earned less than $2,000 for the year I get the tax reduction. If it wasn’t for ari, I wouldn’t know that. She told me that I was so happy, I ended up paying like a little amount of taxes.

The tax season officially commenced in anuary with the release of -2 forms and will end April 15.

confused he was about the process three years ago.

The tax season officially commenced in anuary with the release of -2 forms and will end April 15. unior Sameed Mubasher said he remembers how confused he was about the process three years ago.

“I still remember receiving my W-2 in my mail and I was like … ‘What does that mean and what do I have

“I still remember receiving my W-2 in my mail and I was like … ‘What does that mean and what do I have to do with it ’ Mubasher said.

Mubasher used the clinic and said he appreciates the fact that the service is being offered to internation-

the fact that the service is being offered to international students for free.

There’s no fees associated with it, Mubasher said. ou just show up to the clinic and the rest is taken care of from there. All you need to do is get your documents together and just present it to [Smoker] and then she’ll be able to guide you on

taken care of from there. All you need to do is get your documents together and just present it to [Smoker] and then she’ll be able to guide you on what’s needed.

Gürkaynak said that getting help with taxes goes

a long way for her.

It’s definitely one less thing on my plate as an international student, rkaynak said. ecause I already have lots of problems with keeping up with the visa status and all that, in a foreign country. etting help really helps and makes me feel comforted to say

It’s definitely one less thing on my plate as an international student, rkaynak said. ecause I alhave visa status and all that, in a foreign country. etting help really helps and makes me feel comforted to say the least.

IWR, founded in December of 2015, is a volun-

free tax service at the college for more than 25 years. ITA provides assistance to underpriviledged comminities with filing taxes with the help of student interns.

providing free tax service at the college for more than

Smoker said she sends out an email to the interna-

Smoker herself.

Kari Smoker, associate professor in the Department of Accounting and Business Law, is the site manager for the VITA at the college, which has been providing free tax service at the college for more than 25 years. Smoker said that this year, ITA at the college has around 200 clients. To initiate the process of assisting international students at the college, Smoker said she sends out an email to the international students who respond by filling out a consent form and then students can either set up a Zoom meeting or an in-person follow-up appointment with Smoker herself.

Along with Smoker, Sarah Germonprez, lecturer

Along with Smoker, Sarah Germonprez, lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Business Law, and 13 student interns help with the operations of the college’s ITA linic. Student interns are involved with the entire tax filing process from start to finish with client intakes, the tax preparation process and reviewing returns with the clients.

hands-on, ermonpre said. owever, some students choose to volunteer just because they love the experience and being able to help other students file

experience and being able to help other students file their taxes.

Smoker said the partnership between IWR and ITA at the college is a fulfilling one and aims to ease the tax filing process as much as possible for both I clients and international students at the college.

clients and international students at the college.

“Our work with both Ithaca Welcomes Refugees and the international student population has been particularly meaningful, Smoker said. They want to do everything correctly and not jeopardize their ability to stay in the .S. or return again in the future. To [be able to] ease their uncertainty and help walk them through the process is truly rewarding.

particularly meaningful, Smoker said. They want to do everything correctly and not jeopardize their abilease

IWR, founded in December of 2015, is a volunteer-led and non-profit community initiative that aims to help newly arrived refugees and immigrants build their lives in Tompkins County and adjust to living in

to help newly arrived refugees and immigrants build their lives in Tompkins County and adjust to living in the .S.

Casey Verderosa, the executive director of IWR, said via email that her goals for IWR are very specific to the clients she personally works with: to ensure each individual is settling into the .S. smoothly

said via email that her goals for IWR are very specific to the clients she personally works with: to ensure and conveniently.

“We very much follow the lead of the families and individuals we work alongside and help them work toward their unique resettlement goals, erderosa said.

“We very much follow the lead of the families and individuals we work alongside and help them work toward their unique resettlement goals, erderosa said.

erderosa said via email that for refugees, filing taxes in a country where they are still settling can be a

daunting process.

It can be overwhelming to navigate the .S. tax system while dealing with all the other stresses of re-

Senior Birsen Gürkaynak, an international student from Cyprus, said she was easily able to navigate the entire process with the ITA with the college’s help. aving someone help us, in a country where

from Cyprus, said she was easily able to navigate the

It can be overwhelming to navigate the .S. tax system while dealing with all the other stresses of resettlement — learning a new culture and language, having access to few resources, worrying about family back home, erderosa said. So we feel that any way that IWR and the rest of the community can alleviate burdens and provide clarity is a boost that we are in-

having access to few resources, worrying about family back home, erderosa said. So we feel that any way that IWR and the rest of the community can alleviate are vested in providing.

The oilunteer Income Tax Assistance has been providing

Prakriti Panwar/THE ITHACAN

write-in campaign stirs ithaca's political climate

By Lorien Tyne

A successful write-in campaign in Ithaca’s 2023 general election revealed some dissatisfaction with Ithaca’s political climate, including tactics used by the local Working Families Party (WFP) and other progressive groups.

The write-in candidate, ornell niversity senior Patrick uehl, received 49 votes against the 40 that orge DeFendini, the incumbent Fourth ard Alderperson, received. Defendini believed he was running unopposed for the four-year Fourth Ward seat until Kuehl’s name appeared on ballots during election day ov. . On ov. 15, uehl released his platform and an explanation of the events leading up to his win at the polls.

In the days after the election, some residents expressed their discontent regarding Kuehl’s campaign because he did not speak with local news beforehand or present his platform through social media.

owever, uehl said he and his supporters went to every permanent resident’s door in the Fourth Ward to speak with them in person.

“Once I had decided to run and also before I decided to run, I was just gathering opinions on how people were feeling, uehl said. There was just a lot of disdain about the fact that they hadn’t seen their elected representative, Defendini .

Kuehl was elected as president of the Cornell Student Assembly in May. hile working as an MT and MD for angs Ambulance he helped start a union.

I’ve been in Ithaca since 2019, uehl said. I’m not just a Cornell student who came to Ithaca and has not left the hill.

Defendini was a Solidarity Slate candidate along with First ard candidate ayla Matos and Incumbent First-Ward Alderperson Phoebe Brown, meaning the trio campaigned as a unit using shared funds and resources. oth Matos and rown won their races against incumbent Alderperson Cynthia Brock and Zachary inn, respectively. ach candidate on the slate was individually endorsed by the Working Families Party. Defendini said that if the slate had known Kuehl was running, it would have considered that when making campaign decisions. Instead, more of the slate’s resources went into the contested First ard race.

“I would have been continuing to have those conversations [with residents] and I would have made mention of the election, Defendini said. e could have fleshed out more of what our voters wanted to see [and] their satisfaction with what I’ve been working on and so on and so forth. I think the big thing is that those voters didn’t have an opportunity to engage with that because of the secrecy of it.

Defendini said that despite losing the election to Kuehl, he will continue to be involved in local politics by supporting the Solidarity Slate and advocating and organi ing for progressive legislation. Defendini also plans to stay in his roles with the Ithaca Tenants nion IT , the FP and the Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America DSA .

ard 4 Alderperson Tiffany umar said she knew about Kuehl’s campaign, although she did not endorse him. She said that when he asked for help with his campaign, she gave him advice and introduced him to ward residents, which she has done for candidates before.

“I thought that it was good to have more than one voice in the race to have a robust democratic process, umar said. ut quite honestly, for uehl to have won like this, he had to have done a really unprecedented job getting his name out there. It couldn’t have been a secret. I’m sad to see DeFendini go, but I think that shows a lot of compassion, a lot of energy and a lot of successful organizing experience on uehl’s part.

Brock said she knew Kuehl was meeting with constituents and overall, she had heard of at least five write-in campaigns across different wards. rock said that even running unopposed, Defendini should have been engaging with constituents to get them out to vote for the democratic ew ork Supreme ourt justice candidate.

“The fact that [DeFendini] did not have that

relationship with his full-time residents speaks to his level of connection or lack of connection with his ward,” rock said.

Kuehl said he is somewhat nervous about working with the slate since they have called for him to step down and have not recogni ed his platform.

“One of the big things that I try to do is really work toward calling people in rather than calling them out, and really trying to build relationships with those people regardless of history or political affiliation or alliances, uehl said. I know that there will be differences there and I hope that we are able to overcome them and really work towards a better Ithaca.

In September, DeFendini ran a last minute campaign against Stephanie eslop for chair of the local FP club. She said she was unaware of Defendini’s intent to run against her until the day before the party’s internal election and told The Ithacan to ask Defendini for further information.

A WFP member said the Ithaca WFP acts like an arm of the Solidarity Slate. They said the slate has made an effort to make WFP membership and leadership in Ithaca closely equivalent to that of the DSA and the IT .

“I really hope that in some way people start talking about what went down in the WFP internal elections recently; how [DeFendini] ran a last minute campaign and tried to remove Stephanie eslop, a seasoned socialist organizer for apparently petty internal conflict, the source said.

From left to right ornell senior Patrick uehl, Fouth ard Alderperson elect, and orge DeFendini, incumbent Fourth ard Alderperson. uhel received 49 votes in the election while DeFendini received 40. Courtesy of Katie Sims and Anabelle Lau

High Risk of exposure to radon in tompkins county

By Vivian Rose

that is prevalent in 34 out of the 62 counties of New York state and is the second leading cause for lung cancer in the U.S., according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. New York state, however, does not require testing for radon in any building or at any institution.

Stone said older homes in the county have basements with dirt floors, making these homes more likely to be exposed to radon gas.

with dirt floors, making these homes more likely to be exposed to radon gas.

Circles [apartments], everything is built on

Tompkins County is located in a high-risk area for radon, meaning 35% of basements in the county have more than 4 picocuries per liter (pC/L) of radon, the EPA’s limit for safe radon exposure. Basements are typically tested for radon because they are the lowest level acts

“The soils on top are like real tight clay, so it’s an impenetrable barrier," Stone said. "So [radon gas] looks for the path of least resistance and that’s into the basement. Out here where you have Circles [apartments], everything is built on slab-on-grade [concrete].”

Stone said slab-on-grade concrete sits on top of the layer of soil beneath it and acts as a cap for radon gas and forces the gas sideways, away from buildings. While the college has residence halls with

don gas and forces the gas sideways, away from

Molly Teska/THE ITHACAN

in a house, where radon typically builds up. Radon is derived from Uranium-238 after it decays and can be found in certain types of soil like shale because of the high amount of organic material found in shale. This organic material consists of dead organisms that were once found on the surface of the planet and acts as a host for radioactive minerals like Uranium.

Radon Levels at Ithaca College

equal balance of the gas throughout New York state

The New York state map of radon shows an unequal balance of the gas throughout New York state counties. This is because areas around the state have different soil contents.

Michael Stone, associate director of Environmental Health and Safety at the college, said areas like Cortland County, which have a radon exposure percentage of 72% in basements, have a high soil content of shale.

basement levels, Stone also said basement levels on the college’s campus are built on a slope and were built on the hill’s surface level, not underground, like

basement levels, Stone also said basement levels on basements in houses.

Stone also said the college is not required to test for radon and said three main factors make the infrastructure residence halls are built on less susceptible to radon exposure. These factors include the college being built on a hill, low radon-producing shallow soils and concrete construction beneath each

cracks, this could allow for the gas to get into buildings, and is in the ambient air.

Stone also said the college is not required to

college being built on a hill, low radon-producing shallow soils and concrete construction beneath each residence hall.

Calvin Prothro, professor in the Department of the Environment, said that if concrete foundations have cracks, this could allow for the gas to get into buildings, which would not be an issue if there is ample ventilation and said radon gas is constantly being produced

The first floor acts almost as a cap so gasses can build up down [in the basement] and then seep

The first floor acts almost as a cap so gasses can build up down [in the basement] and then seep through any fractures or pathways,” Prothro said. “This is where most people have their laundry rooms or family rooms. … And that’s the danger because

you’re breathing it in.”

Prothro said there are mitigation strategies for

suggests air-to-air exchangers to increase ventilation; house or room pressurization, to create enough pres-

Prothro said there are mitigation strategies for buildings that test high for radon exposure. He said better ventilation is good mitigation. The EPA also suggests air-to-air exchangers to increase ventilation; house or room pressurization, to create enough pressure at the lowest level of a home; and sealing cracks in a building’s foundation.

Importance

of Testing for Radon

Radon gas is in the ambient air and with good filtration, will not be harmful. owever, if ingested, lungs, particles have enough energy to knock off parts of a person’s DNA, which will make a cell replicate

Radon gas is in the ambient air and with good filtration, will not be harmful. owever, if ingested, radon will begin to emit an alpha particle. When concentrated amounts get into a person’s lungs, the alpha particles have enough energy to knock off parts of a person’s DNA, which will make a cell replicate differently, causing cancer. According to the New York State Department of Health, lung cancer was the most prevalent type of cancer in Tompkins County

prevalent type of cancer in Tompkins County between 2016–20.

Samantha illson, public information officer in

Samantha illson, public information officer in Tompkins County, said the Tompkins County Whole Health Department encourages its residents to test for radon each year during the county’s annual Radon

Health Department encourages its residents to test for radon each year during the county’s annual Radon Awareness Week.

She said residents can test their homes for radon through the Healthy Neighborhoods Program. Hillson also said the county has a grant from the New York State Department of Health to make radon tests for county residents $12, which includes the testing device, postage to the laboratory and

Hillson also said the county has a grant from the New York State Department of Health to make radon

lab analysis.

The grant that supports HNP makes anyone who lives in the Village and Town of Groton, City of Ithaca and Town of Ithaca, mobile home parks in the county, referrals for social service agencies, Town of nfield, Town of ewfield and Town of Dryden eligible for

The grant that supports HNP makes anyone who lives in the Village and Town of Groton, City of Ithaca

Town of ewfield and Town of Dryden eligible for the program. the

Hillson said the program targets communication to residents of Tompkins County but said there is little communication about HNP toward college students.

communication about HNP toward college students.

Senior Sam Stys, who lives in a house off campus, said he is not aware how to deal with radon, besides

Senior Sam Stys, who lives in a house off campus, said he is not aware how to deal with radon, besides test for the gas.

“Initially, I didn’t really think it applied to me because I only rent my house and have not lived here long,” Stys said. “Then I realized that my landlords may not be required to test for radon and it’s very possible that there could be some in my house.”

“Initially, I didn’t really think it applied to me because I only rent my house and have not lived here long,” Stys said. “Then I realized that my landlords possible that there could be some in my house.”

The Ithacan

Revisions to flood maps could add up for tenants

By Prakriti Panwar

Council, which is the primary form of local government in the area. It is the first time this has happened in the City of Ithaca, where more than 70% of the population are renters.

Fourth Ward Alderperson Tiffany Kumar is one of the council members who is a tenant. Kumar said that having a more representative council translates into local governance that better serves the working class.

“I think that it is more representative of the actual demographics … [and there is] a lot to push back of [being] run by those who are in more fortunate groups,” Kumar said.

against this tradition of politics and government kind

Kumar said the council’s tenant majority can lead to solutions for renter-centric problems, like their concerns over added flood insurance costs they might have to incur after preliminary drafts of Ithaca’s revised flood maps were released in 2022. Flood maps and added cost of flood insurance

The flood maps, which were last revised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1981, categorize the town into different types of “Flood Zones” based on their probability of flooding.

If an individual’s property is located in Special Flood Area Hazards — or areas that possess a high risk of flooding and if they have a mortgage backed by the government, they would have to buy flood insurance.

In Ithaca, certain areas like those surrounding Buttermilk Falls, Six Mile Creek and Fall Creek are in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Katie Sims, co-chair of the Ithaca Tenants Union, said that in situations like these, tenants are usually the ones directly impacted.

“Renters bear the additional cost because usually when costs are raised, landlords often pass it on to tenants,” Sims said. “That’s typically how it works.”

Caroline Feindel ’09 is a renter in Ithaca who lives in Fall Creek, a Special Flood Hazard Area that warrants flood insurance for the property. Feindel said that having flood insurance is important, even though it may not seem like it.

“We do live in a valley,” Feindel said. “We are on the edge of a lake. I don’t think a lot of people in this town reali e just how easily a flood could happen in … the lower parts of Ithaca.”

Flood insurance and gentrification in the Southside Neighborhood

Surrounding Fall Creek, where Feindel lives, is Southside. Southside is a historically Black neighborhood that has existed for over 150 years. According

property. Feindel said flood insurance is important, even though it may not seem like it.

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could cataly e the gentrification in the area by displacing those who cannot bear the cost of the added

to an article by The ation, the new flood maps could cataly e the gentrification in the area by displacing those who cannot bear the cost of the added flood insurance.

Chavon Bunch, executive director of the Southside ommunity enter, said the added cost of flood insurance can add up along with other costs

side ommunity enter, said the added cost of flood insurance can add up along with other costs like taxes.

teeth,” Bunch said. “Having to pay extra insurance is 4,000. And then on the high end, the flood insurance I think is between $4,000 and $5,000.”

“Some of the elderly people in the neighborhood are holding on to their houses by the skin of their teeth,” Bunch said. “Having to pay extra insurance is going to be tough, especially if you’re paying already 4,000. And then on the high end, the flood insurance I think is between $4,000 and $5,000.”

In December 2023, Ithaca won an $800,000 grant

In December 2023, Ithaca won an $800,000 grant from F MA to create flood control measures like flood walls along Six Mile, ascadilla and Fall reek. Once the development of these flood control measures concludes, the flood maps will need revisions again.

measures concludes, the flood maps will need revisions again.

Ithaca’s history with rent stabilization and the economics of the housing market

In the long term, however, Sims said that opting into the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA) might help with the overall issue of incessantly

In the long term, however, Sims said that opting into the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA) might help with the overall issue of incessantly rising rents.

ETPA places caps on rent increments, hence establishing rent stabilization. In March 2023, the Common Council passed a resolution expressing support for the ETPA but has not yet opted into the act.

lishing rent stabilization. In March 2023, the Common Council passed a resolution expressing support for the

“We think ETPA is a really great policy and we’ve

seen a really big shift in the past couple of years about it,” Sims said. “We’re hoping that it does come up for a vote in the next couple years in Ithaca and … we

paign promises that it should pass.”

seen a really big shift in the past couple of years about it,” Sims said. “We’re hoping that it does come up for a vote in the next couple years in Ithaca and … we think that if everyone follows through on their campaign promises that it should pass.”

Good Cause Eviction is another bill that has been a topic of discussion since before COVID-19.

Good Cause Eviction is another bill that has been a topic of discussion since before COVID-19. Good Cause Eviction, or the Right to Renew Leases, essentially prevents landlords from evicting tenants without a “good cause” — like lease violations and untimely rent payment — hence shifting power back

without a “good cause” — like lease violations and untimely rent payment — hence shifting power back to renters.

Kayla Lane, secretary on the Landowners Association of Tompkins County (LATC) board of trustees, said that while Good Cause Eviction seems like an equitable idea, it does have adverse impacts on property owners that might have a negative impact the overall housing market

Association of Tompkins County (LATC) board of trustees, said that while Good Cause Eviction seems like an equitable idea, it does have

have a negative impact the overall housing market in the area.

The cost of rentals in Ithaca is high at the moment because the demand for housing exceeds the supply. ane said rent stabili ation would artificially lower the supply because of the personal decisions of landowners, which would reinforce the original problem: demand exceeding supply, which leads to

The cost of rentals in Ithaca is high at the mosupply. ane said rent stabili ation would artificially lower the supply because of the personal decisions of landowners, which would reinforce the original problem: demand exceeding supply, which leads to high prices.

“You could then have a property owner say instead of having tenancy for an unspecified amount of time, [they would] rather just accept that [they] have a vacant unit, not rent it out or maybe keep … it vacant longer,” Lane said.

“You could then have a property owner say instead of having tenancy for an unspecified amount of time, [they would] rather just accept that [they] have a vacant unit, not rent it out or maybe keep … it vacant longer,” Lane said.

aroline Feindel 09 is a renter in Ithaca who lives in Fall reek, a Special Flood a ard Area that needs flood insurance for the

Tanzman/THE ITHACAN

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Local initiatives team up to help increase food security

By Jadyn Davis

nounced the Hunger and Food Policy annual report Feb. 15, which highlighted digital agriculture as a primary source in fighting food insecurity within the state.

The report included that Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and ife Science A S created The ornell Institute for Digital Agriculture IDA in 201 , which is focused on creating technology that digiti es farmer’s agricultural practices and improves food systems globally.

Digital agriculture uses advanced technology to collect data that is used to improve farm practices, which will increase food production. Some digital agricultural practices include smart irrigation, precise fertili er strategies and seed selections. Since 2022, IDA has worked on a strategic plan that is centered around broadening research, gaining more participation and accepting ideas toward new innovations in agricultural research.

In an article by Morning Ag lips, Diane ailey, the eri ay professor of communication at ornell niversity and director of IDA, discussed the importance of digital agriculture. ailey said in the article that the global food system faces serious challenges. She said that while the production of food in the U.S. contributes to global climate change, digital agriculture is a solution to these challenges.

fertili er strategies and seed selections. Since 2022, New York state.

work to improve food security in the Finger akes region for the past two years. In February 2024, Taste of the Finger akes opened up a grant funding process that offered local organi ations fighting food insecurity in Ithaca and the Finger akes region up to 10,000. The application closed Feb. 29 and organizations that are selected will receive funds in August 2024.

Food insecurity impacts 24.9% of adults within ew ork state and 11.2% to 39% of adults report food insecurity, according to a report released by the New ork State Department of ealth. Feeding America stated 14% of people were food insecure in Ithaca and Tompkins County in 2018.

aren alls, executive assistant of Student Affairs and ampus ife at Ithaca ollege and primary coordinator of the Pruntry’s Pantry, said she has noticed a steady incline of people that go to the pantry as more people become aware of it and as the sigma surrounding going to a food pantry lessens.

“I mean, I still meet seniors still to this day who still don’t know that there’s a food pantry on campus, alls said. So we are trying different marketing tactics to get the word out there that there is a food pantry on campus. People are now using it more as a resource and saying, ‘You know what, I need help and that’s okay.’ And that’s the word that we’re trying to put out there that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to get help.

ilary ellner-Davis, co-director of Taste of the Finger akes, said the organi ation has given 100% of ticket proceeds from events like the annual food and beverage showcase to nonprofit beneficiaries doing

“We’re really looking at organizations that are both alleviating immediate needs as well as those that are trying to change systems so they will have a long-term downstream effect, ellner-Davis said.

ocal organi ations in the ity of Ithaca and Tompkins ounty, with the help of initiatives like The ew York State Farm-to-School Program and the 30% NYS Initiative, are working to combat food insecurity in

The 30% NYS Initiative encourages schools to use ew ork state farm products. ew ork state school districts that purchase 30% of their school lunch ingredients from ew ork farms, will be given a reimbursement for lunches from 5.9 to 25 cents per meal.

hrista e , founder and director at The earning Farm, said she and her family purchased the farm to support children and their families from marginalized backgrounds so that they can learn how to grow their own food, take care of animals and how to plant food.

“Food has a lot to do with where you live and what growing opportunities you have, e said. If we’re going to deal with the problem of food insecurity and food apartheid, we have to do that in ways that address the interconnections with housing and capital and land access. So because food is grown on land, and if people are to eat well, they should be in control

of what they’re eating through their own means.

of what they’re eating through their own means.

The New York State Farm-to-School Program works to ensure that children in K-12 schools have access to healthy meals by connecting schools to local farms and food producers. This in turn also helps ew ork State farmers as they get increased economic benefits through the program.

The New York State Farm-to-School Program works local and food producers. This in turn also helps ew ork State farmers as they get increased economic benefits through the program.

dinator at Tompkins Seneca Tioga O S, said Farm-to-School allows for schools to rethink their

cafeteria environment.

Sean McKean, Farm-to-School program coordinator at Tompkins Seneca Tioga O S, said Farm-to-School allows for schools to rethink their approach to food at school, which includes how it is prepared, where it is coming from and the cafeteria environment.

“Farm-to-School is a cool place to look back and kind of see those things, Mc ean said. The food ser-

being able to be that person that can kind of leading from a wellness space to say, ell, here’s all the moving pieces,’ like it’s not just the food we serve, it’s how

“Farm-to-School is a cool place to look back and kind of see those things, Mc ean said. The food service department is like, ‘We just got to serve them.’ So being able to be that person that can kind of leading from a wellness space to say, ell, here’s all the moving pieces,’ like it’s not just the food we serve, it’s how we serve it to them and all of those things make up the sort of food environment and make the difference between somebody wanting to come in and eat a meal

the sort of food environment and make the difference between somebody wanting to come in and eat a meal and not.

heryl ilinski, agricultural economic development specialist at Cornell University, said the 30% initiative has excelled in being accessible to New York state schools. ilinski said schools that are low on funds can still apply for the 30% initiative because of the reimbursement that they receive for purchasing

heryl ilinski, agricultural economic develop-

initiative has excelled in being accessible to New York state schools. ilinski said schools that are low on funds can still apply for the 30% initiative because of local foods.

“I think the 30% initiative has been a game changer in cataly ing local food procurement, ilinski said. I feel like all we ever are doing in this work is knocking down barriers and then coming up to the next and saying ow do we knock this one down ’

“I think the 30% initiative has been a game changer in cataly ing local food procurement, ilinski said. I feel like all we ever are doing in this work is knocking saying ow do we knock this one down ’

Digital agriculture has been devoped by ornell niverity s ollege of Agriculture and ife Science to digiti e work for farmers. Developments in the science has a goal of creating efficiency in agriculture.

Illustration by Grace Vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

green new deal facilitates energy efficiency in ithaca

By Vivian Rose

first bloc of buildings that have already been electrified or are in the process of being electrified have been identified.

First “bloc” of buildings

The announcement lists 11 buildings and businesses consisting of imme offee, Significant lements, istoric Ithaca, Ithaca Piercing Tattoo, First aptist hurch, St. ames AM , ifelong Senior Center, the Aeroplane Factory, Circus Culture, Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Administrative uilding, Petrune and ome reen ome.

Savannah ega, sustainability planner for the ity

of Ithaca, said there are 200 buildings in total that have been identified as the most notable buildings that were electrified. hile the buildings are listed as being in the process of electrification, some of the buildings of the first bloc do not run on 100% electricity. ega said some of the buildings instead have heat pumps — that heat and cool the buildings — which she said covers a bulk of the buildings’ energy needs. The heat pumps are the first transition away from natural gas.

e need to put in the infrastructure in our buildings to create heating and cooling and hot water that doesn’t require natural gas that runs just on electricity, ega said. So once we can get that infrastructure in place, that’s when we can start removing those gas lines and replacing the energy with renewed fully renewable sources like solar panels.

Gas kicker program

uildings like the First aptist hurch, located at 309 orth ayuga Street, applied for the gas kicker program in April 2023, which is part of the S

conomic Development eat Pump Incentive for

Gas Constrained Areas pilot program to provide this financial aid when installing their heat pump. The gas kicker program provides the lion’s share of the conversion of the building from fossil fuels to electricity. ecause every building uses a different amount of energy in heating and cooling, there is no set amount of emissions the conversion would redirect.

Timeline and costs of the program

S released the incentive program in early April 2023, according to than odnaruk, a project manager at locPower, which is a retrofit financing firm that works closely with the ity of Ithaca to maintain the Ithaca reen ew Deal. e said the program was slated to close several times in 2023, and initially closed April 30, 2023, making the deadline to apply tight for business owners. owever, the program was reopened and officially closed Oct. 31, 2023. The S lean eat Program has reopened incentives for air-to-water heat pumps as of March 1.

lishments to use renewable energy through S .

the heat pump, its installation and an additional utility pole. hile locPower did not manage the project

firm did file the application for the energy incentive to S on behalf of the church.

The rebate program provides incentives for establishments to use renewable energy through S . David aughey, a previous treasurer of the First aptist hurch, said the church was promised 1 0,000 in April 2023 from S to fund the project, but the church first had to raise temporary funds to pay for the heat pump, its installation and an additional utility pole. hile locPower did not manage the project because the church hired an outside company, the firm did file the application for the energy incentive to S on behalf of the church.

installing

Incentives are calculated based on the cost differential between a heat pump and installing a new fossil fuel system, according to odnaruk. e said the incentive program suddenly made heat pump

Necessity of BlocPower

Necessity of BlocPower

odnaruk said the process of applying for incentive funding is not simple. e said utilities in the state have separate incentive programs for different types of work in the energy field and are managed by different companies. e said that helping businesses and establishments understand these incentives is where locPower steps in and to provide the services to complete the necessary paperwork for each

odnaruk said the process of applying for incenand

ferent companies. e said that helping businesses and establishments understand these incentives is where locPower steps in and to provide the services to complete the necessary paperwork for each incentive program.

usiness and property owners need the services

usiness and property owners need the services of locPower accessible to them since the information in the report to S is extensive. odnaruk said the data for the application consists of developing the scope of work for a heat pump system, the cost of the

systems more affordable.

the incentive program suddenly made heat pump systems pump say it costs 150,000, but it would only cost 30,000 to replace the fossil fuel system with a new fossil fuel be

So to pretend for a project, we came up with a design for both systems and the heat pump system, say it costs 150,000, but it would only cost 30,000 to replace the fossil fuel system with a new fossil fuel system, odnaruk said. So based on that difference, the incentive would be calculated at the difference of 120,000. So that way, you could get a heat pump system for the same cost as what it would take to replace your fossil fuel system.

120,000. So that way, you could get a heat pump system for the same cost as what it would take to replace fossil had

Caughey said that the entire project cost about 250,000 and that the church still had to pay 5,000. Caughey said that the installation process is still underway and that the church will be receiving the funds from S between three to six months after the project is complete.

Caughey said that the installation process is still underway and that the church will be receiving the funds from S between three to six months after the complete.

the scope of work for a heat pump system, the cost of the and fossil fuel replacement.

system and a scope and cost report of work for the

“So then once those numbers and that process was approved, you could start moving forward to actually make the contract and get going on the project,

“So then once those numbers and that process was approved, you could start moving forward to actually make the contract and get going on the project, odnaruk said.

ega said the city’s reen ew Deal will focus on sending out more information for energy incentives like the one that closed in October 2023.

ega said the city’s reen ew Deal will focus on sending out more information for energy incentives like the one that closed in October 2023. There’s definitely a lot more going on in the reen ew Deal than just those 11 buildings, ega said. It’s a whole community wide effort. And electrification isn’t the only thing that we’re focusing on in the reen ew Deal. It’s a much wider program. And all the different program partners that are critical in what

said. It’s a whole community wide effort. And electrification isn’t the only thing that we’re focusing on in the reen ew Deal. It’s a much wider program. And all the different program partners that are critical in what we’re trying to do.

The ity of Ithaca announced Feb. 2 that the first bloc of buildings that have already been electrified or are in the process of being electrified have been identified, including locations like imme offe and ircus ulture. Illustration by grace vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

diversity report

Headline goes here and in most cases there should be two lines of text for each title in the book.

The Ithacan diversity report, we are delving into demographics as well as questions regarding DEI culture in The Ithacan. The new diversity report was formulated by the Fall 2023 community outreach manager, Zhannz Gomez. We asked for demographic and opinion-based questions in an effort to compare last year’s data and monitor changes and improvements. The new survey consisted of 12 questions and some were answered by multiple choice while others were open-ended. Similar to our previous reports, all answers are anonymous, and the answers were charted and compared to available Ithaca College student population data when applicable. The survey was sent out to all 27 of The Ithacan’s editorial board members and 6 opted out.

This report will help track our progress as an organization and be a stepping point toward creating strategies and setting achievable but ambitious goals. Being

a student-run publication means that we are committed to elevating underrepresented voices and understand the importance of ensuring diverse representation in our editorial board and our coverage. This begins by being clear about our current state and future goals.

The insights gained from the previous diversity report have allowed us to share this year’s data, reflect on our progress and update the necessary steps forward. We strive to be fully transparent about our makeup and organizational culture and continue to address gaps in representation. We are intent on working towards an inclusive environment where we celebrate and promote inclusivity within our own walls. This year, the report has adapted to include a wider range of questions to gauge the overall sense of comfortability around diversity and DEIB topics.

This survey question was not multiple choice, and each board member wrote their answer in a text box. This means the categories for sexuality data are specific to how the board member completing the form identifies. isexual identities were reported at 19.1% and heterosexual sexual identities reported at 52.3%. 14.3% identified as lesbian, 4. % queer and 4. % as pansexual. For this and the following categories, there is no readily available data to compare with the college’s student body. However, the college continues to be ranked as the “Best of the Best” on the Campus Pride index since 2012.

The Ithacan board continues to be predominantly com-

posed of cisgender women, making up 76.2 % — an 11% increase from 2022. Cisgender men make up 14.3% of our board, a 7.4% decrease compared to last year. The student body of Ithaca College is reported as being 57% women and 43% men. Nonbinary representation on the editorial board has grown to 9.5%, a 0.8% increase from last year. No board members identified as transgender, a 4.3% decrease from last year. The AIR does not report the number of nonbinary or transgender students at the college.

Headline goes here and in most cases there should be two lines of text for each title in the book.

with at small0 first-year students in 2022.

The editorial board is mostly composed of upperclassmen, with the number of juniors reported being 33.3% and seniors being at 23.8%. The largest group is sophomores, who make up 38.1% while the smallest group is first-years, who make up 4.8% compared to 0 first-year students in 2022.

Ithaca College still lacks publicly available data to compare the larger student body with The Ithacan’s board. However, our population of disabled members has grown 0.8% from 8.7% to 9.5%.

According to the college’s website, 17.4% of undergraduate students are first-generation students. Ithaca ollege defines First Generation as “Students (and their siblings who are the first in their family to attend and graduate from a four-year residential college in the U.S.” Our representation of first-generation students increased slightly from 4.5% to 9.5%.

Our commitment lies in harboring diversity and inclusivity while elevating marginalized perspectives. While changes certainly have to be made to improve organizational culture, we are slowly making progress toward building resources to ensure our Editorial Board and staff are equipped with the tools needed to make The Ithacan a workplace and organization that fosters diversity.

Graphs by zhannz gomez/the ithacan

Colleges join forces to welcome students back

Student Weekend was held this year on Saturday, Sept. 9, from noon to 5 p.m. The event was geared toward first-year college students to introduce them to the different businesses, events and organizations in town but was also open to the entire Ithaca community: students of all years, parents and children, teachers and Ithaca residents of all ages.

ast year’s elcome Student eekend signified the end of a two-year break from the event due to the O ID-19 pandemic. President a erne Terry Cornish said she was glad to have the event back after

O ID-19 disrupted past years’ events.

“We’re one of the best college towns in America, so this is a way to show off, but also to build community among the three colleges as well,” Cornish said. “We hope you have a great time. This is a place for you to live, to work and to play, and so we are delighted you are here, have fun. I thank you — I hope to see you around, and enjoy the day.”

This year’s event was the first time all three schools — Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) — were recognized on the same day. Every year, Welcome Student Weekend involves a scavenger hunt game. Hannah Bistocchi, marketing director of the DIA, said the scavenger hunt is typically the crowd favorite out of all the events offered.

Scavenger hunt participants walked away with varying impressions of the game. Some students found the scavenger hunt to be challenging, while others viewed it as a great way to explore the local businesses that Ithaca has to offer.

“Some of the clues have been a little tough, but it’s still really fun,” Cornell junior Graham Ross said.

When walking around The Commons, one could

not distinguish between average patrons of a given

store and active participants of the scavenger hunt. ornell first-year student olden itchcock said many of the shops on The Commons did not seem like they knew about the event.

“Considering how much the scavenger hunt was encouraged, a lot of the stores do not seem like they are with’ the event at all, itchcock said. I was expecting there to be people out and about or more location booths set up.”

ornell first-year student ane ugerty said she was from 30 minutes outside of Ithaca, which helped her with the scavenger hunt.

“I have been to a majority of the locations listed on the scavenger hunt and they have some pretty good places on here,” Gugerty said.

Walking around The Commons, one could see that

almost every individual had picked up one of the available booklets or pamphlets in addition to the free DIA tote bags being distributed at one of the tents.

fun,” Armstrong said.

able booklets or pamphlets in addition to the free DIA tote bags being distributed at one of the tents.

Alongside a Welcome Student Weekend booklet, which housed the scavenger hunt instructions, a general map of downtown and a list of the various Ithaca businesses, attendees of the event were given a Downtown Ithaca Guide & Map. With this booklet, individuals could learn about Downtown Ithaca’s history, local transportation and more.

Ithaca businesses, attendees of the event were given a Downtown Ithaca Guide & Map. With this booklet, individuals could learn about Downtown Ithaca’s history,

“It is cool to be given [the booklets], and it must be especially useful for kids who are new to the area,” Cornell junior Emma Lee said.

“It is cool to be given [the booklets], and it must be especially useful for kids who are new to the area,”

and Ithaca College showcased their work during the event, like the ornell Marching and Pep and, Ithacappella and Premium lend.

Student performance groups from both Cornell and Ithaca College showcased their work during the event, like the ornell Marching and Pep and, Ithacappella and Premium lend.

After warming up with a verse of Elvis’ “Can’t Help

After warming up with a verse of Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in ove, Ithaca ollege’s very own Ithacappella, an all-male identifying a capella group, sang an original tune that labeled the group as being connected “soul to soul, brother to brother.”

Ithacappella presented themselves as one collective unit by all wearing flannel shirts as they got on stage. People watched the performance out on the ernie Milton Pavilion, sitting and enjoying the free apple cider donuts handed out by ornell throughout the day or admiring their recently acquired DIA

Ithacappella presented themselves as one collective unit by all wearing flannel shirts as they got on stage. People watched the performance out on the ernie Milton Pavilion, sitting and enjoying the free apple cider donuts handed out by ornell throughout the day or admiring their recently acquired DIA tote bags.

unior rant ing, Ithacappella’s social media marketing manager, said he has been performing with the group for three years and performed at elcome Student eekend in 2022. e said he thought the group’s

keting manager, said he has been performing with the group for three years and performed at elcome Student eekend in 2022. e said he thought the group’s

Nearby children on The Commons playground and patrons of Paris aguette were greeted by the ornell Marching and Pep and, which paraded

and patrons of Paris aguette were greeted by the ornell Marching and Pep and, which paraded through The ommons a few minutes after 12 p.m. to kick off the event. The band stationed themselves at the center of The Commons and performed a few songs as they attracted a growing crowd of those passing through.

the center of The Commons and performed a few songs as they attracted a growing crowd of those passing through.

Ithaca ollege first-year student Sam Armstrong attended the Welcome Student event and watched the band’s performance of percussion and horn playing, in addition to a series of chants led by their Drum Major, who towered over the ensemble on a ladder.

attended the Welcome Student event and watched the band’s performance of percussion and horn playing, in addition to a series of chants led by their Drum Major, who towered over the ensemble on a ladder.

“They seemed like they were having a lot of

performance on The Commons went well.

performance on The Commons went well.

“We have been working on a few of these songs for the past couple of weeks, ing said. very for

“We have been working on a few of these songs for the past couple of weeks, ing said. very year I’ve been here we sing songs for the public. … It’s awesome.”

Welcome Student Weekend provided students with an opportunity to unite with friends at the start of the school year. Sophomore Evan Mandell said he came

watch Ithacappella perform in support of his roommate and friends, especially the group’s rendition of “Coney Island Baby.”

Welcome Student Weekend provided students with an opportunity to unite with friends at the start of the school year. Sophomore Evan Mandell said he came to Welcome Student Weekend, eager and excited to watch Ithacappella perform in support of his roommate and friends, especially the group’s rendition of “Coney Island Baby.”

said. “I love that Coney Island little tune.”

“Great performance today, great songs,” Mandell said. “I love that Coney Island little tune.”

Ithaca's third Welcome Student Weekend celebrated students from Ithaca College, Cornell University and Tompkins ourtland ommunity ollege with performances from Ithacapella and Premium lend.

Maddy Dombrow/THE ITHACAN

Literature fans discuss rachel yoder's new book

Buffalo Street Books is the opportunity for locals in Ithaca to hear from visiting authors all around the world. With a newly renovated backdrop of painted butterflies and nearly every seat in the house taken, author achel oder sparked conversations about motherhood, taking risks in fiction and what it’s like to see your work adapted for the big screen.

On Oct. 2 , oder visited uffalo Street ooks to discuss her debut novel, ightbitch. The book follows a struggling mother who starts to suspect that she is turning into a dog, a thought that her frequently out-of-town husband dismisses as mere fantasy. After being released in uly 2021, the book has been the recipient of many awards with a film adaptation releasing this year, directed by Marielle Heller and starring Amy Adams.

recipient of many awards with a film adaptation releas-

Around 30 people attended the event. The conversation was moderated by author Melanie onroy- oldman, professor of nglish at obart and William Smith Colleges and owner at Buffalo Street ooks. After reading ightbitch for the first time and being completely enchanted with it, onroy- oldman reached out to oder to be the writer-in-residency at her college.

“This is a book with beautiful sentences and ambitious ideas, but it also crosses genres and plays around with horror, onroy- oldman said. It’s humorous and it’s a book about art. It’s hard to pin down and I like that about it. It makes it open, rich and original.”

oder is currently married with a 9-year-old son. After a particularly restless night with her son not being

ter a particularly restless night with her son not being able to sleep properly, she said her husband made an offshoot joke about her being a “nightbitch” that eventually inspired the premise of the novel.

eventually inspired the premise of the novel.

“I knew I wanted to write about motherhood

It felt rebellious.”

isa Sway e, general manager and buyer at uffalo Street Books, said the process for getting Yoder to speak at the bookstore was different than how they typically find authors. pon seeing oder’s residency announcement on Instagram, Swayze reached out to onroy- oldman to see if oder would be interested. sually, the bookstore finds featured.

authors that submit requests on their website to be

“The further you go into the deep darkness of the literary community, the more connections you make,” Swayze said. “Little things come up.”

The event kicked off with Yoder reading an excerpt from an early section of her novel where strange things begin happening to the protagonist. As the audience listened carefully, laughing along to Yoder’s sharply written prose, she drew in fans and new readers alike to her writing style. After Yoder finished, onroy- oldman led a moderated discussion, asking questions that dove deep into Yoder’s inspiration and writing process.

and my experience with it,” Yoder said. “I started writing personal essays, but I thought, ‘Is there a way to approach this topic in a fresh way?’ And so the dog-mom angle seemed the freshest.

dog-mom angle seemed the freshest.

In the little time she had everyday, between taka had never done before as a writer.

ing care of her child and working, Yoder started writing on a schedule in short bursts — something she had never done before as a writer.

“I didn’t write for a number of years after he

was born, which was a pretty big crisis for me, oder said. “Once he was a little older, the way I wrote was through childcare. I got a grant from the State of Iowa so I could afford it for a couple of hours

was through childcare. I got a grant from the State of Iowa so I could afford it for a couple of hours a day.”

For Yoder, who holds MFAs from the University of Arizona and the University of Iowa, coming up with “Nightbitch” felt like she was writing the things she

Arizona and the University of Iowa, coming up with “Nightbitch” felt like she was writing the things she was not supposed to do.

“It’s a messy, confrontational, angry book about motherhood, which seemed like another bad idea,” Yoder said. “I hadn’t read that book. All of the books about motherhood have been very measured, ironic and intelligent. So I think the idea of a feral motherhood book was really appealing to me.

the books about motherhood have been very mea-

The event concluded by giving space for audience members to ask questions, ranging from conversations about the book’s cover and the pushback Yoder received from editors on the title, to what it was like

The event concluded by giving space for audience members to ask questions, ranging from conversations about the book’s cover and the pushback Yoder received from editors on the title, to what it was like seeing her story made into a film.

ora Marcus- echt ’23, events coordinator and more authors have been interested in coming into the bookstore recently. One of the renovations the

ora Marcus- echt ’23, events coordinator and outreach coordinator at Buffalo Street Books, said more authors have been interested in coming into the bookstore recently. One of the renovations the store has undertaken is repainting the event space, an ongoing process since une 2023.

“We’ve always wanted this to be a nice, cozy space where people feel like they can sit down with a book

“We’ve always wanted this to be a nice, cozy space where people feel like they can sit down with a book and a cup of tea, Marcus- echt said. ven though the mural isn’t finished, I think it was still really great to see the blossoming of something behind her as she

to see the blossoming of something behind her as she was talking.”

While the book has resonated with people for

While the book has resonated with people for its depiction of a female creator struggling to raise a child while not giving up the artistic part of herself, Yoder said her initial goals were

of herself, Yoder said her initial goals were not so lofty.

“It started as a place where I could tell the truth about everything I’d ever felt and I never had to show it to anyone,” Yoder said. “I really needed that outlet. In a lot of ways, especially the first part of the book, it wasn’t about contributing to a larger conversation. It was like, ‘I am performing an exorcism and getting this thing out of my body for myself.’”

“It started as a place where I could tell the truth it to anyone,” Yoder said. “I really needed that outlet. In a lot of ways, especially the first part of the book, it wasn’t about contributing to a larger conversagetting this thing out of my body for myself.’” Van

From left to right, Melanie onroy- oldman and achel oder discuss oder s debut novel, ightbitch, at uffalo Street ooks. The book, which was released in uly 2021, has been the recipient of many awards. Van Hoang/THE ITHACAN

Sammy Rae & the friends brings summer to ithaca

formed at the State Theater Sept. 24 as a part of the band’s “Camp” tour after wrapping up a wild summer tour, “If It All Goes South.”

The aesthetic of the concert was to combine a summer camp feel with campy elements of the show, from Sammy Rae’s Freddie Mercury poses on stage to holding up a fan with the word “CAMP” in rainbow at the end of the band’s introductory song, “Talk It Up.” Sammy Rae said via email that while playing at a venue like Ithaca’s State Theater is not common for them, the band felt more connected to the audience.

“What a special show,” Sammy Rae said via email.

“It’s always a new experience to play for a seated venue, it’s not something we get to do very often, but the vibe is very sweet and we feel very listened to. We loved it!”

The stage was decorated in everything summer camp style — from the microphone stands wrapped with stretchy kids toys, friendship bracelets, beaded crafts and faux vines to the amps covered in realistic-looking moss and plastic flowers.

“A semi-religious experience, at least for myself, because I love the way [Sammy Rae] does things and what she does and I’ve been listening to her for a really long time," sophomore Mary Townsend said. "So, whenever I get to see her, I get to adapt that experience into a live space with the interactions with the audience.”

before the band came out, exciting the crowd each time he walked across.

Senior Kate Miller said that although she isn’t much of a camper, the entire camp idea provided the audience with a sense of community.

said. It fit well with the idea that you’re here with camp;

see old friends and make new ones.” said

“I loved the Bigfoot thing,” Miller said. It fit well with the idea that you’re here with a group and you’re here with friends, almost like at summer camp; kind of a vibe that you’re here to see old friends and make new ones.”

Sophomore Delaney Jacobson said the feel of the entire performance matched the title of the tour and was purely campy at times.

matched the title of the tour and was purely campy at times.

“It was fabulous,” Jacobson said. “But you’re not gonna get that if you don’t know how to play into your theme and have fun with your theme and she was having fun with her theme.”

“But don’t and have fun with your theme and she was having fun with her theme.”

Sammy Rae opened with “Coming Home Song,” a new song yet to be released with an anecdote of how the band traveled to Ithaca College in 2019 for one of its first gigs outside of ew

Home released with an anecdote of how the band traveled to Ithaca College in 2019 for one of its first gigs outside of ew York City.

The band even had their own Bigfoot on the stage before the Senior Kate Miller said that although she camp audience a

voyage

“I decided to purchase a van, so with all the money I had saved up from waitressing, I saved up to purchase a twelve-passenger van,” Sammy Rae said to the audience. “We were driving to Ithaca College, it was

I had saved up from waitressing, I saved up to purchase a twelve-passenger van,” Sammy Rae said to the audience. it

the van’s maiden voyage and she broke on down. … But thank you Ithaca College, it was a really, really big

moment for us and we didn’t even realize it.” Due to the size of the band’s discography — which

Due to the size of the band’s discography — which is relatively small — Sammy Rae & The Friends fans can typically expect to hear most of the songs they want to hear. However, the band usually substitutes some well-known cover songs that allow the crowd to sing along with at least some songs if they do not know all

to hear. However, the band usually substitutes some well-known cover songs that allow the crowd to sing the words to the band’s music.

certs , acobson said. Specifically if an artist has a big enough discography to do their own music. I would

“I am not a very big fan of cover songs [at concerts , acobson said. Specifically if an artist has a big enough discography to do their own music. I would much rather hear one of their own songs. ... [But] she did it in such a way that made it personal to her and fit with her show. And it was just such a blast to hear.

fit with her show. And it was just such a blast to hear. Townsend said Sammy Rae seems like a genuine,

Townsend said Sammy Rae seems like a genuine, authentic person who lives by the principles of her music and the content she sends to her fans and maintains a friendly stage presence each time she performs.

tains a friendly stage presence each time she performs.

“I think she’s a very good example of someone who is actively showing and living by the ethos that

“I think she’s a very good example of someone who is actively showing and living by the ethos that they put out in clear words,” Townsend said. “So she says, ‘I want you to … go make a friend, go be kind, go be courteous to the people around you.’ And then she actively does that with her bandmates, with the audience … and she talks about loving yourself and

go be courteous to the people around you.’ And then she actively does that with her bandmates, with the not worrying too much about societal stuff.”

Sammy Rae donned a rainbow headpiece as she sang. Rae said that while the venue was unlike anything she played at, she enjoyed it.

Walker Borgmann/THE ITHACAN

Sammy Rae & The Friends came to Ithaca Sept. 24 and played at the State Theater. The band's tour, "Camp," brought together campiness vibes with summer camp motifs to bring a sense of community to the audience. Walker Borgman/THE ITHACAN

Walker ITHACAN

An evening of comedy and community with dan ahdoot

featuring Dan Ahdoot on Oct. 16 in Emerson Suites. The comic, actor and writer has been in a variety of television shows, most notably “Cobra Kai,” “Kickin’ It” and “Shameless,” and he is currently hosting the show aid the Fridge on Food etwork.

Ahdoot came on stage with a bang, making jokes about stealing bones, referring to a more serious message from Lauren Goldberg, executive director of illel at Ithaca ollege, about joining the ational Bone Marrow Registry in order to donate and provide bone marrow to people across the globe. At the end of the event, attendees were invited to swab their cheeks to begin the process of donation. The information would be used to see if there was an exact match and if there was an exact match found, the registered person would be called and asked to donate the marrow. i, I’m just going to tell you the world sucks, give me your bones!” Ahdoot said. “We’re all going to die, give me your bones! That’s a high bar for a comedy show, you want to come to this show, you’ve got to give us your bone jelly.

if there was an exact match found, the registered per-

The back-to-back punchlines about his family and their quirks, Ahdoot’s own dating and athletic life, as well as other material did not stop the full 45 minutes, with attention brought to two of his own guests, his father and brother. Weaving in crowd work and what seemed to be some rehearsed topics, Ahdoot kept the crowd consistently engaged.

Ahdoot, an Iranian-Jewish person, highlighted some of his experiences with his background and connected with other Jewish and Iranian-Jewish students in multiple ways, including asking for a raise of hands of audience members who are Jewish, asking if anyone was an Iranian- ewish person specifically and also talking about traditions specific to the culture.

One of these students was junior assi Silver, who had been a fan of Ahdoot since the Disney show “Kickin’ It,” in addition to many of his shows at “Laugh Factory.” Silver felt a personal connection to the comedian, as they shared a background of being Iranian-Jewish people.

“My favorite moment was probably when he talked to me, just because of that rush I don’t know how to describe that,” Silver said. “I mean, being the same ethnicity as him was something I figured he would bring up, but I was glad he did because it was a nice bonding moment.”

The routine overall stayed light and interesting, with Adhoot jumping from topic to topic and eventually talking about his time on “Kickin’ It,” a crowd favorite. A brief question and answer portion with the audience highlighted questions like, “Do you have a

performed stand-up in merson Suites on Oct. 1 . Ahdoot cracked

favorite cast member?” to which he replied “Tootsie,” his goat co-worker on the show.

Sophomore Meredith Waropay found Ahdoot and his work with Disney to be interesting and was glad to have been able to attend the event.

“I thought it was really funny,” Waropay said. “I liked that he interacted with the audience, like the Q&A; I thought it was really cool that he was part of Disney and his role in ‘Kickin’ It.’”

Adhoot also took time to poke fun at the student body, dedicating time to guessing what the acronyms of the college’s majors stood for. Some of the more entertaining for him to guess were “TVDM,” “IMC” and “FPVA,” the latter of which he guessed “foreign policy in Virginia.”

lebrity incident he had had in Los Angeles, where he was recognized by a child rather than the very famous

The stand-up ended with Ahdoot detailing a celebrity incident he had had in Los Angeles, where he was recognized by a child rather than the very famous Matthew McConaughey who was sitting next to him, leaving the room full of laughter, and it was the perfect

way to end the set.

Sam Gross, an intern with IC Hillel’s Homburger Jacobs Contemporary Jewish Issues Lecture Series,

Sam Gross, an intern with IC Hillel’s Homburger Jacobs Contemporary Jewish Issues Lecture Series, was involved in the promotion and flow of the event, as well as introducing the dynamic guest.

“It was super fun. By the time I came in, Dan was already booked and hired, so my job was to promote it, make sure everything went well, make sure that Dan had everything he needed today,” Gross said. “I did all

“It was super fun. By the time I came in, Dan was already booked and hired, so my job was to promote

the back end stuff and I think it went really well.”

the back end stuff and I think it went really well.”

Contemporary Jewish Issues Lecture Series, which was funded by donations from Dr. Eve Homburger ’77 and Brad Jacobs, both of whom attended the event.

survivors in Germany.

The event was sponsored by the Homburger Jacobs Contemporary Jewish Issues Lecture Series, which was funded by donations from Dr. Eve Homburger ’77 and Brad Jacobs, both of whom attended the event. The series was created in memory of Homburger’s parents and Jacobs’ father, who were Holocaust survivors in Germany.

“We have both been brought up regarding the

that’s what we have to do.”

on diversity or on something current,” Homburger said. “We both thought that was very critical to society. And as we see today, sadly, how critical it is — people,

“We have both been brought up regarding the importance of being open-minded and diverse, and we came up with this idea of having annual speakers on diversity or on something current,” Homburger said. “We both thought that was very critical to society. And as we see today, sadly, how critical it is — people, society, individuals, learn about diversity and inclusiveness and we are all the same, and so I think that that’s what we have to do.”

omburger enjoyed the performance from Ahdoot

the ongoing conflict in her heart and soul, she ultimately thought it was a good decision.

omburger enjoyed the performance from Ahdoot and said that though it was hard to take a break from the ongoing conflict in her heart and soul, she ultimately thought it was a good decision.

I wasn’t sure at first whether the show should go on; I wasn’t sure,” Homburger said. “But standing here

maybe it was good for our hearts and our souls, and we’re still there to support all the people we need to support, and in 10 minutes we’re all going to be back

this was what we needed.”

I wasn’t sure at first whether the show should go on; I wasn’t sure,” Homburger said. “But standing here talking to you and thinking of all the students, I think maybe it was good for our hearts and our souls, and we’re still there to support all the people we need to support, and in 10 minutes we’re all going to be back to our lives, with sorrow in our heart. So maybe in fact this was what we needed.”

Dan Ahdoot, an Iranian-Jewish comic, writer and actor who was previously on shows like "Kickin' It," jokes about his own life experiences.

Leila Marcillo-Gómez/The Ithacan

Ithaca highlights diverse range of film festivals

By Vivian Rose

ers as more and more film festivals come to the area especially for film students, who can use these new up-and-coming festivals to promote their own work and begin making connections with other filmmakers.

inemapolis has been busy hosting film festivals, each with a range of interests from reproductive rights and environmental issues to independent films, many of them in their first year and featuring films from Ithaca ollege alumni.

The downtown theater is known for promoting student and alumni films with other film festivals, like the Finger akes nvironmental Film Festival and the Ithaca Short Film Festival, an Ithaca ollege student-only film festival, and serves as a place for young filmmakers to premier their films on a silver screen.

The eproductive ights Film Festival, sponsored by nd Abortion Stigma AS , ran from Sept. 21 to Sept. 23, with two days of panels via Zoom and one night that showed films by students and alumni and one day that showed three films by other filmmakers.

Sue Perlgut was a panelist and an organi er for the film festival. Perlgut said this is the festival’s first year and that organi ing such a program is necessary for young college-aged women to learn about reproductive rights in a safe space with older women who have received abortions and understand that specific perspective.

young filmmakers to premier their films on a support to you to say, This is unacceptable.’ It was

e were lucky in ew ork state when onnie ook decriminali ed abortion, Perlgut said. And then oe v. ade happened in 19 3. So our fight kind of ended. oung people are in that fight now. ou have to stand up for your rights. ou have to protest, you have to do all the things that we were doing then. e’re trying to communicate that and we’re trying to give support to you to say, This is unacceptable.’ It was unacceptable before oe and it’s unacceptable now, and we want young people to fight for their rights. oe v. ade, the landmark Supreme ourt case protecting the right to abortion, was overturned in une 2022. Perlgut said the inspiration for the festival was to educate young people about the overturning of the law and what media has been made in response to the historic decision made last year.

The ommon round film festival followed a similar program with the discussion of four panelists and a film screening of the etflix documentary ommon round from Oct. 13 to Oct. 19 at inemapolis. The panelists included hrista e , founder of earningfarm.org yland ngelhart, co-founder of iss the round Tina ilsen- odges founder and principal of ew oots harter School

and ao hacha Foli, farmer activist educator based

in Ithaca.

The area of discussion focused on regenerative

Foli, who moved from hana to Ithaca five years ago. Foli said that although the concept of re-

the environment.

The area of discussion focused on regenerative agriculture, a passion held by panelist member Foli, who moved from hana to Ithaca five years ago. Foli said that although the concept of regenerative agriculture may sound lofty, prior knowledge of the subject is not necessary to understand what regenerative agriculture means for the environment.

It’s reinforcing and energi ing us to remember

Kiki

From left to right Philip Thompson, co-founder and co-programmer, and Desiree Tolchin, co-founder and director of development of the xperimental Film Festival, helped to organi e the festival s events. The overarching goal of the festival was to help connect young filmmakers across communities.

Hall/the ithacan

Foli said. It’s not new. It’s not something you have to have a PhD or master’s in. Ithaca is ethical. The

It’s reinforcing and energi ing us to remember how we take care of the earth that feeds and provides for us while talking about regenerative agriculture, Foli said. It’s not new. It’s not something you have to have a PhD or master’s in. Ithaca is ethical. The idea of regenerative agriculture is not new to Ithaca.

like

especially within a town with a high population of young people. e said he hopes that students who at-

Foli said there is a necessity to having film festivals like the one centered around environmental issues, especially within a town with a high population of young people. e said he hopes that students who attended left with a feeling of understanding and have a deeper consideration for the environment.

I would like students to walk away with the understanding that our small ways of understanding

I would like students to walk away with the understanding that our small ways of understanding the essence of the rule of environmental justice within our community step toward the solution to pollution,

Foli said.

The xperimental Film Festival also in its first year focused on educating the Ithaca community but was solely focused on independent films. The festival came to fruition by Desire Tolchin ’21, Philip

The xperimental Film Festival also in its first year focused on educating the Ithaca community festival came to fruition by Desire Tolchin ’21, Philip

Thompson and Aidan ronin and lasted from Oct. 13

Thompson and Aidan ronin and lasted from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15.

Thompson said their overarching goal for their film festival was to be a source of encouragement for young filmmakers in Ithaca. e said that in his own experience, he had not previously known any

tival will act as a chance for film students to have a different experience than he did.

Thompson said their overarching goal for their film festival was to be a source of encouragement for young filmmakers in Ithaca. e said that in his own experience, he had not previously known any filmmakers aside from his professors at college. Thompson said he hopes the xperimental Film Festival will act as a chance for film students to have a different experience than he did.

ring artists together, local artists, again, that’s

Ithaca or you’re a local artist, we can bring everyone together and have everyone discuss and share their work and just talk about how we can all grow and de-

ring artists together, local artists, again, that’s our goal, Thompson said. And if you’re a student in Ithaca or you’re a local artist, we can bring everyone together and have everyone discuss and share their work and just talk about how we can all grow and develop as artists. That is our number one goal.

Thompson said the festival had three student ticket options and allowed for students to not only come from Ithaca and ornell niversity, but from colleges like inghamton and Syracuse, too. ssentially, the festival was geared toward informing students and getting new kinds of films in front of the eyes of the next

et options and allowed for students to not only come from Ithaca and ornell niversity, but from colleges like inghamton and Syracuse, too. ssentially, the

ting new kinds of films in front of the eyes of the next generation of filmmakers.

It kind of made for a diverse environment because we had people from town and we had students and we had filmmakers and professors some filmmakers came in and visited, Thompson said. e had a filmmaker come from rooklyn. So filmmakers from all over came to this one place where the students can get exposed to different kinds of things, different

It kind of made for a diverse environment because and and

ers came in and visited, Thompson said. e had a filmmaker come from rooklyn. So filmmakers from all over came to this one place where the students can get exposed to different kinds of things, different kinds of films.

Watch what happens when Dillingham siezes the day

By Sofia Lopez

Dance’s main stage fall production of Disney’s ewsies ran from Oct. 2 to ov. 1 with a preview held Oct. 25 at the orener Theatre in Dillingham.

production was exciting.

the heart is very much bringing that.

Those names have a lot of weight and throwing them around, at least for me, personally, is a little intimidating, ayakawa said. It’s also really exciting because the show is really closely tied to the school.

Those names have a lot of weight and throwing

In contrast to the realistic vision of the director

In contrast to the realistic vision of the director ynthia enderson, a professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance Performance one of the less realistic parts of musical theater came with the

music and dancing.

connections to the college, the creative team leaned

hile the larger than life roadway production has been a direct source of inspiration because of its connections to the college, the creative team leaned

wirt man and assistant choreographer an opkins, a senior theatre studies and writing double

wirt man and assistant choreographer an opkins, a senior theatre studies and writing double

Disney s ewsies sie es the stage in the captivating musical based on the 1 99 ewsboy strike as a result of paper prices being raised. The college has close ties with ewsies as two of its alumni played leading roles in the original roadway show eremy ordan 0 who played ack elly and en Frankhauser 11 as Davey. Frankhauser did a talkback with the cast and audience after attending the preview of the show Oct. 25, where he spoke about his experience.

and en Fankhauser ’11 as Davey. ow, as the show hit Dillingham’s stage, the two have made themselves involved with the production.

The college has close ties with ewsies, as two of its alumni played leading roles in the original roadway show eremy ordan ’0 who played ack elly show.

with the cast and audience after attending the preview of the show Oct. 25, where he spoke about his experience.

During production, the cast had a Zoom call with ordan to discuss character work. During this Zoom, he also gave advice about vocal work and rest, which sophomore Alexander oss, the musical theatre major playing ordan’s former role, found helpful considering the large vocal strain of the show.

e offered a lot of insight from his extensive experience with the show as well as practices for maintaining vocal health, which I found particularly useful considering the demand this show has on the voice, oss said.

voice, oss said.

Fankhauser did a talkback with the cast and audience after attending the preview of the show Oct. 25. e fielded questions about how he was cast in the original roadway production, as well as vocal work and finding jobs in the musical theater field after graduation. Senior ordan ayakawa, playing the role of rutchie, said that having the two involved in the

how

into a slightly more grounded version of the show that

into a slightly more grounded version of the show that played into its historic 20th century elements.

There’s a part of Sei e the Day’ that I refer to as pistons, Daniel wirt man, assistant professor of dance and choreographer, said. And the idea is, again, linked to what was happening historically, of this time period, specifically in ew ork and seeing how our challenge and objective as choreographers is to find a way to take a conceptual idea and give it a

of dance and choreographer, said. And the idea is, concrete form. that

One of the fully original elements that grounds the show is the scenic design, done by senior theater and production design major Fabiola Alvarado errios.

production design major Fabiola Alvarado errios. aving never seen any iteration of ewsies before, she said she chose to keep it that way throughout the whole production process to keep her ideas fresh.

It’s a completely fresh take on the set, Alvarado errios said. It has some things of the original production like levels and movement, but it really is not kind of like a copy paste of what most people do for ewsies. The set is not the original production, but

major, used the ideas of the industrial revolution in

major, used the ideas of the industrial revolution in their choreography to add to the realism of the show, although they kept original elements from the roadway production within the choreography such as the iconic newspaper dance sequence during the song

way production within the choreography such as the iconic newspaper dance sequence during the song Sei e the Day.

Although ordan and Fankhauser have left some large shoes to fill, based on previews, the cast and crew succeeded in creating an exciting new take that pays homage to the show’s origins on roadway. As an actor, ayakawa said that while some pre-opening night nerves were setting in, the show was ready for

crew succeeded in creating an exciting new take that pays homage to the show’s origins on roadway. As

its audiences.

I feel like there’s a point in every show where you

I feel like there’s a point in every show where you don’t have an audience yet. And that starts to freak you out, ayakawa said. hat if no one’s gonna like it And once you get that first audience in, whether it’s preview, or like an invited dress or opening night they’re there and they’re laughing and clapping, and you’re like, Oh, okay, we had nothing to

er it’s preview, or like an invited dress or opening night they’re there and they’re laughing and clapworry about.’

Courtesy of Simon Wheeler for Ithaca College

Disney s ewsies sie es the stage in the captivating musical based on the 1 99 ewsboy strike as a result of paper prices being raised. The college has close as Davey. Frankhauser did a talkback

Courtesy of Simon Wheeler for Ithaca College

Bookstores in ithaca help create inclusive spaces

By Kaeleigh Banda

selling diverse literature and creating inclusive spaces for community members to explore a variety of perspectives amid the rise of online shopping and an increase in book banning.

Odyssey Bookstore and Buffalo Street Books are two indie bookstores downtown. Both stores value diversity when choosing what books to sell and their company websites share this intention to make customers aware of their inclusivity. The general manager and lead buyer of Buffalo Street Books, Lisa Swayze, said she wants the store to be a safe place for everyone

who walks through the doors.

“We are deliberate in our choices to carry books for the specific community that is Ithaca, Sway e said. “We curate to include a diversity of voices and experiences so everyone in our community can see themselves in the books on our shelves.

Book bans across the world in libraries and schools have caused access to books about diverse topics to be limited. Books that contain content about people of color or mention the LGBTQ+ community are commonly banned. Some parents want to ban books that talk about characters in these communities because they deem them inappropriate.

To help stand up to this, Swayze said she highlights books that have been banned on the recommended shelf in the store.

“Books reveal shared experiences and offer hope during transitions and difficult times, Sway e said. “Books can be life-saving; why would anyone want to stop that

Ithaca’s community is naturally diverse because of its large student population. Cathy Michael, communications librarian at Ithaca College, said it is important for students from any place to walk into a bookstore and see themselves on the shelves. She also said even students who are not in a marginalized community and have had limited access to inclusive literature benefit from reading diverse books.

“Hearing different life stories will help you develop your values and be able to understand other people, Michael said. If you grew up in a community where there wasn’t a lot of diversity, a book is an entry into that.

Owner of Odyssey Bookstore Laura Larson said she makes sure her store is a welcoming place. She said anyone who walks through the doors is immediately greeted and given personalized assistance if requested.

“We greet every single person so anyone who walks through the door can feel seen and engaged,

and letting them know that we’re here to connect

Larson said. “We’re welcoming people into our space and letting them know that we’re here to connect with them.

United States today and the American Civil Liberties Union also explained that in the beginning of 2023,

ing to the NAACP, represent acts of policy violence that continue to promote anti-blackness in the U.S.

PBS annual reports state that systemic racism continues to negatively impact people of color in the United States today and the American Civil Liberties Union also explained that in the beginning of 2023, there were 124 bills introduced that negatively targeted the LGBTQ+ community. Book bans, according to the NAACP, represent acts of policy violence that continue to promote anti-blackness in the U.S.

Through the lens of a book, readers experience many different lives and connect to the stories. This builds a bond between anyone who has read the book or understands that experience.

or understands that experience.

“I think books are a wonderful way to bring people

“I think books are a wonderful way to bring people together and show them what they have in common when, in my opinion, too much of life is focused on what we don’t have in common, arson said.

what we don’t have in common, arson said. Other difficulties that bookstores have, aside from

Other difficulties that bookstores have, aside from book bans, have been trying to support their small business through the challenges that online shopping poses. The convenience of clicking a button in the comfort of one’s own home is appealing to many shoppers but this means fewer people are going out to shop at local businesses.

ping poses. The convenience of clicking a button in the comfort of one’s own home is appealing to many shoppers but this means fewer people are going out to

“It would be great if more people understood how hard it is to keep an indie bookstore afloat these days, Swayze said. “Our industry is seriously threatened by the Ama on monopoly.

hard it is to keep an indie bookstore afloat these days, Swayze said. “Our industry is seriously threatened by

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to turn to online shopping. Since then, some people

turn to online shopping. Since then, some people

have continued to shop online. Indie bookstore owners need to provide something that online cannot, to show customers why they should choose to shop

have continued to shop online. Indie bookstore owners need to provide something that online cannot, locally.

“It’s my job to give people a reason to choose to shop for me, arson said. I hope that if they come in here, they’re like, Oh, I like buying from Odyssey.’

“It’s my job to give people a reason to choose to shop for me, arson said. I hope that if they come in here, they’re like, Oh, I like buying from Odyssey.’

community in other ways. The store hosts events and rents out its reading room as a place for people to gather and read books together, hear from authors,

Buffalo Street Books creates a sense of personal community in other ways. The store hosts events and rents out its reading room as a place for people to gather and read books together, hear from authors, learn from lecturers or for a personal event.

ly was ow to ave Anti- acist onversations with Roxy Manning and Martha Lasley. Roxy Manning is

Supremacy and The Antiracist eart A Self- ompassion and Activism andbook. She spoke with facilitator Martha Lasley, a partner at the Authentic an grates diversity, equity and inclusion work, and attendants were able to learn more about her work. Both the books and events make Buffalo Street Books an educational and diverse space.

For example, one event that they hosted recently was ow to ave Anti- acist onversations with Roxy Manning and Martha Lasley. Roxy Manning is the author of “How to Have Antiracist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy and The Antiracist eart A Self- ompassion and Activism andbook. She spoke with facilitator Martha Lasley, a partner at the Authentic Communication Group, an organization that integrates diversity, equity and inclusion work, and attendants were able to learn more about her work. Both the books and events make Buffalo Street Books an educational and diverse space.

Indie bookstores strengthen communities across the world. Larson said she likes that her store is a place where people can stop and connect for a moment.

the world. Larson said she likes that her store is a place where people can stop and connect for a moment.

“I feel the conversations have ended up being

“These casual conversations that we get to have all the time and that people sometimes have with each other.

“I feel the conversations have ended up being an unintended beautiful consequence, arson said. “These casual conversations that we get to have all the time and that people sometimes have with each other.

Ithacan

Buffalo Street Books is an indie bookstore in Downtown Ithaca that values diversity and intends for their customers to be aware of this inclusivity. Indie bookstores struggle to staf afloat with online shopping.

Kaeleigh Banda/THE ITHACAN

'Bites and insights' group navigates diverse topics

By Vivian Rose

“And initially, I was just kind of like, ‘What do people need to talk about that isn’t being talked about?’ Because I feel like we’re so aware of so many things on the internet, but no one actually implements them in their lives, junior Zorianne Taylor, an intern with the Title I office and a member of the Prevention ducation Network at Ithaca College, said at her event, ites and Insights.

The event, hosted by PEN, was a discussion about modern relationships, the self and the Internet. Taylor presented the discussion to about six students Nov. 7 in Textor 102. Taylor paired snacks — from tacos to hot chocolate — with important conversation to attendees and music played as students walked in and were greeted by Taylor’s boisterous laughter.

The discussion was open and allowed attendees to talk honestly about their experiences of being overwhelmed by the media along with how the Internet has impacted them forming both platonic and romantic relationships. First-year student Percival Koontz said he does not typically speak up in larger groups, so having a smaller gathering was helpful to express himself.

“Well, what I really liked about how this was set up was how open it was, oont said. I actually liked the smaller group. I mean, I had hoped that there would be more people, but I liked how it felt very comfortable and natural. … I felt a lot more comfortable in this setting. So I think it was well done and well-organi ed also.

Taylor said she was given creative freedom to create the event and said this was her first time organi ing an event at the college. She said that she had greater expectations for the number of people to show up, but also that having a small group was better.

“I think, although not a lot of people came, it was still exactly what I wanted it to be, Taylor said. hich is just like a really chill conversation and people sharing opinions and perspectives on current culture. … But outside of that, it’s exactly what I wanted it to be.

Title IX interns work with PEN to report to the Title I office as well as educate students, staff and faculty about healthy behaviors in relationships, affirmative consent, and plan and host events and help promote them for the office. Taylor said she was inspired by Jubilee, a YouTube channel that brings people with differing opinions together to give them space to discuss them while taking time to bring the conversation back to the middle ground.

First-year student Chloe Segar came to the event with Koontz, along with two other friends, and she said the current hookup culture in society is based

around getting social capital.

“I get why people were just like, hey, ‘You want to have sex?’ But then there’s making a whole deal out of it and saying, ‘Oh, how many people have you slept with ’ Segar said. It’s completely subjective, but I think it gets sort of insane at a point where it’s like you’re only doing this to have another phone number. Like sort of as a statistic of how many people you’ve had sex with for some sort of praise.

However, senior Zoe Gras, who crocheted during the event while listening and participating, disagreed with Segar’s statement. Gras said that as people get older, they have more temporary relationships and can have agreeable one-night relationships, which may be harder to have at a younger age, but she also said some of those relationships could be problematic.

It’s definitely not for me, ras said. ut I do have friends that are like, ‘I just feel like this is what I need, I just need a social connection for one night.’ … ut I do think it’s misogynistic.

Taylor used this idea of bringing the conversation back to center after the disagreement.

“I always come back to that middle ground with what modern hookup culture is now, Taylor said. “It could be so much better than what it is now. … But I think it always comes back to who you are and what you want in that moment and if you’re connected to that, then it can be healthy if we’re both like, again, setting boundaries."

Senior Caroline Berry said she was interested

in attending the event in order to participate in a conversation with younger college students to share her own experiences of relationships in college.

“I’ve just been looking back on different parts of the college experience and I feel like hooking up, hookup culture and things like that are all some of the biggest parts of what you learn in college, how to have relationships with other people, erry said.

Koontz said that attending this discussion was important to him because it brought him a new perspective on relationships he had not had before.

I’m ace to start, and also demi, oont said. So a lot of the conversation didn’t apply to me, but it still was eye opening into a community and a culture that I have no knowledge on.

The entire purpose of the event was to get a conversation going and to get different people with different perspectives to participate in one, healthy discussion, Taylor said. She said although she had marketed the event towards AFAB (assigned female at birth) people, she said her advertisements for the event encouraged anyone and everyone to attend.

“But just with the way our society is, where it’s just ‘Go, go, go,’ I feel like people aren’t doing internal work and understanding their own beliefs because a lot of people just kind of do the groupthink thing, Taylor said. “So I think it’s important for people to have these conversations, so they can hear other people’s perspectives.

From left to right: Caroline Berry and Zoe Gras were just two of the attendees at the Prevention Education Network's new discussion series, "Bites and Insights," led by Zorianne Taylor, which focused on relationships. Sammie Macaranas/THE ITHACAN

Art exhibit tackes social activism of older women

On the first Friday of every month, Ithaca locals and visitors are invited to take a stroll downtown to experience in-person shows and displays highlighting the local creative art scene, depicting a colorful assortment of artistic talent. One exhibit, however, is personally examining the relationship between art and activism.

The Stand p omen Older omen Social Activism in Tompkins ounty exhibition takes the work of a few older local women who have worked within various forms of social activism, like reproduction rights, feminism, mental health and T rights, and channels it through the creation of visual arts. iewers were invited to observe drawings, text-based images, photos and personal narratives that were hung up by coat hangers a significant piece of the women’s rights movement around the room. The exhibition opened on First Friday allery ight on ov. 3 at ifelong, a community center for those 50 and older at 119

The exhibition is a collaborative project between aryl enry-Alexander, artist and activist, and filmmaker and organi er of the eproductive ustice Film Festival, Sue Perlgut, who mentored enry-Alexander when she was in school. In preparation for the exhibit, enry-Alexander led the women in a series of workshops to help take their activism and experiences and represent them in artistic pieces including drawings, poetry and photography.

ennifer olly, Dana professor in the Department of Art, Art istory, and Architecture at Ithaca ollege, works closely with art and activism. olly said art is deeply interwoven with activism because it helps facilitate deeper conversations and connec-

tions between individuals.

ment of Art, Art istory, and Architecture at Ithaca

It really revolves around this idea that artists do have really special skills that are both about the imag-

have really special skills that are both about the imagination, that are about creativity, olly said.

themes of art and activism, analy ing gender, polito

olly currently teaches a seminar that discusses themes of art and activism, analy ing gender, politics, race and abolition. Part of the power of art and activism, olly said, is its ability to bring people from different communities and experiences together which was part of the intentionality of the exhibit.

This brings a group of women together, olly said. A group of women who are having conversa-

It was ama ing because advocacy and activism comes from something that’s touched your life, and each one of them had an experience with what they’re advocates for, enry-Alexander said. Our workshops were very much telling each other our stories and then helping each other get it from the brain into the paper.

In addition to the visual art, Perlgut conducted a series of interviews with the women, exploring their art and activism, which will be available for viewers to watch until the gallery closes.

ourt St. Film in your vocates for, enry-Alexander said. Our workshops were very much telling each see

I knew them all, so it was great, Perlgut said. And everybody was lovely to each other and it was a fantastic experience, and this is a fantastic experience having the art and having so many people come see it.

forums and different media. ut what matters is generates

This brings a group of women together, olly said. A group of women who are having conversations about activist issues that they care about, thinking about how those ideas translate into different forums and different media. ut what matters is this idea that art has brought these women together. And that this idea of bringing art and activism together generates conversations, generates a reason to gather, generates comunity.

Psychotherapist vonne Fisher was one of the women who displayed her work in the exhibition. Fisher became involved in the project as both a way to raise awarethe continue to face in the present and to celebrate the personal stories of women who have overcome adversaries in their activism. Fisher’s work explores her relationcommunity

Psychotherapist vonne Fisher was one of the women who displayed her work in the exhibition. Fisher became involved in the project as both a way to raise awareness of the issues women in the T community have faced in the past and continue to face in the present and to celebrate the personal stories of women who have overcome adversaries in their activism. Fisher’s work explores her relationship with the T community using bright colors to create a mosaic-like depiction of women from all different backgrounds and to showcase the unity of

T women.

It’s basically a celebration of love, Fisher said. ven though things are so difficult and dark and there’s these forces that are trying to shut down people’s rights and freedoms, there’s still a sense of hope and joy.

ficult and dark and there’s these forces that are trying to shut down people’s rights areas

riences of women in the 20th century, many issues are still being addressed today. According to the uman ights atch orld eport 2023, which covers aims

failed to address systemic racism, unequal power structures and delayed reforms to harsh border control policies.

hile many areas of activism explored in the exhibit focused on the experiences of women in the 20th century, many issues are still being addressed today. According to the uman ights atch orld eport 2023, which covers the events of the previous year, the .S. made progress toward implementing rights-respecting policies, like the Inflation eduction Act, which aims to invest in clean domestic energy production. owever, the .S. government has also failed to address systemic racism, unequal power structures and delayed reforms to harsh border control policies.

On une 24, 2022, the nited States Supreme ourt struck down oe v. ade,

21 states have banned or heavily restricted access to the procedure. Purlgut’s own piece for the exhibit is a text-based image taken from the play ithout Shame,

On une 24, 2022, the nited States Supreme ourt struck down oe v. ade, reversing the constitutional right to an abortion. Since the rule was overturned, 21 states have banned or heavily restricted access to the procedure. Purlgut’s own piece for the exhibit is a text-based image taken from the play ithout Shame, ithout Stigma, ithout Fear that Purlgut worked on along with two other women detailing their experiences receiving abortions.

This is for younger women, Perlgut said. eneration Z is experiencing what the women experienced, and I’m sorry, and I’m outraged for you. opefully what we did back then and what we’re still doing will help you fight the horrible things that are going on now. And that’s what this is about. This is to inspire young people and other women.

what the women experienced, and I’m sorry, and I’m outraged for you. opefully what we did back then and what we’re still doing will help you fight the horrible is people and other women.

omen Older omen Social Activism in Tompkins ounty. The exhibit, which opened on First Friday Grace Vanderveer/THE ITHACAN

Indigenous people's month recognized through art

doll is made. The easy-to-make dolls hold importance to the audenosaunee ation and children and their families learned how to make them during a session on ov. 11 at the Tompkins ounty enter for istory. The session was hosted by Penny Minner, a member of the Seneca Turtle lan.

In the audenosaunee ation, the dolls are used to teach a powerful lesson to children. The dolls, purposely made with no face, represent a story of vanity, teaching children not to prioriti e themselves and their looks before others.

This event is just one piece of Ithaca’s acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples’ Month which occurs every ovember. On ov. 16 at uffalo Street ooks, members of the Ithaca community were encouraged

of the Ithaca community were encouraged to attend a conversation with writer and educator vonne Dennis about the decoloni ation of

Thanksgiving dinner.

esides having these community events, ani hacon, an indigenous muralist based in Albuquerque, ew Mexico, talked about some of the cities she worked in. She said they should attempt to educate their residents about diverse cultures year round. Although hacon is based in ew Mexico, she collaborated with Ithaca ollege and painted a mural by the

que, ew Mexico, talked about some of the cities she

Although hacon is based in ew Mexico, she collabFree Speech ock in 2019.

e don’t want to acknowledge olumbus anymore because he was a horrible person, hacon said. e should be acknowledging the original peoples

e should be acknowledging the original peoples that were here.

hacon also said she hopes people will acknowledge the deep history of Indigenous cultures and will not lump the history with other celebrations that

will not lump the history with other celebrations that come in October and ovember.

who is now a professor at the niversity of South Florida, said the program combined lessons from professors with lectures from members of the local Onondaga and audenosaunee community members. e developed classes and decoloni ing methodologies, ansen said. So we could talk about how academia sometimes is the worst colonialist offender, and that many of our research methods and the way that we conduct ourselves are off putting and do not include ative voices and perspectives.

ansen said the program included outreach to the Indigenous youth community in the Ithaca area which contributed to the college gaining a higher Indigenous student population between the ’99 and ’16 academic years.

she

and Month, that they’re really taking a close look at

So I would hope that, you know, in time that when people celebrate and cities have an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous Peoples Day and Month, that they’re really taking a close look at the nations that are present in their city, that the lands that they are on, essentially that they are acknowledging that time as not their time, as Indigenous Peoples’ Month as a month of acknowledging the land that these nations have been on for centuries, that they are acknowledging those specific people and nations,

ing that time as not their time, as Indigenous Peoples’ Month as a month of acknowledging the land that nations, hacon said.

According to Data SA, in 2012, the college enrolled 2 ative American students, while in 2016, when the program ended, the college enrolled 16 ative American students. Additionally in 2022, the college enrolled four ative American students while in 2023, two ative American students were enrolled according to the Office of Analytics and Institutional esearch.

extensive education on ative American culture and

From 1999 until 2016, Ithaca ollege did provide extensive education on ative American culture and the ative American studies program was designed into the anthropology department. rooke ansen,

ansen said that in the 2000s, the college was a part of a consortium of other ew ork state colleges and universities like S Oswego, Syracuse niversity, S nvironmental Science and Forestry and ells ollege that worked to get ative American studies programs up and running in their respective institutions. owever, in 2016, the college administration decided to move the ative American studies program to the enter for the Study of ulture, ace, and thnicity from the anthropology department, according to ansen.

hen ansen worked as a professor for the college, she coordinated with li Thomas, an indigenous artist and member of the Onondaga nation’s olf lan. Thomas and ansen met 25 years ago and in 2016, ansen had the idea to have Thomas help students paint a mural on the second floor of illiams all. Thomas described the mural as a community art piece featuring images of an iconic Ithaca-esque waterfall landscape with the faces of elders embedded into the piece.

Thomas and ansen met 25 years ago and in 2016, ansen had the idea to have Thomas help students paint described the mural as a community art piece featuring images of an iconic Ithaca-esque waterfall landscape with the faces of elders embedded into the piece.

told them what to do with it and how to paint it. Some of them were not good at art, but I told them to do the best you can and things worked out. It did work out

have any experience with art. It’s the idea of delivering

I think it’s a pretty good painting, Thomas said. I had a lot of help with it from the students and staff. I told them what to do with it and how to paint it. Some of them were not good at art, but I told them to do the best you can and things worked out. It did work out pretty good. I like to get people involved who don’t have any experience with art. It’s the idea of delivering a message.

Similarly, hacon was asked to paint a mural at the

with an intentional message. The mural was painted in 2019 near the Free Speech ock. hacon said the edwing blackbirds birds featured in the mural represent the community that students wanted the piece to reflect.

Similarly, hacon was asked to paint a mural at the college after students asked for more artwork on the campus that reflected the college’s values and ideals with an intentional message. The mural was painted in 2019 near the Free Speech ock. hacon said the edwing blackbirds birds featured in the mural represent the community that students wanted the piece to reflect.

They’re a bird that exists and acknowledges the strength in numbers, so when one of them is in distress, the other birds come to aid that bird and

They’re a bird that exists and acknowledges the strength in numbers, so when one of them is in distress, the other birds come to aid that bird and they kind of work in a system that supports one another, hacon said. And so I thought that that was a very good symbol to talk about that relationship of support. And that those patterns are evident throughout nature, and are definitely evident within our communities.

other, hacon said. And so I thought that that was a very good symbol to talk about that relationship of support. And that those patterns are evident throughout nature, and are definitely evident within

The mural above in illiams all was painted by an Indigenous artist, li Thomas, and students of the 2016 ative American studies program. The program is now a minor in the enter for the Study of ulture, ace, and thnicity.

Kalysta Donaghy-Robinson/the ithacan

Ecovillage DEMONSTRATES STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY

tainable living community that allows people of all ages to live in sustainably built homes and contribute to their communities. Within their three neighborhoods, FROG, SONG and TREE, and over 200 residents, there always seems to be something happening or being planned in the community.

On Jan. 27, the community held their annual event, Sparkfest. Sparkfest is an opportunity for members to showcase their talents for about five minutes. There were singing groups, comedy acts, short routines and more planned for the evening.

The afternoon before the big event, the FROG

common house was set up with residents’ artwork, ranging from textiles to handmade landscapes with gnomes, displaying the other art forms the residents created. Many people were there, chatting about each other’s work and catching up while also grazing the fondue table that had also been provided by the residents.

Decisions in EcoVillage are done unanimously, which can lead to a more timely process, and it allows for high involvement in the decisions. Proposals are made by community members who do research into updates and changes and then they present it to the committee that the project resides under. The proposal goes to its first consensus meeting and the process continues from there.

There are a number of cohousing communities that use the consensus decision-making model, includ-

ing Chapeltown Cohousing in the United Kingdom,

Elderspirit Community in Virginia and others. According to The Cohousing Association of the United States, consensus voting is a highly inclusive process that preserves the ability for all voices to be heard, despite its challenges.

Liz Walker, one of the co-founders of EcoVillage, said the main reason EcoVillage took on consensus decision-making was due to her background in activism work, but also because other cohousing communities have successfully been using this model.

Markus said group decision-making is not easy or for the faint of heart, but it leaves an opportunity for

Markus said group decision-making is not easy or for the faint of heart, but it leaves an opportunity for growth personally and in the group setting.

“In my opinion, it’s been a wonderful opportunity for growth and character development because I’d like to think of myself as someone who is nice to people just generally, but if you don’t treat people respectfully or if there’s some kind of problem, you don’t treat people well, when you live in community, you’ll be seeing that person the next day at the laundry,” Markus said.

to think of myself as someone who is nice to people just generally, but if you don’t treat people respectfully

that person the next day at the laundry,” Markus said. Wayne Gustafson, one of the artists and a resident

Wayne Gustafson, one of the artists and a resident with work on display in FROG common house, said that when living in a community, it’s easy to feel combative because of how individuals are taught to function in society.

“We chose that form of decision-making largely because that was my background as a community organizer,” Walker said. “I came from working in California in the anti-nuclear movement. We were trying to stop nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons, and that’s the form of decision-making we used in those activism groups.”

Sharon Markus, a resident of SONG neighborhood, is currently working with the committee to organize a network infrastructure project, looking to update the current hardware and allow for stronger connections.

bative because of how individuals are taught to function in society. that

adversarial way. And even when we come here looking for something different, it still takes a while to kind thing

all of us, no matter how long we’ve been here, it’s a constant educational process of helping us to learn to

“One of the things that I say is that in our culture, we’re taught to be very individualistic,” Gustafson said. “We’re taught that things get worked out in an adversarial way. And even when we come here looking for something different, it still takes a while to kind of unlearn those patterns and be able to relate differently. So the whole thing is really a matter of, for all of us, no matter how long we’ve been here, it’s a constant educational process of helping us to learn to live differently.”

For many residents of EcoVillage, living sustainably is just a part of why the residents are choosing this housing; it’s also about having a supportive, involved community and finding purpose.

is just a part of why the residents are choosing this housing; it’s also about having a supportive, involved

Amber Markus has been with the community for seven years and was an Ithaca resident growing up.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic was a hard time for people in the community, but by having a sense of togetherness, they were able to lean on each other for help.

“There were some elders that were sick during COVID and who lived alone, and had they lived in a

Markus said. “When somebody needed medicine picked up, or they needed groceries, people would just make soup and go to CVS and get their meds

“There were some elders that were sick during COVID and who lived alone, and had they lived in a traditional community, they wouldn’t have gotten the level of support that we were able to offer here,” Markus said. “When somebody needed medicine picked up, or they needed groceries, people would just make soup and go to CVS and get their meds and just check on them and walk their dogs for them, and all of that just comes from a place of love and community. I’ve just never seen anything like that before,

and all of that just comes from a place of love and community. I’ve just never seen anything like that before, so it’s just really neat.”

Ro Rasmussen, a tour guide and resident of EcoVillage, said the people who choose to live in the community want to connect with each other and build

Village, said the people who choose to live in the community want to connect with each other and build trust between the members.

“Well, it’s kind of a self-selection; we all chose to come to live in a community, so that means we do want to spend some time with other people,” Rasmussen said. “I mean, we want to build up that trust. We want a community where we do things together and help each other, so that’s why we chose to be here.”

want to spend some time with other people,” Rasmussen said. “I mean, we want to build up that trust. We want a community where we do things together and

EcoVillage offers free tours on the last Saturday of each month, excluding November and December, giving the public the opportunity to learn

EcoVillage offers free tours on the last Saturday of each month, excluding November and December, giving the public the opportunity to learn about the cohousing model, farming and the stories of

the people living together.

Bobbi Pollack joined EcoVillage seven years ago. She said one of her main searches when coming to

Bobbi Pollack joined EcoVillage seven years ago. She said one of her main searches when coming to co illage was finding her purpose.

Pollack said. “What was my purpose? And what’s important to me as I move, and I’m getting older and thinking about what I call transition is, I’m extremely of time thinking about that every day.”

It was, like I said before, to try to find a purpose, Pollack said. “What was my purpose? And what’s important to me as I move, and I’m getting older and thinking about what I call transition is, I’m extremely grateful and appreciative and I make sure I spend a lot of time thinking about that every day.”

EcoVillage is a sustainable cohousing community that allows people of all ages to live in and contribute to a shared space. The village, with over 200 residents, is broken up into three neighborhoods: FROG, SONG, and TREE. Kaeleigh Banda/THE ITHACAN

IC international students weather out winter break

By Mariana Contreras

While many of their peers embark on journeys home for the holidays, some international students often find themselves grappling with the complexities of staying behind. In what is usually a campus bu ing with busy energy, the quiet campus and the hushed corridors of residence halls become the backdrop for a different narrative. avigating the winter break as an international student at Ithaca ollege presents a unique set of challenges that often go unnoticed.

Money, time and jet lag are a few of the reasons why international students may find themselves staying on campus for winter break. Sophomore ndarmaa Tserenkhuu, who stayed on campus winter ’23, said the long flights home and back were just not worth it.

I would just have to experience jet lag twice during winters, Tserenkhuu said.

There was no extra fee charged for students who stayed over winter break. They could remain in their dorm until Dec. 22 at 10 00 a.m. and return an. 1 at 1 00 p.m. when the campus opened again. The only residences that remain open all year round are astman all, Talcott all and Terrace 6, as well as ircle and arden Apartments.

Amanda alrad, assistant director of ousing Services ommunications, said students could reach out to the esidential ife office to inquire about available spaces in the residence halls and apartments that are open year long. owever, she emphasi ed that

availability is not guaranteed, as it depends on the quick turnover of spaces.

If a student is not in that area, and they need to stay, we ask that they try to find someone in an apartment that they could stay with as a guest or try to find others off campus, alrad said. If they can’t find someone, we will try our best to house them based on availability. e don’t want to leave anyone out in the cold.

alrad said these residencies are assigned with the goal of making it easier to provide services like facility maintenance because of the reduced staff on campus over break.

e purposely choose buildings, the Terraces 6 and Talcott that have bigger kitchens, so students can take advantage of the kitchen in those areas to cook their meals, alrad said.

Tserenkhuu said on-campus jobs allow students the ability to work full-time over break and provide them with the opportunity to connect with people more often during break.

I would recommend students who are planning to stay over future winter breaks to connect with more students who are staying on campus, Tserenkhuu said. I don’t think it’s that uncommon to stay on campus during winter, but from what I know, people just don’t connect to each other.

Other students, such as sophomore Zara Makkaoui, an international student from Morocco who stayed with a friend in San Francisco for the winter,

said they prefer finding alternatives to staying on campus because of the lack of students on campus.

I wouldn’t want to stay here, Makkaoui said. specially when there’s no one around like, my friends are all gone. And then there’s no food. And there’s nothing to do, even like downtown Ithaca everything’s pretty much closed.

First-year student Oscar imene odrigue said he enjoyed staying on campus this past winter break. e said he wanted to get a chance to relax and that was exactly what happened.

For me, it was a good experience, but I wanted a particular peace, imene said. For other people, beware that it’s pretty lonely.

Staying on campus is not always the student’s first choice, but for some students, choosing to go home over break comes with its own set of challenges.

Sophomore uth Ayambem, who traveled back home to igeria last winter and spent the past break with their sibling in Pennsylvania, said that as an international student, she is constantly forced to take into consideration multiple factors that others might not.

I’m possibly going home this summer, and it’s something that we started talking about in December, Ayabem said. hen going to Pennsylvania, I booked a ticket like two weeks before.

Senior Inbaayini Anbarasan, who traveled back home to India this break, said that traveling usually ends up with her taking over 40 hours to get from one place to another or paying more money for a few hours less of travel. Anbarasan said most of these hours are spent waiting at the airport or bus stop for hours on end. At one point, she said she spent 11 hours at the airport waiting for connecting flights.

It’s usually just a gambling game of, Oh, am I spending more money Or am I spending more time ’ Anbarasan said.

For international students, preparation is essential when traveling, as conversion rates and ticket prices can vary heavily depending on when students are buying them or for what dates. In most cases, students must arrange their own itinerary and match times with different airlines and buses to get to their final destination.

Ayambem said that traveling back home was not an option this year, as prices were too expensive.

There could be like a 500 difference between a flight on Monday and a flight on Friday, Ayambem said. Then, I have to pick the one on Monday even though classes start the next week.

On top of all these, winter break presents a unique challenge because of ew ork’s unpredictable weather. International students and their families check, hoping that the flights they bought months in advance

International students at Ithaca ollege face a diffuclt decision before every break take the long journey home or spend time on campus where there are limit ed facilities and interactions

Maddy Tanzman/THE ITHACAN

do not get canceled or delayed, derailing the itinerary that has been planned. Anbarasan, who flew out from India on Tuesday, an. 16, said she struggled with these in her most recent travel back to Ithaca.

My domestic flight within India that would connect me to a big international airport was canceled, Anbarasan said. hich ended up changing my entire itinerary and causing me to pay more money. It was really inconvenient for me and pushed my trip back a couple of days, and though it gave me extra time with my family, was really upsetting.

Anbarasan said her experiences during breaks have improved thanks to her own proactiveness.

I think being very proactive, and doing your research, and knowing all the options available to you, and asking your fellow international students how they travel, and how they find the flights that they are able to find, stuff like that, is really, really helpful. Anbarasan said.

Makkaoui said she has asked for funds for traveling previously and gave up on her attempts to get any financial support when the school told her they did not have enough funds to give out to students.

ou can’t bring home here. o matter what you do, it’s never going to be like that, Makkaoui said. ike I said, I never stayed here because I stayed a couple of breaks on campus, and it was not a good experience. That’s why I just would never ever want to stay here. I just wish they were a little bit more aware that there are international students that home is not even an option to go back to.

Editorial: Housing must be provided over winter break

It is essential that Ithaca ollege provides proper accommodations for international students over break. nsuring students adequate housing, meals and overall support over break is the bare minimum for maintaining the well-being of international students.

There is an unfair expectation that all students will be able to return home when classes are not in session. For many international students, that is not a reality. The cost of an international flight alone is financially inaccessible to many. A article from May 2023 found that the consumer price index for airline tickets increased by 25% from 2022 to 2023. hile the dramatic increase of airline costs is set to stabili e more in 2024, one report predicted an additional 3- % increase in cost of global airfare.

On top of these astronomical costs, the logistics of planning the trip, getting transportation to the airport, taking long flights, dealing with jet lag and then having to do it all again to return to school are exhausting. It is unacceptable to expect international students to be able to travel home for every break.

For international students who stay on campus over breaks, there are not currently adequate accommodations set in place. Only astman, Terrace 6 and Tallcott allow students to live on campus over break, in addition to ircle and arden apartments. hile it is understandable that not all residence halls can remain open over break, students should not be expected to rearrangetheir year-long housing plans just so they have somewhere to live over break.

options for international students is a necessity. Students do not disappear just

This winter break there were also extremely limited dining options. Dining halls were closed from Dec. 1 to ednesday an. 3. pon re-opening, only the Terrace Dining all was open until an. . These limited hours require students to find alternative dining options that are often more costly and may require additional transportation to get to a store or restaurant. Students should never have to struggle to find accessible food on campus. Providing adequate housing and dining options for international students is a necessity. Students do not disappear just because classes are not in session. It is up to the college to ensure they are taken care of, especially during breaks.

Money, time and jet lag are a few of the reasons why international students may find themselves staying on campus for winter break. There were no extra fee charges for students who stayed over winter break. illustration by joshua pantano/THE ITHACAN

artificial intelligence emerges in classrooms

By Matt minton

2022, students and faculty all across the country are being presented with major questions about how artificial intelligence AI should be used in the classroom, what constitutes as cheating and what this new technology means for the future of higher education.

Many colleges across the country, including Ithaca ollege, do not currently have official state-wide policies for the entire school to follow. This leaves faculty members having to make their own decisions about how and if students should be allowed to use AI.

According to a survey by Forbes in October

2023, out of 500 current educators across the nited

States from all school levels, 60% are using AI in the classroom and 55% believe that AI has improved educational outcomes.

enna inskens, director of the enter for Instructional Design and ducational Technology, pulled together open conversations with the campus community, partnering with the enter for Faculty xcellence, starting in anuary 2023.

Some of the things that we heard is that faculty really needed some guidance around a syllabus statement, inskens said. e pulled together and curated a list of syllabus statements from colleges all around the world and shared them with faculty so they can put those statements in.

inskens said she knows of professors teaching anthropology, biology and screenwriting who ban AI use in the classroom. owever, some professors, like Diane ayeski, professor in the Department of Strategic ommunication, are carefully implementing it into their curriculum.

ayeski said she started requiring AI in the classroom during the Spring 2023 semester with platforms like hat PT and scite.AI. scite.AI is a tool designed to make research easier and more efficient.

It’s similar to using any other tools like oogle Spreadsheets or Powerpoint, ayeski said. It’s also an emerging technology, which is an area I teach. AI is very much on the hori on.

Sophomore aimie- ae Smith has noticed an uptick in the number of professors outlining AI policies in their syllabus this semester. In Smith’s Power of Injustice class she took during the Fall 2023 semester, she said her professor encouraged students to use AI to compare and contrast their own essays to work that AI put out about the same topic.

e had to go through and nitpick the little discrepancies, Smith said. For example , the AI version started mentioning characters that didn’t exist in the book. There were parts that were consistent but others didn’t line up.

analytics

Senior Isabella ambert is currently taking a sports analytics class where they are talking about how AI technology can increase injury prediction and data analytics in sports.

analytics in sports.

aving some knowledge of any type of AI is huge future

bert said. If you know how to properly cite AI , you should be able to use it like any other source.

aving some knowledge of any type of AI is huge heading into the future of the sports industry, ambert said. If you know how to properly cite AI , you should be able to use it like any other source.

Smith said she sometimes uses AI to help find sources of information and create a starting point that alleviates stress.

ut that’s where I try to draw the line with it, Smith said. I pride myself in having things in my work

ut that’s where I try to draw the line with it, Smith said. I pride myself in having things in my work that are unique to myself and my writing style. The AI is not going to be able to put my personal spin on how I would do something.

how I would do something.

Artificial Intelligence is an ongiong discussion on and off college campuses, as many colleges have yet to make an official statement surrounding the allowance or ban of the different programs. At Ithaca ollege, some professors are choosing to carefully imple ment AI into their curriculums.

Professors wouldn’t expect that students use AI to perform all their work. I think it’s going to be a matter

of negotiation.

Some of the major concerns about AI use in the ing

question with other students who may see it as the easy way out.

Some of the major concerns about AI use in the classroom stem from the fear of students generating papers without putting any effort into writing it themselves. Smith said academic integrity comes into question with other students who may see it as the easy way out.

I think we’re all here with the intention of getting an education, Smith said. sing AI to bypass that then what’s the point ust to get a grade, but what can you say that you learned at the end of the day hile many of the concerns seem to be poised toward how students will use AI, ayeski said students can turn that same question back on their professors.

an education, Smith said. sing AI to bypass that then what’s the point ust to get a grade, but what can you say that you learned at the end of the day use

I think it’s going to be used on both sides of the teaching experience, ayeski said. I think students

AI to create all of the content and grade the papers.

I think it’s going to be used on both sides of the teaching experience, ayeski said. I think students wouldn’t like it if they thought professors just used AI to create all of the content and grade the papers.

In the current Academic Integrity Policy, the section of possible academic misconduct does not specifically mention AI use. uke eller, professor of physics and astronomy and chair of the policy subcommittee of the I Academic Policies ommittee, said

In the current Academic Integrity Policy, the section of possible academic misconduct does not specifically mention AI use. uke eller, professor of physics and astronomy and chair of the policy subcommittee of the I Academic Policies ommittee, said there are ongoing discussions about how to include AI in the existing list of examples.

Our committee members agree that the ultimate decisions and definitions for use of AI in student academic work should be up to the instructor, eller said via email. It’s important to note that the AP revision to the Standards of Academic onduct simply includes the use of generative AI in an existing list. e need a group of faculty, students and staff to work out the details of how to implement this policy and

Our committee members agree that the ultimate decisions and definitions for use of AI in student academic work should be up to the instructor, eller

vision to the Standards of Academic onduct simply includes the use of generative AI in an existing list. e need a group of faculty, students and staff to work details this give guidance.

Moving forward, inskens and her department are working on two new developments an AI literacy course for students in anvas and a faculty resource course that will help guide professors in modifying their assignments or assessments with emerging tech-

Moving forward, inskens and her department are working on two new developments an AI literacy course for students in anvas and a faculty resource course that will help guide professors in modifying their assignments or assessments with emerging technology in mind.

Following her discussions with people all across

Following her discussions with people all across campus, inskens said it’s important for faculty and students to have one-on-one open conversations about how they are each using AI.

ltimately, it is a tool that helps anyone be more productive, more effective in their writing, more cohesive in their work when used properly, inskens said. So I encourage the conversation to remain open.

about how they are each using AI. ltimately, it is a tool that helps anyone be more productive, more effective in their writing, more cohesive in their work when used properly, inskens said. So I encourage the conversation to remain open.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY Maddy Tanzman, Molly teska/the ithacan

State theatre hosts black history month showcase

By Lorien Tyne

A joyful, energetic aura emanated from Ithaca’s State Theatre the evening of Feb. 16, as performers of all ages took the stage for the 2024 lack istory Month Talent Show.

About 200 community members, including many families, watched the show some of whom danced and sang along through the night. The annual event is organi ed by the reater Ithaca Activities enter IA , which presented talent from its youth, teen and adult programs.

IA groups that performed included a poem from a senior participant IA preeteens, who presented the lack facts in between performances and a poem and several dances from the youth groups. efore the performances started, IA Director eslyn Mc ean- lairborne gave the opening remarks in the form of a piece called, hat is lack istory lack history is our legacy of triumph over fear, Mc ean- lairborne said in her speech. It is every single experience of our history. lack history is the story of you and me.

She mentioned historic figures like former president arack Obama, Martin uther ing r., activist uby ridges and actor uby Dee. er speech also mentioned the ational Association for the Advancement of olored People, the lack olocaust Museum, the Tuskegee Airmen and heyney niversity, in recognition of their places in lack history.

Destiny . . ernande , deputy director at IA , also sings professionally by the stage name Destiny a ibe. She said that taking the stage was a great way to give back to the community as a leader in the organi ation, but also as someone who loves Ithaca and wanted to share her gift.

The purpose of the event is to really reflect on lack history, especially in America, and the impacts that it has on current times, ernande said. The way we are doing that is by using performing arts. It’s also just a great way to come together and celebrate no matter what your background is. veryone that was here was here to celebrate lack history.

In addition to the celebration of lack istory Month, the talent show theme was about voter rights. IA staff worked a table with voter registration forms for residents and some of the lack facts read by the IA youth related to voting rights. ach year, the theme serves as a way to educate attendees about lack history and current issues facing the lack community, in addition to entertaining them with performances.

randon las, coordinator for the IA outh Program, said IA chose the theme because of the upcoming 2024 presidential election. owever, he said

Destiny . . ernande , who sings professionally under the name Destiny a ibe, performed at the State Theatre of Ithaca on Feb. 16 during the lack istory Month Talent Show. The annual event is organi ed by the reater Ithaca Activities enter IA and was the first year it was held at the State Theatre. Lorien Tyne/the ithacan

his main role was helping to plan and organi e the performances by the youth groups.

IA is a nonprofit and a department of the city, which las said is why donations are so important to its programming.

Any donations really help to keep the fees low for the kids, las said. hildcare is a big expense. I think we have some of the lowest fees in the county. I’m not sure what these funds are allocated for specifically, but it’s all going back into programming for the kids and the community.

e said the annual talent show used to be held in-house at the ommunity enter in Ithaca but in 2022 and 2021, it was held virtually because of the O ID-19 pandemic. The show was held previously at Ithaca ollege in 2023 and at Ithaca igh School in other years. As its audience grew, las said IA looked for a larger venue to host the show and this was the first year it was held in the State Theatre.

ntertainers from the community also participated, including SingTrece, - uan ooker and the lobal reative Family, the Dorothy otton Singers, the ornell Majorettes, Phat Flow Factory, Destiny a ibe and Mbusi.

SingTrece was the first performer to take the stage. She has been participating in IA events since 2010 and has performed at several iterations of the talent show.

I absolutely enjoyed the IA Annual lack istory Month Talent Show, SingTrece said. eing able to be here is a real blessing and knowing that it’s changing people’s lives.

Some of the performers also used the

opportunity to advertise upcoming music releases like - uan ooker, entertainer and director of the lobal reative Family a group he runs through the Southside ommunity enter. ooker performed a song from his upcoming album, - uantum, that will be released Feb. 22. e also appeared on stage for dances with the youth in F.

My role for this talent show specifically was being able to bring my kiddos from F, to showcase the different ages, different ethnicities and the collaboration of different music and genres, ooker said.

Mbusi, who grew up in Ithaca participating in IA programs, said it feels good being able to give back and share his talent with the community.

ven as everyone is walking out, everyone is hugging each other, loving each other, Mbusi said. I feel blessed.

IC students lend a hand at second-hand stores

By Jacquelyn Reaves

be just waking up, but for the student volunteers at the Finger Lakes ReUse center, their day has already started.

Ithaca College hosted their once-a-semester event, “Day of Community Service,” where students can volunteer at a nonprofit for the whole day. In Fall of 2023, the event was held at The Learning Farm on Oct. 12. This semester, the event was held Feb. 17 at the Finger Lakes ReUse center to conclude MLK week. The Finger Lakes ReUse center aims to reduce waste, create job opportunities and help save the planet in

the process.

At the center, 11 student volunteers made their way to the back of the store and were greeted with a warm welcome from Volunteer Coordinator Sam Queen. Queen explained that they would be helping sort through items that were donated, clean them, price them and eventually put them on the shelves.

ReUse provides an alternative to throwing away old items that will eventually end up in a landfill. Queen said that he started working at ReUse because he feels that society is very wasteful and sustainability is a cause he is passionate about.

“I’ve seen so much go to waste that doesn’t need to go to waste, and I think it’s especially important in this planned obsolescence economy that we’re in right now, to foster that sense of reuse,” Queen said. “And to give opportunity to these objects and items to go back into use.”

In 2024, society is continuing to see the frightening effects that waste has on the planet. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency PA , methane emissions produced by landfill sites are the third-largest source of methane emissions in the nited States. The landfills continue to fill with more waste, only adding to our precarious situation. EPA stated that the U.S. generated roughly about 292 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2018 or 4.9 pounds per person per day, an 8% increase from 2017.

Queen continued to explain the programs that ReUse offers for the community to get involved in the repurposing of old items, like the eCenter, a program that refurbishes computers; Deconstruction, which breaks down suitable buildings and uses the materials left that are salvageable; and the Fixers Collective, a program focused on repairing items that are dropped off free of charge.

“One of the things I love about ReUse is our computer program, which refurbishes donated computers and allows us to provide computers to people

to keep up in today’s world for a fraction of the price of what they cost new,” Queen said. “[These resources

looking to get an education, a job or just looking to keep up in today’s world for a fraction of the price of what they cost new,” Queen said. “[These resources are important because] it is terribly expensive to be poor in this day and age.”

coordinator of Student Conduct & Community Standards at Ithaca College, said it’s important for

of the community in Ithaca.

Colleen Barnes, the administrative operations coordinator of Student Conduct & Community Standards at Ithaca College, said it’s important for students to get involved with events like the day of service because they gain a greater understanding of the community in Ithaca.

“As a student in Ithaca, you should immerse your-

as students within the community, you’ll impact it,” Barnes said.

“As a student in Ithaca, you should immerse yourself in the community and not just be part of the campus, but also understand the community because as students within the community, you’ll impact it,” Barnes said.

The volunteers headed back to campus at

volunteering at the center, what they learned and possible future community service projects.

The volunteers headed back to campus at 3 p.m. Once they were back on campus, they engaged in a discussion about what they enjoyed about volunteering at the center, what they learned and possible future community service projects.

Junior Jordan Orlando said that while she’s visit-

respect for the people who work there.

Junior Jordan Orlando said that while she’s visited the center in the past, this time she gained more respect for the people who work there.

Sophomore Claudie Ouk said that after volunteering at the center, there is a greater understanding of center should be widely available.

Sophomore Claudie Ouk said that after volunteering at the center, there is a greater understanding of how necessary their work is and that resources like the center should be widely available.

“I had no idea that they had a warehouse that was filled with boxes, Ouk said. I was like, ow, this

“I had no idea that they had a warehouse that was filled with boxes, Ouk said. I was like, ow, this does matter to people more than we think it does.’”

After the student volunteers left, the Fixers Collective met and started to work on items that were

Collective met and started to work on items that were

dropped off, including a crockpot, a vanity dating back to the civil war and more.

dropped off, including a crockpot, a vanity dating back to the civil war and more.

Bruce Johnson, a longtime member and cofounder of the Fixers Collective, said that what he appreciated the most about being a part of this program was that he was able to save something from being thrown away and the sense of community it

Bruce Johnson, a longtime member and cofounder of the Fixers Collective, said that what he gram was that he was able to save something from being thrown away and the sense of community it creates with customers.

a

Collective] is to not throw something away. … We have that common understanding with anyone coming in,” Johnson said. “It’s just fun to be with people who involvement on a local level.”

“[My favorite aspect of being a part of the Fixers Collective] is to not throw something away. … We have that common understanding with anyone coming in,” Johnson said. “It’s just fun to be with people who get excited about learning; it’s a way to get community involvement on a local level.”

Terry Bovay, manager of customer service at the center, said that while working at the center, she’s found a job that is understanding of where she is and

Terry Bovay, manager of customer service at the center, said that while working at the center, she’s found a job that is understanding of where she is and meets her halfway.

The staff know that family comes first, ovay said. I’ve had a lot of jobs. And they always say, Oh,

The staff know that family comes first, ovay said. I’ve had a lot of jobs. And they always say, Oh, yes, your family comes first,’ but no, they don’t mean that. This job they accept anybody. And everyone doesn’t matter, race, creed, pronouns, whatever. There

doesn’t matter, race, creed, pronouns, whatever. There is no discrimination here.”

Queen said the center is grateful for the support from the community and is always looking for more volunteers because of the amount of donations the

Queen said the center is grateful for the support from the community and is always looking for more volunteers because of the amount of donations the center receives.

“We are fortunate to be in a community that supports this endeavor,” Queen said. “We are always, and I mean always, in need of more support, whether it’s financially, or just volunteers coming in and offering

“We are fortunate to be in a community that supports this endeavor,” Queen said. “We are always, and financially, or just volunteers coming in and offering their time and assistance.”

Feb.17

to conclude MLK week. The

Ithaca College hosted their "Day of Community Service"

at the Finger Lakes ReUse Center

event invites students to volunteer for the day at a nonprofit. This year, 11 students joined staff at the center to sort, clean, price and place items on shelves in the store.

Maddy Tanzman/the ithacan

Fairy Fest conjures up a magical day on the commons

By Taylor Borash

Despite the gloomy weather, over 150 people showed up March 23 to participate in Ithaca’s third annual Fairy Fest, which was held on The Commons.

Over 30 small restaurants and businesses opened their doors to adults and children alike for the event, inviting families inside for activities such as face painting, wand making and fairy garden planting. Participants were encouraged to dress up as fairy, elf or woodland creatures.

Participating businesses were also decorated for the event, many sporting multicolored decorations alongside their glittery craft stands or displays of fairythemed products like cupcakes and craft kits. Many employees were also dressed from head to toe in their own fairy outfits, complete with extravagant makeup and wings.

Fairy Fest was organized by Greta Perl, the owner of toy store Alphabet Soup, who said the event would not have been possible without the help of other small business owners.

“I just walked around and walked in the door, because that’s the beauty of small businesses, the owner is usually right there and you can say hi and make a plan,” Perl said. “This whole thing is just the power of people saying yes.”

Perl said she was inspired to hold the first Fairy Fest back in the spring of 2022, when the art supplies brand Faber-Castell’s Creativity for Kids line sent her store a flower crown making sample kit and asked them to hold a day of flower crown-making to promote the product.

“I wasn’t sure if I could get a lot of people in, just by myself as one business, but I thought maybe if I checked some of the other businesses and saw if they wanted to do something on the same day, we could make a whole day of it,” Perl said.

As the organizer of the event, Perl joined participants in Alphabet Soup this year to help them make flower crowns and bracelets.

“I’ve been seeing people of all ages have fun with this,” Perl said. “There was this old grandpa who came in earlier and he was making one for his bald head. It was so cute.”

Many of the people hosting activities for the event expressed their support for a day focused on activities for children.

Karim Yaport, who works at Mockingbird Paperie, shared a similar sentiment about hosting events for younger children and families in and around Ithaca. Yaport hosted a doll-making event where people of all ages were invited to make a fairy doll out of paper and glitter.

“We’ve had roughly 30 families so far that stopped by to decorate some fairies and put them on a stick and go on their merry way,” Yaport said. “The kids get to color the little fairies and put some glitter on them, so it’s really a fun, quick activity for them.”

Yaport said she was glad to be part of an activity that gave families a chance to have fun together without worrying about the cost, and hopes there are more events like it in the future.

“I think a lot more of this should happen,” Yaport said. “We do it a lot in Ithaca, and it really brings the community together. It’s just a fun activity that families can do together for free or low cost, depending on which places you’re going to.”

Jessie Williams, an employee at Autumn Leaves Books, also said that while she was glad so many people showed up for the business’s Mad Lib story time and mushroom house-making event, she wishes there were more events for children happening in Ithaca.

“I think this is a very friendly community toward children in general, but I certainly don’t think having more events would be an issue,” Williams said. “I think we should have as many as possible, especially because you get so many different types of people from different backgrounds, and then a fair amount of people from out of town.”

Though it was mostly targeted toward children,

the event was able to attract people of all ages, including students and young adults.

Matt Severson and Jamie Ferro were two participants who attended the event decked out in full fairy gear that they got from their live action role-playing hobby, including colorful flower crowns and flowing capes. Severson said that to them, the main draw of Fairy Fest was the people.

“The kind of people who are excited to do things like this and dress up and come out are just nice to be around,” Severson said.

Deirdre Kurzweil, the owner of Sunny Days of Ithaca, was also pleased with the event’s high turnout. Kurzweil’s business hosted an all-day button-making event and was the official distributor of the first ever Fairy Fest t-shirts.

“At Sunny Days, you can come in and make a free button every day, and for festivals and special occasions, we just customize it to that,” Kurzweil said.

e’re also printing the first ever Fairy Fest t-shirts. We’re doing it on demand, so you can pick your shirt and the costs and everything upstairs and then we print it for you.”

Kurzweil said she admires the Ithaca community’s ability to come together and support local events even when faced with gloomy, stormy weather.

“I’m a little bit shocked but also so happy,” Kurzweil said. “It’s exactly because of this that events like these exist.”

From left to right: Kelby Woodside, owner of Snailboat Studio, and Ithaca College sophomore Katie Oliver pose with the variety of crochet animals that were avavilable for purchase at this year's Fairy Fest on The Commons. Despite the snowy weather, over 150 people showed up to participate in the festival. Mari Kodama/the ithacan

terrifingly timeless movie

By Matt minton

Twenty-five years into hristopher olan’s lauded career, he has crafted not just his best film yet, but one of the most monumental and important filmmaking achievements of all time in the tension-filled, earth-shattering Oppenheimer. It is a project that feels like it could not exist without every olan film that came before it.

ased on American Prometheus by ai ird and Martin . Sherwin, this biopic follows brilliant physicist obert . Oppenheimer illian Murphy as he is chosen by eslie roves r. Matt Damon to lead the Manhattan Project. The narrative switches back and forth among three different storylines in Oppenheimer’s life, beginning with his world-changing work on the Manhattan Project and relationships with ean Tatlock Florence Pugh and itty Oppenheimer mily lunt . olan then immerses the audience in two hearing scenes one when Oppenheimer was accused of being a communist by the .S. government, and the other gorgeously filmed in black-and-white when A hairman ewis Strauss obert Downey r. goes after Oppenheimer’s character.

olan wastes no time kicking the momentum off from the very first frame of his big-screen epic a momentum that never lets up throughout these interweaving story arcs.

olan harnesses the power of sound design

and udwig ransson’s masterful score to create a viscerally overwhelming and deeply unsettling experience. ven before the heart-pounding Trinity Test scene, the mind-bending way olan depicts Oppenheimer’s fascination with the field of quantum and nuclear physics brings his worldview to fruition. hen Oppenheimer learns that there is a tiny chance the atomic bomb will cause a chain reaction and destroy the world, olan illustrates the fusion of molecules and the horrifying image of the arth on fire to drive home this rampant nightmare.

Murphy’s lead performance is pitch perfect matched perfectly by olan’s knack for a good close-up while lunt and Downey r. are the definitive standouts of the enormous supporting cast. It is a true ensemble film where each and every performance brings purpose and emotional staying power, no matter how brief the appearance may be.

olan is a brilliant enough director to not just perfectly situate this film in its historical time period, but allow for the never-ending fear of world implosion and annihilation to linger, haunting the audience to no end. It is a reality that the world will forever have to grapple with, far beyond Oppenheimer’s restless nights and eventual reali ations that come just a few years too late. This very terror is what makes Oppenheimer a timeless feat that will be remembered far beyond its box office success and inevitable Oscar wins.

A NEW TAKE ON AN OLDER SOUND

By Rowan keller smith

On June 2, 2023, the Foo Fighters released “But ere e Are, their first album since their drummer, Taylor awkins, died March 25, 2022. Frontman Dave rohl was also faced with the death of his mother, irginia, who died that same year. Following these tragedies, “But Here We Are” takes listeners on a journey through grief, loss and acceptance.

The album in its entirety feels reminiscent of the Foo Fighters’ hit My ero, which many fans have interpreted as being in remembrance of irvana frontman urt obain and may be one of the best Foo Fighters albums in the past twenty years.

Over time, the Foo Fighters have strayed from their alternative 90s roots as their music has developed, losing some of their original grittiness. oth their past and present fans will be pleasantly surprised by the album’s modern take on the classic raw, grunge sound.

The album’s final song, est, ends the track with a soft yet raw melody that depicts loss in a hauntingly beautiful way. rohl repeats the lines est, you can rest now est, you will be safe now est, you can rest now. ere rohl speaks directly to his lost loved ones, both to awkins and his mother.

This final chorus of the album ends with a direct reference to rohls’ mother, irginia, with the perfect heartbreaking ending akin’ up, had another dream of us In the warm irginia sun, there I will meet you. rohl and his bandmates have been able to turn tragedy into a beautiful work of art.

"Oppenheimer"

COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

NEW ALBUM IS A PLEASURE

"AGE OF PLEASURE"

By Molly Fitzsimons

Only running 32 minutes and 4 seconds, anelle Mon e’s new album, The Age of Pleasure, passes by quickly alongside the soothing sound of Mon e’s voice. very track has a well-crafted groove that makes it absolutely impossible to sit still while listening, but this is not uncommon for the music put out by Mon e. The first single released from this album was ipstick over, and with a reggae bounce and romantic vocals from Mon e, this was the perfect early taste of the album.

Moving through the album, the listener is put through a very feminist-driven narrative, speaking on the hyper-sexuality and beauty of women, as well as portraying od as a strong female. isteners to this album can only believe that it was incredibly intricate to make, with each song perfectly transitioning into the next, making this piece feel like one larger piece of music.

A common complaint of female pop and rap music is that it is overly sexual and inappropriate, and while this album is very overt in those topics, when combined with the backing tracks and vocals, it is very easy to slip into and enjoy the music and not notice the topic of the songs.

hile every track on the album is enjoyable especially ipstick over the album itself felt far too short. Mon e’s last few albums ran between 4 minutes and over an hour, so to release a 32-minute album felt underwhelming and as if there was more that was missing. xtending songs or adding more songs that are shorter could have made this album feel much more like a complete piece, rather than a sliver of what could have been. That being said, Mon e consistently puts out interesting music and this album is certainly no exception.

PREQUEL BRINGS NOSTALGIA

By vivian rose

As more and more prequels with more modern casting come out, Star Trek’s newest series, Strange ew orlds, follows suit, detailing the lives of the early nterprise crew under aptain Pike Anson Mount before the iconic aptain irk took the commander’s seat in the 1966 original Star Trek series.

motions and coping with mental health are themes the writers have chosen for S ’s second season, clearly targeting a much younger audience than the Trekkies who were alive when The Original Series TOS first aired.

owever, the season proves to be nostalgic by creating backstories never written before and making the original characters, many of whom were very two-dimensional, now suddenly feel human perhaps too human in the case of ieutenant Spock. Spock is a ulcan, a species known for their logic and suppression of emotions. a’an oonien Sighn hristina hong , the ship’s chief security officer, is as emotionally unavailable as Spock. iewers watch on several occasions as the two parallel characters each have their emotional breaking points.

ighlights of the series include the ninth episode’s comedically awkward musical numbers as each crew

member trauma dumps in rhythmic verse, allowing hura’s character elia ose ooding to have new depth as her original TOS storyline was essentially formless and hyper-sexuali ed. Finally, in the season’s cliffhanger tenth episode hinting at a third season viewers are introduced to a long-beloved TOS character, Montgomery Scott Martin uinn . Overall, S maintains the original values of Star Trek but has evolved the franchise seamlessly into a society that is more comfortable talking about mental health than it was 5 years ago.

NEW WORLDS"

"STRANGE

COURTESY OF ATLANTIC RECORDS

COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES

'Barbie' proves that there is strength and power in pink

By Molly Fitzsimons

Beautiful, brilliant, Barbie. The highly anticipated “Barbie” movie from Greta Gerwig was one that has been on my etterboxd watch list since the first trailer was released Dec. 16, and in no way did it disappoint. Between the set design and costumes — accurate to the dolls and playhouses created by Mattel — not only was “Barbie” easy on the eyes, but it pulled at every heartstring possible.

The movie follows Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, on her journey to save Barbieland. Alongside other notable Barbies — such as President Barbie (Issa Rae), Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Barbie (Ritu Arya), Lawyer Barbie (Sharon Rooney) and a cast of Kens: Ryan Gosling leading the charge, closely followed by Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, and Kingsley Ben-Adir — the movie perfectly executes an inclusive and fun environment. Every person on the screen was perfectly costumed and scripted to a tee, even Allan (Michael Cera), a discontinued doll, who brought the awkward tension of this individual character to life.

Despite Barbie’s consistently perfect days, she discovers one morning that her reality has drastically changed her perfectly formed feet become flat, she

falls out of her house and her breakfast is burnt. She heads to see Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon) who explains to Barbie that the only way that she can restore things to how they were is to go to the human world and find the doll version of herself, as whoever is playing with her is causing these changes.

After an eventful day of Ken and Barbie trying to find who is playing with the arbie doll, arbie ends up being captured by the CEO of Mattel (Will Ferrell) and other Mattel employees but escapes with the help of Gloria (America Ferrera) and her daughter, Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt). Barbie takes them back to Barbieland, only to see the Kens, led by Gosling, alter arbieland to fit their idea of patriarchy and take over their homes, leaving the Barbies brainwashed into a life of servitude for them.

Through the collaborations of the Barbies alongside Allan, Gloria and Sasha, they carefully outsmart the Kens and aid the Barbies to remember who they are: doctors, lawyers, Nobel-Prize winners and so much more. They band together and successfully restore Barbieland to what it was before.

The emotional weight of this movie was perfectly balanced with the comedic timing of the narration

by Helen Mirren. Ferrera’s role as a mother who is trying to reconnect with her daughter, while also doubling as a strong female in the real world, is crafted in a way that can give any mother, daughter, or person watching the movie a newfound respect for women of all ages. She explains to Barbie about the real world and what it really means to be a woman, giving a powerful speech about the intricacies of existing as a female and how these expectations are basically requirements of their everyday lives.

Themes of feminism and the patriarchy are carefully and expertly placed throughout the entire movie, as the Kens’ position in Barbieland mimics the position women hold in the real world and also shows the introduction of patriarchy to a matriarchy and how that plays out. Watching the roles reversed in a movie about Mattel toys is not what I thought this movie would be about, but I would be lying if I said that I was not completely moved by a movie about Barbie dolls. So rarely do we see movies that bring people together, especially women, and the opening weekend numbers alone speak to how well this movie has done this. arbie will definitely be a movie that people will talk about for a long time.

'Barbie'

COURTESY OF Warner Bros Pictures

'mean girls' brings back the plastics for round three

By Ray Milburn

The Plastics are back for round three in a film adaptation of the Broadway adaptation of the 2004 classic “Mean Girls.” Inspired by “Queen Bees and Wannabes,” a parenting guide to high school cliques and gossip by Rosalind Wiseman, “Mean Girls” (2004) delivered razor-sharp satire and some of Hollywood’s most famous one-liners penned by nine-time Emmy winner Tina Fey.

Six years after “Mean Girls” debuted on Broadway — with a script also written by Fey and lyrics by Nell Benjamin — Fey took a third pass at “Mean Girls.”

Fey’s jokes are just as sharp but mercifully discard the stereotyping and racial insensitivity of the 2004 film. The new script marries the best of both prior versions of “Mean Girls” by selecting the prime cuts from her 2004 script and an abridged set list from the musical. The 2024 soundtrack retained the best from the Broadway production: the power ballads and showstoppers, like “Sexy” and “I’d Rather Be Me,” all made the cut.

This time, North Shore High is ruled by the formidable Reneé Rapp as Regina George (often towering above the rest of the cast in talent and stature). Rapp

gives a powerhouse performance worthy of the story’s queen bee, ensuring Regina’s effortless and commanding vocals are the center of attention on the cast album. Angourie Rice plays an authentic and charming Cady Heron, but her vocals are timid and lack energy see I am filled with calcu-lust .

Auli'i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey and Avantika Vandanapu each deliver strong vocals as Janice, Damian and Karen respectively. Vandanapu plays aloof to perfection as Karen. Cravalho and Spivey delight from the movie’s very first scene, opening on anice playing A Cautionary Tale” on a guitar plastered with stickers as Damian dances and plays a tambourine. The emotion and heart of Gretchen Wieners are brought to life by Bebe Wood during a quiet, heartbreaking rendition of “What’s Wrong With Me?”

Unfortunately, the ensemble vocalists often sound lifeless, as if they don’t actually care what the magnetic and lionized Regina is doing or wearing. They earn their stripes as dancers, acing the choreography of Kyle Haganami, whose past collaborators include Britney Spears and BLACKPINK.

In “Someone Gets Hurt,” the ensemble moves as a tormented hivemind, flooded in cold blue light,

reacting to the emotion in Rapp’s vocals. The camerawork during the musical numbers is always notable, but the frequent and bizarre close-ups lose their charm after the first few appearances. The camera sometimes feels uncomfortably close to the actors, and one close-up on Cady during “Revenge Party” was comical in all the wrong ways.

This adaptation modernizes the “Mean Girls” story, incorporating social media frequently but effectively. The music has also evolved, trading its brassy, James Bond sound for quieter, digital beats. While the punchy riffs from the Broadway production will be missed, the film incorporates this new sound diegetically and seamlessly — the movie leans into the mayhem of its musical numbers.

“Mean Girls” (2024) delights in all the expected ways, and doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It occasionally lacks energy, and only Rapp’s solos are capable of going toe-to-toe with the Broadway cast recording, but it doesn’t disappoint as a happy median between its predecessors. Each version of Mean Girls is relevant to the time in which it came out, and this iteration delivers the same wit that fans have loved for 20 years. It’s fetch!

COURTESY OF Lionsgate Films

'mean girls' COURTESY OF Paramount pictures

'Five nights at freddy's' brings fun frights to life

By Lucretius Rutkowski

ver since the success of the first Five ights at Freddy’s game, created in 2014, the idea of a movie adaptation has been a running gag in the gaming community for almost a decade. eleased in theaters Oct. 2 almost nine years later, there is finally a Five ights at Freddy’s movie.

It’s questioned why anyone would stay five whole nights in an old pi eria occupied by murderous animatronics, but Five ights at Freddy’s explains this through Mike Schmidt osh utcherson , who is a mess and a half. e has a horrible track record of getting fired from jobs, a traumati ed past he forces himself to relive each night through dreams and a little sister, Abby Piper ubio , to take care of.

And now, Mike is in desperate need to look good for Family ourt when his aunt ane Mary Stuart Masterson attempts to gain custody of Abby. aving lost his little brother to a kidnapper years ago, Mike is adamant about keeping his little sister safe, even if that means taking the night shift at a near-abandoned restaurant offered to him by job counselor Steve aglan Matthew illard .

The animatronics themselves are the obvious stars

of the film and exist as much more than villains. The movie does a good job of walking the fine line between making the animatronics violent and, at the heart of it, the main attractions of a child-centric entertainment venue. owever, for a P -13 movie, Five ights at Freddy’s has some pretty gruesome kills. The security cameras are implemented to great effect when aunt ane hires intruders to trash the place under Mike’s watch, and said intruders are all hilariously, brutally picked off in fashions reminiscent of the game. ut where the movie falls just slightly short is, ironically, in its antagonists. Much time is necessarily spent on the other villains, like aunt ane and the mysterious, blonde-haired ghost boy rant Feely . egardless, Steve aglan really needed a larger presence. e appears at the start to counsel Mike, but for those unfamiliar with the story prior to the movie or even those familiar he does not haunt the narrative enough for the climactic end to hit its mark.

Furthermore, there is the shaky character of anessa Shelly li abeth ail , a local police officer who takes an overenthusiastic interest in Mike and Abby’s lives. She is a wrench thrown awkwardly into a well-oiled machine.

oth new and old fans are rewarded for looking closer. There are so many callbacks to the games that they infuse themselves into the atmosphere of the movie and become more than nostalgia. The small It’s me messages in the background, the alloon oy jumpscares, a hidden dog animatronic suit in the back room these things all combine with the ama ing ’ 0s arcade set and real animatronic suits to make an immersive world that’s both entertaining and creepy. The plot is not lost by the wayside in favor of catering to the fandom either, because Mike’s emotional arc as he learns to communicate with Abby and the missing children is nicely executed. utcherson sells a character who is flawed but compassionate. And that’s not to mention Abby herself, who is endearing to watch open up during the events of the film.

People talk about replayability when it comes to video games, but Five ights at Freddy’s the movie has plenty of good reasons to watch it again, if for the unique ambience alone. It may not stand out particularly for people who are not aware of the source material, but it’s a solid experience for kids and grown-ups alike, where frights and fun have come to life.

'Five nights at Freddy's'

COURTESY OF Universal pictures

'The ballad of songbirds and snakes' reopens panem

By KAlysta Donaghy-robinson

On ov. 1 , movie theaters nationwide returned to the world of Panem for the first time since The Mockingjay Part II came out in 2015. The unger ames The allad of Songbirds and Snakes is a film that effortlessly dives back into Panem in a visually stunning and intrinsically intelligent manner.

Taking place 64 years prior to when the first unger ames film is set, The allad of Songbirds and Snakes is based on the novel of the same name by Su anne ollins and tells the story of the 10th annual unger ames, featuring a young oriolanus Snow pre-presidency and the female tribute from District 12, ucy ray aird.

ucy ray aird achel Zegler is portrayed in the film as a singer and performer who never felt like she belonged to District 12 and was set up by other people in the district to be reaped. hen ucy ray is first introduced, she sings a song at the reaping to acknowledge that she was set up and to defy the way in which reaping days are supposed to happen. er first performance, although slightly out of place within the tone of the reaping day, makes sense for this character, a performer at heart forced into fighting.

Perhaps the most engaging part of the film, however, is the story of a young oriolanus Tom lyth , a tyrannical leader whose early rise into corruption centrali es this film. lyth’s ability to convey several emotions at once without a word of dialogue introduces us to an almost unrecogni able character compared with the President Snow we are accustomed to from the previous movies.

In a similar fashion to the previous unger ames films, this film is based on logic and manipulation, relying on an understanding of the morality of human beings. ith costumes that have a vintage feeling to them and heightened brutality through the tribute oo, this movie does an excellent job of bringing viewers back into the past and making this story feel like the beginning of something greater.

The relationship between ucy ray aird and oriolanus Snow gives context to the way in which oriolanus interacts with atniss verdeen in the later movies, given how similar the two are in how they interact with the other tributes and their similar will to fight. The use of familiar musical themes in the previous films in the background creates a stirring of anxiety and tension within the audience who knows

that this is only the beginning of a much bigger story. Additionally, knowing how hard oriolanus fought to save ucy ray in her games and how infatuated he became with her, it is easier to understand how in the later games he became bitter and almost anti-romantic in nature. And why he famously says to Seneca rane in The unger ames that he does not like an underdog ucy ray was that underdog.

Throughout the movie, oriolanus Snow is constantly presented with choices, led by mentors and people who want him to choose one side. So when it is made abundantly clear toward the end of the movie that the choice of kindness and compassion was never one he was going to make, there is an eerie kind of disappointment.

Toward the end of the film, ucy ray reali es oriolanus Snow is never going to make the choice to be good in his world where interest outweighs innocence. True to the way in which Su anne ollins ends the novel, The allad of Songbirds and Snakes ends with an open-ended question about ucy ray’s fate, leaving many fans wondering and trying to grasp where the infamous songbird went, if she really did survive the arena that no one ever leaves.

COURTESY OF Murray Close

'the Ballad of songbirds and snakes'

Scorsese tells a bloody story of american history

By Matt Minton

In the opening scene of Martin Scorsese’s powerful new film, the Osage people stand underneath the oil they have just discovered in Oklahoma as it coats their entire bodies, the promise of new opportunities ahead. They quickly became the wealthiest people per capita in the world. owever, as is often the case throughout .S. history with indigenous groups, they soon find themselves the target of greedy, white men who have no interest beyond their material items and land.

In illers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese tells the decades-long untold true story of a pattern of murders within the Osage community in the 1920s that uprooted their lives forever. ased on the 201 non-fiction book by David rann, the film follows rnest urkhart eonardo Di aprio , who has recently moved to Oklahoma in order to work with his uncle, illiam ale obert De iro . rnest marries Mollie urkhart ily ladstone as the plan is set in motion to murder all of her family members and eventually take her money. Soon enough, F I investigator Tom hite esse Plemons rolls into town to try to get to the bottom of the murders.

Oscillating between a historical drama, sweeping romantic epic and investigative thriller, illers of the Flower Moon functions as a painful but necessary retelling of one of the most horrific chapters in American history.

Framing the story through the doomed, tragic romance between rnest and Mollie is the perfect choice to illustrate how people who are complicit in evil in this case the systematic, racially motivated erasure of the Osage people from their land try to justify their own actions to themselves.

Typical Scorsese returners like Di aprio and De iro do excellent work here. Di aprio plays rnest with a wicked sense of pathetic rage, a man with so little purpose in life that it’s just deplorable. rnest’s character is our initial way into this story, which makes witnessing his actions all the more unrelenting. ut it’s ladstone’s heart-wrenching turn as Mollie that makes the entire movie click into place. The audience doesn’t just hear Mollie scream upon finding her family members dead, we feel her anguish that can’t fully be put into words. hile it’s unfortunate that her character goes largely missing for about 45 minutes of the film when she’s sick and laying in

bed, even when she’s not on screen, her presence is always felt.

hile there was clearly a great deal of care put into consulting with the Osage people from Scorsese’s team, the film still does leave a bit to be desired with getting to know the Osage community outside of the horrible things happening to their community.

The inevitable flaws that come with this retelling, of putting such horrific events on screen, is something Scorsese seems to wrestle with in an ending that will catch any audience member off guard. It’s a self-reflexive moment that almost feels like a different film entirely, but it hauntingly recontextuali es everything that came before it with a commentary on exploitation and the way stories about underrepresented groups are told.

Stories of genocide and racial injustice are often re-written into different narratives. In this last-stage Scorsese work, he reminds audiences of the power of who is telling what story at any given point in history. As the ending draws to a close, we can’t help but reflect on the story of the Osage people, as well as all of the stories of marginali ed groups that we may never hear of in our lifetimes.

'Killers of the flower moon'

COURTESY OF apple tv+

'Percy Jackson' and the tall tale of olympus' heroes

By Malik Clement

Percy ackson and the Olympians is the long-awaited television series adaptation of the book series written by ick iordan. It stars alker Scobell as Percy ackson himself, eah effries as Annabeth hase and Aryan Simhadri as rover nderwood, with guest appearances from the likes of in Manuel Miranda, essica Parker ennedy and Adam opeland.

The entire first book of the series is covered in eight episodes and it has been said that each season will follow one book. Season one was a nostalgic roller coaster ride for many fans of the book series, capturing much of the essence of the story. The son of Poseidon encounters perilous adventure with funny, whimsical dialogue throughout. Season one of the show corrects the wrongs of the 2010 movie adaptation Percy ackson and the Olympians The ightning Thief while providing a new perspective of the books.

The 2010 movie adaptation of the Percy ackson series was met with much criticism as it left out important plot points that many considered crucial to the story, as well as smaller intricate details. Throughout each week of the show’s episodes being released, iordan quelled fans’ worries and was heavily

quoted from Instagram threads saying normali e bad movie erasure.

The show does just that, showing a new range of emotional depth for the main characters, as well as several of the side characters. One of the larger changes from the book to the movie was the encounter Percy has with Medusa. In episode three of the show, Medusa explains where her disdain for the gods comes from, making the character more relatable and strengthens the idea that the gods can be cruel even though they demand to be worshiped.

This is taken a step further with the underlying story of one of the main antagonists, uke astellan, played by harlie ushnell. uke, the son of ermes, feels wronged by the gods. e is reminded of this with a scar down the side of his face given to him by a dragon after a quest he was sent on by his father. uke holding onto these feelings begins a plot to take the gods down.

Overall, the show brings the nuances and emotional depth of the book to real life, leaping off the page and onto the screen. Many of the fight scenes are short and are more or less cut with the purpose of not using special effects to bring the more magical features of

the Percy ackson world to life. One of the noticeable details is that Percy’s sword, which transforms from a pen, is never shown transforming, with the camera ooming into Scobells face and then back out to suddenly show the sword.

The show also makes a good but bold choice of having the main actors be closer to the actual age of the characters. Percy ackson begins his story at the age of 12 and during the time of filming, Scobell was 15. This brings into perspective the idea that Percy is truly a child as he is dealing with loss, grief, violence and more.

The show holds a large focus on the emotional and moral aspect of the story that is ever present throughout the book. ather than focusing on flashy fight scenes and showing an overly magical world, the show is more grounded, emphasi ing the conflict and bonding between characters through well-crafted dialogue. The hints toward future seasons also add a nice amount of aster eggs for devout fans to look for. ith iordan and his wife having executive producer credits, there is no doubt that when the show return, it will be crafted in a way that is enjoyable for fans new and old.

'Percy Jackson and the olympians'

COURTESY OF Walt Disney co.

hOZIER'S third album lives up to its "unreal" title

"Unreal Unearth"

By Matt Minton

As “Unreal Unearth” begins with the creaking of an unfamiliar place, a folk-guitar melody and a gesture into a wide range of emotions and feelings, Hozier pulls the listener in with the ease of a fairytale story and the promise of something extraordinary. This is a consistent promise throughout his latest work of art that never lets up.

Hozier’s third studio album is inspired by his experience during the pandemic and is produced by Rubyworks Records. In the 10 years following his massive 2013 hit “Take Me to Church,” a single that poignantly painted a portrait of queer bodies struggling to find a place in organi ed religion, o ier has continued to outdo himself in every musical way possible. ith poetic lyricism reflecting on life experiences, a beautiful blending of different genres and emotional gut-punches left and right, Hozier continues his trajectory into soulful, deeply poetic music. His tackling of themes of religion, loss, love and creation itself has never been more clear.

What sets “Unreal Unearth” apart is its clear influence drawn from Dante’s Inferno. hether it be the feeling of wanting to run away and hide in the

shadows in De Selby Part 2 , the largely instrumental emptiness of hell’s void and distorted vocals in Son of Nyx” or the world of disorder depicted in “Eat Your Young,” Hozier wastes no time bringing the listener to an image of hell. It is a world where the listener is left with nothing but infinite time and space to reflect and ultimately move on from their past mistakes.

Hozier is an artist who is constantly evolving, and his growth and maturity are felt throughout the record’s progression. The outro of the opening track, De Selby Part 1 , features the artist singing in Irish, bringing a true sense of authenticity to his storytelling and cultural roots. As this peaceful opening transitions seamlessly into the more upbeat De Selby Part 2 , the constant ringing of drums and a guitar backbeat creating a dynamic beat, Hozier wastes no time hooking the listener to his rhythm.

But the real moments of catharsis come when Hozier lets everything loose. One of the most freeing and rock-heavy sounds comes early in the excellently produced “Francesca,” where he dives deep into the desire of reliving a failed relationship. Even in knowing the ending and the inevitable heartbreak that will come with falling back in love again, he embraces the

fatal impossibility of being back with his lover.

Hozier arrives at an inspirational place of accepting life’s losses in the soulful and gospel-inspired “All Things End,” ending with a group of backup singers clapping along to the melody. Here, Hozier doesn’t shy away from painful truths but finds a beautiful way to celebrate the journey anyway.

What makes Hozier’s music so mature and reassuring among a sea of countless artists reminiscing on break-ups is how he embraces the hurt and pain. Listening to any Hozier album in its entirety makes the listener feel like they are processing life experiences alongside him. Hozier’s music can also be interpreted far from the realm of a break-up narrative, making it easy for any listener to connect to his raw emotions. His music is truly universal.

In the perfect finale, First ight brings the story arc full circle as o ier finally crawls back to his former life on Earth. “But after this I’m never gonna be the same / And I am never going back again,” Hozier sings, realizing the beauty in changing along with life itself.

“Unreal Unearthed” is a pure celebration of music, love and embracing every emotion, every experience life offers. At his heart, Hozier is a true storyteller. That much has never been more clear with his latest, and surely not last, masterwork. Plug in your listening devices, find a beautiful forest and take it all in.

COURTESY OF THE GUARDIAN

Mitski's new album haunts listeners in the best of ways

By Rowan Keller Smith

2023 has been an outstanding year for fans of indie singer-songwriters and bands. From boygenius’ album “the record” to Big Thief’s recent release of two new singles, and now the album “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are e by Mitski, listeners have been met with some of the best music of the year. eleased Sept. 15, The and Is Inhospitable and So Are e stands out from the singer-songwriter’s other discography.

The album is both cinematic and intimate. There is a folky twang to the instrumentals, written by Drew rickson, that work beautifully with her haunting lyrics and a soft, Southern othic undertone that permeates the album. Mitski herself currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, which may be one of the influences to this indie singer-songwriter version of Southern othic. The album is filled with religious imagery. Listening to the album feels like taking a slow walk through an abandoned church or a Southern cemetery.

Every album by Mitski has a distinct feel. While the singer-songwriter does not limit herself to one sound, deep emotions and a sense of melancholic loneliness permeate her discography. Mitski is never afraid to openly and poetically discuss mental health. The first track on the album, “Bug Like an Angel,” begins with “There’s a bug like an angel stuck to the bottom / Of my glass, with a little bit left / As I got older, I learned I’m a drinker Sometimes, a drink feels like family.

In the final verse, Mitski concludes her opening track with, “When I’m bent over wishin’ it was over / Makin’ all variety of vows I’ll never keep / I try to remember the wrath of the devil / Was also given him by od. There can be a double meaning to this verse with the word “bent.” In this case, it could be used to depict someone bent over, possibly throwing up because of alcohol consumption. It could also depict someone bent over in a prayer position. The mixture of religious imagery with an assumed depiction of alcoholism adds a poetic sense to the lyrics.

This religious imagery can also be found throughout the album’s other tracks, especially in the fifth track of the album, The Deal, which depicts the concept of someone selling their soul to the devil or a demon. The interesting thing about this depiction is that the speaker does not seem to want anything in return; they simply just want to get rid of their soul. Mitski sings, “I want someone to take this soul / I can’t bear to keep it, I’d give it just to give / And all I will take are the consequences / Will somebody take this soul?” There is a desperation both in these lyrics and her singing that is absolutely haunting. The raw power and pain in her voice, mixed with these confessional lyrics feels almost cinematic.

and so are we"

One of the standout tracks on the album is “I’m Your Man,” a piece that is truly full of religious undertones and imagery. The song opens with the lines, “You’re an angel, I’m a dog / Or you’re a dog and I’m your man / You believe me like a god / I destroy you like I am.” Mitski depicts an intense love in which both partners can be compared to both dogs and spiritual beings. The speaker worships their lover, comparing them to an angel and then follows by comparing them to a dog. The speaker’s lover believes in them “like a god,” worshiping them right back. With the line, “I destroy you like I am,” Mitski brings images of biblical wrath to describe the intense relationship depicted in the song. The track closes with a soft fade out accompanied by sampling of nature sounds like crickets chirping and dogs barking. This sampling of various audios can also be heard in the final track of The and Is Inhospitable and So

Are We,” which closes with a haunting recording that sounds and feels like someone walking through an old, abandoned church, partially falling apart. istening to The and Is Inhospitable and So Are We” feels like sitting on a porch at night, looking up at the moon and listening to the sound of distant melodies and fiddles. The feeling and distinct sound of this album cannot be found in any of Mitski’s discography. It is a gem and a magnum opus. Mitski prays, talks and pleads with od in The and Is Inhospitable and So Are We” and listeners will have no other choice than to worship this new album like gospel.

Children of celebrities are overexposed in media

By Malik Clement

The relationship between a parent and their child is widely seen as a complex, sacred connection. nderstanding the ways in which social media can be harmful to someone, especially someone at a young age, can be important, more so if there is any level of celebrity status involved.

The parasocial relationships between celebrities and social media has allowed many fans of these celebrities to be more readily able to closely watch the lives of artists. In some cases, this can allow artists to build a stronger sense of community with their fans, and in others, it can become destructive and leave no room for privacy. There are celebrities who are careful with this and keep their personal life separate from their work, and others who have indulged in this relationship in ways that can potentially be harmful to their children.

In 201 , Drake released the song motionless off the album Scorpion, which was backed by the controversy about fans learning that he had a son, Adonis. In the song, he sings, I wasn’t hidin’ my kid from the world, I was hidin’ the world from my kid, stating that he wished to not have his son in the media at such an early age. In October of 2023, Drake released the song Daylight, which features his son Adonis in the latter half of the song. At the time of motionless, Adonis was under one year old and now with the release of Daylight, he is 6-years-old.

More recently, anye est and im ardashian have done the same with their child, orth est. orth was recently featured on the song TA I off of anye’s album T S 1 and shares a TikTok page with im that has 1 . million followers. Many developers and owners of social media apps struggle with combatting issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. To allow a 10-year-old to have a widely visible account on social media can lead to issues, as they are able to interact with people on social media who oftentimes do not consider the content they’re viewing as a person, but rather a form of entertainment.

ay-Z and eyonce have shown throughout their career a level of care and consideration for their daughter lue Ivy as well as their twin six-year-olds umi and Sir. esides pictures and events that they have been present for with their parents, there has been no usage of social media from lue Ivy or showcasing of umi and Sir that have been publicized to the same extent as other comparable children of celebrities. hile there is a level of criticism to be held for the celebrities who allow this level of internet exposure, there is also the criticism to hold against those who feed into it and see it as something to simply adore or watch and take part in. Media literacy has begun to hold a large amount of importance in how people interact on social media and the earlier that it’s taught to any child, celebrity or not, could be beneficial in protecting their privacy as well as mental health. In social media, the example is often set by those who have larger followings, and to understand the platform one has is a good way to teach not only the children who look up to them, but also the people who follow them.

Calm and fulfulling love shown through playlists

By Grace Azaula

I make a playlist for everything. For each season, for every niche emotion I have ever felt and, of course, for nearly any romantic encounter I have experienced. Despite my numerous playlists, one of my favorites is titled “So beautiful my heart aches. hile this may sound like a dramatic playlist that should be filled with heartbreaking melodies, it instead features just a few songs that represent love so peaceful and special that it makes your heart feel more than you thought it could.

In college, the idea of “love” can get buried, surrounded by “situationships” and hookup culture — and there is certainly no shortage of songs to match these feelings. Some songs, like ehlani’s F M talk about knowing a relationship is bad for you but somehow always ending back up with the same person. Others, like Chappell Roan’s “Casual,” express the painful feelings of “casually” hooking up with someone.

I am not denying the power of music with these messages, and I am happy to admit that both “F&MU” and “Casual” can still be found on many of my other playlists. owever, I also believe there should always be a space held sacred both in life and in music — for simple, genuine love. Love that does not rely on the physical aspects of a relationship. Something for the hopeless romantics, but furthermore, for humanity. ecause sometimes we need to be reminded that we all deserve love.

The first song on my So beautiful my heart aches playlist is Serendipity by aufey.This idea of feeling grounded by love, rather than overwhelmed, is a stark contrast to the first half of aufey’s album ewitched, which talks about situationships, unrequited love and everything in between. In Serendipity, aufey brings listeners hope for a new, healthy kind of love, even if it takes time to find. This message is enhanced by the stripped-back piano accompaniment, reflecting the raw, genuine nature of the singer’s feelings.

Of course, aufey was not the first person to write about these feelings. In Sunday ind of ove, tta ames sings, I want a Sunday kind of love A love to last past Saturday night And I’d like to know it’s more than love at first sight. ames expresses a desire for a relationship that she can count on — something beyond infatuation or lust. Something real.

The final song on my playlist is My ove All Mine by Mitski. hile this song may not tell an obvious love story, it does something else essential — it assures listeners that expressing one’s love is a good thing. People can love for the sake of loving, without expectations and without excessive ups and downs. This song centers listeners, replicating the feeling of a healthy relationship.

While I love chaos as much, if not more, than the next person, there is something beautiful about being reminded that calm, fulfilling love exists. hether you are in a relationship, single or something in between, I believe that grounding yourself in music centered around healthy relationships will allow you to open up to your own feelings, and just maybe, to the possibility of love.

ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE VANDERVEER/THE ITHACAN

Childcare must be made more affordable

By Gabe Hendershot

The cost of education is a frequently discussed topic and rightfully so. When it comes to higher education, many students and their families become saddled with debt within the first couple years of an undergraduate degree. It is disheartening that so many students are discouraged from expanding their life and knowledge base because of their economic status. In the U.S., this problem begins before our children are even out of diapers. Childcare and preschool costs are becoming so unreasonably high that parents are running out of options.

The environment that children are in during this time is important for many reasons. The first is simple safety. Parents should know that while they are at work, their children are well cared for and unquestionably safe. Approaching this issue from an education standpoint, however, illuminates another key aspect. hen a child is ages one to five, they undergo an incredible amount of development, both physically and mentally. This is a crucial time for children to build an understanding of how to learn and interact with both teachers and peers.

Setting expectations at a young age for how children should behave and participate in a classroom environment has a significant impact on their entire learning career. earning how to listen, follow directions and take turns are skills that will be useful all the way into adulthood. As the curriculum becomes more complex and rigid in later years, students who have not worked on these skills will pose a serious threat to both their own learning and that of their peers.

When factoring in that many parents do not have family members or friends who can care for their children before they are school age, the need for accessible childcare becomes evident. The problem is that this childcare has become astronomically expensive. In ew ork state, the average yearly cost for childcare is 1 ,040 for children ages three to five and 1 ,240 for children under two. This is comparable to the cost of in-state college tuition. While some may argue that an undergraduate degree is unnecessary, it is almost impossible to make the same argument for childcare.

ooking at those numbers, it becomes clear why parents are struggling to afford childcare. There are many families who have decided that one parent will put a complete pause on their career until their children are old enough to attend school.

Childcare can account for as much as 50% of a parent’s yearly salary. Though staying at home with your children should absolutely be an option for any parent that desires it, it shouldn’t be the only way that a family can make ends meet.

ringing down the cost of childcare, possibly even creating a universal form of it, should be a top priority in the U.S.. Without this resource, many children struggle throughout their education because they were not provided a solid foundation for learning and sociali ing. The .S. should care about the children that grow up here and should do its best to set them up for success. This support needs to start when children are born, not when they are halfway through the education system.

Happiness is not good for the economy

By nINJIN TUMURBAT

Find what makes you happy, this self-discovery course will definitely help with that ead this ew ork Times best-selling book on productivity, it’s a game-changer ever give up on your dreams apply for this college, get interviewed by that great company and get rich If others can do it, you can, too emember kids, something better is always around the corner.

There is a concept that involves a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. It is quite similar to the nature vs. nurture problem where we talk about whether genes or experiences dominate the other and define our lives. So, my question is Is this how our brain, nature,’ works always striving for upgrades because we are designed to be insecure about how we authentically are If yes, is it really a good thing that we are wired or evolved this way Or is it caused by society, often referred to as nurture,’ through its political systems that are usually constructed for economic growth

Our basic survival instincts to secure food, safety and shelter have been fundamental to developing amazing advancements in human civilization. In other words, when we accomplish or improve ourselves, our brain rewards us with dopamine, motivating us to seek more rewards.

This rewarding system was relatively healthy, in my opinion, until the balance between reality and the positive outcomes we wished for was lost. I can only assume that our natural drive for progress has been significantly shaped by society for the sake of economic growth. This concept was explained by author Matt aig in this quote appiness is not good for the economy. e are encouraged, continually, to be a little bit dissatisfied with ourselves. … To be calm becomes a kind of revolutionary act. To be happy with your own non-upgraded existence. To be comfortable with our messy, human selves would not be good for business.

It can be manifested into reality as appreciating the feeling of

From this, we can see that our constant need to improve is influenced by both our natural tendencies and by society. ow, you may ask, hat should we do then It’s not something that we can change instantly. And, I agree with you. As we continue to evolve, finding a healthier equilibrium between embracing our innate drive for progress and recogni ing when it is being manipulated by external forces could be one step. It can be manifested into reality as appreciating the feeling of fulfillment and relishing the present, even for a second.

Whether it is the nature vs. nurture problem or the growth mindset vs. the fixed mindset concept, they add colors to our lives by interacting dynamically and shaping us in the most unique, beautiful and infinite shapes.

ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE VANDERVEER/THE ITHACAN

ILLUSTRATION BY MOLLY TESKA/THE ITHACAN

sports

kalysta donaghy-robinson/the ithacan

Leadership changes mark new chapter for athletics

By David Schurter

athletic year begins. The 2023–24 year will mark fresh chapter in Ithaca College athletics, with several new coaches and administrators taking over for well-known and beloved names who departed after last year.

Among the recent departures was men’s lacrosse head coach Jeff Long, who was at the helm for 36 seasons at the college, notably leading the team to six conference championships in that time. Replacing Long is Tommy Pearce, who comes from Allegheny College where he was the head coach of the men’s lacrosse program for five seasons.

Other notable departures include former men’s

and women’s swimming and diving head coach Kevin Markwardt, retiring after 42 years on South Hill. In his time as swimming and diving head coach, Markwardt led the Bombers to 12 total conference championships across both men’s and women’s teams, including a five year streak with the men’s team from 19 93. He will be replaced by former assistant coach Mike Blakely-Armitage ’00, who will be joined by another new hire — SUNY Cortland’s Noah Beck — as assistant coach.

The college’s men’s soccer team has also seen a new addition, introducing Nick Calo as the team’s lead assistant coach. Calo spent the last four seasons as assistant coach at Utica University.

won 15 national championships and has ranked in the

success in collegiate sports, over the last

finish for the 2022 23 athletic year.

won 15 national championships and has ranked in the top 25 of the LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, an award measuring success in collegiate sports, over the last two decades, including a 12th place finish for the 2022 23 athletic year.

On the administrative side of things, Margaret Shackell joined the department as the NCAA faculty athletics representative — while another key departure was deputy Athletic Director Erienne Roberts, who accepted an offer at the University of Chicago to become their deputy athletic director for internal operations.

Replacing Roberts on the athletic administration team at the college is Tyler Heisey, the new associate director of athletics for NCAA compliance. Heisey comes in from his previous position working in athletics fundraising at Susquehanna University. Heisey, a former student-athlete at Dickinson College, said athletics have always been an important part of his life and he knew he wanted to work in administration after his positive experience at Dickinson.

“I was a collegiate student-athlete at Dickinson College and there I knew that I always wanted to stay connected to sports,” Heisey said. “From there I went on to the University of Arkansas for my master’s in sports administration and that really opened my eyes to all the possibilities in college sports. I had a great experience as a student-athlete and to provide that experience and give back has led me here.”

Heisey said he was drawn to Ithaca College because of the national level of success among its many athletics programs. Most notably, the college has

coaches are amazing and work hard and the opportunity to

a place where people want to … be success-

“This place draws in great people. The coaches are amazing and work hard and the opportunity to support them excited me,” Heisey said. “It’s a place where people want to … be successful. It's really what Division III sports is all about and that's the kind of place I want to associate myself with."

Following the 2022-23 academic year, the Ithaca College athletic department initiated a string of new hires, including five coaches and two administrators. ILLUSTRATION BY Molly Teska/THE ITHACAN

the kind of place I want to associate myself with." From the position of a student-athlete, having

two new teams and leading the charge.

Miles, the co-chair of the college’s Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), welcomes the opportunity to get to watch a new set of coaches and said he is

From the position of a student-athlete, having a new coach coming in can be a challenge. Joshua Miles, the co-chair of the college’s Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), welcomes the opportunity to get to watch a new set of coaches and said he is excited about what they have to offer for the athletic program’s future.

“I completely trust the athletic department here,” Miles said. “[Director of Intercollegiate Athletics] Su-

“I completely trust the athletic department here,” Miles said. “[Director of Intercollegiate Athletics] Susan Bassett is incredible. It’s sad to see Roberts go as she did so well at her job, but with the new faces coming in, I’ve talked briefly with them and they really care about the athletes here and they definitely want to make a difference.”

coming in, I’ve talked briefly with them and they really care about the athletes here and they definitely want to make a difference.”

Miles said he joined SAAC in his second semester on campus as he felt it was a service to give back to not only his fellow student-athletes, but the coaches and administrators as well.

only his fellow student-athletes, but the coaches and administrators as well.

“I thought it was a really great opportunity to be more hands-on with the whole athletic community here at Ithaca,” Miles said. “Also to make the athlete’s experience here as memorable as possible and be a voice for the athletes and communicate with the athletics department.”

here at Ithaca,” Miles said. “Also to make the athlete’s experience here as memorable as possible and be a voice for the athletes and communicate with the

While having a new coach can be tough on returning student-athletes, it can also be a daunting task on the coaches’ side. For Tom Rishcoff, the college’s new head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis programs, he welcomes the challenge of working with

While having a new coach can be tough on returning student-athletes, it can also be a daunting task on the coaches’ side. For Tom Rishcoff, the college’s of programs, he welcomes the challenge of working with

“I’m extremely honored to take over the program here, as there’s a storied success to this program and there’s an opportunity to continue to build off of that,” Rishcoff said. “I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to make great strides within the program and continue to build off the previous success this program has had and look

“I’m extremely honored to take over the program there’s an opportunity to continue to build off of that,” Rishcoff said. “I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to make great strides within the program and continue to build to take us to the next level.”

Previously, Rishcoff worked as an assistant coach for the Middlebury College tennis programs and has prior head coaching experience, serving as interim head coach of the men’s team at Hamilton College in 2021. Rishcoff will be replacing the former men’s tennis coach Chris Hayes '16, who spent three seasons leading the men’s and women’s teams to a combined 41–47 record. Rishcoff said he is looking to continue the success of the tennis program and establish a pow-

Previously, Rishcoff worked as an assistant coach for the Middlebury College tennis programs and has head coach of the men’s team at Hamilton College in 2021. Rishcoff will be replacing the former men’s tenleading the men’s and women’s teams to a combined the success of the tennis program and establish a powerful team relationship.

“What I want to bring is a level of energy and a certain culture that I’m trying to build in terms of the way we are competing and representing Ithaca on and off the court,” Rishcoff said. “I really want to build a tennis community and continue to build a tight-knit

“What I want to bring is a level of energy and a way we are competing and representing Ithaca on and off the court,” Rishcoff said. “I really want to build a tennis community and continue to build a tight-knit community within the team day by day.”

Heisey is looking forward to following the pride

Heisey is looking forward to following the pride that each athlete puts into their sport.

The game-winning field goal, game-winning shots, I know how hard they work for these opportunities and for me, it’s getting to see those special

The game-winning field goal, game-winning shots, I know how hard they work for these oppormoments that we all remember," Heisey said.

Athletes talk impact of new dining hall options

limited hours of operation, student-athletes at Ithaca College have an innovative new option for dining this fall as the first semester with the meal exchange program goes into effect.

A change created to keep the dining halls as uncrowded as possible, the meal plan option also allows for a more flexible eating schedule. Meal exchanges allow students to use a meal swipe for many of the other on-campus retail dining areas, like the Dailies Cafe in the Roy H. Park School of Communications and the Scribe Cafe in the Gannett

Center library.

Reginald Briggs, senior director of Dining Services at the college, was one of the many people who worked to implement the meal exchange program. He said the plan was designed largely to relieve dining staff of the student crowds.

“Campus Center [dining hall] got too crowded last year,” Briggs said. “We wanted to get through breakfast and lunch without the huge crowds. … The meal changes were not implemented specifically for athletics but, if they do help, that is just another benefit.

Unlike many schools at the Division I level, athletes at the college have the same dining options as any other student. The influx of people in dining halls last school year became an issue for athletes, who have strict lift, travel, game and practice times, all while balancing their nutrition. According to Dartmouth College’s nutritional guidelines, athletes should be eating six to seven meals per day — including proteins, carbs and healthy fats — to speed up metabolism and maintain energy.

Because of the strains of training, it is crucial for athletes to maintain a diet that is optimal for fueling and muscle recovery. Although it might vary depending on their sport, all athletes are expected to follow a well-balanced diet to perform optimally. For Briggs, that is something he said the dining department has worked toward meeting. The Thrive Menu — served at the two primary dining halls as well as Towers Eatery — is all food free of the top-nine allergens and always includes cold proteins and clean carbs.

If athletes are not fueling correctly, they can be significantly more prone to injuries and have trouble sustaining energy during training. Briggs said he has worked directly with athletes to meet their dietary needs, but the decision to eat healthy is ultimately up to them.

“I talk to athletes who are struggling and we always go with Thrive,” Briggs said. “When we close and all of the burgers and fries are gone but there is still chicken caesar salad left, [that was their choice]. I can only

provide the food. They have to make those good choices on what to eat.”

choices on what to eat.”

aomi lauhs, a first-year student on the volleyball team, is relying on a full meal plan this semester, which includes 24 meals a week and up to 21 exchanges depending on the plan. She said retail dining on campus has made fueling for her sport significantly easier when the dining halls are unavailable.

campus has made fueling for her sport significantly easier when the dining halls are unavailable.

Clauhs said the menu options at the college’s dining halls have been able to meet her team’s needs adequately as in-season athletes.

adequately as in-season athletes.

“I feel like there’s a lot of balanced options in the

Similar to Clauhs, Downing said he has used more Bomber Bucks when the dining hall is closed. However, Downing said he has to be strategic about how he uses them, which can be an inconvenience in situations where on-campus dining might be his

more Bomber Bucks when the dining hall is closed. However, Downing said he has to be strategic about how he uses them, which can be an inconvenience only option.

“They took away [Bomber Bucks], I think we have half of the [Bomber Bucks] we had last year,” more now.”

“They took away [Bomber Bucks], I think we have half of the [Bomber Bucks] we had last year,” Downing said. “I utilized that a lot and now I’m saving

“I feel like there’s a lot of balanced options in the dining hall and for the people on the team that have more dietary restrictions,” Clauhs said. “There’s a lot of options for everyone that everyone’s happy with.”

of options for everyone that everyone’s happy with.”

At the college, only senior students are eligible to live off-campus, which can provide more flexibility in

meal plan which includes five meals a week, but can

At the college, only senior students are eligible to live off-campus, which can provide more flexibility in terms of dining. Noah Downing, a senior on the men’s basketball team, is living off campus with a partial meal plan which includes five meals a week, but can include up to 14 depending on what plan the athletes might have.

Rather than relying on it entirely, Downing said he uses his partial meal plan to supplement his meals from home or to grab a quick bite when his schedule

he uses his partial meal plan to supplement his meals from home or to grab a quick bite when his schedule is packed.

“We’ll have lift in the morning and I don’t have time to go sit in the dining hall [before going to class],” Downing said. “After lift, I need to get something quick and onto the next thing.”

time to go sit in the dining hall [before going to class],” Downing said. “After lift, I need to get something quick and onto the next thing.”

Vic Brown, strength and conditioning head coach, leads nutrition meetings for each team on campus those

treating their bodies before and after training in terms of nutrition, hydration and getting adequate rest.

Vic Brown, strength and conditioning head coach, leads nutrition meetings for each team on campus before the start of their respective seasons. In those meetings, teams discuss how athletes should be treating their bodies before and after training in terms of nutrition, hydration and getting adequate rest.

“I don’t think we’ve had enough of a sample size to see its full effect, but I think [the new dining options are] a creative idea and should be good in meeting everyone’s needs,” Brown said.

“I don’t think we’ve had enough of a sample size to full are] a creative idea and should be good in meeting everyone’s needs,” Brown said.

From his background in athlete nutrition, Brown said he looks forward to seeing the impacts of expanded dining options and hopes that student-athletes who rely on them will be able to utilize them to their

From his background in athlete nutrition, Brown ed dining options and hopes that student-athletes who rely on them will be able to utilize them to their full potential.

“I think there were available options last year, but campus dining is listening and creating solutions that continue to meet our students’ needs,” Brown said. “Again, there isn’t a huge sample size yet, but I am optimistic at what these changes can do for our students.”

“I think there were available options last year, but continue to meet our students’ needs,” Brown said. “Again, there isn’t a huge sample size yet, but I am optimistic at what these changes can do for our students.”

From left to right first-year track field teammates oseph apolitano and Max oreland dine at ampus Center Dining Hall. A new meal exchange program was introduced to reduce dining hall wait times. John Henry Downes/THE ITHACAN

Gymnasts spring into new heights in the classroom

nastics team found great success, placing sixth at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association championships, which made it their fourth consecutive year finishing in the top six.

Parallel to its success in competition was success in the classroom. On August 15, the omen’s ollegiate ymnastics Association A released its academic rankings for the 2022 23 school year. The ombers finished the year with a cumulative PA of 3. 9, the fourth best out of the 4 schools that qualified for the rankings. For perspective, student-athletes only need a 2.0 to be eligible for athletics. The squad of 1 gymnasts achieved the accomplishment in 12 different majors. This marked the first time the ombers ranked in the top five of the A rankings.

For head coach ick Suddaby, this ranking is a major accomplishment for the program. Suddaby said that the team has been setting standards in the classroom for years and that he was excited when the rankings came in.

They really excel academically they have for a long time, Suddaby said. It’s something I’m very proud of. It’s something that promotes our program very well. If kids are getting a or lower on their midterms, we’ll sit down and discuss what’s going on and help them with things.

Success in the classroom often starts before gymnasts arrive on campus. Suddaby said the team’s

he has confidence that they will be able to manage

recruits often do well academically in high school and he has confidence that they will be able to manage their class schedule and athletic commitments.

why some gymnasts chose to come to the college. u-

That classroom atmosphere was part of the reason why some gymnasts chose to come to the college. unior illian Freyman, who had a 3.9 PA last year, said she was drawn to South ill both by the gymnastics team and the academic programs.

pational therapy program and I knew that was what I

“I knew that [the college] had a really great occupational therapy program and I knew that was what I wanted to go into, Freyman said. So it was a pretty easy decision with gymnastics and then with the awesome occupational therapy program.

athletes than at other levels of college athletics, where student-athletes may have a stronger focus on

athletes than at other levels of college athletics, where student-athletes may have a stronger focus on athletics versus academics.

Despite D-lll having better schedule accommodations for athletes, trying to balance commitments to

on strategies to help themselves succeed, along with helping teammates succeed academically. ailey said

unior Marlena ailey, one of four ombers with a perfect 4.00 PA last year, said she came to the college primarily to join the team, but the academic appeal of the college was also a major reason behind her decision.

unior Marlena ailey, one of four ombers with her decision.

I mostly came for gymnastics, but I did like that at the Division-III level you can focus on both sports

something that’s also very important to me because at the end of the day, college gymnastics is gonna end

I mostly came for gymnastics, but I did like that at the Division-III level you can focus on both sports and academics at the same time, ailey said. That’s something that’s also very important to me because at the end of the day, college gymnastics is gonna end and I’m gonna have to get an actual job, so it helps me balance both.

The balance of commitments at the D-III level is something the team has used to its advantage during recruiting. Suddaby said D-III athletes have an advantage in the classroom because coaches at the level better understand the priorities of their student

recruiting. Suddaby said D-III athletes have an advan-

best times to get her work done.

Despite D-lll having better schedule accommodations for athletes, trying to balance commitments to gymnastics and academics can still be difficult, something Suddaby said he understood. To help balance their schedules, the members of the team have worked on strategies to help themselves succeed, along with helping teammates succeed academically. ailey said one of the methods she has used is managing her time and working around the team’s schedule to find the best times to get her work done.

I try to balance my time and make sure I get my

I try to balance my time and make sure I get my work done, ailey said. I take every spare moment that I can to really do my work. I try to balance it out instead of just cramming at the end. e know when our meets are, so if I know we’re gonna be gone for the weekend, I’m gonna try to get my assignments

our meets are, so if I know we’re gonna be gone for the weekend, I’m gonna try to get my assignments done early.

Freyman said the team was excited to get ranked as highly as they did, as it helped validate not only the work in competition, but the work outside of compe-

Freyman said the team was excited to get ranked as highly as they did, as it helped validate not only the work in competition, but the work outside of competition as well.

Obviously the team is focused on gymnastics, but it’s an ama ing group of girls, and we’re all so proud to have put so much work into all of our academics, Freyman said. e have so many different majors on the team, but we just love that we’re really making ourselves known academically.

to have put so much work into all of our academics, Freyman said. e have so many different majors on ourselves known academically.

The Ithaca ollege gymnastics team ranked fourth out of 4 teams in the A academic rankings with a cumulative PA of 3. 9. The team achieved its highest ranking in school history and was the first time the ombers ranked in the top five of the A rankings, something head coach ick Suddaby said was a major accomplishment.

File Photo/the ithacan

Football player shares his passion for the stage

hen ick apodilupo was a sophomore in high school, he sent a video to Fenway Park, auditioning to sing the national anthem for his home baseball team. e got no response.

In 2022, as a junior vocal performance major and offensive lineman for the Ithaca ollege football team, he performed the anthem at the 63rd annual Cortaca ug in ankee Stadium. e sang for more than 40,000 people — the second-largest crowd in Division III football history.

I think that’s the first time ortland fans have cheered for an Ithaca person, apodilupo said.

The following year, he returned to ankee Stadium on Aug. 1 to sing again, this time in front of nearly 45,000 spectators. The ed Sox beat the ankees 3 and both teams heard ick apodilupo’s performance.

school, he sent a video to Fenway Park, auditioning to performance.

After his first performance at ankee Stadium, a representative pulled him aside to say the stadium might want him to perform again. On une , apodilupo got a call from the ombers’ head football coach Michael Toerper.

apodilupo said he remembered the call from Toerper, saying that while Toerper was on the golf course, the ankees called to ask if they could have apodilupo back. Toerper was more than welcome to allow Capodilupo to step away from preseason training and let him have the moment.

Toerper, saying that while Toerper was on the golf step I would let apodilupo out of a practice to be down

The ankees got in touch with me and asked if I would let apodilupo out of a practice to be down there, Toerper said. I said Absolutely.’ ou get an

63rd

ug in

After

opportunity like that, you can’t pass it up. It was pretty special for him to go and do it at ankee Stadium again, this time for a baseball game.

again, this time for a baseball game.

apodilupo returned to ankee Stadium with his family, wearing his Ithaca College jersey, and sang the national anthem. oth sides of one of baseball’s most famous rivalries cheered.

national anthem. oth sides of one of baseball’s most

A vocal performance major and a football player, apodilupo can seemingly do it all, and he has been balancing his two passions for a long time.

In sixth grade, apodilupo followed in his broth-

Sox.

In sixth grade, apodilupo followed in his brother’s footsteps and auditioned for his school musical. As a sixth grader, he only appeared in one scene, but in seventh grade, he landed a supporting role as Maurice in eauty and the east. At the same time, he was continuing his football career in ingham, Massachusetts, having started his career in the third grade. For every success he had in football, there was an equal success in music. apodilupo was a starter on the foot-

in eauty and the east. At the same time, he was ball team and a leading man onstage.

is high school choral teacher, oe oung, said Capodilupo has the most impressive natural musical instrument of any of his students. oung described hearing Capodilupo perform the national anthem in a unique way, adjusting the meter and rhythm in ser-

instrument of any of his students. oung described hearing Capodilupo perform the national anthem in a vice to the text.

pride

e takes rhythmic liberties with the anthem that are interesting, but also remains true to the pride and perseverance that is so much a part of what the an-

perseverance that is so much a part of what the anthem conveys, said oung.

The two halves of apodilupo’s life rarely stayed

field and most recently ankee Stadium. and members of both the ankees and ed Sox.

to

create a perfect storm of his passions. Despite the differences of both, apodilupo managed to take

separate. Football and music constantly intersect to create a perfect storm of his passions. Despite the differences of both, apodilupo managed to take them in stride. oung said apodilupo’s dedication was admirable, understanding the rigor of his days.

was admirable, understanding the rigor of his days. If you can pull it off, that’s great, oung said. I

If you can pull it off, that’s great, oung said. I don’t mind if you come in your uniform and show up here and sing. I think that’s awesome.

ball and immense musical talent set him apart from most, but it does not come without effort. apodilupo

ple around him. Toerper had only good things to say about apodilupo’s character and dedication to his

apodilupo’s unique dynamic of juggling football and immense musical talent set him apart from most, but it does not come without effort. apodilupo can be seen in pads or in a theater as someone who lights up the room and is fully committed to the people around him. Toerper had only good things to say about apodilupo’s character and dedication to his team. e said apodilupo puts as much effort into his performance on the field as he does on the stage.

e always comes to practice with a positive attitude and really helps others around him prepare and

tude and really helps others around him prepare and play at their best, Toerper said.

Capodilupo said, overall, it is those in his corner that deserve the acclaim for his success. If it were not for his mother’s support and motivation, apodilupo said he would not be the person that he is today.

that deserve the acclaim for his success. If it were not for his mother’s support and motivation, apodilupo said he would not be the person that he is today.

My mom is the one who deserves all the credit for everything, apodilupo said. She helped me see through all my doubts and convinced me that I should

keep going until I can’t go any more. Going until he cannot go any more is the same

Going until he cannot go any more is the same mentality apodilupo always brings to the stage, the field and most recently ankee Stadium.

Senior offensive lineman ick apodilupo sang the national anthem at the

annual ortaca

front of 40,232 spectators.

his first performance at ankee Stadium, apodilupo was called back to perform at the stadium Aug. 1 in front of nearly 45,000 spectators and members of both the ankees and ed

Courtesy of Perry Bindelglass

IC Women's soccer trains in portugal over break

By Flynn Hynes

Ithaca College women’s soccer team went to Portugal for a week during spring break from March 10–17. They played matches, explored the country and helped out in the community.

Taking a spring break trip to another country has been a longtime tradition for head coach Mindy Quigg, who said she has been doing this trip for around 20 years and tries to take the team every four years. Over the years, Quigg has taken her teams to Costa Rica, Argentina, France, Spain and Portugal.

Quigg explained the planning process for this trip

and how it came about. This year, she took the team

to Porto and isbon and said Portugal was the first trip she took a team on. She wanted to take the team somewhere that meant something to her, as well as a location that many of the players may have not gotten a chance to see yet.

The first trip I ever did was Portugal, uigg said. “I loved the country. Fell in love with it there. I just thought it’s amazing. It’s a very rich soccer country. They’ve been putting a lot of resources into their women’s programs there, which has been great.

To pay for the trip, Quigg said she fundraised and each player paid for part of the trip themselves. Quigg said much of the alumni network helped with funding, because for many of them, the trip was a crucial learning experience while they were on the team.

Sophomore forward Kaelyn Fernandez said that the team had been discussing a trip like this, but it came all of a sudden and that the team was filled with joy when finding out.

I don’t really remember how we were notified, Fernandez said. “But I just know that for the longest time we’ve been talking about it, I mean like getting excited, getting all of our stuff that we want to pack and then it just came so quick.

During the trip, the Bombers worked with the company WorldStrides to schedule three matches against different teams in Portugal. The team played clubs of all different ages and came on top in two of their games.

Junior goalkeeper Grace Hickey said it was a refreshing break from the Division III collegiate level to be able to play teams in another country during the offseason without the same competitive edge.

“I think playing against international teams gives you another perspective of where you are because you play against the same teams year after year, and it’s the same rivalries and it’s the same goals that you have, but playing internationally, we knew that these scores didn’t matter, ickey said. hile we wanted to win e wanted to move the ball around, find feet, take

good shots, find crosses. So, it was just nice to be able to play without worrying about the score, and just trying to give your individual best effort.

good shots, find crosses. So, it was just nice to be able to play without worrying about the score, and just try-

Quigg

part of that.

Quigg described the expansive club system that takes place in Europe. She said these teams tend to have an advantage because of how much practicing they do together. During the summer and the winter, college and university teams tend to separate, however, it’s all year round in Europe.

they do together. During the summer and the winter, college and university teams tend to separate, howev-

The club system is huge, uigg said. e don’t have that in the States, you know, so, like, they have these women play in clubs in their regions. And then within that, that’s about a nine to 10-month season

at university are also playing for the university teams. But we’re playing with women of various ages, some from you know, maybe 17 to 18 to their 20s, into their

The club system is huge, uigg said. e don’t have that in the States, you know, so, like, they have these women play in clubs in their regions. And then within that, that’s about a nine to 10-month season that they’re with their club, and then the ones that are at university are also playing for the university teams. But we’re playing with women of various ages, some from you know, maybe 17 to 18 to their 20s, into their high 20s, low 30s.

coaches from the professional club S. . enfica. Fernandez said the level of conditioning from there was

The team got to train and practice with different coaches from the professional club S. . enfica. Fernandez said the level of conditioning from there was more rigorous compared to here at the college.

of put us through these drills, Fernande said. ven the very first thing we did was like a warmup, and everyone was kind of like, ‘Oh, my goodness. Like, this

We got to hear different feedback from those coaches. And just kind of run through different drills, work on

e went to this field and their coaching staff kind of put us through these drills, Fernande said. ven the very first thing we did was like a warmup, and everyone was kind of like, ‘Oh, my goodness. Like, this is so much more.’ … It was a really good experience. We got to hear different feedback from those coaches. And just kind of run through different drills, work on different things.

landmarks and sites in Lisbon and Porto.

On top of just playing soccer, Quigg brought the team adventuring, taking them to different landmarks and sites in Lisbon and Porto. She said she wanted the team to appreciate the history behind both cities.

During their time in Lisbon, the team did community service and volunteer work with Global Ambassadors, a program that is opening a new center for refugee infants in Lisbon and works with refugees of all ages to get them support and education. Quigg said the Bombers worked with male refugees from countries that may not have been used to playing soc-

During their time in Lisbon, the team did community service and volunteer work with Global

for refugee infants in Lisbon and works with refugees of all ages to get them support and education. Quigg said the Bombers worked with male refugees from countries that may not have been used to playing soccer with women in the past.

“I was working with the Global Ambassadors liaison and trying to get them engaged and it was really ence

ate the history behind both cities.

“I also wanted

there, as well as just the landscape beauty

visit the famous sites that are famous for Lisbon and Porto and I wanted them to see a walled city, uigg said. “I wanted them to see something that was still standing and be a

“I also wanted them to see some of the cultural beauty there, as well as just the landscape beauty so like we had a sunset at the beach, we got to visit the famous sites that are famous for Lisbon and Porto and I wanted them to see a walled city, uigg said. “I wanted them to see something that was 2,000 years old and still standing and be a

“I was working with the Global Ambassadors liaison and trying to get them engaged and it was really challenging, uigg said. And what made the difference was we just put the balls out and played rondos … And that was it. The whole thing changed everybody. They were communicating as best they could. They were playing, they were laughing. We moved it into an eight-sided game. Everybody had a great time. By the end, arms around each other, getting pictures. It was one ball and a good attitude.

… And that was it. The whole thing changed everybody. They were communicating as best they could. They were playing, they were laughing. We moved it into an eight-sided game. Everybody had a great time. By the end, arms around each other, getting pictures. It was one ball and a good attitude.

Going into the 2024 season, Hickey said she believes this trip bonded everyone together regardless of grade and that it will show on the field.

I really can’t think of many flaws, ickey said. I mean, a lot of people who’ve never been to Europe got to experience it, which is absolutely incredible. It brought us closer together throughout our grades. … It really just brought everyone together and a lot of other people to step outside their comfort zones, experience new culture. … And I think it will translate to our play, just the relationships that we formed with each other and the trust that we built on that trip, it’s gonna make it easier for us to connect on the field.

lieves this trip bonded everyone together regardless of on I really can’t think of many flaws, ickey said. I mean, a lot of people who’ve never been to Europe got to experience it, which is absolutely incredible. It brought us closer together throughout our grades. … It really just brought everyone together and a lot of other people to step outside their comfort zones, experience new culture. … And I think it will translate to our play, just the relationships that we formed with each other and the trust that we built on that trip, it’s gonna make it easier for us to connect on the field.

The Ithaca College women's soccer team spent seven days in Portugal over spring break. During their trip, the team volunteered with Global Ambassadors, a program that provides refugees of all ages with support and education.

Courtesy of Mindy Quigg

basketball alum dunks his way onto the world stage

By Alliey Magistro

Ithaca College men’s basketball team in the early 2010’s, but Warech has ascended to where many Division III athletes never have the pleasure of reaching. Warech has gone on to play professional basketball for 10 years and as he enters into another season in Israel, it is clear he has made his mark on the basketball world.

Warech has been playing basketball his whole life. It has always been his passion and he knew it was something he wanted to pursue into the professional level, even if it meant taking the difficult route

out of Division lll. Alongside him was his younger

brother Zach Warech ’23, who also played Bombers’ basketball.

Travis, who is now 32, said one of his biggest influences on him was his father.

“My dad stuck a basketball in me and my brother’s hands as early as we were in diapers, arech said.

Originally, Warech was a part of Division II program St. Michael’s for his first three years of college before transferring to Ithaca. While at St. Michael’s, arech flourished as a player, eclipsing 1,002 points and being named to the 2009–10 NE-10 All-Rookie Team. Warech was one of six players to leave that program in a two-year span.

“I was just kind of looking for a place to land and enjoy the game again, arech said. At the time, Sean Rossi — he and I played together in high school — I knew he was on the Division III path at Ithaca. So when I wanted to transfer, he was the first person I called and I was on a plane to Ithaca the next day.

It was a no-brainer once he visited the Ithaca campus that the Bombers were the team for him and that the college was where he belonged. He became close with all of his fellow teammates and coaches. This connection was seen when during the 2012–13 season, Warech was able to lead the team to a 21–9 record that included an Empire 8 Championship and a trip to the NCAA Sectionals.

Warech has been playing professional basketball for the past 10 years, ever since he graduated college, and he is now going on to year 11. Warech has had the opportunity to play in Germany and Israel, where he has been for the past six years.

Jon Tanous, the assistant coach for Ithaca men’s basketball from 2011–2015, said that Warech has always had deep motivation and that it showed from an early stage in his career.

“[Warech] was a professional person long before he was a professional basketball player, Tanous said. “It was easy to see his determination to reach his goals.

agency, Scorers 1st Sportsmanagement. After not being signed by an American team in the summer 2013, to

ER Rockets of the German Pro-A league. Following

Right out of college, Warech signed with an agency, Scorers 1st Sportsmanagement. After not being signed by an American team in the summer 2013, Warech made the tough decision to attempt to make it in European basketball and by October 2013, he had his first season in ermany with the OeTTIER Rockets of the German Pro-A league. Following

played for four different teams in Israel, with his best season coming in 2020 for Hapoel Beer Sheva, where Warech averaged 10.2 points per game and three

four season coming in 2020 for Hapoel Beer Sheva, where Warech averaged 10.2 points per game and three rebounds per game.

Basketball has made a tremendous impact on Warech’s life. It has given him opportunities to travel to different countries, experience new things, fight

Warech’s life. It has given him opportunities to travel to different countries, experience new things, fight

Games, a tournament in Israel that hosts 43 sports and over 10,000 Jewish athletes from

his first season, arech would move to M P iesen

his first season, arech would move to M P iesen Ludwigsburg of the Easy Credit BBL, Germany’s top division of professional basketball.

I had my first job in ermany and my second

super well and I lived in a brewery, which was

I had my first job in ermany and my second in Israel, arech said. I went in with low to no expectations. I started on a two-week tryout, so it was not even a full contract yet. I did my thing, I played super well and I lived in a brewery, which was our sponsor.

German

Credit BBL, Warech played in the Maccabiah Games, a tournament in Israel that consists of 43 sports and

In 2017, after playing for four different German squads in both the German Pro-A League and Easy Credit BBL, Warech played in the Maccabiah Games, a tournament in Israel that consists of 43 sports and over 10,000 Jewish athletes from around the world. Warech played with another Ithaca alum, Marc Chasin ’18, both representing Team USA in the games.

’18, both representing Team USA in the games. Warech won gold that summer and had coaches offering him a spot on their teams to play in Israel,

Warech won gold that summer and had coaches offering him a spot on their teams to play in Israel, which he did, signing with Maccabi Ashdod of the Israel Winner League in 2017.

he loves.

through the trials of hard-nosed, European style basketball and also continue playing the game

I tried out for a year and never looked back, arech said. I have been there for six years.

I tried out for a year and never looked back, arech said. I have been there for six years.

Warech has proven himself in Israel and has found near-equal success in his time spent there. Warech has

He has also had so many supporters along the way,

but are still close to this day.

He has also had so many supporters along the way, but there was one that stood out — his younger brother Zach Warech. The two brothers are 10 years apart but are still close to this day.

Zach grew up in a household engulfed in basketball and for good reason. The Warech bloodline runs

father, Gary, who played basketball at New York University. Now, Zach has accepted a position to be an assistant college basketball coach and a coach of a

Zach grew up in a household engulfed in basketball and for good reason. The Warech bloodline runs deep with basketball, starting with Travis and Zach’s father, Gary, who played basketball at New York University. Now, Zach has accepted a position to be an assistant college basketball coach and a coach of a developmental team at Drew University.

outside of college to expand their love and devotion to the game of basketball. While Zach will begin his career coaching the game he loves, Travis will be con-

his family.

Both brothers have taken their basketball careers outside of college to expand their love and devotion to the game of basketball. While Zach will begin his career coaching the game he loves, Travis will be continuing his career in Israel, while also taking care of

“It is no surprise of their successes on and off the court, Tanous said. They are just great people before they are great anything else. That is the best thing I can say. They are special people that’s for sure.

“It is no surprise of their successes on and off the court, Tanous said. They are just great people before anything I say. They are special people that’s for sure.

From left to right: Travis Warech '13 and Marc Chasin '18 earned gold medals at the 2017 Maccabiah Games, a tournament in Israel that hosts 43 sports and over 10,000 Jewish athletes from around the world. Warech has been playing professional basketball for 10 years.

Courtesy of Dov Halickman

Courtesy of Dov Halickman

Student-Athletes learn through field experience

student-athletes at Ithaca College are expanding their knowledge of the human body through the grind of practice sessions and the excitement of game days.

During the 2022–23 academic year, out of the 286 total student-athletes that were elected to the Liberty League All-Academic team, 118 of them were members of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. There are 214 student-athletes studying within HSHP, which makes up about 31% of the school’s enrollment.

unior uliana alli, a striker on the field hockey team, is a physical therapy major and art minor. Growing up playing field hockey, alli said she discovered the college through its strong athletic programs on the

field and in the classroom.

After working at Synergy Physical Therapy — a sports clinic in Hackettstown, New Jersey — since her junior year of high school, Valli said she was able to see how hands-on and connection-based sports medicine was and instantly fell in love. alli said she knew that sports medicine was for her, but she feared that pursuing the major would stifle her love for art.

I’ve always loved fashion, I’ve always loved sewing, I’ve always loved doing stuff with my hands, alli said. “I felt like I had two aspects of myself, like two different personas my creative side and my athletic side. I had to really think about what my strengths and weaknesses are and I had to really think of what I wanted as a career.

After exploring the college’s art minor, Valli said her love for the field was amplified and even translated into her work in health sciences.

ven with art, if I decide to work in health sciences , I know bringing in a creative aspect, like art therapy, would make the experience better for the people I’m connecting with, alli said.

Valli is not alone in her journey studying physical therapy. Of the field hockey team’s 2 -woman roster, 13 of the athletes are studying health-related fields, including occupational therapy, athletic training and clinical health studies.

Tackling such a science-based field like physical therapy can be intimidating, but alli said having her own experience as an athlete has helped her knowledge from the classroom translate onto the field.

“The other day my knee was hurting me and to realize that I needed to stretch a certain muscle in my quad was cra y to me, alli said. To be able to figure that out and to say, ‘Wow, we talked about that in class the other day. I know this now and I can help myself out,’ is awesome.

aitlyn ahila, head coach of the field hockey

team, on

unior uliana alli is a striker on the field hockey team and a physical therapy major in the School of ealth Sciences and Human Performance. Valli is one of 214 student-athletes pursuing a degree within HSHP.

team, said the large volume of health science students on the team help contribute greatly to the team’s overall mindset regarding its training program and recovery techniques.

overall mindset regarding its training program and recovery

“I do think that our health science student-athletes overall, because they’re studying it all the time, definitely know how important that process of strength training,

overall, because they’re studying it all the time, definitely know how important that process of strength training, conditioning and recovery is, ahila said.

Sophomore Cullen Adams — an exercise science and men’s lacrosse team said he chose to travel from Portland, Maine, to upstate ew ork specifically for the ed

and pre-athletic training major and midfielder on the men’s lacrosse team said he chose to travel from Portland, Maine, to upstate ew ork specifically for the college’s health science programs, but is also excited to continue playing the sport he loves.

tell him that he was good at making others feel better and he always felt great sympathy when seeing his teammates the

Adams said his experience as an athlete drew him back to the playing field.

Growing up, Adams said his mom would always tell him that he was good at making others feel better and he always felt great sympathy when seeing his teammates or even opposing players get injured on the field. Despite his original intent to go into nursing, Adams said his experience as an athlete drew him back to the playing field.

originally thinking about doing nursing, but working

“I liked health and science in high school and I was originally really

“Then I learned about athletic training which would allow me to be in a sports setting while still working

and be around sports.

in a hospital didn’t really appeal to me, Adams said. “Then I learned about athletic training which would allow me to be in a sports setting while still working with health and science. It really excites me that my job will allow me to work in a nontraditional setting and be around sports.

partment of Exercise Science and Athletic Training,

do their best on the field and in the classroom.

Tim Reynolds ’14, assistant professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, was a baseball player while he was a student at the college. eynolds said he values having that experience because he knows how hard student-athletes work to do their best on the field and in the classroom.

have and I tell them that I was a student-athlete too, eynolds said. I understand that it is a very demandcareer

ou’re in a service industry and you are trying to help people physically and mentally, so it’s important

that they are going through.

“I make an announcement at the beginning of the semester and ask how many student-athletes we have and I tell them that I was a student-athlete too, eynolds said. I understand that it is a very demanding program and that their career paths will be very demanding, but it’s a very selfless career path, you will have the opportunity to give and to help others. ou’re in a service industry and you are trying to help people physically and mentally, so it’s important that I know the physical and mental demands that they are going through.

Photo Illustration by Molly Teska, Nolan Saunders/the ithacan

Physical therapy program competes to raise funds

ical Therapy holds its annual Bomber Blitz 5K run and walk, an event to raise money for PT and clinical research. This year, all of the proceeds from the event on Oct. 8 went toward the VCU-Marquette Challenge, funding PT research.

Established in 1989, the VCU-Marquette Challenge is a student-led fundraising effort that aims to raise money for the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. The foundation uses all donations to fund research grants, scholarships and fellowships to physical therapy students across the country.

Faculty director Kimber Kurr said October is phys-

ical therapy month and that the objective of the event is to raise awareness for physical therapy and help to further its research.

“This is a great opportunity for us to spread the word about physical therapy and fitness, urr said. A big proponent of PT is making sure that everyone has fitness opportunities and leads a healthy lifestyle. unning the 5 run fits in with PT month and it’s a great fundraising event that goes towards future research in physical therapy.

urr said the event is operated entirely by the students of the Ithaca College Physical Therapy Student Association and that they are taking on a big challenge in organi ing these events.

It’s been a huge undertaking for the students, urr said. They have done all the work making sure they have appropriate consent, contacting all of the different athletic programs, being able to access the facilities as well as finding students to sign up for it and spreading word out to the rest of campus.

Sophomore treasurer Sydney Jacobs, who was the first-year class representative last year, said one of her roles is to keep track of the funding the program raises, as well as build connections with fellow students across campus and the fundraising groups the program works with.

“Being a part of it is really meaningful because, from the finance aspect, I can see how much money we are raising, acobs said. It gives me a good idea in retrospect of our impact on all of the fundraisers we work with and the organi ations we work with.

Jacobs said she chose to become treasurer because she wanted to increase her involvement with the college and expand on her leadership role within her class.

This year, the money raised during the event will go toward the VCU-Marquette Challenge, a competition that brings college physical therapy programs together for a fun cause. The colleges involved will compete to raise the most money, with all proceeds

Ashna alvani compete in the physical therapy program s omber lit 5 . The whole event is organi ed by students. John Henry Downes/the ithacan

going toward research efforts and enhancing students’

going toward research efforts and enhancing students’ experiences in the field. To date, the challenge has raised over 4.6 million for research grants.

The challenge is especially meaningful to the PTSA as they raise awareness for physical therapy research and participate in multiple events to support the cause.

search and participate in multiple events to support

obviously that’s really close to heart for our board as we become professionals in the PT world in the fu-

move forward too.

“The challenge raises money for PT research and obviously that’s really close to heart for our board as we become professionals in the PT world in the future, acobs said. e go to Syracuse to help at the Special Olympics and we help with other fundraising events, a lot of which are PT related to benefit us as we move forward too.

Senior PTSA president Skye Krehbiel said that on

Senior PTSA president Skye Krehbiel said that on top of the fundraising effort, another goal of the event is to provide a sense of community within the college, including outside of the physical therapy program.

“Our big goal is to try and bring the campus to-

to bring the students and faculty together. It’s a fun thing to do and sometimes we do raffles. That’s really

“Our big goal is to try and bring the campus together, as it’s hard with everyone doing their own thing, especially with the PT department spanning from first to sixth years, rehbiel said. e’re trying to bring the students and faculty together. It’s a fun thing to do and sometimes we do raffles. That’s really the purpose of it all.

rehbiel said that organi ing these events is more

rehbiel said that organi ing these events is more

individually based, as each member has their own re-

individually based, as each member has their own responsibilities for overseeing operations.

All of our roles are responsible for certain events as our sophomore class representative is in charge of running omber lit , rehbiel said. e have our meetings every other Tuesday where we all come together and whoever can lend a hand can help.

running omber lit , rehbiel said. e have our meetings every other Tuesday where we all come to-

urr said that having the omber lit take place in October only helps shed light toward a stronger understanding of the research behind PT.

urr said that having the omber lit take place in October only helps shed light toward a stronger understanding of the research behind PT.

One of the other ones is that it fits in really well with PT month and spreading the word about PT, Kurr said. “It’s also raising awareness of some of the principles of PT and our guiding principles about health and wellness for all individuals and the 5k race

principles of PT and our guiding principles about fits really well into that.

Isabelle Magre, a junior physical therapy major, said the crisp morning did not take away from the great time she spent with her friends and fellow

junior jor, said the crisp morning did not take away from the great time she spent with her friends and fellow PT majors.

I had a lot of fun coming out here today even though it was really cold, Magre said. It was so nice to see fellow physical therapy majors and other classmates not in the PT department coming out to support this great cause. I’m glad I got to experience it with my roommates and my brother.

lot though it was really cold, Magre said. It was so nice to see fellow physical therapy majors and other classmates not in the PT department coming out to support got roommates and my brother.

From left to right: junior journalsim major Carolina Cedraschi and junior clinical health studies major

New athletic dress code draws mixed reactions

By Tess Ferguson

partment released a statement that redefined the way varsity athletes are allowed to present themselves.

The single-page document lists separate dress code policies for practices, athletic training clinics, weight rooms and public corridors in the Athletics and Events and Hill Centers — which include guidelines regarding practice attire and footwear.

Susan Bassett ’79, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said the conversation about implementing a dress code began in Spring 2023, and the policy was designed with professional-

ism and uniformity in mind.

“What I started to notice was that in common spaces in buildings, like the A&E and the Hill Center, people were walking around kind of as if they were in their locker room,” Bassett said. “I just felt like there was a lack of decorum and, in some cases, even a lack of safety.”

The dress code states that all athletes must wear team-issued practice gear for training as appropriate to their sport — which includes sneakers or cleats, socks, athletic pants or shorts and shirts that cover the entire chest, back and lower torso.

Coaches responses

Erin Dinan, head coach of the women’s cross country team, said many of her athletes, especially in the warmer months, train outdoors in their sports bras — something that is now prohibited. She said the change in dress code has seen mixed reactions from her athletes.

they necessarily see the problem with just running

“They were initially a little shocked, probably upset because of the change,” Dinan said. “I don’t think running in our sports bras because they’ve been doing it for years. I do have some women on my team who prefer to not run in their sports bra and they’ve always worn their shirt, so I will say not everybody was upset about it — some people were unaffected.”

Despite the goal of the dress code being rooted in uniformity, Dinan said it would not be feasible for her athletes to be in the same uniform every day.

All athletes at the college are issued a pair of shorts and T-shirts to be worn in the weight rooms. However, lacking uniform practice gear is not an issue unique to the cross country team. Gymnastics head coach Rick Suddaby said he was happy to comply with the standard, but his team needed the gear to be able to do so.

“When you look at the D-I and D-II teams, all those athletes are outfitted this way, so now we’re going to be kind of at that level,” Suddaby said. “It’s hard to get a definition of a dress code that meets the general standards of every team, but when [Bassett] and I spoke about

about us and our situation, she was ready to help us get to that point.”

On Oct. 15, the Ithaca College athletic department issued a new dress code to create uniformity among practice attire for varsity athletes in the Athletic and Events and Hill Centers . The new rule has redefined the way many athletes in sports like track and field are allowed to present themselves.

Athlete responses

Athlete responses

Junior Owen Tobias-Wallingford — an athlete on

although the dress code was mentioned to the representatives before its release, they did not have any

Junior Owen Tobias-Wallingford — an athlete on the men’s swimming and diving team and member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council — said that although the dress code was mentioned to the representatives before its release, they did not have any input in drafting it.

not written in a joint effort,” Tobias-Wallingford said. “In my experience communicating with [Bassett] and

“The way it was presented to us as athletes was that it was made by the athletic administration, it was not written in a joint effort,” Tobias-Wallingford said. “In my experience communicating with [Bassett] and other leaders in the athletic department, they do try to get as much of an opinion as they can from the SAAC representatives, but this was more of a warning than a conversation.”

representatives, but this was more of a warning than Junior Luca Pecora, an athlete on the women’s to the idea of a dress code during the annual “Get in the Game” meeting — a conversation each varsity team

Junior Luca Pecora, an athlete on the women’s track and field team, said her team was first introduced to the idea of a dress code during the annual “Get in the Game” meeting — a conversation each varsity team has with Bassett regarding NCAA compliance and expectations — but did not hear about it again until the document was sent out.

document was sent out.

"If we’re talking about professionalism, this is what professionals are wearing in our sports,” Pecora said.

is what professionals are wearing in our sports,”

Similar to Pecora, sophomore Samantha Gallagher, an athlete on the women’s rowing team, said that when her team trains indoors, they often condition in a sports bra or tank top so they do not sweat through their shirts before heading directly to the weight room.

er, an athlete on the women’s rowing team, said that when her team trains indoors, they often condition in

Kalysta Donaghy-Robinson/the ithacan

Gallagher said many of her teammates are upset about the regulation not because they need to wear their lifting gear, but because being told to cover up has created an uncomfortable practice environment.

about the regulation not because they need to wear their lifting gear, but because being told to cover up has created an uncomfortable practice environment.

someone … creates a rule or enforces an ideology that sexualizes what you’re doing, it makes you feel gross,” Gallagher said. “It makes what you’re doing feel less

my body looks like to other people and I feel like no

The bigger picture

“If you’re just practicing and you feel normal, then someone … creates a rule or enforces an ideology that sexualizes what you’re doing, it makes you feel gross,” Gallagher said. “It makes what you’re doing feel less normal and less comfortable — it puts your mind in a place where, at practice, now I’m worrying about what my body looks like to other people and I feel like no one should have to do that, least of all women.”

icy that required full-length shirts and prohibited its cross country teams from practicing in the same area as the football team because the football head coach

tion, which sparked outrage and was later rescinded.

In 2018, Rowan University issued an athletics policy that required full-length shirts and prohibited its cross country teams from practicing in the same area as the football team because the football head coach said the female athletes in sports bras were a distraction, which sparked outrage and was later rescinded.

Ellen Staurowsky ’79, professor in the Department of Media Arts, Sciences and Studies, specializes in so-

ways impact women differently.

Ellen Staurowsky ’79, professor in the Department of Media Arts, Sciences and Studies, specializes in social justice and gender equity in sports. She said that regardless of who they apply to, dress codes will always impact women differently.

“If this is about modesty, that takes us into a whole developmental issue,” Staurowsky said. “Here, we

and the whole purpose of this experiment is that women can feel comfortable in themselves. Part of themself surrounds sexuality, it surrounds modesty, it stake when any kind of dress code is in place.”

“If this is about modesty, that takes us into a whole developmental issue,” Staurowsky said. “Here, we have young women who are coming into their own and the whole purpose of this experiment is that women can feel comfortable in themselves. Part of themself surrounds sexuality, it surrounds modesty, it surrounds expressions of femininity. All of that is at stake when any kind of dress code is in place.”

Bombers await completion of artificial turf field

By Tess Ferguson

plans to upgrade its natural grass football field to artificial turf. ust under a year later, the Ithaca ollege football team is preparing to compete on Bertino Field at utterfield Stadium for the first time.

Funded entirely by a $3 million donation from Monica Bertino Wooden ’81, the installment of the artificial turf began in mid- une 2023. The project also included the addition of stadium lights. Despite the football team’s scheduled homecoming Sept. 30, the college does not expect to receive a complete certificate of occupancy until mid-October.

Tim Downs, chief financial officer and vice

president of finance and administration, said the college received a temporary certificate of occupancy Sept. 15, which allows activity to take place on the field in the meantime. The varsity football team conducted its first practice on the new field that day, while the junior varsity team hosted a scrimmage under the lights that evening.

The field’s construction began in une 2023 after the college’s acquisition of the necessary permits. Downs said the process of receiving the correct permits was one of the largest challenges of the project and a primary reason that the field was not completed prior to the beginning of the academic year.

Fortunately for the college, the football team’s initial three weeks of competition were scheduled away games beginning Sept. 2. Although coincidental, Downs said the predetermined schedule worked in

favor of the construction team.

It’s unusual to hear anyone say, Oh, it was fine. We had plenty of time,’” Downs said. “Every schedule is always compressed and tight. Part of the trick here is most of the work we tried to do is during the summer and our big deadline was we had to be done before the start of the football season. Missing that wasn’t really an option.”

Since being granted the TCO, Bertino Field has become the football team’s primary practice field. In seasons past, the team would play on Yavits Field — adjacent to the Peggy Ryan Williams Center — to avoid tearing up the natural grass field at utterfield Stadium prior to game days.

Lloyd Howell, executive director of the NFL Player’s Association, released a statement Sept. 13 calling for the removal of all artificial turf in F stadiums. The statement was released following New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rogers suffering a season-ending achilles injury Sept. 11 at MetLife Stadium. Despite concern for turf-related injuries expressed by members of the campus community, senior wide receiver Sam Kline said there is more enthusiasm

Kline said he is excited to have a more consistent playing surface to practice on, as the natural

from his teammates surrounding the project. Kline said he is excited to have a more consistent playing surface to practice on, as the natural grass can sometimes be unpredictable.

Practicing on these practice fields once it rains a few times, they get pretty messed up and it’s honestly a lot of extra fatigue on the legs that you just don’t need when you practice on grass like that,” Kline said. “I like turf, personally. You just feel faster and it’s a lot easier on your legs.”

and it’s honestly a lot of extra fatigue on the legs that you just don’t need when you practice on your legs.”

While training in the off-season during the

turf at Higgins Stadium. Head coach Mike Toerper said that for the sake of having a consistent practice schedule, the team has not practiced

While training in the off-season during the spring semester, the football team often finds time to practice and condition on the artificial turf at Higgins Stadium. Head coach Mike Toerper said that for the sake of having a consistent practice schedule, the team has not practiced on artificial turf at home prior to the installment of Bertino Field.

Toerper emphasized that regardless of the surface they are playing on, the Bombers are

Toerper emphasized that regardless of the surface they are playing on, the Bombers are largely looking forward to showcasing their talents at home once again. For games on the road, the football team is unable to travel every athlete on the roster — something Toerper said can be challenging.

every athlete on the roster — something Toerper said can be challenging. a were

Tyler, a third-year apprentice at Cook Painting, took expected to be completed in October.

“This is a group that, because we were on the road for the first three weeks, travel is not really something that’s a problem for us,” Toerper said. “I will say it’ll be nice to have the whole team there,

the road for the first three weeks, travel is not really something that’s a problem for us,” Toerper said. “I will say it’ll be nice to have the whole team there,

I’m most excited about — the whole team will be present and able to cheer on our guys that are on the field.

which we don’t get to have on the road. That’s what I’m most excited about — the whole team will be present and able to cheer on our guys that are on the field.

ollege

Sept. 15, deeming the field usable, despite ongoing concerns of player safety on artificial turf fields.

In une 2023, henango ontracting began the construction of ertino Field at utterfield Stadium, a doner-funded artificial turf field. Ithaca ollege was granted a temporary certificate of occupancy

Photo illustration by Kalysta Donaghy-Robinson, Walker Borgmann/The Ithacan

Tyler, a third-year apprentice at Cook Painting, took part in Bertino Field's resurfacing process, which was expected to be completed in October.

Walker Borgmann/the ithacan

Bombers lose to suny cortland red dragons

By Danny king

The Jug is returning to Cortland, New York, as the Ithaca College football team dropped the 64th annual Cortaca Jug to the S ortland ed Dragons by a final score of 3 2 .

After forcing a three-and-out on the omber’s first drive, the ed Dragons had no problems moving the ball against the number two-ranked defense in the iberty eague. Starting at its 10-yard line, they went the full 90 yards in 15 plays for the opening score, capped off by a one-yard touchdown run from junior running back Jaden AlfanoSt ohn, his ninth of the season. Following an extra point conversion from junior kicker Mike aloga, the ed Dragons went up 0 with 5 55 left in the first quarter.

The ombers wasted no time responding as first-year quarterback olin Schumm pushed it in from the one-yard line for the touchdown.

From left to right seniors Shannon onnor and I y ambert show their team spirit at the 64th annual ortaca ug in utterfield Stadium. emma kersting/THE ITHACAN

unior defensive back ake onnolly runs out ont the field and yells in excitement before the start of the ortaca ug. Nolan Saunders/THE ITHACAN

From left to right first-year student owan atandella and sophomore onah arresi cheer out during a heated match. Kaeleigh Banda/THE ITHACAN

From left to right first-year quarterback olin Schumm bumps helmets with senior wide receiver Sam line after the two connected for a touchdown on the field. Kalysta donaghy-robinson/THE ITHACAN

S ortland junior quarterback Zac oyes scrambles right to try and extend the play after the pocket was broken down by three ombe rs ’ defenders. Kalysta donaghy-robinson/THE ITHACAN

hile the offense struggled in the first half, Schumm and company made it a close game. ig plays from senior running back alen eonard-Osbourne and senior wide receiver en Marinaccio gave the team a chance.

ith the chance to give the offense the ball back, the defense could not come up with the big stop the team needed. oyes used his legs to keep the ball moving for ortland, with the biggest play coming on a 46-yard run from junior quarterback Zac oyes, which put the ed Dragons in field goal range. After getting a stop on third and 13, junior kicker Mike aloga hit the 29-yard field goal to put the game out of reach for the ombers.

Schumm finished with 1 26 with 224 yards and a touchdown. Marinaccio finished with 90 yards on four catches, while eonard-Osbourne finished with 65 yards on 21 rushing attempts.

The Bombers will await their fate in the NCAA playoff as they will learn their opponent following the selection show ov. 12. They will finish the regular season with a record of 2.

Red Dragon’s junior quarterback Zac oyes flexes and yells after a big play in the Red Dragon’s 3 2 victory in the ortaca ug. Nolan saunders/THE ITHACAN

unior defensive back Sam Tourangeau screams and flexes as he attempts to get the crowd of spectators at the ortaca ug pumped up. Malik clement/THE ITHACAN

From left to right junior defensive back ack onnoly, graduate student linebacker en Stola and junior defensive lineman oshua Miles. Kalysta donaghy-robinson/THE ITHACAN

From left to right mily oss, graduate student ake oss’ sister, and Tom Conroy, graduate student Anthony D’Addetta s grandfather, tailgate together. Noa-Ran ressler/THE ITHACAN

From left to right Sam Dunsworth and auren Maccagnan cheer for ombers football players at the 64th annual ortaca ug. Noa ran-ressler/THE ITHACAN

New boxing club helps form sense of community

By Billy Wood

It’s a Tuesday night. An amateur boxer, an MMA fighter, a marathon runner and tens of Ithaca ollege students full of stories fill the fitness center. This is Ithaca College Club Boxé.

Ithaca College Club Boxé, an homage to the founder of the group’s Dominica heritage, is an unofficially recognized club of Ithaca students formed in 2021 by now-senior sports media major Damani Madir. Madir himself is not what would be considered a normal student; he’s an amateur boxer.

Madir’s journey into boxing started at age 12 when his parents thrust him into the sport. At first, Madir felt the sport was more of a chore, but he said that his parents’ insistence came from a good spot.

“After moving from Atlanta back up to Brooklyn, [my parents] were a little uncomfortable. They had no idea whether or not I’d be able to readjust quickly or not,” Madir said. “They wanted me to be able to walk around with my head up high and not be scared or intimidated by other people from Brooklyn or just the city in general. So they put me into boxing.”

ith fighting sanctioned matches under the Georgia Amateur Boxing Association and several tournaments, including the Gloves Up, Guns Down tournament in Texas, Madir has started his amateur career 9–0 and comes from a deep bloodline of professional boxers.

Fast forward seven years and Madir arrived at Ithaca College as a sports media major, unsure if anyone on the campus had the same love of boxing as he did. Soon enough, Madir said he found those people.

After coming out of a Zoom-filled first-year at the college, Madir met a fellow sophomore named iovanni ioffi.

“He told me that there was a defunct boxing club already on campus that was called the Ithaca College Defenders and he said, ‘Look, I know you’re a boxer, I’m sure people would love to train with you or even other people who are fighters on campus would love to train with you. Why not give it a shot?’” Madir said. “But I felt like I could do it my way. I did not want to take a group that had already existed prior on campus and just revive it. I wanted to have something that I could say I made on my own.”

Jesus “Chucho” Noriega came into college battling self-esteem issues and was searching for something to help improve himself as a person. Noriega said he found himself through a variety of things, but the final step was boxing.

“I started this weight loss journey thanks to my roommate [junior] Oliver Alva,” Noriega said. “He put me onto a bunch of cardio stuff. He’d already been

an

Club Box é practice session. Madir founded the group in 2021 in hopes of sharing his love for boxing with the campus community. Madir said he hopes the group will continue to serve as a welcoming space for everyone.

in amateur boxing and I was like, ‘Yo, I’ve been on this. I’ve been wanting to do stuff, show me.’ He started training me. … it was such a confidence boost.

After Noriega began his journey into boxing through the guidance and encouragement of his roommate, he met Madir and they immediately bonded over their love of the sport. Noriega said that Madir began to teach him the sport and was one of the first to encourage him about his skill.

Once Madir and Noriega had begun sparring with each other often, others began to join and Noriega said a brotherhood had formed that he did not know was possible on campus.

“I never saw such a prominent boxing community until that happened and then it just kept on growing and growing,” Noriega said. “I’m like, ‘We kind of found a community,’ and we didn’t create a community, we found a community that we weren’t aware of that Ithaca had. It’s like a bromance thing — you punch me in the face. I love you for that.”

Madir said he not only wanted people to feel the sport, but grow a care for themselves through the sport.

“I wanted people to not just love boxing, but love themselves through boxing,” Madir said. “Whether or not you’re sparring or taking the hits, it really makes you understand, ‘I’m a stronger individual than I thought I was when I first started this,’ and I really wanted people to pick that part out of it. …. See how much you can love yourself through this.”

Madir does not know who will take over Ithaca

Club Boxé once he graduates, but while under Madir’s control, the group has blossomed into a truly welcoming community on campus. Madir said he wanted to help others, something he has already done for many in the campus community and he hopes the group will continue to do so.

“Everybody wants notoriety, but for me, I just want to be in a position where my coach was, to take in a kid and say, ‘You know what? You got talent,’" Madir said. Why not take that talent and apply it here? Use it. To build somebody from the ground up and say that’s my fighter or that’s a guy who I’ve helped out from day one. I made sure that his hand wraps were clean, I made sure his gloves were clean, or even bigger things. I made sure that his contract got something, I made sure that he got TV time, all of that. For me, I want to have the influence to do great things inside of the sport, even outside of just fighting.

From left to right, junior Terry Valdberg and senior Damani Madir train together during

Ithaca College

Jesus Luna/the ithacan

Field hockey continues its dedication game tradition

By Tess Ferguson

Since 2021, the Ithaca ollege field hockey team has been playing for something bigger than just victories.

For the past two years, the team has chosen three games each season to dedicate to a charitable cause — whether it be athlete mental health, chronic illness or equity and inclusion. This season, the team showed its support for the KyleCares Foundation on Sept. 13, LGBTQ Pride on Sept. 27 and multiple sclerosis research on Oct. 7.

Head coach Kaitlyn Wahila said the tradition originated from the Tufts University women’s lacrosse team, which hosts similar dedication games each spring. Wahila said she adopted the initiative as a way to still stay involved in community service while undergoing a rigorous in-season schedule.

During the spring semester, the team’s schedule is flexible enough to pursue more hands-on community service projects. Wahila said that in the past, the team has volunteered with the Ithaca ReUse Center sorting, cleaning and pairing donated shoes to be repurposed.

In the fall, however, the team is divided into three committees that organize the awareness games in their entirety. The operation consists of choosing an organization to support, deciding which matchup to host the ceremony on and writing an explanatory blurb to be announced just prior to the starting lineups.

“It makes more sense to raise awareness and have our student-athletes working together toward something specific and having them talk it out amongst themselves in terms of, ‘What do we care about? What

are some organizations that we want to support that are near and dear to our hearts?’” Wahila said.

Junior striker Emma Garver spearheaded the team’s awareness game for the KyleCares Foundation a nonprofit organi ation dedicated to promoting open communication about the mental health challenges experienced by teenagers and young adults. The New England-based foundation works to connect schools with mental health resources, facilitate long-term strategies to address student mental health and fund suicide prevention programs.

“It’s such a good learning experience, especially for our first-year students , arver said. They came to college and our coaches are presenting us with an opportunity to organize this ourselves and collaborate with each other to work toward a great cause. It’s great practice for all of us.”

Prior to the first whistle of the yle ares awareness game, Garver’s committee offered strips of green tape for the Bombers to wrap on their sticks — a constant reminder of the cause they are supporting. Garver said her favorite part of the game was offering the same tape to the opposing team as well, the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons.

“Sometimes people think it’s weird to involve the other team, especially because it was our Cortland game, but it was nice to give them that and know that we’re both working toward the same goal,” Garver said. “Supporting such a great cause on top of it being a big rivalry game gave us that extra push because we knew we were playing for something bigger.”

In similar fashion to the KyleCares committee,

junior midfielder Meara ury took the lead on the multiple sclerosis awareness game with her family and teammates in mind. More commonly known as MS, multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that, in progressed stages, can result in vision and mobility loss.

Not only is the cause close to Bury’s heart — as her father has lived with MS for many years — it is also especially close to the heart of the team. Earlier this semester, first-year student striker rady Sullivan was diagnosed with MS as well.

“There are so many different types of this disease and so many progressions of it,” Bury said. “There are some people, like Brady, who can still play the sport they love and their lifestyle hasn’t changed much whereas in my dad’s situation, he’s had the disease for a lot longer and a more progressed version of it. He’s in a wheelchair, so all those physical aspects of his life were kind of taken away from him. I hope it educated some people that the disease is out there and it looks different for everyone.”

During the awareness game, the Bombers all sported orange ribbon temporary tattoos to symbolize the cause they were playing for. On top of the physical representation, each of the Bombers also donated $5 to an MS research foundation.

Sullivan said the atmosphere of the MS awareness game was particularly electric, as the cause amplified the team’s already strong sense of camaraderie.

“That day, I felt incredibly rallied behind and lifted up,” Sullivan said. “It reminded us that we’re a family and that we’re all supporting each other through all of the hard things we go through. es, it was a specific day that we were raising awareness for MS, but it was also a reminder that we need to rally behind each other regardless of the situation.”

Like Sullivan, Bury said she understands how important it is to show support to those who may be struggling behind the scenes. She said that playing with her father in mind put into perspective the impact that awareness games can have on the people and organizations that the team is advocating for.

“When we’re playing these games, there’s a much bigger picture,” Bury said. “We’re not just playing to compete against our opponent, we’re also playing to support the people we care about. I know how much my dad loves the field hockey program here. e loves to support us, so it feels like I’m able to give back to him and show that we’re supporting him too.”

Wahila said that since she started the tradition in 2021, she has always made a point to pull her athletes together and remind them what they are playing for that day. Whether it be mental health, inclusivity or family — every game has a purpose.

First-year student midfielder Audrey McMahon runs down the starting lineup wearing an orange ribbon in honor of the team's multiple sclerosis awareness game against St. Lawrence University on Oct. 7. For the past two years, the team has chosen three games each season to dedicate to a charitable cause.

Ana Gavilanes/the ithacan

Bombers come together to support lacrosse cause

only been working on their stick skills and conditioning this season, but they have come together to raise money for a cause close to the lacrosse community.

The team has been supporting the HEADstrong fund to raise money for cancer by shaving their heads. All proceeds go to the world’s number two pediatric hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital.

The HEADstrong foundation was created in 2006 by Hofstra men’s lacrosse player Nick Colleluori, who was diagnosed with cancer as a first-year student and passed away. During his treatment, Colleluori decid-

ed to start working with his brothers and parents in

raising awareness and collecting funds for research on different types of cancer. After he passed away, his idea morphed into the huge nationwide charity that is ingrained in lacrosse culture today.

It’s a small world because the Bombers have their own personal connection to the foundation — assistant coach Torin Varn is a Hofstra men’s lacrosse alum from the class of 2014 who still keeps in touch with the Colleluori family.

“Nick Colleluori was looked at as a guy that everybody wanted to be like; he was the hardest worker,

he was everybody’s best friend and he was arguably one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever heard of, ” Varn said. “The family has done a good job using this foundation to honor his legacy and he’s never forgotten through that.”

said. “The family has done a good job using this foun-

by first-year midfielder Aidan Friedman, who has close

ties to the foundation.

“It’s more than lacrosse,” Friedman said. “Being able to give back as a group, rallying behind this, especially with how close this foundation is to my heart.”

“It’s more than lacrosse,” Friedman said. “Being

teams to raise funds for the foundation. One program

2023. They are houses owned by the foundation to

The foundation’s big focus is on college and high school student-athletes, partnering with different teams to raise funds for the foundation. One program they use the money for is “Nick’s houses.” Nick’s houses are homes primarily located in Philadelphia, with one recently opening in Boston in November 2023. They are houses owned by the foundation where families, when loved ones are getting treated in cities with access to better cancer treatments, can go and stay for as long as they need.

This year, the Bombers plan on raising $30,000 for the Hope Street Foundation, which is then donating is

This year, the Bombers plan on raising $30,000 for the Hope Street Foundation, which is then donating the funds to HEADstrong. The Hope Street Foundation is another non-profit organi ation that was started by three former Brown University lacrosse players. It raises money to fight insidious diseases and is partnering with HEADstrong for the 2024 Lacrosse for Life Head Shaving Event. For each head that is shaved, $1,000 are donated to the cause.

The ombers’ fundraising plans were organi ed

The ombers’ fundraising plans were organi ed

was very close to the foundation, as the Colleluori family lived close by. Friedman has been an intern

every summer called the Nick Colleluori Summer Lacrosse League, which Friedman not only runs, but

Growing up in the Philadelphia area, Friedman was very close to the foundation, as the Colleluori family lived close by. Friedman has been an intern for the HEADstrong foundation for a year and plans a lacrosse league that raises money for the foundation every summer called the Nick Colleluori Summer Lacrosse League, which Friedman not only runs, but also plays in. It welcomes all college lacrosse players in the Philadelphia area.

Street Foundation, which every year promises one million dollars to a cancer foundation. This year, the

Friedman said he is also familiar with the Hope Street Foundation, which every year promises one million dollars to a cancer foundation. This year, the foundation that will be supported is HEADstrong. Each year, HEADstrong puts together a campaign for college lacrosse players to shave their head and Friedman said he brought this up to some seniors on the Bombers’ team, who were all very interested

college lacrosse players to shave their head and Friedman said he brought this up to some seniors on in participating.

For every Bombers’ head shaved, Hope Street will donate $1,000 to the HEADstrong foundation. So far, 40 of 48 Bombers players have shaved their head, resulting in $40,000 for the HEADstrong foundation.

For every Bombers’ head shaved, Hope Street will donate $1,000 to the HEADstrong foundation. So far, 40 of 48 Bombers players have shaved their head, resulting in $40,000 for the HEADstrong foundation. unior midfielder Michael illam, who is one of the eight players who has shaved his head, said cancer is something that hits very close to home.

unior midfielder Michael illam, who is one of the eight players who has shaved his head, said cancer is something that hits very close to home.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2013,” Gillam said. “This was not an easy time for my family, but I remember the unconditional love and support my family received during this time.”

for my family, but I remember the unconditional love and support my family received during this time.”

Senior long stick midfielder unter allace, who has also shaved his head, said that supporting this cause has also brought the unit closer together.

cause has also brought the unit closer together. This definitely helps the team come together, as it

Ithaca

crosse team as well. It definitely gives my teammates and me a sense of pride in supporting HEADstrong.

This definitely helps the team come together, as it helps us work to achieve a fundraising goal, allace said. hile raising money, we not only gain support for HEADstrong but for the Ithaca College men’s lacrosse team as well. It definitely gives my teammates and me a sense of pride in supporting HEADstrong. hile we have made strides to raise as much money as we can, we continually show our support in fundrais-

ing for HEADstrong.”

Senior midfielder yle Savery said he believes the fundraising not only is good for others, but it takes

Senior midfielder yle Savery said he believes the fundraising not only is good for others, but it takes the team’s chemistry to another level.

hen a group of people band together with a shared goal, there is a lot of teamwork and commu-

hen a group of people band together with a shared goal, there is a lot of teamwork and communication involved to facilitate this collaborative effort,” Savery said. “This creates a great sense of community that definitely shows out on the field.

that definitely shows out on the field.

The Ithaca College men's lacrosse team is supporting the HEADstrong Foundation to raise money for families dealing with cancer. The foundation was started by

Hofstra men’s lacrosse player Nick Colleluori. Illustration by Makai Yllanes/the ithacan

Bomberthon raises funds for children's hospital

than a month on March 3, the Ithaca ollege organi ation BomberTHON hosted a Valentine’s Day volleyball tournament to raise money for children getting treatment at the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York.

The gym was filled with excitement Feb. 14, with eight four-person teams squaring off against each other to take home the tournament pri e of an Applebee’s gift card. The tournament was divided into three rounds and featured students and staff members of all levels, with some players coming from the men’s club volleyball team and some players just learning how to serve the ball.

ball tournaments, BomberTHON allowed not only

Different from their past Halloween dodgeball tournaments, BomberTHON allowed not only students, but also staff and faculty members to participate. Each matchup was divided into three games where a team had to win two out of three by scoring 15 points to move on to the next round.

The Ithaca College BomberTHON is a student-run organi ation that was founded on campus in 201 . It joins hundreds of other colleges and universities across the country who host dance marathons to support hildren’s Miracle etwork ospitals.

Senior Sophia Testani, the executive director of BomberTHON, said that she has been with the organi ation since her first year at Ithaca ollege and that having an impact on the children and the families in these hospitals is important to her. Testani said that with its dance marathon coming up, the organi ation wanted to host another sporting event for participants to have fun while also supporting a good cause.

and intramural referees, as well as promote the event with the BomberTHON team.

with our main event being March 3, it’s about a month

“For Halloween, we’ve done a dodgeball tournament the last couple of years,” Testani said. “This year, with our main event being March 3, it’s about a month earlier than it normally is, so we wanted to have another sports tournament to try and get people excited and bring in a different crowd to get involved with BomberTHON, and we thought we did dodgeball, [so] we might as well try volleyball.”

Testani explained that the organi ation has a goal to raise a yearly total of $25,000 and that these events help raise money to meet that total. So far in the 2023–24 academic year, BomberTHON has hosted a range of events, like the Halloween dodgeball tournament, a Taylor Swift trivia night and brunch with BomberTHON.

Additionally, Testani said she does a majority of the planning for these events and started reserving and planning the volleyball tournament back in November 2023. For the tournament, she had to reserve the gym

Maotemsu Inchen 2 spikes a volleyball at the omberT O alentine s Day olleyball Tournament on Feb. 14. All funds from the tournament went to Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, New York. Emmi Chen/the ithacan

Senior Annabelle Shanley, the Vice President of

Senior Annabelle Shanley, the Vice President of Events, said she has been with BomberTHON since August 2021 and said she enjoys these events because they are a fun and enjoyable way to raise money.

e are just trying to fundraise as much as we possibly can and kind of think creatively in that way,”

e are just trying to fundraise as much as we possibly can and kind of think creatively in that way,” Shanley said. e don’t want to just ask people to give us money. e want students and families of ours to give some thought into it and kind of have fun

with it.”

Testani said this year’s fundraising money will go directly to that mental health fund.

According to Testani, the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital is setting up mental health resources to battle against the mental health crisis in the U.S. Testani said this year’s fundraising money will go directly to that mental health fund.

fund where they’re building new clinics and new fellowships and a whole bunch of new programs to

country,” Testani said. “They’ve seen a huge uptick in [the] pediatric mental health crisis with cases that have been coming into the hospital, and they’re try-

“The money that we raised this year is being used to help fund the pstate foundation’s Mental ealth fund where they’re building new clinics and new fellowships and a whole bunch of new programs to help combat the youth mental health crisis that has really been plaguing upstate New York and most of the country,” Testani said. “They’ve seen a huge uptick in [the] pediatric mental health crisis with cases that have been coming into the hospital, and they’re trying to get ahead of that and really treat those kids at a younger age, so they’re not becoming repeat cases and they can help them improve and help them have

and they can help them improve and help them have a better life.”

Sophomore Dylan Feigl, a tournament participant and a member of the men’s club volleyball team, said

that he likes to play volleyball any chance he gets and that it makes it even better that the money he pays to play is going to a good cause.

that it makes it even better that the money he pays to play is going to a good cause.

“It’s a fantastic thing,” Feigl said. “I used to play

“It’s a fantastic thing,” Feigl said. “I used to play in high school for [a] club and I started on my varsity team. So any chance I get to play is just fantastic because they don’t actually have a team here, so I play on

team. So any chance I get to play is just fantastic because they don’t actually have a team here, so I play on the club team here too.”

Feigl’s team contained two members on the men’s club volleyball team and went all the way to the final matchup where they played the only staff member team. After winning the match 16–14, they lost the final two 15 13 and 15 12. angmi ang, an assistant professor in the Department of xercise Science and Athletic Training and a winner of the tournament, said she likes to support anything she can as a

matchup where they played the only staff member team. After winning the match 16–14, they lost the

tant professor in the Department of xercise Science and Athletic Training and a winner of the tournament, said she likes to support anything she can as a faculty member.

This is my first year at Ithaca, so anything we can support as a faculty is really good, ang said. e’re

having fun too.”

Overall with these small events, Testani said she does not want BomberTHON to just be known for

their dance marathon.

“I’m hoping that if people see that we’re not just one giant day in the spring, that they’ll be more interested in the events we’ve held,” Testani said. “And I’m

and the more presence we can have on campus will drive more people to get involved and ask questions about what we do and really care about this cause, so

continue to have a huge impact for the hospital.”

“I’m hoping that if people see that we’re not just one giant day in the spring, that they’ll be more interested in the events we’ve held,” Testani said. “And I’m kind of just hoping that the more people that see us and the more presence we can have on campus will drive more people to get involved and ask questions about what we do and really care about this cause, so there can continue to be a BomberTHON, and we can continue to have a huge impact for the hospital.”

sports consultant puts new emphasis on nutrition

nutrition related concern, they can meet with me one-on-one confidentially.

A former collegiate athlete herself, having competed for the Bombers’ cross country and track and field teams, vans said that being able to give back to the

athletics community is what she loves most about her job.

Although training and competition experience appear to be the most important role in becoming an elite athlete, it is the elements below the surface that truly allow athletes to excel.

In December 2023, the Ithaca College athletics department announced that it hired Shira Evans ’06 as a sports nutrition consultant. Since her introduction to the program, Evans has worked with nearly all varsity teams on campus in cooking workshops and sport-specific nutrition programming.

college,

Susan Bassett ’79, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said sports nutrition is a performance area she has been looking to expand upon since her own return to the athletics department. Similar to the Leadership Academy curriculum that is offered to student-athletes at the college, Bassett said Evans will be a readily available resource.

“It’s similar to Greg Shelley being a consultant for leadership,” Bassett said. of

“It’s similar to Greg Shelley being a consultant for leadership,” Bassett said. “Now Shira Evans is a consultant for nutrition and sports performance. A few things aligned and I think it was an area that I felt like we needed to improve, so we decided to give Shira a try and so far the feedback has been so positive.”

vans’ hiring is a relatively rare occurrence in collegiate sports. vans is the first officially listed nutrition consultant on any iberty eague staff. hat makes this stand out even more is that the hiring of a nutrition specialist is not even universal in Division l. Out of the 65 Power Five schools in Division l, 61 have a sports dietician, while only 31 schools outside of the Power Five have one on staff. vans is an expert in the fields of relative energy deficiency in sport D-S , disordered eating and eating disorder care. She said that outside of the workshops she has conducted with teams, she is also a resource available for individual athletes.

I’ve also experienced my trials and tribulations of learning how to figure out what works best for me in terms of fueling for performance, and I think it’s so fun getting to support athletes of all diverse backgrounds and sports,” Evans said. “Being able to educate and empower them, whether it’s about a performance-related goal or to help improve their own relationship with food or their body as an athlete.

ing able to educate and empower them, whether it’s about a performance-related

It’s just super rewarding getting to work with student-athletes.”

ennifer Potter ’92, head coach of the women’s track and field team, coached Evans during her tenure as an athlete. The two reconnected in June 2023 when

ennifer Potter ’92, head coach of the women’s track and field team, coached Evans during her tenure as an athlete. The two reconnected in June 2023 when Potter and Erin Dinan, head coach of the women’s cross country team, attended a

women in sports conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

might interact with the student-athletes at the college and the particular issues they have been noticing. From there, Potter said the men’s and women’s cross country

There, Potter said she and Dinan began to pick Evans’ brain about how she might interact with the student-athletes at the college and the particular issues they have been noticing. From there, Potter said the men’s and women’s cross country teams, track and field teams and swimming and diving teams joined together in fundraising efforts to have Evans visit campus late in the fall semester. Upon her arrival, she met with those six teams, the athletic training staff, the medical staff, the

head coaches and the strength and conditioning team.

Potter said vans’ programming was both sport and event specific, which is extra important in a sport like track and field.

I think that’s what makes her very unique, Potter said. e did a session with our endurance athletes and then we did a session with our strength athletes sepa-

our endurance athletes and then we did a session with our strength athletes separately. There’s so many great topics that she can cover.”

eginning in anuary, vans began to have those sport-specific workshops with more varsity teams on campus. First-year student Ainsley Grant, a member of the college’s field hockey team, said her team joined vans for a cooking workshop and a nutrition presentation. She said the workshops allowed her team to get more

college’s field hockey team, said her team joined vans for a cooking workshop and a nutrition presentation. She said the workshops allowed her team to get more comfortable talking about and working with food.

couple

e were given a couple of breakfast recipes to choose from and we chose pancakes and smoothies,” Grant said. “Shira was there to guide us, but it was very much student-led. The intention was for it to be a recipe we could bring back into

much student-led. The intention was for it to be a recipe we could bring back into our lives and cook for ourselves.”

Transitioning from high school to collegiate athletics can be a big jump in workload for many athletes. As a first-year student, rant said the workshops with Evans have helped her to navigate the fuel she needs for the amount of training

workload for many athletes. As a first-year student, rant said the workshops with Evans have helped her to navigate the fuel she needs for the amount of training she endures.

I find myself in the dining hall thinking, hat will this meal do for my body and what can I add to it to fuel my body better ’ rant said. e’ve been in the dining hall picking out meals and thinking, This has good proteins, this has good

dining hall picking out meals and thinking, This has good proteins, this has good fats,’ so I think we’re all just more mindful because of her.”

“I’ll be able to support student-athletes for any type of nutrition-related concern,” Evans said. “Say an athlete is going through ACL reconstructive surgery, nutrition makes a big impact. Or maybe they’re an athlete who is struggling with a lot of nutrient deficiencies or D-S and is needing support with that. Any sort of

As disordered eating becomes increasingly more common among female athletes, Grant said Evans’ professionalism surrounding the topics helped her teammates to feel more comfortable asking questions about how to adequately fuel

for practice and competition.

“I know with women athletes, it can be a tricky topic,” Grant said. “There’s a lot of body image issues and there’s a standard of what a female student athlete should look like, and [Evans] was really emphasizing that you can eat what you want. She placed emphasis on really snacking and fueling before practice, and my team has really taken to that. e’re all pretty thankful for her.”

“I know with women athletes, it can be a tricky topic,” Grant said.

Shira Evans '06 joined the Ithaca College athletic department as a sports nutrition consultant. Evans specializes in fields like relative energy deficiency and is the only sports nutrition consultant in the Liberty League. Courtesy of Shira Evans

Baseball and softball start season on the road

ball teams will have to wait a few weeks into the season to enjoy home-field advantage, but that will not stop players from making the most of the start of the season.

Kostrinsky Field will not see any action until March 23, when the softball team will play its first game at home against Nazareth University after 12 games on the road. Over the next week, the softball team will travel to Clermont, Florida, to play its spring break series in the sun. Softball head coach elly obichaud said the team does not let being on the road impact the players’ headspace.

e’re really lucky and fortunate that we get to go down to Florida and be in 70 to 80-degree weather,” obichaud said. It’s a good opportunity to go out and play in the sunshine and get our skills up to where they need to be so that when we come back and start our non-conference and conference play, we’re in a really good spot.”

obichaud said. It’s a good opportunity to go out and

obichaud said the team prepares to play in dynamic weather conditions by practicing in all conditions, rain or shine. She said the team will play on turf, natural fields and indoor surfaces to prepare for any field they could encounter on the road.

In terms of the mentality of being away, obichaud said the team is used to having long stretches of away game bus rides and crowds.

e’re road warriors, obichaud said. e know what to expect because, essentially, we don’t know anything else.”

Two states up the east coast from the softball team, the college’s baseball team will tee up in Lexington, South Carolina.

Baseball head coach David Valesente said the team plays its first weeks of the season on the road because Freeman Field has natural grass, which is not conducive to Ithaca’s variable climate. He said teams try to play in warmer climates earlier on in the season.

e schedule at least our first 12 games away and on the road,” Valesente said. “Certainly we’d love to be playing those at home, but we have to be realistic with the weather and the conditions that we’re given.”

ith the exception of ochester Institute of Technology, Bard College, Union College and Vassar College, most other Liberty League baseball teams also schedule their first 24 games away from home.

The baseball team will be home for the first time this season March 22, playing Clarkson University. Junior baseball player Collin Feeney said that playing on the road can be challenging because other colleges’ fields can be unpredictable.

e took advantage of going on to iggins field and working on how ground balls or fly balls would feel on turf,” Feeney said. “Preparing for our environment is definitely very doable no matter where we are on our campus just because there’s so many different options.”

Junior softball player Olivia Comolli said one challenge is when the opposing team has loud fans cheering against the Bombers.

“It’s harder to work through that, just in a mental toughness sort of way, omolli said. ou can definitely get in a groove easier at home . hen you’re not on your home field, it’s definitely harder for the infield to get into the groove or the outfield to get into the groove.”

Not every away crowd is full of opposing fans, though. Senior softball player Belle de Oliveira said the parents of softball players are very supportive at home games and continue that support on the road. She said parents will drive hours to cheer the players on.

“It’s just a family feeling and a feeling of support,” de Oliveira said. “That’s what I think is really special about our team.”

De Oliveira said teammates will support each other when the majority of the crowd is cheering for the opposing team. She said that staying focused is

The Ithaca College baseball and softball teams take long road trips each season, however, neither team will return to play on its home field until baseball returns March 22 and softball returns March 23.

ILLUSTRATON BY Emma Kersting, Makai Yllanes/the ithacan

important in softball and knowing there is a group of people who have her back can help with the stress.

important in softball and knowing there is a group of people who have her back can help with the stress.

“Softball is a sport that you have to stay focused,”

our team is cheering and rowdy. I think we have a pretty rowdy team. e got a lot of cheers going on. It

“Softball is a sport that you have to stay focused,” de Oliveira said. hen I’m focused, in the box, I just block out everything else out there. And it helps when our team is cheering and rowdy. I think we have a pretty rowdy team. e got a lot of cheers going on. It definitely helps no matter what field we’re on.

other while on the road, both on and off the field. e really turn to each other, Feeney said. Most of the times we’re gonna be on a bus for more than

you’ve got to find ways to just bond with each other, entertain each other.”

Feeney said the baseball players also rely on each other while on the road, both on and off the field. e really turn to each other, Feeney said. Most of the times we’re gonna be on a bus for more than three hours and spend a lot of time in the hotel with each other. A lot of the time when you’re off the field, you’ve got to find ways to just bond with each other, entertain each other.”

obichaud said the excitement of the season, getting outside, and working toward a common goal can unite players in the face of a challenge. She said connection is important to being successful at home

can unite players in the face of a challenge. She said connection is important to being successful at home and away.

“It’s one of the cool things about sports is that you have a group of people working toward a common vision and a common goal, obichaud said. That’s something that we talk about a lot and that’s going to bond people right away. That connection is going to

be built in.”

have a group of people working toward a common vision and a common goal, obichaud said. That’s something that we talk about a lot and that’s going to

PHOTO

Bombers shatter multipe records at liberty league

By Flynn Hynes

During a week of fierce competition, the Ithaca ollege men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams displayed remarkable dominance. The women’s team came up on top among nine teams, while the men’s team just missed first place, trailing the ochester Institute of Technology by a mere 2 points.

The iberty eague hampionship lasted four days from Feb. 21 24, and during that time, nine team records and one pool record were broken. Additionally, four swimmers from the men’s team punched their ticket to compete in the AA hampionship from March 20 23.

Seniors ames ollishaw and Mikey Paulos, junior Matthew Mitros and first-year student Alec utsner secured national qualification in the 200 freestyle relays. Additionally, ollishaw earned an individual qualification for the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. At the iberty eague hampionships, the group of four broke team records in the 200 Medley relay, 400 Medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.

Paulos, who also broke a 2 -year-old team record set by former AA champion olin erlihy ’96 in the 100 breaststroke event by 0.01 seconds, said he is cherishing this moment especially during his senior year. ollishaw and Paulos also said they have known each other since seventh grade and were competing on the same club team prior to joining the South ill squad.

It’s awesome, Paulos said. It’s just something

I’ve been doing my whole life and to go out on a bang like this for my senior year, just completely, is like the coolest thing. And putting together four guys on those relays is also the coolest thing because we kind of talked about those records all year long.

ead coach Mike lakely-Armitage explained the preparation for the iberty eague hampionships. Since the training starts in August, most of the physical preparation is done beforehand, with swimmers receiving training based on their specialities and what they are best at. Prior to the championships, rest is prioriti ed so most of the swimmers can feel energi ed and stronger.

lakely-Armitage emphasi ed a mental aspect of training while they were there at the meet. lakley-Armitage said that getting his swimmers and divers in the right mindset is one of the most important aspects and that he would do it in exciting ways, like hosting karaoke of Don’t Stop elieving by the band ourney.

The championship meet is sort of like a celebration of their whole season in a way and getting them to be a little bit looser and not so nervous and just kind of celebrating it, lakely-Armitage said.

First-year student athleen Papiernik competed in the championship for the first time, and with first-year student Samantha ender and sophomores Angela Merch and aomi Fry, they broke a team record in the 00 freestyle relay that was previously broken by a group of all first-year students, according to lakely-Armitage.

On top of breaking a team record, ollishaw also broke a iberty eague record for the 50 freestyle event with a time of 19. after losing to previous record holder IT’s junior swimmer Mike Atanasoff in last year’s iberty eague hampionship.

I actually lost that race last year to the guy who set the association record before, and that was just a big goal of mine, ollishaw said. reaking 20 seconds has always been almost like the end goal for me. And so just to be able to do that and at our home pool, it was awesome.

On the diving side of things, ailee Payne continued her success, breaking a whooping three team records in the 3-meter 6 dive total, the 3-meter 11 dive total and the 1-meter 11 dive total. Payne, who said she sprained her ankle a week before, has been working hard to finish her season even with some pain. ith the tight schedule, Payne said the championship process was grueling at some points, but she stayed focused with the enthusiasm from her coaches and teammates.

It was definitely tiring, but it was also just a blessing to be there, Payne said. I’m so happy with the environment that I’m in. I’m so glad I transferred. It’s ama ing to be surrounded by the people that I am, so appreciating everyone’s presence walking, swimming, hearing everyone cheering at the top of their lungs. hile it was tiring, it was also such a high energy environment that really kept me going. And I loved what I was doing. I love diving. So I was truly upbeat the entire time. I just I was so appreciative to be there.

The Ithaca ollege men s and women s swimming and diving team competed in the 2023 iberty eague hampionships from Feb. 15 1 . In the 2024 season, they went beyond their results, breaking nine ream records and a pool record. ead coach Mike lakely-Armitage emphasi ed a mental aspect of training during the season.

FilE Photo/the ithacan

First-year athlete rides the tide in dual sport mix

By Billy Wood

Swimming and rowing could be seen as incompatible sports on the surface. ut when looked at closely, the connection may be deeper than just the water level.

Marshall Adams is a first-year freestyle backstroke swimmer for the Ithaca ollege men’s swim and dive team. ot only is Adams involved in the swim program, but Adams is also a first-year rower for the men’s rowing team. The decision to pursue both sports came later in his career.

Sophomore year of high school I kind of started to hit a plateau, Adams said. I was getting really bored I mean, you’re in a sport that long y that time I was probably 15, so 13 years of just swimming, I became friends with a bunch of rowers and they’re like, ust try it out for the summer,’ so I did and then I fell in love with it. And I got decently good at it for being a novice. So I joined the rowing team my junior year of high school.

The decision also comes as something that separates him from the rest of athletes at the college. hile there are a number of football players that make the transition over to track and field in the winter, as of right now, Adams is the only officially rostered athlete to play multiple sports at the college that is not football and track.

Marshall was named anisius igh School’s swimming captain and performed well enough in rowing to be mainly recruited as a rower coming out of high school. Adams said men’s rowing head coach ustin Stangel made the offer to him that he would be able to do both sports at the college.

I had to kind of choose between if I wanted to do one or the other at other schools and I think it was coach Stangel who actually gave me a call and he was like, Do you want to do both here ’ and I was like, eah, that would be great,’ Marshall said. I think I would have come here either way just because of my program, I’m an environmental science major. The program is really good here, but the fact I can do both is definitely a good bonus.

The connection between swimming and rowing can be shown through a scientific level. Ithaca ollege men’s swimming and diving coach Mike lakely-Armitage said that training in both swimming and rowing can help give an advantage in both sports.

I think that between the two sports, there’s that connection between endurance and people that generally like to work hard can find a place, lakely-Armitage said. The rowing coaches are excellent teachers specifically. There hasn’t honestly been that many dual-sport athletes mainly

because when you go through a whole winter season of swimming, you kind of just want to be done. ou kind of need a mental break before you start it again.

Swimming and rowing are both connected through the muscle groups that are shared in the work of both sports. owing and swimming both share a leg dominant motion, which works the quads, glutes and core. oth also are endurance sports which can build off of each other effectively.

First-year freestyle backstroke Marshall Adams is a part of both the men s swimming team and the men s rowing team and is the first to pursue both sports at the same time.

team

If you’re good enough of an athlete to be able to do both, why not Stangel said. I feel like at the Division lll level, that’s part of the ethos of it, to be able to perfect your craft in two different ways and then also be a good student I think is a pretty cool aspect.

Marshall’s pursuit of both sports has made an impression on many of his teammates. owing teammate

Maddy Tanzman/the ithacan first-year student Max Det er said Marshall’s work ethic is what drives him to pursue so much.

I’d like to say he’s hard working, as you can see from the leadership role he plays as a freshman, Det er said. That’s something that’s not very common in freshmen, to always want to hop out of bed and get to lift 30 minutes early, which is kind of cra y even to me.

Marshall’s decision to participate in both so early on comes from a personal place of always having to be doing something.

The connection between swimming and rowing can be shown through a scientific level. Ithaca ollege men s swimming and diving coach Mike lakely-Armitage said the training for both sports works hand-in-hand. Illustration by Molly Teska/THE ITHACAN

Blue Crew program looks to encourage involvement

By Jess Moskowitz

the Blue Crew student rewards program Jan. 31. This program brings together Ithaca College students, giving them an incentive to attend sporting events in return for points toward special prizes.

Working with the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Ithaca College Athletics is rebuilding the Blue Crew program, which shut down with the onset of COVID-19. Associate Athletics Director Tyler Heisey said he is proud of the Blue Crew initiative and wants it to continue to grow.

Because of wavering attendance in certain sports,

the Blue Crew program developed a point system with

different point values assigned to different sports.

“We looked at the attendance of the sports and typically what they have, and we split it into three tiers,” Heisey said. “We tried to divide it up among the teams in a way to be equitable — equity is really important to us.”

Attendance at a golf, crew or tennis event will earn 50 points. Attendance at a baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, swimming and diving, track and field, lacrosse, volleyball or gymnastics event will earn 30 points. Attendance at a football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball game will earn 20 points, as indicated by Ithaca College Athletics.

Junior women’s tennis player Taylor Crain said she appreciates the point system — notably tennis being a 50-point sport — as a way to acknowledge the disparity in attendance for the game of tennis in comparison to some of the other sports on campus.

“There is a motivation and opportunity to go and watch the sport, they would have never even thought of watching before, learn something new and get more involved in the bomber community,” Crain said.

of watching before, learn something new and get more

Tim Mirabito, associate professor in the Departments of Journalism and Sports Media, is the Roy H. Park School of Communications representative on the Faculty Athletic Advisory Committee. Mirabito said he values the attention in working toward creating an equity system.

the Faculty Athletic Advisory Committee. Mirabito said toward

“Some of our best teams haven’t always been able to garner the attention they deserve and the point system will help spread some of the wealth and encourage students to see these athletes who are doing awesome things,” Mirabito said via email.

to garner the attention they deserve and the point

One way Heisey and SAAC are working to expand the initiative is with the expansion of “Bomber Bash.”

One way Heisey and SAAC are working to expand the initiative is with the expansion of “Bomber Bash.”

cial contests will consist of fun promotional activities that are still being workshopped and the opportunity

duration of the spring season.

Students will also have the chance to attend Blue Crew Bashes. Similar to a “Bomber Bash,” these special contests will consist of fun promotional activities that are still being workshopped and the opportunity to earn double points. The first omber ash took place Feb. 16 during the men’s basketball game against Bard and will continue across various sports for the duration of the spring season.

Senior outfielder olin Shashaty, SAA member

ate a sense of camaraderie across sports and across the

Senior outfielder olin Shashaty, SAA member and outfielder on the baseball team, said the lue Crew and Blue Crew Bashes are an opportunity to create a sense of camaraderie across sports and across the campus community.

“I think the question from here is how do we have and continue to build a good culture where the

support from players and coaches expand to that of the full student body because that’s really what the Blue Crew is about,” Shashaty said.

the full student body because that’s really what the Blue Crew is about,” Shashaty said.

Shashaty said that having full student body support creates a sense of motivation for him and

the team.

“If we can make that environment pretty exciting and just bring a lot of enthusiasm into the crowd, it me and there, it’s tough to get yourself going sometimes. … I think that’s a big portion of what the Blue Crew is

“If we can make that environment pretty exciting and just bring a lot of enthusiasm into the crowd, it definitely gets me going a little, Shashaty said. hen it’s cold and miserable and there’s not a lot of people there, it’s tough to get yourself going sometimes. … I think that’s a big portion of what the Blue Crew is trying to do is get fans to all the games.”

basketball team, said he has felt an increased fan presence since the re-implementation of the Blue Crew on Feb. 3. However, not everybody was aware that the

Andrew Geschickter, senior guard for the men’s basketball team, said he has felt an increased fan presence since the re-implementation of the Blue Crew on Feb. 3. However, not everybody was aware that the Blue Crew had returned, even some within

the athletics community.

“I did not know The Blue Crew was returning, but happy to see it’s back,” Javi Mejia, women’s soccer assistant coach, said via email. “It sounds like a

“I did not know The Blue Crew was returning, but happy to see it’s back,” Javi Mejia, women’s soccer assistant coach, said via email. “It sounds like a wonderful concept and any time you can bring together student-athletes and their campus peers, it’s a

gether student-athletes and their campus peers, it’s a good thing.”

As a coach, Mejia has seen the impact that a crowd can have on the players and their confidence.

As a coach, Mejia has seen the impact that a crowd can have on the players and their confidence.

“Fan presence is a huge motivator for our players as the environment created by a strong fan presence cannot be understated,” Mejia said. “Fans have more

“Fan presence is a huge motivator for our players as the environment created by a strong fan presence cannot be understated,” Mejia said. “Fans have more influence and power contributing to the success of all athletic programs than they may realize; it can be more important than strategy, tactics, or individual skill

important than strategy, tactics, or individual skill at times.”

While many athletes echo Mejia’s belief, Crain noted the uniqueness of tennis when it comes to

fan engagement.

“There is a level of fan etiquette in tennis that is understood if you attend and different players react

“There is a level of fan etiquette in tennis that is understood if you attend and different players react differently,” Crain said. “Overall, I think the Blue Crew is a great idea and it would be cool to see its impact on tennis, since we normally don’t get that attention, but at the same time, it probably wouldn’t affect my team

is a great idea and it would be cool to see its impact on tennis, since we normally don’t get that attention, but at the same time, it probably wouldn’t affect my team in a gigantic way.”

Shashaty and SAAC see this semester as only the beginning of a much larger project growing the connection between sport and the Ithaca community.

the beginning of a much larger project growing the connection between sport and the Ithaca community.

“The biggest thing for this program is creating the foundation now so when this next fall comes there’s a lot more excitement to build off of from the spring,” Shashaty said. “If we can bring the community together through a sporting event consistently, it is going to be an exciting time to be

“The biggest thing for this program is creating the foundation now so when this next fall comes the spring,” Shashaty said. “If we can bring the community together through a sporting event an Ithaca omber.

Fans cheer on the Ithaca College football team at the 2023 Cortaca Jug. The Blue Crew program will look to encourage student attendance through a points system that allows students to earns prizes for attending different sporting events.

Emma Kersting/the ithacan

college Athletes dive into special olympics support

By Jess Moskowitz

Council (SAAC) organized a team for the annual Polar Plunge on March 23, an event aimed at raising money and awareness for athletes competing in the Special Olympics.

This was the 11th annual Polar Plunge held in Ithaca and stands as the largest fundraising event for Special Olympics New York. It is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, schools and businesses to support Special Olympics New York athletes by jumping into frigid bodies of water across New York state.

Ithaca, but despite the snowy conditions at Taughannock Falls State Park, many athletes and community members showed up to plunge and cheer on their fellow Bombers.

This year, SAAC created three subcommittees — mental health and wellness, Bombers supporting Bombers and community outreach. Senior Kiley Sullivan, a midfielder on the Ithaca ollege field hockey team, said she spearheaded the community outreach committee and Polar Plunge initiative.

aitlyn ahila, field hockey head coach and SAA adviser, noted the way that Sullivan has led this committee with an emphasis on going into the community.

“The goal with our community outreach this year has not been to ask our student-athletes to just donate to specific organi ations, but it’s really been to find ways where we can get out into the community and do some good,” Wahila said.

have such a large platform to influence, especially the younger generation and those around us in the com-

back to the community,” Miles said. “As athletes, we have such a large platform to influence, especially the younger generation and those around us in the community; and I think anytime that we have some spare time to go down and just help out, it’s really impactful and important to do so.”

Sullivan and Wahila decided that they would not make attendance at the Polar Plunge mandatory for

athletes to make the plunge.

Sullivan and Wahila decided that they would not make attendance at the Polar Plunge mandatory for student-athletes, but instead focus their strategy and messaging on the importance of giving back to inspire athletes to make the plunge.

“We made sure that everybody has been aware

Sullivan said she wanted this year’s plunge to expand beyond SAAC to grow bonds between all athletes

The Polar Plunge occurred amid a snow storm in and the community.

“I wanted to take community service to another level,” Sullivan said. “Because in previous years we kind of just had plunge open to SAAC members, and I kinda wanted to open it up to other athletes and get them to kind of see a little bit more of what SAAC is about, do something good for the community and interact with other student-athletes that you may not be familiar with.”

This emphasis on community impact was echoed by junior Co-Chair Josh Miles, who spoke of the need for athletes to use the platform they have to help others throughout the sport season and beyond.

Miles, a member of the Ithaca College football team, said he was able to empower his teammates to take the plunge and raise awareness for this cause as he brought nearly 30 athletes with him to the event.

“A lot of these sports teams wouldn’t be here without the fundraising and the support that the community does, and I think it’s only fair that we give

“We made sure that everybody has been aware of it, but [Sullivan] also didn’t pressure it and decided not to make it mandatory because we were hoping that people would just naturally then be a little bit more inclined to be involved and have the student-athletes who are genuinely interested in the plunge and the cause,” Wahila said.

hoping that people would just naturally then be a little bit more inclined to be involved and have the student-athletes who are genuinely interested in

In order to partake in the Polar Plunge, participants must raise a minimum of $25. One strategy that SAAC implemented to raise money was the use of Instagram and social media to spread the word.

pants must raise a minimum of $25. One strategy that SAAC implemented to raise money was the use of Ins-

“Something that we did is we created an Instagram donation bingo card for our athletes to just post on their story and gain support,” Miles said. “Once people see the card and you can get that ball rolling, you end up getting a lot more than $25 out of it.”

donation bingo card for our athletes to just post on their story and gain support,” Miles said. “Once people see the card and you can get that ball rolling, you

While Ithaca College SAAC wound up raising a total of $4,170, Sullivan said she believes it is more about showing up for people than the money.

While Ithaca College SAAC wound up raising a total of $4,170, Sullivan said she believes it is more about showing up for people than the money.

“For me, it’s not necessarily about getting as much money raised as possible, it’s the effort that you put

into showing up,” Sullivan said. “I think it’s great that there’s that $25 minimum, so that people are giving something, but I’ve just been telling people like whatever you can give, if it’s 25 that’s totally fine, because I’d rather people show up for a good cause.”

there’s that $25 minimum, so that people are giving something, but I’ve just been telling people like whatcan

Wahila said she sees events like this one as an opportunity for student-athletes to recognize the impact

Wahila said she sees events like this one as an opportunity for student-athletes to recognize the impact they can make off the field.

Devin Sylvia, a sophomore on the Ithaca College women’s soccer team and member of the SAAC executive board, took the plunge with her teammates and believes that the benefits of the day outweigh the neg-

women’s soccer team and member of the SAAC executive board, took the plunge with her teammates and outweigh ative weather.

the privilege of doing it both this year and last year where the weather has been crazy both times, but it honestly makes for a good story and adds to the ex-

is a great way for everyone to bond together and at the end of the day, we get to contribute to a great cause, which weighs out all the negatives of the weather.”

“I had so much fun doing the plunge and have had the privilege of doing it both this year and last year where the weather has been crazy both times, but it honestly makes for a good story and adds to the excitement of the day,” Sylvia said. “The plunge in itself is a great way for everyone to bond together and at the end of the day, we get to contribute to a great cause, which weighs out all the negatives of the weather.”

eflecting on her time working on this event, Sullivan is hopeful that Polar Plunge and other community engagement events will continue to grow the connection between student-athletes, the campus community

van is hopeful that Polar Plunge and other community engagement events will continue to grow the connection between student-athletes, the campus community and the Ithaca community.

“I’m hopeful you know; it’s cool because you go to Polar Plunge and there’s so many different teams there and people from different backgrounds, and I’m just hoping that people will keep showing up and realize this is really cool and be glad that they did that,”

to Polar Plunge and there’s so many different teams there and people from different backgrounds, and I’m just hoping that people will keep showing up and reSullivan said.

The Polar Plunge, an annual event that fundraises for Special Olympic New York, was hosted March 23 by the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Volunteers that raised over $25 lined up to take the plunge in freezing conditions, something senior Kiley Sullivan said she hopes will bond student athletes. Elijah CedeÑO/the ithacan

The Polar Plunge, an annual event that fundraises for Special Olympic New York, was hosted March 23 by the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Volunteers that raised over $25 lined up to take the plunge in freezing conditions, something senior Kiley Sullivan said she hopes will bond student athletes.

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