Summer 2022 Orientation Issue

Pipe Dream’s Words of Wisdom

Although pre-college nerves are to be expected, there is a lot to look forward to entering college. Here, Pipe Dream’s staff offer our advice to incoming students and welcome you to the Binghamton University community!

Hamza Khan, Editor-in-Chief: “You’ll come into college with a lot of preconceptions and expectations, many of which may not be met. As you spend more time here, however, you’ll learn to value what’s truly important.”

Sam Lillianthal, Arts & Culture Editor: “Being a freshman is scary, but exploring every path will forge more paths for you and give you opportunities you never knew you were capable of.”

Jack Oh, Sports Editor: “Have fun! Try not to get caught up in what your peers are doing and make the most of your own experi ence. Everything will work itself out if you let it.”

Jacob Knipes, News Editor: “Don’t overcommit yourself to just one thing. Your freshman year should be a time of exploration and new adventures. Try to gain as many diverse experiences as you can, so you can find what you like and focus your energy on it later. Put yourself out there and don’t think that these experiences will just come to you either. Also, take full advantage of Restaurant Week.”

Lia Richter, Copy Desk Chief: “Don’t beat yourself up over moments of awkwardness or confusion. Everyone has had an experi ence like that, and they will all make for great stories.”

Steven Yeung, Tech Manager: “Realize that everyone is growing and changing and starting a new chapter in their

life. This is new for everyone, so take chances and enjoy the moment. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Michael Golann, Photo Editor: “Come into college willing to try something new or put yourself out there beyond your comfort zone! It is normal to make mistakes, but don’t beat yourself up over them.”

Bella Daidone, Design Manager: “Talk to people! Everyone is just as nervous as you are about making friends, but I’ve made some of my best friends by just sparking conversations with people in class. It never hurts to try or put yourself out there.”

Harry Karpen, Managing Editor: “Don’t let schoolwork get in the way of your social life — both are important. Make time to meet people and have fun! You’re going to remember the time you spent with friends more than the 8 hours studying in Bartle.”

Doris Turkel, Opinions Editor: “Take advantage of the opportunities and resources at BU. Take interesting and challenging cours es, form relationships with professors, join clubs and organizations and become involved in the University and Broome County community.”

PIPE DREAM’S STORIES OF THE YEAR

A compilation of some of Pipe Dream’s biggest stories this past year.

Hamza Khan Editor-In-Chief

Graduate TA’s protest against broad-based fees

For years, Binghamton University’s Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU) has protested against their payment of broad-based fees, which cover nontuition costs like technology and transportation. The fees, GSEU argued, constituted wage theft, as many graduate students were paying for services that did not apply to them. This year, GSEU members marched to BU President Harvey Stenger’s office, rolling a

petition across the floor with 700 signatures calling for the abolition of the fees.

In January, Donald Nieman, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, announced the fees would be lifted for full-time, fully tuition funded Ph.D. students. While GSEU described the announcement as a step forward, some hoped to see the fees removed for masters students.

Popular Downtown restaurants close amid sexual assault allegations

The Colonial, Dos Rios Cantina and the Stone Fox — neighboring restaurants with the same ownership group — were often frequented by students.

In early December, anonymous allegations against two owners surfaced on Facebook, with claims that they had been drugging and sexually assaulting women. The allegations would rapidly spread, with a Facebook group created online to share stories gaining thousands of followers within days, and employees quitting en masse. Shortly afterward, the restaurants closed, and the Binghamton Police Department (BPD) announced an investigation. By December, hundreds of students and

community members gathered outside the establishments, protesting an attempted reopening. Though the restaurants reopened over the winter, it was short-lived. Two owners, Jordan Rindgen, 33, and Yaron Kweller, 41, were charged by the BPD in late February — Rindgen with a charge of criminal sale of a substance in the third and fifth degree and Kweller with a charge of rape in the third degree. By late April, The Colonial and Dos Rios Cantina voted to close permanently. Pipe Dream’s coverage spanned five stories, including interviews with the many BU students working for the restaurants.

U Club Binghamton begins charging for utilities

U Club Binghamton is one of the most well-known off-campus student housing complexes in the area, within walking distance of the University. By December, the housing complex began charging for utilities, a bill residents had not had to pay for prior. In Pipe Dream’s coverage, a reporter found inconsistencies in how the fees were allocated, with residents from

different buildings receiving the same utility charges in one month, and differing utility charges in another. Students also reported being told conflicting information from U Club Binghamton employees earlier in the year, who had said residents would not see utility charges unless their usage passed a certain limit.

For years, Ana Maria Candela, an assistant professor of sociology, had included a “progressive stacking” policy in the syllabus for her Sociology 100: Intro to Social Change class. The policy, which Candela said aimed to support marginalized groups, would give priority to students of color, women and students who are “shy and quiet” during class discussions.

National media attention was attracted after a student filed a Title IX claim against the clause, claiming gender discrimination. Candela has since amended the syllabus policy, which University administrators said was in violation

of the Faculty-Staff handbook.

Weeks later, the Latin American Student Union organized a rally, criticizing what they described as a lack of University support for the professor. Attendees also complained of how quickly they felt the Title IX complaint was addressed, compared to complaints of sexual violence also handled by the Title IX office. Amid the situation, the University had released a letter from Donald Nieman, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, responding to commonly asked questions and misconceptions.

As students returned from a year of remote instruction, OCCT employees reported repeated mask noncompliance and mistreatment from riders. The complaints were centered around OCCT’s Late Nite service, frequently used by students to travel to Downtown Binghamton bars. After warning

students of a potential suspension of the service, Late Nite runs were eventually paused in October as the situation was reportedly not improving. Weeks later, the runs resumed as a “probationary” service for the remainder of the fall semester.

BU lifts indoor mask mandate

Since online classes began in fall 2020, BU students had been mandated to wear masks in all indoor buildings on campus. In late March, that policy was lifted as COVID-19 case rates declined nationwide, one of the many milestones in the University’s push toward a fully “normal” semester. Later that month, Stenger announced that the 2022 Commencement would have

no mask, vaccination or testing requirement.

Both decisions saw varying responses from students and faculty, with some warning that they would be difficult to reverse should the pandemic take a turn. Others, including some seniors, were eager to turn the page on a pandemic that has for years limited their experiences on campus.

Non-traditional junior protests false Student Accounts claim

On March 21, two protestors stood by an entrance to the University’s campus, holding a sign reading “Binghamton University abuses disabled students.” Pictures of the protestors were quickly

Dates to know at BU

Melissa Cosovic Asst. News Editor

New Student Move-in and Welcome Program First Day of Classes University Fest

Aug. 18 to Aug. 20

Incoming freshmen move in a few days before classes start, giving time to adjust and get comfortable with the Binghamton University campus. Utilize the extra few days to explore campus buildings and make friends with roommates, students in your living community and your resident assistant (RA). Grab a new friend and take a walk through the University Union after touring the Glenn G. Bartle Library.

Knowing where classes are located prior to attending them for the first time will alleviate stress and allow you to arrive early. Sit at the front to engage with the professor and interact with your new classmates as class begins.

Professors usually use the first day to go over the class syllabus, introduce teaching assistants (TAs) and share the goals of the class.

End the first week of classes by exploring and interacting with the hundreds of student organizations tabling at University Fest (UFest) on the Peace Quad. Student clubs ranging from multicultural organizations to BU’s radio station, WHRW 90.5 FM, will offer food and activities to get you to join. Being a part of campus organizations looks great on a resume and can introduce you to new friends.

shared across social media, with many wondering of their motives. Pipe Dream told their story. Read the full article, as well as the full Stories of the Year, at bupipedream.com.

Homecoming Weekend Fall Concert Restaurant Week

To promote its prominent food scene, Downtown Binghamton hosts a weeklong celebration where local restaurants provide four-course meals at a discount. Students and locals can enjoy a variety of restaurants throughout the week and indulge in different meals at a low price. This is a great opportunity to explore Downtown Binghamton and get dinner with friends.

Every fall and spring semester, the Student Association Programming Board (SAPB) invites a popular artist to perform at the University. Students choose the artist they would like to see and are able to attend the concert at a low cost. Last year’s fall concert performer was WILLOW.

Homecoming Weekend is an event that brings alumni and current students together to connect and enjoy BU pride. This year’s Homecoming Weekend will have a Saturday Tailgate party, a downtown block party and a men’s soccer game, along with a 5k run and a TIER Talks speaker event. Attend with friends and get to know BU alumni.

OCCT suspends Late Nite service amid mistreatment of drivers

BU professor amends syllabus amid complaint, national media attention

Binghamton University has closed the chapter on its first fully in-person year since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we compile some of Pipe Dream’s biggest stories from the 2021-22 academic year.

People to Know at BU

Binghamton University

President

Harvey Stenger has served as president of BU since January 2012. Prior to this he held the positions of dean and professor at Leigh University and later, University at Buffalo. Stenger’s undergraduate studies were focused on chemical engineering at Cornell University, a discipline he later pursued for his doctoral studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As president, Stenger has placed a large emphasis on increasing the enrollment and academic excellence of students at BU.

In order to accomplish this, Stenger has expanded academic and graduate programs, research initiatives and communication between students and faculty. Stenger can be contacted at (607) 777-2131 or at president@ binghamton.edu.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Brian Rose has served as vice president for student affairs at BU since 2008. His job consists of overseeing the division of student affairs as they work with the offices of the president and provost to support student academic growth. Rose and his office conduct ongoing assessments of the programs they launch in an effort to prepare students for their full transition into work after graduating. Rose can be contacted at (607) 7774788 or at brose@binghamton. edu.

Dean of Students

Randall Edouard has worked as the dean of students and assistant vice president for student affairs at BU since 2019. Edouard’s stated mission is to provide opportunities on campus that expand the educational resources available for students and their personal growth. This also includes helping students with situations involving sickness, the loss of a loved one and other emergencies. Edouard can be contacted at (607) 777-2804 or at dos@binghamton.edu.

Places to Know at BU

Knowing these locations will give you a head start to life at Binghamton University.

Hallie Milligan News Intern

Student Association President Nia Johnson, a senior majoring in human development, is the 2022-2023 Student Association (SA) president. Johnson has pledged to address issues on campus in the areas of mental health, sexual assault and cultural competency, and also pledged to help connect students of color to staff and faculty of color. Outside of the SA, Johnson is part of the mentoring committee for the Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program (JUMP Nation), where she works with at-risk inner city youth. Johnson is also a member of the Black Student Union (BSU) and a member of Powerful United Ladies Striving to Elevate (P.U.L.S.E.). Johnson can be contacted at president@ binghamtonsa.org.

Medical Director

Richard Moose serves as the medical director at Decker Student Health Services Center. Moose has over 29 years of experience in the medical field and primarily specializes in family and emergency medical practices. Moose graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University and has previously operated his own private practice. Moose can be contacted at 607-777-2221 or rmoose@binghamton.edu.

Case Management Coordinator

Anna Jantz has served at the Violence, Abuse and Rape Crisis Center (VARCC) since its establishment in 2021. Currently, she works as the case management coordinator for the center, overseeing patient cases and matching patients with proper resources. Jantz has stated that her goal is to make the VARCC a safe and friendly space that students can come to in times of need or crisis. Jantz can be contacted at 607-777-3302 or ajantz@binghamton.edu.

University Counseling Center (UCC)

College comes with challenges, which can be especially hard to face during a pandemic. The UCC is available to aid students experiencing mental health crises, or to those who need someone trustworthy to speak with. Certified counselors are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for therapy services. The UCC is located in Old O’Connor Hall, room 264, and can be reached by phone at (607) 777-2772.

Libraries BU has multiple libraries available for students. Between the Lecture Hall and Fine Arts buildings lies the Glenn G. Bartle Library — named after the first president of BU — featuring many quiet study spaces and borrowable course readings. The Science Library, located near the Science buildings, has many of these same resources in addition to printers. Lastly, the University Downtown Center (UDC) Library is located on the main floor of the UDC near Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton.

Binghamton University Food Pantry

In the case of an emergency, to report an incident or to inquire about lost or stolen property, students can contact UPD. The department has a group of highly trained professional officers who can aid in emergency situations. The UPD office is located in the basement of the Couper Administration Building, ADG24. For emergency calls, the UPD can be reached at (607) 777-2222 from a cell phone or 911 from a campus phone. For non-emergency reports, students can speak with an officer at (607) 777-2393.

Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development

Looking for the path to your dream career and unsure where to start? The Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development can help. Students can find answers to any careerrelated questions, including those about job and internship searches, resume completion and more. The center is located in UU133 and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The center can be reached at (607) 777-2400.

Decker Student Health Services Center

The Decker Student Health Services Center provides oncampus health care services for BU students. These services include sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, COVID-19 testing, teleservices and more. Decker Student Health Services Center is located off East Access Road and is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center can be reached at (607) 777-2221.

Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)

Assistant Director of the LGBTQ Center

Nicholas Martin has served as the assistant director of the Q Center at BU since September 2021. The Q Center aims to serve as a resource for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff at the University. Martin has over seven years of experience with progressive student affairs and aims to promote the holistic development of all students at BU. As assistant director, Martin’s agenda is to move toward establishing the Q Center as a hub for students, staff and faculty to come together. Martin can be contacted at martinn@ binghamton.edu.

BU Council Representative Avery Benzaken, a senior majoring in economics, is the 2022-2023 BU Council Representative. Benzaken’s role in the council is to represent both the SA and Graduate Student Organization (GSO), intending to foster a connection between the groups and administration. Benzaken has stated that his primary goal is fostering communication and demonstrating commitment in his position. Previously, he has served as an SA congress representative and treasurer. Benzaken can be contacted at bucrep@binghamton.edu.

The Binghamton University Food Pantry strives to provide essentials to BU students. The pantry, which aided over 300 students in the spring 2022 semester, is a member of the Broome County’s Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. The pantry accepts online monetary donations and non-perishable food donations, which can be dropped off or placed in a donation box. Students can make orders online and pick them up at the pantry located at Iroquois Commons in the College-in-the-Woods Dining Center.

Shelley Dionne named dean of SOM

Dionne, who previously served as SOM’s associate dean of faculty development and the Ph.D. program, was chosen after a nationwide search.

Jacob Knipes News Editor

The Binghamton University School of Management (SOM) has found its next dean.

After a nationwide search that began last fall, BU has chosen Shelley Dionne, Ph.D. ‘98, to become the next dean of SOM, starting June 9. Dionne first became a part of SOM in 2001 as an associate professor, rising the ranks to become a professor in 2017 and then being named SOM’s associate dean of faculty development and the Ph.D. program in 2018. During her tenure at BU, Dionne has also served as both associate director of the Bass Center for Leadership Studies and faculty athletics representative for NCAA Division I sports.

In a May 25 Dateline Announcement, Dionne said her appointment was an honor.

“I couldn’t be more honored to serve the School of Management as dean,” Dionne said. “As I told the search

committee, there is only one dean position in all of higher education I would consider: [BU’s] School of Management. I have found a home and family at the SOM that I would never consider leaving.”

Former provost and executive vice president for academic affairs Donald Nieman described how Dionne became the preferred candidate.

“Shelley prevailed over a very strong pool of candidates, demonstrating that she is the right person to lead SOM in its next phase,” Nieman said in the Dateline. “She loves SOM, appreciates all that is great about it and has the ability to work with the faculty and staff to make a great school even better.”

The search for a new SOM dean began after previous Dean Upinder Dhillon announced his impending retirement last August, which was moved up to April following a late-stage cancer diagnosis. Dhillon, who had served as SOM dean for 21 years, passed away later that April. Dionne cited her previous experiences working with Dhillon as well as the rest of SOM as her foundation for being dean.

“Working with Upinder Dhillon these past four years was an excellent foundation for understanding the challenges of being one of the top public business schools in the country,” Dionne said in the Dateline. “But

SOM has an amazing faculty and staff that continues to innovate business education to challenge our outstanding students. I look forward to working with SOM faculty, students and staff to continue to create new programs that provide a unique value to our students, and to working with our SOM alumni to collaborate on how to achieve even higher levels [of] success in the coming years.”

BU President Harvey Stenger said he had been impressed by Dionne’s work in her previous administrative roles under him at BU.

“I have worked with Shelley in her capacity as our NCAA faculty representative and as associate dean, and I have consistently been impressed with her strong work ethic, intelligence, scholarly ability, vision and commitment to excellence and to [BU],” Stenger said in the Dateline. “She will be a great dean and take SOM to new levels of success.”

In the wake of Dionne’s appointment, some students voiced their opinions on what they want to see from the new dean.

Lukas Ladekarl, a junior majoring in business administration, said he hoped Dionne would carry on the work done by the previous dean.

“For the upcoming dean, Shelley Dionne, she should continue building upon Dhillon’s success by maintaining the

strong relationship with [BU] alumni and continue giving students the resources for career development,” Ladekarl wrote in an email. “There are also some changes that could be made to improve [SOM]. Some of the changes that I would like to see as a student in SOM would be incorporating realworld applications in classes and have professors update their curriculum more often to showcase modern concepts.“

Lisa Jose, vice president of the BU Marketing Association and a junior majoring in business administration, said she wants a greater focus on lesser represented areas of business.

“My hope is that there is a new emphasis and appreciation on the variety of concentrations within SOM outside of accounting and finance,” Jose wrote in an email. “This new leadership could pose a great opportunity to shine a light on and provide more resources toward other areas, such as marketing, to cultivate even more unique interests and career paths within SOM. I wish the best of luck to Dean Shelley Dionne and am excited to see what this journey holds for SOM and all of its students.”

Q Center IThe Q Center is an LGBTQ+ resource center open to anyone of any gender identity or sexual orientation in need of a safe space. The center contains an inclusive Library and the Gender Bender Closet, which provides clothing choices for members of the LGBTQ+ community looking to express themselves and their identity. The Q Center is located on the bottom floor of Bartle Library and is open weekdays from noon to 7 p.m.

Marketplace Students are welcome to visit the Marketplace at University Union, which contains dining options from various food chains. Meals can be enjoyed at the Marketplace’s many indoor and outdoor seating areas.

The MRC strives to spread awareness of cultural diversity to promote a safe and accepting campus environment. The MRC provides resources such as the Multifaith Meditation and Prayer Room, MRC Library, a list of local minority-owned businesses and more. In the case of any hate-related or bias incidents, a Bias Incident Report can be filed through the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), found on both the MRC and DEI websites. The MRC can be reached at (607) 777-4472.

Dining Halls

There are currently four dining halls available for BU students. The Hinman Dining Center, located in Hinman College, is the newest dining hall and contains a Starbucks. The Appalachian Collegiate Center, known for its view of campus, is located in Mountainview College. The College-in-theWoods Dining Center is located in its namesake, College-in-theWoods, and contains a vegan station. Lastly, the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) serves Newing College and the Dickinson Community and has Kosher food options.

Hunter

Binghamton’s New York State University Police Department (UPD)

Harvey Stenger

Brian Rose

Randall Edouard

Nia Johnson

Anna Jantz

Richard Moose

Nicholas Martin Avery Benzaken

Harry Karpen Managing Editor

Mason Brody-Lewis Asst Photo Editor

OPINIONS

Columnist Opinions: Favorite on and off-campus pasttimes

Opinions

Michael Toscano sophomore, business administration major

“At least once a week during the school year, I try to take a trip to the local Goodwill. It’s located five minutes off-campus, a quick bus ride or Uber trip away. Binghamton has a great Goodwill and I always find nice pieces. Sustainable fashion and the environment are very important to me, and I love the thrill of thrifting. Going to the Goodwill and thrifting definitely helped me to destress during my first year at BU.”

“During my first week at BU, I wandered down to the soccer fields near the East Gym, hoping to play. I ended up meeting some of my closest friends there, and pickup soccer has been one of my favorite activities at BU since. Two years later, our pickup soccer GroupMe is going strong at 111 members.”

“On nice days, I love to walk through the Nature Preserve. Situated on the edge of campus, the preserve features vast swaths of woodlands and wetlands filled with diverse wildlife such as snapping turtles, yellow-spotted salamanders and beavers. I have always loved hiking and the natural world for its ability to remove people from the stresses of our busy lives. The preserve, while only a 10 minute walk from the University Union, feels wholly removed from the Spine and the realities of school. This unworldliness is only exacerbated when the sun goes down. Removed from campus lights, the place becomes a haven for star watchers. One of my favorite things to do is to make my way to the pond bridge on a crisp clear night and stare straight up at the starry night sky — letting my stresses be consumed by the vastness of the cosmos above.”

“Binghamton is really a second-rate college town, but the campus is beautiful. Our Nature Preserve really is all it’s cracked up to be, and it is underutilized by students and faculty, so it can be a solitary space for meaningful reflection at any hour. When the sun is out in the spring and early fall, you’ll see students participating in all sorts of relaxing activities, and, for me, that means hammocking in Mountainview or around the Spine. The little ice rink the University puts up in the winter is also great fun.”

Try something new

Typically, people imagine that the time to reinvent oneself is between high school and college. I am sure this registers for many as it relates to changing majors and trying out new extracurriculars, as has been mentioned in previous Pipe Dream articles. Having decided to major in philosophy instead of history before I even arrived at Binghamton University, and having become seriously involved with a political organization my freshman year — on a level beyond being registered to vote — for the first time in my life, this is advice that I can espouse confidently.

This applies to extracurriculars as well. In your first few weeks, show up to as many clubs’ general information meetings (GIMs) as possible. You will almost certainly not remain involved with every club that you research, but it is possible that you will become involved with one that might not have previously occurred to you to join.

This is a pretty common piece of advice. I would take it one step further — attend as many

course on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in literature. I had no particular desire to major or minor in Israeli studies, and after this course I still don’t. However, I adored this class and would recommend it to anyone interested in either the IsraeliPalestinian conflict or literature.

If a course you take at random does inspire a change in major or minor, I say that’s terrific. I found my art history minor through a course I took to satisfy my Aesthetics (A) General Education credit.

“There are more interesting people than you think at BU, and it’s not as impossible as it seems to get to know them. I like to make it a habit to ask people who I want to learn more about to get coffee, take a walk around campus or take a walk in the Nature Preserve to get to know them a bit better. Whether you’re looking for mentors, friends or just to learn more about someone and their life, you won’t regret putting yourself out there and being curious.”

“One thing I love to do in BU is hang out with my friends at Einstein Bros. Bagels. Whether it’s just sitting around and eating or putting our headphones on to get some studying done, the high tables by the windows are always perfect. I can’t wait to sit there again this fall, drink some coffee and relax.”

“One of my favorite things to do on campus when I have some free time is to simply walk around. The school has so many nice paths and trails, from the sidewalks all the way to the Nature Preserve, that are perfect for a stroll. It’s a great way to discover new corners of campus while getting some fresh air.”

Dineen sophomore, chemistry major

“BU has plenty of good food options, but every once in a while, my friends like to venture off-campus to grab some brunch. Sometimes we just walk to Denny’s, and other times we drive to Chris’ Diner or Skylark Diner. It is a fun way to chill and hang with friends on a Sunday morning before you start all the studying that you put off. Instead, sometimes, after we finish all of our studying, we go get ice cream at Sugar Lips as a little reward.”

However, I feel that my advice goes beyond changes that occur between high school and college. In my experience, it is also important to allow oneself to go through changes even when solidly within the next phase of one’s life. My advice is that, upon having started college, you should continue to seek out new experiences. Even as you make friends and find yourself firmly within a group of people that you like, do not shy away from meeting new people and expanding your social circles. Having multiple groups of people you enjoy hanging out with is a good thing.

GIMs as possible at the start of every semester. It is easy to settle into a rhythm in relation to clubs, but by branching out in this way, there is a chance that you will click with clubs or with people that you would not have met otherwise. And if this doesn’t happen, you won’t have lost anything.

In a similar vein, changing or being late in choosing one’s major is not something to shy away from, to the point where I would denote it a rite of passage for some. Even after finding the major that you feel connected to the most, continue to take unrelated courses when given the opportunity. I am a philosophy major and an art history minor. This past semester, I took a

To be blunt in a way that many will disagree with, thus far I love college. While it is definitely not without its stresses, academic and otherwise, it has proven to be a time of self-discovery for me. I am enjoying my courses in a way I did not in high school, and I like to think that I’m a completely different person than I was then. This is something that I wish for anyone inclined to read this article. If college has not proved similarly enlightening, I would recommend making a change, which can be pursued by researching new clubs and making an effort to meet new people. Take a class outside of your major, get a tattoo, I don’t know. The time to reinvent yourself is at any point that you feel things aren’t working for you as they are.

Desmond Keuper is a junior majoring in philosophy and is Assistant Opinions Editor.

“A really fun activity to do at BU is visit the greenhouse. Situated in the Science III building, the greenhouse is free and open to visitors during the week, providing an awesome spot to relax, study or visit with a friend. It features several different climates, which allow for a variety of plants, from cacti to lime trees.”

Annie

Columnists share their favorite things to do at Binghamton University and in the Broome County area

Nicolette Cavallaro senior, psychology major

Doris Turkel junior, philosophy, politics, and law major

Desmond Keuper Assit. Opinions Editor

Peter Levy sophomore, undeclared

Jacob Wisnock sophomore, political science major

Max Kurant junior, double-major in English and in social systems science

Eli Engler, Opinions columnist, Arts & Culture assistant and sophomore majoring in chemistry:

Eli Engler sophomore , chemistry major

Peter Proscia junior, English major

“The time to reinvent yourself is at any point that you feel things aren’t working for you as they are.”

Jamie H. Nguyen Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

International students made up about 14 percent of Binghamton University’s student population for both graduate and undergraduates as of 2019, which means each year a new wave of freshmen come into BU to not only experience college for the first time but also the U.S. as a whole. Here are some things you can do to both lessen

yourself feel safe.

1. Join a club you’ve never tried College is seen as a period for exploration, and what better way to do it than to try a new hobby?

If you’ve been more bookish up until now, try a recreational sports team — and if you’re already very outdoorsy, try an arts and crafts group. You might make some unexpected friends even if you ended up not sticking to the club.

2. Join a cultural organization of your background It’s not easy leaving behind your country, especially if it has a wholly different culture than the U.S. Joining an organization that

help a lot with homesickness and soften the culture shock. Most will hold a Big/Little event to find your ‘Big’ — an older student who will guide you through your college journey — which will give you a nice support system away from home.

3. Go to office hours

Office hours are probably one of the most underutilized academic tools ever. For students that are used to a different academic system with no office hours, this is even more true. If your professors encourage you to visit them, then take them up on the offer. Prepare a question or two, or even just stop

BU’s essential on-campus study spots

Here are six of the best places to study on the Binghamton University campus.

Jamie H. Nguyen Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

Apart from finding your classrooms and where to sit during meals, finding an ideal spot to study is crucial to making the Binghamton University campus your new home. Even when you’re not doing any actual work, having a spot apart from your dorm — which you probably share with a near-stranger — where you’re comfortable could be the make or break of your day. Here are some suggestions for you to try out.

1. Glenn G. Bartle Library

Of course, the top of the list goes to our beloved Bartle Library. There are study spaces spread throughout all of the library’s levels, with the individual pods with computers being among the most popular spots. You can also register for a study room beforehand for a stressfree, undisturbed study session. Bartle Library offers designated quiet spaces in places like the East and North Reading Room and fourth floor, also offering an outdoor patio. Otherwise, you can try to score a window seat for ample natural light.

2.

C4, for example, has couches and a Student Success Center to do work and print out papers.

Hinman Dining Center holds lots of space, while Appalachian Collegiate Center brings a quieter environment. Either way, what’s best is that if you’re in need of some fuel while studying, a snack is just a few steps away.

3. Outdoors

Dining halls

A great choice if you don’t want to drag all of your textbooks to the library and back, your nearest dining hall — outside of rush hour — serves as a spacious and bright study space, whether you’re settling in at Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4), College-inthe-Woods Dining Center, Hinman Dining Center or Appalachian Collegiate Center. All dining halls offer different types of spaces.

Even if you’re not nature’s biggest fan, being outside on a nice day can still improve your mood greatly, especially after a rough week of school. Bring a picnic blanket if you’re sitting on the grass, a snack and pick a nice shade to spread out your workstation. One nice spot to check out is the Memorial Courtyard inside the Fine Arts building. Another great area is the tables outside of the John Arthur Cafe right next to the Spine. Be careful though, the wind may pick up your papers!

Science Library

4.

A very underrated spot due to being overshadowed by the big Bartle Library, the Science Library has a cozier, smaller and quieter vibe than the always-busy Bartle

Library. It’s also placed in a more calm location, so you can enjoy its big windows without constantly being distracted by whatever event is going on that day.

5. The University Union Undergrounds

If you’re motivated by being surrounded by others who are also studying, or like a coffee-shopkind of background noise, try the Union basement. Grab a coffee and a snack from Dunkin and settle in for your session. There is lots of seating and tables to do work with much less hectic vibes than the Marketplace has. If you need a break from all the stress, try out the bowling alley or pool tables!

6. An empty classroom

At the risk of being kicked out by an incoming class, an empty classroom is ideal if you like to be absolutely alone while studying.

The teacher’s table has plenty of space for you to spread out, and you can use the chalkboard if big visual guides help you study, or to act out your movie genius fantasy.

when you need a recommendation letter, or in the best case scenario, you might gain a mentor.

4. Get to know the community apart from BU

If you’re going to spend multiple years as a student at BU, then you’re also spending time as a Binghamton community member. Go eat at a locally owned restaurant during the weekends, get to know what local grocery stores there are beyond big-name stores like Target and visit the local landmarks. The easiest and most fun way to do this is through the First Friday Art Walk events, which show off the local art scenes where

comes alive.

5. Familiarize yourself with emergency services

Do you know who to call when you’re injured on campus? How about off-campus? Do you know the difference between these two services? Who should you call when feeling unsafe or stranded?

Spend some time learning about and adding these service numbers to your phone to prevent being stranded while in danger.

6. Open a bank account

Even if you have a perfectly functional credit card from your home country, you never know what kind of services do not accept

into your U.S. bank account for those rainy days, or use it as your main card and opt-out of the everchanging exchange rate altogether.

7. Find/make a dish that you miss

This is, again, a strategy to combat homesickness. Depending on where you came from, you can either find a restaurant or learn how to make it on your own. From my own experience, food is a big comfort against almost anything, from being overwhelmed at school to being stranded in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check out three Binghamton historical museums

Visit the Roberson Museum and Science Center, Phelps Mansion Museum, and the Bundy Museum of History and Art to witness Binghamton’s stories of the past.

Sam Lillianthal Arts & Culture Editor

As a new student of Binghamton University, there is a lot to explore. The BU campus itself features various nature trails and dining spots, but that is just the start. Surrounding BU’s campus is the city of Binghamton, which carries a lot of history. Taking the bus as a freshman to visit places full of Binghamton history will get you more acquainted with the city that will be a significant part of your college life. Here is a list of some of the most notable places in Binghamton that hold historical importance.

Roberson Museum and Science Center

Located on 30 Front St., the Roberson Museum and Science Center offers education, events and exhibits in the realm of art, science and history. One of the most memorable parts of the center is the Roberson Mansion. The mansion, built from 1904 to 1907, is in the style of Italian Renaissance architecture. Designed by talented Binghamton architect C. Edward Vosbury, the plans of the mansion included an elevator, an intercom system and a billiard room. The mansion is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Alonzo Roberson, the former owner. Roberson’s will called an educational center, which led to the opening of the Roberson Memorial Center in 1954. Major additions to the center came in the following decades, such as the Martin wing and the A. Ward Ford wing to bring in galleries and a

digital planetarium.

Phelps Mansion Museum

Once just one part of a row of beautiful and elaborate houses on 191 Court St., the Phelps Mansion Museum represented a very different time in Binghamton.

Sherman David Phelps moved into the mansion in 1872, which contained three floors. The first floor was for entertainment, the second floor for bedrooms and the third floor for servants’ quarters and a billiard room. After passing away six years later, the house changed hands multiple times, eventually leading to Phelps’ nieces and nephews inheriting it. They had no interest in living there, so the house remained empty for years. A few people bought and sold it until it was bought by the Monday Afternoon Club, a prominent women’s civic organization in 1905. Now the mansion serves as a museum to take a look at the late 1800s and turn of the century version of Binghamton that no longer remains.

The Bundy Museum of History and Art

The Bundy Museum began in 1889 when Willard Bundy and his brother Harlow Bundy started to create time clocks, now known as “Bundy Clocks,” in Binghamton.

Harlow and his wife

129 Main St.

moved

1892, which

The Bundy Manufacturing Company thrived during the early 1900s and, by 1924, Harlow’s Bundy Company became International Business Machines (IBM). In 2004, the Bundy Museum opened to showcase this important figure’s home. Additionally, the museum has been a place to show off local art in its galleries and a Rod Serling Archive. Another area focuses solely on photos by local photographers and photo development. The Bundy Museum has a little bit of everything to learn about Binghamton’s history. These are three important spots in Binghamton that will be a good educational tool to see different aspects of the city’s history. Binghamton’s history runs deep and these three places are just scratching the surface of what the city has to offer. The Kilmer Mansion, Binghamton’s carousels or just walking by the Chenango River is a good avenue to take too. Making the most out of your college experience is so important, and having historical knowledge of Binghamton always makes for good conversation.

Julia

into

in

is where the museum resides.

Michael Golann Photo Editor

One of the most popular study spots on campus is the John Arthur Cafe.

Mason Brody-Lewis Assistant Photography Editor

The city of Binghamton is full of rich history that can be explored by students.

face a bevy of additional challenges, but here are some ways to combat these obstacles.

Ten BU trivia facts

Learn about some of the most interesting fun facts about Binghamton University.

Eli Engler Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

Binghamton University, also known as the State University of New York at Binghamton, has a lot of rich history and fun stories to learn about. Here, you can find ten interesting and important facts about our school.

Q: Where is BU located?

A: The primary campus of BU is found in Vestal, NY. Despite the name and its address, the University’s main campus is actually a mile west of the city of Binghamton.

Q: When was BU founded?

A: This is another tricky question since there are technically multiple correct answers. If you said 1946, you would be correct since that is when the school that eventually

would become BU was founded. However, the school did not get the name State University of New York at Binghamton until 1965, when it became a SUNY university center along with Stony Brook University, the University at Albany and the University at Buffalo.

Q: What was BU originally called when it was founded?

A: The correct answer is Triple Cities College. If you said Harpur College, then you are almost correct as that was the name of the school from 1950 to 1965.

Q: Who was the first president of Harpur College?

A: It was Glenn G. Bartle, who was also the dean of Triple Cities College and is now immortalized

as the name of our main library.

Q: Who is the current president of BU?

A: Harvey Stenger of course! He has been the University’s president since 2011 and can be spotted

around campus with his dog, Brewster.

Q: How many colleges and schools make up BU?

A: There are six schools that are a part of the University.

They are Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Community and Public Affairs, Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the School of Management, Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Q: Where is the University’s art museum located?

A: BU’s very own art museum is housed in the Fine Arts Building. It is open during the daytime Tuesday through Saturday and has featured a variety of exhibitions over the years. Visit their website for more information on which hours they are open and what exhibits they are currently showing.

Q: What can be found at the University Union?

A: At the University Union, you can find a lot of student organizations — including Pipe Dream — as well as a diverse dining options in the Marketplace,

some classrooms, the University Bookstore and so much more.

Q: What bus transportation services are available to students?

A: First, there is the Off-Campus College Transport (OCCT) bus system, which is student-run and free for students, taking students to local locations, such as the Oakdale Mall. Students can also use the Broome County Transit bus system for free with their University I.D. Finally, the ESCAPE Student Bus Service busses students from campus to the New York metropolitan area on breaks and weekends.

Q: Who is the mascot of BU?

A: Baxter the Bearcat has been the University’s official mascot since 1999. He is a binturong, a mammal native to Asia. Baxter can be found at sporting events or on the Spine on Fridays handing out frisbees to students wearing green.

Bella Daidone Design Manager

Gigi Mitchell

Gigi Mitchell

Martin Dolan

Sarah Teper

PIPE DREAM SPORTS’ 2021-22 AWARDS Coach of the Year: Levell Sanders

Men’s basketball led to best season in over 12 years under new leadership

Michael Carbone Asst. Sports Editor

Levell Sanders has been a part of the Binghamton men’s basket ball program since June 2019, when he was hired as an assistant coach. Since then, Sanders has risen through the ranks, promot ed to interim head coach in March of 2021 and eventually named the permanent head coach.

Despite the Bearcats being picked to finish last in the America East (AE) preseason coaches’ poll, the team was seeded sixth in the postseason and won a road play off game. Due to Sanders’ success in his first season as head coach, he has been named Pipe Dream’s Coach of the Year.

“Being able to work with so many good people, building dif ferent relationships with the stu dent-athletes and with people in the community and with people at the University,” Sanders said. “I’m really looking forward to what we can do with this program and how we can push our university even further.”

Following BU’s 2020-21 season, Sanders was promoted when Bing hamton decided not to renew for mer head coach Tommy Dempsey’s

contract after nine years with the team. As a result, Sanders was named as the team’s interim head coach while the school conduct ed a formal search for Dempsey’s replacement. In February 2022, Sanders was officially named as the permanent men’s basketball head coach when he signed a fiveyear contract with the program through the 2026-27 season.

“Ever since I’ve been here it’s

been cool and it’s been an opportu nity to be involved in college bas ketball again,” Sanders said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity that coach Dempsey gave me. Giving me an opportunity to get on his staff.”

Sanders led Binghamton to a 12-17 overall record and an 8-10 conference record, earning the sixth seed in the AE tournament.

BU posted its best conference re

cord since the 2009-10 season when the Bearcats finished the sea son at 8-8. Sanders’ role in Bing hamton’s improvement earned him a spot as a finalist for the 2022 Joe B. Hall Award, an accolade granted to the best first-year Divi sion I men’s basketball coach.

“We just wanted to work,” Sanders said. “Winning is hard and being good is hard, and so I just wanted those guys to have an op

portunity to experience that. Then you can build character and you’re gonna go through some ups and downs.”

The Bearcats exceeded expec tations for the 2021-22 season, upsetting No. 3 New Hampshire in the first round. This marked the program’s first playoff victory in over 10 years. Although Sanders is proud of his team and its perfor

Female Athlete of the Year: Emily Mackay

Bearcat earned two second-team AllAmerica honors at 2022 NCAA Division I Indoor Championships

Tonetti Sports Editor ‘21-22

For the second-consecu tive year, redshirt senior Emily Mackay has been selected as Pipe Dream’s Female Athlete of the Year.

“I was a little bit disappoint ed with my performance this cross country season,” Mackay said. “I definitely struggled in my training and racing didn’t feel as good as it felt the previous year. It was difficult mentally, and my goals shifted throughout the season because of that. I was okay with how I did at nationals, but obviously in ideal circumstances I think I could’ve performed a little better. I’m happy with how I handled the not-so-perfect circumstances.”

Mackay won her sec ond-straight America East (AE) cross country title at the end

of 2021, and she moved on to place third at the NCAA Divi sion I Northeast Regional Meet. She took 52nd at the NCAA Cross Country Championships later that November, where she became the second female athlete in BU program history to com pete at three NCAA championship meets. However, after traveling to the national indoor track and field championships in March of 2022, she grossed her fourth NCAA appearance.

“The indoor season was everything I wanted it to be,” Mackay said. “I ran a bunch of [personal records] in a bunch of events and once I got to the na tional championships I just didn’t perform to the best of my ability. That performance isn’t represen tative of what I think I’m capable of … I think it was a little bit of lack of experience and a little bit of nerves.”

Mackay competed in two separate events at the NCAA indoor championship. In the mile, she clocked in at 4:36.34 to take 12th in the first preliminary round. In the second race before the finals, Mackay took fifth and missed out on advancing

by one-hundredth of a second, leaving her with second-team All-America honors. She also earned the same accolade in the women’s 3K, taking 15th with a time of 9:11.26. Mackay is now one of two athletes in program history to have accumulated four All-America honors.

During her five-year span at Binghamton, Mackay said that her experience as a runner has imparted several different values that she’ll remember after graduating.

“There are several things running has taught me during my time at Binghamton,” Mackay said. “It has honestly shaped me as a person. It taught me to be both dedicated and to put my all into everything I do … It’s important to never take a race for granted as well. You never know [if] that race will be your last.”

Mackay said her best mo ment at Binghamton was being part of the 2019 4x800-meter relay team that won the AE conference title and broke the previous school record, with a time of 9:02.67.

“My favorite moment was two outdoor [seasons] ago when

we first won the women’s 4x800 [relay] at the outdoor [conference championship],” Mackay said.

“After conferences in general is so fun because the team comes together, everyone’s cheering for each other, supporting each other and it’s the main meet where we come together as a team … I think there’s something really special about that.”

This outdoor season, Mackay

has already begun to find her way onto the national stage. She is currently ranked 10th in the country in the 1500-meter event (4:13.57) and 22nd in the 800-meter race (2:04.47). She also set the meet record in the 800 at the 2022 AE Outdoor Conference Championships, and is set to compete at the 2022 NCAA East Region Meet later this month.

Male Athlete of the Year: Jacob Falko

talking about [how] they weren’t playing meaningful games, but this year we were fighting for seeding, trying to make it into the playoffs.”

In Binghamton’s quarterfi nal matchup against New Hamp shire, Falko tallied 21 points and five assists while making four 3-pointers. This performance allowed BU to take a narrow 7269 victory over the three-seeded Wildcats. The Bearcat scored 20 or more points in six games this season, more than any player in the conference. He was also selected to the first team all-con ference and is the first Bearcat to receive that recognition in 12 years.

to the team’s success this season, expectations for the program will be set much higher than before. The rising senior hopes to cap ture a conference title and make the March Madness tournament. He also hopes to be awarded the AE Player of the Year title.

“The main goal is to win the conference tournament,” Falko said. “Win the regular season and then win the tournament and make it to March Madness. I think that’s our goal … For me individually, I want to get player of the year.”

mance this season, the first-year coach is focused on the offseason and his plans for 2022-23.

“We wanted to be really good defensively, so we really focused on defense from day one,” Sanders said. “That’s still gonna be the fo cus going forward, I think we can even get better. We had some play ers leave in the transfer portal, but we’ve also added some really good players that are gonna help us … We don’t wanna be a program where teams are gonna come here and think they’re gonna win when ever they see Binghamton on the schedule. We wanna change that and we feel that we’ve done some things this first year, but we also feel and know that we can be even better.”

Sanders credits his success and motivation to his players, coach es and the Binghamton fans. He has embraced his role as the new leader of the Binghamton men’s basketball program and hopes to contribute to the success of the team and community in the future.

“Whenever you’re leading peo ple you wanna be good at it,” Sand ers said. “I didn’t wanna let the people around me down … I feel like the city and this community is really pushing and hoping for the basketball program to be good. So we just wanted to take on that responsibility to push the program forward and get out of that situa tion.”

Junior transfer averaged a team-high 12.9 points per game in 2021-22

The Binghamton men’s basketball team finished its most successful season in 12 years and earned a trip to the America East (AE) conference semifinals. In

Having led BU to its most successful season in over a de cade, Falko has been named Pipe Dream’s 2021-22 Male Athlete of the Year.

“That’s a huge honor,” Falko said. “Had a great year here, had

a fun time. It’s really cool to get that.”

Binghamton completed its first full season since the COVID-19 pandemic and posted a 12-17 overall record while going 8-10 in conference play. This matched the most conference wins in program history since the 2009-10 season.

“We had to be more of a competitive team,” Falko said. “Last year they were always

“That playoff game against New Hampshire, winning that one was huge,” Falko said. “I think that was the first [playoff] game [Binghamton] has won in a while … Winning first team all-conference was [also] a huge accomplishment for me.”

Binghamton was ultimate ly defeated by Vermont in the playoff semifinal game. Falko had 13 points in the 74-42 defeat to the eventual AE champions. Due

Next season, BU will look much different as eight players are looking to transfer. Despite this mass exodus of players, the Bearcats have been actively recruiting and have brought two new transfers to the program.

Recently, Canisius sophomore guard Armon Harried and Eastern Kentucky sophomore forward Tariq Balogun have both committed to Binghamton, per Verbal Commits. Falko said he was excited to play with the new talent that has been added.

“I’m super excited about the big man we just signed [Balo

I have a very good mindset going into the championship season,” Mackay said. “I feel very well prepared for regionals and I think I have a very good shot to make nationals … I’m feeling very optimistic and ready to go. I’ve learned a lot of important lessons throughout this year and I think it’s just going to help me in the end.”

gun],” Falko said. “He’s a transfer from Eastern Kentucky, he looks really good … And then the other wing we just got, transferred from Canisius, [Harried]. I’m really excited to play with him … I think he’s gonna help us a lot.”

Going into next year, Falko and the Bearcats will look to build off of their success and improve. The rising senior attributed much of his success from this past season to his team mates, who rekindled his love for basketball.

“I love my teammates this year,” Falko said. “I had a really fun time just playing with them. Last year when I was at Gard ner-Webb, I kind of lost my love for the game during that whole season. So to come here and have coaches who really bonded with me and allowed me to play so freely … It was just a really fun season for me and I really en joyed playing basketball this year, again. I’m just looking forward to next season and just having another great time.”

Joe

Jack Oh Sports Editor

Provided By BU Athletics

Binghamton head coach Levell Sanders led BU to a 12-17 overall record and a 8-10 conference record in 2021-22.

Provided by Walt Middleton Redshirt senior Emily Mackay individually captured the America East cross country championship for the second-consecutive year.

Harry Karpen Managing Editor

Junior guard Jacob Falko led Binghamton in points, assists and minutes per game in 2021-22.

his first season with the Bear cats, junior guard Jacob Falko led the team in scoring, assists and minutes per game, earning him a first team all-conference selection.