The Free Word on Campus Since 1946
Summer 2017 | Vol. XCII | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com
WELCOME TO
BINGHAMTON
CopperTop, High-tech incubator sparks local entrepreneurship Dunkin' to Koffman Southern Tier Incubator opens to businesses, students in Broome County open in BU Union Jillian Forstadt
Assistant News Editor
Sodexo expands on-campus dining options for fall 2017 with new vendors Sasha Hupka
In January 2012, New York state Senator Chuck Schumer stood on the corner of Hawley and Carroll streets in Downtown Binghamton, bracing himself against the winter wind and promising to seek federal funding for the creation of the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator at that location. His pledge, coupled with the collaboration of numerous individuals
and organizations at the local, state and national levels, ensured the construction of the incubator, which opened its doors on April 4. The building features state-ofthe-art facilities including laboratories and office spaces designed to foster a community of entrepreneurs within the Southern Tier. “This will be the single largest investment in our history that will impact the entrepreneurship activity at Binghamton University,” said BU President Harvey Stenger in April.
According to Stacey Duncan, deputy director of community and economic development at the Broome County Industrial Development Agency, the building’s primary use is to house startups generated within the University or that stem from the greater Binghamton area. The hope is for these startups to become economic assets to the community. Planning for the incubator got off the ground in 2011 with the process of obtaining funding from county, state and federal levels. The price tag of the
35,000-square-foot establishment is $19 million and construction officially began in October 2014. New York state provided a significant amount to the creation of the incubator, with $7 million coming from the Regional Economic Development Council and another $6 million from NYSUNY 2020 through SUNY Broome’s Bridge to Entrepreneurial Excellence program. The remaining $6 million
SEE TECH PAGE 2
City of Binghamton celebrates LGBTQ community Pride Coalition hosts 13th annual Pride Palooza, featuring events from festival to picnic
Assistant News Editor
For those on campus during the summer, the sight of construction signs around University Union might seem like an eyesore, but behind closed doors, spaces around the building are being transformed. Next semester, students will be able to enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts without leaving the Tillman Lobby. Dunkin’ Donuts will be replacing the Café Tillman, formerly located in the Tillman Lobby of Old University Union, and will offer a full Dunkin’ Donuts menu, including donuts, coffee and specialty drinks. Jim Ruoff, resident district manager of BU Dining Services, wrote in an email that the addition has been in the works since 2015. “During our retention process two years ago we decided to include Dunkin’ Donuts in our bid package,” Ruoff wrote. “This decision was made through surveys, focus groups and demographic data. With the transportation hub, the student foot traffic through the University Union and the new Admission Center the Tillman Lobby seemed like a great spot for the Dunkin’ Donuts.” In addition to the new Dunkin’
SEE DINING PAGE 2
Stacey Schimmel Pipe Dream News
Provided by Joshua Bernard Drag queen DeDe Kupps performs at the 13th annual Binghamton Pride Palooza near the Peacemaker’s Stage in Downtown Binghamton on June 10. The event, organized by the Binghamton Pride Coalition, attracted over 1,000 people.
ARTS & CULTURE
On a warm Saturday earlier this month, the waterfront near the Peacemaker’s Stage in Downtown Binghamton was filled with music, dancing and vibrant colors as more than 1,000 people came out to celebrate the 13th annual Binghamton Pride Palooza. The June 10 event was held at Citrea and featured three drag shows, group activities and approximately 30 vendors, ranging from Monster Energy drinks to the B.C. Rollers, Broome County’s roller derby girls. UHS Binghamton served as this year’s rainbow sponsor, and helped fund the event. The Binghamton Pride Coalition, which brings together LGBTQ individuals, groups and allies in the greater Binghamton area, organized the event. Established in 2005, the coalition meets monthly and hosts events including happy hour mixers, cabaret shows and paint nights to raise money for Pride Palooza — its biggest event of the year, held during LGBTQ Pride Month. In addition to promoting
OPINIONS
LGBTQ pride and culture, the organization works to end oppression based on sexuality and gender, and runs an array of youth, health and support programs. According to Chris Waters, the president of the coalition, there has been an increase in attendance at the Pride Palooza in recent years. “Pride Palooza’s really a day to feel content and happy and express yourself,” said Chris Waters, the president of coalition. “I think sometimes in the gay community, people who want to express themselves don’t know how, and we give them this opportunity to be who you want to be.” Connie Hasto and her wife, who are residents of Johnson City, are annual attendees of Pride Palooza. Hasto said she has enjoyed every Pride Coalitionsponsored event she has attended because of the opportunity to meet people in a festive, informal setting. “This was definitely the best year yet,” Hasto said. “There were more organizations, more people; it’s a great place and the people seem to enjoy
SEE PRIDE PAGE 2
SPORTS
Check out Pipe Dream’s guide to the best ice cream in Binghamton,
There’s plenty to do at BU after orientation ends,
Columnist Kristen DiPietra examines millennials' views on money,
NCAA forum outlines career paths in college sports for student-athletes,
Two Binghamton baseball players were drafted into the major leagues,
See page 4
See page 5
See page 7
See page 9
See page 10