The

TANGERINE
VOL. LXXVIl, ISSUE 4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM
Electric vehicle Traveling Tails Women’s wrestling
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NEWS | PG. 11 FEATURES | PG. 12 SPORTS| PG. 16

‘This is crimes against humanity’: Faculty and students discuss war in Israel
◊ MICKALE THOMPSON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Faculty members from
Utica University and
Bar-IIan University, one
of the largest research
universities in Israel, led
a PioTalk discussion
on Friday, Oct. 13 to
address the ongoing
war between Israel and
Hamas, a terrorist militant
group.
The Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Collaborative
hosted the event,
which drew about 60
attendees, and was held
at the Francis A. Wilcox
Intercultural and Student
Organization Center. On Oct.13 faculty and students gathered in the Francis A. Wilcox Intercultural and Student
Alon Levkowitz, a senior Organization Center to discuss the ongoing war in Israel. //Photo: Luke Reed
lecturer and chair of the this is unacceptable Israel began an Levkowitz said. “It’s
Social Science and Civics — this is crimes against operation against gonna be a dirty war
department at Bar-IIan, humanity.” Hamas and Jihad and civilians [will be] hurt
said what happened military sites, facilities and in this war.”
on Oct. 7, when Hamas According to Levkowitz,
because military bases infrastructure, Levkowitz Levkowitz said Israel has
launched its surprise, said, but faces a
violent attack on Israel, were not attacked told civilians occupying
the ongoing threats to common problem much areas in the Gaza Strip
from the Israeli point of like other democracies
view links to “a nation civilians have created to evacuate to allow the
severe trauma for Israelis. fighting against terrorist military to attack. Hamas
that needs psychology organizations because
therapy” to overcome its “If we’re talking about on the other hand,
they are using civilian Levkowitz said, is telling
current crisis. a war against military sites to hide missiles in
sides this is one would civilians to stay.
“If you attack military areas like classrooms and
bases one would expect say a legitimate war,” hospitals. “This is a very
that this would be some Levkowitz said. “But problematic issue
when you attack civilian “[It] is a very problematic [and] becomes more
kind of a legitimate act,” issue to intercept these
Levkowitz said. “But when cities that’s a different complicated,” Levkowitz
war game.” launchers and we
you attack… civilians face a huge problem,” CON. ON PAGE 4
 STAFF
PAGE 2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM

Editor-In-Chief - Mickale Thompson

Managing Editor - Diana Sidorevich
Fall 2023 STAFF Layout Editor - Chakradhar Palli
News Editor - Selma Dizdarevic
Features Editor - Charlie Buckley
Online Editor - Emma Goodspeed
@UticaTangerine Multimedia Editor - Kayleigh Sturtevant
Special Assigments - Kayden Lamphere
Sports Reporter - Nick Phillips
@Utica_Tangerine Enterprise Reporter - Mariami Kentchadze
Staff Photographer - Luke Reed
@Utica_Tangerine Circulation Manager - Juan Garcia
Circulation Manager - Michael Campbell
Adviser - Mary Christopher

About
The Tangerine is published biweekly during the academic year by and for Utica University
students. To reach a member of the staff, email tanger@utica.edu or call 315-792-3065. All
material printed in The Tangerine is copyrighted. The Tangerine was first published as the
Utica College News on Nov. 6, 1946.

Submission Policy
Letters to the editor are welcomed from all members of the Utica University community.
Letters must meet fair and accurate publishing standards and contain no libelous material.
Anonymous letters to the editor will not be printed. All letters and editorials must meet the
print deadline of 5 p.m. on Mondays. Please send all submissions to tanger@utica.edu.
Takeback requests are a form of censorship and therefore not accepted.

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The opinions and columns expressed in The Tangerine are those of the individual
writers and do not represent the views of The Tangerine or Utica University.

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 EDITORIAL
PAGE 3 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM

Acts of premeditated violence have become ‘traumatic’

◊ MICKALE THOMPSON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article
contains references to
death and violence.
When the four students
at the University of Idaho
were tragically killed last
November one of the
victim’s mothers said “Stop
everything, everybody in
the whole world stop.”
On Aug. 28, the start of the
school year, the University
of North Carolina went
into lockdown and later
mourned the loss of one
of its professors following
another active school
shooting, one of more
than 500 mass shootings in
America since the start of
2023.
The world doesn’t stop,
does it?
The acts of violence we
see locally and across the
globe are happening at
high frequencies; despite
every death and every tear
shed the cycle continues
and gets much worse.
In Israel, the death toll has
surpassed 2,000 following
the unprecedented Oct.7
attack by Hamas, a militant
group dubbed a terrorist
organization by the United
States. As for Ukraine,
their fight for sovereignty
against Russian forces is
far from over but whether
gun violence hits close to
home or not, the mother
was right — the world
should stop and address
its issues because people
are dying, and families are
left distraught due to acts
of senseless, premeditated
killings.
Since the attacks, the
Biden Administration has
continued to support both
countries with military aid
and is set to approach
Congress with a $100
billion funding package,
according to the Wall Street
Journal. As a community
seeing innocent families
torn apart — images and
videos of civilians in fear for
their lives can be hard for
anyone to comprehend.
But through it, we’re able
to grasp the seriousness
of this war and how it can
affect individuals with or
without ties to Israel.
“People in Gaza and
people in Israel will have a
traumatic memory from this
event,” said Alon Levkowitz,
senior lecturer and chair
of the Social Science and
Civics department at Bar-
IIan University, one of the
largest research universities
in Israel. He spoke at a
PioTalk event held at Utica
University on Oct. 13. “Just
think about the trauma
the United States had from
9/11. From the Israeli point
of view this Gaza attack
— slaughtering of kids —
for some of us this is 9/11.
[And] we want to find ways
to prevent the next 9/11
that will occur in Gaza.”
The recent discussions
among students and
faculty showed that what’s
happening in Israel or
Ukraine isn’t their trauma
alone to bear. Despite
those in Gaza and across
Israel losing loved ones and
being without necessities,
they have continued to
show great courage in the
mids of tragedy.
However, as we continue
to emphasize and realize
the implications of this
ongoing crisis — know that
crimes against humanity
aren’t indifferent to any
country or society. And
we must denounce hatred
in all its forms and take of
ourselves and each other.

Campus Safety Blotter

Date Of Incident Time Of Incident Short Description Building
10/10/2023 11:43 AM Vehicle driving on grass Parking Lot
10/10/2023 10:18 PM Fire Alarm North Hall
10/11/2023 10:55 AM Fire Alarm North Hall
10/11/2023 11:00 AM Confiscated Item North Hall
10/11/2023 10:10 AM Vehicle Parking Violations
10/12/2023 8:45 AM Motor Vehicle Damage Parking Lot
10/13/2023 12:10 PM Roommate Conflict North Hall
10/13/2023 9:45 PM Alcohol Violation
10/13/2023 11:30 PM Room Damage Boehlert Hall
10/13/2023 11:45 PM Suspicious Activity Boehlert Hall
10/15/2023 12:12 AM Prohibited Activity Francis A. Wilcox Intercultural
10/16/2023 12:00 PM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway
10/16/2023 1:23 PM Vehicle Traffic Violation Roadway

PAGE 4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM
CON. FROM PAGE 1
said. “Because other
militant organizations
from [the] northern
part of Israel and other
militant organizations in
Syria might decide to join
the war.”
Levkowitz said the
money Hamas invested
into building facilities —
money given by states
and organizations to build
civilian infrastructure in
Gaza — was wasted on
building their “military
might.”
“If all this money
[billions],” Levkowitz said.
“Would have been used
for civilian use; it would
have been a different
An estimsted 60 people attended the Pio Talk in person on Oct. 13. //Photo: Luke Reed
NEWS
ball game.”
Since the attack, over
2,000 people have been
killed, according to The
Wall Street Journal. USA
Today reported that
though individuals with or
without ties to Israel might
not be affected directly
by the ongoing violence
— the traumatic images
and news coverage —
mental health experts say
can still cause traumatic
stress.
Kaylee Seddio, assistant
professor of psychology,
said what motivates
someone to engage in
extremist behavior is the
idea of being left out. This
creates an in-group out-
group mindset resulting research in Israel and
in a compromised self- studied how Jews and
feeling and identity. Israelis explained their
“Sometimes [the] cultural identities, said
response is to become discussion events are
radicalized,” said Seddio, important for college
who has worked with campuses and the
people who’ve expressed pursuit of knowledge.
trauma ranging from “Rarely in life do we find
refugees in the European ourselves in situations like
region to sex trafficking this, where we can share
victims. “[And] to diverse stories, opinions,
engage in some of these and ideas, some of
extreme behaviors… the which might be difficult
motivation behind that to hear,” Gratch said.
is often this feeling of “If we can do this in an
yourself being minimized ethical way and with the
in some way.” goal of understanding
and empathy, I think
Ariel Gratch,
assistant professor of it’s one of the most
important things we can
Communication and
Media who conducted do at a university.”

PAGE 5 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM
Utica University to bring back three previously chartered Greek organizations
Alpha Phi Alpha Greek letters on display.
//Courtesy of Dr. Anthony Baird
◊ SELMA DIZDAREVIC
NEWS EDITOR
Work is underway in
the Utica University
campus community to
reinstate 3 multicultural
Greek organizations,
including Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority Incorporated,
Omega Phi Beta Sorority
Incorporated and Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity
Incorporated.
The three at one point in
time were all chartered
organizations at the
university. The thought
behind the revitalization
of Greek life on campus
is to expand culture,
excitement, vibrancy
within campus life and
to accommodate the
needs of the ever-
growing diversity in the
student population.
Devlin Daley, assistant
director of campus
engagement, oversees
all functions of Greek life
and said her department,
NEWS
Student Living and
Campus Engagement
(SLCE), looks to increase
the diversity in student
involvement with Greek
life.
According to Daley, the
revitalization process will
allow students to engage
with alumni who are
affiliated with these Greek
organizations.
“We have such a diverse
student population that
trying to find a Greek
life home for as many
students as possible is our
aim and goal in my area,
but then also allowing our
undergraduate students
to connect with alumni
in this way,” Daley said.
“They’re gonna have
this shared experience,
it’s super unique and
something that we’re
really excited about.”
What makes these
multicultural organizations
different from the larger
and more social Greek
organizations on campus
is how they select their
members.
“They’re really looking for
the person that’s going
to embody what they’re
organization stands for,
and I think that’s really
unique,” Daley said.
“They’re not just picking
anybody to be a part of
it, they’re really engaging
with the community and
figuring out how they can
best support the student
academically, socially,
emotionally, whatever it
may be and providing
them with the right
resources.”
One of the organizations
the university will bring
back is Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity Incorporated,
a historically African
American fraternity,
first established in 1906
at Cornell University.
Utica University’s Vice
President for Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Anthony Baird is a
“longstanding member”
of the organization,
having pledged when
he was a student at Utica
University, then Utica
College of Syracuse.
Baird noted that initiating
the “reclamation or the
bringing back of Black
Greek organizations” at
Utica University was driven
by the growing diversity
on campus, which is now
at 27%.
The work to bring back
these organizations has
brought a number of
successes to the university,
especially in the realm
of student and alumni
relations.
“It’s with that effort that
we’re winning on a number
of fronts,” Baird said. “We
are reconnecting with
our alumni, generating
revenue to create
scholarships [and] our
students are being able
to connect back with
alumni for networking
opportunities.”
“We’re bringing alumni
back to the campus to
be part of the fabric,
part of the culture, part
of the climate and we
think it’s been an amazing
alignment born out of
need and convenience
and desire.”
The “need” and “desire”
for multicultural Greek
organizations is especially
pertinent to students of
color who are tasked with
navigating predominantly
white spaces.
“The [Black Student
Union] and Greek life help
so many of us persist while
surviving a predominantly
white college campus,”
Baird said, speaking from
his own experience.
“That’s not an indictment,
that’s recognizing that
when you’re one of a
few in an environment of
many,” he said. “Then you
start to wonder how do
you fit in, and so creating
a balance of people in
the community is really
important to student
survival.”
Mark Kovacs, the
executive director for
Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion and coordinator
for community relations,
who first began his career
at Utica as the director of
residence life in 1989 said
there was a very strong
presence of Greek life on
campus.
CON. ON PAGE 6
PAGE 6 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023
CON. FROM PAGE 5
“Greek Life has always
been a part of our
institution,” Kovacs
said. “Some being local
organizations and others
national. What is also
unique about our Greek
Life at Utica University
is that members of the
National Pan-Hellenic
Council, also known as
the Divine Nine, have
been a rich part of our
history.”
Kovacs recalled
watching Baird interact
with his Alpha Phi Alpha
brothers as a student
and noted the closeness
shared between them.
“Watching him with
his brothers, there was
a certain bond and a
certain tie that did not just
excel academically but
also excelled culturally
on campus and had lots
of offerings for others to
belong to and attend
and join in,” Kovacs said.
Daley, Baird and Kovacs
all admitted that the
current revitalization of
Greek life is hard work.
“You need a certain
amount of members
to be recognized as
a chapter. We got to
get the support of the
institution, whoever’s
coming in to be interested
[and] they have to be
NEWS
aware of what it is,” Baird
said. “There [are] students
of this generation that
have no real idea of what
Black Greek organizations
or what Greek life is
supposed to be about.”
The work has become
considerably harder with
the lingering impact of
COVID-19 on student
involvement rates,
according to Daley.
However, SLCE has
introduced a new policy
this semester to help with
engagement levels by
allowing first-year students
to join Greek organizations
during their first semester
on campus rather than in
their second.
“COVID really hurt
Greek life,” Daley said.
“It hurt a lot of clubs and
organizations and student
engagement overall but
now being able to market
in the first few weeks
just like another club or
organization would be
able to has spurred their
excitement.”
Students involved in
Greek organizations are
required by the university
to have at least a 2.0 GPA
and first year students
in their first semester are
required to sign a contract
agreeing to maintain that
GPA, risking academic
probation if they fail to.
UTICATANGERINE.COM
The results of this new
student engagement
model have worked well
overall, according to
Daley, who hopes “that
trend continues.”
Terry Kirabo Nagginda, a
cybersecurity major and
sister of Sigma Gamma
Rho Sorority Incorporated,
joined the sorority at the
end of her sophomore
year, which happened
to be when the Utica
chapter was reactivated.
“Actually, last semester
we just had a reactivation
of the chapter, which is
myself,” Nagginda said. “I
came in as a solo which is
a class of one. Right now
it’s just myself. It’s [only]
been a semester since
the reactivation but it’s
definitely the chapter’s
number one goal to
grow the chapter back
to the way that it was on
campus.”
Despite being in
the company of one
in her sorority, she
communicates regularly
with other sisters of Sigma
Gamma Rho sisters from
other institutions.
“I’m the only chapter
member on campus right
now, but I do not feel
alone at all,” Nagginda
said. “We have chapters
in Syracuse, SUNY Albany,
SUNY Binghamton, Cornell
[and] SUNY Cortland.”
A major value of Sigma
Gamma Rho, which is a
part of the Divine Nine, is
education.
According to Nagginda,
many individuals outside
of Greek life fail to
recognize the purpose
of Greek organizations
which, contrary to popular
belief, extends beyond
socialization.
“I do realize that many
people do not get the
proper idea of sororities,”
she said. “It might look
like it’s just for friendships
and all of that, but I think
I’m living proof that I did
not join just for friendships
because I’m the only one
here.”
Nagginda is working to
revitalize Sigma Gamma
Rho on campus, which
she likes to think of as a
“comeback” rather than
a reinstatement. She steps
and strolls at events and
helps people gain a sense
of what her sorority stands
for.
“I’d hate for people to
have no idea of what
this looks like,” she said.
“[Greek life] is definitely
something you have
to give time to read
about and research and
understand properly.”
PAGE 7 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023
NEWS UTICATANGERINE.COM

Applied Ethics Institution partners with VICTR

◊ KAYDEN LAMPHERE
SPECIAL ASSIGMENTS
REPORTER
The Applied Ethics
Institute at Utica University
is partnering with the
Virtual International
Consortium for Truth
Research (VICTR) in
hopes of spreading
more information about
the way people think.
Associate Professor
of Philosophy and
Director of the Applied
Ethics Institute Douglas
Edwards is excited about
the partnership and
said it is a new way for
students to experience
philosophical thinking.
“One of the main
mission statements of
VICTR is to share work on
truth,” Edwards said. “We
want to push it beyond
the regular academic
formats.
Professor Edwards stands in his office located in the Faculty Center. // Photo: Kayden Lamphere
VICTR was initially set
up as a result of the university announced it is aimed at examining how “The online platform
COVID-19 pandemic, sunsetting the philosophy race is handled socially. means that anyone can
Edward said, as a way major. attend,” Van Der Merwe
for philosophers and Ragnar Van Der Merwe,
“There was of course a post-doctoral research said. “The discussions
students alike to continue can be interactive and
speaking on major issues. the academic portfolio fellow at the University
review, which led to of Johannesburg and productive [that way].”
“It offers a virtual some questions about speaker during the talk, This partnership is
environment for people the role of philosophy hopes that participants something that students
who work on truth,” at Utica,” Edwards said. took away the message and staff should look
Edwards said. “It allows “In a time where people of truths not being forward to, according to
us to communicate believe disciplines divisible. Edwards, as it will allow
our ideas and present and humanities, like everyone the chance to
research. We’ve been “They cannot be
philosophy, don’t have separated into realist think critically about the
able to organize a lot of much relevance, it’s world they live in.
conferences and talks versus anti-realist,” Van
important to show how Der Merwe said. “It’s an opportunity
over the past few years significant they actually
through it.” According to Van Der to bring what we are
are to everyday life.” doing in VICTR to Utica,”
According to Edwards, Merwe, the VICTR system
On Oct. 2, the first talk is one that affords the Edwards said. “We can
the partnership is broadcasted to Utica give students a chance
a much-needed luxury of accessibility,
University titled “Tricky allowing philosophers to engage with work on
step forward for the truths: How should alethic truth, morals and social
philosophy program at and researchers to
pluralism accommodate spread their ideas. issues.”
Utica University since the racial truths” was held,
PAGE 8
NEWS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM

Utica Promise brings Proctor’s top students to campus

◊ DIANA SIDOREVICH
MANAGING EDITOR
Young Scholars was
established in 1993,
partnering Utica
University with the Utica
City School District
(UCSD), and is designed
to motivate students to
stay in school, earn a
New York State Regents
diploma with Advanced
Designation and pursue
a college education.
Around 79% of Young
Scholars are from minority
or refugee backgrounds
and at least 90% are
first-generation college
students.
The Utica Promise is
a package Young Young Scholars students on campus for the Autism Awareness Walk.
Scholars (YS) graduates //Courtesy of Utica’s Young Scholars office
receive if they earn an
Advanced Regents 12-year-old me would Campbell respectively. for a successful college
Diploma from Proctor have never seen in the Although the additional experience.
High School. Students future,” Binaku said. financial assistance Binaku said she loves
with an Advanced Binaku’s job at Young gives some students an going to the YS sites at the
Regents Diploma receive Scholars “truly fulfills a incentive to attend Utica schools every week and
financial help consisting purpose” for her. She was University, students are talking to students about
of scholarships, grants, inspired by the program’s not obligated to attend their college aspirations
loans and work-study commitment to helping Utica. Young Scholars and the majors they
positions. the students succeed takes high school YS want to pursue. She said
Assistant Director of by spending weekends students on college visits the Utica Promise is a
Young Scholars Dorentina with them helping to through their education, big motivational booster
Binaku is a Young Scholars do community service and out of the 43 Proctor for students because of
graduate. As a child of events and networking YS students, 39 are the support system the
refugee parents, she said with people in the enrolled in college and program becomes for
the program opened community. 13 are attending Utica. students. Finances play
up college as an option “...That’s something that Students are offered a large role in whether
for her future because it I want to give back to tutoring by Utica students decide to go
wouldn’t be financially the program…because University students, to college and which
feasible without the help. this community has done summer programming, college they’ll choose.
“Once Young Scholars so much for me,” Binaku enrichment activities The Utica Promise helps
came along, our motto is said. like college and career them realize that college
‘grow big dreams,’ and it exploration, mentorship is possible for them,
Student Government Binaku said.
truly allowed me to grow Association President and SAT exam
mine,” Binaku said. Kathi Jabe is a Young preparation. Students “I think I wouldn’t be
She went on to earn a Scholar alum, as are also have opportunities where I am without
bachelor’s and master’s the president and to be placed in paid the Young Scholars
degree without accruing vice president of the internships at businesses program,”Jabe said.
financial debt. sophomore classes Eh throughout the Mohawk
CON. ON PAGE 9
Moo Serr and Genesis Valley to prepare them
“That’s the thing that
PAGE 9 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023
CON. FROM PAGE 8
Jabe is a biochemistry
major and a first-
generation college
student. Understanding
how to prepare for college
and applying for colleges
was a difficult process for
her to understand when
she was in high school, she
said.
She took summer classes
at then Utica College in
the STEAM program, the
STEM program combined
with arts, along with other
high school students. Utica
professors taught the
classes, assisted by mostly
Tangerine Grove extends, offers more accessibility to students
Jenn Rubino restocking pantry shelves.
// Photo: Diana Sidorevich
◊ DIANA SIDOREVICH
MANAGING EDITOR
The Tangerine Grove,
Utica’s campus food
pantry, opened an
extension in Strebel 204
with 24/7 access.
NEWS
Utica students as TAs.
Having someone already
in college be there to
answer questions and talk
about their experience
helps prospective college
students, Jabe said. She
now works in the Young
Scholars office as an
office assistant, tutors high
school and middle school
scholars and assists high
school students who come
into labs on campus to do
experiments.
“I’m very grateful to still
be a part of it,” Jabe
said. “It wasn’t all about
academics. Young
The offshoot branch was
implemented last spring
to offer more accessibility
to students because
of its central location
on the campus. The
extension also doesn’t
UTICATANGERINE.COM
Scholars was really a
place where I met my
best friend. We felt like we
were making a difference.
We got to connect on
a deeper level than just
classmates.”
Education major Ju Mi La
made some of her closest
friends and was prepared
for leadership roles in Young
Scholars. Being a leader
and setting an example
is a strong message in the
program; you have to
think about who and what
you represent, La said.
Ju Mi La was the
salutatorian of her
rely on staffing through
volunteer availability like
the B23 Hubbard Hall
location and is now open
to all members of the
university community.
Pantry coordinator Erin
Kelly said the original
location at Hubbard
Hall is currently stocked
with more food and the
extension is stocked with
more hygiene products,
but the supply of food
and hygiene products
will be determined
based on how often the
extension is utilized and
what the need is.
Currently, the pantry
is focused on keeping
enough food available
to meet the students’
needs.
“We’ve run out of
food a lot,” Kelly said.
“The need seems to
be growing and more
people know about us.
It’s hard sometimes to
keep enough food on
the shelves.”
The pantry is stocked
graduating class. A
number of Young Scholars
have made it in the top
ten graduating students
at Proctor, including math
major Andrew Nu who
graduated ninth in a class
of over 600 students.
“Everything that we
do makes other people
[students in middle school]
want to be a Young
Scholar,” La said. “Being a
Young Scholar, seeing that
because of what you’re
doing and the image you
represent, the younger
kids also want to be like
you, you’re automatically
set as a role model.”
through mostly faculty
and staff donations,
leftover packaged
foods from events on
campus and food
purchased from a grant
from Swipe Out Hunger,
an organization that
supports campus food
pantries.
According to Kelly,
there’s a stigma
surrounding the use of
food pantries.
“It’s something that we
fight and we try to tell
people, we don’t ask for
proof of financial need,”
Kelly said.
The need varies from
occasional to consistent
needs. The pantry is either
visited by commuters
who forget their lunch or
wallet and need a snack
to students with more
consistent needs who
sometimes bring food to
their homes.
Kelly’s dream would be
to have a bigger space
CON. ON PAGE 10
PAGE 10 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023
NEWS
CON. FROM PAGE 9 hall, but she benefits
and add a thrift store from the pantry as well.
or clothing exchange “I personally go down
component to the there all the time so I
Tangerine Grove. want to make it a place
that everyone would
“If we had an
environment that was want to go and not feel
ashamed,” Wojcik said.
open to anyone, that
wasn’t just a ‘food “A lot of students feel
pantry,’ that would go like if they go down to
a little ways towards the pantry it’s because
reducing that stigma,” they’re poor…but if
Kelly said. you just need a quick
snack to grab or make
Volunteer Rhiana Wojcik
said fellow students may new friends, you can go
down there.”
not think she has a need
because she has several The pantry is looking to
campus jobs, including stock more ethnic food
working at the dining products. Wojcik, who
UTICATANGERINE.COM
also donates specific and, as a staff member,
items like curly hair has a more predictable
products for students who schedule than students
need more specialized do. Racioppa used to be
products, said she refers a teacher in an area that
commuter students who was a food desert and
come to the dining hall saw the impact hunger
to the pantry to pick up had on kids’ energy and
food for the weekend. ability to focus.
“I ask people what they She said the extension
would like to see and if I will serve students who
can, I’ll go out and buy aren’t able to come to
it,” Wojcik said. the Hubbard location
Alexis Racioppa, a between classes
because of the varying
career coach at the
Center for Career hours of the locations
and students who have
Readiness, said she
volunteers at the pantry night classes, can’t
make it to the dining hall
because she cares about
food access and equity at a reasonable time or
PAGE 11 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023
Utica University adds electric charging stations to campus parking lots
◊ ELEANOR BERKHOUDT
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Electric vehicle (EV)
owners on Utica
University’s campus will
not have to travel far
for a charge. Fourteen
EV charging stations
are being installed on
campus.
The stations are utilized
through quick response
(QR) codes that users
can scan through the
app EVoke. Users pay for
the service through the
app, which includes a
base fee and a charge
for the amount of power
the vehicle consumes.
There is an additional
fee if the user does not
unplug their vehicle
within 30 minutes after it
is finished charging.
Utica University Vice
President for Facilities
and Emergency
Management Shad
Crowe said the charging
stations are available to
EV owners on campus
as well as those in the
surrounding area.
Phase one of two
consisted of installing
two EV charging stands,
each with two ports, in
Parking Lot A behind the
Welcome Center.
Phase two is currently
in progress where five
more EV charging stands
are being installed in
Parking Lot B across from
F. Eugene Romano Hall.
Crowe said the project
began a few years ago
and the decision to install
EV charging stations was
prompted by an increase
in electric vehicles on
NEWS UTICATANGERINE.COM
campus in recent years. commute to work and is always pushing the
Approval came after back without using any envelope to be “greener
New York State and gas. with every opportunity.”
National Grid offered “I have a plug-in hybrid “We’re looking at solar
incentives to install the so the batteries only hold right now and different
stations and then make about 50 miles worth,” applications for solar
them available to the Schoonmaker said. “I live use on campus,” Crowe
general public. about 35 miles away, so said. “It’s just a matter of
Utica carefully selected when I drive here I’ve trying to figure out from
the location of the EV mostly used them and in a fiscally responsible
charging stations based three hours I can charge standpoint, but also
on safety, accessibility them back up to full, an energy responsible
and convenience. which gets me back standpoint, what can we
The university took home again so it works do to push our campus
traffic patterns into perfectly.” to become more and
consideration as well Crowe said the university more green.”
as the availability of
a power supply and
the presence of light
sources. The Welcome
Center lent itself as a
direct power source
for the EV charging
stations in Parking Lot
A. For safety purposes,
another light post will be
added in Parking Lot B
during phase two of the
installation process to
make the area better lit.
The university faced
some challenges
regarding the software
used to access the
charging stations but the
program is now working
properly after faculty
and staff with EVs tested
the software and helped
work out the initial
glitches.
Professor of Geology
Adam Schoonmaker
said the EVoke app
works better than other
charging station apps
he used in the past. He
also uses the charging
stations every day since
they were installed,
allowing him to recharge EV charging station located on campus.
the battery of his plug-
in hybrid so that he can
// Photo: Eleanor Berkhoudt
 FEATURES
PAGE 12 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM

Animal Rescue inspired by travels: Traveling Tails and Ragamuffin

◊ CHARLIE BUCKLEY
FEATURES EDITOR
After completing an
internship in California,
grad student Jordyn
Bucci-Mooney began her
cross country drive back
home. She drove through
the Navajo reservation,
located in the four corners
area of the country, a spot
where the states of Utah,
Arizona, New Mexico and
Colorado meet.
Bucci-Mooney was
shocked as she watched
a dog run across the road
in the rural desert through
which she drove. After
turning around, she was
surprised to find about 8
to 9 stray dogs wandering
around a gas station. It
was in this moment she
found her inspiration for
creating Traveling Tails and
Ragamuffin Rescue, an
animal rescue nonprofit Jordyn Mooney (left) pets a dog accompanied by two others.
that helps rehome stray // Courtesy of ttrrescue offical Instagram account
dogs and cats in the
upstate New York area. rescue. In November 2022, Since the start of the animal Chipotle will benefit the
Bucci-Mooney and some rescue, they’ve facilitated animal rescue by covering
“If you’re from the friends founded Traveling 31 animal adoptions. The veterinary appointments
northeast, this is a very odd Tails and Ragamuffin rescue looked for help and other animal needs.
scene to come across. It’s Rescue. with fostering the animals
definitely not something Pereira said she loved
“I realized there needed until their adoptions all the animals that have
we’d ever witness here,” were finalized. Students
Bucci-Mooney said. “I to be a more formal way been adopted since the
to go about this, both in from Utica took them start of the organization,
soon found out it was very in and have become
common on the Navajo getting vet care for the especially ones that had
animals and screening for volunteer members of the funny stories behind how
reservation for dogs to be organization since. Two
left at gas stations because properly matching people they were taken in. One of
with dogs or cats that are students are currently on her personal favorites was
there are so few sources the executive board for
available for vet care and going to fit their family,” how they got a cat they
Bucci-Mooney said. the organization as well. named Burrito.
shelter access.”
After starting the animal Jessilyn Pereira, a junior “My friend Sam had
She had returned to communications major,
California again the rescue, Bucci-Mooney ordered a burrito from
wanted to take it a step is part of the executive Chipotle for delivery and
following year, and board but wanted to do
planned ahead to further, certifying it as a heard a sound at the door,
nonprofit, so the rescue more. she assumed it was her
intentionally go through
the Navajo reservation on would be tax exempt. Pereira helped with food and opened the door
her way back to New York. “We began the process fundraising and event to find a cat sitting there,”
She picked up a mother and wrote down our coordinating which led to Pereira said. “Shortly after,
dog and two pups at the visions, our goals and her becoming the treasurer the cat just waltzed into the
reservation. brought another board of the rescue. Pereira is house and relaxed on the
member on, and in July currently coordinating floor so we got a call from
The bond she had with one a Chipotle fundraiser on Sam saying that we had a
of the puppies solidified her of 2023 we received our
501c3 nonprofit status,” Nov. 6, where 33% of the new cat at the house for
idea to begin the animal money spent that day at the rescue.”
Bucci-Mooney said.
 FEATURES
PAGE 13 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM

Saranac Brewery expands with outdoor Biergarten

◊ MICKALE THOMPSON
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Founded in Utica in 1888
by German immigrant
Francis Matt, FX Matt
Brewing Company, known
as Saranac Brewery 135
years later, unveiled a new
outdoor 18,000-square-foot
space in downtown Utica
capable of hosting up to
1,300 people.
In 2016, the company
opened the 1888 Tavern to
the public which for years
just served samples on tours.
Now its new outdoor space,
the Biergarten, is focused
on creating an immersive
family experience with its
pet-friendly environment,
outside seating, games
and food such as hibachi
and the “Big Matt Burger.”
“We really try to focus on
appealing to everyone,”
said Mark Equinozzi,
marketing director and
brand manager at FX
Matt Brewery Company. The Biergraden is located at 830 Varick Street and is opened three days a week.
“Whether you want to come // Courtesy of Mark Equinozzi
grab lunch Thursday or of beverages across the for its award-winning IPA and if something is a hit
Friday while you’re leaving United States all while “Clouded Dream” which we bring that out to the
work or it’s a weekend acquiring zero debt and went on to win four gold commercial public.”
[and] you want to come remaining family-owned medals and receive Equinozzi said the
out with the family, bring and operated through national awards. brewery will continue
your pets. We try to make four generations. Though the Biergarten to stick to the roots that
it so it’s something where
“We have a beverage will operate on a seasonal were established at the
it’s extremely inclusive and
for every drinking basis, the brewery can start to continually give
there’s something there for
occasion and every take advantage of customers a quality
everybody.”
drinker,” FX Matt’s Chief experiential marketing crafted beer.
Throughout its history, Sales Office Dave Mevoli by testing out products “We will definitely stick
the brewery has survived said. “We can cover on consumers directly to with that same mindset
prohibition and expanded cider, craft beer to really increase creativity. and always make sure
its product line with its most approachable pale ale “Our brewers like to that we’re making good
recent acquisition being or lager. So it’s a really be creative and we’re beer that is going to be
the Flying Dog, a brewery unique portfolio to have always looking to try out drunk by good people,”
located in Maryland. That and to represent.” something new,” Mevoli he said. “And we always
paired with the Flying Bison
Currently, the company said. “And the great will make sure to do it in a
Brewery in Buffalo, Lake
is run by brothers Nick thing that this affords us very inclusive way.”
Placid Brewery, Mckenzie
and Fred Matt. And over is we can brew… some “We don’t want to ever
Cider and Kingfisher, an
the past three years, the other style that we’re be known for anything
Indian lager beer, the
brewery has seen a $56 not necessarily known else besides good
company owns and
million expansion and for and we can test it out beer, good people and
distributes a wide variety
has become well known amongst consumers… inclusivity.”

PAGE 14 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM
Utica University holds first annual Coming Out Day
◊ JESSILYN PEREIRA
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Utica University celebrated
National Coming Out Day
on Oct. 11 by creating a
mural and telling the stories
of LGBTQIA+ Pioneers across
campus.
The office of Academic
Affairs and Interim Provost
Stephanie Nesbitt organized
the event in Strebel Center
where students, faculty
and staff participated in
the creation of the Coming
Out Day mural covered
with painted handprints of
different colors. The office
of Academic Affairs plans to
display the handprint mural
somewhere on campus.
Tables were set up with
information and LQBTQ+
themed snacks. To cap off
the celebration, Nesbitt told
her coming out story and
encouraged anyone who
wanted to to share their
own stories. Many did.
The spirit of pura vida: Gaining a different perspective in Costa Rica
◊ BREANNAN O’HARA
GUEST WRITER
One expression I fell in love
with in Costa Rica is pura
vida. The term translates
to “pure life,” but I have
learned that it’s much more
than that. It’s an attitude
towards life that emphasizes
gratitude about the simple
things and the idea that
life is what you make it out
to be. This atmosphere can
be sensed all around Costa
Rica and brings feelings of
calmness and bliss.
Most places I go to are
in the same vicinity as my
homestay so I do a lot of
walking. Whether I am
going to class or downtown,
I feel secure. During my
FEATURES
“I had a great time, they
gave me cookies and
stickers,” said Julia Tyrel,
a childhood education
major. “You get to see
just how expansive this
specific community is on
campus.”
Many students passing
through Strebel enjoyed
the event. LGBTQIA+
stickers, bracelets, pins
and pamphlets were
available to passerbyers.
Queer and allied students
found support in one
another.
Sully Walker, co-vice
president of the Gender
Sexuality Alliance, said
as a queer person in the
community, he wants
others to experience a
supportive environment.
“I’m glad we’re taking
steps in a more inclusive
direction,” Walker said.
“Coming out it’s a very
tough time that makes
a lot of people feel
walks, I engage all my
senses to experience
my new surroundings.
I hear the melodies of
the tropical songbirds.
I smell the crisp air and
fresh orichids. I see joyful
smiles all around. I stop
and taste the rich foods
at local sodas. I pet the
neighborhood dogs and
cats which always makes
my day. All together,
these observations relate
to pura vida, to notice
and appreciate the small
things.
In my first few weeks
of courses, I noticed
the atmosphere of the
university facilitates
an eagerness to learn
excluded or isolated
and I think showing
you are not alone with
a community that has
often felt ignored is
important.”
According to Walker, it
can be hard for members
of the LQBTQIA+
community to feel safe in
today’s political climate.
States throughout the
country are pushing
anti-trans and anti-gay
bills, but Utica University
has shown support to
its students and faculty
by giving them a space
to come out and be
themselves.
“I’ve never experienced
anything but a those members of our
welcoming campus
here,” Nesbitt said.
One of the reasons
Nesbitt wanted to
organize this event was
in response to student
surveys revealing they
felt the LGBTQIA+
because of its positive
emotional and physical
space. It’s full of natural
light and views of the
vast mountain range.
The study areas are
surrounded by unique
indoor landscapes with
open ceilings that allow
fresh air in. Students and
professors are welcoming
and carry a stress free
attitude. Positive energy
radiates throughout the
campus.
One aspect of the
learning system here
that’s different from
home is that there are no
course exams.This eases
the stress that students
experience from exams.
community wasn’t
visible around campus.
“I think it’s important
when you’re in a
leadership role to lead
authentically, and that
means I lead as who I am
and I’m open about it so
that students know that
it’s OK to be yourself,”
Nesbitt said. “One of the
things that’s been sad
for me as an individual
within the community is
in June, when it’s Pride
Month, the students
aren’t here. So I think it’s
really important to me
to have more events
and to make sure
that we’re embracing
community.”
Since the event was
a success, Academic
Affairs is looking forward
to holding another
Coming Out Day event
next year, she said.
Each of my courses
has a weekend and
a few day field trips to
nature preserves where
we conduct research.
According to the
professors, the field trips
serve as a teaching tool,
a natural lab setting and
a wellness center.
On the weekends, I
explore areas outside
of the city. The diverse
and unique geography
of Costa Rica is seen
as one of earth’s
greatest wonders. I’ve
witnessed the beauty of
an enormous volcano
surrounded by lush
CON. ON PAGE 15
 FEATURES
PAGE 15 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 UTICATANGERINE.COM
CON FROM PAGE 14 centerpiece of the area
rainforests and white and the town is full of
sand beaches with history, hidden waterfalls,
crystal clear waters on natural hot springs
the Caribbean sea. I and dense rainforests
experienced pura vida surrounded by dense
during these trips. Why rainforests.
be worried or stressed At the bottom of a 500-
when you are living in a step trail laid a majestic
tropical paradise, Costa waterfall surrounded
Ricans say. by dense greenery and
hanging vines. The water
My excursion to the
town of La Fortuna formed into a stream
that flowed through rigid
and Arenal Volcano
was unforgettable. rock formations. Fish
The volcano is the swam gracefully against
the current and sloths
Beach and mountain view in Costa Rica. // Courtesy of Breannan O’Hara
lazed in the trees above. a way to connect with
The 500 steps were worth people and share a
it. We relaxed in the common appreciation
water heated naturally for life and all that it brings.
by the volcano, gazing These past weeks, I have
at a breathtaking view. grown accustomed to
Smoke gently oozed out this attitude and it has
of the top of the volcano significantly impacted
and imprints of old lava my gratitude and
and ash eruptions made contentment.
a unique pattern on Breannan O’Hara is a
the sides. I really took junior majoring in animal
the time to soak in this
behavior with a minor in
tranquil environment. journalism and is studying
The pura vida attitude aboard in Costa Rica for
has shown me a different the Fall 2023 semester.
perspective on life. It is
PAGE 16 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023
SPORTS UTICATANGERINE.COM

Women’s Wrestling looks forward to program’s first season

Fontaine said. “We’re
looking for positive
growth in all three of our
programs for years to
come, but we also want
them to have the best
experience that they
possibly can at Utica
University.”
Whenever a new sport is
added at Utica all players,
coaches and stats are
added to uticapioneers.
com. Adam Ziobrowski,
director of sports
information, is charged
with overseeing the
Connor Lapresi is the first women’s wrestling head coach. // Courtesy of Uticapioneers.com website operation.
◊ NICK PHILLIPS Cortland where he taught aim to make an impact. Ziobrowski said the
SPORTS REPORTER a variety of classes in website is powered by
“My hopes for the
physical education. Sidearm. Through what
Shortly after Utica upcoming season is to
he calls the “backend of
University announced While in college, Lapresi build a foundation for
the website,” he is able
in September 2022 the started his journey at the start of the women’s
to create and edit rosters
addition of women’s Bucknell University before team,” Mills said. “I also
with all of the coaches
gymnastics along with he transferred to Cornell hope that our team
and athletes for each
men’s and women’s University where he can qualify for nationals
sport.
wrestling, Connor Lapresi graduated in 2018. because as a first-year
was named Utica’s first- program that means we From there, Ziobrowski
A two-time All-American
ever women’s wrestling are on the right track creates a roster in the stat
in wrestling at Lansing
head coach. in making the program programs with the same
High, Lapresi served as
successful.” names that are on the
Now one year later, the team’s captain for
website. When a game
Lapresi said he is focused two seasons and said he Utica University Athletic
ends he uploads the XML
on laying the foundation wants to hit the ground Director David Fontaine
files to the backend and
of the wrestling program. running this season, not said he is excited about
the website takes those
“From the basics of necessarily in records, but the university adding
files and produces what
the sport to the basics in the overall decorum. women’s wrestling, along
is on Uticapioneers.com.
of what makes a team, “There’s no reason why,” with men’s wrestling and
women’s gymnastics. When asked how he will
we are having these Lapresi said. “ We can’t
keep track of wrestling,
discussions early and are carry ourselves as if it’s “I’m happy Connor
Ziobrowski said it will be a
building what we want our fifth or tenth year as a [Lapresi] is aboard. He’s
learning experience for
to become,” Lapresi said. program.” led a couple of teams
his department.
“We’re also focusing Freshman wrestler and he’s in the wrestling
on the little things such world,” Fontaine said. “Wrestling [much like
Gillian Mills said the
as doing breathing “I’m looking forward to golf, cross country, track
university adding men’s
exercises with the athletic him producing on the & field] isn’t a sport
and women’s wrestling
counselor on campus, recruiting side of things.” where you sit and stat a
not only offers new
Allison Matlak.” game,” Ziobrowksi said.
opportunities for wrestlers Fontaine hopes that
“Thus, there is no XML for
Lapresi spent last year in New York State but is the new athletes have
the website to pull from.
coaching women’s a great opportunity for a good experience at
It sounds like we will be
wrestling at Ferrum Utica to participate in the Utica and are setting
keeping a running list of
College in Ferrum, sport. in academically at the
stats until hopefully there
Virginia. Before that, he Like Lapresi, Mills said university.
becomes a cleaner way
was an assistant coach even as a first-year “If they need anything in the future.”
for two seasons at SUNY program, the wrestlers we’re here to help them,”