WORD OF ADVICE

                  In all essence, we do come to college hoping to find "that special someone". Males come to impress and the females come to dress. These two things only last for such a short period of time. At least until we all become comfortable around the people we see every single day. Utica College is not such a small campus for only being a college, but in time it will seem to be very small! So here are my words of advice....

                         Everyone knows everyone so there is no need to try "creeping". There is no such thing, because there is always someone watching. It is very easy to spot someone from your window without squinting just by knowing how they dress or walk. Ask any upperclassman, they will tell you the same thing. Still, my words of advice must remain separate for male and female. Of course, I will start with the females...

To my wonderful female high school graduates,

I know you think your great looking, you know all you need to know, you want to get your hair and nails done every 1-2 weeks, etc. This will all change when you see the female who looks better to you in your mind, you'll meet another female who knows more than you, you'll realize you won't have enough money all the time to get your hair and nails done....it will all change.

-Loose the overly confident attitude.
There is so much more for you to learn in college about others and mostly yourself. You should remain open to ideas and listening to your advisers. Don't make yourself so susceptible to not asking for help when you need it. Just loose the attitude because it will only get you so far.

-Don't be vulnerable.
These guys will seem all great because now they are "college guys". Upperclassmen guys will appear to be even more attractive. Don't pay them so much attention unless they do something extraordinary to get it because then you will regret it. Every guy you like, maybe 5 other girls like him as well. Just because he is smart and attractive doesn't mean everything he tells you is true.

-Don't become a twin.
Us females love to have a best friend by our sides. We love have someone to go to the bathroom and cafeteria with us on a daily basis. Still, you will soon realize your best friend can become your worst enemy. Remember to always be your own person. You weren't born with them and it is a possibility they won't make it to your future.

-Don't spend the money you don't have.
Unless your parents are rich or high-class, you don't have it like that. It is very easy for us to spend money that we never really had in the first place. The mall will always be there. The guy you like doesn't need to see you in a new outfit everytime you see him.

-Don't let her get the best of you.
It's very easy for females to become jealous and envious. Don't let other females get the best of you. You don't want to feel like you have to "out do" other females. It isn't worth it, because there is always something they don't have that you do. Your not in competition because everyone is there to get their bachelor's and there is enough to go around for everyone. 

For the excited male high school graduates,

Yes, you are finally out of high school and you can meet some more interesting, older and educated females. You want to look your best with your name brand, louis vuitton and gucci belts, polo shirts, and expensive footwear. Here is something you may want to remember....

-Loose the hype.
Don't become so overly hyped about college that you forget what you initially came there for. You are not old enough to drink, it's not okay to stay up till 4am when you have an 8:30 class. Keep your mind focused on your initial goals of leaving in 4 YEARS with your bachelor's. If not, then the same friends keeping you back will only move forward without you.

-Avoid the vulnerability.
You aren't someone to be used by your friends or females on campus. If you have a car, you must remember you don't need to give everyone a ride. People will become your best friend if they know you have a car. Females will expect you to give up more than just your time, don't do it unless you know you can. It isn't all about the ladies.

-Get involved
Many males refuse to get involved in organizations. B.O.N.D. (Brothers On A New Direction) is not the only organization you can become involved in. Also, sports are the only aspect of your college experience. Be able to enjoy everything that captures your interest.

-Make them proud
Remember how important your grades are. Even though it is your first semester, it is not okay to flunk out. The partying and females will ALWAYS be there. You should make sure you put yourself first and your school work to make your family proud of you as well.

ALL IN ALL, everyone should know the opposite sex is there and they will always bet there. In many instances, people find their significant others on the college campus. Others don't have the chance of doing so. Still either way, everything happens differently for everyone. Don't go searching for love and happiness, just let it happen. In the meantime, you should concentrate on schoolwork and improving yourself. So here is my biggest word of advice, "It's 4 years of college, it happens now so enjoy every moment because it will stick with you forever."

You did it...Or have you yet?

               YOU DID IT! You hear these words in screams from loved ones, written on balloons and repeated over and over inside your head. You did it! Yes, you've graduated from high school, but soon you'll realize this is only such a tiny spec of your life. You didn't do it yet, you are just beginning to do it. It's kind of like only learning to be potty trained. You've learned to crawl in high school and say "goo, gaa or mama", but college will teach you how to be completely potty trained and walk on your own without anyone holding on to you. Still, you are apart of Class of 2010...How does it feel? Great, right!? Now your challenge is to make it class of 2014, because like they say in the beginning. "The person to your right and left freshmen year will not be there when your at graduation..."

                    It was a drag, it was the time of your life, it was full of drama, it was horrible, it was great...we all have our own opinion of what the high school experience was for us. Either way, we all must college is an entire new ball game. It's so easy to fall into the "hype" of being on our own.

Empty Campus, Empty Minds

            It's finally May 2nd, 2010 and the school year is officially coming to a very end in the next couple of days. Everyone's hair is undone, sweatpants and caffeine are your best friends, hands are hurting, computer labs are full, 3-hour laptop wait in the library and there is no time to breath. Finals are coming and if you never heard of pressure, it's here now.
            After the completion of all finals, bags, storage bins, trucks, vans and cars are packed to capacity. All the rooms are back to having only a desk, dresser, closet and bed. The relief of pressure is gone and the excitement of summer rushes to you. Still, Utica College seem to be forgetting one thing.
            Even though you are not enrolled in classes for the summer, does not mean your brains should be on pause. Every single hall and classroom of Hubbard is empty, but is your mind too?

                Summer vacation for most college students are full of working or fun. Regardless of your plans for the summer, everyone should remain proactive. Everyone at Utica College has a goal for after graduation. This should be a vacation from stress, but not relief from reality. You are still students and working towards a goal. Most people wait till their senior year to decide on plans for the future.
                As a freshman, you've just completed your first year of college. The excitement is the same as going from high school to college. In many ways, you feel as though you have grown a great deal in only one year. This experience for you has been enjoyable and the sight of reality may have not hit you as hard. Your sophomore year will be more difficult in course loads. The 100 and 101 courses are going further and further away from you. You should make a 3-year plan of the courses necessary for graduation. Many people end up going into their 5th year of college. Why wait, when this is your chance to be on top of things before the real stress begins.
                As a sophomore, you have grown almost completely. Your past two years have went by so quickly. It's hard for you to even realize your junior year in college is here. Well, you are at a perfect time. You may not have as much fun as you did as a freshman or even a sophomore year. You should have chosen a major and know the exact requirements for graduation. You should evalute your performance in courses for the past two years. Be able to see what you need to change in study habits or time management. These two aspects will be essential to your next two years.
                As a junior, you feel like you've "been there, done that." Yes, YOU ARE A SENIOR. There are some things you should be able to understand. First off you should realize, in ONE (1) year, you will be out in the real world. If you don't already, you should have a plan for after graduation. The Office of Career Services should be your best friend. Open a credential file, fix or add to your resume, make a cover letter and receive your personalized business cards. For the next year, you shouldn't only succeed in every class. You should be looking for career fairs on campus and off, applying for internships this summer and so on.Find out what is going to help you stand out above the rest applying for jobs or graduate school. There is no time for you to waste on the little aspects of college. The drama for you is out of the window. This is an analogy for being able to fully comprehend you don't have time for anything unimportant but your school work.

                As a senior, THIS IS IT. You've done it. Your college years are over. You may be starting to feel a bit scared due to all the stories on the economy. The only thing a senior needs to understand is you have made it this far, there is no reason to doubt yourself now. Find a job ASAP. Your resume and cover letters should be set in place. From this point on, YOUR life starts. You have to be able to stand on your own two feet. There will be no one holding your hand. People say its easy to loose your motivation after you graduate, but keep it there. Stay positive, because remember the person you were as a freshman till now. They are two different people...

 Despite what year of college we are in, our minds should always be active. Things should not become a blur.

Extra-Va-Ganza

                  There are only a select few people who understand what the Extravaganza event truly means, but on Saturday, April 24, 2010 it was seen again.
                  Africa In Motion (AIM) prepared heavily for the huge audience attending this annual event. The only issue is no one can ever truly be completely prepared. The crowd becomes so big every year. AIM Alumni, Utica College Alumni, friends and family of performers waited impatiently on line. Prior to the event, AIM advertised to the fullest this year. They reserved a showcase in front of the Student Activities Office and left a sign standing there for people coming through Strebel Student Center.

                  There were many plans in advanced for everything. It appeared to be a mini-fashion show as everyone came dressed up with their best outfits. The dancers came more prepared to give their audience a show. Through the disappointments, excitement, happiness, and confusion, AIM and the other groups managed to forget about all the mixed emotion from the audience. People remained in their chairs and others stood on their feet. Regardless, everyone enjoyed some part of the show. This in all you can say is a true accomplishment!

Recap of the show:

Hosts for the show: Monique Sidberry & Keron Alleyne

 AIM opening the show

Phi Beta Sigma Steppers

"No Behavior" from Herkimer Community College

Singer: Danielle Moore...Back-up Singers: Monique Sidberry & Margarita Cruz

Samson the Poet

 AIM in their 2nd section

Angelic Voices of Unity - Gospel Choir

Team Mannequin from SUNY IT

Team F.E.M.

Africa In Motion Closing the show!!!

Let's Create a BOND, While I cater to you

             The most well-known all male campus organization comes up with a bright idea to reach out only towards the females.

             They created an event called "Cater To You." The flyers hung high for days and females continuously stopped and smiled. Days prior to the event, there was talk on the quad, the pathway and in the lounges amongst females. The excitement was overwhelming for them. They would be able to get their hair, nails and eyebrows done. There would be no better day!

             Still, the "Cater To You" day came and the Brothers On A New Direction looked "spiffy", but there were some sad female faces. The specialist for doing nails was not able to attend. Along with this downfall, there was only one hairstylist available to flat iron hair and complete eyebrows. 
             Darven Dodard, who is the dean of membership for BOND, speaks about where the idea came from. He explains it was organized by Keron Alleyne and Jabari Scutchins. Alleyne brought it up because females complained about males never doing anything for them. Also, females were concerned with the lack of gentlemen found. "We expected the event to by a lot faster," Dodard said. Their planning in advance fell threw as the specialists canceled on them one by one.

              The event as a whole was successful for it's last minute changes. Females' hair were flowing after being stuck in a bun. Their eyebrows were arched after almost being connected to one another. This was all possible with the Gianni Lauryn Hair Studio on 3805 Oneida Street in New Hartford. In the end, all the females participated were able to get $5 off if they attend the salon. As the years go by, this event should be a very frequent one with more options for the females.

Females can shop MORE at the bookstore

               The Utica College Bookstore has expanded it's apparel to fit the female students' interest after the usual settlement for the unisex clothing.

               Savannah Hansen, assistant manager of the UC Bookstore, is in charge of the general merchandise. Ever since June 2009, she has been working for the bookstore. Hansen has been able to change the bookstore for the better. Her decisions have allowed the bookstore to sell more women's clothing than every before. 

               As in the past, the bookstore goes through a particular process for orders. Lauren Partyka, manager of the UC Bookstore, is in charge of the school supplies and book orders. According to Hansen, the supplies are chosen from a "Pick List" given to the store by the home office. Partyka and Hansen are being told the amount of each supply to sell to the students by the corporate offices. For the books, it's process differs. 

              For years, it has been the same way of ordering trade and reference books. The books are ordered on demand by students or professors. As for other times, it would be sent automatically to the store from the vendors. If professors had an upcoming exam for their students, they would special order the books through  the bookstore. 

              The clothing has been chosen from the "Assortment Plan" given to each college bookstore of Barnes & Noble. Each brand would tell the bookstore what type of clothing can be sold in the store. Another aspect for the clothing for years has been the GM Newsletter. This is provided to all Barnes & Noble College Booksellers about the different trends and the ways other bookstores are selling their clothing. 

              "The students are our customers and we sell what they want," said Hansen. She felt her motivation for selling the women's clothing came from the students. According to Hansen, her female student workers constantly complained about the lack of women's fitted clothing. 

               Hansen first tested the waters of female clothing with "Fear the Moose - Utica" tees. "These t-shirts were not good at all," she said. "They ran too small and close-fitted." These shirts did not sell well for the bookstore. The Champion vendor sold better for the bookstore displaying "Utica College" on the front. 

               "I realized there has been a lot more women's clothing being sold," said Jamilia Cain. She is a sophomore psychology student. "I love the UC tees and the tie-dye shirts, but I brought some track shorts and a zippered sweatshirt." 

                In December 2009, Jansport sold black and white sweatpants with "Utica" in pink zebra print to the bookstore. According to Hansen, every bookstore in the upstate region carried these pants specifically for their school. "The black ones sold out in a week, but the white ones a lot slower," she said. She constantly speaks with the Hamilton bookstore allowing the region to all sell similar clothing. 

               Women's clothing now makes up between 15 to 20 percent of the stores' general merchandise. The new tie-dye navy sweatshirts for women were sold out in one month. These new trends were especially posted in the GM Newsletter. In February of 2010, the newsletter promotes the "Spring Theme Table" of Pink and Green. As it states, "New product for the spring table should be set up on 3.01.10 and will feature Spring Break travel items continuing with the pink and green trend." There have been many changes not only in the bookstore, but in what they are persuaded to convey from the stores. 

                The bookstore has continued to improve on the intake of female fitted clothing. Their growth of the clothing has allowed it to be sold very quickly. 

Undercover Haters

                 The term "hater" has continuously been used language, but we don't seem to notice the true haters surrounding us. Then again, they are more behind the scenes. They are "undercover".

                   As we think back, everyone remembers "Angela Smith". This was apparently a Utica College student, who made a fake facebook account. They took it upon themselves to expose gossip from campus drama. Everyone was appalled and shocked by these accusations. People stayed near their sidekicks and laptops to see what he or she will post next. Rumor after rumor destroyed relationships, friendships and personal integrity. Students tried as hard as possible to put two and two together trying to figure out who was responsible. Eventually, you saw papers on the front of Strebel Student Center's doors asking about any available information. Of course, there were false assumptions on certain people. In the end, it all died down until another "Angela Smith" account was made. There was more exposure and hurtful statements made about students. Till this day, no one is absolutely positive about who did it or if these statements were true. The rumors floated away and UC students moved on.
                   As much as we hate to admit it, these people can be our very friends. Everyone would become surprised with a huge incident like the facebook account. Still, we don't seem to realize we are surrounded by "haters" on a daily basis. We may be telling our best friend private information, then they tell their other best friend, and the cycle continues. Undercover haters are surrounded by you on this campus constantly. You can not be surprised about huge incidents, because it happens right in front of your face in smaller portions. Rather than accusing others of being "haters", we should think about whether or not we are giving something to talk about. You shouldn't spread your business loosely and expect things to remain a secret. Maybe in actuality the we are our own undercover hater.
                    Still, the most perplexing thing is why do these people have to hide their identity? We wonder to ourselves, what could they possibly be gaining? For a person to create a fake e-mail address, fake facebook account and spend time writing rumors, we wonder are you passing your classes? There are so many questions for the people who hide their identity to expose others. These may be the same people with a bad reputation trying to take the attention off of themselves. We may be giving them something to talk about, but these people have no right to prey into people's business anonymously.
                    As the relieve comes off our shoulders about Angela Smith, we enjoy our twitter accounts on the blackberries and iphones. Then, here comes "YouGotBlownUp". Someone creates a fake twitter account exposing more gossip. He or she has decided to tell everyone to send them a personal message if they would like to tell someone's "dirt". Who in their right mind would send information to them knowing they could possibly tell the public about the message. Obviously, they are coming up with these accusations all on their own. Why should we entertain these people?
                     Now, it goes both ways. Regardless if the information is accurate or not, there is no right for anyone to post information about our private lives. The "Honesty Box" and "Formspring" isn't any different than the fake accounts. People are asking you questions about your life. People are telling you things that they can't say to your face. Yet, everyone goes around calling themselves "trustworthy" and "real". Again, we entertain the gossip. When someone asks you personal questions on formspring, no need to post them on facebook or twitter. We are constantly giving people ideas about us. Your facebook statuses and tweets are a reflection of who you are. People will only know what you tell them.
                       I've heard of other colleges having the same issue. Still, you should be aware Utica College is a very small campus. What you tell one person may actually be telling 3 other people. We don't seem to realize the undercover haters could be the person always next to us. We shouldn't give them something to talk about. Remember your best friend is your worst enemy.

Multi-cultural Greek Forum

              On Wednesday, March 10th, Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held their annual Multicultural Greek Forum. This was a wonderful event providing the UC campus with information on different Greek organizations. There were "Greeks" who traveled from other schools such as Syracuse University and Hamilton College. Each organization were required to answer specific questions and give background information on their organization. The question grabbing the audience's attention the most was, "If you were the opposite sex, which fraternity or sorority would you have chosen?" The audience remained intrigued through out the entire event. Whether you were interested in an organization or there for support, it was worth the time. Here is a glimpse of the organizations:

  

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

                             Chi Upsilon Sigma Sorority, Inc.

                                    Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

                                  Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

                                   Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

                                   Sigma Lambda Upsilon, Inc.

                          Lambda Sigma Upsilon Fraternity, Inc.

If you missed the event, look forward to it next year!
PHOTOS BY: Amber Recio

NEW Leadership & Wellness Center

             The new Leadership and Wellness Center was created to give students a variety of opportunities to develop leadership skills other than at leadership weekend as well as to help students feel better and give them chances to get out and focus on being healthy, says Maureen Murphy, the assistant director of Student Activities. Kelly Adams, assistant vice president for Advertisement/Marketing & Communications for Institutional Advancement, is very excited to have this kind of center available to the students. He believes that students will be able to walk away with a variety of experiences.
              "The role that the center could play is as a very visible and effective bridge between academic and social dimensions of student education and experience here," said Adams. "The programming will provide meaningful opportunities to students." The events the center has in place already range from the Biggest Loser Challenge, a Ski trip, and different kinds of workshops.
                The center is holding a series of leadership workshops. They will be open to students, faculty, and staff; also, private sessions can be scheduled by individual UC organizations for a more one-on-one approach. The workshops will focus mainly on three topics this semester which are body language, officer transition, and basic organization issues such as delegation and pumping up other members to get more involved.
                The body language workshop is designed to make people aware of the different types of body language, how to effectively use body language in situations, that some body language can be taken as negative even though it isn't meant that way, and how to be aware of your own language.
                "Some people use negative body language and they don't even know they are doing it," said Maureen Murphy. "My workshop is designed to educate people how to be aware of this."
                Office transitions are something that happens in every organization at least once a year, sometimes once a semester. It is very important that organizations are aware of how to effectively transition and know that they need sufficient time to do so, said Murphy. Paul Lehmann, director of Student Activities, will be helping put on this workshop. Lehmann describes the workshop as "a course on advancing leaders on strategies and how to transition form one group leader to another." He said organizations sometimes wait too long to start the transition process.
               "Most wait until March or April to pick new officers, leaving no time to work with the present position holder or plan for the next year," said Lehmann. "They end up needing to take at least a month out of the fall semester to teach/transition the new position leader. Sometimes the previous holders are seniors and by the time new ones are picked, seniors may have 'checked out' or they graduate before the transition is done."
               Sometimes organizations have problems with their leaders delegating jobs and tasks to other members for a variety of reasons. There are times that some members may feel that not everyone is as dedicated as the other and this can be a reason why they have problems delegating. This is where "pumping up" other members comes in. The workshop that covers basic organization issues will offer ways for leaders and members to get excited about their organization and what their focus is and what needs to get done. It will also give tips on delegating tasks to other members.
                The dates and times of these workshops are not yet determined. If you are interested in having Maureen Murphy hold a workshop for your organization, you can contact her by e-mail at mrmurphy@utica.edu, by phone at (315) 792-3037, or stop by her office in 105 Strebel Student Center.

                                                SUBMITTED BY: Sarah Lucia

More info: http://www.utica.edu/student/activities/leadershipwellness.cfm

Two UC Juniors Make Women's Basketball History

         For the first time in Utica College women's basketball history, two juniors have reached 1,000 career points during the same season.
         Forward Jessica Berry, Rome, N.Y., became the eighth player in the program's history to reach 1,000 career points during the Pioneers' fourth game of the 2009-2010 season against Hamilton College on Nov. 30.
         Since then, Berry, who sports jersey number 33, has reached a total of 1,507 points, placing her in third place for individual career-high scoring since 1980. She trails the No. 1 spot by only 262 points.
         Berry's teammate, guard Devon Croll, Vernon, N.Y., became the ninth player to join the 1,000 point club during their game against Hartwick College on Feb. 16.
         Four games later, Croll, jersey number 11, is now up to 1,048 points and has taken sixth place in individual career-high scoring.
         According to Utica College's sports information director, Gill Burgmaster, both players are moving up on the record sheets in areas other than shooting, too.
         "Jess has a great shot at becoming the College's all-time leading scorer," Burgmaster said. "And she is on pace to become just the second player in program history to score 1,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds. Devon is on pace to become the programs all-time leader in assists and steals."
          But, breaking records is not all these two players do. Berry, who is pursuing a degree in criminal justice, and psychology major, Croll, have also earned many awards for their hard work.
          This seaon, Berry was named the Empire 8 Conference Player of the Year and she received Conference Player of the Week five times. She was named the ECAC Division III Upstate Co-Player of the Week and was selected as a member of the Empire 8 All-Conference First-Team for the third consecutive year.
           In 2009, Berry was named to the ECAC Division III Upstate New York All-Star Team for the second straight season and she became the second player in Utica College history to be named to the D3hoops.com National Team of the Week. She was named Rookie of the Year for both ECAC Upstate and the Empire 8 Conference in 2008.
            Croll joined Berry as a member of the Empire 8 All-Conference First-Team this season.
            In 2009, Croll was named to the Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team for the second consecutive season and she was named Utica College Female Athlete of the Week. During her freshman season, Croll was named the Empire 8 Rookie of the Week twice.
            Utica College's women's basketball head coach, Michele Davis, says that Berry and Croll are very valuable to the team, but that both players know it's a team effort that has driven their success.
            "They're both exceptional players and students...Jess, right now, is averaging almost 22 points a game and I believe Devon's averaging 13 to 15 points a game. And we need them to score to be successful," Davis said. "Anytime we get those individual awards, whether it's a player of the week or player of the year or we score a thousand, they both realize the team has helped them reach that potential. Even the other day, Devon left her 1,000 point balloons and flowers up in the locker room because it was a team award...that's a great team player."
              Berry echoed her coach's response on teamwork when asked if she felt any pressure being the team's lead scorer.
              "Not really," Berry said. "We don't need to rely on just one player. We have four other people on the court who are just as capable. I've been so successful because of those 14 other players that we have. Ya know, we come in each day, practice and work hard. They make me better."
               Croll followed suit and credited her team as she recounted the moment when she made the shot that put her on the record boards.
               "Well, I really didn't know, but I guess everybody else knew. So, after I made the shot, I just turned around and I didn't know what was going on," Croll said. "But, I felt good. I mean it's not just me, it's the players, like my team. They pass me the ball, we work together, so it's a great accomplishment overall,"
               Now that their regular season is over and they've grabbed the Empire 8 Championship title with a 21-6 record overall, the Pioneers will play in the NCAA Division III Championship next weekend.
              Burgmaster believes that Berry and Croll's accomplishments will help to put some pressure on their opponents in upcoming games.
              "The competition comes to Utica knowing they are going to have to play against two of the best players in the conference. That's a very intimidating feeling," Burgmaster said. "Jess and Devon have helped lift the program to new heights and hopefully their success on the court will translate into a deep run in post season play."
              As for next season, Coach Davis says that both players have the potential to challenge Lyke's 1, 769 points for the No. 1 spot. Davis even says that Lyke is eager for them to do so.
              "Ya know, the funny thing is, Sharon is very supportive of our program. She comes to a lot of our games," Davis said. "She'll shoot me a text before every game, 'Wish the girls good luck.' She wants it done. She's like, 'I'm waiting for it. I'm excited for next year when they break my record."

                                SUBMITTED BY: Miranda McKee

The ONLY big event for UC

              On the night of Friday, March 5th, people coming from everywhere near and far came to set up the Boehlert Conference Center. There were people coming in from afternoon till night to park their cars for the big event. Campus safety were out on big alert for all visitors entering and leaving the campus. America's Greatest Heart Run & Walk was held on the Utica College campus for the 13th consecutive year.
               On Saturday, March 6th, students were awaken in all dorms to people shouting with joy. There were over 10,000 people on campus to sign up and get started for the walk/run. Everyone had the option of the 3-mile walk, 3-mile run, 5-mile run, 10-mile run or 30K run. This is the only time of the year, there would be so many people on campus. Here is an insight:

 The teams get together after signing up 

Inside the gym: Signing up 

Team UC begins the walk

Only the beginning

The FINISH Line

Every organization walked or ran for this big occasion. It may be sad, but truthful to say, this is the only event you will see every organization on campus come together for a good cause. This poses as a very big occasion for the Utica College community. Still, why don't we all come together more?

            Runners and walkers were given water, subway sandwiches of either turkey or tuna, fruit snacks, granola bars, yogurt or tangerines. There was so much support and excitement for this particular day. We should go back to the idea of this being the only event, everyone would come together. Does the Utica College community truly work together? Unlike a university, this is a smaller campus. Apparently, we have the Homecoming events, but even then not everyone would be completely involved. This is exceptional for everyone deciding to come and show support for a good cause. The American Heart Association is not the only organization seeking help and donations. We should question ourselves of why hasn't anyone put together more big walks or run for other organizations. The UC campus came together in time of the earthquake of Haiti. Now, Chile had an even worse experience than Haiti and what have we as a college done in support. We should not refer to just one organization. Rather college students as a whole we should come together for more causes. 

              Some people would believe college students are concentrating on their work so much. This factor would make it difficult to come up with huge community service projects. How true is this statement for Utica College, when 11% of students per semester are on academic probation. Another point comes to mind, can we be completing community service acts to make ourselves look good. As students, we are should be more motivated coming up with innovative ideas. We shall question our actions not just a human beings or growing adults, but as a college students. Are we doing community service to provide genuine help or to make our organizations look better? In actuality, what big accomplishments have we done as a college for others in need besides the Heart Run & Walk?

Party, Party, Party...Let's all get KICKED OUT!

         UC students are the same as most college students when it comes to partying. Everyone wants to enjoy their 4 years of college the best way they can. The partying and freedom on a college campus hasn't benefited everyone. Overall, students seem to forget their original goal of being in college.                

In Vol. 63, Issue 19 of the Tangerine, Danielle Kane wrote an article titled "11% of UC Students Put on Academic Probation" discussing the issue of academic probation on the Utica College campus. It states "Approximately 11 percent of students every semester, whose grade point average fall below 2.0..." According to Steve Pattarani, the dean of Student Success, he claims "It's just over 200 students who are on academic probation per semester."
              In general, this is very sad information for the community. There are a bit over 3,000 students enrolled at UC and a little over 400 students have a GPA of lower than 2.0 ever year. Students fail to realize that after two semesters of academic probation, you can be dismissed from school. There is no one to blame but yourself for your GPA being so low.
               Every student will have their worst semester in college. It should not get to the point where you are forgetting about your priorities. Here are some tips for passing your classes:

• You don't have to be at all the parties every week from Thursday night to Saturday night
• Skip at least one party to catch up on your work
• Put your pride aside and speak to your professors or advisers for extra help
• Request a tutor for your classes
• Use a calendar or planner to keep track of all your due dates for homework or upcoming exams
• Stay away from the people who are distractions to your work
• You don't have to live in the library, but go there very often
• Figure out your best place for studying whether it's your room or the library
• Don't over-study because it will be worse not better for you
• Read over your notes every night to avoid cramming 
• Find more time to complete your work during the day to avoid a lack of sleep 

 We all want to enjoy our college experience, but at least put in all your hard work first. You want to get an A socially, by being very active in different organizations. You want to get an A mentally, by experiencing a lot of growth with the transition from high school. You want to get A's academically, by putting all your effort into your classes. Don't only excel in some parts of your experience. Take advantage of all the opportunities around you. You don't want to go through your 4 or 5 years without knowing you didn't do everything you possibly could.

At least if your partying, celebrate your good grades!

Dinner at it's finest

           On Wednesday, March 6, 2010, the Office of Career Services held their annual Etiquette Dinner in the Faculty Dining Room. This year, Aramark Dining Services and HEOP helped with the hosting of this great event. Students were able to attend upon reservations. The waiting list was filed with 3 students hoping for a chance. If students didn't show up, they would have been charged $10. Overall, the event was great. The dinner as a whole was informative and entertaining. Here is a brief insight:

Decorations on each table

Menu of the night

First course

Second Course

Third Course (One Option from Three)

UC Can Eat Real Food NOW

       When students are fed up with the cafeteria, they often head to Pioneer Cafe or Subway. Now, over 3,100 students of Utica College won't have to go off campus for a 4th option.
        The college has allowed one man and his son to cook and sell new foods through Pioneer Cafe. The New "Spanish Corner" and "Paco's Special" will be available from 11a.m. to 3p.m. selling a variety of Hispanic originated foods in deference to students who are from an urban setting.
         "I came up with the idea, because I heard students complaining all of the time," said Damian 'Paco' Santiago. "Students and faculty regularly buy the food every day." As Santiago tells it, if it wasn't for his connections with the students, he may have not thought of the idea so soon. There was an understanding that some new foods had to be brought to the campus.
          "There is no other campus in the area selling Spanish food," he said. Aramark Food Services provide Santiago and his son, Damian Santiago Jr., with all of the materials to make the foods. The "Spanish Corner" remains the same on a weekly basis. It includes:

• Carne Frita - Hand cut pork seasoned and fried
• Empanadillas - Fried dough stuffed with either chicken or beef
• Tostones - Fried plantains
• Amarillos - Sweet plantains
• Mofongo - Smashed seasoned plantains served with pork 

These foods are known as the "finger foods" while "Paco's Special" is the actual meal sold separately. These foods change on a daily basis. On Friday's, Santiago sells "Paco's famous fried chicken or pork served with rice." As there is a special for every day of the week, he can make a special for specific days. For instance, "Paco's Ash Wednesday Special" consists of two mini fish sandwiches served with chips or fries.
           Santiago has worked with Aramark for 8 years. He used to work for Subway and then served Breakfast and Lunch at the grill in the cafeteria. Now he cooks and serves the Hispanic food and Pioneer's menu. According to him, the idea was immediately approved by his boss, Jeffery Weissinger, Director of Campus Dining Services. He faced no difficulties with the approval.
           Since the recent addition of the "Spanish Corner" and "Paco's Special", there is an increase in customers. There has been a lot more satisfied faculty, staff and students buying the food from Pioneer. "During the day, 50% of sales are from the food," said Pat Tarnacki, who is the manager of Subway and Pioneer Cafe. He has worked there for 3 years and as a manager for 1 year and a half. "Every day it's basically the same customers, some kids would buy 8 empanadillas."

            Students at Utica College have completely expressed their satisfactory for the foods being sold. Especially students from an urban setting have felt closer to home.
            "I was shocked to actually see real food in Pioneer," said Emmanuela Waldron. She is a 22-year-old female from Brooklyn, N.Y. As a senior at UC, she has seen hardly any change to the foods like the burgers, and fries over the past four years. "It was always the same food being sold over and over." She said. "Now, everyone I know buys something every week from Pioneer."
            Melissa Suero is a student of Hispanic descent. She is from New York City and majors in public relations. "I buy the food from Pioneer at least twice a week," Suero said. "I think it's amazing and it makes me feel like I am back at home again."
            "I like the food the way it is, but I would like to see him sell the food on the weekends or extend hours on the weekday," said Debra Cruz. She is a liberal arts student from New York City. Cruz believes the food being sold from 11a.m. to 3p.m. isn't enough.
             Santiago wants to give more options for food in the near future. He especially wants to be able to provide additional finger foods for students. According to Santiago, he and his son are the only ones who know how to make the food properly. Soon, he will be attempting to advertise the foods on Facebook to bring in more students.
             Students, staff and faculty are now provided with new foods on a weekly basis. There are no Spanish food restaurants within walking distance of campus. Now, "Paco's Corner" is only within two steps away from your room.