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.