News
The News section covers things from local news happening on campus and the community to current events, including major political developments, national and international news stories, and social issues.
Career Center holds Career Expo
On Tuesday, Apr. 4, the Geneseo Career Design Center held its Career Expo in the MacVittie Union ballroom. The event was open to students to come and explore different career opportunities.
Students represent Geneseo at nation-wide scholarly conferences
Following spring break, two groups of Geneseo students traveled to respective prestigious conferences to present their work and represent Geneseo among other scholars from across the country. From Mar. 22 to Mar. 25, four students from various majors traveled to Gainesville, Florida to attend the 47th Annual National Council for Black Studies Conference. Then, from Mar. 29 to Apr. 1, students from Geneseo’s chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society traveled to Denver, Colorado for the Annual Sigma Tau Delta Convention.
Millions of dollars worth of artwork improperly stored in Brodie Hall
Since the early years of SUNY Geneseo’s founding as a college, it has received gifts of works of art given to enhance teaching the arts at Geneseo. The current collection was estimated by a professional appraiser in 2017 to be valued at between $1.8 - 2.5 million dollars and is composed of local and international artists alike. This collection, however, can only be found on limited display; there is a group of works located in the President’s House, while others reside in other buildings and private spaces across the campus.
Geneseo continues its participation in NSSE to enhance higher-education experiences
As of Mar. 1, SUNY Geneseo will partake in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) headed by the Indiana University School of Education. By having students complete this survey, universities are able to better gauge the environment at their respective campuses and work to cultivate a better experience for current and future students attending their institutions.
Geneseo’s a cappella groups deliver (pitch) perfect mid-semester concert
On Sunday, Mar. 5, Geneseo’s five a cappella groups performed for their first major concert of the spring semester. The two-hour concert featured a setlist of energetic hits and ballads alike, and many of the groups featured “Senior Song” performances which were the highlight of the night.
Administration offers student/faculty conversations about upcoming curriculum changes
With the adoption of a new curriculum within Geneseo’s general education requirements, Geneseo Learning Outcomes for a Baccalaureate Education (GLOBE), the administration is now offering opportunities for students and faculty to speak directly with those creating and implementing the changes campus-wide.
Say “No” to the Willow Project
The Willow Project is an oil venture proposed by ConocoPhillips in late 2021 at the end of the Trump administration. This venture would give the private oil company full reign over vast oil and gas reserves in Alaska. ConocoPhillips proposed extracting a 23 million-acre area on the state’s North Slope, conveniently the largest tract of undisturbed public land in the United States. The extraction would result in CO2 emissions that are 99.7% higher than any other industrial site, meaning the negative impact this extraction will have on its environment is unfathomable.
Student-run organization making strides to a more inclusive campus
Safe Zone is a program at SUNY Geneseo, and many other institutions, in which designated personnel provide training for those who are wanting to become better allies to the LGBTQ+ community. They hold training sessions throughout the year in order to provide information and workshops for those who are willing to expand their knowledge and help create a more positive impact on the community.
Professor Kodjo Adabra and students hold celebratory book signing event
On Wednesday, Feb. 22, Associate Professor Kodjo Adabra of the French Department held a book-signing event for his new memoir, The Power of an Untamed Mindset. The event was not merely a book signing; rather, it was a celebration of the collective human experience and the lasting impact of the relationships that are fostered here at Geneseo.
2023 Diversity Summit on “Campus Climate: Learn, Engage, Take Action”
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, Geneseo hosted its fifth annual Diversity Summit with the theme of “Campus Climate: Learn, Engage, Take Action.” The event was organized by the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) and the President’s Commission on Diversity and Community (co-chaired by Director of Residence Life Sarah Frank and Chief Diversity Officer Robbie Routenberg), with several services provided through Student Association (SA) funding and Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS).
Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, offers words of wisdom and strength in webinar for Black History Month
On Friday, Feb. 24, the Geneseo Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted a Webinar with Sybrina Fulton in honor of Black History Month. Fulton is the mother of Travyon Martin, who was murdered in 2012, and the co-author of the 2018 docu-series Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story. During the Webinar, Fulton offered poignant insights on how she has been able to empower others and encourage action in the wake of an unimaginable and horrific tragedy.
Potential new club at Geneseo
A new pending club is starting at SUNY Geneseo for those who identify with having a disability, hopefully beginning at the end of Spring 2023.
Buffalo shooter currently awaiting trial in Livingston County Jail
On Feb. 15, 2023, Payton S. Gendron, the man who shot 13 and killed 10 people at Buffalo Top’s, was charged with a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Gendron pleaded guilty to the 15 charges against him during that trial. The trial occurred at the State Supreme Court in Erie County.
An irreversible disaster: Ohio’s East Palestine train derailment
On Feb. 3, 2023, a routine Norfolk Southern 150 cart cargo train traveling through Ohio experienced a complete “mechanical failure,” catalyzing one of the worst derailment disasters in modern times. In the accident, 38 carts were derailed in total.
Geneseo named Top Producer of Fulbright US Scholar award recipients
On Friday, Feb. 10, The Chronicle of Higher Education listed SUNY Geneseo as a top producer of Fulbright U.S. scholars for their 2022-2023 ranking. Distinguished Professor of Geological Sciences D. Jeffrey Over and Professor of Geological Sciences Scott Giorgis were the two Geneseo recipients of the Fulbright Scholar awards this year.
Student Association to hold biannual referendum Mar. 22-24
Between Mar. 22 and Mar. 24, the Student Association (SA) will hold its biannual referendum vote, which determines whether or not the mandatory activity fee remains “mandatory.” Given how many expenses go into a college education, many students feel wary about what they allocate their money to. Junior English major Ralph Velasquez, the current SA Vice President, implores you to consider saying “yes.”
Geneseo students petition for providing mailroom notifications on election mail
Throughout the month of February, members of the Geneseo Student Senate have begun to address the issue of students missing important mail due to a lack of notification of when paper mail is delivered to their on-campus address. The senate members, as a response, have proposed for the mailroom to send students notifications of paper mail in addition to notifications of package deliveries.
Kristen Fisher named the new Director of Community Mental Health Services in Livingston County
On Feb. 6, Kristen Fisher officially became the new director of community mental health services after being approved by the Livingston County Board of Supervisors. As a mental health professional with an impressive resume and optimistic goals, Fisher is enthusiastic to step into this role and advocate for mental health services in Livingston County.
Insomnia Film Festival makes its long-anticipated return
Friday, Mar. 24 will mark the return of one of Geneseo’s most revered events, the Insomnia Film Festival. The festival, which takes place of 24 hours with the goal of creating an original short film, was a staple for nearly a decade before the pandemic; its founder, Geneseo’s senior instructional designer, Joe Dolce, eagerly anticipates the event’s return.
Douglass Day Transcription Event
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, SUNY Geneseo faculty and staff held a transcribing event in honor of Fredrick Douglass’s chosen birthday. During the event, which took place on the Geneseo campus and at various locations globally, people transcribed the letters of Mary Ann Shadd Cary —an abolitionist activist, journalist, and newspaper editor.