Campus Champion

Student Government Association Vice President Eve Cisneros knows what it takes to be involved on campus and to support student life. As SGA’s previous events coordinator, she successfully organized The Big Event last year along with many other activities. Currently, the junior criminology major serves as a student hearing officer with the Student Conduct Office. Her SGA duties also include working directly with students to start new clubs, with at least five established since the start of the school year. Looking ahead, Eve will lead SGA starting in the fall as its recently elected president. 

Four SUNY Cortland faculty and professional staff members will receive the prestigious State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

The Chancellor’s Awards provide systemwide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and encourage the pursuit of excellence at all 64 SUNY campuses. Each campus president submits nominations, which are reviewed by the SUNY Committee on Awards.

The 2026 honorees are:

• Andrea Dávalos, associate professor of biological sciences — Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
• Nancy Kane, adjunct lecturer — Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching
• Kerry Mincher, administrative assistant II in the Division of Student Affairs — SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
• Kevin B. Sheets, professor of history — Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

This year’s award winners are detailed below.

Andrea Dávalos

As a globally recognized scholar on the impact of jumping worms on plant communities, Dávalos stands out as one of New York state’s go-to researchers for understanding the impact and management of invasive species.

Dávalos’ findings have been published in 25 peer-reviewed journals, including Science and Nature, plus other top-tier publications like Proceeding of the Royal Society B and Ecology Letters. Her high volume of research published in peer-reviewed journals is often cited by colleagues in her field and invasive species specialists.

A summary of her scholarly achievements includes participation as a co-investigator in research projects supported by $1.8 million in external funding. Most of her funding has come through competitive grants from government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Transportation and the Northeastern States Research Cooperative, underscoring her efforts to help local communities protect and manage ecosystems.

Dávalos has led research talks at international meetings of prestigious professional societies including Botany, Ecological Society of America, North American Congress for Conservation Biology and North American Invasive Species Management Conference. She also has coauthored invited presentations for the Invasive Species Summit and the New York State Society for American Forestry.

Her reputation as an invasive species biologist is also well known to the public, and Dávalos has engaged in numerous invited talks, seminars and other presentations outside academia.

This year, SUNY Cortland awarded Dávalos the 2026 Dr. Peter A. DiNardo ’68 and Judith Waring Outstanding Achievement in Research Award, for which she was selected by the provost based upon at least five years of research-related activities at Cortland.

During her decade-long tenure at SUNY Cortland, Dávalos has built a robust undergraduate research program that supports student scientific work through her own excellence — mentoring 23 students, sparking important conversations related to conservation and social justice and inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists.

She earned her doctorate in natural resources from Cornell University and completed her undergraduate studies at Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador in Quito.

Nancy Kane

Having nearly 20 years on the SUNY Cortland faculty, Kane’s teaching has benefitted countless students by emphasizing inclusivity, engagement and an interdisciplinary approach.

Kane, who has led classes across Kinesiology, Physical Education, Performing Arts and Sport Management departments, very clearly demonstrates her adaptability and skill in a room filled with students.

As a practitioner and scholar, she has supplemented her foundational training in dance and the fine arts with an advanced degree in exercise science. Her doctorate in dance education teaching and administration for higher education was earned at New York University. Her two master’s degrees include one in dance studies from the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, London, England, and a second in exercise science from SUNY Cortland. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in recreation and sport, with a sport sociology focus.

Kane promotes belonging in her classroom by encouraging students to explore their histories and express their various identities, with a clearly stated appreciation for people from underrepresented backgrounds. Her sport history classes focus on lesser-known figures who faced challenges because of their identities. Her interview with Loretta Claiborne, Special Olympics champion and ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award winner, was part of Cortland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of Title IX.

Kane’s origin in the performing arts has led her to incorporate teaching methods rooted in teamwork and collaboration. Students often complete interactive multimedia quizzes and take part in learning outside of the classroom. Her dance classes are known for their supportive environment and students’ willingness to engage, regardless of their initial ability. Kane treats her office hours as a place where students can consult on any element of her high standards, from research paper writing to APA style.

In 2013, Kane was presented with the United University Professions Fayez Samuel Award for Courageous Service in recognition of her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2022, she became a Lumen Circles Fellow to learn more about active learning methods and classroom inclusivity. SUNY Cortland has honored Kane with a 2024 Innovative Teaching Grant, a 2022 Non-Tenure Track Excellence in Teaching Award and multiple faculty development awards.

Kerry Mincher

During her more than 25 years of campus service, Mincher has set the standard for exemplary administrative service, treating everyone around her with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or title.

“We believe she represents the very best of SUNY Cortland’s classified staff,” wrote the committee reviewing her nomination.

The 2023 recipient of the SUNY Cortland President’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service, Mincher was recommended for this even higher level of recognition by seven colleagues.

“Common themes mentioned by Mincher’s coworkers include her integrity, her dependability and, of course, her tireless dedication to SUNY Cortland,” a review committee member summarized. “Many colleagues note that Mincher leans into problem-solving without being asked. She works without seeking recognition. And she consistently puts the needs of others before her own.”

Many colleagues noted her willingness to serve as a first point of contact in the Division of Student Affairs, ensuring seamless administrative support coverage when individual offices are short-staffed.

“This quality was on display throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a very disruptive period when Mincher exceeded the expectations of her job duties,” the review committee observed.

“Kerry kept us going,” noted Dana Smith, an administrative assistant who worked previously in the Multicultural Life and Diversity Office. A vital source of communication and comfort for those around her, during the pandemic Mincher answered countless emails and phone calls while navigating the uncertainty of the times with composure, professionalism and empathy.

Mincher was commended for her ability to meet the needs of students in her forward-facing role while also managing high-level, behind-the-scenes work.

Vice President for Student Affairs Greg Sharer, Mincher’s supervisor since she started her current role in 2019, described her as “a cornerstone of the SUNY Cortland community.”

While her official title with SUNY Cortland’s Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) chapter is treasurer of the executive board, colleagues describe her as the “go-to” person for union questions. She helps organize many union events.

Kevin B. Sheets

During his 26 years at SUNY Cortland, Sheets has invigorated academic life on campus and made extraordinary contributions to his discipline that are felt in classrooms across the state and the nation. A scholar of U.S. cultural history, particularly in the 19th century, he demonstrates the value of historians as critical thinkers who use knowledge of the past to shape the future.

As the longtime History Department chair and graduate program coordinator, Sheets reimagined curriculum to incorporate public history and the scholarship of teaching and learning while assisting in the development of a fully online master’s program.

His wider campus contributions have enriched academic life at SUNY Cortland. Sheets led the establishment of the Cultural and Intellectual Climate Committee, which organizes yearlong, campuswide intellectual discussions on a changing annual theme. A transformational chair of the Academic Faculty Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate, he is recognized as an advocate for his colleagues by ensuring that faculty expectations are clear and equitable.

Sheets also co-authored the most recent university history book, Our Common Ground: An Illustrated History of SUNY Cortland, 1990-2017 (SUNY Cortland, 2018).

Sheets has shepherded professional growth for fellow historians locally and nationally. He served 17 years as a trustee for the Cortland County Historical Society, including six as its president, as well as a trustee for the 1890 House Museum.

Furthermore, his role as project director for major federal grants has created a ripple effect in classrooms across the nation — supporting rich professional development for K-12 humanities and social studies teachers while also symbolizing his scholarly-informed faculty service. During Sheets’s career, the university has received three Department of Education Teaching American History, and eight National Endowment of the Humanities grants have totaled $4.3 million. One result of his NEH collaborations is his forthcoming, co-edited book Beyond the City: Re-Placing the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (SUNY Press).

Sheets earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in U.S. history from University of Virginia. He received a B.A. in history from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.

A hot-selling apparel brand started by SUNY Cortland alumni made its debut at the university’s Campus Store in early April. 

And to be expected, GOAT USA merchandise is living up to its name as the Greatest of All Time. 

The national brand is particularly popular among Generation Z, with a core teen fanbase. Exclusive Cortland-branded GOAT USA T-shirts have already sold out of adult sizes. Youth sizes are still available. 

“We are working on a reorder right now,” said Kimberly Boyce ’22, operations manager for the Campus Store. “Both us and GOAT USA did not expect to have such a large demand so quickly, so we are working to get the current tee back in stock.” 

The university is looking to bring in other items like hooded sweatshirts this summer, Boyce said.  

Founders Rich Alfaro ’16, T.J. Cristina ’15 and Dylan McLaughlin ’15 were finishing their time at Cortland when GOAT as a term was becoming well-known. 

“Iconic athletes like Serena Williams, LeBron James and Tom Brady were dominating their sports, and the term had transcended athletics to become part of everyday conversation,” McLaughlin said. “One day, while talking with friends, we realized there was an opportunity to create something meaningful around the ‘GOAT’ concept — a brand that celebrated greatness in all forms.” 

To the three friends, it was apparent that the phrase was more than just another entry in the odd and winding annals of pop culture. It was a chance to be at the front of a potentially lucrative trend. 

That was all it took for them to begin their plans. But first, they tested their idea by selling beer-related T-shirts after graduation. It was a small operation, but confirmed the potential of their “Make a cool T-shirt, Sell a cool T-shirt” concept. 

It was also when they developed the outgoing sales style that’s served them so well. Once GOAT USA was established, they did what they could to have a direct line to customers at street fairs, sport events, concerts and any other spot that looked perfect for a pop-up shop. 

“It was a simple, hands-on approach, but it worked,” Cristina said. “This method would later become the foundation for how we launched GOAT USA — connecting directly with people and bringing the brand to life through personal interactions.” 

After the three entrepreneurs graduated, the company was officially incorporated in June 2016, with Cristina heading sales, Alfaro managing operations and McLaughlin as the creative leader. Their strengths came together through a joint belief in their abilities and a friendship that began in high school on Long Island. 

They first met each other when their schools combined football programs, making them teammates. When it came time for college, they all — unknown to each other — chose SUNY Cortland. What was a casual friendship on Long Island grew stronger when McLaughlin and Cristina were by chance assigned residence hall rooms next to each other on the first floor of DeGroat Hall. 

It’s a bond that served them well as they traveled the country with a small group of friends and family to spread the word about GOAT USA. The trio spent about 40 full weekends traveling through 2020, along with their other work for the company. 

“For the better part of five years, we met countless incredible people who supported us in every corner of the country,” said Cristina. “We brought a positive, fun-loving energy wherever we went, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our brand concept so warmly received.” 

“Our travels were filled with amazing stories and unforgettable experiences,” said Alfaro. “ ... We hold a deep fondness for the many families we met and the cool cities we explored. These connections became the heart and soul of building GOAT USA into what it is today.” 

Of course, you can have a stellar product but, unless people remember it, surplus builds fast. Before the friends began their first sales tour, they knew they had to develop a brand with iconic imagery. Enter Chuck the GOAT. 

The sunglass-wearing mascot became an effective logo for their products, conveying the positive, fun and confident energy behind their brand to potential customers. Now, Chuck is as likely to be found on a shirt in Kansas City as on a swimsuit in San Diego. 

“GOAT USA was fortunate that our concept was immediately well-received by a community of strangers,” McLaughlin said. 

Their first sale from a stranger was a navy blue long-sleeve shirt the morning of their first pop-up shop. Momentum grew quickly, with early success meaning the startup has never had debt — an uncommon boost that helped GOAT USA expand faster. 

Their first sense of truly making it, however, was when Dick’s Sporting Goods reached out to them. A partnership with the retail giant founded in nearby Binghamton, N.Y., had once been an aspirational goal for the trio. With a phone call, their product line was backed by a company with more than 700 stores. 

As growth continues, don’t expect Cristina, Alfaro and McLaughlin to relax anytime soon. The boys from DeGroat know true GOATs never rest. 

“We’re just getting started,” Alfaro said. “While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, we’re not overly impressed. There’s still so much work to be done, and we’re ready to keep pushing forward.” 

SUNY Cortland graduate Megan McConologue ’25 was chosen as a 2026 Major of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America.

The nation’s largest membership organization for health and physical education professionals, SHAPE America provides programs, resources and advocacy to support health and physical educators at every level, from preschool to university graduate programs. The organization’s National Standards for K-12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country.

McConologue’s award recognizes outstanding college undergraduates in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance who were nominated by a faculty advisor or professor.

The Wappingers Falls, N.Y., native was honored during the professional organization’s 137th National Convention and Expo in Kansas City, Missouri, from March 17 to 21.

“The outstanding achievements of future professionals like Megan are integral to the future of SHAPE America and our profession,” said SHAPE America President Joe Deutsch, who leads an organization founded in 1885.

McConologue, a December 2025 SUNY Cortland graduate, completed her student teaching this past fall in Dutchess and Putnam county school districts and received a Bachelor of Science in Education in Physical Education.

“I hope to carry the values represented by SHAPE America into my future classroom and make a positive, lasting impact on the students I teach,” she said.

She currently teaches as a substitute at area schools while enrolled in SUNY Cortland’s Physical Education Leadership Online M.S.Ed. program. McConologue also coaches girls volleyball in the Downstate North Club, a national, regional and local competitive club located in La Grange, N.Y.

A first-generation college student, McConologue’s undergraduate GPA was 3.94.

In Spring 2025, she was recognized with the prestigious Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award from the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The same year, she also earned the Physical Education Department’s Major of The Year Award and its Bessie L. Park 1901 Award, two of many scholarships and honors presented to the frequent President’s List and Dean’s List scholar.

In January, she achieved New York State Physical Education teaching certification (K-12), adding to a long list that includes SHAPE Roadmap to Adapted Physical Education certification.

“During my time at SUNY Cortland, I worked to balance strong academic performance with meaningful field experiences, including student teaching, substitute teaching and coaching,” McConologue said. “In each setting, I have aimed to create a positive and inclusive environment where students feel encouraged to participate, build skills and develop confidence through physical activity.”

She credited SUNY Cortland for the opportunities that helped her grow as a leader and learner outside of the classroom, notably through her involvement in the Alliance for Physical Education Majors (APEM) Club and mentoring peers.

“I have been able to learn from others while contributing where I can,” McConologue said.

She played field hockey as a student at the Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls. After her high school graduation, she completed most of the coursework toward an associate’s degree at Duchess Community College.

While enrolled at Cortland, the non-traditional transfer student traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the need for good physical education programs in schools and presented at New York state conferences.

McConologue received letters of recommendation for the SHAPE America award from three faculty members in SUNY Cortland’s Physical Education Department: Professor Helena Baert, Lecturer Helene Schmid and Associate Professor and Department Chair Rebecca Bryan.

Baert credited her student’s engagement and maturity in class discussions and assignments.

 “Megan is a learner and a teacher,” Baert wrote. “Her enthusiasm is infectious, positively influencing her peers and fostering a collaborative and energetic learning environment.”

Schmid also noted McConologue’s interaction with fellow physical education majors.

“Megan’s support has been instrumental in helping her peers develop and refine their skills, and her contributions have elevated the overall learning environment for all involved,” Schmid wrote. “In all her endeavors, Megan embodies the qualities of a passionate, driven and future focused professional in the field of physical education.”

Bryan praised several qualities beyond McConologue’s high GPA, notably her leadership with American Physical Education Majors Club (APEM) and her commitment to professional development.

McConologue said her participation in SHAPE America has helped stay connected to the field and develop her skills.

“This recognition means a great deal to me,” she said. “I see it as encouragement to keep learning and striving to make a positive impact.”

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Kharmen Wingard M ’11 has been named the director of SUNY Cortland’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), an office that provides dedicated academic support and other services to promising students facing financial hardship.

Wingard brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to the role, including nearly 15 at SUNY Cortland. He most recently served as assistant director of EOP at the university since 2024. His earlier positions spanned athletics to undergraduate admissions, where he focused on the recruitment of underrepresented students.

Across the SUNY system, EOP provides educational and financial resources to undergraduates demonstrating strong academic and personal potential who may have missed out on a college education due to challenges outside of their control. Many of them are first-generation students and all must meet criteria associated with family income.

The program is known for helping to close achievement gaps with dedicated support, particularly through an intensive Summer Institute for incoming first-year students. SUNY Cortland currently enrolls 114 EOP scholars. 

As director, Wingard will oversee a four-person staff that provides far-reaching services spanning academic support and tutoring, curriculum development, mentoring and career advising. He also will lead recruitment and outreach for the program.

In his most recent role as assistant director, Wingard helped shape initiatives leading to a 54% increase in first-year EOP enrollment over the past three years. He earned a $30,000 SUNY grant in 2025 to support EOP scholars enrolled in education-related majors. He also will join a new effort to boost participation and provide funding for students involved in high-impact practices. 

Wingard served as a senior counselor in EOP from 2021 to 2024 before promoted to assistant director. He worked as a senior admissions advisor and coordinator of diversity recruitment in the university’s Admissions Office for seven years before that.

He joined the campus community in 2008 as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team and assistant for athletic administration, where he tutored and advised student-athletes. Beyond Cortland, he previously served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Cornell University and as an admissions counselor at Daemen University.

Wingard earned a B.A. in social work from Daemen, an M.S. in student personnel administration from Buffalo State University and an M.S. in sport management from SUNY Cortland. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in educational theory and practice from Binghamton University.

SUNY Cortland students will finally reveal months — or sometimes years — of their own scholarly work during Transformations: A Student Research and Creativity Conference on Thursday, April 30, and Friday, May 1. 

Created in 1997 as Scholars’ Day, the university event lets students share the findings of their research and their original ideas. It was renamed Transformations in 2012 to emphasize how research transforms the studied subjects, students’ lives and the outside world. 

“The student research is a part of a larger experience of applied learning,” said Bruce Mattingly, dean of the school of arts and sciences. “We know it’s very valuable for our students and we’re glad that they have those opportunities. This is just one way to showcase it.” 

The conference begins at 4:30 p.m. on April 30 in the Hobson Lecture Hall, located in Sperry Center, Room 104. 

A keynote address, “Don’t Jump to Conclusions: We Know Less About Invasions than We Think,” will be presented by Andrea Dávalos, associate professor of biological sciences. She earned the university’s 2026 Dr. Peter DiNardo ’68 and Judith Waring Outstanding Achievement in Research Award as well as the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. 

On May 1, Bowers Hall will host individual, group and poster presentations from 113 students on the research they conducted with the support of 49 faculty mentors. Research disciplines this year range from archaeology to geography to sport management and beyond. 

The success of Transformations is a team effort, according to Mattingly. Faculty and staff from all three of SUNY Cortland’s academic schools — Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies and Education — all serve on the conference’s committee. 

The enthusiasm for the event makes it a great showcase for the university. 

“I like the overall energy of the day,” Mattingly said. “You walk through the poster sessions and you’ve got students excited to talk about what their work has been. And there’s always crowds of people around listening to what they have to say.” 

More information and a presentation handbook are available on the Transformations webpage. 

For questions about Transformations, please contact the Dean of Arts and Sciences Office at 607-753-4312 or by email.

Maddy Gaffney’s oil paintings invite the viewer to spot figures where they would not normally exist: in landscapes, in the skies and as embodiments of fate.

Kat McCormick’s large-scale paintings and sculpture explore the effects of long-term mental illness.

Jacob Van Langeveld’s oil paintings document his interest in the banal, forgotten or overlooked places often encountered in the Central New York landscape.

The three SUNY Cortland seniors, all graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates, will hold their required senior B.F.A. exhibitions from Friday, April 24, through Friday, May 15, in the university’s Dowd Gallery.

An opening reception for the Senior B.F.A. Exhibition featuring artist’s talks will take place at the gallery from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 24.

At SUNY Cortland, graduating candidates display their final collection of artworks supported by writing and oral presentations fulfilling the yearlong thesis requirement in their designated programs. Displayed works are evaluated by a B.F.A. committee composed of Art and Art History Department faculty members.

Also, this year, Jacqueline Brown will display her mixed media and interactive artwork for her Senior Honors Thesis Exhibition in Dowd Gallery through Tuesday, May 5, with an opening reception and artist’s talk in the gallery from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with hours extended on Thursday until 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Admission to the exhibition and all programs are free and open to the public.

The B.F.A. Exhibition includes the following:

Maddy Gaffney

Gaffney’s exhibition, “Transfigure,” uses large-scale oil paintings to explore cycles and natural phenomenon by creating imagery that weaves myth, nature and transformation to reveal time as a living, shifting force.

Gaffney’s hometown is Rome, N.Y., but her formative years were spent in Baltimore. While at SUNY Cortland, she has studied under Professor Vaughn Randall. The vice president of the student-run club Art Exhibition Association (AEA), Gaffney’s work has been featured in the AEA’s Student Select exhibitions at Dowd Gallery. Her art was featured twice in the Best of SUNY Student Art at SUNY Plaza exhibitions in Albany, N.Y.

Kat McCormick

Transfer student McCormick, of Center Moriches, N.Y., will present “Purgatory,” a thesis exhibition including large-scale paintings and sculpture, in the gallery’s east wing.

“This collection of figurative work investigates the effects of long-term mental illness and reoccurring treatment on perspective and motivation,” McCormick said.

“Each piece is made in limited color with an emphasis on deep blue-green hues, a representation of feeling stuck in between cycles of healing and devolving.”

Inspired by expressionist art, McCormick’s self-portraits serve as a personal documentation of the thoughts and feelings that stem from attempting to overcome recurring maladies.

McCormick has most enjoyed working with peers and faculty in the advanced painting studio, the gallery and the woodshop.

McCormick’s work has appeared in Student Select shows from 2023 to 2026 and twice was displayed in Best of SUNY Student Art at SUNY Plaza exhibitions. The president of the AEA, McCormick has also served as an art history course student teacher.

Jacob Van Langeveld

Van Langeveld, of Philadelphia, will present “Side of the Road,” a series of paintings, in the gallery’s west wing.

Whereas Van Langeveld’s previous work tended toward a cartoon-like style taking influence from pop culture, street and graffiti art, in this recent body of work he turns his attention to realism and expressionism in order to capture the essence of what he sees as liminal spaces — and the things that fill them — in order to find meaning in the mundane.

“Like journal entries, these are the subjects that have entered into my vision and have been recorded in paint,” he said.

Heavy machinery and disregarded buildings are the focus of his colorful and expressive artistic investigations, with works produced both in the studio and outside.

“By painting the world around me, I form a special connection with it,” Van Langeveld said. “The things I paint are things I pass by every day, so they act like landmarks, holding a particular significance.”

The solo Honors Thesis Exhibition includes:

Jacqueline Brown

An emerging artist and aspiring art therapist from Spencer, N.Y.,Brown is a candidate to earn a bachelor of arts degree in studio art with a minor in psychology.

Brown’s work in her May 1 exhibition, titled “The Healing Canvas,” explores the intersection of the body, memory and emotional experience.

Working primarily in mixed media, she combines drawing, fiber and participatory elements to investigate themes of trauma, healing and personal transformation. Her practice emphasizes art as a tool for both individual reflection and community connection.

The exhibition brings together a body of mixed media work that examines vulnerability and recovery. Using stitched elements, textured surfaces and visceral red thread, Brown’s work visualizes emotional wounds and the process of repair.

“By translating internal experiences into physical form, these pieces demonstrate how art can externalize and transform feelings that are often difficult to articulate,” Brown said.

Central to “The Healing Canvas” has been an interactive, community-based component, where canvases were placed in public spaces during a high-stress period of the academic semester, inviting students and community members to draw and express their emotions directly onto the surface.

“These collaborative works serve as collective portraits of stress, resilience and shared experience,” Brown said.

By incorporating these public contributions into the gallery, Brown seeks to bridge individual and communal healing, highlighting art’s ability to foster empathy, dialogue and connection.

Visit the Dowd Gallery website or follow @dowdgallery on Instagram for detailed information about future artists, speakers and events.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact gallery director Scott Oldfield ’06 at 607-753-4216.

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Swae Lee, a Grammy-nominated rapper known for his chart-topping collaborations, will headline SUNY Cortland’s annual Spring Fling concert on Saturday, May 2.

The concert, which is open to the public, will take place in Park Center Alumni Arena. Doors open at 7 p.m., opening act SoFaygo performs at 8 p.m. and Swae Lee will take the stage at 9 p.m. Concert attendees must be at least 18 years old. 

Tickets went on sale to SUNY Cortland students Monday, April 13, exclusively online, with details below.

• SUNY Cortland students: All students will be able to purchase one ticket starting at midnight on Monday, April 13.

• General public: Additional tickets to the general public will go on sale at midnight on Monday, April 20. SUNY Cortland students can purchase additional tickets at this time.

Among his career highlights, Swae Lee earned universal acclaim for his 2018 chart-topping single “Sunflower” with music icon Post Malone. The song made history as the first-ever double-diamond certified single by the Recording Industry Association of America, signifying 20 million sales and streams. The smash hit reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100 chart, remained in the top 10 for 33 weeks and was featured on the “Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse” film soundtrack.

Widely recognized for his distinctive vocals and genre-blending style, Swae Lee gained popularity as one half of the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd. The group’s hits include “No Flex Zone,” “No Type,” and the multiplatinum single “Black Beatles,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and inspired the widely popular Mannequin Challenge on social media in 2016.

He also recently performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, a popular annual three-day music festival held over two weekends in Indio, California.

Beyond his work with Rae Sremmurd, Swae Lee built an impressive solo career. He has earned Grammy Award nominations for three singles and several other accolades, including recognition from the Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Swae Lee also has collaborated with pop artists Madonna and Ellie Goulding as well as rappers Drake, French Montana, Travis Scott and Wiz Khalifa, among many others. He averages nearly 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Croatian native and author Ana Božičević, who received a “40 Under 40: The Future of Feminism” award from Feminist Press, will read from her poetry on Thursday, April 23, at SUNY Cortland.

Božičević will offer selections from her 2023 book of poems, New Life, at 5 p.m. in the Dowd Gallery. All My Friends Books, a local bookstore, will be onsite with books for sale.

The event, which is free and open to the public, continues the SUNY Cortland English Department’s Distinguished Voices in Literature lecture series. The reading also continues the university’s Cultural and Intellectual Climate Committee event series with the 2025-26 theme of ‘water.’

“Ana Božičević’s work is full of wonder and surprise, even when grounded in the ordinary moments of everyday life,” said Heather Bartlett, SUNY Cortland assistant professor of English and co-director of the English Department’s visiting writers series.

“Students will be able to connect with her poems because they are of the here and now; they are accessible and surprising, pushing us all to think about the world in new ways."

A poet, translator, teacher and occasional singer, Božičević grew up in Zadar, Croatia, before moving to Brooklyn, N.Y., where she’s lived since 1997.

In a starred review of New Life, Publisher's Weekly said, “Championing the confessional voice with dynamic lyricism, Božičević offers sonorous texture, rollicking conceits, and unparalleled vision.”

In addition to New Life (Wave Books), Božičević is the author of Povratak lišća / Return of the Leaves, Selected Poems in Croatian (Hrvatsko Društvo Pisaca/Croatian Writers Society, 2020);  Joy of Missing Out (Birds, LLC, 2017); Rise in the Fall (Birds, LLC, 2013), which won the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Poetry; and Stars of the Night Commute (Tarpaulin Sky Press, 2009).

Her poem “Birthday,” from New Life, was featured in The New York Times Magazine. Of it, Anne Boyer writes, “Ana Božičević’s 'Birthday' is a cunning defense of poetry’s work. This poem meets cynicism with determined simplicity, the form making its own argument via a spare and elegant use of repetition and surprise. Wonder needs no ornaments, only an invitation, and to have been born at all, ‘Birthday’ reminds us, is a good enough reason for a party.”

Božičević has worked for PEN America, which recognized her with a PEN American Center/New York State Council on the Arts grant; as well as the Center for the Humanities of the Graduate Center, CUNY and the Bruce High Quality Foundation.

Fittingly, this literary event comes to campus in April, which is National Poetry Month.

“SUNY Cortland is lucky to be featuring such a prominent and lively voice in celebration,” Bartlett said.

Additional support was provided by the President’s Fund, the Provost’s Office, Cortland College Foundation, Cortland Auxiliary Services and The Writing Center.

For more information, contact Bartlett.

SUNY Cortland graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Business Economics program recently gained an important potential credential to advance their careers through the affiliation by the university with the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.

With more than 190,000 members, the CFA Institute reaches 160,000 global markets and has more than 155 local societies and numerous affiliated college campuses. CFA charter holders pay a fee that supports such university affiliate programs to help future professionals get their start in the field.

“For accounting professionals, they have certified public accountants, CPAs; whereas for financial economists, we have chartered financial analysts, CFAs,” said Eddy Junarsin, an assistant professor in the Economics Department. “It’s considered the top certification or professional designation in the field.”

There are various benefits for the university with the affiliation, he said.

The partnership entitles the university to bestow three annual $1,000 scholarships to students who take the CFA exams, offsetting two thirds of their expense to take the industry standard test.

For the university to achieve this affiliation, Junarsin submitted the successful application to the CFA Institute to prove the university’s curriculum met its stringent criteria.

Peter Watkins, the CFA Institute’s senior director for global partnerships and client solutions with universities, in the letter conferring the affiliation on SUNY Cortland described the B.S. in Business Economics program that it has developed as “a rigorous program that will greatly benefit students planning finance and investment careers.”

The university’s curriculum aligns especially well with the institute in the areas of ethical understanding, quantitative methods and economics and the introduction and development of equity investments and fixed income topics, Watkins said.

“Overall, the program is structured in a way that introduces many of the same themes and competencies emphasized in the CFA program and provides a good academic foundation for students who may wish to pursue the charter,” Watkins noted.

Additional resources the institute offers to affiliates include its Ethics Learning Lab, which include case studies and a dedicated module on ethical decision-making that may further support student learning.

Today’s majors can begin using the institute’s resources right away, but it will take a few years before they are likely to be able to add the “CFA” title on a business card.

“They have to take three levels of exams,” Junarsin said. “So, it will take at least one-and-a-half years, assuming they pass them consecutively.”

He also noted that the program could benefit more than just business economics majors. For instance, students in Cortland’s healthcare management or sport management majors or other disciplines involving running a business could benefit from the study programs with CFA Institute, even without pursuing the credential.

The idea to pursue the CFA Institute partnership originated after student members of the Investment Club inquired in Fall 2024 with Junarsin about micro-credentials and other ways to beef up their resumes. He confided their wishes with the club’s previous advisor, Associate Professor Samuel Jung.

“We discussed the CFA Institute affiliation with the possibility of increasing our campus reputation and also for the sake of networking to broaden student mobility,” Junarsin said.

The affiliation program need not only assist business economics and economics majors.

“I think some related majors might benefit from the study programs with CFA Institute, though they wouldn’t get the credential,” Junarsin said. These would be students in Cortland’s health or sport management majors or other disciplines involving running a business.

Cortland Danceworks, the university’s student-led hip hop dance team, recently claimed the title of best in the country for the second time in its history. 

The SUNY Cortland team finished first in the Division III Hip Hop category at the College Classic National Championship in Orlando on April 12.  

“The excitement, the screaming, the tears, just pure happiness,” said senior captain and team president Morgan Shevlin. “It honestly felt like the best feeling in the world. In that moment, everything we had worked for became real.” 

Danceworks beat out eight other teams from around the country to claim an honor they also won in 2022.   

As a sport club, Danceworks funds their own experiences and training, which limits their chances to make the trip to the annual College Classic. So when they’re able to go, the team looks to execute. 

“We pushed ourselves harder than ever before, both physically and mentally, and no one backed down from that,” said Shevlin, a business economics major.  

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After the routines finished, nerves were high. Teammates waited until they heard Danceworks was named best in its category. 

National champion jackets and rings for each member will commemorate the win for a lifetime, along with a trophy and banner they brought back to campus. 

Before awards were handed out, they also received another honor: an invitation to face off against other top teams at the tournament. Danceworks was the only Division III team among the 13 chosen for that competition, and one of only three hip-hop routines. 

"All the long nights, the exhausting practices, the sacrifices, it all paid off,” Shevlin said. “It was one of those moments you wish you could freeze forever, because nothing compares to that feeling.” 

Danceworks performs at Cortland football games and other campus events in the fall, then competes against other schools each spring. There are 28 students total on the team, with 20 who performed at nationals. The team’s main focus is hip hop dance because it showcases their style, energy and ability. 

Earning the title wasn’t easy. Shevlin described a schedule of up to six practices a week that can end around 11 p.m. But for those who put in the effort, the team provides an opportunity to grow as a person and make close friends. 

In her view, this was the best season for Danceworks yet. 

“We were constantly making changes, taking corrections seriously and focusing on every single detail,” she said. “The environment this year felt different. It was more focused, more driven, and more united than ever before.  

“Everyone truly wanted it, and when you have a group of people all working toward the same goal with that level of intensity, it makes a huge difference.” 

Even with the national honor, Danceworks members plan to continue reaching higher. 

“This year was truly exceptional and one of the best years this program has ever seen,” Shevlin said. “It finally feels like this amazing team is getting the recognition it truly deserves, and it’s really exciting to be part of something that continues to grow and elevate year after year.” 

The SUNY Cortland men’s club volleyball team dug deep and spiked the competition, earning a national championship in dominating fashion in early April. 

Ten students represented the club’s best at the 2026 National Collegiate Volleyball Federation (NCVF) Championship in Kansas City, Missouri. After an undefeated 9-0 run, they also proved themselves the best country, bringing home a national title in the 60-team Division IIAA. 

Cortland won 18 sets and only dropping two during the tournament. The results put them ahead of the likes of runner-up Penn State Harrisburg, Air Force and fellow SUNY squads Oswego and Brockport.  

It’s the second time in club history that Cortland has won NCVF honors, the first being in 2009. 

For team president James Brussel ’25, a graduate student in health education, it was triumph built over his entire time at the university. Brussel learned about the club late in his first year on campus. 

He played volleyball his last two years of high school, and he joined the team after being convinced to try out. 

“We had a lot of guys on our team who are very skilled players,” he said. “Nicholas Ferris and Bryce Ceravolo both played at FLCC (Finger Lakes Community College) and won 2 JUCO (junior college) national championships before coming to SUNY Cortland, which helped us out.” 

Brussel and Ferris, a junior, were named to the All-National Tournament First Team, while senior Ceravolo earned MVP honors for the division. 

Brussel also credited sophomore Bodey Groff and senior Parker McKee, who previously competed on Division III teams at Nazareth College and Nichols College respectively.  

“Having a lot of experience playing at a high level I think was one of the biggest reasons for us winning the national championship,” Brussel said. 

The club volleyball team’s total roster this season included 22 students, with close to an even split between the top A team roster and developing B team. Adjustments are made through the season. 

Brussel began on the B team as a sophomore before making the A team and being voted club vice president after his sophomore year. The following spring, he became president and has led the team since. 

During Brussel’s junior year in 2024, the team competed at the national championship for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and finished tied for last in its division. 

The club improved in 2025, climbing to No. 13 in national rankings, before finishing 21st out of 48 teams at the national competition. 

When he returned for his master’s degree, Brussel knew he had to also come back to the team that had potential to win it all. 

“If you would’ve told me that I would’ve gone from playing on the B team my sophomore year to being awarded with National All First Team (honors) for our division, I would’ve called you crazy but that is why I love volleyball so much,” Brussel said. 

He credited the commitment and growth of the club’s entire roster.  

“I would’ve never thought to be this involved with volleyball,” Brussel said. “But joining the club team here was one of the best decisions of my life.” 

The 41st annual Student Leadership Recognition Banquet on April 16, 2026, honored 55 students who served in leadership roles on campus. One student organization, one faculty member, and one staff member were also recognized for their contributions.

Outstanding Student Leaders

Mohammadreza Afkhami

Parker Arenas

Robin Baez

Elizabeth Baldi

Noah Benito

Bradley Blake

Kaleigh Boismenu

Tattiana Brown

Tyler Campbell

Angelo Centrone

Eve Cisneros

Shreya Dhital

Isabella DiMartino

Sinead Dobey

Joseph Domagala

Mary  Doumbia

Alyssa Ebenhoch

Martin Flyntz

Eli  Fontanez

Kerry Hare

Abbey Heneghan

Kaitlin Hoey

Justin  Huang

Simay Kaya

Brayden Kelly

Madison Lauber

Jaslynn Leach

Sahteve Lindsay

Emma Lisnow

Molly Maloney

Cassidy Mason

Andrew McNeil

Joshua Osae

Shannon O'Sullivan

Tara Panzer

Emily  Pierro

Holly Pizzigati

Haileigh Rhodes

Samirah Rosario

Blake Ross

Alyson Sanchez

Tiana Schelble

Josiah Soto

Jacqueline Stone

Marissa Stone

Casey Stoughton

Anna Tanzman

Alexandra Thut

Kyla Young

Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Josiah Soto

Leadership in LGBTQAIP Advocacy

Madison Lauber

Excellence in Leadership

Bradley Blake

Eli Fontanez

Blake Ross

Jacqueline Stone

Marissa Stone

Outstanding Senior

Parker Arenas

SGA Awards

Outstanding Club Member: Kaleigh Boismenu, SUNY Cortland Emergency Medical Services

Outstanding SGA Involvement: Valerie Reith

Outstanding Club: Student Activities Board (Student Activities Board)

Outstanding Staff Member: Marinda Souva, Advisement and Transition

Steven J. Barnes Outstanding Faculty Member: Caroline Kaltefleiter, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Communication & Media Studies Department

Michael C. Holland Memorial Scholarship

Rachida Ali Noma 

Grace Jarvis

Sophia Peterson

Anthony Santiago

Vice President for Student Affairs Merit Scholarship

Claire Engel

The student awardees were invited to share the name of a person who has been supportive of them:

Abby Thomas

Amber Pakkala

Bryce Farrell

Corbin Flanagan

Courtney Wormuth

Daniela Baban Hurrle

Helena Baert

Hollis Miller

Jacob Wright

Jena Curtis

Jenifer Phelan

Jennifer Talarico

John Suarez

Jonathan Wood

Joshua Scott

Julius Green

Kayla Sewer

Kharmen Wingard

Kyle Cannon

Laura Eierman

Marinda Souva

Mary Cannito-Coville

Paige Crittela

Samantha Howell

Sharon Steadman

Siobhan Dailey

Taylor Lynch

Thomas Prairie

The Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO) announced its relaunch and the formation of a new executive board.

NTSO is a Student Government Association-recognized group with a focus on fostering community and advocating for the needs of adult learners and non-traditional student  through social events, family-friendly events, and informative programs. 

SUNY Cortland considers students to be non-traditional if they are undergraduates who are 24 years of age or older or, regardless of age, have dependent children, military experience or an interruption in education after high school.

Weekly NTSO meetings are from 10 to 11 a.m. on Fridays in the Non-Traditional Students’ Lounge, Cornish Hall, Room 1221, and are webcast simultaneously via Microsoft Teams. Meeting times for Fall 2026 will soon be posted to the NTSO webpage. All students are welcome to attend.

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Caption: Spring 2026 NTSO officers from left to right: Robin Baez, president; Laura Vasilopoulos, secretary/social media chair; Evan Mills, club advisor; Andrew McNeil, treasurer; Matthew Solan, SGA representative; William Kennedy, vice president.

The Cortland Auxiliary Services Board of Directors recently allocated funds to support a wide range of projects with the goal to enhance campus life at SUNY Cortland. The board’s work is informed by the Student Government Association and President’s Cabinet. For the 2026-27 academic year, $144,500 will be awarded to grant recipients.