Campus Champion

Chances are you’ve seen the work of Tony DeRado, assistant director of creative services. Tony has helped define SUNY Cortland’s visual identity for 25 years through his artistic talents spanning graphic design to photography. Most recently, he created the 2026 Cortaca Jug logo that will commemorate the game taking place at Yankee Stadium. Coworkers describe Tony as a thoughtful and skilled designer who excels at problem solving and making others feel valued. He serves on committees dedicated to marketing, building signage and brand advisory — working tirelessly to assist campus partners in bringing their creative ideas to life. 

Upon arriving in Cuba recently for the 3rd International Scientific Convention of Cienfuegos, SUNY Cortland junior Madison Houghton and classmates experienced something akin to Bollywood or the set of a tropical-themed musical.

Houghton, an archaeology and international studies dual major from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, quickly noticed the local people often breaking into spontaneous dancing in the city of Cienfuegos, where she was a conference participant with three classmates and a faculty advisor. Music abounded.

“They were playing a video at the conference and people were dancing to the background music and we would never do that here (in America), but it was just so fun,” said Houghton, who embarked on the trip to present undergraduate research through a poster session.

Brilliant murals, sculpture, pottery and craftwork as well as the sounds of music drenched the city. Houghton was further astonished when she and her classmates immersed themselves in children’s dance academy workshops in the further west city of Matanzas.

“The children there, probably 5 to 12 years old, were playing drums and different instruments and then they were all dancing,” said Houghton, who tried the steps of a Cuban folk music and dance tradition called rumba and other dance styles bred in Cuba’s cultural melting pot. “That was so fun. I’m not a big dancer at Cortland, but it was just incredible to be able to dance with them and learn their styles.”

Houghton’s classmate, senior conservation biology major Nicolette Carluccio of East Northport, N.Y., agreed.

“I’ve traveled out of the country a fair number of times, to Asia, Europe and Central America, but this was the first time I experienced real culture shock,” Carluccio said. “But I really got to experience the beauty of the country and Cuban culture, learning how other cultures, like Africa, helped shape Cuba into what it is today, and how large a role music and dancing have, especially as a way of communication. How happy it makes everyone. It truly was an incredibly beautiful experience.”

In addition to Houghton and Carluccio, the group in Cuba from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1 included biomedical sciences majors Shreya Dital and Julia Utheg. The Cortland group was led by Andrea Dávalos, associate professor of biological sciences, who also lectured there on her own research.

Their trip was part of the four-day 10th Workshop of Strategic Alliances for the Internationalization of Higher Education under the umbrella of the larger conference taking place at University of Cienfuegos at the Carlos Rafael Rodríguez campus.

An agency in Cuba, CIVITAS, arranged the details for international visitors including SUNY Cortland, such as their stays with host families. The U.S. contingent to Cuba also included students and faculty from SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Maritime College and California State University at Los Angeles.

Last spring, SUNY Cortland’s Undergraduate Research Council teamed with the university’s International Programs Office to consider applicants from all disciplines for the third year of the sponsored trip to Cuba. The students selected in the competitive application process had their expenses limited to $350 apiece and were covered for their roundtrip airfare to Cuba, housing, meals and conference registration.

The group were surrounded by helpful translators and English-speaking Cubans.

“It was really exciting to see them thrive in that circumstance and be secure in themselves and learn how to speak about their research, learn to take questions and to really be proud of what they’ve done,” Dávalos said.

While in Cuba, the group also observed the challenges that their international counterparts face.

“One of my most remarkable conference experiences was communicating with Cuban students and faculty who have different research constraints and perspectives on accessible laboratory methods,” said senior Utheg of Springville, N.Y.

“I think one of the big lessons for all of us is how adaptable we need to be,” Dávalos said.

During their visit, the giant hurricane Melissa blew across eastern end of Cuba, leaving them unscathed in Cienfuegos on the island's western end but perhaps pushing up Cuba’s regular 20 hour electrical blackouts by a few hours.

“We need to be open to circumstances of other people and recognize how fortunate we are in what we have and consider, for us it’s a given but for others, it’s a luxury,” Dávalos said

Carluccio, advised by Laura Eierman, associate professor of biological sciences, presented on “Application of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Techniques to Assess Diadema antillarum Abundance on Belizean Coral Reefs.”

Her research aims to develop an effective method for quantifying the relative abundance of D. antillarum using environmental DNA extracted from water samples collected at multiple locations along the Mesoamerican Reef in Belize.

Dital was advised for her poster presentation by Keshab Raj Dahal, assistant professor of mathematics.

Houghton, advised by International Studies Professor Alexandru Balas and Sharon Steadman, distinguished professor of sociology/anthropology, presented on “The Immigration Crisis in Sweden.” The relatively small country, generally more liberal in its policies, perhaps for that reason has attracted a huge influx of asylum seekers. That has created political opposition from conservative members of its native population, who rally around problems with integration and preserving Sweden’s cultural heritage.

Utheg, advised by Theresa Curtis, professor of biological sciences, presented on “The Development of an Automated Cell Identifier.” Utheg notes that, with risks of cross-contamination and misidentification in cell culture, it is important to have a reliable way to differentiate between cell types.

As a co-researcher with Curtis, she aims to find a solution to the cost and time-consuming aspects of the established genetic testing methods. The new method would involve using Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing to monitor growth patterns and traits amongst various cell lines in hopes it can statistically quantify the differences.

“This was my first professional conference experience,” Utheg said, noting she had joined Curtis and two other lab assistants who have since graduated presenting at last year’s Transformations, SUNY Cortland’s annual open house of scholarly endeavor.

“Most remarkable to me was presenting and discussing research with Cuban faculty and international colleagues in such an exclusive setting,” Utheg said. “I appreciated the unique format of combining academic rigor with cultural immersion over the week.”

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The “biggest little game in the nation” is headed back to the Bronx. 

The annual Cortaca Jug football rivalry between SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College will return to Yankee Stadium for its 67th edition in 2026, marking the third time the historic Division III game takes place at a professional sports venue in the greater New York City area. 

The contest is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, with the kickoff time to be announced at a later date. The 2025 game takes place at noon this Saturday, Nov. 15, at Ithaca College’s Butterfield Stadium. 

Tickets for the Yankee Stadium game go on sale for the general public Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at 10 a.m., exclusively through Ticketmaster. Prices range from $27.50 to $89. 

SUNY Cortland students will have access to reserved seating sections through a special pre-sale opportunity beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19. More details will be shared through SUNY Cortland email. 

The Cortaca Jug already claims the two largest crowds in Division III football history, setting an attendance record in 2019 with 45,161 fans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey and 40,232 at Yankee Stadium in 2022.

While the venue is best known as the home of Major League Baseball’s winningest franchise, Yankee Stadium also hosts the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl as well as other marquee college football games. Cortland, the 2023 Division III national champions, will serve as the designated home team in 2026.

“Cortland and Ithaca both help set the standard in Division III athletics, and our Cortaca Jug rivalry demonstrates that shared excellence,” said Mike Urtz ’94, M ’00, director of athletics at Cortland. “It’s been called ‘the biggest little game in the nation’ for a reason, and it’s fitting to be played in one of the most iconic sports venues in the entire world.”

The annual football showdown between Cortland’s Red Dragons and Ithaca’s Bombers takes place in the last week of the regular season. It has long been considered one of the greatest rivalries in Division III athletics because of the storied histories of both programs, the close proximity of the two campuses and many thrilling finishes. 

In 1991, Sports Illustrated referred to the game as “the biggest little game in the nation.” 

“The Cortaca Jug stands out as one of our university’s most cherished traditions and a special bond that unites Red Dragons of all class years,” said SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum. “Bringing the game back to New York City provides an extraordinary opportunity to engage with dedicated alumni while sharing SUNY Cortland’s name on an even bigger stage.

“Both institutions won when Yankee Stadium hosted us in 2022, and we’re looking forward to reaching new heights next year.” 

The experience also will be something new for Cortland head football coach Tom Blumenauer, who graduated from Ithaca in 2007 and currently owns an 8-1 record in his first season leading the Red Dragons.

“I know how much the Cortaca Jug game means, having played and now coached on different sides of it,” said Blumenauer, who guided the Red Dragons to their fifth straight Empire 8 Conference title in 2025. “Playing in a historic venue like Yankee Stadium only makes the rivalry that much more special. I’m excited for a new group of student-athletes to get to share in that experience.” 

Representatives from the Yankees organization shared a similar sentiment.

“We couldn’t be more excited to host the Cortaca Jug matchup for a second time at Yankee Stadium,” said Mark Holtzman, vice president of non-baseball sports events for the Yankees. “The 2022 game was a perfect college football afternoon filled with tremendous warmth and energy from the students, alumni and fans of both schools.

“As soon as the game concluded, we wanted to do it again, and we deeply appreciate that the administrations of SUNY Cortland and Ithaca felt the same way.”

The 2026 contest will mark the 67th time that Cortland and Ithaca — located just 21 miles apart from each other in upstate New York — have squared off for the Cortaca Jug. 

Although the schools first started playing each other in 1930, the rivalry originated in 1959, when friends and respective team captains Tom Decker ’61 of Cortland and Dick Carmean of Ithaca picked up a jug at a yard sale to serve as the prize for the winner of the annual game between the schools.

Each year’s result is painted on the Cortaca Jug. The original ran out of room for scores in the mid-1980s, and the teams are now on their third one. Ithaca leads the overall series, 43-36-3, and the Jug series, 38-27, with Cortland claiming back-to-back victories headed into the 2025 game.

Initial details about the 2026 game at Yankee Stadium are available on the SUNY Cortland website. 

Audiences interested in Harry Potter or the Broadway hit “Wicked” can appreciate the professional talents of Ben Kapilow, assistant professor and music director for SUNY Cortland’s Performing Arts Department. 

Kapilow, who served as music director for the recently sold-out “Rocky Horror Show,” was approached earlier this year by a friend to write the music and lyrics for five songs in “Susan Bones: The Untold Story of a Horsegirl who went to Hogwarts,” an askew look at the possible life of an obscure Harry Potter character. The show will run in Los Angeles at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and the Lyric Hyperion Theater, letting Kapilow see his creative work brought to life on stage. 

Add to that being hired as keyboardist for the national tour of “Wicked,” one of Broadway’s most eminent franchises, when it plays in Syracuse this December and Kapilow is having a busy but rewarding year when it comes to witches and wizards.  

The settings may be fantastical, but the accomplishments are very real — and they’re experiences Kapilow expects to also benefit his students. He noted that maintaining ties to the professional theater lets him better prepare what he teaches on campus. 

“My students aspire in many cases to be like the actors who are going to be working on Wicked and Susan Bones,” he said. “I find it very helpful to stay connected to the professional world, even while I’m working at SUNY Cortland so I can make sure that I am giving my students advice that’s practical, and that I’m working with them on things that will actually be applicable to the real world.” 

Contributing to the “Wicked” tour is also teaching Kapilow things that he plans to bring back to the classroom. 

A chance to join the Central New York tour stop arose around the same time he was helping create “Susan Bones.” 

While playing keyboard for Syracuse Stage’s production of “Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella” late last year, Kapilow made a connection with the contractor who would hire local musicians for “Wicked” while it was in Syracuse. The spot as keyboardist is a chance to play alongside the traveling pro musicians in the orchestra for a classic musical that’s had its popularity reach new heights thanks to two movie adaptations. 

“Working on Wicked will be helpful because I’ll get to hear feedback from the music director and get a sense of what type of feedback is idiomatic from a music director at the top level,” Kapilow said. “Then that will hopefully inspire me when I'm working with musicians for shows at SUNY Cortland and beyond to get a sense of what to listen for.” 

Now a vital colleague of the Performing Arts Department, Kapilow had built a career in the field before joining Cortland’s faculty. Having been a music director and pianist at places including The Rev Theatre Company in Auburn and Syracuse Stage, he was also the music director for seven years at the Media Theater for the Performing Arts in Pennsylvania. 

He composed several musicals designed for children there, as well as multiple classical music and choral pieces. Now, “Susan Bones” gives him a chance to try a new style in a show that aims to entertain while being entirely unique. 

“I'm grateful to be in a career position that lets me draw on my wide range of interests: composing, teaching music theory and history, and both professional and educational music directing,” Kapilow said. “It keeps me engaged and makes every day fun." 

Jessica Goon ’19 applies all she learned inside and out of the classroom at SUNY Cortland to her work of making the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, N.Y. come alive for its numerous visitors and supporters.

Goon, the senior manager of events, marketing and visitor operations at the facility, constantly reaches out to those who may have only a general knowledge about history and archaeology and none about Cole, a transformational 19th century figure who founded the long-lived Hudson River School art movement in landscape painting.

“My position has really helped me to be able to tie together my love for history and archaeology and getting the word out there about these things,” said Goon, speaking on Nov. 10 in Moffett Center to members of SUNY Cortland’s Archaeology Club and others as their inaugural alumni guest speaker.

“In archaeology we dig up all the stuff from the ground, but then what happens with it?” said Goon, who earned a bachelor’s degree in archaeology with minors in history and Asian and Middle Eastern studies. Goon accepted the historic site appointment in 2021, shortly after earning a Master of Arts in Museology/Museum Studies at the Cooperstown Graduate Program. “And marketing, I think, is an important piece of getting the story out there in the world.

“At the end of my graduate experience, I was thinking about how I could bring in my love of history, bring in my love of building the sense of community and shared experience through exhibitions and learning and special events,” she said.

Artifacts like ceramic bits and pieces, nails and architecture-based items begin to tell a story not only of the working farm that encompassed Cole’s artist’s studio but also the lives of his inspired followers, she said.

“There’s so many stories that we could tell with this stuff and it’s really, really interesting to see what’s in there, like the artists who came in afterward and how they were influenced,” Goon said.

Students asked many questions, including whether the site was presently an archaeological dig.

“It’s not,” said Goon, explaining that the last archaeology that was on site was in 2006. “So those are the collections that I work with, but we’re still combing through the boxes and figuring out what stories we can tell with the things that they did find all those years ago.

“Then two years ago, the state turned over to us these two boxes (of new artifacts from the house), saying ‘We don’t want them anymore. You can have them.’ They were all art historians working here, so I said, ‘I’ll take them!’ So, I got them to work with.”

Rather than hands-on archaeology, Goon’s main duties at the Cole site are more in the areas of community relations and marketing. That includes museum events and fundraising, planning membership opportunities and managing the rental program for outside events at the site, which can seat 300 for a dinner.

A club member asked her what caused her to transfer her interest to museology.

“I was interested in Egyptology and mummies,” she said. “I really wanted to do forensics but very quickly realized I couldn’t deal with the squishy parts of forensics so that didn’t work out. I went into general archaeology, which I love.”

“Getting my hands dirty, I still love fieldwork,” said Goon.

She became fascinated with dinosaurs in the second grade, and her parents placed her in educational programs to feed that interest. Since age 12, and except for some two years, the Vestal, N.Y., native has helped with Binghamton University’s Public Archaeology Facility, a research center started in 1972 that involves community volunteers.

“The last few years we've been at the same site, but I've done so many different sites with them around just in the Binghamton area,” Goon said of her volunteer work.

Previously while at SUNY Cortland, Goon conducted research with History Professor Laura Gathagan on Medieval and European History for her Honors Program thesis, particularly relating to influential women like Queen Matilda of Flanders, queen of England and Duchess of Normandy. The experience had her toting around campus a ragged and sticky note-festooned 1,301-page paperback copy of the Domesday Book, earning curious glances and a feature story.

Goon’s international study plans were curtailed due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but she eventually visited Great Britain for a two-week Medieval History class offered through International Programs.

At Cortland she also assisted Sharon Steadman, SUNY distinguished professor in the Sociology/Anthropology Department, with preparing exhibitions at the Brooks Museum in Moffett Center. Her independent study grew into a senior year internship in museum exhibition work. She helped with programs such as the annual Brooks Lecture Series.

“I was president of Colleges Against Cancer for two years, and a part of that club for four,” Goon added. The cause was close to her heart as her mother survived two bouts with cancer.

“That’s one of the things I did that gave me a lot of experience outside of academics and it made me have a better idea of the things I really enjoy doing,” she said.

“My career came about from trying to tie together all the things I love rather than one straight throughline,” she said.

“Think about what you enjoy and what makes you happy and follow that,” Goon said.

Students shouldn’t feel they must choose something and stick with it no matter what, she said.  

“You should be open to opportunities.”

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Before they head home for winter break, students have a chance to prevent waste and give happy holidays to those in need. 

SUNY Cortland’s Sustainability Office will once again partner with local nonprofit Cortland ReUse to bring a Red Dragon ReUse event to campus at the end of the fall semester. 

This follows a successful ReUse sale to kick off the school year that helped divert up to 45 tons of waste from landfills, winning a nonprofit sector award from the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling. 

For two weeks starting on Monday, Dec. 1, students can leave usable items in black donation bins placed in residence halls. There will be separate totes where students can donate unspoiled, unopened food, which will go to the SUNY Cortland Cupboard. 

Off-campus donors are encouraged to take their items directly to Cortland ReUse, located at 186 Homer Ave., Cortland. Those who would like to donate but are unable to get to the store can contact the campus Sustainability Office. 

“Over the years we have noticed students part ways with a lot of stuff at the end of the semester, even in the fall when they aren’t moving out,” said Matthew Brubaker, the university’s chief sustainability officer and energy manager.  

“We want to make sure as little usable items are going in the landfill as possible. Plus, students can give back to the Cortland community right before the holidays, so it’s a win-win.” 

The ReUse sale and other initiatives like the peer-to-peer SUNY Cortland Green Reps have made SUNY Cortland a consistent leader in environmental action. Last spring, the university earned a Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. 

Recently, the university again earned a spot in the Princeton Review’s annual Guide to Green Colleges after last appearing in 2022. 

Cortland received 89 out of a possible 99 points in its review. These scores were determined based on a 25-question survey examining an institution’s sustainability-related policies, practices and programs along with student surveys about support for environmental awareness and conservation efforts on the campus.  

“We are delighted to have been included in the ranking,” said Beth Klein, SUNY distinguished service professor of science education and the university’s sustainability coordinator. “We are looking forward to continuing our efforts that got SUNY Cortland back on the list this year.”

SUNY Cortland’s Migrant Education Tutorial and Support Services Program (METS) will once again sponsor a holiday gift campaign for children who are currently receiving the program’s educational services.

METS is seeking individuals, departments or groups on campus who are interested in donating a gift for a child — or gifts for a family of children — this holiday. 

Participation in this holiday gift campaign is voluntary.

Interested individuals or groups should complete the form and return it to Katelin Kampney or via campus mail to Migrant Education, Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-105.

The completed forms are due by Friday, Nov. 21. Confirmations with specific child/family information will be emailed to campaign participants by Monday, Nov. 24.

Wrapped gifts with identifying child/family tags will need to be delivered to the METS Office in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-105, between Monday, Dec. 8, and Wednesday, Dec. 10. 

Please feel free to contact METS with any questions at ext. 4706. The staff wishes to thank you for consideration of involvement with this year’s holiday gift campaign!

SUNY Cortland will participate in a new initiative providing reduced tuition for active-duty service members at New York’s public universities. 

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. recently announced the launch of the SUNY Military Tuition Rate Program, which aims to close the gap between federal tuition assistance and the full tuition of attending public universities for anyone on active duty or in the National Guard or Reserves. 

“This wonderful new program honors those who have served our country while letting SUNY Cortland once again be a leader in accessible, quality education,” said SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum. “It’s an excellent way to thank our service members and ensure they have an affordable path toward their future career goals.” 

The initiative will roll out at all SUNY schools by the Fall 2026 semester. A dedicated website, suny.edu/military, provides information on tuition assistance programs, credit for military experience, scholarships and campus resources for military-connected students across all 64 campuses. 

SUNY Cortland’s Students Accounts Office provides local Veterans Affairs Resources for military-connected students. 

“We’re proud to be part of the SUNY system and to support its push to become the most military-inclusive public higher education system in the country,” said Jose Felciano ’98, M.S.Ed. ’01, director of admissions and enrollment planning.  

“The new tuition rate recognizes the leadership, discipline and lived experience that our service members bring to our Red Dragon community. We’re honored to stand with those who serve by expanding opportunity and helping them move confidently toward a Cortland degree.” 

The offices of Disability Resources, Multicultural Life and Diversity, and Institutional Equity and Inclusion will host a SUNY Cortland Disability Pride campaign during the 2026-27 academic year.

“We know that people with disabilities strengthen the campus community and we want to highlight their accomplishments, experiences and perspectives,” said Jeremy Zhe-Heimerman, associate director of disability resources of the new partnership.

“As part of this campaign, we are looking for disabled and neurodivergent students, faculty and staff who may be willing to tell their stories to the campus community,” he said.

To self-nominate and contribute your story for the SUNY Cortland Disability Pride campaign, please fill out this form by Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Faculty and students in the Communication and Media Studies, English, and Art and Art History departments will work with these volunteers to produce stories and pictures acknowledging the contributions of campus community members with disabilities or neurodivergence.

Organizers — with a plan to share those stories throughout the next academic year — put out a call for nominations at the recent Student Conference on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice on Nov. 1 and continue to seek nominations within the campus community.

For more information, contact Zhe-Heimerman at 607-753-2358.

SUNY Cortland is riding high after being named a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) award winner by the League of American Bicyclists. 

The honor was described by the national advocacy group as a way to inspire healthy, sustainable institutions of higher education. It’s earned by schools that promote safe, accessible bicycling on campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.  

The BFU program evaluates applicants’ efforts to promote bicycling in five primary areas: engineering, encouragement, education, evaluation and planning and equity and accessibility. Final rankings are then determined after consulting with local cyclists and advocates. 

Cortland, which has been recognized by the group since 2017, is one of 204 schools in the country to earn the designation this year, and among 105 of those to earn the Bronze rank. That distinction is for schools that have begun policies that show a strong commitment to cycling. 

The Cortland Bike Project, created by the university in 2004, allows for free weekly bike rentals by any full-time students, faculty or staff. Bikes may also be rented for an entire semester for a fee. 

“We’re thrilled to receive this award,” said Drew Abrams, coordinator of campus recreation-outdoor pursuits. “This program wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our bike technician, Harry Crossland, and the continued support of campus recreation as well as the funding we’ve received from the (Cortland Auxiliary Services) grant.” 

Cortland’s BFU status gives it access to tools, resources and technical assistance from the league to help it continue to promote cycling. 

The League of American Bicyclists was created in 1880 during the infancy of two-wheeled pedal power, known first as the League of American Wheelmen. As the mode of transport grew in popularity so did the group, which now claims more than 200,000 members and supporters with more than 1,000 state and local groups and clubs. 

“What stands out about this round of Bicycle Friendly Universities is their commitment to listening, learning and improving,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “That spirit of progress is helping shape today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders, equipping them to carry on the work of building a more Bicycle Friendly America.” 

For more information on joining the Cortland Bike Project, contact Outdoor Pursuits by email or call 607-753-5809.