by Abby Elbannan, WTOP10-TV

OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Wizard of Oz is a classic production known across generations. Many know the story of the little girl from Kansas and the yellow brick road. What if all that is changed? What if instead of the yellow brick road there are train tracks, and instead of the traditional costumes it’s steampunk and edgy teenagers?

That’s exactly what to expect in Oswego State Theatre Department’s production this season. A twist where teenagers just like Dorothy set out on an adventure to rediscover themselves.  

Despite the thematic differences, it will still include the same main idea and plot, including the same songs many know and love from the original.

The theme of hobos and train hopping is incorporated into the production. The train hopping is based on personal experiences had by the director. Her son was injured a few years ago while jumping off of a train. This theme of trying to find where you belong is reflected in both train hopping and Dorothy’s desires. They are trying to find where they belong in life or in other words their very own “magical yellow brick road”.

The show is celebrating the kick-off of the newly renovated Tyler Hall and Waterman Theatre. There is still one weekend left for audiences to follow the journey to Oz and witness the magic redefined.

by Owen Marchand, WTOP10-TV

Fall is an exciting time for the Marching Buccaneers as they approach the Syracuse finals. The Oswego High School Marching Band is gearing up to compete in the state championships held at the Carrier Dome. This is a huge event that is celebrated by both the marching bands, and anyone who loves a good show.

The music program at Oswego High School takes pride in music education and the arts as it is full of opportunities and has something for everyone interested in music. They have multiple bands such as jazz and orchestras, and even an annual “Festival of Winds.”

The months of September and October prove to be challenging yet exciting months for the Marching Buccaneers as they are practicing, performing, and then doing it all over again. On October 15 they competed in New Hartford, followed by the Central Square competition on October 22, and now they prepare for the NYSFBC (New York State Field Band Conference) Championships at the Carrier Dome on October 30.

In last year’s Carrier Dome championships, The Oswego High School Marching Band came in 4th place during show 3 (Small School 1 Class) with a score of 85. Every year thousands of students and dozens of bands perform a show in front of judges where they will be graded based on both their visual and musical performance.

The first Championship was in 1974 and only consisted of eleven bands participating. In the past years there have been around fifty bands participating and has even had participants from outside New York State such as Connecticut and New Jersey.

With the Media Summit just one week away, there are many reasons why students and faculty at SUNY Oswego are anticipating this year’s event. The Media Summit will return to the newly renovated Tyler Hall for its twelfth year. The Summit was founded by alumni Lou Borrelli and Al Roker in 2005, to give students the chance to network with professionals in the media industry.

In years past, there was mainly a focus on connecting students with professionals in broadcasting, but this year, that theme is going to change. This year’s theme is “Digital, Social, Mobile: How Media Trends Impact Theater, Art and Music.”The theme strives to bring the Schools of Communication, Media and the Arts together, to broaden the topics the Media Summit covers. With a more unique and diverse panel than ever before, the Media Summit is now an event that appeals to students not only in the School of Communication interested in media, but also the School of the Arts and the Theater department.

The moderator for this year’s Summit is alumni Sean McAllister, Class of 2001. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Journalism, McAllister joined the Fox5 team in 2005 as News Producer. He quickly moved into his role as Executive Producer in which he launched the Emmy nominated show “MORE.”  He has made a name for himself in Las Vegas as an entertainment reporter. While Sean McAllister serves as role-model for students in journalism, the panelists serve as role-models and mentors to students in the fields of music, theater and the arts.

Panelist George Nick Gianopolous, used his passion for classical music to launch his career as a composer. Now, a multi-award winning artist, Gianopolous travels the world, sharing his love for music with others. His passion for music and the arts is mutually shared with fellow panelist Diana Priesler, the star of the Lifetime Television series “Pitch Slapped”.

After Priesler earned her bachelor’s degree in theatre performance and directing at SUNY Oswego, she used her voice to make an impact in the world of acapella music. Priesler is not only featured on her own television show, but she also is a member of an acapella band Blue Jupiter. When she isn’t using her talent on television or in her band, she hosts “SingStrong,” an international music charity event.

Third panelist Mya Brown also shares a background with Diana Priesler in theater. Brown is an actor, director/playwright and current visiting assistant professor in acting/directing and voice/diction here at SUNY Oswego. She is using her experience and expertise from performing in over 30 regional and national productions to reach the students in theater and music. Her passion for theater and the arts is not the only thing that keeps her going, but her love for technology and incorporating the use of it into theater is something that inspires her to match the advances with technology to theater.

The final panelist for this year’s Summit is former marketing and communications coordinator for SUNY Oswego’s Department of Campus Life, Michael Yoon. During his time at Oswego, Yoon also earned his Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. With the skills he developed, Yoon found his passion for working with print and design. After graduation, Yoon moved on to become the communication manager for University Services at Princeton University.

This year’s Media Summit is devoted to including all schools that make up SCMA. The decision to involve all the schools was suggested by Dean Julie Pretzat, to unite all students from the schools at one of the biggest events on campus, the Media Summit. Co-event director Kalie Hudson describes the panelists for this year’s event as being heavily entertainment based, but is hopeful the discussion is something that will engage everyone in communications, music, theatre and art and will be a discussion all can find interest in.

While inclusion of theater and the arts was essential in choosing this year’s panelists, the goal was to have communication remain at the heart of the event. Although the panelists are from different fields, there are overlapping interests in the fields of communication, media and the arts, so the decision to include all three schools was not a difficult decision at all as Hudson states.

The theme of this year’s event, “Digital, Social, Media”, is something that affects all students whether it is in the School of Communication or the School of the Arts; it is a discussion that can engage all students and a discussion in which all students can take something away from and apply it to their own field.

On October 27 at 3:00pm, all students are invited to gather in the Waterman Theater in Tyler Hall for a discussion with current professionals in the fields of communication, the arts, theater, and music. Each panelist has made a name for his/herself in their chosen fields and are prime examples of what students can achieve beyond graduation from SUNY Oswego.

by Stefanie Sciolaro, WTOP10-TV

The Student Association held their weekly Senate meeting Tuesday evening on October 18, the date also marked the 52nd legislation session. Once roll call was taken, quorum fulfilled, and all agendas and minutes were approved, the meeting commenced. The agenda included some guest speakers to the Senate this week, along with a few words from President Emily Nassir, and some updates on various items for SUNY Oswego. 

Two guests consisted of Student Affairs Vice President Kathleen Evans and Michael Flaherty from Auxiliary Services, who discussed the topic of student travel needs. They explained the present transportation methods available to students, and pitched their new ideas on how to improve these options in the future. Kathleen Evans began the presentation by explaining the recent changes to transportation options that have already been enacted for the 2016-17 academic year. All changes, updates, and additional information to public transportation for this year can be found within the Student Travel Guide Pamphlets available at the Marano Campus Center Help Desk or for the most up to date schedules visit http://www.centro.org/colleges/suny-oswego.

After discussing recent changes, Michael Flaherty took over to pitch new ideas on how to better fulfill transportation needs on campus while saving money. He explained that some of the transportation options are barely used and are costing substantial amounts. In order to save money, concentration on only means that students tend to use the most should be enacted. This saved money could be used to enhance van transportation and fund a direct bus route to NYC for students for the end of both Fall and Spring semesters. He says that by utilizing the van shuttles for breaks and only running the Sunday Late Service during peak travel times in the year, it would help offset the overall costs the school pays for travel. Two running times, instead of one, were proposed for the Sunday Late Services during peak travel times: Leaving NYC at 2:00pm, arriving in Oswego by 8:45pm, and leaving NYC at 6:00pm, arriving in Oswego  by 12:15.

At this point feedback, comments, and questions were opened up to be voiced by the Senate. The issue of the current amount of training sessions available for students to be certified to drive the vans was raised. The concern was that there are not enough opportunities for students to acquire this certification. It is required that all students who drive the vans, which are predominantly student driven, have their van certification. If you have this certification, an email is sent out when van drivers are needed and students are paid for their driving services. As of right now, training sessions are only held if the class is full, if you are interested in acquiring your van driving certification contact the Student Affairs Vice President Kathleen Evans. 

The Senate also brought up the question of where exactly the College Express Service stops within NY, NYC, NJ, and Long Island are and the efficiency of the service as a whole. One Senator voiced that she has ridden the service before and stops were no where near her home town. Making these stops in more areas would convenience students and possibly up the amount of students who ride with the service. In regards to safety and efficiency, another Senator said “ Students wouldn’t mind paying that price if they’re getting good service… I never really feel safe on the bus”. The possible partnering of transportation services with the D- Bus was also brought up as an alternative option of transportation. The D-Buses assists student, predominantly during the weekends, in local transportation. These buses are not utilized as much during the week days, therefore, it would be a great option as far as an additional regular form of transportation is concerned. The guest speakers took all of this feedback into account and specified that they would look into the idea of partnering with the D-bus, explore more direct routes for the College Express Service, and address all comments and concerns as far as transportation needs, safety, or efficiency. If you have any feedback, comments, or concerns in regards to traveling options offered by SUNY Oswego or are interested in taking a van training certification class, please contact Kathleen Evans at kathleen.evans@oswego.edu or Michael Flaherty at michael.flaherty@oswego.edu.

The Director and Assistant Director of SAPB, then, came up to discuss and advertise their need for extra hands from 4pm to 9:30ish during the upcoming Spooktacular Casino Costume Party. The Senate brought up the question of if one were to help work the event, if it could fulfill the GST community service requirement. The Assistant Director stated that it may be a possibility but she was unsure and would look into it for students. At the event there will be prizes handed out, music, food, a gift card given to the best costume, and much more. If anyone is interest in helping set up for the event, or interested in going but have further questions please contact SAPB at sapb@oswego.edu. 

Later on, President Emily Nassir spoke in regards to Executive Reports. She confirmed dates and focuses for upcoming meetings: faculty assembly, Presidents Council, etc., and spoke in regards to electing the Constitution this year. Results will be available Friday. She stated that November 11th will be the Veterans Open House and November 17 will be the 1,000 Words Event. On the topic of OzFest, there will be a new way set up this year in order to gain insight directly from the students about what they’d like their experience to be. Instead of only having the online survey, that includes what artists students wish to have come, the theme of Senate on Tuesday will be to physical gain insight into what students want: what artists, food, overall experience, etc.

 After the President spoke, Matthew Peters, the Director of Finance, briefly stated that all is well and normal as far as finances is concerned. WTOP10 has received all of the bought materials for the studio’s upgrades. The main focus as of right now is finalizing the audit for the year.

To close all important information for Tuesdays meetings, the President Chief of Staff announced that the final Homecoming Meeting was held and the schedule of events has been almost completely, if not so already, finalized. The events sheet scheduling was discussed and will be released soon. The theme days were also discussed: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday have been confirmed but Wednesday and Thursday had still been up in the air. Themes for those days were voted on during the meeting and will be enacted accordingly. The list of Monday-Fridays Themed Day’s will be distributed throughout campus shortly.

 On that note, the meeting was coming to a close as Vice President Dalton Flint confirmed that from now on the Student Association meetings of the Senate will commence at its regular time, 6:00pm, and regular place, Lanigan 105, as there has been some previous issues in scheduling meetings. With that he took a final roll call and the meeting came to a close for this week.  

Reported by: DJ Manou

Reported by: Sameer Kumar

by Jamie Aranoff, WTOP-10 TV

German Virtual Reality Company, Crytek has announced a sponsorship with Oswego State providing virtual reality research opportunities and human-computer interaction graduate programs.

VR [Virtual Reality] First is an initiative to integrate virtual reality and create labs in higher education institutions nationwide.  The aim of VR First is to link schools to a global network of virtual knowledge and research.

The need for jobs in the virtual reality market is rapidly opening, said Dr. Jolanda Tromp, a visiting professor at Oswego State. “Experts are needed to help with improvements to the hardware and there are a multitude of application areas opening up, such as big data visualization, explorations of the microbiology world, medical training, health & safety training for hazardous environments, college education programs of all sorts, fashion, journalism, marketing, to name a few,” said Tromp.

Oswego has joined a partnership of schools including Purdue University, Oklahoma State University, University of Florida and many others spanning six countries.

The Academic initiative with Crytek has allowed for the creation of a virtual reality lab in the Shineman center, with five state of the art virtual reality headphones. In addition, all headsets will be complete with Crytek’s software development, CryEngine.  

Virtual reality is a computer-generated program that is viewed from specific headgear with a screen securely placed in front of users’ eyes. Virtual reality’s specific draw is that the program allows for users to feel as though they are in a three dimensional location, which is a dynamic shot allowing the image in front of a users eyes to move in sync with a user.  

“It’s becoming affordable, the technology is improving and the headsets are smaller and more comfortable to wear,” Tromp said in a press release.

Last Spring, students in Tromp’s graduate virtual reality course divulged into the myriad of opportunities that are presented with the technology.  It is applicable not only to the science and technology fields but medical, marketing, psychotherapy, space travel, journalism and more.

“There is a need for software development talent in this field,” said Tromp.

Many students of varying majors and studies are provoked by the new technologies, and their opportunities in the job field.  

“It’s becoming cheaper and more common to produce headsets and I really feel as though the ideology of being able to interact with interact with virtual technology paves a way to new technologies I can not even begin to fathom,” said Sophomore computer science student, Joseph McGee.

In addition to the practicalities among many different fields, one Oswego student has taken the technology and applied it to pain management.

Second-year graduate student, Ryan Kikta is using virtual reality to bring patients undergoing medical treatments to feel as though they were in a non-medical location.

“It’s a green technology, it saves resources and time. Its flexibility is incomparable” said Tromp on the ability to use the technologies in different settings.  

For students interested in the vast world of virtual reality technology, Tromp is teaching a graduate level virtual reality course again in the upcoming spring semester. The virtual reality lab is available for students to propose projects for, and to collaborate with companies off campus, some even providing opportunities for internships.

by Annie Flaherty, WTOP-10 TV

OSWEGO, N.Y. – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and SUNY Oswego is taking action on campus through a variety of events. The One Love Foundation and SUNY Oswego teamed up to share the story of Yeardley Love.  Yeardley was killed in 2010 due to a domestic violence altercation with her ex-boyfriend.

Yeardley’s mother, Sharon Love, aims to spread awareness through college campuses.

As a mother, Mrs. Love says, “my biggest concern was that she may be injured on the lacrosse field or, even worse, be hurt in a car accident. Relationship violence was never on my radar screen.”

SUNY Oswego “It’s On Oz” campaign held events this month.  Lisa Evaneski, the Title IX coordinator at SUNY Oswego set up workshops this past week addressing sexual and domestic violence, specifically in college relationships, and how to make Oswego’s campus a safer one.  Evaneski says these workshops are not just for students who have experienced domestic violence, but for everyone else on campus as well, so that they can recognize it.

This Thursday, October 20, SUNY Oswego students will be encouraged to “turn the campus purple” in honor of victims of relationship abuse and also to “shine a light” on the cause.  

Other events will be taking place on campus throughout October as well, such as the “SUNY’s Got Your Back” event, where volunteers will put together comfort kits for victims and survivors of interpersonal violence.

If you are interested in getting involved with It’s On Oz campaign, contact Lisa Evaneski by email at Lisa.evaneski@oswego.edu.

Reported by: Abigail Buttacavoli, WTOP-10 TV 

What’s better than the aroma of freshly popped popcorn and the boom of a new blockbuster film? To the people of Oswego, one little movie theater has been a family favorite for almost a century.

This year Oswego Cinema is celebrating 75 years in business since its grand opening on January 22, 1941. Originally located on the corner of Bridge Street and Second Street where the current theater stands was the Hippodrome Theater which opened its doors around 1910.

The Oswego Cinema,  referred to as the Oswego 7 Cinemas for its seven screen rooms, was built in 1940 for M. Shapiro and Sons and designed in the art deco style by noted architect of his time John Ebberson. The old time charm and the movement of the lights give an appearance of going back in time and that attracts Oswego moviegoers.

Vinny Ruggio, a lifelong Oswego resident, brought his grandchildren to the movies and explained his memories and his love of the theater. “It’s the best gig in town, even now for me,” he said, “and I want my grandchildren to enjoy the same experience and I hope this place always stays open.”

“I like the art deco atmosphere of the place, it just has a lot of history, being almost 75 years old,” said Cole Smith, the general manager. He believes the theater is a great part of the town.

Each and every person who comes through the doors of the cinema is witnessing a unique piece of history. Here’s to 75 more years!

The expression “Going Green” is not new to students at SUNY Oswego. The campus has been rated as being one of the top green colleges in the nation for another year in a row by “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 361 Green Colleges.”

A variety of environmentally friendly and energy efficient utilities are very much visible when walking around campus. The presence of facilities for bike commuters: bike storage/racks or lockers can been found near almost every building.

“I think the accessibility of the bike racks are a great part of the campus,” said senior Christopher Britts. “This year I live off campus and don’t want to waste my gas driving here everyday, like who wouldn’t want to be outside, it’s beautiful out this time of year here.”

Shuttle buses, sharing service cars: Zip-cars, and car charging stations on campus have tremendously helped the school, not only become more environmentally responsible, but give more mobile opportunities to students and faculty.

“The shuttle bus saved me from a lot of trouble during the winter when I had to travel from Seneca Hall to Shineman,” said junior Matthew Upright.

Oswego State is also one of few colleges that has a formal sustainability committee and a sustainability officer. The college also spends 13 percent of its food budget on locally grown or organic products for students.
SUNY Oswego also offers a minor in sustainability studies, and in recent years constructed buildings such as Richard Richard S. Shineman Center for Science, Engineering and Innovation; Rice Creek Field Station; and the Village has achieved LEED Gold certification: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The college has been designing their new facilities to meet this LEED standard since 2005, have definitely succeeded, and continues to do so.

OSWEGO, N.Y. -If you’ve walked through the quad lately, you’ve seen that Oswego has new sculptures on campus. The set of sculptures were a response to renovation work that was being done on Tyler Hall. The sculptures range from large red spikes representing connection or lack thereof with earth, to a sculpture that animals can live in blurring the lines between humans and nature.

The six pieces aren’t just local art, two of them hail from North Carolina and the other four from all across New York state. The Lifestyles Center will be co-hosting an event with the Student Art Exhibit Committee on October 19. #CelebrateSculpture will be held in the quad featuring the artists who built the sculptures, who will answer questions and talk about their experiences.

The large red piece is titled Prince, by Fredrick Douglas Schatz. This work is meant to be a self portrait. He said that it was a comment on the harmony and lack of harmony between each person and the earth that we inhabit.

You can find more information about this event on the SUNY Oswego events calendar at http://bit.ly/2dWoBEv.

OSWEGO, N.Y. – A fight across the street from the Shineman Center early Sunday morning resulted in a man being sent to Upstate Medical University Hospital. When University Police arrived at the scene they found an 18-year-old man had been assaulted and stabbed four times in the shoulder.

     Witnesses say that four males in dark clothing with hoodies pulled over their heads, came out of a dark colored 4-door Honda before attacking the freshman. A female was driving the car, and it was last seen heading east on Washington Boulevard.

     The argument is believed to have begun earlier in the night in front of the American Legion on Bridge Street.  The victim’s injuries are not life threatening and he is in stable condition.

     The incident is currently under investigation by State University Police and is asking anyone with information to contact them at 315-312-5555.

Reported by: Annie Flaherty

Two SUNY Oswego students have contracted the mumps this semester.  Vaccinations at the college are required for all students, but there is a 30-day period in the beginning of the semester before students have to provide the records of their immunizations.  The first case of the mumps appeared on campus during this period, whereas the second case appeared this past week.

School health officials took the proper precautions once they were notified the virus was on campus.

“We notified administration […] the student was placed in isolation, and isolation is just a private room on campus, and the student went home until results and symptoms resolved,” said Angie Brown, Director of Health Service at Mary Walker Health Center at SUNY Oswego.

Other students on campus had mixed reactions to hearing the diagnosis of the mumps in their community.

“I was going to get everything and do everything I could to keep myself healthy and safe,” said senior Joe Governale.

Since the school is taking precautions, other students had different things to say.

“I was kind of worried at first, but I don’t think it is as serious as some people think it is,” said student Lauren Nevil.
Officials at Mary Walker say that the symptoms of the mumps start out similar to the common cold, but the distinguishing symptom between the two are very swollen cheeks and glands under the ears.  If anyone is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Mary Walker Health Center at (315) 312- 4100 or online at Oswego.edu/walker-health-center.

Reported by: Ilyssa Weiner

Scales Hall residents will be forced to move out at the end of the semester due to the hall’s renovation. Scales is the last residence hall in the Lakeside Community to be renovated after Waterbury reopened last fall.

Resident Assistant Gabby Green lived in Waterbury before it was renovated. She was initially worried about where she was going to live when Waterbury closed. However, she enjoyed the experience she had with it.

“That’s why I came here, to help people move out of this building and do it all again,” said Green.

The renovations to Scales will include new lounges, a new front desk and an elevator. Scales Hall Director Myles Clendenin is excited for the changes, but also believes the community aspect is what will stand out the most.

“It’s not just about how the building looks in the renovation. It’s about building that community, at the end of the day the students who make the make the community,” said Clendenin

Scales is currently home to about 150 students, consisting of international students only staying for the semester, new students and students who’ve lived in Scales for more than a year.

Senior Anthony Salvador has lived in Scales since his freshman year and will greatly miss the atmosphere of the old hall.

“I will definitely miss the old Scales to the point where I’m going to leave on the last day at ten A.M. when they kick me out,” said Salvador.

Those who are currently living in Scales since the beginning of the semester will priority in picking what dorm they want to stay in during the spring semester.

Scales Hall will reopen Fall 2017.

OSWEGO, NY — Oct 13, 2016

It’s a relief for SUNY Oswego students to get a day off from classes, but yesterday’s break in honor of Yom Kippur may have allowed them to avoid something besides their professors. On Wednesday morning, the college issued an alert that a black bear had been sighted on Route 104 by the college’s main entrance.

The University Police said the bear posed no immediate threat, though students and staff were advised to keep their distance and contact university police in the event of another sighting.

Although the sighting may have surprised students, these incidents are not unique to Oswego. Black bears have been a common sight across Oswego County over the past few months, with several seen in July alone. Bear sightings have increased across upstate NY, with some towns reporting over three times as many than usual.

Though the actual cause of this increase in sightings is unknown, black bears are not uncommon in upstate NY. Oswego may fall outside of their primary range, but that does not rule out the occasional sighting: according to the Department of Environmental Conservation, 10-15 percent of the state’s population of 6,000-8,000 black bears live in the central-western region of NY

Even with the increase, the odds of an actual attack remain extremely low. Black bears are responsible for the deaths of less than one person per year across North America.

For more information on what to do in the case of a bear encounter, visit the Oswego State University Police Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Oswego-State-University-Police-90985222236/.

Tired of being an average everyday student? Potterwatch is the gateway to a bright new magical world for you. Potterwatch is the newly founded club on campus that specializes in various fun-filled events inspired by the works of J.K Rowling.

The club is run by the headmaster, Marianna Butera. Activities this club specializes in are debates, trivia nights, pot locks, viewing parties and quidditch.

On October 12, the first big event for Potterwatch is quidditch, which will occur outside of Lee Hall between the two softball diamonds from 10 am to 3 pm.

The game quidditch consists of nine people on each team: one seeker, three chasers, two beaters, one keeper, and two substitutes who can sub in for any players wanting to have a break except for the seeker.

The point of the game is for the chasers to score through one of three hoops as many times as possible with a quaffle (volleyball) while the beaters throw bludgers (dodgeballs) at them. If a chaser gets hit by a beater, they must drop their quaffle and run to the end of the field. The keeper’s job is to defend the goals and the seeker is responsible for chasing the snitch. The snitch in this case is a person who runs around in yellow and if he is caught, the team receives thirty points. Remember this is all done by riding on brooms.

The first place team for the tournament receives a pizza party, the second place team receives a dozen doughnuts, and the third place team earns candy bars for each team member.

Money proceeds from events like this get sent to a charity called Lumos which was cofounded by J.K Rowling. Lumos works to help the millions of children in institutions worldwide regain their right to a family.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and show off some magic!

Contact Potterwatch – potterwatch@oswego.edu

Donate a gallon – https://wearelumos.org

Reported by: Morgan Rumpf

The month of October is always composed of haunting attempts and scares as Halloween approaches on October 31, however one trick that tends to stick around all year is phishing emails and other scams that invade campuses and effect students all across the nation. It is because October has been deemed Cyber Security Awareness Month. This is an annual campaign that is utilized in order to raise awareness about cyber-security. As technology has become so prevalent in our everyday lives, cyber-security is relevant and should be recognized by everyone in the Oswego community.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, National Cyber Security Awareness month is designed to engage and educate public and private sector partners through events and initiatives to raise awareness about cyber-security, the purpose is to provide people with tools and resources needed to stay safe online, and increase the resiliency of the Nation in the event of a cyber incident.

To bring light on cyber-security SUNY Oswego has launched its first annual Phishing Tournament through Campus Technology Services. The goal of this tournament is to raise awareness to the cyber threats placed on the campus through phishing emails.

The tournament rules are simple, every time a student receives a phishing email on their SUNY Oswego email account, they can forward that email to phishing@oswego.edu with the subject reading “Contest Entry.” Every time a new phishing email is forwarded, the student will be entered in a drawing for an amazon gift card. The winner will receive a $50 gift card, second winner will receive a $25 gift card, and third place will be given a $10 gift card.

Phishing emails often trick people into giving away private information that can be used in illicit ways. Campus Technology Services would never ask for personal information via email, however still advise everyone to check the sender on every email they get and hover over any attached links in the email to see where they go just to be safe. The best thing to do after accidentally interacting with a phishing email in any way would be to change the password to your email account.

The first annual CTS, Campus Technology Services, Phishing Tournament will run from October 1 through October 30, and the winners will be selected on Halloween.

OSWEGO, N.Y. – Clown sightings have been on the rise across the country after the first reported incidents occurred in North and South Carolina. The clown epidemic has reached Upstate New York with reports in Syracuse, Auburn and Rochester. Although dressing up as a clown can be creepy and make people feel unsafe, it isn’t a crime.

In a statement released by local authorities, police have advised people not to dress up as clowns and wonder throughout neighborhoods.

“The Oswego Police Department has been made aware of rumors circulating via social media of the potential for people to dress up as clowns (similar to what you may have seen in other areas) in an attempt to scare kids and/or adults in our community. Please note this act could be considered a crime. Oswego Police will be on the lookout and encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact 911 immediately,” said Oswego police.

The Phoenix Police Department is asking people to not dress up as clowns on Halloween, in a Facebook post made on Oct. 4. “if someone hides behind a clown costume with the intent to cause fear, alarm or commit a crime; we won’t be clowning around when they are apprehended,” said the department in the post.

Police in Syracuse are prepping up patrol in the city’s North Side after a 10-year-old boy was chased by three clowns on his way to school last week. In an interview with CNY, Central New York, Central, police said that people could be charged with harassment and loitering which are unlawful.

Clown sightings have started to pop up on college campuses across the country as well. Within the past week clowns have been spotted at Louisiana State University, LSU, Penn State and Oswego State University. There was a sighting in the Seneca Hall parking lot on Oct. 4 but nothing has been released by university police if it was a threat or not.

After two years of occupying the third floor of Penfield Library, Tyler Hall has reopened with a kickoff art exhibit titled “Restart.”

From October 4 to October 30 “Restart” will occupy the gallery space in the downstairs area of the newly renovated Tyler Hall. The exhibit encompasses artwork by different artists from throughout the nation, many with ties to Oswego State University.

“Tyler Hall has been a pivotal building on campus for 48 years,” said Cynthia Clabough, Chair of Oswego State’s Art Department

“The opening to the gallery is metaphorical in terms of providing openness and fluidity to the campus,” said Clabough. Tyler Hall Art Gallery Director Michael Flanagan added, “New beginnings and fresh starts are ideas that all artists contemplate.”

“Restart” includes artwork from artists nationwide, however the exhibit is built to emphasize the community. Art teachers, mentors, and students from three local high schools are invited to visit the gallery and interpret what restart means to them and submit artwork reflecting such thoughts.

In the Juror’s statement, Helaine Posner, the Chief Curator states that the inaugural exhibit of Tyler Hall reflects to diversity and vitality of creating art in today’s world.

“Many artists with contributing work on “Restart” take inspiration from the natural world, while others incorporate urban landscapes,” said Posner.

The artwork varies in terms of different media, with work dabbling in painting, drawing, collage-ing, sculpture and photography.

The selected works reinforce the ideas promoting fresh ideas on contemporary life, and serves as an inauguration to the reopening of Tyler Hall.

For many students, the reopening presents an opportunity to view art in a museum like setting without venturing off campus.

“I’m excited to see the new gallery in Tyler Hall,” said SUNY Oswego sophomore Amna Sadique. “I never visited the gallery when it was in Penfield, but I am looking forward to the changing exhibits as the semesters go on,” said Sadique.

Tyler Hall art gallery is a newly renovated room on the first floor of Tyler Hall. The gallery presents six exhibits annually, which are free and open to the public. In addition, the gallery serves as a classroom to teach and for students and community members to learn through direct encounters of professional quality artwork.

In addition to Tyler Hall, there is an off campus gallery located at 168 West First Street giving students opportunities to create both fine and preforming artwork with inspiration from previous art creating a collaborative atmosphere.

For students, faculty, staff, and community members alike there will be a free public reception featuring several artists on Friday, October 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Need to get back into “running shape” or just want to have a good time with your friends? You are in luck because next Saturday, October 15, both Cooper and Glimmerglass fitness centers will host a 5k run called The Great Pumpkin Run. This race is to benefit Blessings in a Backpack.

Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, people, and resources, to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry. In the United States, there are more 15-million children in this country who are at the risk of hunger.

“In previous years, this race has donated money to the Susan G. Komen foundation for Breast Cancer”, said Sarah DeGeorge, a Graduate Assistant for Oswego Fitness Centers. “This year we wanted to donate to Blessings in a Backpack because the proceeds will impact the local Oswego community.”

This 5k can be done as either a run or walk. The course starts and ends just outside of Hart Hall. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the race which includes best costume, the most participants from a club/organization/Resident Hall floor and many more. Trophies are awarded for those who have the top 3 finishing times (both men and women). Also, Cider, donuts and pumpkin decorating are included after the race.

Students can register at either Cooper or Glimmerglass Fitness Centers now until October 15 for five dollars. To those that did not register beforehand, from 12:30pm to 1:15pm, there will be a table outside of Marano Campus Center to register right before the race.

So if you have nothing going on for October 15, come out and walk or run for a great cause.