Rather than focusing on a more generalized concept of Filipino culture, PAL strived to emphasize the “debut” aspect of the banquet, which celebrates the milestone of a Filipina woman turning 18, typically in the company of family and friends, dancing and gifts. The banquet was inspired by the annual Sunflower Festival in Ligao City, the Philippines, where dancers take to the streets in performances and costumes reflective of the abundant golden sunflower fields growing nearby.

To encapsulate this radiance, vases of faux sunflowers sat at the center of each table and a vine garland draped across the tablecloth as the flames of LED candles twinkled beneath the darkness of the space.

Johann Belizario, PAL’s educational chair and a junior majoring in industrial and systems engineering, helped kick off the festivities by describing the significance behind this year’s banquet.

“A Filipino debut is a huge celebration of a young woman’s coming of age on her 18th birthday,” said Belizario. “It is one of the most significant social celebrations in a Filipina’s life. It symbolizes her transition from childhood to young adulthood. Mirasol is a Tagalog translation for sunflower. The Ligao Sunflower Festival is a festival that focuses on the natural beauty of a particular town in Pangasinan, and the blooming of sunflowers.”

After an introduction video set to Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre’s “Mabagal,” E-Board members and freshman representatives performed a traditional Tinikling folk dance, agilely weaving in and out of bamboo poles, rapping against the ground to rondalla music and trending hits like SZA’s “BMF.”

The event was hosted by Monica Gnajewski and Giankyle Vallarta, PAL’s social chairs and sophomores majoring in computer science. While there were some challenges during the planning process of the banquet — namely the University’s new policy that prevented PAL and other Asian Student Union organizations from catering from off-campus Asian establishments — Jhon Milo Nunez, PAL’s president and a senior majoring in computer science, reflected upon the dedication and collaboration behind the scenes that brought this event into fruition.

“[Gnajewski and Vallarta] have done an amazing job of bringing this theme to life,” Nunez wrote in the event pamphlet. “As for the rest of this year’s E-Board, I couldn’t be anymore proud of the hard work that everyone has put in to make this banquet one to remember. Whether it be deco, dance, or simply being there for one another in times of stress, it truly warms my heart to see everyone contribute to the success of this event.”

The night’s itinerary featured a combination of live performances presented by talented student groups and interactive games calling for audience participation. One of the organizations highlighted was the Binghamton Taekwondo Club, which showcased synchronized form motions known as poomsae and pre-choreographed fight sequences, followed by an intense series of board-breaking demonstrations and aerial stunts to soaring, suspenseful music.

Members of Undivided, an R&B group dedicated to uplifting multicultural voices through musical expression, also performed later that night, singing a rendition of Kehlani’s “Folded.”

While the event was challenging to plan, Gnajewski said that hosting the banquet was incredibly rewarding.

“Seeing the vision that my co-chair and I had finally come to life was such a surreal experience, and getting to present our hard work to almost 300 people was indescribably gratifying,” Gnajewski wrote. “Being in PAL has not only given me the opportunity to execute and host this banquet, but also connected me to a large community of wonderful people and allowed me to spread our shared Filipino culture to the rest of campus.”

Three games followed each performance, inviting enthusiastic attendees to compete on the stage. Prizes on the line included a “performative male” basket featuring stereotypical essentials like wired earbuds, a tote bag, matcha powder, a set filled with sunflower-themed trinkets and a brand-new Stüssy hoodie.

The first game was based on the custom where 18 men close to the debutante bestow her with 18 single roses as a symbol of their affection and admiration. Participants raced around the Mandela Room in search of items like the shortest person, the largest shoe size and the most followers on Instagram. The second game was the newspaper dance, a classic party game in the Philippines, where pairs of two were tasked with dancing and freezing on a sheet of newspaper as it was progressively folded smaller and smaller after each round.

The final game, “ligaw,” was inspired by family-centric elements of traditional Filipino courting culture like the “harana,” or a romantic serenade, and “paninilbihan,” or acts of service. Contestants competed to win over the hand and heart of Gnajewski‘s “titas” and “titos,” roles assumed by PAL’s senior advisors. One of the highlights of the night, the crowd erupted into applause and laughter at each interpretation of the different rounds as the suitors were prompted to try “serving” and rizzing up the judges on the spot.

After a dynamic hip-hop number soundtracked to songs like Kendrick Lamar’s “tv off” from Liga Modern, a dance troupe from the University of Albany’s Liga Filipina, the evening closed off with line dancing. All attendees were invited to shuffle along on the dance floor to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”

Nunez explained how he hoped the banquet’s atmosphere brought together attendees from the Binghamton community and beyond as part of a shared familial unit.

“I hope that the attendees were able to immerse themselves into a mock debut, as one of our emcees, Monica, played the role of a girl who just turned 18 and sought to accomplish everything that typically happens at a debut,” Nunez wrote. “From line dancing to traditional games played [at] Filipino family gatherings, I hope that anyone in attendance was able to feel as though they were part of the PAL family, or in Tagalog, Kapamilya.”

Founded by three friends in 2015, LUMA utilizes the existing architecture as an all-encompassing canvas, transforming the streets into an immersive open-air art gallery that harnesses cutting-edge video projection technology to engage up to 30,000 attendees. Six major shows featuring several internationally acclaimed artists were presented, along with eight smaller-scale, interactive installations tucked inside the nooks and crannies of the city, providing exposure for emerging creatives.

This year, State Sen. Lea Webb ’04 secured a $10,000 grant to help support the LUMA Arts Initiative Inc., elevating the festival’s mission with additional funding. According to Joshua Bernard Ludzki MBA ’13, LUMA’s co-founder, Webb has encouraged the growth of LUMA since its conception as a first-of-its-kind, grassroots project.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Senator Webb was able to secure this generous grant in a year when funding for the arts has been particularly challenging,” Bernard said in a press release. “The Senator has been a supporter of LUMA from day one, initially as a Binghamton city councilwoman, and her support has only grown over the years. Events like LUMA couldn’t exist without leadership like Senator Webb’s.”

Past a line-up of food trucks and stalls greeting attendees at the entrance, the exhibitions were situated within walking distance of each other and played in looping intervals from 8:30 p.m. until 12:15 a.m., allowing visitors to view each show at their own pace.

An eight-time returning artist hailing from Hungary, MaxIn10sity’s “Dream of a Machine” tells the timely story of artificial intelligence through a resounding narrative that booms over the crowd, questioning its emotions and humanity. Clashing visuals of warped binary code and towering ancient ruins unfolded above 95 Court Street, seemingly defying the building’s boundaries.

Just down the road was another mainstay of LUMA programming. Los Romeras’ “Instinct” displays the evolution of a canine-like creature as its primitive, wild nature breaks free from the structure of civilization. Shape, form and light shifted to reflect the dynamics of chaos and reason, with environments transforming from lush vine-enclosed forests and rising geometric cityscapes.

Nya Lee, a senior majoring in art and design, described her experience attending this year’s LUMA and her perspective on this year’s shows as an artist deeply involved in the campus’s creative community.

“As a senior, I am prioritizing experiencing as many events and adventures as possible before I graduate, and LUMA was one of the most enjoyable experiences so far,” Lee wrote. “I went on opening night, and LUMA was already active within the first hour of the show. My favorite had to have been ‘Instinct,’ as all of the shows were amazing, but this one stood out to me the most. ”

“As an artist, I am drawn towards movements like post-impressionism and Fauvism, and this piece really struck out to me because the visuals reminded me of those movements! It was super immersive and a great art experience overall,” she continued.

On 84 Court Street, “The Peg Johnston Living Lights Project” displayed pieces submitted by artists of all experience levels and mediums, including students from local school districts like Maine-Endwell, allowing some of the youngest talents of the Broome County area to see their hand-drawn designs brought to life.

In addition to the larger-than-life size of these projections, LUMA drives revitalizing economic activity for local vendors and small businesses. This year, the festival was estimated to bring in over $1 million over the course of two nights. Years after the first festival lit up Binghamton, the event’s unique combination of spectacle and storytelling has continued to inspire and influence thousands.

“Every year, LUMA showcases the power of creativity and the importance of investing in the arts, not just as entertainment, but as a vital part of our culture and economy,” Webb said in a press release.

From noon until 7 p.m., over 130 acts performed live from 60 residential driveways, lawns and porches that wrap around the historic neighborhoods between Riverside Drive and Recreation Park. Borrowing from a concept originating in Ithaca, New York in 2007, Binghamton is among over 200 cities nationwide that sponsor Porchfest.

Christopher Bodnarczuk ’11, Binghamton Porchfest’s founder and director, embraces the event’s longstanding commitment to community by bringing thousands together across all ages and backgrounds to share a universal love for live music.

“It’s easy to stay siloed here, but a day like Porchfest is for everybody,” Bodnarczuk wrote in an email. “I can’t think of another event where toddlers dance alongside octogenarians to hip-hop and Grateful Dead cover bands. There’s students, there’s families, there’s community elders, tourists, government officials. There’s heavy metal and Christian music performing on the same block, seemingly in harmony.”

“We don’t get as many opportunities as we should in this world to come together with our neighbors from other walks of life to do something collective,” he continued. “Porchfest is for that.”

Porchfest showcases a range of genres and artists catering to its diverse audience, with a blend of original songs and iconic covers flooding through crowds of listeners. Local legends like Caviar & Grits drew dozens of dedicated fans onto College Street, while newcomers Ramblers, a female-led band of Binghamton University seniors established last spring, gained a brand new audience.

From The Interns’ jazz-inspired rendition of “Creep” soaring above Davis Street to the raw pop-punk instrumentals of Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy” erupting over Lincoln Avenue, attendees played it by ear and wander around the neighborhoods by scooter, stroller or foot in search of a set that called out to them.

“Every host, every band is a volunteer — essentially, they all create their own little concerts and we figure out how to schedule them with regards to sound and crowd balance throughout the neighborhood,” Bodnarczuk wrote.

Porchfest is the product of months of careful planning and collaboration, with coordinators like Katie Perkins of Binghamton working closely with the city to organize street closures, shuttle routes, free parking and law enforcement presence, among other logistics. Food vendors like Big Zues Barbecue and That Coffee Place were scattered between blocks, accompanied by the occasional homemade lemonade stand, magic show and garage sale sprawled across front yards. New this year was a curated artisanal market in Recreation Park, offering specialty crafts, gifts and more for sale to those passing through.

Perkins, who was awarded with keys to the city by Mayor Jared Kraham for her efforts in bringing Porchfest to life, reflected on the positive reactions she witnessed from those in attendance.

“It’s really great to see and hear from people throughout the festival [about] how happy everyone was, how amazing the music was, and just how electric the atmosphere felt,” Perkins wrote.

Dr. Dana Stewart, a Binghamton University associate professor of romance languages and literatures and Mountainview’s collegiate professor, who lives on the West Side, has participated in Porchfest as both a performer and host from the beginning. This year, Stewart and her husband Bob Rynone hosted three different bands at their home and featured several aspiring student musicians, giving many of them their first chance to showcase their talent to the larger Binghamton community.

Stewart describes the event as a wholesome “family affair” for several, with her son even joining in to accompany her own band, Dr. Dana & the Jam Dept., on the drums and guitar.

“From the moment we heard about Porchfest, 10 years ago, we were all in!” Stewart wrote. “We loved the idea of a music festival happening all throughout our neighborhood, and we loved the thought of turning our front lawn into a festival stage. Porchfest is such a wonderful celebration of live music, community, and also Binghamton itself — particularly the city’s West Side, our beloved neighborhood.”

Whether they’re longtime organizers or first-time attendees, Porchfest allows everyone to experience a unique side of the city that often goes unappreciated.

“I know it’s not the same experience that everybody has, but I fell in love with Binghamton when I moved here,” Bodnarczuk wrote. “I grew up in the middle of a bunch of cornfields so I found a sense of community here that I hadn’t known before. There’s an amazing, if undervalued, creative scene if you know where to look, and it’s only grown stronger in the past decade.”

“My hope is that Porchfest can be an introduction to that community each August for new and returning University students, as well as a bridging of the gap between the university and local community,” he continued.

United by the same mission of empowering and representing those with a shared racial, ethnic or gender identity, these clubs host over 75 percent of campus programming throughout the semester. E-Board members and interns work extensively behind the scenes to coordinate all logistics, transforming venues like the Mandela Room into elaborate spaces for student-run performances, festivals and banquets.

For those looking for a home away from home, to reconnect with their roots or learn about a new culture, here are some events to look forward to this year.

Asian Student Union’s Asian Night

Hosted each fall, Asian Night offers a visually compelling showcase of music, dance and skits organized by the seven subgroups encompassing ASU. Previous acts have included martial arts routines by the Taekwondo Club and percussion performances from traditional percussion groups Sulpoong and Unkai Daiko. From other Binghamton-based organizations to special guest appearances from viral social media sensations, ASU recruits a versatile lineup each year to demonstrate the diversity and creativity of the Asian American community.

Black Student Union’s Homecoming Fashion Show

For nearly 60 years, BSU has invited alumni, students and faculty to attend its annual fashion show every homecoming weekend. Models walk the runway dressed in a variety of designs crafted by aspiring stylists that emulate the complexities of Black culture. Each act is typically based on a political or social issue, recognizing the wide-reaching influence of the Black community over fashion across decades. All proceeds from ticket sales go to BSU’s Youth Program, which provides critical mentorship to minorities aged five to 13 in Broome County.

Caribbean Student Association’s Carnival

Carnival originated as an exuberant festival of freedom following emancipation, reflecting the resilience of the Caribbean people and the ability to rejoice through hardship. CSA captures the spirited energy of the Carnival season and transports attendees across the Caribbean islands with lively music, intricate decorations and colorful costumes. Attendees can expect feathered headdresses, jewel-encrusted bodices and acrobatic tricks as dancers take the stage.

Corazoncitos’ Mis Quince con Cora

Inspired by a quinceañera — a rite of passage honoring young Hispanic women as they turn 15 and transition into adulthood — “Mis Quince con Cora” embraces the celebratory elements of the tradition while fundraising for partnered nonprofit organizations. Attendees engage with significant coming-of-age customs, such as the changing of shoes ceremony, the father-daughter dance and the last doll. In the past, the event has raised thousands to support international charities like Mariposa DR and ACOMER Puerto Rico.

Latin American Student Union’s Latin Weekend

A three-night-long extravaganza, LASU’s annual Latin Weekend is organized in collaboration with Quimbamba Latin Dance Team and Binghamton’s chapter of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations. In addition to its long-running Nuestra Belleza y Nuestro Galán Latinx beauty pageant spotlighting Latin American countries, the weekend features El Polvorín, a highly anticipated dance contest organized by Quimbamba. The event invites talented college dance teams from all over New York state to perform, with the audience packing the Mandela Room.

Rainbow Pride Union’s Second Chance Prom

Second Chance Prom offers the LGBTQ+ community another opportunity to enjoy a significant high school milestone they might have previously missed out on. The organization encourages attendees to wear what they want and attend with whom they want, free from discrimination. Through the Second Chance Prom and other events throughout the semester, the Rainbow Pride Union aims to foster a safe space for members to express themselves — both at the University and on the dance floor.

Vietnamese Student Association’s Miss and Mr. Asia

VSA’s two annual pageants offer contestants representing various Asian countries to compete for the winning crown. With Miss Asia in the spring and Mr. Asia in the fall, both pageants include presentations and interviews that reflect each contestant’s unique personality and heritage. Each round often pays tribute to traditional music, dance and fashion, allowing audience members to immerse themselves in a high-energy and entertaining evening of cultural appreciation.

Rogelio Lopez, a Costa Rican choreographer and the show’s guest director, worked alongside associate directors Neva Kenny, an assistant professor of dance, and Elizabeth Mozer, an associate professor of theatre. Together, they used unique movements, props and costuming to channel various elements of humanity and nature.

A collaboration between students and faculty, the performance exemplified the shared experience of humanity under Rogelio’s guidance and use of “El Teatro de Imagen,” a genre of theater that tells a story through dramatic movement and physicality. The interpretive performance allowed the audience to engage with each act in a way that resonated with them.
Lopez highlighted the versatility of visual and performing arts as a form of communication, rather than spoken language.

“I’m trying to build communication and because I don’t know the language, it’s very difficult for me, but I can talk with you thanks to the image — and that’s perfect,” Lopez said. “That’s my idea of how we are over the limits of the communication. And my life has tried to create that language. My life, it’s almost 50 years, working every day without the words and silent image, because that image, when you see it, you immediately create a connection.”

“And that is ‘Teatro de Imagen,’” he continued. “Because theater is voice — that’s theater in particular. Of course, there’s a lot of ways to do theater, but in particular to speak about how we can build a language without speaking, but speaking a lot — that’s the idea of the ‘Teatro de Imagen.’”

“Encounters” was an evocative representation of the beauty of the human experience, encapsulating both the good and the bad aspects of life on Earth. The audience travels with the characters, exploring different cultures and emotions like love, joy and grief. A poetic metaphor for the complexity of human nature, the show drew attention to current issues like climate change and capitalism.

Lopez explained how he used different physical aspects of theater to build on nonverbal communication in his art.

“And at the same time, for that is to use two elements, the human body and all that is around, like the objects, the projections, the music, etc., etc., etc.,” Lopez said. “But the human and in particular — the gestures, because the gestures is the language without words, isn’t it?”

Lopez said that the performance was created in only four weeks in a more non-traditional rehearsal process, which uplifted students’ unique talents and captured the abstract.

“‘Encounters’ was a devised piece in that it wasn’t necessarily the traditional way of doing theater where it’s top down,” said CK Zaki, an interpreter for Lopez and a senior double-majoring in theatre and Spanish. “You have a playwright who writes a text, and then that text gets interpreted by one director and then the director makes all the choices of how then the actors move. It was a very collaborative environment and process. And I think that that was really cool, because the overall product of it is informed directly by those who were involved in it.”

Kenny and Mozer translated the intricacies of Lopez’s vision to the stage while playing the protagonists in the show. As aliens from an unfamiliar planet, they explore Earth through an outsider’s point of view and discover what it means to be human.

“There was a lot of exploration and opportunity to start to be comfortable in the uncomfortableness of being seen in something in a language that may be different than what you are used to,” Kenny said.

The protagonists are spiritually connected women who challenge the traditional male adventurer archetype. Through each act, Lopez emphasized the importance of making space for women and nature.

Along with live music and songs, “Encounters” also featured spoken word performances in a variety of languages. Jamie Papa, a first-year master’s student studying theater, sang in English and Filipino, while Yulia Garavea, a senior double-majoring in anthropology and sociology and Heidy Batista Garcia, a lecturer of theatre, read letters crafted for their parents in Russian and Spanish, adding an identity-based element to the show.

“Encounters” has a contemplative, interpretive ending, as the characters depart from Earth and leave the audience understanding how to learn from the past to reach for a brighter future. The show defied expectations by bringing contemporary productions to a wider audience on campus.

“I think that there is a lot of beauty in ambiguity, and I hope that the audience was able to sort of fit in the multiple interpretations possible from the show, and to bring whatever they feel is personally relevant to them to it,” Zaki said. “I think the show was really, I mean, it’s called ‘Encounters,’ and I feel like it really is about encountering humanity from different perspectives and different lived experiences and how those different lived experiences kind of communicate a universal humanity. I hope people were able to find something personal and universal in it.”

Founded in 1975, the Food Co-op has grown into a not-so-hidden, hidden gem among the University community. A cafe and grocery store tucked in the corner of the Union Undergrounds, the co-op serves specialty drinks and vegan, organic meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients from around New York’s Southern Tier.

With an emphasis on sustainability, the team makes the most seasonal items and current inventory with an alternating weekly menu curated by the kitchen manager and in-house cooks. Ashley Dua, the co-op’s current general manager and a senior majoring in political science in the 4+1 Degree Program for a master’s in genocide and mass atrocity prevention, described the intention behind the spring event.

“Spring Brunch is where the co-op gets to show off what we can do with our food and the talent of our cooks and volunteers,” Dua wrote in an email. “Within 24 hours, the co-op turns into a makeshift restaurant, with servers, line cooks, and food runners. The cooks have creative freedom over things they cannot typically cook for our weekday lunches, and we have fun in the front of the house with spring decor and creating a nice ambience for those who buy tickets.”

“We hope that alumni who visited and other students could enjoy the work we put in for good food and a good vibe,” she added.

In an open seating plan accommodating dozens, guests began to enter at 11 a.m. to sit at tables draped in pastel and patterned tablecloths. Each seat was marked with personalized name cards and ceramic mugs of chocolate raspberry and Guatemalan dark roast drip coffee or glasses filled with citrusy non-alcoholic mimosas awaiting them. Customers placed orders before the event and for a total of $20, the menu included a three-course spread with appetizers, entrees, dessert and drinks.

Daria Magill, the co-op’s head chef and a sophomore majoring in global public health, took the lead in preparing the afternoon’s dishes.

“We just wanted to do something kind of spring-forward, have a brunch that included things that everyone might like and a lot of floral flavors,” Magill said. “Berries are in season right now, so we definitely wanted to do something that focused on something berry. We wanted to do some more complex flavors, like the cardamom buns and lavender panna cotta.”

Appetizers included a choice of buttery artisan avocado toast or tender stuffed mushrooms, loaded with finely shaved carrots, green onion and breadcrumbs offering a subtle crunch against the springy caps. For the entrees, both sweet and savory selections were available — an earthy spinach mushroom tofu scramble or cream cheese-stuffed French toast with mixed berries and an optional addition of rich maple syrup, a crowd favorite that was dense without being too overpowering.

Sides included a mixed spring greens salad with a refreshing vinaigrette dressing, bright and herby roasted lemon rosemary potatoes and homemade focaccia bread.

Following their main courses, many attendees selected the lavender panna cotta for dessert — a smooth and custard-like dish aromatized with fragrant floral notes and delicate petals sprinkled over it. Another option was the cardamom buns, indulgent and pillowy with a flavor and texture profile similar to a cinnamon bun.

Throughout the brunch, guests chatted amicably among themselves and raved about their food as servers frequently checked in. Jazz music infused the atmosphere with comforting warmth.

“Being General Manager this year has only propelled my love for the space, since I have seen how much work it has taken over the past 50 years to keep it running, and am inspired by the work from all the students before me,” wrote Dua, who first joined the co-op as a freshman. “If you are looking for a place to feel welcome and connected, the co-op has an energy unlike any other place on campus. It will be a tough place to say goodbye to in the coming month!”

Magill said that the Food Co-op has provided her with a receptive community enthusiastic to taste what she creates in the kitchen.

“It’s been one of the most enlightening and fun experiences of my life,” McGill said. “Food is my love language, and I’ve been cooking since I was very little with my family, so being able to convey that with my friends and people I’ve met here has been so, so wonderful.”

“The community here is very, very strong, and everyone just loves what they do and it makes it not feel like a job,” she continued. “I would do it for my whole entire life if I could.”

While VSA has hosted Miss Asia nearly every fall for over a decade, it recently established Mr. Asia to provide the same platform for male students looking to showcase their culture through enriching personal narratives and entertaining performances.

Themed after “SpongeBob SquarePants,” this year’s roster included students representing the Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Enping and Guangzhou — the latter two being cities in southern China’s Guangdong province. In addition to an audience vote, the contestants were evaluated by a panel of presidents from other VSA chapters at the national and regional levels, including Rutgers University and Stony Brook University.

“This marks the third year we’ve hosted Mister Asia, and I’m ecstatic to show how far the event has come since its inception,” Winston Ong, VSA’s president and a senior majoring in mathematics, wrote in a pamphlet distributed to attendees. “If you attended Miss Asia 2024, don’t expect the same show — we have not only new contestants, but also different games, prizes, and even brand-new performances. Tonight is going to be sensational. On behalf of the Binghamton Vietnamese Student Association, we’re thrilled to have you here and hope it’s a night to remember.”

The room was darkened by ambient blue light to submerge attendees underwater, with SpongeBob-inspired decals like jellyfish and flowers lining the walls to imitate the deep-sea city of Bikini Bottom. Interns took turns emceeing the event with rehearsed commentary after first shouting out all the organizations in attendance, including five external VSA chapters from across the Northeast.

Mr. Asia featured five total rounds: the first walk introducing the contestants to the audience; the cultural walk highlighting traditional attire and a performance of their choice; the talent walk; the costume walk where they dressed as different SpongeBob characters; and the final walk featuring a Q&A session covering Asian American and Pacific Islander issues. Each contestant strutted onstage to Bruno Mars’ “24k Magic” wrapped in their respective countries’ flags, pausing to pose for applause.

In between the walks were three mini-games, all themed after SpongeBob plot points and characters. “Mr. Krabs’ Money Grab” entailed unraveling the most money tucked between the layers of a meticulously plastic-wrapped ball.

During the “Brainrot Quiz,” players scribbled out answers to trivia questions from an A.I.-generated SpongeBob persona, whose likeness overlaid a screen recording of Subway Surfers gameplay. In “Caught on Krabby Cam,” one of VSA’s senior advisors chased participants around the stage in an inflatable Patrick Star costume as they tried to avoid being captured by his phone camera, while the footage was streamed in real time from his point of view.

Most of the cultural walk performances combined elements of traditional dances with modern flair, creatively integrating instrumental beats into their choreography. Inspired by the Filipino Maglalatik dance where performers strike coconut shells together as a rhythmic prop, Mr. Philippines transitioned into a high-energy number soundtracked by Doechii’s “NISSAN ALTIMA” and Saweetie’s “My Type.”

Mr. Korea performed upbeat, contemporary K-pop choreography to hit songs like BTS’ “Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)” and TWICE’s “The Feels.” Mr. Indonesia showcased an island folk dance with resounding percussion while Mr. Enping leaped across the stage, twirling silk ribbons through the air as C-drama dialogue played in the background.

Mr. Guangzhou deviated from the other contestants with an instrumental performance, gracefully playing a hulusi — a reeded wooden Chinese wind instrument shaped like a gourd — as vintage visuals of Chinese landscapes flashed in the background. He also vocalized along to a karaoke video for Chuan Zi’s “Jin Sheng Yuan,” a Chinese song about friendship popularized on social media in early 2025.

Keeping with a longstanding tradition at VSA’s yearly pageants, the Rutgers Vietnamese Cultural Dance Crew performed its iconic lion dance, a trademark at festivities across Chinese diaspora communities. Dressed in colorful, elaborate two-person costumes, dancers vigorously maneuvered the heads and tails of the lions in sync with the music.

During the talent walk, many contestants chose to further demonstrate their musical prowess. Mr. Philippines sang a cover of beabadoobee’s “Glue Song” and played an electric guitar, while Mr. Indonesia delivered a spirited, crowd-rousing rendition of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” with his harmonica. Mr. Enping acted out a dramatic lyrical dance interpretation of Chase Atlantic’s “Swim.” Mr. Korea’s talent was cooking — assembling, cutting and plating a kimbap roll blindfolded narrowly under three minutes.

Iden Li, Mr. Guangzhou and a junior majoring in global public health, took to the stage accompanied by his teammates from Binghamton Bhangra and the Philippine American League, fusing two dynamic Latin and Indian dance styles in a medley.

“For my talent walk, I wanted to demonstrate an ability I was most comfortable with and grew with at Binghamton, naturally deciding with dance which I picked up as a student here,” Li wrote in an email. “As a contestant in Mister Asia, my goal was to try and offer a multicultural representation of what it means to be a student at Binghamton but also an Asian American. Because of this, I used my past experiences in dance to create choreography for my talent walk, incorporating salsa that I learned through the Philippine American League’s annual Barrio Fiesta, and bhangra which I found interest in upon joining my team, Binghamton Bhangra.”

Following a dance performance from the current VSA E-Board and interns later in the night, contestants answered questions that delved deeper into their experiences as Asian men. Many acknowledged that as minorities, they previously rejected their heritage due to the fear of being different but are working to mature from that mindset.

“Growing up, the Indonesian population, for a student body, was typically in the single digits and if not, just me,” Christopher Taufan, Mr. Indonesia and a sophomore majoring in cinema, said. “And that made me really embarrassed about my culture because I was the one that was different.”

“But my mom attended Indonesian church groups, and she was very active in that community,” he continued. “And every Easter, every Christmas, we would celebrate with huge festivals just like this one — celebrating Indonesian culture, celebrating dance. And as I grew up, understanding that these people were happy to share that culture and share this single unit, it really changed who I am today. I can pursue my confidence and celebrate who I really am. It’s okay to be different!”

As determined by the audience, Mr. Indonesia won crowd favorite, Mr. Guangzhou won social media favorite and Mr. Enping won best costume. After a final Q&A session about their connection with their ethnic identity and the legacy of Mr. Asia beyond the event, the three finalists discussed how they would use the title to advocate for social equality for the AAPI community and amplify underrepresented Asian cultures.

At the end of the night, Mr. Guangzhou was crowned Mr. Asia. As an active member of VSA since his freshman year, he reflected on the significance of representing his community and described his experience as “certainly quite special.”

“I loved seeing the vibrant displays of culture as an audience member for the past two years, so being able to switch roles and craft a performance as a contestant was a full circle moment for me,” Li wrote. “I wanted to participate in Mister Asia because I wanted the chance to proudly display my cultural background and identity, something I didn’t have the privilege of doing so growing up. I also knew former contestants that competed in past Miss and Mister Asias, so I wanted to take a chance at making my own mark in the event’s history as well.”

“I had a wonderful time creating ideas for how I could authentically portray my story while also getting to know VSA’s executive board and bonding with my amazing fellow contestants,” he added.

Stalls representing Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam flanked all sides of the Mandela Room, allowing students to rotate between each country and enjoy food catered by Kampai Japanese Steakhouse. Options included teriyaki chicken and vegetables, fried rice, mandu dumplings drizzled in ponzu sauce, and samples of different flavors of Boy Bawang, a popular Filipino corn snack.

While SASE was founded in 2011 as a professional organization to support STEM students, it also strived to find new ways to integrate the diversity of Asian cultures into its mission. Marc Sandoval, the organization’s president and a junior majoring in computer engineering, explained how the E-Board selected which countries to feature this year, including additions like Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, despite the club not having any members from those backgrounds.

“Every single year, we just try to one-up ourselves,” Sandoval said. “By choosing different countries and not sticking to the same countries, we’re able to hit that mark of being able to teach new things about different countries. Because throughout the research process, we also just research these countries and prepare ourselves for being able to demonstrate what these countries are.”

Themed after Disney World’s Epcot and its World Showcase, there was a scaled-down replica of the iconic Spaceship Earth ride in the center of the room, encircled by a handmade miniature golf course. On each stall were banners inspired by the respective country’s flag and cardboard cutouts of Disney characters. Behind the scenes, E-Board members and volunteers engaged in a daylong ordeal piecing together these decorations from scratch.

Rebecca Jang, one of the organization’s marketing chairs and a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, stepped up to help organize this year’s SASE Exchange, helping plan and promote the event. She said that the collaboration between members made SASE’s “biggest event of the year” possible.

“Everyone plays a part,” Jang said. “Everyone’s assigned a role [or] a country to do some sort of deco and organize — at least contribute in some way.”

Attendees tried their hand at popular children’s games like Vietnamese ô ăn quan or “Mandarin square capturing,” a version of Mancala, and Filipino tumbang preso, or “knock down the can.” There was also a virtual racing simulator booted up in the corner, based on the renowned Yas Marina Circuit located in Abu Dhabi. By visiting and engaging with each country’s stall, attendees could enter a raffle to win prizes and gift cards.

Sandoval expanded on what distinguished this year’s SASE Exchange from years prior.

“The importance of this event was being able to represent all the underrepresented Asian countries, being UAE or Sri Lanka, we really want to highlight the essence of those countries and sort of bring to life to our general body,” Sandoval said. “Because one of our main goals is to teach and being able to have a platform this big to show all of our general body what these countries are all about — and even just a glimpse of what their culture is — I think that’s the importance of us.”

Organized for Dominican students to express their heritage and provide a home away from home during the academic year, DSA hosted Teteo in Paradise — or “party in paradise” — to immerse attendees in the distinct customs of the Dominican Republic. Regardless of whether they are Dominican themselves, DSA wanted attendees to learn more about the country and its people while gaining a new sense of belonging.

“This year, we took a different approach by hosting Teteo in Paradise off campus and securing an artist to perform, which elevated the experience for attendees,” Tara Delcarmen, DSA’s president and a senior majoring in social work, wrote in an email. “Full transparency: it was not easy to put everything together, from logistics to securing funding, but it was all worth it in the end. Seeing everyone enjoy themselves and celebrate our culture made all the hard work pay off.”

Upbeat music pulsated throughout the space as guests were led to tables embellished with centerpieces of the Dominican flag, pesos and dominos, a popular pastime played among family, friends and neighbors. A stage and dance floor at the far end of the room was set up for live performances and interactive competitions, while backdrops decorated with butterflies and bundles of balloons were positioned against either wall for photo ops.

The decals honored the revolutionary legacy of the revered Mirabal sisters, known as Las Mariposas — or The Butterflies — who resisted the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the late 1950s and early ’60s. Two alumni, Jorwell Perez ’20 and Helene Vasquez ’21, emceed the event and opened the night with a brief history of the Dominican Republic, explaining the significance behind the theme “En Los Tiempos Clásicos.”

“This theme allowed us to honor our roots and highlight the legacy of Las Hermanas Mirabal, three courageous sisters who played a vital role in the fight against dictatorship,” said Geraldine Nunez, DSA’s vice president and a junior majoring in nursing. “Their bravery and resilience left a lasting impact on our country, and through this event, we aimed to educate and inspire others about their contributions to Dominican history and culture.”

Tropical Ecstasy, a Caribbean dance team, then transitioned into the first performance of the evening, displaying fluid choreography inspired by soca and dancehall styles while decked out in red, blue and white outfits. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc. also performed their own high-energy and explosive numbers, choreographed to music from primarily rap and Latin artists.

Audience participation was encouraged throughout the event, with the hosts inviting five couples to the front of the room to compete against each other in a merengue típico contest. After each pair demonstrated their spin on the fast and rhythmic dance style, the winners were selected based on the intensity of the crowd’s applause. Keeping with this year’s theme and the objective of educating others on Dominican history, the emcees also hosted a trivia competition with questions on the Mirabal sisters and their contributions to the fight against dictatorship.

Throughout the evening, DSA E-Board members and interns circled each table to serve “la Bandera Dominicana,” a culinary staple enjoyed in many households consisting of rice, steamed cabbage salad and stewed beef or chicken slow-cooked and seasoned with rich, aromatic spices. Dinner was paired with colorful mocktails and tres leches cake for dessert.

The event wound down with a live performance from Bronx-based Dominican singer Chavi Leons, who was accompanied by a full band. Attendees immediately surged up from their seats to dance along to his songs, characterized by a modern blend of classic merengue and bachata charged by sharp instrumental trills and beats.

DSA was inspired to reach out to Leons and his team because they believed his music authentically represented Dominican culture and embodied the lively spirit of the teteo. Delcarmen described Leons as “an ideal choice” for this year’s theme.

“We knew his performance would transport our guests back to the golden era of Dominican music while keeping the energy fresh and exciting,” Delcarmen wrote. “Beyond that, having Chavi perform at Teteo in Paradise felt like a full-circle moment. When we were discussing the event, he shared with me that his first live performance was actually at Binghamton during my freshman year for the Latin American Student Union’s banquet.”

“We both thought it would be super cool for him to return and perform again, this time for DSA’s biggest event of the year,” she added. “I am forever grateful for Chavi and his amazing team for helping finish off the event strong!”

Nunez elaborated on the lessons she hoped that guests attending this year’s Teteo in Paradise walked away with.

“I hope attendees left with a deeper appreciation for Dominican culture and history,” Nunez wrote in an email. “More importantly, I hope they learned about Las Hermanas Mirabal and the powerful legacy they left behind. Their story is one of strength, resistance, and sacrifice, and their impact is still felt today. We wanted this event to be both a celebration and an opportunity for reflection, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.”

A national nonprofit with chapters at over 800 colleges across the U.S. and Canada, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Columbia University, ColorStack’s CEO, Jehron Petty, established the organization after recognizing the lack of resources available for minority students in Cornell University’s computer science program. Motivated by Petty’s mission, Julian Ortiz, ColorStack’s founding president and a junior majoring in computer science, saw a need to dedicate a similar space at Binghamton.

“I was a part of ColorStack at the national level and saw the opportunities and community it provided for underrepresented students in tech,” Ortiz wrote in an email. “Once I saw Stony Brook University had a chapter and we didn’t, I knew it was time for us to catch up.”

As ColorStack continued to grow on campus and expand its membership, the Executive Board dedicated itself to reaching even more students and making bigger strides towards ensuring diversity in the technology field.

Janelle Mosquera, ColorStack’s president and a sophomore majoring in environmental science, reflected on her experience being a part of the organization.

“From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed into a supportive community and was supported with networking, professional, and technical development opportunities,” Mosquera wrote in an email. “Being a part of the executive board, I’ve been able to help execute our mission of supporting underrepresented minority students in computer science in the Binghamton community and It’s been such a valuable experience.”

General body meetings and events generally revolve around three themes — technical, professional and social — that promote both skill development in preparation for software-related roles and a sense of belonging among members with shared backgrounds. In the past, ColorStack has hosted interactive coding workshops, guest speaker panels and corporate-sponsored collaborations with representatives from companies like Google.

“Currently, we’re partnered with Bloomberg and Chobani, which has allowed us to provide our members with technical workshop events, networking opportunities, and creating a direct pipeline between them and various tech fields,” wrote Hamid Ajose, the corporate relations chair and a sophomore majoring in computer science. “These connections are crucial because they help bridge the gap between underrepresented students in tech and industry professionals, increasing access to career opportunities.”

With support from Chobani, ColorStack also coordinated their first ever hackathon in September. During the daylong CodeFest, participants were challenged to create projects addressing issues in the larger University community. Winning entries included a website that tracked events around campus in real time and a tailored course recommendation tool that filters through Rate My Professor scores.

“Overall, I’ve focused on helping the organization become more well-rounded by expanding our events, strengthening our community, and ensuring that we’re providing the resources and support students need to succeed,” Mosquera wrote.

Daniela Bloom feels like she’s “truly found a place” within ColorStack as a member and now vice president. Coming to Binghamton as a transfer student from Westchester Community College, ColorStack reached out to Bloom personally and helped her clarify her career ambitions.

“Before transferring, I didn’t have a strong STEM-focused resume, and I had little experience with technical interviews,” wrote Bloom, a junior majoring in computer science. “Through the workshops and networking events we host and collaborate on, I’ve gained the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate the tech industry. I now feel comfortable networking with peers and professionals, and I truly appreciate the opportunities ColorStack has provided me.”

With success stories across the board, ColorStack intends for students to leave with the proficiency to land competitive internships and jobs. However, Mosquera explained that it’s just as important to help inspire the confidence in members needed to take on the industry.

“We hope that students who get involved with ColorStack gain not only valuable professional skills but also a strong sense of community and support,” Mosquera wrote. “We want them to feel empowered in their academic and professional journeys, knowing that they have access to so many opportunities and resources to help them succeed in tech. Ultimately, we hope that students walk away from their involvement feeling more prepared, motivated, and inspired to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry while contributing to a more diverse and inclusive space for future generations.”

The event was hosted in the Jay S. & Jeanne Benet Alumni Lounge and co-sponsored by the department of Asian and Asian American studies with the objective of bringing celebrated writers to the University community and opening up humanizing conversations around their work. Tina Chang, the director of creative writing and an English professor at BU, explained she invited Chin for his efforts in uplifting Asian American voices and experiences.

“The book contemplates many topics I felt would be relevant to Binghamton University students as it addresses identity, family, politics, sexuality, as well as the heartbreaks of growing up in the 1970s and 1980s in Detroit, Michigan,” Chang wrote in an email. “Many of our creative writing students are invested in the autobiographical experience and its expression on the page so Chin’s exploration of the genre of memoir was deeply instructional.”

Chang opened the evening by describing her decadeslong history with Chin, whom she credited with helping her embrace being an Asian American writer. Her introduction was followed by brief words from Rebecca Ma, a second-year Ph.D. student studying cultural anthropology.

As someone who also grew up behind the counter of a Chinese restaurant, the experiences Chin detailed in his memoir proved to be especially resonant for Ma. Divided into chapters named after popular menu items and sections structured around the traditional Chinese symbol 888, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant” reflects on Chin’s life beginning with his experiences in Chung’s Cantonese Cuisine in Detroit, Michigan — a family business passed down from generation to generation since its founding in 1940.

“My master’s thesis was an expression of love to my family and the restaurant and the American-Chinese restaurant as an institution,” Ma said. “Only Curtis’ book has managed to really capture and understand communal love for food and restaurant culture in his powerful memoir.”

Chin began by reading the prologue of his memoir, contextualizing it as a thoughtful “thank-you note” to his family and hometown for shaping his life. He acknowledged his rich heritage and innate connection to social justice, recounting his great-great-grandfather’s journey to the United States during the height of the Chinese Exclusion Act and his father’s experience of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

For the majority of the evening, Chang led a moderated conversation with Chin as he shared some of his favorite excerpts from the text — exploring central themes of racial discrimination and family dynamics. Their restaurant, a respected cornerstone of the community, anchors both the structure and narrative of the memoir against restless neighborhoods plagued by violence and destruction.

“Detroit was a city that was really disappearing, fading away, dying,” Chin said, who knew at least five victims of murder by the time he was 18. “My parents provided a place where people could go and feel like they were still Detroiters, that they were still this connection to the past of the ’80s and the ’40s and the ’50s. It just gives more appreciation about what they were doing there — not just for our family, but for the city of Detroit.”

Chin also discussed the logistics behind the memoir’s publication, where he shared that his initial manuscript was rejected by nearly 90 agents. After his father’s death and the restaurant’s closure in 2000, Chin felt obligated to document his family’s “100-year history” for the next generation as they drifted further from their roots in Detroit. He initially pitched publishers a collection of eccentric anecdotes about his grandparents, but the draft evolved into an increasingly vulnerable exploration of his own identity as a gay, Chinese American man after countless rounds of revisions.

“The reality is that there are a lot of good books being written out there,” Chin said, advising aspiring writers in the audience to be resilient and receptive to feedback. “There are a lot of talented writers out there. There are a lot of interesting stories out there. A lot of it is hard work that comes through, sometimes it’s luck that comes through.”

After discussing Chin’s nonprofit work developing the Asian American Writers Workshop as a dedicated safe space for AAPI writers, the event concluded with an interactive audience Q&A session. Faculty and students, many of whom are also interested in pursuing writing professionally, inquired about topics like the importance of understanding your origins and engaging with your emotions.

Jen DeGregorio, the associate director of creative writing and lecturer of English at BU, hoped that attendees were able to draw inspiration from Chin and learn the significance of engaging with authors beyond the page.

“For our creative writing students, the series also provides an important professional opportunity,” DeGregorio wrote in an email. “They get to hear from a successful contemporary author about how they’ve managed to build a career and writing practice, a journey that is different for each author. Hearing about the many paths to a sustainable writing life is crucial for those studying creative writing so that they can envision and plan for their own literary futures.”

The event was part of the MRC’s Culture Chat series, which offers a forum to share diverse perspectives among community members, colleagues and students. After two years of running the family-operated small business, Ledezma explained how her background as a Hispanic woman has shaped the trajectory of her career.

Leonel Diaz, the director of intercultural affairs in the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, was inspired to invite Ledezma as a guest speaker after frequenting the restaurant as a local and learning her story.

“Her restaurant has become a hub for people of Latin American culture to come into the place and get a little bit of home, a little bit of culture and celebrate it in the community,” said Diaz, who identifies as Mexican and Indigenous Mayan. “Something that she spoke to is that she is seeing a rise of people coming out. Myself and my housemates [who are] also Dominican, we support the business.”

Before immigrating to the United States from Mexico over a decade ago, Ledezma studied business administration and finances at the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial. A Mexico City native, she discovered her interest in food early on by cooking with her family, learning traditional recipes from her mother and grandmother.

Before the opening of Azul Oneonta, Ledezma managed a restaurant out of Greenane Farms in Meridale, New York with her ex-husband, Patrick Rider. At Greenane Farms, Ledezma implemented a sustainable farm-to-table practice, where they grew their own produce and ethically raised livestock directly on the land.

The rural farm and restaurant became a popular destination for visitors from as far as Buffalo, who would travel hours to try traditional Mexican dishes. However, following Ledezma’s and Rider’s recent divorce, Ledezma left the business and needed to move on with her future — now “halfway [into her] life with nothing.”

“I thought, ‘people don’t know me,’” Ledezma said. “They really don’t know me. They know the farm. They know me as a Thanya Rider, not as a Thanya Ledezma. Now I have to show myself and stand up for myself and show that this is who I am and I can do this. The only thing that saved me was my knowledge.”

With the support of her extended family and friends, Ledezma decided to move to Oneonta and launch her restaurant in 2022. Azul Oneonta, a Mexican eatery primarily staffed by Ledezma’s relatives, quickly evolved into a local establishment in the city’s Southside Mall. Modeled after Greenane Farm’s approach to sustainability, all items are crafted from scratch with simple, fresh ingredients for quality and consistency.

Through working and managing her own restaurant, Ledezma has been able to integrate her affinity for organization and a lifelong appreciation of the culinary arts. Ledezma collaborates with her sister, a professionally trained chef, to curate a menu inspired by staples they had growing up. Incorporating her Mexico City roots, Ledezma fuses Puebla and Oaxaca elements when preparing homemade recipes like mole, a culturally emblematic salsa with over 30 ingredients.

After her previous marriage, Ledezma learned to adapt the vibrant flavor profile of Mexican cuisine to accommodate the American palette — an effective skill when serving the predominantly white community of Oneonta.

“Without noticing, I started training to do the food in some way that is not spicy but still [has] the flavors,” said Ledezma, who approaches everything from cooking to bookkeeping methodically. “I know how to make the sauces without compromising flavor and without making it spicy. I find out my way to do my own procedures to make everything. I think with my American family, my American side, I was getting trained.”

As a female entrepreneur and a single mother to four kids, Ledezma also provided insight into her mentality for success over the years. She encouraged others to lead with confidence and be receptive to feedback, taking criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. At the end of the conversation, attendees were invited to sample trays of homemade enchiladas with salsa verde and rice — popular items on Azul Oneonta’s menu.

Diaz elaborated on the significance of coming together to reinvest in the community and support small businesses like Ledezma’s.

“We support each other because statistically our money, as communities of color, doesn’t stay in communities of color,” Diaz said. “It always exits very quickly and so it’s our way of making sure that my own money goes back into my own community, to support their business in hopes that others continue to do the same.”

The solidarity and reception surrounding Azul Oneonta have encouraged Ledezma to grow the business into a full-fledged brand. She is in the process of creating a line of commercial products like salsas, tamales and tortillas to sell in retail stores, responding to recent demand and the expanding Latino presence in the Southern Tier.

“I think confidence is the main thing,” Ledezma said. “It’s the main thing and you have to not just believe it or just think it — you’ve got to believe it and you’ve got to project that. Because if you don’t project confidence, they’re not going to trust you. We have a saying in Mexico that says, ‘te ven como te tratan.’ They treat you as they see you.”

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) hosted its sixth-annual Cultural Recognition Ceremony last Thursday at 6 p.m., commemorating the graduating class of 2024 and student organizations for their achievements.

“I was honored to get to work on this because, honestly, I felt like this would’ve been amazing to have when I was an undergrad here, having that kind of celebration,” said Cecil Hopkins ‘18, the coordinator of the MRC. “I’m glad to be on the other side of it now, providing it for other students.”

The ceremony was held in the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center’s Multipurpose Room, where banquet-style tables were fashioned with green tablecloths and goodie bags prepared at each seat. Metallic silver 2024 balloons hung over the stage above gift boxes concealing trophies awaiting their unveiling. Savory, spiced aromas wafted out from a catered buffet spanning the back wall, where attendees were encouraged to help themselves to dinner as they filtered in.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Leonel Diaz, the director of intercultural affairs, and Karen Jones, the vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Hopkins played a prerecorded video message from New York State Sen. Lea Webb ‘04 elaborating on the theme of “being true to self” as the first woman and person of color to represent the Southern Tier.

“Each one of you has arrived here in this moment despite all odds, and with your own unique perspective shaped by your background, your experiences and your dreams,” Webb said in the video. “It is your duty to take these things into the world and create meaningful change. Our diversity is our strength, and is paramount for us to build a more inclusive and equitable society.”

Over the course of the two-hour-long event, nine different awards were distributed to organizations and individuals. A total of 29 organizations and students had been nominated and voted on through public forms accessible through the MRC’s Instagram account weeks prior. Staff members handed out glass awards designed by the Binghamton-based company House of Trophies to winners as they approached the stage for pictures.

The first three awards of the night were announced by MRC assistant director Richie Sebuharara MS ‘19. The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) took home the Multicultural Pre-Professional Organization of the Year in recognition of their collaborations with companies like Bloomberg and Regeneron, as well as internship opportunities for members to learn more about the responsibilities of E-Board positions by shadowing current officers. Established in 2002, the SHPE chapter’s mission is to create a strong, supportive network for aspiring engineers, scientists and mathematicians through mentorship, networking and programming.

The next award went to La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., for Multicultural Fraternity and Sorority of the Year. The organization was founded in upstate New York and supports underrepresented groups through scholarships for local Binghamton High School students and the Providing Access to Higher Education program. The Beta Chapter embodies the five core values of Fraternity and Sorority Life — unity, respect, scholarship, service and leadership.

The Multicultural Performance Organization of the Year, which recognizes an organization that has demonstrated excellence in arts and culture through their transcendent performances, went to the Quimbamba Latin Dance Team, which has performed at large-scale campus events, including the Sex Carnival and El Polvorín Festival, teaching others about traditional Latin dance styles like tango, merengue and bachata.

The event’s emcee, Nashaan Howard, a senior majoring in psychology, then introduced student speaker Izzie De Jesus ‘21, who is graduating in May with dual master’s degrees in social work and student affairs administration. De Jesus spoke about working with the MRC as a graduate assistant in event planning, which has had “a profound impact on [her] personal development.” She also shared her experiences as a first-generation Latina college student growing up in the Bronx, expressing her gratitude for the family she has made at Binghamton University.

After De Jesus’s speech, Diaz transitioned into the second round of awards — announcing back-to-back wins for Corazoncitos, an organization founded to advocate for socioeconomic issues among Latine and Hispanic individuals in the Greater Binghamton area and beyond through community service and fundraising efforts. They celebrate distinctive Latin American culture and traditions through campus events like El Dia de los Muertos.

Earlier this semester, Corazoncitos organized their first large-scale event Mis Quince con Cora, which was inspired by the cultural rite of passage of the quinceañera and voted on as the Multicultural Program of the Year. They also received the Multicultural Student Organization of the Year award for upholding the three pillars of DEI — identity, unity and excellence.

According to vice president Mariapaz Burbano, a senior double-majoring in political science and sociology, the organization was honored and proud to walk away with two awards as a testament to their work throughout the years.

“As a multicultural student organization, one of our primary goals was to foster inclusivity among all students on campus,” Burbano wrote in an email. “In the past, we have observed that many individuals feel hesitant to join organizations, which is disheartening — therefore, we have made it a priority to ensure our organization is welcoming to everyone, regardless of race, skin color or identity. Thus, these awards further reinforce our commitment to inclusivity and emphasize our mission of continuing to foster this sense of community for all.”

The following part of the program was a speech from keynote speaker Tolupe Odunsi-Nelson ‘12, a professor at the Western New England School of Law who was invited for her engagement with the multicultural community as an advocate for racial justice. Odunsi-Nelson, one of the only Black attorneys in her firm, offered advice to students about embracing their identity, countering discrimination in the workplace and using their diverse perspectives to advantage both themselves and others.

At the end of the speech, graduating seniors in the audience were instructed to line up to receive graduation honor cords — threaded in green, black and silver, each signifying a different aspect of their academic journey. Nicole Sirju-Johnson, the assistant vice president of diversity, called out students’ names as they walked across the stage, foreshadowing the steps they would take at their commencement ceremonies in just over a week.

The final round of awards was bestowed upon one underclassman, senior and graduate student who has demonstrated significant involvement and leadership both on- and off-campus.

Cristaly Alfaro, a junior double-majoring in sociology and Spanish, received The Rising Student of the Year award for her dedication to underrepresented communities as vice president of the BU Association of Mixed Students and a peer counselor for the Educational Opportunity Program.

The Exceptional Graduate Student of the Year went to De Jesus, who Hopkins described as “an important member of the cultural community for her entire [undergraduate] and [graduate] career.” The Outstanding Senior of the Year went to Khalimah Choi-Owens, a senior double-majoring in integrative neuroscience and economics, for her work as the Student Association’s vice president for multicultural affairs. Both have worked closely with the MRC during their time at the University.

As the ceremony was coming to a close, Sirju-Johnson surprised Sebuharara with the final award of the night, Distinguished Diversity Service, for his “tremendous impact” in expanding inclusivity at the University. Sebuharara received a standing ovation from the crowd and was urged into giving an acceptance speech by his colleagues, ending the night with a sentimental goodbye as he would soon be leaving the University after six years with the MRC.

The genuine shock at the news of Sebuharara’s departure reflected Hopkins’ original objective when planning the event — solidifying the diverse cultural community at the University built by love, not blood and shared experiences as first-generation students and or people of color.

“I hope the graduating students felt recognized and acknowledged in the hard work that they have put in to get to where they are now,” Hopkins wrote in an email. “I hope that non-graduating students were able to imagine themselves up on that stage receiving their cord as well, knowing that someone like them can make it all the way through.”

Binghamton University’s Speech and Debate team won at the Cross-Examination Debate Association’s (CEDA) National Championship hosted by the University of California at Fullerton from March 22-26, preserving their legacy as one of the top programs in the country.

The historic accomplishment comes after BU won the District Qualifiers earlier this month, with an undefeated streak of 12-0 against the likes of Cornell University and Dartmouth College — preceded by success at several other debate competitions since the start of the season. The first-place win also marks the second time an institution based in New York state has won the championship title, with the other being New York University over 20 years ago.

The partnership that led Binghamton to victory consisted of Eli Louis, a senior majoring in Africana studies, and Akif Choudhury, a junior majoring in economics. Louis and Choudhury were ranked as the second and 19th best speakers in the country at the CEDA tournament, respectively.

“A lot of time is spent practicing the clear articulation and delivery of arguments, so being able to successfully apply what we’ve practiced gives a rewarding experience,” Choudhury wrote in an email.

According to Joe Schatz, the director of the Binghamton Speech and Debate team, the University consistently competes at the national level against other programs on full scholarships and three times the coaching staff. Rather than strictly recruiting talent out of high school or participating in regional novice debate, the “underdog” program prides itself on involving members of all experience levels and backgrounds. Approximately 30 members meet with their team and coaches for hours each week, familiarizing themselves with research, strategy and skill-building often over late nights and weekends.

Schatz, who attributes Binghamton’s success to their collaborative and supportive team dynamic, elaborated on the similarities among students who join the program.

“Our students have always been incredibly clever, dedicated and hardworking,” Schatz wrote in an email. “They all have found ways to carve niches for themselves in the academic literature so that they can become an expert [in] a way that sets them apart from other teams in the country who approach debate in a more normative way.”

Binghamton’s team is divided into two sections — one oriented around the various arts of speech like poetry, prose and humor, and the other on policy debate, of which this team primarily competes in. The sections then travel to compete at different regional, national and occasionally international intercollegiate tournaments up to seven or eight times per semester.

This year’s debates focused on whether or not the United States should reduce its nuclear arsenal, a topic previously voted on by the community last May. Both BU students and their coaches have been hard at work since September, planning both basic and specific arguments for the upcoming season. During nationals, teams had to be prepared to defend either the affirmative or negative side over 14 rounds of debate averaging two hours each.

David Michael Woodward, the team’s head debate coach, explained that members completed their preliminary research on nuclear weapons and their impact on society, government and military prior to the start of the tournament, allowing the team to successfully interpret and add on to their arguments before each round.

Woodward further discussed how the team crafted their approach.

“Most if not all of our strategies were based on philosophical strategies, oftentimes discussing the racist or sexist practices that had existed in the design, use and testing of nuclear weapons,” Woodward wrote. “But there were other debates where we looked at more postmodern thinkers such as Jean Baudrillard and others.”

As they battled their way through the breakout bracket at CEDA Nationals, two of Binghamton’s teams ended up debating against each other, guaranteeing the University a spot in the final four for the second year in a row. The opportunity allowed two graduating members, Kate Marin, a senior double-majoring in psychology and linguistics, and Sonnie Picallo, a senior majoring in philosophy, to end their undergraduate debate careers on a monumental win. Marin and Picallo ranked eighth and ninth at CEDA Nationals, respectively.

Despite the intensive time and energy commitment to the team, Picallo explained how this was a fulfilling end to their Binghamton debate career after first joining during the peak of COVID-19.

“Watching the Binghamton Speech and Debate Team win one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year and ending my eight-year-long debate career in one day was a lot, but I truly could not have asked for more out of our performance,” Picallo wrote in an email.

As the team advanced to the finals after defeating CSU Long Beach, BU went up against Wake Forest who were the reigning 2023 and 2022 champions. Despite Wake Forest’s nearly 200-year old program founded in 1835, BU managed to beat them on a 5-2 decision.

This month, Louis and Choudhary represented Binghamton in the National Debate Tournament hosted at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. In recognition of the team’s achievements, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has officially proclaimed March 25 “Binghamton University Speech and Debate Team Day.”

“It’s exciting that it all paid off,” Schatz said. “The work that Eli and Akif put in is really truly amazing. In fact, the entire squad this year were all among the best students I’ve gotten to work with over my close to two and a half decades coaching debate at Binghamton.”

Rainn Wilson, Emmy-nominated actor best known for his portrayal of Dwight Schrute on the critically acclaimed sitcom, “The Office,” shared his personal journey with mental health and spirituality to a sold-out crowd on Wednesday as part of Binghamton University’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

This year’s installment was planned by Campus Activities in collaboration with the Student Association Programming Board’s (SAPB) insights committee. Both of the organizations share similar objectives to inform and inspire the University community through campus-wide events, humanizing prominent speakers who students have grown up watching onscreen in the process.

Chelsea Kaden, chair of the SAPB insights committee and a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience, explained that SAPB was increasingly inclined to bring high-quality programming to BU after previous appearances from fan-favorites like Giancarlo Esposito and, more recently, Brittany Broski.

“After the success of our fall keynote speaker featuring the amazing [Esposito], I would say that we did feel slight pressure to bring someone of equal prominence,” Kaden wrote in an email. “However, we felt more strongly that we wanted to bring someone who would get students just as excited to see. The goal of SAPB is student enjoyment and engagement, so this is why we take the creation of our survey and the results so seriously.”

The event was hosted by Kaden and Vice Chair Atticus Fauci, a sophomore majoring in economics, who guided Wilson’s talk in a live interview format and inquired about consequential moments throughout his career as an actor and author. A brief Q&A session toward the end of the event allowed members of the audience to interact with Wilson themselves, which included several jokes and references to his time on “The Office.”

Wilson, who described himself as a “totally geeky, suburban kid from Seattle,” grew up with divorced parents in a household where he was essentially raised by classic American sitcoms of the 70s and 80s such as “Mash,” “Taxi” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”

“I would watch the kind of comedic side characters — Radar O’Reilly, Jim Ignatowski and Howard Borden — in TV sitcoms and I loved what they did so much,” Wilson said. “I loved the physical comedy and the odd humor … In my head, I was like, ‘I want to do that. I want to do what they’re doing.’”

Wilson began participating in theatre throughout high school and college at the University of Washington in Seattle, attributing his compulsion toward the craft to an “[obvious] genetic component” upon discovering that his birth mother had also been an actor.

As a sophomore in college hoping to pursue acting more seriously, Wilson tried his hand for roles in local productions when he came to the realization that he would need more training to make it in the real world. Wilson explained that he was finally convinced to make that commitment while watching the critically unacclaimed movie-musical adaptation, “A Chorus Line,” a film that ironically drew out that “beautiful, mystical” revelation that would define the rest of his life.

By the time he had secured his breakthrough role in the American adaptation of British sitcom “The Office,” Wilson had already graduated from the Tisch School of Arts at New York University 15 years prior and was doing theater for a decade — balancing callbacks, rejections and miscellaneous side gigs to pay the bills.

“I was the first person to audition for ‘The Office,’” Wilson said. “Literally day one, first person signing in on the call sheet at the casting office. I still have a copy of that.”

Like many other members of the cast, crew and critics, Wilson said he did not anticipate the lasting success of the series, which evaded constant threats of cancellation and suffered from slaughterous reviews upon its release in 2005. He later theorized that perpetual attraction to “The Office” could be explained by the balance of comedy and “real, human moments” exchanged between characters, a decision implemented by head writer and showrunner Greg Daniels.

“No one really foresaw what was going to happen,” Wilson said. “And now I just saw a thing that said we were the fourth most streamed show in the history of all television.”

Despite his gratitude toward “The Office” and the opportunities that followed the show, Wilson explained that he felt “chronically dissatisfied” and “constant not-enoughness” with the direction of his career and discussed his daily struggle with crippling anxiety.

“There’s so many different things that anxiety could be telling you that you need that you’re disregarding,” Wilson said, who recommended that the audience practice self-care and reach out for support if needed. “And then you live as a victim to this kind of unsettled state to dukkha, to anxious discontent.”

Wilson embarked on a spiritual journey in search for a greater sense of peace and purpose, tracing back to his roots in the Baháʼí faith, which embraces religious beliefs from around the world in pursuit of a unified future. To share his newfound discoveries about humanity and society, Wilson co-founded the production company SoulPancake in 2006 and published his bestselling book, “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution” in 2023.

Jennifer Keegin, associate director of campus activities who organized the event in collaboration with SAPB’s Insight Committee, expressed her appreciation for Wilson’s vulnerability.

“We love [Wilson’s] positive messages about Joy and taking care of personal mental health,” Keegin wrote. “His popularity with ‘The Office’ is one thing — but also his work with SoulPancake and his books that he’s published. We have had many big-name speakers in the past.”

“[Baháʼí] has informed my whole life and career,” Wilson said, discussing the similarities between the creation of art and the making of prayer. “And I will say there was a period of time when I struggled with the fact where I was playing one of the most annoying, dorky, sycophantic, weirdo characters in the history of television and then I had all these spiritual ideas and connections by playing this paper salesman, beet farmer. What the hell?”

Wilson continued to explore themes of encouraging potential and building capacity, an experience that he said was especially attainable within a collaborative campus community which sets the stage for a “rich lifelong process” of learning. He advised BU students to take advantage of this period of their lives and take part in a journey of self-discovery.

“The 20s is a time to grow, learn, thrive, read, fall in love, travel the world and make a lot of mistakes,” Wilson said. “It’s fine to make a ton of mistakes in your 20s. Don’t hurt yourself or anyone else, don’t be stupid, but make some mistakes and then you’ll gain some maturity by the time you’re in your 30s. When you’re 32, everything will still be there for you. It will all be waiting for you.”

The Student Association Programming Board (SAPB) brought Broski Nation to Binghamton University when social media sensation turned comedian Brittany Broski visited the Anderson Center Tuesday evening for the University’s annual spring comedy show.

In typical 2000s-era internet fashion, Broski went viral after posting a video drinking kombucha for the first time, a meme she is now desperate to leave behind as she ventures into more versatile formats of comedy. Since 2019, Broski has accumulated a cult following of almost 10 million on TikTok and YouTube combined, where she primarily hosts two different series entitled the “The Broski Report” and “Royal Court.”

Chelsea Lum, the chair of SAPB’s comedy committee and a senior majoring in accounting, and Natalie Pan, the vice chair of the comedy committee and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, explained how they came to the decision to recruit Broski for the event.

“When it came time to think about the comedian for the spring semester, we sat down with our vice president of programming (VPP), Sydney Ferreira, [a senior majoring in anthropology], and started brainstorming a list of comedians to bring,” Lum and Pan wrote in an email. “We settled on [Broski] because we had heard her name being thrown around a lot by other students, and we loved her content.”

In keeping with their “by students, for students” mantra, SAPB had distributed a survey to the student body earlier this semester to gauge interest in future events. According to Ferreira, Broski received the most votes for the comedy category by a “milestone,” solidifying the committee’s decision to reach out to her team.

When Broski walked out onto stage before a sold-out auditorium of around 1,200 people, she was greeted with frenzied applause as well as immediate demands from the audience to “address the Hozier rumors.”

“Just walk me through this real quick,” Broski said. “You think that from an interview I did five months ago, he’s releasing music that he wrote two years ago? I need everybody to take a deep breath. It’s going to be OK.”

After denying any speculation that she inspired Hozier’s hit single “Too Sweet,” Broski began by participating in a Q&A session moderated by Lum and Pan. During the majority of the hour-long show, she responded to a combination of questions about her career and experiences prepared by SAPB and submitted by students.

“I was a miserable, post-college grad,” Broski said, when asked about her reaction to overnight fame and success. “And now, I’m on Trixie Mattel’s hitlist. And now, I am blacklisted from TSA. Dreams are possible.”

Broski explained that her videos are intended to recreate the atmosphere of a casual FaceTime conversation with a friend, shifting away from what she said is the “sensationalized Mr. Beast, Jake Paul” style of content.

“I never really wanted to do this,” Broski said. “This was kind of an accident — everything has been an accident. I’ve talked to arguably millions of people the way I would talk to my inner circle of friends, and I think that it’s a beautiful intersection — crossroads of culture right now.”

She continued to touch upon light-hearted topics like food recommendations in her home state of Texas and any suggestions for her five-year-old self, which included “Cocomelon,” “Bluey” and “Hey Bear” sensory videos of dancing fruit. Most of her responses, integrated with her authentic sense of humor, elicited rounds of laughter from the audience.

However, Broski also spoke about more far-reaching issues like understanding the gravity of her platform as a creator and how the internet has influenced her own self-perception and expression.

As a teenager who once hid all her interests behind a pseudonymous Tumblr account, Broski described how she has grown to openly embrace what she likes without living for the expectations of others, particularly men and the male gaze, marking her “return to proud, unashamed girlhood.”

“I’m almost 30 years old, and I still read fan fiction,” Broski said, to which the audience cheered in support. “I see we have some authors over here, maybe.”

When meeting celebrities like Beyoncé and Harry Styles who comprise what Broski described as “a conglomerate of all the things you love, and all the people you love,” she struggled to vocalize her admiration to her longtime idols who she perceives as the embodiment of values like love, grace and kindness.

“How do you look at someone like that and be like, ‘love you,’” Broski said, making a heart with her hands. “’[I love you]. I have a tattoo for you.’ Like, that feels so miniscule to what they actually represent. So I don’t know, it’s hard to put into words.”

For the remainder of the show, Broski hosted an interactive game of jeopardy featuring trivia themed around her content where four randomly selected audience members could compete to win a t-shirt from her new merch line.

Among the contestants was Jason Anglum, a senior double-majoring in history and physics. Anglum expressed his excitement at the opportunity to participate in the Jeopardy game.

“It was one of those moments where you know it won’t be you … but it was,” Anglum wrote in an email. “So I couldn’t believe it. I screamed and ran down the aisle and the stairs, I probably kicked some people. I was shaking and my legs felt so weak. I thought ‘there’s no way this is actually happening.’”

As contestants selected one of five niche categories including “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “Broski Nation,” Broski would read out questions ranging in difficulty from “What is Hozier’s full name?” to “What art history movement was characterized by the artist showing themes of individualism, emotion and imagination?”

“I feel like Caesar Flickerman,” Broski said, referring to the host of “The Hunger Games.”

While Broski first insisted on a no-cheating policy, the audience enthusiastically shouted out answers to the contestants and erupted into cheers whenever one of the students answered correctly. By the end of the game, Anglum was leading the scoreboard by a significant margin and would walk away victorious.

“Being on stage was surreal because I’ve seen her in videos so much, [so] she felt so familiar yet unreal at the same time,” Anglum wrote. “I was sitting 10 feet from her and thinking, ‘this can’t possibly be the same person I just cried laughing at as she flirted with AI on YouTube.’”

For fans like Anglum, getting to know Broski at a more personal level was exactly what SAPB had envisioned when planning the event. Lum and Pan said that students’ reaction was “wonderful to watch and worth all the time and effort” the team had invested.

“We hope that the show [provided] an outlet for the audience during an otherwise busy semester, and for them to meet an amazing content creator in a closer setting like this,” they wrote.

Beginning in the early 2000s, the tradition has persisted for almost two decades and provides a platform for Binghamton creatives while giving residents a way to engage in the growing arts and culture scene.

While many of these exhibits will run throughout March, opening receptions are hosted on March 1 to celebrate the upcoming Art Walk. Nine unique exhibits and dozens of different pieces will be showcased in various galleries and museums located Downtown this month, ranging from ancient Native American artifacts to sculptures designed by local elementary school students.

March 1 to April 30 at Anthony Brunelli Fine Arts, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (186 State St.)

A selection of recent works by eight ABFA gallery artists entitled “Spring Salon: New Works.” Among the artists featured are Giles Alexander, whose art uses technical dimensions to investigate the ambiguities of human nature and newly represented artists like Antonio Cazorla, who evokes a kind of intimacy in his paintings through the precision of texture and color.

March 1 to Mar. 30 at Orazio Salati Studio & Gallery, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (204 State St.)

In “Intimate Views — Unexpected Vision,” David LoParco captures forested environments in monochrome and muted sepia tones through circular and infrared photography, offering a deeper perspective into nature beyond what is observed by the naked eye.

March 1 to Mar. 30 at Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP), from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (208 State St.)

STAP has collaborated with PrEP and the Communities of Color to host local vendors like Starbhooks by Sarah McKinney which sells handmade crochet items. They will also offer free confidential testing and vaccine resources, as well as on-site Narcan training.

March 1 to Mar. 23 at Cooperative Gallery 213, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (213 State St.)

“Horizon” is the shared debut show for two of the gallery’s newest members, Emily O’Reilly and Gabe Morton-Cook, and it explores the dichotomic approaches to abstract landscape renderings. O’Reilly challenges herself to create cathartic beauty from a limited palette of black, white and gold, while Morton-Cook experiments with vibrant colors and defined geometric patterns.

March 1 to Mar. 30 at BCAC Artisan Gallery, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (223 State St.)

“We Practice What We Teach” recognizes the work of current and retired Broome County art teachers, with the intention of inspiring others to continue their studio practice while educating.

March 1 to Mar. 30 at Just Breathe Cannabis Dispensary from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (75 Court St.)

Open to those 21 and older, cannabis art from street artist Dirt Cobain will be showcased at The Exhale Gallery, accompanied by music from Sweet Baby Angel Records who will also be selling vinyl records, cassettes and CDs.

March 1 to Mar. 30 at Phelps Mansion Museum, 7 p.m. (191 Court St.)

The Phelps Mansion is hosting an inviting production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” by Southern Tier Actors Read, directed by Chris Nickerson and composed by Jeffrey Wahl. The audience, which will be restricted to 25 each show, will be led through the historic mansion during the performance. In preserving the immersion of the play, audience members have the option to interact with the performers.

March 1 to Mar. 30 at Roberson Museum and Science Center from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (30 Front St.)

“Haudenosaunee: People of the Longhouse” will explore Haudenosaunee history and culture through objects, art and interactive displays. Visitors can walk through part of a model of a longhouse, listen to how lacrosse sticks are made and weave patterns on baskets.

March 1 at the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (60 Morgan Rd.)

Work from fifth-grade and second-grade students at C.R. Weeks Elementary will be on display at the Discovery Center. After studying bees with local beekeepers, students sculpted their own hives in which each hexagon reflects the students’ role in their community to then unite to make a large hive. Visitors can also make their own bee-themed art and explore the Discovery Center, free of cost, courtesy of the Country Care Veterinary Center.

The Cider Mill Stage will soon put on “The Outsider,” a satirical comedy commenting on the current political climate in America, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4.

Paul Slade Smith’s comedy “The Outsider” follows Ned Newley, an incompetent candidate running for governor despite his underwhelming lack of credentials. Although he is incapacitated by fear of public speaking and suffers plummeting poll numbers, Newley is unexpectedly forced into a role he knows nearly nothing about and his staff is now responsible for the impossible task of keeping him in office. Critics have previously praised “The Outsider” for its refreshingly witty take on an “entirely possible” hypothetical in today’s society.

Kate Murray, executive director for Bold Local Actors of the Southern Tier (BLAST) and the stage director for “The Outsider,” further explained the type of humor featured in the show.

“This show is very witty, and we have worked hard to make sure the full meaning of the dialogue is portrayed well,” Murray wrote in an email. “Even though the play is hysterically funny, it is also very intelligent and based on circumstances that could actually occur when a candidate is running for office.”

Murray went on to mention how the casting impacted the show.

“I have to say that I am particularly proud of the casting of this show because everyone fits their role so perfectly,” Murray wrote.

The cast of “The Outsider” stars seven different actors and actresses who bring together years of experience and versatile backgrounds to enhance the production, from stand-up comedy to producing. Some characters include Arthur Vance played by John Montgomery, a successful political consultant spearheading Newley’s campaign, and Louise Peakes played by Stefanie Jump, an optimistic assistant who helps Newley as he adjusts to his new position.

Gary Neal Hansen, 63, of Binghamton, who plays Ned Newley, described his experience portraying an unusually introverted character working in such a public profession. Newley, who is only capable of doing important policy work behind the scenes, embodies the enigma of whether citizens prefer competence or charisma from their leaders.

“In playing any role, the actors have to find inside themselves the feelings that the characters are experiencing,” Hansen wrote in an email. “I’ve never been an elected official, but feelings of being shy and timid and scared are pretty easy to find.”

Hansen also mentioned the effort put into portraying these intense feelings.

“The next step is harder, though — finding ways to communicate those emotions in one’s use of words and actions and expressions,” Hansen wrote. “Those feelings of shyness and fear are generally ones people try to hide. I have found it a good challenge to try to express them instead.”

Jump, 34, of Friendsville, Pennsylvania and actress who portrays Louise in “The Outsider,” elaborated on the themes of feeling out of place in “The Outsider” — both physically and emotionally.

“A line in the play is ‘we all feel like outsiders sometimes, don’t we,’ and Louise is that outsider, not only in this new job she’s in, but also in life,” Jump wrote in an email. “She has no idea what is going on half of the time, and she especially has no experience in government, but she always has a smile on her face … Louise shows us that with a little determination and confidence, we can overcome that feeling of being an ‘outsider.’”

The show takes place on a set replicating the actual governor’s office located in Albany, New York. Most of the set was handbuilt by set designer and master carpenter Sonny DeWitt, 45, of Johnson City, to be as accurate as possible. For added authenticity, DeWitt even painted a wood grain effect on the stage floor by hand with the help of his assistant Isaac Weber, 35, of Binghamton.

As someone who is actively involved with several other production companies in the area, DeWitt emphasized the special connection between the team at Cider Mill Stage. From start to finish, DeWitt communicated with director Murray about the vision for the show.

“It’s the people [who make it special],” DeWitt said in a phone interview. “They have a great team. There’s a great, accepting culture there.”

Although working in politics is high pressure and even higher stakes, Murray hopes that the audience will not only be entertained but also leave with a new perspective on government and democracy.

“‘The Outsider’ is for everyone, no matter what your political affiliation is,” Murray wrote. “The characters are so engaging and charming that you can’t help but root for the underdog and admire the leaders. This is really a good show that will make you think and laugh and hopefully go out and vote the next time there’s an election.”

Hansen agreed with Murray and elaborated on the potential takeaways from seeing the performance.

“I hope audiences have a lot of fun and laughter,” Hansen wrote. “It’s a very, very funny play, and I hope people get pulled away from the real world and just get fully entertained the way they can when watching live theatre.”

“The Outsider” will be performed at Cider Mill Stage from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4. Tickets are $10 for students when purchased with a valid student ID and $28 for all other viewers.

Binghamton University students enrolled in CINE 300: Curating Film and Video held their 14th annual Student Experimental Film Festival (SEFF) on Dec. 2 and 3.

The class, which is currently led by Anna Kipervaser, lecturer of cinema, has allowed undergraduate students to create their own film festival since it was first established in 2010. Over the course of three months, students were tasked with curating a comprehensive selection of short films from dozens of submissions and reaching out to aspiring filmmakers as well as colleges across the country.

This year’s theme was dream states, where all selected films incorporated subconscious introspection and fantastical surrealism in some form. The films spanned across a variety of genres and styles to reflect certain themes, divided into six different programs over two days such as “Essence of Emotions” and “Liminal Spaces.”

In embracing the innovation and ingenuity that comes with experimental filmmaking, students implemented immersive sound design, complex visual effects and unconventional editing in their work. This diverged from the traditional narrative structure, which BU’s cinema department celebrates.

This year’s SEFF was hosted in HCS, an entertainment venue in Vestal. Vintage couches were arranged around the indoor half-pipe, decorated with colorful crocheted blankets — one couch was even suspended mid-air with yellow cable cords. Films were projected against a wall above shelves of miscellaneous books wrapping around the space on all corners. The atmosphere was infused with warmth and character through scribbled graffiti, caricatures and eccentric art pieces, physically embodying the same kind of individuality observed in this year’s films.

There was a designated Q&A session in between each program that allowed audience members to engage directly with filmmakers.

Cailey Donaldson, a senior studying film at Virginia Commonwealth University, explained how her own emotions influenced the creation of her short film “Spiral of the Formicidae,” which is described on SEFF’s program as “a haunting exploration of the tumultuous journey from girlhood to womanhood.”

“I was going through a period where a lot of my emotions were being invalidated by the people around me, [and] I was going crazy,” Donaldson said. “I wanted to make a film all about how even if something’s in your head and you’re experiencing it, it doesn’t take away from the emotions that you’re feeling. If you feel something, it’s valid.”

Zagham Shah, a BU senior double-majoring in physics and cinema, intended to capture the synthesis between science and art in his film “Gedanken,” in which “a student listening to the ramblings of a philosopher is momentarily enthralled in what the universe and his imagination conjure,” according to SEFF’s program.

“I’ve historically made a lot of films about my identity and my culture, and I wanted to step away from that,” Shah said. “I’m also a physics major and so I often think about concepts I presented in the film in my own life. So a lot of that is what I think about when I think of nature and the properties of light. I was trying to blend those two things together and try to convey the feeling that I have on a daily basis.”

The full program can be found on SEFF’s official website, featuring over 50 films from local students at BU in addition to national institutions such as Duke University, Rhode Island School of Design and the California Institute of the Arts. Each film offers a glimpse into the distinctive visions and talents of its filmmaker, such as “Mindseye” by Carter Colwell, which is wistfully dedicated to his younger self, and the mixed media animation “Locked Wounds” by Vidhu Kota.

Jacob Harris, a junior at BU double-majoring in political science and cinema, elaborated on his experience as one of the festival’s lead curators and coordinators.

“We received over 150 submissions, so it was pretty hard to get them down to the program we have here,” Harris said. “It was very rewarding. I’m part of the [BU] Film Salon, which also does film programs and festivals, but this was the first time [I’ve done something] on this scale.”

Kipervaser, who showcases her own work at international film festivals and also has experience curating, described what it’s like teaching CINE 300 and working with students to plan this year’s SEFF.

“The students like figuring out what they want to do, so I’m trying not to guide their decision-making, but also support them in the direction they want to take things,” Kipervaser said. “That’s been a learning experience for all of us.”

Kipervaser explained how the film festival benefits both the students and filmmakers involved, giving them a sense of real-world experience. The students were entirely responsible for graphic and web design, fundraising, social media, coordinating and programming. They learned how to manage deadlines not only for the class, but for planning a major event.

Kipervaser also elaborated on the accessibility of the festival for attendees and students.

“This is a free submission festival,” Kipervaser said. “We’re working on getting them paid. So hopefully that established a precedent not just for this student-run film festival, but other student-run film festivals.”

Attending this year’s festival were students, professors and participating filmmakers among others who conversed with each other after the program, exchanging their own ideas and insight — establishing a community for anyone passionate about filmmaking and curating.

“I think it breeds a sense of community and a support system, which is also really huge and wonderful,” Kipervaser said. “I hope that it’s exciting and wonderful for everybody who shows up, whether they are related to the filmmakers themselves or not at all.”

Binghamton University recently appointed Amanda Finch as the new vice president of student affairs and the dean of students.

Finch’s elevation comes after Randall Edouard, the former dean of students, vacated the position last year. The two were final contenders for the vacancy in December 2019, when Edouard was selected. Finch has since worked at SUNY Oneonta in various student affairs roles. Her experience advocating for college students spans 16 years and multiple different institutions, including Clemson University.

In a Dateline announcement to the campus community, Finch expressed her enthusiasm for her new role.

“[BU] has an excellent reputation, as well as a sense of community, that I felt immediately during my time on campus,” Finch wrote. “I’m really looking forward to working with the very impressive, engaged and active student population at [the University]. I’m also thrilled to be joining a team of dedicated and accomplished colleagues who clearly put students at the center of their work.”

Activities and organizations overseen by the Dean of Students Office include Fraternity and Sorority Life, Late Nite and the Consultation, Advocacy, Referral and Education (CARE) Team — which was developed by Eduoard as a resource for increasing mental health challenges by providing students with professional case managers on campus.

According to the position overview on the student affairs website, the assistant vice president of student affairs and the dean of students reports directly to Brian Rose, the University’s vice president for student affairs. They must also serve as a Student Affairs Leadership team member to advise on planning, policies and personnel decisions within the Division of Student Affairs. The position is described as a highly collaborative position, requiring strong communication with academic faculty, campus staff and undergraduate and graduate student body. They also work closely with the Town Gown Advisory Board, a committee established to foster positive relations between local residents and the University.

“To borrow from the Harpur College motto, [Finch] brings a rich perspective on student success that comes from a breadth and depth of administrative experiences serving college students,” Rose wrote in an email. “While all of our finalists demonstrated a passion for supporting students, what distinguished [Finch] was her authenticity and commitment to innovation that appealed to the students, staff and faculty who participated in the search.”

Finch graduated from Hartwick College in 2001 with a bachelor’s of arts in psychology and earned a master’s of science degree in higher education from Old Dominion University in 2007. She began her career in South Carolina as the associate director of community and ethical standards for Clemson University and eventually returned to Oneonta, where she was director of student conduct and community standards and then the associate vice president for student development.

In a LinkedIn post, Finch shared her appreciation and gratitude to those she previously worked with at Oneonta. She will enter her new role in January 2024.

“I’ve had the pleasure of serving the students, my colleagues, and the community of SUNY Oneonta for the last 15 years and am grateful for every opportunity that has been afforded to me,” Finch wrote.

Jo Keenan, a sophomore majoring in integrative neuroscience, described the benefits of the campus resources supervised by the dean of students.

“The resources available to students on campus are really useful,” Keenan wrote. “I’ve made use of a few of them myself, and it’s both convenient and practical to offer necessary services like therapy, from the University Counseling Center or referrals from the CARE team, as well as health appointments from Decker Student Health Services Center on campus. It shows the students that the University wants them to do well for themselves.”

The Hinman Production Company (HPC) performed their 15th Binghamton Night Live (BNL) show this past weekend entitled “15 Minutes of Fame.”

The show, which was approximately two hours, consisted of several original comedy sketches entirely created, performed and run by members of HPC. For a small fee of $1, Binghamton University students could visit the Hinman Commons from Oct. 12 to Oct. 15 to watch a total of 14 different sketches, divided by a brief intermission.

First created in 2016, BNL 15 is the result of dedicated cast and crew members coming together and rehearsing for hours for just over a month — many of whom did not know each other before working on the production. This year’s BNL was directed by Alexa Camillery, a junior majoring in mathematical sciences, and stage-managed by Becca Ploski, a freshman majoring in history. Although neither had taken on a project of this caliber before, they both learned from the process and thoroughly enjoyed working with the rest of HPC.

There were a total of 12 writers and 12 actors involved in this year’s show, and Julia Heller, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, worked on lights and sounds. The team was even smaller than in previous years as Camillery was one of the first people to direct BNL without a co-director.

Alessandra Antonacci, treasurer for HPC, previous director of HPC’s “Noises Off!” and a senior majoring in English, praised Camillery’s contributions to this year’s show.

“[Camillery] did a wonderful job,” Antonacci wrote in an email. “She was assisted by our E-Board, which consists of nine members. I mentored this production.”

In her Director’s Note, Camillery acknowledged the support and guidance she has received from members of HPC.

“There is (at minimum) a [six] page long list of people who got me this point and gave me the courage and confidence to do it even though this is probably the most challenging and terrifying thing I have ever done,” Camillery wrote.

Much of BNL’s comedy is inherently designed for theatre kids, by theatre kids. There is even a sketch mocking the cult-esque nature of theatre, where upperclassmen perform ritualistic sacrifices and threaten their newer members to do improv. Despite this established demographic, BNL still tries to incorporate a diverse range of sketches to appeal to a wide range of humor.

Similar to previous years, there were a few jokes tailored specifically to the BU community, such as a lighthearted caricature of professors of the BU Mathematics Department and references to Jimmy’s, a bar located in Downtown Binghamton and a staple of local nightlife. This niche genre of jokes consistently generated laughter from the audience, who personally identified with these shared experiences.

Beyond college-themed comedy, skits in this year’s BNL explored a variety of topics. “Brostache” joked about the male fascination with facial hair where a group of men fawn at and fondle each other’s ridiculous fake beards. “Diamond Voyage” was a parody of travel agencies, where actors deadpanned “accommodations” clients could receive from booking with the fictitious agency Diamond Voyage, such as airplane middle seats and indefinitely lost luggage.

In “Weekend Update,” Camillery and Ploski discussed recent pop culture trends, directly inspired by Saturday Night Live’s recurring sketch of the same name where news anchors satirically report on current events. They discussed singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce’s speculated relationship and the overwhelming amount of Barbie costumes this Halloween. And Ken too.

Jack Harkins, a senior majoring in cinema, was both an actor and writer for this year’s BNL. He explains that the audience’s reaction to his work was the most satisfying part for him.

“It’s definitely just having people laugh at something that you created, you know because I wrote and I acted,” Harkins said. “So it’s rewarding in both ways because I created a sketch or two, and I helped create the sketch in person by acting. It’s very rewarding to see that final product and have people enjoy it. It’s like seeing your baby up on stage, you know?”

Kate Martellock, a senior majoring in computer engineering, was an actress in this year’s BNL.

“I think [my favorite part is] the energy and the creative freedom you get when you ultimately bounce off different people,” Martellock said. “And the audience really becomes unique the night you’re doing it.”

Martellock also stated that her favorite sketch was “The Groovyness,” which stars an eccentric European pop star named Sir Jobert Kingsley — a character Harkins wrote himself.

The cast members described the community built behind the scenes and the family fostered as they spent more time rehearsing together over the past couple of weeks.

“We tend to come up with inside jokes all the time,” Harkins said. “Since we’re a bunch of comedy people, I’d say we push it to the limit of inside jokes. We’re always doing things. Tonight, we were doing Mad Libs, just for fun, before the show.”

Brooke Smith, a senior majoring in biology and an actor in BNL 15, described why she loves the HPC community.

“[My favorite part] is laughing and enjoying the collaboration between people you’ve grown to become really close with,” Smith said.

The cast and crew of BNL are passionate about their craft and the people, both on and offstage. Their primary intention is to put on an entertaining show by doing what they know best — create.

“It’s great to hear the audience laugh and know that the hard work we put in,” Smith said. “Like yeah, here it is. This is what we all came for.”

HPC will organize two more productions this semester — “Much Ado About Nothing” from Nov. 2 to Nov. 4 and “Head Over Heels!” from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 — and they encourage any students to audition and attend if interested.

Editor’s Note (10/16): This article has been updated with the correct number of actors.

Binghamton University welcomed Ana Howie on Oct. 4 to present her research about the representation of water and women in Genoese portraits as the second installment in this year’s “Visual Culture Lecture” (VizCult) Series.

The VizCult program was first established by the Art History Department over two decades ago, introduced during the fall of 1997. The department invites speakers from around and beyond the Binghamton community to present a diverse range of research on a biweekly basis throughout each semester. VizCult aims to disseminate recent research in visual art and allows students and faculty from a variety of disciplines to unite and share perspectives on art.

Howie’s research, entitled “Women, Painters and Water: Gender and Materiality in Genoese Garden Portraits,” explores gender dynamics in elite Genoan civilization through its interactions with water, which was often found flowing through fountains and grottos in gardens. She argues that artists use the aesthetics and physicality of water to reflect societal themes.

Howie, originally from New Zealand, is currently an assistant professor of renaissance and early modern art at Cornell University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and an M.A. from the Courtauld Institute of Art. In her research and teaching, Howie specializes in the visual and material cultures in early modern Europe, but her interest in art history was first inspired from the collection of pieces and their significance in a book from her teenagehood — “100 Masterpieces of Western Art.”

“I have always been interested in how artworks provide us with a window into history and into the social and cultural structures of a given time and place,” Howie wrote in an email. “Art is not made in a vacuum, but — whether intended to or not — reflects and translates incredible amounts of information about the context in which it was made. I find this to be one of the most fascinating aspects of doing art history.”

Howie read her research among a room of distinguished faculty members and curious students, accompanied by a presentation of monochrome sketches, paintings and excerpts from literature. She specifically focused on the works of Flemish painters Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, who created “Portrait of Maria Doria” and “Portrait of Caterina Balbi Durazzo” respectively.

Howie opened by describing how Genoa’s socioeconomic distinction, derived from seaside commerce and renowned pleasure gardens, incorporated water-based features like fountains, grottos and scherzi d’acqua — water jokes.

In her lecture, she described the details chiseled into the edifice of fountains and the silky sheen of the fabric the women wear — clues masterfully traced by the artists. Howie then explained how Genoan men intentionally operated the aforementioned water features to splash unsuspecting women from jets and spouts, soaking and surprising them for their own entertainment. These structures were architected, engineered and controlled by men as a reflection of an elite patriarchal society.

“There is a tension between the realities of these water games, which mostly targeted — and potentially humiliated — women, and the quiet power that Rubens’ and van Dyck’s sitters exude,” Howie wrote. “I wanted to explore that tension and see if I could answer the questions that the portraits were presenting me with.”

Andrew Walkling, professor of English, art history and theatre, commented on the reactions of Genoan women targeted by men.

“Men laughing at women is different from women laughing with them,” Walking said. “There’s this contrived notion of what laughter is.”

After Howie’s presentation, the floor opened for an extensive question and answer session where Katherine Reinhart, assistant professor of art history, encouraged undergraduate and graduate engagement, but also welcomed further discussion from her Harpur College colleagues.

“Typically [VizCult] takes the form of a work-in-progress seminar, and we have the opportunity to learn about new research as it develops,” Reinhart said.

Esra Nalbant, a third-year graduate student studying art history, drew personal inspiration from Howie’s research.

“[Howie’s] research and presentation are inspiring and got me excited to move forward with my research,” Nalbant wrote in an email. “The way water is conceptualized and represented together with the paintings and landscape elements in Howie’s [presentation] is very original and refreshing. On top of that, her approach to rendering women in these paintings combining the hydraulics of imagination and creative genius is very interesting.”

Reinhart, who selects VizCult speakers on the criterion of how compelling their research is, expressed a similar appreciation for the ingenuity of Howie’s work.

“Her work is a great example of taking a traditional art object — in this case portrait painting — but considering it from a new or unexpected angle,” Reinhart said.

“I hope my audience left my talk with a new way of looking at feminine portraiture,” Howie wrote. “Portraits of women — especially elite women — are often taken at face value as images of beautiful, privileged women dressed in sumptuous garments.”

However, Howie believes that paintings often express more than meets the eye.

“I hope to have shown that we can go much further with our analysis and that paintings can offer a means with which we can reveal much more about the textures of women’s lives, their experiences and the ways they operated in the world,” Howie wrote.

Binghamton University students can now satisfy their late-night cultural cravings without leaving campus.

This semester, the University is introducing two new food trucks as part of a combined initiative between the Student Culinary Council (SCC) and BU Dining Services (BUDS). The SCC intends to “create the ideal dining experience for students,” by advocating for changes on behalf of the student body. The organization circulated a survey last semester to gauge students’ opinions on food trucks and determine which cuisines were most popular, receiving over 2,000 responses.

The project has been in progress since last spring after first being discussed at a meeting at the beginning of the semester. Sodexo and BUDS finalized the plan throughout the summer of 2023. Alana McKeon, the president of the SCC and a senior majoring in environmental science, acknowledged the contributions of SCC members who provided feedback to administration.

“Everyone in SCC collaborated with [the administration] to bring this idea to fruition,” McKeon wrote in an email. “We hope the addition of these food trucks will diversify the cuisines and cultures that the student body is exposed to. The flexibility that food trucks provide allows for the introduction of new concepts throughout the years, keeping late-night dining options refreshing and exciting for students.”

Before the addition of food trucks, late-night dining options on campus were limited to standard American fast food — cheeseburgers and chicken tenders — served from dining halls.

In addition to the new food trucks, McKeon encouraged students to try Quesera and Shake Smart — recent additions to the Marketplace as a result of SCC’s previous collaborations with BUDS. Quesera features a customizable quesadilla station with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu items, while Shake Smart offers healthy foods, like smoothies and açai bowls, designed to accommodate “students’ on-the-go lifestyles.” Both vendors were introduced through SCC’s continued efforts to bring more innovative and inclusive food alternatives to campus with the help of administration.

The first truck, “Global Taco,” opened on Sept. 11 in the Y2 parking lot between Appalachian Collegiate Center and College-in-the-Woods, featuring a rotating menu with items like chipotle chicken tacos and Tijuana cheese fries. The second truck, “Caribbean Connection,” will serve Caribbean-inspired street food and is scheduled to open in October — delayed because of manufacturing issues, according to John Enright, BUDS’ general manager of resident dining.

Among the seven food choices SCC provided in their survey, Thai street food was another top contender, and the SCC is still looking to “[introduce] new concepts throughout the years.”

Dyhana Molina, an undeclared sophomore, said the food trucks exceeded her expectations.

“Coming from someone who constantly eats authentic Latin-American food, this was better than I expected from a campus food truck,” Molina said. “The pricing is a bit high and it isn’t something I could see myself eating too often but I do recommend trying it out.”

The truck’s “featured tacos” range from $7.99 to $10.99. Sides, including tortilla chips and elote — grilled corn in a creamy mayonnaise sauce and topped with seasoning — range from $1.99 to $4.99.

Nite Owl at Appalachian Dining Center reopened on Sept. 11. It will regularly operate until the opening of the Caribbean Connection truck. The Global Taco truck is open between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday.