Campus Life

Stepping into a furry suit and donning a mask helps students involved in the community of anthropomorphics, or furries, redefine self-expression and identity. On campus, students’ interests and identities are ever-evolving—that’s true for Taylor Mahoney and Hannah Dayton. For Mahoney, a sophomore exploratory major, the fascination began early, when as a kid, they adored mascot characters. “There was...

When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of refugees left their homes and fled abroad for safety and opportunities. Three students here are among them. Uliana Pokutnia, Nikita Shovkomud and Oleksandr “Sasha” Stelmakh are currently enrolled at the university after leaving their home country to pursue higher education. Stelmakh, a junior computer science major,...

https://youtu.be/9LGuO7YPCi4 This story was reported in Fall 2023 by the students in JRN 220 – Digital Reporting and Writing taught by Jodie Gil, with photographs contributed from students in JRN 270 – Photojournalism and Drones taught by Jonathan Elmer. The JRN 220 students who contributed reporting to the project include Brandon Cortés, Miah Green, Guillermo Hernandez, Benjamin Martin,...

Nestled amidst the bustling campus of the University, lies a haven of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor—the Honors College. Established in 1982 with a mission to cultivate an environment of interdisciplinary exploration and critical thinking, the Honors College has since become a cornerstone of academic excellence and community engagement. At the helm of the Honors College is Gemme...

https://youtu.be/9mC5ryGKsTw The beginning process of star formation as projected in a show at the Planetarium in Morrill Hall. Studying planets, stars and galaxies are opportunities open to students on campus. The departments of Physics and Earth Science are collaborating on a proposal to offer a future minor, which currently is in draft form. In addition, Southern features a...

Alisa Gonzalez, sophomore, nursing. Education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. It encompasses not only the transfer of knowledge, but the overall well-being of students.   Recognizing this, the university offers a vital resource that helps ensure students can focus on their studies without the burden of hunger.   The Food Pantry is located in the rear of...

Miles Bagoly, eSports club president eSports is on a fast rise in interest on campus. In four years it has grown from casual meet-ups in the dorms, to winning a regional competition.   The club finished first-place in the ECAC Fortnite tournament last spring.  The popularity of the sport led to construction of a new game room in the...

Maddalena Di Giovanni, a junior international student, from Italy CONTRIBUTED PHOTO While some students take their educational opportunities in faraway countries, there are international students who come here to learn.   “This fall semester, we welcomed 33 new international students to the university,” says Michael Schindel, assistant director and international student advisor from the Office of International Education.   “We...

Religious groups welcome all Religious organizations on campus are active and open to new members of all religious denominations.   The Interfaith Office in the Adanti Student Center is home to the organizations: Hillel Jewish Organization, SCSU Catholic Ministry and the Muslim Student Organization.   Despite its tight space, the office hosts many faith-filled activities. The limited space is both...

Drag shows are a subcultural phenomenon. But the term “drag queen” is a common term in pop culture.   Thanks to the success of recording artist and drag queen superstar, RuPaul Charles, more people are connected with the drag queen culture. Charles hit the charts with the song “Supermodel (You Better Work)” in 1992.  https://youtu.be/bkb8DU1ODqE Video by: Rafaela Martinez...