Photojournalism project returns for second year to highlight SUNY Oswego and Oswego community partnerships

“‘The One City. One Campus. One Community.’ photojournalism project was a great collaborative effort that not only highlighted the people and businesses in our community but provided an opportunity for the students to showcase their creative talents,” City of Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino explained. “Many thanks to the community members, students, and professors who participated this year; and I hope we can do it again next year. I look forward to other initiatives where the city and the university can partner together on other projects.”

The project, started in spring 2023, has become an annual portrayal of photos and short essays that document the vital partnership between SUNY Oswego and the local Oswego community through portraits and narratives that highlight the internships of students with local employers and the professional experiences of recent graduates who work in Oswego.

The portraits and narratives featured in the 2024 project were completed by a total of 28 SUNY Oswego students including visiting assistant professor Peter Cardone’s spring 2024 intermediate photography students (11 students and one teaching assistant) who were paired with 16 other SUNY Oswego students –- all members of Alpha Sigma Eta, the SUNY Oswego chapter of the International English Honor Society advised by SUNY Oswego associate professor Doug Guerra –- who served as the writers and editors behind each essay. To create each of the 10 photojournalism projects, these SUNY Oswego student photographers and student writers met with the SUNY Oswego student intern and internship supervisor who were featured at the site or with the SUNY Oswego alum working at the site to photograph and interview them.

“This project is more than just a class assignment or an opportunity to apply and showcase skill,” SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu said at the ceremony. “It is a testament to the collective efforts we are undertaking to enrich, support, and advance our shared community as we work together to reach new heights. Oswego holds a special place in our hearts, and this project reflects our pride in calling it home.”

Nwosu acknowledged the leadership of Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations Kristi Eck and of Internship and Student Employer Coordinator Tina Cooper, as well as the design and web talent within the staff in the Office of Communications and Marketing and Campus Technology Services, for their efforts in making this project possible. Nwosu also offered thanks to Mayor Corradino and the city’s staff for their ongoing partnership in this second year of the project.

This project is among the initiatives that aim to put the institution in a favorable position to advance Vision 4040, increase educational attainment in the region, and provide experiences such as the CCRC project to more students.

“I am confident that initiatives like the ‘One City, One Campus, One Community’ project will continue to foster collaboration and enrich our lives in countless ways,” Nwosu said. “Together, we will continue to document, celebrate, and cherish the vibrant tapestry of Oswego, ensuring that our community remains a vibrant and vital one for centuries to come.” 

Organizers offered special thanks to all the community partners who were featured in this year’s project: Bishop’s Commons at St. Luke, Fort Ontario State Historic Site, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Ontario Center for Performing Arts Inc., Oswego City School District, Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego Health, Riverwalk Oswego, Robert Berkley Physical Therapy and Splash Indoor Waterpark Resort. 

Project organizers noted that these community partners provide SUNY Oswego students with internships and/or employment and serve as fantastic mentors to SUNY Oswego students and vital contributors to the shared community.